U.S. patent application number 13/799631 was filed with the patent office on 2013-09-19 for foam construction toy.
The applicant listed for this patent is John Renfro. Invention is credited to John Renfro.
Application Number | 20130244530 13/799631 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49158053 |
Filed Date | 2013-09-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130244530 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Renfro; John |
September 19, 2013 |
FOAM CONSTRUCTION TOY
Abstract
A foam construction toy may utilize a plurality of nodes, studs,
and structural elements to construct a toy or an object. For
example, the toy may include at least one node having a plurality
of holes and at least one structural element configured to connect
to the at least one node. The toy may also include at least one
stud configured to connect the at least one structural element with
the at least one node to form the toy.
Inventors: |
Renfro; John; (Newport
Beach, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Renfro; John |
Newport Beach |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49158053 |
Appl. No.: |
13/799631 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61612722 |
Mar 19, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
446/124 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/088 20130101;
A63H 33/108 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/124 |
International
Class: |
A63H 33/08 20060101
A63H033/08 |
Claims
1. An apparatus, comprising: at least one node comprising a
plurality of holes; at least one structural element configured to
connect to the at least one node; and at least one stud configured
to connect the at least one structural element with the at least
one node to form the apparatus.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one structural
element comprises a hollow section configured to receive an
elongated portion of the at least one stud.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the hollow section comprises a
partial stiffening tube configured to increase structural stiffness
of the at least one structural element.
4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the hollow section comprises a
stiffening tube throughout the hollow section of the at least one
structural element, and gripping material affixed to the stiffening
tube, the gripping material configured to secure the elongated
portion of the at least one stud.
5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the hollow portion comprises a
solid material near an opening of the at least one structural
element, the solid material comprising an annular groove configured
to secure the elongated portion of the at least one stud.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one stud
comprises an elongated portion configured to slide into a hollow
section of the at least one structural element.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the elongated section
comprises a set of locking mechanisms configured to slide into an
annular groove within the hollow section of the at least one
structural element to secure the elongated portion within the
hollow section of the at least one structural element.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the at least one stud
comprises a set of tabs configured to release the set of locking
mechanisms from the annular groove when pressure is applied to the
set of tabs.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one stud
comprises a threaded interface configured to operably connect to
one of the plurality of holes on the at least one node.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one stud
comprises an interface comprising a set of locking mechanisms
configured to secure the at least one stud when the interface is
inserted in one of the plurality of holes.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one stud
comprises another set of tabs configured to compress the set of
locking mechanisms and release the at least one stud from the at
least one apparatus.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one stud
comprises a bearing ring configured to stabilize the at least one
node when attached to the at least one stud.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one stud
comprises a recessed groove located between an interface and
collar, the recessed groove configured to allow accessories to be
attached to the apparatus.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one stake
configured to be inserted into a medium.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising: an adapter
configured to be connected to the at least one stake via a stake
interface, and to connect to the at least one stud or the at least
one node.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: at least one
connector unit configured to connect two structural elements
together.
17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one connector
unit comprises a first elongated member and a second elongated
member, the first elongated member configured to be inserted into a
hollow section of one of the at least one structural elements and
the second elongated member configured to be inserted a hollow
section of another of the at least one structural elements.
18. An apparatus, comprising: a plurality of structural elements,
each of the plurality of structural elements are configured to
connect to each other using a node-stud assembly or a connector
unit, wherein the node-stud assembly comprises a node having a
plurality of holes and a stud configured to connect a structural
element with the node, and the connector unit configured to connect
a first structural element with a second structural element.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/612,722, filed on Mar. 19, 2012. The
subject matter of the earlier filed Provisional Patent Application
is incorporated herein by its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The present invention generally relates to a toy, and more
particularly, to a construction toy using structural elements
connected by reconfigurable nodes.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Currently, there are construction toys that allow a user,
such as a child. to build structures using structural components.
However, these components are generally not flexible in nature, and
may be limited in design capabilities.
