Movable Building Blocks

Abstract

The mobile building block system may have at least two end pieces that fix the ends of the mobile metal part and leave exposed portions of the mobile metal part to allow posing and multiple degrees of freedom movement of the components within the system. Also, an exemplary mobile building block system may include one or more body parts coupled to the mobile metal part between the at least two end pieces.

Description

FIELD OF THEINVENTION

[0001] RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION: This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application 17 / 561,926, filed on December 25, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The present disclosure relates to movable bending building blocks used to build items such as toys and / or, when used on a larger scale, furniture, homes, and other structures. Such articles are preferably manufactured by the novel insert molding and / or additive manufacturing insert molding techniques described herein. Summary of the Invention

[0002] An exemplary movable building block system is comprised of a movable part (a movable metal wire in the preferred embodiment) and a number of rigid plastic parts (only two such rigid plastic parts in the preferred embodiment) that can be connected to each other by incorporating an end of the movable metal wire within its thickness, with the exposed portion of the movable part separating the rigid plastic parts from each other. In one aspect of this exemplary embodiment, a first rigid plastic part incorporates a first end of the metal wire and a second rigid plastic part incorporates an opposite end of the metal wire, with the first and second rigid plastic parts separated from each other by the unincorporated length of the metal wire.

[0003] In addition to and / or in lieu of the other exemplary embodiments described above, at least one third rigid plastic part is disposed between the first rigid plastic part and the second rigid plastic part. In yet another aspect, the at least one third rigid plastic part is slidable along the movable part.

[0004] Alternatively to the above embodiment and / or other exemplary embodiments described above, the first, second and / or third hard plastic parts may be substantially similar to one or more of: (i) existing interconnected building block toys known to those of skill in the art; (ii) existing action figures, sculptures, and / or other three-dimensional creations known to those of skill in the art; (iii) modifications to all interconnected building block toys and action figures, sculptures, and / or other three-dimensional creations known to those of skill in the art, whether in existence or created in the future.

[0005] In addition to and / or in lieu of the other exemplary embodiments described above, the mobile building block system may include a mobile part fixedly attached to a rigid plastic part via a surface contour of the mobile part, which may be mechanically or manually deformed into the mobile part prior to introduction into the mold cavity and / or during the manufacturing process.

[0006] In addition to and / or in lieu of the other exemplary embodiments described above, a mobile building block system may include multiple parts that are interconnectable to each other's surfaces while connected to each other via a movable part. According to this exemplary embodiment, the parts of such an exemplary mobile building block system may take a first configuration and then transform into a second configuration. The parts remain coupled to the movable parts in either the first configuration, the second configuration, and any temporary configurations en route to either configuration.

[0007] In addition to and / or in place of the above-mentioned embodiments, the mobile building block system, which is comprised of fixed and movable parts, may be used as a framework or scaffolding for making other connections to form different toy structures and design states. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the movable parts of the exemplary mobile building block system may be wrapped or twisted around the movable parts of one or more other mobile building block systems to form composite structures. The mobile building block system may also be coupled to portions of a toy or other three-dimensional object, such that the portions are supported, displaced and coupled by the mobile building block system to form a construction, such as a figure, an action figure, or other three-dimensional creation. The mobile building block system may also have fabric or other materials wrapped around, attached to, or wrapped through or around the movable and / or rigid parts to create further variations of the toy and / or three-dimensional structure.

[0008] In addition to and / or in place of other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the moveable building block system may have multiple rigid parts shaped as one or more types of toy pieces, such as building blocks, body parts of a figure, or other decorative designs, interconnected by moveable parts. Alternatively, some rigid parts may have one type of toy pieces and other rigid parts may have another type of toy pieces. Or, multiple moveable parts may be used to interconnect toy pieces in any form or type.

[0009] In addition to and / or in lieu of the other exemplary embodiments described above, a method of molding an exemplary mobile building block system may include holding a movable part in position within a cavity that defines the part and the path of the non-integrated portion of the movable part. One step may be to use parts of a mold to crush, pinch, or frictionally hold one or more sections of the movable part. Alternatively or additionally, this step may use a vacuum device to hold the movable part in the mold. This step may also use magnetism, such as an electromagnet, to hold the movable part in the mold.

[0010] In each of the above-described embodiments, before the moving part is inserted into the mold during the molding process, it may be straightened and its ends may be modified (e.g., deformed or bent) to facilitate fixing to a part of another material to be molded over it. Exemplary placement of the moving part into the mold for insert injection molding can be done by manual methods or by using a pick-and-place robot using known pick-and-place techniques. For example, a vacuum end effector designed to precisely pick up and deliver the moving part to the appropriate channel in the mold adjacent to the cavity where the rigid plastic is to be injected can be used.

[0011] In addition to and / or as an alternative to the other exemplary embodiments described above, an exemplary movable bent block system method may include using a mechanism within the mold, such as an actuating mold or other forming tool, to shape and / or bend the exemplary movable bent part after it is placed in the mold and prior to injecting material. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] Figure 1A shows a first embodiment of a movable building block (PBB), Figure 1B shows a second embodiment of the PBB, and Figure 1C shows an alternative view of the second embodiment of the PBB of Figure 1B.

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a first embodiment of the PBB of FIG. 1A, but the teachings thereof may be applied to any type of PBB, including those shown in the other figures, and in FIGS. 1-5A, 6A-6B, 8D-E, 8H-J, 9C-D, 10A-K, 11C, and 11F, the figures and description of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 561,926.

[0014] Figures 2A and 3A respectively show a first arrangement of exemplary fastening features for an exemplary end piece of an exemplary PBB. Figures 2B and 3B show a second arrangement of exemplary fastening features for an exemplary end piece of an exemplary PBB. Figures 2C and 3C show a third arrangement of exemplary fastening features for an exemplary end piece of an exemplary PBB. Figure 3D shows a fourth arrangement of exemplary fastening features for an exemplary end piece of an exemplary PBB.

[0015] 4A-D show views of one method of selectively bending an exemplary PBB to create structures using its hard rigid parts.

[0016] Figures 5A and 5B show annotated photographs of an exemplary PBB and a combination of multiple PBBs, and Figure 5C shows a diagram of the embodiment of Figure 5B.

[0017] 6A-6F show isometric, profile, topographical, plan and cross-sectional views of another exemplary PBB.

[0018] 6G-6I show multiple views of another exemplary PBB.

[0019] 6J-6M show multiple views of an additional exemplary PBB in a Lego® system environment.

[0020] 7A-D show a number of ways in which the moveable bendable parts can be secured within the rigid parts to form a number of exemplary PBB final parts.

[0021] 8A-B show isometric views of halves of an exemplary insert mold that cooperatively engage to produce an exemplary PBB.

[0022] 9A-E show profile diagrams of an exemplary manufacturing method for making an exemplary PBB using an exemplary inventive insert molding system as shown in FIGS. 8A-B and 10A-B.

[0023] 10A-B show isometric views of an exemplary insert mold halves for cooperatively engaging, overlapping, and intersecting PBBs to produce an exemplary structure.

[0024] 10C-D show isometric views of an exemplary structure made from one half of the exemplary insert mold shown in FIGS. 10A-B.

[0025] 11A-B each illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a shell or snap-fit ​​cover feature for interconnection with one or more components of an exemplary PBB.

[0026] FIG. 11C illustrates an exemplary use of fabric or other non-rigid fabric or other flexible material secured to a portion of an exemplary PBB.

[0027] 12A-C show exemplary isometric views of an insert molding process for creating a PBB using additive manufacturing techniques.

[0028] Unless otherwise stated, the symbols "..." used in the figures indicate the possibility of longer lengths of the movable bendable parts used in the present embodiment. Unless otherwise stated, the symbols "xxx" used in the figures indicate the possibility of longer lengths of the rigid parts used in the present embodiment and of different lengths and different shapes / sizes / orientations / configurations.

[0029] In the drawings, the same reference numbers indicate corresponding parts in different views. The figures, elements and other depictions of the drawings should be understood as interchangeable, rearranged, repeated, reduced, changed in size and shape, and can be combined with related features and parts in each embodiment, and can be combined and modified in a similar manner with features in other embodiments, whether related or not, in accordance with and to further enhance the teachings and purposes disclosed. Thus, the features and methods applicable to the illustrated and / or described embodiments can be used in place of or in combination with the features and methods applicable to the various PBBs described herein. Detailed Description

[0030] The exemplary PBB 10 may be substantially identical to any of the coupling mechanisms illustrated and disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 561,926. Such linkages are suitable for use as the PBB 10 and are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In general, the exemplary PBB 10 is comprised of a moving part ("PC") 1, at least two rigid end parts ("EC") 3, and optionally at least one rigid body part ("BC") 2, with all rigid parts BC / EC 2 / 3 separated by the length of exposed PC1. Thus, a first embodiment of the PBB 10 is comprised of one PC1 and two EC3s separated from each other by exposed portions of PC1. A second embodiment of the PBB 10 is comprised of one PC1, two EC3s, and "n" ("n"≧1) BC2s, with each EC3 and BC2 separated from each other by an exposed portion of PC1, and each BC2 separated from the other BC2 by an exposed portion of PC1. The third embodiment includes a group of PBBs 10 in the form of a combination 20 or structure 30, which is composed of "n" PCs 1, "n+1" ECs 3, and "m" BCs 2, where "n" is 1 or more and "m" is 0 or more. In one form, PCs 1 are preferably moveable metal wires, and ECs 3 and / or BCs 2 are preferably made of plastic or other similar rigid materials. In another aspect, each EC 3 in the first, second, and third embodiments may be part of a toy, such as a Lego® block, action figure, doll, or other play object, as known to those skilled in the art. In yet another form, each EC 3 and BC 2 in the second and third embodiments may be either a toy or part of a toy, such as a Lego® block, action figure, doll, or other play object, as known to those skilled in the art. In yet another form, each one or more ECs 3 and / or BCs 2 present in any embodiment may be the same or different from other ECs 3 and / or BCs 2 in the PBB 10 to which they belong. Example of movable bending block

[0031] The external structure of PBB 10, its combination 20, and structure 30 can be illustrated in one or more of Figures 1A-C, 2, 2A-C, 3A-D, 4A-D, 5A-C, 6A-M, 7A-D, 9A-E, 10C-D, 11A-C, 12A-C. The parts included in these figures are provided as examples only and can be modified or combined in any way.

