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US 12,330,083 B2Granted
Interference joint digits, building elements, building systems, and assemblies
AssigneeSpin-Balls, LLC
InventorDavid Silverglate
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Toys, building sets, and toy assemblies are provided which include at least one digit or digit toy. Each digit toy includes a first segment and a second segment connected by a joint comprising a living hinge. Interference members of the joint interfere as the joint transitions between a first state (e.g., an extension state) and a second state (e.g., a flexion state). The first segment and the second segment each optionally include a first retention feature disposed on a same first side thereof, wherein the first retention features reversibly stabilize the first segment to the second segment in the second state.
Claims25
A toy, comprising:
- at least one digit, wherein the at least one digit comprises a first segment and a second segment connected by a joint,
- wherein the joint comprises interference members and a hinge connecting ends of the first segment and the second segment, wherein the interference members of the joint interfere as the first segment and the second segment transition between a first state and a second state,
- wherein the first segment and the second segment each comprise a first retention feature disposed on a same first side thereof distal from the joint, wherein the first retention features reversibly retain the first segment to the second segment in the second state,
- wherein the interference members are configured to interfere with each other when the first segment and the second segment are in the first state and through an interference range of motion and to release from interference with each other outside the interference range of motion, and
- wherein the hinge permits rotation of the first segment and the second segment about the joint between the first state and the second state through the interference range of motion.
2 more elements
A toy assembly, comprising:
- a plurality of hubs connected with a plurality of digits,
- wherein each hub comprises a body,
- wherein each digit comprises:
- a first segment and a second segment connected by a joint, wherein the first segment and the second segment are configured rotate about the joint with respect to each other to transition between a first state and a second state,
- wherein the joint is configured to retain the first segment and the second segment in the first state, and
- wherein the first segment and the second segment each comprise a first retention feature disposed on a same first side thereof, wherein the first retention features reversibly retain the first segment and the second segment in the second state,
- wherein each digit is connected to two of the plurality of hubs at opposing ends of the digit,
- wherein the first segment and the second segment of each of the plurality of digits comprises a hub coupling feature disposed at a distal end thereof, wherein the hub coupling features of each digit connect with the bodies of the respective hubs, and
- wherein the assembly is configurable between a plurality of stable configurations and a plurality of unstable configurations.
6 more elements
A toy assembly, comprising:
- a plurality of hubs coupled with a plurality of digits,
- wherein each digit comprises:
- a first segment and a second segment connected by a joint, wherein the first segment and the second segment are configured rotate about the joint with respect to each other to transition between a first state and a second state,
- wherein the joint is configured to retain the first segment and the second segment in the first state, and
- wherein the first segment and the second segment each comprise a first retention feature disposed on a same first side thereof, wherein the first retention features reversibly retain the first segment and the second segment in the second state,
- wherein each digit is coupled to two of the plurality of hubs at opposing ends of the digit,
- wherein the assembly is configurable between a plurality of stable configurations and a plurality of unstable configurations,
- wherein the first segment and the second segment of each of the plurality of digits comprises a hub coupling feature disposed at a distal end thereof,
- wherein each of the plurality of hubs comprises a plurality of digit coupling features disposed around a body, and
- wherein the hub coupling features of each digit connect with the digit coupling features of the respective hubs.
7 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.