U.S. patent application number 14/698020 was filed with the patent office on 2015-11-05 for transformation toy construction system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Hasbro, Inc.. Invention is credited to Evan Brooks, Salvatore F. Lama, Jeremy Luettgen.
Application Number | 20150314209 14/698020 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54354476 |
Filed Date | 2015-11-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150314209 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brooks; Evan ; et
al. |
November 5, 2015 |
TRANSFORMATION TOY CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM
Abstract
A transformation construction system includes a toy figure set
having a plurality of interconnectible building elements that are
configured to connect to building elements of a construction set.
The toy figure set includes a torso building element and a pelvis
building element that interconnect with each other with an
interference fit between a stud of the pelvis building element and
a recess of the torso building element. A construction explanation
identifies a first design mode that includes the toy figure set, a
second design mode that includes the toy figure set and is distinct
from the first design mode, and a set of instructions that show a
transformation between the first design mode and the second design
mode without disassembling the toy figure set and the plurality of
building elements.
Inventors: |
Brooks; Evan; (Pawtucket,
RI) ; Luettgen; Jeremy; (West Warwick, RI) ;
Lama; Salvatore F.; (Bolton, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hasbro, Inc. |
Pawtucket |
RI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54354476 |
Appl. No.: |
14/698020 |
Filed: |
April 28, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14622586 |
Feb 13, 2015 |
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14698020 |
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62116204 |
Feb 13, 2015 |
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62116119 |
Feb 13, 2015 |
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61986144 |
Apr 30, 2014 |
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61986161 |
Apr 30, 2014 |
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61986136 |
Apr 30, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
446/128 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 3/46 20130101; A63H
33/062 20130101; A63H 33/086 20130101; A63H 33/08 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63H 33/08 20060101
A63H033/08 |
Claims
1. A transformation construction system comprising: a toy figure
set comprising a plurality of interconnectible building elements
that are configured to connect to building elements of a
construction set, the toy figure set including a torso building
element and a pelvis building element that interconnect with each
other with an interference fit between a stud of the pelvis
building element and a recess of the torso building element that
enable the pelvis building element and the torso building element
to rotate relative to each other; a construction explanation
identifying: a first design mode that includes the toy figure set,
a second design mode that includes the toy figure set and is
distinct from the first design mode, and a set of instructions that
show a transformation between the first design mode and the second
design mode without disassembling the toy figure set and the
plurality of building elements.
2. The transformation construction system of claim 1, wherein the
construction explanation identifies all of the plurality of
interconnectible building elements of the toy figure set connected
in the first design mode.
3. The transformation construction system of claim 1, wherein the
first design mode is a toy figure and the second design mode is a
vehicle design.
4. The transformation construction system of claim 1, wherein
neither of the design modes is a box shaped design.
5. The transformation construction system of claim 1, wherein,
during the transformation between the first design mode and the
second design mode, the interconnection between the torso building
element and the pelvis building element is maintained.
6. The transformation construction system of claim 1, wherein the
set of instructions that shows the transformation between the first
design mode and the second design mode comprises instructions that
show the transformation from the first design mode to the second
design mode.
7. The transformation construction system of claim 1, wherein the
set of instructions that shows the transformation between the first
design mode and the second design mode comprises instructions that
show both the transformation from the second design mode to the
first design mode and the transformation from the first design mode
to the second design mode.
8. The transformation construction system of claim 1, wherein the
first design mode and the second design mode both include the torso
building element and the pelvis building element interconnected to
each other.
9. The transformation construction system of claim 1, wherein the
torso building element includes at least three separate and
distinctly located coupling elements that interconnect with
coupling elements of the building elements of the construction
set.
10. The transformation construction system of claim 1, wherein the
stud on the pelvis building element is configured to form an
interference fit with one or more coupling elements of the building
elements of the construction set.
11. The transformation construction system of claim 1, wherein the
recess of the torso building element is configured to form an
interference fit with one or more coupling elements of the building
elements of the construction set.
12. The transformation construction system of claim 1, wherein: the
construction explanation identifies a third design mode that
includes the toy figure set and is distinct from the first and
second design modes; and the set of instructions shows at
transformation between one of the first and second design modes and
the third design mode without disassembling the toy figure set and
the plurality of building elements.
13. A toy figure set configured to connect to building elements of
a construction set, a plurality of building elements of the
construction set including one or more of coupling studs and
coupling recesses, the center of any of the coupling studs being
separated from the center of a nearest coupling stud by a
center-to-center spacing and the center of any of the coupling
recesses being separated from the center of a nearest coupling
recess by the center-to-center spacing, the toy figure set
comprising: a plurality of interconnectible building elements
configured to repeatably connect to and disconnect from each other
to form a toy figure and to repeatably connect to the building
elements of the construction set, at least some of the
interconnectible building elements of the plurality including one
or more of coupling studs and coupling recesses; a foundational
building assembly that comprises a set of foundation building
elements including: at least two core toy figure building elements,
each of the core toy figure building elements comprising at least a
first set of coupling elements separated from each other by a
distance that is an integer multiple of the center-to-center
spacing, and a connection building element that is configured to
connect to two or more of the at least two core toy figure building
elements, wherein the toy figure set is buildable from the
foundational building assembly and a set of interconnectible
building elements, the set of interconnectible building elements
comprising at least some of the plurality of interconnectible
building elements, into a first design mode and a second design
mode; and the toy figure set is transformable between the first
design mode and the second design mode without disassembling the
toy figure set.
14. The toy figure set of claim 13, wherein each of the core toy
figure building elements comprises at least one coupling element
configured to allow a connected building element to articulate in
more than one plane.
15. The toy figure set of claim 13, wherein the core toy figure
building elements comprise a pelvis building element and a torso
building element, and the connection building element comprises a
three-sided building element that includes at least one side that
fits between the torso building element and the pelvis building
element when the torso building element, the pelvis building
element, and the three-sided building element are connected.
16. The toy figure set of claim 15, wherein the first set of
coupling elements of the torso building element comprise two side
recesses, the center of each side recess being separated by the
center-to-center spacing, and the first set of coupling elements of
the pelvis building element comprise two balls, the centers of the
balls being separated from each other by the center-to-center
spacing.
17. The toy figure set of claim 16, further comprising at least two
leg building elements, each of the leg building elements comprising
a socket that connects to one of the balls of the pelvis building
element via a snap fit.
18. The toy figure set of claim 15, wherein the pelvis building
element comprises a coupling stud that extends from a surface, the
stud comprising a cavity and an outer wall; and the torso building
element comprises a center recess between the two side recesses,
the center recess configured to releasably connect with the stud of
the pelvis building element, wherein, when the pelvis building
element and the torso building element are connected, the stud is
frictionally engaged at the cavity and at the outer wall.
