U.S. patent application number 17/123635 was filed with the patent office on 2021-08-12 for construction toy and game.
The applicant listed for this patent is Cog Toy Company, LLC. Invention is credited to Bill Burton.
Application Number | 20210245039 17/123635 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005418950 |
Filed Date | 2021-08-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210245039 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Burton; Bill |
August 12, 2021 |
CONSTRUCTION TOY AND GAME
Abstract
A construction toy and game comprises a base, a core, and a
first balance rod to operatively balance the core on the base. The
construction toy and game further comprises a first weight
component and a second balance rod to operatively connect the core
to the first weight component.
Inventors: |
Burton; Bill; (Farmers
Branch, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cog Toy Company, LLC |
Dallas |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005418950 |
Appl. No.: |
17/123635 |
Filed: |
December 16, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62970796 |
Feb 6, 2020 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2250/50 20130101;
A63F 9/26 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/26 20060101
A63F009/26 |
Claims
1. A construction toy, comprising: a base; a core; a first balance
rod to operatively balance the core on the base; a first weight
component; and a second balance rod to operatively connect the core
to the first weight component.
2. The construction toy of claim 1, further comprising: a balance
cap to be temporarily affixed to a first end of the first balance
rod, opposite the base; and a balance point to be temporarily
affixed to the core, wherein the balance point is to be balanced
atop the balance cap to operatively balance the core on the
base.
3. The construction toy of claim 1, further comprising: second and
third weight components; and a third balance rod, to operatively
couple the second and third weight components to the core.
4. The construction toy of claim 3, wherein the first weight
component has a same weight than the second weight component and a
different weight than the third weight component.
5. The construction toy of claim 3, wherein the second balance rod
has a different length than the third balance rod.
6. The construction toy of claim 1, wherein the core is one of an
octagonal prism or an icosahedron.
7. The construction toy of claim 1, wherein the core comprises a
plurality of voids at various angles such that inserted balance
rods protrude from the core at multiple angles.
8. The construction toy of claim 1, wherein the core comprises:
sixteen identical wedges; and two identical end caps.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the first weight component
comprises a void such that the second balance rod inserted into the
void is temporarily affixed to the first weight.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein the second balance rod is
temporarily affixed to the first weight component via a living
hinge.
11. A method of manufacturing a device, comprising: forming a base;
forming a core; forming a first balance rod to operatively balance
the core on the base; forming a first weight component; and forming
a second balance rod to operatively connect the core to the first
weight component.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: forming a balance
cap to be temporarily affixed to a first end of the first balance
rod, opposite the base; and forming a balance point to be
temporarily affixed to the core, wherein the balance point is to be
balanced atop the balance cap to operatively balance the core on
the base.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: forming second and
third weight components; and forming a third balance rod, to
operatively couple the second and third weight components to the
core.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first weight component has
a same weight than the second weight component and a different
weight than the third weight component.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the second balance rod has a
different length than the third balance rod.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein the core is one of an octagonal
prism or an icosahedron.
17. The method of claim 11, wherein the core comprises a plurality
of voids at various angles such that inserted balance rods protrude
from the core at multiple angles.
18. The method of claim 11, wherein the core comprises: sixteen
identical wedges; and two identical end caps.
19. The method of claim 11, wherein the first weight component
comprises a void such that the second balance rod inserted into the
void is temporarily affixed to the first weight.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the second balance rod is
temporarily affixed to the first weight component via a living
hinge.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/970,796, filed Feb. 6, 2020, the
full contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of toys, games,
and puzzles.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Construction toys and games may include a set of
standardized pieces that allow for the construction of a variety of
different models. The pieces avoid the lead-time of manufacturing
custom pieces, and of requiring special training or design time to
construct complex systems. This makes them suitable for temporary
structures, or for use as toys and games.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Various implementations of the present disclosure will be
understood more fully from the detailed description given below and
from the accompanying drawings of various implementations of the
invention.
[0005] FIG. 1 depicts an overview of the various components that
may form a construction toy and game, according to an
implementation.
