WO1999016521A1 - A toy building set comprising a tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element, and such toy building element - Google Patents

A toy building set comprising a tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element, and such toy building element Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1999016521A1
WO1999016521A1 PCT/DK1998/000399 DK9800399W WO9916521A1 WO 1999016521 A1 WO1999016521 A1 WO 1999016521A1 DK 9800399 W DK9800399 W DK 9800399W WO 9916521 A1 WO9916521 A1 WO 9916521A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
toy building
tubular
elongated
flexible
building element
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/DK1998/000399
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Philippe Kunz
Heinz Looser
Sten Schmidt
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Interlego AG
Lego AS
Original Assignee
Interlego AG
Lego AS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Interlego AG, Lego AS filed Critical Interlego AG
Priority to EP98943716A priority Critical patent/EP1015083B1/en
Priority to US09/508,810 priority patent/US6461215B1/en
Priority to DE69833207T priority patent/DE69833207T2/en
Priority to JP2000513648A priority patent/JP4309573B2/en
Priority to AU91532/98A priority patent/AU9153298A/en
Publication of WO1999016521A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999016521A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H33/00—Other toys
    • A63H33/04—Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts
    • A63H33/042—Mechanical, electrical, optical, pneumatic or hydraulic arrangements; Motors

Definitions

  • a toy building set comprising toy building elements (1, 3, 5, 6, 1, 9, 10, 11) which may be coupled together to build structures in which at least some of the toy building elements are in the form of shafts (5) and bushings (7) which have such an outer shape that they are capable of coupling other toy building elements together, said other toy building elements being provided with coupling means which are complementary to said shafts (5) and bushings (7) , said toy building set moreover comprising at least one tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element (6) which essentially has a uniform cross- section over its entire length, and whose end faces appear as clean cuts perpendicular to its longitudinal direction, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element (6) has such an inner shape that it may be coupled together with said shafts (5) and bushings (7) by gripping at least a portion of these.
  • each end of the bushings (7) has a circular cross-section and is provided, at the outer end, with a protruding bead (8) which, upon connection with the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element (6), cooperates with the corrugations of the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element (6) .
  • a toy building element for a toy building set comprising shafts (5) and bushings (7), said toy building element being constructed as a tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element (6) which essentially has a uniform cross-section over its entire length, and whose end faces appear as clean cuts perpendicular to its longitudinal direction, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element (6) has such an inner shape that it may be coupled together with said shafts (5) and bushings (7) by gripping at least a portion of these.
  • a toy building set comprising a tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element, and such toy building element
  • the invention relates to a toy building set as defined in the introductory portion of claim 1.
  • Such toy building sets are generally known under names such as LEGO Technic, said toy building sets including traditional toy building elements in the form of box- shaped building blocks provided with coupling studs on the upper side and complementary coupling means on the lower side. Some of these traditional toy building sets may moreover be provided with through holes, so that they may also be interconnected laterally by means of special bushings.
  • LEGO Technic e.g., additionally includes shafts, gear wheels, etc., and the toy building set thus comprises may special elements, thereby enabling larger and more complex structures to be built than is possible with traditional box-shaped toy building elements.
  • a toy building element has been developed particularly for LEGO Technic, consisting of a relatively rigid and smooth plastics pipe of small diameter and of uniform cross-section over its entire length.
  • the plastics pipe may be coupled internally in other toy building elements adapted for the purpose, and by bending the plastics pipe between its connections with other toy building elements it is possible to build structures which incorporate rounded shapes.
  • US A 3 605 323 discloses another flexible toy building element which does not comprise a tubular body, but a coil spring having special coupling means at the ends.
  • This flexible toy building element will not be able to assume arbitrary configurations without being held at both ends, as the spring effect will always try to straighten the toy building element.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a toy building set comprising a tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element, which toy building set is to present more possibilities of play and building than the known toy building sets having flexible toy building elements .
  • Arranging the toy building set in this manner provides a toy building set which contains a tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element whose outer shape may be determined by the shafts and bushings of the toy building set.
  • a tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element whose outer shape may be determined by the shafts and bushings of the toy building set.
  • tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element may be shortened to any length, as its ends appear as clean cuts perpendicular to its longitudinal direction.
  • the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element has a circular cross-section whose inner diameter essentially corresponds to the smallest circle that may be circumscribed by the shafts and bushings of the toy building set. If the inner diameter of the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element is formed slightly smaller than corresponds to the smallest circle that may be circumscribed by the shafts and bushings of the toy building set, a relatively tight coupling may be achieved between the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element and the shafts and bushings of the toy building set, so that the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element may be held securely.
  • the coupling between the shafts and the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element is suitably tight, it is even possible to use the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element as a flexible shaft capable of transferring rotational movements.
  • the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element is corrugated in its entire length. This results in a toy building element which is very flexible, and which may be compressed as well as be stretched in its axial direction. This adds considerably to the possibilities of play and building.
  • the bushings may advantageously have a circular cross-section and be provided, at each of its outer ends, with a radially protruding bead which, upon connection with the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element, snaps into the corrugations of the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element.
  • the holding force against axial displacement is hereby increased considerably.
  • the shafts consist of cross shafts, they may prefer- ably be circumscribed by a circle which corresponds to the inner circular cross-section of the tubular, elon- gated, flexible toy building element.
