A toy construction set formed from plural building blocks

Abstract: A construction toy formed from a plurality of building blocks. Some facets of a first major block type (10) are embodied as including a plurality of radially extending vanes (16), others are complementally formed recesses (6). Preferably these recesses (6) and vanes (16) are disposed on top (2) and bottom walls (12) of the building block (10). A periphery (1) is provided with further structure for interconnection with other facets on another compatible block (30,60,80,140,160). Some peripheries (1) are provided with projections (40), others with channels (20). The projections (40) can be received not only in the channels (20), but also within recesses (6) on the bottom walls (12). The channels (20) not only can receive projections (40), but also can receive the vanes (16) on the top wall (2) of the block. A second major block is configured as a humanoid figurine (210). A third form of building block (310) is formed as a wafer-shaped rectangle having posts (340) on a top surface (311) and parallel-walled channels (350) on a bottom surface (312). A fourth major building block is a round wafer-shaped block (330) with beveled gear teeth (334) about a side wall (333) of the block.

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The prior art is relatively rich in attempts at providing construction blocks for children which challenge the child's imagination yet are not so complex as to frustrate the child in his creative endeavors. Not surprisingly, many known patents can be grouped into the above noted objection categories as being either too simple or too complex. The following patents reflect the state of the art of which applicant is aware and are included herewith to discharge applicant's acknowledged duty to disclose relevant prior art. It is stipulated, however, that none of these references teach singly nor render obvious when considered in any conceivable combination the nexus of the instant invention as disclosed in greater detail hereinafter and as particularly claimed. INVENTOR PATENT NO. ISSUE DATE Schmetzer US-A-171,533 December 28, 1875 Lewis US-A-1,405,851 February 7, 1922 Hultman US-A-1,554,095 September 15, 1925 McKee US-A-2,708,329 May 17, 1955 Aureillan GB-A-740,951 November 23, 1955 Zimmerman US-A-2,776,521 January 8, 1957 Grutta US-A-2,972,833 February 28, 1961 Christiansen US-A-3,005,282 October 24, 1961 Amsler US-A-3,032,919 May 8, 1962 Christiansen US-A-3,162,973 December 29, 1964 Christiansen US-A-3,242,610 March 29, 1966 Stubbmann US-A-3,382,480 July 16, 1968 Playcraft Toys, Inc. GB-A-1,167,678 October 22, 1969 Sloop et al. US-A-3,496,670 February 24, 1970 Shackelton GB-A-1,212,537 November 18, 1970 Huebl US-A-3,603,025 September 7, 1971 Zimmerman US-A-3,604,145 September 14, 1971 Nagasaka US-A-3,740,895 June 26, 1973 Bakker DE-A-2,429,491 January 16, 1975 Lange US-A-3,867,784 February 25, 1975 Retzler & Knight GB-A-1,382,134 January 29, 1975 Crawley US-A-3,894,354 July 15, 1975 Fabre US-A-3,895,456 July 22, 1975 Harvey US-A-4,055,019 October 25, 1977 Osterried US-A-4,080,742 March 28, 1978 Hake US-A-4,090,322 May 23, 1978 Kristiansen US-A-4,185,410 January 29, 1980 Knudsen US-A-4,214,403 July 29, 1980 Mayr US-A-4,253,268 March 3, 1981 Davis US-A-4,257,207 March 24, 1981 Xanthopoulos et al. US-A-4,270,303 June 2, 1981 Bersani FR-A-2534-484 April 20, 1984 Inskip EP-A-109-181 May 23, 1984 Lyman US-A-4,606,732 August 19, 1986 Yoke US-A-4,642,064 February 10, 1987 Ziegler US-A-4,731,041 March 15, 1988 Lyman US-A-4,764,144 August 16, 1988 Lyman US-A-4,789,369 December 6, 1988 Svagerko US-A-4,792,319 December 20, 1988 Heiremans WO-A-89/00069 January 12, 1989 "Lego brochure for the building set 8849 discloses a set of blocks including gear blocks that are manufactured in order to permit construction of one or more well-defined reproductions of real-life objects. The disclosed blocks have the features defined in the preamble of the annexed claim 1. " The prior art listed above shows the state of the art of which applicant is aware. Each of these references is distinguishable from the applicant's invention as claimed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In general, one majority type of the blocks forming the instant invention assume a substantially wafer like configuration having a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface is effectively the compliment of the bottom surface and visa versa. That is, each surface is formed with a series of projections and recesses. The recesses on one surface define the projections on the other surface. In this manner, all similar blocks thus formed are capable of being stacked and locked one on top of the other. A first major block type is provided with attachment means on a top surface including a plurality of posts oriented in linear rows which radiate out from a center of the top surface. The posts have a toroidal flair near an outer end which extends around each post in a horizontal plane parallel to the top surface. An attachment means on the bottom surface includes a plurality of channels which extend radially outwardly from a center of the bottom surface. Each channel is formed from a pair of walls extending outward from the bottom surface orthogonal to the bottom surface. On a side of each wall, facing its complemental channel wall pair, a ledge is formed which extends inwardly and in a plane horizontal to the bottom surface. When the top surface of one block is brought into contact with the bottom surface of another block, the posts of the top surface fit within the channels of the bottom surface and the toroidal flair of each post snaps snugly above the ledge formed in the walls of the channels of the bottom surface. Two blocks may thus be connected top-to-bottom in a variety of different ways by holding one block in position and rotating the other block or displacing the