Patent Abstract:
Disclosed are toy robots having a frame, base and building accessories and kits therefor. The toy has a system of blocks, gripping appendages, gears and pop-up joints threaded together by an elastic cable held in tension. This configuration allows the toy to stand tall or short, be configured in myriad poses In or outside its frame, on or off its accessories, and can allow for the discovery of a secret cavity.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/081,546, filed Nov. 18, 2014, which application is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Existing articulated toy robots are typically made of solid wood blocks that allow for a limited number of configurations. When standing on both feet, these articulated toy robots cannot change height. Their blocky appendages do not have gripping capability, nor do they offer a variety of tactile experiences. Moreover, these previously described articulated toys do not have elements of surprise or accessories that enhance a child&#39;s play. 
     SUMMARY 
     Disclosed is an articulatable toy that can be arranged in a multitude of configurations in and outside of a frame. The articulatable toy can be a robot in form factor. The toy can stand on both feet, tall or short. It has joints that twist and pop into place. It has gripping appendages that can interconnect, grip its frame and other accessories. The present toy also has shapes that enhance tactility, a secret cavity that adds an element of surprise and a unique robot identification number. 
     The articulable toy can be made from a myriad of materials and have component parts of a wide variety of shapes. For example, wood forms and gear-like shapes held in tension with an elastic cable (or cord) passing through slots, apertures, and cavities. It should be noted that the shapes may also be made from plastic, resin, cardboard, stone, metal, fabric, leather or other suitable materials. A large number of shapes can be interconnected by the elastic components to achieve a wide variety of final configurations. Depending on the material used, the shapes may be painted, waxed, stained, dyed, printed or clear coated. The present components can primarily be disks and gears, but may also be a variety of other tactile shapes without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     Joints, such as pop-up elbows and knees, allows for the lengthening and shortening of the toy in a standing or sitting position. Gripping hands and feet allow for additional configurations in and outside its frame, on or off the building accessories. 
     A secret cavity with one or more hidden hearts can be provided which adds an element of discovery. Other shapes, including shapes inspired by anatomy, can be used as well. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, there may be more than one secret cavity. 
     As disclosed, the pop-up joint has a disk shape with two slots or notches an opposing sides and a through-hole or aperture in communication between the two slots. An elastic cable is passed through the aperture to connect the joint to one or more other elements. Thus, for example, a limb having an elastic cable passing through multiple components keeps the elements of the limb in a state of tension. When pulling on the last appendage of a limb, the joint automatically pops-up in a twisting fashion extending the overall length of the limb from the thickness of the joint element to the diameter of the joint element. 
     The gripping appendage is designed with a slot that allows for lengthening/shortening and a slot that allows for gripping. 
     This configuration permits all of the elements of the limbs to move in all directions: lateral and circular as well as shortening, lengthening and gripping. The design of the articulated toy is not limited to a robot. It may include other articulated toys such as a dog, companion and other robot family members, robot friends or enemies. 
     An aspect of the disclosure is directed to a kit for an articulatable toy. Suitable kits comprise: a primary block having a primary block aperture passing therethrough along an axis; a secondary block having a secondary block aperture passing at least partially therethrough along an axis, a primary channel formed through a portion of the secondary block, and at secondary channel formed through a portion of the secondary block in perpendicular communication with the primary channel; four or more spacers having an aperture passing therethrough along an axis; one or more mid-spacer elements having a first mid-spacer element notch and a second mid-spacer element notch formed along an axis and having an aperture therethrough from the first mid-spacer element notch to the second mid-spacer element notch; and a cable. The channels are formed on an exterior surface of the block. Kits can additionally comprise an end component having a first end component notch and a second end component notch formed perpendicularly to the first end component notch and an aperture therethrough from the first end component notch to the second end component notch. The end component can further have a rounded end and a flat end. Additionally, the kit can include one or more ornamental feature elements configurable to engage a surface of the primary block or the secondary block. Ornamental feature elements can have a shape selected from semi-circular, round, square, oval, ovoid, triangular, rectangular, and gear shaped. Other organic shapes, such as amoeba-like or sponge-like, can be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the ornamental feature elements can be configurable to engage a detent on a surface of the primary block or the secondary block. One or more secondary spacers can be included in the kit, wherein the secondary spacers have a diameter that is larger or smaller than a diameter of the four or more spacers. In some configurations, the primary block has a shape selected from semi-circular, round, square, oval, ovoid, triangular, and rectangular, and the secondary block can have a shape selected from semi-circular, round, square, oval, ovoid, triangular, and rectangular. Primary and secondary blocks can have similar shapes without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The secondary block can further have two or more additional primary channels formed through a portion of the block which are not in communication with another primary channel, and at two or more secondary channels formed through a portion of the block not in communication with another secondary channel and each in perpendicular communication with one of the additional primary channels. One or more frames and bases can also be included. Additionally, one or more planar shapes can be provided, such as planar shapes in the form of a building, a rocket, or other structure. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to an articulatable toy. Suitable articulatable toys comprise: a primary block having an aperture passing therethrough along an axis; a secondary block having a secondary block aperture passing at least partially therethrough along an axis, a primary channel formed through a portion of the secondary block, and at secondary channel formed through a portion of the secondary block in perpendicular communication with the primary channel; four or more spacers having an aperture passing therethrough along an axis; one or more mid-spacer elements having a first mid-spacer element notch and a second mid-spacer element notch formed along an axis and having an aperture therethrough from the first mid-spacer element notch to the second mid-spacer element notch; and a cable passing through an aperture of at least the primary block, the secondary block, the four or more spacers and at least one mid-spacer. Additionally, an end component can be provided which has a first end component notch and a second end component notch formed perpendicularly to the first end component notch and an aperture therethrough from the first end component notch to the second end component notch. The channels can be formed on an exterior surface of the block. The end component can have a rounded end and a flat end. One or more ornamental feature elements can also be provided which are configurable to engage a surface of the primary block or the secondary block. The ornamental feature elements can have a variety of shapes including, semi-circular, round, square, oval, ovoid, triangular, rectangular, and gear shaped. Other organic shapes, such as amoeba-like or sponge-like, can be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the ornamental feature elements are configurable to engage a detent on a surface of the primary block or the secondary block. Additionally, one or more secondary spacers, wherein the secondary spacers have a diameter that is larger or smaller than a diameter of the four or more spacers. The primary block can also have a shape selected from semi-circular, round, square, oval, ovoid, triangular, and rectangular, and the secondary block can have a shape selected from semi-circular, round, square, oval, ovoid, triangular, and rectangular. The secondary block can have two or more additional primary channels formed through a portion of the block which are not in communication with another primary channel, and at two or more secondary channels formed through a portion of the block not in communication with another secondary channel and each in perpendicular communication with one of the additional primary channels. 
     Still another aspect of the disclosure is directed to a method of making an articulatable toy. Suitable methods comprise: tying a knot at a first end of a cable; passing the cable through an aperture of a primary block having an axial aperture therethrough; passing the cable through an aperture of a secondary block having a primary channel formed through a portion of the block, and at secondary channel formed through a portion of the block in perpendicular communication with the primary channel; passing the cable through an aperture of a four or more spacers having an aperture passing therethrough along an axis; passing the cable through an aperture of a one or more mid-spacer elements having a first mid-spacer element notch and a second mid-spacer element notch formed along an axis and having an aperture therethrough from the first mid-spacer element notch to the second mid-spacer element notch; and tying a knot at a second end of the cable. 
     Yet another aspect of the disclosure is directed to an articulatable toy comprising: a primary block means having an aperture passing therethrough along an axis; a secondary block means having a secondary block aperture passing at least partially therethrough along an axis, a primary channel formed through a portion of the secondary block means, and at secondary channel formed through a portion of the secondary block means in perpendicular communication with the primary channel; four or more spacer means having an aperture passing therethrough along an axis; one or more mid-spacer element means having a first mid-spacer element notch and a second mid-spacer element notch formed along an axis and having an aperture therethrough from the first mid-spacer element notch to the second mid-spacer element notch; and a cable means passing through an aperture of at least the primary block means, the secondary block means, the four or more spacer means and at least one mid-spacer means. The articulatable toy can further include an end component means having a first end component notch and a second end component notch formed perpendicularly to the first end component notch and an aperture therethrough from the first end component notch to the second end component notch. In some configurations, the articulatable toy further comprises one or more ornamental feature element means configurable to engage a surface of the primary block means or the secondary block means. Additionally, one or more secondary spacer means can be provided, wherein the secondary spacer means have a diameter that is larger or smaller than a diameter of the four or more spacers. In some configurations, at least one of the primary block means and the secondary block means has a shape selected from semicircular, round, square, oval, ovoid, triangular, and rectangular. Additionally, the secondary block means can have two or more additional primary channels formed through a portion of the block which are not in communication with another primary channel, and at two or more secondary channels formed through a portion of the block not in communication with another secondary channel and each in perpendicular communication with one of the additional primary channels. 
     INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
     All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,825,178 A to Hawkins issued Mar. 4, 1956 for Articulated Toy Set of Building Blocks; US 2012/015690 A1 to Weeks published Jun. 21, 2012 for Transformable Toy Robot; U.S. Pat. No. 6,482,063 B1 to Frigard issued Nov. 19, 2002 for Articulating Blocks Toy; U.S. Pat. No. 5,302,148 A to Heinz issued Apr. 12, 1994 for Rotatable Demountable Blocks of Several Shapes on a Central Elastic; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,525,089 A to Heinz issued Jun. 11, 1996 for Rotatable Demountable Blocks of Several Shapes on a Central Elastic Anchor. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of an articulated toy positioned in a frame having a base; 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates front view of an articulated toy having a plurality of joints, with joints in extended position; 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates a back view of the articulated toy of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an articulated toy with the interior apertures visible; 
         FIGS. 4A-F  illustrate components of the articulated toy for hand, elbow/knee joints and foot from top ( FIGS. 4A-C ) and side views ( FIGS. 4D-F ) respectively; 
         FIGS. 5A-L  illustrate the body components from top ( FIGS. 5A-F ) and side views ( FIGS. 5G-L ) respectively; 
         FIGS. 6A-F  illustrate pop-up joint, twisting/lengthening/shortening of the arm; 
         FIGS. 7A-F  illustrate the pop-up joint, twisting/lengthening/shortening of the leg; 
         FIGS. 8A-E  illustrate a torso from front, rear, side, top and bottom views; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view through torso along the lines  9 - 9  in  FIG. 8C  with secret cavity; 
         FIGS. 10A-E  illustrate a head from front, rear, side, top and bottom views; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional through head along the lines  11 - 11  in  FIG. 10C ; 
         FIGS. 12, 13, 14  illustrate the articulated toy from a front, side, and rear view; 
         FIGS. 15, 16, 17  illustrate the articulated toy from a front, side, and rear view with joints popped-up; 
         FIGS. 18, 19, 20  illustrate the articulated toy from a front, side, and rear view with hands and feet extended; 
         FIGS. 21-29  illustrate one or more articulated toys in various positions, standing, balancing on one leg, sitting, grasping hands, holding foot, crouching, connecting to other toys; 
         FIGS. 30-34  illustrate an articulated toy positioned within a frame and having a base; 
         FIGS. 35-37  illustrate an articulated toy interacting with 2D building accessory; 
         FIGS. 38-45  illustrate exemplar 2D building accessories; 
         FIG. 46  is an alternative configuration of an articulatable toy; and 
         FIGS. 47A-C  illustrate a process of putting components from a kit together into an exemplar articulable toy from a plurality of components. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The articulated toy is comprised of a plurality of elements: Elements include three or more of a head element, an ear element, an eye element, a wrist element, a neck/limb element, a torso element, a fanciful element (such as a heart), an elbow/knee joint element, a hand (paw) element, an ankle element, a foot (paw) element, a frame element and a base element. The articulated toy can be provided in a kit form for later assembly or can be provided formed. Where the articulated toy is provided in a formed configuration, users can disassemble the articulated toy and reassembly in different configurations as desired. 
       FIG. 1  is a front view of combination  100  of an articulated toy  120  positioned in a frame  110  having a base  104 . As shown in  FIG. 2A , the articulated toy  120  has a first block  130 , forming a head, which is configurable to have one or more decorative components affixed to the first block  130 . The decorative elements can be countersunk or applied on the surface. The block can be square, rectangular, semicircular, circular, or any other suitable three dimensional shape with a height, width and depth. Furthermore the first block  130  can be solid with an aperture or through-hole passing through the first block  130  on an axis, or be formed from a hollow body. The aperture can have a diameter at a first end and a second end that is the same, or can be counter-sunk (as shown in  FIG. 3 ). The through-hole can be centrally positioned through the block, as illustrated. 
