Abstract:
A toy construction set includes a plurality of interconnecting toy construction pieces, the pieces being connectable to build a toy that reversibly transforms between a first toy form and a second toy form, the first toy form defining a longitudinal axis in a first plane and the second toy form defining a longitudinal axis in a second plane that has a surface normal that is different from a surface normal of the first plane; and a bidirectional transformation module. The bidirectional transformation module includes a body defining a first connector and a second connector, the first connector coupled to a first piece included in the plurality of interconnecting toy construction pieces, and the second connector coupled to a second piece included in the plurality of interconnecting toy construction pieces; and a flexible portion between the first and second connectors.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/835,558, filed on Jun. 15, 2013 and titled TRANSFORMABLE CONSTRUCTION TOY, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This disclosure relates to a transformable construction toy. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Children enjoy playing and interacting with toys and building elements. Toy construction sets are made up of a plurality of building elements or toy construction pieces, which interconnect with each other to form an assembled toy. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    In one general aspect, a toy construction set includes a plurality of interconnecting toy construction pieces, the pieces being connectable to build a toy that reversibly transforms between a first toy form and a second toy form, the first toy form defining a longitudinal axis in a first plane and the second toy form defining a longitudinal axis in a second plane that has a surface normal that is different from a surface normal of the first plane; and a bidirectional transformation module. The bidirectional transformation module includes a body defining a first connector and a second connector, the first connector coupled to a first piece included in the plurality of interconnecting toy construction pieces, and the second connector coupled to a second piece included in the plurality of interconnecting toy construction pieces; and a flexible portion between the first and second connectors. The transformation module is movable between a first position and a second position, and the transformation module holds the toy in the first toy form when in the first position and holds the toy in the second toy form when in the second position. 
         [0005]    Other implementations can include the following features. 
         [0006]    The first toy form can be a vehicle, the second toy form can be a human-like figure, and the surface normal of the first plane can be perpendicular to the surface normal of the second plane. 
         [0007]    The flexible portion can be a spring. 
         [0008]    The toy can reversibly transform between the first toy form and the second toy form without disconnecting any of the plurality of interconnecting pieces from each other. 
         [0009]    The first connector of the transformation module can be releasably coupled to the first piece, and the second connector of the transformation module can be releasably coupled to the second piece. 
         [0010]    The first and second positions can be the only positions in which the transformation module holds the toy. 
         [0011]    When moved from the first position to the second position, the flexible portion of the bidirectional transformation module can apply a force that has at least a component along a direction toward the first position, and when moved from the second position to the first position, the flexible portion of the bidirectional transformation module can apply a force that has at least a component along a direction that is toward the second position. 
         [0012]    The surface normal of the first plane can be perpendicular to the surface normal of the second plane. 
         [0013]    The first connector of the bidirectional transformation module can be connected to the first piece included in the plurality of interconnecting toy construction pieces at a connection point, and, to move between the first position and the second position, the transformation module can rotate about the connection point. The second piece can define a graspable portion that receives force, and the transformation module can move between the first and second position in response to the received force. The first and second connectors of the bidirectional transformation module can connect to the first and second pieces, respectively, with a snap connection. The snap connection can be a c-clip connected to a corresponding axel. 
         [0014]    The flexible portion can be at least partially enclosed in the body. 
         [0015]    The body can be cylindrical, and the first and second connectors can be c-clips that connect to corresponding axels on the first and second pieces, respectively. 
         [0016]    A piece that does not include a transformation module also can connect the first and second toy construction pieces. 
         [0017]    The plurality of interconnecting toy construction pieces can connect to each other with a snap connection. The snap connection can be one or more of a ball-and-socket connection and a c-clip connection. 
         [0018]    At least some of the plurality of toy construction pieces can be connectable at articulating joints. 
