Including Longitudinally Flexed Rod Or Strips Patents (Class 446/107)
  • Patent number: 11014015
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Inventor: Joseph Farco
  • Patent number: 10953340
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Mattel-MEGA Holdings (US), LLC
    Inventors: Louis-Philippe Beaulieu, Muryllo Cardoso Figueiredo De Matos
  • Patent number: 10857476
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: BODAK BLOCKS LIMITED
    Inventors: Yeung Wong, Tang Chan
  • Patent number: 10787835
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Beach House Group Limited
    Inventors: Lance Kalish, Pj Brice, Sachin Harneja, Ido Leffler
  • Patent number: 9861387
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Metzger, Keith R. Berend, Michael E. Berend, Adolph V. Lombardi, Lance D. Perry, Ryan J. Schoenefeld
  • Patent number: 9260828
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Emergency Signalization RH inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Houle, Gérald Juneau, Michel Juneau, André Villemaire
  • Patent number: 8961257
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Fibre-Craft Materials Corp.
    Inventor: Kiva Connor
  • Publication number: 20140065922
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Barbara A. Smith
  • Patent number: 8636521
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Francisco Pacheco
  • Patent number: 8632375
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: Sean Mertes
  • Patent number: 8025549
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Yong-Jae Kim
  • Patent number: 7934971
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Innovation First, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Mimlitch, III, David A. Norman
  • Patent number: 7789727
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventors: Mark J. Chernick, Webb T. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7419325
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Inventor: Jean Rantrua
  • Patent number: 7374468
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Greene Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Flodin, Albert W. Seifert
  • Patent number: 7311579
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Koto Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Taki
  • Patent number: 6739937
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Snelson
  • Patent number: 6672931
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Jim Bagley
  • Patent number: 6461215
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Interlego AG
    Inventors: Philippe Kunz, Heinz Looser, Sten Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6402581
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Graciela Carmen Abuin
    Inventor: Ricardo Hugo Podgaiz
  • Publication number: 20020065017
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventor: Te-Li Huang
  • Patent number: 6241572
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Leonid Braginsky
  • Patent number: 6142848
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Geo Australia Pty. Limited
    Inventors: Peter Madner, John Rex Langford
  • Patent number: 6116981
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 6000984
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: INTERLEGO AG
    Inventor: Vicki Sisse Degner
  • Patent number: 5993326
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Visualizer Golf, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas M. Hitchman, Jerald J. Olson
  • Patent number: 5938496
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 5916006
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: HandsOnToys, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur M. Ganson
  • Patent number: 5853313
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 5846111
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventor: Wolfgang Grimsel
  • Patent number: 5733168
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: INTERLEGO AG
    Inventors: Ole Vestergaard Poulsen, J.o slashed.rgen Th.o slashed.gersen
  • Patent number: 5580293
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventors: Joseph T. Sestak, Anthony H. Lariccia
  • Patent number: 5566937
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Satian Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Boonchai Lorhpipat, Boonsakdi Lorpipatana
  • Patent number: 5501626
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Inventor: Edward H. Harvey
  • Patent number: 5498190
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: HandsOnToys, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur M. Ganson
  • Patent number: 5491950
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Inventor: Joseph Obegi
  • Patent number: 5312283
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Inventor: Ronald L. Lyman
  • Patent number: 5310376
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Combi Corporation
    Inventors: Masaki Mayuzumi, Jun Kawahara, Tatsuo Nakamata
  • Patent number: 5282767
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Inventor: John A. Gelardi
  • Patent number: 5174757
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: Delaware Art Museum
    Inventor: Lial A. Jones
  • Patent number: 5049105
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Magic Mold Corporation
    Inventor: Joel I. Glickman
  • Patent number: 4813674
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Inventor: Boonchai Lorhpipat
  • Patent number: 4775349
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1988
    Inventors: Roy M. Short, Nelson L. Chase
  • Patent number: 4775350
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1988
    Inventors: Roy M. Short, Nelson L. Chase
  • Patent number: 4731962
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Assignee: Tensegrity Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Cary Kittner, Stuart R. Quimby
  • Patent number: 4674432
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Assignee: Carsonite International Corporation
    Inventor: Donald W. Schmanski
  • Patent number: 4579538
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1986
    Assignee: Tomy Kogyo Co. Inc.
    Inventors: Sidney Bass, Yoshizo Seki
  • Patent number: 4547160
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1985
    Inventor: Richard Labelle
  • Patent number: RE34128
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Inventor: Boonchai Lorhpipat