U.S. patent application number 14/698053 was filed with the patent office on 2015-11-05 for toy building element.
The applicant listed for this patent is Hasbro, Inc.. Invention is credited to Daniel Roger Hamel, Salvatore F. Lama, Robert C. Maschin, Max J. Sackett.
Application Number | 20150314212 14/698053 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54354479 |
Filed Date | 2015-11-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150314212 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hamel; Daniel Roger ; et
al. |
November 5, 2015 |
TOY BUILDING ELEMENT
Abstract
A building element includes a body that defines a first
connection end and a second connection end, a socket at the first
connection end, an inner circumferential surface extending into the
body at the second connection end, and a central post at the second
connection end. The socket includes two or more petals that define
an inner curved surface that is configured to receive a ball. The
inner circumferential surface defines a central cavity, and the
central post is in the central cavity. The central post has an
outer circumferential surface and a circumferential cavity is
formed between the outer circumferential surface of the post and
the inner circumferential surface of the body.
Inventors: |
Hamel; Daniel Roger;
(Ludlow, MA) ; Maschin; Robert C.; (Johnston,
RI) ; Sackett; Max J.; (Warwick, RI) ; Lama;
Salvatore F.; (Bolton, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hasbro, Inc. |
Pawtucket |
RI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54354479 |
Appl. No.: |
14/698053 |
Filed: |
April 28, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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62116204 |
Feb 13, 2015 |
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62052559 |
Sep 19, 2014 |
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61986136 |
Apr 30, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
446/97 ;
446/128 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/086 20130101;
A63H 33/062 20130101; A63H 3/46 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63H 33/08 20060101
A63H033/08; A63H 3/46 20060101 A63H003/46 |
Claims
1. A building element comprising: a body that defines a first
connection end and a second connection end; a socket at the first
connection end, the socket includes two or more petals that define
an inner curved surface that is configured to receive a ball; an
inner circumferential surface extending into the body at the second
connection end, the inner circumferential surface defining a
central cavity; and a cylindrical post at the second connection end
and in the central cavity, the post having an outer circumferential
surface such that a circumferential cavity is formed between the
outer circumferential surface of the post and the inner
circumferential surface of the body.
2. The building element of claim 1, wherein the axis of the
cylindrical post extends from a lower surface, wherein the lower
surface forms a lower surface of the circumferential cavity and
extends between the inner circumferential surface of the body and
the outer circumferential surface of the post.
3. The building element of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical post
comprises a post top surface that intersects the axis of the
cylindrical post, and the body comprises a top surface.
4. The building element of claim 3, wherein a plane that intersects
the post top surface slices through the body.
5. The building element of claim 1, wherein the socket includes
only two petals.
6. The building element of claim 5, wherein the two petals extend
from the body along a direction that is parallel with the axis of
the cylindrical post and define open areas between the two
petals.
7. The building element of claim 1, wherein a line halfway between
the petals of the socket intersects the axis of the cylindrical
post.
8. The building element of claim 1, wherein the inner
circumferential surface of the body has a diameter of 4.84 mm.
9. The building element of claim 8, wherein the socket has a radius
of 2.4 mm.
10. The building element of claim 8, wherein the outer
circumferential surface of the cylindrical post has a diameter of
3.18 mm.
11. The building element of claim 1, wherein the inner
circumferential surface of the body includes one or more arc-shaped
surfaces between two flat surfaces.
12. A toy construction set comprising: an adapter building element
comprising: a body that defines a first connection end and a second
connection end; a socket at the first connection end, the socket
includes two or more petals that define an inner curved surface
that is configured to receive a ball; an inner circumferential
surface extending into the body at the second connection end and
defining a central cavity; and a central post at the second
connection end and in the central cavity, the central post having
an outer circumferential surface such that a circumferential cavity
is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the
cylindrical post and the inner circumferential surface of the
body.
13. The toy construction set of claim 12, further comprising a base
building element comprising a cylindrical stud that includes a
cylindrical wall defining an inner stud cavity and an outer stud
surface, wherein, when the adapter building element and the base
building element are connected, the cylindrical stud is
frictionally engaged at the inner stud cavity with the outer
circumferential surface of the central post and at the outer stud
surface with the inner circumferential surface of the body.
14. The toy construction set of claim 13, wherein the adapter
building element and the base building element connect along an
axis of connection, and when the adapter building element and the
base building element are connected, the adapter building element
and the base building element are rotatable relative to each other
about the axis of connection.
15. The toy construction set of claim 14, wherein the adapter
building element and the base building element slidably connect
along the axis of connection.
16. The toy construction set of claim 13, wherein the base building
element has a cylindrically shaped head from which the cylindrical
stud protrudes.
17. The toy construction set of claim 13, wherein the base building
element has a planar surface from which the cylindrical stud
protrudes.
18. The toy construction set of claim 13, wherein the base building
element comprises a recess that is configured to frictionally
engage a cylindrical stud of another building element.
19. The toy construction set of claim 13, further comprising a ball
building element comprising a ball, wherein, when the adapter
building element and the ball building element are connected, the
ball is frictionally engaged in the socket of the adapter building
element.
20. The toy construction set of claim 12, further comprising a ball
building element comprising a ball, wherein, when the adapter
building element and the ball building element are connected, the
ball is frictionally engaged in the socket of the adapter building
element.
21. The toy construction set of claim 20, wherein the ball building
element comprises one or more additional coupling elements for
connecting to other building element of the toy construction
set.
22. The toy construction set of claim 20, wherein the diameter of
the ball is larger than an opening defined between the two or more
petals.
23. The toy construction set of claim 12, further comprising a
plurality of additional building elements that are releasably
interconnectable with each other, at least one of the additional
building elements including a cylindrical stud that frictionally
engages the central post of the adapter building element by way of
an interference fit and at least one of the additional building
elements including a ball that frictionally engages the socket of
the adapter building element by way of an interference fit, at
least one of the building elements engaging in a purposeful
deformation during connection or disconnection.
