U.S. patent application number 10/965978 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-20 for illuminated toy construction kit.
Invention is credited to Parviz Daftari, Lawrence I. Rosen.
Application Number | 20060084357 10/965978 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36181382 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060084357 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rosen; Lawrence I. ; et
al. |
April 20, 2006 |
Illuminated toy construction kit
Abstract
A construction kit having various construction elements
including truss and joint connectors with each truss connector
having a light source associated therewith and each joint connector
connectable to a power source so as to energize the various truss
connectors directly or indirectly operatively connected thereto.
The various construction elements cooperate to be expandable into
any of a variety of structural profiles and to provide an
attractive illuminated visual display. Additional
design/construction flexibility is accomplished via additional
connecting elements such as variously shaped panel connectors.
Inventors: |
Rosen; Lawrence I.;
(Mendham, NJ) ; Daftari; Parviz; (Summit,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Ralph W. Selitto, Jr.;McCarter & English, LLP
Four Gateway Center
100 Mulberry Street
Newark
NJ
07102
US
|
Family ID: |
36181382 |
Appl. No.: |
10/965978 |
Filed: |
October 15, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/91 ;
446/126 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/107 20130101;
A63H 33/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/091 ;
446/126 |
International
Class: |
A63H 33/04 20060101
A63H033/04; A63H 33/08 20060101 A63H033/08 |
Claims
1. An illuminating construction kit comprising: a first connecting
element defining a number of sockets; a second connecting element
defining an elongated body with ends suitable to engage any one or
more of said sockets; and a third connecting element defining a
panel with substantially rectilinear edges and one or more
fasteners associated therewith, said fasteners being suitable to
engage said body of said second connecting element, wherein at
least said second connecting element includes a light source.
2. The illuminating construction kit of claim 1, wherein said first
connecting element includes a conductive nucleus with a number of
conductive pin elements projecting outwardly therefrom.
3. The illuminating construction kit of claim 2, wherein said
conductive nucleus has a first shell thereabout.
4. The illuminating construction kit of claim 3, wherein said pins
traverse said first shell via a respective number of first
apertures defined in said first shell.
5. The illuminating construction kit of claim 4, wherein said first
shell is surrounded by a second shell defining a number of second
apertures.
6. The illuminating construction kit of claim 5, wherein each of
said second apertures is each axially aligned with a respective
first aperture of said first shell.
7. The illuminating construction kit of claim 6, wherein said first
and second apertures cooperate with said pins to define said
sockets of said first connecting element.
8. The illuminating construction kit of claim 7, further comprising
a plurality of connecting collars, each of said connecting collars
being operatively associated with a corresponding one of said
sockets.
9. The illuminating construction kit of claim 8, wherein each of
said ends of said second connecting element includes a conductive
connecting element suitable to conductively communicate with said
conductive core of said first connecting element via said
conductive pins.
10. The illuminating construction kit of claim 9, wherein said
conductive connecting element is a prong having a conductive sleeve
thereabout, and an insulative sleeve about said conducting
sleeve.
11. The illuminating construction kit of claim 10, wherein said
insulative sleeve has a connecting sleeve thereabout, said
connecting sleeve being suitable for engaging a corresponding one
of said connecting collars.
12. The illuminating construction kit of claim 11, wherein said
connecting sleeve and said connecting collar cooperate to
accomplish a releasable mechanical connection.
13. The illuminating construction kit of claim 12, wherein said
mechanical connection is selected from a group consisting of: a
friction-fit connection, a snap-fit connection, a thread-fit
connection, or any combination of the same.
14. The illuminating construction kit of claim 9, further
comprising a power source operatively connected to said first
connecting element via at least one of said sockets so as to
energize said first connecting element and any second connecting
element directly or indirectly connected thereto.
15. The illuminating construction kit of claim 14, wherein each of
said energized second connecting elements emits light.
16. The illuminating construction kit of claim 15, wherein a
plurality of said first or second connecting elements are
operatively connected so as to form an illuminated structural
profile.
17. A connecting element for use in a toy construction kit, said
connecting element comprising: a rigid translucent body defining a
hollow shaft; and a light source disposed in said hollow shaft so
as to provide an illuminating effect upon actuation thereof.
18. The connecting element of claim 17, wherein light source is a
luminescent source.
19. The connecting element of claim 18, wherein said connecting
element is operatively connectable to one or more other like
connecting elements via one or more joint connectors having sockets
associated therewith.