other block linearly. The walls of the channels on the bottom surface of the blocks are substantially parallel to each other. The posts are all of similar diameter. A second major type of block is described which assumes a substantially wafer-like configuration having a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface of these blocks is similar to the top surface of the first type of block. The bottom surface, however, has a hub which is a hollow cylindrical construct extending outwardly perpendicular to the bottom surface. This block has one curved side edge `making the secondary blocks substantially circular in cross-section. Along the side edge of the blocks are formed a plurality of beveled gear teeth. These gear teeth allow pairs of these blocks to interface in a rotational manner, with one gear being able to cause the other gear to rotate. The gear teeth of the blocks are also beveled to allow the pairs of blocks to be oriented with their top surfaces in planes not parallel with each other, thus forming a beveled gear pair. The first type of block has a plurality of prominences and orifices along side surfaces. Each side of the primary blocks has either a prominence or an orifice with the prominences being of a design similar to that of the hubs of the second type of block. The orifices of these blocks are cylindrical cavities which extend inwardly perpendicular to the side surfaces. Extending longitudinally along a side surface of the orifices are a plurality of undulations. The prominences have a plurality of ribs extending longitudinally along side walls of the prominences. The prominences are of complemental shape to the orifices such that a pair of blocks may be connected together along side surfaces with a prominence fitting within an orifice securely. with the ribs preventing rotation. A hub of the second type of block may fit within an orifice of a first type block restricting the block pair from relative translation but allowing the second type block to rotate within the orifice of the first type block. The first type blocks are of two different sizes. Some are full size, characterized by being equal in length on a long side to a pitch circle of the second type block. This size allows two full size first type blocks, attached adjacently on side edges, to receive two second type blocks which are then of sufficient separation to allow the gear teeth of the two separate second type blocks to interface. Other first type blocks are essentially half size, characterized by being equal in length to the full size blocks in two directions but are half the length in a third direction. This size allows three half-size blocks, attached adjacently on side edges, to receive two second type blocks within the orifices of the two outside half-size blocks. This orients the two second type blocks with sufficient separation to allow the gear teeth of the two second type blocks to interface, simulating the action of a planar gear pair. Each first type block has orifices on three side surfaces and a prominence on one side surface. The orifices are oriented such that two orifices on two adjacent sides are an equal distance from tile corner between the two sides. This distance is equal to a radius of the pitch circle of the fourth type blocks. The gear teeth of these second type blocks are beveled at a 45° angle. When two such second type blocks are oriented orthogonally with their associated hubs within two adjacent orifices of the first type block, the gear teeth of the two second type blocks interface. This orientation simulates the action of a beveled gear pair. Multiple blocks can form structures including moving mechanisms with these two major type blocks along with other blocks to be described. Succinctly stated, the instant invention spans the spectrum of complexity from a most simple toy to a most demanding, complex and creative toy to accommodate the interest pattern and skill level of the widest cross section of children and adults. The blocks themselves are capable of interconnection on all surfaces and also are capable of overlapping with adjacent blocks in a number of patterns. The blocks themselves are also both optically ornate and of complex contour to provide both a visual and tactile stimulus. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION A primary object of the present invention is to provide a novel and useful construction toy set. A further object is to provide a device as characterized above which includes a plurality of facets defining an exterior of a first element means of constant width on the facet for connecting the first element to a second element, the second element having multiple facets defining an exterior and provided with uniting means to frictionally receive the connecting means whereby the uniting and connecting means allow the first and second element to be linked. A further object is to provide a device as characterized above which includes a building block having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface and a plurality of side surfaces, the top surface being equipped with a plurality of circular posts of equal diameter and length extending upwardly from the top surface in a plurality of linear rows which extend from a center of the top surface, the bottom surface being equipped with attachment means whereby multiple blocks are interconnectable via the posts and the attachment means. A further object is to provide a device as characterized above which includes a plurality of primary blocks having a top surface, a bottom surface and side surfaces, the top surface having an attachment means and the bottom surface having attachment means which complements the top surface attachment means allowing the top surface of one of the primary blocks to connect to the bottom surface of another of the primary blocks, and the side surfaces having either a first attachment means for