[0032] The exemplary EC3 may have an outer surface 6 forming a free end of the PBB 10 and at least one inner surface 5 facing the inner surfaces 5 of other EC3s and / or adjacent BC2s. Unlike the EC3s, the exemplary BC2s only have inner surfaces 5 due to being located between each EC3 and / or between other BC2s. The PC1 intersects at least one surface of each EC3, and at least two surfaces of each BC2, if present, at joints 7. The separation of the joints 7 between the hard parts in the PBB 10 is a space 8. Although not shown, the PC1 may intersect with the outer surface 6 of the EC3 and / or be located outside the EC3 after molding of the PBB 10. The axis along the central length of the PC1 may be referred to as axis 11.

[0033] According to the first exemplary embodiment of the PBB 10 consisting of only two ECs 3 and one PC1, the exemplary space 8 remains substantially the same during the use of the PBB 10. According to the second embodiment of the PBB 10, the space 8 may be larger, i.e., a clearance space 8+, or smaller, i.e., a reduced space 8, or substantially eliminated, such that the EC3 and the immediately adjacent BC2, or the two adjacent BC2, abut each other (i.e., the inner surfaces 5 directly contact each other). Such abutment is referred to herein as a contact 8&. Changing the space 8 to either 8+, 8-, and / or 8& is considered to be a feature of the second embodiment. Here, the exemplary BC2 is not fixed around the PC1, but is free to rotate around the thickness of the PC1 and move to both sides along the axis 11 of the PC1. According to the exemplary embodiment, the exemplary space 8 may be substantially the same as the length of the portion of the PC1 between the joints 7. Alternatively, the exemplary space 8 may be configured with a combination of different lengths between the EC3 and the BC2, or between the two BC2, in the PC1. For example, there may be larger than average spaces 8+, smaller than average spaces 8-, etc. For irregularly shaped faces 5, exemplary spaces 8 can be calculated by taking the volume of the space between the faces and dividing it by the average cross-sectional area of ​​the part to which each face 5 belongs.

[0034] In some embodiments, the exemplary BC2 / EC3 may have a top surface 26a that lies in a plane parallel to the bottom surface 26b. In another exemplary embodiment, the exemplary EC3 / BC2 may have protrusions 25, hollow extensions 27, cavities 9, and frictional enhancements 28 on one or more of the outer surface 6, inner surface 5, top surface 26b, and / or bottom surface 26c, regardless of the three-dimensional shape of the EC3 / BC2. In a preferred embodiment, the protrusions 25 and / or hollow extensions 27 may be substantially identical to Lego® studs and / or hollow studs, respectively, and similar to toy mechanisms known to those skilled in the art. In another preferred embodiment, the cavities 9 may be substantially identical to snap-fit ​​cavities found in Lego® blocks that are designed to frictionally fit and interconnect with studs (e.g., studs such as protrusions 25 and / or hollow extensions 27) of other Lego® compatible blocks. In yet another preferred embodiment, friction enhancer 28 may be any separate surface used in Lego® connecting cavity 9 to enhance frictional engagement with adjacent studs (e.g., studs such as protrusions 25 and / or hollow extensions 27). If the friction enhancer is integrated into the wall surface of Lego®-like brick part 2 / 3, it may be characterized as an integral enhancer 28b that utilizes one or more surfaces of the wall surrounding cavity 9 to enhance friction between cavity 9 of part 2 / 3 and another interconnecting stud 25 / 27.

[0035] In all embodiments, the exemplary PC1 may be any type of bendable wire that can be bent with minimal force while still maintaining its final position after bending. For example, it may be any type of bendable wire that can hold its bent position against gravity. In the exemplary embodiment, any object can be qualified as a PC1 as long as it can be posed and hold its last placed position. In one embodiment, the PC1 is a metal wire line made of any type of material (e.g., steel, aluminum, bronze, copper) and has any type of cross section (e.g., round, semi-circular, square). In a preferred embodiment, the exemplary PC1 is an ASTM B211 1100 extra soft aluminum wire manufactured and sold by Marine Company of Cleveland, Ohio, with a circular overall diameter of 0.0509 inches (1.29 nn). If the PBB10 can be used as or with a toy, the diameter of its PC1 is important for the PBB10 to pass the sharp point test under the applicable toy testing standards. That is, it must have a diameter greater than about 0.045 inches.

[0036] The exemplary PC1 may be conductive, magnetic, non-conductive, non-magnetic, or a combination thereof to enhance the application of the PBB 10. In another exemplary PBB, the portions of PC1 that are not incorporated into BC2 or EC3 may be exposed to contact a user's finger and / or coated with a soft material such as rubber or silicone. Such coatings preferably do not limit or impede the ability of PC1, BC2, and / or EC3 to achieve a desired shape. In other words, in this preferred embodiment, if PC1, BC2, and / or EC3 achieve a substantially different shape in the absence of the PC1 coating, the coating thickness may be too thick.

[0037] Exemplary EC3 and / or exemplary BC(s)2 may be made of one or more molding materials, including, but not limited to, PMMA, ABS, PA, PETG, PS, PC, PP, PE, PEEK, PET, PLA, cyanate ester, epoxy, polyester, polyurethane, silicone, rubber, vulcanized rubber, aluminum, bronze, steel, alloys, and any combination thereof (e.g., PC-ABS compositions). Additionally, the above materials may be any color known to one of ordinary skill in the art, including translucent, transparent, clear, and combinations of these colors. In exemplary embodiments, the materials used in BC2 and / or EC3 may be optically clear and / or glow in the dark, and may change color in response to one or more of heat, pressure, liquid, or other chemical interactions. In a preferred embodiment, BC2 and EC3 are the hard parts of PBB10, and are preferably made of PC-ABS. Alternatively, BC2 and EC3 may be made of recyclable plastic materials.

[0038] Exemplary BC2 and / or EC3 may be cylindrical, have other circular or rounded cross-sections, polygonal cross-sections, e.g., cross-sections having a shape of n+3 sides (n being an integer with 0), or combinations thereof. Additionally, any of EC3 and / or BC2 may be spherical, polyhedral, prismatic triangular, pyramidal, trapezoidal, conical, frustoconical, frustopyramidal, and / or combinations thereof, with or without additional fillets and / or chamfers on one or more surfaces or sides. Alternatively, EC3 and / or BC2 may have any number and combination of surface contours, such as threads for threaded attachment, circular ridges, longitudinal ridges, fins, hooks, tabs, snap-fit ​​extensions (indentations or hooks themselves), hoops, holes (either in the thickness of the part or through holes), etc. Also, EC3 and / or BC2 may be in an amorphous form shaped for the particular needs disclosed herein, for example, so long as all or a portion of the action figure does not inhibit the mobility of the exposed portion of the exemplary PC1. EC3 and BC2 used in such a manner on an action figure are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 561,926, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Additionally, while surface 5 / 6 may be illustrated as being substantially flat, exemplary surface 5 / 6 may be any shape or combination of shapes and / or may have a non-flat contour and / or an irregular surface.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, BC2 and / or EC3 may have a three-dimensional shape similar to the shape and dimensions of building blocks known to those skilled in the art, such as, for example, Lego® blocks or bricks and variations thereof, K'nex, PicassoTiles®, Duplo®, Rustyblocks, Flexo, BricksCondux, and magnetic building blocks. According to this alternative, BC2 and / or EC3 may take the form of an existing Lego® brick or variations thereof. Also, EC3 may be one size and type of shape or building block, and BC2 may be another size and type of shape or building block, such as, for example, a Lego® brick EC3 followed by a K'nex part as BC2 of PBB10. Or, each EC3 may be a shape and / or type of building block of a different type. Thus, BC2 and EC3 may be one or more of the above sizes, shapes, and block types and shapes, and may be combined with PBB10 or used with any building blocks and / or other types of toys, whether building blocks or not, known to those skilled in the art. For example, EC3 may be shaped to be held by an action figure, while a first BC2 may be shaped to connect to a Lego® block, a second BC2 may be shaped to connect to a flexo block set, a third BC2 may be shaped to hold a writing pencil, and the opposite EC3 may be designed as a plastic insert shaped to fit into a power port (such as USB or USB-C) of an electronic device such as a smartphone or another port (such as an audio jack, HDMI port, phone port, coaxial cable port, and / or wall outlet) on a similar device.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, the cross section of BC2 and / or EC3 may be such that it can frictionally fit into the openings of building blocks known to those skilled in the art, for example, the circular holes of Lego® Arling blocks (Lego® Design ID Nos. 4070, 4070a, 30069, and 35388) and / or the circular holes of exemplary Lego® Technic blocks (Lego® Design ID Nos. 6541, 3700). According to said exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the openings of such building blocks is about 3.2 mm to about 4.8 mm, meaning that the maximum thickness of BC2 and / or EC3 is about 3.2 mm to about 4.8 mm and / or the maximum cavity 9 or hollow extension surface 27 may be about 3.2 mm to about 4.8 mm.

