Suction Cup Construction Toy Set

Abstract

The present invention is directed towards a suction cup construction toy set that is capable of securing to predetermined points of other interlocking pieces as well as to other surfaces and locations of any interlocking piece. The interlocking pieces of the construction toy set also have the capability of removably attaching to other items or places that are not part of the construction toy set. The suction cup construction set is comprised of a plurality of interlocking pieces comprising at least a first planar member and a second planar member, any number of connection members, and any number of suction cups positioned on the connection members. The suction cup construction toy set allows for free-thinking designs and creativity for any user as the interlocking pieces may be constructed in any number of unique configurations and secured to any number of horizontal or vertical surfaces.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63/595,623, filed on Nov. 2, 2023, the disclosure of which is included herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This present invention pertains to toys and more specifically to a construction toy set utilizing construction pieces having suction cups.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Construction toy sets are known. These toy sets offer many benefits to development and play such as enhancing motor skills, boosting creativity and imagination, supporting cognitive development, and improving problem solving. Handling pieces of these sets helps children develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Construction toys also allow children to create their own designs, promoting creativity and encouraging imaginative play. These toys can help to enhance cognitive development, including spatial awareness and understanding shapes, building concepts, and structural balance. Figuring out how pieces fit together or how to complete a specific structure can help improve critical thinking skills and allow for experimentation and logical thinking.

These toy sets normally have interlocking pieces that are often removably attached together. This is accomplished by connecting a male part of one interlocking piece with a female part of another locking piece. These construction toy sets however are limited as they are only able to connect to each other in predetermined configurations and predetermined points. It is not possible to connect one interlocking at any part of another interlocking part that is not the predetermined connection point. Additionally, the toy sets are only able to connect to other pieces of the same toy set and cannot be removably attached to anything that is not part of the toy set such as a table, glass, or flat vertical surface.

Construction toy sets oftentimes require specific instructions to complete a predetermined structure. Some children may find these complicated sets overwhelming, especially if they struggle to follow instructions, leading to frustration and discouragement. Consequently, some children may focus solely on following instructions, limiting free-form creative play. Strict adherence to pre-designed sets can reduce the open-ended creativity that the toys are intended to develop. These sets also may include small pieces, which can be dangerous for younger children. This can limit the recommended age range and require constant supervision to ensure safety.

What is needed is a construction toy set where the interlocking pieces have the capability of not only connecting to predetermined points of other interlocking pieces but to any other surface or location of any interlocking piece. What is also needed is a construction toy set where the interlocking pieces have the capability of attaching to other items or places that are not part of the construction toy set, allowing for free-thinking designs and creativity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The present invention is directed towards a suction cup construction toy set that is capable of securing to like interlocking pieces as well as to other horizontal or vertical surfaces with the use of suction cups.

In the preferred embodiment the suction cup construction toy set comprises a plurality of interlocking pieces comprising at least a first planar member and second planar member; a connection member disposed on any of a first end, second end, and medial position of said planar members; and one or more suction cups positioned on one or more said connection members.

The interlocking pieces of the construction toy set may be removably secured to other like interlocking pieces with suction cups. The suction cups may be in any orientation or location on the planar member and connection members. The interlocking pieces of the construction toy set may be removably secured horizontally or vertically to any nonporous surfaces with suction cups. The planar members may be any size or shape and have a length greater than a width.

The planar members of the interlocking pieces may further comprise an aperture and/or a second aperture at any of a first end, second end, and medial position. The connection members may be overmolded through the aperture and/or second aperture at any of a first end, second end, and medial position. In other embodiments the suction cups may be overmolded through an aperture any of a first end, second end, and medial position.

The suction cups of the interlocking pieces may be any size or shape and may be removably secured to other suction cups of other interlocking pieces. The suction cups of the interlocking pieces may be removably secured to other connection members and/or planar members of other interlocking pieces. In another embodiment the suction cup at a first end of an interlocking piece may be removably secured to another suction cup at a second end of the same interlocking piece.

In other embodiments the planar members of the interlocking pieces are connected together by a pivot point, such as a spherical member. In this embodiment the spherical member permits the planar member to pivot back and forth relative to each other. The spherical member may be located at any of the first end, second end, and medial position of the planar member. The spherical member may be removably secured to any suction cup at any location along the planar member.

