Abstract: An object having a plurality of negative curvatures comprising a plurality of planar sections adjoined together by locking segments.

Abstract: There is disclosed a transformative display that, in a first configuration, appears as a first scene. A mechanism is provided to cause elements of the display to move from the first configuration to a second configuration, displaying a second, different scene. The elements are in the form of panels that fit into recesses in a platform in the first configuration. These panels may include features that extend above the surface of the platform to form other elements of the first scene. When the display moves to the second configuration, the panels swing upward from the platform, creating elements of the second scene. In the second configuration, features extending from the panels meet to other elements of the second scene.

Abstract: A structural element is formed of at least one foldable blank. The structural element has side walls, at least one partition that extends between at least two of the side walls and at least one pair of flaps, each of the flaps in the pair of flaps being formed by an edge part of the foldable blank bent inwards the structural element. The flaps in each pair are adjacent to each other and coupled with the partition by notches. The partition is located in a plane which is not parallel to planes of the sidewalls.

Abstract: A panel and a system for use in building a lightweight structure are provided. The panel, made of a film or a sheet capable of being curved or bent with fingers, includes a body in a geometric shape circumscribed by straight or curved edges, and at least one joint formation along the edge for panel connection. The joint formation has tabs separated by at least one gap. Each tab expands bilaterally and proximally from the body at its base, and each gap is positioned along the edge so as to accept the base of the tab. The joint formations along the edges of varied curvatures are alignedly, hingedly, and detachably interlocked with each other by twisting the panels with fingers to individually hook the tab at the gap. The panels are assembled into geometric structures having flat or curved faces.

Abstract: A wall for a basic furniture structure, having a panel-like core, which is arranged between two laterally positioned cover layers. The core has a recess extending at least along part of an end side of the wall and serves for accommodating a fitting, which guides a movable furniture part. The core has two core halves, which are located one upon the other by way of their side surfaces located opposite the respective cover layer and have recesses which supplement one another to form the recess.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a stand-alone pop up assembly and method for making the same is provided comprising a plurality of wall panels connected with an internal base. A roof structure is provided and a roof interface component for attaching the roof to the structure. The assembly is moveable between a first position being substantially flat into a one dimensional structure and a second position enfolded into a three dimensional structure by manipulating the outer structure and the internal base. The roof interface component may swivel into place during the movement to the three dimensional structure, thereby positioning the roof structure over the upper portions of the first and second panel walls or, alternatively, a sliding feature is provided with a tab from the roof inserted into a slot at the top of one of the panel walls, thereby sliding the roof into position.

Abstract: A wall component for receiving associated alignment clips is illustrated and described. The wall component comprises a molding strip, an array of mounting studs, and a molding frame that is inserted between a pair of wall panels. More specifically, the mounting studs are affixed to an inner surface of the molding strip and inserted through the wall panel where they are secured to the molding frame. A gap is formed between the inner surface of the molding strip and an outer surface of the wall panel for receiving associated alignment clips. The alignment clips are releasably secured to the wall component by interlocking with the mounting studs in the clip receiving gap and/or wedging the gap. The alignment clips may be affixed along an abutment edge of the wall segment or to associated model pieces. Model pieces may also be laterally slidable with respect to their associated alignment clips.

Abstract: A blank plate has flange portions capable of performing hinge movement around a direction of a shorter side. A blank plate has flange portions capable of performing hinge movement at positions different from the hinge positions of the flange portions, and a side of the blank plate is connected to the flange portions so as to be capable of performing hinge movement. A blank plate has flange portions capable of performing hinge movement at positions different from the hinge positions of the flange portions, and a side of the blank plate is connected to the flange portions so as to be capable of performing hinge movement. First lock mechanisms fix the blank plate and the blank plate perpendicularly to each other. Second lock mechanisms fix the blank plate and the blank plate perpendicularly to each other.

