U.S. patent application number 14/297396 was filed with the patent office on 2014-12-18 for transformable construction toy.
This patent application is currently assigned to TOMY COMPANY, LTD. The applicant listed for this patent is Hasbro, Inc., Tomy Company, LTD. Invention is credited to Joshua Lamb, Hagop Minassian, Yuga Onishi, Leonard Joseph Panzica, JR., William J. Rawley.
Application Number | 20140370777 14/297396 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52019610 |
Filed Date | 2014-12-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140370777 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Minassian; Hagop ; et
al. |
December 18, 2014 |
TRANSFORMABLE CONSTRUCTION TOY
Abstract
A toy construction set includes a plurality of interconnecting
toy construction pieces, the pieces being connectable to build a
toy that reversibly transforms between a first toy form and a
second toy form, the first toy form defining a longitudinal axis in
a first plane and the second toy form defining a longitudinal axis
in a second plane that has a surface normal that is different from
a surface normal of the first plane; and a bidirectional
transformation module. The bidirectional transformation module
includes a body defining a first connector and a second connector,
the first connector coupled to a first piece included in the
plurality of interconnecting toy construction pieces, and the
second connector coupled to a second piece included in the
plurality of interconnecting toy construction pieces; and a
flexible portion between the first and second connectors.
Inventors: |
Minassian; Hagop; (North
Providence, RI) ; Panzica, JR.; Leonard Joseph;
(Pawtucket, RI) ; Rawley; William J.; (Pawtucket,
RI) ; Lamb; Joshua; (Rumford, RI) ; Onishi;
Yuga; (Tokyo, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hasbro, Inc.
Tomy Company, LTD |
Pawtucket
Tokyo |
RI |
US
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
TOMY COMPANY, LTD
Tokyo
RI
HASBRO, INC.
Pawtucket
|
Family ID: |
52019610 |
Appl. No.: |
14/297396 |
Filed: |
June 5, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61835558 |
Jun 15, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/102 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/003
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/102 |
International
Class: |
A63H 33/06 20060101
A63H033/06 |
Claims
1. A toy construction set comprising: a plurality of
interconnecting toy construction pieces, the pieces being
connectable to build a toy that reversibly transforms between a
first toy form and a second toy form, the first toy form defining a
longitudinal axis in a first plane and the second toy form defining
a longitudinal axis in a second plane that has a surface normal
that is different from a surface normal of the first plane; and a
bidirectional transformation module comprising: a body defining a
first connector and a second connector, the first connector coupled
to a first piece included in the plurality of interconnecting toy
construction pieces, and the second connector coupled to a second
piece included in the plurality of interconnecting toy construction
pieces; and a flexible portion between the first and second
connectors, wherein the transformation module is movable between a
first position and a second position, and the transformation module
holds the toy in the first toy form when in the first position and
holds the toy in the second toy form when in the second
position.
2. The toy construction set of claim 1, wherein the first toy form
comprises a vehicle, the second toy form comprises a human-like
figure, and the surface normal of the first plane is perpendicular
to the surface normal of the second plane.
3. The toy construction set of claim 1, wherein the flexible
portion comprises a spring.
4. The toy construction set of claim 1, wherein the toy reversibly
transforms between the first toy form and the second toy form
without disconnecting any of the plurality of interconnecting
pieces from each other.
5. The toy construction set of claim 1, wherein the first connector
of the transformation module is releasably coupled to the first
piece, and the second connector of the transformation module is
releasably coupled to the second piece.
6. The toy construction set of claim 1, wherein the first and
second positions are the only positions in which the transformation
module holds the toy.
7. The toy construction set of claim 1, wherein, when moved from
the first position to the second position, the flexible portion of
the bidirectional transformation module applies a force that has at
least a component along a direction toward the first position, and
when moved from the second position to the first position, the
flexible portion of the bidirectional transformation module applies
a force that has at least a component along a direction that is
toward the second position.
8. The toy construction set of claim 1, wherein the surface normal
of the first plane is perpendicular to the surface normal of the
second plane.
9. The toy construction set of claim 1, wherein the first connector
of the bidirectional transformation module is connected to the
first piece included in the plurality of interconnecting toy
construction pieces at a connection point, and, to move between the
first position and the second position, the transformation module
rotates about the connection point.
10. The toy construction set of claim 9, wherein the second piece
defines a graspable portion that receives force, and the
transformation module to moves between the first and second
position in response to the received force.
11. The toy construction set of claim 10, wherein the first and
second connectors of the bidirectional transformation module
connect to the first and second pieces, respectively, with a snap
connection.