The primary object of the invention is to provide a construction toy set with suction cups that can be constructed in any number of unique configurations while allowing a user to connect the interlocking pieces at any location that is not always a predetermined connection point. The interlocking pieces may also be connected anywhere to nonporous surfaces vertically or horizontally allowing a user endless creativity.

Still other embodiments of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following description wherein there is shown and described the embodiments of this invention, simply by way of illustration of the best modes suited to carry out the invention. As it will be realized, the invention is capable of other different embodiments and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects all without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawing and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, wherein like reference numerals refer to identical or similar components, with reference to the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of interlocking pieces of the suction cup construction toy set in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of additional interlocking pieces of the suction cup construction toy set;

FIG. 3 is a front view of interlocking pieces of the suction cup construction toy set;

FIG. 4 is front view of additional interlocking pieces of the suction cup construction toy set;

FIG. 5 is a front view of an interlocking piece of the suction cup construction toy set;

FIG. 6 is a front view of another interlocking piece of the suction cup construction toy set;

FIG. 7 is a front view of connected interlocking pieces of the suction cup construction toy set;

FIG. 8 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of interlocking pieces of the suction cup construction toy set;

FIG. 9 is a front view of another alternative embodiment of the interlocking pieces of the suction cup construction set;

FIG. 10 is a front view of another alternative embodiment of the interlocking pieces of the suction cup construction set;

FIG. 11 is a front view of another alternative embodiment of the interlocking pieces of the suction cup construction set; and

FIG. 12 is a front view of another alternative embodiment of the interlocking pieces of the suction cup construction set.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It may be evident, however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced with or without any combination of these specific details, without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention and the claims.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6 the invention pertains to a construction toy set comprising a plurality of interlocking pieces 100 having one or more suction cups 130. The interlocking pieces 100 of the suction cup construction toy set may be comprised of a planar member 110, connection members 120, and suction cups 130. In the preferred embodiment each planar member 110 may have any number of connection members 120 or any number of suction cups 130. The interlocking pieces 100 may be any size and shape. The interlocking pieces 100 may be made of any material or a combination of different materials.

In the preferred embodiment the interlocking pieces 100 are long with planar members 110 having a longitudinal direction that is longer than the width. In other embodiments the interlocking pieces 100 have other configurations and shapes, such as being cylindrical, square, rectangular, spherical, or any other geometric shape. The planar members 110 of the interlocking pieces 100 may be made of any material. In one embodiment the planar members 110 are composed of wood. The planar members 110 may also be composed of metal, plastic, synthetic rubber, or any other material. The planar members 110 may be inflexible and always in a static position. In other embodiments the planar members 110 are malleable and may be flexed or positioned into other configurations.

In the preferred embodiment the interlocking pieces 100 may have a connection member 120 in a medial position 106 and one or more connection members 120 in either the first end 102 or second end 104 or both. The interlocking pieces 100 may have connection members 120 in either the first end 102 or second end 104, or both. In the preferred embodiment each of the connection members 120 are permanently connected to the planar member 110. In other embodiments the connection member 120 is removably secured to the planar member 110. Each of the connection members may have one or more suction cups 130 positioned anywhere on any of the connection members 120. The suction cups 130 may be in any position and at any angle on any of the connection members 120.

The connection member 120 and suction cups 130 may be made of any material. In the preferred embodiment the connection member 120 and suction cups 130 are composed of synthetic rubber or any other elastomeric material. The suction cups 130 positioned on the connection member 120 may be any size and shape. There may be any number of suction cups 130 or no suction cups 130 on the connection member 120. The connection member 120 may be in any position on the planar member 110. The connection member 120 may be on one of either first end 102 or second end 104 of the planar member 110. The connection member 120 may be on both first end 102 and second end 104 of the planar member. There may also be a connection member 120 in the medial portion 106 of the planar member 110. There may be any number of connection members 120 at any position along the length of the planar member 110. The surface of the connection member 120 may be flat and smooth and allow for a suction cup 130 of any interlocking piece 100 to become removably attached. The surface of the connection member 120 may be rigid.

The connection member 120 may be attached to the planar member 110 in any manner. In the preferred embodiment the planar member 110 has one or more apertures 112 and/or second apertures 114 and the connection member 120 is overmolded over the planar member 110 with a portion of the connection member 120 passing through the aperture 112 and/or the second aperture 114. The connection member 120 may only be attached through the aperture 112. The connection member may only be attached through the second aperture 114. The aperture 112 and the second aperture 114 may be any shape or size. In other embodiments the connection member 120 is attached directly to the planar member 110. In other embodiments the connection member 120 is removably attached to the planar member 110. The apertures 112 and/or second apertures 114 may be located at the first end 102 or the second end 104 of the planar member 110. The apertures 112 and/or second apertures 114 may be located at the medial position 106 or may be located anywhere along the planar member 110.