  • the parts are arranged such that a tight coupling may be achieved between the cross shafts and the tu ⁇ bular, elongated, flexible toy building element.
  • the invention also relates to a toy building element for a toy building set comprising shafts and bushings, said toy building element being constructed as defined in claim 6.
  • a particularly advantageous embodiment of the toy build ⁇ ing element is defined in claim 7.
  • fig. 1 shows various toy building elements for a toy building set according to the invention
  • fig. 2 shows a section through the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element pushed inwardly over the end of a cross shaft
  • fig. 3 shows a cross-section of a cross shaft with its smallest circumscribed circle
  • fig. 4 shows a section through the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element pushed inwardly over a bushing
  • fig. 5 shows the toy building elements shown in fig. 1 in a concrete structure with the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element as an essential element
  • figs. 6-11 show various alternative uses of the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element together with various other toy building elements which are incorporated in the toy building set, and
  • fig. 12 shows a section through the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element coupled on a coupling stud.
  • Fig. 1 shows various toy building elements for a toy building set according to the invention.
  • the toy building elements comprise two box-shaped toy building elements 1 with through holes 2.
  • the two box-shaped toy building elements 1 are assembled at a right angle with a third box-shaped toy building element 3 by conventional coupling means in the form of coupling studs 4 and complementary coupling means at the bottom of the toy building element 3 (not shown) .
  • the toy building elements moreover comprise a cross shaft 5, a tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element 6 and a bushing 7.
  • the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element 6 has a circular cross-section and is provided with corrugations over its entire length. It is preferably made of a relatively soft plastics ate- rial, and for convenience it will just be called the "groove pipe 6" below.
  • the groove pipe 6 may be coupled together with the cross shaft 5 merely by being pushed inwardly over it, as shown in fig. 2, in which a cross-section of a toy building element is shown in dashed line.
  • a relatively tight fit is es ⁇ tablished between the groove pipe 6 and the cross shaft 5, as the smallest inner diameter of the groove pipe 6 corresponds to or is slightly smaller than the smallest circumscribed circle C of the cross shaft 5, which is illustrated in fig, 3 that shows a cross-section of a cross shaft 5.
  • the groove pipe 6 may be coupled together with the bushing 7 merely by being pushed inwardly over one end thereof, as shown in fig. 4.
  • the bushing 7 is preferably pro ⁇ vided with a radially protruding bead 8 which snaps into the corrugations of the groove pipe 6 and thus increases the resistance against axial withdrawal.
  • the diameter of the bushing 7 preferably corresponds to or is slightly smaller than the smallest inner diameter of the groove pipe 6.
  • the toy building elements shown in fig. 1 are assembled in a concrete structure, the groove pipe 6 being coupled together with the cross shaft 5 and the bushing 7 as just described.
  • the cross shaft 5 is arranged loosely in a hole 2 in one of the box-shaped toy building elements 1, while the bushing 7 is coupled together with the other toy building element 1, as the end which has not been pushed into the groove pipe 6 has been passed through a hole 2.
  • a portion of the groove pipe 6 is removed to illustrate the cross shaft 5 and the extent of the bushing 7 in it.
  • the cross shaft 5 extends further into the groove pipe 6 than the bushing 7, which contributes to determining the shape assumed by the groove pipe 6.
  • the cross shaft 5 and/or the bushing 7 By allowing the cross shaft 5 and/or the bushing 7 to extend a longer or shorter distance into the groove pipe 6 it is possible to determine the shape of the groove pipe 6, that is to say where it is to present straight portions, and where it is to present curved portions.
  • FIG. 6 An alternative use of the groove pipe 6 is shown in fig. 6, where it is used together with two bushings and a cross shaft 5.
  • the cross shaft 5 is inserted right into the centre of the groove pipe 6, while the two bushings 7 are inserted into the ends of the groove pipe 6.
  • the groove pipe 6 may be forced to exhibit a rectilinear central portion.
  • Fig. 7 shows still another alternative structure in which the groove pipe 6 is coupled together with a bushing 7 at each end, and in which these bushings 7 are then coupled together with a toy building element 1 on each side.
  • Fig. 8 shows a fourth structure in which a long cross shaft 9 is pushed right through the groove pipe 6, so that it protrudes from both ends thereof.
  • the groove pipe 6 may hereby be built into a structure in which it presents a long straight portion.
  • the groove pipe 6 may be used as a flexible shaft capable of transferring rotational forces.
  • a use is shown in fig. 9.
  • the groove pipe 6 is here pushed inwardly over two cross shafts 5 which each are coupled together with a rotary element 10, which may e.g. be a wheel and a gear wheel as shown.
  • the size of rotational forces that can be transferred via the groove pipe 6, depends partly on the rotational friction between the groove pipe 6 and the cross shafts 5 and partly on the torsional rigidity of the groove pipe 6.
  • the rotational friction between the groove pipe 6 and the cross shafts 5 is proportional to the distance which the groove pipe 6 has been pushed inwardly over the cross shafts 5, and this may thus be varied.
  • this coupling between the groove pipe 6 and the cross shafts 5 as a kind of fric- tional coupling.
  • Fig. 10 shows a use of the groove pipe 6 which in prin ⁇ ciple corresponds to the use shown in fig. 8.
  • the groove pipe 6 is here pushed inwardly over a shaft 11 which is shaped as a cross shaft at the ends, while the central portion is shaped as a round rod.
  • the central portion is moreover provided with curves, so that the groove pipe 6 pushed inwardly over this part assumes corresponding curves.
  • Fig. 11 illustrates still another alternative use of the groove pipe 6 in the building of various structures, the groove pipe being here coupled on the coupling studs 4 of the toy building elements 1.
  • Fig. 12 is a sectional view of this coupling between the groove pipe 6 and a coupling stud 4.
  • the length of the corrugations of the groove pipe 6 must be adapted to the height of the coupling stud 4, just as its smallest inner diameter must be adapted to the diameter of the coupling stud 4.
  • the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element 6 is called the "groove pipe" in the foregoing and with reference to the drawing, as it is provided with corrugations (grooves) in its entire length in the shown embodi- 10
  • tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element cannot be formed with a smooth surface, externally as well as internally.
  • Such a shape • will make the tubular, elongated, flex- ible toy building element considerably less flexible than the shape as a groove pipe.
  • the cross-section of the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element need not be circular either, as other cross-sections, e.g. a square or cross-shaped one, will also be within the scope of the invention.
  • An essential feature of the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element is that it has an essentially uniform cross-section in its entire length, and that its ends appear as clean cuts perpendicular to its longitudinal direction, so that it may readily be shortened, if desired.
  • shafts and/or bushings can be inserted into the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element and in this manner determine its outer shape .