12. The toy construction set of claim 11, wherein the snap
connection is a c-clip connected to a corresponding axel.
13. The toy construction set of claim 1, wherein the flexible
portion is at least partially enclosed in the body.
14. The toy construction set of claim 1, wherein the body is
cylindrical, and the first and second connectors are c-clips that
connect to corresponding axels on the first and second pieces,
respectively.
15. The toy construction set of claim 1, wherein a piece that does
not include a transformation module also connects the first and
second toy construction pieces.
16. The toy construction set of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
interconnecting toy construction pieces connect to each other with
a snap connection.
17. The toy construction set of claim 16, wherein the snap
connection is one or more of a ball-and-socket connection and a
c-clip connection.
18. The toy construction set of claim 1, wherein at least some of
the plurality of toy construction pieces are connectable at
articulating joints.
19. A toy construction set comprising: a plurality of
interconnecting toy construction pieces comprising at least a first
piece, a second piece that defines an articulating joint, and a
third piece connected to the articulating joint by a snap
connection, the plurality of toy construction pieces connected as a
toy that reversibly transforms between a first toy form and a
second toy form without disconnecting any of the pieces; and a
bidirectional transformation module movable between a first
position and a second position, the module comprising: a body
defining a first connector and a second connector, the first
connector coupled to the first piece included in the plurality of
interconnecting pieces, and the second connector coupled to the
second piece included in the plurality of interconnecting pieces;
and a flexible portion between the first and second connectors,
wherein the toy is configured to be held in the first form when the
bidirectional transformation module is in the first position, the
toy is configured to be held in the second form when the
bidirectional transformation module is in the second position, and
movement of the transformation module from the first position to
the second position moves the first and second pieces relative to
each other to allow the third piece to rotate about the
articulating joint such that the third piece extends in a different
direction in the second toy form than in the first toy form.
20. The toy construction set of claim 19, wherein, in the second
toy form, the third piece extends from the second piece in a
direction that is opposite from the direction that the third piece
extends from the second piece in the first toy form.
21. A method of transforming a toy constructed from a plurality of
interconnected construction pieces from a first toy form to a
second toy form, the method comprising: connecting a transformation
module that is movable between first and second positions to a
first toy construction piece and a second toy construction piece;
assembling a toy by connecting at least one other toy construction
piece to the first toy construction piece and at least one other
toy construction piece to the second toy construction piece;
arranging the constructed toy into a first toy form, the first toy
form defining a longitudinal axis that is parallel to a first
plane; holding the constructed toy in the first toy form with the
transformation module in the first position; applying force to the
second construction piece to move the transformation module to the
second position; and moving at least one other construction piece
about a connection without disconnecting any of the toy
construction pieces from the assembled toy to transform the
connected construction pieces into the second toy form.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the second toy construction
piece defines a graspable portion, and further comprising: applying
force to the graspable portion of the second construction piece to
move the transformation module to the first position; and moving at
least one other construction piece about a connection without
removing any of the toy construction pieces from the assembled toy
to transform the connected construction pieces into the first toy
form.
23. The method of claim 21, wherein moving at least one other toy
construction piece about a joint comprises rotating the at least
one other toy construction piece about the joint.
24. A toy construction set comprising: a plurality of temporarily
and repeatably interconnectable toy construction pieces, the pieces
being connectable to build a toy that reversibly transforms between
a first toy form and a second toy form, the first toy form defining
a longitudinal axis in a first plane and the second toy form
defining a longitudinal axis in a second plane that has a surface
normal that is different from a surface normal of the first plane;
and a bidirectional transformation module having a plurality of
connectors able to be temporarily and repeatably coupled to one or
more of the toy construction pieces, wherein the transformation
module is movable between a first stable equilibrium position and a
second stable equilibrium position through an unstable equilibrium
position such that the transformation module holds the toy in the
first toy form when in the first stable equilibrium position and
holds the toy in the second toy form when in the second stable
equilibrium position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/835,558, filed on Jun. 15, 2013 and titled
TRANSFORMABLE CONSTRUCTION TOY, which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates to a transformable construction
toy.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Children enjoy playing and interacting with toys and
building elements. Toy construction sets are made up of a plurality
of building elements or toy construction pieces, which interconnect
with each other to form an assembled toy.