[0006] FIG. 2 depicts a base component of a construction toy and
game, according to an implementation.
[0007] FIG. 3 depicts a primary balance rod component of a
construction toy and game, according to an implementation.
[0008] FIG. 4 depicts a secondary balance rod component of a
construction toy and game, according to an implementation.
[0009] FIG. 5 depicts a first balance point component of a
construction toy and game, according to an implementation.
[0010] FIG. 6 depicts a second balance point component of a
construction toy and game, according to an implementation.
[0011] FIG. 7 depicts an Octacog cap component of a construction
toy and game, according to an implementation.
[0012] FIG. 8 depicts an Octacog wedge component of a construction
toy and game, according to an implementation.
[0013] FIG. 9 depicts a first Minicog component of a construction
toy and game, according to an implementation.
[0014] FIG. 10 depicts a second Minicog component of a construction
toy and game, according to an implementation.
[0015] FIG. 11 depicts a first Minicog wedge component of a
construction toy and game, according to an implementation.
[0016] FIG. 12 depicts a second Minicog wedge component of a
construction toy and game, according to an implementation.
[0017] FIG. 13 depicts a first balance cap component of a
construction toy and game, according to an implementation.
[0018] FIG. 14 depicts a second balance cap component of a
construction toy and game, according to an implementation.
[0019] FIG. 15 depicts a first weight component of a construction
toy and game, according to an implementation.
[0020] FIG. 16 depicts a second weight component of a construction
toy and game, according to an implementation.
[0021] FIG. 17 depicts a third weight component of a construction
toy and game, according to an implementation.
[0022] FIG. 18 depicts a first weight insert component of a
construction toy and game, according to an implementation.
[0023] FIG. 19 depicts a second weight insert component of a
construction toy and game, according to an implementation.
[0024] FIG. 20 depicts a third weight insert component of a
construction toy and game, according to an implementation.
[0025] FIG. 21 depicts an Octacog assembly component of a
construction toy and game, according to an implementation.
[0026] FIG. 22 depicts a Minicog assembly component of a
construction toy and game, according to an implementation.
[0027] FIG. 23 depicts a first example configuration of a
construction toy and game, according to an implementation.
[0028] FIG. 24 depicts a second example configuration of a
construction toy and game, according to an implementation.
[0029] FIG. 25 depicts a third example configuration of a
construction toy and game, according to an implementation.
[0030] FIG. 26 depicts a fourth example configuration of a
construction toy and game, according to an implementation.
[0031] FIG. 27 depicts a fifth example configuration of a
construction toy and game, according to an implementation.
[0032] FIG. 28 depicts an example method of manufacture of a
construction toy and game, according to an implementation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] A construction toy and game device (or system, which may be
used interchangeably with "device" herein) ("Octacog" and/or
"Minicog," which may be used interchangeably with "Octacog" herein)
is described herein. In one embodiment, Octacog is a toy (e.g.,
construction toy), game, puzzle, and/or tabletop artistic display
including some or all of the following components: Bases, Balance
rods, Balance Points, Balance Caps, Weights, Wedges, Core Cap, and
Octacog/Minicog assemblies/cores.
[0034] The following detailed description refers to the
accompanying drawings. In the following description, for purposes
of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth
such as particular structures, architectures, interfaces,
techniques, etc. in order to provide a thorough understanding of
the various aspects of the claimed disclosure. However, various
aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be practiced in other
examples that depart from these specific details, provided that the
original design intent and functional goal of the device remains
intact. In certain instances, descriptions of well-known devices
and methods are omitted so as not to obscure the description of the
present disclosure with unnecessary detail.
[0035] Furthermore, while the present embodiments described herein
reference components of particular shapes, the embodiments
described herein relate to any shape components (e.g., round,
square, rectangular, rounded edges and/or corners etc.). Worth
noting, the embodiments described herein provide for an innumerable
number of configuration relationships between rod placements,
weight placements, and balance point placements. A primary function
of the device is to configure rods and weights and the balance
point on the core in such a way that achieves balance at the
balance point.