a second attachment which which are complemental to each other allowing one side surface of one primary block with a first attachment means to connect with another side surface of another primary block with a second attachment means, and a plurality of gear blocks having a top surface, a bottom surface and a circular side surface, the top surface having an attachment means and the side surface having an interfacing means allowing one gear block to tangentially contact another gear block such that when one gear block rotates another gear block may also rotate, whereby a combination of the blocks may be created in a variety of interesting and educational configurations. A further object is to provide a device as characterized above which includes a toy gear set for educating children, including a plurality of gear blocks with a hub on a bottom surface, teeth on a side surface and a driver block attachment means on a top surface, a plurality of driver blocks capable of fastening to each other with a plurality of orifices and prominences on a plurality of side surface thereof, the orifices dimensioned to support the hubs of the gear blocks allowing rotation of the gears without translation, and a plurality of drive blocks having prominence on a side thereof dimensioned to connect to a driver attachment means on the gear top surface of the gear blocks while allowing free rotation thereon, whereby the driver blocks may be combined together with the orifices and the prominences, the gear blocks may be combined with the mounting blocks through connection of the hubs with the orifices in an orientation where the teeth on the side surfaces of the gear blocks are tangential to each other and the driver blocks are connected to the top surface of the gear blocks, thus allowing an input force applied to the toy gear set to cause rotation of each gear block within the toy gear set. A further object is to provide a device as characterized above which includes a plurality of construction blocks having multiple facets, one facet on each block having a prominence projecting from the face, the prominence including means to allow deflection of the prominence both centrally inwardly and outwardly, and means for securing the facet bearing the prominence to another facet of another block. A further object is to provide a device as characterized above which includes a facet on each block including a plurality of posts project from the facet, the post having retention means circumscribing the post for fastening to another facet of another block. A further object is to provide a device as characterized above which includes a gear block with one facet on one gear block having gear teeth with planar and orthogonal meshing means to mesh with gear teeth on another gear block having similar meshing means. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a sectional view taken along lines LIX-LIX of figure 2. Figure 2 is a top plan view of the third major block according to one form of the invention. Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along lines LXI-LXI of figure 2. Figure 4 is a left side view of that which is shown in figure 2. Figure 5 is a front view of that which is shown in figure 2. Figure 6 is a right side view of that which is shown in figure 2. Figure 7 is a bottom plan view of that which is shown in figure 2. Figure 8 is a front view detail of a portion of the apparatus. Figure 9 is a front view detail of another portion of the apparatus. Figure 10 is a side view of two of the third major type of blocks of the apparatus interconnected. Figure 11 is a side view of two of the first blocks of the apparatus interconnected. Figure 12 is a sectional view taken along lines LXX-LXX of figure 13. Figure 13 is a top plan view of a second block of the first major type according to one form of the invention. Figure 14 is a sectional view taken along lines LXXII-LXXII of figure 13. Figure 15 is a left side view of that which is shown in figure 13. Figure 16 is a front view of that which is shown in figure 13. Figure 17 is a right side view of that which is shown in figure 13. Figure 18 is a bottom plan view of that which is shown in figure 13. Figure 19 is a top plan view of a fourth major block according to one form of the invention. Figure 20 is a right side view of that which is shown in figure 19. Figure 21 is a bottom plan view of that which is shown in figure 19. Figure 22 is a plan view of a plurality of the first and second major blocks oriented and interconnected to simulate a planar gear mechanism. Figure 23 is a plan view of a plurality of the first and second major blocks oriented and interconnected to simulate a mechanism combining beveled and planar gears. Figure 24 is a plan view of a plurality of the first and second major blocks oriented and interconnected to simulate a mechanism combining beveled and planar gears. Figure 25 is a top plan view showing two third major blocks in an attached, aligned and stacked configuration, with only the interfacing attachments shown. Figure 26 is a top plan view showing the figure 25 blocks in another attached configuration. Figure 27 is a top plan view showing the figure 25 blocks in another attached configuration. Figure 28 is a top plan view showing the figure 25 blocks in another attached configuration. Figure 29 is a top plan view showing the figure 25 blocks in another attached configuration. Figure 30 is a top plan view showing the figure 25 blocks in another attached configuration. Figure 31 is a top plan view showing the figure 25 blocks in another attached configuration. Referring now to the drawings of figures 1 through 31 throughout, reference numeral 310 is directed to the first major block, shown in detail in figures 1 through 9. In essence, a mounting block 310 is substantially a wafer-shaped construct having a top surface 311, a bottom surface 312 and a plurality of long side