19. The toy figure set of claim 15, wherein the pelvis building
element and the torso building element remain interconnected during
the transformation between the first design mode and the second
design mode.
20. The toy figure set of claim 15, wherein the three-sided
building element remains connected to both of the at least torso
building element and the pelvis building element during the
transformation between the first design mode and the second design
mode.
21. The toy figure set of claim 13, wherein, when the foundational
building assembly is assembled, at least one coupling element on
each of the foundation building elements is separated from at least
one coupling element on each of the other foundation building
elements by an integer multiple of the center-to-center
spacing.
22. The toy figure set of claim 13, wherein the at least two core
toy figure building elements and the connection building element
connect together via one or more non-snap frictional
engagements.
23. A method of transformation, the method comprising: identifying
a toy figure set comprising a plurality of interconnectible
building elements that are configured to connect to building
elements of a construction set, the toy figure set including a
torso building element and a pelvis building element that
interconnect with each other with an interference fit between a
stud of the pelvis building element and a recess of the torso
building element that enable the pelvis building element and the
torso building element to rotate relative to each other;
identifying a first design mode that includes the toy figure set;
identifying a second design mode that includes the toy figure set
and is distinct from the first design mode; identifying a
construction of at least one of the first and second design modes,
the construction identification describing how to connect the
interconnectible building elements of the toy figure set into the
at least one of the first and second design modes; and providing an
explanation of a transformation between the first design mode and
the second design mode, the transformation occurring without
disassembling the toy figure set and the plurality of building
elements.
24. A transformation construction system comprising: a toy figure
set comprising a plurality of interconnectible building elements
that are configured to connect to building elements of a
construction set, the interconnectible building elements
comprising: a torso building element and a pelvis building element
that interconnect with each other by way of an interference fit;
and at least a pair of transform building elements, each transform
building element in the pair including: a non-transform coupling
element that is configured to repeatably connect to one or more
coupling elements of other building elements of the toy figure set,
and a transform coupling element that is configured to repeatably
connect to the other transform coupling element of the pair; and a
construction explanation identifying: a first design mode that
includes the toy figure set assembled from the plurality of
interconnectible building elements, a second design mode that
includes the toy figure set assembled from the plurality of
interconnectible building elements, the second design mode being
distinct from the first design mode, and instructions that present
a transformation between the first design mode and the second
design mode without disconnecting the plurality of building
elements of the toy figure set, wherein the transformation shows:
one or more of: unlocking the transform coupling elements of the
transform building elements of a pair from each other, and locking
the transform coupling elements of the transform building elements
of a pair to each other; and articulating one or more building
elements of the toy figure set relative to other building elements
of the toy figure set without disconnecting the coupling elements
of the building elements of the toy figure set.
25. The transformation construction system of claim 24, wherein the
instructions that presents the transformation that shows one or
more of unlocking the transform coupling elements of the transform
building elements of a pair from each other show the connection
between the non-transform coupling elements of the transform
building elements being maintained with the coupling elements of
the other building elements of the toy figure set.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No.
61/986,144, filed Apr. 30, 2014 and titled TRANSFORMATION TOY
CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM, which is incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety. This application claims the benefit of U.S.
Application No. 62/116,119, filed Feb. 13, 2015 and titled
TRANSFORMATION TOY CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM, which is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety. This application claims the
benefit of U.S. Application No. 62/116,204, filed Feb. 13, 2015 and
titled TOY CONSTRUCTION SET, which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety. This application is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/622,586, filed
Feb. 13, 2015 and titled TOY CONSTRUCTION SET, which claims the
benefit of U.S. Application No. 61/986,161, filed on Apr. 30, 2014
and titled TOY CONSTRUCTION SET, both of which are incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety. This application claims the
benefit of U.S. Application No. 61/986,136, filed Apr. 30, 2014 and
titled TOY CONSTRUCTION SET, which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates to a toy construction system that
includes at least one building element.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Persons of all ages enjoy playing and interacting with toys
and building elements. Toy construction sets are made up of a
plurality of building elements, which include coupling mechanisms
such as studs or recesses of specific heights and placement to
enable interconnection with other building elements.
SUMMARY
[0004] In one general aspect, a transformation construction system
includes a toy figure set having a plurality of interconnectible
building elements that are configured to connect to building
elements of a construction set, the toy figure set including a
torso building element and a pelvis building element that
interconnect with each other with an interference fit between a
stud of the pelvis building element and a recess of the torso
building element that enable the pelvis building element and the
torso building element to rotate relative to each other; a
construction explanation identifying: a first design mode that
includes the toy figure set, a second design mode that includes the
toy figure set and is distinct from the first design mode, and a
set of instructions that show a transformation between the first
design mode and the second design mode without disassembling the
toy figure set and the plurality of building elements.
[0005] Implementations can include one or more of the following
features. For example, the transformation construction system can
include a construction set of interconnectible building
elements.
[0006] The construction explanation can identify all of the
plurality of interconnectible building elements of the toy figure
set connected in the first design mode. The construction
explanation can identify all of the plurality of interconnectible
building elements of the toy figure set connected in the second
design mode.
[0007] The first design mode can be a toy figure and the second
design mode can be a vehicle design. The design modes can be a
shape or design other than a box shaped design.
[0008] During the transformation between the first design mode and
the second design mode, the interconnection between the torso
building element and the pelvis building element can be
maintained.
[0009] The set of instructions that shows the transformation
between the first design mode and the second design mode can
include instructions that show the transformation from the first
design mode to the second design mode. The set of instructions that
shows the transformation between the first design mode and the
second design mode can include instructions that show the
transformation from the second design mode to the first design
mode. The set of instructions that shows the transformation between
the first design mode and the second design mode can include
instructions that show both the transformation from the second
design mode to the first design mode and the transformation from
the first design mode to the second design mode.
[0010] The first design mode can include the torso building element
and the pelvis building element interconnected to each other. The
second design mode can include the torso building element and the
pelvis building element interconnected to each other.
[0011] The torso building element can include at least three
separate and distinctly located coupling elements that interconnect
with coupling elements of the building elements of the construction
set.
[0012] The stud on the pelvis building element can be configured to
form an interference fit with one or more coupling elements of the
building elements of the construction set.
[0013] The recess or receptacle of the torso building element can
be configured to form an interference fit with one or more coupling
elements of the building elements of the construction set.
[0014] The construction explanation can identify a third design
mode that includes the toy figure set and is distinct from the
first and second design modes. In this implementation, the set of
instructions shows at transformation between one of the first and
second design modes and the third design mode without disassembling
the toy figure set and the plurality of building elements.
