Interfitting Elements Patents (Class 446/124)
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Publication number: 20140235133Abstract: A structure building toy is disclosed. The structure building toy is formed of one or more panels having interlocking panel connectors and a unique design. A plurality of panels may be connected to form a structure or wall system. The interlocking panel connectors form hinges between adjacent panels, allowing for swivel of adjacent attached panels. Panel sections are interchangeable, providing for various configurations, different designs, and the ability to continuously change the structure. A kit is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2014Publication date: August 21, 2014Inventors: KEITH E. KSOBIECH, PEYTON S. KSOBIECH
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Publication number: 20140227939Abstract: The present invention relates to a sawtooth structure in which an external sawtooth structure and an internal sawtooth structure engage with each other to support a fine joint angle adjustment function, and to a toy block-comprising such structure. A sawtooth structure of the present invention comprises an external sawtooth structure and an internal sawtooth structure, wherein the external sawtooth structure has an inner surface with one or more areas on which an inner sawtooth portion of the external sawtooth structure containing at least two or more inner sawteeth of the external sawtooth structure is formed, and the internal sawtooth structure has an outer surface with one or more areas on which an outer sawtooth portion of the internal sawtooth structure that corresponds to the inner sawtooth portion of the external sawtooth structure and that contains at least two or more outer sawteeth of the internal sawtooth structure is formed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2012Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicants: Kajin Group Pte, Ltd., Synthia Japan Co., Ltd.Inventor: Sang Hoon Kim
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Publication number: 20140227938Abstract: A base of a building block is provided, including a sheet body which has a plurality of regions, and a fold-line is formed between each two neighboring regions. The sheet body has at least one assembling hole and at least one assembling portion which are disposed respectively on two different regions of the sheet body. Therefore, the regions can be folded facingly along the fold-lines to form a building block unit which is a hollow polyhedron. A plurality of building block units can be assembled via the engagement of the assembling hole and the assembling portion. The base of the building block unit of the present invention is a sheet body, so it can save much space when being packaged or sold and users can assemble the building block unit by themselves.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2013Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: CHIN TANG PAPERWARE CO., LTD.Inventor: Fang-Liang HUANG
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Patent number: 8801491Abstract: Building element system comprising first and second building elements, in particular toy building elements, wherein, for the releasable connection of a first building element to a second building element, a first connecting means is provided on the first building element and a second connecting means is provided on the second building element, which connecting means can be latched together, wherein the first connecting means (2) is a circular bore (3) situated on the building element side and having at least two latching projections (4) which jut inward in the manner of a chord, and the second connecting means (15) is an annular bead (16) configured on a projection (17) situated on the building element side.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2010Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Bruder Spielwaren GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Paul Heinz Bruder
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Patent number: 8771032Abstract: A block assembly includes at least two blocks detachably connected with each other. Each of the blocks includes a main body having a bottom provided with a receiving space, at least one connecting knob formed on a top of the main body, a plurality of positioning rails formed on a peripheral wall of the receiving space, and at least one positioning piece located in the receiving space. The positioning piece has a periphery provided with at least four arcuate positioning faces. Thus, when the connecting knob of the first one of the blocks is inserted between the positioning piece and the positioning rails of the second one of the blocks, one of the positioning faces of the positioning piece covers and presses the periphery of the connecting knob of the first one of the blocks.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2012Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Delsun Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ju-Yi Chang, Feng-Jun Lo, Yung-Teng Lo
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Publication number: 20140187117Abstract: A kit for constructing a variety of play structures for children includes a plurality of arcuate tubes, a plurality of linear tubes, a plurality of connectors, a plurality of couplers, and a plurality of panels. At least one of the tubes is releasably assembled together with another one of the tubes using one of the couplers and the connectors to form a frame. The frame may also include at least one panel releasably coupled to at least one of the couplers. An instruction manual provides directions for releasably assembling the tubes, the connectors, the couplers, and the panels to form the variety of play structures from the kit. The kit may also include at least one covering and at least one covering connector to releasably affix the covering to at least a portion of the frame of the play structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2014Publication date: July 3, 2014Inventor: Erika Pope-Gusev
