Patents Assigned to Novation Design Ltd.
  • Patent number: 4902259
    Abstract: Polygonal construction modules are capable of being connected together by their edges and by their faces to create many different three-dimensional shapes. Each module has a generally planar body with edge faces, a top face and a bottom. Each edge face has a plurality of outwardly projecting fingers designed to provide a snap-together lateral interlock between fingers of adjacent modules while permitting hinging or rotation between modules on an axis parallel to the side face. Projecting upwardly from each top face is at least one annular connector element for establishing a friction fit with a like connector element in face-to-face interlocking engagement. The connector element includes a series of projections arranged in a uniform circular array, each projection being segmental in shape with radial side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: Novation Design Ltd.
    Inventor: James T. Ziegler
  • Patent number: 4886477
    Abstract: Polygonal construction modules are capable of being connected together by their edges and by their faces to create many different three-dimensional shapes. Each module has a generally planar body with edge faces, a top face and a bottom. Each edge face has a plurality of outwardly projecting fingers designed to provide a snap-together lateral interlock between fingers of adjacent modules while permitting hinging or rotation between modules on an axis parallel to the side face. Projecting upwardly from each top face is at least one annular connector element for establishing a friction fit with a like connector element in face-to-face interlocking engagement. The connector element includes a series of projections arranged in a uniform circular array, each projection being segmental in shape with radial side walls. The space between each pair of projections snugly receives and holds a projection of a like connector element solely by frictional contact between engaging projection side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Assignee: Novation Design Ltd.
    Inventor: James T. Ziegler
  • Patent number: 4874341
    Abstract: A polygonal toy construction element is described having a substantially flat body portion with edge faces and top and bottom faces. Each edge face has a plurality of outwardly projecting integrally formed connectors adapted to connect with corresponding projecting connectors of an edge face of another construction element in a snap-together lateral interlock between adjacent elements while permitting hinging action between connected element on an axis parallel to connected edge faces. According to the novel feature of the invention, the polygonal construction element has at least one line of reduced thickness extending across the element between at least two apices of the polygon to form a living hinge which separates the element into at least two face portions joined by a living hinge and at least one edge face. This has the advantage of making possible a greatly increased variety of constructions while using only one modular edge length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Assignee: Novation Design Ltd.
    Inventor: James T. Ziegler