Abstract: A parallel link mechanism includes a proximal end member and three or more link mechanisms. Three or more link mechanisms connect the proximal end member to a distal end member. In three or more link mechanisms, a first center axis of a first revolute pair unit and a second center axis of a second revolute pair unit intersect at a spherical link center point. Fifth center axes of respective fifth revolute pair units of three or more link mechanisms overlap each other and intersect with the spherical link center point.

Abstract: Systems for simulating joining operations, such as welding, are disclosed. In some examples, a system may use a mobile device for conducting welding simulations, such as for purposes of training. In some examples, the system may additionally, or alternatively, use modular workpieces. In some examples, the system may additionally, or alternatively, conduct the welding simulation based on one or more selected pieces of welding equipment.

Abstract: The invention is a construction toy consisting of standard connector elements, e.g., rings, and strut elements, e.g., that may be joined in various angular configurations and with various types of articulation such as fixed, sliding, swinging, spinning, etc. Rings may be provided that have pairs of perimeter orifices that are offset by different amounts wherein the different offsets provide different functionality to ring and strut assembles. Other elements may be included such as pipes, slips, caps, base components and collar components. The elements may be combined to create various forms including a figure with human traits comprised of interconnecting strips and rings of various dimensions, a decoration, a vehicle, a bird, or many other forms in accordance with a user's imagination.

Abstract: In a link actuation device, a distal end side link hub is coupled to a proximal end side link hub via three or more link mechanisms such that a posture of the distal end side link hub can be changed relative to the proximal end side link hub, and a posture of the distal end side link hub relative to the proximal end side link hub is arbitrarily changed by actuators provided to two or more link mechanisms. The manipulating device includes a posture acquirer for acquiring a distal end posture represented by a bending angle and a turning angle, from a coordinate position at which a distal end side spherical link center is projected onto a two-dimensional rectangular coordinate system that has an origin located on an extension of an axis of the proximal end side link hub and is orthogonal to the extension of the axis.

Abstract: A modular cube building block system is disclosed. An example embodiment includes: a modular cube building block comprising: a coupler including a coupler channel formed between a plurality of fins; and a plurality of nodes integrated or attached with the coupler, the plurality of nodes being cubes arranged in orthogonal rows and columns, a space between the plurality of nodes defining a T-channel configured to capture a coupler of a different modular cube building block, the coupler channel configured to capture a node group of a different modular cube building block.

Abstract: This invention relates to a modular gaming map, where a set of components can be assembled into a variety of configurations to create a three-dimensional map as a supplement for simulated battles and role-playing games, and compatible with industry standard figurines and models.

Abstract: A distal end side link hub is coupled to a proximal end side link hub via three or more link mechanisms. Each link mechanism has a proximal side end link member, a distal side end link member, and an intermediate link member. The proximal side end link member has a bent portion and rotation shaft mounting portions. A rotation shaft is mounted to the rotation shaft mounting portion. A bevel gear, forming a part of a gear mechanism for transmitting rotary motion of a posture control actuator to the proximal side end link member, is mounted on the rotation shaft mounting portion and disposed in a space between two virtual planes obtained by extending a radially inner edge and a radially outer edge of one end of the bent portion in a longitudinal direction of the rotation shaft mounting portion.

Abstract: A removable connector used for connecting two or more wall panels. The connector is accessible to a user in a vertical space between the connected wall panels open to both front face and rear face of each panel. The user is able to easily engage and move the connector, relative to the wall panels, to latch and unlatch the connector with a view to connecting and disconnect the panels.