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Patent number: 8715029Abstract: This invention generally relates to a set of parallelepipedal bodies (generally, cubes) capable of matingly compatible engagement for interconnection with substantially similar cubes. When a number of cubes are assembled into a cubic array, there can be slab movement, row movement or solo cube movement. Each cube is constructed from six plates with an interior physical configuration adapted for connective assembly and the strategic placement of electrostatic or electromagnetic motors or motor halves therein.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2008Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Inventor: Forrest Frederick Bishop
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Patent number: 8708765Abstract: A kit for constructing a variety of play structures for children includes a plurality of arcuate tubes, a plurality of linear tubes, and a plurality of connectors. At least one of the tubes is releasably assembled together with another one of the tubes using the connectors to form a frame. An instruction manual provides directions for releasably assembling the tubes and the connectors to form the variety of play structures from the kit. The kit may also include at least one covering and at least one covering connector to releasably affix the covering to at least a portion of the frame of the play structure.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2011Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Fort Magic, LLCInventor: Erika Pope-Gusev
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Publication number: 20140113522Abstract: A modular building set having a plurality of interlocking members comprising a plurality of planks and a plurality of posts. The planks each comprise a central plank member having two pairs of opposing recesses and four pairs of opposing parallel bars with two pairs of bars located equidistant one another on either the recesses. The posts each comprise a central post member with a pair of opposing central recesses depending from the upper and lower edges. The posts each have two pairs of opposing bar members with one set of bar members between the opposing central recesses and a first end a post, and another set of bar members between the opposing central recesses and a second end opposite said first end. The plank and/or post members interlockably engage one another by joining a recess of a first member with the recess of the second member.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2013Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: Innovative Toys, LLCInventor: Scott Keegan Moore
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Publication number: 20140099854Abstract: A slotted rod for a construction toy is comprised of an elongated rod having a body portion with a length that is longer than the thickness. A conventional connector is located at each end of rod for connection to a hub or to another rod for constructing a structure utilizing the construction toy system. The rod includes a plurality of elongated slots arranged around the periphery with each slot extending axially along the length thereof. Each slot is capable of allowing a piece of sheet-like material to pass therethrough. The slots may be formed directly in the body of the rod or in a sleeve that slides over and covers the body portion. In one embodiment, the slot has an opening at one end whereby the sheet-like material can be inserted into the slot by moving it axially into position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2013Publication date: April 10, 2014Inventor: Eric Clever
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Publication number: 20140087621Abstract: Modular tracks for model vehicles are disclosed. In some embodiments, a track of the present disclosure includes a plurality of track sections, each track section including at least one upper and lower surface and at least one end. In some embodiments, a first track section of the plurality of track sections includes a female connector and a male connector located in a first track section end region and a second track section of the plurality of track sections includes a male connector and a female connector located in a second track end region. In some embodiments, the female connector of the first track section correspondingly interconnects with the male connector of the second track section and the female connector of the second track section correspondingly interconnects with the male connector of the first track section to interconnect the first track section and the second track section.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2012Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: HASBRO, INC.Inventors: Lee Spielberger, Eric Listenberger
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Publication number: 20140057523Abstract: Embodiments may include multiple building elements that may include connector building elements and basic building elements for the construction of three-dimensional puzzles. Connector building elements may include a connector portion that may insert into a receiving portion of a basic building element. Connector building elements and basic building elements may rotate with respect to each other to a fixed point where respective faces of the connector building element and the basic building element are aligned; the alignment may be to pre-determined angles. Connector building elements and/or basic building elements may include blocking and/or locking structures that may resist and/or arrest the rotation of the elements with respect to each other and to aid in maintaining the alignment of the elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2013Publication date: February 27, 2014Inventor: Boaz Leicht
