Patent Publication Number: US-5527201-A

Title: Toy construction kit with interconnecting building pieces

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/135,359, filed Oct. 13, 1993, which was a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 07/829,316, filed Feb. 3, 1992 now abandoned. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to toy building blocks, and in particular to interconnecting blocks which provide multiple connection means. 
     In their preferred embodiment, the blocks may be advantageously used in conjunction with POPSICLE (trademark) sticks, their generic equivalents, or other connectors, including tongues projecting from other blocks, and specially configured connectors. Such connectors could include larger craft sticks, 3/4 inch by 1/16 inch by six inches, for example, in scaled-up versions of the blocks which are particularly suitable for younger children. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Toy building blocks of many different configurations are of course very well known and popular, and have always been one of the most popular toys in a wide variety of cultures. The building blocks take many different forms, and some of these forms have become extremely well known in association with their respective trademarks, e.g LEGO, DUPLO, MINIBRIX, etc.. The blocks employ various interconnection means to permit them to be snapped together in a fixed relationship in order to build structures. 
     Building toys also exist which employ hinged connections between the parts. For example, the ZAKS (trademark) parts have complementary projecting tongue pieces which snap together to define a hinge, and certain LEGO parts connect together in a hinged manner as well. 
     A number of building toys employ connector pieces which permit structures to be assembled from larger framing pieces. For example, the well-known TINKERTOY (trademark) parts use various connectors having cylindrical openings therein to receive small-diameter wooden framing pieces akin to dowel rods, typically with about a 1/4 inch diameter. 
     The many prior art building toys have many obvious attractions, and should not be criticized. However, there is always a demand for new building toys which may offer different possibilities from the prior art. 
     The present invention can be used to build many novel structures, whether or not employing POPSICLE sticks or generic equivalents thereof, or other connectors, with various interconnection options. The inventor is not aware of any system having the unique combination of features in the invention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the invention to provide a novel construction toy which will provide an attractive alternative to the various prior art building blocks. 
     It is a further object of the invention to provide interconnecting building blocks which may be advantageously used in conjunction with POPSICLE sticks, their generic equivalents, or other connectors or framing pieces, if desired, or which may be connected to each other without the use of such intermediate connectors. As mentioned above, such connectors could include larger craft sticks, 3/4 inch by 1/16 inch by six inches, for example, in scaled-up versions of the blocks which are particularly suitable for younger children. 
     The invention includes a number of individual pieces of various configurations, and a kit comprising various individual pieces, including connector pieces. 
     At least some of the individual pieces preferably have one or more faces with apertures defined therein to receive an connector or elongated framing piece such as a POPSICLE stick. Other faces of the pieces also incorporate connection means, for connecting blocks to each other to form larger building units. 
     The interconnection means may include a pin projecting from one part, particularly sized to engage a sleeve incorporated in another part, for hinged connection so that one block may rotate with respect to another block. The pin and sleeve preferably are slightly tapered such that a snug fit is achieved at full engagement between said pin and said sleeve. 
     The interconnection means may also or alternatively include a male dovetail tongue on one part particularly sized to engage a female dovetail groove on another part, for connection such that one block may slidably engage with another block. In one configuration, several sides of the block, preferably four, have dovetail connections, and the connections are specifically dimensioned to permit the blocks to be interconnected in overlapping fashion to form a matrix of blocks. 
     The interconnection means may also include a tongue projecting from a face to engage one of the apertures. The tongue may be shaped like or generally similar to the end of a POPSICLE stick or the like, if desired. 
     Other interconnection means are also contemplated, including interconnection of the LEGO type, as one example. 
     Connector pieces may be provided, specifically configured to engage in slots which preferably are I-shaped in cross-section, or to engage in one of two such slots which may be oriented at ninety degrees to each other to form a cross shape with T-shapes at the end of each arm of the cross. 