Abstract: An artificial joint implant (1) comprising a first element (2) with a socket (4) and a second element (3) with a ball head (5), wherein said ball head (5) is insertable in said socket (4) such as to form a ball-and-socket connection between said first element (2) and said second element (3), and the movement of said ball head (5) in said socket (4) is restricted by means of a protrusion (6.1; 6.2) engaged in a groove (7), whereby said protrusion (6.1; 6.2) has a central axis A2 and is protruding from the surface of said socket (4) and said groove (7) is provided on the surface of said ball head (5) or vice versa; —said groove (7) is positioned along a great circle of said ball head (5) or of said socket (4), —said protrusion (6.1; 6.2) has a shape allowing rotation of the protrusion around its central axis A2 when received in the groove (7); and—the surface roughness of the protrusion (6.1; 6.2) and/or of the groove (7) is at most 25 micrometers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembling toy block structure that is capable of easily performing a releasing operation for toy blocks coupled to each other with a relatively small force. The assembling toy block structure includes at least one or more polyhedron-shaped toy blocks assembled to each other to make a desired toy form and further includes generally cable-shaped clay blocks made of a material having flexibility with which they are freely bent and rigidity with which they are resistant to external forces after bent.

Abstract: A skating track, in particular of the skateboard ramp type, includes: a self-supporting carrier structure of rigid foam, able to rest on the ground; and a skating surface attached to the carrier structure. The carrier structure has mortises and tenons embedded in the mortises. The skating surface is fixed to the tenons, the tenons and the mortises coupling the skating surface on the carrier structure and holding it in position.

Abstract: A toy construction set that contains a plurality of interlocking pieces. Each of the interlocking pieces contains at least one linkage construct. Each linkage construct includes a pivot hub that has a first surface and an opposite second surface. Detents are formed into both surfaces of the pivot hub. Two yoke arms are coupled to each pivot hub. Protrusions extend from the interior surfaces that are sized to be received by one of the detents. Gap spaces separate the yoke arms. Each of the gap spaces is sized to receive and retain the pivot hub of another piece, wherein the pivot hubs on all the pieces are uniform in shape and size.

Abstract: The present invention relates to structure members having a body made of a composite material comprising at least one type of fiber and at least one type of resin, and pluralities of connection extensions which are one-piece with said body in order to provide connection to another structure member with the same properties, and the present invention relates to a structure formed by said structure members.

Abstract: In this link actuation device, arms of a plurality of link mechanisms are driven to be rotated by actuators, whereby the posture of a distal end side link hub is changed. A divided section setter divides a trajectory on a work surface on which an end effector works, into a plurality of sections at pass points and sets the sections. An arm rotation speed calculator calculates a rotation speed at which each arm performs constant speed rotation in each section on the basis of: a time period of movement in the section which is determined from a target moving speed and the distance of the section; and a rotation-angular movement amount of the arm in the section. A posture change controller performs positioning control on each actuator so as to cause its corresponding arm to continuously rotate at the corresponding rotation speed without acceleration/deceleration.

Abstract: An assembly for a ball and socket joint forming a universal joint is disclosed as including a socket joint assembly comprising a first dual-ended sphere-receiving element and a second dual-ended sphere-receiving element joined together by a flush fitting joint.

Abstract: A connection element is provided for connecting at least two components. The connection element has at least two spherical, sphere-shaped or sphere-type or sphere-like sections, wherein a first section of the at least two sections is provided for the connection with a first component, and the second section of the at least two sections is provided for the connection with a second component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to structure members having a body made of a composite material comprising at least one type of fiber and at least one type of resin, and pluralities of connection extensions which are one-piece with said body in order to provide connection to another structure member with the same properties, and the present invention relates to a structure formed by said structure members.

Abstract: A control device is provided which is operable to change the position of a distal end side link hub by driving each of arms, which are proximal end side links of a plurality of link mechanisms by means of an actuator. When in a series of operations, the position change of the distal end side link hub is mad by an angle greater than a predetermined angle, a relay position setting unit is provided for setting a relay point between a starting point and a terminating point of each of the arms so that the interference of the three axis arms may be relieved. A position change control unit performs a position control so as to pass simultaneously through the relay point so set.

Abstract: The present invention relates to structure members having a body made of a composite material comprising at least one type of fiber and at least one type of resin, and pluralities of connection extensions which are one-piece with said body in order to provide connection to another structure member with the same properties, and the present invention relates to a structure formed by said structure members.