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Patent number: 8657288Abstract: A three dimensional puzzle assembly 12 is formed of a plurality of puzzle pieces 18. The puzzle pieces 18 have tabs 28 that are received in recesses 30. The tabs 28 and recesses 30 have cooperating engagement features 32, 34 that prevent adjacent puzzle pieces from being displaced in a direction normal to an exterior surface of the puzzle pieces. The puzzle assembly 12 defines a guide 24 in which a lock 20 may be attached. A bayonet connector 88, 90 may be used to attach a liner 14 to the lock through a hole 52 in the puzzle assembly. A retainer 54 on the liner 14 may pass through the hole 52 and engage the lock 20.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2010Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Iconic Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Stuart D. Fletcher, Scott A. Owen, Michael A. Hall
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Patent number: 8650808Abstract: A three-dimensional, curved building module comprises a saddle-shaped membrane having four connecting edges for joining with like building modules and four truncating edges. Connecting members are formed along the linear edge surfaces for joining the modules in edge-to-edge relation with one another. The building modules permit construction of complex, three dimensional forms which divide space into two distinct but intertwining volumes. The building modules may be used as a child's construction toy, playground structures, sculptures, architectural structures.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2011Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Inventor: Percy Hooper
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Publication number: 20140045403Abstract: The present invention is directed to a connector element for a space structure as well as a kit of parts to produce such a structure ideally suited to a construction toy of the type comprising a plurality of hub-like connector elements and a plurality of structural elements, struts, adapted to be removably engaged with the connector elements. The connector elements include first, second or more subparts having zero, one or more strut-receiving sockets emanating from each of the subparts, the subparts being rotatable with respect to one another along one or multiple common axis axes.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Inventor: Richard Michael Murphy
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Patent number: 8632375Abstract: A children's self-contained toy fort building apparatus has a malleable rod terminated at both ends with a connector. In one embodiment, the connectors couple directly with like connectors to form a multi-point connection with one or a plurality of rods. In a different embodiment, each rod is terminated with spuds, and a separate connector is provided which is operative to couple with and secure the spuds thereto. A method of constructing a structure such as a fort includes engaging a plurality of like longitudinally extensive elements together at terminations thereof, and forming at least one of said plurality of like longitudinally extensive elements into a non-linear shape.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2010Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Inventor: Sean Mertes
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Publication number: 20130330999Abstract: A toy building element comprising toy building elements for building a turntable, said toy building elements comprising a first type (1) which is provided with a rotation shaft and at least one second and one third type of toy building elements (5, 6), each of which can be interconnected with the first type for forming a turntable; and wherein the toy building elements are configured such that, when the first and the second type of toy building element are interconnected, a higher coupling force is accomplished than the one which is accomplished when the first and the third type of toy building element are interconnected.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2011Publication date: December 12, 2013Applicant: LEGO A/SInventor: Jan Ryaa
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Publication number: 20130330998Abstract: A child building block is provided having a collapsible structure that is formed of a flat sheet material and is erected into a cuboid shape having connector elements to remain stable and for adjoining adjacent building blocks during fort construction. When the sheet material is connected and the block is erected, the block forms an upper surface having a pair of upstanding protrusions thereon, a pair of side walls, and a pair of end walls that are perpendicularly attached with an open lower. Adjoining edges of the block are secured using a simple push tab and tab receiving area. The upstanding protrusion of the block upper surfaces fits within the open lower of a corresponding block member positioned thereover. Finally, adjacent blocks can be aligned with one another and secured together, allowing construction in a grid pattern.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2013Publication date: December 12, 2013Inventors: Olivia Fox, Seth Ian Fox
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Patent number: 8602833Abstract: System and method for additional amusement, entertaining and surprising visual or audible reward provided upon completing the reconstructing of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle. The puzzle pieces include conductive pads connected by a conductor such as a wire, a metallic strip or a conductive paint, so that upon assembling the puzzle, the pads are in contact to form a continuous conductive path. The frame or the puzzle pieces include a battery (or an AC adapter) and a visual or audible signaling device operating upon sensing the continuity of the conductive path. Each of the puzzle pieces may include three or more conductive pads, allowing for the forming two or more isolated or connected distinct conductive paths. The conductive path can further affect a time measurement and its related display for timing the puzzle solving.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2009Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: May Patents Ltd.Inventor: Yehuda Binder
