Including Longitudinally Flexed Rod Or Strips Patents (Class 446/107)
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Patent number: 11014015Abstract: A toy linkage comprises a posable metal wire within a covering, the posable metal wire and covering forming a cross-section for the toy linkage that is no more than 50% comprised of the posable metal wire.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2019Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Inventor: Joseph Farco
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Patent number: 10953340Abstract: A toy construction element includes a first face recessed from a second face by a recess height, a first peg extending from the second face, and an engaging member disposed on the first face. The first peg has a first peg height relative to the second face. The engaging member may include a column portion and a peg portion, wherein the column portion extends from a first end portion at the first face to a second end portion at which the peg portion is disposed. The column portion may have a column height substantially equal to the recess height, and the peg portion may have a peg portion height substantially equal to the first peg height. A toy construction element may be part of a toy construction assembly, in which an engaging member of the toy construction element connects to a hole defined by a flexible member.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2019Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: Mattel-MEGA Holdings (US), LLCInventors: Louis-Philippe Beaulieu, Muryllo Cardoso Figueiredo De Matos
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Patent number: 10857476Abstract: A building block assembly comprising a first building block and a second building block which are in snap-fit engagement and which cooperate to define a building block receptacle for receiving and retaining a third building block, wherein the first building block comprises a first main body including two lateral portions and a bridging portion interconnecting the two lateral portions, wherein the two lateral portions and the first bridging portion cooperate to define a first partial receptacle having a first partial receptacle wall, and the two lateral portions cooperate to define a first connection surface on which a plurality of snap connectors is distributed; wherein the second building block comprises a second main body including two lateral portions and a bridging portion interconnecting the two lateral portions.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2017Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: BODAK BLOCKS LIMITEDInventors: Yeung Wong, Tang Chan
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Patent number: 10787835Abstract: The invention is a tube connector for a play structure, and a play structure system that uses such tube connectors to connect a plurality of tubes together. The tube connector has a center portion and at least one projecting member extending from the center portion. To construct a play structure, tubes are fitted over the projecting members in the tube connectors. Flexing tabs on the projecting members, which are fixed at the end of the projecting member and extend back toward the center portion, lock into openings in the tubes to secure the tubes to the projecting members and connect the tubes together into a play structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2017Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: Beach House Group LimitedInventors: Lance Kalish, Pj Brice, Sachin Harneja, Ido Leffler
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Patent number: 9861387Abstract: A method of preparing a knee joint for a prosthesis in a patient includes mating a patient-specific three-dimensional curved inner surface of a femoral alignment guide onto a corresponding three-dimensional femoral joint surface of the patient. The patient-specific three-dimensional curved inner surface is preoperatively configured from medical scans of the knee joint of the patient. First and second holes are drilled into an anterior portion of the femoral joint surface through corresponding first and second guiding apertures of the femoral alignment guide.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLCInventors: Robert Metzger, Keith R. Berend, Michael E. Berend, Adolph V. Lombardi, Lance D. Perry, Ryan J. Schoenefeld
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Patent number: 9260828Abstract: A safety marker apparatus comprising a hollow body including at least four vertex elements interconnected by flexible resilient rods, the body being adapted to be compressed into a stowed state upon application of an external force and expanded into a deployed state, the flexible resilient rods forcing the hollow body to adopt the deployed state in an absence of the external force. In one embodiment, an illumination sub-system is provided in at least one vertex element.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Emergency Signalization RH inc.Inventors: Raymond Houle, Gérald Juneau, Michel Juneau, André Villemaire
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Patent number: 8961257Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to flexible laminated construction toy set and method of manufacture thereof, and more particularly to a construction set made of pieces with a bendable metal layer enclosed by two layers of a plastic mat. Two flexible think plastic mats with potentially a surface printed design are sealed around an internally deformable metal insert. Sets are sold using multiple geometry elements each having a different purpose, a different design to enhance playability.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2013Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Fibre-Craft Materials Corp.Inventor: Kiva Connor
