Interfitting Elements Patents (Class 446/124)
  • Patent number: 12138561
    Abstract: A modular hinge and clip system that enhances a child's play and creates the ability to construct and build from the child's imagination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Inventor: Robert Schott
  • Patent number: 12102067
    Abstract: A system for stabilizing soil for accretion and retention of coastal water soil is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of artificial reef segments, where each segments comprises a homogenous curved frame structure, a plurality of openings extending through the homogenous curved frame structure, a plurality of frame segments, and a plurality of cutouts disposed along a terminating end of each artificial reef segment. In one embodiment, an artificial reef configuration is disclosed having a first reef segment arranged on top of a second reef segment and a third reef segment in such a way that the cutouts of the first reef segment receive at least one of the plurality of frame segments of the second reef segment and the third reef segment. Furthermore, a transport configuration includes a first reef segment stacked on top of a second reef segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Inventors: Keith Richardson, Nicholas Andre Bourdon
  • Patent number: 12097446
    Abstract: A toy, game, and/or puzzle building system may comprise variously shaped connectors that are operatively attachable to other connectors or rods. The connectors may include a receiving portion adapted to receive a rod and may connect two, three, four, five, etc. rods in various angles and orientations. The connectors may include a receiving portion adapted to receive another connector. Multiple rods may be connected in 2-D and 3-D configurations and orientations. Both the rods and connectors may be provided in a variety of lengths, shapes, colors, and sizes. Additionally, the connectors may be used with any existing items, such as a plastic or wooden toothpick, straw, stirrer, and the like, that may fit within the receiving portions of the connectors. The toy picks building system may be built into a particular shape, item, vehicle, animal, person, building, scene, or landscape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2024
    Assignee: ATWOOD ROPE MFG
    Inventor: Curtis Dale Atwood
  • Patent number: 12053669
    Abstract: A multi-purpose exercise device has first and second hemispherical bodies each having a planar, circular face and a hemispherical dome extending from the face, and having a bore extending through the body. A rod is configured to be received within the bore of each body and the bodies have a configuration forming a spherical assembly wherein the rod extends through the bore of each body forming an axle. Handles connect to the rod on opposing sides of the spherical assembly, and are operable to receive a substantial downward force thereon. The handles prevent axial movement of each body relative to the rod. The spherical assembly is operable to roll on a floor surface with a substantial downward force applied to the handles. The bodies have a disassembled configuration, wherein the rod is removed from the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Inventor: Thomas P. Holland
  • Patent number: 12042746
    Abstract: Provided is a toy building system. The toy building system may comprise one or more of interconnecting tiles, flat tiles, arcs, line reactors, clips, tracks, rotatable tracks, split tracks, launchers and other pieces that are adaptable to connect in a multitude of configurations and may be set up in sequence to create a chain reaction of falling as in dominos. Various types of tiles or “falling units” may be utilized, including line reactors, arcs, or tiles having a multitude of different mating components and orientations including an interconnecting orientation and a flat orientation. The domino tile may further connect to other pieces of the toy building system including an arc or a rapid track builders including a track and a clip. The tiles, independently set up, as a part of the arc, or as a part of the rapid track and/or line reactors may be positioned so as to create a domino effect when a force is applied thereto, such as a force applied by a launcher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: ATWOOD ROPE MFG
    Inventor: Curtis Dale Atwood, III
  • Patent number: 12016279
    Abstract: A connector assembly for a plant support structure comprising of a hub, a compressible sleeve and a second piece engaged with the hub is disclosed. The hub contains a pass through hole at the center to allow passage of a support member. It also contains receptacles perpendicular to the axis of the central pass through hole to receive the cross members of the plant support structure. The reversible engagement features utilized to secure hub to the second piece allow vertical repositioning of the cross members supporting multiple plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Inventors: Jayant K Roplekar, Srujan J Roplekar
  • Patent number: 11992785
    Abstract: A construction set includes one or more hubs and a plurality of tubular struts. Some of the hubs include a central aperture to receive a length of a tubular strut. Some of the hubs include one or more strut coupler prongs arranged radially about the central aperture. Some of the hubs include a central slot adapted to receive a portion of another hub such that the connected hubs are secured at right angles relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Inventor: Nathaniel Ross Bernklau
  • Patent number: 11986742
    Abstract: An object manipulation system comprising a storage device and a plurality of objects, which are configured to be placed within the storage device and separately taken from the storage device. The object manipulation system helps stimulate cognitive abilities of a user and provide quality of life moments without the need for supervision by allowing the user to arrange the items according to one or more arranging cues. The object manipulation system also helps stimulate blood flow of the hands and arms of the user and provides the added stimulating benefits of exercise and flexibility by enabling the user to bend and manipulate one or more manipulative devices of the system. Particularly, in some embodiments, the plurality of objects are bendable and are able to be bent and manipulated as the objects are taken from the storage device and arranged according to the one or more arranging cues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Geri-Gadgets, Ltd.