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Patent number: 8568187Abstract: The invention relates to a construction set made of a plurality of different members interacting together for assembly, characterized in that one so-called connector member (100) among said members has an essentially cylindrical body with a cylindrical surface (110) that is preformed in order to interact for assembly with the correspondingly preformed bases (120, 130) of other connector members (100). The construction set includes a plurality of other constitutive members.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2007Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Robosynthesis LimitedInventor: Philip Norman
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Patent number: 8550867Abstract: A slotted rod for a construction toy is comprised of an elongated rod having a body portion with a length that is longer than the thickness. A conventional connector is located at each end of rod for connection to a hub or to another rod for constructing a structure utilizing the construction toy system. The rod includes a plurality of elongated slots arranged around the periphery with each slot extending axially along the length thereof. Each slot is capable of allowing a piece of sheet-like material to pass therethrough. The slots may be formed directly in the body of the rod or in a sleeve that slides over and covers the body portion. In one embodiment, the slot has an opening at one end whereby the sheet-like material can be inserted into the slot by moving it axially into position.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2011Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Inventor: Eric Clever
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Patent number: 8550868Abstract: Disclosed is a tube connector for an assembly toy, which includes a cylindrical body having upper and lower horizontal surfaces, a circular hole perforated through the center of the body perpendicular to the horizontal surfaces for insertion of a tube, and at least one coupling rib integrally formed around the body at the level of one of the horizontal surfaces. As a tube is coupled to the coupling rib, assembly of various shapes of three-dimensional toys is possible.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2012Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Inventors: Dae-keun Kwak, Byoung-kon Kwak
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Publication number: 20130252504Abstract: A block assembly includes at least two blocks detachably connected with each other. Each of the blocks includes a main body having a bottom provided with a receiving space, at least one connecting knob formed on a top of the main body, a plurality of positioning rails formed on a peripheral wall of the receiving space, and at least one positioning piece located in the receiving space. The positioning piece has a periphery provided with at least four arcuate positioning faces. Thus, when the connecting knob of the first one of the blocks is inserted between the positioning piece and the positioning rails of the second one of the blocks, one of the positioning faces of the positioning piece covers and presses the periphery of the connecting knob of the first one of the blocks.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2012Publication date: September 26, 2013Inventors: Ju-Yi Chang, Feng-Jun Lo, Yung-Teng Lo
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Patent number: 8540545Abstract: Embodiments may including multiple building elements that may include connector building elements and basic building elements for the construction of three-dimensional puzzles. Connector building elements may include a connector portion that may insert into a receiving portion of a basic building element. Connector building elements and basic building elements may rotate with respect to each other to a fixed point where respective faces of the connector building element and the basic building element are aligned; the alignment may be to pre-determined angles. Connector building elements and/or basic building elements may include blocking and/or locking structures that may resist and/or arrest the rotation of the elements with respect to each other and to aid in maintaining the alignment of the elements.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2011Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Inventor: Boaz Leicht
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Publication number: 20130244530Abstract: A foam construction toy may utilize a plurality of nodes, studs, and structural elements to construct a toy or an object. For example, the toy may include at least one node having a plurality of holes and at least one structural element configured to connect to the at least one node. The toy may also include at least one stud configured to connect the at least one structural element with the at least one node to form the toy.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2013Publication date: September 19, 2013Inventor: John Renfro
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Patent number: 8516977Abstract: An animal toy features the ability to connect two or more separate toys of varying shape, size, color, and/or texture, together to create larger and more complex toy systems. The animal toy allows an almost endless variety of toy systems to capture the interest as well as challenge and develop the animal's problem solving skills. The animal toy is either solid or include internal chambers for holding and ultimately dispensing food. When two or more toys with the internal chambers are combined the food may flow from the chamber of one toy into another toy several times before exiting the toy system. The increased problem of extracting the food challenges and develops the animal's skills. Moreover, by combining solid and food dispensing toys in random combinations further increases the problem solving skills required to completely extract the food from the toy system.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2012Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Canine Genius, Inc.Inventors: Alise Shatoff, Birte M. Haakansson