     A first set of decorative elements are, for example, circular elements  134  having two substantially planar surfaces parallel one another and an aperture therethrough which enables the one or more circular elements  134  to be affixed to an exterior surface of the first block  130 . One or more second decorative elements  132  can be in the form of a cog having two substantially planar surfaces parallel one another and a series of teeth formed on an exterior surface.  FIG. 2A  illustrates a front view of an articulated toy  120  having a plurality of elements with joints in extended position, thereby optimizing the overall length of the appendage extending from the central block. Additional externally positioned decorative elements can be provided without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, the decorative elements can each have different dimension and level of detail (e.g., the number of teeth on one decorative cog might be different than the number of teeth on another decorative cog). The articulated toy  120  is shown with an x-y-z axis to facilitate understanding the operational ability of the various elements or appendages to roll, pitch and yaw about an x, y and z axis or to move within a plane. Etching  136  can also be provided on any of the components, as illustrated on the first block  130 . 
       FIG. 2B  illustrates a back view of the articulated toy  120  of  FIG. 2A . Positionable below the first block  130  is at least one spacer element  122 . A second block  124  is provided. The second block  124  can be the torso or central block from which other elements or appendages radiate. The second block  124  has a central through hole aperture  129  (shown in  FIGS. 3, 8 and 9 ) positioned in a first axial direction at least part way through the second block  124 . The central through hole aperture  129  can be countersunk at its opening thus forming a compartment within the second block  124 . The central through hole aperture  129  is further configured to have four or more channels  126  formed in the second block  124  along an exterior surface of the block. A first pair of channels  126 ′ are formed on opposing sides of the second block  124  and can be aligned along an axis. A second set of channels  126  are formed adjacent to each other on the same side of the second block  124 . The second set of channels  126  can be formed so that the channels are in communication with the central through hole aperture  129  but are only partially parallel. A third set of channels is positionable on opposing sides of the second block  124  and in a perpendicular relationship one of a first or second channel of the first pair of channels, or a first or second channel of the second pair of channels. The perpendicular arrangement between channels, allows the appendages formed from primary mid spacer elements, secondary spacer elements, and end elements to be configured to extend from the second block to move in at least three directions from a starting position within an x-y plane of the second block  124 . Thus, for example, each length for a first appendage  188  comprising the primary spacer elements  140 , primary mid-spacers  150  and first end component  180  can be moved through the channels in a range of 180° in the x-z plane; and 90° in the x-y plane. Similarly, each length for a second appendage  198  comprising the primary spacer elements  140 , primary mid-spacers  150  and second end component  190  can be moved through the channels in a range of 180° in the y-z plane; and 90° in the x-y plane. Other channel orientations may be provided to provide a different range of motion for the extensions without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Each of the first appendage  188  and the second appendage  198  can further be bent through a range of 180° at the primary mid-spacers  150  and the components can rotate about the long axis (e.g., x axis for the first appendage  188 ) 360°. Thus, the first appendage  188  and the second appendage  198  have a minimum range of motion of 180° in one plane and 90° in a second plane. Additionally, the first end component  180  and the second end component  190  have a separate minimum range of motion of 180° in one plane and 90° in a second plane. 
     A plurality of primary spacer elements  140  can be provided. As illustrated, the primary spacer elements  140  can have two substantially parallel sides with an aperture formed therethrough. At least some configurations a continuous exterior surface of the primary spacer elements  140  are smooth, while in other configurations, the continuous exterior surface has teeth. In some configurations, the continuous exterior surface (formed between the two substantially parallel surfaces) can be substantially, square, rectangular, ovoid, triangular or circular. The aperture can be formed centrally or off-center. For purposes of illustration, the primary spacer elements  140  are illustrated as substantially circular with a cog shape in two dimensions and a central aperture. Two or more first end components  180 , and second end components  190  (forming hands and feet) having two notches at an orientation less than 180° (illustrated as 90°) and an aperture between the two notches are provided which can be positioned at the end of a length of a plurality of primary spacer elements  140 . Alternatively, the notches for the first end component  180  and the second end component  190  can be positioned along the same axis. Two or more primary mid-spacers  150  can be provided which have two notches which are aligned along an axis and are also connected via an aperture. Secondary spacer elements  160 ,  170  which are larger or smaller in at least one dimension (e.g., radius) than the primary spacer elements  140  can also be provided. The secondary spacer elements  160 ,  170  can form the wrist and the ankle of a robot articulatable toy. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an articulated toy  120  with the interior apertures visible. A plurality of fanciful shaped elements  128  can be provided which fit within the countersunk hole  129  which forms a cavity of the second block  124 . One or more elastic cables  112  (or cords) can pass through a plurality of elements and be secured through an aperture of a terminal element. The first end components  180 , and second end components  190  can be separated from a second block  124  by a plurality of primary spacer elements  140 . The plurality of primary spacer elements  140  can further be separated by one or more primary mid-spacers  150 . The first end components  180 , and second end components  190 , plurality of primary spacer elements  140 , primary mid-spacers  150  are interconnected via one or more elastic cables  112 . The apertures of the first block  130  and the second block  124  can be axial and configured to pass along an axis, or can be configured to cross planes at an angle from an axis. Other non-linear configurations can be employed without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additional blocks can also be provided without departing from the disclosure. 
