Toys configured for use with other toy systems

Abstract

Disclosed herein a polyhedral toy. The polyhedral form of the toy is formed from a sheet of rigid material which defines a shape that corresponds to a net of the polyhedron. The net of the polyhedron comprises a plurality of sections that are separated by hinges formed in the sheet and about which adjacent sections are foldable. At least one of the plurality of sections comprises one or more apertures arranged in a configuration that corresponds to a configuration of one or more studs on a plastic toy brick, whereby the polyhedral toy and plastic toy brick are releasably joinable by press fitting the one or more studs into the one or more apertures.

Description

TOYS CONFIGURED FOR USE WITH OTHER TOY SYSTEMSTechnical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to novel toys which can be personalised by a user and which are compatible with existing toy systems, thereby enabling an improved range of play and learning experiences.Background Art

[0002] Toys, in all shapes and sizes, are enjoyed by many children (and adults) around the world. Playing with toys entertains children and can also positively contribute to their physical and mental development. Providing novel toys for children, particularly those that have potential to increase the variety of play possibilities and / or improve the child’s tactile engagement and learning, would be a beneficial contribution to the art.Summary of Invention

[0003] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a polyhedral toy. The polyhedral form of the toy can be formed from a sheet of rigid material which defines a shape that corresponds to a net of the polyhedron. The net of the polyhedron comprises a plurality of sections that are separated by hinges formed in the sheet and about which adjacent sections are foldable (i.e. in order to produce the polyhedral form of the toy). At least one of the plurality of sections comprises one or more apertures arranged in a configuration that corresponds to a configuration of one or more studs on a plastic toy brick, such that the polyhedral toy is releasably joinable to the plastic toy brick by press fitting the one or more studs into the one or more apertures.

[0004] The present invention relates to toys which are initially provided in the form of a sheet of material that can be folded by users including children into a three dimensional form. Such toys may advantageously provide a user with a tactile learning experience gained during the formation of a three dimensional structure from a flat structure. Furthermore, the polyhedral toy is configured for joining with other toy elements in the form of interlocking plastic toy blocks or bricks that are ubiquitous in toy boxes throughout the world. The hand-pressed friction fit connections between the polyhedral toy and standard plastic brick studs are intuitive, simple and reversible.

[0005] The polyhedral toys of the present invention provide significant advantages over the building units for a toy building set described in the applicant’s international (PCT) patent application no. PCT / AU2022 / 051358, the content of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. Specifically, their unique compatibility with plastic toy brick studs, such as those found on Lego® bricks, opens up whole new worlds of play for children, utilising toy parts which they are already likely to have available. By enabling a novel way for plastic toy bricks to be combined with elements made of cardstock or other forms of sheeting, the invention dramatically increases creative possibilities available to users.

[0006] The invention enables standard toy plastic bricks to be readily attached by children with a simple press-fit to playthings made of rigid materials such as hand-colourable, pulp sheeting. In addition to enabling different shapes and textures to be added to plastic brickset assemblies, the invention enables hand colouring and other surface artwork to be added before or after assembly. The present invention utilises an innovative combination of structures and materials, which is well suited for child’s play because it is easy and intuitive to assemble, disassemble and reassemble into different combinations / conformations, is robust to handle, and suitable for hand colouring.

[0007] In some embodiments, two or more of the plurality of sections may comprise edges that are configured to interlock and releasably connect the respective sections to form edges of the polyhedron. Each edge may, for example, comprise one or more teeth that are configured to interleave with teeth of another edge, whereby friction between surfaces of interleaved teeth holds the sections together. At least one of the one or more teeth may be configured to compress or deform in the interleaved configuration, whereby the deformation increases the friction holding the sections together. For example, the at least one of the one or more teeth may have tapered sides, where a tip of the tooth is narrower than a base of the tooth.

[0008] In some embodiments, the or each hinge of the polyhedral toy may independently comprise: a single groove, a groove on one side of the sheet and a ridge on an opposite side of the sheet (which may enable users (particularly children) to perform the necessary folding actions more easily), a first groove on one side of the sheet and a second groove on an opposite side of the sheet, or a partial cut through the sheet (which is simpler and hence easier to produce in the sheet of rigid material than is the case for more complicated hinges). These hinge structures are described in detail in PCT / AU2022 / 051358. The hinges, regardless of whether they are provided in the form of cuts, folds, scores, grooves or other structures, enable assembly of the polyhedral toy to be easily implemented by a child.

[0009] In some embodiments, the rigid material used for the polyhedral toy may, for example, be selected from: cardstock, cardboard, bagasse, wood, laminate, plastic, vellum, rubber, foam, paper, plasticized pulp or pulp, or any combination thereof. The material may be made from recycled, biodegradable and renewable materials.

