U.S. patent application number 13/937330 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-15 for motorcycle toy building element.
The applicant listed for this patent is Hasbro, Inc.. Invention is credited to David Bird.
Application Number | 20150017870 13/937330 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52277436 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150017870 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bird; David |
January 15, 2015 |
Motorcycle Toy Building Element
Abstract
A motorcycle building element includes a main body frame
defining a longitudinal axis along which the main body frame
extends and removably insertable wheel assemblies. The main body
frame includes a plurality of standard coupling elements having a
standard coupling size for connecting to other building elements of
a toy construction set that is defined by a base unit; and a base
frame connecting a front wheel portion and a rear wheel portion,
the base frame including a base frame region defining a base width
that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the base width
being less than or equal to the base unit of the toy construction
set. The wheel assemblies include one wheel assembly inserted and
seated in the front wheel portion and one wheel assembly inserted
and seated in the rear wheel portion, the two wheel assemblies free
to rotate when inserted and seated.
Inventors: |
Bird; David; (Providence,
RI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hasbro, Inc. |
Pawtucket |
RI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52277436 |
Appl. No.: |
13/937330 |
Filed: |
July 9, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/124 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 17/264 20130101;
A63H 17/002 20130101; A63H 17/262 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/124 |
International
Class: |
A63H 17/26 20060101
A63H017/26 |
Claims
1. A toy vehicle assembly comprising: a motorcycle including: a
main body frame including: two front forks, each front fork
including a member with a hole; two rear suspensions, each rear
suspension including a member with a hole; a passenger seat portion
connected between the rear suspensions including a cylindrical stud
formed on a surface of the passenger seat portion having an outer
diameter of a first standard coupling size; and a base frame
connected between the front forks and the rear suspensions
including a cylindrical stud having an outer diameter of the first
standard coupling size; and two removably, insertable wheel
assemblies including one wheel assembly inserted and seated in the
holes between the two front forks and one wheel assembly seated in
the holes between the rear suspensions, the two wheel assemblies
free to rotate around an axis formed by the holes.
2. The toy vehicle assembly of claim 1 wherein each wheel assembly
comprises: a generally cylindrical wheel hub build element
including: two rim faces substantially parallel to each other; a
sidewall formed between the rim faces including a channel; and two
axles extending from the center of the rim faces along an axis
orthogonal to the rim faces; and a tire build element removably
seated in the channel of the wheel hub build element.
3. The toy vehicle assembly of claim 1 wherein the base frame
connected between the front forks and rear suspensions comprises: a
top surface; two side walls extending orthogonally from the top
surface, apart and parallel to each other, the two side walls
defining a hollow area between the side walls and under the top
surface; two cylindrical studs extending orthogonally from the top
surface into the hollow area between the two side walls; and a
recess formed in the hollow area between the two side walls and
between the two cylindrical studs having dimensions to couple with
a cylindrical stud having an outer diameter of the first stand
coupling size in a friction fit, wherein the cylindrical stud of
the base frame is formed on the top surface of the base frame.
4. The toy vehicle assembly of claim 1 further comprising two toy
micro-figures, each toy micro-figure comprising: a head part; an
upper body part; two arm parts; and a lower body part, the lower
body part including a recess having dimensions to couple with a
cylindrical stud having an outer diameter of the first stand
coupling size in a friction fit, wherein a lower body part of the
first of the two toy micro-figures is coupled with the cylindrical
stud of the passenger seat portion and a lower body part of the
second of the two toy micro-figures is coupled with the cylindrical
stud of the base frame.
5. The toy vehicle assembly of claim 3 further comprising a
1.times.A plate or brick build element, wherein A is a natural
number greater than 2, the plate or brick including A number of
cylindrical studs formed on a top surface of the plate or brick,
each cylindrical stud having an outer diameter of the first
standard coupling size, wherein the recess formed in the hollow
area between the two side walls and between the two cylindrical
studs is coupled with one of the cylindrical studs on the top
surface of the 1.times.A plate or brick.
6. The toy vehicle assembly of claim 3 further comprising a
B.times.A plate or brick build element wherein B is a natural
number and A is a natural number greater than 4, the plate or brick
including B.times.A number of cylindrical studs formed on a top
surface of the B.times.A plate or brick in a pattern of B columns
and A rows, each cylindrical stud having an outer diameter of the
first standard coupling size, wherein each wheel assembly is
removed from the main body frame and the recess formed in the
hollow area between the two side walls and between the two
cylindrical studs is coupled with one of the cylindrical studs on
the top surface of the B.times.A plate or brick and wherein each
member of the front forks and the rear suspension includes a small
flat that is seated on the top surface of the B.times.A plate or
brick.
7. The toy vehicle assembly of claim 4 wherein the base frame
includes a recess on a bottom side opposite the top side having
dimensions to couple with a cylindrical stud having an outer
diameter of the first stand coupling size in a friction fit and
when the main body frame with the wheel assemblies removed is
attached to a plate or brick using the recess, the top surface of
the base frame upon which a toy micro-figure attaches is located at
a distance from the plate or brick to which the main body frame is
attached equal to the thickness of one plate.
8. The toy vehicle assembly of claim 4 wherein the main body frame
has a length and an axis parallel to the length and the cylindrical
stud on the surface of the passenger seat portion is formed at an
angle .theta. relative to the axis parallel to the length inclined
toward the front forks, wherein the angle .theta. is less than 9
degrees wherein when the two toy micro-figures are attached to the
main body frame of the vehicle assembly the first toy micro-figure
inclines towards the first toy micro-figures but does not interfere
with the first toy micro-figure.
9. The toy vehicle assembly of claim 4 wherein a top surface of the
base frame upon which a toy micro-figure attaches is located at a
distance from a surface upon which the wheel assemblies sit equal
to the thickness of two plates.
10. The toy vehicle assembly of claim 4, wherein the main body
frame includes two cylindrical like exhaust pipes positioned on
opposite sides of the seat portion having a partial diameter of a
second coupling size allowing either exhaust pipe to be gripped by
a hand portion of the toy micro-figure with a snap fit.
11. The toy vehicle assembly of claim 1, wherein the overall length
of the main body frame is slightly less than that of a 1.times.5
plate or brick build element, wherein 5 is the number of
cylindrical studs formed on a surface of the plate or brick.