In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, the planar members 110 are connected together by a pivot point, such as a spherical member 140. In this embodiment the spherical member 140 permits the planar members 110 to pivot back and forth relative to each other. When the planar members 110 pivot there may be suction cups 130 on each planar member 110 that engage and disengage when the planar members 110 pivot. The planar members 110 may have one or more suction cups 130 engaged with a flat surface to permit the one planar member 110 to be stable and motionless and permit the other connected planar member 110 to pivot about the spherical member 140. The spherical member 140 may be located at any of the first end 102, second end 104, or medial position 106 of the planar member 110. Any suction cup 130 of one interlocking piece 100 may be directly connected to the spherical member 140 of another interlocking piece 100.

Referring to FIG. 7 the suction cup construction toy set may be used in any manner. In the preferred embodiment a child plays with the suction cup construction toy set by attaching the suction cup 130 of one interlocking piece 100 to the suction cup 130 of another interlocking piece 100. The child can attach multiple interlocking pieces 100 together into any configuration. The child may also attach the suction cup 130 of one interlocking piece 100 to the planar member 110 or suction cup 130 of another interlocking piece 100. The child may then remove interlocking pieces 100 from each other by releasing the air pressure on the suction cups 130. The child may also attach the suction cup 130 of one interlocking piece 100 to any flat surface, such as a window, table top surface, furniture, mirror, bathtub, or any other surface capable of receiving a suction cup. This permits the child to attach the interlocking pieces 100 with items in the general environment rather than only to other interlocking pieces 100. The suction cup 130 of the interlocking piece 100 may also attach to the surface of any connection member 120 lacking a suction cup 130 on any flat side. The suction cups 130 of any of the interlocking pieces 100 may attach at any location and at any angle to any other interlocking pieces 100. The interlocking pieces 100 may attach to any nonporous surface vertically, horizontally, or diagonally.

A child may also bend the planar member 110 into a specific configuration prior to attaching it to another interlocking piece 100. In some embodiments a child may bend the planar member 110 so that the suction cup 130 of the interlocking piece 100 is capable of attaching to itself, either on the planar member 110, connection member 120, or another suction cup 130.

The connection member 120 may be flat, spherical, or any shape or size. The connection member 120 may act as a point where attached interlocking pieces 100 can pivot or move in any number of directions. In other embodiments there may be a combination of suction cups 130 not attached to the connection member 120 and/or suction cups 130 attached to the connection member 120 on any singular planar member 110.

Now referring to FIGS. 8-12 the suction cups 130 may be attached to the planar member 110 with or without a connection member 120. The suction cups 130 may be overmolded over the planar member 110 with a portion of the suction cups 130 passing through an aperture 112. The suction cups 130 may also be directly or removably attached to the planar member 110. The suction cups 130 may be in any position on the planar member 110. The suction cups 130 may be on one first end 102 or second end 104 of the planar member 110, both first end 102 and second end 104 of the planar member 110, medial position 106 of the planar member 110, or any position along the length of the planar member 110. There may be one or more than one suction cup 130 on any position and in any orientation along the planar member 110. Any two suction cups 130 may be disposed at any angle to each other, from anywhere from zero degrees up to one-hundred and eighty degrees. Any two suction cups 130 may be disposed along any direction relative to each other and the planar member 110 in space in an x, y, or z axis direction.

The planar members 110 may be any size or shape and may be straight, angled, bent, curved, concaved or any other orientation. The planar members 110 may have any number of suction cups 130 in any orientation and positioned on either front side, rear side, or both front and rear sides.

In other embodiments the suction cups 130 are movable on the planar member 110. For instance, a suction cup 130 at a first end 102 or second end 104 of a planar member 110 may be configured to pivot about the connection point of the suction cup 130 to the planar member 110. The suction cup 130 may pivot at any degree of any angle.