    Inventor: Angela L. Fairhurst
  • Patent number: 11944068
    Abstract: A dog toy comprises a first component having a body that defines a cavity, the body having an opening into the cavity. The dog toy also comprises a second component having a body comprising a first protrusion and a second protrusion. Each of the first protrusion and the second protrusion is selectively insertable into the first component opening in a manner where it remains within the opening to close the opening and is removable from the first component opening when a separation force is applied. The separation force for the first protrusion is different than the separation force for the second protrusion. A treat can be inserted into the first component cavity, the first component cavity can be closed by insertion of the first protrusion or second protrusion into the first component opening, and a dog can gain access to the treat by separating the first component and the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Inventor: Geoffrey Boileau
  • Patent number: 11920340
    Abstract: The Invention is a series of blocks and block areas with interfaces and dimensions that enable them to be assembled into a wide range of useful 3D objects. The blocks, poles, spheres, and their interfaces can build a wide range of useful constructions in the manner similar to how an alphabet describes a wealth of human experience. With knobs, screws, hooks, snaps, magnetic interfaces and combinations of these interfaces, the pieces of the Invention pull themselves together with the strength needed in a particular circumstance. They can also be easily disassembled to form new constructions as needed. The blocks, and their interfaces, are modular and they can in turn build modular objects and constructions, like modular homes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Inventor: Jonathan Hendrik Van Ee
  • Patent number: 11851867
    Abstract: A rectanguloid shape six-walled thermoplastic box for receiving and dispersing stormwater, when part of an array of like boxes that is buried in media, has interior bracing in the form of an irregular polyhedron structure comprised of up to six hollow pyramids. The truncated apexes of the pyramids meet near the center of the box. The base of each hollow pyramid is contact with, attached to, or integral with a wall at the location of an opening within which is a grate. A box may be injection molded as a single piece molding with living hinges. Alternatively, the pyramidal polyhedron structure may be formed as a separate element and placed within the walls of a box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Holbrook, Adam Miller
  • Patent number: 11850532
    Abstract: A stack and nest toy is provided. The toy includes a plurality tube sections that each comprise a scaled variant of a matching shape such that a first of the plurality of tube sections is scaled to nest around a second of the plurality of tube sections. The second of the plurality of tube sections is scaled such that a respective outer surface of a bottom portion thereof is configured to interlock with a respective inner surface of a top portion of the first of the plurality of tube sections and, when the first of the plurality of tube sections is interlocked with the second one of the plurality of tube sections, an orientation of the first of the plurality of tube sections is rotationally different from an orientation of the second of the plurality of tube sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: TOMY International, Inc.
