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 cost effective, structural building set, suitable as a toy, uses post connectors (10) comprised of a post (12) with attached disks (14), or similar devices that insert into cutouts (31) in geometric shaped component parts (30, 80, 180). More than one component part can be connected to the same post connector, and such component parts can rotate relative to the post axis. The connector design allows construction of stable structures of many sizes, shapes, and types, and readily facilitates hinging between different sections of such assembled structures.

Abstract: A building block includes a hollow brick and a plurality of electricity connection units. The brick has a light member mounted on a circuit board. Each electricity connection unit is connected with the circuit board, and includes a hollow tubular member having two half tubes, two conducting members received in the tubular member, a compression spring received in the tubular member and an annular electricity connection member sleeved on a top end of the tubular member. A first wire connects with the circuit board and the compression spring. A second wire connects with the circuit board and the annular electricity connection member. The second wire has a bending portion disposed by a bottom end of the tubular member. Thus, after multiple building blocks are assembled, the electricity connection units form a circuit to illuminate the light member.

Abstract: An interactive intelligent play set, method and apparatus, is disclosed which includes a principle toy, a plurality of action figures, and/or play accessories. An intelligent play set identifies and tracks action figures and/or play accessories used by a player during a play session, provides interactions based on the specific action figures, accessories, or combinations thereof, used by a player during game play, provides interactions based on the history of how a player has interacted with the set during previous play sessions, and/or enables a player to construct new interactions between the various play pieces of the play set, using basic interactions as building blocks. The specification discloses one preferred embodiment, and three alternate embodiments that are based on one or more of the concepts described herein.

Abstract: A toy, such as a teddy bear, pair of hand puppets, or other amusement device wherein an electrical circuit is actuated through the connection of two separate halves of a wired shape, such as a heart, moon, star, light bulb or other form, causing said shape to glow via lights, with aforementioned halves held together via a set of neodymium magnets. When the halves are separated, at least one pair of electrical contacts is disconnected, and therefore, the electrical circuit is incomplete such that the toy does not glow. When the halves are mated or otherwise joined, the at least one pair of electrical contacts come into connection with one another and the electrical circuit is completed, causing the lights within the wired shape to glow.

Abstract: An illuminated toy construction kit includes a plurality of illumination modules having various shapes and sizes, and a plurality of non-illumination modules having different shapes and sizes. Each of the illumination modules includes at least one light-emitting element, such as, for example, a color-varying LED. At least some of the non-illumination modules are in the form of couplers which function as mechanical linkages for interconnecting the illumination modules and enabling a user to form a variety of three-dimensional structural shapes. The couplers also function to transmit electric power between the interconnected illumination modules, whereby all of the interconnected modules may be simultaneously illuminated in response to the activation of a single power source connected to at least one of the illumination modules.

Abstract: Magnetic and electronic toy construction systems and elements are provided that include an assembly of at least two panels that have at least three magnets located around the perimeter of the panel such that the dipole axes of magnets in a single panel are coplanar and intersect to define a polygon. When attaching two adjacent panels, at least two ferromagnetic spheres are used such that the dipole axes of one magnet from each of the adjacent panels are collinear, and such that the dipole axes are collinear with the centers of the ferromagnetic spheres. In this manner, several panels configured in this way may be nested together to form great varieties of constructions.

Abstract: A powered toy budding block includes a printed circuit board, at least a first electrical component mounted to the printed circuit board, at least a first electrical connector mounted to an edge of the printed circuit board and electrically connected to the first electrical component, and a body defining a hollow interior cavity, and at least a first mechanical connector, the printed circuit board and the first electrical component being arranged in the hollow interior cavity with the first electrical connector extending into the first mechanical connector. The first electrical component can be a light emitting diode arranged over an opening in the printed circuit board. The first electrical component can also be a digital audio player, operable to play a digital audio file through a speaker arranged in the body.