Abstract: A kit for creating a folded block structure comprises a set of blanks to create different shaped folded blocks without the need to use adhesive or cutting tools. Each blank includes sides, the sides having edges, the edges comprising side edges, tab edges and flap edges. The sides are joined to one another along adjacent side edges. Folds lines are at the side edges. The tab extends from each of the tab edges. Tab fold lines are at the tab edges. A flap extends from each of the flap edges. Flap fold lines are at the flap edges. A tab slit at or near each of the flap folds lines is configured for receipt of corresponding ones of the tabs. Notches may be formed at the ends of the tabs. Adhesive elements can be used to adhere folded blocks to one another to create a folded block structure.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment of this invention, corrugated board is folded into a building system. The building system comprises a plurality of blocks and connectors. The blocks are rectangular cuboid in shape. The bottom and top sides of the blocks have rectangular arrays of holes. The blocks may be releasably connected by aligning the top holes of one block with the bottom holes of another block, and then inserting connectors into the aligned pairs of holes, one connector per aligned paid of holes. The ends of the connectors that are inserted are circular or equiangular polygonal in shape. In some embodiments, compression is used to releasably hold the connectors in place.

Abstract: A portable shelter made from two corrugated plastic sheets. Each sheet has score lines that define a floor panel, two wall panels, and two roof panels. The two sheets are overlapped, and the panels are bent along the score lines to form the walls and roof. Each panel is secured to the adjacent panel with tabs and seam members to form standing seams that are secured by fasteners. An opening in the roof provides ventilation, while a cap over the opening blocks precipitation from entering. The entire structure is secured in place with stakes that are inserted through the floor into the ground. Solar panels can be affixed to the shelter to provide electrical power.

Abstract: A system of interlocking building blocks includes one or more building blocks having a generally right triangular planform, a generally rectangular elevation form, and a periphery generally defined by respective generally rectangular side panels. Each building block has alternating male and female fastener elements arrayed generally around the periphery. The male fastener elements on opposed edges of the same generally rectangular side panel are offset generally diagonally from one another. Each male fastener element is aligned generally normally with a female fastener element on an opposed edge of the same generally rectangular side panel. The building blocks may be formed by folding single flat sheets, and may be made from cardboard, plastic, metal or other conventional materials. Each building block may be coated or filled with structurally reinforcing or insulative material.

Abstract: An assembling block includes block plates having square and equilateral triangular plan shapes, respectively, and a joint for connecting the block plates together. Each of the block plates includes seat portions provided along the respective sides of the block plate, and retaining pieces extending from the center of the block plate to the outer edge thereof and spaced from the seat portions in the thickness direction. The joint comprises a plate member made of a flexible and bendable material, whereby when the joint is inserted between two of the seat portions and one of the retaining pieces of each block plate, the joint engages the seat portions with engaging protrusions formed on the seat portions fitted in engaging holes formed in the joint, thereby coupling the block plates together.

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.

Abstract: A flooring device is disclosed for positioning on joists for allowing easy maneuvering on floor joists in an attic. The flooring device includes a plurality of substantially rigid panels arranged adjacent to each other in a series. The invention also includes a connecting mechanism located at a juncture between each of the panels in the series for connecting each panel to an adjacent panel. The connecting mechanism permits adjacent panels of the series to pivot about a pivot axis with respect to each other, with the pivot axis of the mechanism at one juncture of the series being positioned adjacent to the top sides of the panel adjacent to the juncture and the pivot axis of the mechanism at an adjacent juncture being positioned adjacent to the bottom side of the panels adjacent to the juncture such that the series of panels are foldable in accordion fashion between collapsed and extended conditions.

Abstract: A three dimensional model comprising a substantially planar base mounting member having opposite top and bottom surfaces; a first building structure adapted to be mounted on a portion of said top surface of said base mounting member, said at least one building structure assembled from a piece of foldable, self-supporting sheet material, said piece of foldable, self-supporting sheet material having fold lines thereon, and when folded along said fold lines forms said building structure; and a second building structure adapted to be mounted on a portion of said top surface of said base mounting member, said at least one building structure assembled from a piece of foldable, self-supporting sheet material, said piece of foldable, self-supporting sheet material having fold lines thereon, and when folded along said fold lines forms said second building structure.