    Inventor: Gal Simchoni
  • Patent number: 11788272
    Abstract: The StaxMax Smooth Cube is a puzzle that can assemble secure structures with flat surfaces without tools. It is a puzzle, the purpose of which is to disassemble the cube and assemble it together with other cubes into smooth structures. The Invention does this with a skeletal piece into which other panel pieces are assembled to form a smooth flat cube. The assembled smooth flat cube is locked shut with a snapping mechanism inside the cube that is activated with a magnet through the firm outer flat surface of the cube. The smooth cubes are unlocked and disassembled with the magnets of other smooth cubes. The panel pieces that snap into the backbone piece to form a smooth flat cube also serve to secure the flat cube to other flat cubes when they are disassembled and assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Inventor: Jonathan Hendrik Van Ee
  • Patent number: 11761206
    Abstract: The Invention is a panel of modular pieces that can be assembled into a series of different useful objects that include a chair, table, wall, car chassis and a series of additional items that efficiently accomplish desired outcomes without the need for tools, nails or significant additional pieces. One side of the panel is fully flat to allow for smooth outward facing surfaces on constructions, while the other side has holes that can be used to affix knobs, secure the panels to each other to secure them in a manner that accomplishes a useful purpose with modular poles, snaps, hinges and bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Inventor: Jonathan Hendrik Van Ee
  • Patent number: 11745115
    Abstract: A building blocks that can be easily assembled or disassembled, comprising a building block main body. Each side of the building block main body is configured with a connecting structure. A plurality of building block main bodies is joined together through the connecting structures. The connecting structure comprises a connecting seat and a connecting rod. The connecting seat has an open connecting slot. The inner walls on the two sides of the open connecting slot are both formed with positioning bumps. The two sides of the connecting rod are respectively configured with a first and a second positioning slot. The two sides of the connecting rod are further configured with a first and a second guide slot that are respectively communicated to the first and the second positioning slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Dongguan Jiuchang Intelligent Technology Co., LTD
    Inventors: Jinhua Chen, Zebing Huang
  • Patent number: 11726942
    Abstract: Disclosed are a module assembly and a multi-master communication method thereof, and more particularly, a module assembly including a plurality of modules capable of transmitting/receiving data by forming an open drain based one-wire communication bus upon mutual combination, in which at least one module requiring the data transmission among the plurality of modules performs first declaration for a transmission intention by outputting a low signal within a predetermined first arbitration time when at least one module is in an on state by sensing the one-wire communication bus state, at least one module performing the first declaration for the transmission intention performs second declaration for the transmission intention by outputting a high signal within a second arbitration time, and a module which outputs the high signal last within the second arbitration time secures final bus occupation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: LUXROBO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Gibag Yi, Seungbae Son
  • Patent number: 11592047
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a straightly assembled block comprising engaging assembly means configured in male and female types, first ends of which can be coupled to each other, such that male and female piece blocks can be assembled by connecting the same to each other straightly, and the engaging assembly means are improved such that wear is prevented in spite of repeated separation/coupling, thereby maintaining continuous assembly power. To this end, the male and female piece blocks have engaging assembly means, first ends of which protrude in arc shapes, and the second ends of which are coupled to each other. Alternatively, connecting blocks have engaging assembly means formed on both ends thereof in different types. The engaging assembly means formed on the piece blocks or on the connecting blocks comprise a recessed portion and a protruding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: IRINGO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: In-Deok Heo
  • Patent number: 11590431