         [0019]    In another general aspect, a toy construction set includes a plurality of interconnecting toy construction pieces including at least a first piece, a second piece that defines an articulating joint, and a third piece connected to the articulating joint by a snap connection, the plurality of toy construction pieces connected as a toy that reversibly transforms between a first toy form and a second toy form without disconnecting any of the pieces; and a bidirectional transformation module. The bidirectional transformation module is movable between a first position and a second position, and the module includes a body defining a first connector and a second connector, the first connector coupled to the first piece included in the plurality of interconnecting pieces, and the second connector coupled to the second piece included in the plurality of interconnecting pieces; and a flexible portion between the first and second connectors. The toy is configured to be held in the first form when the bidirectional transformation module is in the first position, the toy is configured to be held in the second form when the bidirectional transformation module is in the second position, and movement of the transformation module from the first position to the second position moves the first and second pieces relative to each other to allow the third piece to rotate about the articulating joint such that the third piece extends in a different direction in the second toy form than in the first toy form. 
         [0020]    Implementations can include the following feature. 
         [0021]    In the second toy form, the third piece can extend from the second piece in a direction that is opposite from the direction that the third piece extends from the second piece in the first toy form. 
         [0022]    In another general aspect, a method of transforming a toy constructed from a plurality of interconnected construction pieces from a first toy form to a second toy form includes connecting a transformation module that is movable between first and second positions to a first toy construction piece and a second toy construction piece; assembling a toy by connecting at least one other toy construction piece to the first toy construction piece and at least one other toy construction piece to the second toy construction piece; arranging the constructed toy into a first toy form, the first toy form defining a longitudinal axis that is parallel to a first plane; holding the constructed toy in the first toy form with the transformation module in the first position; applying force to the second construction piece to move the transformation module to the second position; and moving at least one other construction piece about a connection without disconnecting any of the toy construction pieces from the assembled toy to transform the connected construction pieces into the second toy form. 
         [0023]    Implementations can include one or more of the following features. 
         [0024]    The second toy construction piece can define a graspable portion, and the method can also include applying force to the graspable portion of the second construction piece to move the transformation module to the first position; and moving at least one other construction piece about a connection without removing any of the toy construction pieces from the assembled toy to transform the connected construction pieces into the first toy form. 
         [0025]    Moving at least one other toy construction piece about a joint can include rotating the at least one other toy construction piece about the joint. 
         [0026]    In another general aspect, a toy construction set includes a plurality of temporarily and repeatably interconnectable toy construction pieces, the pieces being connectable to build a toy that reversibly transforms between a first toy form and a second toy form, the first toy form defining a longitudinal axis in a first plane and the second toy form defining a longitudinal axis in a second plane that has a surface normal that is different from a surface normal of the first plane; and a bidirectional transformation module having a plurality of connectors configured to be temporarily and repeatably coupled to one or more of the toy construction pieces. The transformation module is movable between a first stable equilibrium position and a second stable equilibrium position through an unstable equilibrium position such that the transformation module holds the toy in the first toy form when in the first stable equilibrium position and holds the toy in the second toy form when in the second stable equilibrium position. 
         [0027]    Implementations of any of the techniques described above can include a transformation module for use in an existing transformable toy, a toy construction piece, a set of two or more toy construction pieces packaged together with or without other toy construction pieces or a transformation module, a toy assembly that transforms from a first toy form into a second toy form and back again, a kit for a toy assembly that includes a transformation module, a toy construction set or system, a system that includes a toy assembly, a device, and/or a method or process for using a toy assembly. 
         [0028]    The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
     
    
     
       DRAWING DESCRIPTION 
         [0029]      FIG. 1A  is a plan view of an exemplary transformable toy in a first toy form. 
           [0030]      FIG. 1B  is a plan view of the transformable toy of  FIG. 1A  in a second toy form. 
           [0031]      FIGS. 2A-2C  are block diagrams of an exemplary transformation module that moves between a first position ( FIG. 2A ) and a second position ( FIG. 2C ) through an unstable position ( FIG. 2B ). 
           [0032]      FIG. 3A  is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary transformation module. 
           [0033]      FIG. 3B  is an exemplary faceted rod. 
           [0034]      FIG. 3C  is an exemplary faceted c-clip that connects to the rod of  FIG. 3B . 
           [0035]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of an exemplary transformable toy in a first toy form. 
           [0036]      FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of the transformable toy of  FIG. 4A  with a shifted torso. 