[0041] The exemplary PBB 10 can be further manipulated afterwards to form structures from its own parts and / or enable various structures not achievable with other parts by moving one or more BC2 of the exemplary PBB 10 around and along the PC1 through the formation of the clearance space 8+, the reduction space 8-, and the contacts 8& as in FIG. 4A-C. As can be seen from FIG. 4A-D, appropriately shaped BC2 and / or EC3 can be used to create transforming building blocks, figures, structures, and / or toys with their unique ability to assemble with each other while staying together around the PC1 to which they are coupled. According to these exemplary embodiments, such exemplary PBB 10 can provide a new way to build transforming toys without the need for separate moving parts such as gears, screws, and separate coupling mechanisms. Alternatively and / or additionally, the aforementioned transformation effects may be used for building blocks. This allows, for example, a car or truck built with building blocks such as Lego® blocks to be constructed with one or more PBBs 10 that can be assembled and disassembled to reveal another toy, such as a robot or figure, consisting of the BC2 and EC3 used therein. Thus, an exemplary PBB 10 with BC2 and EC3 formed as different parts of a figure or robot can also be transformed from one shape to another by twisting, turning, shuffling its component parts BC / EC 2 / 3 through the formation of spaces 8, 8+, 8-, contacts 8&. Depending on the type of BC 2 involved, the contacts 8& may be surface contacts between the faces 5 or may involve friction fits and / or interlocking arrangements between features between the faces 5 (e.g. snap fits, hooks, ball sockets, plugs, Lego®-like stud-cavity connections). Thus, a user of the exemplary PBB 10 can "build" a structure from the part by making contacts 8& along the length of the PC1 and building it from one or more BC2 and / or EC3 of the same PBB 10 or different PBBs 10.

[0042] In the exemplary deformation process shown in Fig. 4A-D, the exemplary PBB 10 may move EC3(a)-(b) and BC2(a)-(c) around and / or along the axis 11 of the exemplary PC1 according to the illustrated white arrows. According to Fig. 4A-B, BC2(a) and 2(b) may be rotated 180° around the axis 11 of the PC1, so that BC2(a) approaches EC3(a), BC2(b) approaches BC2(c), or they may stay at the same distance. The exemplary BC2(c) may be moved closer to EC3(b). During this process, the exemplary end pieces 3(a) and BC2(a) form a piece joint 24, and a clearance space 8+ is formed between BC2(a) and BC2(b), especially when the configuration shown in Fig. 4C is obtained. According to this exemplary embodiment, the space 8 between BC2(b) and BC2(c) may remain as long as there is a sufficient amount of PC1 to complete the building process. Furthermore, according to this exemplary embodiment, the previous space 8 between BC2(c) and EC3(b) can be shortened to a reduced length 8-. FIG. 4C also comprises assembly steps Δ1, Δ2, Δ3, with arrows indicating the assembly of the body parts 2(a)-(c) and the assembly of EC3(c) by utilizing the mobility of PC1. Thereby, according to step Δ1, BC2(b) can be flipped onto the lower surface 26b of BC2(a). According to step Δ2, BC2(c) can be flipped onto the extension 25 of BC2(b) while EC3(b) is not yet positioned. Finally, according to step Δ3, the exemplary end part 3(b) is bent substantially at a right angle to cover the extra PC1 and make it invisible using the narrow space in the connection cavity 9 opposite its extension 25. For the sake of clarity, the otherwise exposed PC1 does not become the built-in part 1e simply because it is made invisible, unless it is simultaneously built into the BC / EC 2 / 3.Depending on the shape and contour of the particular BC2 and / or EC3, the exemplary PBB10 can be bent, rotated and assembled to form numerous contacts 8& between its parts 2 / 3 and to"hide" the exposed PC1 and / or use cavities 9 to"tuck" it out of sight in the resulting combiner BC22.

[0043] FIG. 4D provides an exemplary embodiment of a novel structure that may be formed from the deformation process described with respect to FIG. 4B-C. An exemplary structure consisting of PBB 10 may be supported by EC3(a) and 3(b) with the extension 25 of BC2(a) facing the support surface of EC3(a)-(b). According to this exemplary embodiment, BC2(b) and 2(c) snap-fit ​​together, and EC3(b) may be assembled such that the cavity 9 on the opposite side to the face with the extension 25 hides the portion of PC1 used to assemble BC2(b) onto BC2(a). As shown in the transmission image, each portion of PC1 that is integrated into BC2(a)-(c) and EC3(a)-(b) becomes an integrated portion 1e. However, as shown by the oval dashed line closest to EC3(b), the PC1 that is hidden by EC3(b) is not an integrated portion 1e, but would be exposed without the cavity 9 that fits snugly. Where EC3(a)-(b) and BC2(a)-(c) are not building blocks but are elements of a vehicle or other structure, the PBB 10 to which they are fixed enables the vehicle or structure to assume two or more configurations by simply twisting or manipulating PC1 to which all of EC3(a)-(b) and BC2(a)-(c) are attached.

[0044] With respect to the exemplary PBB 10 shown in FIGS. 5A-C, the exemplary clearance space 8+ may be the result of parts of the BC2 moving away from each other and away from the EC3. FIG. 5A illustrates a PBB 10 that is one of the physical embodiments of one or more of the exemplary embodiments shown and described with respect to FIGS. 1A, 2, and 2A-C. An advantage of the exemplary clearance space 8+ is that when the BC2s remain in space 8 away from each other and / or from the EC3, it allows configurations of the PBB 10 that would not be possible without the clearance space 8+, such as wrapping the exemplary PBB 10 around an object or twisting it with other PBBs 10, as shown in FIGS. 5B-C. Furthermore, after a desired configuration of the PBB 10 is achieved, the size of the clearance space 8+ can be reduced to the exemplary space 8. Another advantage of the clearance space 8+ is that when the space 8 is present, it allows for sharp turns or twists in the PBB 10 that would not be possible without the clearance space 8+. Thus, the ability of the BC2 to move freely along the PC1 allows the exemplary PBB 10 to move the BC2 to increase the number of different configurations that can be achieved in space. In one form, the BC2 can move along the PC1 by translating, twisting, rotating, or other moving methods known to those skilled in the art, depending on the particular PC1. For example, if the PC1 is a smooth, anodized, annealed wire, the exemplary BC2 can slide along the length of the movable wire. As another example, the PC1 may be a heterogeneous material configuration, such as the exemplary movable stranded PC1j, in which the exemplary BC2 can be rotated in a screw-like manner to move up and down the length of the movable stranded part 1j. In an exemplary embodiment, there may be sufficient friction between the material of the BC2 and the material of the PC1 to controllably shift the part BC2 and / or hold the position of the part BC2 as it moves or rotates along the length of the PC1.

[0045] According to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 5B-C, a single exemplary PBB 10 A For example, the PBB10 shown in the figure BAs such, it may be a scaffold for connecting multiple other exemplary PBBs 10 to form a combination 20. 。 According to another exemplary embodiment, the PBB 10 B PC1 and PBB10 belong to A And, PBB10 A Thus, each PBB 10 can be connected via a twist 1t around PC1. A and PBB10 B is stably held within the locus of torsion 1t between the faces 5 of each BC2 and / or EC3. The stiffness of torsion 1t is A and PBB10 B The stiffness between the BC and EC can be stably maintained in space. Alternatively, the friction between the BC and EC 2 / 3 involved in any torsion 1t can be used to stabilize the PBB10 A and 10 B For example, the exemplary BC / EC 2 / 3 may form a snap-fit ​​mechanism whenever it engages or forms part of the torsion 1t. A / 10 B may be combined as shown above to form exemplary combination 20.

[0046] In summary, exemplary PC1 is any length and cross section of movable, bendable material such as metal wire, and each EC3 and any BC2, if present, can each be any size and shape capable of being coupled to a surface of PC1 without removal, and can be made from any type of relatively rigid material, such as plastic. For example, BC2 and EC3 can each be any type of known toy type or part of such known toy type, any type of product or part of known product type, and / or combinations thereof intended to be combined with other compatible toys or products known to those of skill in the art. Exemplary external and internal structures of an exemplary movable articulated block

[0047] The following disclosure's description of the internal structure of the PBB 10, its combination 20, and construct 30 is illustrated in one or more of Figures 1A-C, 2, 2A-C, 3A-D, 4A-D, 5A-C, 6A-M, 7A-D, 9D-E, 10C-D, 11A-C, and 12A-C, some of which are presented by way of example only and can be modified or combined in any manner.

[0048] The exemplary PC1 of the exemplary PBB 10, combination 20, and / or construct 30 may have multiple portions characterized with respect to their function, location, and formation between and / or within the more rigid EC3 and / or BC2. All exemplary PC1 are separated by a length of at least one end or terminus 1z that is bendable and movable. In the exemplary embodiment, each end 1z may be fully embedded in the EC3, but may be visible at the outer surface 6 of the EC3 or through an opening 4 through the thickness of the EC3, which may be a cavity 9 bounded by the lower surface 26b. In any embodiment, the portion of the PC1 that is substantially surrounded by the material that constitutes the EC3 and / or BC2 may be the embedded portion 1e. As mentioned above, while the portions 1e may remain constant in the first embodiment, during use of the PBB 10 configured according to the second embodiment, these portions 1e may move or change as the user can move the BC2 around the PC1 to create the clearance space 8+, the reduced space 8-, and the contacts 8&. In the exemplary embodiment, the length of PC1 found between the free surface 6 and the inner surface 5 of the exemplary EC3, ie, the length having the end 1z, may be referred to as the "end region."