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 toy construction element having a square body where the square body is composed of four triangular sections. Attached to two of the sections are triangular shaped side arms. Sections having side arms attached are indented as compared to the other two sections by an amount equal to one side arm thickness. These toy construction elements are connected by snaps. Snaps are centrally located on the side arms with the complementary snap housings centrally located on raised body sections. A linear hinge separates side arms from the body. Hinges separate sections of the body.

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 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: 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. At least two toothed wheel members are respectively and rotatably mounted on said panels, and mesh with each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a versatile construction kit which can be used to easily form models of virtually any conceivable person, place or thing including a variety of vehicles, buildings, people, animals, weapons, machinery, caricatures, objects and the like. The construction kit comprises plural connectors which are connectable by a tongue-and-slot mechanism and optionally also by way of interconnectable notches by which they can be perpendicularly and detachably interconnected. The universal connectors are so versatile they can form virtually any geometric, regular, irregular, asymmetric, or symmetric configuration. They can be used to form a model of any known or imagined object. Generally, the width of the notches and of the slots of the connectors substantially approximates the thickness of the connectors.

Abstract: A set of interlocking elements capable of being joined together to form a corner piece of a puzzle game that constitutes a three-dimensional pictorial representation of a structure. In one embodiment, the set of interlocking elements comprises a first element that can be folded into a corner configuration. A second generally planar element interlocks through a dovetail-type joint with the first element to maintain the first element in a folded, corner-like configuration. The first and the second elements are provided with image-bearing surfaces that constitute individual pictorial entities contributing to a complete representation of the structure. When the first and the second elements are interlocked, the image-bearing surfaces unite visually to provide image continuity over the exposed surface of the corner piece. In a second embodiment, the set of interlocking element includes three discrete planar elements that unite through male/female joints into a T-shaped configuration.

Abstract: A modular building model is provided. The modular building model includes a base and a lower level module disposed on and engaged with the base. An upper level module is disposed on and engaged with the lower level module. The base includes a releasable securing mechanism that secured the upper level module to the lower level module. The releasable securing mechanism permits easy assembly and disassembly of the model for travelling and storage purposes, and variation of mold buildings.

Abstract: A toy construction kit which includes a structural element or connector having a centre panel and two or more rectangular side panels connected to the centre panel. The side panels are folded to form sleeve members of triangular cross section which are insertable in, and frictionally engaged in a hollow structural member of triangular cross section. The structural members and connectors are fabricated of corrugated cardboard so that the construction kit is safe light-weight and disposable.

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.

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

Abstract: A geometric construction set is described having a number of blanks where each blank includes four contiguous triangular sections. The two outer triangular sections each have two edges at the peripheral edge of the blank and the remaining two inner triangular sections having only one edge at the peripheral edge of the blank. Each outer triangular section has a connector that is mateable with a connector on each of the inner triangular sections. The blanks are designed to facially interconnect with other matching blanks allowing the construction of a large variety of triangular polyhedra.

Abstract: A doll's house comprises a plurality of separable components including walls, a floor, a roof, and internal dividing partitions, each component being separable from the other components, and foldable into a collapsed configuration. Two of the components form the base and top of an elongate rectangular box and the other components, when collapsed, are sufficiently compact to fit within the box. The floor forms the base of the box and has upstanding flanges around its periphery and the walls, when in their erected condition are being located inside of the upstanding flange and are held there. The roof comprises a pitched part which is collapsible into a flat form, and a lid adapted to locate over and support the upper edge of the walls when in their erected condition. The lid has a downwardly extending flange which extends around the upper edges of the walls when in their erected condition.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a foldable, collapsible doll house having a first foldable frame section, a second foldable section forming a partitioned attic, and a third foldable roof section. The three foldable sections are fastened together in such a manner as to provide a model doll house which is easily constructed or taken apart.

