Including Connectable Panels Or Strips Patents (Class 446/108)
  • Patent number: 10824780
    Abstract: A design method of topology optimization for flexible hinge is disclosed in the invention, comprising following steps: step 1: establishing a design model of topology optimization for flexible hinge, setting an outline of flexible hinge with a typical notch as a shape of design domain and defining a rigid region (non-design domain); step 2: establishing a finite element model of topology optimization for flexible hinge; step 3: establishing a mathematical model of topology optimization problem for flexible hinge based on the finite element model; step 4: calculating a sensitivity of topology optimization problem for flexible hinge; step 5: employing an optimization algorithm to solve the topology optimization problem for flexible hinge, updating a design variable and obtaining a final topology result graph; step 6: according to the final topology result graph obtained by the topology optimization, extracting its outline and obtaining a novel flexible hinge by appropriate modification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: SOUTH CHINA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Xianmin Zhang, Min Liu
  • Patent number: 10737191
    Abstract: An assembly unit includes side plate having first coupling member on first side, second coupling member on second side, and third coupling member on each of third and fourth sides, top plate including fourth coupling member and top stud, and bottom plate including fifth coupling member and bottom stud. The first coupling member is engaged with the second coupling member of neighboring side plate. The fourth coupling member is engaged with the third coupling member. The fifth coupling member is engaged with the third coupling member. The first coupling member includes protrusion. The second coupling member includes groove. The protrusion is fitted into the groove of the neighboring side plate. The third coupling member includes thread. Each of the fourth and fifth coupling members includes thread. The fourth and fifth coupling members are engaged with the third coupling member in a screwed manner using the threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: CREAMO INC.
    Inventors: Seok Lee, Taikjin Lee, Jeong Hun Shin, Won Kyo Jeong, Sun Ho Kim, Hyunsoo Chung, Hyunduk Kim, Yong-Joon Park, Deokha Woo
  • Patent number: 10661193
    Abstract: A chain-shaped splicing toy is attached to a ball so that a plurality of balls can be spliced with each other. The chain-shaped splicing toy includes a first chain assembly. The first chain assembly has two first coupling portions, a first ring, two first buckling portions, and a plurality of first chain connecting portions. Wherein, when the first chain assembly is attached to the ball, the first coupling portion at one end is coupled to the first ring at the other end. The first buckling portions are buckled to the first coupling portion that is not located at one end of another first chain assembly attached to the other ball so that the balls can be spliced with each other in different shapes and models.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: LI HSEN PLASTICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: San-Lang Chiang
  • Patent number: 10585846
    Abstract: A multi-direction connectable electronic module includes a circuit board, including a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one side; and a plurality of connectors connected to the circuit board, each including a lateral magnetic connector, a shell, a longitudinal inter-locking part, and a lateral inter-locking part. The lateral inter-locking part is configured to connect with a first electronic building block along the lateral direction. The longitudinal inter-locking part is configured to stack with a second electronic building block along the longitudinal direction. The lateral magnetic connector is configured to magnetically connect with the first electronic building block. A plurality of through holes are formed on the shell. A lateral pin connector disposed on the at least one side of the circuit board includes a plurality of pins located at positions corresponding to the plurality of through holes, and is configured to electrically connect the first electronic building block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignees: MICRODUINO INC., MEIKE TECHNOLOGY (BEIJING) LTD.