           [0037]      FIGS. 5A-5E  is a series of side-perspective views of a transformation module of the transformable toy of  FIG. 4A  moving from a first position to a second position. 
           [0038]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart of an exemplary process for transforming a toy from a first toy form to a second toy form. 
           [0039]      FIG. 7A  is a side view of another exemplary transformable toy in a first toy form. 
           [0040]      FIG. 7B  is a front view of the transformable toy of  FIG. 7A . 
           [0041]      FIG. 7C  is a front perspective view of the transformable toy of  FIG. 7A . 
           [0042]      FIG. 7D  is a back perspective view of the transformable toy of  FIG. 7A . 
           [0043]      FIG. 8A  is a top view of the transformable toy of  FIG. 7A  in a second toy form. 
           [0044]      FIG. 8B  is a front view of the transformable toy of  FIG. 8A . 
           [0045]      FIG. 8C  is a side view of the transformable toy of  FIG. 8A . 
           [0046]      FIG. 8D  is a side-perspective view of transformable toy of  FIG. 8A . 
           [0047]      FIG. 8E  is a side-perspective view of the transformable toy of  FIG. 8A . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0048]    A transformation module for a transformable construction toy is disclosed. The transformation module assists in transforming the toy from a first toy form or play mode into a second toy form or play mode, and vice versa. The transformable construction toy is a toy construction set that is assembled from a plurality of toy construction pieces, which can connect with each other temporarily and repeatably. The transformable toy transforms or converts between two or more toy forms or play modes. The toy forms are visually, functionally, and/or geometrically distinct from each other. The toy forms can extend along different directions and occupy different volumes of space. For example, a toy form can be a character, a human-like form, an animal-like form, a robot, a type of object, a vehicle, or a machine. Thus, the transformable toy can transform from, for example, a robot or a human-like action figure into a car or plane. 
         [0049]    The disclosed transformation module is connected to two of the toy construction pieces and assists a user of the transformable toy with transforming the toy from the first toy form into the second toy form. The transformation module slides, shifts, switches, or otherwise moves between two stable equilibrium positions and through an unstable equilibrium position. In the first stable position, the transformation module holds the transformable toy in the first toy form. In the second stable position, the transformation module holds the transformable toy in the second toy form. And, when the transformation module is displaced or disturbed from the first stable equilibrium position, it will return back to the first stable equilibrium position as long as the displacement or disturbance does not take it through the unstable equilibrium position. The transformation module allows the user to smoothly transform the transformable toy from the first toy form to the second toy form, and vice versa, without disconnecting or otherwise removing any of the toy construction pieces from the assembled toy. In other words, once assembled from the toy construction pieces, the transformable toy can transform and repeatedly retransform without being disassembled. 
         [0050]    Moving the transformation module from the first position to the second position shifts the relative locations of the two toy construction pieces that are connected to the transformation module. This relative movement also can assist in the transformation by providing space for other toy construction pieces to move about their respective connection points so the toy construction pieces can be positioned in different orientations to form the second toy form. 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , a plan view of an exemplary transformable toy  100  is shown. The transformation of the toy  100  from a first toy form  100 A ( FIG. 1A ) to a second toy form  100 B ( FIG. 1B ) changes the toy visually (from an action figure to a vehicle) and geometrically (from an object that extends vertically to one that extends horizontally). None of the toy construction pieces that form the toy  100  are disconnected to transform from the first toy form  100 A to the second toy form  100 B or vice versa. The toy  100  is assembled by connecting toy construction pieces to each other to form a toy. The toy construction pieces connect to each other at articulating joints. 
         [0052]      FIG. 1A  shows the toy in the first toy form  100 A. In this example, the first toy form  100 A is a human-like figure or robot that has a longitudinal axis  105  in a vertical plane. In the first toy form, the transformable toy  100  nominally stands upright, occupying a volume that extends in the vertical direction. 
         [0053]      FIG. 1B  shows the toy  100  in the second toy form  100 B. In the second toy form  100 B, the toy  100  is a vehicle. The vehicle rests and moves along a non-vertical surface, nominally extending along a horizontal direction. The vehicle defines a longitudinal axis  110  that is in a plane that is different from the plane that contains the axis  105 . In this example, the axis  105  of the first toy form  100 A is perpendicular to the axis  110  of the second toy form  100 B. 
