Reconfigurable, interchangeable and interlocking playthings, blocks or construction pieces
US4752269A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 9, 1986 |
| Grant date | Jun 21, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 9, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63H33/06
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Three-dimensional, reconfigurable playthings or blocks may be interconnected in a myriad of designs. A plurality of generally flat blocks of substantially uniform thickness in varying geometric outlines and contours are interconnected through the utilization of defined notches in one or more sides of any of the blocks to be configured. Generally, the notch is substantially equal to the thickness of the various blocks so that they may be interconnected in an orthogonal fashion. Additionally, the blocks, through the utilization of the notch, may be configured in a generally cantilevered fashion through the use of two or more points for contact friction fitting. Use of flexible materials enhances the safety of the blocks in an environment of a children's toy, and additional embodiments utilizing ribbed notches further enhance the interconnection of the blocks to allow additional exercise of imagination in configuring designs.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.