[0010] In some embodiments, the sheet of rigid material may be provided in the shape of the net of the polyhedron. Alternatively, a sheet of rigid material may be provided which has a shape that corresponds to the net of the polyhedron die cut into a larger sheet of the rigid material (e.g. a rectangular sheet having a convenient size for any accompanying packaging). Such a sheet might even include two or more die cut shapes having the nets of respective polyhedrons (or may include other elements, such as the joining elements described below). In this manner, multiple polyhedral toys (or polyhedral toys having variable aperture locations) can be produced from the same sheet. In such embodiments, the net shape may simply be pushed out of the sheet of rigid material, in a manner akin to that used with many other toy parts.

[0011] The sheet of the polyhedral toy may be configured to be individualized by a user. For example, the sheet may be configured to receive stickers and / or to be drawn on by a user (e.g. the sheet can receive and retain thereon ink, pencil, crayon, chalk or water colour paint). Enabling a user to personalise the toy however they like is expected to even further increase the available play opportunities. A wide range of rendering techniques suitable for paper which users will be familiar with can be applied before or after assembly of the polyhedral toy, for example, hand drawing, painting, and digitally printed artwork, photos and stickers.

[0012] The polyhedral toy may, for example, be provided in the form of a vehicle, a car, a truck, a train, a rocket, an airplane, a house or a block.

[0013] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a joining element. The joining element comprises an upper surface configured to receive an adhesive for adhering the joining element to another element (e.g. a toy, such as the polyhedral toy described herein) and a lower surface configured for receipt on a plastic toy brick. The lower surface comprises one or more apertures arranged in a configuration that corresponds to a configuration of one or more studs on the plastic toy brick, such that the joining element and plastic toy brick are releasably joinable by press fitting the one or more studs into the one or more apertures.

[0014] In some embodiments, the joining element may have a thickness between the upper surface and the lower surface that is the same as or greater than the height of the one or more studs. In some embodiments, the joining element may have a thickness between the upper surface and the lower surface that is more than about 2mm.

[0015] In some embodiments, the joining element may comprise an adhesive layer on the upper surface and a peelable covering. Removing the covering by peeling it from the adhesive layer is an action that most users would be expected to have mastered, and one familiar to them.

[0016] In some embodiments, the joining element may be formed from the same material as the polyhedral toy of the first aspect, namely cardstock, cardboard, bagasse, wood, laminate, plastic, vellum, rubber, foam, paper, plasticized pulp or pulp, or any combination thereof.

[0017] In some embodiments, the upper surface of the joining element may have a shape that corresponds to a flat surface of the toy. The upper surface may, for example, have a shape that corresponds to one of the plurality of sections of the polyhedral toy according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0018] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a kit comprising one or more sheets of rigid material from which one or more of the polyhedral toys of the first aspect are formable, as well as one or more plastic toy bricks to which the polyhedral toy is releasably joinable.

[0019] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a kit comprising one or more sheets of rigid material from which one or more of the polyhedral toys of the first aspect and one or more of the joining elements of the second aspect are formable.

[0020] In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a kit comprising one or more sheets of rigid material comprising: one or more shapes that correspond to a net of a polyhedral toy die cut into the sheet, the net of the polyhedron comprising a plurality of sections that are separated by hinges formed in the sheet and about which adjacent sections are foldable; and one or more of the joining elements of the second aspect die cut into the sheet.

[0021] In some embodiments of the fourth or fifth aspect, the kit may further comprise a plastic toy brick to which the polyhedral toy is releasably joinable.

[0022] In some embodiments, in order to provide the user with more creative control of plastic brick attachment locations, one or more joining elements may be cut or molded from the same material as the polyhedral toy and included in sheet of material or a kit with one or more polyhedral toys. The one or more polyhedral toys may have apertures in some sides or in no sides. Adhesive between the joining element and the polygonal toy sides may be applied by the user.

[0023] Additional features and advantages of the polyhedral toy and joining element will be described below in the context of specific embodiments. It is to be appreciated, however, thatsuch additional features may have a more general applicability than that described in the context of these specific embodiments.Brief Description of Drawings

[0024] Embodiments of the polyhedral toys, joining elements and kits of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 A shows a sheet of rigid material in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, in which shapes that correspond to a net of a polyhedron and the component parts of plastic toy bricks have been die-cut;

[0026] Figure IB shows the hand coloured polyhedral toy in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention produced from the sheet of rigid material of Figure 1, joined to the assembled plastic toy bricks;

[0027] Figure 2A illustrates a joining element in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2B illustrates a plastic toy brick to which the joining element of Figure 2A can be releasably joined;

[0029] Figure 3 A shows a sheet of rigid material in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, in which shapes that corresponds to a net of a polyhedron and two of the joining elements of Figure 2A have been die-cut;

[0030] Figure 3B illustrates two plastic toy brick assemblies to which the joining element of Figure 3 A can be releasably joined;

[0031] Figures 3C and 3D illustrate two possible configurations in which the polyhedral toy in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention and joining elements in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention produced from the sheet of rigid material of Figure 3 A can be joined to the plastic toy bricks of Figure 3B; and