SUMMARY
[0004] In one general aspect, a toy construction set includes a
plurality of interconnecting toy construction pieces, the pieces
being connectable to build a toy that reversibly transforms between
a first toy form and a second toy form, the first toy form defining
a longitudinal axis in a first plane and the second toy form
defining a longitudinal axis in a second plane that has a surface
normal that is different from a surface normal of the first plane;
and a bidirectional transformation module. The bidirectional
transformation module includes a body defining a first connector
and a second connector, the first connector coupled to a first
piece included in the plurality of interconnecting toy construction
pieces, and the second connector coupled to a second piece included
in the plurality of interconnecting toy construction pieces; and a
flexible portion between the first and second connectors. The
transformation module is movable between a first position and a
second position, and the transformation module holds the toy in the
first toy form when in the first position and holds the toy in the
second toy form when in the second position.
[0005] Other implementations can include the following
features.
[0006] The first toy form can be a vehicle, the second toy form can
be a human-like figure, and the surface normal of the first plane
can be perpendicular to the surface normal of the second plane.
[0007] The flexible portion can be a spring.
[0008] The toy can reversibly transform between the first toy form
and the second toy form without disconnecting any of the plurality
of interconnecting pieces from each other.
[0009] The first connector of the transformation module can be
releasably coupled to the first piece, and the second connector of
the transformation module can be releasably coupled to the second
piece.
[0010] The first and second positions can be the only positions in
which the transformation module holds the toy.
[0011] When moved from the first position to the second position,
the flexible portion of the bidirectional transformation module can
apply a force that has at least a component along a direction
toward the first position, and when moved from the second position
to the first position, the flexible portion of the bidirectional
transformation module can apply a force that has at least a
component along a direction that is toward the second position.
[0012] The surface normal of the first plane can be perpendicular
to the surface normal of the second plane.
[0013] The first connector of the bidirectional transformation
module can be connected to the first piece included in the
plurality of interconnecting toy construction pieces at a
connection point, and, to move between the first position and the
second position, the transformation module can rotate about the
connection point. The second piece can define a graspable portion
that receives force, and the transformation module can move between
the first and second position in response to the received force.
The first and second connectors of the bidirectional transformation
module can connect to the first and second pieces, respectively,
with a snap connection. The snap connection can be a c-clip
connected to a corresponding axel.
[0014] The flexible portion can be at least partially enclosed in
the body.
[0015] The body can be cylindrical, and the first and second
connectors can be c-clips that connect to corresponding axels on
the first and second pieces, respectively.
[0016] A piece that does not include a transformation module also
can connect the first and second toy construction pieces.
[0017] The plurality of interconnecting toy construction pieces can
connect to each other with a snap connection. The snap connection
can be one or more of a ball-and-socket connection and a c-clip
connection.
[0018] At least some of the plurality of toy construction pieces
can be connectable at articulating joints.
[0019] In another general aspect, a toy construction set includes a
plurality of interconnecting toy construction pieces including at
least a first piece, a second piece that defines an articulating
joint, and a third piece connected to the articulating joint by a
snap connection, the plurality of toy construction pieces connected
as a toy that reversibly transforms between a first toy form and a
second toy form without disconnecting any of the pieces; and a
bidirectional transformation module. The bidirectional
transformation module is movable between a first position and a
second position, and the module includes a body defining a first
connector and a second connector, the first connector coupled to
the first piece included in the plurality of interconnecting
pieces, and the second connector coupled to the second piece
included in the plurality of interconnecting pieces; and a flexible
portion between the first and second connectors. The toy is
configured to be held in the first form when the bidirectional
transformation module is in the first position, the toy is
configured to be held in the second form when the bidirectional
transformation module is in the second position, and movement of
the transformation module from the first position to the second
position moves the first and second pieces relative to each other
to allow the third piece to rotate about the articulating joint
such that the third piece extends in a different direction in the
second toy form than in the first toy form.
[0020] Implementations can include the following feature.
[0021] In the second toy form, the third piece can extend from the
second piece in a direction that is opposite from the direction
that the third piece extends from the second piece in the first toy
form.
[0022] In another general aspect, a method of transforming a toy
constructed from a plurality of interconnected construction pieces
from a first toy form to a second toy form includes connecting a
transformation module that is movable between first and second
positions to a first toy construction piece and a second toy
construction piece; assembling a toy by connecting at least one
other toy construction piece to the first toy construction piece
and at least one other toy construction piece to the second toy
construction piece; arranging the constructed toy into a first toy
form, the first toy form defining a longitudinal axis that is
parallel to a first plane; holding the constructed toy in the first
toy form with the transformation module in the first position;
applying force to the second construction piece to move the
transformation module to the second position; and moving at least
one other construction piece about a connection without
disconnecting any of the toy construction pieces from the assembled
toy to transform the connected construction pieces into the second
toy form.