         [0054]    The toy  100  includes a plurality of toy construction pieces, such as a torso plate  115 , wheels  118 , flat bottom pieces  120 , an ornament  122 , structures  124 , and shields  126 . The toy construction pieces are connected to each other at articulating joints. The articulating joints can be snap fit connections, such as ball-and-socket connections or c-clips that snap over corresponding rods. The assembled toy  100  can include both ball-and-socket connections and c-clip connections. Furthermore, the articulating joints can have a geometric feature to hold two toy construction pieces that are connected at an articulating joint in a fixed relationship. For example, the c-clip and rod can be faceted ( FIGS. 6A  and B) to provide additional friction between the c-clip and the corresponding rod. The geometric feature can be separate from the articulating joint. 
         [0055]    The toy construction pieces can be used differently in the different toy forms  100 A and  100 B. For example, the flat bottom pieces  120  are feet in the toy form  100 A and a bumper in the toy form  100 B. The structures  124  are leg-like elements in the toy form  100 A and horizontal support elements in the toy form  100 B. The toy  100  also includes a transformation module, similar to the modules described below and shown in  FIGS. 2A-2C ,  3 , and  5 A- 5 E. 
         [0056]    Referring to  FIGS. 2A-2B , a transformation module  230  is shown moving from a first position  202  ( FIG. 2A ) to a second position  204  ( FIG. 2C ). The transformation module  230  is a bidirectional transformation module because it can move from the first position  202  to the second position  204 , and from the second position  204  to the first position  202 . 
         [0057]    The transformation module  230  includes a body  232  that defines connectors  234 ,  235  on either end of the body  232 . The connector  234  connects to a first toy construction piece  236  and the connector  235  connects to a second toy construction piece  237 . The body  232  partially or completely encloses an elastic portion  233 . The elastic portion  233  provides tension as the transformation module  230  moves from the first position  202  to the second position  204  and as the transformation module  230  moves from the second position  204  to the first position  202 . The elastic portion  233  helps to maintain the transformation module  230  in the first or the second position. Further, when force is applied to the toy construction piece  237 , the elastic portion  233  pushes the transformation module from the first position  202  to the second position  204 , or vice versa. 
         [0058]    The toy construction pieces  236  and  237  are part of a larger transformable toy, such as the toy  100 , and the pieces  236  and  237  can be any toy construction piece from the assembled toy. For example, the first toy construction piece  236  can be the torso plate  115  of  FIG. 1A . The connector  234  can connect to a portion on the back of the torso plate  115 . The second toy construction piece  237  can be a construction piece that defines a joint  238  where a third toy construction piece  239  connects with a snap connection. The third toy construction piece  239  can be, for example, the structure  124  of  FIG. 1A . 
         [0059]    Referring to  FIG. 2A , the transformation module  230  is in the first position  202 . A force “F” is applied to the toy construction piece  237  to move the toy construction piece  237  relative to the toy construction piece  236 . Referring also to  FIG. 2B , in response to the force “F,” the toy construction piece  237  moves along an arc “A” and the transformation module  230  rotates about the connection point between the connector  235  and the first toy construction piece  236 . As the transformation module  230  moves toward the midpoint  240  of the arc “A,” the elastic portion  233  expands longitudinally, gaining potential energy. After the transformation module  230  passes the midpoint  240 , the elastic portion  233  begins to contract, pulling the toy construction piece  237  toward the second position  204 . Referring also to  FIG. 2C , the transformation module  230  is urged into the second position  204  by the contracting elastic portion  233  and is held stably at the second position  204  until a force acts on either or both of the toy construction piece  236 ,  237 . 
         [0060]    Accordingly, the transformation module  230  assists in moving the toy construction pieces  236 ,  237  relative to each other as the transformation module  230  moves back and forth between the positions  202  and  204 . In some implementations, the positions  202  and  204  are the only stable positions of the transformation module  230 . That is, when the transformation module  230  is in a position other than the position  202  or  204 , the module  230  does not hold the toy construction piece  236  and  237  in a fixed spatial relationship. The toy construction pieces  236  and  237  are held in a fixed spatial relationship when the transformation module  230  is in the first position  202  or the second position  204 . 