20. The connecting element of claim 19, wherein said light source
is actuated by a power source operatively connectable to said joint
connectors via said sockets.
21. An illuminating construction kit comprising: one or more
illuminating truss elements; one or more illuminating joint
elements; and one or more illuminating panel elements, wherein said
truss elements, said joint elements, and said panel elements
cooperate to form an illuminating structural profile by appropriate
interconnection thereof.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure is directed generally to puzzles and
toys. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to
construction toys for building stable two and three-dimensional
structures utilizing various construction elements, at least some
of which have luminescent characteristics.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Individuals often find enjoyment in the challenge of
building aesthetic structural designs and/or functional structural
models. Frequently, the utility associated with constructing such
structures is found in the creative and/or problem-solving process
required to achieve a desired structural objective. It is customary
to provide construction kits having various connecting elements
including, for example, a number of node or joint connectors that
are cooperative with a complementary number of strut or truss
connectors. Examples of such construction kits may be found in, for
instance, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,709,318; 3,148,539; 3,455,049;
3,458,949; 5,049,105; 5,474,025; 5,938,498, 6,491,563 and Re.
33,785. Other connecting elements may also be provided. For
instance, these construction kits may further include a number of
panel or sheet connectors. The identified connecting elements, as
well as other like elements, may be expanded into any of a variety
of structural profiles by appropriate interconnection thereof. Such
construction profiles are demonstrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,129,975;
6,004,182 and 6,089,941. Thus, conventional construction kits are
appealing to persons of all ages in that they allow for both
aesthetic and geometric creativity.
[0003] A shortcoming associated with conventional construction
kits, such as those disclosed in the above-noted patents, involves
inherently restrictive and, at times, penalizing design
alternatives provided thereby. For example, it is often the case
that these traditional construction kits have only a limited number
of component parts, which can be uninteresting with reticent visual
appeal. Thus, despite efforts to date, a need remains for a
construction kit that provides greater flexibility in both
aesthetic and geometric design, and, moreover, that provides an
additional degree of design/construction sophistication, by
utilizing construction elements having inherent light-emitting
properties and enhanced visual appeal. Accordingly, the present
invention addresses the above-noted need and others associated with
known toy construction kits.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention overcomes disadvantages and
shortcomings of the prior art devices identified above by providing
a new and improved construction kit which includes construction
elements having light-reflecting and/or light-emitting
attributes.
[0005] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
construction kit includes both truss connectors and joint
connectors with each truss connector being suitable to emit light
and each joint connector being connectable to an energy source and
suitable to operatively connect two or more truss connectors so as
to be expandable into any of a variety of structural profiles by
appropriate interconnection of the truss and joint connectors. The
truss and joint connectors thus advantageously cooperate to provide
an attractive visual display which may be varied with each
constructed structural profile.
[0006] Another preferred feature of the present invention involves
the truss connectors being operatively connectable to various panel
or sheet connectors so as to provide further design/construction
flexibility. Furthermore, each of the connecting elements
associated with the construction kit of the present invention may,
in another aspect of the present invention, independently have
light-emitting and/or light-reflecting attributes.
[0007] Additional features and advantages of the invention will
become apparent with reference to the following detailed
description of an exemplary embodiment thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] For a better understanding of the present invention,
reference is made to the following detailed description of various
exemplary embodiments considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a construction module which
typifies an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective, partial cross-sectional view of a
truss connector employed by the module of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the truss connector of FIG. 2
and a joint connector employed by the module of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective, cross-sectional view of the truss
and joint connectors of FIG. 3 in an assembled condition;
[0013] FIGS. 5a is a plan view of a panel connector employed by the
module of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIGS. 5b to 5d are plan views of three alternative panel
connectors; and
[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective schematic illustration of a
three-dimensional structure made from the truss and joint
connectors of FIGS. 2-4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0016] Referring initially to FIG. 1, a 10 construction module 10
includes a plurality of strut or truss connectors 12, a plurality
of node or joint connectors 14, and a sheet or panel connector 16.
Additional and/or alternative connecting elements also may be used.
Such connecting elements are suitable to expand into any of a
variety of structural profiles by way of appropriate
interconnection thereof.
