Abstract: A modular construction system has at least two profile parts for releasable coupling with a coupling part. The coupling part has on each of at least two sides one or more radially protruding lips. The lips on one side may be rotated to engage a portion of a profile part while the lips on another side may be rotated to engage a portion of another profile part, thereby securing the profile parts to one another.

Abstract: A kit that can be assembled to make a moving toy comprises a container having at least one wall portion movable between a closed position closing an opening in the container and an open position allowing access to the inside of the container through the opening. A shaft supported for rotation relative to the container has a first portion disposed within the container. A plurality of mechanical parts are selectively locatable on the first portion of the shaft to be supported for rotation with the shaft relative to the container. A plurality of design parts are provided for location outside the container. The kit includes structure for connecting at least one of the mechanical parts on the shaft to at least one of the design parts thereby to transfer rotational force from the shaft to the design parts to move the design parts relative to the container.

Abstract: A toy construction kit includes a number of members assembled together with an edge-and-slot engagement. A support member includes a neck and a panel, and a rotary member includes an orifice for receiving the neck of the support member and for rotatably securing the rotary member onto the support member. The panel includes two portions foldable relative to each other for engaging into the orifice of the rotary member, and a latch for locking the portions together after the portions are engaged through the orifice of the rotary member.

Abstract: A toy building set comprising toy building elements (1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11) which may be coupled together to build structures. Some of the toy building elements are in the form of shafts (5) and bushings (7) which are capable of coupling other toy building elements together, as these other toy building elements are provided with coupling means which are complementary to said shafts (5) and bushings (7). The toy building set also comprises at least one tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element (6) which essentially has a uniform cross section over its entire length, and whose end faces appear as clean cuts perpendicular to its longitudinal direction. This tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element (6) has such an inner shape that it may be coupled together with said shafts (5) and bushings (7) by gripping at least a portion of these.

Abstract: A toy building set comprising a plurality of building elements which each are provided with hinge parts, a first type of hinge parts comprising a substantially cylindrical rod-shaped shaft part of a building element, a second type of hinge parts comprising a claw device consisting of two elastic fingers extending outwards from a building element at a distance from each other, so that the two elastic fingers between them form a track which is narrowed at the distal end of the fingers with respect to the building element, so that the rod-shaped shaft part may be pressed into the track through the narrowed part of the track, said hinge parts additionally comprising a third type of hinge parts being provided with a shaft stud which has an external diameter corresponding to the thickness of the rod-shaped shaft part.

Abstract: A transmission chain includes a plurality of unitary chain links, each of which has parallel first and second side plates, first and second connecting pins, first and second pivot pins, and first and second pivot seats. The first and second pivot pins of one of the chain links are connected pivotally, removably and respectively to the first and second pivot seats of an adjacent one of the chain links, so as to enable the transmission chain to possess the characteristics of an adjustable chain length.

Abstract: A construction system includes one or more body members each having one or more apertures extending through a body wall to a cavity forming a socket. Each body member further has one or more balls spaced-apart from the body and attached to the body by an arm. The body wall and/or ball is formed of a flexible and resilient material, and the ball is sized slightly larger than the aperture to connect two body members together by inserting the ball of one member through the aperture of another. The system may include rod members having opposite ends and spherical-shaped balls formed on each end; disk members having an annular groove and open in a radially-facing direction to receive balls; a base member; and/or decorative members.

Abstract: The invention discloses a toy brick game having at least two toy bricks and at least one connector for connecting the above at least two toy bricks together. The toy bricks can be one of a variety of geometrical shapes but have at least three side edges. Each side edge has a notch and two cylindrical stubs formed on the surface defining the notch. The connector can connect two or more toy bricks together by engaging a slit defined in a pole thereof with the cylindrical stub. The engagement is not only easily achieved and strong enough to allow robust models to be constructed, it also allows one toy brick to be able to rotate in two directions with respect to another toy brick connected thereto by the connector thus providing the user interest and pleasure.

Abstract: A stacking block system includes a plurality of blocks, each having a top face and a plurality of side walls extending downwardly from the top face. At least one coupling knob extends upwardly from the top face and has a substantially spherical upper part and a substantially cylindrical lower part. A tubular coupler or flange extends downwardly from the top face and beyond the side walls is complementary to the coupling knob, enabling coupling of two blocks. The tubular flange guides the coupling knob to enable coupling of two blocks, even when the blocks are tilted with respect to each other.

