Abstract: Energy distribution structures provide architectural flexibility in various configurations, materials, and scalability, which enables a vast number of applications. An energy distribution structure or array thereof may include a three-dimensional outer component and a three-dimensional inner component within the outer component. The outer component absorbs and redirects initial energy from an applied energy event, and the inner component absorbs and redirects residual energy from the applied energy event. Such an applied energy event may be caused by a ballistic or non-ballistic impact, an instantaneous or prolonged impact such as atmospheric pressure or decompression, explosive overpressure (shockwave), low-velocity contact, and blunt force trauma. Energy distribution structures can increase the strength, resilience or survivability of such events, and reduce the injury or damage to target objects such as people, vehicles, structures, vessels and surfaces by shielding same from such events.

Abstract: An interactive modular construction element (100) for a modular construction system (200), the interactive modular construction element (100) comprising a sensor (601) being responsive to a predetermined sensor input and adapted to output a sensor signal (610) corresponding to or representing the predetermined sensor input, a function element (602) adapted to perform at least one controllable function in response to a control signal (611), and a control circuit (603) connected to the sensor (601) to receive the sensor signal (610) and connected to the function element (602) to provide the control signal (611), wherein the control circuit (603) is adapted to provide the control signal (611) in response to the sensor signal (610) thereby controlling the function element (602) in response to the sensor signal (610), wherein the interactive modular construction element (100) comprises an input part (101) and an output part (102), where the input part (101) and the output part (102) are different from each other.

Abstract: A receiver blank includes a receiver body with a magazine well and an insert. The insert is located internal to the receiver body, and the insert is manufactured before the receiver body. The insert must be removed from the receiver body to convert the receiver blank to a firearm receiver.

Abstract: A modular protective pad system includes a plurality of modular pad units that can be secured to each other in a variety of configurations in two or three-dimensions using a set of removable patches that selectively engage with touch fasteners of the modular pad units. Example configurations include side-by-side, face-to-face, and folded/semi-folded configurations, as well as any suitable combination of these configurations.

Abstract: A construction toy set comprising a plurality of construction pieces is disclosed herein. Each construction piece of the plurality of construction pieces includes a planar body having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface and spaced apart relative to the top surface.

Abstract: Building sets including one or more blocks or planks and one or more connector clips configured to engage a thickness of the planks. Various types of planks, as well as various types of connecting clips may be provided, so as to provide open-ended building characteristics to users. Some connector clips may include a mating protrusion allowing the connector clip to be coupled to a hole or receptacle of another connector clip, or hub for connector clips, or into a hole of a plank. Such clips may be pivotable relative to the structure coupled to as a result of the mating protrusion connection. The building sets may provide proportional dimension characteristics between the planks and various connector clips, hubs, etc. One or more button connector clips may be provided with one or more panels, allowing panels to be integrated into the structural framework created with the connector clips and planks.

Abstract: What is presented is a unit cell comprising a cellular geometry that comprises cell walls and cell edges arranged into a combination of a cubic cell geometry and a tetrahedral cell geometry arranged to have a coincident central vertex. The cubic cell geometry comprises three orthogonal cell faces that intersect at its central vertex. The tetrahedral cell geometry comprises an arrangement of eight tetrahedral cells that share its central vertex such that each tetrahedral cell shares three coincident edges with three other tetrahedral cells in a cubically symmetric arrangement. The tetrahedral cell geometry is combined with the cubic cell geometry such that all vertices of the tetrahedral cell geometry are coincident with the vertices of the cubic cell geometry.

Abstract: A building block assembly (50) comprises a first module (50A) and a second module (50B) which are in detachable engagement, wherein the first module (50A) and the second module (50B) are mechanically connected and relatively rotatable about a rotation axis. The first module (50A) is a building block module comprising a first building block and a second building block which are snap fastened or press fastened to form a building block stack. The second module (50B) is mechanically retained by the first module (50A) in a retention state upon snap fastening of the first building block and the second building block in a connection direction defined by a connection axis which is coaxial with the rotation axis to form the building block stack.

Abstract: A system and a method for facilitating structured block play that includes a set of images providing a spatial representation of a predefined 3-D arrangement of blocks for analysis by a user, a set of blocks configured to be positioned by the user into a replication of the predefined 3-D arrangement, and an indicator for signaling the user's completion of the replication.