[0049] In all embodiments, the exemplary PBB 10 and / or construct 30 need to secure the PC1 such that the PC1 does not disengage from their rigid components (EC3 and / or BC2) during normal use. Thus, the exemplary PC1 may be secured to the EC3 at or near the end region, but may secure one or more BC2 at points along the PC1. To secure the exemplary PC1 to a rigid component, whether the exemplary EC3 or BC2, the PC1 may utilize one or more of the features and combinations of features illustrated in Figures 2A-C, 3A-D, 6F-M, 7A-D, 9A-E, 10D, and 12A-C, or the features and combinations of features illustrated or described in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 561,926, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety: (i) a bent portion 1b (shown in Figures 1, 2A-B, and 3B of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 561,926 and described elsewhere herein); (ii) a collapsed portion 1c having one or more collapsed portions 1* (shown in Figures 1, 2A-E, 3A-B, and 3D-E of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 561,926 and described elsewhere herein); (iii) (iv) a modified portion 1d having one or more modifications 1x and / or extensions 1w (as shown in Figures 1, 2D-G, and 3C-E of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 561,926 and described elsewhere herein); (v) a residual portion 1r (as shown in Figures 2A-E, 3A-B, and 3D-E of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 561,926 and described elsewhere herein); (vi) an orifice 1o (as shown in Figures 2H-I, and 3F of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 561,926 and described elsewhere herein); (vii) underside 1u (as shown in Figures 2A-B, 2E, 3A-B, and 3D of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 561,926 and described elsewhere herein); (viii) each combination, pattern (including random and non-random patterns), and angle configuration of (i)-(vii) along the length of each EC3 and / or BC2.For example, the angle 13 of the bend 1b from the axis 11, and the combination of the remaining portion 1r in FIG. 3B with the collapsed portion 1* and underside 1u (or as shown in or otherwise described in FIGS. 2A-B, 2D-E, and 3D-E of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 561,926). Additionally, while straight portions 1s may also be provided in the exemplary PC1 (as shown in or otherwise described in FIGS. 2C-2G, 3A, and 3C-D of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 561,926), such straight portions 1s will not adequately secure the exemplary PC1 unless their surfaces are sufficiently roughened or otherwise treated to allow the exemplary EC3 and / or BC2 materials to remain within their thickness during normal use and / or operation. In a preferred embodiment, the exemplary BC2 does not have the aforementioned structure on the built-in length 1e between its faces 5, thereby allowing the exemplary BC2 to be displaced along the axis 11 of the PC1, for example by sliding.

[0050] Exemplary PC1 may include one or more offsets (1b / 1o / 1t) from central axis 11, deformations (1c / 1d / 1r / 1u / 1x / 1*) that create discontinuities or changes in thickness, straightness, or shape of PC1, and / or combinations of one or more of these that may secure PC1 within a rigid material, such as the type used in EC3 and / or BC2, and prevent PC1 from being removed from exemplary EC3 and / or BC2 during normal use and / or operation of PBB 10, combination 20, and / or structure 30. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, certain features may result in additional material space $ within a rigid component, such as EC3, either by the feature being simple, such as deformation portion 1d, or by the fixation to the rigid material being multi-faceted, such as in the case of helical wire 1i. In some embodiments, deformation 1x may be the result of a deformation process prior to insertion (e.g., deformation 1x is formed outside the PBB10 mold), while in other embodiments deformation 1c and / or bending (e.g., bending 1b) may be the result of a forming process using a mold or other features described below that act on PC1 after it is inserted into the injection mold cavity. According to an exemplary embodiment, increasing the variety, number, and size of each of the above features may increase the locking between PC1 and EC3, and, where applicable, between PC1 and BC2.

[0051] In the case where the exemplary PC1 is composed of a two-part spiral as shown in FIG. 3D, it is possible to intertwine two different materials, for example, the movable intertwisted PC1i may be an intertwisted spiral of magnetic wires of a certain thickness on the one hand and non-magnetic magnetic wires on the other hand. In another form, the movable intertwisted PC1i may be composed of multiple metal wire parts and / or non-metallic parts, such as threads, strings, textile members, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) threads, strings, tapes, threads, and other soluble components, low melting point components, or combinations thereof. According to this exemplary type of hybrid movable intertwisted PC1i, the exemplary textile component can simultaneously hold the textile and metal wire components by allowing the material overmolded on the intertwisted PC1i to penetrate into the textile pores. In addition, according to another embodiment of the hybrid type movable stranded PC1i of the present invention, an exemplary soluble component is dissolved depending on the material to be combined with the remaining movable stranded PC1i in the process of forming the PBB10, and during the dissolution, a void 1o is provided within the spiral of the movable stranded PC1i to allow the material constituting the parts of the PBB10 to flow in and / or adhere (see, for example, the orifice 1o shown in FIG. 3D and shown and described with respect to FIGS. 2H-I and 3F of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 561,926).

[0052] The location of the offset or deformation in PC1 may depend on the amount of material available in EC3 and / or BC2. The exemplary deformation 1d with deformation 1x or bend 1b may be located under the protrusion 25 and / or hollow extension 27 in the exemplary EC3, as shown in Figures 6F and 7A-D. Although Figures 6F and 7A-B show cross-sectional views of an embodiment including an EC3 molded in the shape of a Lego® compatible block, the optimal fixation point may be in the area 3x under the stud 25 / 27 of the Lego®-like block EC3. The area under the stud ("AUS") 3x may be optimal because most of the material of EC3 resides here, firmly embedding the end area of ​​PC1. Preferably, PC1 is located at a distance above the lower surface 26b and below the upper surface 26a, so that it can interconnect EC3 but does not interfere with structures that may be present in the space 8 below, such as the studs 25 of the adjacent Lego® block 55, as shown in Figures 6J and 6L. Taking Figures 6F, 6J, 6L and Figures 7A-B as examples, when either EC3(a) or EC3(b) of PBB 10 is coupled through the connection channel 9, the studs 25 are located in the space 8. Thus, if the axis 11 of PC1 is located too close to the surface 26b, for example about half the thickness of PC1 from the top surface of the cavity 9, PC1 will interfere with the studs in the space 8. Therefore, it is envisaged that the axis 11 of PC1 is located sufficiently above the lower surface 26b so that EC3(a) and 3(b) can interact with other Lego® parts without interfering with adjacent structures, such as other studs 25 of the adjacent block 55. In a preferred embodiment, an exemplary clearance location 29 (e.g., the lowest extent of support 25z that holds PC1) may be located at least 1.6 to 1.8 mm away from undersurface 26b to avoid contact with studs in space 8, as shown in Figure 6L. While Figure 6F shows AUS3x located closest to the inner surface 5 of each EC 3(a) and 3(b), one or both of ECs 3(a) and 3(b) may have a fixed AUS3x located closest to the outer surface 6, as shown in Figure 7A.

[0053] Also, even with optimal AUS3x as shown in FIG. 7A, sufficient fixation can be achieved in the exemplary EC3(a) without placing PC1 under the protrusion 25 as shown in FIG. 7B. In FIG. 7A-B, one or more types of PC1 are fixed in the exemplary EC3 in the form of a Lego® block or eight Lego Draw Units (LDD) with a height of more than 3.2 mm. The fixation teachings of FIG. 7A-B, where sufficient AUS3x is maintained, can be used to join any type of Lego® block and any type of Lego® block corresponding to the thickness of at least two plates. In the absence of AUS3x, a suitably configured bend 1b (shown in FIG. 7C) or a combination of bend and deformation (shown in FIG. 7D) may be used to fix PC1 to the exemplary Lego® block shaped EC3(a) / 3(b) and to be located at a clearance from the appropriate stud 25 between the upper surface 26a and the lower surface 26b. Thus, the fastening features and arrangements disclosed herein may be utilized to couple any Lego® block type EC3 to any other Lego® block type EC3 and / or BC2. With an appropriately sized PC1 and appropriately configured terminal area of ​​such PC1, any PBB 10 based on these disclosures may be integrated into a Lego® system. The exemplary deformation region 1d or crushed region 1c may be formed thin enough to fit into an appropriate thickness between surfaces 26a and 26b of the Lego® block shaped EC3 to couple to other EC3 and / or BC2, whether or not the other EC3 and / or BC2 are Lego® block shaped parts of the PBB 10.

[0054] Modified versions of Lego blocks can also be made to couple through PC1 to form EC3 that can be seamlessly integrated into the Lego system. Figures 6G-M illustrate an exemplary PBB 10 that modifies the design of Lego blocks. As illustrated in Figure 6G, the exemplary PC1 can be secured in a combination of a standard Lego block and a molded-in support 25z that extends outward from a wall formed between the block extension 26c and the upper surface 26a and / or lower surface 26b. With certain modifications, the exemplary support 25z of cavity 1 can extend along the same axis 11 of PC1. The support 25z can provide sufficient AUS3x to adequately secure PC1 to ECs 3(a) and 3(b) while simultaneously positioning PC1 well above studs 25 in space 8. Thus, an exemplary PBB 10 designed according to an embodiment such as that illustrated in Figures 6H, 6J, and 6L may provide sufficient AUS3x to allow PC1 to be properly secured to ECs 3(a) and 3(b). An exemplary PBB 10 designed according to an embodiment such as that illustrated in Figures 6G-M may be configured with modified Lego® compatible block shaped ECs 3(a) / 3(b) that are fully interconnected by PC1 and ready to seamlessly incorporate into a Lego® system such as block 55. In a preferred embodiment, an exemplary EC 3(a) / 3(b) according to Figures 6G-M may be configured such that PC1 is located approximately 3.2 mm from the lower surface 26b and the difference between extension 26c and upper surface 26a is approximately 1.6 mm to 1.8 mm, e.g., the height of protrusion 25 (which may be replaceable with hollow extension 27 as shown in Figures 6J and 6M). More preferably, the exemplary support 25z may be approximately 3.2 mm in diameter and extend a distance of approximately 0.8 mm to 3.2 mm, e.g., 50% to 200% of the height of the projection 25. The exemplary support 25z may extend along the axis 11 of the PC1 sufficiently to receive further interconnections with other Lego® blocks or suitably shaped rubber gaskets or corrugated plastic tubing.With regard to a rubber gasket or corrugated plastic tube of suitable shape, it is substantially cylindrical with at least one longitudinal slit or opening, allowing the gasket or tube to flexibly fit around the circumference of the exemplary cylindrical support 25z and the substantially uncut portion to cover the exposed portion of PC1 as a tunnel structure between EC3 and / or BC2.