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Publication number: 20140065922Abstract: This is a toy that involves weaving thin plastic strips through notches in a variety of fun shapes. It is designed for young children to develop finger dexterity as they manipulate the plastic strips to go in and out of the notches. The shapes vary in size, color, theme and complexity. Toy difficulty is graded by the number and sizes of notches and number of sides each strip has. The easiest toys designed for younger children have larger, less notches and simple strips. The more complex shapes have smaller and more notches and use strips that may have 2 or more sides or complex curves. In addition, some shapes and corresponding strips have holes so that after the strips are woven and aligned they can be laced with string. The types and themes of shapes that are woven with one or more strips are limitless.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2012Publication date: March 6, 2014Inventor: Barbara A. Smith
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Patent number: 8636521Abstract: An apparatus for teaching concepts concerning equilibrium, symmetry of energy flow and spherical motion including a centrally located octagear with eight engaging bevel gears, each having a central axis at a 70° angle relative to its adjacent gears. Each gear has a central shaft extending outwardly from the octagear, with the shafts having identical lengths. Reciprocating motion delivered to a crank mechanism is translated into rotary motion of the shaft, this rotary motion being transmitted to the gear at the end of the shaft. Connecting the crank mechanisms of each shaft are a plurality of beams with each beam spanning the space between two crank mechanisms. Each beam is capable of flexing between a first curved position and a second curved position resulting in a change in the span length of the beam and generating reciprocatory motion transmitted to the crank mechanisms. A cube-shaped frame is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2011Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Inventor: Francisco Pacheco
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Patent number: 8632375Abstract: A children's self-contained toy fort building apparatus has a malleable rod terminated at both ends with a connector. In one embodiment, the connectors couple directly with like connectors to form a multi-point connection with one or a plurality of rods. In a different embodiment, each rod is terminated with spuds, and a separate connector is provided which is operative to couple with and secure the spuds thereto. A method of constructing a structure such as a fort includes engaging a plurality of like longitudinally extensive elements together at terminations thereof, and forming at least one of said plurality of like longitudinally extensive elements into a non-linear shape.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2010Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Inventor: Sean Mertes
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Patent number: 8025549Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hula-hoop, which applies pressing force in a vertical direction as well as in a horizontal direction when the hula-hoop is rotated, thus achieving a good exercise effect, and which performs an acupressure action and a compression action using acupressure protrusions. The hula-hoop includes first and second rings (10, 20). Protruding parts (11, 21) and grooves (12, 22) are alternately provided on the first and second rings (10, 20). Streamlined body pressing space (30) is defined between the grooves (12, 22) by attaching inward protruding parts (11, 21) to each other, so that the waist flesh (h) is pinched between the grooves, thus providing pressing force in a vertical direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2006Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Inventor: Yong-Jae Kim
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Patent number: 7934971Abstract: Mechanical and electromechanical components for rapidly constructing a user-definable apparatus may include components that are reconfigurable into other construction set components, and that have at least one demarcation defining adjacent segments thereof. The demarcations facilitate reconfiguration of the components to produce other construction set components. Openings to substantially prevent sharp edges from being formed during reconfiguration may be included in the components. An electromechanical drive assembly having an integrated speed control and operable to receive interchangeable, non-circular drive shafts may be provided. The electromechanical drive assembly may be configured to attach to and self-align relative to other construction set components. One or more of the components may be provided with openings through which the non-circular drive shafts may rotate. The drive shaft may be locked in relation to openings of components that allow the drive shaft to rotate via a lock plate.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2002Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Innovation First, Inc.Inventors: Robert H. Mimlitch, III, David A. Norman
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Patent number: 7789727Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2008Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Inventors: Mark J. Chernick, Webb T. Nelson
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Patent number: 7419325Abstract: A tube assembling device consisting of hub-carriers and hubs for erecting three-dimensional structures. The hub-carriers consist of two pairs of half-rings, bearing tongues offset by 90° along an antero-posterior axis and linked by four connecting lugs, they support radial hook-shaped expansions. The hub-carriers can link two tubes in a fixed or balanced position, can be fixed at the tube end, can be fixed along a tube and support hubs. The hubs support tongues are positioned folded or unfolded inside the tubes used for the construction of the radial expansions into rings and catching teeth internal to the rings. The assembly enables the hubs and hub-carriers to be linked by tubes or elastic links and constitute by folding or combining the hubs and hub-carriers nodes for modelling structures of numerous types from a reduced number or elements.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2003Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Inventor: Jean Rantrua