surfaces 314 and short side surfaces 315. The top surface 311 has a plurality of posts 340. The bottom surface 312 has a plurality of channels 350 (Figure 7). The side surfaces 314, 315 have either a prominence 370 or an orifice 380 positioned thereon. The posts 340 are configured to fasten within the channels 350 and the prominences 370 are configured to fasten within the orifices 380 allowing a plurality of mounting blocks 310 to be attached together in a variety of ways, as shown in figure 80 and figure 81. More particularly, the mounting block 310 includes a top surface 311 and a bottom surface 312 which respectively define first and second attachment surfaces. These attachment surfaces are complemental, allowing a plurality of mounting blocks 310 to be connected top-to-bottom in a series. The attachment means of the top surface 311 includes a plurality of posts 340, shown in detail in figure 8, configured in rows 342 that radiate outwardly from a center of the top surface 311. Each post 340 is a substantially cylindrical construct fixedly attached on a first flat end 341 to the top surface 311 and extending outwardly perpendicular to the top surface 311. Each post 340 is of similar diameter and each row 342 is substantially linear, such that any flat surface placed against side walls 345 of the posts 340 may have a point of tangency with each of the posts 340 in the row 342. Preferably, each post 340 has a toroidal flair 344 circumscribing the side wall 345 near a second flat end 343, as shown in detail in figure 8. The toroidal flair 344 lies in a plane parallel to the top surface 311. Also on the top surface 311, linear webbing 390 is formed in a variety of positions beneath the top surface 311. A top edge of the linear webbing 390 conforms to a plane coextensive with the top surface 311 and defining the exact location of the top surface 311. The linear webbing 390 provides added structural strength to the mounting blocks 310, reduces the volume of plastic used in manufacture, shortens the plastic cycle time in molding and helps define the top surface 311. The attachment means of the bottom surface 312 includes a plurality of channels 350, shown in detail in figure 9, that radiate outwardly from a center of the bottom surface 312. Each of the channels 350 is formed from a pair of parallel walls 352 which are preferably rectangular plates which extend downward orthogonally from said bottom surface 312. Each wall 352 has an inside surface 354 which faces the opposite wall of the pair. Fixedly attached to each of the inside surfaces 354 is a ledge 356. The ledge 356 is a radiused linear formation of uniform thickness and uniform distance from the bottom surface 312, which extends longitudinally along the entirety of the inside surface 354. The ledge 356 is located a distance from the bottom surface 312 equal to a distance from the toroidal flair 344 to the second flat end 343 of the post 340. The walls 352 of the channel 350 are a distance apart substantially equal to the diameter of the posts 340. Therefore, when two mounting blocks 310 are oriented with a top surface 311 and bottom surface 312 coming into contact, the posts 340 will detachably attach securely within the channels 350 with the toroidal flair 344 directly above and adjacent to the ledge 356, shown in figure 22, figure 23 and figure 25. Preferably, the mounting blocks 310 are of rectangular cross-section when viewed from above the top surface 311, as shown in figure 2, having two long side surfaces 314 and two short side surfaces 315. Preferably, the mounting blocks 310 have four rows 342 of posts 340 with each row 342 being oriented orthogonal to a side surface 314, 315. The rows 342 which are perpendicular to short side surfaces 315 have three posts 340 in each row 342 and the rows 342 perpendicular to long side surfaces 314 have two posts 340 in each row 342. Preferably, the bottom surface 312 is configured with four channels 350, each channel 350 being perpendicular to a side surface 314, 315. In this configuration, the posts 340 are aligned on the top surface 311 directly above the channels 350 on the bottom surface 312. The posts 340 are located a uniform distance apart from each other. This allows a mounting block 310 to connect to another mounting block 310 in various rotationally distinct top-to-bottom configurations. Some variations are shown in detail in figures 83 through 89. When configured in this way, posts 340 from the same row 342 may even attach within separate channels 350 of an adjoining mounting block 310. Each of the side surfaces 314, 315 of the mounting blocks 310 is equipped with either a prominence 370 or an orifice 380. The prominence 370 and the orifice 380 are of complemental shape allowing the prominence 370 to attach within the orifice 380, as shown in figures 10 and 11, thereby linking separate mounting blocks 310 through their adjoining side surfaces 314, 315. The prominence 370 is substantially a cylindrical construct having a hollow core 376. The prominence 370 may extend outwardly orthogonally from either side surface 314, 315. The prominence 370 has a curved outer side wall 378 with a plurality of ribs 374 fixedly attached thereto extending along the side wall 378 in a direction perpendicular to the side surface 314, 315. A plurality of slits 372 are formed in the prominence 370 extending from the hollow core 376 to the side wall 378 and completely bisecting the prominence 370 in a plane perpendicular to the side surface 314, 315, as most clearly shown in figure 6. The hollow core 376 has an inner region 375 (figure 2) adjacent to the side surface 314, 315 and an outer region 377 outward from the inner region 375. The inner region 375 of the core 376 has a width greater than the width of the outer region 377 of the core 376. The core 376 is of substantially similar diameter as is the diameter of the post 340 of the top surface 