[0055] Thus, the above suggested features optimize the amount of PC1 available for a wide variety of movabilities between parts EC3(a) and EC3(b), but the support 25z can also be used additionally as another type of cylindrical surface for a Lego clip-type connection or a minifigure grip. Also, the combination of extension 26c and support 25z may be placed on a Lego-like block EC3 with one stud (protrusion 25), but it is understood that any number and combination of EC3 can be modified to any Lego block known to those skilled in the art. For example, a Lego block with at least two studs (protrusion 25 / 27) located on the same axis 11 as PC1, a Lego block with at least two studs (protrusion 25 / 27) separated from each other by the axis 11 of PC1, a Lego block without studs (protrusion 25 / 27) on the top surface 26a, and combinations thereof. Examples of such alternatives can be illustrated using Figures 6J-M.

[0056] In another exemplary embodiment, EC3(a) and EC3(b) in Figs. 6J-K have a cylindrical cross-section that allows the particular PBB 10 to rotate on top of the other Lego block 55 to further increase the range of motion of PC1 when placed adjacent to the wall of another Lego block, for example, rotating EC3(c) to the clearance position 29 in Figs. 6J-K. In another alternative embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6J, the extension 26c may be the same length as one side of the Lego-like block, for example, EC3(a), EC3(b), or the extension 26c may occupy a portion of the length of a side of the Lego-like block, for example, only EC3(d). When extension portion 26c can be used to fix an exemplary PC1, the corresponding portion of lower surface 26b can be not only in the same plane but also have other frictional enhancements integral with lower surface 26b (e.g., integrated frictional enhancement portion 28b) and / or separate frictional enhancements (e.g., independent frictional enhancement portion 28). Exemplary Manufacturing Methods for Exemplary Mobile Building Blocks

[0057] All of the methods for creating the above functionality in PC1 are described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 561,926, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, particularly all embodiments and disclosures relating to Figures 7A-E, 8A-J, 9A-H.

[0058] Exemplary PBB10, 10 A , 10 Bcan be made by plastic injection molding incorporating PC1 (or processes known to those skilled in the art, such as ABS injection molding), as shown in Figures 9A-E, or by incorporating PC1 during additive manufacturing, as shown in Figures 12A-C. In an exemplary injection molding process, a horizontal or vertical press can be used, but preferably a vertical press with a rotating table for the mold (as can be shown exemplarily in Figures 8A-B and 10A-B). Machinable or moldable materials and methods known to those skilled in the art can be used to manufacture the molds and parts disclosed herein, such as aluminum, steel, or certain polymers and elastomers. If an element of the injection mold shown or described with respect to Figures 8A-B and 10A-B is not explicitly stated with respect to a particular embodiment or is missing from the incorporated disclosure of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 561,926, such as cooling channels, release contours, a particular injection material passage mechanism (e.g., cashew gate or interchangeable gate), or surface treatment, one of ordinary skill in the art should assume that such element is inherent to the injection molding technique or injection molding method and is present in any of the embodiments and disclosures shown and / or alternatively described with respect to Figures 8A-B, 9A-E, and 10A-B. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand the design and implementation of the peripheral components used in such injection molds, as well as the mechanisms for obtaining plastic in raw material form (pellets or liquid) and injecting it into the mold structures disclosed herein, exemplary or otherwise. The following is a disclosure of an exemplary inventive mold for injection molding of an exemplary PBB 10 and / or structure 30.

[0059] An exemplary mold base 100 is shown in FIG. 8A. The exemplary mold base 100 includes a work surface 100a having (i) one or more orientation zones 140 for orienting adjacent mold parts, (ii) one or more registration cavities 143-144 for placing the PC1 in the mold base 100 by automated or manual placement means, and (iii) a work zone 110 for manufacturing the exemplary PBB 10. Opposite the work surface 100a is a back surface 100b, which may have additional features to be described. An exemplary cover mold 200 is shown in FIG. 8B. The exemplary cover mold 200 may have (i) one or more orientation zones 140 for orienting adjacent mold parts, and (ii) a work zone 210 where the exemplary PBB 10 is manufactured in conjunction with the mold base 100. Opposite the working surface 200a is the rear surface 200b, which may have additional features as described below. In an exemplary embodiment, the mold base 100 is fixed in the exemplary mold press (horizontal or vertical), while the mold cover 200 is movable. According to this exemplary embodiment, the exemplary stationary mold base 100 may include one or more features in the work zone 110 to hold the PC1 therein, either independently of the mold cover 200 or in conjunction with the mold cover 200 during the injection molding process. In another exemplary embodiment, the above-mentioned movable and stationary roles of the mold base 100 and the mold cover 200 may be exchanged and / or shared with other mold parts depending on the surface required to make the exemplary PBB 10.

[0060] 8A, an exemplary working zone 110 has half cavities 102, 103 interconnected by channels 107 through a cavity partition 108, with the exemplary half cavity 102 having two walls 105, one adjacent to each channel 107 that flows into the half cavity 102, and the exemplary half cavity 103 having a wall 106 without a channel 107 and a wall 105 adjacent to the channel 107 that flows into the half cavity 103 similar to the wall 105 of the half cavity 102. As shown in FIG. 8A, a die pin 104 may extend upward from a surface of the half cavity 103, although the exemplary half cavity 103 need not have such a die pin extending upward from its surface. The exemplary work zone 110 may have multiple ejector pin ports 121 and flow passages 122 that penetrate the thickness of the mold base 100, and in an exemplary embodiment, the ejector pin ports 121 may be located only within either or both of the half cavities 102 and / or cavities 103. In another exemplary embodiment, the flow passages 122 may be located only within the channel 107. With further reference to FIG. 8A, the exemplary mold base 100 includes an injection plastic supply system comprised of a sprue 115 that supplies runners 116 with injected plastic that flows through a branch 117 and enters one or more of the half cavities 102 / 103 via a gate 118. While a particular form of injection plastic supply system is shown in FIG. 8A, one skilled in the art may modify the shape and features of the sprue 115, runners 116, branch 117, and gate 118 as known in the art to allow for complete and / or sufficient production of the particular shaped and configured components EC3 and BC2 of the exemplary PBB 10. The exemplary mold base 100 may have a work zone 110 that does not include the runners 116, branches 117 and / or gates 118 of the injection plastic delivery system, as shown in FIG. 8B.

[0061] 8B, the exemplary work zone 210 includes half cavities 202 and 203 interconnected by channels 207 through cavity partitions 208, with each half cavity 202 having two walls 205, one adjacent to each channel 207 that flows into the half cavity 202, and each half cavity 203 having a wall 206 with no adjacent channel 207 and, like the wall 205 of half cavity 202, a wall 205 adjacent to the channel 207 that flows into the half cavity 203. Similar to the exemplary mold base 100 shown in FIG. 8A, die pins 204 may be present on the surfaces of the half cavities 203 and / or 202 of the exemplary cover mold 200 (e.g., FIG. 8B). Also, while a particular form of the injection plastic supply system is shown in Figure 8B, one skilled in the art can modify the shape and features of the sprue 115, runners 116, branches 117, and / or gates 118 as known in the art, for example, by disposing the runners 116, branches 117, and / or gates 118 in whole or in part in the working areas 110 and / or 210 of the exemplary mold base 100 and / or mold cover 200 to allow for complete manufacturing of the bendable PC 10. Alternatively, the exemplary mold cover 200 may have a working zone 210 that does not include the runners 116, branches 117, and / or gates 118 of the injection plastic supply system.

[0062] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more hot runner systems may be used to deliver injection material to the cavity formed by the combination of the mold base 100 and cover 200. Additionally, although the die pins 104 / 204 may be shown in a static arrangement, these disclosures do not limit the die pins 104 / 204 to stationary operation. That is, the die pins 104 / 204 may be of any form or type to operate with respect to the exemplary mold base 100, mold cover 200, and PC1 disposed within the channels 107 / 207 of their abutments (e.g., the contact between the mold base surface 100b and the mold cover surface 200b, and / or the abutment configuration shown and described in FIG. 7E of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 561,926, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). In other words, the present disclosure contemplates that the die 104 / 204 can be mechanized or controlled by air pressure, screw actuation, or other time / pressure / sensor based control to induce bending (e.g., 1b, 1t) or deformation (e.g., 1*, 1x, 1r, 1u, 1w) in PC1. One skilled in the art can modify the surface of a particular die 104 / 204 to modify the dimensions and configuration of bending or deformation in PC1, for example, a die 104 / 204 with a circular cross section may form a circular crushed portion 1*, a circular underside 1u, and a circular crushed portion 1* with crescent shapes 1r on both sides, or a straight die 204 and a concave cylindrical die 104 may simply form a rectangular depression 1x in PC1 by the concave surface of the die 104 enveloping PC1 during deformation by the die 204.