     In a kit of such building blocks, a combination of various configurations of such blocks is provided. Pieces may be connected to each other to create larger building units in which each building unit has at least two different interconnection means configured for connection to complementary interconnection means on other pieces or building units. 
     Further features of the invention will be described or will become apparent in the course of the following detailed description. 
     For convenience, the specification will refer to POPSICLE sticks. However, it should be clearly understood that this is intended to include generic equivalents as well, namely any sticks having substantially the same general shape and dimensions as POPSICLE sticks, and for that matter any other connector or elongated framing pieces which could be adapted to engage in the apertures within the blocks. As will be clear from the detailed description, POPSICLE sticks are just one example of the connectors which may be used, connectors having an H-shaped cross-section being another example which will be described in detail herein. Such connectors could also include larger craft sticks, in scaled-up versions of the blocks. 
     Also, the word &#34;block&#34; will be used generally for convenience, although the word &#34;piece&#34; will also be used interchangeably. The word &#34;piece&#34; is perhaps more accurate, since not all of the pieces are shaped like a &#34;block&#34;. Use of the word &#34;block&#34; is not intended to limit the invention to pieces which are shaped like a &#34;block&#34;. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, the preferred embodiment thereof will now be described in detail by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
     FIG. 1 shows a &#34;Ferris wheel&#34; assembled from various blocks according to the invention, as an example of one of a nearly infinite number of structures which could be built using the invention, and further illustrates the individual blocks which make up the wheel; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one of the most useful block configurations; 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a block which is longer than the block of FIG. 2, but which is otherwise quite similar; 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a simple &#34;tongue&#34; piece, with a male dovetail portion as well; 
     FIG. 5a is a perspective view of a dovetail-to-dovetail adapter; 
     FIG. 5b is a perspective view of a dovetail-to-dovetail adapter, similar to the adapter of FIG. 5a but having one of the dovetails rotated ninety degrees; 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a hinge assembly, comprising two blocks, one having a pin and the other having a corresponding sleeve; 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a double tongue piece; 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a hexagonal hub piece, having six dovetail portions; 
     FIGS. 9a-9d are views showing a block which can interlock on six sides and hold a stick on two sides; 
     FIGS. 10a-10d are views of a block similar to that of FIG. 9, but having one side which interlocks at ninety degrees from the other side; 
     FIGS. 11a-11d are views showing a block which interlocks on five sides and holds a stick on one side or interlocks with another block; 
     FIGS. 12a-12d are views showing a block with can interlock on two sides with similar blocks to form a strip of blocks which can hold sticks in a straight strip from two sides; 
     FIGS. 13a-13b are views showing a continuous block which can tack a stick or interlock on four sides with the blocks shown in FIGS. 9-11; 
     FIGS. 14a-14b are views of a block similar to the FIG. 13 block except the end openings are slotted to show an alternate type of opening; 
     FIGS. 15a-15b are views of a block similar to the FIG. 12 block except that it is longer, to couple two sticks or blocks of the type shown in FIGS. 9-11; 
     FIGS. 16a-16i show a block with interconnecting means on one side, to hold sticks or interlock in one direction on four sides, and interlock or hold a stick in a cross-shaped slot on the remaining side; 
     FIGS. 17a-17e show a block similar to that of FIG. 16 except that it can interlock at a swivel; 
     FIGS. 18a-18d show a block which interlocks on five sides, holds a stick on four sides in one direction and interlocks or holds a stick in two directions on the remaining side; 
     FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a block similar to the FIG. 2 type of block, but having T-shapes at each end of the slots, and showing an elongated connector piece which is H-shaped in cross-section, and a POPSICLE stick; 
     FIG. 20 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 19, showing the same block as in FIG. 19, and two short connector pieces which are H-shaped in cross-section; 
     FIGS. 21A-21D shows a block which has complementary dovetail faces configured such that a matrix of such blocks may be formed; 