[0036] The following Component Descriptions are non-limiting
examples of the types of components that may be included in the
described balance device (e.g., see FIG. 1 for an overview of the
system): [0037] Base/Pedestal: Designed to hold the pedestal rod in
a central hole, the pedestal is the primary support piece that
keeps the balanced Octacog stable. See FIG. 2. [0038] Balance Rod
(or "Connector Rod"): A long cylindrical or other shape rod that
extends from a hole in the Base/Pedestal. Balance rods may be
weighted according to various parameters. For example, balance rods
may be dowel-like rods that may or may not have threaded or other
design features that allow them to be locked into the Octacog Core
and/or allow weights to be locked onto the Balance rods. Locking
into place may also be a function of various friction solutions
such as tight fits, threads, spring functions, snap functions,
twist to lock, living hinges, etc. Balance rods may be a solid or
slightly hollow, slightly flexible or rigid plastic or solid metal
rods. In a variety of embodiments, rods may be straight, curved, or
other shapes or configurations. Balance rods may be any length, but
generally about 5-25 centimeters with graduated markings about
every 2.5-3 centimeters. The diameter of the balance rods may be
approximately 3-5 millimeters. In addition to connecting to the
primary Octacog core and supporting the weights, Balance rods may
also attach to Minicogs or be used to attach multiple Octacog cores
together. In one embodiment, mini-rods (e.g., "secondary balance
rod components") are shorter balance rods (e.g., "primary balance
rod components"), about half the length or less of standard balance
rods are typically used to attached a Minicog to the primary
Octacog core. Mini-Rods may also be used to attach multiple primary
Octacog cores together. See FIGS. 3-4. [0039] Balance Point: The
Balance Point piece can be inserted into any of the holes of the
Octacog or Minicog assemblies. Advantageously, the balance point
can be moved to various locations in the Octacog unit so that it
might balance on the side or lean in a lean in a visibly peculiar
way, etc. The movable balance point vastly increases the number of
potential system configurations. The balance point in one location
may balance well, and in another location, perhaps not balance at
all. Additionally, the balance point location may change the center
of gravity of a given configured unit. So, it's possible for a
single weight configuration to balance on a balance point in
multiple locations (meaning a user may swap it to a different hole
and it might still balance). The shaped end of the balance point
may allow it to balance on the balance cap portion of the balance
pedestal assembly or other suitable surface. The balance point end
can be curved, pointed, flat or any other suitable shape. It may
also have a divot in the tip and balance on a curved or pointed
Balance Point Holder. In one embodiment, when inserted into the
Octacog core, the balance point may extend out about 1-2
centimeters. See FIGS. 5-6. [0040] Balance Cap A part or included
design on the end of the pedestal rod opposite the Base/Pedestal.
It may include a small divot into which the balance point piece can
balance. The balance cap may also be pointed or rounded if the
balance point has a divot. See FIGS. 13-14. [0041] Octacog
Core/Assembly: A three-dimensional, multifaceted shape with
multiple holes into which balance rods can be inserted. Multiple
holes may enter each facet at various angles so inserted balance
rods protrude from the Octacog Core at multiple angles. The Octacog
Core can be many geometric solid shapes and/or many polyhedron
shapes. The Octacog core might also be a cylinder, sphere or cone.
It's possible for the Octacog core to be amorphous. Some edges of
the Octacog core may be flat while others may be curved. The
Octacog core has a relatively low mass to size ratio compared to
the weights. A Octacog core in a geometric solid format might be
between 40-50 grams with dimensions of approximately
8.times.4.times.4 centimeters, in one example. A Octacog core in a
polyhedron format might be between 50-70 grams with dimensions of
9.times.9.times.9 centimeters. See FIGS. 7 (for cap), 8 (for
wedge), 21, and 23 (for rods protruding at various angles). [0042]
Weights and weight inserts: Octacog Weights and weight inserts can
be many shapes, sizes, materials and masses. They can attach to the
balance rods or directly to Octacog core. Their position can also
adjust along the length of each balance rod and locked into place
via threads, spring action, snap, twist to lock, tight fits or
other locking or friction solution. Weights in a Octacog set might
come in three types; small, medium and large. Weights have a
relatively high mass to size ratio. Small weights might be about
15-30 grams with a size of about 1.2.times.2.55.times.2.55
centimeters, for example. Medium weights might be about 30-40 grams
with a size of about 1.2.times.3.times.3 centimeters, for example.