12. The toy vehicle assembly of claim 1, wherein the overall height
of the main body frame with the wheel assemblies attached is
slightly less than the combined height of two bricks and one plate
stacked not including the height of any cylindrical studs formed on
a surface of the top plate or brick.
13. The toy vehicle assembly of claim 1, wherein the overall height
of the main body frame with the wheel assemblies removed is
slightly less than the combined height of two bricks stacked not
including the height of any cylindrical studs formed on a surface
of the top brick.
14. A motorcycle building element comprising: a main body frame
defining a longitudinal axis along which the main body frame
extends, the main body frame comprising: a plurality of standard
coupling elements having a standard coupling size for connecting to
other building elements of a toy construction set that is defined
by a base unit; a front wheel portion positioned along a front end
of the main body frame; a rear wheel portion positioned along a
rear end of the main body frame; and a base frame connecting the
front wheel portion and the rear wheel portion, the base frame
including a base frame region defining a base width that is
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the base width being less
than or equal to the base unit of the toy construction set, the
base frame also including a driver seat portion having at least a
coupling element; and two removably, insertable wheel assemblies
including one wheel assembly inserted and seated in the front wheel
portion and one wheel assembly inserted and seated in the rear
wheel portion, the two wheel assemblies free to rotate around an
axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and parallel
with the base width.
15. The motorcycle of claim 14, wherein the main body frame
comprises a plurality of second coupling elements having a second
coupling size.
16. The motorcycle of claim 14, wherein one or more of the front
wheel portion and the rear wheel portion define a maximum width
that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the maximum width
being less than or equal to two times the base unit of the toy
construction set.
17. The motorcycle of claim 14, wherein the base frame includes at
least one coupling element within the base frame region.
18. The motorcycle of claim 14, wherein one or more of the front
wheel portion and the rear wheel portion include at least one
coupling element.
19. A toy building set comprising: a plurality of building elements
having standard coupling elements having standard coupling size;
and a motorcycle building element comprising: a main body frame
defining a longitudinal axis along which the main body frame
extends, the main body frame comprising: a plurality of standard
coupling elements having a standard coupling size for connecting to
other building elements of a toy construction set that is defined
by a base unit; a front wheel portion positioned along a front end
of the main body frame; a rear wheel portion positioned along a
rear end of the main body frame; and a base frame connecting the
front wheel portion and the rear wheel portion, the base frame
including a base frame region defining a base width that is
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the base width being less
than or equal to the base unit of the toy construction set, the
base frame also including a driver seat portion having at least a
coupling element; and two removably, insertable wheel assemblies
including one wheel assembly inserted and seated in the front wheel
portion and one wheel assembly inserted and seated in the rear
wheel portion, the two wheel assemblies free to rotate around an
axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and parallel
with the base width.
20. The toy building set of claim 19 further comprising two toy
micro-figures, each toy micro-figure comprising: a head part; an
upper body part; two arm parts; and a lower body part, the lower
body part including a recess having dimensions to couple with a
cylindrical stud having an outer diameter of the first stand
coupling size in a friction fit, wherein a lower body part of each
of the two toy micro-figures is coupled with one of the standard
coupling elements of the motorcycle building element.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The disclosed subject matter relates to combinable toy
elements.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Children and adults enjoy interacting with and collecting
toys. Toys that may be assembled, disassembled, reassembled, and
reconfigured are historically popular and educational. These toys
help develop hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and
stimulate creativity while providing endless hours of enjoyment and
entertainment for children and adults alike.
[0003] In particular, construction toys that include interlocking
and connecting plastic building elements promote creative and
imaginative play by end users. Typically, plastic building elements
attach to each other or interlock using an array of small
cylindrical bumps or "studs" on the top surface of one building
element that fit into an array of holes or recesses on the bottom
surface of another building element. In general, the size and
spacing of the studs and holes are standardized to enable
attachment among various types of building elements and accessories
that can be included in one or more construction toy kits.
[0004] A construction toy kit can include a standard set of pieces
that allow end users to design and create a variety of different
constructs. A construction toy kit also may provide instructions
for using certain pieces to build a particular construct. In some
cases, construction toy kits can be associated with particular
themes for assembling constructs representing historical,
contemporary, futuristic, or fictional structures.
[0005] In addition to building elements, construction toy kits
often include small plastic toy figures to enhance play. Typically,
the toy figures are about 1.5 inches tall and include head, arms,
hands, torso, waists, and legs parts. The toy figures may represent
characters associated with a particular theme and generally are
structured to connect to the building elements and carry
accessories, such as small plastic tools.
SUMMARY
[0006] In one general aspect, a toy vehicle assembly includes a
motorcycle and two removably, insertable wheel assemblies. The
motorcycle includes a main body frame including two front forks,
each front fork including a member with a hole; two rear
suspensions, each rear suspension including a member with a hole; a
passenger seat portion connected between the rear suspensions
including a cylindrical stud formed on a surface of the passenger
seat portion having an outer diameter of a first standard coupling
size; and a base frame connected between the front forks and the
rear suspensions including a cylindrical stud having an outer
diameter of the first standard coupling size. The two removably,
insertable wheel assemblies include one wheel assembly inserted and
seated in the holes between the two front forks and one wheel
assembly seated in the holes between the rear suspensions, the two
wheel assemblies free to rotate around an axis formed by the
holes.
[0007] Implementations can include one or more of the following
features. For example, each wheel assembly can include a generally
cylindrical wheel hub build element including two rim faces
substantially parallel to each other; a sidewall formed between the
rim faces including a channel; and two axles extending from the
center of the rim faces along an axis orthogonal to the rim faces.
Each wheel assembly can include a tire build element removably
seated in the channel of the wheel hub build element.
[0008] The base frame connected between the front forks and rear
suspensions can include a top surface; two side walls extending
orthogonally from the top surface, apart and parallel to each
other, the two side walls defining a hollow area between the side
walls and under the top surface; two cylindrical studs extending
orthogonally from the top surface into the hollow area between the
two side walls; and a recess formed in the hollow area between the
two side walls and between the two cylindrical studs having
dimensions to couple with a cylindrical stud having an outer
diameter of the first stand coupling size in a friction fit,
wherein the cylindrical stud of the base frame is formed on the top
surface of the base frame.