Abstract: Various toy building blocks, various connecting members and a variety of panels which combine to form a unique system for the creative enjoyment of children of all ages. Various patterns for the blocks would be formed out of a substantially flat semi-rigid material having a uniform thickness. These patterns would be folded by the end user, using fold lines incorporated into the patterns, so as to form blocks. These would include the basic cube and longer blocks that would be some multiple of the basic cube. Also included would be five sided blocks which are one half the size of a basic cube. All of the blocks would have slots at uniformly spaced points which would allow the insertion of connecting pieces which would be formed of a resilient, and therefore slightly compressible, material. These connectors would be slightly thicker than the width of the slots. This would allow for a tight fit which, based on friction, would hold the various blocks together.

Abstract: A toy block comprising:sheet material folded to form a toy block having a plurality of planar surfaces.a plurality of holes formed on at least one of the planar surfaces; anda plurality of protrusions removably retained by the folded sheet material and extending outwardly from at least one of the planar surfaces,whereby the protrusions of one block are arranged for selectable and removable interlocking interengagement with the holes of another block.

Abstract: A cube junction connector comprises six cylindrical receivers which extend from the cube and into which bottle caps can be inserted and locked. The cube is constructed from a flat cruciform blank with living hinges between square panels, comprising the cylindrical receivers. The panels are folded into a cube and locked together using male snaps interfitted with female snap receivers. A flange circumventting the edge of the cylinder, acting as a lock, holds and secures the bottom of the bottle cap in the cylinder. Rivets comprise two male snap members secured to one another at a base, and may be divided into two parts to allow for flexibility. The rivets are used in preformed openings in the bases of the bottles and secure one bottle base to another bottle base. Plastic bottles are joined together as building elements for structures.

Abstract: A polygonal toy construction element is described having a substantially flat body portion with edge faces and top and bottom faces. Each edge face has a plurality of outwardly projecting integrally formed connectors adapted to connect with corresponding projecting connectors of an edge face of another construction element in a snap-together lateral interlock between adjacent elements while permitting hinging action between connected element on an axis parallel to connected edge faces. According to the novel feature of the invention, the polygonal construction element has at least one line of reduced thickness extending across the element between at least two apices of the polygon to form a living hinge which separates the element into at least two face portions joined by a living hinge and at least one edge face. This has the advantage of making possible a greatly increased variety of constructions while using only one modular edge length.

Abstract: A toy construction set having a plurality of generally planar geometrically configured unitary multi-sided construction elements, with each side having a tab connected thereto with living hinges, each tab including an aligned pair of connectors, each connector including a generally cup-shaped protuberance, the exterior forming a male connector or pin and the interior forming a female connector or well. Adjacent connectors on a given tab are inverted relative to one another. A shaft member is provided with one end having a pin and the other end having a wall. A wheel carrying member is provided with horseshoe-shaped clip portions for engaging the periphery of the shaft member.

Abstract: Modular structural elements found by cutting, scoring and folding multiple layer corrugated paperboard sheets which can be used singly and in combination in the construction of a building structure.

Abstract: A multilateral modular structure having fastening devices for connection to similar structures, the fastening devices including the module member having surfaces terminating in edges, a tab extending outwardly from an edge of and being offset from said member, the tab being connected to the member by a hinge integral with the member and the tab, the tab having one surface extending outwardly from said edge alignable with one surface of the member, the tab having an opposite surface to its said one surface unaligned with a surface of the member, and a connecting pin adjacent said edge from which the tab extends, the pin extending and supported from said one surface of the member, said opposite surface of said tab being transversely alignable with said pin, said tab having an opening therethrough, said opening having an axis generally parallel to the axis of the pin.