[0032] Figure 4 illustrates a toy rocket including a number of polyhedral toys in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention assembled to form a rocket joined to a Lego® base.Description of Embodiments

[0033] The overarching aim of the present invention is to provide users (primarily children) with new toys and play opportunities, and preferably ones that can contribute to the user’s tactileengagement and learning. In this regard, the present invention provides a polyhedral toy (also referred to herein as a plaything). The polyhedral toy is formed from a sheet of rigid material which defines a shape that corresponds to the net of the polyhedron. The net of the polyhedron includes a plurality of sections that are separated by hinges formed in the sheet and about which adjacent sections are foldable. At least one of the sections includes one or more apertures arranged in a configuration that corresponds to a configuration of one or more studs on a plastic toy brick, whereby the polyhedral toy and plastic toy brick are releasably joinable by press fitting the one or more studs into the one or more apertures.

[0034] The present invention also provides a joining element having an upper surface which either comprises or is configured to receive an adhesive for adhering the joining element to another element (e.g. a toy) and a lower surface configured for receipt on a plastic toy brick. The lower surface includes one or more apertures arranged in a configuration that corresponds to a configuration of one or more studs on the plastic toy brick, such that the joining element and the plastic toy brick are releasably joinable by press fitting the one or more studs into the one or more apertures.

[0035] Allowing a child to effectively add apertures to a polygonal toy by adhering a joining element to a suitable section of the toy may provide the child with creative empowerment and executive functioning challenges, which increase their engagement and learning.

[0036] The toy is initially provided in the form of flat sheet of a rigid material, which can be folded into a three dimensional shape for subsequent use both on its own and, as will be described in further detail below, in conjunction with plastic toy bricks such as those sold under the brand name Lego®. In some embodiments, the plastic toy bricks may have features such as axles and wheels, for example when the toy is provided in the form of a sheet that is foldable into a vehicle.

[0037] The polyhedral toy may, for example, be a vehicle such as a car, a truck or a train, a rocket, an airplane, a house or a block (e.g. a building unit of the kind disclosed on PCT / AU2022 / 051358 and having any of the variety of shapes described therein). The three dimensional configuration of the toy may be irregular, may have sides which are open and may have some edges which do not pair with another edge. As described below, three dimensional structures having apparently curved surfaces can also be produced in accordance with the present invention.

[0038] The sheet of rigid material is foldable from a flat configuration into its three-dimensional hollow configuration. The flat sheets can be described using the mathematical concept of a two-dimensional (2D) net, which can be described as a net, a 2D net, a net of a solid, a net of a polyhedron, a cut-out, a stencil, a paper sheet, or the like. A net is an arrangement of nonoverlapping edge-joined polygons in the plane which can be folded (along edges / hinges) to become the faces of the polyhedron. Many different nets can exist for a given polyhedron, depending on the choices of which edges are joined and which are folded. For example, there are eleven nets of a cube, wherein each net is a unique arrangement of sections of the net.

[0039] In some embodiments, the polyhedral toy may be a cuboid, square based pyramid, triangular prism, domed cuboid, half cylinder, quarter cylinder, or any other three-dimensional shape. Whilst, in a strict geometric sense, polyhedrons do not have curved surfaces, such are intended to be encompassed in the context of the present invention. For example, curved parts of the three-dimensional form of a toy in accordance with embodiments of the invention may include a number of relatively small flat sections that are joined by hinges that are only slightly bent. An embodiment of such is described below.

[0040] The net of the polyhedron includes a plurality of sections, which are delineated from and connected to at least one other section with a hinge, as well as a plurality of joins (which are the outer edges of the net), which can connect the edges of adjacent sections of the as-folded sheet, thus creating the three-dimensional toy.

[0041] The rigid material used to produce the polyhedral toy can be made from or of any material that is capable of being folded from a flat configuration into a three-dimensional configuration and that is robust enough to function as a toy. The rigid material may be a rigid paper-based material. The rigid material may, for example be cardstock, cardboard, bagasse, wood, wood sheeting, particle board, laminate, plastic, plastic sheeting, vellum, vellum paper, rubber, foam, foam sheeting, vinyl sheeting, rubber sheeting, plasticized pulp, recycled pulp and / or pulp. In some embodiments, a pulp may, for example, be a paper pulp, bagasse pulp, hemp pulp, bamboo pulp, wood pulp, or any combination thereof. Bearing in mind its necessary functionality in the context of the present invention, the rigid sheet of material need not be strictly rigid, the sheet of material may bend or flex or tear when a force is applied.