         [0061]    Referring to  FIG. 3A , a side cross-sectional view of another exemplary transformation module  330  is shown. The transformation module  330  is similar to a piston. The transformation module  330  includes a body  332 , a spring  333 , a connector  334 , and a connector  335 . The body  332  encloses the spring  333 . The connectors  334  and  335  are used to connect the transformation module  330  to two toy construction pieces. In the example shown, the connectors  334  and  335  are c-clips. The c-clips  334  and  335  have inner walls  342  and  343 , respectively, each of which receives and holds a rod. Although the c-clip holds the rod, the c-clip and rod can rotate relative to each other when force is applied to the c-clip and/or the rod. In the example of  FIG. 3A , the inner walls  342  and  343  are smooth. 
         [0062]    Referring to  FIGS. 3B and 3C , an example of a faceted rod ( FIG. 3B ) that is received and held by a faceted c-clip ( FIG. 3C ) is shown. A rod  350  defines facets  352  on a surface  354 . The rod  350  is received in a faceted opening  362  that is defined by a c-clip  360 . The c-clip  360  defines facets  364  on a surface  366 . The c-clip  360  also defines a gap  368  at the midpoint of an arc defined by the surface  366 . The gap  368  can provide for additional play and can help the rod  350  be received in the opening  362  without damaging the c-clip  360 . 
         [0063]    The c-clip  360  can be used as one or more of the connectors  334  and  335  on the transformation module  330 , or on the toy construction pieces that connect to each other with c-clips. In these implementations, the rods that connect to the c-clips can have corresponding facets, similar to those of the rod  350 . The presence of the facets provides a temporary lock in position between the elements held by the rod  350  and the c-clip  360 , allowing the elements that are connected by the rod  350  and the c-clip  360  to be held in a fixed spatial relationship to each other. Movement of the rod  350  relative to the c-clip  360  makes a click-like sound that can increase play value. 
         [0064]    Referring to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , another exemplary transformable toy  400  is shown.  FIG. 4A  shows the transformable toy  100  in a first toy form, with a transformation module  430  (shown in  FIGS. 5A-5E ) connected between a torso toy construction piece  436  and a second toy construction piece  437 .  FIG. 4B  shows the transformable toy  100  after the process of transforming to a second toy form has begun and the transformation module  430  is in the second position. Placing the transformation module  430  in the second position ( FIG. 4B ) causes the torso toy construction piece  436  to shift downward relative to the position of the torso toy construction piece  436  when the transformation module is in the first position ( FIG. 4A ). The movement of the transformation module  430  to the second position also causes the second toy construction piece  437  to move relatively upward. 
         [0065]    Referring to  FIGS. 5A-5E , the movement of the transformation module  430  from the first position to the second position is shown.  FIGS. 5A-5E  show a series of side perspective views of the transformable toy  400 . Referring to  FIG. 5A , the transformation module  430  is in the first position. The transformation module  430  is connected between the torso toy construction piece  436  and the second toy construction piece  437 , with the connection  435  of the transformation module  350  connecting to the toy construction piece  437 . In this example, in addition to the transformation module  430  connecting the torso  436  and the second  437  toy construction pieces, struts  448  also connect the torso  436  and the second  437  toy construction prices. The second toy construction piece  437  defines a graspable portion  445 . A user can grip or otherwise manipulate the graspable portion  445  to apply force to the second toy construction piece  437  to initiate movement of the transformation module  430  from the first position to the second position. 
         [0066]    Referring to  FIG. 5B , a user manipulates the graspable portion  445  to begin the movement of the transformation module  430 . Referring to  FIGS. 5C and 5D , the user continues to manipulate the graspable portion  445  to move the transformation module  430  toward the second position. Referring to  FIG. 5E , the transformation module  530  is in the second position. 