[0063] 8A-B, the gate 118 is in the shape of a "Y" and has the advantage of being able to simultaneously feed two volumes that are separately formed from a combination of half cavities 102, 202 and / or half cavities 103, 203, or two volumes that are separately formed from a combination of two half cavities 102 and two half cavities 202. Thus, by locating the gate 118 adjacent to the wall 105 / 205 of a particular half cavity 102 / 103 / 202 / 203, the resulting injection molded part may be removed from the mold 100 / 200 and then separated from the plastic that filled the gate 118 without any residual plastic interfering with the periphery of the part 102 / 103 formed above. In other words, locating the gate 118 to feed behind the wall 105 that will become the interior surface 5 of the exemplary part 2 / 3 allows for eventual removal of the PBB 10 while substantially reducing and / or eliminating the possibility of plastic remaining on the outermost surface of the part 2 / 3 due to manufacturing processes (e.g., a gate 118 forming a "Y" while acting as a submarine gate and / or a gate that shears off excess plastic injected during the molding process). An exemplary molding result with the PBB 10 remaining attached to its gate 118 may be of the type shown and described with reference to numeral 70 in Figures 8H-J of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 561,926, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0064] Also, because PC1 must be placed within the channel 107 / 207 of the exemplary mold base 100 / mold cover 200, the channel 107 / 207 may be configured to substantially eliminate the inflow of liquid injected material throughout the channel with PC1 placed within it. If injected material may enter the channel 107 / 207 during the manufacturing process, one skilled in the art may control the amount, flow rate, and temperature of the injected material to avoid the resulting inflow or to enable post-processing to peel or destroy such residual material from the exposed portions of the PC within the molded exemplary PBB 10.

[0065] 9A-E illustrate an exemplary method of manufacture using one or more of the parts, features, and embodiments described and / or illustrated in FIGS. 8A-B and / or 10A-B. It should be understood that the mold base 100 and / or mold cover 200 may have one or more features depicted in each figure, and that the size, configuration, order, orientation, and placement of those features may vary, and may be modified by one of ordinary skill in the art to appropriately achieve the desired shape, size, and functionality of any BC2, EC3, PC1, and overall PBB10.

[0066] As will be further described with respect to the exemplary embodiment of Figures 9A-E, the exemplary flow channel 122 may be a conduit for other components and mechanisms for use in manufacturing the exemplary PBB 10, such as, for example, (i) a vacuum / suction VAC, or (ii) a magnetic mechanism M (permanent or controllable / electromagnet). Also, as seen with respect to the closing process between the mold parts 100, 200 shown in Figures 9B-C, the exemplary channel 107 / 207 may hold the exemplary PC1 within one of its contours using one or more of the following: (i) a pressurized contour within the channel 207 to frictionally hold the cross section of PC1 against the opposing mold channel surface; (ii) a vacuum / suction VAC to create a suction force through the flow channel 122 to hold the surface of PC1 within the channel 107 / 207; or (iii) a properly magnetized magnetic source (either permanently controllable / electromagnet) M present within the flow channel 122 to attract PC1 to the channel 107 / 207.

[0067] An exemplary loading process 801 can be illustrated with reference to FIG. 9A. According to an exemplary embodiment, PC1 having two preformed deformations 1x found in deformations 1d adjacent to each end 1z of each end of PC1 may be placed above the intended placement location on mold base 100. This can be done by automated or manual means. In an exemplary rolling loading process 801, PC1 may be placed in mold base 100 along an assembly line by a trained operator or team of operators and / or rolled along surface 100a until it falls into the appropriate channel 107. In an exemplary rolling loading process, exemplary PC1 may be rolled along one or more barriers with protrusions designed to engage one or more of the positioning grooves 143 of mold surface 100a. An exemplary automated loading process 801 also includes picking up or lifting and placing each PC1 into channel 107 using a robotic arm with two or more degrees of freedom (such as, for example, a Meca500 6-axis robotic arm manufactured by Mecademic Robotics of Montreal, Canada), an automated vacuum loading system with an end effector using one or more of magnets, tweezers, or vacuum assisted tweezers (such as the ESD-Safe Tweezer-Vac™ continuous vacuum system and pick-up tool manufactured and sold by Virtual Industries, Inc. of Colorado Springs, Colorado, or one or more vacuum pick-ups manufactured and sold by EIS Inc. of Atlanta, Georgia). Alternatively, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand how to design a vacuum end effector having single or multiple cavities to function as an end effector for an exemplary pick and place robot known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0068] According to another aspect of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 9A, the PC1 may be specially configured to be straight with respect to one or more channels 10 in the mold base 100 when placed in the mold base 100. In a preferred embodiment, the specially configured PC1 may be in the form of a straightened and cut wire, such as 30 AWG to 14 AWG, preferably 16 AWG and / or 1.29 mm (0.0509 inch) outer diameter wire. Additionally / alternatively, it may be straightened and cut to length by a wire straightener and cutter machine and mechanism, such as those manufactured and sold by Novo Precision of Bristol, Connecticut. With continued reference to FIG. 9A, the exemplary PC1 may have deformations 1x that point away from the cavities 102 / 103, but when loaded into the mold base 100, those deformations may also point in any circumferential direction about the axis 11 of the PC1. As further shown in FIG. 9A, the PC1 in the exemplary loading step 801 is brought into the mold base 100 by magnetic attraction to the magnetic source M or through a suction or vacuum source VAC. In an exemplary embodiment, the magnetic source M and / or the vacuum source VAC can be used to place the PC1 into the channel 107 of the mold base 100 and remain in place while the remainder of the manufacturing process continues. Although not shown, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate various ways to control the magnetic source M as an electromagnet through the thickness of the mold base 100. Also, the magnetic source M can be a permanent magnet fixed within the mold base 100. Although not shown, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate various ways to control the vacuum source VAC using hoses or other vacuum tubes and devices behind the mold base 100. Also, while the magnetic source M and the vacuum source VAC are illustrated within the exemplary mold base 100, they can be similarly positioned within the exemplary mold cover 200 if desired.

[0069] 9B, an exemplary approach step 802 is illustrated, showing PC1 loaded into the mold base 100 by the loading step 801 waiting for the advancement of the mold cover 200. As illustrated in FIG. 9B, the loading step 801 illustrated in FIG. 9A is completed when PC1 is nested in the channel 107 of the mold base 100. Alternatively, the loading step 801 is completed when PC1 is sufficiently stable on one or more surfaces within the mold base 100, including the channel 107, the cavity 102 / 103, the magnet M, and / or the top surface of the die pin 104. In any or all of the above completed loading steps 801, the magnetic source M and / or the vacuum source VAC are still on and / or controlled to maintain PC1 in the loading position following step 801. As shown in FIG. 9B, the machine used to hold the mold base 100 may be the same machine that controls the approach of the mold cover 200 to the surface 100a of the mold base 100. According to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 9B, the exemplary mold cover 200 has a die pin 204 that extends beyond the surface 200a of the mold cover, while the die pin 104 remains slightly below the mold base surface 100a. Alternatively, a clamp-type channel 207 may be provided in the mold cover 200, and the PC1 may frictionally fit within the combination of the clamp-type channel 207 and the corresponding channel 107. The exemplary approach step 802 may be timed depending on when the PC1 is secured within the mold base 100 and / or the channel 107 and / or the cavity 102 / 103. Alternatively, the exemplary approach process 802 can be performed after the means for loading PC1 (manual or automated, i.e., a robotic armature with a vacuum end effector) is no longer within the working area 110a and / or is positioned in front of the mold base 100.The features shown in Figures 9A-B, or other features described in this regard, may be modified to modify any of the illustrated features such as Figures 9A-B, so as to properly retain PC1 within the volume formed by the enclosed mold cavity formed by the exemplary mold base 100 and mold cover 200.

[0070] 9C, an exemplary closing step 803 is shown showing PC1 sandwiched between one or more features (magnetic source M, vacuum source VAC, clamped channel 207) of mold base 100 and / or mold cover 200 with surfaces 100b, 200b in contact. As shown in FIG. 9C, the closing step 803 results in a partially occupied volume at either end 1z and / or end region of PC1, or the portion of the closed cavity not occupied by PC1 is substantially free of injection molding material delivered during the process. Additionally, any injection material that may have entered the channel 107 / 207 can be relatively easily removed by using and / or bending the resulting bendable PBB 10.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 9C, the closing step 803 forms at least one of formations 1c / c / d / o / p / r / s / u / x in PC1 due to the difference in space between the manipulation die 104 and the manipulation die 204 and / or the action of the dies 104 / 204 relative to each other. For example, the manipulation die 104 maintains support for PC1 while the manipulation die 204 performs one or more of the following actions sequentially and / or simultaneously on separate parts of PC1 or on the same part of PC1: (i) bending PC1 to create a bend (formation 1b) or a twist (formation 1t); (ii) deforming PC1 into a different shape (formation 1c, formation 1d, formation 1p, formation 1r, formation 1x, formation 1lu); (iii) removing a part of PC1 to allow the injected material to flow therethrough (formation 1o); (iv) a combination of (i) to (iii).