24. A toy construction set comprising: an adapter building element
comprising: a body; a socket at a first connection end of the body,
the socket defining an inner curved surface; and a double-clutch
interference fit coupling element at a second connection end of the
body; a first appendage building element comprising a cylindrical
stud that includes a cylindrical wall defining an inner stud cavity
and an outer stud surface, wherein, when the adapter building
element and the first appendage building element are connected, the
cylindrical stud is frictionally engaged at the inner stud cavity
with the double-clutch interference fit coupling element of the
adapter building element and at the outer stud surface with the
double-clutch interference fit coupling element of the adapter
building element; and a second appendage building element
comprising a ball, wherein, when the adapter building element and
the second appendage building element are connected, the ball is
frictionally engaged in the socket of the adapter building
element.
25. The toy construction set of claim 24, wherein the double-clutch
interference fit coupling element comprises: an inner
circumferential surface that defines a central cavity that extends
into the body; and a post protruding within the central cavity such
that a circumferential cavity is formed between the post and the
inner circumferential surface of the body.
26. The toy construction set of claim 24, wherein the adapter
building element and the first appendage building element connect
along an axis of connection, and when the adapter building element
and the first appendage building element are connected, the adapter
building element and the first appendage building element are
rotatable relative to each other about the axis of connection.
27. The toy construction set of claim 26, wherein the adapter
building element and the first appendage building element slidably
connect along the axis of connection.
28. The toy construction set of claim 24, wherein when the adapter
building element and the second appendage building element are
connected, the ball is frictionally engaged in the socket of the
adapter building element to enable the second appendage building
element to rotate at least 180.degree. along a first plane and to
rotate at least 40.degree. along a second plane that is
perpendicular to the first plane.
29. The toy construction set of claim 24, wherein the first
appendage building element comprises a foot building element and
the second appendage building element comprises a leg building
element.
30. The toy construction set of claim 24, wherein the first
appendage building element is a first arm building element and the
second appendage building element is a second arm building
element.
31. The toy construction set of claim 24, wherein the first
appendage building element is a first leg building element and the
second appendage building element is a second leg building
element.
32. The toy construction set of claim 24, wherein the first
appendage building element is a part of a toy figure assembly.
33. The toy construction set of claim 32, wherein: the first
appendage building element comprises a head part building element
that includes the cylindrical stud that frictionally engages at the
inner stud cavity with the double-clutch interference fit coupling
element of the adapter building element and at the outer stud
surface with the double-clutch interference fit coupling element of
the adapter building element; and the toy figure assembly
comprises: an upper body part building element removably attachable
to the head part building element via a non-snap frictional
engagement; and a lower body part building element removably
attachable to the upper body part building element via a non-snap
frictional engagement, the lower body part building element
includes a single recess structured for non-snap frictional
engagement to a building element via only a single stud on the
building element.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No.
62/052,559, filed Sep. 19, 2014 and titled TOY BUILDING ELEMENT,
which is incorporated herein by reference in its 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. 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.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates to a toy building element that is a
part of a toy construction set.
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 some general aspects, a building element includes a body
that defines a first connection end and a second connection end, a
socket at the first connection end, the socket includes two or more
petals that define an inner curved (for example,
spherically-shaped) surface that is configured to receive a ball;
an inner circumferential surface extending into the body at the
second connection end, the inner circumferential surface defining a
central cavity; and a cylindrical post at the second connection end
and in the central cavity. The post has an outer circumferential
surface such that a circumferential cavity is formed between the
outer circumferential surface of the post and the inner
circumferential surface of the body.
[0005] Implementations can include one or more of the following
features. For example, the axis of the cylindrical post can extend
from a lower surface. The lower surface forms a lower surface of
the circumferential cavity and can extend between the inner
circumferential surface of the body and the outer circumferential
surface of the post.
[0006] The cylindrical post can include a post top surface that
intersects the axis of the cylindrical post, and the body can
include a top surface. A plane that intersects the post top surface
can slice through the body.
[0007] The socket can include only two petals. The two petals can
extend from the body along a direction that is parallel with the
axis of the cylindrical post and define open areas between the two
petals.
[0008] A line halfway between the petals of the socket can
intersect the axis of the cylindrical post.
[0009] The inner circumferential surface of the body can have a
diameter of 4.84 mm. The socket can have a radius of 2.4 mm. The
outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical post can have a
diameter of 3.18 mm.
[0010] The inner circumferential surface of the body can include
one or more arc-shaped surfaces between two flat surfaces.
[0011] In other general aspects, a toy construction set includes an
adapter building element that includes a body that defines a first
connection end and a second connection end; a socket at the first
connection end, the socket includes two or more petals that define
an inner spherically-shaped surface that is configured to receive a
ball; an inner circumferential surface extending into the body at
the second connection end and defining a central cavity; and a
cylindrical post at the second connection end and in the central
cavity. The cylindrical post has an outer circumferential surface
such that a circumferential cavity is formed between the outer
circumferential surface of the cylindrical post and the inner
circumferential surface of the body.
[0012] Implementations can include one or more of the following
features. For example, the toy construction set can include a base
building element having a cylindrical stud that includes a
cylindrical wall defining an inner stud cavity and an outer stud
surface, wherein, when the adapter building element and the base
building element are connected, the cylindrical stud is
frictionally engaged at the inner stud cavity with the outer
circumferential surface of the cylindrical post and at the outer
stud surface with the inner circumferential surface of the body.
The adapter building element and the base building element can
connect along an axis of connection, and when the adapter building
element and the base building element are connected, the adapter
building element and the base building element can be rotatable
relative to each other about the axis of connection. The adapter
building element and the base building element can slidably connect
along the axis of connection.
[0013] The base building element can have a cylindrically shaped
head from which the cylindrical stud protrudes. The base building
element can have a planar surface from which the cylindrical stud
protrudes. The base building element can include a recess that is
configured to frictionally engage a cylindrical stud of another
building element.
[0014] The toy construction set can include a ball building element
having a ball, wherein, when the adapter building element and the
ball building element are connected, the ball is frictionally
engaged in the socket of the adapter building element. The ball
building element can include one or more additional coupling
elements for connecting to other building element of the toy
construction set. The diameter of the ball can be larger than an
opening defined between the two or more petals.