311. Two mounting blocks 310 may be connected by inserting the post 340 of the top surface 311 of one mounting block 310 into the core 376 of the side surface 314, 315 of another mounting block 310. The toroidal flair 344 of the post 340 can insert within the inner region 375 by deflecting the prominence along arrow "B". This allows the post 340 and attached mounting block 10 to rotate relative to the core 376 of the prominence 370 and attached mounting block 10. The orifice 380 is substantially a cylindrical recess which extends inwardly orthogonally from the side surface 314, 315. The orifice 380 has a curved side wall 388 with a plurality of undulations 384 formed thereupon and oriented to extend in a direction pependicular to the side surface 314, 315. Each undulation 384 extends from the side surface 314, 315, inward toward a center of the mounting block 310. A circular, yet serpentine recess is thus formed. Therefore, when two mounting blocks 310 are oriented with the side surfaces 314, 315 adjacent to each other, the prominence 370 in the one side surface 314, 315 may fit within the orifice 380 in the other side surface 314, 315 by deflecting the prominence 370 in the direction opposite from arrow "B" (see figure 6). The ribs 374 of the prominence 370 fit complementally with the undulations 384 of the orifice 380 restricting the two mounting blocks 310 from relative rotation. Because each rib 374 is of uniform width and uniform distance from adjacent ribs 374 and because each undulation 384 is of uniform width and uniform distance from adjacent undulations 384, the side surfaces 314, 315 of adjoining mounting blocks 310 may connect through the prominence 370 and orifice 380 in a variety of different orientations by rotation of one of the mounting blocks 310 relative to another of the mounting blocks 310 about an axis co-linear with a center axis of the prominence 370 and the orifice 380, as shown in figures 10 and 11. Preferably, one of the short side surfaces 315 of the mounting block 310 is equipped with a prominence 370 located at the center of the short side surface 315. The other three side surfaces 314, 315 are all equipped with orifices 380. On the short side surface 315 the orifice 380 is centrally located, but on the long side surfaces 314 the orifices 380 may be located nearest to the short side surface 315 having the orifice 380. All of the orifices 380 are located an equal distance from corners between the side surfaces 314, 315 which have orifices 380, for reasons to be explained later. Reference numeral 320 is directed to a driving block, shown in detail in figures 12 through 18. In essence, the driving block 320 is substantially a wafer-shaped construct having a top surface 321, a bottom surface 322 and a plurality of side surfaces 324, 325. Similar to block 310 of figures 1 through 11, the top surface 321 has a plurality of posts 340. The bottom surface 322 has a plurality of channels 350 (figure 76). The side surfaces 324, 325 have either a prominence 370 or an orifice 380 on each side surface 324, 325. The posts 340 are configured to fasten within the channels 350 and the prominences 370 are configured to fasten within the orifices 380 allowing a plurality of driving blocks 320 to be attached together in a variety of ways. More particularly, the driving block 320 includes a top surface 321 and bottom surface 322 which respectively define first and second attachment surfaces. These attachment surfaces are complemental allowing a plurality of driving blocks 320 to be connected top-to-bottom in a series. The attachment means of the top surface 321 is a plurality of posts 340, shown in detail in figure 8, configured in rows 342 that radiate outward from a center of the top surface 321. Each post 340 is a substantially cylindrical construct fixedly attached on a first flat end 341 to the top surface 321 and extending outwardly perpendicular to the top surface 321. The geometry of the posts 340 is described more specifically hereinabove in connection with the description of the mounting blocks 310. Also on the top surface 321, linear webbing 390 is formed in a variety of positions beneath the top surface 321, shown in figure 13. A top edge of the linear webbing 390 conforms to a plane coextensive with the top surface 321 in defining the exact location of the top surface 321. The linear webbing 390 provides added structural strength to the driving blocks 320 and helps define the top surface 321. The attachment means of the bottom surface 322 is a plurality of channels 350, also shown in detail in figure 9, that radiate outward from a center of the bottom surface 322. The geometry of the channels 350 is described more specifically hereinabove in connection with the description of the mounting blocks 310. A ledge 356, shown in detail in figure 9, is located a distance from the bottom surface 322 equal to a distance from a toroidal flair 344, shown in detail in figure 8, to the second flat end 343 of the post 340. Walls 352 of the channel 350 are a distance apart substantially equal to the diameter of the posts 340. Therefore, when two driving blocks 320 are oriented with a top surface 321 and a bottom surface 322 coming into contact, the posts 340 will detachably attach securely within the channels 350 with the toroidal flair 344 directly above and adjacent to the ledge 356. Preferably the driving blocks 320 are of rectangular cross-section when viewed from above the top surface 321, as shown in figure 13, having two long side surfaces 324 and two short side surfaces 325. Preferably, the driving blocks 320 have four rows 342 of posts 340 with each row 342 being oriented orthogonal to a side surface 324, 325. The rows 342 which are perpendicular to short side surfaces 325 have two posts 340 in each row 342 and the rows 342 perpendicular to long side surfaces 324 have two posts 340 in each row 342. Preferably, the