CN1917929A - Educational snap-together toy vehicle system - Google Patents

Abstract

A toy vehicle system is provided, the system comprising a first toy vehicle (101). The toy vehicle comprises a first body member (103) having an end, a second body member (107) having an end, and a connection system (117). The connection system comprises a first socket member (119) connected to the end of the first body member, a second socket member (121) connected to the end of the second body member, and an adapter member (123) having one end detachably connected to the first socket member and an opposite end detachably connected to the second socket member.

Description

Educational snap-together toy vehicle system

technical field

The field of the invention is that of educational toys.

Background technique

There are many toys that snap together to form predetermined model shapes or shapes derived from the mind of the child using the toy. A number of exemplary devices of this type are disclosed in the following US Patent Nos. 4,744,780, 5,797,784, 5,486,127 and 5,653,621. These educate children in many ways, primarily in developing small motor skills. However, there continues to be a search for educational toys that develop children's higher intellectual skills while also meeting higher standards of quality, durability and safety of use.

Contents of the invention

A toy vehicle system is provided that includes a first toy vehicle. The toy vehicle includes a first body member having an end, a second body member having an end, and an attachment system. The connection system includes a first socket member connected to the end of the first body member, a second socket member connected to the end of the second body member, and has an end detachably connected to the first socket member and a detachable An adapter part connected to an opposite end of the second socket part.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 is a first exemplary illustration of an educational snap-together toy vehicle according to the present invention

Example side view.

Figure 2 is an exploded perspective rear side view of the educational snap-together toy vehicle shown in Figure 1 showing a first exemplary embodiment of an attachment system for attaching components of a toy according to the present invention Two examples of embodiments, each of the connection systems comprising a first exemplary embodiment of a first socket part and a first exemplary embodiment of a first adapter part.

Figure 3 is an exploded perspective front side view of the educational snap-together toy vehicle shown in Figure 1, showing from a different direction the elements of the two examples of the connection system also shown in Figure 2; The separate part wherein the connection system further includes a first exemplary embodiment of a second socket member.

4A is a partial perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of an attachment system for attaching components of a toy according to the present invention, showing only partially two complementary parts of the attachment system, which includes a first A second exemplary embodiment of a socket member and a second exemplary embodiment of an adapter, but for convenience, a second exemplary embodiment of a second socket member is not shown.

4B is another partial perspective view of the connection system shown in FIG. 4A, wherein the first receptacle member and adapter member are shown connected together in accordance with the present invention.

5A is another partial perspective view of the connection system shown in FIG. 4A, which includes the adapter shown in FIGS. 4A-B and a second exemplary second socket member not shown in FIGS. 4A-B. example.

Fig. 5B is another partial perspective view of the connection system shown in Fig. 5A, wherein the second receptacle member and adapter part of the connection system are shown connected together to form a subassembly according to the present invention.

6A is a side view of the connection system shown in FIGS. 4A-5B , wherein the first insert of FIG. 4A is shown connected to a first toy component (shown in dashed lines), and the subassembly of FIG. The second socket part of Figure 4A is connected to a second toy component (also shown in phantom), and the first socket part and the subassembly are shown separately and generally aligned before being connected.

Figure 6B is after the first and second toy components (shown in dashed lines) have moved face-to-face sufficiently to cause the first socket part and the subassembly to become connected, thereby connecting the first and second toy components according to the present invention, An assembled side view of the connection system shown in Figure 6A.

Figure 6C is a side view of the connection system shown in Figures 6A-B after the first and second toy components (shown in phantom) have been separated from each other to cause separation of the first socket member from the subassembly in accordance with the present invention.

7A is a perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of an adapter for an attachment system for attaching components of a toy according to the present invention, wherein the adapter includes two complementary subparts, The parts are sized and shaped so as to fit together to form a fitting.

Fig. 7B is a perspective view of the fitting of the connection system shown in Fig. 7A, wherein the complementary sub-parts come together to form an assembled fitting.

