Element of a toy construction kit

Abstract

An element of a construction kit comprises a hollow body having a front side, a rear side and four lateral sides. A through-hole is formed in the centre of the body, which opens onto the front and rear sides, and a cut-out is formed on the lateral sides. The front side is made up of two first connecting regions and two second connecting regions. Each lateral side is made up of a first connecting region and a second connecting region. The rear side is made up of two third connecting regions and two fourth connecting regions. The first and second connecting regions of the front and lateral sides have the same shape, and the third and fourth connecting regions have shapes that are different from the shapes of the first and second connecting regions. The first connecting region is designed to be mateable with the second and third connecting regions, the second connecting region is designed to mateable with the fourth connecting region, and the third connecting region is designed to mateable with the fourth connecting region, thus allowing the given regions to be interconnected.

Description

[0001] GAME DESIGNER ELEMENT

[0002] Field of technology

[0003] The invention relates to toys, namely to a construction set element that can be used for entertainment or educational purposes by children or adults.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Rectangular construction set elements, such as Lego and others, are well known in the art. However, two LEGO construction set elements with a single stud have only one connection combination.

[0006] US application publication US20202 I 5450A I, dated July 9, 2020, describes a cube-shaped construction element with eight surfaces, each with four connecting sections. The first two connecting sections are formed by the element's smooth surface, while the second two connecting sections are formed by projections with inclined hooks. These first and second sections are arranged diagonally symmetrically. A disadvantage of this solution is the limited variability in creating shapes when connecting such construction elements, as the design possibilities are limited by the element's cubic shape.

[0007] The closest analogue of the invention is the construction kit element described in US application publication US2013237120A1, September 12, 2013. This known element has a hollow rectangular housing in the form of a half-cube, forming a front and rear surface and four lateral sides. A hole for a connecting rod is formed in the center of the housing on the rear side. The front side has two connecting sections in the form of rod-shaped projections and two connecting sections in the form of recesses, arranged diagonally symmetrically and having a matching shape. On the sides, two connecting sections are formed in the form of holes, matching the projections of the front surface. A disadvantage of this solution is the limited variability of the interconnection of the elements, as well as the limitations in creating shapes using this construction kit.

[0008] Thus, the main technical problem addressed by the claimed invention is the limited ability to form structures using identical elements, necessitating the addition of multiple elements of a different type. Structures created using such elements will have primitive geometry and a low level of external detail.

[0009] Disclosure of the essence of the invention

[0010] The main technical result of the invention is to increase the variability of the mutual connection of similar elements of the constructor, as well as the variability of the creation of geometric shapes from similar elements.

[0011] Additional technical results of the invention (achieved by particular forms of implementation) are a reduction in the gap between elements while maintaining the strength of their adhesion, a simplification of the technology for manufacturing elements, and an increase in the safety of using the design elements.

[0012] The technical result is achieved in the invention by a design element comprising a hollow housing that has a front side, a rear side formed by the housing cavity, and four side sides. A through-hole is formed in the center of the housing on both the front and rear sides, and a cutout corresponding to half of the through-hole is formed on the side sides at the transition to the rear side. The front side is formed by two first connecting sections and two second connecting sections, arranged diagonally symmetrically relative to one another. Each side side is formed by a first connecting section and a second connecting section, wherein the first connecting sections of the side sides are adjacent to the first connecting sections of the front side, and the second connecting sections of the side sides are adjacent to the second connecting sections of the front side.The rear side of the element is formed by two third connecting sections and two fourth connecting sections, arranged diagonally symmetrically relative to one another. The first connecting sections of the front and side sides have the same shape, the second connecting sections of the front and side sides have the same shape, and the third and fourth connecting sections have shapes different from the first and second connecting sections. The first connecting section is designed to be mating with the second connecting section and the third connecting section, the second connecting section is designed to be mating with the fourth connecting section, and the third connecting section is designed to be mating with the fourth connecting section, with the possibility of interconnecting said mating sections.