In other embodiments the suction cups 130 are movable about the planar members 110. This can be accomplished in any number of ways. In one embodiment, the connection member 120 is not permanently attached to the planar member 110. This may permit the connection member 120 to slide along the body of the planar member 110 into any desired position on the body of the planar member 110. In another embodiment the suction cup 130 may be removably secured to the planar member 110, such as by a snap or a friction fit. In another embodiment there may be an elongated aperture 112 of any size or shape in the planar member 110 that permits the suction cup 130 to slide along the track formed by the elongated aperture 112.

In still other embodiments there may be two or more planar members 110 connected together. The planar members 110 may be connected in a fixed configuration. There may be suction cups 130 located on any portion of the planar members 110 and may or may not have connection members 120.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art can recognize that many further combinations and permutations of such matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

The preceding description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the following claims and the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A construction toy set comprising:

a) a plurality of interlocking pieces comprising at least a first planar member and a second planar member;

b) wherein said first planar member has a first suction cup disposed on a first end and a first portion for receiving a suction cup; and

c) wherein said second planar member has a second suction cup disposed on a first end and a first portion for receiving a suction cup.

2. The construction toy set as in claim 1

a, wherein said first planar member further comprises a first connection member disposed on a first end; and

b, wherein said first section cup is disposed on said first connection member.

3. The construction toy set as in claim 2

a, wherein said first connection member is pivotable about an axis on said planar member between a first position and a second position; and

b, wherein said first suction cup is disposed on said first connection member such that said first suction cup is disposed in a first direction when said first connection member is disposed in said first position and said first suction cup is disposed in a second direction when said first connection member is disposed in said second position.

4. The construction toy set as in claim 1

a, wherein said first planar member further comprises a slot extending along said planar member;

b, wherein said first suction cup is movable along said slot from a first position to a second position.

5. The construction toy set as in claim 1 further comprising

a, wherein said first planar member further comprises a first connection member disposed in a medial position;

b, wherein said first connection member comprises one or more suction cups disposed on said first connection member.

6. The construction toy set as in claim 6 wherein said first connection member is disposed in a fixed position on said first planar member.

7. The construction toy set as in claim 6 wherein said first connection member is movable along said first planar member from a first position to a second position.

8. The construction toy set as in claim 1

a, wherein said first planar member is made of a bendable material such that said first planar member is configured to be disposed in a first configuration and a second configuration;

b, wherein in said first configuration said first planar member is disposed in a plane; and

c, wherein in said second configuration said first planar member has a bend in such that said first planar member extends beyond said plane of said first configuration.

9. The construction toy set as in claim 1 further comprising one or more apertures in said first planar member.

10. The construction toy set as in claim 9 further comprising a first connection member overmolded onto said first planar member such that said first connection member passes through at least one of said one or more apertures.

11. The construction toy set as in claim 1 wherein said first suction cup of said first planar member is removably connected to said first portion of said second planar member.

12. The construction toy set as in claim 1 wherein said first suction cup of said first planar member is removably connected to said first suction cup of said second planar member.

13. The construction toy set as in claim 1 wherein said first planar member further comprises a spherical member disposed on a first side.

14. The construction toy set as in claim 13 wherein said spherical member is removably connected to said first planar member.

15. The construction toy set as in claim 1

a, wherein said first planar member further comprises a second suction cup;

b, wherein said first suction cup is disposed in a first direction and wherein said second suction cup is disposed in a second direction; and

c, wherein said second direction is approximately 180 degrees from said first direction.

16. The construction toy set as in claim 1

a, wherein said first planar member further comprises a second suction cup;

b, wherein said first suction cup is disposed in a first direction and wherein said second suction cup is disposed in a second direction; and

c, wherein said second direction is approximately 90 degrees from said first direction.

17. The construction toy set as in claim 1

a, wherein said first planar member further comprises a second suction cup, a third suction cup, and a fourth suction cup;

b, wherein said first suction cup and said second suction cup are disposed on said first end of said first planar member; and

c, wherein said third suction cup and said fourth suction cup are disposed on a second end of said first planar member.

18. The construction toy set as in claim 17

a, wherein said first suction cup is disposed in a first direction and said second suction cup is disposed in a second direction; and

b, wherein said third suction cup is disposed in a third direction and said fourth suction cup is disposed in a fourth direction.

19. The construction toy set as in claim 18

a, wherein said first direction is approximately 90 degrees from said second direction; and

b, wherein said third direction is approximately 90 degrees from said fourth direction.

20. The construction toy set as in claim 18

a, wherein said first direction is approximately 180 degrees from said second direction; and

b, wherein said third direction is approximately 180 degrees from said fourth direction.