    Abstract: A base plate for supporting a plurality of interlocking building bricks includes a planar sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface, with a plurality of nodes projecting from the top surface. The plurality of nodes includes a node having a vertical cylindrical wall and a horizontal top wall, the vertical cylindrical wall tapering along its vertical height; the node also having a bevel extending around a circumference of the node at an edge where the vertical cylindrical wall transitions to the horizontal top wall. A method of assembling a composite base plate includes securing two component base plates to one another via a common backing material. A method of printing on a base plate includes applying ultraviolet ink to at least the top surface of the base plate from an ultraviolet light printer, the base plate having a plurality of studs or nodes projecting from the top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: SLAB DREAM LAB, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Lyle Thompson
  • Patent number: 11413553
    Abstract: A kit of structural parts connected by magnets is provided for the assembly of various architectural and structural models that simulate the behavior of cable structures, to understand different structural concepts. The kit includes an instruction manual, plates and other structural parts that facilitate the learning of the concepts through tactile and visual methods. Experimenting with various models allows a user to learn about the behavior of the structures. The structural parts include i) metal cables formed by multiple spherical and hollow elements connected to each other by rods with limiters; ii) cable clip elements with upper openings to receive the spherical elements; (iii) cable connecting parts having two linearly movable parts that enable extension or retraction of the cable connecting parts; (iv) bar stiffeners for high deformation bars to form rigid elements; (v) a cable cutter; and (vi) multiple cable clip parts for receiving multiple cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Inventor: Marcio Sequeira De Oliveira
  • Patent number: 11407197
    Abstract: A multi-layer exercise mat including a first layer including an outer surface and an opposing inner surface, the opposing inner surface of the first layer including a first array of three-dimensional features integral with the first layer; and a second layer including an outer surface and an opposing inner surface, the opposing inner surface of the second layer including a second array of three-dimensional features integral with the second layer. The first and second arrays of three-dimensional features are configured to grip each other to removably secure the inner surface of the first layer to the inner surface of the second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: ROGERS CORPORATION
    Inventors: David Natorski, Rodney Barber, Jim Labrake, David C. Sherman
  • Patent number: 11338216
    Abstract: An assembly structure includes a cylindrical part with an end closed on one side. The cylindrical part has three columnar protrusions that protrude from the end to one side and a cylindrical boss portion that is positioned within the cylindrical part such that the three protrusions of another assembly structure are fitted between the boss portion and an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical part. The inner diameter of the cylindrical part is smaller than the sum of double the outer diameter of the protrusion and the outer diameter of the boss portion. When one protrusion of the other assembly structure is arranged on the outside of the cylindrical part, the two remaining protrusions of the other assembly structure are fitted between the boss portion and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Inventor: Masako Kogure
  • Patent number: 11148066
    Abstract: A bracket for modular luminaire includes a polyhedral module and a connector connected to the polyhedral module. The polyhedral module is a polyhedron provided with a cavity therein, and each surface of the polyhedron is provided with a stepped through-hole connected to the cavity, thereby forming a first annular protrusion at a junction of the stepped through-hole and the cavity. The connector includes a connector body having a cylindrical shape. On an outer periphery of the connector body, a second annular protrusion, a third annular protrusion, a fourth annular protrusion, and a fifth annular protrusion protrude outwards in a radial direction and are spaced apart from each other, and formed successively from a left end portion to a right end portion of the connector body. A left end of the connector is inserted into the stepped through-hole of the polyhedral module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: HUNAN YUEGANG MOOKRAY INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Heng Zhu
  • Patent number: 10737190
    Abstract: A smart toy platform includes a body including a top part, a bottom part, and a plurality of side parts, a function unit coupled to at least one of the plurality of side parts an application unit arranged in the body and to control an operation of the function unit, a base unit arranged in the body and to provide an application support function to the application unit, and a power supply unit configured to supply electric power to at least one of the function unit, the application unit, or the base unit. The function unit is coupled to the at least one of the plurality of side parts on an inner side or an outer side, across the inner side and the outer side, or an integrate manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: CREAMO INC.