Abstract: A toy building block system comprises a plurality of interlocking building blocks with openings to receive at least one a linkage having a head portion, a tail portion opposite the head portion, a posable metal wire connecting the head portion to the tail portion, and a cross-section of the head portion, the tail portion, the posable metal wire, or combinations thereof having a major width that is between approximately 0.123 inches and approximately 0.193 inches.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display includes: a substrate; a gate line, a data line, a first storage electrode line, and a second storage electrode line positioned on the substrate; a first thin film transistor, a second thin film transistor, and a third thin film transistor connected to the gate line and the data line; a fourth thin film transistor connected to the gate line, the third thin film transistor, and the second storage electrode line; a first subpixel electrode connected to the first thin film transistor; a second subpixel electrode connected to the second thin film transistor; a third subpixel electrode connected to the third thin film transistor; and a storage electrode connected to the first storage electrode line and overlapping the first subpixel electrode. Different voltages are applied to the three subpixels to improve lateral visibility of the liquid crystal display.

Abstract: A toy construction system comprising a releasably connectable tendon or tether (“tendon”) to connect to at least two building blocks. The tendon being resiliently deformable and providing a range of motion for each of at least two blocks, relative to each other, in at least two Cartesian axes. The tendon having an engagement, and each block having a corresponding receiving element.

Abstract: Collapsible structures may be formed from planar solids. The structures may be comprised of multiple planar objects hingedly connected, where each planar object may include magnetic materials (e.g., magnets, ferromagnetic metals) or electromagnetic materials. Using the magnetic or electromagnetic materials, the connected planar objects may be arranged as a single planar object with multiple layers, or may be arranged as a three-dimensional (3-D) object, where the magnetic or electromagnetic materials may be used to retain the formed 3-D object shape. Application of a current to the electromagnetic materials may cause the collapsible structure to form the 3-D object, and removal of the electric current may cause the collapsible structure to revert to a single planar object. Multiple structures may be combined to form larger structures.

Abstract: A mechanical connection unit may create a structure when removably joined with copies of itself, copies of minor-image counterparts of itself, or both. A connection unit may be made of four joined members, two of the members having the shape of isosceles right triangular prisms with right triangles as bases, and two of the members having the shape of truncated isosceles right triangular prisms with right triangles as bases. Two of the members are joined substantially parallel to each other and substantially at a right angle to the other two members. Sets of units and minor-image counterpart units may be provided, e.g., as toys, and units and counterparts may be provided in multiple sizes.

Abstract: A cloud servicing system is provided to support a consumer for interactively programming a programmable product such as programmable toys or home security system. A consumer friendly path driven programming method is introduced to supplement the servicing cloud and support the new world of intelligent home and consumer programmable applications. The system may comprise a consumer programmed smart phone/touch pad as well as proprietary smart phone circuit.

Abstract: Panels can join to form a structural module via slotting, abutment, and rotational symmetry. The slots allow for assembly without additional fastening. Modules can range in shape and size, while conforming to the interlocking configuration between the panels. Panels can be joined to form various structures with similar connective features. The panel's combinability via the slots makes possible many structural forms and re-configurable applications.

Abstract: Collapsible structures may be formed from planar solids. The structures may be comprised of multiple planar objects hingedly connected, where each planar object may include magnetic materials (e.g., magnets, ferromagnetic metals) or electromagnetic materials. Using the magnetic or electromagnetic materials, the connected planar objects may be arranged as a single planar object with multiple layers, or may be arranged as a three-dimensional (3-D) object, where the magnetic or electromagnetic materials may be used to retain the formed 3-D object shape. Application of a current to the electromagnetic materials may cause the collapsible structure to form the 3-D object, and removal of the electric current may cause the collapsible structure to revert to a single planar object. Multiple structures may be combined to form larger structures.

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.

Abstract: All-shape building blocks may be shaped as platonic solids. All-Shape building blocks may be modified to include a flange on each tetrahedron edge, where each flange and each tetrahedron vertex may include magnetic materials (e.g., magnets, ferromagnetic metals). All-Shape building blocks may be combined to form or provide an optical appearance of various geometric structures, and the included magnetic materials may be used to retain the formed geometric structure shape.

Abstract: All-shape building blocks may be shaped as platonic solids. All-Shape building blocks include a flange on each tetrahedron edge, where each flange and each tetrahedron vertex may include magnetic materials (e.g., magnets, ferromagnetic metals). All-Shape building block flanges may be used to capture kinetic energy from a fluid. Multiple All-Shape building blocks may be combined to form larger structures, and the included magnetic materials may be used to retain the formed geometric structure shape.

