Toy or educational construction set and building elements

Abstract

A toy or educational building element (6) includes a planar base surface (7) and an opposing surface (8). The planar base surface (7) includes one or more connecting knobs (3) or one or more connecting sockets, the connecting knobs (3) or connecting sockets being made of a relatively rigid first material and adapted to releasably frictionally engage with connecting sockets or connecting knobs (3) on another building block in a toy building kit, while the opposing surface (8) is formed of a relatively elastic second material and extends within a truncated cone or pyramid (13), the outer periphery of the maximum / bottom base surface of which at least partially coincides with the outer periphery of the planar base surface (7) of the building element (6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This technology relates to a toy or educational construction kit comprising a plurality of toy building blocks, each toy building block having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface having one or more connecting knobs arranged equidistantly in a uniform pattern, and the lower surface having one or more connecting sockets adapted to releasably frictionally engage with a connecting knob on another building block in the toy or educational construction kit. Background Technology

[0002] There are countless different implementations of toys or educational construction kits, all aimed at providing users with fun features. Utility Model Content

[0003] In this context, the purpose of this technology is to provide a construct that offers users more options for building different constructs with novel and interesting features.

[0004] In some embodiments, a toy or educational construction kit includes a plurality of toy building blocks, each toy building block having a first plane and a second plane. The first plane is provided with one or more connecting knobs arranged equidistantly in a uniform pattern, and the second plane is provided with one or more connecting sockets adapted to releasably frictionally engage with a connecting knob on another building block in the toy construction kit. The toy construction kit also includes a building element comprising a planar base surface and an opposing surface. The planar base surface has an outer periphery and one or more connecting knobs or connecting sockets, the one or more connecting knobs or connecting sockets being made of a relatively rigid first material and adapted to releasably frictionally engage with connecting sockets or connecting knobs on the building blocks in the toy construction kit, respectively. The opposing surface is formed of a relatively elastic second material and extends within a space defined by a truncated cone, the outer periphery of the maximum / bottom base surface of the truncated cone partially or completely coinciding with the outer periphery of the planar base surface of the building element.

[0005] In some embodiments, the toy construct includes a building element comprising a planar base and a opposing surface, wherein the planar base includes one or more coupling knobs or one or more coupling sockets made of a relatively rigid first material and adapted to releasably frictionally engage with coupling sockets or coupling knobs on another building block in the toy construct kit. The opposing surface is formed of a relatively resilient second material and extends within a space defined by a truncated cone, the outer periphery of which at least partially coincides with the outer periphery of the planar base of the truncated cone.

[0006] In this context, the term "cone" refers to a three-dimensional geometric shape that tapers smoothly from the outer periphery of a plane's maximum / bottom datum to a point (vertex), and the maximum / bottom datum has an outer periphery that forms any closed one-dimensional shape, including, for example, circles, ellipses, or polygons such as triangles, squares, or rectangles.

[0007] Thus, toy constructions that provide new functions (such as reliable gripping) can be assembled, wherein building elements can be easily connected to the supporting construction using connecting knobs and sockets, and the risk of the building elements being disconnected from the construction during use due to, for example, gripping forces acting on the building elements is relatively low.

[0008] Preferably, the opposing surface includes one or more planar abutment surfaces coinciding with the minimum / top base surface of the truncated cone, these abutment surfaces forming the portion of the opposing surface furthest from the planar base surface. The distance between the planar abutment surfaces and the planar base surface may be less than half the maximum width of the planar base surface.

[0009] In some implementations, the relatively elastic second material includes rubber or thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), such as SBS (styrene-butadiene styrene) or SEBS (vinyl styrene-butadiene styrene), which provide relatively higher frictional properties than the relatively hard first material (such as ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene styrene) or POM (polyoxymethylene)).

[0010] In some embodiments, the planar base is square, and the opposing surfaces extend within a tetrahedral truncated pyramid, the outer perimeter of the pyramid's maximum / bottom base coinciding with the outer perimeter of the square planar base. In this relationship, the building element may include four planar abutting surfaces positioned at the corners of the pyramid's minimum / top base. Furthermore, the four planar abutting surfaces may be spaced apart from each other by concave portions of the opposing surfaces.