       FIGS. 4A-F  illustrate components of the articulated toy for elements having notches which are not aligned along a single axis, and aligned along a single axis notched primary mid-spacers  150  from top ( FIGS. 4A-C ) and side views ( FIGS. 4D-F ) respectively. Turning to  FIG. 4A  and the corresponding side view of  FIG. 4D , a first end component  180  is illustrated which has two substantially planar surfaces and a substantially circular shape in at least one plane. A first notch  182  is provided which is perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular to a second notch  184 . In other configurations, the first notch  182  and the second notch  184  can be along the same axis or in the same plane. An aperture  186  communicates between the two notches. An elastic cable (not shown) passed through the aperture  186  from the second notch  184  to the first notch  182 . A knot placed at the end of the elastic cable prevents the cable from freely passing through the aperture  186 . The knot could then sit within one of the notches. The primary mid-spacers  150  shown in  FIG. 4B  and  FIG. 4E . The primary mid-spacers  150  has a first notch  152  and a second notch  154  which is in the same axis as the first notch  152 . An primary mid-spacers aperture  156  passes from the first notch  152  to the second notch  154 . An elastic cable (not shown) can pass through the primary mid-spacers  150  when it is positioned between other elements. The primary mid-spacers  150  can rotate about the elastic cable. The primary mid-spacers operate as a pop-up joint during use when positioned between other components or spacers. An additional configuration of a second end component  190  is illustrated in  FIG. 4C  and  FIG. 4F . The second end component  190  is similar to first end component  180 , in that the second end component  190  has a first notch  192  and a second notch  194  which is perpendicular to the first notch  192 . In other configurations, the first notch  192  and the second notch  194  can be along the same axis or in the same plane. An aperture  196  also passes from the first notch  192  to the second notch  194 , and an elastic cable (not shown) can also pass through the aperture  196  and be secured by a knot. However, the second end component  190 , as illustrated, takes a secondary shape from the first end component  180 , as illustrated. The first notch  192  of the second end component  190  can function as a hook allowing the second end component  190  to engage an associated device with another structure. In the secondary shape, the end component is partially circular at one end, and flat at a second end opposing the semicircular end. 
       FIGS. 5A-L  illustrate the body components and spacers from top ( FIGS. 5A-F ) and side views ( FIGS. 5G-L ) respectively.  FIGS. 5A-5B  (and corresponding side views  FIGS. 5G-5H ) illustrate second decorative elements  132 ,  132 ′ (left and right eyes) The eyes can also be cog shaped with teeth. An aperture  102  is provided therethrough.  FIGS. 5C-5D  (and corresponding side views  FIGS. 5I-5.1 ) illustrate a primary spacer element  140  and a secondary spacer element  170 . The spacers can be cog shaped with teeth as illustrated. An aperture  102  is provided therethrough.  FIG. 5E  (and corresponding side view  FIG. 5K ), is a circular element with an aperture  102  therethrough. Lastly,  FIG. 5F  (and corresponding side view  FIG. 5L ) is one or more fanciful shaped elements  128  which is illustrated as heart shaped in a first dimension. The one or more fanciful shaped elements  128  also has an aperture  102  therethrough. 