    Inventors: Seok Lee, Taikjin Lee, Hyunduk Kim, Jeong Hun Shin, Won Kyo Jeong, Soo Jung Hur, Yong-Joon Park, Deokha Woo
  • Patent number: 10517184
    Abstract: An electrical device can include a first housing having at least one wall that forms a first cavity, where the first cavity formed by the at least one wall has a first shape and a first size. The electrical device can also include multiple configurable electronics packages disposed within the first cavity, where the configurable electronics packages are connected to each other and positioned in a first orientation within the first cavity. The configurable packages can be configured to be connected to each other and positioned in a second orientation within a second cavity of a second housing, where the second cavity has a second shape and a second size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Daniel Robert Treible, Jr., Adikaramge Asiri Jayawardena
  • Patent number: 10293270
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a toy bead (10, 100) comprising: two conjugated parts (11, 12; 110, 120), each part comprising a proximal end and a distal end; proximal ends of said conjugated parts comprising conjugated screwing means (11a, 12a; 110a, 120a) adapted to screw conjugated parts to each other in order to build the bead; distal ends of said conjugated parts comprising plugging means (17, 18; 170, 180), either male or female, adapted to plug said parts respectively to parts of other similar toy beads comprising corresponding plugging means; each conjugated part further comprising an internal canal (15, 16; 150, 160) extending from its proximal end to its distal end and opening to each end, the internal canal of one part being collinear to the internal canal of the its conjugated part when the conjugated parts are screwed to each other, so that a yarn can be threaded successively into internal canals of said conjugated parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Inventor: Fabien Fontaine
  • Patent number: 10245518
    Abstract: A toy top includes a shaft portion, a body and an attacking member. The body is rotatable relative to the shaft portion in response to an impact applied to the body. The attacking member is movably connected to the body to move in a predetermined direction relative to the body between first and second positions. In the second position, the attacking member protrudes from the body a variable protruding distance which varies according to the rotating position of the body relative to the shaft portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: TOMY COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Kenji Horikoshi, Takeaki Maeda
  • Patent number: 10232280
    Abstract: The invention relates to a modular education and toy block having at least one piece 10 having a body (11), a jointer (20) working with comb fitting principle (finger joint), having recesses and/or protrusions that each of them is in triangular on at least one surface of the joinder (20) which is appropriate to form new pieces (10) by combining the piece (10) with another piece (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Inventor: Ahmet Koyun
  • Patent number: 9861857
    Abstract: A multiple strand pool noodle is provided. The multiple strand pool noodle has at least two strands formed of extruded foam where each of the strands has a first end and a second end. The first ends of the strands are contained in a first end member and the second ends of the strand are contained in a second end member. A length of the strands extends between the first and second end members. The strands are movable with respect to each other along the length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jonathan Wesley Godfrey, Joseph Shawn Huffman
  • Patent number: 9833724
    Abstract: A detachable axle comprises an axial body, two engaging portions, and two pivoting portions. The two engaging portions are respectively formed on two axial ends of the axial body, each of the engaging portions has an engaging groove, and the engaging groove is radially formed on the engaging portion. The two pivoting portions are respectively formed on the two engaging portions and extend outwards from the engaging portions. In use, the detachable axle is engaged with a general building block by the two engaging portions. The two pivoting portions extend out of the two sides of the building block and wheels are mounted around the two pivoting portions, so the building block has a moving function. The axial body and the building block could be separated to make the building block become the general combining type. The versatility of the general building block is expanded without any limitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: T. K. Chin Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Howard Chin
  • Patent number: 9789417
    Abstract: Construction toy, characterised in that it primarily consists of a set of construction elements of rods (1) with magnetic ends, balls (2) and one or more preformed attachments (15) that can be suitably affixed to the rods (1), and which to this end have a fastening clip (18) with arms (19) of an elastic material that have at least one rib on each of the sides facing one another, whereby the rods have a primarily octagonal cross-section with diagonally opposite sides (8) that are linked together by other diametrically opposite sides (9) that each have a groove (10) in which the aforementioned ribs (21) can snap in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Inventor: Rolf Vandoren
  • Patent number: 9684612
    Abstract: A mobile device having a plurality of connectors each for interconnecting with another device of a plurality of other devices, each of the plurality of connectors located in a defined relative physical location on the mobile device and each of the plurality of connectors configured to provide an indication of when a connection to one of the other devices is made or lost. The mobile device further includes a processor and a memory such that the memory stores instructions that cause the processor to: maintain a data store that indicates connectivity information for each of the other devices that are interconnected to the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Nanoport Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Jing Yin Szeto