Abstract: A pairing block set has a right-hand toy block and a left-hand toy block, each of mutual, mirror symmetry and optionally incorporating a system of eight abutment points to each engaged studs on its mating block upon assembling. By providing two different layouts—one for the odd number, and one for the even number tier toy block groups respectively, using a combination of the pairing block set and other commonly seen basic type of blocks for each tier groups, and after stacking up tiers of block groups by different layouts alternatingly, in a tier-to-tier mutual interlocking manner, a structurally sound assembly of an oblique sided structure can be built with smoothly lined sides or walls. A plurality of latches is left at both ends of the assembly, to be further interlocked with its neighboring, mating toy blocks of the intended final structure.

Abstract: To allow a travelling vehicle to travel more smoothly, a host controller of a travelling vehicle system includes a first determination part which determines whether or not a second track selected by a first travelling vehicle is the same as a second track selected by a second travelling vehicle, and an entry permission issuing part that issues an entry permission into a switching track to the second vehicle after checking passage of the first vehicle through the switching track when the second track selected by the first vehicle is different from the second track selected by the second vehicle, and issues the entry permission into the switching track to the second vehicle regardless of receipt or non-receipt of the passage report from the first vehicle when the second track selected by the first vehicle is the same as the second track selected by the second vehicle.

Abstract: A link actuation device includes a distal end side link hub connected with a proximal end side link hub through three or more sets of link mechanisms for alteration in orientation. By means of an actuator provided in the two or more set of the link mechanism, the distal end orientation, which is the orientation of the distal end side link hub relative to the proximal end link hub, is changed arbitrarily. The operating device includes an orientation designating unit for designating the distal end orientation aimed at by means of a coordinate position on the orthogonal coordinate system by an artificial manipulation, an orientation acquiring unit for acquiring the distal end orientation that is expressed by an angular coordinate system through calculation, and an orientation information applying unit for applying information on the distal end orientation so acquired to a control device for controlling the actuator.

Abstract: A maneuverable figure assembly toy including a modeling material at least partially covering a maneuverable skeleton, where the skeleton includes a plurality of connector parts connected by a plurality of maneuverable joints, where each of the joints includes a first joint part and a second joint part connected with a snap fit action, and where at least one of the joint parts includes a receptacle for connecting to at least one of the connector parts.

Abstract: The present invention is a horizontal base for stabilizing vertically extending walls comprising a tray surface elevated from said base, the tray surface defining at least one moulded canal of a pre-defined shape, the at least one moulded canal being defined to receive at least one of said vertically extending walls. The base is preferably used in arts and crafts endeavours and in particular, for improved efficiency in the construction of gingerbread-based structures such as gingerbread houses.

Abstract: A pivotally manipulable toy is disclosed which includes a plurality of sections pivotally coupled in series, with a plurality of counting apertures being located in a plurality of the sections. The pivotally manipulable toy can be manipulated to form a plurality of shapes including letters and numbers. The pivotally manipulable toy may be used in a manner that is both educational and enjoyable for children. Further, a manual which correlates each of the shapes with the number of unobstructed counting apertures that are visible when each shape is formed correctly may be provided together with the pivotally manipulable toy.

Abstract: A novelty device and the associated method of fabricating component parts of the novelty device. The novelty device has at least one protrusion that is made from an elastomeric material. The protrusion has a distal end. A hole is disposed through the protrusion proximate its distal end. A secondary object is provided. The secondary object is made from a rigid material. The secondary object defines an interior space. Sounding elements are disposed within the interior space of at least some of the secondary objects. The sounding elements are free moving and produce noise within said secondary objects when said novelty device is manually shaken.

Abstract: A connector element for a rod and connector construction toy set of the type enabling a lateral snap-in assembly of rod elements into sockets of the connector is formed of two hingedly connected connector half sections. Each connector half section is formed along one edge with one male and one female hinge element such that two identical connector half sections can be joined together, by a snap-together action of the hinge elements, to form a connector element with one half pivotally movable relative to the other half. Each connector half section is formed with a plurality of rod-engaging sockets accommodating the construction of complex, three-dimensional structures. Advantageously, the two connector half sections are of identical construction, such that both components may be formed of a single mold configuration.