Abstract: A building block includes a hollow brick and a power supply base. The brick has at least two studs extended from a top thereof, at least two tubes corresponding to the studs defined in a bottom thereof and at least two electricity connection units corresponding to the studs disposed therein. The electricity connection unit has a rod connected with a positive conducting member and a negative conducting member. A light member is connected with the positive and negative conducting members. A first positive contact and a second positive contact are respectively located at two ends of the positive conducting member, and a first negative contact and a second negative contact are respectively located at two ends of the negative conducting member. The light member generates light when the bricks are connected to each other by engaging the studs with the tubes.

Abstract: A three-dimensional electro-mechanical system for making mechanical structures using snap-together parts or building blocks that easily demonstrate the principles required in making three-dimensional electronic circuits incorporated in the mechanical structures. A reusable electronic module that contains batteries or other power sources and has means for attaching to other electronic modules to power these three-dimensional circuits and prevent and warn the user of excessive current.

Abstract: The present invention is a robotics construction kit that serves as a platform for children to engage in problem-solving and innovative thinking in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. By designing and building robotics constructions from an apparently simple set of blocks that encapsulate the kinetic, electronic, and software elements of robots, children and others can encounter, explore, and experiment with basic principles of science and computation. Unlike existing robotics construction kits for education, the present invention embodies computation in every element, which affords understanding systems of distributed computation, rather than systems of top-down control.

Abstract: A building block toy set has first and second blocks each having a first connection device at the upper end and a second connection device at the lower end which is releasably mateable with the first connection device on the other block, whereby the first block is connectable on top of the second block in a first configuration and the second block is connectable on top of the first block in a second configuration. Each first connection device has an actuator formation on the first connection device and at least the second block is a smart block having a sensor assembly associated with the second connection device which is activated by the actuator formation when the second block is interconnected with the first block in the second configuration. A processing unit is mounted in the smart block and associated with the sensor assembly to produce a sensory output signal when the sensor assembly is activated.

Abstract: A building element for a toy building set, comprising a body part 1 with coupling studs 3a, 3b on the top face and complementarily configured coupling means 2a, 2b on the bottom face, and wherein one or more electrical conductors 4a, 4b is/are provided that connect one or more coupling studs with one or more complementarily configured coupling means; and wherein the conductors comprise an electrically insulating and curable material into which a plurality of electrically conductive elements are admixed and distributed, such as fibres or particles, in such a way that the conductor is able to convey he current through the conductor from the coupling stud to an electrical contact face on the complementarily configured coupling means.

Abstract: A block set is provided, which comprises at least two blocks, and a container box for storing the two blocks. Each of the two blocks includes a wireless chip. The wireless chip has a memory which stores an identification number. The container box includes a reader for obtaining information of the wireless chip, an interface portion for communicating with a server via the Internet the information of the wireless chip and for receiving a manual from the server via the Internet, a memory for storing the manual, and a display portion for displaying the manual.

Abstract: The invention provides means and a method for temporarily or permanently coupling three dimensional blocks together commonly used in toys or puzzles. After the blocks have been assembled, a low current is sent through the blocks in order to notify a user that the blocks have been properly configured. The current through the blocks is then increased which activates a means for coupling the blocks together including a plurality of electrodes, a series of magnetic apertures, a plurality of resin pouches, or a combination thereof. After the blocks are coupled together, the current flow is stopped, leaving the blocks temporarily or permanently in the last position in which they were placed before the increased current was applied. In some embodiments, the blocks may be disassembled, placed into a new configuration, and then recoupled as many times as desired.

Abstract: A toy brick includes a housing adapted for releasable engagement to at least one other toy brick and having at least one translucent portion, at least one lighting device arranged inside the housing and adapted to generate light viewable through the at least one translucent portion, at least one battery arranged inside the housing and electrically connected to the at least one lighting device, and at least one switch arranged inside the housing and operable from outside the housing to illuminate the at least one lighting device. The at least one switch can be a motion-activated switch.