[0072] 9D, an exemplary molding process 804 is illustrated showing the injection of molten plastic (shown in dashed lines) around the portions of PC1 within the volume of each cavity to form BC2 and EC3 of PBB 10. Although an injection molding delivery system is not illustrated, one skilled in the art will understand that the injected material may flow into the mold cavities forming BC2 and EC3 of PBB 10 from a position facing FIG. 9D (i.e., a position located outside the plane of the paper and flowing into the plane of the paper) or from a position starting behind FIG. 9D (i.e., a position located behind the figure and flowing out of the plane of the paper toward the viewer). As can be seen in FIG. 9D, the deformation 1x and / or collapsed portion 1c of the end region of PC1 formed through the exemplary closing process 803 prevents the material that constitutes EC3 from escaping PC1 during use. That is, the molding process 804 can intimately fill the injected material around and / or into the spaces formed by the deformations 1x, extensions 1w, bends 1b, collapses 1*, orifices 1o, pits 1p, and / or twists 1t in the end regions of PC1. According to an embodiment, the exemplary molding process 804 can include injecting one or more of the following materials: PMMA, ABS, PA, PETG, PC, PE, PE, PE, PE, PE, PEEK, PET, PET, PLA, cyanate ester, epoxy, polyester, polyurethane, silicone, rubber, vulcanized rubber, and combinations thereof. Alternatively, the molding process 804 can fill certain volumes formed by the closed mold segments with one type of material and fill other volumes with a different type of material.

[0073] 9D, PC1 may remain held by clamped channel 207 and / or magnetic source M, which may be a specially designed magnetic source (e.g., a high temperature neodymium permanent magnet or a steel core electromagnet with a winding on the other side of mold 100 / 200) that can withstand repeated high temperatures. In one form, the vacuum source VAC previously used to stabilize PC1 according to FIGS. 9A-C may be turned off during exemplary molding step 804 to avoid drawing injectant material into channel 122, although one skilled in the art may close vacuum channel 122 with an ejector pin in channel 122 in a manner similar to closing any ejector pin channel 121 during exemplary molding step 804.

[0074] 9E, an exemplary release 805 and ejection 806 process is shown removing the mold cover 200 from contact with the mold base 100 and ejecting the completed moveable PBB 10 from the mold 100 / 200 using the ejector pins 124. As shown in FIG. 9E, the PBB 10 is ejected in a configuration with PC1 inserted. In other words, if PC1 is inserted into the mold base 100 as a substantially straight PC1, the PBB 10 is ejected in a substantially straight configuration.

[0075] Although the cavities 102 / 202 and / or 103 / 203 have been illustratively shown as cylindrical parts, the methods and teachings can be used to secure the exemplary PC1 in any type of building block known to one skilled in the art for which injection molding or other molding formats are appropriate. For example, the cavity 102 / 202 can be half of a mold for a Lego® block, and the cavity 103 / 203 can be half of a mold for a K'nex® building piece. Building blocks or building toy parts known to one skilled in the art can have cavities 102 / 202 / 103 / 203 made therefrom in the exemplary mold 100 and mold segments 200. If more than two mold pieces are required to form a particular cavity 102 / 202 / 103 / 203, one skilled in the art can practice the embodiments of the invention described herein as long as at least two of the mold pieces can function as molds 100 and / or 200.

[0076] Also, the cavities 102 / 202 / 103 / 203 may be formed in a variety of shapes other than the shape of a building block or toy. That is, the disclosed inventive method allows for insert molded figures with bendable PC1s that interconnect the parts across the gaps. Parts that can be molded by injection molding can be made bendable by the disclosed process, mold design, and molding methods, provided that cavity bulkheads 108 / 208 are provided between the various parts 102 / 202 / 103 / 203 in the final structure. In an exemplary embodiment, a single mold 100 / 200 may be prepared with multiple PC1s placed in the channels 107 / 207 or in the cavities 103 / 203 / 102 / 202 formed in the shape of a body part of an action figure or other plaything (e.g., a stuffed toy skeleton or other form). The above examples may be accomplished so long as the end parts or pieces of a particular figure, model, or structure follow the designs and teachings disclosed in connection with EC3, BC2, mold 100, and mold cover 200. As previously disclosed, other portions of a particular figure, model, or structure similar to BC2 may be configured to receive and hold PC1 for the molding process. By properly dimensioning the cavities 102 / 202 / 103 / 203, the arrangement of channels 107 / 207, and the cavity bulkheads 108 / 208, a bendable structure 30 comprised of multiple PC1s may be fabricated using a mold of the type shown in Figures 10A-B to form an object as shown in Figures 10C-D.

[0077] In the exemplary structure 30, there may be a union ("SB") 2S or body ender ("BE") 32. The SB2S may include two separate parts of different PC1s incorporated within the same material that constitutes the SB2S. Even if the PC1s incorporated in the exemplary SB2S are not fixed to the product, they may be fixed within the SB2S by bending or deformation (1b / c / d / o / p / r / s / u / x). In contrast, the BE32 includes the end region of at least one exemplary PC1 and may be fixed internally, but also includes other types of PC1s, including those that do not have a means of fixing to the material of the BE32. The exemplary configuration shown in Figures 10C-D includes multiple PC1s (e.g., PC1s) that are fixed to the product. A , 1 B , and 1 C ) and may be used to interconnect one or more of the exemplary BC2, SB2S, BE32, and EC3. Alternative structure 30 is shown and described in connection with Figures 9C-D of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 561,926, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0078] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 10C-D, the exemplary structure 30 may take the form of a figure or other toy having multiple appendages configured as BC2 and / or EC3 formed by multiple PC1. For example, the exemplary structure 30 may be configured as BC2 and / or EC3. A and SB2S and EC3 A1 , 3 A2 The first lineage and PC1 A In an exemplary embodiment, the EC3 A1 and 3 A2 serves as the hand of the structure 30 and may have one or more extensions 25 or 27. A1 and 3 A2 can have in common the core features of the exemplary EC3, but may differ in terms of shape, connection features, contours, materials, and other surface characteristics. A1 , 3 A2 , 3B , 3 C1 , and 3 C2 are substantially similar to the exemplary EC3s disclosed and illustrated elsewhere in this application, e.g., (i) each may have at least one opening 4 and one or more combinations of portions 1b / c / d / o / p / r / s / t / u / x along PC1 embedded therein, or (ii) each may have no opening 4 and one or more combinations of portions 1b / c / d / o / p / r / s / t / u / x along PC1 embedded therein. B SB2S, EC3 connected with B , BE32, and an exemplary SB2S may have a second lineage including PC1 A and / or 1 B The first lineage PC1 was prepared without interfering with the posing and bending of either A and PC1 of the second lineage. B In other words, an exemplary shared SB2S may include a volume that is co-located with an embedded part 1e (e.g., PC1, as shown in FIG. 10D). A , 1 B , 1e, which is the embedded part of 1o A , 1e B and 1e C Each of the EC3s may house a SB2S (visible through a transparent shared SB2S) therein, so that there may be multiple flexible and movable connections and intersections through the shared BC2S. C1 and 3 C2 and a third lineage comprising EC3 A1 and 3 A2 The optional design and configuration described above can be utilized. The exemplary PC 10 can couple the exemplary third series of the structure 30 to the remaining series of the structure 30. Alternatively, the exemplary PC 1 can couple the exemplary third series of the structure 30 to the remaining series of the structure 30. B and / or ID, PC1 A In much the same way, it may extend from end part to end part via SB2S.

[0079] In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary mold 100 is illustrated for an exemplary structure 30, as shown in Figures 10A-B. A1 , 103 A2 , and the shared body cavity 102S are respectively shown in FIG. 10C-D as the exemplary first series of components 3 A1 , 3 A2 , and 2S. End cavity 103 B , shared body cavity 102S, and body end cavity 132 are shown in FIG. 10C-D. B , SB2S, and BE32, respectively. End cavity 103 C1 , 103 C2 , body end cavity 132, and body cavities 1021, 1022 are respectively shown in the exemplary third family of components EC3 of FIGS. C , BC21, BE32, BC22, and EC3 C1 Further, the exemplary mold 100 may correspond to the first, second, and third series of PC1 A , 107 B , 107 C Before being overmolded with plastic and embedded, 、 PC1 of the second and third lineages A , 1 B , and 1 C Channel 107 that can be placed A , 107 B , and 107 C These channels can be placed before the cavity crossing portion is overmolded and potted with plastic as described above and with respect to Figures 9A-H of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 561,926, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. An exemplary steering die 104 is EC103. A11, such a die 104 may be provided in any cavity of the exemplary mold 100 to allow for multiple PC1 retention and deformation processes. It should be understood that the structures 30 may be of a myriad of different forms and configurations, which may necessarily require unique and non-uniform channels 107 in length or other dimensions. Additionally, the features disclosed above with respect to molds 100 and / or 200 of Figures 8A-B and 9A-E may be included in the mold 100 and / or corresponding mold 200 (not shown) with respect to Figures 10A-B in the same or similar type, functionality and arrangement.

[0080] The exemplary PBB 10, combination 20, and structure 30 may be used with numerous add-ons and connections to increase the use and enjoyment of the system created thereby. For example, a portion or part of a known toy, figure, sculpture, or three-dimensional work known to one of ordinary skill in the art may be divided into multiple pieces and configured to fit closely to the exemplary PBB 10, combination 20, and / or structure 30 according to the present disclosure. For example, as shown in FIGS. 11A-B, two sculpture segments 40A, 40B may be halves of a shell 45 belonging to a single toy, figure, sculpture, or three-dimensional work, or part thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, each segment 40A / B may have a sculpture surface 42 and a mounting surface 41 separated by a material thickness 43, and the exemplary segments 40A / B may be configured to be attached to one or more surfaces of the exemplary PC1, BC2, and / or EC3 using connectors 44 extending from the mounting surface 41. In an exemplary embodiment, each connector 44 of each segment 40A, 40B may be either clipped, slipped, attached, or otherwise molded around an adjacent cross section of the exemplary BC2 and / or EC3 such that the two segments 40A, 40B combine to form a frictionally coupled shell 45 around a portion of the PBB 10. As shown in FIG. 11B, the exemplary shell 45 may be similar to those that would otherwise be integrally formed as a whole or part of a toy or other three-dimensional creation. Thus, the shell 45 increases the versatility of toys and three-dimensional artifacts (e.g., mixing and matching shells) while reducing the cost of manufacturing toys and / or three-dimensional creations using typical screws, bolts, and hinges. Thus, the exemplary PBB 10, whether as part of a combination 20 or a structure 30, allows users to build their own figures from segments 40A / B that, when connected together, constitute one or more shells 45 of the figure parts and constitute the whole of a toy, figure, or other three-dimensional structure with a sufficient size and amount of shells 45.While the connectors 44 are exemplified as clips, they can take the form of other friction-based couplings, and can take the form of threads, grooves, hooks, Lego-type interconnects, magnets, Velcro®, and / or snap fits. For example, one segment 40A is a forward-facing chest portion of an action figure and the other segment 40B is a rear-facing chest portion of an action figure, and when segments 40A and 40B are joined together by clipping them together or passing PBB 10 inside, a full chest is obtained that is the shell 45 of the action figure.