Large weights might be about 40-50 grams with a size of about
1.2.times.3.2.times.3.2 centimeters, for example. It's also
possible to have denser weights in smaller sizes as well as weights
that are less than 15 grams or more than 50 grams. Weights might
also be shaped in a same or similar fashion to Minicogs so that
balance rods or mini-balance rods can extend out from weights at
various angles. See FIGS. 15-20. [0043] Minicog: A smaller version
of the Octacog core. Like the Octacog Core, it can be a geometric
solid and/or polyhedron shape, spherical, conical, cylindrical or
amorphous with holes in the facets at various angles. These holes
may accept the balance point and balance rods in a way similar to
the Octacog Core. The Minicog can be used in conjunction with the
primary Octacog as a way to add weights at more varying angles. It
may also be used as a stand-alone balancing toy or game like the
primary Octacog. Multiple Minicogs may be attached together with
balance rods or other rods. Minicogs might exist in multiple weight
formats and serve as additional weights in the balance system. They
may also serve to block a move during game play. Minicogs are
generally less than 15 grams with a size of about 3.times.3.times.3
centimeters. See FIGS. 9-12 and 22.
[0044] In various embodiments, Octacog is a modular balancing
device. The balance point pieces and various balance rods can be
inserted into the various holes in Octacog. Because the holes enter
the Octacog unit at varying angles and each face of the Octacog
core faces a different direction, balance rods and/or balance
points inserted into the Octacog unit can extend out at multiple
angles. When weights are added to the balance rods, Octacog may be
able to balance on the balance point or may not. By adjusting the
locations or numbers of balance rods as well as the number,
location and position of weights as well as the location of balance
point, Octacog can balance in various ways either on the balance
cap/balance pedestal assembly or another surface.
[0045] In one embodiment, multiple Octacog Cores may be connected
together using balance rods to create a more complex balance
system. In another embodiment, Minicogs can be used to create a
more complex balance system. There are countless configurations in
which Octacog will balance on a balance point or lose balance and
not balance on a balance point.
[0046] When adjusting the location, position and amount of
masses/weights, Octacog's center of gravity changes. As the center
of gravity passes through the balance point piece, the device will
balance. When the center of gravity is too far outside the balance
point piece, Octacog will not balance.
[0047] Weights attached to the connector rods are pulled by gravity
more than the lighter center octagonal unit. In a basic setup, the
symmetry of the weights on two sides allows the center octagonal
unit to balance on a balance point. The Center of Gravity (the
balance of the entire device) passes through the balance point. It
may be more challenging to visualize the Center of Gravity when
connector rods and weights are placed asymmetrically. Adding
weights and rods alters the Center of Gravity, which might allow
for the device to balance differently on the balance point. If the
balance of weight becomes too asymmetrical or if too much of the
weight is lifted above the balance point, Octacog becomes unstable
and loses balance.
[0048] In some embodiments, Octacog may seem as if it defies
gravity. Part of the reason for this visual effect is the size
difference between the large, but lighter Octacog core and the
small, but heavy weights.
[0049] Octacog/Minicog may exist in other formats. In addition to
table-top sizing, Octacog could be adapted to larger, floor-sized
formats or smaller, travel-sized formats. There could also be
outdoor formats where the base/pedestal rod can function as a yard
stake.
[0050] Used differently, Octacog can become a building/construction
product with or without the use of the balance point feature.