  • Patent number: 9457287
    Abstract: An illuminating building block with high light transmission having a positioning structure for an electric connection member and a method of manufacturing the same provide projection strips disposed on an interior surface of a top cover and arranged at intervals, and slots disposed between the projection strips. The electric connection members are inserted into the slots to preliminarily position the electric connection members and align elastic pieces of the electric connection members with hollow studs of the top cover. The elastic pieces would not be constricted in the top cover due to the misalignment between the elastic pieces and the hollow studs. Therefore, the elastic pieces can accurately pass through the hollow studs and be projected out of the top cover. When the illuminating building blocks are connected together, the connected building blocks can have a stable power transmission and illuminate together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: LONGMEN GETMORE POLYURETHANE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chia-Yen Lin, Yaping Feng
  • Patent number: 9410314
    Abstract: A system of modular, hollow interlocking elements which are made of tough flexible lightweight material, which can be connected in order to form a stable continuous, multi-directional structure, requiring no adhesives or other stabilizing materials and can be filled with any required filling materials such as sand or locally available filling materials for use as low shaped dams, a flood protection barrier or in any need to change the course of water or fluid. The various modular elements that make up the structure can be provided by shapes having four, five, six, seven or eight walls, all identical in function, enabling quick construction of a water flood barrier, or an acoustic insulation wall, with easy adjustment of its height, length or width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Inventor: Yoav Kadosh
  • Patent number: 9409099
    Abstract: The invention relates to construction kit elements for use in children's building sets and in puzzles. A construction element according to a first variant comprises a flat rectangular base and a connecting unit. The connecting unit is comprised of four groups of projections. The projections of the first group are tubular and have an annular cross-section. The projections of the second group are tubular and have a square cross-section. The projections of the third group are in the form of rectangular plates with projecting shoulders. In the fourth group the projections are disposed in the corners of the base and are in the form of L-shaped members. A second variant of the construction kit element comprises three of the four groups of projections. The variants of the invention provide construction kit elements with enhanced functional capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Inventor: Dmitriy Andreyevich Sokolov
  • Patent number: 9358476
    Abstract: To provide a block having a simple shape by itself with which various three-dimensional structures can be obtained by devising connection states, the invention is directed to a regular hexahedral block connectable with at least another block by fitting a protrusion provided on a surface of one of the blocks into a recessed portion provided in a surface of the other block, in which one protrusion having a square cross-sectional shape is formed at the center in one quarter section of a surface of the regular hexahedron, and in which a recessed portion into which the protrusion is fittable is formed at the center in each of two to four quarter sections of any other three surfaces of the regular hexahedron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Artec Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasumasa Uno
  • Patent number: 9241473
    Abstract: A device for limiting access of an animal is disclosed. The device includes a housing having a sidewall defining an opening therein, and a housing interior in communication with the opening. The device also includes an opening-size selectable member engageable with at least a portion of the housing for restricting at least one dimension of the opening to form a modified opening. The modified opening allows passage of a first animal into the housing interior through the opening, and restrains a second animal from entering the housing interior. In one configuration, the second animal is larger than the first animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Inventor: Pinky Fredericks
  • Patent number: 9192814
    Abstract: A transformable push-up assembly and method of use thereof that includes first and second push-up bodies each having an upper end, a lower end, and an outer hemispherical surface spanning from the lower end of the push-up body toward the upper end of the push-up body, wherein each of the bodies have a handle coupled thereto. The assembly also includes a medicine-ball configuration with the first and second push-up bodies removably coupled together with at least one fastener and with the upper ends of the first and second push-up bodies in an overlapping adjacent relationship with each other and a push-up configuration with the first push-up body and the second push-up body uncoupled from, and independent of, one another and the handles of the first push-up body and the second push-up body disposed in a substantially upright orientation for gripping by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Inventor: Joshua David Smart
  • Patent number: 9050542
    Abstract: A slotted rod for a construction toy is comprised of an elongated rod having a body portion with a length that is longer than the thickness. A conventional connector is located at each end of rod for connection to a hub or to another rod for constructing a structure utilizing the construction toy system. The rod includes a plurality of elongated slots arranged around the periphery with each slot extending axially along the length thereof. Each slot is capable of allowing a piece of sheet-like material to pass therethrough. The slots may be formed directly in the body of the rod or in a sleeve that slides over and covers the body portion. In one embodiment, the slot has an opening at one end whereby the sheet-like material can be inserted into the slot by moving it axially into position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Inventor: Eric Clever