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Patent number: 7374468Abstract: A construction system includes an elongated connection stem with a central member having a uniform first transverse dimension and opposed integral end members, each having a uniform second transverse dimension greater than the first, each end member having a longitudinal slot extending from a tip end to the central member and an attachment member having a central through bore slightly smaller than the second transverse dimension. A cross section of each end member is similarly shaped to the central through bore and slightly larger than the central through bore and a cross section of the central member is similarly shaped to the central through bore but of smaller size than the central through bore. In one instance, the attachment member is fittingly received on either of the opposed end members and, in another instance, the attachment member is slidably received on the central member.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2005Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Greene Plastics CorporationInventors: James E. Flodin, Albert W. Seifert
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Patent number: 7311579Abstract: A block set for assembling solid creations uses at least two types of cylindrical blocks. The cylindrical blocks are a thin cylindrical block and a thick cylindrical block. The thick cylindrical block may include a hole on a side face thereof for receiving the thin cylindrical block. A fabricating apparatus for fabricating the thin and thick cylindrical blocks has at least two types of rollers for rolling up paper, and a paper thickness notifying apparatus for notifying the user of the diameter of the cylindrical paper roll on a cylindrical paper roll up core.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2003Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: Koto Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshihiro Taki
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Patent number: 6739937Abstract: The invention relates to a toy construction kit comprising a plurality of elongated rod members of different lengths; and a plurality of joining members. Each joining member is configured and dimensioned to be capable of connecting at least three rod members together around a common vertex point in a weave pattern such that the rods do not pass through the vertex point but are oriented about it in a clockwise or counter-clockwise arrangement. At least some and preferably all rod members are formed with a zig-zag configuration to avoid bending the rod members at vertex points. After making a structure by weaving the rod members and temporarily or permanently connecting them with the joining members, unique and original space frames are obtained. These objects form another embodiment of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2002Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Inventor: Kenneth D. Snelson
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Patent number: 6672931Abstract: A system of interconnectable construction elements created from molded plastic, and which include planar and cylindrical strut members of varying lengths and thicknesses which can be coupled together and to various construction elements of varying geometries, wherein the construction elements are capable of movement such as pivoting relative to an attached construction element, wherein cylindrical struts include regularly spaced ball structures and regularly spaced gaps therebetween, and wherein the planar and cylindrical struts include a variety of attaching means disposed on the ends thereof that are capable of coupling with complementary structures to thereby form a variety of models, shapes, patterns or designs.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2000Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Inventor: Jim Bagley
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Patent number: 6461215Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2000Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Interlego AGInventors: Philippe Kunz, Heinz Looser, Sten Schmidt
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Patent number: 6402581Abstract: A building toy comprising a plurality of flexible and stiff pieces and connectors capable of being connected to each other in a desired pattern to form constructions like buildings, cars, forts, planes and other recreation arrangements, the toy comprising a plurality of flexible hollow tubes connectable to each other by means of connectors than can be snugly fitted into the hollow ends of the tubes.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Graciela Carmen AbuinInventor: Ricardo Hugo Podgaiz
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Publication number: 20020065017Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2000Publication date: May 30, 2002Inventor: Te-Li Huang
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Patent number: 6241572Abstract: A manipulatable beaded string toy device comprising of a plurality of interconnectable elements, each element including a number of beads disposed on a cord. When the plurality of interconnectable elements are interconnected, a junction formed comprises at least four beads, two from each cord, each of the at least four beads is in contact with at least three other beads of the junction.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1998Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Inventor: Leonid Braginsky
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Patent number: 6142848Abstract: A constructional toy component (13) which has on at least one edge (11), two portions (15, 16) each of which has associated therewith one of two complementary members (19, 18) the arrangement being such that when two similar edges are brought into abutment but in the opposite sense, the complementary members (19, 18) can interengage if one of the components is initially flexed to effectively vary the spacing between the complementary members thereon. In one form of the invention, the edges are formed of rod like members and thus the component is basically defined by a peripheral frame.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1998Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Assignee: Geo Australia Pty. LimitedInventors: Peter Madner, John Rex Langford