[0023] Implementations can include one or more of the following
features.
[0024] The second toy construction piece can define a graspable
portion, and the method can also include applying force to the
graspable portion of the second construction piece to move the
transformation module to the first position; and moving at least
one other construction piece about a connection without removing
any of the toy construction pieces from the assembled toy to
transform the connected construction pieces into the first toy
form.
[0025] Moving at least one other toy construction piece about a
joint can include rotating the at least one other toy construction
piece about the joint.
[0026] In another general aspect, a toy construction set includes a
plurality of temporarily and repeatably interconnectable toy
construction pieces, the pieces being connectable to build a toy
that reversibly transforms between a first toy form and a second
toy form, the first toy form defining a longitudinal axis in a
first plane and the second toy form defining a longitudinal axis in
a second plane that has a surface normal that is different from a
surface normal of the first plane; and a bidirectional
transformation module having a plurality of connectors configured
to be temporarily and repeatably coupled to one or more of the toy
construction pieces. The transformation module is movable between a
first stable equilibrium position and a second stable equilibrium
position through an unstable equilibrium position such that the
transformation module holds the toy in the first toy form when in
the first stable equilibrium position and holds the toy in the
second toy form when in the second stable equilibrium position.
[0027] Implementations of any of the techniques described above can
include a transformation module for use in an existing
transformable toy, a toy construction piece, a set of two or more
toy construction pieces packaged together with or without other toy
construction pieces or a transformation module, a toy assembly that
transforms from a first toy form into a second toy form and back
again, a kit for a toy assembly that includes a transformation
module, a toy construction set or system, a system that includes a
toy assembly, a device, and/or a method or process for using a toy
assembly.
[0028] The details of one or more implementations are set forth in
the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features
will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the
claims.
DRAWING DESCRIPTION
[0029] FIG. 1A is a plan view of an exemplary transformable toy in
a first toy form.
[0030] FIG. 1B is a plan view of the transformable toy of FIG. 1A
in a second toy form.
[0031] FIGS. 2A-2C are block diagrams of an exemplary
transformation module that moves between a first position (FIG. 2A)
and a second position (FIG. 2C) through an unstable position (FIG.
2B).
[0032] FIG. 3A is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary
transformation module.
[0033] FIG. 3B is an exemplary faceted rod.
[0034] FIG. 3C is an exemplary faceted c-clip that connects to the
rod of FIG. 3B.
[0035] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an exemplary transformable
toy in a first toy form.
[0036] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the transformable toy of
FIG. 4A with a shifted torso.
[0037] FIGS. 5A-5E is a series of side-perspective views of a
transformation module of the transformable toy of FIG. 4A moving
from a first position to a second position.
[0038] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for
transforming a toy from a first toy form to a second toy form.
[0039] FIG. 7A is a side view of another exemplary transformable
toy in a first toy form.
[0040] FIG. 7B is a front view of the transformable toy of FIG.
7A.
[0041] FIG. 7C is a front perspective view of the transformable toy
of FIG. 7A.
[0042] FIG. 7D is a back perspective view of the transformable toy
of FIG. 7A.
[0043] FIG. 8A is a top view of the transformable toy of FIG. 7A in
a second toy form.
[0044] FIG. 8B is a front view of the transformable toy of FIG.
8A.
[0045] FIG. 8C is a side view of the transformable toy of FIG.
8A.
[0046] FIG. 8D is a side-perspective view of transformable toy of
FIG. 8A.
[0047] FIG. 8E is a side-perspective view of the transformable toy
of FIG. 8A.
DESCRIPTION
[0048] A transformation module for a transformable construction toy
is disclosed. The transformation module assists in transforming the
toy from a first toy form or play mode into a second toy form or
play mode, and vice versa. The transformable construction toy is a
toy construction set that is assembled from a plurality of toy
construction pieces, which can connect with each other temporarily
and repeatably. The transformable toy transforms or converts
between two or more toy forms or play modes. The toy forms are
visually, functionally, and/or geometrically distinct from each
other. The toy forms can extend along different directions and
occupy different volumes of space. For example, a toy form can be a
character, a human-like form, an animal-like form, a robot, a type
of object, a vehicle, or a machine. Thus, the transformable toy can
transform from, for example, a robot or a human-like action figure
into a car or plane.