[0011] In some embodiments, the planar base includes one or more coupling knobs adapted to releasably frictionally engage with a coupling socket on another building block in the toy construction kit. In this relationship, the building element may have a monolithic body portion including the coupling knobs and made of a relatively rigid first material, wherein the monolithic body portion includes a support structure interconnecting the coupling knobs.

[0012] Furthermore, a relatively flexible material can surround the supporting structure, such that the relatively flexible material at least partially forms the planar base of the building element, and the connecting knob extends from the planar base.

[0013] This technology also relates to a building element adapted for releasable friction engagement with other building blocks in a toy building kit, the toy building kit comprising a plurality of toy building blocks, each toy building block having a first plane and a second plane, the first plane having one or more coupling knobs equidistantly arranged in a uniform square pattern, and the second plane having one or more coupling sockets adapted for releasable friction engagement with coupling knobs on another building block in the toy building kit. The building element includes a planar base surface and a opposing surface, the planar base surface including one or more coupling knobs or one or more coupling sockets made of a relatively rigid first material, while the opposing surface is formed of a relatively elastic second material and extends within a truncated cone or pyramid, the outer periphery of the largest / bottom base surface of which at least partially coincides with the outer periphery of the planar base surface of the building element.

[0014] Another aspect of this technology relates to a method of manufacturing a building element, comprising molding one component of at least one or more connecting knobs or connecting sockets by injection molding in a first mold cavity using a relatively hard plastic material, and then moving the one component to a second mold cavity adapted to mold the remainder of the building element onto the one component using a relatively elastic plastic material.

[0015] It should be understood that the techniques described herein can be implemented and utilized in various ways, including but not limited to processes, apparatuses, systems, devices, and methods as now-known and hereafter developed applications. These and other unique features of the systems disclosed herein will become more apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0016] In the following description, one or more embodiments of the present technology will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 is a perspective bottom view of an embodiment of a building block known in the prior art.

[0018] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional top view of the building block shown in Figure 1.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a side view of one embodiment of a building element that forms part of a toy construction kit according to the present technology.

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The top 3D view of the assembled components is shown.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a side view of one embodiment of the construction assembled using the components shown in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4.

[0022] Figure 6This is a perspective top view of an alternative embodiment of a building element that forms part of a toy construction kit according to the present technology.

[0023] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A 3D view of the core sub-component of the assembly shown.

[0024] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 and Figure 7 The three-dimensional bottom view of the assembled components is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0025] This subject matter overcomes many of the prior art problems associated with building stable construction kits for gaming and / or educational purposes. The advantages and other features of the technology disclosed herein will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of certain preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings illustrating representative embodiments of the invention, wherein like reference numerals identify similar structural elements.

[0026] Implementations of the subject technology disclosed herein can be used in conjunction with various toy or educational construction systems, particularly with toy or educational construction systems that use modular construction elements based on various connection mechanisms (e.g., using magnets, studs, notches, sleeves, with or without interlocking connections, etc.) to attach construction elements to each other.

[0027] Figures 1 and 2 show examples of toy building blocks 1 used in many well-known toy construction kits. Figure 1 shows a perspective bottom view of building block 1, and Figure 2 shows a perspective top view of the same building block. This type of building block has many different implementations, allowing users to construct various toy structures with different functions. For this purpose, toy construction kits include multiple building blocks 1 of this type. An exemplary building block 1 includes a first plane 2 and a second plane 4. The first plane 2 is provided with one or more connecting knobs 3 arranged equidistantly in a uniform pattern, and the second plane 4 is provided with one or more connecting sockets 5, which are adapted to releasably frictionally engage with connecting knobs 3 on another building block 1 in the toy construction kit.

[0028] Figure 3 and Figure 4A side view and a perspective top view of one embodiment of the building element 6 according to the present subject matter are shown respectively. The building element 6 includes a proximal portion 20 connected to a distal portion 21. The proximal portion 20 has a square planar base 7 opposite to the distal surface 8 of the distal portion 21. The planar base 7 has four connecting knobs 3 arranged in a square pattern, corresponding to the connecting knobs 3 on the prior art building blocks shown in Figures 1 and 2. Thus, the building element 6 can be frictionally interconnected with other building blocks (e.g., those shown in Figures 1 and 2) to form, for example... Figure 5 The structure shown, in which each of the two building blocks 1 is connected to the underlying structure (not fully shown) to provide gripping functionality (e.g., for holding). Figure 5 The cylindrical element 16 shown. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, each of the two building elements 6 is frictionally connected to one of the two building blocks 1 in order to provide an effective gripping function for the structure.

