# US 5,707,268 A · Geometric construction toy set

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- Number: US 5,707,268 A
- Document ID: US5707268A
- Status: Granted
- Kind: A
- Application number: 08/615,735
- Filed: 1996-03-14
- Granted: 1998-01-13
- Earliest claimed: 1996-03-14
- Inventors: Karl S. Outman
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US5707268A

## CPC

- A63H 33/10: to be assembled by means of additional non-adhesive elements
- A63H: TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS

## Abstract

A geometric construction toy set composed of triangular modules having different geometrical forms and sizes, the modules being interlinkable to create a planar mosaic that is transformable by a player into three-dimensional abstract or figurative structures. Each module is constituted by a triangular plate having slotted edges that define three side tines, each extending from a respective vertex. Interhinging of adjacent modules is effected by a coupling sleeve fitting over abutting tines of the modules whereby the modules can then be angled with respect to each other. Two adjacent modules may also be interconnected by intermeshing the abutting side tines of these modules.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A geometric construction set composed of triangular modules which are interlinkable to form a planar mosaic which can be manipulated by a player to transform the mosaic into three-dimensional structures having abstract or figurative forms, each module comprising:
A. a triangular plate having three sides which meet at vertices, each vertex being formed at a point where two of the sides meet;
B. an elongated slot adjacent an outer edge of each side of the plate and parallel thereto, said slot having a length substantially similar to that of the side to define a tine which extends from a respective vertex to a free end whereby when modules in the set are placed adjacent each other, corresponding tines of the modules are then in abutting relation and can therefore be interlinked; and
C. an elongated coupling sleeve which fits over the free end of abutting tines and is received within the elongated slots associated therewith to interhinge the adjacent modules which are free to swing.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

A construction toy as set forth in claim 1, in which the sleeve has an internal diameter which substantially matches the combined widths of the abutting tines.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

A construction toy as set forth in claim 2, in which the sleeve is formed of a tube of synthetic plastic material which is flexible.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

A construction toy as set forth in claim 3, in which the sleeve is formed of polyethylene.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

A construction toy as set forth in claim 1, in which the triangular plate is formed of synthetic plastic material.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

A construction toy as set forth in claim 1, in which each tine is provided adjacent its free end with a detent bump which when the couling sleeve is fitted over adjacent tines, then prevents the sleeve from falling off the tines.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

A construction toy as set forth in claim 1, in which the triangular plate is provided with a pair of spaced holes to receive pegs for holding together superposed modules.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

A construction toy as set forth in claim 1, in which at least one module in the set has an equilateral triangular form.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

A construction toy as set forth in claim 1, in which at least one module in the set has an isosceles triangular form.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

A construction toy as set forth in claim 1, in which the slot terminates in a hole to create a hinge point at said vertex.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

A geometric construction toy as set forth in claim 1, in which the triangular modules which compose the set comprise pluralities of different geometric shapes and sizes.

### Claim 12 (depends on 11)

A construction set as set forth in claim 11, in which the modules in the set which have the same geometric shape and size and therefore are like modules have a distinct color imparted thereto to distinguish them from other modules in the set having different geometric shapes, sizes and color.