Abstract: A toy building element (1) comprising a central portion (2) provided with at least one coupling means (3, 4) arranged axially relative to the central portion (2). Furthermore, the toy building element comprises at least one other coupling means (5, 6) arranged radially relative to the central portion (2), the at least one further coupling means (5, 6) being so arranged that it is able to rotate in excess of 360.degree. about the central portion (2).

Abstract: A construction system where elements have connection components for a ball-to-socket or socket-to-socket connection. The ball-to-socket connection "locks" at orientations when one or more detents in the interior of the socket protrude into one or more of a plurality of dimples on the ball. The construction elements generally have an elongated body with a dimpled ball at one end and a socket at the other end, or dimpled balls at both ends, or sockets at both ends. In addition to the ball-and-socket connection, elements may connect in a socket-to-body connection, or a number of different types of socket-to-socket connections. The socket has at least two petals with a lip contour such that in one type of socket-to-socket connection the pair of sockets interlock to form a sphere. The irregular shape of the lip of the socket allows a ball to be leveraged out of a socket, and make orientations over at least 2.pi. steradians available in a ball-to-socket interconnection.

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 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: Disclosed is a toy construction piece being in the form of a half-shell having a bottom portion, a top portion, a bottom wall portion and first and second pair of top wall portions. The bottom wall portion is generally octagonal in shape. The first and second pair of top wall portions extend perpendicularly to each other from the bottom wall portion to the top portion, forming together a generally pyramidal shape and defining four generally dihedral recesses between the four adjacent top wall portions respectively. Each of the dihedral recesses have a bottom in the form of a flat surface. Each of the flat surfaces have rows of outwardly projecting pegs and have an opening also having outwardly projecting pegs. The top portion has a border having two rows of outwardly projecting pegs, the inner row being downwardly recessed from the other. The border defines an opening therein and has an inner surface having outwardly projecting pegs.

Abstract: A construction toy block set including a plurality of toy block elements respectively made of flat shape, a plurality of swivel connectors, and a plurality of fixed connectors, the block elements having pins and coupling recesses for coupling to one another directly, and retaining slots for coupling to one another by the swivel connectors or the fixed connectors, the swivel connectors being adapted for connecting the block elements together, permitting them to be turned relative to one another, the fixed connectors being adapted for connecting the block elements together and preventing them from being turned relative to one another.

Abstract: A toy building set containing wall elements for the construction of facade structures. The building set includes at least one of each of two types of wall elements: a first type of wall element formed with one opening having hinge parts for suspension of plate elements; and a second type of wall element formed with a plurality of openings, each having hinge parts for suspension of plate elements. The height of the openings in each type of wall element are equal so that the plate elements may fit into the openings of either type of wall element.

Abstract: A building block with integral hand hold and a method for making same. As with standard prior art masonry blocks, the building block of the present invention includes a central transverse web which provides structural rigidity to the block and divides the interior space of the block into two substantially equal sized areas. However, the building block of the present invention includes a cut-out completely through the central transverse web which facilitates placement of a mason's fingers therein in order to grasp and lift the block. A preferred method for making the blocks includes the use of a mold which allows the transverse web to be formed with the rest of the block, with the central cut-out then being punched out of the transverse web prior to kiln drying the block.

Abstract: A base for a modular multi-part construction toy is disclosed which has a surface which permits the assembly of a number of toy modules thereon to form an erected toy. The base further includes a number of mechanically movable elements which are used in association with various drive shaft pieces to rotate or otherwise move part or all of the erected toy. The drive shaft pieces are engaged by the movable elements which in turn are driven in movement by gearing mechanically coupled to a motor which is housed internally within the base. The base further includes a number of electrical receptacles for supplying electric power to electric light emitting toy modules, and an audio output mechanism for producing sounds associated with the erected toy. The surface of the base may further be provided with a desired contour or profile and have indicia which simulates a particular geographic location, vehicle, vessel, or other structure.

Abstract: A toy construction set suitable for modeling animal, bird, insect, dinosaur and humanoid figures. The individual components of the toy construction set are analogous to bones and moveable joints. The construction set includes various sizes of limbs, heads, joints and hubs which are useable to form life like arms, legs, wings, necks, spines and tails of creatures, the variety of which is limited only by the child's imagination.