[0015] In other general aspects, a transformation construction
system includes a toy figure set including a plurality of
interconnectible building elements that are configured to connect
to other building elements of a construction set, each building
element of the construction set including one or more of male
coupling elements and female coupling elements, in which coupling
elements of a building element align with locations of a
two-dimensional array defined in an x, y plane in which the
distances between centers of the coupling elements taken along the
x or y direction are an integer multiple of a base unit and a
construction explanation. The toy figure set includes building
elements having coupling elements that align with the locations of
the two-dimensional array. The construction explanation identifies:
a first design mode that includes the toy figure set, a second
design mode that includes the toy figure set and is distinct from
the first design mode, and a set of instructions that show a
transformation between the first design mode and the second design
mode without disassembling the toy figure set and the plurality of
building elements.
[0016] Implementations can include one or more of the following
features. For example, the transformation construction system can
include the construction set of interconnectible building
elements.
[0017] In other general aspects, a transformation construction
system includes a toy figure set comprising a plurality of
interconnectible building elements that are configured to connect
to building elements of the construction set, the building elements
of the construction set being interconnectible, each building
element including one or more of male coupling elements and female
coupling elements, in which coupling elements of a building element
align with locations of a two-dimensional array defined in an x, y
plane in which the distances between centers of the coupling
elements taken along the x or y direction are an integer multiple
of a base unit, and an identification. The toy figure set includes
building elements having coupling elements that align with the
locations of the two-dimensional array. The toy figure set includes
a pelvis building element comprising a stud that extends from a
surface, the stud comprising a cavity and an outer wall; and a
torso building element comprising a recess, the recess configured
to releasably connect with the stud of the pelvis building element,
wherein, when the first building element and the second building
element are connected, the stud is frictionally engaged at the
cavity and at the outer wall. The identification of a first design
mode that includes the toy figure set, and a second design mode
that includes the toy figure set and is distinct from the first
design mode.
[0018] Implementations can include one or more of the following
features. For example, the transformation construction system can
include an identification of a transformation between the first
design mode and the second design mode without disassembling the
toy figure set and the plurality of building elements. The
identification of the first design mode and the second design mode
can include the pelvis building element and the torso building
element being interconnected and the identification of the
transformation can maintain at all times the interconnectedness
between the pelvis building element and the torso building
element.
[0019] In another general aspect, a method of transformation
includes identifying a toy figure set comprising a plurality of
interconnectible building elements that are configured to connect
to building elements of a construction set, the toy figure set
including a torso building element and a pelvis building element
that interconnect with each other with an interference fit between
a stud of the pelvis building element and a recess of the torso
building element that enable the pelvis building element and the
torso building element to rotate relative to each other;
identifying a first design mode that includes the toy figure set;
identifying a second design mode that includes the toy figure set
and is distinct from the first design mode; identifying a
construction of at least one of the first and second design modes,
the construction identification describing how to connect the
interconnectible building elements of the toy figure set into the
at least one of the first and second design modes; and providing an
explanation of a transformation between the first design mode and
the second design mode, the transformation occurring without
disassembling the toy figure set and the plurality of building
elements.
[0020] In other general aspects, a transformation construction
system includes a toy figure set and a construction explanation.
The toy figure set includes a plurality of interconnectible
building elements that are configured to connect to building
elements of a construction set. The interconnectible building
elements include a torso building element and a pelvis building
element that interconnect with each other by way of an interference
fit; and at least a pair of transform building elements. Each
transform building element in the pair includes: a non-transform
coupling element that is configured to repeatably connect to one or
more coupling elements of other building elements of the toy figure
set, and a transform coupling element that is configured to
repeatably connect to the other transform coupling element of the
pair. The construction explanation identifies a first design mode
that includes the toy figure set assembled from the plurality of
interconnectible building elements, a second design mode that
includes the toy figure set assembled from the plurality of
interconnectible building elements, the second design mode being
distinct from the first design mode, and instructions that present
a transformation between the first design mode and the second
design mode without disconnecting the plurality of building
elements of the toy figure set. The transformation shows: one or
more of: unlocking the transform coupling elements of the transform
building elements of a pair from each other, and locking the
transform coupling elements of the transform building elements of a
pair to each other; and articulating one or more building elements
of the toy figure set relative to other building elements of the
toy figure set without disconnecting the coupling elements of the
building elements of the toy figure set.
[0021] Implementations can include one or more of the following
features. For example, the instructions that present the
transformation that shows one or more of unlocking the transform
coupling elements of the transform building elements of a pair from
each other can show the connection between the non-transform
coupling elements of the transform building elements being
maintained with the coupling elements of the other building
elements of the toy figure set.
[0022] Implementations of any of the techniques described above can
include a transformable toy construction set having a toy figure
that also includes parts that are building elements of a
construction set, a process, or a device. 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.
[0023] In other general aspects, a toy figure set is configured to
connect to building elements of a construction set. A plurality of
building elements of the construction set include one or more of
coupling studs and coupling recesses, the center of any of the
coupling studs being separated from the center of a nearest
coupling stud by a center-to-center spacing and the center of any
of the coupling recesses being separated from the center of a
nearest coupling recess by the center-to-center spacing. The toy
figure set includes a plurality of interconnectible building
elements configured to repeatably connect to and disconnect from
each other to form a toy figure and to repeatably connect to the
building elements of the construction set, at least some of the
interconnectible building elements of the plurality including one
or more of coupling studs and coupling recesses. The toy figure set
also includes a foundational building assembly that includes a set
of foundation building elements including at least two core toy
figure building elements and a connection building element that is
configured to connect to two or more of the at least two core toy
figure building elements. Each of the core toy figure building
elements has at least a first set of coupling elements separated
from each other by a distance that is an integer multiple of the
center-to-center spacing. The toy figure set is buildable from the
foundational building assembly and a set of interconnectible
building elements into a first design mode and a second design
mode. The set of interconnectible building elements includes at
least some of the plurality of interconnectible building elements.
The toy figure set is transformable between the first design mode
and the second design mode without disassembling the toy figure
set.
[0024] Implementations can include one or more of the following
features. For example, each of the core toy figure building
elements can include at least one coupling element configured to
allow a connected building element to articulate in more than one
plane.
[0025] The core toy figure building elements can include a pelvis
building element and a torso building element, and the connection
building element can include a three-sided building element that
includes at least one side that fits between the torso building
element and the pelvis building element when the torso building
element, the pelvis building element, and the three-sided building
element are connected. The first set of coupling elements of the
torso building element can include two side recesses, the center of
each side recess being separated by the center-to-center spacing,
and the first set of coupling elements of the pelvis building
element can include two balls, the centers of the balls being
separated from each other by the center-to-center spacing. The toy
figure set can also include at least two leg building elements,
each of the leg building elements having a socket that connects to
one of the balls of the pelvis building element via a snap fit.
[0026] The pelvis building element can include a coupling stud that
extends from a surface, the stud having a cavity and an outer wall.