[0009] The toy vehicle assembly can include two toy micro-figures.
Each toy micro-figure includes a head part; an upper body part; two
arm parts; and a lower body part, the lower body part including a
recess having dimensions to couple with a cylindrical stud having
an outer diameter of the first stand coupling size in a friction
fit, wherein a lower body part of the first of the two toy
micro-figures is coupled with the cylindrical stud of the passenger
seat portion and a lower body part of the second of the two toy
micro-figures is coupled with the cylindrical stud of the base
frame.
[0010] The toy vehicle assembly can include a 1.times.A plate or
brick build element, wherein A is a natural number greater than 2,
the plate or brick including A number of cylindrical studs formed
on a top surface of the plate or brick, each cylindrical stud
having an outer diameter of the first standard coupling size, and
the recess formed in the hollow area between the two side walls and
between the two cylindrical studs is coupled with one of the
cylindrical studs on the top surface of the 1.times.A plate or
brick.
[0011] The toy vehicle assembly can include a B.times.A plate or
brick build element, wherein B is a natural number and A is a
natural number greater than 4, the plate or brick including
B.times.A number of cylindrical studs formed on a top surface of
the B.times.A plate or brick in a pattern of B columns and A rows,
each cylindrical stud having an outer diameter of the first
standard coupling size, and each wheel assembly is removed from the
main body frame and the recess formed in the hollow area between
the two side walls and between the two cylindrical studs is coupled
with one of the cylindrical studs on the top surface of the
B.times.A plate or brick and wherein each member of the front forks
and the rear suspension includes a small flat that is seated on the
top surface of the B.times.A plate or brick.
[0012] The base frame can include a recess on a bottom side
opposite the top side having dimensions to couple with a
cylindrical stud having an outer diameter of the first stand
coupling size in a friction fit and when the main body frame with
the wheel assemblies removed is attached to a plate or brick using
the recess, the top surface of the base frame upon which a toy
micro-figure attaches is located at a distance from the plate or
brick to which the main body frame is attached equal to the
thickness of one plate.
[0013] The main body frame can have a length and an axis parallel
to the length and the cylindrical stud on the surface of the
passenger seat portion is formed at an angle .theta. relative to
the axis parallel to the length inclined toward the front forks,
wherein the angle .theta. is less than 9 degrees wherein when the
two toy micro-figures are attached to the main body frame of the
vehicle assembly the first toy micro-figure inclines towards the
first toy micro-figures but does not interfere with the first toy
micro-figure.
[0014] A top surface of the base frame upon which a toy
micro-figure attaches can be located at a distance from a surface
upon which the wheel assemblies sit equal to the thickness of two
plates.
[0015] The main body frame can include two cylindrical like exhaust
pipes positioned on opposite sides of the seat portion having a
partial diameter of a second coupling size allowing either exhaust
pipe to be gripped by a hand portion of the toy micro-figure with a
snap fit.
[0016] The overall length of the main body frame can be less than
that of a 1.times.5 plate or brick build element, where 5 is the
number of cylindrical studs formed on a surface of the plate or
brick.
[0017] The overall height of the main body frame with the wheel
assemblies attached can be less than the combined height of two
bricks and one plate stacked not including the height of any
cylindrical studs formed on a surface of the top plate or brick.
The overall height of the main body frame with the wheel assemblies
removed can be less than the combined height of two bricks stacked
not including the height of any cylindrical studs formed on a
surface of the top brick.
[0018] In other general aspects, a motorcycle building element
includes a main body frame defining a longitudinal axis along which
the main body frame extends. The main body frame includes a
plurality of standard coupling elements having a standard coupling
size for connecting to other building elements of a toy
construction set that is defined by a base unit; a front wheel
portion positioned along a front end of the main body frame; a rear
wheel portion positioned along a rear end of the main body frame;
and a base frame connecting the front wheel portion and the rear
wheel portion, the base frame including a base frame region
defining a base width that is perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis, the base width being less than or equal to the base unit of
the toy construction set, the base frame also including a driver
seat portion having at least a coupling element. The motorcycle
building element also includes two removably, insertable wheel
assemblies including one wheel assembly inserted and seated in the
front wheel portion and one wheel assembly inserted and seated in
the rear wheel portion, the two wheel assemblies free to rotate
around an axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and
parallel with the base width.
[0019] Implementations can include one or more of the following
features. For example, the main body frame can include a plurality
of second coupling elements having a second coupling size. One or
more of the front wheel portion and the rear wheel portion can
define a maximum width that is perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis, the maximum width being less than or equal to two times the
base unit of the toy construction set. The base frame can include
at least one coupling element within the base frame region. One or
more of the front wheel portion and the rear wheel portion can
include at least one coupling element.
[0020] In another general aspect, a toy building set includes a
plurality of building elements having standard coupling elements
having standard coupling size; and a motorcycle building element
that includes a main body frame defining a longitudinal axis along
which the main body frame extends and two removably, insertable
wheel assemblies. The main body frame includes a plurality of
standard coupling elements having a standard coupling size for
connecting to other building elements of a toy construction set
that is defined by a base unit; a front wheel portion positioned
along a front end of the main body frame; a rear wheel portion
positioned along a rear end of the main body frame; and a base
frame connecting the front wheel portion and the rear wheel
portion, the base frame including a base frame region defining a
base width that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the base
width being less than or equal to the base unit of the toy
construction set, the base frame also including a driver seat
portion having at least a coupling element. The two removably,
insertable wheel assemblies include one wheel assembly inserted and
seated in the front wheel portion and one wheel assembly inserted
and seated in the rear wheel portion, the two wheel assemblies free
to rotate around an axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis and parallel with the base width.
[0021] Implementations can include one or more of the following
features. For example, the toy building set can also include two
toy micro-figures, each toy micro-figure including a head part; an
upper body part; two arm parts; and a lower body part, the lower
body part including a recess having dimensions to couple with a
cylindrical stud having an outer diameter of the first stand
coupling size in a friction fit, wherein a lower body part of each
of the two toy micro-figures is coupled with one of the standard
coupling elements of the motorcycle building element.
[0022] Other features will be apparent from the description, the
drawings, and the claims.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary toy micro
figure.
[0024] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of exemplary constituent parts
of a toy micro figure.
[0025] FIG. 1C is a perspective view of an exemplary lower portion
of a toy micro figure.