Landscapes

  • Toys (AREA)
  • Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)

Abstract

A toy building set comprising toy building elements (1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11) which may be coupled together to build structures. Some of the toy building elements are in the form of shafts (5) and bushings (7) which are capable of coupling other toy building elements together, as these other toy building elements are provided with coupling means which are complementary to said shafts (5) and bushings (7). The toy building set also comprises at least one tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element (6) which essentially has a uniform cross section over its entire length, and whose end faces appear as clean cuts perpendicular to its longitudinal direction. This tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element (6) has such an inner shape that it may be coupled together with said shafts (5) and bushings (7) by gripping at least a portion of these.

Description

P a t e n t C l a i m s :
1. A toy building set comprising toy building elements (1, 3, 5, 6, 1, 9, 10, 11) which may be coupled together to build structures in which at least some of the toy building elements are in the form of shafts (5) and bushings (7) which have such an outer shape that they are capable of coupling other toy building elements together, said other toy building elements being provided with coupling means which are complementary to said shafts (5) and bushings (7) , said toy building set moreover comprising at least one tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element (6) which essentially has a uniform cross- section over its entire length, and whose end faces appear as clean cuts perpendicular to its longitudinal direction, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element (6) has such an inner shape that it may be coupled together with said shafts (5) and bushings (7) by gripping at least a portion of these.
2. A toy building set according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the tubular, elongated, flex- ible toy building element (6) has a circular cross-section whose internal diameter essentially corresponds to the smallest circle (C) which may be circumscribed by the shafts (5) and bushings (7) of the toy building set.
3. A toy building set according to claim 2, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element (6) has a corrugated surface in its entire length.
4. A toy building set according to claim 3, c h a r - a c t e r i z e d in that each end of the bushings (7) has a circular cross-section and is provided, at the outer end, with a protruding bead (8) which, upon connection with the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element (6), cooperates with the corrugations of the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element (6) .
5. A toy building set according to any one of claims 2- 4, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the shafts (5) com- prise cross shafts whose circumscribed circle (C) essentially corresponds to the inner circular cross-section of the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element (6) .
6. A toy building element for a toy building set comprising shafts (5) and bushings (7), said toy building element being constructed as a tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element (6) which essentially has a uniform cross-section over its entire length, and whose end faces appear as clean cuts perpendicular to its longitudinal direction, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element (6) has such an inner shape that it may be coupled together with said shafts (5) and bushings (7) by gripping at least a portion of these.
7. A toy building element according to claim 6, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that it has a circular cross-section and is corrugated internally as well as ex- ternally in its entire length. A toy building set comprising a tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element, and such toy building element
The invention relates to a toy building set as defined in the introductory portion of claim 1.
Such toy building sets are generally known under names such as LEGO Technic, said toy building sets including traditional toy building elements in the form of box- shaped building blocks provided with coupling studs on the upper side and complementary coupling means on the lower side. Some of these traditional toy building sets may moreover be provided with through holes, so that they may also be interconnected laterally by means of special bushings. LEGO Technic, e.g., additionally includes shafts, gear wheels, etc., and the toy building set thus comprises may special elements, thereby enabling larger and more complex structures to be built than is possible with traditional box-shaped toy building elements.
Further, a toy building element has been developed particularly for LEGO Technic, consisting of a relatively rigid and smooth plastics pipe of small diameter and of uniform cross-section over its entire length. The plastics pipe may be coupled internally in other toy building elements adapted for the purpose, and by bending the plastics pipe between its connections with other toy building elements it is possible to build structures which incorporate rounded shapes.
Also other tubular, flexible toy building elements for toy building sets are known. US A 4 579 538, DE C2 3 401 318 and NO B 117 109 disclose flexible toy building ele- ments which each consist of a tubular body which, at the ends, is provided with special coupling means for connec- tion with other toy building elements. The flexible toy building elements are moreover constructed such that they may be caused to assume arbitrary configurations without being held at both ends, as their bellows-shaped struc- ture allows the links to assume fixed positions relatively to each other.
US A 3 605 323 discloses another flexible toy building element which does not comprise a tubular body, but a coil spring having special coupling means at the ends. This flexible toy building element will not be able to assume arbitrary configurations without being held at both ends, as the spring effect will always try to straighten the toy building element.
It is common to all the last-mentioned toy building elements that they are provided with special coupling means at the ends, which partly make their construction complicated and partly limit the possibilities of play and building, since they will always assume the same length and can only be coupled together with quite specific coupling means on the other toy building elements which are included in the toy building set concerned.