[0049] The disclosed transformation module is connected to two of
the toy construction pieces and assists a user of the transformable
toy with transforming the toy from the first toy form into the
second toy form. The transformation module slides, shifts,
switches, or otherwise moves between two stable equilibrium
positions and through an unstable equilibrium position. In the
first stable position, the transformation module holds the
transformable toy in the first toy form. In the second stable
position, the transformation module holds the transformable toy in
the second toy form. And, when the transformation module is
displaced or disturbed from the first stable equilibrium position,
it will return back to the first stable equilibrium position as
long as the displacement or disturbance does not take it through
the unstable equilibrium position. The transformation module allows
the user to smoothly transform the transformable toy from the first
toy form to the second toy form, and vice versa, without
disconnecting or otherwise removing any of the toy construction
pieces from the assembled toy. In other words, once assembled from
the toy construction pieces, the transformable toy can transform
and repeatedly retransform without being disassembled.
[0050] Moving the transformation module from the first position to
the second position shifts the relative locations of the two toy
construction pieces that are connected to the transformation
module. This relative movement also can assist in the
transformation by providing space for other toy construction pieces
to move about their respective connection points so the toy
construction pieces can be positioned in different orientations to
form the second toy form.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a plan view of an exemplary
transformable toy 100 is shown. The transformation of the toy 100
from a first toy form 100A (FIG. 1A) to a second toy form 100B
(FIG. 1B) changes the toy visually (from an action figure to a
vehicle) and geometrically (from an object that extends vertically
to one that extends horizontally). None of the toy construction
pieces that form the toy 100 are disconnected to transform from the
first toy form 100A to the second toy form 100B or vice versa. The
toy 100 is assembled by connecting toy construction pieces to each
other to form a toy. The toy construction pieces connect to each
other at articulating joints.
[0052] FIG. 1A shows the toy in the first toy form 100A. In this
example, the first toy form 100A is a human-like figure or robot
that has a longitudinal axis 105 in a vertical plane. In the first
toy form, the transformable toy 100 nominally stands upright,
occupying a volume that extends in the vertical direction.
[0053] FIG. 1B shows the toy 100 in the second toy form 100B. In
the second toy form 100B, the toy 100 is a vehicle. The vehicle
rests and moves along a non-vertical surface, nominally extending
along a horizontal direction. The vehicle defines a longitudinal
axis 110 that is in a plane that is different from the plane that
contains the axis 105. In this example, the axis 105 of the first
toy form 100A is perpendicular to the axis 110 of the second toy
form 100B.
[0054] The toy 100 includes a plurality of toy construction pieces,
such as a torso plate 115, wheels 118, flat bottom pieces 120, an
ornament 122, structures 124, and shields 126. The toy construction
pieces are connected to each other at articulating joints. The
articulating joints can be snap fit connections, such as
ball-and-socket connections or c-clips that snap over corresponding
rods. The assembled toy 100 can include both ball-and-socket
connections and c-clip connections. Furthermore, the articulating
joints can have a geometric feature to hold two toy construction
pieces that are connected at an articulating joint in a fixed
relationship. For example, the c-clip and rod can be faceted (FIGS.
6A and B) to provide additional friction between the c-clip and the
corresponding rod. The geometric feature can be separate from the
articulating joint.
[0055] The toy construction pieces can be used differently in the
different toy forms 100A and 100B. For example, the flat bottom
pieces 120 are feet in the toy form 100A and a bumper in the toy
form 100B. The structures 124 are leg-like elements in the toy form
100A and horizontal support elements in the toy form 100B. The toy
100 also includes a transformation module, similar to the modules
described below and shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, 3, and 5A-5E.
[0056] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2B, a transformation module 230 is
shown moving from a first position 202 (FIG. 2A) to a second
position 204 (FIG. 2C). The transformation module 230 is a
bidirectional transformation module because it can move from the
first position 202 to the second position 204, and from the second
position 204 to the first position 202.
[0057] The transformation module 230 includes a body 232 that
defines connectors 234, 235 on either end of the body 232. The
connector 234 connects to a first toy construction piece 236 and
the connector 235 connects to a second toy construction piece 237.
The body 232 partially or completely encloses an elastic portion
233. The elastic portion 233 provides tension as the transformation
module 230 moves from the first position 202 to the second position
204 and as the transformation module 230 moves from the second
position 204 to the first position 202. The elastic portion 233
helps to maintain the transformation module 230 in the first or the
second position. Further, when force is applied to the toy
construction piece 237, the elastic portion 233 pushes the
transformation module from the first position 202 to the second
position 204, or vice versa.
[0058] The toy construction pieces 236 and 237 are part of a larger
transformable toy, such as the toy 100, and the pieces 236 and 237
can be any toy construction piece from the assembled toy. For
example, the first toy construction piece 236 can be the torso
plate 115 of FIG. 1A. The connector 234 can connect to a portion on
the back of the torso plate 115. The second toy construction piece
237 can be a construction piece that defines a joint 238 where a
third toy construction piece 239 connects with a snap connection.