[0029] It is conceivable that the building elements according to the present invention can be of any size or shape, with knobs and sockets formed regularly and / or irregularly, to achieve the construction of any desired structure. For example, blocks can be rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, etc., with any number of knobs and sockets formed on any surface.

[0030] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the proximal portion 20 of the assembly element 6 includes a square plate 9 that forms a planar base 7 supporting the connecting knob 3. The proximal portion 20 is integrally molded from a relatively rigid first plastic material such as ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or POM (polyoxymethylene). The square plate 9 is coupled to an elastic structure 10 of the distal portion 21, which is made of a relatively soft or elastic plastic material, such as rubber or rubber-like materials, such as SEBS (vinyl butadiene styrene) or SBS (styrene butadiene styrene), which also has relatively higher friction than the relatively rigid first material. The distal portion 21 can be manufactured separately and then bonded or adhered to the square plate 9 using any other well-known suitable attachment method. Another example is that the interface between the proximal portion 20 and the distal portion 21 can be coupled using knobs and sockets, allowing the proximal and distal portions to be mixed and matched with other components and blocks in large kits with many similar parts designed for interlocking.

[0031] Now for reference Figure 8 , showed Figure 3 The bottom perspective view of block 1. The elastic structure 10 of the distal portion 21 also supports the opposing surface 8. As shown, according to this technology, the opposing surface 8 extends within the truncated pyramid 13 (in... Figure 3 , 4 (Shown in dashed lines in Figure 8), the outer periphery of the largest / bottom base of the truncated pyramid 13 at least partially coincides with the outer periphery of the planar base 7 of the building element 6. The distal portion 21 forms a contact area 22 that is complementary to the shape of the capturing element 16. Figure 5 In this configuration, the capturing element 16 is the cross-section of the rod, such that the contact area 22 is slightly cylindrical in shape, forming a larger interface between the distal portion 21 and the capturing element 16. Thus, due to the action on... Figure 5 The risk of tilting of the assembly element 6 relative to the assembly block 1 due to the force on the assembly element 6 in the gripper shown is effectively reduced by increasing the friction at the interface.

[0032] In other embodiments, the contact area of ​​the distal portion is formed as a cross-shaped rectangular channel to allow the capture element 16 (e.g., a square rod) to be secured thereto. Similarly, the contact area may form a semi-tubular channel to accommodate the shape of a rod-shaped assembly element. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the distal portion may be shaped to accommodate many different assembly elements.

[0033] Refer again Figure 3 Viewed from all four sides of the building element 6, the side views are identical, such that the opposing surface 8 comprises four planar abutment surfaces 12. Each abutment surface 12 coincides with the corner of the minimum / top base plane of the truncated cone or pyramid and is separated from each other by concave portions 11 of the opposing surface 8. Thus, the abutment surfaces 12 form the portion of the opposing surface 8 furthest from the planar base plane 7, and the distance between the planar abutment surfaces 12 and the planar base plane 7 is less than half the maximum width of the planar base plane 7.

[0034] Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 An alternative embodiment of the assembly element 6 is shown, wherein the assembly element has a body portion 14 as a prefabricated sub-component. The body portion 14 includes a connecting knob 3 and a support structure 15 interconnecting the connecting knobs 3. The body portion 14 is made of a relatively rigid plastic material, such as ABS or POM. In some embodiments, the body portion 14 is produced as a one-piece body component 14 in a mold (not shown) for injection molding.

[0035] After the main body portion 14 of the sub-component is formed, the main body portion 14 is moved to a second cavity in a mold (not shown) for injection molding, which is adapted to mold the remaining portion of the building element 6 onto the sub-component using a relatively elastic plastic material (e.g., SBS or SEBS) to form Figure 6The building element 6 is shown. The relatively flexible material thus surrounds only the support structure, such that the relatively flexible material at least partially forms the planar base 7 of the building element 6, and the connecting knob 3 extends from the planar base 7.