     FIGS. 22a-22b show a block with hinges similar to FIG. 1, but with slots as in FIGS. 9-15; 
     FIGS. 23a-23g show a piece with hinges similar to FIG. 1, but having a tongue projecting therefrom as in FIG. 9; 
     FIG. 24 shows a piece similar to FIG. 13, but with a dovetail arrangement as in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 25 shows a piece similar to that in FIG. 24, but with dovetails at the ends only; 
     FIGS. 26a-26b show a hub as in FIG. 6, but with a dovetail; 
     FIGS. 27a-27g show pieces which combine a dovetail and a tongue; 
     FIG. 28 shows an arch structure assembled from various components; 
     FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a piece having a LEGO (trademark) type of connection, along with a female dovetail connection; 
     FIG. 30 is a perspective view of another piece having a LEGO (trademark) type of connection, along with a tongue portion; 
     FIG. 31 shows a planar base with several female dovetail grooves, to act as a base for a structure; 
     FIG. 32 shows a spindle assembly for use as an axle to mount wheels on a toy vehicle, for example; 
     FIGS. 33A and 33B are perspective views of blocks which combine dovetails, hinges, and LEGO-type connections; and 
     FIGS. 34A and 34B are perspective views of blocks which combine dovetails and LEGO-type connections. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The invention comprises a wide variety of configurations of building blocks, each combining various features, such that a kit comprising blocks of a number of various configurations permits a wide variety of different structures to be assembled according to the whims of the person. Many of the blocks are adapted to receive framing members such as POPSICLE sticks, or other connectors such as tongues projecting from other blocks. 
     So that various structures can be formed, whether or not using POPSICLE sticks or the like, the blocks incorporate interconnection means. If desired, only one form of connection could be used, but that would limit the interconnections options and thus the variety of structures which could be built. In a kit, of course, it may be perfectly acceptable to have a number of blocks which have only one form of connection, and long as there are some which have several forms of connection. 
     FIG. 1 shows a &#34;Ferris wheel&#34; assembled from various blocks according to the invention, and the individual blocks which make up the wheel. From FIG. 1, it should be appreciated that various pieces which make up the invention can be connected together in many different ways. 
     FIGS. 2-8 show individual blocks in greater detail. These blocks constitute a kit which can be used to assemble a nearly infinite variety of structures. 
     FIG. 2 shows one of the most useful block configurations. A cross-shaped slot 20 is provided, extending through opposite faces of the block, and dovetail connections are provided on the other four faces of the block. The dovetail connections are provided by means of male and female dovetail portions, namely a male portion 9 projecting outwardly and corresponding female portions 10. The illustrated block has three female and one male dovetail portions, although obviously that could be varied as desired. 
     In the embodiments shown here, the dovetails have straight walls. However, it should be appreciated that the walls need not be straight; &#34;dovetail&#34; is used here in the general sense, intended to cover any dovetail-like connection where one part slide into engagement with another by virtue of a flaring tongue of any cross-section, and a corresponding groove. 
     The apertures 20 permit the blocks to be positioned on the ends of a POPSICLE sticks, or, if the apertures extend right through the block, to be positioned part way along a POPSICLE stick. Preferably, the apertures are configured as a cross-shaped slot 20, thereby being capable of receiving connectors of rectangular cross-section in any one of four orientations at ninety degrees to each other, but they may also be configured as a simple slot 7, as seen in FIG. 16, for example. 
     FIG. 3 shows a block which is longer than the block of FIG. 2, but which is otherwise quite similar. 
     Note that in both FIGS. 2 and 3, the male dovetail portion 9 is shown with a split 15. In FIG. 2, the split stops short of the cross-shaped slot, while in FIG. 3 the split carries through to the slot. The purpose of the split is to provide a little additional flexibility in the male portion, for a smoother fit into the female portion. 
     FIG. 4 shows a simple &#34;tongue&#34; piece, with a male dovetail portion 9 as well. If desired, the tongue 19 may be split by a slot 27, so that it may be inserted into parts such as that of FIG. 2, opposite another part with a tongue or opposite a POPSICLE stick, but rotated ninety degrees so that the other tongue or POPSICLE stick which is also inserted into the part fits into the slot. 