[0026] FIG. 1D is a front view of an exemplary lower portion of a
toy micro figure.
[0027] FIG. 1E is a cutaway view of an exemplary lower portion of a
toy micro figure.
[0028] FIG. 1F is a bottom view an exemplary lower portion of a toy
micro figure.
[0029] FIG. 2A is a bottom view of an exemplary motorcycle body
build element.
[0030] FIG. 2B is a top view of an exemplary motorcycle body build
element.
[0031] FIG. 2C is a side view of an exemplary motorcycle body build
element.
[0032] FIG. 2D is a back view of an exemplary motorcycle body build
element.
[0033] FIG. 2E is a front view of an exemplary motorcycle body
build element.
[0034] FIG. 2F is a first top perspective view an exemplary
motorcycle body build element.
[0035] FIG. 2G is a second bottom perspective view an exemplary
motorcycle body build element.
[0036] FIG. 3A is a side view of an exemplary tire build
element.
[0037] FIG. 3B is a front/back view of an exemplary tire build
element.
[0038] FIG. 3C is a perspective view of an exemplary tire build
element.
[0039] FIG. 4A is a side view of an exemplary hub build
element.
[0040] FIG. 4B is a front/back view of an exemplary hub build
element.
[0041] FIG. 4C is a perspective view of an exemplary hub build
element.
[0042] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a wheel assembly.
[0043] FIG. 5B is a front/back cutaway view of a wheel
assembly.
[0044] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary motorcycle
assembly.
[0045] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an exemplary toy
assembly.
[0046] FIG. 7B is a side view of an exemplary toy assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0047] A toy construction system is described herein that includes
a toy vehicle for use with small toy figures and standard toy
construction sets. The vehicle, small toy figures, and toy
construction sets include a number of elements (for example, parts,
pieces, and/or accessories), that may be assembled, disassembled,
reassembled, and reconfigured countless times and in different
configurations to provide hours of enjoyment, entertainment, and
creative stimulation. The vehicle may be used as a stand-alone toy,
as an assembly including one or more figures, and/or with one or
more standard toy construction kits or sets. The coupling elements
of the standard building elements of the toy construction system
are arranged within a two-dimensional array structure (that is in
an x-z plane) in which distances between centers of the coupling
elements taken along a direction that is parallel with either the x
or the z axis in the x-z plane are a standard unit, which is an
integer multiple of a base unit, BU. For example, a 1.times.3
standard building element (brick or plate) has three studs A, B,
and C arranged along the z axis where the center of stud A is 1 BU
from the center of stud B and 2 BUs from the center of stud C.
[0048] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7A, the toy construction system
includes a toy vehicle that is in the form of a motorcycle (such as
motorcycle assembly 600) and is designed with a small form factor
and the ability to have wheels that are free to rotate. In
particular, as discussed below, the form factor is small in that
the motorcycle has at least a base frame portion between front and
rear wheel portions, the base frame portion having a width that is
less than or equal to a base unit of the construction toy system.
Additionally, the motorcycle includes a plurality of coupling
elements to enable connection to other building elements, such as
toy figures, bricks, plates, and accessories, of the toy
construction system.
[0049] In general, the vehicle, toy figures, construction sets, and
their elements are designed and manufactured to have dimensions
that correspond to certain dimensions of a standard building
element, stud, coupling size, and/or accessory included in toy
construction kits or sets, (such as bricks, plates, and specialized
build elements and accessories). For instance, a standard building
element such as a 1.times.1 plate may have a length of 7.80 mm, a
width of 7.80 mm, and a height of 3.20 mm (not including the stud),
and a standard building element such as a 1.times.1 brick may have
a length of 7.80 mm, a width of 7.80 mm, and a height of 9.6 mm
(not including the stud).
[0050] Building elements also include one or more coupling
elements. Coupling elements of the standard building elements
include male coupling elements in the form of a coupling stud, and
female coupling elements in the form of a coupling recess that is
sized to receive the coupling stud. The male and female coupling
elements can have a first coupling size. For example, the first
coupling size of a standard coupling stud (that is on a surface of
a building element, such as a plate or brick) is defined by an
outside diameter of 4.88 mm and a height of 1.80 mm, and the
coupling recesses are sized to have an interference fit with the
coupling studs. There can be different types and configuration of
female recesses that mate with the first coupling size. For
example, in some configurations, the recesses may be circular,
partially circular with flats on multiple sides, square, or pronged
to name a few. The recesses may have varying depths; however, a
minimum depth may be provided to ensure proper coupling with the
male stud via an interference fit. In the implementations
described, the base unit of such a toy construction system is 8
mm.
[0051] An interference fit is a friction fit in which the
mechanical coupling or fastening between the coupling elements is
achieved by friction after the coupling elements are pushed
together, mated, seated, or otherwise mutually engaged. The
interference fit also may involve a purposeful interference or
deformation of one or more of the coupling elements when they are
coupled, fastened, pushed together, or otherwise mutually engaged.
Thus, the interference fit can be achieved by shaping the two
coupling elements so that one or the other, or both, slightly
deviate in size or form from their nominal dimension and one or
more of the coupling elements slightly interferes with the space
that the other is taking up.
[0052] A particular type of interference fit includes a snap-fit
where the element-to-element attachment is accomplished with a
locator component and a locking component that are homogenous with
one or the other of the elements being joined. Joining requires the
flexible locking component of one element to move or deform for
complete engagement with a mating element, followed by return of
the locking component toward its original position or form to
accomplish the interference required to couple, lock, and join the
components together. The locator component of the mating element
typically is inflexible, minimally or non-deforming so to provide
strength and stability to the attachment. In one example, two
coupling elements are engaged in a snap fit to form a mechanical
joint system wherein the build elements are able to be moved
relative to each other or configured in different positions while
the pieces remain mechanically joined or locked together.
[0053] A toy construction kit also can include other building
elements that include one or more accessory coupling elements that
have a second coupling size that is distinct from (for example,
smaller than) the first coupling size so that the accessory
coupling elements are not able to frictionally engage with the
coupling elements of the standard building elements of the first
size. For example, the second coupling size of standard
accessories, such as rods, handles, and guns that are held by toy
figures or placed within hollow cutout portions of standard sized
studs are defined by an outside diameter of 3.18 mm.