SUMMARY
[0004] Certain embodiments of the present invention may provide
solutions to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet
been fully identified, appreciated, or solved by current
construction toys. For example, a construction toy in some
embodiments may utilize a plurality of nodes, studs, and structural
elements to construct a toy or an object.
[0005] In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus
includes at least one node having a plurality of holes, and at
least one structural element that is configured to connect to the
at least one node. At least one stud is used to connect the at
least one structural element with the at least one node.
[0006] In another embodiment, an apparatus is provided. The
apparatus includes a plurality of structural elements. Each of the
plurality of structural elements are configured to connect to each
other using a node-stud assembly or a connector unit. The node-stud
assembly comprises a node having a plurality of holes and a stud
configured to connect a structural element with the node. The
connector unit configured to connect a first structural element
with a second structural element.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] In order that the advantages of certain embodiments of the
invention will be readily understood, a more particular description
of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by
reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the
appended drawings. While it should be understood that these
drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are
not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the
invention will be described and explained with additional
specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0008] FIG. 1A illustrates a foam construction toy forming a shape
of a cube, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 1B illustrates a foam construction toy forming a shape
of a house, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0010] FIG. 1C illustrates a foam construction toy forming a shape
of a ship, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 1D illustrates a foam construction toy forming a shape
of a tunnel, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 1E illustrates a foam construction toy forming a shape
of a rectangle with a cover, according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a node-stud assembly, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 3A illustrates a foam member attachment system,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 3B illustrates a foam member attachment system having a
partial stiffening tube, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 3C illustrates a foam member attachment system having a
stiffening stud, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 4A illustrates a lawn anchor with a stud, according to
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 4B illustrates a lawn anchor with an interface,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 4C illustrates a lawn anchor with a stud and an
interface, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 4D illustrates a lawn anchor with an adapter and node,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates an application of a lawn anchor assembly,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross sectional view of a stud,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 7 illustrates a stud with grooves, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 8A-C illustrates multiple views of a stud with tabs,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a top view and a front view of a
foam member attachment system using first and second sets of
locking mechanisms, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0026] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a top view and a front view of
a stud, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 11 illustrates a connector assembly, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate a top view and a front view of
a two-piece connector assembly, according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0029] FIG. 13 illustrates a connector assembly system, according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0030] Embodiments of the present invention pertain to a
construction toy 100 using, for example, foam members 106 for
structural members connected by reconfigurable nodes. See, for
example, FIGS. 1A-1D. In one embodiment, a pool noodle is a typical
example of a foam member 106. While this application discusses the
use of foam elements, a person of ordinary skill in the art will
readily appreciate that any suitable structural element may be used
to construct the toy. For example, foam members 106 may be composed
wood, plastic material, etc. Foam members 106 may be connected to
one another via a node 102. A stud 104 is used to connect foam
member 106 to node 102. This allows construction of a wide variety
of projects, shapes, and configurations.
[0031] Some projects can be used for practical purposes, and others
may be used simply for artistic purposes. The need fulfilled by
this construction toy in some embodiments is to provide a fun and
educational experience for children, and possibly adults. This
construction toy may help children to visualize three-dimensional
structures with a practical aspect not normally found in other
toys. For instance, the construction toy can be configured into a
soccer goal, a playhouse, a lemonade stand, a volleyball net, and
many more items.
[0032] For example, construction toy 100 may be configured to form
a cube (see FIG. 1A), a house (see FIG. 1B), a ship (see FIG. 1C),
a tunnel (see FIG. 1D), or any shape that would be readily
appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art. In FIG. 1E,
for example, construction toy 100 may include a hook 108, allowing
a string 110 to wrap around hook 108, such that a panel 112 may be
affixed to a side of construction toy 100.
[0033] The embodiments of the present invention may utilize
reconfigurable joints, use the elastic properties of the foam to
accomplish the connections, and the system as a whole may allow
many different outcomes. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1E, construction toy
100 may include nodes 102, studs 104, foam members 106, and panels
112.
[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates a node-stud assembly 200, according to an
embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, node-stud
assembly 200 includes a node 202 and a stud 206.