[0013] According to particular embodiments of the invention: - at least eight engagement areas for the mating element are provided on the front side, at least eight engagement areas on the rear side, and at least three engagement areas on each side (15),

[0014] - the body is made in the form of half a cube with rounded corners and edges,

[0015] - the first connecting section includes an L-shaped groove having a boundary that forms an arc-shaped hook,

[0016] - the second connecting section includes a teardrop-shaped recess, which is made to match the arc-shaped hook,

[0017] - the third connecting section includes a tooth-shaped projection made to correspond to the groove of the first connecting section, wherein the projection is made in such a way that when two identical elements are aligned with their back sides, the projections (19) of one element can be placed between the projections of the other element, rotated at an angle of 90°, ensuring mutual engagement.

[0018] - the fourth connecting section includes a recess formed by the cavity of the housing and configured to accommodate the projection of the third connecting section therein,

[0019] - arc-shaped hooks are designed with the possibility of elastic compression of the attached element.

[0020] Unlike similar kits, the front and back sides of this construction set are formed by two pairs of connecting sections arranged diagonally symmetrically. The sides are formed by two connecting sections of the same shape as the sections on the front side. The shape of the connecting sections allows for connecting the front side to the front, side, and back sides of another kit, as well as connecting two back sides and two side sides to each other. A through hole and cutouts in the kit allow for the additional use of rods and other elements for connecting. This expands the versatility of connecting similar kits. Moreover, the side of the kit is formed by only two connecting sections, expanding the possibilities for creating a variety of geometric shapes, unlike similar kits that use solid cube-shaped elements.

[0021] Also, due to the special shape of the connecting sections, according to specific embodiments of the invention, gaps between elements are reduced without compromising the strength of the connection or the need to increase the size of the elements or their protruding parts. The claimed construction set element has rounded edges, allowing the blocks to be collected from the floor using a shovel or a sheet of cardboard. This also makes the construction set less likely to cause injury. The presence of a through hole also prevents suffocation if the element gets into the respiratory tract.

[0022] Brief description of the drawings

[0023] The invention is illustrated by figures, where

[0024] Figures 1 - 4 show the general view of the element according to the basic embodiment: from above, below and from the sides

[0025] Figures 5-8 show alternative embodiments of the element design,

[0026] Figures 9-10 show the engagement areas of the element,

[0027] Figures 11 - 12 show a detailed view of the element according to the basic embodiment of the design,

[0028] Figures 13-15 show the connection of two elements along the rear surfaces,

[0029] Figures 16-18 show the connection of elements along the front surfaces,

[0030] Figures 19-21 show the connection of elements on the front and rear surfaces,

[0031] Figures 22-24 show the connection of elements along the front and side surfaces,

[0032] Figures 25-27 show the connection of elements along the side surfaces,

[0033] Figures 28-30 show the connection of several elements with a demonstration of mutual fixation by means of hooks,

[0034] Figures 31-32 show the connection of several elements with a demonstration of the function of rounding corners and edges,

[0035] Figures 33 - 40 show other design options for elements created on the basis of the claimed element, as well as their connections,

[0036] Figure 41 shows an example of the use of the claimed element in a complex-shaped structure.

[0037] The elements in the figures are designated by the following positions:

[0038] 1 - front side,

[0039] 2 - back side,

[0040] 3,4,5,6 - sides,

[0041] 7 - through hole,

[0042] 8 - cutout, 9 - first connecting section,

[0043] 10 - the second connecting section

[0044] 11 - the third connecting section,

[0045] 12 - the fourth connecting section,

[0046] 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d - front side engagement areas,

[0047] 14a,14b,14c,14d - rear side engagement areas,

[0048] 15a, 15b, 15c - areas of lateral engagement

[0049] 16 - groove of the first connecting section of the front side,

[0050] 17 - hook of the first connecting section of the front side,

[0051] 18 - recess of the second connecting section of the front side,

[0052] 19 - tooth-shaped protrusion of the third connecting section,

[0053] 20 - the depression of the fourth connecting section,

[0054] 21 - the protruding part of the second connecting section of the front side,

[0055] 22 - the protruding part of the second connecting section of the side,

[0056] 23 - hook of the first connecting section of the side,

[0057] 24 - recess of the second connecting section of the front side,

[0058] 25 - groove of the first connecting section of the side.

