U.S. patent application number 10/878585 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-03 for building toy set.
Invention is credited to Sinisi, Diana.
Application Number | 20050245167 10/878585 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35187720 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050245167 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sinisi, Diana |
November 3, 2005 |
Building toy set
Abstract
A plurality of elongated beams is provided having central bodies
and a plurality of terminal ends. A plurality of connectors is
provided, each of the connectors adapted to removeably connect to
at least two of the plurality of terminal ends. At least one panel
is provided having at least two faces, the panel shaped to be
removeably and engageably received by at least two of the elongated
beams. The panel is formed with a material selected from a group of
foams and plastics. At least one edge is on each of the panels. A
cross-section of the edge is consistent along the length of the
edge and the edge is engageably received by at least one of the
elongated beams.
Inventors: |
Sinisi, Diana; (Bedford,
NH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Hayes Soloway PC
175 Canal Street
Manchester
NH
03101
US
|
Family ID: |
35187720 |
Appl. No.: |
10/878585 |
Filed: |
June 28, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10878585 |
Jun 28, 2004 |
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10833514 |
Apr 28, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
446/85 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/085 |
International
Class: |
A63H 033/04 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A building toy set comprising: a plurality of elongated beams
having central bodies and a plurality of terminal ends; a plurality
of connectors, each of the connectors adapted to removeably connect
to at least two of the plurality of terminal ends; at least one
panel having at least two faces, the panel shaped to be removeably
and engageably received by at least two of the elongated beams
wherein the panel is formed with a material selected from a group
consisting of foam and plastic; and at least one edge, having a
length, on each of the panels, wherein a cross-section of the edge
is consistent along the length of the edge and wherein the edge is
engageably received by at least one of the elongated beams.
2. The building toy set of claim 1 wherein the plurality of
elongated beams includes straight, curved and angled beams.
3. The building toy set of claim 1 further comprising a plurality
of protrusions substantially along the central bodies of the
elongated beams for engaging the panels.
4. The building toy set of claim 1 further comprising a groove
along the length of the edge of the panel for engaging the central
bodies.
5. The building toy set of claim 1 further comprising an image
imprinted on at least one of the faces of the panel.
6. The building toy set of claim 1 wherein the panel further
comprises a shape to be engageably received by each elongated beam
within a closed circuit of elongated beams.
7. The building toy set of claim 1 wherein the panel is pressure
fit between the elongated beams.
8. The building toy set of claim 1 wherein the panel slides in
between elongated beams.
9. The building toy set of claim 1 wherein at least one of the
faces of the panel is a writeable surface whereby children may draw
on the surface with pencils, crayons or marker.
10. The building toy set of claim 1 wherein at least one of the
panels has a face material adhesively attached to at least one of
the faces of the panel.
11. The building toy set of claim 1 wherein the elongated beam
further comprises four beam sides and all four beam sides are
structured to receive the edge of a panel.
12. A method of using a building toy set, said method comprising
the steps of: assembling a frame using elongated beams and
connectors; and fitting a panel within the frame wherein the panel
is formed with a material selected from a group consisting of foam
and a flexible plastic.
13. The method of claim 12 further comprising: inserting the panel
within the frame before the frame is completed; and finishing the
frame.
14. The method of claim 12 further comprising completing the frame
before fitting the panel within the frame.
15. The method of claim 12 wherein the frame is a closed circuit of
the elongated beams and connectors.
16. The method of claim 12 further comprising combining multiple
frames to create an object.
17. The method of claim 12 further comprising drawing on the
panels.
18. The method of claim 12 further comprising applying stickers,
glitter or other applicators to the panels.
19. A building toy set comprising: a plurality of elongated beams
having central bodies and a plurality of terminal ends; a plurality
of connectors, each of the connectors adapted to removeably connect
to at least two of the plurality of terminal ends; at least one
panel having at least two faces and at least one edge, the panel
shaped to be removeably and engageably received by at least one of
the elongated beams.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. application Ser. No.
10/833,514 filed Apr. 28, 2004, the entire disclosures of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is generally related to toys of
children and, more particularly, is related to an apparatus and
method for providing and using a building toy set.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A variety of toy building sets are currently produced
worldwide. One genre of these toy building sets can be described as
"stick and connector" sets. These sets have a number of stick
pieces, which are interconnected using connectors. One of the first
such stick and connector sets was the TINKER TOY, which features
cylindrical stick and puck-shaped connectors with a series of holes
for receiving the cylindrical sticks, and was developed in the
early 1900s by Charles Pajeau and Robert Petit while watching
children assemble various objects using sticks and pencils
connected with old spools of thread. Many building sets have since
been constructed based on this stick and connector theme.