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Publication number: 20130217296Abstract: This educational modular, snap-together toy block system is a learning tool to imaginatively play and create functional cityscapes to use as play areas. Small blocks shaped and stylized to mimic everyday objects within a normal city setting that are fitted with male connectors can be manipulated and rotated before being plugged into a grid pattern base/tray. The base/tray female connections secure the blocks into place and provide a solid, stable platform for play. Once blocks have been attached to the base/tray, various transportation toys can be manipulated on its play surface. When the user requires additional play space, base/trays can exponentially be added to the current base/tray using connectors which lock multiple base/trays seamlessly together.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2013Publication date: August 22, 2013Inventor: Addy Soentoro Widjaja
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Publication number: 20130217295Abstract: A baseplate assembly, used with releasably coupleable playing pieces, includes a baseplate operably coupled to an image generating device. The baseplate includes a display region, having playing pieces coupling elements, and means for transmitting images generated by the image generating device to the display region. An image generating and playing-piece-interacting assembly includes a receptor operably coupled to an image generating device, having a display screen for generated images, including integrated visual and optically encoded message images, a playing piece at a location relative to the display screen having an optical display message sensor, and a messaging transponder. The optical display message sensor receives the generated images and generates a first signal at least partially based upon the optically encoded message image. The messaging transponder receives the first signal and generates and sends the receptor a second signal at least partially based thereon.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2013Publication date: August 22, 2013Applicant: Technology One, Inc.Inventor: Arjuna Ragunath Karunaratne
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Publication number: 20130210314Abstract: A toy building set comprising a group of building elements, each having at least one ball 1, 2 arranged on the building element, and where the ball 1, 2 is connected to other parts of the building element via a connection rod 3, 4, and where the toy building set further comprises at least one element having a socket formed by two jaws 5, being arranged and adapted for receiving said ball 1, 2 in order to form a ball and socket joint, and where the cross section of the connection rod 3, from where it is connected to the ball 1 and at least a distance away from the ball 1, is smaller than the cross section of the ball 1, so that it gives a certain degree of freedom for the socket to rotate around the ball 1. The connection rods 3, 4 also comprise connections rods 4 having a relatively large cross section, so that the connection rods 4 with a relatively large cross section reduces the degree of freedom for the socket to rotate around the ball 2.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2011Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: LEGO A/SInventors: Christoph Röttjer, Cerim Manovi, Christoffer Raundahl
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Publication number: 20130210315Abstract: A toy building set comprising at least one building element (16) having a surface on which a number of coupling studs (8) are provided that extend from the surface, and wherein those coupling studs are configured in a pattern by which there is a mutually fixed distance between adjacent coupling studs, and wherein the toy building set further comprises a perforator (1), said perforator comprising a housing in which at least one punching tool is configured for punching material from a sheet element configured from a thin material such as a sheet of eg paper, plastics or fabric, in such a manner that the perforator is capable of punching a hole in the sheet, which hole has such expanse that one or more coupling studs can be introduced into the punched hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2011Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: Lego A/SInventor: Frank Høhrmann Pedersen
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Publication number: 20130203316Abstract: To provide a block having a simple shape by itself with which various three-dimensional structures can be obtained by devising connection states, the invention is directed to a regular hexahedral block connectable with at least another block by fitting a protrusion provided on a surface of one of the blocks into a recessed portion provided in a surface of the other block, in which one protrusion having a square cross-sectional shape is formed at the center in one quarter section of a surface of the regular hexahedron, and in which a recessed portion into which the protrusion is fittable is formed at the center in each of two to four quarter sections of any other three surfaces of the regular hexahedron.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2012Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: Artec Co. Ltd.Inventor: Yasumasa UNO