[0054] The parts and pieces that form the vehicle, small toy
figures, and construction kits, building elements, and any other
accessories can be formed from plastic, such as, for example,
acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), rubber, thermoplastic rubber
(TPR), or any other suitable material. While not shown, the pieces
that form the vehicle, small toy figures, and construction kits,
building elements, and any other accessories may be an assortment
of different colors and may be decorated in various ways, for
example, with paint, decals, stickers, etchings, imprints, to
represent a character or build associated with a particular theme,
real or imaginary, for example, according to a particular product
line.
[0055] The following description makes reference to special
relations in addition to directional orientations, such as views
with regard to the drawings. However, any terms such as up, down,
left, right, top, bottom, front, back, above, below, underneath,
upper, lower, and the like are used primarily to differentiate
between the views and orientations relative to other building
elements or pieces within any particular configuration, or series
of views or illustrations, and to help describe the relationship
between pieces to the reader. These terms are not intended to
describe necessary real world orientations, unless otherwise noted
or specified herein.
[0056] According to the examples and drawings described herein, the
vehicle is a vehicle having a shape or form that resembles a
powered, two wheeled, vehicle, such as a motorcycle, scooter, or
other powered bike, and is referred to generally herein as a
motorcycle. The vehicle is designed for use with one or more small
toy figures. In particular, the small toy figures are
micro-figures.
[0057] FIGS. 1A and 1B show an example of a toy micro-figure 10
that can be a part of the toy construction system, and its
assembly. As shown in FIG. 1A, the toy micro-figure 10 includes a
head part 20, an upper body part 40, arm parts 60, and a lower body
part 80. As shown in FIG. 1B, the assembly of the parts of the toy
micro-figure 10 includes mating parts that can be interconnected to
construct the toy micro-figure 10. The mating parts of the assembly
include the head part 20, the upper body part 40, the arm parts 60,
and the lower body part 80. Some of the mating parts of the
assembly are structured for friction fit attachment, which can be
an interference fit. In particular, each of the head part 20 and
the lower body part 80 is structured for friction fit attachment to
the upper body part 40. Each of the arm parts 60 is structured for
a snap fit with a seating engagement attachment to the upper body
part 40.
[0058] Each of the upper body part 40 and the lower body part 80 is
designed with one or more coupling elements of first and second
coupling sizes. In this way, the upper body part 40 and the lower
body part 80 can, in addition to being able to be attached to each
other and to the head part 20 and arm parts 60 (for the upper body
part 40), also be attached to standard building elements (having a
first coupling size) of the toy construction kit, accessories
(having a second coupling size) of the toy construction kit, or
both standard building elements and accessories. This enables the
body parts 40, 80 to be used with other pieces of the toy
construction kit, and in particular, a toy vehicle (as described
below) and promotes play and creativity on the part of the end
user.
[0059] In one or more implementations, each of the arm parts 60 is
designed and/or manufactured to have dimensions that correspond to
certain dimensions of a standard building element, stud, and/or
accessory included in a construction toy kit. Each of the arm parts
60 includes a hand portion 61, a forearm portion 62, an elbow
portion 63, an upper arm portion 64, and a shoulder portion 65. The
center-to-center distance between each hand portion 61 may be 16.00
mm corresponding to the center-to-center distance between three
studs. The hand portion 61 can be structured to securely hold
standard 3.18 mm rods and/or accessories. For example, the hand
portion 61 may form a "C grip." The C grip of the hand portion 61
generally forms the shape of a C when viewed from above or below
and includes a generally cylindrical shape with a portion of one
wall missing to form an opening along the length of the cylinder
providing access to a hollow, interior portion. The diameter of the
hollow, interior portion of cylinder is the same as the second
coupling size and is formed to mate with a rod, handle, or other
building element of the second coupling size using an interference
fit. In one example, the diameter of the interior is 3.18 mm. The
width of the opening is 2.8 mm. Build elements may be inserted into
the C grip until a sufficient portion of the surface of the
building element is inserted to establish the interference fit. The
C grip also may engage a rod having a diameter of the second
coupling size by laying the rod against the opening with the
longitudinal axis of the rod aligned in parallel with the
longitudinal axis of the cylinder, and pressing the rod between the
opening causing the sides of the cylinder to slightly deform
outward from the cylinder until the rod is seated in the hollow
interior portion with a snap fit.
[0060] Each of the forearm portion 62, the elbow portion 63, and
the upper arm portion 64 of one of the arm parts 60 can have a
standard 3.18 mm diameter for allowing such portions to be held by
a hand portion 61 of a different one of the arm parts as well as by
other types of holding pieces included in construction toy kits
with a snap fit.
[0061] FIGS. 1C-1F further illustrate a lower body part 80
according to one or more implementations. Referring to FIG. 1C, the
lower body part 80 includes a rod portion 81, a stud portion 82, a
legs portion 83, and a feet portion 84, and it can be designed
and/or manufactured as a unitary workpiece. In one or more
implementations, the legs portion 83 represents both legs of the
toy micro-figure 10, and the feet portion 84 represents both feet
of the toy micro-figure 10. Thus, when the lower body part 80 is
implemented as a unitary workpiece, the rod portion 81, the stud
portion 82, the legs portion 83, and the feet portion 84 do not
permit movement relative to each other. As shown, the rod portion
81, the stud portion 82, the legs portion 83, and the feet portion
84 can optionally have various rounded corners and edges.
[0062] In one or more implementations, the rod portion 81 and the
stud portion 82 are formed as solid structures to be received by
the lower body part 40 (shown in FIG. 1A, for example). The stud
portion 82 protrudes from a top surface 85 of the legs portion 83,
and the rod portion 81 protrudes from the stud portion 82. As
shown, the legs portion 83 can have curved or angled front and rear
surfaces and substantially flat side surfaces that are coplanar
with substantially flat side surfaces of the feet portion 84.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 1D, the lower body part 80 is designed
and/or manufactured to have dimensions that correspond to certain
dimensions of a standard building element, stud, and/or accessory
included in a construction toy kit. The rod portion 81 can have an
outer diameter of 3.18 mm corresponding to the diameter of standard
rod or accessory of the second coupling size, and the stud portion
82 can have an outer diameter of 4.88 mm corresponding to the
diameter of standard stud of the first coupling size. The
combination of the legs portion 83 and the feet portion 84 can have
a height dimension of 6.40 mm corresponding to the height of two
standard building element plates. The stud portion 82 can have a
height dimension of 1.80 mm corresponding to the height of standard
stud. The combination of the rod portion 81 and the stud portion 82
can have a height of 5.00 mm as measured from the top of the legs
portion 83. As such, the top of the rod portion 81 lines up with
the top of a stud on an adjacent stack of three plates. The base
portion can have a length dimension of 7.80 mm and a width
dimension of 7.80 mm to provide a footprint equivalent to a
standard building element (for example, a 1.times.1 brick or
plate).