Figure 8 is an exploded perspective rear side view of a second exemplary embodiment of an educational snap-together toy according to the present invention, showing a subassembly for connecting a toy vehicle according to the present invention TWO EXAMPLES OF A FOURTH EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT OF THE CONNECTION SYSTEM, WHEREIN THE CONNECTION SYSTEMS SHOWN IN FIG. .

Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective front side view of the educational snap-together toy vehicle shown in Fig. 8, showing the separate components of the two examples of the connection system also shown in the drawings, from different directions , wherein the connection system shown in FIG. 9 includes the first exemplary embodiment of the second socket member also shown in FIG. 3 .

Detailed ways

The educational snap-together toy vehicle described herein is similar to the toy vehicle described in US Patent 6,595,824 to co-inventors Patrick Calello and Danilo Medina, the entire contents of which specification is hereby incorporated by reference. Similar content includes at least the following aspects of the educational snap-together toy vehicle described in the '824 patent to Calello et al.

As described in the specification of the '824 patent to Calello et al., the educational snap-together toy vehicle system is aimed at taking advantage of the apparent natural interest of some children in cars, trucks, and other vehicles in order to educate these Children develop skills such as manipulating, organizing, matching shapes and colors and recognizing, creating and solving problems. Particularly with regard to the very important skill of problem solving, the snap-together toy vehicle system of the '824 patent of Calello et al. features a toy vehicle that includes a plurality of body members that are joined together by a child to form a toy vehicle, And the connection system is configured to allow a child to assemble the body parts in any of a number of different possible combinations to form toys of various configurations, and/or to arbitrarily disassemble or reassemble the body parts of the assembled vehicle. Embodiments of the invention disclosed in the Calello et al. '824 patent require a child imagining a toy vehicle of a particular configuration to first identify how the toy components need to be combined in order to form the imagined vehicle. Second, the child must select adapters of the connection system that have a complementary shape to that of the socket member connected to the body member. Preferably, the child must orient and manipulate the adapter and body members, imagining the combinations required to assemble the toy vehicle. The toy vehicle system can therefore be a very effective tool for developing children's ability to recognize similar colors, and complementary shapes and structures, while learning lessons about "how things work", e.g. A larger assembly (such as a toy car or truck) can be constructed.

Certain embodiments of the toy vehicle systems described in the '824 Calello et al. patent may have certain disadvantages, such as limited durability, or problems, such as with regard to ease of installation and/or removal of toy components by children. The present invention seeks to address these and other problems.

Referring to Figures 1-3, a first exemplary embodiment of a toy vehicle 101 in accordance with the present invention is shown. Toy vehicle 101 includes a plurality of body members that may be connected together so as to form toy vehicle 101 . For example, toy vehicle 101 includes a front body member 103 , a central body member 105 and a rear body member 107 . The front, central and rear body members 103, 105, 107 may comprise one or more different materials including wood, plastic, metal or a combination of different materials.

In at least one embodiment, the base material of the body members 103, 105, 107 is wood, such as sanded wood. These woods may, for example, be left unfinished, or may be partially or fully finished with paint, wood stain, or the like. Other finishes and/or materials may be used. As will be discussed below, while wood is generally the preferred choice for toy material, warping and swelling of the wooden parts of a component (e.g. due to normal aging, excessive ambient moisture or drying out, cracking, etc.) can Inducing large and/or unexpected forces on adjacent parts of the assembly. These forces can deform or even break adjacent parts. Within the scope of the toy vehicle system of the present invention, these problems can affect the overall durability of the toy, but more importantly can cause unwanted friction and/or unavoidable misalignment during assembly and disassembly of the body members, thereby causing children to The resulting difficulty experienced will interrupt his or her mind training or frustrate use of the toy as a whole. The present invention aims to solve these problems.