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Publication number: 20130196568Abstract: A coupling for connecting a first coupling part to one toy component and a second coupling part connected to another toy component. The two coupling parts are connected to one another along a connecting axis to be rotated relative to one another thereabout. One of the coupling parts is a receiving coupling part having a locking guide receiving portion, which has a locking receiver extending in the peripheral direction about the connecting axis through more than 180°. The other coupling part is an insert coupling part having at least two insert guide portions axially spaced apart from one another along the connecting axis and guided radially in the receiving coupling part. A first insert guide portion is received to lock in the locking guide receiving portion of the receiving coupling part. A second insert guide portion is guided in a second guide receiving portion of the receiving coupling part.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2013Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: BRUDER SPIELWAREN GMBH + CO. KGInventor: BRUDER SPIELWAREN GMBH + CO. KG
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Patent number: 8495850Abstract: A two-piece building block assembly includes a hollow block and an inner piece. The hollow block has a plurality of studs extending from a top thereof, an opening defined in an underside thereof and a plurality of ribs extends from side walls thereof. The inner piece is corresponding to and received in the opening of the hollow block. A plurality of recesses is defined in the periphery of the inner piece and located corresponding to the studs. The inner piece includes support boards. Each support board is defined between the adjacent recesses and disposed between the two adjacent ribs that are located on the same side wall of the hollow block. The inner piece reinforces the opening of the hollow block to prevent the opening from being deformed. Thus, the building block assembly does not have to be made of high-stiffness or high-density materials.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2012Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Inventor: Chia-Yen Lin
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Patent number: 8480449Abstract: A toy block set comprises a total 12 toy blocks, each block is consisted of at least one block unit and each unit joins another angledly by a 60 degree. The set includes 8 toy blocks formed by 5 block units and 4 toy blocks formed by 4 block units, a total 56 block units. Each block unit is a polyhedron with 50 faces arranged in 7 layers for improving the stability when assembling the shape formed by the toy blocks. Said 12 toy blocks can form a triangular pyramid of height of 6 units and 7 of said 12 toy blocks can form another triangular pyramid of height of 5 units.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2011Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Lonpos Braintelligent Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ming-Hsien Cheng
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Publication number: 20130165013Abstract: The toy building block has a top board, four sideboards, an open bottom and four holding spaces. The top board includes multiple rectangular protrusions and each protrusion has four side surfaces, four recesses and four positioning posts. The recesses are formed respectively in the side surfaces of the protrusion. Each positioning post is formed between two adjacent recesses of two adjacent side surfaces of the protrusion. Each sideboard includes multiple ribs. Each holding space is formed between two adjacent ribs of two adjacent sideboards. To assemble the toy building blocks, the open bottom of one toy building block is used to cover the protrusions of another toy building block to make the holding spaces of the one toy building block hold the positioning posts of another toy building block. Thus, the toy building blocks are securely assembled against rotation relative to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2011Publication date: June 27, 2013Inventor: Hsiao-Chieh Chin
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Patent number: 8469764Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a toy building construction set, comprising: pieces in the form of bars 4 and pieces in the form of corresponding connectors 6, for simulating a concrete skeleton, wherein: each of the bars having only male connecting members at the end thereof; each of the connectors having at each facet thereof a female connecting member corresponding to the male connecting member; and a connection of each of the bars to each of the connectors is concealed. The set may further comprise a casing for storing the pieces of the set. The casing may comprise a scale for indicating the number of floors that can be built by the remaining pieces in the casing.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2010Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Inventor: Eliyahu Weber
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Patent number: 8464491Abstract: A system of blocks is configured to be compatible with each other in the construction of a columnar structure. Each block has four faces and all four faces may generally have the same dimensions. The width of the blocks may generally be about twice their height. The faces of the block also may contain a slot to add an aesthetic appearance to the column. The blocks have certain constructions features that mate with specially constructed brackets in attaching a fence panel to the completed column. The blocks have interlocking elements or projections that permit positive connection between courses of blocks. Projections of one block extend into the core another block. Adjacent blocks can be rotated 90 degrees relative to each other about a vertical axis of each block with each course. The blocks can be used to construct a column that is easy to install and structurally sound.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2009Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Keystone Retaining Wall Systems LLCInventors: Robert A. MacDonald, William B. Dawson