[0035] In certain embodiments, node 202 may be a rectangular
element, a triangular element, or any shape or design that would be
readily appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art. Node
202 may be composed of plastic material, wood, etc., and may
include a plurality of holes 204 to allow reception of stud 206. It
should be appreciated that each of the plurality of holes 204 may
include grooves (not shown) to allow stud 206 to screw on.
[0036] Stud 206 may include an attachment unit 208, such as a
threaded interface to operably connect with node ball 202. Collar
210 acts as a stopper to prevent a foam member (see FIG. 3A) from
moving closer to node 202 when connecting node 202 to the foam
member. A bearing ring 214 may also be utilized to stabilize node
ball 202 when node 202 is attached to stud 206.
[0037] Located between bearing ring 214 and collar 210 is a
recessed groove 216. Recessed groove 216 allows a panel, or other
accessories, to be attached to the construction toy. This may be an
alternative embodiment to that shown in FIG. 1E. Further, an
elongated portion 212 of stud 206 may be inserted into the foam
member. See, for example, FIG. 3A.
[0038] FIG. 3A illustrates a foam member attachment system 300,
according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this
embodiment, a node 302 is connected to a stud 304 to form a
node-stud unit. The node-stud unit may be inserted into a foam
member 306. When the node-stud unit is inserted into foam member
306, the connection between stud 304 and foam member 306 utilizes
friction to secure stud 304 within a hollow section 308 of foam
member 306.
[0039] It should be appreciated that foam member 306 includes a
taper 310 to allow for a larger, more compact surface area, and to
allow additional foam members to connect to node 302. For example,
FIG. 3C shows a plurality of foam members 306 connected to node 302
in a more compact manner.
[0040] Because foam members 306 may vary in size, the structural
integrity may be compromised for foam members 306 that are larger
than a certain size, depending on the material. To resolve this
issue, hollow section 308 may include a partial stiffening tube 312
to prevent foam member 306 from bending, providing structural
integrity. See, for example, FIG. 3B. Stiffening tube 312 may have
a stiffness configured to increase or decrease the amount of
stiffness in foam member 306. This may be applied to longer foam
members.
[0041] In other embodiments, to increase the stiffness throughout
foam member 306, hollow section 308 may include a stiffening tube
312 throughout. See FIG. 3C, for example. This allows for more
rigidity at the ends of foam member 306. Because a stiffening tube
312 is placed throughout hollow section 308, stud 304 may slide in
and out of foam member 306, potentially compromising the
construction toy. To prevent stud 304 from sliding, a gripping
member 314 may be utilized. Gripping member 314 may be composed of
material such as foam, vinyl, rubber, etc. This allows stud 304 to
maintain position within hollow section 308 of foam member 306
unless stud 304 is removed by a user.
[0042] FIG. 4A illustrates a lawn anchor 400 with a stud 406,
according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this
embodiment, lawn anchor 400 includes a stake 402 configured to be
inserted into the lawn, sand, or other suitable medium. A collar
404 is utilized to prevent a foam member, when attached to stud
406, from moving forward. See, for example, the description related
to FIG. 5 below.
[0043] In certain embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 4B, lawn
anchor 400 may include an interface 408 to allow a stud 406 to be
attached to lawn anchor 400. This allows for the lawn anchor
assembly to be completely assembled as a single unit. See, for
example, FIG. 4C. Other embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 4D,
may include an adapter 410 that can be situated between interface
408 and node 412. Stated differently, adapter 410 allows a node 412
to connect with interface 406 to complete the lawn anchor
assembly.
[0044] FIG. 5 illustrates an application of a lawn anchor assembly
500, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Lawn
anchor assembly 500, in this embodiment, includes two stakes 502 at
each end of foam member 510 forming, for example, a tunnel. Collar
504 allows stake 502 to be inserted a predefined distance into lawn
520. Also attached to stake 502 is a stud 506 similar to that shown
in FIG. 4C. Stud 506 may be inserted into a hollow section 512 of
foam member 510.