    Inventors: Zhenshan Wang, Kejia Pan, Bin Feng, Xi Li
  • Patent number: 10442111
    Abstract: A bamboo laminated lumber is provided having structural characteristics meeting or exceeding dimensionally equivalent wood based components. The bamboo laminated lumber is formed from bamboo laminated elements laminated and joined together to form dimensional lumber and engineered lumber components. The bamboo laminated lumber element comprises a combination of linear bamboo starter boards being halves of timber bamboo canes pressed flat with the inner pith surfaces laminated together with the grain aligned and skewed bamboo starter boards being halves of timber bamboo canes pressed flat with the inner pith surfaces laminated together with the grain offset from centerline at a specified angle. Top and bottom linear bamboo starter boards are laminated to a central skewed bamboo starter board yielding a bamboo laminated lumber element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: BamCore LLC
    Inventor: William D McDonald
  • Patent number: 10335703
    Abstract: A ring combination toy includes plural assembling bodies which are ring structures, each having plural first connecting portions; and plural assembling pieces, each having two connecting structures and a bent portion, and the connecting structures are connected by the bent portion to form the assembling piece, and each of the connecting structures has a second connecting portion corresponding to the respective first connecting portion. When the second connecting portions of any one of the assembling pieces is engaged to the first connecting portions of any two of the assembling bodies respectively, the assembling bodies are combined with the assembling pieces. Through the design of different shapes, the young children will not be injured easily while playing the game, and the parents can be assured to let their young children play the game and have fun freely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: LI HSEN PLASTICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: San-Lang Chiang
  • Patent number: 10240334
    Abstract: A building system comprises one or more panels with one or more “Z-shaped” edges. The panels may connected to each other through interaction of the corresponding shaped edges. In addition, a building component comprises upper and lower surfaces and first and second lateral ends. One or more of the building components may be connected together through engagement of the second lateral end of a first building component with the first lateral end of a second building component. Through this connection, vertical forces on the building components are transferred laterally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Inventor: Antoine Marcel Paulus
  • Patent number: 9914067
    Abstract: A flexible building segment includes a first outer-section, a second outer-section, a central-section, a first ribs-section and a second ribs-section. The first outer-section includes a first magnet embedded therein. The second outer-section includes a second magnet embedded therein. The central-section includes a central magnet embedded therein and at least two central attachment slots at opposite sides thereof. The first ribs-section includes a first flexible portion and respective ribs. The first flexible portion couples the central-section with the first outer-section. The ribs, respective of the first ribs-section, are attached to the first flexible portion and parallel to each other. The second ribs-section includes a second flexible portion and respective ribs. The first flexible portion couples the central-section with the second outer-section. The ribs, respective of the second ribs-section, are attached to the second flexible portion and parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: WOWWEE GROUP LTD.
    Inventors: Davin Sufer, Ellyn Le Masson, Anthony Lemire
  • Patent number: 9449537
    Abstract: In order to provide a dimensional display system which is easy to use, quick to execute, and inexpensive, the dimensional display system contains a backboard sign, at least one offset sign having a size smaller than the backboard sign, and at least one spacer assembly. The spacer assembly contains a first fastening element, which is adapted to be attached to the backboard sign, and a second fastening element, which is adapted to be attached to the offset sign. The first and second fastening elements form corresponding components of a fastening mechanism to affix the offset sign to the backboard sign at a predefined distance thus creating a three-dimensional effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Franke Technology and Trademark Ltd.