In contrast to this, the previously mentioned flexible pipe for LEGO Technic is formed with end faces which appear as clean cuts perpendicular to its longitudinal direction, thereby allowing the pipe to be easily shortened, as desired and needed. This toy building element, however, also just gives limited possibilities of play and building, as it can only be coupled together with other toy building elements at the ends of the pipe. The free portion will therefore always assume its most natural shape, e.g. as a curve or a straight portion. The object of the present invention is to provide a toy building set comprising a tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element, which toy building set is to present more possibilities of play and building than the known toy building sets having flexible toy building elements .
This is achieved by arranging the toy building set stated in the opening paragraph as defined in the characterizing portion of claim 1.
Arranging the toy building set in this manner provides a toy building set which contains a tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element whose outer shape may be determined by the shafts and bushings of the toy building set. Thus, with the disclosed toy building set it is possible selectively to determine the outer shape of the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element e.g. by allowing shafts and/or bushings to extend a certain dis- tance into the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element. If desired, it is of course also possible exclusively to connect the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element with the shafts and bushings of the toy building set at its ends, so that it merely assumes its most natural position in the same manner as is known from the pipe of LEGO Technic.
Finally, according to the invention, the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element may be shortened to any length, as its ends appear as clean cuts perpendicular to its longitudinal direction.
Preferably, the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element has a circular cross-section whose inner diameter essentially corresponds to the smallest circle that may be circumscribed by the shafts and bushings of the toy building set. If the inner diameter of the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element is formed slightly smaller than corresponds to the smallest circle that may be circumscribed by the shafts and bushings of the toy building set, a relatively tight coupling may be achieved between the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element and the shafts and bushings of the toy building set, so that the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element may be held securely.
If the coupling between the shafts and the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element is suitably tight, it is even possible to use the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element as a flexible shaft capable of transferring rotational movements.
In a particularly preferred embodiment, the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element is corrugated in its entire length. This results in a toy building element which is very flexible, and which may be compressed as well as be stretched in its axial direction. This adds considerably to the possibilities of play and building.
If the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element is corrugated in its entire length, the bushings may advantageously have a circular cross-section and be provided, at each of its outer ends, with a radially protruding bead which, upon connection with the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element, snaps into the corrugations of the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element. The holding force against axial displacement is hereby increased considerably.
If the shafts consist of cross shafts, they may prefer- ably be circumscribed by a circle which corresponds to the inner circular cross-section of the tubular, elon- gated, flexible toy building element. In a particular embodiment, the parts are arranged such that a tight coupling may be achieved between the cross shafts and the tu¬ bular, elongated, flexible toy building element.
The invention also relates to a toy building element for a toy building set comprising shafts and bushings, said toy building element being constructed as defined in claim 6.
A particularly advantageous embodiment of the toy build¬ ing element is defined in claim 7.
The invention will now be explained more fully with ref- erence to the drawing, in which
fig. 1 shows various toy building elements for a toy building set according to the invention,
fig. 2 shows a section through the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element pushed inwardly over the end of a cross shaft,
fig. 3 shows a cross-section of a cross shaft with its smallest circumscribed circle,
fig. 4 shows a section through the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element pushed inwardly over a bushing,
fig. 5 shows the toy building elements shown in fig. 1 in a concrete structure with the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element as an essential element,
figs. 6-11 show various alternative uses of the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element together with various other toy building elements which are incorporated in the toy building set, and
fig. 12 shows a section through the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element coupled on a coupling stud.
Fig. 1 shows various toy building elements for a toy building set according to the invention. The toy building elements comprise two box-shaped toy building elements 1 with through holes 2. The two box-shaped toy building elements 1 are assembled at a right angle with a third box-shaped toy building element 3 by conventional coupling means in the form of coupling studs 4 and complementary coupling means at the bottom of the toy building element 3 (not shown) .
The toy building elements moreover comprise a cross shaft 5, a tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element 6 and a bushing 7.
With the exception of the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element 6, the mentioned toy building elements as such are known from the toy building set known under the name of LEGO Technic.
In the shown embodiment, the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element 6 has a circular cross-section and is provided with corrugations over its entire length. It is preferably made of a relatively soft plastics ate- rial, and for convenience it will just be called the "groove pipe 6" below.
The groove pipe 6 may be coupled together with the cross shaft 5 merely by being pushed inwardly over it, as shown in fig. 2, in which a cross-section of a toy building element is shown in dashed line. In a particular embodiment, a relatively tight fit is es¬ tablished between the groove pipe 6 and the cross shaft 5, as the smallest inner diameter of the groove pipe 6 corresponds to or is slightly smaller than the smallest circumscribed circle C of the cross shaft 5, which is illustrated in fig, 3 that shows a cross-section of a cross shaft 5.