[0051] Added features might include electronic features such as
lights, noise-makers, gyroscopes or motors, digital display
features, computerized components, scorekeeping features, etc.
[0052] In one embodiment, Octacog may come with a deck of photos or
cards with images that depict various configurations of COG,
Balance rods, Weights, MinicogS and mini-rods. Users of Octacog may
choose a card or image and challenge themselves to recreate the
image as shown.
[0053] Game Setup: [0054] Insert two rods on opposite sides of
Octacog into angled holes. [0055] Add a `heavy` mass to the end of
each rod. [0056] Insert the balance point piece somewhere between
the two rods and between Octacog and the weights. [0057] If Octacog
doesn't balance, try a different setup.
[0058] Example configurations are shown in FIGS. 23-27 (with FIG.
23 specifically illustrating how the rods can extend at various
angles, which may or may not be a balanced configuration).
[0059] Additional Rules:
[0060] "Moving to the next line" means that the next closest line
is fully covered by the weight. For example, lines on each balance
rod may be approximately one inch apart. During a turn, if a player
moves a weight, it must move to the next graduated line on the
balance rod. The line should then be situated under the weight. In
other embodiments, any other suitable graduated marking may be used
instead of or in addition to a line. In one embodiment, once a
player touches COG, you cannot change your declared action for that
turn.
[0061] Game Play: [0062] COG game play consists of adding or moving
components in a turn by turn basis. [0063] A player chooses one of
the following actions [0064] Add a balance rod [0065] Add a weight
[0066] Move a weight one notch (e.g., a physical notch in the metal
balance rod) closer to the Octacog core [0067] Before making a
move, a player declares their action (e.g., "I'm going to add a rod
here," or "I'm going to move this weight.") [0068] The player
removes Octacog from the balance pedestal, performs the action and
places Octacog back onto the balance pedestal. [0069] At the end of
each turn, a player gently spins Octacog. [0070] If Octacog spins
for one complete turn without falling, Octacog is balanced and it's
the next player's turn. If any part other than the balance point
touches the balance pedestal or if Octacog loses balance, you
lose.
[0071] Alternative Play:
[0072] In addition to being played as a game and/or puzzle, Octacog
works equally well as a construction toy. Users may simply tinker
with various configurations to see how well it might balance or how
precarious a balance point might be achieved. Octacog might be
balanced on surfaces other than just the provided pedestal. For
example, on a finger or the corner of a table. Octacog may also be
used simply as a building/construction toy. Octacog may also be
used as an educational device/toy in science, STEM, maker space,
libraries, art or math classes (and other topics).
[0073] Educational Value:
[0074] While this product concept has high engagement value as a
play item, it also can address several Next Generation Science
Standards and can promote STEM skills. At a higher educational
level, users could measure how far a mass is moved and how it
changes the center of gravity. Teachers may ask students to draw a
plan on paper, make a prediction, test and then evaluate the
results. There are various other ways a product like this could be
used in the classroom.
[0075] Potential Interactions/Game Play:
[0076] One big trend in early childhood education, specifically in
the STEM fields is pattern recognition and matching. This toy may
include a deck of cards with various patterns that a child can
challenge themselves to recreate. These cards as well as the game
play below would allow for this product to be both a game and a
toy.
[0077] Toy Function:
[0078] Users can add two or more rods to the Octacog core and test
amounts and locations to achieve balance. Users can build a
symmetric creation and achieve balance easier or they can be
creative and try something with less symmetry. If a project is
close to being balanced, users can adjust amounts or locations of
the masses to fine tune the balance. By adjusting the location of
the masses, the user effectively is changing the center of gravity
or the balance point.
[0079] FIG. 1 depicts an overview of the various components that
may form a construction toy and game, according to an
implementation. Worth repeating, any of the components described
herein may include sample weights and/or sized, but such are
non-limiting examples used for clarity and brevity. Any other
suitable weights, sizes, and materials are contemplated herein.