[0045] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross sectional view of a stud 600,
according to an embodiment of the present invention. Stud 600 may
include a threaded interface 602 to allow stud 600 to screw on, and
securely attach to, a node. Contact surface 604 is configured to
secure the seating of stud 600 on the receiving surface of the
node. Recessed groove 606 may allow a panel, or other accessories,
to be attached to stud 600. A collar 608, as discussed above, may
be utilized to act as an axial stop when a foam member is attached
to elongated portion 610. Elongated portion 610 of stud 600 may
include a contact surface providing sufficient frictional holding
force when inserted into the hollow portion of the foam member.
[0046] FIG. 7 illustrates a stud 700 with grooves 704, according to
an embodiment of the present invention. Because the design
described herein relies primarily on friction to hold stud 700 and
a foam member together, the air pressure within the foam member can
affect the holding force. The air pressure, however, can also
hinder the insertion of stud 700 into the foam member. To reduce
some of the air pressure upon insertion and still retain this
holding force, a plurality of grooves 704 can be placed on an
elongated portion 702 of stud 700.
[0047] FIGS. 8A-C illustrate multiple views of a stud 800 with tabs
802, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this
embodiment, stud 800 includes tabs 802 to allow stud 800 to be
removed from a foam member in an efficient manner when pressed by
the user.
[0048] Fish bones 806 are located on the inner side of elongated
member 804, creating air pockets 808 between fish bones 806. Air
pockets 808 allow each fish bone 806 to act as a spring, enabling
elongated member 804 to easily slide into the foam member.
Essentially, as elongated member 804 slides into the foam member,
each fish bone 806 is compressed between elongated member 804 and
central spine 808. Once elongated member 804 is inserted into the
foam member, each fish bone 806 is configured to retract into
position, causing elongated member 804 to firmly press against the
inner walls of the foam member. This allows the holding force to be
maintained in an axial direction.
[0049] It should be appreciated that in certain embodiments, the
outer surface of elongated member 804 may have a textured surface
configured to secure stud 800 within the foam member. This prevents
stud 800 from falling out of the foam member and improves the
integrity of the construction toy.
[0050] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a top view and front view of a
foam member attachment system 900 using a first set of locking
mechanisms 908 and a second set of locking mechanisms 916,
according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this
embodiment, a node 902 having a plurality of holes 904 may be
connected to a foam member 918 via a stud. Each component of the
stud is described in more detail in FIG. 10.
[0051] A hollow portion 920 of foam member 918 includes a solid
surface 922 with an annular groove 924 near the opening of foam
member 918. Annular groove 924 in this embodiment allows
flexibility when constructing the toy. When elongated portion 914
of the stud is inserted in hollow portion 920 of foam member 918, a
second set of locking mechanisms (e.g. stud locking mechanism) 916
slide into annular groove 924 to stabilize, and prevent movement
of, elongated portion 914 of the stud within foam member 918.
[0052] In order to remove the stud from foam member 918, a second
set of tabs 912B is utilized. For example, when a user applies
pressure to second set of tabs 912B, second set of locking
mechanisms 916 is configured to slide out of annular groove 924 to
allow the stud to be removed from foam member 918.
[0053] Also, in order to secure the stud within node 902, the stud
may include a first set of locking mechanisms 908 to prevent node
902 from detaching from the stud. However, in order to release the
stud from node 902, a first set of tabs 912A is utilized. For
instance, when a user applies pressure or force to first set of
tabs 912A, first set of locking mechanisms 908 is configured to
compress, allowing the stud to be removed from a hole of node 902.
It should also be appreciated that first set of locking mechanisms
908 do not touch, and may be proximate to collar 910. See FIG. 10
below for a more detailed description of the stud.
[0054] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a top view and front view of a
stud 1000, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Stud 1000 may be made of three separate components, i.e., a first
clip attachment 1002 to secure stud 1000 to a node, a second stud
attachment 1008 to secure stud 1000 to a foam member, and an
internally threaded collar (e.g., a nut) 1016 to secure stud 1000
to the node.