[0059] Implementation of the invention

[0060] The claimed construction element (see Figs. 1-8) generally has a box-shaped (hollow) body, preferably in the shape of a half-cube. The body has a front (1), a rear (2), and four side (3, 4, 5, 6) sides. The side (3, 4, 5, 6) sides are preferably oriented symmetrically with respect to one another.

[0061] In the center of the housing, a through hole (7) is made for the connecting element (rod), opening onto the front (1) and rear (2) sides. Said hole (7) is preferably square in shape. Moreover, on one or more side surfaces (3, 4, 5, 6), at the transition to the rear side, cutouts (8) are made corresponding to half of the hole (7), which, when the two rear sides are combined, form square holes for the connecting rod. The hole (7) and cutout (8), in addition to accommodating the rod, also provide the additional function of strengthening the connection of the elements

[0062] On the front side (1) in the body of the element around the through hole (7) there are four sections: two first connecting sections (9) and two second connecting sections (10). The first connecting sections (9) have the same shape and are located diagonally symmetrically with respect to each other. The second connecting sections (10) are also made identical and are located diagonally symmetrically. Thus, the surface of the front side is divided into four equal regions formed by the mentioned sections (9) and (10). The boundaries of the sections are conditionally divided in Figure 1 by planes. Thus, the first connecting sections (9) are limited by sectors a-eb and ced, and the second connecting sections are limited by sectors be-c and aed.

[0063] The lateral sides (3,4, 5, 6) have only two mentioned sections: the first connecting section (9) and the second connecting section (10), which in shape completely correspond to the connecting sections of the front side (1). In this case, the first connecting sections (9) of the lateral sides (3,4, 5, 6) are adjacent to the first connecting sections of the front side (1), and the second connecting sections (10) of the lateral sides (3,4, 5, 6) are adjacent to the second connecting sections of the front side (1).

[0064] The rear side (2) of the element is formed by the cavity of the box-shaped body and also has four sections: two third connecting sections (11) and two fourth connecting sections (12). The shape of the third (I) and fourth (12) sections differs from the shape of the first (9) and second (10) sections. The third connecting sections (11) have the same shape and are located diagonally symmetrically with respect to each other. The fourth connecting sections (12) are also made identical and are located diagonally symmetrically. Thus, the surface of the rear side is divided into four equal regions formed by the aforementioned sections (11) and (12).

[0065] The first connecting section (9) is made as a counterpart to the second connecting section (10), as well as to the third connecting section (I). The second connecting section (9) is made as a counterpart to the fourth connecting section (12). In this case, the third connecting section (11) is made as a counterpart to the fourth connecting section (12). Thus, it is possible to connect the elements of the constructor along the following sections: the first section (9) - the second section (10), the first section (9) - the third section (11), the second section (10) - the fourth section (12), the third section (11) - the fourth section (12). All this allows you to connect two elements of the constructor with different sides: front side (1) - front side (1), back side (2) - back side (2), front side (1) - back side (2), front side (1) - side side (3,4, 5, 6), side side (3,4, 5, 6) - side side (3,4,5,6).The shape of the connecting sections (9, 10, 11, 12) may vary; they may be formed by projections and / or recesses, enabling the aforementioned connection. The examples shown in Figures 1-8 do not limit the possible design of the connecting sections, but merely illustrate particular embodiments of the invention.

[0066] In any of the embodiments, to ensure a strong connection of the design elements, it is desirable to ensure the presence on the front side (1) of at least eight engagement areas (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d) (a pair of each of four identical areas), on the back side (2) of at least eight engagement areas (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) (a pair of each of four identical areas), and on each side of at least three engagement areas (15a, 15b, 15c) (see Figures 9-10)

[0067] The most preferred geometry of the claimed design element is shown in Figures 11 and 12. The element has a box-shaped body in a shape corresponding to half a cube with rounded corners and edges.

[0068] On the front side (1) on the first connecting section (9) a groove (16) of an L-shape (in the form of a corner) is made, adjacent with its angular part to the central opening (7). On the outer side, the groove (16) has a curvilinear border connecting the diverging parts of the groove and forming an arcuate hook (17). This shape of the groove (16) and the hook (17) ensures better strength of the adhesion of the elements without increasing their dimensions and the dimensions of the protruding parts. A similar groove (25) with a hook (23) is made on the first connecting section (9) of the lateral sides (3, 4, 5, 6).