And the torso building element can include a center recess between
the two side recesses, the center recess configured to releasably
connect with the stud of the pelvis building element. When the
pelvis building element and the torso building element are
connected, the stud is frictionally engaged at the cavity and at
the outer wall.
[0027] The pelvis building element and the torso building element
can remain interconnected during the transformation between the
first design mode and the second design mode.
[0028] The three-sided building element can remain connected to
both of the at least torso building element and the pelvis building
element during the transformation between the first design mode and
the second design mode.
[0029] When the foundational building assembly is assembled, at
least one coupling element on each of the foundation building
elements can be separated from at least one coupling element on
each of the other foundation building elements by an integer
multiple of the center-to-center spacing.
[0030] The at least two core toy figure building elements and the
connection building element can connect together via one or more
non-snap frictional engagements.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0031] FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an exemplary transformation
construction system having a toy figure set and a construction
explanation;
[0032] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a set of transform building
elements of the toy figure set of FIG. 1A;
[0033] FIG. 1C is a block diagram of an exemplary first design mode
formed from the toy figure set of the transformation construction
system;
[0034] FIG. 1D is a block diagram of an exemplary second design
mode formed from the toy figure set of the transformation
construction system;
[0035] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary building
element that can be used in the transformation construction system
or a construction set;
[0036] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the interconnection
between two building elements of the transformation construction
system and the construction set;
[0037] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an exemplary torso building
element and an exemplary pelvis building element of the toy figure
set of the transformation construction system in a disconnected
state;
[0038] FIG. 4B is a bottom perspective view of the exemplary torso
building element;
[0039] FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the exemplary torso
building element and the exemplary pelvis building element of FIG.
4A in a connected state;
[0040] FIG. 4D is a side cross sectional view of the exemplary
torso building element and the exemplary pelvis building element of
FIG. 4A in a connected state;
[0041] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an exemplary transformation
construction system showing an exemplary toy figure set;
[0042] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of exemplary first design mode
formed from the toy figure set of the transformation construction
system and an exemplary second design mode formed from the toy
figure set of the transformation construction system of FIG. 5;
[0043] FIGS. 7-10 show an exemplary construction explanation for
forming the first design mode of FIG. 6;
[0044] FIGS. 11 and 12 show an exemplary construction explanation
including transform instructions for transforming from the first
design mode to the second design mode of FIG. 6;
[0045] FIGS. 13 and 14 show an exemplary construction explanation
including transform instructions for transforming from the second
design mode to the first design mode of FIG. 6;
[0046] FIG. 15 is a flow chart of a procedure for transformation of
the transformation construction system;
[0047] FIG. 16 is a block diagram of another exemplary
transformation construction system having a toy figure set and a
construction explanation;
[0048] FIGS. 17A-17C show perspective views of exemplary first,
second, and third design modes, respectively, that can built from
the toy figure set of FIG. 16 or that can be formed by transforming
from one of the other design modes;
[0049] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the building elements of
the toy figure set of FIG. 16;
[0050] FIGS. 19 and 20 show a construction explanation that
includes instructions for transforming between the first design
mode (FIG. 17A) and the second design mode (FIG. 17B);
[0051] FIGS. 21 and 22 show a construction explanation that
includes instructions for transforming between the second design
mode (FIG. 17B) and the third design mode (FIG. 17C);
[0052] FIGS. 23 and 24 show a construction explanation that
includes instructions for transforming between the third design
mode (FIG. 17C) and the first design mode (FIG. 17A);
[0053] FIG. 25 is a block diagram of another exemplary
transformation construction system having a toy figure set and a
construction explanation, the toy figure set including a
foundational building assembly;
[0054] FIGS. 26A and 26B are perspective views of an exemplary
connection building element that is a part of the foundational
building assembly of FIG. 25;
[0055] FIGS. 27A and 27B are perspective view of an exemplary
foundational building assembly of FIG. 25;
[0056] FIG. 28A is a back plan view of the exemplary foundational
building assembly of FIGS. 27A and 27B;
[0057] FIG. 28B is a side plan view of the exemplary foundational
building assembly of FIGS. 27A and 27B; and
[0058] FIG. 28C is a lower plan view of the exemplary foundational
building assembly of FIGS. 27A and 27B in which the connection
building element is hidden from view; and
[0059] FIGS. 29 and 30 are perspective views showing a
transformation from a first design mode to a second design mode of
the toy figure set of FIG. 25.
DESCRIPTION
[0060] Referring to FIG. 1A, a transformation construction system
100 includes a toy figure set 110 that has a plurality of
interconnectible building elements that are configured to connect
with building elements of a construction set 150, and a
construction explanation 180. The toy figure set 110 can be used to
build one of a set of two or more distinct design modes from the
plurality of interconnectible building elements. Once a design mode
is built, it can be transformed into one of the other design modes
without having to disconnect the building elements from each
other.
[0061] The toy figure set 110 includes a torso building element 115
and a pelvis building element 120 that interconnect with each other
by way of an interference fit between respective interconnecting
coupling elements 116, 121 of the torso building element 115 and
the pelvis building element 120. For example, a stud 121 on the
pelvis building element 120 can fit into a recess 116 of the torso
building element 115. An interference fit is a friction fit or
frictional engagement 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 can involve a purposeful
interference or deformation of one or more of the coupling elements
during the act of coupling, fastening, pushing together, or
otherwise being 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 or size and one or more of the coupling elements slightly
interferes with the space that the other would normally take up
(without being coupled).
[0062] In one example, the degree or strength of an interference
fit is sometimes referred to as "clutch." The amount of clutch
provides an indication of the forces used to combine and/or
separate the coupling elements to or from each other. The degree or
amount of contact between the coupling elements when coupled
directly can correlate to the amount of clutch provided. In
addition, the number of points of contact between the coupling
elements can determine the amount of clutch. For example, there may
be three, four, five, or more points of contact between a male stud
and a female recess, where more points of contact provide more
clutch. With regard to female coupling elements, the point of
contact can be referred to as a "point of clutch" or a "frictional
engagement point."
[0063] Additionally, the toy figure set 110 includes other building
elements that are able to connect with the building elements of the
construction set 150. For example, the toy figure set 110 can
include basic building elements that have a basic geometric design
such as a 1.times.4 plate 126 that has a 1.times.4 array of
coupling studs on one surface and a 1.times.4 array of coupling
recesses on a second surface (not shown).
[0064] The toy figure set 110 can include more complex building
elements that have other design features that impart the design to
the toy figure set 110 once it is assembled. These other complex
building elements can also have other types of coupling elements.