         [0067]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , a flow chart for an exemplary procedure  600  is shown. The procedure  600  is used to transform a toy that is constructed from a plurality of interconnected toy construction pieces from a first toy form to a second toy form. The first toy form can be, for example, a human-like figure or a robot, and the second toy form can be, for example, a vehicle, such as a car or a plane. The procedure  600  can be performed on the transformable toy  100  or  400  discussed above. The procedure  600  can also be performed on transformable toys that are similar to the toys  100  and  400 . The procedure  600  is discussed with reference to the transformable toy  400 . 
         [0068]    The transformation module  430  is connected to the torso toy construction piece  436  and the second toy construction piece  437  ( 605 ). Once connected, the transformation module  430  is between the torso toy construction piece  436  and the second toy construction piece  437 . The transformation module  430  is movable between a first position ( FIG. 5A ) and a second position ( FIG. 5E ). 
         [0069]    A toy is assembled by connecting at least one other toy construction piece to the torso toy construction piece  436  and/or the second toy construction piece  437  ( 610 ). For example, a thigh piece  424  ( FIG. 4A ) can be connected to the second construction piece  437 . The toy is arranged into a first toy form ( 615 ). For example, the toy can be arranged into a human-like figure, such as shown in  FIG. 4A . To place the toy into the first toy form, the toy construction pieces are arranged as a human figure. For example, the thigh piece  424  is rotated about the ball-and-socket joint  438  to extend in the “d” direction ( FIG. 4A ) from the second toy construction piece  437 . In this orientation, the thigh piece  424  functions as part of a leg. 
         [0070]    The toy is held in the first toy form by moving the transformation module  430  into the first position ( 620 ). If the transformation module  430  is already in the first position, then the toy is held in the first toy form by keeping the transformation module  430  in the first position. Similar to the transformation module  230  discussed above with respect to  FIG. 2A-2C , the transformation module  430  can have two stable positions. One of the stable positions can be the first position shown in  FIG. 5A , and the other stable position can be the second position shown in  FIG. 5E . When the transformation module  430  is in a stable position, it holds the torso toy construction piece  436  and the second toy construction piece  437  relative to each other in a fixed spatial relationship. Thus, by moving the transformation module  430  to the first or second position, or by keeping or maintaining the transformation module  430  in the first or second position, the torso toy construction piece  436  and the second toy construction piece  437  are held in a fixed spatial relationship. 
         [0071]    A force is applied to the second construction piece  437  to move the transformation module  430  to the second position ( 625 ). The force can be applied to the graspable portion  445  of the second construction piece  437 . The force is a force that is sufficient to overcome the resistance of an elastic portion in the transformation module so that the transformation module  430  moves away from the first position and toward the second position. The relative movement of the torso toy construction piece  436  and the second toy construction piece  437  creates space for the thigh piece  424  to rotate and extend in a different direction. 
         [0072]    The toy is transformed into the second toy form ( 630 ). The second toy form of the toy shown in  FIG. 4A  can a vehicle. To transform the toy into the second toy form, at least one other construction piece is moved about a connection without disconnecting any of the toy construction pieces from the assembled toy. For example, the thigh piece  424  can be rotated about the joint  438  so that the thigh piece  424  (and the lower leg pieces connected to the thigh piece) extend in a direction that is different, for example, opposite, to the direction “d” that the thigh piece  424  extends when the toy  400  is in the first toy form. After the thigh piece  424  is rotated about the joint  438 , the thigh piece can be used as a different element in the second toy form. For example, the second toy form of the toy  400  can be a vehicle, and the thigh piece  424  can be a horizontal support for the vehicle, similar to the use of the thigh piece  124  in the second toy form of the toy  100  ( FIG. 1B ). 
         [0073]    The process  600  can be performed, partially or completely, in reverse to transform the toy from the second toy form to the first toy form. In this manner, the toy is reversibly transformable. In some implementations, one or more of the toy construction pieces are moved about their respective connections to the other toy construction pieces before force is applied to move the transformation module ( 625 ). This is because, when in a toy form, the transformation module  430  can be obscured by one or more of the toy construction pieces. Thus, the initial moving of other toy construction pieces can allow the user to access and move the transformation module. 