Abstract: A children's building block crashing game and a method of conducting the building block crashing game in which building block assembly structures are crashed upon collision. Players assemble personally designed or preconfigured building block sets which meet the game restrictions on size and thickness, and then crash them together by sliding the structures down a low friction mat through a protective plastic shield. The player with the last piece remaining in the tunnel wins the round.

Abstract: The “MOMENTUM IN PRECESSION LEVERAGE UNIT” assumes certain characteristics of a “spinner”, yet contains elements that involve momentum beyond simple rotation. This leverage unit is manually effected, and will distribute energy into a profound visual, as well as real, compelled correction (direction) of flux. The dimensional constraint of this leverage unit element will also allow for a “pulsation” effect due to a precession of energy fields created through the Exacted Degree Center Cone Body, and accompanying “confluence” of components comprising the leverage unit. In purpose, this leverage unit shall indicate whether a surface forum plane is level, and shall as well identify any forum shift or irregularity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a building block system having modules that can be plugged together, wherein electronic and mechanical components required for motion and control are provided in the modules. The object of the invention is to provide a building block system, which facilitates constructing mobile models from simple building blocks. According to the invention, the object is achieved by a building block system having movable modules, wherein the building block system includes at least one energy module, at least one control module having a micro-controller, at least one movement module having an integrated servo motor, and a plurality of connection modules that can be randomly connected with each other, wherein the modules are connectable through plug connections enabling current flow between adjacent modules.

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.

Abstract: A play set includes a molded shell which includes at least two contoured panels and at least one hinge assembly is provided. The play set may optionally further include a figurine. The molded shell may be configured to have the appearance of a garment. Preferably, the molded shell provides a natural appearance of a garment when mounted onto the figurine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for teaching skills to a child includes a toy barn kit which has a plurality of structural elements including walls, gables, and roof panels which can be assembled into a completed toy barn. The structural elements have color coded connectors and mating connectors which assist the child in the assembly process. In performing the assembly, the child learns skills of (1) principles of construction, (2) spatial relationships, (3) sequential thinking, and (4) color recognition and matching.

Abstract: A toy construction base plate configured to receive a toy construction and having a collapsible handle, which allows the construction to be built on the base plate on a flat play surface, after which the handle may be deployed from the base plate to allow a user to hold and play with the toy construction. The handle may be deployed by, for example, pivoting with respect to a support member of the base plate and pivoting above, below, or to the side of the toy construction. The handle may also be used as a stand to hold a construction above a play surface. The toy construction may be made of interlocking stackable blocks and the support surface of the base plate may be configured to receive the interlocking stackable blocks.

Abstract: A percussive shaker instrument with improved control in producing rhythmic sound and capable of producing different percussive sounds in a single shaker is disclosed. The shaker comprises one or more channels filled with a striker material. The channel isolates the striker material from the striker material in other channels and from any other part of the shaker. The striker material is freely movable within the channel such that it may collide with a striking surface when the shaker is moved.

Abstract: A toy building system comprising a plurality of building elements including one or more function building elements (210) each for performing a corresponding function, and one or more control building elements (400) each for controlling one or more function building elements, each building element including at least one connector for electrically connecting the building element with another building element via a corresponding connector of the other building element, the connector including at least one control signal contact. Each control building element includes a main output connector adapted to output a control signal for controlling at least one function building element; and each function building element includes an input connector for receiving a control signal and is adapted to perform a function responsive to the received control signal. Each function building element further includes an output connector adapted to forward the received control signal.

Abstract: The invention is a set for building toy houses, in particular doll's houses and the like, including wall panels (1, 2, 3, 4) with and without openings for windows and doors, and coupling elements (5, 6, 7, 8) for assembling the wall panels. Each wall panel has a reduced thickness section in each corner thereof for insertion into a coupling element. The reduced thickness section extends on both sides of the wall panel as a plane, recessed section (10). Each recessed section extends between staggered edges (11) and is provided with a depression (12, 13) provided centrally on both sides thereof, the coupling element being configured with parallel lateral faces (14, 15) for enclosing the corner area.

Abstract: A toy construction system comprising a plurality of construction elements including one or more function construction elements for performing corresponding functions and including control connection means for communicating with one or more other construction elements; a data processing system providing a programming environment for generating one or more logic commands for controlling the one or more function elements; and an interface construction element comprising first connection means for providing a data-flow connection with the data processing system and for receiving said logic command from the data processing system, a processing unit adapted to convert said logic command into a control signal for controlling a function of said at least one function construction element, and second connection means for providing a control connection with the at least one function construction element via the control connection means of the function construction element, and for outputting the control signal.