Abstract: A an interactive play city is disclosed. The play city can act as an educational play or be played as a game. In either case, the play city is formed of connectable members used to form streets and building foundations. Buildings are then connectable to the certain connectable members to form the city. A control unit (e.g., processor) controls city activities including stop lights and building lights, emergency alarms, fires with smoke, day and night, city sound effects, storm sounds, etc. The control unit may control the city activities wirelessly or in a wired configuration and may be housed in one of the city buildings or may be remotely located. Card readers on certain buildings (e.g., bank) provide a mechanism for players to purchase goods and services within the city. The play city provides a realistic forum for children to become associated with everyday life and its ups and downs. A play city game further provides valuable lessons for the players.

Abstract: A toy building system comprising building elements with coupling means for releasably interconnecting building elements, the toy building system comprising function building elements with such coupling means and each having a function device adapted to perform a controllable function and an energy source for providing energy to the function device for performing the controllable function, each function building element comprising a light sensor for receiving visible light encoding a control signal; and a control circuit connected to the light sensor and to the function device and adapted to decode the received control signal and to control the controllable function responsive to the decoded control signal.

Abstract: A modular toy vehicle design having a universal mating system between the body of the vehicle and the chassis such that multiple body styles will interchangeably mate with multiple chassis designs and where electrical interfaces are automatically established between the body and the chassis simply by mating and aligning the two together. The design allows for an electrical connection to be made in the process of mechanically mating and aligning the body of a toy vehicle to its chassis thereby powering electronic features that are physically connected to the body with the power source which is housed in the chassis. When the body is properly aligned and mounted, the electrical interfaces are automatically established. There is no separate step of plugging together mating connectors where one connector extends from a wire bundle electrically interfacing with the body and the mating connector extends from a separate wire bundle electrically interfacing with the chassis.

Abstract: A three-dimensional electro-mechanical system for making mechanical structures using snap-together parts or building blocks that easily demonstrate the principles required in making three-dimensional electronic circuits incorporated in the mechanical structures. A reusable electronic module that contains batteries or other power sources and has means for attaching to other electronic modules to power these three-dimensional circuits and prevent and warn the user of excessive current.

Abstract: A brick assembly with automatically recognizing connecting relationships includes a rod brick, a sleeve brick and a frame brick. The rod brick has an irregular polygon-shaped cross-section and an identification IC. The sleeve brick has the internal bore with the same shape with the cross-section of the rod brick to make the rod brick insert into the sleeve brick only in one direction. Also, the sleeve brick is used to connect the rod brick to the frame brick. The signals, caused by the resistor of the sleeve brick, of the identification IC of the frame brick are detected by a computer system to recognize automatically connecting relationships of these bricks.

Abstract: A toy building block of a type which may be interconnected with similarly configured blocks has a hollow box-shaped structure having a top with cylindrical stud coupling members, and sides which together with the top define a downwardly opening cavity into which the cylindrical studs of a like configured block may be inserted for frictional interconnection. One or more integrated circuit chips are embedded within the molding material of the block, and leads incorporated within the block studs and sides provide electrical interconnection between blocks when like configured blocks are brought into frictional interengagement. In a described embodiment, components of a digital video recording system are apportioned to different blocks which when interconnected provide the complete system functionality.

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 set of blocks is provided. The set includes some blocks having an internal light which is illuminated when blocks are stacked together.

Abstract: A power-driven construction toy assembly includes a remote controller spaced apart from a movable brick assembly driven by electric power and including a transmitter transmitting a control signal corresponding to an input signal generated by a touch panel. A power supply unit includes a brick-like casing assembled detachably to the brick assembly and receiving a battery set therein, a receiver mounted on the casing for receiving the control signal from the transmitter, and a control circuit controlling, based on the control signal received by the receiver, electrical connection between the battery set and a socket unit mounted on the casing and connected electrically to the brick assembly such that the battery set supplies the electric power to the brick assembly through the control circuit and the socket unit.