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Patent number: 6116981Abstract: A constructional system provides a plurality of pieces that can be used to assemble an object. The object includes a connector piece having a shaft that includes opposing first and second ends, and a first deformable section including opposing first and second bars extending from the first end of the shaft. A first notch is defined by the first bar and a first shaft edge, and a second notch is defined by the second bar and a second shaft edge, with the first deformable section having a width defined by the opposing first and second bars. The object further includes a first body piece provided with an aperture having a dimension which is smaller than the width of the first deformable section. The opposing first and second bars of the first deformable section of the connector piece are deformed to insert the first deformable section through the aperture to effectuate a connection of the first deformable section with the first body piece at the location of the aperture.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 1997Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Assignee: Patent Category Corp.Inventor: Yu Zheng
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Patent number: 6000984Abstract: The element to be protected hereby is an element consisting of a pull string (2), chain, wire or the like having at each end a coupling device (3) which may be coupled onto a coupling stud (6). The element is characterised in that the string (2), the chain, etc., is mounted so high on the coupling device (3) that a momentum influences the coupling device (3) that twists the coupling device (3) off the coupling stud (6) despite the frictional force therebetween when the element is pulled.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1998Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Assignee: INTERLEGO AGInventor: Vicki Sisse Degner
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Patent number: 5993326Abstract: A golf practice device consisting of a series of interlocking tubes (13a through 13d) which are supported and raised by end stands. The end stands consist of an anchor ball (11a and 11b) supported by two supporting legs (10a through 10d). The tubes are connected to each other by pins (14a through 14c) inserted into the ends of the tubes, and to the anchor balls by insertion into a hole in the equator of each anchor ball. The legs are angled toward the device at such an angle that the weight of the anchor ball and of the legs serves to remove any sag from the length of interconnected tubes, and to hold and support the length of tubing straight or in several different curvatures. Hollow balls (12a through 12j) are inserted onto and evenly spaced along the length of interconnected tubes to serve as aids to development of visualization skills. The device is used to practice golf putting and chipping mechanical skills and visualization skills.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1998Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: Visualizer Golf, LLCInventors: Thomas M. Hitchman, Jerald J. Olson
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Patent number: 5938496Abstract: A constructional system provides a plurality of pieces that can be used to assemble an object. The object includes a connector piece having a shaft that includes opposing first and second ends, and a first deformable section including opposing first and second bars extending from the first end of the shaft. A first notch is defined by the first bar and a first shaft edge, and a second notch is defined by the second bar and a second shaft edge, with the first deformable section having a width defined by the opposing first and second bars. The object further includes a first body piece provided with an aperture having a dimension which is substantially smaller than the width of the first deformable section. The opposing first and second bars of the first deformable section of the connector piece are deformed to insert the first deformable section through the aperture to effectuate a connection of the first deformable section with the first body piece at the location of the aperture.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1996Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Assignee: Patent Category Corp.Inventor: Yu Zheng
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Patent number: 5916006Abstract: A flexable foam construction toy set, comprising: a plurality of elongated foam tube toys, each having an elongated foam body, with a flexible wire adhered therein, to allow each foam tube toy to be bent and retain its bent shape; wherein each tube toy is capable of connection to another tube toy by intertwining the tube toys to be interconnected without the need for defined interconnection structures.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1997Date of Patent: June 29, 1999Assignee: HandsOnToys, Inc.Inventor: Arthur M. Ganson
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Patent number: 5853313Abstract: A constructional toy system provides a plurality of pieces that can be used to construct an object. Each piece has at least one section having opposing first and second notches, and a tongue defining a neck between the first and second notches, the tongue having a width and opposing first and second flaps. Each piece further includes at least one aperture having an edge and having a dimension which is substantially smaller than the width of the tongue so that the opposing flaps of the tongue of one of the sections of the instant piece or another piece must be bent to insert the tongue through the aperture to effectuate a connection of the section with the instant piece at the location of the aperture.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1996Date of Patent: December 29, 1998Assignee: Patent Category Corp.Inventor: Yu Zheng
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Patent number: 5846111Abstract: In a construction kit for kites, model gliders, mobiles, or presentation objects or surfaces comprising at least two elastic rod elements and at least one flat flexible material band provided with receiving structures for the rod elements, and strut elements extending between the rod elements, there are provided primary connecting elements for interconnecting rod elements for lenghtening the rod elements and secondary connecting elements for interconnecting the rod elements with the strut elements and with strings.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 1997Date of Patent: December 8, 1998Inventor: Wolfgang Grimsel