Abstract: A toy track and brick adapter for toy tracks and bricks comprising a base having a top surface and a bottom surface with indentations in the bottom surface of the base for receiving building blocks. A first arm assembly and a second arm assembly mounted to the top surface generally perpendicular to the base distally disposed in a parallel relationship to grip toy tracks. Roadway retention lips are attached to the arm assemblies which in conjunction with the tension springs hold the toy track in place within the toy track and brick adapter. Also attached to the roadway retention lips are pull-tab accessory brackets configured to releasably connect a variety of useful, functional educational accessories such as side railings, overhead signs, stoplights, traffic controls, signs and the like to increase the versatility and constructive play value of the various toy systems.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to a set of parallelepipedal bodies (generally, cubes) capable of matingly compatible engagement for interconnection with substantially similar cubes. When a number of cubes are assembled into a cubic array, there can be slab movement, row movement or solo cube movement. Each cube is constructed from six plates with an interior physical configuration adapted for connective assembly and the strategic placement of electrostatic or electromagnetic motors or motor halves therein.

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 multiple use, light weight, cost-effective, indoor and all-weather outdoor construction toy for stimulating children's imaginations and encouraging physical activity comprises a basic modular unit with open ended cup-like coupling-means on its perimeter for male to female coupling and decoupling to other couple-able units, is described. The coupling-means may be molded as an integral part forming one seamless basic unit. The open bottom end of the coupling means provides for coupling, the open top end prevents the buildup of snow inside the coupling unit. Coupling can be achieved via coupling-means on basic units to each other or through the use of accessory independent coupler-units. The basic unit of the modular toy may be in the form of a saucer, disc, an oval, or in a rectilinear-shape for use as a sled, skiing device, a flotation device, or as fort building modules. Additional accessory parts include skis and inner-tubes, for example.

Abstract: A construction toy is disclosed which includes a set of construction components. The construction toy includes components that may be assembled by connecting male and female snap-lock connectors. A female snap-lock connector is disclosed that includes a deflectable channel opening into a wider cavity. A male snap-lock connector is disclosed with a cylindrical head, a neck, and seat. The construction components are connected by pressing a male head through a female deflectable channel and into the wider cavity allowing the deflectable channel to return to its non-deflected position surrounding the male connector neck and secure the construction component in position.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a signal of light may be emitted from an illumination source of a first transceiver. A second transceiver may detect a signal of light from the first transceiver that exceeds a threshold luminosity; and activate, in response to the detecting of the signal of light that exceeds the threshold luminosity, an illumination source of the second transceiver to illuminate. An intensity of the illumination source of the first transceiver may then be reduced in response to the activating of the illumination source of the second transceiver to illuminate.

Abstract: An interlocking construction building block element can be used to add text, labels and symbols to interlocking building block projects. The element can be shaped and sized to interlock with common existing interlocking building block products. A portion of the element can be formed in the shape of letters, numbers or symbols, thus allowing these elements to be spelled out on the surface of the interlocking building block pieces.

Abstract: A toy building element comprising at least one first type of building element (1), on which a rotation shaft (3) located along an axis of rotation is arranged, and wherein the toy building set comprises at least one second type (6) of building element in which a rotation bushing (9) is provided which is configured for receiving and being interconnected with the rotation shaft on the first building element in such a manner that the two building elements can rotate relative to each other about the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A toy car race track set comprised of a plurality of easily connectible track sections, in which the track sections have novel provisions for integrating the track sections with structures formed with K'NEX rod and connector elements, including but not limited to structures for elevating track sections above a support or above other track sections, providing obstructions on the race course, and the like. A variety of shapes and forms of track sections enables a substantially limitless variety of track configurations to be assembled. Each section is provided at each end with at least one tongue element and one slot element positioned such that the tongue element of one section is received in the slot of an adjacent section with a desired, snap-in action substantially preventing unintended separation. Optional locking pins are provided for positively locking the track sections to other sections when desired.