In the same manner as with the cross shaft, the groove pipe 6 may be coupled together with the bushing 7 merely by being pushed inwardly over one end thereof, as shown in fig. 4. At the end, the bushing 7 is preferably pro¬ vided with a radially protruding bead 8 which snaps into the corrugations of the groove pipe 6 and thus increases the resistance against axial withdrawal. The diameter of the bushing 7 preferably corresponds to or is slightly smaller than the smallest inner diameter of the groove pipe 6.
In fig. 5, the toy building elements shown in fig. 1 are assembled in a concrete structure, the groove pipe 6 being coupled together with the cross shaft 5 and the bushing 7 as just described. The cross shaft 5 is arranged loosely in a hole 2 in one of the box-shaped toy building elements 1, while the bushing 7 is coupled together with the other toy building element 1, as the end which has not been pushed into the groove pipe 6 has been passed through a hole 2. For clarity, a portion of the groove pipe 6 is removed to illustrate the cross shaft 5 and the extent of the bushing 7 in it.
As will appear, the cross shaft 5 extends further into the groove pipe 6 than the bushing 7, which contributes to determining the shape assumed by the groove pipe 6. By allowing the cross shaft 5 and/or the bushing 7 to extend a longer or shorter distance into the groove pipe 6 it is possible to determine the shape of the groove pipe 6, that is to say where it is to present straight portions, and where it is to present curved portions.
An alternative use of the groove pipe 6 is shown in fig. 6, where it is used together with two bushings and a cross shaft 5. In this structure, the cross shaft 5 is inserted right into the centre of the groove pipe 6, while the two bushings 7 are inserted into the ends of the groove pipe 6. With such a structure, the groove pipe 6 may be forced to exhibit a rectilinear central portion.
Fig. 7 shows still another alternative structure in which the groove pipe 6 is coupled together with a bushing 7 at each end, and in which these bushings 7 are then coupled together with a toy building element 1 on each side.
Fig. 8 shows a fourth structure in which a long cross shaft 9 is pushed right through the groove pipe 6, so that it protrudes from both ends thereof. The groove pipe 6 may hereby be built into a structure in which it presents a long straight portion.
If the fit between the groove pipe 6 and the cross shafts 5 is sufficiently tight, the groove pipe 6 may be used as a flexible shaft capable of transferring rotational forces. Such a use is shown in fig. 9. The groove pipe 6 is here pushed inwardly over two cross shafts 5 which each are coupled together with a rotary element 10, which may e.g. be a wheel and a gear wheel as shown. The size of rotational forces that can be transferred via the groove pipe 6, depends partly on the rotational friction between the groove pipe 6 and the cross shafts 5 and partly on the torsional rigidity of the groove pipe 6. The rotational friction between the groove pipe 6 and the cross shafts 5 is proportional to the distance which the groove pipe 6 has been pushed inwardly over the cross shafts 5, and this may thus be varied. Hereby, it is possible in principle to use this coupling between the groove pipe 6 and the cross shafts 5 as a kind of fric- tional coupling.
Fig. 10 shows a use of the groove pipe 6 which in prin¬ ciple corresponds to the use shown in fig. 8. The groove pipe 6 is here pushed inwardly over a shaft 11 which is shaped as a cross shaft at the ends, while the central portion is shaped as a round rod. The central portion is moreover provided with curves, so that the groove pipe 6 pushed inwardly over this part assumes corresponding curves. With this use of the groove pipe 6 it is moreover possible to achieve an additional visual effect if the shaft 11 is simultaneously used as a shaft for rotary movements .
Fig. 11 illustrates still another alternative use of the groove pipe 6 in the building of various structures, the groove pipe being here coupled on the coupling studs 4 of the toy building elements 1. Of course, this can be done only if the coupling studs 4 have such a shape that the groove pipe 6 fits tightly over these. Fig. 12 is a sectional view of this coupling between the groove pipe 6 and a coupling stud 4. To be used in this manner, the length of the corrugations of the groove pipe 6 must be adapted to the height of the coupling stud 4, just as its smallest inner diameter must be adapted to the diameter of the coupling stud 4.
The tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element 6 is called the "groove pipe" in the foregoing and with reference to the drawing, as it is provided with corrugations (grooves) in its entire length in the shown embodi- 10
ment. However, nothing prevents the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element from being formed with a smooth surface, externally as well as internally. Such a shape, however, • will make the tubular, elongated, flex- ible toy building element considerably less flexible than the shape as a groove pipe.
The cross-section of the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element need not be circular either, as other cross-sections, e.g. a square or cross-shaped one, will also be within the scope of the invention. An essential feature of the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element is that it has an essentially uniform cross-section in its entire length, and that its ends appear as clean cuts perpendicular to its longitudinal direction, so that it may readily be shortened, if desired.
In addition, it is essential that shafts and/or bushings can be inserted into the tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element and in this manner determine its outer shape .
PCT/DK1998/000399 1997-09-18 1998-09-17 A toy building set comprising a tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element, and such toy building element Ceased WO1999016521A1 (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP98943716A EP1015083B1 (en) 1997-09-18 1998-09-17 A toy building set comprising a tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element, and such toy building element
US09/508,810 US6461215B1 (en) 1997-09-18 1998-09-17 Toy building set comprising a tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element, and such a toy building element
DE69833207T DE69833207T2 (en) 1997-09-18 1998-09-17 TOY SUPPLEMENT CONTAINING A TUBULAR, LONG, FLEXIBLE TOY COMPUTER ELEMENT, AS WELL AS A SELF-TOY COMPUTER ELEMENT
JP2000513648A JP4309573B2 (en) 1997-09-18 1998-09-17 A toy assembly set comprising a tubular and vertically flexible toy assembly element and such a toy assembly element
AU91532/98A AU9153298A (en) 1997-09-18 1998-09-17 A toy building set comprising a tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element, and such toy building element