     The FIG. 4 piece could be inserted into a face having an aperture, such as the end face of FIG. 3, to in effect convert the face from an aperture to a male dovetail, or could be inserted into a female dovetail, to in effect convert the dovetail to a tongue. 
     FIG. 5a shows a dovetail-to-dovetail adapter, having two male dovetail portions 9. FIG. 5b shows a similar adapter, but having one of the dovetail portions 9 rotated ninety degrees. These pieces permit two pieces having female dovetail portions to be joined to each other. 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a hinge assembly, comprising two blocks, one having a pin and the other having a corresponding sleeve. A male pin 12 is offset from one block, and is adapted to mate with a female sleeve 13 incorporated into another block. The pin and sleeve preferably are slightly tapered such that a snug fit is achieved at full engagement between said pin and said sleeve. Female dovetails 10 are also provided, although other forms of connection could be used if preferred. FIG. 1 shows a hinge assembly where each piece has a tongue 19, for example. 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a double tongue piece. Again, both tongues 19 are shown as slotted, although they need not necessarily be so. This piece permits two apertured faces to be joined. Preferably, at least some of the pieces have recessed areas 17 in the area of the aperture, as shown in FIG. 2, to accommodate the &#34;plate&#34; portion 21 of the FIG. 7 piece. 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a hexagonal hub piece, having six female dovetail portions 10. Such a piece can be useful in structures such as FIG. 1, where the spokes are formed by using this piece as the central hub, and then building outwardly using a FIG. 4, then a FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 piece, and then a POPSICLE stick or the like. 
     A similar hub piece, but having six male dovetail portions 9, can be seen in FIG. 1. 
     FIG. 9 shows a block which has dovetail connections on three sides, a cross-shaped or cruciform slot 20 passing through the block accounting for two other sides, and an integral tongue 19 projecting from the body of the block for potential interlocking in the slot of another block. The tongue is similar in dimension to the end of a POPSICLE stick. The slot 20 can receive a POPSICLE stick, or the tongue 19 of another block, in two orientations, i.e. one at ninety degrees to the other. In the block as shown, two of the dovetail connections are male and one is female, but obviously that could be varied as desired. 
     FIG. 10 shows a block which is similar to FIG. 9, except that the tongue 19 is oriented ninety degrees differently from the tongue in FIG. 9. 
     FIG. 11 shows a block which has dovetail connections on four sides, a tongue 19 on a fifth side, and a cruciform slot 20 on a sixth side, to receive a POPSICLE stick or a tongue from another block. 
     FIG. 12 shows a block which is similar to the FIG. 11 block, but which has no tongue. The block can interlock with similar blocks to form a strip of blocks which can hold sticks in a straight strip from two sides, so as to form a wall structure, for example. 
     FIG. 13 shows a block which can receive POPSICLE sticks or tongues 19 of blocks such as those shown in FIGS. 9-11, on two opposite sides and both ends. 
     FIG. 14 is similar to FIG. 13 except that the openings adjacent each end of the block are slotted to show an alternate type of opening, i.e. a straight slot 7 as opposed to the cruciform shape. 
     FIG. 15 shows a block which is similar to the FIG. 12 block except that it has a longer body in order to couple two sticks or blocks of the FIG. 9-11 type, as shown. 
     FIG. 16 shows a block with a tongue 19 on one side for interconnection with other blocks having slots. The block can hold sticks or interlock in one direction on four sides, by virtue of straight slots 7, and can interlock or hold a stick in two direction on the remaining side, by virtue of the cruciform slot 20. 
     FIG. 17 shows a block which is similar to the FIG. 16 block, except that it can interlock via a swivel joint, by virtue of disk portion 22 and a corresponding circular opening 23. 