Abstract: A “construction set” consisting of active and passive parts connected by joints that can be manipulated to form an movable articulated assembly representing things like animals and skeletons. Each active part includes a position sensor for acquiring and storing position data specifying a sequence of positions assumed by the active part as the assembly is reshaped, and a controllable drive motor for moving the active part relative to a connected part in accordance with the position data.

Abstract: The present device is an illuminated building block device that mimics the look of a laser. The building block includes a non-opaque body comprising at least two mechanical connectors. At least two electrically independent conductors each traverse the body from each connector to each other connector. At least one LED is electrically connected to at least two of the electrical conductors. With at least two building blocks mechanically connected, a power source may be applied to one of the connectors of one of the building blocks to illuminate each LED. Preferably, the body of the building block is generally transparent and is capable of transmitting light from a colored LED to a connected block, thus mimicking the look of a laser. The invention also comprises a set of building blocks that permits light from an LED to pass from one connected block to an adjacent connected block.

Abstract: A computerized interactor system uses physical, three-dimensional objects as metaphors for input of user intent to a computer system. When one or more interactors are engaged with a detection field, the detection field reads an identifier associated with the object and communicates the identifier to a computer system. The computer system determines the meaning of the interactor based upon its identifier and upon a semantic context in which the computer system is operating.

Abstract: A toy building system with function bricks adapted to perform a function in response to a mechanical trigger action; sensor bricks with a sensor adapted to produce an output in response to a mechanical trigger action; and logic bricks with an input responsive to a sensor brick output and adapted to perform a logic function on the sensor brick output and to produce a logic output. The sensor brick output and the logic brick output are arranged in a first uniform manner relative to the coupling means, and the sensor output action and the logic output action are of uniform physical nature. The logic brick input and the function brick input are arranged in a second uniform manner relative to the coupling means. The function brick input is responsive to a logic brick output and adapted to perform the function in response to a logic brick output.

Abstract: A toy construction set comprising a first toy construction element configured to resemble a toy construction element and toy construction elements which contains electronic units controllable from said first element, wherein the elements form an integrated toy structure when incorporated therein. The first toy construction element has means, integrated within it, for programming the element by means of a user interface and for storing a program to provide controlled actions of the structure within which it is incorporated. Additionally, the first toy construction element is configured to transmit the program as a download program to a second construction toy.

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. Bach 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. Bach function building element further includes an output connector adapted to forward the received control signal.

Abstract: An articulated action figure, in conjunction with a battery pack, is adapted for providing power to electrical accessories that may be removably attached to the figure. The battery pack, fashioned as an appropriately scaled accessory, provides for removable, electrically conductive attachment to a cooperating receiving area of the action figure. The action figure conducts current internally from the battery pack receiving area to conductive surfaces disposed on specific areas of the figure, such as extremities, fashioned for removable retention of accessories. Advantageously, the present invention provides a means of conducting current through the figure at its points of articulation without requiring flexing of conductors. Suitably fashioned electrical accessories, such as simulated laser guns, removably retained by the figure at the aforesaid specific areas, may be provided electrical power through cooperating points in electrical contact with the conductive surfaces of the figure.

Abstract: The present device is an illuminated building block device that mimics the look of a laser. The building block includes a non-opaque body comprising at least two mechanical connectors. At least two electrically independent conductors each traverse the body from each connector to each other connector. At least one LED is electrically connected to at least two of the electrical conductors. With at least two building blocks mechanically connected, a power source may be applied to one of the connectors of one of the building blocks to illuminate each LED. Preferably, the body of the building block is generally transparent and is capable of transmitting light from a colored LED to a connected block, thus mimicking the look of a laser. The invention also comprises a set of building blocks that permits light from an LED to pass from one connected block to an adjacent connected block.