[0042] In some embodiments, the rigid material may further include a resin (e.g. a polyester resin, phenolic resin, alkyd resin, polycarbonate resin, polyamide resin, polyurethane resin, silicone resin, epoxy resin, UV resin or combinations thereof). In some embodiments, the rigid material may further include a coating (e.g. wax, plastic, bioplastic or combinations thereof). In some embodiments, the rigid material may include one or more additives (e.g. resin, coatings, colorants, stabilizers or laminate). In some embodiments, the rigid material may include alaminate of one or more materials (e.g. two or more layers of different materials, often with a plastic being the outer layer, e.g., laminated paper can be a plastic layer bonded to a paper layer, and laminated wood is generally a plastic layer bonded to a wood layer (could be three layers chip board, wood veneer, then plastic)). For example, a flexible plastic layer on one side of the net may improve foldability and tear-resistance of hinges. Another example is a thin flexible paper layer or coating which may be rendered or may be receptive to hand colouring. Layers may be added for various other purposes. An added layer may improve the robustness, receptiveness to artwork, or water resistance of the toy. Flexible layers may improve the flexibility and robustness of a hinge.

[0043] Examples of plastic materials which may be used include poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), nylons (e.g. polyamide), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylenes (e.g. PE, HDPE), polyoxymethylene (POM), polystyrene (PS), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), polypropylene (PP), thermoplastic elastomers (e.g. TPS) and polylactic acid (PLA). Such plastics should be suitable for producing sheet materials via injection moulding. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is another plastic that may be useful in the present invention.

[0044] Bio-plastics, which are designed to substitute plant-based inputs for the petroleum inputs in polyethylene, polypropylene, polylactic acid and other plastics, may be a suitable long term sustainable alternative for sheet materials which are injection molded or cut from sheeting. Composites of starch and bioplastic, wood and bioplastic, and other biomass and plastic composites are emerging materials that may also be suitable for use in the invention.

[0045] In some embodiments, sheets of material having two or more layers may be provided. The inner layer of such sheets may be a thin, uncut, unrigid, tear-resistant layer, which is glue- laminated to a thicker, rigid, cut outside layer. For instance, one working version produced by the inventor had a 2mm thick rigid bagasse sheet with a thin inner layer of flexible tear-resistant paper. In another working version, a 2mm thick rigid recycled box board was on the outside instead of the bagasse sheet. In both 2mm rigid sheets, when a partially cut hinge is folded and unfolded, the cut propagates and eventually becomes a full cut, leaving the thin flexible inner layer (and the adhesive between the layers) to be relied on for hinging.

[0046] In some embodiments, a similar middle plastic layer might be used between two bagasse / cardboard sheets, for example, noting that children may like to colour both the inside and outside of their toys. Retaining colorability with water-based ink on both sides of the toy may thus be advantageous.

[0047] The sheet of material may be manufactured using a cutting process, a molding process, or combinations thereof. A wide variety of sheet material is suitable for cut units with cut hinges, and crimped or perforated integral hinges may also be suitable for some materials. For example, pulp (such as bagasse) is tray molded (not injection molded) and may be molded or pressed into sheets and cut, or may be molded into toy parts with integral hinges. Pulp sheeting such as cardstock, boxboard sheet and tray molded pulp offers the highest quality / price combination of which the inventor is currently aware. Other suitable sheet materials include styrene sheets, polylactic acid (PLA) sheets or PLA foam which may be extruded into sheets.

[0048] The sheet of rigid material may have any suitable thickness, bearing in mind its purpose as a toy which needs to be foldable by a child. If the material is too thin, the toy would likely be fragile and not able to hold its predetermined three dimensional form. If the material is too thick, then it may be more difficult to fold and, even when folded, more prone to spontaneously unfolding.

[0049] The thickness of the sheet of rigid material will depend to some extent on the type of material. For example, some materials will need to be thicker than others because they are inherently weaker, particularly at the hinges. The inventor envisages that thickness of between about 1mm and about 4mm would be suitable for most potential materials.

[0050] In some embodiments, the sheet of rigid material may have a thickness corresponding to a height of the one or more studs. In the case of Lego® bricks, for example, the studs are about 2mm high. Such a configuration provides a material having a thickness consistent with its intended use, as well as providing for a maximum of friction between the apertures and studs.

[0051] The sheet of rigid material may be provided to the end user (who may well be a child) in any suitable form. The sheet of rigid material may, for example, be provided in the shape of the net of the polyhedron. Alternatively, the sheet may be provided in the form of a shape that is cut (e.g. die cut) into a sheet of the rigid material having a standard shape and size. For example, a rectangular sheet of rigid material may be provided, from which the appropriately shaped portion (i.e. a net of a polyhedral toy or a joining element) may be detached (e.g. by pushing down on the sheet). Providing the sheet in this manner also allows for two (or more) other toy parts (or joining elements) to be provided in a convenient fashion at the same time (i.e. on the same sheet of material). In some embodiments, multiple sheets of rigid material may be provided in a single package, enabling the user to produce multiple toys or toys having more complex assemblies.