[0015] The toy construction set can include a plurality of
additional building elements that are releasably interconnectable
with each other, at least one of the additional building elements
including a cylindrical stud that frictionally engages the
cylindrical post of the adapter building element by way of an
interference fit and at least one of the additional building
elements including a ball that frictionally engages the socket of
the adapter building element by way of an interference fit, at
least one of the building elements engaging in a purposeful
deformation during connection or disconnection.
[0016] In other general aspects, a toy construction set includes an
adapter building element having a body; a socket at a first
connection end of the body, the socket defining an inner
spherically-shaped surface; and a double interference clutch
coupling element at a second connection end of the body. The toy
construction set also includes a first appendage building element
having a cylindrical stud that includes a cylindrical wall defining
an inner stud cavity and an outer stud surface, wherein, when the
adapter building element and the first appendage building element
are connected, the cylindrical stud is frictionally engaged at the
inner stud cavity with the double interference clutch coupling
element of the adapter building element and at the outer stud
surface with the double interference clutch coupling element of the
adapter building element. The toy construction set also includes a
second appendage building element having a ball, wherein, when the
adapter building element and the second appendage building element
are connected, the ball is frictionally engaged in the socket of
the adapter building element.
[0017] Implementations can include one or more of the following
features. For example, the double interference clutch coupling
element can include an inner circumferential surface that defines a
central cavity that extends into the body; and a post protruding
within the central cavity such that a circumferential cavity is
formed between the post and the inner circumferential surface of
the body.
[0018] The adapter building element and the first appendage
building element can connect along an axis of connection, and when
the adapter building element and the first appendage building
element are connected, the adapter building element and the first
appendage building element are rotatable relative to each other
about the axis of connection. The adapter building element and the
first appendage building element can slidably connect along the
axis of connection.
[0019] When the adapter building element and the second appendage
building element are connected, the ball can be frictionally
engaged in the socket of the adapter building element to enable the
second appendage building element to rotate at least 180.degree.
along a first plane and to rotate at least 40.degree. along a
second plane that is perpendicular to the first plane.
[0020] The first appendage building element can include a foot
building element and the second appendage building element
comprises a leg building element.
[0021] The first appendage building element can be a first arm
building element and the second appendage building element can be a
second arm building element.
[0022] The first appendage building element can be a first leg
building element and the second appendage building element can be a
second leg building element.
[0023] The first appendage building element can be a part of a toy
figure assembly. The first appendage building element can include a
head part building element that includes the cylindrical stud that
frictionally engages at the inner stud cavity with the double
interference clutch coupling element of the adapter building
element and at the outer stud surface with the double interference
clutch coupling element of the adapter building element. The toy
figure assembly can include an upper body part building element
removably attachable to the head part building element via a
non-snap frictional engagement; and a lower body part building
element removably attachable to the upper body part building
element via a non-snap frictional engagement, the lower body part
building element includes a single recess structured for non-snap
frictional engagement to a building element via only a single stud
on the building element.
[0024] The adapter building element includes both a ball and socket
joint and a double clutch recess to provide a strong engagement for
adapting between studs and recesses and balls and sockets, which
enables the adapter building element to be used for combining toy
figure assemblies or any other building elements or assemblies that
require a great frictional engagement to maintain their
connection.
DRAWING DESCRIPTION
[0025] FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an exemplary toy construction
set in a disconnected state.
[0026] FIG. 1B is a block diagram of the exemplary toy construction
set of FIG. 1A in a connected state.
[0027] FIG. 2A is a block diagram of another exemplary toy
construction set.
[0028] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of a building element of
the toy construction set of FIG. 2A taken along the line 2B-2B.
[0029] FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of another building
element of the toy construction set of FIG. 2B taken along the line
2C-2C.
[0030] FIG. 2D shows an exemplary toy construction set.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary toy figure
assembled from building elements.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary building
element in the form of a pelvis.
[0033] FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views of an exemplary
building element in the form of a pelvis.
[0034] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an exemplary building
element in the form of a torso.
[0035] FIG. 6B is a bottom perspective view of the building element
of FIG. 6A.
[0036] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the building element of
FIG. 4 placed "in system" with other building elements.
[0037] FIG. 7B is a side cross-sectional of the building element of
FIG. 4 placed "in system" as shown in FIG. 7A.
[0038] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of an exemplary process for
releasably connecting building elements.
[0039] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of another exemplary
construction set in a disassembled state.
[0040] FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the construction set of
FIG. 9A in an assembled state.
[0041] FIG. 10A is a top perspective view of an adapter building
element.
[0042] FIG. 10B is a bottom perspective view of the adapter
building element of FIG. 10A.
[0043] FIG. 10C is a side perspective view of the adapter building
element of FIGS. 10A and 10B.
[0044] FIG. 11A is a top perspective view of an exemplary adapter
building element.
[0045] FIG. 11B is a bottom perspective view of the exemplary
adapter building element of FIG. 11A.
[0046] FIG. 11C is a top plan view of the adapter building element
of FIGS. 11A and 11B.
[0047] FIG. 11D is a side cross sectional view of the adapter
building element of FIG. 11C taken along section D-D.
[0048] FIG. 11E is a bottom plan view of the adapter building
element of FIGS. 11A-11D.
[0049] FIG. 12A is a block diagram of an exemplary toy construction
set that includes the adapter building element of FIGS.
10A-10C.
[0050] FIG. 12B is a block diagram of a unitary structure formed
from the adapter building element of FIGS. 10A-10C and other
building element of the toy construction set of FIG. 12A.
[0051] FIG. 13A is a perspective view the adapter building element
of FIGS. 10A-10C connected to a base building element shaped like a
head.
[0052] FIG. 13B is a side cross sectional view of the adapter
building element connected to the base building element of FIG.
13A.
[0053] FIG. 14A is a perspective view of the adapter building
element of FIGS. 10A-10C connected to a base building element that
has a planar surface from which a cylindrical stud protrudes.