Abstract: A modular block construction system comprises blocks and other accessory parts that dynamically fit together to form different items of varying forms and shapes. One or more blocks of various sizes have outer, peripheral edges that can be mated with one another, or snap fitted to accessories including walls and wedges. Each cubicle block comprises six intersecting panels that have peripheral edges that alternate with pairs of spaced apart nubs and sockets that enable the panels to be orthogonally assembled. Outwardly projecting panel sides of assembled blocks can be snap fitted to abutting sides of other blocks. Spider connectors captivated within the blocks transform each connecting surface between male, female, and flattened configurations. Radially spaced apart follower slots are defined in the sides. Movable spiders captivated within the blocks have arms slidably received by and constrained within the slots.

Abstract: A generally rectangular structural block has a central ridge which extends along the top of the block and stops short of its end faces. In the bottom face are two grooves, one aligned with the ridge, the other at a right angle and intersecting in the middle of the bottom face. The groove aligned with the ridge extends from end-to-end of the block, the intersecting groove stops short of one side face of the block. The grooves are dimensioned so as to mate with a ridge dimensioned like that on the top face. Two or more such blocks can be made as a permanently joined unit, their ridges in line with each other, and the side faces at which the intersecting grooves stop short located on the same side of the unit. Single-block and multi-block units are laid up to form walls with the ridges in a given course interlocking with the grooves in the next higher course of blocks.

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 construction toy set of planar blocks with edge apertures and hinged connectors including a plurality of block elements respectively made of flat shape, and a plurality of swivel connectors, each block element having a top side, a bottom side, a plurality of peripheral sides, a plurality of pins at the top side, a plurality of pin holes at the bottom side, a plurality of first retaining grooves equiangularly spaced from one another and respectively disposed in parallel with the peripheral sides, and a plurality of second retaining slots respectively and perpendicularly extended from the first retaining slots to the border, each swivel connector having two reversed base elements turned about an axle, each base element having an axle housing at one end mounted around the axle, a retainer plate at an opposite end for fitting into one first retaining slot, a pin at one side for fitting into one pin hole, and a pin hole at an opposite side for receiving one pin.

Abstract: A construction/puzzle toy comprised of pairs of half-polyhedrons that are connected along one margin by a living plastic hinge. A chain is formed by permanently attaching adjacent pairs to each other by an axle-like component that rotatably joins two half-polyhedrons to form an entire polyhedron. This combination of a rotatable joint within each whole polyhedron and a hinge joint between adjacent polyhedrons allows the chain to be rearranged into a large number of different shapes. A preferred assembled shape for a chain of the polyhedrons is that of a cube. A closed ring of eight cuboidal polyhedrons forms a challenging puzzle that can be reconfigured to form a large cube with four cuboidal polyhedrons on each face. Likewise, a closed chain of 27 cubes can create a large cube with 9 cuboidal polyhedrons per face. Chains that are not closed to form a ring can be used to construct a wide variety of interesting shapes. The invention can be equipped with small knob-shaped tips to the axle-like component.

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 construction kit for toy building structures includes a plurality of basic planar logs having a slightly rounded edge on the lower face and male couplings on the lateral ends thereof. A plurality of alternative planar logs with a brick like patterned surface and male couplings on the lateral ends thereof are interchangeable with the above mentioned logs. The logs may be interconnected with angular connecting blocks having female receiving slots on four adjacent sides with a recessed area and a raised neck on opposing ends to accommodate adjoining blocks. The plurality of planar logs may be interconnected with architectural fixtures having receiving slots on the lateral edges. Recessed areas at angular points of the singular roof unit interconnects with the raised neck of the connecting blocks to form the skeletal structure. Raised receiving slots on opposing sides of the angular roof top and indentions along the roof line accommodate roof fixtures.

Abstract: A construction toy comprises generally spherical construction members having threaded openings provided thereon and rod members having extensible and contractible screw members provided at each end thereof. Five threaded openings are disposed at both the upper and lower hemispheres of the spherical members. One of the five threaded openings is disposed along a central vertical axis whereas the other four at an angle of 45 degree from the axis. Four to eight threaded openings are disposed along the equator of the spherical members. Each end of the rod member has an extensible and contractible screw and a screw fastening device. A variety of patterns, models, and objects can be constructed by using the spherical and rod construction members.