    Inventors: Dan C. Polus, Clifton B. Casipit
  • Patent number: 9022829
    Abstract: A toy construction kit has a plurality of magnetic modules, each with a housing having a plurality of sides, each side having an internal hollow. A magnet is contained within each of the hollows at a given polar orientation relative to the housing and the hollow. The hollow has dimensions that permit the magnet to move within the hollow, but substantially constrains the magnet to the given polar orientation relative to the housing. When a side of a module is placed near a side of another module, they are bound by magnetic attraction by the respective aligned magnets, either because the polar orientations are opposite when they are initially juxtaposed or due to shifting of one or both magnets in their respective hollows to achieve relative polar opposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: LaRose Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence Rosen, Parviz Daftari
  • Patent number: 9016003
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system, or kit, of blow molded panels having integrally formed connectors which combine to form an enclosure, commonly in the form of a utility shed. The corner sections, roof, wall and floor panels are formed of blow molded plastic with integrally formed connectors to interlock with one another. In one embodiment, the ends of the wall panels have locking plugs that are constructed and arranged to fit into corresponding sockets and slide to an engaged position for interlocking cooperative engagement rigidly connecting the components together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Suncast Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Thuma, Torrence Anderson, Michael R. Vogler
  • Publication number: 20150104993
    Abstract: A modular construction panel is provided. The modular construction panel has a panel having a plurality of fasteners disposed within or thereon, each fastener permitting adjoining to a like construction panel for creating a structure. The panels are provided in shapes optimizing modularity when mated to other panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Samuel KENNEDY
  • Publication number: 20150099417
    Abstract: Geometric systems including 2-D building elements configured to connect together for building 3-D structures, the of 2-D building elements each have a body that is at least: a central main body, tabs extended away from the central main body, and notches, one of the notches being disposed between each of the tabs and the central main body are described. The notches are oriented to form an underlying polygon of the central main body, and a width of each of the tabs is no greater than one half a length of one side of the underlying polygon. In some examples, where each of the tabs is comprised of a substantially rigid material, the width of the tab is no greater than one third the length of one side of the underlying polygon. In other examples, where each of the tabs is comprised of a substantially flexible material, the width of the tab is no less than one third the length of one side of the underlying polygon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Mircea Draghicescu, Ioana Browne
  • Patent number: 8986064
    Abstract: Modular tracks for model vehicles are disclosed. In some embodiments, a track of the present disclosure includes a plurality of track sections, each track section including at least one upper and lower surface and at least one end. In some embodiments, a first track section of the plurality of track sections includes a female connector and a male connector located in a first track section end region and a second track section of the plurality of track sections includes a male connector and a female connector located in a second track end region. In some embodiments, the female connector of the first track section correspondingly interconnects with the male connector of the second track section and the female connector of the second track section correspondingly interconnects with the male connector of the first track section to interconnect the first track section and the second track section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee Spielberger, Eric Listenberger
  • Patent number: 8961258
    Abstract: An interlocking building block, and procedure for constructing the same, having a planar locking mechanism and a spatial locking mechanism. The planar locking mechanism being a three-clawed piece built around an equilateral triangle with protruding arms and grooves corresponding to a circular arc. The protruding claws are rotated on a plane around a center of rotation. These align with grooves of another three-clawed piece to offer a locking mechanism, where the center point of the circular arc is identical to the center of planar rotation. The spatial locking mechanism may have a hexagonal prism placed next to the three-clawed piece and connected to the corners of the equilateral triangle, into which the three-clawed piece is placed so that the protruding claws extend beyond the hexagonal prism, or the spatial locking mechanism consists of protrusions ensuring a groove/taper connection and connecting grooves, so that each piece contains protrusions and grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Adám Bálint
  • Patent number: 8845381
    Abstract: A geometric construction module formed from a substantially flat, flexible material, the module comprising a polygon based shape having two straight edges; and a locking tab pair integral with each one of the straight edges to form joining edges, each locking tab of the locking tab pair having a notch at the straight edge, the notches of each locking tab pair being symmetrical about a center line of the joining edge. Multiple construction modules can be releasably attached at the joining edges to form models.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Novation Design Inc.