[0054] FIG. 14B is a perspective cross sectional view of the
adapter building element connected to the base building element of
FIG. 14A.
[0055] FIG. 15A is a side plan view of the adapter building element
of FIGS. 10A-10C in a unitary structure than includes first and
second building elements attached to opposite ends of the adapter
building element.
[0056] FIG. 15B is a perspective view of the unitary structure of
FIG. 15A.
[0057] FIGS. 15C and 15D are side plan views of the unitary
structure of FIGS. 15A and 15B showing different relative positions
between the first and second building elements and the adapter
building element.
[0058] FIG. 16A is a perspective view of a combiner apparatus that
is formed by combining a plurality of toy figure assemblies and a
plurality of adapter building elements.
[0059] FIG. 16B is a perspective view of the combiner apparatus of
FIG. 16A including accessories that impart design features to the
combiner apparatus.
DESCRIPTION
[0060] A toy construction set is disclosed. Referring to FIGS. 1A
and 1B, a block diagram of an exemplary toy construction set 100 is
shown. The toy construction set 100 includes at least two building
elements that are configured to be repeatedly and releasably
connected to each other. At least two of the building elements in
the toy construction set 100 connect together with a plurality of
frictional engagements, each of which is formed between different
pairs of surfaces. The frictional engagements are such that the
building elements can be connected, disconnected, and reconnected
repeatedly and without harming or destroying the building
elements.
[0061] As discussed in greater detail below, the plurality of
frictional engagements allows the at least two building elements to
be held together more securely and to rotate relative to each other
while connected. Once connected, the building elements can be held
together with an interference fit. 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 also
may involve a purposeful interference or deformation of one or more
of the coupling elements when they are coupled, fastened, pushed
together, or otherwise mutually engaged. Thus, the interference fit
can be achieved by shaping the two coupling elements so that one or
the other, or both, slightly deviate in size or form from their
nominal dimension and one or more of the coupling elements slightly
interferes with the space that the other is taking up.
[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] In the example of FIGS. 1A and 1B, two building elements, a
building element 110 and a building element 120, are shown. FIG. 1A
shows the toy construction set 100 in a disconnected state, with
the building element 110 and the building element 120 being
physically separate from each other. The building element 110 and
the building element 120 connect to each other along a direction
107, which is parallel to the z direction. FIG. 1B shows the toy
construction set 100 in a connected state, with the building
element 110 and the building element 120 being releasably connected
and held to each other with a frictional engagement, an
interference fit, or a friction fit.
[0064] The building element 110 includes a surface 112 and a stud
114 that extends from the surface 112. The stud 114 has a cavity
115 and an outer wall 116. The cavity 115 is recessed into the stud
114. The outer wall 116 forms a portion of the exterior of the stud
114. In the example shown, the outer wall 116 is concentric with
the cavity 115. The building element 120 includes a surface 122 and
a recess 124 formed in the surface 122. The recess 124 has a wall
127. In the example of FIGS. 1A and 1B, a protrusion (such as a
post) 126 extends into the recess 124.
[0065] When the building elements 110 and 120 are connected, the
protrusion 126 is at least partially received in the cavity 115. As
a result, a frictional engagement 131 is formed between the
protrusion 126 and an inner wall of the stud 114, and a frictional
engagement 132 is formed between the outer wall 116 of the stud 114
and the wall 127 at the edge of the recess 124. Thus, the stud 114
is engaged at both its exterior (the outer wall 116) and its
interior (inner wall or at the cavity 115). In this manner, the
building element 110 and the building element 120 are releasably
connected to each other at two distinct frictional engagement
areas, regions, or points.
[0066] The frictional engagements 131, 132 are distinct from each
other because they are formed at different spatial locations. In
the example of FIG. 1B, the engagements 131, 132 are formed between
surfaces that are in different planes and are between different
portions of the building elements. The engagements 131, 132 occur
without any snap fit action. In other words, there is no purposeful
deformation along a first direction before a relaxing back along a
second direction that is antiparallel with the first direction
during the connection of the building elements 110 and 120.
[0067] Having a plurality of distinct frictional engagement points
when the building elements 110 and 120 are connected can result in
the connected toy construction set 100 being held more securely,
and the building elements 110, 120 being clutched more strongly, as
compared to an implementation in which a single frictional
engagement is formed between two surfaces. Additionally, in some
implementations, when connected, the building elements 110, 120 can
rotate relative to one another about the connection axis 107 in the
x-y plane, which is perpendicular to the connection axis 107. The
building elements 110, 120 can rotate through 360 degrees of motion
in the x-y plane without becoming disconnected from each other. The
building elements 110, 120 can rotate relative to each other in the
x-y plane while moving in the z direction along the connection axis
107 or while remaining in their respective positions relative to
each other on the connection axis 107. The building elements 110,
120 can remain connected to each other while being rotated because
of the strong connection provided by the plurality of frictional
engagements.
[0068] Referring to FIG. 2A, a block diagram of another exemplary
set of building elements 200 in a disassembled state is shown. The
set of building elements 200 includes a building element 210 and a
building element 220 that are releasably connectable to each other.
The building elements 210 and 220 are part of a construction set
236 (FIG. 2D) that includes a plurality of building elements that
repeatedly releasably connect to each other. Either or both of the
building elements 210 and 220 can connect to any of the building
elements in the construction set 236.
[0069] The building element 210 includes a stud 214, which has a
cavity 215 and an outer wall 216. The building element 220 includes
a recess 224 formed in a surface 222, and a protrusion 226 in the
recess 224. The recess 224 includes a wall 227 that at least
partially defines a boundary of the recess 224. When the building
elements 210 and 220 are connected, a frictional engagement is
formed between the outer wall 216 and the wall 227 and between the
protrusion 226 and the inner wall of the cavity 215. In this
manner, the building elements 210 and 220 are held together by a
plurality of frictional engagements.
[0070] The building element 220 also includes coupling studs 229.
The coupling studs 229 are arranged in a pattern on a surface 228.