Abstract: A toy building set element is formed of a first part and a second part which is slidable and resiliently journaled with respect to the first part. Both of the parts have coupling elements thereon which permit coupling of the parts to other elements of the toy building set. One of the parts may be adapted to receive a shaft through a cylindrical opening that runs perpendicular to the displacement direction of the parts with respect to each other.

Abstract: A block unit for a block toy contains a block body having protrusions and recesses through which the block body is freely connectable to other block units; a rotary shaft rotatably supported in the block body in such a manner that the rotary shaft is extended in a block coupling direction in which the block unit is coupled to other block units through the protrusions and recesses thereof; and a rotation transmitting mechanism for transmitting the rotation of the rotary shaft to other block bodies coupled to the block unit body, the rotation transmitting mechanism provided at the ends of the rotary shaft, the rotation transmitting mechanism being freely connectable to rotation transmitting mechanism of other block units. The block unit may include a drive source such as an electric motor mounted therein.

Abstract: A cardan joint is provided for transmitting rotation between first and second parts of a toy building set. A first rotating part consists of a shaft having a coupler head at one end in the form of flaps which project radially outwardly with respect to the shaft axis and which form spherical segments of a cardan ball. A second rotating part includes a cavity into which the coupling head of the first part fits. Carrier pins extend radially inwardly into the cavity to mesh between and be displaced along the flaps so that the coupler head with the flap may be tiltable about at least one pin.

Abstract: An annular support device is formed by a series of identical torus segments with adjacent segments connected end-to-end in a continuous loop. One end face of each segment has a central channel for receiving the extension of the adjacent torus segment. The extension-channel interface between adjacent segments defines a twisting axis permitting each segment to be twisted through 360 degrees relative to the other segments. The support device may be twisted into an infinite variety of decorative and useful configurations. Each end face has a raised peripheral rim which abuts with an identical cooperating peripheral rim on the opposed face of the adjacent segment. The rims are circular and define a common interface plane perpendicular to the twist axis therebetween. The torus curve causes the twist axis at each end of a segment to be non-aligned, and prevents individual segments from being twisted relative to both adjacent segments simultaneously.

Abstract: A toy construction set connection device consists of a shaft and a shaft bushing. The bushing consists of two bushing parts which are fixedly mountable on the shaft. By means of an axial or rotational displacement of the second bushing part relative to the first bushing part, the whole shaft bushing can be anchored in a desired transverse groove on shaft. The anchoring may be released by pulling the second bushing part from the first part.

Abstract: Toy building blocks capable of assembly in any selected one of a variety of arrangements of contiguous blocks include a plurality of projections on one face of each block and a plurality of longitudinal and lateral channels on an opposite face of the block, the relative dimensions of the projections and the channels being such that the projections of one block are received in the channels of a contiguous block in the selected arrangement for sliding engagement in longitudinal and lateral directions while the projections are engaged with the channels for enabling alterations in the arrangement of contiguous blocks as the assembly is constructed. Preferably, the blocks are constructed of wood and the projections and channels are located in corresponding end-grain structures of the blocks.

Abstract: For simulating hydromechanical actuation of components in a toy model such as a toy excavator having legs and a shovel, means for exclusively mechanical power transmission are provided. These means include actuating units comprising each a cylinder casing and a piston rod slidably arranged therein and displaceable by a threaded spindle in engagement with the piston rod. Rotary motion is transmitted to the threaded spindle by a flexible shaft having plug-in connectors at both ends secured to a core and a protective hose of the flexible shaft. Each flexible shaft is connected with a driving unit installed in the toy model and releasably connected with a rotary power source such as handwheel or an electric motor.

Abstract: An assembly toy comprising a plurality of engaged interconnectable elements, each interconnectable element including a generally planar surface and comprising at least one engagement portion selected from first and second types of mutually interconnectable engagement portions, individual ones of the first and second types of mutually interconnectable engagement portions, when engaged permitting relative displacement of the elements interconnected thereby with a plurality of degrees of freedom.

Abstract: An assembly toy comprising a plurality of devices for removably connecting a plurality of cylindrical objects, each device including apparatus for removably coupling thereof to another such device or to an intermediate coupling device at a wide variety of angles.