[0069] On the front side (1), the second connecting section (12) is formed by a protruding part (21) adjacent to the grooves (16) and the central opening (7). In this case, closer to the edge of the second connecting section (12), a teardrop-shaped recess (18) is made, corresponding to the shape of the hooks (17) and (23). Similar protruding part (22) and recess (24) are made on the second connecting section (10) of the side faces (3,4, 5, 6).

[0070] On the rear side (2) on the third connecting section (I) in the area of ​​the through hole (7) a tooth-shaped projection (19) is placed, made in such a way that when two elements are aligned by their rear surfaces, the projections (19) of one element could be placed between the projections (19) of the other element turned at an angle of 90°. The said projections (19) are also made to correspond to the grooves (16) and the opening (7) of the front side. The fourth connecting section (12) has a recess (20) formed by the cavity of the housing adjacent to the wall.

[0071] When connecting two claimed elements by their back sides (2) (see Figures 13-15), one element is rotated at an angle of 90° with respect to the other. The projections (19) of the third connecting sections (11) of one element (located diagonally) engage with similar projections (19) of the other element (see Figure 13). In this case, each projection (19) of the third section (11) of one element enters the recess (20) of the fourth connecting section (12) of the other element.

[0072] When connecting two stated elements with their front sides (1) (see Figures 16-18), one element also rotates at an angle of 90° with respect to the other. The protruding part (21) of the second connecting sections (10) of one element enters the grooves (16) of the first connecting sections (9) of the other element, and the hooks (17), in turn, engage with the recesses (18) of the second connecting section.

[0073] When connecting the two declared elements with the front (1) and rear (2) sides (see figures 19-21), the protruding parts (21) of the second connecting sections (10) are placed in the recesses (20) of the fourth connecting sections (12) and engage with the projections (19).

[0074] When connecting the two declared elements with the front (1) and side (3,4, 5, 6) sides (Fig. 22-24), the protruding parts (21) and (22) of the second connecting sections (10) of one element enter the groove (16) of the first connecting section (9) of the other element, and the hooks (17,23) engage with the recesses (18) and (24).

[0075] The connection of elements along two lateral sides (3,4, 5, 6) (Fig. 25-27) occurs in a similar manner.

[0076] In this case, in any variant of the connection involving the first connecting section (9), the arcuate hooks (17, 23) create elastic compression of the mating part of the element (see Fig. 30) in such a way that the connection of each subsequent element strengthens the structure (see Figs. 28-30). Thus, the constructor element additionally performs the functions of a lock preventing the other two elements, united into a single cube, from moving apart in opposite directions. The element connected to the assembled cube not only does not lead to the separation of the elements, but also makes their connection even stronger. The functions of the lock are performed by the projections 17, 23 and the recesses 18, 24 (Fig. 30). These same constructive elements ensure the connection of two elements from the sides (see Figs. 25, 26, 27). The rounded shape of the constructor elements in combination with the shape of the connecting sections ensures a reduction in the gaps between the elements being connected (see Fig.31 and 32), since joining rectangular shapes requires perfect precision in the manufacture of the elements, which is impossible to achieve with a construction set. Furthermore, safety is ensured by reducing the risk of injury from sharp corners, and the element's manufacture is simplified by casting it into a mold.

[0077] Additional construction set elements can also be manufactured on the basis of the claimed element, in particular corner elements (see Fig. 33), as well as elements with openings for rotating elements (see Figs. 34 and 35). It is possible to include in the set elements that have adapters for other types of construction sets to expand the possibilities of using the set (see Figs. 36-38).

[0078] In addition, the set can be supplemented with parts that combine two or more of the stated elements (see Figs. 39-41) and allow for the construction of objects of more varied shapes.

[0079] As an example of the high variability of creating geometric shapes from identical elements, consider the basic Lego element. Two Lego elements with a single stud have only one connection combination. Two elements of the claimed construction set can be combined in six combinations. The possible interactions of two identical elements are shown in Figs. 13, 16, 19, 22, and 25. Square holes for rods add a sixth variability option. The operation of a square hole is shown in Fig. 40. The square hole adds not one, but three variations (see Fig. 41).