The coupling studs 229 allow the building element 220 to connect to
any of the building elements in the construction set 236. For
example, the coupling studs 229 can be received and held in
frictional engagement by a corresponding recess formed in a
separate and distinct building element. In some implementations,
the building element 210 can include recesses 219 to receive
coupling studs such as the coupling studs 229.
[0071] Referring to FIG. 2B, a cross-sectional view of the building
element 220 taken along the line 2B-2B is shown. In the example
shown, the protrusion 226 and the recess 224 have circular
cross-sections. FIG. 2C shows a cross-sectional view of the
building element 210 taken along the line 2C-2C. In the example
shown, the stud 214 and the cavity 215 have circular
cross-sections. The circular cross-sections of the protrusion 226,
the recess 224, the stud 214, and the cavity 215 allow the building
element 210 and the building element 220 to rotate relative to each
other about the connection axis when connected or frictionally
engaged to each other.
[0072] Referring to FIG. 3, a perspective view of an exemplary toy
FIG. 300 in an assembled state is shown. The toy FIG. 300 includes
a head 305, the pelvis or hip 310, the torso 320, arms 330, and
legs 340. The head 305, pelvis 310, torso 320, arms 330, and legs
340, collectively the components of the toy FIG. 300, are building
elements and are releasably connected to each other to form the toy
FIG. 300.
[0073] FIGS. 4 and 6A show perspective views of a pelvis 410 and a
torso 620 that can be used as the pelvis 310 and the torso,
respectively, of the toy FIG. 300 of FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 4,
the pelvis 410 includes a stud 414 that extends a distance 414a
from a surface 412. The stud 414 includes a cavity 415, which is
formed in the stud 414, and an outer wall 416. The cavity 415 is at
least partially defined by a faceted inner wall. The outer wall 416
is smooth. The pelvis 410 has mirror symmetry in the x-z and y-z
planes. Additionally, the pelvis 410 includes balls 418.
[0074] FIG. 5A shows a front perspective view of another exemplary
pelvis 510. FIG. 5B shows a side view of the pelvis 510. The pelvis
510 includes a stud 514 that extends a distance 514a in the z
direction from a surface 512. The stud 514 includes a cavity 515,
which is formed in the stud 514, and an outer wall 516. The cavity
514 has a faceted inner wall. The outer wall 516 is smooth. The
pelvis 510 is similar to the pelvis 410, except the surface 512 is
smaller than the surface 412 in the x-y plane and in the z
direction. Additionally, the extent 514a of the stud 514 can be
greater than the extent 414a of the stud 414. However, the cavity
515 and the cavity 415 have the same diameter and the same faceted
inner wall, and the diameters of the stud 514 and the stud 414 are
the same. Thus, the discussion below regarding connecting the torso
620 and the pelvis 410 also applies to connecting the torso 620 and
the pelvis 510.
[0075] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, perspective and perspective
bottom views, respectively, of the torso 620 are shown. Referring
to FIG. 6A, the torso 620 includes a body 652 that defines a
longitudinal axis 607 that is parallel to the z direction. A stud
614 extends in the z direction from the body 652, and balls 632
extend from the body 652 in the y direction. Referring also to FIG.
6B, a bottom end 617 of the torso 620 defines a recess 630 that is
bounded in the x-y plane by a surface 622.
[0076] Inside the body 652 of the torso 620 and within the recess
630 are two recesses 624, a protrusion (or stud) 626, and a wall
627. The torso 620 also includes ribs 628 that extend along the
wall 627 and into the recess 624.
[0077] To connect the torso 620 and the pelvis 410, the protrusion
626 is inserted into the cavity 415 of the stud 414 of the pelvis
410, and the outer wall 416 of the stud 414 is physically connected
to at least a portion of the wall 627 of the torso 620. The
insertion and physical connection creates a frictional engagement
between the inner wall of the cavity 415 of the pelvis 410 and the
protrusion 626 of the torso 620 and between at least a portion of
the outer wall 416 of the pelvis 410 and a portion of the wall 627
of the torso 620. Thus, the torso 620 and the pelvis 410 are held
together and connected at a plurality of frictional engagement
points. This connection can be considered a "double clutch."
[0078] Portions of the outer wall 416 of the stud 414 on the pelvis
410 can have a frictional engagement with the wall 627 of the torso
620 by having a frictional engagement with one or more of the ribs
628. Additionally, the ribs 628 can be used to connect and hold the
torso 620 to a separate building element, as shown, for example, in
FIG. 9. The primary function of the ribs 628 is to locate a long or
short stud in the geometric center of the torso 620. This allows
the torso 620 to sit either "in system" (discussed with respect to
FIG. 7A below) over two studs or in-system over a single stud in
the center. Another function of the ribs 628 is to provide
additional clutching surfaces for any of the three stud
positions.
[0079] The torso 620 and the pelvis 410 can be rotated relative to
each other while connected. The rotation can occur in the x-y plane
(which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 407 of the pelvis
and the longitudinal axis 607 of the torso 620). The rotation can
be smooth, without the torso 620 and the pelvis 410 disconnecting
from each other or moving apart from each other along the direction
of the longitudinal axes 407 and 507 (in the z direction). The ribs
628 can help keep the torso 620 and the pelvis 410 connected when
they are rotated relative to each other. The ribs 428 can also help
the torso 620 and the pelvis 410 rotate smoothly without separating
or moving away from each other in the z direction.
[0080] Further, the ribs 628 provide additional clutching surfaces
(surfaces for frictional engagement) for a connection on a building
element that connects to the torso 620. Furthermore, the ribs 628
can aid in aligning the outer wall 416 of the stud 414 on the
pelvis 410 or the outer portion of any other type of connection on
a separate building element that connects to the torso 620 at the
protrusion 626. In the example shown in FIG. 6B, the four ribs 628
provide four additional points of contact and four lines of
alignment. Other implementations can include more or fewer
ribs.