[0004] A more modern stick and connector building toy 10 is shown
in FIG. 1. The toy features sticks 12, some of which are linear and
some of which are curved, interconnected with six-sided connectors
14 to form a helicopter. While the helicopter is a fairly
recognizable model, the incorporeal nature of the building toy
diminishes the appearance of the toy. Furthermore, when more
corporeal, realistic appearing, model kits are available in most
stores, building your own less realistic, incorporeal version of
the helicopter can be less satisfying. This deficiency for stick
and connector building toys is true for many other models as
well.
[0005] The stick and connector building systems are not only
limited by their less satisfying incorporeal appearance, but in
function as well. An assembled stick and connector model has
limited play value. Unlike building blocks and panel systems where
the child can create levels or enclosed spaces to further his play,
the stick and connector models do not allow such opportunities
because they are mostly open spaces. For example, by creating
levels in a building toy, a child can integrate other toys, such
as: toy cars and figurines, to enhance his play. Stick and
connector models do not create such opportunities, because they are
mostly open spaces.
[0006] Some have attempted to use cardboard pieces inserted between
the sticks to create a corporeal appearance. The cardboard pieces
fail for a variety of reasons. Toys must withstand the rigorous
play of children. Cardboard is not a resilient material, so the
perimeter of the cardboard pieces tends to become worn and unusable
quickly. Further, cardboard pieces that are flexible enough to be
wedged within the sticks of a building toy lack the strength to
support the weight of dolls, action figures, or other toys.
[0007] Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry
to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus
and method for providing and using a toy building set.
[0009] Briefly described in architecture, one embodiment of the
system, among others, can be implemented as follows. A plurality of
elongated beams is provided having central bodies and a plurality
of terminal ends. A plurality of connectors is provided, each of
the connectors adapted to removeably connect to at least two of the
plurality of terminal ends. At least one panel is provided having
at least two faces, the panel shaped to be removeably and
engageably received by at least two of the elongated beams. The
panel is formed with a material selected from a group of foams and
plastics. At least one edge is on each of the panels. A
cross-section of the edge is consistent along the length of the
edge and the edge is engageably received by at least one of the
elongated beams.
[0010] The present invention can also be viewed as providing
methods for using a toy building set. In this regard, one
embodiment of such a method, among others, can be broadly
summarized by the following steps: assembling a frame using
elongated beams and connectors; and engaging a panel within the
elongated beams of the frame, wherein the panel is formed with a
material selected from a group of foams and plastics.
[0011] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the
present invention will be or become apparent to one with skill in
the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed
description. It is intended that all such additional systems,
methods, features, and advantages be included within this
description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be
protected by the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with
reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings
are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon
clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention.
Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate
corresponding parts throughout the several views.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view diagram of an assembled stick
and connector building toy in the prior art.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment
of the present invention shown in a disassembled form.
[0015] FIGS. 3a-3e are cross-sectional views of a variety of
exemplary designs for elongated beams and the panels with which the
beams engage.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a front view of the first exemplary embodiment of
the present invention from FIG. 2, shown in a first assembled
form.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first exemplary
embodiment of the present invention from FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, shown
in the first assembled form.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the first exemplary
embodiment of the present invention from FIG. 2, shown in a second
assembled form, without the panels.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the first exemplary
embodiment of the present invention from FIG. 6, shown in a second
assembled form, with panels.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of the present invention according to
FIG. 2, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] A building toy set 10, as shown in disassembled form in FIG.
2, includes a plurality of elongated beams 12, a plurality of
connectors 14, and at least one panel 16. The plurality of
elongated beams 12 is provided with each elongated beam 12 having a
central body 18 and a plurality of terminal ends 20. A plurality of
connectors 14 is provided, each of the connectors 14 adapted to
removeably connect to at least two of the plurality of terminal
ends 20. At least one panel 16 is provided having at least two
faces 22 and at least one edge 24, the panel 16 shaped to be
removeably and engageably received by at least two of the elongated
beams 12.
[0022] Many prospective configurations exist for the shape of the
elongated beams 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the elongated beams 12 may
include straight beams 26, curved beams 28, angled beams 30, and/or
alternative beams 32 having more than two terminal ends 20. The
elongated beams 12 may have enough sides to hold one panel 16
independently, while remaining connectable to connectors 14 and
other elongated beams 12. Many variations and modifications may be
made to the above-described elongated beam 12 configurations
without departing substantially from the spirit and principle of
the invention. All such configurations and variations are intended
to be included herein within the scope of the disclosure and the
present invention and protected by the claims contained herein.