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DK199701073A DK173103B1 (en) 1997-09-18 1997-09-18 Toy building kit comprising a tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element, and such a toy building element
DK1073/97 1997-09-18

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1999016521A1 true WO1999016521A1 (en) 1999-04-08

Family

ID=8100689

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/DK1998/000399 Ceased WO1999016521A1 (en) 1997-09-18 1998-09-17 A toy building set comprising a tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element, and such toy building element

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US6461215B1 (en)
EP (1) EP1015083B1 (en)
JP (1) JP4309573B2 (en)
AT (1) ATE315431T1 (en)
AU (1) AU9153298A (en)
DE (1) DE69833207T2 (en)
DK (1) DK173103B1 (en)
WO (1) WO1999016521A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11014015B2 (en) 2014-09-01 2021-05-25 Joseph Farco Posable toy linkage system

Families Citing this family (76)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
TW467757B (en) * 2000-01-11 2001-12-11 Interlego Ag A toy building element with transversal openings
ITRM20020133U1 (en) * 2002-07-15 2004-01-16 Plast Wood S R L COMPLEX OF ELEMENTS FOR ASSEMBLING STRUCTURES.
JP4512555B2 (en) * 2003-10-28 2010-07-28 ゴセイ ナカガワ ソシエダッド アノニマ Plastic greenhouse
US7601045B2 (en) * 2004-07-16 2009-10-13 Tangle, Inc. Therapeutic hand toys
ATE499902T1 (en) 2004-03-18 2011-03-15 Contipi Ltd DEVICE FOR PREVENTING URINARY INCONTINENCE IN WOMEN
US7125373B1 (en) * 2004-07-19 2006-10-24 Ray Garza Calf blaster
JP2008537497A (en) * 2005-03-17 2008-09-18 コンティピ リミテッド Urinary incontinence improvement device for women
US7267598B2 (en) * 2005-06-07 2007-09-11 Connector Set Limited Partnership Interfacings between block type and rod and connector type construction toy sets
US7374468B2 (en) * 2005-07-29 2008-05-20 Greene Plastics Corporation Construction system
IL176883A (en) * 2005-09-22 2013-09-30 Eliahu Eliachar Apparatus for the amelioration of urinary incontinence in females
US7736211B2 (en) * 2005-11-29 2010-06-15 Minds-I, Inc. Construction system
US7517270B2 (en) * 2006-05-30 2009-04-14 Minds-I, Inc. Construction system
US20080075528A1 (en) * 2006-09-22 2008-03-27 Michael Marzetta Construction system
US7666054B2 (en) * 2006-10-16 2010-02-23 K'nex Limited Partnership Group Offset matrix adapter for toy construction sets
WO2008152628A1 (en) * 2007-06-11 2008-12-18 Contipi Ltd. Adjustable tension ring for amelioration of urinary incontinence in females
US20090017716A1 (en) * 2007-07-11 2009-01-15 Michael Marzetta Construction system
US9339363B2 (en) 2007-10-01 2016-05-17 Kimberly Clark Worldwide, Inc. Management of urinary incontinence in females
US7841923B2 (en) * 2007-11-13 2010-11-30 Minds-I, Inc. Vehicle axle joint for a toy vehicle
US8651109B2 (en) 2008-04-23 2014-02-18 Contipi Ltd. Pessaries for prolapse alleviation
US8403723B1 (en) 2008-10-03 2013-03-26 Gregory Lee Haner Pattern making and construction kit
US7942717B2 (en) * 2008-12-15 2011-05-17 Ting-Shuo Chou Brick assembly with automatically recognizing connecting relationships
US8382548B2 (en) 2009-02-13 2013-02-26 Mattel, Inc. Toy building blocks
DE102010012880A1 (en) * 2009-12-28 2011-06-30 Perretta, Aurelio, 80689 Constructive kit
WO2012047594A1 (en) 2010-09-28 2012-04-12 Maryam Habibi Toy connector system
PL2629864T3 (en) 2010-10-21 2015-06-30 Lego As A toy building set
MX2013004330A (en) * 2010-10-21 2013-05-20 Lego As A toy building set.
KR102063666B1 (en) * 2010-12-16 2020-01-09 스톨텐, 엘리자베스 메어리 A toy construction system
WO2012168289A2 (en) 2011-06-08 2012-12-13 Dsm Ip Assets B.V. Topical composition
BR112013031544A2 (en) 2011-06-08 2018-04-24 Dsm Ip Assets Bv topical composition.
WO2012168280A2 (en) 2011-06-08 2012-12-13 Dsm Ip Assets B.V. Cosmetic compositions
WO2012168281A2 (en) 2011-06-08 2012-12-13 Dsm Ip Assets B.V. Cosmetic compositions