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Patent number: 5733168Abstract: A coupling mechanism comprises a rod-shaped object (10) and a coupling head (20, 30) and is adapted to be used in a toy building set containing various building elements with other types of coupling means, e.g. bushings or ball heads. The rod-shaped object (10) has at least one terminal part (12-15) adapted to be releasably engaged with the coupling head (20, 30). The terminal part (12-15) is adapted to be received between two resilient walls (27, 37) on the coupling head (20, 30). The coupling head (20, 30) has secondary coupling means (21, 31) for connection with other parts belonging to the toy building set.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 1996Date of Patent: March 31, 1998Assignee: INTERLEGO AGInventors: Ole Vestergaard Poulsen, J.o slashed.rgen Th.o slashed.gersen
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Patent number: 5580293Abstract: A toy stairway is disclosed which may be used to play with a spring toy and which comprises elongated first and second collapsible side rails in confronting spaced relationship relative to each other, a plurality of rigid steps disposed between the first and second side rails, and means for releasably connecting the plurality of steps to the first and second side rails. Each side rail may be coilable and resilient, or may be foldable and comprised of a plurality of hingedly connected fold sections. The first and second side rails preferably are formed from a single stringer having a first portion and a second portion, the stringer being made of a material to permit the stringer to bend for bringing the second portion in a confronting spaced relationship relative to the first portion to define the first and second side rails. The stringer may be made of a coilable resilient material or of a foldable material comprised of a plurality of hingedly connected fold sections.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1995Date of Patent: December 3, 1996Inventors: Joseph T. Sestak, Anthony H. Lariccia
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Patent number: 5566937Abstract: A takraw ball having a relatively soft, or elastically deformable, surface and conventional rebound characteristics. The takraw ball may be woven from composite strips, one component of which is elastically deformable material and forms the ball surface and the another component of which is a springy material. The elastically deformable material and the springy material are selected to produce a desired rebound characteristic. The strips have a wide variety of shapes and compositions. In an alternative embodiment the springy material component forms the ball surface and the elastically deformable material provides reinforcement for the strip.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1994Date of Patent: October 22, 1996Assignee: Satian Industries Co., Ltd.Inventors: Boonchai Lorhpipat, Boonsakdi Lorpipatana
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Patent number: 5501626Abstract: A polygonal element is provided for forming polyhedral structures, particularly for use as an educational constructional toy. The polygonal element has side margins each comprising an inner edge, an outer edge, first and second projections extending outwardly of the outer edge and a recess defined by the first and second projections. The first projection comprises a pair of spaced limbs unconnected at their outer ends. The side face of the recess defined by an inner limb of the first projection is an abutment face. One of the side faces of the recess opposite the abutment face and the outer side face of the outer of said limbs is provided with a projecting hinge pip and the other with a corresponding hinge socket.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 1995Date of Patent: March 26, 1996Inventor: Edward H. Harvey
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Patent number: 5498190Abstract: A flexible foam construction toy, comprising: an elongated foam body having a central aperture with a first diameter; a flexible wire, with a second diameter approximately equal to the first diameter, .+-.20%, and located along the central aperture of the foam body such that its ends are within a distance no greater than the diameter of the foam body (or the diameter of the largest circle that can be drawn completely within a non-cylindrical foam body) from either end of the foam body; and adhesive between the wire and the foam body for assisting to maintain the wire within the foam body.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1994Date of Patent: March 12, 1996Assignee: HandsOnToys, Inc.Inventor: Arthur M. Ganson
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Patent number: 5491950Abstract: The present invention relates generally to construction and building toys, blocks and the like for children and structurally similar construction and building materials and components for building retaining walls, support structures and lattices, trellises, and enclosed structures and other self supported units comprised of a plurality of individual, modular, high-shear panels, and more particularly, to a plurality of cross members having discrete and individual openings at various and specific locations within the cross members and a plurality of tubular or cylindrical or other cross-sectional shaped lateral members, the lateral members being set into the openings within the cross members such that, upon assembly, modular, high shear strength panels are created.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1994Date of Patent: February 20, 1996Inventor: Joseph Obegi