[0081] 11C, the exemplary PBB 10 may be dimensioned and sized to hold a fabric body 50 via through holes 52 formed by the fabric piece within the body. The exemplary fabric body 50 may be a piece of fabric from LEGO part number 86297, and the exemplary PBB 10 may use the portion of PC1 that is in the gap 8 between the inner surfaces 5 of the BC2 to hold the fabric holes 52 of the exemplary fabric portion or fabric accessory 50 and provide structure to an otherwise thin and flowing fabric. Thus, in this manner, the exemplary PBB 10 described above may be used to form wings, tails, webbed or other complex patterns with the fabric body 50 via the interconnections between the exposed wire portions 1 and the openings 52 in the fabric 50.

[0082] PC1 may also be conductive to transmit low voltage to illuminate one or more of the translucent BC2 / EC3 or other conductive components in contact therewith. Also, the exposed PC1 portions of the PBB 10, combination 20, and structure 30 may then be covered by post-treatment (e.g., elastomer dipping, paint, fabric cover) or otherwise covered (similar to the rubber cover discussed with respect to Figs. 6G-I). In an exemplary embodiment, PC1 may be an insulated LED wire string (covered in the example) such as the type manufactured and sold by Twinkle Star. Thus, PC1 may be sandwiched, restrained, and insert molded using the same or similar molds and methods as described above for all of the manufacturing methods disclosed and illustrated in Figs. 8A-B, 9A-E, and 10A-B, and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 561,926, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Alternatively, the end of the insulated PC1 where the deformation 1d or crushed 1c is located may be stripped. In one aspect of this exemplary embodiment, the opening 4 may form an electrical contact with the exposed wire portion of the insulated PC1 to use the exemplary PBB 10 as a circuit wire. Thus, the exemplary PBB 10 has an additional advantage in that it can pass current to the components inserted through the opening 4 of the EC3 (e.g., via connection to other components with building blocks or electrical contacts for current flow) to the components in the PC1 placed through the opening 4, and the remaining portions of the PC1 through each BC2 to the next EC3 can be insulated to allow the current to pass through without issue.

[0083] According to the exemplary embodiment of Figs. 12A-C, the exemplary PBB 10 may be manufactured using an additive manufacturing process, such as, for example, 3D printing (the same terms may be used interchangeably to refer to the same process). In a first step shown in Fig. 12A, substrate layers 2q, 3q may be formed on a working surface 1000, for example, by an additive manufacturing process, with receiving layers 2r, 3r, respectively, and substrate layer 3q may have a partition end 6q and an end receiving layer 6r, different from substrate layer 2q. The exemplary base layers 2q and / or 3q may be manufactured using any additive manufacturing device or method known to those skilled in the art, and the exemplary base layers 2q and / or 3q may be manufactured using any additive manufacturing device or method known to those skilled in the art. The exemplary base layers 2q and / or 3q may also be made from any material that can be used with such additive manufacturing devices. According to the exemplary embodiment, each of the base layers 2q and 3q of Fig. 12A may have base layers 2q and 3q with receiving layers 2r and 3r, respectively. According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the base layers 2r and 3r in FIG. 12A may still be in a molten and / or not fully cured state, and throughout the process additional material is continuously added to the received features to complete the process.

[0084] In a second step shown in FIG. 12B, the exemplary PC 1 may be placed on the receiving layer 2r of the base layer 2q and its terminal area may be placed on the base layer 3q in the receiving layer 3r. Such an arrangement is contemplated to be performed while the features of the base layer 2q / 3q can be substantially constructed through additive manufacturing. The exemplary movable part 1 may be pre-deformed to have a deformation 1d adjacent to the end 1z. In an exemplary embodiment, the end 1z may be substantially coplanar and may not extend beyond at least the boundary 6q and the end receiving layer 6r.

[0085] In a third step shown in Fig. 12C, the exemplary PC 1 resting in each receiving layer 2r and 3r on the base layers 2q and 3q may be encapsulated in the base layers by the corresponding completion layers 2p and / or 3p using the same or different 3D printing. According to this exemplary embodiment, the molten material is deposited on the movable part 1 so as to cover the surfaces that may be formed on the movable part 1 by deformations 1d, bends 1b, twists 1t, pits 1p and / or orifices 1o.

[0086] According to the exemplary embodiment and steps of Fig. 12A-C, the exemplary PC1 may be placed within the base layer 2q / 3q and between the receiving layers 2r, 3r, 6r in a time sufficient to form the completion layer 2p / 3p integral with the receiving layer and the base layer. In a preferred embodiment, the PC1 may be placed within the base layer 2q / 3q and the receiving layer 2r / 3r in 1-2 minutes, respectively, leaving only 1 minute before the additive manufacturing of the completion layer 2p / 3p begins. Depending on the curing time of the filament used to create the base layer 2r, 3q, one skilled in the art would understand to time the supply of the PC1 to the 3D printing process to reduce the possibility of full curing of the base layer 2q / 3q and / or the receiving layer 2r / 3r. Although the steps shown in Fig. 12A-C show only one PC1, one skilled in the art may follow conventional mass production disclosures, for example, using a vacuum-based pick-and-place robot and a PC1 straightening and cutting system to enable large-scale additive manufacturing of the exemplary PBB 10.

[0087] It should be understood that embodiments using the listed structures, features, and methods are not limited to those explicitly disclosed and / or illustrated, but encompass all varieties and variations. First, unless expressly limited by function, all features in any figure may be substituted for identical or similar features in other figures. Second, all physical features in any figure may be used in combination with other features in other figures, such that all permutations achievable by use of such combinations are disclosed and contemplated herein. Third, to the extent that reference is made to a particular building block, figurine, toy, or other similar structure, all known building blocks, figurines, toys, and other similar structures apply as well and are substituted for the explicitly disclosed building blocks, figurines, toys, or other similar structures (e.g., segments 40 and / or shells 45 of three-dimensional structures or creations) used or formed by the features disclosed herein. Fourth, unless otherwise stated, all sizes and dimensions of any embodiment are considered without limitation. Fifth, all embodiments may be used to modify other embodiments to achieve a desired purpose, whether or not the desired purpose is explicitly stated.

[0088] With reference to the above disclosure and the above-described interrelated and interchangeable exemplary embodiments, many further variations and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art, which are given by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope and spirit of the interrelated embodiments described herein.

Claims

1. A first end portion; a movable metal part having a second end; The movable metal part is at least one first surface feature located near the first end; at least one second surface feature located near the second end; a first end piece made of a hard material is fixedly connected around the at least one first surface feature; a second end piece made of a hard material is fixedly connected around the at least one second surface feature; the first end is substantially embedded within a rigid material of the first end piece; the second end piece being substantially embedded within a rigid material of the second end piece; A movable building block, wherein the first end piece and the second end piece are separated from each other by a movable length of the movable metal piece, the movable length not in contact with a hard material of the first end piece or a hard material of the second end piece.

2. The moveable building block of claim 1 , further comprising at least one body part constructed from a rigid material disposed within the moveable length.

3. The moveable building block of claim 2 , wherein the at least one body part is configured to move along the moveable length and change position along the moveable length.

4. The moveable building block of claim 2 , wherein the at least one body part is configured to rotate in position along the moveable length.

5. The moveable building block of claim 1 , wherein the first surface feature is a deformation of the moveable metal part.

6. The moveable building block of claim 1 , wherein the second surface feature is a deformation of the moveable metal part.

7. The moveable building block of claim 1 , wherein the first surface feature is a bend in the moveable metal part.

8. The moveable building block of claim 7 , wherein the first surface feature is a bend in the moveable metal part.

9. 9. The mobile building block according to claim 1, wherein the first end piece and the second end piece each have at least one cylindrical stud, at least one cavity configured to frictionally engage an object having the same dimensions as the at least one cylindrical stud, and at least one support for holding the mobile metal part therein.

10. The mobile building block according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first end piece and the second end piece are each substantially cylindrical pieces with a diameter of about 3.2 mm to about 4.8 mm.

11. The mobile building block of claim 10, wherein the cylindrical part has a diameter of about 3.2 mm.

12. 12. The mobile building block according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first end piece, the second end piece and the at least one body piece each have at least one cylindrical stud, at least one cavity configured to frictionally fit into an object having the same dimensions as the at least one cylindrical stud, and at least one support for holding the mobile metal part therein.

13. The mobile building block according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first end piece, the second end piece and the at least one body piece are each substantially cylindrical pieces having a diameter of between about 3.2 mm and about 4.8 mm.

14. The mobile building block of claim 13, wherein the cylindrical part has a diameter of about 3.2 mm.

15. A toy made from moveable building blocks according to any preceding claim.

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