[0064] FIG. 1E illustrates a sectional view of the lower body part
80 based on the cutting plane shown in FIG. 1D. In particular, FIG.
1E illustrates an interior view of the legs portion 83 and the feet
portion 84. In one or more implementations, the interior geometry
of the lower body part 80 allows for connection with a standard
stud on a building elements as wells as a standard 3.18 mm rod or
another lower body part 80. As shown, the interior of the lower
body part 80 includes an upper cavity 86 and a lower cavity 87. The
upper cavity 86 longitudinally extends (that is, along the
longitudinal axis 100) within the legs portion 83 and the feet
portion 84, and is sized to receive a standard 3.18 mm rod or the
rod portion 81 of another lower body part 80. The lower cavity
longitudinally extends within the feet portion 87 and is sized to
receive a standard stud or the stud portion 82 of another lower
body part 80.
[0065] FIG. 1F illustrates a bottom view of the lower body part 80.
As shown, a bottom surface 88 of the feet portion 84 defines a
single opening 89 into the interior of the lower body part 80. The
opening 89 communicates with the lower cavity 87 and allows the
feet portion 84 to attach to a standard building element (for
example, a brick or a plate) via only a single stud on the building
element. As shown, longitudinal flats can be formed in the interior
surfaces of the legs portion 83 and the feet portion 84, which
define, respectively, the lower cavity 87 and the upper cavity 86.
Moreover, the longitudinal flats can be positioned and dimensioned
based on the standard dimensions of structures to be received in
the lower cavity 87 and the upper cavity 86.
[0066] The toy micro-figure 10 is described in further detail in
U.S. application Ser. No. 13/762,469 filed Feb. 8, 2013, and titled
"Toy Figure Assembly," which is incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety for all purposes.
[0067] FIGS. 2A-2F show an example of a toy motorcycle build
element for use with the toy micro-figures 10 within a toy
construction system. The toy motorcycle build element is a
partially symmetrical, three dimensional build element that is
constructed as unitary piece. As shown in FIGS. 2A-F, one half the
motorcycle build element minors the other half of the motorcycle
build element through the x-y plane.
[0068] The motorcycle build element includes a main body frame 200.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the main body frame 200 includes several
portions including a front portion 201, a rear portion 203, and a
frame base 205 between and connecting the front portion 201 and the
rear portion 203. The main body frame 200 and its several portions
are shaped to resemble features and elements of a motorcycle. The
front portion 201 includes: two front forks 210, a center console
215, a front fender 220, handlebars 225, and a headlight 230. The
rear portion 203 includes two rear suspensions 240, a rear fender
243, exhaust pipes 245, and a rear passenger's seat portion 247.
The frame base 205 also includes a driver's seat.
[0069] The front portion 201 includes two front forks 210 that
extend from the front of the main body frame 200 and are shaped to
receive and hold a wheel assembly (described below). Each fork has
a shaft 261 with a disk shaped member 263 at the distal end. Each
disk 263 has a diameter corresponding to a standard building
dimension (for example 4.88 mm). In the center of each disk is a
front axle hole 265 configured to receive the axles posts of a
wheel hub build element (described below with regard to FIGS.
3A-C). The axle holes 265 may have a diameter of 1.47 mm. The
shafts 261 are slightly flexible/deformable such that the disks 263
can be slightly moved away from each other to accommodate insertion
and removal of the wheel hub build element between the forks and
allow the axles to be inserted into, seated, and removed from the
holes 265. The shafts are able to return to their original position
distance from each other to seat and hold the wheel hub build
element. Once inserted, the axles are free to turn in the holes 265
allowing the wheels to role and the toy motorcycle to move along a
surface. Each disk 263 may include a small flat portion 267 on the
bottom surface formed such that the flat portion 267 eliminates
interference when the main body frame 200 without wheels is
attached to a plate (as described below with regard to FIGS. 7A-D).
The distance between the two disks 263 of the front forks 210 is
sufficient to allow a wheel assembly to be seated and freely rotate
when inserted in between the forks (for example, a distance of 6.7
mm).
[0070] A center console 215 is formed between the front forks 210.
A front fender 220 is formed at the bottom of the console between
forks 210 and extends outward from the forks 210 and the console
215. The front fender 220 also is curved and formed at an inner
radius of X (for example, at about 6.9 mm) from the center holes
265 of the disks 263 allowing free rotation of a properly seated
wheel assembly.
[0071] A pair of handle bars 225 extend outward from the center
console 215. The handlebars 225 are formed along a longitudinal
axis 271 that passes through the console at the top of the front
forks orthogonal to the length of the main body frame 200. The
handlebars 225 are generally cylindrical having a diameter of a
second coupling size (for example, 3.18 mm) and a length of 2.635
mm. As such the handle bars 225 can be gripped by the hand portion
61 of the toy micro-figure 10. At the top of the center console 215
is an instrument panel 275 (for example, a speedometer). The panel
275 is cylindrical having a diameter of the first coupling size
(for example, 4.88 mm).
[0072] Extending from the center console 215 above the fender 220
and between the handlebars 225 is a headlight 230. The headlight
230 includes a shroud 277 and a cylindrical stud 279 extending
outward from the shroud 277. The cylindrical stud 279 has an
exterior diameter of the first coupling size (for example, 4.88
mm). The cylindrical stud 279 also may include an opening 281 that
communicates with a hollow cavity 283 that allows the stud 279 to
receive a standard building element of the second coupling
dimension (for example, a rod having a diameter of 3.18 mm). The
hollow cavity extends to a depth sufficient to secure a building
element inserted therein (for example, a depth of at least 3.00
mm). The walls forming the hollow cavity may include a number of
longitudinal flats formed in the interior surfaces that define the
cavity. Moreover, the longitudinal flats can be positioned and
dimensioned based on the standard dimensions of structures to be
received in the cavity. For example, the distance between opposing
flats may be 3.04 mm.
