U.S. patent application number 14/052951 was filed with the patent office on 2015-04-16 for plaything.
This patent application is currently assigned to TOY STORY CO., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is TOY STORY CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Mi Jung JUNG.
Application Number | 20150104992 14/052951 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52810051 |
Filed Date | 2015-04-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150104992 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
JUNG; Mi Jung |
April 16, 2015 |
PLAYTHING
Abstract
A plaything including unit blocks connected to each other using
a connection tube is provided. Each unit block includes a spherical
capsule and a plurality of connection members protruding at regular
angular intervals from the surface of the spherical capsule. A
shock detector emitting light in response to an external shock is
installed inside the unit block. When connecting the unit blocks,
the connection members of different unit blocks are inserted into
the same connection tube from opposite directions. A structure
formed by only one unit block or by connecting two or more unit
blocks may be used as an educational tool or a shaking tool shaken
in a manner of jig fishing.
Inventors: |
JUNG; Mi Jung; (Yongin-si,
KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TOY STORY CO., LTD. |
Seoul |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
TOY STORY CO., LTD.
Seoul
KR
|
Family ID: |
52810051 |
Appl. No.: |
14/052951 |
Filed: |
October 14, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/91 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/108 20130101;
A63H 33/042 20130101; A63H 33/102 20130101; A63H 33/103
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/91 |
International
Class: |
A63H 33/04 20060101
A63H033/04 |
Claims
1. A plaything comprising; two or more unit blocks connected to
each other, each unit block including a spherical capsule having an
inside space and a plurality of connection members integrally
formed with the spherical capsule and protruding from a surface of
the spherical capsule; a shock detector installed in the unit block
and including a light-emitting device for emitting light, a sensor
member for detecting a shock applied to the unit block and causing
electric power to be supplied to the light-emitting device when a
shock is detected, and a battery supplying the electric power; a
connection tube made of a flexible elastic material and having a
through hole extending in a longitudinal direction of the
connection tube, wherein the unit blocks are connected to each
other such that one of the connection members of one unit block and
one of the connection members of another unit block are inserted
into the connection tube from opposite directions.
2. The plaything according to claim 1, wherein the connection tube
is made of rubber or synthetic resin.
3. The plaything according to claim 1, wherein the spherical
capsule is made to foe divided into two hemispherical parts.
4. The plaything according to claim 1, wherein a ring-shaped groove
is formed in a middle portion of the surface of the spherical
capsule arid a connection hand, on which the connection members are
formed at regular intervals, is inserted into the ring-shaped
groove.
5. The plaything according to claim 1, wherein the unit block is a
single body of a resin composition obtained by reacting PVA and
boric acid, and the shock detector is embedded in the resin
composition.
6. The plaything according to claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional
shape of the unit block is a circle, a triangle, or a rectangle.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a plaything, and more
particularly to a plaything including one or more unit blocks, each
including a spherical capsule, a plurality of connection members
protruding at regular angular intervals from, the surface of the
capsule, and tubes enclosing the connection members, and a shock
detector emitting light in response to an external shock, in which
the unit blocks are connected to form a structure serving as an
educational tool or a shaking tool which is shaken in a manner of
jig fishing or each unit block solely serving as an educational
tool or a shaking tool shaken in a manner of jig fishing.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Generally, block puzzles are used to have fun and improve a
user's intelligent creativity. Unit blocks of the puzzle blocks
have various forms and are generally connected to each other by
surface contact without using a coupling means.
[0005] The block puzzle, illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, is developed
as a three-dimensional puzzle game which is improved compared with
a two-dimensional puzzle game such as a jigsaw puzzle. The detailed
structure and principle of the three-dimensional block puzzle will
he described below. The block puzzle is composed of a plurality of
polygonal unit blocks colored in various colors. The unit clocks
are combined to form various images such as letters and
numbers.
[0006] When assembling the unit blocks, the unit blocks come in
surface contact with each other to form, a three-dimensional
object. At this time, images marked on the surfaces of the unit
blocks may be used for proper arrangement of the unit blocks. For
example, letters may be inscribed in the surfaces of the unit
blocks and the unit blocks may be assembled to form a desired word
or sentence.
[0007] The block puzzle does not include coupling means as its
elements. Accordingly, the desired structure can be made only by
stacking the unit blocks and thus it is difficult, to form various
structures. Furthermore, after the desired structure is completely
formed, the structure may easily collapse because of the absence of
a coupling means. Accordingly, it is difficult to maintain the
block puzzle in the assembled state and it is difficult to use the
assembled structure as an ornament.