    Inventor: James T. Ziegler
  • Publication number: 20140256210
    Abstract: A collapsible construction panel set with erasable surfaces. Construction panels comprising connectors facilitate a connectable panel toy that allows the user to build a variety of objects including but not limited to representations of forts, tunnels, mazes, castles, houses, doll houses, animals, and vehicles. Panels can be marked on with crayons, felt markers, porous tip markers, pens, pencils, paint brushes, air brushes, light, or paint rollers. Depending on the marking employed, the panel surfaces allow for the marking to be partially or completely erased with wet or dry methods. Panels can be easily stacked for compact storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Scott Johnson
  • Patent number: 8800216
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system or kit of connectors and panels which can be readily assembled to form a structure with the use of a minimal number of tools. Panels are precut so that measurements and cutting of the panel component materials is eliminated. Connectors are provided for attachment to the panels which allow the panels to be assembled to the floor and roof panels without the need for fasteners. The roof and floor structures are formed from interlocking plastic panels. The roof and floor panels include a structure that cooperates with the connectors secured to the wall panels to allow for the construction of a plurality of structures using like constructed connectors. Wall panels may be chosen from a variety of materials which allow a consumer to construct a building such as a storage shed that best suits his/her needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Suncast Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William J. Phillips, Michael R. Vogler
  • Publication number: 20140220853
    Abstract: Geometric systems for building 3-D structures from a plurality of 2-D building elements, including a first building element defining a first shape defined by edges with a first dimension, and a second building element defining a second shape incongruent to the first shape defined by edges with a second dimension incongruent to the first dimension. Further, each building element defines an imaginary circle having a center aligned with the center of the building element, and defines a plurality of notches positioned at and tangential to the circumference of the imaginary circle, where the plurality of building elements are configured to fit together at their respective notches to torn a 3-D structure. Geometric systems may include a first building element defining a first shape with a first contour, and a second building element defining a second shape incongruent to the first shape with a second contour incongruent to the first contour.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventors: Mircea Draghicescu, Ioana Browne
  • Patent number: 8753162
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Inordvativ A/S
    Inventor: Anders Buus Jensen
  • Patent number: 8715029
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Forrest Frederick Bishop
  • Patent number: 8668543
    Abstract: A kit for a child's play structure includes poles removably attached to one another and arranged to form a three-dimensional box-like structure of a size to permit a child to fully enter therein. A plurality of panels are attached to the poles. The panels have graphic representations thereon corresponding to at least a portion of a story or illustration, such as depicted in an accompanying storybook. Three dimensional objects may be positionable within, or removably attached to the panels, and which correspond to objects in the storybook to enhance the play experience. Multiple structures may be placed side-by-side so that a child can move from one structure to another, and thus from one portion of the story to the next.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Anne L. Manrique
  • Patent number: 8650807
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system, or kit, of blow molded panels having integrally formed connectors which combine to form an enclosure, commonly in the form of a utility shed. The corner sections, roof, wall and floor panels are formed of blow molded plastic with integrally formed connectors to interlock with one another. In one embodiment, the ends of the wall panels have locking plugs that are constructed and arranged to fit into corresponding sockets and slide to an engaged position for interlocking cooperative engagement rigidly connecting the components together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Suncast Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew McKimmy, Michael Thuma, Torrence Anderson, Michael R. Vogler
  • Patent number: 8650808
    Abstract: A three-dimensional, curved building module comprises a saddle-shaped membrane having four connecting edges for joining with like building modules and four truncating edges. Connecting members are formed along the linear edge surfaces for joining the modules in edge-to-edge relation with one another. The building modules permit construction of complex, three dimensional forms which divide space into two distinct but intertwining volumes. The building modules may be used as a child's construction toy, playground structures, sculptures, architectural structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Percy Hooper
  • Patent number: 8556673
    Abstract: A play board set is provided for mounting to a wall, expanding from a storage position, and providing interchangeable background themes and play items to enhance creative interactive play. The set includes a main panel having a magnetic front face and a rear face configured for coupling to a support surface. A pair of secondary panels is pivotally coupled to the main panel. Each secondary panel has a magnetic front face and a magnetic rear face. A plurality of decorative attachments is provided. Each decorative attachment is selectively positionable on the front face of the main panel and the front or rear face of each secondary panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Linda Winting