[0081] Referring to FIG. 7A, a perspective view of the torso 620
placed "in system" with other building elements in a toy
construction set is shown. FIG. 7B shows a side cross-sectional
view of the torso 620 placed "in system" with other building
elements. In the example shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, a construction
set (such as the construction set 236 of FIG. 2) is used to build a
grid 700. A building element is "in system" with other building
elements when the building element is built into a 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."
[0082] For building elements that include a grid of studs, the
centers of the studs are 8 millimeters (mm) apart in the x-y plane.
Additionally, all building elements in the construction set are
factors of the same size in the y-z and x-z dimension. For example,
all of the building elements can have an extent in the y-z and/or
x-z dimension that is an integer multiple of the extent of all of
the other building elements. In other words, the extent of all of
the building elements can be the same as or a multiple of a single
building element to allow all of the building elements to be used
in a grid or structure constructed from the building elements in
the construction set. For building elements that include other
types of coupling elements (such as balls and sockets), the centers
of those coupling elements align with coupling elements 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 z axis in the x-z plane are a
standard unit, which is an integer multiple of a base unit, BU.
Thus, the balls or sockets are in system if their centers are
separated from each other by an integer multiple of a base unit BU.
For construction sets with building elements that have standard
sizes, to make a building element or other object of a construction
set "in system" with the other building elements, key dimensions of
the building element are designed to fall in either a multiple of 8
mm (the distance between studs), a multiple of 3.2 mm (the height
of a plate), or matching any of the key diameters or other "width"
dimensions in the construction system, such as 3.18 mm rods, 4.88
mm studs, and other standard building element.
[0083] 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.
[0084] The torso 620 is placed "in system" with the other building
elements used to assemble the grid 700 because the torso 620 fits
into the grid 700 and is interchangeable with at least one other
building element used to assemble the grid 700.
[0085] Additionally, and referring to FIG. 7B, when connected "in
system," the torso 620 is connected to a building element 710 with
a plurality of frictional engagement points. The building element
710 includes a stud 714 that has a portion 715 The portion 715
receives the protrusion 626 of the torso 620, thereby forming a
plurality of frictional engagement points between the torso 620 and
the building element 710.
[0086] In the example shown, the assembled grid 700 includes a
building element 733 that has a stud 734 with a cavity 735. The
torso 620 includes a shoulder coupling element 632 that, for
example, connects the arm 330 (FIG. 3) to the torso 620. The
shoulder coupling element 632 is positioned relative to the other
parts of the torso 620 so that the shoulder coupling element 632
lines up with the stud 734 and cavity 735. In the example shown,
when the torso 620 is connected to the building element 710, the
center of the shoulder coupling element 632 is aligned with the
center of the cavity 735 in the x direction, as shown by axis
750.
[0087] This arrangement of the shoulder coupling element 632
relative to the other portions of the torso 620 helps to allow the
torso 620 to be connected "in system" with the other building
elements (such as the building element 733) in the toy construction
set. For example, the shoulder coupling element 632 can be
connected to the building element 733 by inserting the shoulder
coupling element 632 into the cavity 735 while still being
connected to other building elements in the grid 700. In this
manner, the building elements of the construction set can be used
to make a grid and/or a figure, enhancing play value and the
flexibility of the construction set.
[0088] Furthermore, when connected to the building element 710 "in
system", the torso 620 can rotate relative to the building element
710 about a rotation axis 707. The rotation axis 707 is parallel to
the longitudinal axis 607 (FIG. 6A) of the torso 620.
[0089] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of an exemplary process 800 for
releasably connecting building elements. The process 800 can be
performed, for example, with the building elements 110 and 120, the
building elements 210 and 220, the torso 320 and the pelvis 310,
and/or the torso 620 with any of the pelvises 310, 410, and 510.
The process 800 is discussed with respect to the building elements
110 and 120.
[0090] The building element 110 is provided (810). The first
building element 110 is releasably connected to the second building
element 210 by inserting the protrusion 126 into the cavity 115
such that the protrusion engages the inner wall of the cavity 115
and the wall 127 engages the outer wall 116 of the stud 114 (820).
In some implementations, the first building element 110 and the
second building element 120 are rotatable about the connection axis
107 relative to each other when connected.
[0091] FIG. 9A shows a perspective view of another exemplary
construction set 900 in a disassembled state, and FIG. 9B shows the
construction set 900 in an assembled state. The construction set
900 includes the torso 620 and a building element 950. The building
element 950 includes studs 952 arranged in a regular pattern or
grid on a flat surface 954. The centers of the studs 952 are
separated, along a direction that is parallel with either the x or
the z axis in the x-z plane, by a standard unit, which is an
integer multiple of a base unit, BU. This center-to-center distance
is labeled 940 in FIG. 9A. The torso 620 can be connected to the
building element 950 "in system" by connecting the protrusion 626
(FIG. 6B) of the torso 920 between any two of the studs 952 and
connecting the recesses 624 (FIG. 6B) to those two studs.
[0092] 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 of 4.88
mm and a height of 1.80 mm, and the coupling recesses are sized to
have an interference fit with the coupling studs 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.
[0093] Coupling elements, for example, a 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-z plane)
on the surface of a building element which allow for easy coupling
(and de-coupling) with the similarly arranged female recesses of
another building element. 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 male coupling
elements, for example, studs, arranged in four columns by three
rows. The distances between centers of the coupling elements taken
along a direction that is parallel with either the x or the z axis
in the x-z plane are a standard unit, which is an integer multiple
of a base unit, BU. For example, a 1.times.3 standard building
element (brick or plate) has three studs A, B, and C whose centers
are arranged along a center axis of the element (for example, a z
axis) where the center of stud A is 1BU from the center of stud B
and 2BUs from the center of stud C. In the implementations
described, the base unit or BU of such a toy construction system is
8 mm.
[0094] Referring to FIGS. 10A-10C, an adapter building element 1000
has a body 1002 with a first connection end 1003 and a second
connection end 1007. The adapter building element 1000 includes a
socket 1001 at the first connection end 1003, and a double-clutch
interference fit coupling element (referred to herein as
double-clutch coupling element) 1005 at the second connection end
1007.