     FIG. 18 shows a block which has a tongue 19 projecting from one side, and which can interlock on the remaining five sides, i.e. it can hold a stick in one direction on four sides by virtue of straight slots 7, and it can hold a stick in two directions on the remaining side by virtue of cruciform slot 20. Dovetail connections are also provided, as shown. Again, any desired combination of male and female dovetail connections could be provided. 
     FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a block similar to the FIG. 2 type of block, but having T-shapes 25 (see FIG. 21A) at each end of the slots 20, and showing an elongated connector piece 14 which is H-shaped in cross-section by virtue of reinforcing side walls 18, and a POPSICLE stick 8. A plate portion 21 spans between the side walls, and is intended to abut the block to ensure proper location of the connector. The plate portion is accommodated within recessed area 17, so that blocks connected by the connectors can abut each other directly, rather than being separated by the thickness of the plate portion. 
     FIG. 20 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 19, showing two short connector pieces 16 which are H-shaped in cross-section. They are essentially short versions of the elongated connector piece 14 shown in FIG. 19. Preferably the tongue 19 is split by a slot 27. Thus, as can be seen from FIG. 20, two connector pieces may be inserted in opposite ends of the same block, at ninety degrees to each other. 
     FIGS. 21A to 21D show a building block having six faces, namely four side faces and two end faces. At least two adjacent side faces, and preferably all four side faces, have either a dovetail tongue 9 (preferably with a split 15) running therealong for engagement with a corresponding dovetail groove 10 on another block or combination of blocks, or a dovetail groove running therealong for engagement with a corresponding dovetail tongue on another block or combination of blocks, such that one block slidably engages with another block or combination of blocks. Particular dimensions are employed in order that a matrix of blocks may be formed, conceivably much larger than the simple matrix shown in FIG. 21. Individual blocks could have 4/0[male/female] dovetails, or 3/1, or 2/2, or 1/3, or 0/4, as desired. 
     The dimensions of the block are defined as follows. A nominal square of side dimension d is defined by notional lines drawn parallel to the side faces through midheight or middepth points of the dovetail tongues or dovetail grooves as the case may be. The further dimensions of the block, as illustrated in FIG. 21A, are in accordance with the formulae: 
     
         A+B=C 
    
     
         A+B+C=D 
    
     where A is the distance from one edge of the dovetail tongue or dovetail groove at the midheight or middepth thereof to its adjacent edge of said nominal square; B is the distance from the opposite edge of the dovetail tongue or dovetail groove at the midheight or middepth thereof to its adjacent edge of said nominal square; and C is the width of the dovetail tongue or dovetail groove at the midheight or middepth thereof. Each dovetail tongue or dovetail groove is centered on the face of the nominal square, D being the length of each side of the square. 
     Further analysis of the above shows that A=B, and thus that 2A=C or 2B=C, or 4A=D or 4B=D, etc.. It should be emphasized that these dimensions are all nominal, rather than precise. In practice, sufficient allowance must be made for normal tolerances and for drafts in the mold to ensure that the mold can come apart and that the parts will slidably engage each other without either too much or too little friction or play. 
     FIGS. 22a-22b show a block with hinges similar to FIG. 1, but with cruciform slots 20 as in FIGS. 9-15. These blocks could have the modified slots which T-shaped ends, as in FIG. 21A, if so desired. These blocks would then be quite similar to the blocks of FIG. 33A. 
     FIGS. 23a-23g show especially useful pieces with hinges similar to FIG. 1, but having tongues 19 projecting therefrom as in FIG. 9. FIG. 23 also illustrates that the tongue may be split by a slot 27, so that it may be inserted into parts such as those of FIGS. 22, 24 or 25 (and others) opposite another part with a tongue or opposite a POPSICLE stick, rotated ninety degrees so that the other tongue or POPSICLE stick which is also inserted into the part fits into the slot. The tongue could be rotated ninety degrees. Reinforced tongues similar to the connectors 14 and 16 in FIGS. 19 and 20 could also be used. 