[0052] As will be described in further detail below, these toys contain a number of surfaces on which a user can draw or personalise in the manner described in further detail below. The sheetmay, for example, be configured to receive stickers and / or be drawn on by a user. Furthermore, by having a hollow interior in the closed or partly closed configuration, the toys may be used to contain other toys.

[0053] In such embodiments, the sheet is formed from a material, or has a coating applied thereon, that is receptive to a marking. Example markings can include pencil, crayon, chalk, paint, or ink. In some of such embodiments, the material can be configured to be washable or erasable after certain markings are applied. In further embodiments, material can be configured to be resistant to the application of certain markings. In some embodiments, a marking can be applied to the material at manufacture. In further embodiments, the applied marking can be invisible until chemically activated. For example, the sheet may include a surface configured to activate normally invisible ink. In another example, the sheet can depict an image, colour, or pattern when wet.

[0054] A key feature of the present invention is that at least one of the plurality of sections in the polyhedron’s net include one or more apertures arranged in a configuration that corresponds to a configuration of one or more studs on a plastic toy brick. This configuration enables the polyhedral toy and plastic toy brick to be releasably joinable simply by press fitting the stud(s) into the aperture(s). Such an action is similar to that required in order to join two plastic toy bricks, for example, and hence will be well practiced by many users.

[0055] The aperture or apertures in the polyhedral toy have a configuration which ensures that they are compatible with the studs of a corresponding plastic toy brick. In the case of Lego® bricks, for example, the studs have a diameter of 4.8-4.9mm and a height of about 2mm. Other plastic bricks may have studs that are cylindrical with a diameter of between about 4.8 and about 5mm and a height of between about 1.7 and about 2mm. Apertures having a diameter of about 4.9mm would therefore be required in the sheet of material.

[0056] Larger apertures, which are oblong or rectangular in shape for example, may be implemented to press fit over more than one plastic stud. For example, a 1 x 4 line of plastic brick studs could be connected to a polyhedral toy with an oblong aperture that is about 4.9mm wide and about 28.8 mm long. A 2x2 array of 4 plastic brick studs could press fit into a corresponding 2 x 2 array of 4 round apertures with diameters of about 4.9mm. Alternatively, a 2x2 array of standard plastic brick studs could press fit into one square aperture with side lengths of about 12.8mm.

[0057] Any number of apertures may be provided, depending on the nature of the plastic brick. For example, the apertures may comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 (or more) apertures. The aperture(s)may be arranged in an array of 1x1, 1x2, 2x2, 2x3 or 2x4, for example, although larger plastic bricks are known and the invention could readily be adapted to account for these.

[0058] In some embodiments, the sheeting may, for example, be:• Rigid or partially rigid to ensure robustness during play and robustness during hand colouring• Suitable for die cutting process which cut the edges and add structures for hinge fold lines such as partial cuts, scoring, perforating and pressed grooves. By reducing rigidity along the hinge line, the fold line structures enable the user to easily fold the sheet into a pre-determined design.• Made from paper board, bagasse board, cardstock, chip board or other pulp sheeting, which is rigid and ranges from roughly 1mm to more than 2mm.• Sheeting made from pulp from plant sources may be desirable for its combination of hand colourability and sustainability. Other sheeting which may be suitable includes plastic and bioplastic, foam, wood, laminates, sheeting made from various recycled materials. The pulp sheeting may be a laminate of multiple layers, including paper, bagasse, cardstock• Receptive to ink, crayon, paint and other hand colourings.

[0059] The sections of the sheet of rigid material in the polyhedral toy of the present invention are separated by hinges formed in the sheet and about which adjacent sections are foldable to form the toy. The hinges enable the sheet to be folded by a user from its flat configuration into its three-dimensional configuration in a straightforward and intuitive manner.

[0060] The hinge may take any suitable form, bearing in mind the nature of the invention, and may, for example, include:• a groove on one side of the sheet and a ridge on an opposite side of the sheet;• a first groove on one side of the sheet and a second groove on an opposite side of the sheet; or• a partial cut through the sheet.

[0061] Hinges that include (or are defined by) a groove on one surface of the building unit in the flat position and a ridge on an opposite surface of the building unit in the flat position may enable users (particularly children) to perform the necessary folding actions more easily. Hinges that include (or are defined by) a first groove on one surface of the building unit in the flatposition and a second groove on an opposite surface of the building unit in the flat position may be very simple to form. A groove which comprises a hinge structure may be formed by molding, cutting or applying pressure to the material. Hinges that include (or are defined by) a partial cut through the sheet of material may also be simpler to construct and use, and hence easier to form than more complicated hinges.

[0062] At least two of the plurality of sections of the sheet may include edges that are configured to interlock and releasably connect to a respective edge of another of the sections, the joined edges themselves defining an edge of the polyhedron. Any configuration at these outer edges that achieves this function may be used, some specific examples of which are described below.

