Ball and socket construction toy
US6491563B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 24, 2000 |
| Grant date | Dec 10, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 24, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63H33/062
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A gravity-deformable toy is formed by interlocking a plurality of flexible struts with a plurality of nodes. Each strut has a truncated sphere on at least one end thereof and each node has a plurality of spherical cavities defined therein. A truncated sphere of a strut is received in a spherical cavity to lock the strut to the node. Each of the struts has a center uniform cylinder having an outer diameter, and a diameter of the truncated sphere. The diameter of the truncated sphere is larger than the diameter of the center uniform cylinder. Each of the cavities has a circular entrance which has a diameter equal to the diameter of the central uniform cylinder and each of the cavities has a diameter equal to the diameter of the truncated sphere. When assembled, the toy is deformed by gravity when pendently supported.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.