[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, each truss connector 12, in a preferred
aspect of the invention, has an elongated body 15 with opposed
connecting ends 20, 22, each of which is suitable to operatively
connect to a corresponding one of a plurality of sockets 24
provided in an associated one of the joint connectors 14. In
addition, the body 15 of each truss connector 12 can connect to or
support at least one panel connector 16 via one or more fasteners
28 associated with the panel connector 16. Further, the body 15
and/or the connecting ends 20, 22 of the truss connector 12 can
have any of a variety of different geometries suitable to
effectively connect with various corresponding sockets 24 and/or
fasteners 28, which likewise may have any of a variety of different
geometries.
[0018] Still referring to FIG. 1, each joint connector 14 is
preferably spherical with the sockets 24 thereof being located at a
multiplicity of positions thereabout. However, any one or more of
the joint connectors 14 equally may have any of a variety of
alternative geometries (e.g., rectilinear, ovular, polygonal,
etc.). Each joint connector 14 can be formed from any of a variety
of materials, or a combination of materials, having properties
suitable for the present invention (e.g., elasticity, durability,
ease of manufacture into a desired shape, etc.). As noted above,
each socket 24 is sized, shaped and/or configured so as to
effectively receive and accommodate one of the connecting ends 20,
22 of an associated truss connector 12. In a preferred aspect,
therefore, the joint connector 14 may be fitted onto a connecting
end 20, 22 of a truss connector 12 such that the elasticity of the
material constituting the walls of each socket 24 permits
sufficient stretching to insure a firm yet releasable engagement
between the joint connector 14 and the truss connector 12 (i.e., a
friction-fit connection). In other aspects of the invention,
alternative connection types may be used, including for example,
snap-fit and/or threaded-fit connection types.
[0019] Each panel connector 16 preferably has a relatively thin,
flat body 18 constructed of a material of adequate strength and
integrity for its intended use, as well as an appropriate degree of
resiliency and flexibility. As shown schematically is FIG. 1, the
body 18 has substantially rectilinear edges 26 with fasteners 28
associated therewith. Each fastener 28, as shown, has a channel 30
suitable for receiving and accommodating the body 15 of an
associated truss connector 12. In one aspect of the invention, the
channel 30 is open to facilitate releasable friction-fit or
snap-fit connection types. In other aspects, the channel 30 is
closed to form a hollow tube facilitating a sliding connection
type. The edges 26, as shown, are attenuated with corner areas
defined by concave arcuate notches 32. Each notch 32 is arranged
for cooperative association with a corresponding one of the joint
connectors 14. As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the
art from the discussion herein, the panel connector 16 may have any
of a variety of different geometries including, for example, the
geometries shown in FIGS. 5a through 5d. In addition, the body 18
of the panel connectors 16 may define apertures therein for
decorative enhancement of the kit. The apertures may, for example,
be in the shape of various indicia, including alphanumeric
characters, wherein illumination of the connector elements (as
described hereinafter) will cause light to shine through the
aperture in the shape and pattern of the indicia. Another variation
includes small apertures in the body 18, into which translucent
plastic pieces may be inserted, thereby creating a "backlight"
effect using the illumination of the connector elements.
[0020] With reference to FIG. 2, in a preferred aspect of the
present invention, each truss connector 12 is self-illuminating.
This self-illuminating feature can be accomplished in different
ways. For example, each truss connector 12 can be provided with a
light source such as an electroluminescent (EL) element that emits
light upon the application of an appropriate amount of energy. More
particularly, in a preferred embodiment, each truss connector 12
has a core 34, which serves as an electrode. The core 34 has a
coating 36 (e.g., a phosphor material) and an electrically
conductive element 38 (e.g., a metal wire or sleeve) associated
therewith. Overlying the core 34 is a shield or insulating layer
40, which in turn is surrounded by a translucent cover 42 (e.g., a
transparent plastic). At each end 20, 22 of the truss connector 12
and/or the core 34, there is provided one or more conductive
connecting elements 44 suitable to facilitate the transfer of
energy through the truss connector 12. Of course, variations in the
placement and structure of the electroluminescent element and its
components are possible.
[0021] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the
teachings herein, additional and/or alternative light sources may
also be used. For example, a chemiluminescent liquid material may
be utilized wherein such liquid material is disposed within the
body 15 of each truss connector 12 so as to be sealed to the
ambient atmosphere. Suitable chemiluminescent materials and various
components thereof are well known. In application, agitating the
chemiluminescent liquid material may increase its effectiveness and
enhance the illumination effect provided thereby. The use of
chemiluminescent material advantageously eliminates the need for a
remote energy source. Other suitable light sources include those
based on LED technology, as well as incandescent technology.