[0063] Each edge may, for example, comprise one or more teeth that are configured to interleave with teeth of another edge, whereby friction between surfaces of interleaved teeth holds the sections together, thus releasably connecting the sections of the polyhedron’s net in order to form edges of the polyhedron. The teeth may be curved or straight and configured to interlock with or without a design overlap, which requires teeth sides to compress to interleave and which may increase static friction to help retain the building unit in a closed position during play. Each of the teeth may have tapered sides, where a tip of the tooth is narrower than a base of the tooth or vice versa. The teeth may be configured to compress or deform in the interleaved configuration, whereby the deformation increases the friction holding the sections together.

[0064] The teeth may be an integral extension of the sections, where the one or more integral teeth, joins, and sections may have the same thickness and be configured so that the sheet of material may be formed by any suitable cutting (e.g. die cutting) or moulding process. Teeth in a sheet of material may, for example, be formed by cutting using a blade, a die, a laser or a digital blade cutter.

[0065] The toy is held in the closed position (i.e. in its polyhedron shape) by paired joins at the respective edges. The joins connect the sections of the polyhedral toy’s net, forming edge connections without adhesive to create the three-dimensional toy. The one or more interleaved teeth in a paired join may be configured to be visible on an exterior of the building unit in the closed position, in which configuration they can readily be opened by a user wanting to access an interior of the unit. In some embodiments, adhesive, adhesive tape or stickers may be used to help hold one or more paired joins closed.

[0066] As noted above, the present invention also provides a joining element. The joining element has an upper surface configured to receive an adhesive for adhering the joining element to another element, such as the toy described herein, and a lower surface configured for receipton a plastic toy brick. The lower surface includes one or more apertures arranged in a configuration that corresponds to a configuration of one or more studs on the plastic toy brick, such that the joining element and plastic toy brick are releasably joinable by press fitting the one or more studs into the one or more apertures.

[0067] In essence, the joining element enables a plastic toy brick to be joined to practically any other toy element, including the polyhedral toys described above and the hollow structures described in PCT / AU2022 / 051358. Joining elements can have one primary surface press fit onto a plastic brick and the other primary surface can be adhered to a flat surface.

[0068] The joining element may have any shape and configuration compatible with its intended purpose. In some embodiments, its upper surface may have a shape that corresponds to a flat surface of the toy (e.g. to one of the plurality of sections of the polyhedral toy according to the invention). In the embodiments described in further detail below, the joining element is a rectangular prism. However, a myriad of other shapes may be used, including cylindrical shapes (noting that many plastic bricks are themselves cylindrical).

[0069] As the joining element is configured for press fitting onto the stud(s) of a plastic toy brick, the joining element may have a thickness between the upper surface and the lower surface that is the same as or greater than the height of the one or more studs. For example, a thickness of roughly 2mm (or more) allows one side of the joining element to be press fit onto common plastic bricks and the other side to be adhered to a flat surface.

[0070] The adhesive may also be provided in any functional form. Perhaps in its simplest form, the adhesive may comprise an adhesive layer and a peelable covering. Alternatively, an adhesive in the form of glue could be applied to the upper surface of the joining element by a child during construction of the toy, providing for a more involved experience.

[0071] As with the polyhedral toy, the joining element may be formed from cardstock, cardboard, bagasse, wood, laminate, plastic, vellum, rubber, foam, plasticized pulp or pulp, or any combination thereof. The joining element may be provided in the same sheet of material as the net of the polyhedral toy, e.g. in a separate structure.

[0072] As with the polyhedral toy, the joining element may also comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 apertures, the one or more apertures being arranged in an array of 1x1, 1x2, 2x2, 2x3 or 2x4.

[0073] The present invention also provides kits that include combinations of a variety of the parts described herein, for example, packaged in the same container for sale as a single unit. For example, such a kit may include one or more sheets of rigid material from which one or more ofthe polyhedral toys of the first aspect are formable, as well as one or more plastic toy bricks to which the polyhedral toy is releasably joinable.

[0074] Another kit may include one or more sheets of rigid material from which one or more of the polyhedral toys of the first aspect and one or more of the joining elements of the second aspect are formable. The kit may also include a plastic toy brick to which the polyhedral toy is releasably j oinable.

[0075] Yet another kit may include one or more sheets of rigid material which contain one or more shapes that correspond to a net of a polyhedral toy die cut into the sheet, the net of the polyhedron comprising a plurality of sections that are separated by hinges formed in the sheet and about which adjacent sections are foldable. The kit also includes one or more of the joining elements of the second aspect die cut into the sheet and, optionally, a plastic toy brick to which the polyhedral toy is releasably joinable.

[0076] Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the Figures. Referring firstly to Figures 1 A and IB, shown is a rectangular shaped sheet of rigid material 10 in the form of cardboard, in which a shape 11 that corresponds to a net of a polyhedron in the form of a car (Figure IB) has been die-cut. Also shown are the component parts of plastic toy bricks which, when combined, define wheels for a vehicle.