BR112013031357A2 (en) 2011-06-08 2016-09-06 Dsm Ip Assets Bv cosmetic compositions
BR112013031217A2 (en) 2011-06-08 2016-09-06 Dsm Ip Assets Bv sunscreens
WO2012168278A2 (en) 2011-06-08 2012-12-13 Dsm Ip Assets B.V. Cosmetic compositions
BR112013031218A2 (en) 2011-06-08 2016-09-06 Dsm Ip Assets Bv sunscreens
EP2717831A2 (en) 2011-06-08 2014-04-16 DSM IP Assets B.V. Sunscreens
US20130244530A1 (en) * 2012-03-19 2013-09-19 John Renfro Foam construction toy
USD686676S1 (en) * 2012-04-17 2013-07-23 Kaine Telford Building block
GB2507058B (en) * 2012-10-17 2014-09-03 Arnold Jeffrey Fox Tubular construction kit
US9480931B1 (en) * 2012-11-16 2016-11-01 Mattel, Inc. Building components
US9498703B2 (en) * 2013-03-13 2016-11-22 Stat Ventures, Inc. Assembly kit for three dimensional works
USD707306S1 (en) * 2013-04-08 2014-06-17 Innovation First, Inc. Beam component for a construction kit
USD726822S1 (en) * 2013-07-16 2015-04-14 Intermed Asia Limited Building block stylus
USD726823S1 (en) * 2013-07-16 2015-04-14 Intermed Asia Limited Building block pen
US9517423B1 (en) 2014-02-13 2016-12-13 Maurice S. Kanbar Revocable Trust Toy construction set
USD717379S1 (en) 2014-02-19 2014-11-11 David Deutsch Building block
US9308464B1 (en) 2014-02-20 2016-04-12 Mattel, Inc. Set of building components
JP6257456B2 (en) * 2014-06-19 2018-01-10 五光発條株式会社 Assembly toy
WO2016036675A1 (en) * 2014-09-01 2016-03-10 Joseph Farco Posable toy linkage
DK3206770T3 (en) * 2014-10-13 2019-06-24 Bionictoys Gmbh ELASTIC ELEMENTS BUILDING MODULE
KR101591669B1 (en) * 2015-09-04 2016-02-04 인제대학교 산학협력단 Teaching Tools with a Polygonal Flexible Pipe
KR101591667B1 (en) * 2015-09-04 2016-02-04 인제대학교 산학협력단 Teaching Tools with a Straight Flexible Pipe
KR101896144B1 (en) * 2015-10-12 2018-09-07 장문석 assembling toy block
CN107078448B (en) * 2017-02-16 2019-03-26 深圳市创客工场科技有限公司 Cable and electronic building block system
US20180256999A1 (en) * 2017-03-13 2018-09-13 Yush Gupta Block-based construction system
US10894342B2 (en) 2018-03-29 2021-01-19 Kraft Foods Group Brands Llc System and method for molding comestible building blocks
USD844394S1 (en) 2018-03-29 2019-04-02 Kraft Foods Group Brands Llc Mold
JP6568621B1 (en) * 2018-04-27 2019-08-28 株式会社バンダイ toy
KR101977273B1 (en) * 2018-06-18 2019-05-10 박성이 LEGO accessory block with folding type bellows
CN112654406B (en) * 2018-09-07 2022-09-27 乐高公司 Toy construction set and method of assembling such a toy construction set
KR102147160B1 (en) * 2018-12-05 2020-08-24 박성이 LEGO-style multi-directional block connector
USD900247S1 (en) * 2019-05-31 2020-10-27 Lego A/S Construction set element
USD910778S1 (en) * 2019-05-31 2021-02-16 Lego A/S Construction set element
KR102177389B1 (en) * 2019-08-09 2020-11-11 배예진 The Tube Assembler using Magnet and Connector
EP4000707B1 (en) * 2020-11-24 2023-07-12 André Hurzig Connection system and method for mounting an assembly
US11491415B2 (en) * 2021-01-20 2022-11-08 Lego A/S Connector for constructions system and construction system
US20230201736A1 (en) * 2021-12-25 2023-06-29 Joseph Farco Removable posable bendable toy
US20230211249A1 (en) * 2021-12-30 2023-07-06 Stargo Brands LLC Expandable digit-operapble therapeutic toy
USD1057036S1 (en) 2022-03-29 2025-01-07 Lego A/S Interlocking toy frame
CN219681680U (en) * 2022-07-07 2023-09-15 浙江菲元科技有限公司 Spliced animal building block toy
CN120390666A (en) * 2022-12-22 2025-07-29 乐高公司 Modular toy construction system connectors
USD1046994S1 (en) * 2023-01-16 2024-10-15 Lego A/S L-shaped beam module toy brick
US12594509B2 (en) 2023-08-19 2026-04-07 Farco ToyCo LLC Interconnecting methods and systems for posable bendable building block toys
USD1098300S1 (en) * 2023-12-20 2025-10-14 Lego A/S Angled frame toy brick
USD1104166S1 (en) 2023-12-20 2025-12-02 Lego A/S Interlocking frame toy brick
US20250288917A1 (en) * 2024-03-13 2025-09-18 Pushpeel LLC Sensorial activity toys