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Patent number: 8464476Abstract: Various modular construction systems exist and these all have limitations of cost, adaptability and strength. Some were also complex and time consuming to assemble. The present invention overcomes these problems by providing a simple modular construction element (10), which can be assembled with one another to form a strong structure. The invention comprises sheet-like materials, has a V-shaped cross section and is adapted to receive a connector so that elements in use are connected, one to another. The element may be rhomboid shaped, hexagonal shaped or triangular shaped.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2008Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Inventor: Matthew William Lewis Roberts
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Publication number: 20130149935Abstract: Mechanical and electromechanical components for rapidly constructing a user-definable apparatus may include components that are reconfigurable into other construction set components, and that have at least one demarcation defining adjacent segments thereof. The demarcations facilitate reconfiguration of the components to produce other construction set components. Openings to substantially prevent sharp edges from being formed during reconfiguration may be included in the components. An electromechanical drive assembly having an integrated speed control and operable to receive interchangeable, non-circular drive shafts may be provided. The electromechanical drive assembly may he configured to attach to and self-align relative to other construction set components. One or more of the components may he provided with openings through which the non-circular drive shafts may rotate. The drive shaft may be locked in relation to openings of components that, allow the drive shaft to rotate via a lock plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2013Publication date: June 13, 2013Applicant: INNOVATION FIRST, INC.Inventor: INNOVATION FIRST, INC.
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Publication number: 20130143467Abstract: A toy building block set includes multiple polyhedron blocks of different lengths removably attachable together. Each block includes at least a top and four side walls. At least one connector extends from the top and includes opposing interior and exterior surfaces. A recessed area is provided at the bottom of each block. Engagement projections or depressions are provided on the connector and the remaining engagement structure are provided in the recessed area of each block where they might fully or partially engage or not engage with structures on the connector. The mechanical interference engagements and resulting engagement forces provided between any two of the blocks are less than three and even less than two times the number of engagements and resulting engagement forces provided by a mated pair of the smallest polyhedron blocks of the set.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2013Publication date: June 6, 2013Applicant: MATTEL, INC.Inventor: MATTEL, INC.
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Publication number: 20130115848Abstract: An activity toy or stacker having two or more stackable components that can be assembled into multiple configurations. Surface engagement features retain the stackable components in a self-supporting assembly without an internal frame or support pole, and self-align the stackable components as they are assembled. The surface engagement features of the components are universally interengagable to allow the components to nest with one another in various assembly configurations and orientations.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2012Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: KIDS II, INC.Inventors: David E. SILVERGLATE, Brian GULASSA, Christopher McCLINTOCK
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Publication number: 20130102221Abstract: A construction set comprises a plurality of elements mutually co-operable to produce at least one assembly, wherein the elements comprise a plurality of connectors (100, 100?) each comprising a substantially cylindrical body and a hollow base, the body being provided with a radially extending cylindrical projection (130?) and the base with at least one groove (131?) and the projection and the groove being shaped to permit assembly of two such connectors (100, 100?) in mutually orthogonal relationship by engagement of the projection of one of those connectors in the at least one groove of the other one of those connectors.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Inventor: Philip Ross Norman
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Publication number: 20130102220Abstract: A construction toy has a main body made of plastic or rubber in one step forming and a connector made of plastic or rubber in one step forming, at least a connection groove is disposed and concave in the main body, the connector includes at least two joints and a neck fixedly connected to the two joints. The joint is coupled to the connection groove.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Inventors: Xiaoyong Wang, Hualong Lin
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Patent number: 8403723Abstract: A construction kit of modular components including rigid and flexible foam bars with endcaps designed to be joined together by snap-fit connections to define three-dimensional, adult-sized playing fields which float in aquatic settings such as swimming pools. The connectivity of the modular components is characterized by manual assembly, a high resistance to separation during active play by teams of adults participating in vigorous athletic activities, and tool-assisted disassembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2009Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Inventor: Gregory Lee Haner
