Dynamically interacting toy blocks

Abstract

A toy block of specially chosen dimensions, construction, shape, and weight so as to be ideally suited for stacking, balancing, and tumbling in such a way as to teach concepts of weight, counterweight, balance, friction, levers, inertia, and momentum. Additional concepts in the field of electronics may be taught through analogies drawn between the block constructions and various electronic components.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the prior art it is not uncommon to see blocks which can be placed in a row so that as one block begins to fall it strikes another block which in turn strikes a third block and so on to produce a chain reaction. As a play activity this has been done most frequently with the small blocks known as dominoes. In fact, the activity is so well known as to give rise to the now common phrase "domino effect" suggesting any type of chain reaction. However, the blocks employed in the prior art are not generally intended for this purpose and do not accomplish the chain reaction result as well as might be desired. The domino-type blocks are formed with various irregularities which interfere with the tumbling action and the size and weight of the blocks are not standardized. In order to better demonstrate the principles of balance, friction, momentum, and leverage it is necessary that the blocks be more carefully designed. My invention accomplishes this end by providing a very specialized block specifically designed for the purpose as will be described below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, my invention contemplates a rectangular toy block which is provided with faces of the proper smoothness so as to provide a slight amount of friction. The block is twice as long as it is wide and three times as wide as it is thick. The utility of these dimensions is discussed at length later. A series of indentations is provided in each of the large faces of the block which indentations assist in the molding process. The blocks are made from plastic and the indentations insure that during the cooling of the plastic the block does not significantly change size from its predetermined dimensions. In a second embodiment of the invention these holes are caused to have different depths at one end of the block than the other end so as to make the block heavier at one end. This intentional unbalance assists in stacking the blocks and also assists in the tumbling action. It may therefore be seen that it is an object of my invention to provide a plurality of toy blocks especially designed with the proper weighting, dimensions, size, and surface characteristics to lend themselves well to complicated dynamic interactions. Further objects and advantages will become apparent upon consideration of the following descriptions and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a view of the large face of the block showing the molding indentations therein.

FIG. 2 is an end view of the block of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a first sectional view of the side of the block of FIG. 1 showing the indentations arranged according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a second sectional view of the side of the block of FIG. 1 showing a second embodiment with different depth indentations at the two ends of the block so as to provide preferential weighting at one end of the block.

FIG. 5 shows a first arrangement of the blocks which may be employed to achieve dynamic interactions.

FIG. 6 demonstrates how the weighting of the blocks assists in their stacking.

FIG. 7 shows another way of dynamically interacting the blocks while turning a corner.

FIG. 8 shows a construction of the blocks in which the direction of tumbling is reversed.

FIG. 9 shows a combination of blocks referred to as a splitter since the input energy can be directed into different outputs.

FIG. 10 shows a combination of blocks called an and-gate requiring two inputs to trigger the output.

FIG. 11 shows a combination referred to as a diode since energy is transfered in one direction only.

FIG. 12 shows a combination referred to as a toggle which demonstrates principles of friction and momentum.

FIG. 13 shows a combination of blocks called an amplifier since the energy input is amplified during the tumbling process.

FIG. 14 shows a combination of blocks referred to as a tensor which utilizes blocks balanced carefully on their ends.

FIG. 15 shows another combination in which balanced blocks are stabilized by frictional contact with blocks positioned beside them.

FIG. 16 shows a combination of blocks which may be compared to an electronic delay line since the transmittal of energy through the blocks is slowed.

FIG. 17 shows another combination of blocks in which the transfer of energy is slower than normal.

FIG. 18 is a more complicated combination of blocks in which momentum is transferred without disturbing the blocks balanced above the transmitting blocks.

FIG. 19 shows a random output configuration wherein the blocks are combined in such a way that the direction of the flow of energy is unpredictable.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In FIGS. 1 and 2, front and end views of the block of the present invention are shown. As can be seen, the block 10 is provided with a number of cylindrical indentations 12. These indentations are produced when the block is molded from plastic. By providing indentations 12, heat setting plastics may be used to form the blocks without danger of the block changing appreciably in size during cooling.