[0008] For this reason, the conventional block puzzle was used only
by children and failed to interest teenagers and adults.
Furthermore, since a set of the block puzzle includes about 100
unit blocks, cost for preparing injection molds for unit blocks was
high, which increases production cost.
[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, Korean
Patent Publication No, 2011-87603 proposes an LSD assembly block
and a display device using the same. The assembly block disclosed
in Korean Patent Publication No. 2011-87603 includes polyhedral
objects as unit blocks. Each unit block has more than one surface.
The bottom surface and any one surface of the other surfaces have
fixing protrusions and the other surfaces have a fixing recess with
a recessed surface. The fixing protrusions on one surface of one
unit block are fitted into the fixing recess on one surface of
another unit block. In this way, a plurality of unit blocks axe
assembled to produce a desired three-dimensional shape. A terminal
module including a power terminal and a data terminal is installed
in
[0010] j each surface of the unit block. In addition, LED lamps
displaying red, green, and blue rays are installed in the surfaces
of each unit block other than the surfaces in which the fixing
protrusions are formed.
[0011] Each unit block of the block disclosed in Korean Patent
Publication No. 2011-87603 has a rectangular surface. Accordingly,
it is difficult to achieve an arrangement for forming a sphere, an
arrangement for expressing a curve, and a spatial arrangement using
the block. In order to solve this problem, i.e., to eliminate the
difficulty in achieving the spatial arrangement or expression of a
curved shape, Korean Utility Model Registration No. 414572 proposes
a puzzle block comprised of magnetic rods and marbles.
[0012] Korean Utility Model Registration No. 414572 discloses a
puzzle block including magnetized metallic rods arid marbles as
unit blocks. Korean Utility Model Registration No. 435040 discloses
a puzzle block including spherical objects as unit blocks in which
each spherical object has a recess at one position and a protrusion
at another position in the object. The unit blocks are coupled in
such a mariner that the protrusion of one unit block is inserted
into the recess of another unit block. This puzzle block is used as
an educational tool for expressing chemical structures or molecular
structures. This puzzle block has the advantage that it is possible
to form a spherical model or a building model and to achieve a
spatial arrangement of unit blocks. However, the puzzle block also
has the disadvantage of requiring connection members which are bent
or bendable at a predetermined angle when expressing molecular
structures and spherical objects or when achieving the spatial
arrangement. When the connection members are missing, it is
difficult to form three-dimensional models.
[0013] After the unit blocks are assembled to express molecular
structures, spherical models, or other forms of three-dimensional
models, the user can play with the assembled structure or model
during day times or under light, but cannot play during night times
at which light does not exist. And, the puzzle block is plain in
terms of visual effect.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in
mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object
of the present invention is to provide a plaything having the
following features: first, the plaything includes unit blocks, each
including a spherical capsule and a plurality of connection members
protruding at regular angular intervals from a surface of the
spherical capsule, a shock detector which emits a light ray in
response to an external shock, and tubes that enclose the
connection members. More than one unit block is coupled to form
objects which can be used as educational tools or shaking fools
shaken in a manner of jig fishing; second, when the unit blocks are
assembled to form an educational tool expressing chemical
structures or molecular structures, a three-dimensional model such
as a ball shape, a building shape, and an animal shape, or to form
a shaking tool shaken in a manner of jig fishing, since the
connection members for connecting the unit blocks to each other are
flexible, it is easy to form objects having various shapes without
limitations in terms of angles; and third, because the shock
detector which emits a right ray in response to a shock applied is
installed inside the unit block, the plaything can be used daring
night times as well as day times, and has an advantage in terms of
visual effect.
[0015] According to one aspect, a plaything includes; one or more
unit blocks, each unit block including a spherical capsule having
an inside space and a plurality of connection members protruding
from, a surface of the spherical capsule; a shock detector which is
installed in the spherical capsule and includes a light-emitting
device emitting a light ray when a shook: is applied to the unit
block, a sensor member which senses a shock applied to the unit
block and causes electric power to be supplied to the
light-emitting device when the shock is detected, and a battery
which supplies the electric power to the light-emitting device; and
a connection tube which has a through hole extending to pass
through a center portion of the connection tube in a longitudinal
direction and which is made of an elastic material, and into which
the connection member is inserted.
[0016] The connection tube is formed of rubber, synthetic resin, or
metal.
[0017] The connection tube includes a support bar which is inserted
into the through hole in order to allow the connection tube to move
upward, downward,, leftward, and rightward or to rotate.
[0018] The spherical, capsule is structured to be divided into
hemispherical parts.