       FIGS. 6A-F  illustrate primary mid-spacers  150  which allows for one or more of twisting, lengthening, shortening of the arm by rotating the one or more first end components  180  and the primary mid-spacers  150 .  FIGS. 6A-F  illustrate a first end component  180 , a secondary spacer elements  160  (wrist component) a plurality of primary spacer elements  140 , a primary mid-spacers  150 , and an additional set of primary spacer elements  140 , with an elastic cable  112  therethrough. In  FIG. 6A , the first end component  180  and the primary mid-spacers  150  are positioned so that the component is sideways with its depth being adjacent to the depth of the primary spacer elements  140 . In  FIG. 6B  the first end component  180  is turned 90° so that the first notch  182  is perpendicular to the axis formed by the length of the components. As shown in  FIG. 6C  the end component is turned 90° and the primary mid-spacers  150  is also turned 90°. In turning the joint 90°, the first notch  152  and the second notch  154  are aligned in the same axis as the length of the components. Additionally, the primary mid-spacers  150  and the first end component  180  can rotate 360° about an x axis formed by the length of the components. As shown in  FIGS. 6D-E , the first end component  180  can be turned so that it returns to the position shown in  FIG. 6A . Similarly, as shown in  FIGS. 6E-F  the primary mid-spacers  150  can be rotated so that it returns to the configuration of  FIG. 6A . 
       FIGS. 7A-F  illustrate primary mid-spacers  150  which allows for one or more of twisting, lengthening, shortening of the leg by rotating the second end component  190  and the primary mid-spacers  150 .  FIGS. 7A-F  illustrate a second end component  190 , a secondary spacer element  170 , a plurality of primary spacer elements  140 , a primary mid-spacers  150 , and an additional set of primary spacer elements  140 , with an elastic cables  112  therethrough. In  FIG. 7A , the second end component  190  and the primary mid-spacers  150  are positioned so that the component is sideways with its depth being adjacent to the depth of the primary spacer elements  140 . In  FIG. 7B  the second end component  190  is turned 90° so that the first notch  192  is perpendicular to the y axis formed by the length of the components. As shown in  FIG. 7C  the second end component  190  is turned 90° and the primary mid-spacers  150  is also turned 90°. In turning the joint 90°, the first notch  152  and the second notch  154  are aligned in the same axis as the length of the components. Additionally, the primary mid-spacers  150  and the second end component  190  can rotate 360° about an x axis formed by the length of the components. As shown in  FIGS. 7D-E , the second end component  190  can be turned so that it returns to the position shown in  FIG. 7A . Similarly, as shown in  FIGS. 7E-F  the primary mid-spacers  150  can be rotated so that it returns to the configuration of  FIG. 7A . 
       FIGS. 8A-E  illustrate a second block  124  from front ( FIG. 8A ), rear ( FIG. 8B ), side ( FIG. 8C ), top ( FIG. 8D ) and bottom ( FIG. 8E ) view. The second block  124  has a pair of planar notches  125 ,  125 ′ which are on opposing sides of the block in the same cross-sectional plane of the second block  124 , and a pair of adjacent notches  127 ,  127 ′ which are adjacent each other on a single side of the second block  124  which is different than the opposing sides that define the planar notches  125 . 
       FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view through the second block  124  along the lines  9 - 9  in  FIG. 8C  with countersunk hole  129 . Apertures  102  are provided which connect the planar notches  125 ,  125 ′, and the adjacent notches  127 ,  127 ′ to a countersunk hole  129  that forms a secret cavity. 
       FIGS. 10A-E  illustrate a first block  130  from a front ( FIG. 10A ), rear ( FIG. 10B ), side ( FIG. 10C ), top ( FIG. 10D ) and bottom ( FIG. 10E ) view. The first block  130  has one or more second decorative elements  132 ,  132 ′, and circular elements  134 ,  134 ′ attached to an exterior surface thereof. Additional etchings can be provided. An aperture  102  passes through the first block  130 . The aperture  102  can have a countersink at one or both ends, which results in a widened opening. 
       FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional through head along the lines  11 - 11  in  FIG. 10C  showing the aperture  102  having a widened opening at one end. An aperture can be provided which allows a spring to be positioned therein. 
       FIGS. 12, 13, 14  illustrate the articulated toy  120  from a front ( FIG. 12 ), side ( FIG. 13 ), and rear view ( FIG. 14 ). The center axis of the arms and the legs aligns with the notches in the body. 
       FIGS. 15, 16, 17  illustrate the articulated toy  120  from a front ( FIG. 15 ), side ( FIG. 16 ), and rear view ( FIG. 17 ) with joints popped-up (as shown in  FIGS. 6C-D  and  FIGS. 7C-D ). 