bottom surface 322 is configured with four channels 350, each channel 350 being perpendicular to a side surface 324, 325. In this configuration, the posts 340 are aligned on the top surface 321 directly above the channels 350 on the bottom surface 322. The posts 340 are located a distance apart from each other which allows a driving block 320 to connect to another driving block 320 in various rotationally distinct top-to-bottom configurations. When configured in this way, posts 340 from the same row 342 may attach within separate channels 350 of an adjoining driving block 320. Each of the side surfaces 324, 325 of the driving blocks 320 is equipped with either a prominence 370 or an orifice 380. The prominence 370 and the orifice 380 are of complemental shape allowing the prominence 370 to attach within the orifice 380, thereby linking separate driving blocks 320 through their adjoining side walls 324, 325. The geometry of the prominences 370 is described more specifically hereinabove in connection with the description of the mounting blocks 310. The geometry of the orifices 380 is described more specifically hereinabove in connection with the description of the mounting blocks 310. When two driving blocks 320 are oriented with side surfaces 324, 325 adjacent to each other, the prominence 370 in the one side surface 324, 325 may fit within the orifice 380 in the other side surface 324, 325. The ribs 374 of the prominence 370 fit complementally with the undulations 384 of the orifice 380 restricting the two driving blocks 320 from relative rotation. Because each rib 374 is of uniform width and uniform distance from adjacent ribs 374 and because each undulation 384 is of uniform width and uniform distance from adjacent undulations 384, the side surfaces 324, 325 of adjoining driving blocks 320 may connect through the prominence 370 and orifice 380 in a variety of different orientations by rotation of one of the driving blocks 320 relative to another of the driving blocks 320 about an axis co-linear with a center of the prominence 370 and the orifice 380. Preferably, one of the long side surfaces 324 of the driving block 320 is equipped with a prominence 370 located at the center of the long side surface 324. The other three side surfaces 324, 325 are all equipped with orifices 380. On the long side surface 324 the orifice is centrally located, but on the short side surfaces 325 the orifices 380 may be located nearest to the long side surface 324 having the prominence 370. All of the orifices 380 are located an equal distance from corners between the side surfaces 324, 325 which have orifices 380, for reasons to be explained later. The driving block 320 and mounting block 310 are of similar design except for the difference in proportional length between the short side surfaces 325 and and the long side surfaces 314. Thus, the two blocks 310, 320 may function similarly in many ways. Reference numeral 330 is directed to a gear block 330, the fourth major block, shown in detail in figures 19 through 21. In essence, the gear block 330 is substantially a wafer-shaped construct having a top surface 331, a bottom surface 332 and a side surface 333. The top surface 331 has a plurality of posts 340. The bottom surface 332 has a hub 360. The side surface 333 has a plurality of beveled gear teeth 334 fixedly attached thereto. The posts 340 are configured to fasten within the channels 350 of the mounting blocks 310 and the driving blocks 320. The hub 360 is configured to fasten within the orifices 380 of the mounting blocks 310 and the driving blocks 320 allowing a plurality of gear blocks 330 to be attached to mounting blocks 310 and driving blocks 320 in a variety of ways, shown in figures 322 and 323. More particularly, the gear block 330 includes a top surface 331 and a bottom surface 332 which respectively define first and second attachment surfaces. The attachment means of the top surface 331 is a plurality of posts 340, shown in detail in figure 8, configured in rows 342 that radiate outward from a center of the top surface 331. Each post 340 is a substantially cylindrical construct fixedly attached on a first flat end 341 to the top surface 331 and extending outwardly perpendicular to the top surface 331. The geometry of the posts 340 is described more specifically hereinabove in connection with the description at figure 8 of the mounting blocks 310. Preferably, the gear blocks 330 have four rows 342 of posts 340 with each row 342 being orthogonal to adjacent rows 342. Preferably, each row 342 has two posts 340. Also on the top surface 331, radially extending linear webbing 390 is formed in a variety of positions beneath the top surface 331, as shown in figure 19. A top edge of the linear webbing 390 conforms to a plane coextensive with the top surface 331 and defining the exact location of the top surface 331. Also on said top surface 331, circular webbing 393 is formed beneath the top surface 331, as shown in figured 19. A top edge of the circular webbing 393 conforms to a plane coextensive with the top surface 331 and defining the exact location of the top surface 331. The circular webbing 393 encircles each post 340 that is at an outer end of any of the rows 342 radially away from a center of the top surface 331. The encircled post 340 is at the center of the circular webbing 393. The linear webbing 390 and circular webbing 393 provide added structural strength to the gear blocks 330 and help define the top surface 331. The circular webbing 393 also supports any connection to an encircled post 340 as shall be evident. The attachment means of the bottom surface 332 is a hub 360. The hub 360 is a hollow cylindrical construct located in a center of the bottom surface 332 of the circular gear blocks 330. The hub 360 extends downward perpendicularly from the bottom surface 332. The hub 360 has a plurality of slits 362 formed in the side