[0019] The spherical capsule has a ring-shaped groove at a middle
portion of a surface of the spherical capsule, and a ring-shaped
connection band, on which the connection members are provided at
regular intervals, may be inserted into the ring-shaped groove.
[0020] According to the plaything according to the present
invention, a shock detector which emits a light ray in response to
an external shock is installed in a unit block configured, such
that a plurality of connection members protrude from a surface of a
spherical capsule at regular angular intervals, flexible tubes are
installed to enclose the connection members, and one or more unit
blocks are coupled to form an educational tool or a shaking tool
shaken in a manner of jig fishing. When the plaything is used as an
educational tool, chemical structures or molecular structures can
be expressed, and three-dimensional objects such as balls,
buildings, or animal models can be constructed. Furthermore, the
plaything may be used as a shaking tool shaken in a manner of jig
fishing. When the unit blocks are coupled, since the connection
members are flexible, various shapes, forms, or models can be
constructed without being limited in terms of angles. Furthermore,
since the shock detector which emits a light ray in response to an
external shock, the plaything can be used during night times as
well as day times. Yet furthermore, since the shock detector can
emit colorful rays, the plaything has an advantage in terms of
visual effect.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The above and other objects, features and other advantages
of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the
following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of
a plaything according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the
structure of the plaything according to one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure
of the plaything according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an assembled
state of the plaything in which unit blocks are connected to form a
linear structure;
[0026] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view illustrating an assembled
state of the plaything in which unit blocks are assembled to form a
curved structure;
[0027] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a method of
playing a game using one plaything according to the present
invention;
[0028] FIGS. 6A to 6G are photographs illustrating structures
constructed using the plaything according to the present
invention;
[0029] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a plaything
according to another embodiment of the present invention; and
[0030] FIGS. 8A to 8B are cross-sectional views illustrating a
plaything according to a further embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] Hereinbelow, preferred embodiments of the invention will be
described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in this specification and
claims, including technical or specific terms, should be
conceptually interpreted, in light of the concept of the present
invention and are not to be interpreted to have ideal or
expressively formal meanings defined in a generally used dictionary
based on the rule that inventors can define specific terms to most
properly describe their inventions.
[0032] The preferred embodiment of the present invention is
described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of
a play thing according to one embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the structure
of the plaything according to the same embodiment of the present
invention, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the
plaything according to the same embodiment of the present
invention.
[0034] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, a plaything 1 is used as an
educational tool for constructing chemical structures or molecular
structures by combining one or more unit blocks. The plaything 1 is
used to construct a three-dimensional object such as a ball, a
building, and an animal model. Furthermore, the plaything 1 is used
as a shaking tool shaken in a manner of jig fishing.
[0035] The plaything 1 is composed of a plurality of unit blocks
10. Each unit block 10 includes a spherical capsule 11 which can be
divided into hemispherical parts, and a plurality of connection
members 13 protruding from the surface of the spherical capsule 11
at regular angular intervals. A shock detector 20 which emits a
light ray in response to an external shock is installed in the
spherical capsule. The plaything 1 further includes connection
tubes 30 formed of an elastic material. The connection tube 30 has
a through holes 31 extending to pass through a center portion of
the connection tube 30 in a longitudinal direction. The connection
member 13 can be inserted into the through hole 31 of the
connection tube 30.
[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the spherical capsule 11 has an
inside space 12 and is made up of a first hemispherical part 11-1
and a second hemispherical part 11-2. An end of the first
hemispherical part 11-1 or the second hemispherical part 11-2 has a
restriction protrusion 11-1a and a coupled portion 11-2a to be
coupled to the restriction protrusion 11-1a. Each of the connection
members 13 can also be divided into two parts.
[0037] Although the spherical capsule 11 can be divided into
hemispherical parts in the present embodiment, it may be a single
body that cannot be divided and which is formed of synthetic resin
or a material obtained by reacting polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with
boric acid.
[0038] The composition of the resin includes 30% to 35% by weight
of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) and correspondingly 10% to 5% by weight
of boric acid, A resin composition or synthetic resin material,
transparent or translucent, may be used to manufacture the
spherical capsule.
[0039] The shock detector 20 includes a sensor member 21 for
detecting a shock, a circuit board 22 on which the sensor member is
attached, a light-emitting device 23 which is connected to the
circuit board 22 and emits light in response to an external shock
detected by the sensor member 21, and a battery which supplies
electric energy to the light-emitting device 23.