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Patent number: 5312283Abstract: A set of similar interconnectable flexible toy construction blocks. Each block has three different attachment surfaces. Posts on a top surface connect within rims on a bottom surface for vertical stacking of the blocks. A projection on a front end connects within a complementally shaped receiver on a rear end for horizontal connecting of the blocks. An interior of the projection is complementally shaped to the posts on the top surface, allowing the front end of one block to connect to the top surface of another block. Each block has two directions of flexibility. Horizontal flexibility is provided by dividing the block into separate segments divided by gaps. Each gap is spanned by a thin web. The gaps can change shape when bending forces are applied, causing the block to flex horizontally. Vertical flexibility is provided by hollowing out each segment of the block through one surface, preferably the bottom.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1991Date of Patent: May 17, 1994Inventor: Ronald L. Lyman
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Patent number: 5310376Abstract: A toy that can be assembled by a child. At least one first block element consisting of a rod made of a flexible material including a fitting terminal at one end or opposite ends thereof is provided. The fitting terminal has at least one fitting projection thereon. A second block element has a plurality of fitting holes each adapted to be fitted onto one of the fitting projections. The first block element and the second block element are combined with each other during an assembling operation so as to exhibit a desired three dimensional configuration. Each fitting terminal is provided with a plurality of fitting projections projecting from the outer surface of the fitting terminal so that the fitting projections can be selectively fitted into one of the fitting holes on the second block element. The rod constituting the first block element is composed of a plastically deformable core and a flexible sheath molded of a soft synthetic resin surrounding the core.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 1993Date of Patent: May 10, 1994Assignee: Combi CorporationInventors: Masaki Mayuzumi, Jun Kawahara, Tatsuo Nakamata
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Patent number: 5282767Abstract: A construction toy system comprises straight and curved tube beams and injection molded beams. The beams have joint end in the continuation of the bodies. The joint ends area separated from the bodies by flanges surrounding the edge of the beams. The flanges are created to prevent the beams from pushing through when connected to connectors. The connectors comprise plural cubes with six cylindrical receivers to where the beams are connected, creating structures from the beams. The receivers have an aperture equivalent to the joint ends of the beams and each receiver incorporates an interior surface for holding the joint ends of the beams.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1993Date of Patent: February 1, 1994Inventor: John A. Gelardi
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Patent number: 5174757Abstract: An interactive sculptural composition comprising a support member and at least one design member matingly attached thereto. The support member defines a plurality of parallel channels and possesses a multiplicity of projections arranged into rows parallel to the channels with at least one row of projections being present between each adjacent channel. The design member is matingly attached to the support member by either: (1) inserting at least one of the projections of the support member through a hole in the design member or (2) inserting a first edge of the design member into a first channel of the support member and inserting a second edge of the design member into a second, adjacent channel of the support member.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1990Date of Patent: December 29, 1992Assignee: Delaware Art MuseumInventor: Lial A. Jones
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Patent number: 5049105Abstract: An improved connector element is disclosed, for use in toy construction sets. The connector is of injection molded construction, using a minimum weight of plastic material and designed for high speed, high volume production as extremely low cost. The connector includes lugs arranged to be received within tubular structural elements, for example plastic straws. The lugs have a full-length, longitudinal slot recess defining opposed lug portions normally slightly larger at the outer and inner end extremities than the interior of the structural elements. The slot recess is wider in the center portions then at either end. An integral compression post extends between the opposed lug portions in the region of the wider portions of the slot recess, so that only the outer portions of the lugs deflect inwardly when inserted into a tubular structural element. The body of the connector is formed of a central tubular hub surrounded by a thin walled flange which mounts the lugs.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1990Date of Patent: September 17, 1991Assignee: Magic Mold CorporationInventor: Joel I. Glickman
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Patent number: 4813674Abstract: Disclosed herein is a takraw ball comprising hoops woven into a spherical basket, each hoop being formed of an elongate, generally flat strip of plastics material, each strip having one convex side edge of constant radius and the other side edge of sinusoidal undulating profile and being joined by its ends to form a frusto-conical hoop; pairs of hoops being arranged with the strip convex side edges opposed in a common plane or in parallel planes and the sinusoidal side edges relatively staggered so that interwoven hoops intersect at the troughs of sinusoidal side edges.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1987Date of Patent: March 21, 1989Inventor: Boonchai Lorhpipat
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Patent number: 4775350Abstract: A toy construction kit is provided which includes, as basic building elements, a plurality of tubular elements having transverse throughbores routinely spaced along their length and routinely spaced about their periphery at relative displacements of 30, 45, 60 and 90 degrees. Rod-like elements are also provided for insertion through the transverse bores and may be secured therethrough by bolts screwed into threaded recesses in the ends of the rods. Deformable circular planar connectors are provided to which the rods may be joined through the use of the bolts. A connector has a plurality of flanges or ears about its periphery each of which has a circular opening for permissive joinder of the rods thereto. The rods may eminate from the connector at various angles to thus enable the construction of various geometric forms.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1983Date of Patent: October 4, 1988Inventors: Roy M. Short, Nelson L. Chase