  • Publication number: 20150147933
    Abstract: A toy brick (1), a method of manufacturing a toy brick (1) as well as a mould for the manufacture of a toy brick (1). The toy brick (1) comprising: a body part (3) with one or more sidewalls (5) extending around the outer periphery of the toy brick (1). The one or more sidewalls (5) at least partially define an interior (25) of the toy brick (1) and said sidewalls (5) extend from a bottom face (10) to a top portion (20) of the body part (3), an elongated rib (100) arranged interiorly (25) on one of the one or more sidewalls (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Preben Kraag Henriksen
  • Patent number: 9017134
    Abstract: An improved set of toy building or construction blocks, each block having a substantially square cross-section and a generally rectilinear configuration. Incorporated into the structure of the individual toy blocks are transversely oriented slots, grooves and protrusions of predetermined size and location. The slots, grooves and protrusions of pre-determined size and location are of either male or female configuration disposed medially along one or more plane of each block. When the male protrusion of one block is introduced perpendicular to the female slot of one end of another block, a frictional engagement is created resulting in a right angle. When the male protrusion of one block is introduced to the female slot in a linear fashion the result is a line segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Reinar Carl Christian
  • Patent number: 9011193
    Abstract: A collapsible and expandable children's toy building block is described. The toy blocks may be made in various sizes and shapes. The toy block includes an internal frame. A cover is positioned over the internal frame to form the toy block. The toy block converts from a collapsed position to an expanded position, and the toy block converts from the expanded position back to the collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Cliff Dochtermann, III
  • Publication number: 20150104994
    Abstract: A construction toy set that stimulates young children to plan and construct objects with which they can play or interact when finished. The set includes pieces with joints that allow the child to build an object having parts that turn or rotate, allowing him or her to play actively with the object when fully assembled. Many of the pieces are relatively large and brightly colored, and have soft textured surfaces that stimulate the child's senses of sight and touch. The rotatable pieces turn in response to a moderate force while emitting a pleasant clicking sound that appeals to the child's sense of hearing. Accordingly, the inventive toy set enhances the child's creativity, imagination, and dexterity by encouraging him or her to plan, assemble, and then interact with a finished object or model. Further, the finished object can be easily disassembled and then reassembled as often as desired by the child.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Eric J. Rotbard, Bruce P. Popek, Richard F. Andrus
  • Publication number: 20150072588
    Abstract: A toy building set comprising at least two toy building elements of which the one toy building element is provided with one or more coupling means of first type, and the second toy building element is provided with one or more coupling means of second type that is/are configured to be complementary to said coupling means of first type to the effect that they can be interconnected to form a structure, wherein the second toy building element comprises a flywheel (10) which is rotatably mounted on the toy building element, wherein the flywheel comprises one or more actuator mechanisms (21); and wherein the coupling means and the complementarily configured coupling means are configured such that the second toy building element can be mounted on the first toy building element in two or more different positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Allan Westermann Larsen, Klaus Elias Nielsen, Per Frederiksen, Erik Legernes
  • Patent number: 8961259
    Abstract: A toy building block set includes multiple polyhedron blocks of different lengths removably attachable together. Each block includes at least a top and four side walls. At least one connector extends from the top and includes opposing interior and exterior surfaces. A recessed area is provided at the bottom of each block. Engagement projections or depressions are provided on the connector and the remaining engagement structure are provided in the recessed area of each block where they might fully or partially engage or not engage with structures on the connector. The mechanical interference engagements and resulting engagement forces provided between any two of the blocks are less than three and even less than two times the number of engagements and resulting engagement forces provided by a mated pair of the smallest polyhedron blocks of the set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert P. Maggiore, Edward C. Teter
  • Patent number: 8951088
    Abstract: System and method for additional amusement, entertaining and surprising visual or audible reward provided upon completing the reconstructing of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle. The puzzle pieces include conductive pads connected by a conductor such as a wire, a metallic strip or a conductive paint, so that upon assembling the puzzle, the pads are in contact to form a continuous conductive path. The frame or the puzzle pieces include a battery (or an AC adapter) and a visual or audible signaling device operating upon sensing the continuity of the conductive path. Each of the puzzle pieces may include three or more conductive pads, allowing for the forming two or more isolated or connected distinct conductive paths. The conductive path can further affect a time measurement and its related display for timing the puzzle solving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: May Patents Ltd.