Turning to FIG. 1, a variety of components are shown, including a
base, balance rod 9'', balance rod 3'', round balance point, sharp
balance point, easy balance cap, hard (e.g., difficult) balance
cap, weights in 25g, 35g, and 45g varieties, an Octacog assembly,
and an Minicog assembly, each of which is described herein. A
complete system may include less or more components than those
depicted in FIG. 1.
[0080] FIG. 2 depicts a base component of a construction toy and
game, according to an implementation. In one embodiment, a base
component may include a flat, horizontal portion for stability, and
a vertical portion with a hole (void) to receive a balance rod,
such as those illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. In one embodiment,
balance rods may have a variety of lengths, weights, and diameters,
and the base component may be manufactured to receive each
type.
[0081] FIGS. 5 and 6 depict first and second balance point
components of a construction toy and game, according to an
implementation. In one embodiment, balance point components are
manufactured to be permanently or temporarily affixed to the
Octacog core (e.g., into one of the voids), to enable the Octacog
assembly to be balanced on another object (e.g., a balance cap
component, as described in FIGS. 13 and 14). Rounded and sharp
balance point components may be used interchangeably, and may
affect the relative difficulty of achieving a balanced state while
in use.
[0082] FIG. 7 depicts an Octacog cap component of a construction
toy and game, according to an implementation. In one embodiment,
and Octacog assembly includes two Octacog cap components--one on
each end (e.g., a top and a bottom). In one embodiment, the Octacog
cap component is manufactured to be affixed to the top and/or
bottom of an Octacog core. The cap component may include a variety
of holes (voids), to accept a variety of balance rods, as described
herein. In one embodiment, the variety of holes may have a variety
of different angles, to allow inserted balance rods to protrude at
a variety of angles. Octacog cap may be affixed to remaining
components of an Octacog core via adhesive, friction, or by some
other means.
[0083] FIG. 8 depicts an Octacog wedge component of a construction
toy and game, according to an implementation. In one embodiment, an
Octacog assembly includes 16 Octacog wedge components. In one
embodiment, an Octacog wedge component forms one portion of an
Octacog assembly (core). In one embodiment, the variety of holes
Octacog produced by the wedges in a completed Octacog assembly may
have a variety of different angles, to allow inserted balance rods
to protrude at a variety of angles. An Octacog wedge may be affixed
to remaining components of an Octacog core, including additional
wedges, via adhesive, friction, or by some other means. In one
embodiment, the design includes a pin/hole snap assembly.
Optionally, some or all of the caps may include a living hinge snap
feature that attaches to the assembled wedges.
[0084] FIGS. 9-10 depict first and second (e.g., north and south)
Minicog components of a construction toy and game, according to an
implementation. In one embodiment, the first and second Minicog
components form the top and bottom of a Minicog core (assembly) and
hold the core (e.g., including a plurality of wedges) together.
Minicog components (e.g., north and south) may be affixed to
remaining components of an Minicog core via adhesive, friction, or
by some other means.
[0085] FIGS. 11-12 depict first and second Minicog wedge components
of a construction toy and game, according to an implementation.
Like the Octacog wedge components, the Minicog wedge components
form one portion of a Minicog core (assembly (core). In one
embodiment, a mini-core consists of 12 total parts when assembled.
The wedges, in the two shapes, make up ten of those parts (e.g.,
five of each). The parts in FIGS. 9-10 illustrate the final
parts.
[0086] In one embodiment, the variety of holes included in a
Minicog wedge may have a variety of different angles, to allow
inserted balance rods to protrude at a variety of angles. A Minicog
wedge may be affixed to remaining components of an Minicog core,
including additional wedges and north and south Minicog components,
via adhesive, friction, or by some other means.
[0087] FIG. 13-14 depict first and second (easy and difficult)
balance cap components of a construction toy and game, according to
an implementation. In one embodiment, balance cap components are
manufactured to be permanently or temporarily affixed to an end of
a first balance rod, to enable an Octacog core with a balance point
attached to be balanced on the first balance rod. Easy and
difficult balance cap components may be differentiated by the size
(e.g., width) of the cap and/or the angle of the surface. Balance
cap components may be used interchangeably, and may affect the
relative difficulty of achieving a balanced state while in use.