Abstract: A three-dimensional structure defines space in the form of a tetrahedron as the simplest of the five Platonic solids with junction restraints at each of four vertices that allow lineation of size and angulation of shape and form by flexure and frictional slippage, respectively. This structure has use as an educational toy, puzzle, or game; in miniature as jewelry and pendants or support for variable requirements of easels or tables or display racks.

Abstract: A construction toy assembly includes brick-like units of which one wall only has connecting plugs. One unit is made of two parts solid with one another and extending at 45.degree. therebetween; another unit is also formed of two parts but the parts can pivot with respect to one another about a common axis and still another unit is in the form of a hollow open-ended tube which is rectangular in cross-section.

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.

Abstract: A habitat system for use in small animal enclosures providing desirable living space for underwater, amphibious and land dwelling animals. The habitat is formed from a wall type structure with one side which is essentially concave, thereby forming a gap space behind the wall. The habitat system is removeably attachable to the inner wall surface of the animal enclosure. Surface decoration may be provided on at least one wall of the habitat system, and various component parts may be intermeshed in a variety of ways in order to form multiple configurations.

Abstract: Detachable links are formed by a first link having a part-spherical end joined to a cylindrical first intermediate portion and a second link having a receiving end with spaced, generally U-shaped arms defining a slot. The arms resiliently spread apart to receive and then snap back to capture the part-spherical portion, leaving the cylindrical portion in the slot. The joined links may be freely relatively pivoted through substantially 180 degrees and may be freely relatively rotated through a full 360 degrees about the axis of the cylindrical portion. The part-spherical portion may have one upstanding cylindrical stub or a diametrically opposed pair which are positionable either between the legs of the arms or in the slot between arms. These stubs limit the free rotation between links by resisting same except as permitted by forcible rotation in 90 degree steps due to spreading apart and snapping back of the arms.

Abstract: A constructional element, which is suitable for decorative purposes or toys, comprises a box shaped member open at its base. On an outer top surface of the member are provided a row of pegs which have coaxially extending grooves. Clamping elements are provided within the member for engaging with the coaxially extending grooves on the pegs of another constructional element. Walls are also provided within the member which are connected to the top surface and the two side surfaces.

Abstract: A child's playset comprised of a number of rooms offering different stage settings which may be changed. Each room includes a pair of walls at an angle with respect to each other and a floor having two different heights. The playset is preferably formed by attaching four rooms together at hinges whereby the rooms may be moved with respect to each other to form different shaped playsets. In addition, the rooms may be brought together to form a square wherein a handle extending upwardly from the walls of each room come together to form a central carrying handle for transportation of the playset.

Abstract: An annular support device is formed by a series of identical torus segments with adjacent segments connected end-to-end in a continuous loop. One end face of each segment has a central extension, and the other end face has a central channel for receiving the extension of the adjacent torus segment. The extension-channel interface between adjacent segments defines a twisting axis permitting each segment to be twisted through 360 degrees relative to the other segments. The support device may be twisted into an infinite variety of decorative and useful configurations. Each end face has a raised peripheral rim which abuts with an identical cooperating peripheral rim on the opposed face of the adjacent segment. The rims are circular and define a common interface plane perpendicular to the twist axis therebetween. The torus curve causes the twist axis at each end of a segment to be non-aligned, and prevents individual segments from being twisted relative to both adjacent segments simultaneously.

Abstract: An educational entertainment device includes at least one cube formed from (a) a regular tetrahedron and (b) four 1/8th sections of a regular octahedron wherein the faces of the tetrahedron and the faces of the octahedron are all congruent. The 1/8th sections are formed by slicing the octahedron through three orthogonal planes, each slicing plane passing through four vertices of the octahedron, each 1/8th section being defined by (a) one octahedron face and (b) three mutually orthogonal corner faces. By coupling the octahedron face of each of the four 1/8th sections to a corresponding one of the tetrahedron faces in edge-to-edge fashion, one cube is formed. Each side of the cube includes two corner faces, one from each of two 1/8th sections. By rotating a 1/8th section about an axis perpendicular to the plane interfacing the 1/8th section and the tetrahedron, the two corner faces forming a cube side can be altered. A plurality of n.sup.3, e.g. eight, cubes can form a block of cubes, in an n.times.n.times.