[0055] First clip attachment 1002 in this embodiment includes a
first set of locking mechanisms 1004 and a first set of tabs 1006.
As discussed above, first set of locking mechanisms 1004 is
configured to secure stud 1000 against the node. Further, when the
user applies pressure to first set of tabs 1006, first set of
locking mechanisms 1004 is configured to compress, allowing stud
1000 to be removed from the node.
[0056] Second clip attachment 1008 in this embodiment includes a
second set of locking mechanisms 1010, a second set of tabs 1012,
and a threaded section 1014. Similar to FIGS. 9A and 9B, second set
of locking mechanisms 1010 are configured to secure second clip
attachment 1008 within a hollow section of the foam member. When
the user applies pressure to second set of tabs 1012, second set of
locking mechanisms 1010 is configured to release second clip
attachment 1008 from the hollow section of the foam member.
Threaded section 1014 is configured to securely connect first clip
attachment 1002 and second clip attachment 1008 to collar 1016 to
form stud 1000.
[0057] FIG. 11 illustrates a connector assembly 1100, according to
an embodiment of the present invention. Connector assembly (or
connector unit) 1100 includes two studs--a first stud 1102A and a
second stud 1102B, and a collar 1104. This allows two foam members
to connect to each other via connector assembly 1100 to extend the
length of the foam members. In certain embodiments, multiple
connector assemblies may be used to extend the foam members.
Because the foam members may be configured to float in water, this
connector assembly may be particularly useful in a pool, where a
plurality of foam members may be connected together and used as
lane markers.
[0058] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate a top view and a front view of
a two-piece connector assembly 1200, according to an embodiment of
the present invention. In this embodiment, two-piece connector
assembly 1200 includes a first stud 1202 and a second stud 1208,
each stud 1202, 1208 is configured to be inserted into a foam
member. First stud 1202 may include a first set of tabs 1204 and a
first set of locking mechanisms 1206, and second stud 1208 may
include a second set of tabs 1210 and a second set of locking
mechanisms 1212.
[0059] FIG. 13 illustrates a connector assembly system 1300,
according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this
embodiment, two foam members 1302, 1308 are connected to each other
via a two-piece connector assembly. The connector assembly includes
a first stud 1320 and a second stud 1330. First stud 1320 is
connected to first foam member 1302 and second stud 1330 is
connected to second foam member 1310.
[0060] In order to secure first stud 1320 and second stud 1330
within hollow portions 1304, 1312 of foam members 1302, 1310,
respectively, locking mechanisms 1324, 1334 are configured to slide
into annular grooves 1308, 1316 when first stud 1320 and second
stud 1330 are inserted into foam members 1302, 1310, respectively.
To release first stud 1320 and second stud 1330, tabs 1322, 1332
may be pressed, causing locking mechanisms 1324, 1334 to slide out
of annular grooves 1308, 1316.
[0061] One or more embodiments of the present invention pertain to
a foam construction toy. The foam construction toy may include at
least one node and a plurality of foam members configured to
connect with the at least one node to form a structural element. A
stud may be used to connect each of the plurality of foam members
to the at least one node.
[0062] It will be readily understood that the components of the
invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures
herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different
configurations. Thus, the detailed description of the embodiments
is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, but is merely
representative of selected embodiments of the invention.
[0063] The features, structures, or characteristics of the
invention described throughout this specification may be combined
in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. For example, the
usage of "certain embodiments," "some embodiments," or other
similar language, throughout this specification refers to the fact
that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described
in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one
embodiment of the invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in
certain embodiments," "in some embodiments," "in other
embodiments," or other similar language, throughout this
specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment
or group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or
characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or
more embodiments.
[0064] One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand
that the invention as discussed above may be practiced with steps
in a different order, and/or with hardware elements in
configurations that are different than those which are disclosed.
Therefore, although the invention has been described based upon
these preferred embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skill
in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative
constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit
and scope of the invention.
* * * * *