Abstract: A construction set for constructing a user-definable apparatus. for example a robot, is provided with one or more construction set components. The components 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 construction set components to produce other construction set components. The construction set may include an electromechanical drive assembly having an integrated speed control and operable to receive interchangeable. non-circular drive shafts. 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. A bearing plate may also be included.

Abstract: A switching arrangement capable of being actuated by an application of an air current with a playset component, a movable member for receiving an application of an air current relative to the playset component wherein the movable member for receiving an application of the air current is movable in response to the application of the air current, and an arrangement for actuating a response to a movement of the movable member for receiving an application of the air current. The switching arrangement can be electrical or non-electrical. Where the switching arrangement is electrical, it can cause an electrical signal to be produced in response to a sensed movement of the movable member.

Abstract: A construction kit that is suitable for creating a variety of different structures includes a plurality of illuminated elements. Each illuminated element has a light source and is electrically conductive. Tin one embodiment, the kit includes a plurality of connectors for linking the plurality of illuminated elements mechanically and electrically to form an illuminated structure, each connector having at least two apertures and being electrically conductive. The kit can include a power supply for supplying power to one connector of the plurality of connectors, wherein the power is transferred from the one connector to each of the plurality of illuminated elements and each of the remaining plurality of connectors, thereby illuminating the structure.

Abstract: A toy for teaching the logical thought process of computer programming has a plurality of stackable blocks with each block having a memory for the storage of at least one computer programming instruction. When the plurality of stackable blocks are mechanically stacked, a plurality of instructions are electrically connected forming a computer program. A main block is configured so that the plurality of stackable blocks can be mechanically stacked on the main block. A computer is electrically connected to receive the computer program. A robot is connected to the computer, with the computer controlling the robot in response to the computer program.

Abstract: A construction kit that is suitable for creating a variety of different structures includes a plurality of illuminated elements. In one embodiment, an illuminated element has a plurality of substantially transparent panels forming a three-dimensional shape, a self-powered light cartridge within the three-dimensional shape, and a plurality of externally directed magnets. The cartridge can include a housing disposed on a panel of the plurality of substantially transparent panels, a light located within the housing and positioned approximately in the center of the three-dimensional shape, circuitry within the housing for controlling an operation of the light, a battery within the housing for powering the light via the circuitry, and a removable cover for sealing the light, circuitry and battery within the housing. The illuminated elements can be directly connected to each other with the externally directed magnets or with connecting members (e.g., ferromagnetic spheres) between the magnets.

Abstract: A house-building toy comprises element blocks that include floor foundation blocks (2) functioning as the foundation of a house model and structuring a floor portion of the house model, wall blocks (3) structuring a wall portion of the house model, roof blocks (4) structuring a roof portion of the house model, and floor panel blocks (5) structuring on the floor foundation blocks (2) the ground and a floor surface in the house. Hole portions communicating with the element blocks are formed at joints between the floor foundation blocks (2) and the wall blocks (3) and at joints between the floor foundation blocks (2) and the roof blocks (4). Wires (W) for supplying electricity, for example, for lighting are laid from the outside to the inside of the house model.

Abstract: A programmable toy with a receiver for receiving instructions for programming of the toy, and elements for executing received instructions. The toy has a transmitter for transmission of instructions to a second toy.

Abstract: A solar-powered transmission device includes a casing, a cover, a drive unit, and a solar collecting panel. The casing is formed with a hole unit. The cover cooperates with the casing so as to confine a component receiving space, and has a transparent portion that permits entry of light into the component receiving space. The drive unit is mounted in the component receiving space, and includes a motor, a speed-reduction gear set coupled to and driven rotatably by the motor, and an output shaft unit coupled to and driven rotatably by the speed-reduction gear set. The output shaft unit extends through the hole unit in the casing. The solar collecting panel is disposed in the component receiving space and is coupled electrically to the motor.