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3205611A (en) * 1964-02-06 1965-09-14 Richard A Onanian Hollow blocks and tubular connecting means therefor
DE3401318A1 (en) * 1983-01-17 1984-11-29 Tomy Kogyo Co., Inc., Tokio/Tokyo PLAYGROUND WITH CYLINDER-SHAPED, BELLOW-EARTHED PARTS AND CLUTCH PARTS
DK161497B (en) * 1987-12-02 1991-07-15 Lego As TOY LAUNDRY HALL
EP0511501A1 (en) * 1991-04-30 1992-11-04 fischerwerke Artur Fischer GmbH & Co. KG Device for power transmission in construction toys

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US853756A (en) * 1906-09-24 1907-05-14 Victor Betis Educational appliance.
US3153300A (en) * 1963-06-13 1964-10-20 Dana E Keech Air powered walking toy
US3918196A (en) * 1973-09-24 1975-11-11 Friedrich Schleich Flexible pegs and connectors for use in a game or amusement device
US3975858A (en) * 1974-08-29 1976-08-24 Joe Much Toy construction fabricating member and assemblage
DK154964C (en) * 1986-01-22 1989-05-29 Lego As TOYS BUILDING ELEMENT WITH ELEMENTS FOR PROVIDING POSITION INFORMATION
DK161868C (en) * 1987-12-02 1992-02-17 Lego As STEERING TOOL MECHANISM
US5009599A (en) * 1989-12-18 1991-04-23 Mueller Timothy T Sculpture apparatus
US5073138A (en) * 1990-06-29 1991-12-17 Discovery Toys, Inc. Modular gear and frame toy

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3205611A (en) * 1964-02-06 1965-09-14 Richard A Onanian Hollow blocks and tubular connecting means therefor
DE3401318A1 (en) * 1983-01-17 1984-11-29 Tomy Kogyo Co., Inc., Tokio/Tokyo PLAYGROUND WITH CYLINDER-SHAPED, BELLOW-EARTHED PARTS AND CLUTCH PARTS
DK161497B (en) * 1987-12-02 1991-07-15 Lego As TOY LAUNDRY HALL
EP0511501A1 (en) * 1991-04-30 1992-11-04 fischerwerke Artur Fischer GmbH & Co. KG Device for power transmission in construction toys

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11014015B2 (en) 2014-09-01 2021-05-25 Joseph Farco Posable toy linkage system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69833207T2 (en) 2006-08-24
DK173103B1 (en) 2000-01-17
EP1015083B1 (en) 2006-01-11
JP4309573B2 (en) 2009-08-05
AU9153298A (en) 1999-04-23
DK107397A (en) 1999-03-19
ATE315431T1 (en) 2006-02-15
JP2001518332A (en) 2001-10-16
US6461215B1 (en) 2002-10-08
DE69833207D1 (en) 2006-04-06
EP1015083A1 (en) 2000-07-05

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1015083B1 (en) A toy building set comprising a tubular, elongated, flexible toy building element, and such toy building element
US6273778B1 (en) Toy building set
US6893315B2 (en) Toy figure with a magnetized joint
EP0498966B1 (en) Toy that can be assembled independently by a child
US4232473A (en) Reconfigurable loop of tubular elements
EP3409338B1 (en) Building toy
EP1219754A1 (en) Connections to make foldable structures
EP0661087A2 (en) Construction toy
CA2325306A1 (en) Building toy
US5713782A (en) Baby rattle and a toy comprising a baby rattle
EP0389152B1 (en) An assemblable tube or trough for use as a playground slide, a crawling tube, or the like
US6929527B1 (en) Doll and infrastructure therein
EP3600585B1 (en) Toy construction set with articulating linkable elements
KR200246194Y1 (en) The toys a knockdown system
EP2022552A1 (en) Three-dimensional assembly pieces for toy construction
JPH0219186Y2 (en)
JPH0432158Y2 (en)
KR20060117656A (en) Connecting rod for assembly toy
SU950867A1 (en) Foldable guy-rope-and-bar shell
KR200294946Y1 (en) Plastic joint for paper robot toy
SU1683801A1 (en) Puzzle
JP3618087B2 (en) Assembly educational toys
RU2150313C1 (en) Toy-psychological stimulant
WO2000066240A1 (en) Interlocking building elements/construction blocks using spring action snap mechanism
JPS6214879Y2 (en)

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AM AT AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY CA CH CN CU CZ CZ DE DE DK DK EE EE ES FI FI GB GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MD MG MK MN MW MX NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SK SL TJ TM TR TT UA UG US UZ VN YU ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW SD SZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 1998943716

Country of ref document: EP

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: KR

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 1998943716

Country of ref document: EP

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 09508810

Country of ref document: US

REG Reference to national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8642

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: CA

WWG Wipo information: grant in national office

Ref document number: 1998943716

Country of ref document: EP