[0077] Die-cut shape 11 includes a number of sections, base section 12, side sections 14A and 14B, front sections 16A and 16B, rear sections 18A and 18B, as well as roof and windscreen sections 20 A and 20B. Base section 12 includes two arrays of 2x2 apertures 22 A and 22B, which are also cut from the sheet of material. The apertures all have the same diameter, which corresponds to the diameter of the studs 24 on the plastic bricks 26.

[0078] Each of the distinct sections (e.g. base section 12 and side section 14A) are separated by a hinge (e.g. hinge 25). In this embodiment, hinge 25 is provided in the form of a partial cut through sheet 10. Hinge 25 enables side section 14A to be easily folded with respect to base section 12 in order to place these two adjoining sections in their positions in the resultant vehicle 28.

[0079] Interleaving teeth, shown generally at 27, are provided around the periphery of the cut shape 11. As can be seen with respect to Figure IB, the teeth 27 on adjacent sections can interleave together when two sections are aligned in their respective positions in the resultant vehicle 28.

[0080] Figure IB shows the polyhedral toy 28 produced from the sheet of rigid material of Figure 1, joined to the assembled plastic toy bricks 26, 26. As can be seen the outermost surfaces of the toy 28 have been colored by the creator of the toy.

[0081] Figure 2A illustrates a joining element 30 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2B illustrates a common plastic brick 32, to which joining element 30 can be releasably joined in the manner described below. Joining element 30 has a rectangular prism shape and is approximately as thick as the height of the studs 34 on the upper surface of brick 32. Joining element 30 has substantially planar upper and lower (as shown) surfaces, with the upper surface having a layer of adhesive 36 formed thereon. Although not shown, adhesive 36 is covered with a peelable layer, which the user may remove immediately before use. In this embodiment, the lower surface (not shown) of the joining element corresponds to the upper surface of the brick 32. Joining element 30 also includes four apertures 38, arranged in a 2x2 array to correspond with the array of studs 34. In use, joining element 30 is positioned above brick 32, with each of the apertures 38 in alignment with a respective one of the studs 34, after which the two parts may be pressed together in order to releasably join them, in much the same manner as two of bricks 32, 32 would be releasably joined (not shown).

[0082] Referring now to Figure 3, Figure 3 A shows a rectangular shaped sheet of rigid material in the form of cardboard, in which a shape that corresponds to a net of a polyhedron 50 in the form of a rectangular prism block 52 (Figure 3C / D) has been die-cut. Further, two joining elements 30, 30 have also been die cut in the sheet. Figure 3B illustrates two plastic toy bricks 54A and 54B, to which the joining elements 30, 30 can be releasably joined.

[0083] In use, net 50 is separated from the cardboard sheet in a conventional manner, along with joining elements 30, 30. The block 52 shown in Figures 3C / D is then assembled by folding about the hinges and by interleaving the teeth, as described above and in detail in PCT / AU2022 / 051358.

[0084] Figures 3C and 3D illustrate two possible configurations in which the block 52, with joining elements 30, 30 (not shown in the Figures) adhered to it, can be joined to plastic toy bricks 54 A and 54B.

[0085] Advantageously, the plaything of the present invention may be a single sheet cut with at least one joining element being the net of a polyhedral taking the form of: a folding cuboid blockA folding cylindrical block• A folding vehicle body (such as a car, bus, train, plane, rocket)• A folding cylindrical and cuboid block• A joining element, integral or independent• A joining element with an adhesive layer and peel-off covering

[0086] The playthingjoining elements and plastic brickset elements may be combined in a kit which may, for example, be used to construct a vehicle with wheels connecting to plastic brick elements and a vehicle body which is suitable for hand rendering.

[0087] Figure 4 illustrates a toy rocket which may be constructed from a kit containing:• One or more pulp sheets cut with four polyhedral toy playthings: a cuboid block with integral joining elements, a pyramid block and two quarter cylinder blocks;• plastic brickset elements;• kiss cut printed and blank sticker sheets; and• A QR Code or URL which connects to a web address with digital templates for printing user-selected artwork and photos on the blank sticker sheets.

[0088] As noted above, in a strict geometric sense, polyhedrons do not have curved surfaces, but such are intended to be encompassed in the context of the present invention. For example, curved parts of the three-dimensional form of a toy in accordance with embodiments of the invention may include a number of relatively small flat sections that are joined by hinges that are only slightly bent. Such can clearly be seen in the wings of the rocket depicted in Figure 4.

[0089] As will be appreciated, the novel polyhedral toy and joining element described above afford numerous advantages, including:• The opportunity to combine elements of different toy systems when playing, especially in combination with the personalisation of the resultant toy, provides unlimited playtime options to children;• The combination of hinges and reversible friction joins increases play possibilities, tactile engagement and learning;• Children enjoy folding and unfolding playthings;• Items can be placed inside the hollow toy during play;• 2D to 3D transitions may provide kinaesthetic geometry learnings, including helping teach blind children to learn geometry;• A wide range of playthings can be designed using the combination of folding and friction fit structures described herein using materials and manufacturing methods commonly found in the art of packaging; and• A toy made from colour receptive material is easily hand-coloured in the flat position.