  • Patent number: 8464476
    Abstract: Various modular construction systems exist and these all have limitations of cost, adaptability and strength. Some were also complex and time consuming to assemble. The present invention overcomes these problems by providing a simple modular construction element (10), which can be assembled with one another to form a strong structure. The invention comprises sheet-like materials, has a V-shaped cross section and is adapted to receive a connector so that elements in use are connected, one to another. The element may be rhomboid shaped, hexagonal shaped or triangular shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Matthew William Lewis Roberts
  • Patent number: 8403721
    Abstract: A linking toy segment for pivotal securement to another linking toy segment is disclosed herein, the linking toy segment having: a base structure; an actuatable device secured to the base structure, the actuatable device being capable of movement from a first position to a second position; a first coupling member secured to the base structure and extending away from the base structure in a first direction, the first coupling member being configured to be pivotally received on top of another coupling member; a second coupling member secured to the base structure and extending away from the base structure in a second direction, the first direction being different from the second direction, the second coupling member being configured to be pivotally secured underneath another coupling member; a trigger moveably secured to the base structure proximate to either the first coupling member or the second coupling member, the trigger being pivotally mounted to the base for movement between a first position and a secon
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott H. Derman
  • Patent number: 8371895
    Abstract: A toy play set comprising user designed base plate and structure plates, story telling media, a master doll and accessory toy articles is provided for a child to rebuild a toy playing scene after reading a scene base story, and then for the child to build the play set according to his/her imaginative capability. Interactive audio and/or visual responses are provided when a master toy member touches an accessory toy member for providing further fun in playing the custom designed story scene based play set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: People Innovate for Economy Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Ar-Fu Lam
  • Patent number: 8366507
    Abstract: A building toy block set consisting of base blocks and connection blocks is disclosed. Each base block has a connection notch located on each of multiple peripheral sides thereof and extending in direction toward the center thereof, and two pivot holes arranged at two opposite lateral sides of each connection notch. Each connection block has two pivot pins respectively located on two first opposing sides thereof and respectively pivotally connectable to the pivot holes at two opposite lateral sides of one connection notch of one base block, and a plug rod and a plughole respectively located on two second opposing sides thereof in such a manner that the plug rod of one connection block can be press-fitted into the plughole of another connection block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Ying-Jen Chen
  • Patent number: 8353131
    Abstract: Loq·kit is a mass-produced system of interchangeable building components for assembling single or multi-family houses. The building components are of three varieties: structural frame, in-fill, or snap-cladding components. Except for bolted structural frame connections, all connections between parts are snap-lock, and may be released. With snap-lock interfaces and a modular dimensional relationship between components, they can be reconfigured in near endless variety. The components all share a common dimensionality that is derived from a regulating grid. The grid utilizes an alternating sequence of two modules—a module A, and a smaller module B. The A,B,A,B rhythm of gridlines is used to regulate component connection locations in three dimensions. The alternating-sequence grid works by establishing a standard connection width, module B, for making connections between components. Each possible connection width is spaced from another by a common module A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventor: Patrick A. Freet
  • Patent number: 8317564
    Abstract: A children's building system is comprised of panels that can be connected together to form a structure formed from one or more layers of connected panels. The panel includes a connecting flange along one side edge and a channel member along an opposite side edge. The channel member is sized, configured, and shaped to receive the connecting flange of an adjacent panel, such that panels can be connected together to form a “wall”. In one embodiment, the system includes a connector to vertically connect the panels. The connector defines upper and lower channels or slots and can rest on a lower panel and receive an upper panel, thereby enabling a second level of panels to be formed over the first level of panels. In another embodiment, the panels include a tongue on an upper edge and an downwardly opening slot in the bottom edge, wherein the tongue is sized and shaped to be received in the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: Gary Buhrman
  • Patent number: 8210892
    Abstract: A transformative floor mat system that is interactive as a toy and a mat that is safe, fun and creative. In one form, the floor mat has tiles with interlocking structure around the edges of each tile to prove for a secured large surface area. The floor mat also has play pieces that can be removed from within each tiles so that each tile can be connected to one another to form a play figure. The floor mat system could also be configured to form other three-dimensional structures and environments, such as castles, forests, and beaches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Parallax Group International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Thrush, Peter Szucs