[0095] The socket 1001 includes two or more petals 1010 that define
an inner curved surface 1012. The inner curved surface 1012 can be
spherically shaped (for example, it can have a shape of a partial
sphere) and is configured to receive a ball.
[0096] The double-clutch coupling element 1005 is formed into the
body 1002 at the second connection end 1007. The double-clutch
coupling element 1005 is defined by the following features: an
inner circumferential surface 1016 of the body 1002 and an outer
circumferential surface 1022 of a central post 1020. The inner
circumferential surface 1016 generally defines a central cavity
1018. The central post 1020 extends into or through the central
cavity 1018 to fill a portion of the central cavity 1018 so that a
circumferential cavity 1024 is thereby defined between the inner
circumferential surface 1016 of the body 1002 and the outer
circumferential surface 1022 of the central post 1020. The cavity
1018 intersects a surface 1032 defined at the edge of the second
connection end 1007.
[0097] An axis 1026 of the central post 1020 extends through the
body 1002. The axis 1026 of the central post 1020 coincides with
the center axis of the inner curved surface 1012 of the socket
1001. In some implementations, the central post 1020 has a
cylindrical shape (and thus has a cross sectional shape of a circle
when the cross section is taken along the plane that is normal to
the axis 1026). In other implementations, the central post 1020 has
a polygonal cross-section. In other implementations, the central
post 1020 has a cross section that intersperses arcs with lines.
The central post 1020 has a post top surface 1030 that intersects
the axis 1026 of the central post 1020. A plane that intersects the
post top surface 1030 slices through the body 1002 in the second
connection end 1007.
[0098] As shown in this example, the socket 1001 includes only two
petals 1010. In other implementations, the socket 1001 includes
three, four, or more petals 1010. The two petals 1010 extend from
the body 1002 along a direction that is parallel with the axis 1026
of the central post 1020 and define an open area 1034 between the
two petals. A line halfway between the petals 1010 of the socket
1001 can therefore intersect the axis 1026 of the central post
1020.
[0099] In some implementations, the inner circumferential surface
1016 of the body 1002 has a diameter of 4.8 mm. In some
implementations, the socket 1001 (in particular, the inner curved
surface 1012) has a radius of 2.4 mm (or a diameter of 4.8 mm). In
some implementations, the outer circumferential surface 1022 of the
central post 1020 has a diameter of 3.18 mm.
[0100] The inner surface of each petal 1010 can include one or more
arc-shaped surfaces 1040 between two flat surfaces 1042. The
arc-shaped surfaces 1040 enable a ball (such as ball 1108 in FIG.
12A) of a building element (such as building element 1206 in FIG.
12A) to smoothly and snugly fit between the petals 1010 during the
connection of the building element 1206 to the adapter building
element 1000. In the implementation shown in FIGS. 10A-10C, the
inner circumferential surface 1016 of the body 1002 is
circular.
[0101] Referring to FIGS. 11A-11E, an adapter building element 1100
is designed with a flange 1114 that is formed at the second
connection end 1107 of the body 1102. The flange 1114 can be carved
into the surface 1132 or it can extend outward from the surface
1132 (as shown in FIGS. 11A-11E). The cavity 1118 is formed between
an inner circumferential surface 1116 and an outer circumferential
surface 1122 of a central post 1120.
[0102] The adapter building element 1100 is similar in design to
the adapter building element 1000 and thus, the adapter building
element 1100 also includes the body 1102, which has the first
connection end 1103 and the second connection end 1107. The adapter
building element 1100 includes a socket 1101 at the first
connection end 1103, and a double-clutch interference fit coupling
element 1105 (or double-clutch coupling element 1105) at the second
connection end 1107. The socket 1101 includes two or more petals
1110 that define an inner curved surface 1112. The inner curved
surface 1112 can be spherically shaped and is configured to receive
a ball. The double-clutch coupling element 1105 is formed by the
cavity 1118 that is defined between the inner circumferential
surface 1116 of the body 1102 and the outer circumferential surface
1122 of the central post 1120.
[0103] In the implementation shown in FIGS. 11A-11E, the inner
circumferential surface 1116 includes one or more arc-shaped
surfaces 1144 between two flat surfaces 1146. Such a design can
improve the frictional engagement between the double-clutch
coupling element 1105 and the building element (such as building
element 1206 in FIG. 12A) that connects to the double-clutch
coupling element 1105.
[0104] Referring also to FIGS. 12A and 12B, the adapter building
element 1000 (which can be the adapter building element 1100) is
shown as being part of a toy construction set 1200. The adapter
building element 1000 provides a connection mechanism between a
first building element 1202 that includes a cylindrical stud 1204
and a second building element 1206 that includes a ball 1208. When
the first building element 1202 and the second building element
1206 are connected to the adapter building element 1000, a unitary
structure 1210 is formed. The building elements of the unitary
structure 1210 are releasably interconnectible. Thus, the unitary
structure 1210 can be disassembled and the individual parts, that
is, the adapter building element 1000, and the first and second
building elements 1202, 1206, can be reused in other ways and to
connect with other building elements of the set 1200 or any other
toy construction set.
[0105] The cylindrical stud 1204 includes a cylindrical wall 1212
defining an inner stud cavity 1214 and an outer stud surface 1216.
When the adapter building element 1000 and the first building
element 1202 are connected, the cylindrical stud 1204 is
frictionally engaged at the inner stud cavity 1214 with the outer
circumferential surface 1022 of the central post 1020 and at the
outer stud surface 1216 with the inner circumferential surface
1016.
[0106] The adapter building element 1000 and the first building
element 1202 connect along a connection axis 1220, which aligns
with and is parallel with the axis 1026 of the central post 1020.
When the adapter building element 1000 and the first building
element 1202 are connected, the adapter building element 1000 and
the first building element 1202 are rotatable relative to each
other about the connection axis 1220. The adapter building element
1000 and the first building element 1202 slidably connect along the
connection axis 1220. In some implementations, as shown in FIGS.