       FIGS. 18, 19, 20  illustrate the articulated toy from a front ( FIG. 18 ), side ( FIG. 19 ), and rear view ( FIG. 20 ) with both joints and hands and feet extended (as shown in  FIGS. 6C-D  and  FIGS. 7C-D ). 
       FIGS. 21-29  illustrate one or more articulated toys in various positions, standing, balancing on one leg, sitting, grasping hands, holding foot, crouching, connecting to other toys. The first notch of the second component is shown engaging another first notch of a second component in  FIGS. 21, 22, 24, 26 , or a first notch of a second component for another device  FIG. 29 . 
       FIGS. 30-34  illustrate an articulated toy  120  positioned within a frame  110  and having a base. The first notch of the second component can be used to engage the frame as shown in  FIG. 30 . Moreover, the frame  110  can have a base  104  that is separatable from the frame  110 . 
       FIGS. 35-37  illustrate an articulated toy  120  interacting with 2D building accessory  210  where the building accessory  210  can also be separatable from a base  220 . 
       FIGS. 38-45  illustrate exemplar 2D building accessories  310 ,  320 ,  330 ,  340 ,  350 ,  360 ,  370  with which an articulated toy  120  can be removably engaged, where the 2D building accessories can be, for example, the Empire State Building, the Eiffel Tower, the Transamerica Building, Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), Sutro Tower and the Space Needle. Other shapes can be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure, including, rockets, bridges, mountains, Ferris wheels, etc. 
     It should be noted that the buildings may be a variety of structures, vehicles, airborne devices. The design may include three-dimensional forms. 
     The first block  130 ,  FIG. 10A  through  FIG. 11 , can have a countersunk hole  116  connected to a through hole aperture  118 . The one or more circular elements  134  can be sunken and glued into a cavity. Alternatively, the circular elements  134  can be affixed using any suitable method including the use of screws, dowels, etc. The one or more second decorative elements  132  can be glued to an exterior surface of the first block  130  adding to the tactile experience. Other features, such as the mouth and hair, can be laser etched to the exterior surface of the first block  130 . Other appropriate engraving methods may be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     The second block  124 , as shown in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 9 , can be formed to provide a cavity  129  that is not visible from the exterior of the second block  124  when the toy is assembled. As shown one or more fanciful shaped elements  128  are one or more hearts which can be provided which fit within the countersunk hole  129  forming a cavity. The cavity is accessed through four apertures or through holes. Additionally, the one or more fanciful shaped elements can light-up or glow by using electronic components, light capturing material, or an external paint treatment. 
     All shapes are interconnected by one or more elastic cables (or cords) held in tension by end knots that are larger than the diameter of the apertures the cables are passed through. It should be noted that the elastic cables or cords may be secured by other appropriate mechanical fasteners or devices. 
     The arms are composed of a first end component  180  (forming a hand), a secondary spacer elements  160  (forming a wrist), limb elements in the shape of primary spacer elements  140  (in the shape of a flat cog or gear) and a primary mid-spacers  150  (forming a pop-up elbow or knee joint). All elements have a through hole. The arms are held in tension by an elastic cable terminated by a knot  114  on both the right and left hands. 
     The pop-up elbow joint is preferably a disk with two slots and a through hole. The joint can be folded onto itself and disappear. It can also pop-up in a twisting rotation when a pulling force is applied to the first end component  180 . This function allows for the configuration of the limb to shorten or lengthen.  FIG. 6A through 6F  illustrate how the joint, formed by the primary mid-spacers  150 , twists and pops-up. 
     The first end component  180  has two slots. One slot allows for the hand to rotate around the axis of the elastic cable. The other allows for gripping. The hand in conjunction with the pop-up elbow joint permits all of the elements of the limbs to move in all directions, lateral and circular as well as shortening, lengthening and gripping. 
     The legs are composed of a second end component  190  (forming a foot), an secondary spacer element  170  (forming an ankle), primary spacer elements  140  which can form the limbs of the articulated toy  120  and a primary mid-spacers  150 . All elements have a through hole. An elastic cable passes through each leg, then through the torso&#39;s secret cavity, where the two hearts are inserted. The cables are then fed through the neck and are tied with a knot at a countersunk hole  116 . 
     When the robot is in its natural state, the hearts are not visible. Only by bending the neck do the hearts appear, adding an element of discovery. 