The block is precisely twice as long as it is wide. This ratio is chosen so that the blocks may be placed with half of one block resting on top of half of another block such as shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6. Whether the blocks are at right angles or directly in line, one half of the top block rests directly above one half of the lower block with the sides in flush alignment. When the blocks are positioned directly above one another in this way they rest in exactly neutral balance. In the first embodiment this neutral balance is important to the tumbling action of the blocks.

The indentation pattern chosen for the first embodiment is shown in the sectional drawing of FIG. 3 which comprises a section on line 3--3 of FIG. 1. It can be seen that the depth of the indentations is constant across the length of the block. A second embodiment is shown in FIG. 4 wherein the holes 18 at one end of the block are made deeper than the holes 16 at the other end of the block. This second embodiment provides a block which is heavier at one end so that a non-neutral balance condition can be effected. With a non-neutral balance the arrangement shown in FIG. 6 is stable wherein a block 32 can be rested on top of a block 31 with the edges exactly coinciding with no danger of block 32 tipping downward. Even greater unbalance can be had by forming some indentations into complete holes 17 through the block. In one embodiment using holes passing through the block the balance point was shifted about 1 millimeter.

Returning to FIG. 2 it may be seen that the third dimension of the block, the thickness, is chosen to be exactly one third the width of the block. Although it is also possible to build blocks which have a thickness ranging from one half to one fifth of the width it has been found most preferably to provide a block which is exactly one third the width. In the numerous examples of dynamic interaction that follow the usefulness of this one third dimension will be discussed at greater length. Although the absolute size of the block may vary over a substantial range the preferred embodiment has been constructed with blocks having a thickness of 7 millimeters, a width of 21 millimeters, and a length of 42 millimeters. This size block has been found to be convenient to handle and ideal for building the various constructions shown in FIGS. 7 through 19 without exceeding the area of a typical table top. The smaller cylindrical indentations shown in FIG. 4 are approximately 1 1/2 millimeters deep whereas the deeper indentations are approximately 3 millimeters deep. The holes are roughly 4 millimeters in diameter. These dimensions are exemplary only.

It is essential that a substantial portion of the surface of the block be relatively smooth and planar so that the blocks can readily slide upon each other. If desired, the indentations may be omitted entirely, thus, ensuring a completely smooth and planar surface.

In the various constructions shown in FIGS. 7 through 19 the blocks are balanced and stacked so that as an input block is caused to fall against the next successive block, a chain reaction is initiated involving a number of different mechanical effects demonstrating principles of levers, transfer of momentum, balance, friction, and inertia. Since each block transfers its energy to the next block the entire construction may be thought of as incorporating a flow of energy. This flow can be made to turn abruptly or reverse direction. It can be caused to jump to a higher level, hesitate, appear to act at a distance, or provide random and unexpected actions. Because of these effects electrical circuit analogies and terminology are adopted for descriptive purposes. This terminology has been found to add to the teaching capabilities of the blocks by introducing some electronic concepts into the play activity.

The simplest interaction of the blocks is accomplished by simply standing them on edge in a row and tipping one over into the next block which then continues on into the next block providing a chain reaction of tumbling. Such an arrangement is shown on the left in FIG. 5 along with the first type of construction to be shown herein. This block construction 19 is termed a relay and is formed on a surface 20 by a base block 25 supporting a key 23, a tongue 26, and a cap 24. When using a neutral balance block of the type shown in FIG. 3, key block 23 and tongue 26 must be held in place while cap 24 is positioned. The use of an unbalanced block, such as shown in FIG. 4, however, is easier since the weighted ends can be placed inward over block 25 and they will support themselves. After cap 24 is in position an output block 27 is balanced on tongue 26 as shown. Block 22 is referred to as the input block and blocks 28, 29, and 30 comprise a series of follower blocks spaced apart by a distance x. In all simple chains such as the one shown in FIG. 5 by blocks 28, 29 and 30, the distance x can vary over a small range. In the preferred embodiment it has been found most desirable to make this distance approximately 28 millimeters or approximately four times the thickness of the block. Varying this distance varies the speed of the chain reaction.