[0088] FIGS. 15-17 depict a variety of weight components of a
construction toy and game, according to an implementation. As
described herein, weight components may be manufactured to have any
suitable weight and/or size. In one embodiment, weight components
include a pass-through void to receive and secure a balance rod. In
one embodiment, a weight component may be temporarily affixed to a
balance rod by passing the balance rod through the void in the
weight component, at which point the weight component may be held
in place via friction.
[0089] FIGS. 18-20 depict a variety of weight insert components of
a construction toy and game, according to an implementation. In one
embodiment, weight insert components are stamped metal parts (e.g.,
carbon steel) that are included inside the weights (see FIGS.
15-17). The weight insert components are what give the weights
their mass.
[0090] FIG. 21 depicts an Octacog assembly component of a
construction toy and game, according to an implementation. As
shown, the Octacog core may be manufactured such that two Octacog
caps hold in place a plurality of Octacog wedges to form a
completed system. As described, Octacog wedges may be affixed to
remaining components of an Octacog core, including additional
wedges and caps, via adhesive, friction, or by some other
means.
[0091] FIG. 22 depicts a Minicog assembly component of a
construction toy and game, according to an implementation. As
shown, the Minicog core may be manufactured such that two Minicog
components (e.g., north and south) hold in place a plurality of
Minicog wedges to form a completed system. As described, Minicog
wedges may be affixed to remaining components of a Minicog core,
including additional wedges and north and south components, via
adhesive, friction, or by some other means.
[0092] FIGS. 23-27 depict a variety of example configurations of a
construction toy and game, according to an implementation. As
described herein, the various components of the system may be
configured in any suitable fashion, such that the objective of
gameplay is to achieve a balanced state of components. By using any
number of combinations and placements of component weights, balance
rod lengths, angle of void, position of weight components on
balance rods, position of balance points, Octacog cores or Minicog
cores, etc., a nearly infinite number of possible combinations
exist, with only a subset of those achieving a balanced state. The
example configurations depicted by FIGS. 23-27 are merely
non-limiting examples of balanced states that may be achieved.
Worth noting, the Minicog may be used in place of the Octacog, and
vice-a-versa, in any context.
[0093] FIG. 28 depicts an example method of manufacture of a
construction toy and game, according to an implementation. With
reference to FIG. 28, method 2800 illustrates example functions
used by various embodiments. Although specific function blocks
("blocks") are disclosed in method 2800, such blocks are examples.
That is, embodiments are well suited to performing various other
blocks or variations of the blocks recited in method 2800. It is
appreciated that the blocks in method 2800 may be performed in an
order different than presented, and that not all of the blocks in
method 2800 may be performed.
[0094] Referring to FIG. 28, at block 2801, manufacturing equipment
(e.g., any manufacturing equipment suitable for such applications,
as understood by a person having reasonable and ordinary skill in
the art) may form, or be instructed to form, a base, form a core
(2803) and form a first balance rod to operatively balance the core
on the base (2805). In one embodiment, to be operatively balanced
or connected on or to a component may include a balanced state or
connection that is through a third component.
[0095] Optionally, manufacturing equipment may form, or be
instructed to form, a first weight component 2807 and a second
balance rod 2809 to operatively connect the core to the first
weight component. Optionally still, manufacturing equipment may
form, or be instructed to form, a balance cap to be temporarily
affixed to a first end of the first balance rod, opposite the base
(2811). Manufacturing equipment may additionally form, or be
instructed to form, a balance point to be temporarily affixed to
the core, wherein the balance point is to be balanced atop the
balance cap to operatively balance the core on the base (2813).
[0096] Manufacturing equipment may additionally form, or be
instructed to form, second and third weight components and a third
balance rod, to operatively couple the second and third weight
components to the core. In one embodiment, the first weight
component has a same weight than the second weight component and a
different weight than the third weight component. In another
embodiment, the second balance rod has a different length than the
third balance rod. In another embodiment, the two lengths are the
same. In yet another embodiment, the core is one of an octagonal
prism or an icosahedron.