[0023] Many prospective design configurations exist for the
connectors 14. The connectors 14 removeably connect to the
elongated beams 12 and there are a variety of ways to design the
connectors 14 and elongated beams 12 to allow them to removeably
connect. The connectors 14 may pressure fit into the terminal ends
20 of the elongated beams 12 or the terminal ends 20 may pressure
fit into the connectors 14. The connectors 14 and the terminal ends
20 may be threaded to allow them to removeably connect. Many
variations and modifications may be made to the above-described
connectors 14 and the removeable connection between the connectors
14 and the terminal ends 20 without departing substantially from
the spirit and principle of the invention. All such configurations
and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope
of the disclosure and the present invention and protected by the
claims contained herein.
[0024] Many prospective configurations also exist for the
cross-sectional shape of the elongated beams 12 and, in particular,
the central bodies 18. FIGS. 3a-3e depict the cross-sectional view
of four possible elongated beam 12 configurations. FIG. 3a depicts
the cross-sectional view of a generally cylindrical elongated beam
34. FIG. 3b and FIG. 3c depict the cross-sectional view of an
X-shaped elongated beam 36. FIG. 3d depicts the cross-sectional
view of an elongated beam 12 having two u-shaped protrusions 38.
This design could include greater or fewer U-shaped protrusions 38
and the angle of the U-shaped protrusions 38 relative to each other
may vary. FIG. 3e depicts the cross-sectional view of an elongated
beam 12 having two attachment elements 40 integral with the
elongated beam 12. These configurations are four examples of the
many possible designs for the elongated beam 12 configurations.
[0025] An important element of any selected cross-sectional shape
of the elongated beams 12 is providing a panel 16 shaped to be
removeably and engageably received by at least two of the elongated
beams 12. Each panel 16 has at least one edge 24. The shape of the
panel 16 determines the number of edges 24 on the panel 16. A
circular panel 16 may have only one edge 24, while a square panel
16 has four edges 24. Each edge 24 may be designed such that a
cross-section of the edge 24 is consistent substantially along the
length of the edge 24. The cross-section of the edge 24 is formed
with this consistency in some embodiments of the invention because
in those embodiments, it is the length of the edge 24 that is
received by the elongated beams 12. By designing the length of the
edge 24 to engage the elongated beam 12, the chance of breaking off
a critical piece of the engagement mechanism is diminished. Also,
if the panel 16 is supported at every point along its circumference
by one of the edges 24 engaging with an elongated beam 12, the
panel 16 is held more sturdily than if the panel 16 were only held
at a few select points along its circumference.
[0026] FIGS. 3a-3e depict panels 16 engageable with the
corresponding elongated beams 12. FIG. 3a depicts the
cross-sectional view of a panel 16 having a concave edge 40
engageable with the generally cylindrical elongated beam 34. FIG.
3b depicts the cross-sectional view of a panel 16 having a square
edge 42 engageably received within beam gaps 44 in the X-shaped
elongated beam 36. FIG. 3c depicts the cross-sectional view of a
panel 16 having a slotted edge 46 engageable with single
protrusions 48 in the X-shaped elongated beam 36. FIG. 3d depicts
the cross-sectional view of a panel 16 having a square edge 42
engageable with beam gaps 44 in the elongated beam 12 having two
u-shaped protrusions 38. FIG. 3e depicts the cross-sectional view
of a panel 16 having edges 24 engageable with the attachment
elements 40 integral with the elongated beam 12. The attachment
elements 40 may include fabrics having adhesive properties, such as
hook and eye fabrics, magnets, chemical adhesives or other similar
items known to those with skill in the art. Furthermore, the
attachment elements may be integral with the elongated beams 12,
the panels 16, or both. These configurations are four examples of
the many possible designs for the edges 24 on the panels 16 and the
configurations from making the panels 16 removeably engageable with
the elongated beams 12.
[0027] The panels 16 include a wide variety of designs and
configurations. The panels 16 are preferably constructed of a
material selected from a group of foams and flexible plastics.
Using one of these materials is intended to allow one the panels 16
to be pushed within an already closed circuit of elongated beams 12
and connectors 14. While being pushed into the closed circuit, the
panel 16 is expected to bow, as a circumference of the panel 16 is
slightly greater than an inner circumference of the closed circuit.