In FIG. 5 the flow of energy is initiated by tipping block 22 onto key 23. The weight of block 22 against block 23 levers cap 24 upwards allowing tongue 26 to tip downwards. Output block 27 falls against block 28 which in turn falls against block 29 and so on. The relay of FIG. 5 is a simple straight forward one demonstrating simple concepts of balance and levering. In FIG. 7 a relay is shown in which the transfer can be made to turn a corner. Block 33 falls onto key 34 upsetting vertically positioned cap 35. The tongue 37 tips off the end of base 36 allowing block 38 to fall into block 39 and so on.

A still more complicated relay is shown in FIG. 8 wherein the flow of energy is reversed in direction. Block 40, which may be at the end of another series of relays, falls into block 41. Block 41 is positioned somewhat differently here and referred to as a wing. Wing block 41 falls backwards off block 44 which then tips downward on base 43 allowing block 42 to fall into block 45. The advantage of having a block weighted at one end for use as wing 41 is here apparent where the heavier end could be positioned over block 44 so that the maximum portion of wing 41 may be extended out into the path of input block 40. It should be noted that the embodiment of FIG. 8 can be worked backwards while eliminating block 42. The input action of block 45 falling on block 44 would tilt wing 41 forwards into block 40 initiating a transfer of energy in the opposite direction.

A more complicated relay is shown in FIG. 9 wherein the energy flow can be split into two paths by a single input from block 46. Block 46 falls onto block 47 and block 47 continues the momentum transfer into block 51 while at the same time pivoting a wing cap 48 off a tongue 50. With the weight of wing 48 removed the weight of output block 51a tilts tongue 50 downwards so that block 51a falls to the right in second direction. Thus, two output blocks 51 and 51a are provided. The constructions shown to this point have been termed relays in accordance with their analogous behavior to electronic relays. In FIG. 10 a construction is shown which continues the electronic analogy by simulating an and gate.

The construction of FIG. 10 provides an output from two inputs. Blocks falling on key 52 or key 53 upset the caps 57 or 58. But either cap 57 or 58 will hold down the end of tongue 56 resting upon base blocks 54 and 55. If both of these caps 57 or 58 are removed tongue 56 falls allowing output block 59 to continue the transfer of energy.

Still another electrical analogy construction is shown in FIG. 11 wherein a diode is constructed. In FIG. 11 the transfer of energy from block 60 falling against block 61 is transferred through a block 63 resting on a base 62. This jars vertical output block 64 sufficiently to tilt off the end of base block 62 into a second bar 66 resting on a base 65. Bar 66 repeats the action by tilting vertical output block 67 into another chain of blocks. Since the transfer of energy can take place in one direction only in these constructions the analogy to electronic diodes is evident.

FIG. 12 shows another one way energy transfer device which is termed a toggle. The output block 74 is balanced on one corner between a pair of blocks 70 and 71 on top of a base 72. Here the utility and symmetry of using blocks which have a thickness one third the width is evident since the blocks conveniently provide side panels for output block 74 which do not extend beyond the edges of base block 72. The input of energy comes from block 68 falling against block 69 which drives block 73 against block 74 causing it to tilt outwards follower block 75.

The construction of FIG. 13 is useful in teaching concepts of amplification. The input is directed against block 76 which forces a block 80 against three blocks 81, 82 and 83 all resting on top of a group of three blocks 77, 78 and 79. As the three blocks fall against blocks 86 and 87 a considerable amplification is produced due to the increased weight of the three blocks being toppled. This effect can be enhanced even more by using unbalanced blocks with the heavy ends at the top. On the contrary, the effect can be lessened and the amplifier made more stable by positioning the blocks with the heavy ends downward. Either way amplification is achieved and the impact is transmitted through a vertically positioned block 88 on top of a base block 89 to a series of directly contacting blocks 90, 91, and 92. The transfer of energy through the series of blocks 90 through 92 is helpful in teaching the concepts of momentum and can be extended for quite a distance along a relatively smooth surface by adding more blocks.