[0080] Thus, the claimed invention solves the problem of limited possibilities for forming structures from similar elements.

[0081] A new construction element functions as a lock, preventing two other elements joined together to form a single cube from sliding apart. When attached to an assembled cube, the element not only prevents the elements from separating but also strengthens their connection. The locking function is provided by special projections and recesses, which also ensure the two elements are connected laterally (the locking mechanism is shown in Fig. 30).

[0082] An example of the high variability of creating geometric shapes from similar elements can be seen in a comparison with a LEGO brick. Two LEGO bricks with a single stud have only one connection combination, while two bricks of the new brick can be combined in six different ways.

[0083] Additional advantages of the new construction set include easy cleaning of the pieces from the floor. Rounded corners make it easy to assemble the bricks with a shovel or cardboard, while LEGO pieces slide apart due to their sharp corners. Furthermore, the rounded elements make the set less likely to injure someone. A through-hole prevents choking if a piece gets into the airway, making the set safer for children.

[0084] The square opening in the new construction set element not only serves a safety function but is also an important functional element. Elements with a square cross-section can be inserted into this opening. Square openings are present not only at the top and bottom, but also form on all sides when two identical elements are joined, as shown in Figs. 13 and 14.

[0085] Thus, the invention provides not only high design variability and connection strength, but also ease of use and safety.

Claims

And CLAUSES OF THE INVENTION 1. A construction set element comprising a hollow body which has a front side (1), a back side (2) formed by the cavity of the body, and four side sides (3,4, 5, 6), wherein - on the front (1) and rear (2) sides in the center of the housing there is a through hole (7), and on the sides at the transition to the rear side there is a cutout (8) corresponding to half of the through hole (7); - the front side (1) is formed by two first connecting sections (9) and two second connecting sections (10), located diagonally symmetrically relative to each other; - the side (3,4, 5, 6) is formed by a first connecting section (9) and a second connecting section, wherein the first connecting sections (9) of the side (3,4, 5, 6) are adjacent to the first connecting sections of the front side (1), and the second connecting sections (10) of the side (3,4, 5, 6) are adjacent to the second connecting sections of the front side (1); - the rear side (2) of the element is formed by two third connecting sections (I) and two fourth connecting sections (12), located diagonally symmetrically relative to each other; - the first connecting sections (9) of the front (1) and side (3,4, 5, 6) sides have the same shape, the second connecting sections (10) of the front (1) and side (3,4, 5, 6) sides have the same shape, and the third (11) and (12) fourth connecting sections have shapes different from the shape of the first (9) and second (10) connecting sections, - the first connecting section (9) is made responsive to the second connecting section (10) and the third connecting section (I), the second connecting section (9) is made responsive to the fourth connecting section (12), and the third connecting section (11) is made responsive to the fourth connecting section (12) with the possibility of mutual connection of said sections that are responsive to each other.

2. The element according to claim 1, in which at least eight engagement areas (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d) for the counter element are provided on the front side (1), at least eight engagement areas (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) on the rear side (2), and at least three engagement areas (15a, 15b, 15c) on each side.

3. An element according to claim 1, in which the body is made in the form of half a cube with rounded corners and edges.

4. An element according to claim 1, in which the first connecting section (9) includes an L-shaped groove (16,25) having a boundary that forms an arcuate hook (17,23).

5. An element according to claim 4, in which the second connecting section (10) includes a protruding part (21,22) and a teardrop-shaped recess (18,24), which is made to correspond to the arcuate hook (17,23).

6. The element according to claim 5, in which the third connecting section (11) includes a tooth-shaped projection (19) made to correspond to the groove (16) of the first connecting section, wherein the projection (19) is made in such a way that when two identical elements are aligned with their back sides (2), the projections (19) of one element can be placed between the projections (19) of the other element, turned at an angle of 90°, ensuring mutual engagement.

7. The element according to claim 6, in which the fourth connecting section (12) includes a recess (20) formed by the cavity of the housing and made with the possibility of receiving the projection (19) of the third connecting section (11) in it.

8. An element according to claim 7, in which the arc-shaped hooks (17) are designed with the possibility of elastic compression of the element being attached.

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