wall 368 of the hub 360 in a plane perpendicular to the bottom surface 332. A lip 364 is formed on an end of the hub 360 opposite the bottom surface 332 which extends radially outwardly from the side wall 368. The hub 360 is of similar diameter and length to the prominence 370 of both the mounting blocks 310 and the driving blocks 320, allowing connections as shown in figures 22, 23 and 24. Thus, the hub 360 may fit within the orifice 380 of the mounting blocks 310 or the driving blocks 320. The lip 364 of the hub 360 fits into the orifice 380 adjacent to the side surface 314, 315 or the side surface 324, 325. The side wall 388 of the orifice 380 is slightly shorter than the length of the hub 360. When the hub 360 is placed within the orifice 380 the lip 364 resides beyond the side wall 388, thus retaining the hub 360 within the orifice 380. The hub 360 preferably does not have ribs 374 and so the hub 360 is free to rotate within the orifice 380 about arrow "A" (see figure 21). In this manner, a gear block 330 may attach to a mounting block 310 or a driving block 320 in a manner allowing rotation but restricting axial translation. The posts 340 are located a distance apart from each other which allows a mounting block 310 to connect to a gear block 330 in various rotationally distinct top-to-bottom configurations. When configured in this way, posts 340 from the same row 342 of the gear block 330 may attach within separate channels 350 of an adjoining mounting block 310. The gear block 330 has a plurality of beveled gear teeth 334 fixedly attached to the side surface 333. Each tooth 334 extends radially outwardly perpendicular to the side surface 333. The teeth 334 are separated from each other by a uniform distance such that gaps 335 between the teeth 334 are similar in width to the width of the teeth 334. This allows adjacent gears 330 to mesh in driving relation. Each tooth 334 is beveled between the side surface 333 and the bottom surface 332 at an angle ∂. Each gear block 330 is of similar size and has teeth 334 similar size such that two distinct gear blocks 330 may be placed adjacent to each other with the teeth 334 of the one gear block 330 fitting within the gap 335 of the other gear block 330. The two gear blocks 330 may interface in planes parallel to each other. They may also interface in two separate planes of the beveled gears 334. In this case, the angle between the two planes is equal to two times the angle ∂ of each beveled gear 334 of each connected gear block 330 (see figure 24). Preferably, the beveled angle ∂ will be 45° causing the two planes to be orthogonal. This allows the two gears 330 to interface at right angles to each other, as shown in figure 24 and figure 25. When one interfacing gear block 330 is rotated, the other interfacing gear block 330 is caused to rotate. This action helps the user of the invention to better grasp the function of many mechanical devices. The interaction of the various blocks 310, 320 and 330 can now best be appreciated in view of the aforedescribed structure. The length of the long side surface 314 of the mounting block 310 is substantially equal to the diameter of a pitch circle 336 (figure 21) of the gear block 330. When two mounting blocks 310 are connected to each other along complemental short side surfaces 315, two orifices 380, one from each mounting block, are arranged capable of receiving two hubs 360 from two distinct gear blocks 330. The teeth 334 of the gear blocks 330 then interface together in an operative orientation. Furthermore, additional mounting blocks 310 and gear blocks 330 may be added to the first set of mounting blocks 310 and gear blocks 330 along both side surfaces 314, 315, top surfaces 311 and bottom surfaces 312 allowing gear blocks 330 mounted in orifices 380 to interact as shown in figures 22 and 23. Also, three driving blocks 320 may be connected along side surfaces 324, 325 allowing two gear blocks 330 with hubs 360 mounted in orifices 380 of the two outside driving blocks 320 to interact in a fashion similar to that of a pair of mounting blocks 310. Preferably, the distance from the orifice 380 located on the long side 314 to a corner 395 (e.g. figure 2 or 13) adjoining the short side surface 315 with the orifice 380 is equal to the distance from the orifice 380 of the short side surface 315 to the corner 395. Preferably, this distance between orifice 380 and corner 395 is equal to the radius of the pitch circle 336 (figure 21) along the bottom surface 332. This allows two gear blocks 330 to fit into orifices 380 on adjacent side surfaces 314, 315 of the mounting blocks 310 in a way allowing the teeth 334 of the gear blocks 330 to interface. In this configuration, two gear blocks may interface while at right angles to each other, approximating the action of a beveled gear pair, as shown in figure 23. The core 376 of the prominence 370 of the driving block 320 or the mounting block 310 may be attached over the encircled post 340 on the top surface 331 of the gear block 330, as shown in figure 23. In this configuration, the driving block 320 or the mounting block 310 may act as an input driver for an assemblage of interfacing gear blocks 330. The driving block 320 or the mounting block 310 can rotate relative to the post 340 of the gear block 330, allowing a user to firmly grasp the driving block 320 or mounting block 310 while rotating the gear blocks 330. The circular webbing 393 which surrounds the posts 340 of the gear block 330 helps hold the prominence 370 of the driving block 320 or the mounting block 310 in place while the gear block 330 is rotated. Moreover, having thus described the invention, it should be apparent that numerous structural modifications and adaptations may be resorted to without departing from the scope and fair meaning of the instant invention, as set forth hereinabove and as described hereinbelow by the claims.