[0022] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, an exemplary coupling
between a truss connector 12 and a joint connector 14 is
demonstrated according to an exemplary aspect of the present
invention. As best illustrated in FIG. 3, the joint connector 14
has a conductive nucleus 46 with a number of electrically
conductive pin elements 48 operatively associated therewith and an
inner electrically insulative shell 50 thereabout. The pins 48 may
also be formed integrally with the nucleus 46. Each pin 48
preferably projects radially outward from the nucleus 46 so as to
traverse the inner shell 50 via a respective number of inner
apertures 52 defined by the inner shell 50. About the inner shell
50 is an outer electrically conductive shell 54 defining a number
of outer apertures 56. Each of the outer apertures 56 is preferably
axially aligned with a respective inner aperture 52 of the inner
shell 50 so as to cooperate with the corresponding electrically
conductive pins 48 and to thereby define the sockets 24 into which
the connecting ends 20, 22 of each truss connector 12 may be
inserted as demonstrated by FIG. 4.
[0023] As shown in FIG. 3, each connecting end 20, 22 includes a
prong 58 with an electrically conductive sleeve 60 and an
electrically insulative sleeve 62 thereabout, wherein the
conductive sleeve 60 surrounds the prong 58 and is disposed
concentrically within the insulative sleeve 62. Preferably, a
connecting sleeve 64 is also provided about the insulative sleeve
62 for cooperating with a connecting collar 65 operatively
associated with a corresponding socket 24. The connecting sleeve 64
and the connecting collar 65 preferably cooperate to accomplish a
releasable mechanical connection (e.g., friction-fit, snap-fit,
thread-fit, etc.) between the individual sockets 24 and the
respective connecting ends 20, 22 of each truss connector 12.
[0024] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, a protective cover 66
defining a plurality of openings 67 is provided about the outer
shell 54. Preferably, each opening 67 is axially aligned with a
corresponding one of the sockets 24 so as to allow access thereto.
The cover 66 can be made from any of a variety of electrically
non-conductive materials (e.g., plastic). The material used to form
the cover 66 can be translucent, reflective and/or have
self-illuminating properties associated therewith (e.g., light
energized phosphors). Further, the cover 66 can define any of a
variety of surface contours (e.g., curvilinear, rectilinear, etc.)
suitable to provide different optical effects.
[0025] With reference to FIG. 6, when a power source 68 (e.g., a
battery or transformer) is operatively connected to one or more of
the joint connectors 14, via one or more of the sockets 24 thereof,
the joint connector 14 may be energized. Once energized, the joint
connector 14 can serve to feed energy to any one or more of the
truss connectors 12 connected thereto, so that such engaged truss
connectors 12 emit light and thereby provide an attractive visual
display which may be varied with each structural profile 70.
Further, each additional joint connector 14 and/or truss connector
12 that is operatively connected to the structural profile 70 is
likewise energized so as to glow and/or define an energized
circuit.
[0026] As will be readily apparent to those of skill in the
pertinent art from the teachings herein, additional power sources
may be provided as needed for larger construction profiles. The
brightness or intensity of the emitted light provided by the
various construction elements may be varied as desired in a number
of ways including, for example, providing such construction
elements with additional and/or alternative light sources,
modifying the size and/or shape of the construction elements, or
manipulating the amount of energy provided to the light source(s)
associated with each construction element. The color of the emitted
light may also be varied such as, for example, by forming the
various construction elements from materials having different
optical characteristics, or by using light source materials having
varied optical properties.
[0027] Having identified and discussed various advantageous
features of the construction kit of the present invention, it will
be understood by those skilled in the pertinent art based on the
present disclosure, that additional and/or alternative features may
be provided. For example, in other aspects of the invention, the
joint connectors 14 may be suitable to store energy and thereby
energize any of the truss connectors 12 operatively connected
thereto independent of a separate power source. In further aspects
of the invention, the power source 68 may be directly connected to
the truss connector 12. In still other aspects, each of the
connecting elements associated with the construction module 10 can
be independently luminescent and/or translucent. That is, each
construction element can be made from materials having emissive or
reflective properties or, alternatively, can be associated with a
light source that provides the requisite optical effects.
[0028] It will be understood that the embodiments, aspects and
features described herein are merely exemplary and that a person
skilled in the art may make many variations and/or modifications
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of the invention as defined in the
appended claims.
* * * * *