Abstract: A geometric construction system includes: a plurality of flat panels; and a plurality of connecting units provided on side edges of the flat panels. Each connecting unit includes first and second engaging parts. The first engaging part is formed with a protrusion, and the second engaging part is formed with a recess such that the protrusion of the first engaging part on one of the flat panels is releasably engageable with the recess of the second engaging part on another of the flat panels. The second engaging part is further formed with resilient claws that project from a periphery of the recess. The claws of the second engaging part on one of the flat panels clamp resiliently the protusion of the first engaging part on another of the flat panels when the protrusion is moved into the recess of the second engaging part.

Abstract: A construction member, comprising an elongated body having a longitudinal dimension with a first end and a second end. Complementary end rotational joint portions are provided at the first end and at the second end of the elongated body, for interconnecting first end to second end a plurality of the construction member so as to form a polygon with construction members. A longitudinal rotational joint portion is provided in the longitudinal dimension of the elongated body for interconnecting two longitudinally adjacent ones of the construction member so as to interconnect polygons of the construction member at a common edge of the polygons to form a polyhedron.

Abstract: A system of interconnectable construction elements created from molded plastic, wood or metal, and which include four basic construction elements, wherein a first and second construction element include a hemispherical segment and a planar connecting segment and complementary male and female connectors, and third and fourth construction elements that include a hemispherical segment with complementary male and female connectors, wherein the first and second construction elements can be coupled together, the third and fourth construction elements can be coupled together, or one of the first and second construction elements can be coupled to a complementary one of the third or fourth construction elements.

Abstract: An interlockable element for a structure assembly set includes an at least partially planar body and a connector edge having associated therewith a first A-type and B-type connector pair disposed about a first axis of rotation and a second A-type and B-type connector pair disposed about a second axis of rotation. The first and second axes of rotation are disposed on opposing sides of a generally rectangular quadrilateral of a specified dimension. Each of one pair of diagonally opposite vertices of the quadrilateral are situated internally to each of the A-type connectors and each of the other pair of diagonally opposite vertices of the quadrilateral are situated internally to each of the B-type connectors; and the quadrilateral is generally disposed in a plane that is generally perpendicular to the plane of the body of the interlockable element.

Abstract: A movable toy having movable bodies selected from the group consisting of at least a pair of wheels and leg portions which move when driven by a motor provided in the main toy body, wherein there is provided an energization detecting unit comprising at least three elements at the lower part of the main toy body and both or either of the movable bodies is selectively allowed to move depending on the energized state of the elements.

Abstract: A switching apparatus for a toy railroad is provided. A housing has a drive compartment and a motor positioned in the drive compartment in the housing. A movable actuating element is positioned entirely within the housing. A drive connection between the motor and the movable actuating element moves the movable actuating element between a first position and a second position. At least a portion of the movable actuating element is positioned in a protective compartment adjacent to said drive compartment to protect the movable actuating element from outside forces. A track switch directs toy trains to a selected one of a plurality of tracks. A connector between the movable actuating element and the track switch moves the movable actuating element between its first and second positions causes movement of the track switch between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A geometric construction system includes at least two substantially flat panels and at least a connecting rod. Each panel has a plurality of side edges, each of which has two opposite end sections and a basin section that extends between and inwardly relative to the end sections and that has two opposite end faces. The connecting rod has at least two interconnected connecting portions, each of which is complementary to and is received in the basin section. Each connecting portion has two opposite ends respectively pivoted on the end faces so as to permit each panel to be freely turnable about an axis.

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 geometric construction system includes at least two substantially flat panels and at least a connecting rod. Each panel has a frame piece and a pair of cover sheets. The frame piece has side walls with side edges, each of which has a basin section, and further has an inner face defining a central opening. The inner face is formed with a flange that cooperates with the inner face to define a pair of retaining grooves. The connecting rod has at least two interconnected connecting portions, each of which is complementary to and is received in the basin section. The cover sheets are respectively and fittingly received in the retaining grooves.