In FIG. 14 a construction is shown which is reffered to as a tensor. Input block 93 falls against transfer block 94 nudging base block 96. The delicately balanced output block 97 falls backwards onto block 95 and, in the process, slides forward into base block 99. The action is repeated, block 100 falling onto block 98 and sliding forward into block 101. Edgewise balanced block 102 tilts forward continuing the transfer of energy.

In FIG. 15 a construction is shown which is named a tactil. Two versions are shown. In the first version an output block 106 is delicately balanced but held in position by means of sideways frictional contact with guide blocks 104 and 105. In the second version an output block 111 is more securely held by additional surface area contact with guide blocks 109 and 110. Using uneven weight blocks with the heavy end down greatly facilitates balancing blocks 106 and 111. As the input momentum is tranferred through block 103 the frictional balance is disturbed causing output block 106 to fall against block 107. The transfer of energy through inertial contact with block 108 upsets output block 111 in a similar fashion.

In FIG. 16 a delayed action chain reaction is shown. An input from ether end initiates a slow chain reaction down the line of blocks. For example, the reaction may proceed through blocks 112, 114, 115, 117, 118, 119 and out through 121. However blocks 115 and 118 must do work before they can fall, that is, they must move the base of blocks 113, 116 or 120. This takes time and slows the transfer of energy. The amount of slowing is dependent upon the spacing between base blocks 113, 116 and 120.

Another variation is shown in FIG. 17. Input block 122 falls against block 123 and the direct transfer of energy through block 123 causes block 124 to tilt over into block 126. The action continues with block 127 tilting into block 129 and block 130 tilting into output block 133. In FIG. 17 it may also be seen how the transfer of energy can be continued while gaining height. Base blocks 125 and 128 raise the height one block thickness while base blocks 131 and 132 raise the height of action by two thicknesses of blocks. The height may be increased indefinitely by adding additional blocks underneath the vertical transfer blocks as well.

A similar type of energy transfer is shown in FIG. 18. Block 134 falls against block 135 which falls against transfer block 148. The energy is carried through to tilt block 147 into transfer block 143. Block 142 is then tilted into output block 141. Although energy is transferred through this construction blocks 143 and 148 remain in position on top of vertical support blocks 137 and 139 so that the balanced blocks 144, 145 and 146 remain undisturbed.

Finally, in FIG. 19, a construction is provided wherein a random output is produced. The input energy is inertially transferred down blocks 150, 151 and 152 so as to disturb base block 153. Carefully balanced blocks 154 and 155 are upset and they fall. However, one of the blocks 154 and 155 falls first. The second block lands on top of it and slides outward striking either block 156 or block 159. This impact in turn causes either block 157 or block 161 to fall into blocks 158 or 160 producing an output in one of two directions. The other direction is undisturbed and predicting the outcome is virtually impossible.

In the constructions that have been shown only a small fraction of the number of possibilities have been covered. A representative variety of dynamic interactions have been shown and suggested which demonstrate various principles of mechanics. All of these principles can be reliably and repeatedly demonstrated due to the unique design configuration of the blocks of the present invention.

Claims

1. A dynamically active rectilinear toy block having first, second, and third pairs of faces, said faces being planar and substantially smooth over a substantial portion of their surfaces and the planar portions of each pair of faces comprising rectangular parallel surfaces, the first, second, and third orthogonal dimensions of the block having predetermined ratios with the first dimensions being about three times the second dimension and the third dimension being about twice the first dimension and in which both of the faces defined by said first and third dimensions include a plurality of holes of similar diameters therein which vary in depth and are deeper at one end of the block to make that end of the block

2. The block of claim 1 in which some of said holes at the lighter end of the block pass through the block to make that end of the block pass through the block to make that end of the block still lighter.