Once pushed within the closed circuit of elongated beams 12 and
connectors 14, the panel 16 engages with the elongated beams 12 in
the closed circuit and resiliently returns to its original shape,
making it pressure fit within the closed circuit. This assembly
method would not be possible with a rigid plastic or with a less
resilient material, such as cardboard.
[0028] The panels 16 may be formed in any shape that will fit on or
within interconnected elongated beams 12. The panels may be any
geometric shape or combination of shapes and may be planar or may
be curved or angled, so long as the shape fits on or within
interconnected elongated beams 12. The panels 16 may contain an
image imprinted on at least one of the faces 22 of the panel 16.
Having a set of panels 16 with a variety of images allows a child
to build different environments in which to play with dolls or
action figures. One or both of the faces 22 of the panel 16 may be
blank to allow a child to draw their own image onto the faces 22.
The panels 16 may also have paper, or a similar writeable face
material, adhesively attached to at least one of the faces 22.
Similarly, the faces 22 may be constructed to receive glitter,
stickers or other applications. As further described herein, the
panels 16 may be designed to be pressure fit within two or more
elongated beams 12, may be attached to the elongated beams 12, may
be interlocked within the elongated beams 12, or may be otherwise
removeably engaged to the elongated beams 12. Many variations and
modifications may be made to the above-described panel 16
configurations without departing substantially from the spirit and
principle of the invention.
[0029] Using the elongated beams 12, connectors 14, and panels 16
as detailed, various forms can be constructed. An example of one
form, based on the first exemplary embodiment, is shown in FIGS. 4
and 5. FIG. 4 is a front view of the first exemplary embodiment of
the present invention from FIG. 2, shown in a first assembled form.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first exemplary embodiment
of the present invention from FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, shown in the first
assembled form. The first assembled form is a simple rectangle. The
sides of the rectangular shape are elongated beams 12. Connectors
14 interconnect the elongated beams 12 to complete a rectangular
frame. A rectangular panel 16 is fitted with the rectangular frame.
As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5, the panel 16 is
fitted between two elongated beams 12 featuring u-shaped
protrusions 38. From the simple assembled form in FIG. 4 and FIG.
5, more complicated forms may be created.
[0030] FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show one possible object than can be
assembled with the building toy set 10. FIG. 6 is a perspective
view of the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
shown in a second assembled form, without the panels 16. FIG. 7 is
a perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, shown in the second assembled form of FIG. 6, with
panels 16 inserted. This second assembled form is just one of the
many objects that can be constructed with the building toy set 10.
A child using the building toy set 10 may opt to insert only some
of the panels 16, thereby allowing the child to use other toys
within an interior of the assembled form.
[0031] The flow chart of FIG. 8 shows the architecture,
functionality, and operation of a possible implementation of the
building toy set 10 of FIG. 2, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5. In this regard,
each block represents a module or segment for implementing the
specified steps. It should also be noted that in some alternative
implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of
the order noted in FIG. 8. For example, two blocks shown in FIG. 8
may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks
may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the
functionality involved, as will be clarified herein below.
[0032] One method 200 for constructing the assembled form in FIGS.
4 and 5 is shown in FIG. 8. To construct the assembled form, a
frame must be assembled (block 202), using the elongated beams 12
and connectors 14, and a panel 16 fitted within the frame (block
204). One way to accomplish this method is to first build a portion
of the rectangular frame first using the elongated beams 12 and
connectors 14. The panel 16 is then fitted within the partially
assembled frame. Then the rest of the frame is built, enclosing the
panel 16 on all sides by elongated beams 12. Another way to begin
to construct the assembled form in FIGS. 4 and 5 is to build the
entire rectangular frame first using the elongated beams 12 and
connectors 14. Then the panel 16, which can be made of a flexible
material, selected from a group of foams and plastics, is
pressure-fit into the rectangular frame.
[0033] While the closed circuit of elongated beams 12 and
connectors 14 shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 is rectangular and having
only four sides, other closed circuits may be constructed of having
any number of sides and the sides of the frame may be of any
elongated beam 12 shape. Also, as shown in FIG. 7, a collection of
closed circuits with panels 16 fitted therein may be combined to
construct larger objects. Another possibility in constructing an
assembled form would be to make the frame of elongated beams 12 and
connectors 14 an open circuit instead of a closed circuit, as the
circuit of elongated beams 12 need only have enough sides so as to
retain the panel 16. Many variations and modifications may be made
to the above-described methods of using the building toy set 10
without departing substantially from the spirit and principle of
the invention.
[0034] It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments
of the present invention are merely possible examples of
implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the
principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may
be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the invention
without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of
the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended
to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the
present invention and protected by the following claims.
* * * * *