Abstract: A toy construction system includes a plurality of interconnectable building elements; a control system that generates an electromagnetic signal; a vibration speaker including a moveable permanent magnet; and a support building element mechanically linked to the permanent magnet of the vibration speaker. The vibration speaker includes a coil that is moveable relative to the permanent magnet. One or more of the coil and the permanent magnet vibrate in a manner that is based on the electromagnetic signal. The vibration speaker also includes a sound producer that is mechanically linked to the coil to vibrate with the coil as the coil vibrates. The coil vibrates relative to the permanent magnet to produce an audible sound, and the permanent magnet vibrates to cause the support building element to vibrate and animate interconnectable building elements linked to the support building element.

Abstract: An information presenting device. The device is arranged to be capable of assuming a first flattened configuration, for transport or storage, and of assuming a second extended and hence self-supporting configuration. The device comprises at least two panels joined together along the respective edges of at least two of the panels such that the device, having assumed the second configuration, forms a hollow cylinder, and at least one locking member, arranged between the panels 4, for continuously adjustable locking of the device in the first or second configuration, the locking member comprising a first part and a second part, the first part being slidably connected to the second part and the locking member being self-locking by a friction band coupling formed between contact surfaces of the first part and the second part of the locking member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a toy comprising polarizing filters and birefringent film cut into shapes used to make temporary colorful birefringent designs. The birefringent film (or, alternatively, the polarizing filter) is coated with non-water soluble, non-hygroscopic low-tack or ultra-low-tack adhesive so that changeable designs can be assembled on the polarizing filter and viewed through polarized spectacles or a polarizing filter. The polarizing filters are retained in rings that can be nested and rotated in relation to each other, or movably attached to each other with magnetic attachments. An embodiment is also disclosed which makes use of the polarized light emitted from certain LCD display devices so that they can be used as a work surface to make changeable birefringent designs. Such an implementation may also use applications executed by or stored on the device to provide design outlines.

Abstract: The invention relates to a construction set made of a plurality of different members interacting together for assembly, characterized in that one so-called connector member (100) among said members has an essentially cylindrical body with a cylindrical surface (110) that is preformed in order to interact for assembly with the correspondingly preformed bases (120, 130) of other connector members (100). The construction set includes a plurality of other constitutive members.

Abstract: A series of spaced apart track segments provide a path for the rolling of a marble from beginning to end. The track segments have a magnetic strip attached to one outer surface so that they can be mounted on a ferromagnetic wall such as a door or sidewalls or refrigerator. This provides for a user the ability to configure a wide variety of pathways for a rolling marble and to include on that pathway certain gaps.

Abstract: An animal toy features the ability to connect two or more separate toys of varying shape, size, color, and/or texture, together to create larger and more complex toy systems. The animal toy allows an almost endless variety of toy systems to capture the interest as well as challenge and develop the animal's problem solving skills. The animal toy is either solid or include internal chambers for holding and ultimately dispensing food. When two or more toys with the internal chambers are combined the food may flow from the chamber of one toy into another toy several times before exiting the toy system. The increased problem of extracting the food challenges and develops the animal's skills. Moreover, by combining solid and food dispensing toys in random combinations further increases the problem solving skills required to completely extract the food from the toy system.

Abstract: A toy connector system comprising a plurality of connectors 102, elongated connectable members 104, and planar connectable members 105. The connectable members 104, 105 may come in a variety of shapes and configurations. The connectable members 104, 105 comprise an orifice 404, 1510 into which the connector 102 is fitted so that the connectable members 104, 105 may be reversibly connected to each other in a variety of different configurations via the connectors 102 to build a variety of structures. The toy connector system may further comprise end caps 106, wheels 110, bars 114, and other accessory parts.

Abstract: A toy block set comprises a total 12 toy blocks, each block is consisted of at least one block unit and each unit joins another angledly by a 60 degree. The set includes 8 toy blocks formed by 5 block units and 4 toy blocks formed by 4 block units, a total 56 block units. Each block unit is a polyhedron with 50 faces arranged in 7 layers for improving the stability when assembling the shape formed by the toy blocks. Said 12 toy blocks can form a triangular pyramid of height of 6 units and 7 of said 12 toy blocks can form another triangular pyramid of height of 5 units.

Abstract: Provided is an assembly toy which includes a first molded member and a second molded member which are aligned with and face each other, wherein: a projection is formed in the first molded member on a surface which faces the second molded member; a hole in which the projection is fit is formed in the second molded member on a surface which faces the first molded member; an outer peripheral shape of the projection along a cross-section perpendicular to the direction in which the projection projects is other than a circle; a peripheral shape of the hole on a surface which faces the first molded member corresponds to the outer peripheral shape of the projection; and the projection fits in the hole without rotating about the central axis thereof.