For example, a 1.times.2 plate with side c-clip 128 includes not
only a 1.times.2 array of coupling studs on one surface and a
1.times.2 array of coupling recesses on a second surface (not
shown) but also a side c-clip 130 that connects in a different
manner (and perhaps a different standard size) to other building
elements of the toy figure set 110 or the construction set 150. As
another example, a 1.times.2 plate with side socket 132 includes
not only a 1.times.2 array of coupling studs on one surface and a
1.times.2 array of coupling recesses on a second surface (not
shown) but also a side socket 134 that connects in a different
manner to other building elements of the toy figure set 110 or the
construction set 150. For example, the side socket 134 of the
1.times.2 plate with side socket 132 can connect to a ball 122 on
the pelvis building element 120 or to a ball 117 on the torso
building element 115.
[0065] As another example, an accessory building element 136 may
lack coupling studs or coupling recesses that are found on the
basic building elements but it includes one or more posts 138 that
can fit into recesses on other building elements such as a recess
140 of a head building element 142 or the c-clip 130 of the
1.times.2 plate with side c-clip 128.
[0066] The toy figure set 110 can also include a pair of transform
building elements 170, 175 that are used to facilitate the
transformation between the design modes. Referring also to FIG. 1B,
each of the transform building elements 170, 175 in the pair
includes one or more non-transform coupling elements (such as
elements 171 and 172 on building element 170 and elements 176 and
177 on building element 175) that are configured to repeatably
connect to one or more coupling elements of other building elements
in the toy figure set 110. Coupling elements 172, 177 are recesses
on the respective undersides of transform building elements 170,
175 that mate with the elements 171, 176, which can be studs. These
non-transform coupling elements can also connect to the coupling
elements of building elements of the construction set 150. These
non-transform coupling elements remain in their connection state
during an entire transformation. Thus, if these non-transform
coupling elements are connected to other coupling elements of the
toy figure set 110 then they remain connected even during the
transformation between design modes.
[0067] Each of the transform building elements 170, 175 in the pair
includes one or more transform coupling elements 173, 178,
respectively. These transform coupling elements 173, 178 are
configured to connect with each other in a standard interference
fit, which can be a snap fit such as the c-clip to bar connection
that forms between transform coupling elements 173, 178. These
transform coupling elements 173, 178 are connected to each other or
disconnected from each other at some point during a transformation
between two design modes. Thus, if these transform coupling
elements 173, 178 are connected to each other in a first design
mode, then they will be disconnected at some point during the
transformation from the first design mode to the second design
mode. Because these transform coupling elements 173, 178 act to
lock at least one of the design modes in place so that it becomes a
stable construction set, such connection between the transform
coupling elements 173, 178 can be referred to as locking and
disconnection can be referred to as unlocking.
[0068] The construction explanation 180 identifies a first design
mode 182 that includes the building elements of the toy figure set
110 and a second design mode 186 that includes the building
elements of the toy figure set 110. The second design mode 186 is
distinct from or different in impression and overall geometric
arrangement from the first design mode 182. In this way, a user can
assemble the building elements of the toy figure set 110 in a first
manner to form the first design mode 182, or can assemble the
building elements of the toy figure set 110 in a second manner to
form the second design mode 186. Thus, in this manner, each design
mode 182, 186 can be formed by starting with a set of disconnected
building elements of the toy figure set 110 and then connecting
them together using frictional fits such as interference fits or
snap engagements.
[0069] The construction explanation 180 also identifies transform
instructions 190 that show a transformation between the first
design mode 182 and the second design mode 186 without
disassembling the toy figure set 110. Specifically, the first
design mode 182 is made by connecting various coupling elements of
the various building elements of the set 110 in a certain manner,
and during the transformation to the second design mode 186 these
connections are maintained while the building elements are
articulated (for example, rotated, translated, aligned, or
generally moved) relative to each other. Moreover, connections
between the non-transform coupling elements (such as elements 171
and 172 on building element 170 and elements 176 and 177 on
building element 175) of the transform building element pairs are
maintained during the transformation. On the other hand, if the
transform coupling elements (such as the elements transform
coupling elements 173, 178) are un-locked (disconnected from each
other) while in the first design mode, then these are locked
(connected) at some point during the transformation to the second
design mode.
[0070] Thus, in this manner, the first design mode 182 can be
formed by starting with the assembled building elements of the toy
figure set 110 in the second design mode 186, and then moving the
assembled building elements by translation or rotation without
disassembling or disconnecting the building elements from each
other during the translation or rotation to transform into the
first design mode 182. Similarly, the second design mode 186 can be
formed by starting with the assembled building elements of the toy
figure set 110 in the first design mode 182, and then moving the
assembled building elements by translation or rotation without
disassembling or disconnecting the building elements from each
other during the translation or rotation to transform into the
second design mode 186.
[0071] Referring to FIGS. 1C and 1D, the first design mode 182 can
be in the shape of a toy figure and the second design mode 186 can
be in the shape of a vehicle. Neither of the design modes 182, 186
is a cuboid shape like a cube or a 2.times.3 brick. The design
modes 182, 186 are therefore shapes that are more complex than
basic geometric shapes such as cuboids.
[0072] Any two or more building elements within the toy figure set
110 can be interconnected with each other; any two or more building
elements within the construction set 150 can be interconnected with
each other; and building elements from the toy figure set 110 can
be interconnected with building elements of the construction set
150. For example, the 1.times.4 plate 126 of the toy figure set 110
can be interconnected with a 2.times.3 brick 155 of the
construction set 150. As another example, the torso building
element 115 of the toy figure set 110 can be interconnected with a
1.times.4 brick 160 of the construction set 150.
[0073] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the toy figure set 110 and the
construction set 150 include building elements that are configured
to be repeatedly and releasably connected to each other, and this
repeatable and releasable interconnection is described next.
Exemplary 2.times.3 brick building elements 200, 220 are shown to
discuss how the building elements interconnect with each other. The
building elements 200, 220 therefore can have other design
geometries than that shown.
[0074] The building elements 200, 220 connect together with a
frictional engagement between male coupling elements such as studs
222 on the building element 220 and female coupling elements such
as recesses 202 on the building element 200. The frictional
engagement is such that the building elements 200, 220 can be
connected, disconnected, and reconnected repeatedly and without
harming or destroying the building elements 200, 220. In this
example, the building elements 200, 220 are brought together along
a z direction. Once connected, the building elements 200, 220 can
be held together with an interference fit.
[0075] As shown in FIG. 2, the coupling elements, for example, the
male stud of a standard building element of the toy construction
system, can be arranged in a uniform two-dimensional array
structure (that is in an x-y plane) on the surface of a building
element which allows for easy coupling (and de-coupling) with the
similarly arranged female recesses of another building element
along the z direction. The female coupling elements are also
arranged in such an array to align with the male coupling elements.