The third toy construction piece 239 can be, for example, the
structure 124 of FIG. 1A.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 2A, the transformation module 230 is in
the first position 202. A force "F" is applied to the toy
construction piece 237 to move the toy construction piece 237
relative to the toy construction piece 236. Referring also to FIG.
2B, in response to the force "F," the toy construction piece 237
moves along an arc "A" and the transformation module 230 rotates
about the connection point between the connector 235 and the first
toy construction piece 236. As the transformation module 230 moves
toward the midpoint 240 of the arc "A," the elastic portion 233
expands longitudinally, gaining potential energy. After the
transformation module 230 passes the midpoint 240, the elastic
portion 233 begins to contract, pulling the toy construction piece
237 toward the second position 204. Referring also to FIG. 2C, the
transformation module 230 is urged into the second position 204 by
the contracting elastic portion 233 and is held stably at the
second position 204 until a force acts on either or both of the toy
construction piece 236, 237.
[0060] Accordingly, the transformation module 230 assists in moving
the toy construction pieces 236, 237 relative to each other as the
transformation module 230 moves back and forth between the
positions 202 and 204. In some implementations, the positions 202
and 204 are the only stable positions of the transformation module
230. That is, when the transformation module 230 is in a position
other than the position 202 or 204, the module 230 does not hold
the toy construction piece 236 and 237 in a fixed spatial
relationship. The toy construction pieces 236 and 237 are held in a
fixed spatial relationship when the transformation module 230 is in
the first position 202 or the second position 204.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 3A, a side cross-sectional view of another
exemplary transformation module 330 is shown. The transformation
module 330 is similar to a piston. The transformation module 330
includes a body 332, a spring 333, a connector 334, and a connector
335. The body 332 encloses the spring 333. The connectors 334 and
335 are used to connect the transformation module 330 to two toy
construction pieces. In the example shown, the connectors 334 and
335 are c-clips. The c-clips 334 and 335 have inner walls 342 and
343, respectively, each of which receives and holds a rod. Although
the c-clip holds the rod, the c-clip and rod can rotate relative to
each other when force is applied to the c-clip and/or the rod. In
the example of FIG. 3A, the inner walls 342 and 343 are smooth.
[0062] Referring to FIGS. 3B and 3C, an example of a faceted rod
(FIG. 3B) that is received and held by a faceted c-clip (FIG. 3C)
is shown. A rod 350 defines facets 352 on a surface 354. The rod
350 is received in a faceted opening 362 that is defined by a
c-clip 360. The c-clip 360 defines facets 364 on a surface 366. The
c-clip 360 also defines a gap 368 at the midpoint of an arc defined
by the surface 366. The gap 368 can provide for additional play and
can help the rod 350 be received in the opening 362 without
damaging the c-clip 360.
[0063] The c-clip 360 can be used as one or more of the connectors
334 and 335 on the transformation module 330, or on the toy
construction pieces that connect to each other with c-clips. In
these implementations, the rods that connect to the c-clips can
have corresponding facets, similar to those of the rod 350. The
presence of the facets provides a temporary lock in position
between the elements held by the rod 350 and the c-clip 360,
allowing the elements that are connected by the rod 350 and the
c-clip 360 to be held in a fixed spatial relationship to each
other. Movement of the rod 350 relative to the c-clip 360 makes a
click-like sound that can increase play value.
[0064] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, another exemplary
transformable toy 400 is shown. FIG. 4A shows the transformable toy
100 in a first toy form, with a transformation module 430 (shown in
FIGS. 5A-5E) connected between a torso toy construction piece 436
and a second toy construction piece 437. FIG. 4B shows the
transformable toy 100 after the process of transforming to a second
toy form has begun and the transformation module 430 is in the
second position. Placing the transformation module 430 in the
second position (FIG. 4B) causes the torso toy construction piece
436 to shift downward relative to the position of the torso toy
construction piece 436 when the transformation module is in the
first position (FIG. 4A). The movement of the transformation module
430 to the second position also causes the second toy construction
piece 437 to move relatively upward.
[0065] Referring to FIGS. 5A-5E, the movement of the transformation
module 430 from the first position to the second position is shown.