     The pop-up knee joint is similar to the elbow joint. It is preferably a disk with two slots and a through hole. The joint can be folded onto itself and disappear. It can also pop-up in a twisting rotation when a pulling force is applied to the second end component  190 . This function allows for the configuration of the limb to become shorter or longer.  FIGS. 7A-7F  illustrate how the joint twists and pops up. 
     The second end component  190  has two slots. One slot allows for the foot to rotate around the axis of the elastic cable. The other allows for gripping. The hand, in conjunction with the pop-up elbow joint, permits all of the elements of the limbs to move in all directions, lateral and circular as well as shortening, lengthening and gripping. 
     The frame  110  can be laser cut. It sits on a removable base  104 . The grip of the robot&#39;s hand and feet is slightly larger than the thickness of the frame so it can connect to it by friction. Depending on the material used, the connection may be mechanical, electrical. magnetic. 
     The first block  130  (e.g., a head), second block  124  (e.g., a torso) and removable base  104  are cut using traditional woodworking tools. All the other elements are laser cut. It should be noted that other manufacturing processes may be used. Depending on the material, the elements may be dye-cut, extruded, 3D printed, or CNC routed. 
     The building accessories shown in  FIGS. 35-45  can be 2D laser cut shapes with removable bases  304 . A grip of the robot&#39;s hand and feet can be slightly larger than the thickness of the buildings so it can connect to them by friction. Depending on the material used, the connection may be mechanical, electrical, magnetic. It should be noted that the buildings may be a variety of structures, vehicles, airborne devices. The design may include three-dimensional forms. 
       FIG. 46  illustrates an alternative articulated toy  420  having a first block  430  and a second block  424 . A third block  424 ′ may also be provided which is adjacent to the second block  424 . Two or more appendages  488 ,  498  can be provided which extend from the second block  424  or the third block  424 ′. Additionally, the block and appendages are configurable to include exterior channels, notches, apertures, and countersunk openings as described above with respect to  FIGS. 2-11  above. 
       FIG. 47A  illustrates a process of compiling the first block  130 . The first block  130  has an aperture  102  and defines an open space within the interior of the first block  130  that is sized to receive a spring  109  and a circular element  134  which can be a length of a dowel, for example, which is pushed into an opening in communication with the interior through an opening that is sized to snugly receive the circular element  134 . Once positioned, the spring  109  is held in a compressed position within the interior of the first block  130 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 47B-C , to form a first appendage  188 , or a second appendage  198 , a knot  114  is tied at an end of an elastic cable  112  having a distal end and a proximal end. The unknotted end of the elastic cable  112  is then passed through a plurality of elements selected from a first end component  180 , a second end component  190 , a primary spacer element  140 , a secondary spacer element  160 ,  170  a primary mid-spacers  150 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , an exemplar configuration can be, for example, a first end component  180 , a secondary spacer element  160 , four primary spacer elements  140 , a primary mid-spacers  150 , and four primary spacer elements  140 . Another exemplar configuration as shown in  FIG. 7 , can be, for example, a second end component  190 , a secondary spacer element  170 , four primary spacer elements  140 , a primary mid-spacers  150 , and four primary spacer elements  140 . The proximal end of the elastic cable is then passed through an aperture in the secondary block  124  (shown as arrows  1  for the second appendages  198  and  3  for the primary appendages  188 ), the elastic cables pass through the interior of the second block  124  (shown by  2 ) and then extends out the countersunk hole  129  up through the at least one spacer element  122 . The circular element  134  on either side of the first block  130  are squeezed to compress the spring  109  (as shown by arrows  5 ), and the elastic cable is then passed through the first block (shown by arrow  6 ). The ends of the elastic cables can then be tied to prevent the elastic cable from passing back through the apertures to secure the configured articulatable toy in the desired configuration or untied at a later time to allow the components to be reordered and reconfigured, as desired. 
     As shown in  FIG. 47C  one or more of the elastic cables can then be passed through an aperture of one or more fanciful shaped elements  128 . As illustrated, the elastic cables associated with two secondary appendages is passed through one of one or more fanciful shaped element  128 . However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the fanciful element can be associated with one or more appendages without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The one or more elastic cables can then be passed through an aperture in the primary block whereupon a secondary knot can be provided on the proximal end of the elastic cables. 
     While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0