     FIG. 24 shows a piece similar to FIG. 13, but with a dovetail arrangement as in FIG. 1. 
     FIG. 25 shows a piece similar to that in FIG. 24, but with dovetails at the ends only. 
     FIGS. 26a-26b show a hub as in FIG. 6, but with a dovetail. 
     FIGS. 27a-27g show pieces which combine a dovetail and a tongue. The tongue could be rotated ninety degrees, and could be split if desired (as in FIG. 23). Reinforced tongues similar to the connectors 16 and 18 in FIGS. 19 and 20 could also be used. 
     FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a piece having a connection 30 of the LEGO (trademark) type, along with a female dovetail connection 10. 
     FIG. 30 is a perspective view of another piece having a LEGO (trademark) type of connection, along with a slotted tongue 19. 
     The blocks of FIGS. 29 and 30 obviously could employ female LEGO-type connectors instead of male connectors. 
     FIG. 31 shows a planar base 31 with several female dovetail grooves, to act as a base for a structure. 
     FIG. 32 shows a spindle assembly for use as an axle to mount wheels on a toy vehicle, for example. The assembly includes a piece with a tongue 19, and an &#34;axle&#34; 32 which threads into a hole 33 in the piece. 
     FIGS. 33A and 33B are perspective views of blocks which combine dovetails, hinges, and LEGO-type connections. It should be obvious that both male and female LEGO-type connections could be employed. 
     FIGS. 34A and 34B are perspective views of blocks which combine dovetails and LEGO-type connections. 
     With the wide variety of block configurations such as those described above, it should be apparent that a very large number of structures could be assembled, from the simple to the complex. 
     For example, FIG. 28 shows an arch structure. Complex structures such as a geodesic dome could probably be assembled with the correct hub and hinge pieces. These are just two examples, and are not intended to be limiting in any way. 
     It will be appreciated that the above description relates to preferred embodiments by way of example only. Many variations on the invention will be obvious to those knowledgeable in the field. 
     For example, it must be emphasized once again that the above-described embodiments are illustrative examples only; the various features of the blocks as described above could obviously be combined in very many different ways other than those illustrated here. 
     As one example only, dovetail sections 9 and 10 could replace tongues 19 in the blocks of FIGS. 9-11. They could be straight, or at any angle. 
     Various features could be straight, or at an angle; a generally cubic configuration is not strictly essential. 
     A block could be provided with a male or female dovetail on one or more faces, and a male or female hinge on one or more other faces. 
     Generally, almost any combination of male hinge, female hinge, male dovetail, female dovetail, tongue 19 (split or otherwise), slot (cruciform or straight), pivot connections as in FIG. 17, or other forms of connection such as in FIG. 19 could be designed, thus providing a wide variety of construction options. 
     Furthermore, in addition to the interlocking means described above, it is envisioned that many other forms of interconnection for the blocks could be used. For example, for fixed connections between the blocks, a LEGO-type connection could be used. For hinged connection, other suitable hinge mechanisms could conceivably be used, such as a ZAKS-type connection, for example. 
     It should also be made clear that although the invention is particularly adapted for use with POPSICLE sticks, any other connector or framing piece could be used. For example, small diameter sticks could be used as in the TINKERTOY construction sets, with the blocks being provided with corresponding circular holes instead of the POPSICLE stick slots 7. 
     From FIG. 28, it can also be readily envisioned that a single unit could be produced which in one piece could provide the equivalent of the row of blocks shown across the bottom of FIG. 28, just as with LEGO blocks there are pieces of varying sizes and lengths. In the case of such a unit, hinge pins and sleeves could still be provided at the ends of the unit, but there would be multiple slots and dovetail connections spaced along the unit. 
     It is preferable to have alternate configurations of the blocks in which the connection means are rotated relative to each other, again to provide a wider variety of interconnection options. Compare FIGS. 5a and 5b, for example. 
     These and other such obvious variations are within the scope of the invention as described and claimed, whether or not expressly described.