  • Patent number: 8209916
    Abstract: A construction block includes a pair of base members and a pair of side wall assemblies. Each base member defines first and second upper channels and comprises a first plurality of ribs positioned within the first upper channel and a second plurality of ribs positioned within the second upper channel. Each side wall assembly defines a hollow load chamber having an open top and an open bottom and includes a plurality of hingedly interconnected panels, each including a thermoplastic material. A first side wall assembly is releasably engaged with at least some of the first plurality of ribs of a lower one of the base members, and a second side wall assembly is releasably engaged with at least some of the second plurality of ribs of the lower one of the base members. Each side wall assembly is releasably engaged with an upper one of the base members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Global Shelter Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Burke A. Herron
  • Patent number: 8157608
    Abstract: One piece, injection-moldable, functionally polyhedral construction modules. The construction modules are thin-walled, cored out versions of a polyhedron. Each construction module comprises one polyhedron wall portion that is interiorly tangent to each face of at least one set of identical faces of a superimposed polyhedron template. Each polyhedron wall portion forms a complex with its tangent face of its superimposed polyhedron template that is the mirror image of at least half of such complexes. Each polyhedron wall portion is visible in both directions along a predetermined axis. Each polyhedron wall portion comprises an asymmetric aligning means that may include one or more snap-fit connectors. Every polyhedron wall portion is part of a single piece of material. Accordingly, these construction modules may be injection molded as single pieces of material, and, when they are aligned face-to-face, they exhibit the constructive properties of their polyhedron templates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Jonathan Walker Stapleton
  • Publication number: 20120055000
    Abstract: This invention describes a set of building elements comprising a uniting plate (1) and a base plate (19). The uniting plate (1) comprises two plates (3) defined in a single plane, said two plates (3) are connected in a connection line (9), and a slot (5) is placed at said connection line; said slot (5) may engage with a slot on another uniting plate (1) to obtain uniting plates with their plates (3) in different planes. The base plate (19) being substantially planar having three parallel plates, which is placed in two planes, where the first (117) and third plate (119) is placed in one plane, are arranged on either side of the second plate (121), which is placed in the second plane, and where the two parallel planes define a space between the two planes to obtain one of the plates (3) of the uniting plate (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: Lykke.it S.r.l.
    Inventor: Ole Vestergaard Poulsen
  • Patent number: 8082709
    Abstract: The invention relates to a modular construction system. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a construction system, including modules, which are capable of being used in a wide range of applications including buildings and various other structures. Prior systems included structured modules connected by means of flexible joints which were composed of cables. These allowed relative movement between walls of various units. Such systems were complex and expensive to manufacture An improved modular construction system overcame this problem by providing a plurality of structural elements of V-shaped or chevron-shaped cross section. These are adapted to be assembled in a cellular configuration by their similar form, size and by virtue of the elements having apertures. Any aperture may receive a connector, which permits an amount of relative movement between said elements in two-rotational degrees of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Matthew William Lewis Roberts
  • Patent number: 8047890
    Abstract: A toy construction set has a plurality of interconnectable objects each having a plurality of faces. Some of these faces have a connector, while other faces lack a connector but have a fibrous or pierceable material. The connector includes a first hub and a second hub that are concentrically nested. Each of the hubs has on one side thereof a plurality of spiral prongs. The spiral prongs on the first hub spiral in a direction opposite that of the spiral prongs on the second hub. The connector also has a manually operable link connected between the first and the second hub for relatively rotating them in opposite directions. The play activity proceeds by adjoining a pair of the objects with a prominent, connector-bearing face of one of the pair touching a prominent connector-free face of the other one of the pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: James Haas
  • Patent number: 8021207
    Abstract: A storybook kit for a child's play structure includes poles removably attached to one another and arranged to form a three-dimensional box-like structure of a size to permit a child to fully enter therein. A plurality of panels are attached to the poles. The panels have graphic representations thereon corresponding to at least a portion of a story or illustration depicted in an accompanying storybook. Three dimensional objects may be positionable within, or removably attached to the panels, and which correspond to objects in the storybook to enhance the play experience. Multiple structures may be placed side-by-side so that a child can move from one structure to another, and thus from one portion of the story to the next.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventor: Anne L. Manrique