[0097] In a variety of embodiments, the core comprises a plurality
of voids at various angles such that inserted balance rods protrude
from the core at multiple angles. In another embodiment, the core
comprises sixteen identical wedges and two identical end caps, as
described herein.
[0098] In another embodiment, the base comprises a plurality of
voids at various angles such that inserted balance rods protrude
from the base at multiple angles, and/or the first weight component
comprises a plurality of voids at various angles such that inserted
balance rods protrude from the first weight component at multiple
angles.
[0099] In yet another embodiment, the base includes a single void
for the reception of a single balance rode and the weight component
includes a single void (e.g., that passes all the way through the
weight component) to allow reception of a single balance rod. In
one embodiment, multiple weights may be temporarily affixed to a
single balance rod in a variety of positions along the balance rod
(e.g., via physical indentations in the balance rod).
[0100] In one embodiment, the second balance rod is to operatively
connect to the first weight component via friction. In another
embodiment, the second balance rod is temporarily affixed to the
first weight component via a living hinge.
[0101] Worth repeating, the various components of the system
described herein may comprise various construction materials. For
example, the components may be constructed from injection mold
plastic, 3-D printed plastic, wood, fiberglass, metal, cardboard,
foam, etc. Various coatings and/or coverings such as felt, velvet,
rubberized paint, plastic, glass, foam, etc., may be applied to a
base construction material. Furthermore, any fastener and/or
fitting type may be used in place of the fasteners and fittings
described herein for convenience.
[0102] In the description herein, numerous specific details are set
forth, such as examples of specific hardware structures, specific
architectural and micro architectural details, specific components,
specific measurements/heights, etc. in order to provide a thorough
understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent,
however, that these specific details need not be employed to
practice the present disclosure. In other instances, well known
components or methods, such as specific and alternative
construction materials, dimensions, shapes, sizes, functions and
other specific details of the system described herein have not been
described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the
present disclosure.
[0103] Use of the phrases "to," "capable of/to," "operable to,"
etc. in one implementation, refers to some apparatus, system,
component, member, and/or element designed in such a way to enable
use of the apparatus, system, component, member, and/or element in
a specified manner. Note as above that use of "to," "capable
of/to," "operable to," etc. in one implementation, refers to the
latent state of an apparatus where the apparatus is not operating
but is designed in such a manner to enable use of an apparatus in a
specified manner.
[0104] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment"
or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.
Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an
embodiment" on "in some embodiment" in various places throughout
this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or
characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or
more embodiment.
[0105] In the foregoing specification, a detailed description has
been given with reference to specific exemplary implementations. It
will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes
may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and
scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The
specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an
illustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense. Furthermore,
the foregoing use of implementation and other exemplarily language
does not necessarily refer to the same implementation or the same
example, but may refer to different and distinct implementations,
as well as potentially the same implementation.
[0106] The words "example" or "exemplary" are used herein to mean
serving as an example, instance or illustration. Any aspect or
design described herein as "example` or "exemplary" is not
necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other
aspects or designs. Rather, use of the words "example" or
"exemplary" is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion.
As used in this application, the term "or" is intended to mean an
inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or." That is, unless
specified otherwise, or clear from context, "X includes A or B" is
intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That
is, if X includes A; X includes B; or X includes both A and B, then
"X includes A or B" is satisfied under any of the foregoing
instances. In addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this
application and the appended claims should generally be construed
to mean "one or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from
context to be directed to a singular form. Moreover, use of the
term "an embodiment" or "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" or "one
embodiment" throughout is not intended to mean the same embodiment
or embodiment unless described as such. Also, the terms "first,"
"second," "third," "fourth," etc. as used herein are meant as
labels to distinguish among different elements and may not
necessarily have an ordinal meaning according to their numerical
designation.
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