[0036] In an alternative implementation, the sub-component forms most of the structure, so only the film needs to be overmolded or otherwise applied to the contact area and possibly other areas, which is efficient for the manufacturing process.

[0037] Those skilled in the art will understand that, in alternative embodiments, the functionality of several elements can be achieved by fewer elements or a single element. Similarly, in some embodiments, any functional element can perform fewer or different functions and operations than those described with respect to the illustrated embodiments. Furthermore, functional elements shown as different for illustrative purposes (e.g., knobs, sockets, portions, contact areas, etc.) may be incorporated into other functional elements in particular embodiments. Although the subject matter has been described with respect to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily understand that various changes and / or modifications can be made to the subject matter without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims, and these changes and / or modifications may be combined in any combination and / or ordered according to dependency.

Claims

1. A toy or educational construction kit comprising a plurality of toy building blocks, each toy building block having a first plane and a second plane, the first plane being provided with one or more connecting knobs arranged equidistantly in a uniform pattern, the second plane being provided with one or more connecting sockets adapted to releasably frictionally engage with a connecting knob on another building block of the toy construction kit, wherein, The toy construction kit also includes a building element comprising a planar base and an opposing surface, wherein the planar base has an outer perimeter and one or more connection knobs or one or more connection sockets, the one or more connection knobs or connection sockets being made of a relatively rigid first material and adapted to releasably frictionally engage with connection sockets or connection knobs on building blocks in the toy construction kit, wherein the opposing surface is formed of a relatively elastic second material and extends within a space defined by a truncated cone, the outer perimeter of the maximum / bottom base of the truncated cone partially or completely coinciding with the outer perimeter of the planar base of the building element.

2. The toy or educational constructive kit according to claim 1, wherein, The maximum / bottom base surface has an outer perimeter that forms a circle, ellipse, or polygon, such that it forms a truncated pyramid.

3. The toy or educational constructive kit according to claim 1, wherein, The opposing surface includes one or more planar abutting surfaces that coincide with the minimum / top base of the truncated cone or pyramid, and the abutting surfaces form the portion of the opposing surface furthest from the planar base.

4. The toy or educational construct kit according to claim 3, wherein, The distance between the planar contact surface and the planar base surface is less than half the maximum width of the planar base surface.

5. The toy or educational construction kit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The relatively elastic second material is a plastic, rubber, or other material that provides relatively higher frictional properties than the relatively hard first material.

6. The toy or educational construction kit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The planar base is a square, and the opposing surfaces extend within the space of the tetrahedral truncated pyramid, wherein the outer perimeter of the square of the largest / bottom base of the tetrahedral truncated pyramid coincides with the outer perimeter of the square planar base.

7. The toy or educational construct kit according to claim 6, wherein, The building element includes four planar abutment surfaces located at the corners of the minimum / top base surface of the truncated pyramid.

8. The toy or educational construct kit according to claim 7, wherein, The four planar contact surfaces are separated from each other by the concave portions of the opposing surfaces.

9. The toy or educational construction kit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The planar base includes one or more coupling knobs adapted to releasably frictionally engage with a coupling socket on another building block in the toy construction kit.

10. The toy or educational construct kit according to claim 8, wherein, The assembly element has a one-piece body portion, which includes the connecting knob and is made of the relatively hard first material, and wherein the one-piece body portion includes a support structure that interconnects the connecting knob.

11. The toy or educational construct kit of claim 10, wherein, A relatively flexible material surrounds the support structure such that the relatively flexible material at least partially forms the planar base of the building element, and the connecting knob extends from the planar base.

12. A building element for a toy or educational toy construction kit, characterized in that, The toy or educational toy construction kit has a capture element, and the construction element includes: The proximal portion includes at least one connection knob for selectively connecting to a building block socket; and The distal portion forms a contact area that is complementary in shape to a portion of the capturing element for gripping the capturing element, wherein the material of the distal portion is relatively more viscous than the material of the proximal portion to increase the friction between the contact area and the portion of the capturing element.

13. The assembly element according to claim 12, wherein, The distal portion is overmolded onto a portion of the proximal portion.

14. The assembly element according to claim 12, wherein, The distal portion is bonded to the proximal portion.

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