Typically, the building elements are referred to by the array
formed on the surface of the building element. Thus, a 3.times.4
building element has 12 coupling elements, for example, studs,
arranged in four columns by three rows and a 2.times.3 building
element has six coupling elements, for example, recesses, arranged
in three columns by two rows. The distances between centers of the
coupling elements taken along a direction that is parallel with
either the x or the y direction in the x-y plane are a standard
unit, which is an integer multiple of a base unit, BU. In the
implementations described, the base unit or BU of such a toy
construction system is 8 mm. In other words, the center of any of
the coupling elements (for example, studs or recesses) are
separated from the center of a nearest coupling element (for
example, a stud or a recess) by a center-to-center spacing that is
a BU if the coupling elements are adjacent to each other on the
array.
[0076] For building elements that include other types of coupling
elements (such as balls, posts, c-clips, or sockets), the centers
of those coupling elements can align with the coupling elements
(the studs and recesses) of the grid associated with the other
building elements of the construction set. Thus, for example, the
distances between centers of the coupling elements in the grid
taken along a direction that is parallel with either the x or the y
axis in the x-y plane are a standard unit, which is an integer
multiple of the base unit, BU. The coupling elements (such as the
studs, balls, c-clips, or sockets) are in system if their centers
are separated from each other by an integer multiple of the base
unit BU.
[0077] The distances are within a standard tolerance. Thus, the
distances are considered to be in system if they are within the
tolerance needed to obtain the needed interference fit.
[0078] For example, any of the building elements discussed above
can include one or more coupling elements. Coupling elements of
standard building elements can include male coupling elements, for
example, in the form of a coupling stud, and female coupling
elements, for example, 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 OD (FIG. 2) of 4.88 mm and a height H (FIG. 2) of
1.80 mm, and the coupling recesses are sized to have an
interference fit with the coupling studs of the same size. There
can be different types and configurations 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. Additional configurations for recesses that
provide different alignment possibilities between building elements
are described below in greater detail.
[0079] A building element is "in system" with other building
elements when the building element is built into the grid or an
assembly that is formed from at least some of the other building
elements of the toy construction set. For example, making the
height and/or width of the building element the same as at least
some of the other building elements in the toy construction set
allows the building element to be interchanged with other building
elements of the set, thus allowing the building element to be
connected or placed "in system."
[0080] One of the challenges in making a transformation
construction system that is based on a construction system that
includes a torso building element 115 and a pelvis building element
120 is that the transformation between the first design mode 182
and the second design mode 186 needs to occur without having to
disassemble or disconnect any of the parts or building elements of
the toy figure set 110 in order to obtain the desired design mode
182, 186. Additionally, one or more of the design modes can include
additional locking features (such as coupling elements) that can be
used to maintain the design mode.
[0081] Referring to FIGS. 4A-D, the torso building element 115 and
the pelvis building element 120 are designed in an exemplary manner
that maintains their frictional engagement during the
transformation as a core 470 of both of the design modes, and also
maintains their connection to other building elements of the toy
figure set 110 during the transformation. The transformation
between the first design mode 182 and the second design mode 186
occurs while always maintaining the interference connection between
the pelvis building element 120 and the torso building element 115
(and thus maintaining the core 470).
[0082] The pelvis building element 120 includes the stud 121, which
protrudes from a surface 123. The stud 121 includes an outer wall
124 that defines an inside cavity 125. The two balls 122 of the
pelvis building element 120 can be spaced from each other such that
their centers are separated by a distance that is an integer
multiple of the base unit. In this way, the pelvis building element
120 is capable of an in system connection.
[0083] The torso building element 115 includes the recess 116
formed within an outer wall 117 and a protrusion 118 that extends
into the recess 116. The torso building element 115 can also
include ribs 119 that extend along the interior of the wall 117 and
jut into the recess 116. The torso building element 115 also
includes two recesses 116A, 116B on either side of the protrusion
118. The centers of the recesses 116A, 116B are spaced apart from
each other by a distance that is an integer multiple of the base
unit. In this way, the torso building element 115 can be connected
to a building element of the toy figure set 110 or the construction
set 150 in system (by aligning the recesses 116A, 116B with
coupling studs on a building element of the toy figure set 110 or
the construction set 150). Additionally, the balls 117 on the torso
building element 115 can have centers that are positioned a
distance Dt from a tangent of the shoulder (adjacent to the stud at
the top of the torso building element 115), such distance being an
integer multiple of the base unit. In this manner, the torso
building element 115 can be connected in system with other building
elements of the toy figure set 110 or the construction set 150.
[0084] To connect the torso building element 115 and the pelvis
building element 120, the protrusion 118 is inserted into the
cavity 125, and the outer wall 124 of the stud 121 is physically
connected to at least a portion of the wall 117. The insertion and
physical connection creates a frictional engagement between the
inner wall of the cavity 125 and the protrusion 118 and between at
least a portion of the outer wall 124 of the stud 121 and a portion
of the wall 117 of the torso building element 115. Thus, the torso
building element 115 and the pelvis building element 120 are held
together and connected at a plurality of frictional engagement
points. Portions of the outer wall 124 can have a frictional
engagement with the wall 117 by having a frictional engagement with
one or more of the ribs 119. Additionally, the ribs 119 can be used
to connect and hold the torso building element 115 to a separate
building element. The plurality of frictional engagement points
between the torso building element 115 and the pelvis building
element 120 can occur without a snap fit engagement. A snap fit
connection engagement includes both a purposeful deformation along
a first direction but also a subsequent relaxing back along a
second direction that is different from (for example, anti-parallel
with) the first direction. Thus, torso building element 115 and the
pelvis building element 120 can be connected using only a
deformation along only a first direction (without a subsequent
relaxing back along a second direction).
[0085] Having a plurality of distinct frictional engagement points
when the torso building element 115 and the pelvis building element
120 are connected can result in the connected toy figure set 110
being held more securely, and the torso building element 115 and
the pelvis building element 120 being clutched more strongly, as
compared to an implementation in which a single frictional
engagement is formed between two surfaces.
[0086] The torso building element 115 and the pelvis building
element 120 can be rotated relative to each other while connected.
The rotation can occur about a connection axis 400, which is
parallel to a longitudinal axis of the torso building element 115,
and can be in a plane that is perpendicular to the connection axis
400. The rotation can be smooth, without the torso building element
115 and the pelvis building element 120 disconnecting from each
other or moving apart from each other along the connection axis
400. The torso building element 115 and the pelvis building element
120 can remain connected to each other while being rotated because
of the strong and secure connection provided by the plurality of
frictional engagements. In this way, the subsequent transformation
performed on the toy figure set 110 is also more secure.