Claims: A toy construction set of distinct blocks comprising a plurality of primary blocks with substantially wafer-like configuration and a plurality of identical gear blocks the primary blocks (310) having a top surface (312), a bottom surface (312) and side surfaces (314, 315); said top surface being equipped with a plurality of posts (340) extending upwardly from said top surface in a linear row said bottom surface being equipped with attachment means whereby multiple blocks are interconnectable via said posts and said attachments means, at least one of said side surfaces (314, 315) having an orifice (380) positioned thereon the gear blocks (330) have a top surface (331), a bottom surface (332), and a circular side surface (333), said bottom surface (332) having an attachment means said side surface (333) having an interfacing means allowing one said gear block to tangentially contact another said gear block such that when one gear block rotates another said gear block may be consequently rotated, characterised in that said top surface of the primary blocks are equipped with said plurality of linear rows extending from center of said top surface, one of said side surfaces (314,315) of the primary blocks has a centrally located prominence (370), which is a cylindrical construct, the other side surfaces having said orifices (380) positioned thereon said interfacing means of said side surface (333) of the gear blocks consists of a plurality of bevelled teeth (334) said bottom surface (332) of the gear blocks has said attachment means in the form of an integral hub (360) which is a hollow cylindrical construct having a plurality of slits formed in the side wall of the hub in a plane perpendicular to the bottom surface, and having a lip (364) formed on one end of the hub opposite the bottom surface which extends radially outwardly from the side wall, the length of the hub (360) being slightly longer that the side wall of the orifice (380) of the primary block, and the diameter being similar to the diameter of the prominence (370), said top surface (331) of the gear blocks being equipped with a plurality of posts (340) , similar to the ones of the primary blocks, extending upwardly from said top surface in a plurality of linear rows which extend from center of said top surface, said posts of said gear blocks being able to be inserted in the core of the prominences of the primary blocks, permitting the latter to act as an input driver for an assemblage of interfacing gear blocks (330). A toy construction set as claimed in claim 1 set characterised in that all the orifices (380) are located at equal distances from corners between the side surfaces (314, 315) which have orifices, said distance being equal to the radius of the pitch circle (336) of the gear block along the bottom surface (332). A toy construction set as claimed in claim 2 characterized in that the primary blocks consists of blocks of two different sizes being mounting blocks and driving blocks , mounting blocks (310), of full size, having long side surfaces (314) with orifices, such surfaces being of length substantially equal to the diameter of the pitch circle (336) of the gear block (330) along the top surface, the length of the short surfaces being equal to the diameter of the pitch circle of the gear block along the bottom surface, driving block (320), of half size, having one of the long side surface (325) being equipped with the prominence (370) and the other long side surface being equipped with the orifice (380) centrally located. A toy construction set as claimed in claim 1 characterized in that the orifice 380 of the primary blocks has a curved side wall with a plurality of undulations 384 formed thereupon and oriented to extend in a direction perpendicular to the side surface. A toy construction set as claimed in claim 2 characterized in that the prominence of the primary blocks has an additional plurality of ribs (374) fixedly attached thereto and extending in a direction perpendicular to the side surface and able to fit complementally with the undulations (384) of the orifices (380) of another block.

Inventors: LYMAN RONALD L, LYMAN, RONALD L.
Applicants: LYMAN RONALD L, LYMAN, RONALD L.
Application year: 1990
Main classification: A63H33
IPC codes: A63H33