As it relates to the front body member 103, as shown in particular in FIG. Complex curved (e.g. curved according to two or more axes, e.g. a spherical surface of complex curves rather than a cylindrical surface). A headlight cutout is formed in the complex surface of region 112 by drilling a hole through the complex surface with a drill bit in an off-center direction relative to (eg, out of alignment with) the axis of curvature of the complex surface. This effect is pleasing to the eye and contributes to the modern styling and ease of processing of the toy.

2 and 3, the central body member 105 of the toy vehicle 101 includes a first end 109 and a second end 111, through which the central body member 105 of the first end can be connected to the front body member 103, and through which the central body member of the second end 105 may be connected to rear body member 107 . The front body member 103 includes an end 113 by which the front body member 103 can be connected to the first end 109 of the central body member 105, and the rear body member 107 includes a second end 113 by which the rear body member 107 can be connected to the central body member 105. end 115 of end 111 .

When any two of the body members 103, 105, 107 of the toy vehicle 101 are connected together, the toy vehicle 101 shown in FIGS. 117 is used to implement the connection. For example, toy vehicle 101 includes two instances of a first exemplary embodiment of attachment system 117 according to the present invention, an instance of exemplary attachment system 117 located where front body member 103 and central body member 105 join together and Another example of an exemplary attachment system 117 is located where the rear body member 107 and central body member 105 are joined together.

Various examples of attachment system 117 include multiple pieces or parts designed to be easily attached and/or disassembled by a child to pursue many different possible toy vehicle assembly combinations. (Alternative body assemblies for children, interchangeable with body members 103, 105, 107 are not shown in FIGS. 1-3. Shown and discussed in more detail in Calello et al. patent applications incorporated herein Examples of these body members.) In particular, and with reference to the connection system 117 between the end 113 of the front body member 103 and the end 109 of the central body member 105, the connection system 117 is included at the end 113 of the front body member 103 A first socket member 119 connected to the front body member 103, a second socket member 121 connected to the central body member 105 at the first end 109 of the central body member 105, and for connecting to each of the first and second Adapters 123 of the socket members 119 , 121 for effecting connection between the front and central body members 103 , 105 via their respective ends 113 , 109 . Similarly, and with reference to the second example of the connection system 117 between the end 115 of the rear body member 107 and the second end 111 of the central body member 105, the first socket member 119 is located at the second end 111 of the central body member 105. Connected to the central body member 105, the second socket member 121 is connected to the rear body member 107 at the end 115 of the rear body member 107, and an adapter 123 is used to connect each of the first and second socket members 119, 121 so that through Their respective ends 115 , 111 implement connections between the rear and central body members 107 , 105 .

The adapter and receptacle of the connection system 117 are formed of plastic for strength and durability, in addition to other preferred properties, such as the plastic's ability to contain and maintain bright coloring, for color coding. However, it will be appreciated that portions of the connection system 117 may comprise one or more suitable materials such as metal, wood, rubber, etc. in addition to or instead of plastic.

The parts 119, 121, 123 of the connection system 117 may have mating ends at which the parts may be connected to each other. For example, with connection system 117 between end 113 of front body member 103 and end 109 of central body member 105 . The adapter 123 includes a first mating end 125 and a second mating end 127. The adapter 123 is connected to the first socket member 119 at the first mating end 125, and the adapter 123 is connected to the second mating end 127. on the second socket member 121 . The first socket member 119 includes a mating end 129 at which the first socket member 119 is connected to the first mating end 125 of the adapter 123, and the second socket member 121 includes a mating end 129 at which the second socket member 121 is connected to the adapter. The mating end 131 of the second mating end 127 of the member 123 .