[0087] The ribs 119 can help keep the torso building element 115
and the pelvis building element 120 connected when they are rotated
relative to each other. The ribs 119 can also help the torso
building element 115 and the pelvis building element 120 rotate
smoothly without separating or moving away from each other along
the connection axis 400. In the example shown, there are four ribs
119 spaced about the protrusion 118. The ribs 119 provide
additional clutching surfaces (surfaces for frictional engagement)
for a connection on a building element that connects to the torso
building element 115. Furthermore, the ribs 119 can aid in aligning
the outer wall 124 or the outer portion of any other type of
connection on a separate building element that connects to the
torso building element 115 at the protrusion 118. In the example
shown, the four ribs 119 provide four additional points of contact
and four lines of alignment. Other implementations can include more
or fewer ribs.
[0088] Referring to FIG. 5, an exemplary toy figure set 510 is
shown for a transformation construction system 500. As shown, the
toy figure set 510 includes a torso building element 515 and a
pelvis building element 520 plus other building elements of various
geometric designs, and coupling elements. Shown in this toy figure
set 510 are coupling elements such as interconnectible studs and
recesses, balls and sockets, and c-clips and posts. The toy figure
set 510 also includes at least one pair of transform building
elements 570, 575. The transform building element 570 includes a
transform coupling element 573 in the form of a bar, and the
transform building element 575 includes a transform coupling
element 578 in the form of a c-clip. The c-clip 578 is sized to
snap fit over the bar 573 so as to lock the transform building
elements 570, 575 together.
[0089] Referring to FIG. 6, the building elements of the toy figure
set 510 can be connected to form a first design mode 582 or a
second design mode 586. The first design mode 582 appears as a toy
figure such as a robot design. The second design mode 586 appears
as a vehicle such as a truck. The construction explanation 580
identifies the first design mode 582 and the second design mode
586.
[0090] Referring to FIGS. 7-10, the construction explanation 580
can identify the first design mode 582 and also identify how to
assemble the first design mode 582 using the disconnected building
elements of the toy figure set 510. In this example, the
construction explanation 580 identifies 38 steps a user takes to
form or assemble the first design mode 582 using the building
elements of the toy figure set 510. Steps 1-17 are shown in FIG. 7;
steps 18-26 are shown in FIG. 8; steps 27-35 are shown in FIG. 9;
steps 36-38 and the first design mode 582 are shown in FIG. 10.
[0091] Specific reference is made to FIG. 8, which shows the
assembly of the core 470 of the toy figure set 510 as the
connection between the torso building element 515 and the pelvis
building element 520 in step 22. The core 470 is integrated with
all of the other building elements of the toy figure set 510, as
shown in steps 37 and 38 to form the first design mode 582.
[0092] Also, the construction explanation 580 identifies a set of
instructions 590 that show a transformation between the first
design mode 582 and the second design mode 586. Referring to FIGS.
11 and 12, in some implementations, the construction explanation
580 identifies a set of instructions 590A that show a
transformation from the first design mode 582 to the second design
mode 586. This transformation shows that the transform coupling
elements of the transform building elements 570, 575 are locked
together (FIG. 12) so as to maintain the second design model
586.
[0093] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, in some implementations, the
construction explanation 580 identifies a set of instructions 590B
that show a transformation from the second design mode 586 to the
first design mode 582. This transformation shows that the transform
coupling elements of the transform building elements 570, 575 are
unlocked from each other (FIG. 13). Notably, although the transform
coupling elements of the transform building elements 570, 575 are
unlocked, the connection between the non-transform coupling
elements of the transform building elements 570, 575 and the
coupling elements of the other building elements in the toy figure
set 510 is maintained.
[0094] One or both of the instructions 590A, B can be provided in
the construction explanation 580.
[0095] During the transformation steps shown in FIGS. 11-12 and
13-14, the core 470 remains attached. Moreover, the other building
elements also remain attached or interconnected to each other.
[0096] Referring to FIG. 15, a procedure 1500 is shown that
describes a method of transformation. The procedure 1500 includes
identifying (1505) a toy figure set 110 comprising a plurality of
interconnectible building elements that are configured to connect
to building elements of a construction set. The identification
(1505) includes the identification of a torso building element 115
and a pelvis building element 120 that interconnect with each other
with an interference fit between a stud of the pelvis building
element and a recess of the torso building element that enable the
pelvis building element and the torso building element to rotate
relative to each other. The procedure 1500 includes identifying a
first design mode 182 that includes the toy figure set 110 (1510).
The procedure 1500 includes identifying a second design mode 186
that includes the toy figure set 110 (1515). The second design mode
186 is distinct from the first design mode 182. The procedure 1500
includes identifying a construction of at least one of the first
and second design modes (1520). The construction identification
(1520) describes how to connect the interconnectible building
elements of the toy figure set 110 into the at least one of the
first and second design modes 182, 186. The procedure 1500 includes
providing an explanation of a transformation between the first
design mode and the second design mode (1525). The transformation
that is explained (1525) occurs without disassembling the plurality
of interconnectible building elements of the toy figure set
110.
[0097] Referring to FIG. 16, in some implementations, a
transformation construction system 1600 includes a toy figure set
1610 that has a plurality of interconnectible building elements
that are configured to connect with building elements of a
construction set 150, and a construction explanation 1680. The toy
figure set 1610 can be built from the plurality of interconnectible
building elements into one of three distinct design modes 1682,
1684, 1686. Additionally, the toy figure set 1610 can be
transformed between any of the design modes (for example, from
design mode 1682 to design mode 1684, from design mode 1684 to
design mode 1686, or from design mode 1686 to design mode 1682).
The transformation between the design modes can happen without
having to disconnect the building elements from each other.
[0098] Referring to FIGS. 17A-17C, exemplary design modes 1782,
1784, 1786 are shown. For example, design mode 1782 is in the shape
of a humanoid or robot; design mode 1784 is in the shape of a
vehicle such as a tank; and design mode 1786 is in the shape of a
flying vehicle such as a jet. FIG. 18 shows all of the building
elements of the toy figure set 1810 that is used to form each of
the design modes 1782, 1784, 1786. FIGS. 19 and 20 show the
transformation from the design mode 1782 to the design mode 1784.
Specifically shown are the transform building elements 1970, 1972
that are locked 1900 together and the transform building elements
1974, 1976 that are also locked 1905 together during the
transformation from the design mode 1782 to the design mode 1784.
FIGS. 21 and 22 show the transformation from the design mode 1784
to the design mode 1786. Specifically shown in this transformation
is the step of unlocking 1901 the transform building elements 1974,
1976 from each other (FIG. 21). Additionally, as shown in FIG. 22,
transform building elements 1990, 1992 are locked 1902 together
during this transformation. FIGS. 23 and 24 show the transformation
from the design mode 1786 back to the design mode 1782. As shown in
FIG. 23, the transform building elements 1990, 1992 are unlocked
2400 from each other, and as shown in FIG. 24, the transform
building elements 1970, 1972 are unlocked 2401 from each other.