Abstract: A programmable toy comprising a microprocessor which can execute instructions in the form of program stored in a memory; a display integrated in the toy. The microprocessor is adapted to control electrical and/or electro-mechanical units in response to the instructions, said microprocessor being adapted to receive signals from electrical and/or electro-mechanical units. The display comprises a plurality of icons which each represent instructions for the microprocessor, and which can be activated by a user for programming of the microprocessor. The toy can hereby be programmed by means of a visual user interface.

Abstract: An electrically conductive block component and method of producing such a block component are disclosed. The electrically conductive block component includes a main block section having first and second faces opposed to one another and a first channel extending through the main block section from the first face to the second face. The electrically conductive block component also includes a first conductive pin positioned within the first channel and having first and second end portions proximate the first and second faces, respectively. The first and second end portions of the first conductive pin are configured so that the electrically conductive block component can be both physically assembled with and electrically coupled to another electrically conductive block component.

Abstract: An image generating apparatus includes a pigment sheet having an array of translucent pigment clusters, each pigment cluster being formed of a number of pigment regions, each pigment region containing an individual pigment differing in radiated color from that of a pigment in another pigment region within the pigment cluster; an image display board perforated by an array of light transmission member wells and positioned above the pigment sheet so that the member wells are located over and substantially register with a corresponding pigment cluster; a number of translucent light transmission members, each light transmission member being mounted within one of the member wells so that each light transmission member is movable within its corresponding member well relative to the pigment sheet to any one of various light transmission member positions to selectively receive a selected radiated color from one of the pigment regions; and at least one artificial light source mounted below the pigment sheet.

Abstract: An electrically conductive block component and method of producing such a block component are disclosed. The electrically conductive block component includes a main block section having first and second faces opposed to one another and a first channel extending through the main block section from the first face to the second face. The electrically conductive block component also includes a first conductive pin positioned within the first channel and having first and second end portions proximate the first and second faces, respectively. The first and second end portions of the first conductive pin are configured so that the electrically conductive block component can be both physically assembled with and electrically coupled to another electrically conductive block component.

Abstract: A programmable assembly toy including a multiplicity of toy elements which are joinable to define a player selectable structure including a plurality of controllable toy elements which are joinable by a player with the selectable structure, and a player programmable control system for controlling the operation of the plurality of controllable toy elements.

Abstract: A toy building set comprising: a sensor (200, 301) capable of recording revolution of a wheel (501, 502), a computer (101, 303) having a display (302), said computer (101, 303) being connectible to the sensor (200, 301) for receiving a revolution signal (S) from the sensor, said computer being capable of converting the revolution signal into a value in dependence on a factor, said value representing the revolution and being displayable on the display. The sensor (200, 301) comprises coupling means (210) for coupling to building elements (101, 504, 505) having complementary coupling means (107), said coupling means being arranged in a modular system with modular units (M1, M2), and the computer (101, 303) is arranged such that the factor may be specified by stating a transverse dimension of the wheel in a plurality of modular unit (M1, M2). The computer may thereby be set to a wheel size in a simple manner.

Abstract: A stackable articles toy including a number of articles that can be coupled together or coupled to a support and which also generates sensory output upon interaction by the infant with the toy to prolong the infant's enjoyment of the toy.

Abstract: An figure data input device is provided, by which prompt and accurate simulation learning is realized by automatically reading out type identifying data and location data of a figure piece when the piece figure is placed on a mounting board. The educational figure data input device includes a figure piece composed of a figure portion replicating the outward appearance of an object and a storage unit for storing the type of the figure portion, which are combined into one body; a mounting board provided with a plurality of sectional mounting planes in such a manner that one figure piece is placed on only one of the plurality of sectional mounting planes; and a reading device, incorporated in the mounting board, for reading out type identifying data stored in the storage unit of the figure piece placed on the mounting board.

Abstract: A toy includes a peg board through which spaced apertures extend. The toy includes a light source positioned opposite a side of the peg board from which the pegs are inserted. The light source illuminates the apertures. A switch circuit operates the light source and may extinguish the light source automatically following a period during which the toy is not manipulated.