[0073] The rear portion 203 includes two rear suspensions 240 that
extend from the rear of the main body frame 200 and are shaped to
receive and hold a rear wheel (described below). Each suspension
240 has a wall 285 with a disk shaped member 287 at the distal end.
Each disk 287 has a diameter corresponding to a standard building
dimension (for example 4.88 mm). In the center of each disk 287 is
a rear axle hole 289 configured to receive the axles of a wheel hub
(described below with regard to FIGS. 3A-C). The holes 289 may have
a diameter of 1.47 mm. The walls 285 are slightly
flexible/deformable such that the disks 287 can be slightly moved
away from each other to accommodate insertion and removal of the
wheel hub build element between the walls 285 and allow the axles
to be inserted into, seated, and removed from the holes 289. The
walls 285 are able to return to their original position distance
from each other to seat and hold the wheel hub build element. Once
inserted, the axles are free to turn in the holes 289 allowing the
wheels to role and the toy motorcycle to move along a surface. Each
disk 287 may include a small flat portion 290 on the bottom surface
formed such that the flat portion 290 eliminates interference when
the main body frame 200 without wheels is attached to a plate (as
described below with regard to FIG. 7D). The distance between the
two disks 287 of the rear suspensions 240 is sufficient to allow a
wheel assembly to be seated and freely rotate when inserted in
between the walls 285 (for example, a distance of 6.7 mm).
[0074] A rear fender 243 is formed between the rear suspensions
240. An exhaust or tailpipe 245 is formed on either side of the
rear fender 243. The tail pipe 245 has cylindrical like shape
forming 3/4 of a circle circumference with one corner 288 nearest
the main body frame 200 of the motorcycle. The 3/4 circumference
has a diameter of the second coupling size (for example, 3.18 mm)
allowing the exhaust pipes to be gripped, for example, by the hand
portion 61 of a toy micro-figure 10. The distance between the
centers of the tailpipes 245 may be 8 mm.
[0075] A seat portion 247 is provided between the exhaust pipes
245. A male stud 291 is formed on top of the seat portion 247
having a diameter of the first coupling size (for example,
4.88).
[0076] A frame base 205 connects the front portion 201 and the rear
portion 203 of the main body frame 200 of the motorcycle. The frame
base 205 is a generally rectangular box like portion having two
side walls 292 and a top surface 293. The width of the base frame
205 can be less than or equal to a base unit of the toy
construction system. In the implementation described herein, the
base unit is 8.00 mm. The length of the base frame 205 can be
approximately 11.84 mm if the base unit is 8.00 mm. The height of
the walls 292 of the frame base 205 may correspond to a standard
building dimension, such as the thickness of a plate (for example,
3.20 mm). The top surface 293 of the base frame 205 forms the
"driver" seat. A male stud 294 is formed on the top surface 293 to
form the driver's seat having an exterior diameter of the first
coupling size (for example, 4.88 mm). The interior of the
cylindrical stud 294 can be hollow creating a hole 295 that passes
all the way through the frame base 205 that allows the stud 294 to
receive a standard building element of the second coupling
dimension (for example, a rod with diameter 3.18 mm). The interior
side walls of the stud 294 forming the hole 295 may include a
number of longitudinal flats formed in the interior surfaces that
define the hole 295. Moreover, the longitudinal flats can be
positioned and dimensioned based on the standard dimensions of
structures to be received in the cavity. For example, the distance
between opposing flats may be 3.04 mm.
[0077] As shown in FIG. 2G, underneath the top surface 293 of the
frame base 205 is a hollow area 296 formed between the two side
walls 292. Extending from the underside of the top surface 293 into
the hollow area 296 are two cylindrical studs 298 having dimensions
so as to allow the frame base 205 to attach to a standard building
element, such as a plate or a brick, in one of several
configurations (discussed in more detail below with regard to FIGS.
7A, B, and D). For example, the exterior diameters of the studs 298
may be 3.00 mm with a height of 1.8 mm. The studs 298 may be spaced
8 mm on center.
[0078] Two partial cylinders or small partial studs 297 are formed
at the junction of the frame base 205 and the rear portion 203. The
studs 297 extend orthogonally from beyond each side wall 292 of the
frame base 205 by approximately 1.2 mm and have a diameter of the
second coupling dimension (for example, 3.18 mm) allowing them to
be gripped, for example, by the hand portion 61 of the toy
micro-figures 10.
[0079] In addition, the front and rear portions may include two cut
out portions 299 having diameters of the second coupling dimension
(for example, 3.18 mm) spaced 8.00 mm on center.
[0080] FIGS. 3A-3C show an exemplary wheel hub build element 300.
FIG. 3A is a side view of the exemplary hub build element 300. FIG.
3B is a front/back view of the exemplary hub build element. FIG. 3C
is a perspective view of the exemplary hub build element 300.
[0081] The wheel hub build element 300 is a symmetrical, three
dimensional building element that is constructed as a unitary
piece. As shown in FIGS. 3A-C, one half the wheel hub build element
300 minors the other half of the wheel hub build element 300
through the x-y plane. The wheel hub build element 300 is formed as
a generally cylindrical like element having two substantially
co-planar rims 301 arranged opposite each other and parallel to the
x-y plane and one contoured "side" wall 305. The face of each rim
301 may include details in relief, such as, for example spokes 310.
Each rim 301 has an outer diameter of 8.1 mm. The wheel hub build
element 300 has a thickness of 5.89 mm between the rims 301. The
contoured side wall 305 includes a channel 315 or grove that angles
inward from the rims 301 to provide a narrower inner diameter at
the base of the channel 315.
[0082] Extending outward along an axis (for example, the "z" axis)
orthogonal to the center of each rim 301 is an axle post 317. The
diameter and length of each axle post 317 is sized to fit in the
holes 265, 289 of the disks 263, 287 and seat the wheel hub build
element 300 between the front forks 210 or the rear suspension 240
of the main body frame 200 of the motorcycle and allow the wheel
hub build element 300 to freely rotate within the holes. For
example, the diameter of the post is 1.37 mm, which allows the
axle, when inserted and snapped into the axle holes 265 and 289, to
spin freely.