[0099] Referring to FIG. 25, an exemplary transformation
construction system 2500 is shown having a toy figure set 2510 that
includes a plurality of interconnectible building elements,
examples of which are shown, and a foundational building assembly
2562 that is made up of a set of foundation building elements. The
foundation building elements are able to connect with the other
building elements of the toy figure set 2510 or with the building
elements of a construction set 2550. The foundation building
elements of the foundational building assembly 2562 include at
least two core toy figure building elements 2515 and 2520, and a
connection building element 2564 that can be connected to both of
the core toy figure building elements 2515, 2520, as discussed
next. Each of the core toy figure building elements 2515, 2520
includes at least a first set of coupling elements separated from
each other by a distance that is an integer multiple of the
center-to-center spacing (or base unit). In this example, the core
toy figure building element 2515 is a torso building element 2515
and the core toy figure building element 2520 is a pelvis building
element 2520.
[0100] Referring to FIGS. 26A and 26B, the connection building
element 2564 includes three sides, one side including a set of
coupling studs 2600 arranged in an array such that studs 2600 are
separated from each other by an integer multiple of the base unit.
The thickness of each side, and the locations of the studs 2600 are
such that the studs 2600 are in system with coupling elements on
the core toy figure building elements 2515, 2520 when they are
connected to form the foundational building assembly 2562.
[0101] The connection building element 2564 includes coupling
elements 2604, 2606 that enable the connection building element
2564 to repeatedly connect to and disconnect from the core toy
figure building elements 2515, 2520. The coupling elements 2604,
2606 are openings through which a coupling element of a core
building element can pass. The coupling element 2604 is defined by
a side that includes two arms 2608, 2610 that extend from the side
and form the coupling element 2604. The coupling element 2604 can
hold the coupling element of a core toy figure building element
with a frictional engagement. The coupling element 2604 can receive
a coupling element of another building element along the axis of
the opening between the arms 2608, 2610. Thus, for example, the
torso building element 2515 can connect to the connection building
element 2564 by connecting to the coupling element 2604 to a stud
2612 of the torso building element 2515. In this way, the arms
2608, 2610 deform when the stud 2612 is inserted into them, and the
arms 2608, 2610 snap back in place after the stud 2612 is in the
opening formed by the arms 2608, 2610.
[0102] The coupling element 2606 is defined within another side of
the connection building element 2564. In this example, the coupling
element 2606 holds a coupling element (such as the stud 2614) of
the pelvis building element 2520 in frictional engagement. When the
stud 2614 is inserted into the coupling element 2606, a frictional
engagement is created.
[0103] Referring also to FIGS. 27A-27D, the foundational building
assembly 2562 is shown. The foundational building assembly 2562 is
an assembly that is in system when assembled and is used as a
foundation for the various design modes that can be formed from the
transformation construction system 2500. Because the foundational
building assembly 2562 is connected in a very secure and
frictionally engaging manner, it is possible to build large design
modes from the assembly 2562 by layering building elements onto the
foundational building assembly 2562.
[0104] The foundational building assembly 2562 is formed by
connecting the connection building element 2564 to the torso
building element 2515 and the pelvis building element 2520.
Initially, the connection building element 2564 slides onto the
body of the torso building element 2515 such that the side of the
connection building element 2564 that holds the studs 2600 is
parallel to a back of the torso building element 2515. As the
connection building element 2564 slides onto the body of the torso
building element 2515, the lower side (that defines the coupling
element 2606) slides across the lower side of the torso building
element 2515. Additionally, the arms 2608, 2610 that define the
coupling element 2604 snap fit onto the stud 2612 (as discussed
above, the arms 2608, 2610 first deform when the stud 2612 is
inserted into them, and the arms 2608, 2610 snap back in place
after the stud 2612 is in the opening formed by the arms 2608,
2610).
[0105] Attaching the connection building element 2564 to the torso
building element 2515 in this manner results in the coupling
element 2606 aligning with the recess 116 (FIG. 4B) of the torso
building element 2515 and the coupling element 2604 receiving the
stud 2612 of the torso building element 2515. The alignment of the
coupling element 2606 of the connection building element 2564 and
the recess 116 of the torso building element 2515 provides a space
into which the stud 2614 of the pelvis building element 2520 can be
inserted to connect the pelvis building element 2520 to the torso
building element 2515 and the connection building element 2564.
[0106] After the connection building element 2564 and the torso
building element 2515 are connected, the stud 2614 of the pelvis
building element 2520 is connected to the recess 116 (FIG. 4B) of
the torso building element 2515 and the coupling element 2606 of
the connection building element 2564 to form the foundational
building assembly 2562, perspective views of which are shown in
FIGS. 27A and 27B. The building element components of the
foundational building assembly 2562 (the torso building element
2515, the pelvis building element 2520, and the connection building
element 2564) are "in system" with each other once connected and
can be used to construct a variety of different toy assemblies.
[0107] FIGS. 28A-28C show the "in system" nature of the
foundational building assembly 2562. In FIG. 28C, the connection
building element 2564 is hidden so that alignment of the coupling
elements is easily visualized. In particular, in the z direction,
the center of the ball 2800 on the torso building element 2515 and
the center of the ball 2805 on the pelvis building element 2520 are
spaced by an integer multiple (2 in this example) of the
center-to-center spacing (or the base unit) of the studs 2600.
Additionally, the centers of two of the studs 2600 coincide with
the centers of the balls 2800 in the y direction. The studs 2600
and the two balls 2805 on the pelvis building element 2520 form a
2.times.3 grid or array that is in system. Further, the
longitudinal center line of the stud 2612 of the torso building
element 2515 is positioned between two of the studs 2600. The balls
2805 on the pelvis building element 2520 align with the respective
recesses 116A, 116B in the torso building element 2515 along the x
direction.
[0108] Referring again to FIG. 25, the foundational building
assembly 2562 is the foundation of the two or more design modes
2582, 2586 that can be formed by connecting the other building
elements of the toy figure set 2510 either directly or indirectly
to the foundation building elements of the foundational building
assembly 2562. Additionally, once the design mode (such as design
mode 2582) is constructed, the user can then transform the set into
the other design mode (such as design mode 2586) without having to
disassemble the toy figure set 2510. Moreover, because the
foundational building assembly 2562 is constructed with more clutch
holding the foundation building elements together than previous
building elements the steps during the transformation between
design modes is more stable and the building elements are less
likely to disconnect during transformation.
[0109] An exemplary transformation from the design mode 2582 to the
design mode 2586 is shown in FIGS. 29 and 30. As shown, the toy
figure set 2510 includes at least two transform building elements
3000, 3005 that are locked together during the transformation from
the design mode 2582 to the design mode 2586. These same transform
building elements 3000, 3005 are unlocked from each other during
the transformation from the design mode 2586 to the design mode
2582.
[0110] Other implementations are within the scope of the following
claims.
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