    Inventor: Yehuda Binder
  • Publication number: 20150038047
    Abstract: A building set and method of play include a base piece and building blocks. The building blocks have an end face and a longitudinal side with planar exterior walls spaced apart at a first width. A first building block has a first connector type with two parallel planar members extending from the end face. The planar members include a rib along an outward face, and are configured to have a snug fit into the first width of another block. A second building block includes a second connector type located on either the end face of the second building block or a top surface of the base. The second connector type has a circular arrangement of pressure hinges, where the other of the end face of the second building block or the top surface of the base has a protrusion configured to be detachably inserted into the pressure hinges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventors: Leo Shen, Soon Y. Park, Stephen P.K. Lau, Rawn Trinidad
  • Publication number: 20150017870
    Abstract: A motorcycle building element includes a main body frame defining a longitudinal axis along which the main body frame extends and removably insertable wheel assemblies. The main body frame includes a plurality of standard coupling elements having a standard coupling size for connecting to other building elements of a toy construction set that is defined by a base unit; and a base frame connecting a front wheel portion and a rear wheel portion, the base frame including a base frame region defining a base width that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the base width being less than or equal to the base unit of the toy construction set. The wheel assemblies include one wheel assembly inserted and seated in the front wheel portion and one wheel assembly inserted and seated in the rear wheel portion, the two wheel assemblies free to rotate when inserted and seated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: David Bird
  • Publication number: 20150004871
    Abstract: A toy building set comprising a number of moulded building elements and where the toy building set furthermore comprises at least one layered building element being designed by building layer on layer of plastic material, like in 3D-printing, and being provided with coupling parts by which the layered building element can be coupled together with one or more of the moulded building elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2012
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: LEGO A/S
    Inventor: Kenneth Wested Laursen
  • Patent number: 8920207
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a toy building block system that includes a building portion having a housing with a surface and a building component. The building component is extendable from the housing and movable relative to the housing surface. The building component and the housing surface define a configuration of the building portion that is changeable during play. The toy building block system further includes a play component which is engageable with the building component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Beth Ann Hageman, Gerald A. May, Patrick Ritossa
  • Patent number: 8905812
    Abstract: A toy block, configured to be assembled with a mating block, has four sidewalls. The toy block includes, where applicable, at least one stud, at least one recessed portion, bottom posts, semi-circle posts, rib pairs, a plurality of edge stoppers, and a plurality of corner stoppers. The studs and the recessed portion are provided at the top side and at the bottom side of the toy block respectively. When one of the studs of the mating toy block is inserted in one of the recessed portions of the toy block, each one of the engaged studs of the mating toy block has its sidewall abutting against eight abutment points in its corresponding recessed portions of the toy block. Thus, the toy block is grasped with the mating toy block at the engaged studs of the mating toy block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: Cheng Pai-Chen