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Patent number: 8403721Abstract: A linking toy segment for pivotal securement to another linking toy segment is disclosed herein, the linking toy segment having: a base structure; an actuatable device secured to the base structure, the actuatable device being capable of movement from a first position to a second position; a first coupling member secured to the base structure and extending away from the base structure in a first direction, the first coupling member being configured to be pivotally received on top of another coupling member; a second coupling member secured to the base structure and extending away from the base structure in a second direction, the first direction being different from the second direction, the second coupling member being configured to be pivotally secured underneath another coupling member; a trigger moveably secured to the base structure proximate to either the first coupling member or the second coupling member, the trigger being pivotally mounted to the base for movement between a first position and a seconType: GrantFiled: April 23, 2010Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventor: Scott H. Derman
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Patent number: 8398450Abstract: A connecting means for construction elements, e.g. (toy) building blocks, comprises a strip-shaped member having a thickened portion and a component of a detachable connecting mechanism. The strip-shaped member is insertable into a groove in the side faces of the construction elements. To that component of the detachable connection, e.g. to a nut, further construction elements can be attached in a simple but stable manner. The detachable mechanism is preferably the one that is provided in the construction element for connections without using the connecting means. The connecting means thus allows an extension of the assembly possibilities in a stable manner in other directions than those provided by the construction elements themselves.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2007Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Techno Bloxx AGInventor: Wilfried Grichting
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Patent number: 8387330Abstract: A system for making a truss from joinable bar elements. The bar elements are at least in part of plant material from high-growing plants. The system further includes connecting elements to interconnect at least two of the bar elements, the bar elements and connecting elements being adapted to be connected to each other to form the truss.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2009Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Inventor: Ulrich Wallner
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Patent number: 8382548Abstract: A toy building block set includes multiple polyhedron blocks of different lengths removably attachable together. Each block includes at least a top and four side walls. At least one connector extends from the top and includes opposing interior and exterior surfaces. A recessed area is provided at the bottom of each block. Engagement projections or depressions are provided on the connector and the remaining engagement structure are provided in the recessed area of each block where they might fully or partially engage or not engage with structures on the connector. The mechanical interference engagements and resulting engagement forces provided between any two of the blocks are less than three and even less than two times the number of engagements and resulting engagement forces provided by a mated pair of the smallest polyhedron blocks of the set.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2009Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Albert P. Maggiore, Edward C. Teter
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Patent number: 8353131Abstract: Loq·kit is a mass-produced system of interchangeable building components for assembling single or multi-family houses. The building components are of three varieties: structural frame, in-fill, or snap-cladding components. Except for bolted structural frame connections, all connections between parts are snap-lock, and may be released. With snap-lock interfaces and a modular dimensional relationship between components, they can be reconfigured in near endless variety. The components all share a common dimensionality that is derived from a regulating grid. The grid utilizes an alternating sequence of two modules—a module A, and a smaller module B. The A,B,A,B rhythm of gridlines is used to regulate component connection locations in three dimensions. The alternating-sequence grid works by establishing a standard connection width, module B, for making connections between components. Each possible connection width is spaced from another by a common module A.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2007Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Inventor: Patrick A. Freet
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Publication number: 20120309260Abstract: A connecting block including at least one socket for receiving and releasably engaging an elementary rod is provided. The socket includes at least one spline disposed about the socket opening. The rod is forced into the socket such that it deforms around the one or more splines to accommodate the splines and that the rod is rotationally prevented with respect to the socket. A stopper including a channel for receiving and releasably engaging an elementary rod is further provided. The channel includes a ridge disposed in a plane substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the channel. The rod is forced into the channel such that it deforms around the ridge to accommodate the ridge and that the rod is prevented from sliding with respect to the channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2011Publication date: December 6, 2012Inventor: Darren Coon