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Patent number: 4775349Abstract: A toy construction kit is provided which includes, as basic building elements, a plurality of tubular elements having transverse throughbores routinely spaced along their length and routinely spaced about their periphery at relative displacements of 30, 45, 60 and 90 degrees. Rod-like elements are also provided for insertion though the transverse bores and may be secured therethrough by bolts screwed into threaded recesses in the ends of the rods. Deformable rectilinear planar connectors are provided to which the rods may be joined through the use of the bolts. The connector has a circular opening at each end and at its center for permissive joinder of the rods thereto. The rods may eminate from the connector at various angles to thus enable the construction of various geometric forms. Tubular elements are also provided for insertion into the ends of the basic tubular elements to thus join two of those elements into an unitary member; rods are bolted through the assembly to secure the joint.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1983Date of Patent: October 4, 1988Inventors: Roy M. Short, Nelson L. Chase
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Patent number: 4731962Abstract: A compression-tension unit for use in a tensile-integrity structure wherein end portions of an elastic cord are passed through slots in the opposite ends of a strut with a stretched intermediate cord portion therebetween, and opposite tips of the cord are held in lateral holes in the strut end portions adjacent the slots, there being a choice of such lateral holes spaced longitudinally apart at each strut end portion so that the degree of stretch in the intermediate cord portion can be varied.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1986Date of Patent: March 22, 1988Assignee: Tensegrity Systems CorporationInventors: Cary Kittner, Stuart R. Quimby
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Patent number: 4674432Abstract: A collapsible barricade comprising a rigid cross-member coupled by an elastic joint to at least one pair of rigid legs. The elastic joint is developed by a flexible, elastic, resilient connecting member which is attached at one end to the cross-member and at the other end to the rigid leg in a manner such that the formed elastic joint is capable of stretching under stress to allow the pair of legs and attached cross-member to deform from a sturdy configuration when subjected to an impact by a vehicle or other moving object. The collapsible barricade can then be restored to its sturdy condition by merely repositioning or reattaching the connecting members to the respective legs and cross-member and by repositioning the deformed structure to its original configuration.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1984Date of Patent: June 23, 1987Assignee: Carsonite International CorporationInventor: Donald W. Schmanski
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Patent number: 4579538Abstract: A construction toy utilizes a plurality of tubular elements which are connectable to each other or are connectable to one or more hollow members. Each of the tubular elements has a first skirt on one end and a second skirt on its opposite end which are of the same size and are utilized to attach the elements to the hollow members. Further, attaching to one of the skirts on one of the ends is a smaller skirt which allows the smaller skirt to be attached to one of the skirts on a further of the tubular elements so as to connect two tubular elements together. The tubular elements have a plurality of convolutions which allow them to be expanded or contracted so as to lengthen or foreshorten the tubular elements as well as allowing the tubular elements to bend during the construction of structures with the components of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1984Date of Patent: April 1, 1986Assignee: Tomy Kogyo Co. Inc.Inventors: Sidney Bass, Yoshizo Seki
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Patent number: 4547160Abstract: An educational and building toy including a set of blocks of different lengths, having spaced-apart holes the number of which is determined by the proportional length of the block relative to a unit length. A plurality of discs and wafers are also provided, having holes and also indicia opposed thereon for the arithmetical operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, and the cardinal numerals from one to ten, respectively. A plurality of flexible rods having axially-extending and circumferentially spaced ridges are provided. The peaks of the ridges define an outer diameter slightly larger than the diameter of holes in the blocks, discs and wafers, whereby a friction fit is obtained between the rods and perforated pieces to build different objects. The discs have a peripheral flange and a hub. The flange of some of the discs has inner gear teeth for meshing with the rod ridges. The hub hole of some of the discs have indentations for making a spline connection with the rod ridges.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1984Date of Patent: October 15, 1985Inventor: Richard Labelle
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Patent number: RE34128Abstract: Disclosed herein is a takraw ball comprising hoops woven into a spherical basket, each hoop being formed of an elongate, generally flat strip of plastics material, each strip having one convex side edge of constant radius and the other side edge of sinusoidal undulating profile and being joined by its ends to form a frustoconical hoop; pairs of hoops being arranged with the strip convex side edges opposed in a common plane or in parallel planes and the sinusoidal side edges relatively staggered so that interwoven hoops intersect at the troughs of sinusoidal side edges.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 1991Date of Patent: November 17, 1992Inventor: Boonchai Lorhpipat