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 geometric construction system includes at least two panels which are sidewisely and pivotally coupled together. Each of the panels has a plurality of side edges, a central opening confined by the side edges, a supporting plate received in the central opening, and a plurality of retaining plates laterally protruding from inner walls of the side edges into the central opening and cooperating with the supporting plate so as to form a plurality of retaining slots. Flexible patterned sheets are received in the central openings in the two panels. Each sheet has engaging portions respectively extending into and engaging releasably the retaining slots so as to be detachably retained in the central opening in the respective one of the panels.

Abstract: Disclosed are improvements to a construction system based on genderless connectors. The improvements consist of elements that allow connection at an arbitrary angle in the same plane as a hub assembly. Additionally are disclosed elements that allow for the construction of spheres from planar circular hubs.

Abstract: This application is directed to a linkage system which provides continuous rotation to two or more interconnected quadrilaterals. The basic element of the linkage system is a multi-level link which provides firstly, a non-rotatable connection between two sub-links lying, in separate parallel planes and secondly, a rotatable connection for a further link lying in another parallel plane between the planes of the sub-links. By various interconnections between link elements, the quadrilaterals the linkage system will form various geometric patterns as the linkage is rotated. As the quadrilaterals lie in different planes, they may be continuously rotated with respect to each other. The linkage system may be used as a toy, a novelty item and as an educational tool.

Abstract: The four elements are each provided with protrusions constituted by forks the branches of which are resilient, which are each provided with a recess and with an embossment. These protrusions engage with each other, their embossments and their recesses hooking each other, and are thus articulated to each other around rotation axes. The series of protrusions and of the free spaces which separate them are determined in such a way that the four plates can be articulated to each other two by two, that has for consequence they can be articulated all the four to each other. With respect to a central axis, the half-series of each element are not symmetrical but they can be identical.

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: Four elements are each provided with protrusions constituted by forks, the branches of which are resilient. Each fork is provided with a recess and with an embossment. The protrusions engage with each other, their embossments and their recesses hooking each other, and are thus assembled to each other around rotation axes. The series of protrusions and of the free spaces which separate them are arranged in such a way that the four elements can be articulated to each other two by two, that has for consequence they can be assembled together by engagement of the protrusions of any one element with those of another element. The protrusions on respective halves of each element are not arranged symmetrically, but they can be identical.

Abstract: Toy building pieces are disclosed which may be advantageously used in conjunction with a variety of different shaped framing pieces or connectors for building of structures such as polyhedral figures, geodesic domes or many other structures. One or more faces of the building pieces have interlocking devices and have an aperture in the surface thereof to receive a thin rectangular shape such as a craft stick, or a circular shaped end of a framing piece of various cross-section or connectors which are I-shaped in cross-section. Other faces of the piece may incorporate piece interconnection devices, which may include for example: especially configured angular connection pieces which can be used in conjunction with other pieces to construct polyhedral figures, other pieces designed for hinged connection; a dovetail tongue on one part adapted to engage a dovetail groove on another part; or a tongue projecting from a face to engage one of the apertures. Other interconnecting devices are also contemplated.

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

Abstract: A transformable geometric construction set composed of triangular modules having different geometrical forms and sizes, the modules being interlinkable to create a planar mosaic that is transformable by a player into three-dimensional abstract or figurative structures having ornamental and/or utilitarian value. Each module is constituted by a triangular plate having slotted edges that define three side tines, each extending from a respective vertex. Interhinging of adjacent modules is effected by a coupling sleeve fitting over abutting tines of the modules whereby the modules can then be angled with respect to each other. Two adjacent modules may also be interconnected by intermeshing the abutting side tines of these modules.

Abstract: A building block is provided with coupling means on the upper and lower faces allow the blocks to be interconnected to form structures. The coupling means includes protrusions on one face and a set of sockets or receptacles sized to engage the protrusions formed on the opposite face. The sockets are preferably laid-out in two cross-like formations of four sockets each and optionally may include a further two central sockets disposed between the two cross-like formations.

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 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.