FIGS. 5A-5E show a series of side perspective views of the
transformable toy 400. Referring to FIG. 5A, the transformation
module 430 is in the first position. The transformation module 430
is connected between the torso toy construction piece 436 and the
second toy construction piece 437, with the connection 435 of the
transformation module 350 connecting to the toy construction piece
437. In this example, in addition to the transformation module 430
connecting the torso 436 and the second 437 toy construction
pieces, struts 448 also connect the torso 436 and the second 437
toy construction prices. The second toy construction piece 437
defines a graspable portion 445. A user can grip or otherwise
manipulate the graspable portion 445 to apply force to the second
toy construction piece 437 to initiate movement of the
transformation module 430 from the first position to the second
position.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 5B, a user manipulates the graspable
portion 445 to begin the movement of the transformation module 430.
Referring to FIGS. 5C and 5D, the user continues to manipulate the
graspable portion 445 to move the transformation module 430 toward
the second position. Referring to FIG. 5E, the transformation
module 530 is in the second position.
[0067] Referring to FIG. 6, a flow chart for an exemplary procedure
600 is shown. The procedure 600 is used to transform a toy that is
constructed from a plurality of interconnected toy construction
pieces from a first toy form to a second toy form. The first toy
form can be, for example, a human-like figure or a robot, and the
second toy form can be, for example, a vehicle, such as a car or a
plane. The procedure 600 can be performed on the transformable toy
100 or 400 discussed above. The procedure 600 can also be performed
on transformable toys that are similar to the toys 100 and 400. The
procedure 600 is discussed with reference to the transformable toy
400.
[0068] The transformation module 430 is connected to the torso toy
construction piece 436 and the second toy construction piece 437
(605). Once connected, the transformation module 430 is between the
torso toy construction piece 436 and the second toy construction
piece 437. The transformation module 430 is movable between a first
position (FIG. 5A) and a second position (FIG. 5E).
[0069] A toy is assembled by connecting at least one other toy
construction piece to the torso toy construction piece 436 and/or
the second toy construction piece 437 (610). For example, a thigh
piece 424 (FIG. 4A) can be connected to the second construction
piece 437. The toy is arranged into a first toy form (615). For
example, the toy can be arranged into a human-like figure, such as
shown in FIG. 4A. To place the toy into the first toy form, the toy
construction pieces are arranged as a human figure. For example,
the thigh piece 424 is rotated about the ball-and-socket joint 438
to extend in the "d" direction (FIG. 4A) from the second toy
construction piece 437. In this orientation, the thigh piece 424
functions as part of a leg.
[0070] The toy is held in the first toy form by moving the
transformation module 430 into the first position (620). If the
transformation module 430 is already in the first position, then
the toy is held in the first toy form by keeping the transformation
module 430 in the first position. Similar to the transformation
module 230 discussed above with respect to FIG. 2A-2C, the
transformation module 430 can have two stable positions. One of the
stable positions can be the first position shown in FIG. 5A, and
the other stable position can be the second position shown in FIG.
5E. When the transformation module 430 is in a stable position, it
holds the torso toy construction piece 436 and the second toy
construction piece 437 relative to each other in a fixed spatial
relationship. Thus, by moving the transformation module 430 to the
first or second position, or by keeping or maintaining the
transformation module 430 in the first or second position, the
torso toy construction piece 436 and the second toy construction
piece 437 are held in a fixed spatial relationship.
[0071] A force is applied to the second construction piece 437 to
move the transformation module 430 to the second position (625).
The force can be applied to the graspable portion 445 of the second
construction piece 437. The force is a force that is sufficient to
overcome the resistance of an elastic portion in the transformation
module so that the transformation module 430 moves away from the
first position and toward the second position. The relative
movement of the torso toy construction piece 436 and the second toy
construction piece 437 creates space for the thigh piece 424 to
rotate and extend in a different direction.
[0072] The toy is transformed into the second toy form (630). The
second toy form of the toy shown in FIG. 4A can a vehicle. To
transform the toy into the second toy form, at least one other
construction piece is moved about a connection without
disconnecting any of the toy construction pieces from the assembled
toy. For example, the thigh piece 424 can be rotated about the
joint 438 so that the thigh piece 424 (and the lower leg pieces
connected to the thigh piece) extend in a direction that is
different, for example, opposite, to the direction "d" that the
thigh piece 424 extends when the toy 400 is in the first toy form.
After the thigh piece 424 is rotated about the joint 438, the thigh
piece can be used as a different element in the second toy form.
For example, the second toy form of the toy 400 can be a vehicle,
and the thigh piece 424 can be a horizontal support for the
vehicle, similar to the use of the thigh piece 124 in the second
toy form of the toy 100 (FIG. 1B).