  • Patent number: 7988517
    Abstract: This invention generally relates to a set of parallelepipedal bodies (cubes) capable of matingly compatible engagement for interconnection with substantially similar cubes or matingly conformed rails, so as to allow up to three degrees of freedom in the sliding movement of an individual cube or grouping of cubes about a grouping of other interconnected cells from the set. Each cube is constructed from six plates with an interior physical configuration adapted for connection and that lends itself to monolithic injection molding. The exterior physical configuration of all plates are substantially similar. When a number of cubes are assembled into a cubic array, there can be slab movement, row movement or solo cube movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Forrest Frederick Bishop
  • Patent number: 7988516
    Abstract: This invention generally relates to a set of parallelepipedal bodies (cubes) capable of matingly compatible engagement for interconnection with substantially similar cubes or matingly conformed rails, so as to allow up to three degrees of freedom in the sliding movement of an individual cube or grouping of cubes about a grouping of other interconnected cells from the set. Each cube is constructed from six plates or from three plate pairs. The interior physical configuration of tabs and slots lends itself to injection molding of plates or plate pairs. The exterior physical configuration of all plates and at least one of the exterior surfaces of the rails are substantially similar. When a number of cubes are assembled into a cubic array, there can be slab movement, row movement or solo cube movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Forrest Frederick Bishop
  • Patent number: 7985115
    Abstract: A panel device for use with a plurality of connectors and rods with the rods connectable to the connectors is provided. The panel device comprises a substantially planar panel member having a plurality of sides. A groove is formed along each side of the panel member. A first groove edge is positioned along one side of the groove. A second groove edge is positioned on the other side of the groove with the second groove edge extending beyond the first groove edge wherein each rod is adapted to be inserted into the groove, the first groove edge and the second groove edge releasably maintaining the rod within the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventor: David C. McCloskey
  • Patent number: 7941976
    Abstract: A construction block is provided that includes at least one base member that includes a plurality of lower side wall receptacles. The construction block further includes a plurality of side wall assemblies. Each of the side wall assemblies includes a plurality of interconnected panels. Each of the panels is hingedly connected to each adjacent one of the panels of the respective one of the side wall assemblies. Each of the side wall assemblies defines a hollow load chamber having an open top and an open bottom. At least some of the panels of each of the side wall assemblies are angled relative to one another. Each of the lower side wall receptacles receives one of the side wall assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Global Shelter Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Burke A. Herron
  • Patent number: 7892065
    Abstract: The system comprises a plurality of modular blocks (10, 14) of nonmagnetic material, to be assembled to create compositions imitating, for example, a building, a doll, an animal, a vehicle or any other fancying assembly; a framework for connecting the blocks, comprises a plurality of magnetic frame members (11, 12) removably disposable into corresponding seatings (13, 17) in each modular block (10, 14), or between adjacent blocks of the composition. The modular blocks (11, 12) and the magnetic frame members of framework have shoulder surfaces (18, 19) mutually engageable in the assembled condition of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: Claudio Vicentelli
  • Patent number: 7765744
    Abstract: A construction block is provided that includes at least one base member that includes a plurality of lower side wall receptacles. The construction block further includes a plurality of side wall assemblies. Each of the side wall assemblies includes a plurality of interconnected panels. Each of the panels is hingedly connected to each adjacent one of the panels of the respective one of the side wall assemblies. Each of the side wall assemblies defines a hollow load chamber having an open top and an open bottom. At least some of the panels of each of the side wall assemblies are angled relative to one another. Each of the lower side wall receptacles receives one of the side wall assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Global Shelter Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Burke A. Herron
  • Patent number: 7749042
    Abstract: The toy building set comprises interconnectable modular elements that include flat, substantially square bricks, each having two opposite, substantially square main faces, of which a first one is shaped with an array of recesses. Two first, adjacent, narrow side faces bear tabs projecting at right angles from the respective side faces. Two second, adjacent, narrow side faces bear forks projecting from the respective side faces so that the tabs of an adjacent brick can be inserted therein. Each fork is of a size and shape such that it is insertable in one of the recesses with a tight fit. The modular elements also comprise disc-shaped, peripherally toothed bricks, each having transverse openings in which the forks are insertable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Giochi Puliti S.R.L.