13A and 13B, the first building element 1202 is a base building
element 1302 that is shaped like a cylindrically shaped head and
the cylindrical stud 1304 protrudes from the head. In other
implementations, as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the first building
element 1202 is a base building element 1402 that has a planar
surface 1480 from which the cylindrical stud 1404 protrudes.
[0107] The first building element 1202 can include other coupling
elements for connection to other building elements while being
connected to the adapter building element 1000. For example, the
first building element 1202 can include one or more recesses 1248
that are each configured to frictionally engage a cylindrical stud
of another building element. Examples of recesses 1348 and 1448 are
shown in, respectively, building elements 1302 and 1402. Or, the
first building element 1202 can include one or more additional
studs. An example of a second stud 1450 is shown on the building
element 1402.
[0108] Referring again to FIGS. 12A and 12B, the second building
element 1206 includes the ball 1208. When the adapter building
element 1000 and the second building element 1206 are connected,
the ball 1208 is frictionally engaged in the socket 1001 of the
adapter building element 1000. The second building element 1206 can
include one or more additional coupling elements for connecting to
other building element of the toy construction set 1200 or of other
toy construction sets.
[0109] The diameter D of the ball 1208 is larger than the opening
defined between the two or more petals 1010 of the socket 1001, in
particular, the inner curved surface 1012. Thus, the diameter D of
the ball 1208 is greater than 4.78 mm if the diameter of the inner
curved surface 1012 is 4.78 mm. For example, if the diameter D of
the ball 1208 is 4.88 mm, the diameter of the inner curved surface
1012 is 4.78 mm, and this provides an overlapping interference of
about 0.3 mm total.
[0110] Because of this, a snap fit is formed between the ball 1208
and the socket 1001 such that as the ball 1208 is pushed into the
socket 1001 between the petals 1010, the petals 1010 are deformed
(pushed away from the axis 1026), and once the ball 1208 is
properly seated within the socket 1001, the petals 1010 snap back
into their non-deformed position. Thus, to connect the second
building element 1206 to the adapter building element 1000, the
ball 1208 is pushed through the open area 1034 between the petals
1010 of the socket 1001 along the connection axis 1220. As the ball
1208 is pushed along the axis 1220, it initially seats itself
between the arc-shaped surfaces 1040 (which is a stable position
for the ball 1208), and because the ball 1208 has a diameter that
is wider than the diameter of the inner curved surface 1012, the
ball 1208 pushes the petals 1010 outward and away from the
connection axis 1220 and away from their non-deformed, resting
position until the ball 1208 clears the arc-shaped surfaces 1040
and is fully seated within the inner curved surface 1012 (as shown
on the right side of FIG. 12A), at which point the petals 1010 snap
back toward the connection axis 1220 to their non-deformed, resting
position to securely lock the ball 1208 within the socket 1001.
[0111] Referring to FIGS. 15A-15D, an exemplary second building
element 1506 is shown that includes a ball 1508 that forms an
interference fit (for example, a snap-fit) with the socket 1001 of
the adapter building element 1000. As also shown in FIGS. 15A-15D,
the adapter building element 1000 is connected to the base building
element 1402. In this way, a unitary structure 1510 is formed. The
unitary structure 1510 resembles an ankle assembly, with the base
building element 1402 resembling a part of an appendage such as a
foot, the adapter building element 1000 acting as an ankle joint,
and the second building element 1506 resembling a part of an
appendage, such as a lower part of a leg.
[0112] In this example, when the adapter building element 1000 and
the second building element 1506 are connected, the ball 1508 is
frictionally engaged in the socket 1001 of the adapter building
element 1000 to enable the second building element 1506 to rotate
at least 180.degree. along a first plane and to rotate at least
40.degree. along a second plane that is perpendicular to the first
plane.
[0113] Referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, the adapter building element
1000 can be used in a combiner apparatus 1690 that is formed by
combining a plurality of toy figure assemblies, with each toy
figure assembly resembling a human or robot form.
[0114] In general, each adapter building element 1000 of the
apparatus 1690 connects a first appendage building element to a
second appendage building element. For example, the adapter
building element 1600A functions as a knee joint between a first
appendage building element 1602A and a second appendage building
element 1606A. Thus, the first appendage building element 1602A is
a part of a leg and the second appendage building element 1606A is
the other part of the leg that is closest to a torso 1684. And, the
adapter building element 1600B functions as an elbow joint between
a first appendage building element 1602B and a second appendage
building element 1606B. Thus the first appendage building element
1602B is a part of an arm and the second appendage building element
1606B is a part of the arm that is closest to the torso 1684.
[0115] The first appendage building element 1602A, 1602B includes a
cylindrical stud that includes a cylindrical wall defining an inner
stud cavity and an outer stud surface. When the adapter building
element 1000 and the first appendage building element 1602A or
1602B are connected, the cylindrical stud is frictionally engaged
at the inner stud cavity with the double-clutch coupling element
1005 of the adapter building element 1000 and at the outer stud
surface with the double-clutch coupling element 1005 of the adapter
building element 1000. The second appendage building element 1606A,
1606B includes a respective ball 1608A, 1608B, and when the adapter
building element 1000 and the second appendage building element
1606A or 1606B are connected, the ball is frictionally engaged in
the socket 1001 of the adapter building element 1000.
[0116] In this particular combiner apparatus 1690, the first
appendage building element 1602A, 1602B is a part of a toy figure
assembly. In this implementation, the first appendage building
element 1602A, 1602B is a head part building element that includes
the cylindrical stud that frictionally engages at the inner stud
cavity with the double-clutch coupling element 1005 of the adapter
building element 1000 and at the outer stud surface with the
double-clutch coupling element 1005 of the adapter building element
1000. The toy figure assembly also includes an upper body part
building element 1692A, 1692B removably attachable to the
respective head part building element 1602A, 1602B via a non-snap
frictional engagement; and a lower body part building element
1694A, 1694B removably attachable to the upper body part building
element 1692A, 1692B via a non-snap frictional engagement. The
lower body part building element 1694A, 1694B includes a single
recess structured for non-snap frictional engagement to a building
element via only a single stud on the building element.
* * * * *