[0073] The process 600 can be performed, partially or completely,
in reverse to transform the toy from the second toy form to the
first toy form. In this manner, the toy is reversibly
transformable. In some implementations, one or more of the toy
construction pieces are moved about their respective connections to
the other toy construction pieces before force is applied to move
the transformation module (625). This is because, when in a toy
form, the transformation module 430 can be obscured by one or more
of the toy construction pieces. Thus, the initial moving of other
toy construction pieces can allow the user to access and move the
transformation module.
[0074] Referring to FIG. 7A-7D, another exemplary transformable toy
700 is shown in a first toy form 700A. The toy 700 reversibly
transforms between the first toy form 700A and a second toy form
700B (FIGS. 8A-8E). FIG. 7A shows the transformable toy 700 in the
first toy form 700A from the side, FIG. 7B shows the transformable
toy 700 in the first toy form 700A from the front, FIG. 7C is a
front perspective view of the transformable toy 700 in the first
toy form 700A, and FIG. 7D is a back perspective view of the
transformable toy 700 in the first toy form 700A. FIGS. 8A-8E show
views of the toy 700 in the second toy form 700B. For the toy 700,
the first toy form 700A is a human-like form or a robot. The second
toy form 700B is a vehicle.
[0075] Referring to FIGS. 7A-7D, the toy 700 is assembled from a
plurality of toy construction pieces that are connected to each
other. The toy construction pieces include a torso plate 715,
wheels 718, flat bottom pieces 720, an ornament 722, and a thigh
piece 724. In the first toy form 700A, the flat bottom pieces 720
function as feet and the ornament 722 functions as a weapon. The
toy construction pieces are connected together with ball and socket
joints and/or c-clips that couple to corresponding axels. The toy
700 includes a transformation module with a connector 735. The
connector 735 connects to a toy construction piece 737 that defines
a graspable portion 745. Applying force to the graspable portion
745 causes the transformation module to move from a first position
to a second position and vice versa.
[0076] Moving the transformation module from the first position to
the second position moves the torso plate 715 relative to the
graspable portion 745. The torso piece 715 shifts downward in the
direction "d" (FIG. 7A). Because the second position of the
transformation module is stable, the transformation module holds
the torso plate 715 in a fixed position relative to the toy
construction piece 737 and the graspable portion 745. Moving the
torso piece 715 in this manner provides room for the thigh piece
724 and the flat-bottom pieces 720 to rotate about the joint 738
that connects the thigh piece 724 to the toy construction piece
737. The thigh piece 724 and the flat-bottom piece 720 are rotated
and positioned along a direction that is opposite to the direction
"d." Additional toy construction pieces are also moved relative to
their connection points until the second toy form is generated.
None of the toy construction pieces need to be removed or
disconnected for the toy to transform from the first toy form to
the second toy form.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 8A-8E, the toy 700 in the second toy form
700B is shown. The second toy form 700B is a vehicle. FIG. 8A shows
the toy 700 in the second toy form 700B from above. FIG. 8B shows
the toy 700 from the front, and FIG. 8C shows the toy 700 from the
side. FIG. 8D is a side-front perspective view of the toy 700, and
FIG. 8E is a side-back perspective view of the toy 700. As compared
to the first toy form 700A, the second toy form 700B has a
different visual appearance and geometric arrangement.
Additionally, the first and second toy forms 700A, 700B define
longitudinal axes and occupy volumes that are in different planes.
The first toy form 700A has a longitudinal axis in a vertical
plane, and the second toy form 700B has a longitudinal axis in a
horizontal plane. Further, the toy construction pieces that form
the toy 700 have different functions in the second toy form 700B
than in the first toy form 700A. For example, the flat-bottom
pieces connect to each other at a non-articulating joint 755 to
form a bumper for the vehicle of the second toy form 700B.
[0078] Other implementations are within the scope of the following
claims.
[0079] For example, the transformation module 430 can be connected
between any two of the toy construction pieces in the transformable
toy 400. The first toy form or the second toy form can be a form
that resembles an animal or a building. To move the transformation
module 230 or 430 from the first position to the second position,
or vice versa, force can be applied to the first or second toy
construction piece.
[0080] The transformation module 230 can be movable between more
than two stable equilibrium positions.
[0081] The toy construction pieces can connect at connections that
are not articulating joints. For example, the toy construction
pieces can connect with a post that is received in a corresponding
recess and held in frictional engagement but does not articulate.
The toy construction pieces can connect at articulating joints
other than ball-and-socket and c-clip joints. For example, the toy
construction pieces can connect by post and corresponding
recesses.
* * * * *