[0090] While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope. In fact, after reading the above description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement alternative embodiments. Thus, the present embodiments should not be limited by any of the above-described embodiments.

[0091] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[0092] It is to be understood that any prior art publication referred to herein does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A polyhedral toy, the polyhedral form of the toy being formable from a sheet of rigid material which defines a shape that corresponds to a net of the polyhedron, the net of the polyhedron comprising a plurality of sections that are separated by hinges formed in the sheet and about which adjacent sections are foldable, wherein at least one of the plurality of sections comprises one or more apertures arranged in a configuration that corresponds to a configuration of one or more studs on a plastic toy brick, whereby the polyhedral toy is releasably joinable to the plastic toy brick by press fitting the one or more studs into the one or more apertures.

2. The polyhedral toy of claim 1, wherein two or more of the plurality of sections comprise edges that are configured to interlock and releasably connect the respective sections to form edges of the polyhedron.

3. The polyhedral toy of claim 2, wherein each edge comprises one or more teeth that are configured to interleave with teeth of another edge, whereby friction between surfaces of interleaved teeth holds the sections together.

4. The polyhedral toy of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the hinges comprise a partial cut through the sheet.

5. The polyhedral toy of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the rigid material is selected from: cardstock, cardboard, bagasse, wood, laminate, plastic, vellum, rubber, foam, paper, plasticized pulp, pulp or any combination thereof.

6. The polyhedral toy of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the rigid material is a rigid paperbased material.

7. The polyhedral toy of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the rigid material is molded bagasse or molded plastic.

8. The polyhedral toy of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sheet of rigid material has a thickness corresponding to a height of the one or more studs.

9. The polyhedral toy of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the sheet of rigid material has a thickness of between about 1mm and about 4mm.

10. The polyhedral toy of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sheet of rigid material is provided in the shape of the net of the polyhedron.

11. The polyhedral toy of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sheet of rigid material comprises the shape that corresponds to the net of the polyhedron die-cut into the sheet.

12. The polyhedral toy of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the sheet of rigid material is configured to receive and retain thereon ink, pencil, crayon, chalk or water colour paint.

13. The polyhedral toy of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the polyhedral toy is a vehicle, a car, a truck, a train, a rocket, an airplane, a house or a hollow block.

14. The polyhedral toy of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the one or more apertures comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 apertures.

15. The polyhedral toy of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the one or more apertures comprise an aperture or apertures arranged in an array of 1x1, 1x2, 2x2, 2x3 or 2x4 apertures.

16. The polyhedral toy of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the one or more studs are cylindrical with a diameter of 4.8 to 5mm and a height of 1.7 to 2mm.

17. A joining element comprising: an upper surface configured to receive an adhesive for adhering the joining element to another element; a lower surface configured for receipt on a plastic toy brick; wherein the lower surface comprises one or more apertures arranged in a configuration that corresponds to a configuration of one or more studs on the plastic toy brick, whereby the joining element and the plastic toy brick are releasably joinable by press fitting the one or more studs into the one or more apertures.

18. The joining element of claim 17, wherein the joining element has a thickness between the upper surface and the lower surface that is equal to or greater than about 2mm.

19. The joining element of claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the adhesive comprises an adhesive layer on the upper surface and a peelable covering.

20. The joining element of any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the joining element is a rectangular prism.

21. The joining element of any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the joining element is formed from cardstock, cardboard, bagasse, wood, laminate, plastic, vellum, rubber, foam, paper, plasticized pulp, pulp or any combination thereof.

22. The joining element of any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein the one or more apertures comprise an aperture or apertures arranged in an array of 1x1, 1x2, 2x2, 2x3 or 2x4 apertures.

23. The joining element of any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein the one or more apertures extend between the upper and lower surfaces.

24. A kit comprising one or more sheets of rigid material from which one or more of the polyhedral toys of any one of claims 1 to 16 is formable, and one or more plastic toy bricks to which the polyhedral toy is releasably joinable.

25. A kit comprising one or more sheets of rigid material from which one or more of the polyhedral toys of any one of claims 1 to 16 and one or more of the joining elements of any one of claims 17 to 23 are formable.

26. A kit comprising one or more sheets of rigid material comprising: one or more shapes that correspond to a net of a polyhedral toy die cut into the sheet, the net of the polyhedron comprising a plurality of sections that are separated by hinges formed in the sheet and about which adjacent sections are foldable; and one or more of the joining elements of any one of claims 17 to 23 die cut into the sheet.

27. The kit of claim 25 or claim 26, further comprising a plastic toy brick to which the polyhedral toy is releasably joinable.

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