         [0074]    Referring to  FIG. 7A-7D , another exemplary transformable toy  700  is shown in a first toy form  700 A. The toy  700  reversibly transforms between the first toy form  700 A and a second toy form  700 B ( FIGS. 8A-8E ).  FIG. 7A  shows the transformable toy  700  in the first toy form  700 A from the side,  FIG. 7B  shows the transformable toy  700  in the first toy form  700 A from the front,  FIG. 7C  is a front perspective view of the transformable toy  700  in the first toy form  700 A, and  FIG. 7D  is a back perspective view of the transformable toy  700  in the first toy form  700 A.  FIGS. 8A-8E  show views of the toy  700  in the second toy form  700 B. For the toy  700 , the first toy form  700 A is a human-like form or a robot. The second toy form  700 B is a vehicle. 
         [0075]    Referring to  FIGS. 7A-7D , the toy  700  is assembled from a plurality of toy construction pieces that are connected to each other. The toy construction pieces include a torso plate  715 , wheels  718 , flat bottom pieces  720 , an ornament  722 , and a thigh piece  724 . In the first toy form  700 A, the flat bottom pieces  720  function as feet and the ornament  722  functions as a weapon. The toy construction pieces are connected together with ball and socket joints and/or c-clips that couple to corresponding axels. The toy  700  includes a transformation module with a connector  735 . The connector  735  connects to a toy construction piece  737  that defines a graspable portion  745 . Applying force to the graspable portion  745  causes the transformation module to move from a first position to a second position and vice versa. 
         [0076]    Moving the transformation module from the first position to the second position moves the torso plate  715  relative to the graspable portion  745 . The torso piece  715  shifts downward in the direction “d” ( FIG. 7A ). Because the second position of the transformation module is stable, the transformation module holds the torso plate  715  in a fixed position relative to the toy construction piece  737  and the graspable portion  745 . Moving the torso piece  715  in this manner provides room for the thigh piece  724  and the flat-bottom pieces  720  to rotate about the joint  738  that connects the thigh piece  724  to the toy construction piece  737 . The thigh piece  724  and the flat-bottom piece  720  are rotated and positioned along a direction that is opposite to the direction “d.” Additional toy construction pieces are also moved relative to their connection points until the second toy form is generated. None of the toy construction pieces need to be removed or disconnected for the toy to transform from the first toy form to the second toy form. 
         [0077]    Referring to  FIG. 8A-8E , the toy  700  in the second toy form  700 B is shown. The second toy form  700 B is a vehicle.  FIG. 8A  shows the toy  700  in the second toy form  700 B from above.  FIG. 8B  shows the toy  700  from the front, and  FIG. 8C  shows the toy  700  from the side.  FIG. 8D  is a side-front perspective view of the toy  700 , and  FIG. 8E  is a side-back perspective view of the toy  700 . As compared to the first toy form  700 A, the second toy form  700 B has a different visual appearance and geometric arrangement. Additionally, the first and second toy forms  700 A,  700 B define longitudinal axes and occupy volumes that are in different planes. The first toy form  700 A has a longitudinal axis in a vertical plane, and the second toy form  700 B has a longitudinal axis in a horizontal plane. Further, the toy construction pieces that form the toy  700  have different functions in the second toy form  700 B than in the first toy form  700 A. For example, the flat-bottom pieces connect to each other at a non-articulating joint  755  to form a bumper for the vehicle of the second toy form  700 B. 
         [0078]    Other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. 
         [0079]    For example, the transformation module  430  can be connected between any two of the toy construction pieces in the transformable toy  400 . The first toy form or the second toy form can be a form that resembles an animal or a building. To move the transformation module  230  or  430  from the first position to the second position, or vice versa, force can be applied to the first or second toy construction piece. 
         [0080]    The transformation module  230  can be movable between more than two stable equilibrium positions. 
         [0081]    The toy construction pieces can connect at connections that are not articulating joints. For example, the toy construction pieces can connect with a post that is received in a corresponding recess and held in frictional engagement but does not articulate. The toy construction pieces can connect at articulating joints other than ball-and-socket and c-clip joints. For example, the toy construction pieces can connect by post and corresponding recesses.