[0083] FIGS. 4A-4C show an exemplary tire build element 400. FIG.
4A is a side view of the exemplary tire build element 400. FIG. 4B
is a front/back view of the exemplary tire build element 400. FIG.
4C is a perspective view of the exemplary tire build element 400.
The tire build element 400 is a symmetrical (with the exception of
the tread), three dimensional building element that is constructed
as a unitary piece. The tire build element 400 is a ring or torus
like element that is made from a flexible material with elastic
properties sufficient for the tire build element 400 to be
stretched over the rim of the wheel hub build element 300 and
combined with the wheel hub build element 300 to form a wheel
assembly (as described below with regard to FIGS. 5A and B). The
tire build element 500 may be formed of TPR. The exterior surface
401 of the tire build element 400 may include treads 403. The
interior circumference 405 includes a raised ridge 407 of narrower
diameter to engage with and seat the tire in the channel 315 of the
wheel hub build element 300 to prevent the tire from disengaging
from the wheel hub build element 300 during play when wheel
assembly is used as a wheel of the motorcycle.
[0084] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an example of a wheel assembly
500. FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the wheel assembly, and FIG.
5B is a cutaway of the wheel assembly showing seating of the raised
ridge 407 of the tire build element 400 in the channel 315 of the
wheel hub build element 300. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the
interior circumference 405 of the tire build element 400 is
stretched to fit over a rim 301 of the wheel hub build element 300
and then relaxed and adjusted to seat the raised ridge 407 in the
channel 315 of the wheel hub build element 300 to form the wheel
assembly 500.
[0085] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary motorcycle
assembly 600. As shown in FIG. 6, the wheel assemblies 500 of FIG.
5 have been seated in the axle holes 265, 289 of the motorcycle
main body frame 200 to create the motorcycle assembly 600. The
wheel assemblies 500 may be inserted and removed from the axle
holes axel holes 265, 289, as described above. In addition, once
inserted and seated in the axle holes 265, 289, the wheel
assemblies 500 may freely rotate allowing the motorcycle to roll
over surfaces, for example, during play.
[0086] FIGS. 7A-D show various assemblies and configurations of
using the toy vehicle or motorcycle assembly 600. FIG. 7A is a
perspective view of an exemplary toy vehicle assembly 700. FIG. 7B
is a side view of the exemplary toy vehicle assembly in FIG. 7A. As
shown, one or more toy micro-figures 10 can be attached to the
motorcycle assembly 600. In the example shown in the FIGS. 7A and
7B, two micro-figures 10 are attached to the motorcycle main body
frame 200 to create the toy vehicle assembly 700. For example, the
motorcycle is designed to accommodate one toy micro-figure 10 in
the driver's seat and one toy micro-figure 10 in the passenger's
seat.
[0087] As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the lower cavity 87 of the
lower body part 80 of the toy micro-figures 10 is seated on the
cylindrical studs 291 and 294 with a friction fit. As shown in FIG.
7B, the passenger seat portion 247 and cylindrical male stud 291
may be formed at an angle A relative to the base plane (i.e., the
x-z plane) that allows one toy micro-figure 10 to be seated on the
male stud 291 of the passenger seat to be inclined towards the
driver seat and not interfere with a toy micro-figure 10 seated on
the male stud 294 of the driver seat. For example, the angle
.theta. is formed at no more than 8 degrees so that the toy
micro-figure 10 attached to the rear seat does not interfere with
the toy micro-figure 10 in the driver seat.
[0088] In addition, FIGS. 7A and 7B show the motorcycle assembly
600 mounted on a plate 701 (for example, a 1.times.3 plate). The
recess formed in the hollow area 296 by the two cylindrical studs
298 of the frame base 205 engage in a friction fit with the center
stud (not shown) of the 1.times.3 plate 701 to form a "kick-stand"
allowing the vehicle assembly to remain stable and upright on a
flat surface 703 when used hands-free. In this configuration, the
wheels 500 of the vehicle assembly 600 do not touch the surface 703
and are free to rotate.
[0089] FIG. 7C shows an example 720 of a toy vehicle assembly (the
motorcycle with wheels attached) placed on a flat surface 703. In
this example, the toy micro-figure 10 attached to the driver seat
(stud 294) sits at a height 725 of two plates high (for example,
6.40 mm) from the flat surface. In this configuration, the vehicle
assembly is able to roll across the surface 703 as the wheel
assemblies 500 rotate. In addition, the overall height of the toy
motorcycle 600 with the wheels assemblies 500 attached is slightly
less than two bricks and one plate stacked (not including any studs
on the top brick or plate).
[0090] FIG. 7D shows an example 730 in which the main body frame
200 is attached to a building plate 735. In the example shown, the
main body frame 200 without wheels is seated directly on the
building plate 735. As shown in FIG. 7D, the recess formed in the
hollow area 296 of the frame base 205 by the two cylindrical studs
298 and side walls 292 engage in a friction fit with the studs 740
of the base plate 735 to mount the main body frame 200 on the base
plate 735. In addition, the small flats 267, 290 on the bottom of
each disk 263, 287 sit directly on the building plate 735 allowing
the recess to engage is a strong friction fit with the studs 740 of
the base plate 735.
[0091] In this example, when the main body frame 200 (without its
wheels) is attached to the plate 735, a toy micro-figure 10 (not
shown) attached to the driver seat (stud 294) sits at a height 745
of one plate high (for example, 3.20 mm) from the top surface of
the plate 735. The overall length 750 of the main body frame 200 is
slightly less than that of a 1.times.5 brick or plate (for example,
39.0 mm). The overall height 755 of the main body frame 200 without
the wheels assemblies 500 attached is slightly less than the height
of two bricks 760 stacked (for example, 19.2 mm (not including any
studs of the top brick).
[0092] Although the example 730 shows the main body frame 200
attached to a plate, the main body frame 200 also may attach in a
similar manner to one or more bricks.
[0093] A number of exemplary implementations have been described.
Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may
be made. Suitable results may be achieved if the steps of described
techniques are performed in a different order and/or if components
in a described components, architecture, or devices are combined in
a different manner and/or replaced or supplemented by other
components. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope
of the following claims.
* * * * *