[0040] The connection tube 30 is preferably formed of rubber or
synthetic resin. This is because the connection tube 30 made of
rubber or synthetic resin can be freely bent in ail directions and
at any angle because of elasticity, and can maintain support, force
in a connection between unit blocks serving as playthings.
[0041] Examples of a method of using the plaything according to the
present invention will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 5, only
one unit block 1 may be used as a plaything. That is, a support bar
100 is inserted into the through hole 31 of the connection tube 30
from a first end, and the connection member 13 is inserted into the
through hole 31 from, a second end opposite to the first end. A
user may hold the support bar and shake the plaything or rotate the
plaything with a predetermined rotation radius.
[0042] When using the plaything 1 in the ways described above, if
an external, shock is applied to the plaything 1, the sensor member
21 attached to the circuit board 22 detects the external shock and
sends a signal to the circuit board 22, the circuit board 22 allows
electric power to be supplied to the light-emitting device 23 from
the battery 24 based on the signal, and the light-emitting device
23 emits light.
[0043] In this case, the light-emitting device 23 switches light
emission on and off. That is, the light-emitting device 23 emits
light in a flashing manner. Preferably, two or more light-emitting
devices 23 are installed to flash alternately or in turns,
[0044] In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the unit
blocks 10 can be connected to form a linear shape, a curved shape,
or a combination of linear shapes and curved shapes which are
repeatedly alternate. In this case, one of the connection members
13 protruding at regular angular intervals from the surface of the
spherical capsule 11 in one unit block 10 is inserted into an end
of the connection tube 30, and one of the connection members 13 of
another unit block 10 is also inserted into the opposite end of the
same connection tube, In this way, two unit blocks 10 are connected
by one connection tube 30.
[0045] When two unit blocks 10 are connected by one connection tube
30, since the connection tubs 30 has elasticity and is flexible,
the unit blocks 10 can be connected in a linear fashion or an
angular fashion by being bent.
[0046] Since the unit blocks 10 are connected by the connection
tube 30 in order to form a curved structure, it is preferable that
the connection tube 30 be made of a material excellent in shape
memory characteristics. Alternatively, the unit blocks may be
connected to each other using a distance between adjacent unit
blocks 10.
[0047] When two unit blocks 10 are connected using one connection
tube 30 and a bent angle of the connection tube 30 having
elasticity is adjusted, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 6D,
educational tools for expressing chemical structures or molecular
structures or three-dimensional objects such as a ball, a building,
or an animal model can be constructed.
[0048] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 7, a ring-shaped groove
11a is formed in a middle portion of the surface of the spherical
capsule 11, and a connection, band 50, on which the connection
members 13 are formed at regular intervals, is inserted into the
groove 11a. The connection band 50 is fixed by the connection tube
30 adjacent to the connection tube 30 used to connect two unit
blocks. Furthermore, since the connection band 50 is rotatably
inserted into the groove 11a, when two or more light-emitting
devices 23 are installed, the direction of light emitted from each
unit block and expression by light emitted from each unit block can
be adjusted.
[0049] When a shock is applied to a structure having various colors
and shapes which is obtained by assembling multiple playthings 1,
the sensor member 21 of the shock detector 20 detects the
shock.
[0050] When an external shock is detected, the light-emitting
element 23 connected to the circuit board 22 to which the sensor
member 21 is attached is supplied with, electric power from the
battery 24 and thus emits light. Preferably, the light-emitting
device 23 may be an LED (light-emitting diode). Only one
light-emitting device 23 may be installed, or two or more
light-emitting devices 23 may be installed. When two or more
light-emitting devices 23 are installed, the light-emitting devices
23 preferably emit different color rays.
[0051] More preferably, one light-emitting device 23 is turned on
to emit light for a predetermined period and then turned off, and
another light-emitting device 23 is turned on. to emit light as
soon as the former light-emitting device 23 is turned off. In this
way, the user can have fun with rays of light even during night
times and a visual effect of the plaything is obtainable.
[0052] The unit, block in which the shock detector emitting light
in response to an external, shock is installed is manufactured by
embedding the shock detector 20 inside the capsule through ejection
molding of synthetic resin or a resin composition obtained by
reacting PVA with boric acid.
[0053] A structure in which a shock defector is embedded inside a
resin composition, obtained by reacting PVA with boric acid, is
disclosed in Korean Patent Application No. 2010-115262 which is
applied by the present applicant and titled "Bouncy Bail with
Built-in LED".
[0054] As illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the cross-sectional shape
of the unit block 10 may be a triangle and the connection members
13 may be provided at vertices or on surfaces.
[0055] Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention has
been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art
will appreciate that various modifications, additions and
substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying
claims.
* * * * *