    Inventor: Ettore Fulgenzi
  • Publication number: 20100130094
    Abstract: A modular system for forming without tools a variety of 3-dimensional structures comprises panels (10), and connectors (13, 14), and locking bridging members (30) for assembling the panels (10) together in a desired configuration. The panels can be disconnected so that the erected structure can be disassembled with ease for future reuse. The system can be used to erect children's playhouses made of polymer materials, as well as in a large variety of other applications to create 3-dimensional objects requiring rapid positive construction without tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: Vincent Michalk, Robert Katz, Marc Bacon, Sylvain Duchene
  • Patent number: 7662014
    Abstract: A joint system for joining polyhedric facet elements together. Polyhedrons have a plurality of facets. The polyhedric facet elements have facet planes that are generally congruent with the facets of the polyhedrons in which they are found. Various facet elements occupy angular relationships such that they can be joined in rigid stable joints by means of key elements where the planes of the key elements extend generally perpendicular to the planes of each of the facet elements. The joint system is suitable for inter-polyhedron joint systems where the joints include four joint elements, three of which are in the respective polyhedrons that are to be joined, and the fourth is a key element perpendicularly disposed between the other three joint elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: Gregg R. Fleishman
  • Patent number: 7601069
    Abstract: Panels for assembling a sandbox frame include an elongate A panel and an elongate B panel. Each panel has an end portion terminating in an end edge. The end edge is oriented transverse to the length dimension of the panel. A first cord receiving notch is disposed in the A panel end edge. A second cord receiving notch is disposed in the B panel end edge. A first elongate A slot is proximate the A panel end portion. The first slot is oriented transverse to the length dimension of the A panel. A second elongate B slot is proximate the B panel end portion. The second slot is oriented transverse to the length dimension of the B panel. A first groove is disposed in the A panel end portion. The first groove is oriented transverse to the A panel length dimension. The groove is recessed from a main surface of the A panel and defined by opposed groove walls wherein one of the groove walls is beveled. When the A and B panels are assembled, the A panel slot interlocks with the B panel slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Inventor: Christopher Freres
  • Patent number: 7581357
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system, or kit, of injection molded panels having integrated connectors which combine to form an enclosure, commonly in the form of a utility shed. The panels are formed of injection molded plastic to interlock with one another without the need for separate I-beam connectors. The ends of the wall panels have cavities to accept both roof and floor outwardly projecting locking bosses for interlocking cooperative engagement which serve to rigidly connect the components together. The symmetry of the wall, roof, floor and door components also minimizes component shapes and simplifies enclosure construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Suncast Corporation
    Inventors: Jed C. Richardson, Lyle A. Rosine, Rob Stein, Robert Kopp, Michael Uffner, Torrence Anderson
  • Publication number: 20090209166
    Abstract: A corrugated cardboard constructible toy has a set of recyclable shipping boxes and comprises an outer box that in its entirety forms a main part of the toy besides temporary uses for shipping the toy to and from a toy user. One or more inner boxes of corrugated fiberboard are contained in the outer box during shipping and then deployed to mate with the outer box to provide a subassembly of the toy with a predetermined rigidity. Auxiliary forms of corrugated fiberboard for mating with the outer and inner boxes to selectively support the toy subassembly as it differentiates into a model figure or building for a child to actively play on or in. A number of dowel fasteners may penetrate walls of the fiberboard to maintain the integrity of the toy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Samuel Chen