The mating ends of the components of the connection system 117 may include complementary shapes so as to allow corresponding docking so as to fit together such that a protrusion of one mating end has a complementary recess in the other mating end. shape. For example and again with regard to the connection system 117 between the end 103 of the front body member 103 and the first end 109 of the central body member 105, the mating end 129 of the first socket member 119 includes a socket or groove 133, the fitting The first mating end 125 of 123 includes a first protrusion 135, and the first protrusion is sized, shaped and/or positioned to extend into and engage with the groove 133, for example for better fit and alignment. The purpose is to fit within tight dimensional tolerances. Thus, there is a male-female connection between the first socket part 119 and the adapter part 123, wherein the first protrusion 135 of the first mating end 125 of the adapter part 123 forms a male part, and the mating end 129 of the first socket part 119 The groove 133 forms the female portion. Similarly, the mating end 131 of the second socket member 121 includes a groove 137, the second mating end 127 of the fitting 123 includes a second protrusion 139, and the size, shape and/or position of the second protrusion 139 is controlled by Determined to extend into and fit within the groove 137, eg within tight dimensional tolerances. Thereby, there is a male-female connection between the second socket part 121 and the fitting part 123, wherein the second protrusion 139 forms the male part and the groove 137 forms the female part.

One or more additional male-female connections may exist between the first socket part 119 and the adapter part 123 of the connection system 117 . For example, referring again to the example of the connection system 117 between the end 113 of the front body member 103 and the first end 109 of the central body member 105, the first mating end 125 of the adapter 123 includes a first projection 135 on it. The groove 141 formed in, the mating end 129 of the first socket member 119 includes the protrusion 143 protruding outwardly from the groove 133 thereof, and the size, shape and/or position of the protrusion 143 are determined to extend into and Fits within the groove 141, for example within tight dimensional tolerances. Thereby, there may be an additional male-female connection between the first socket part 119 and the fitting part 123, wherein the protrusion 143 forms the male part and the groove 141 forms the female part. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , a plurality of such male-female connections may exist between the first socket member 119 and the adapter member 123 .

In particular, it is the protrusion 143 of the first socket member 119 together with any other protrusion that is similarly positioned (i.e. extends outwardly from the groove 141 of the first socket member 119) to prevent any other fittings except the fitting 123 from fitting. Connect with the socket part 119. Thus, it is the groove 141 of the adapter 123 that is similarly positioned (i.e. formed within the first protrusion 135 of the adapter 123) and/or any other groove required to allow the first indentation of the adapter 123. A protrusion 135 is received within the groove 133 of the first socket member 119, thereby allowing the socket member 119 and adapter member 123 to be connected and mated. That is, fittings that do not have an appropriate number of these grooves formed in their respective first mating end protrusions or do not have grooves of sufficient size or shape etc. are substantially optimal for the first socket member 119. Useless. Therefore, in order to connect the front and central body members 103, 105, it is not until the child trying to assemble determines that he or she must use a specific adapter, or have the same groove, through multiple attempts, for example, or by visual comparison of shapes. Another adaptation of the structure.

In certain embodiments of the invention, two parts of the connection system are shape compatible as described above, so that the two parts have the same color, which makes the task of ensuring shape compatibility easier for children. easy. However, in some other embodiments of the invention suitable for more advanced children, the other pieces of the form-compatible attachment system are not necessarily the same color, so that the child may not use mating colors as a 'surrogate' for form fit. thing'. The child is thereby forced to use other types of inference methods, for example in order to establish the necessary form-fitting inference process.

A second exemplary embodiment of an attachment system for attaching components of a toy is shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, 5A-5B and 6A-6B. Components shown in FIG. 6 that correspond to components described above with respect to FIG. 5 are indicated by corresponding reference numerals incremented by 100 . Additionally, elements shown in FIGS. 4A-4B , 5A-5B and 6A-6C that do not correspond to elements described above with respect to FIGS. 1-3 are indicated by even numbered numbers beginning with numeral 210 .

Referring to FIG. 4A, there is shown two complementary parts of a subassembly of a second exemplary embodiment of an attachment system 217 for attaching components of a toy according to the present invention. In particular, connection system 217 includes adapter member 223 and second socket member 221 , which are separated from each other and shown in perspective view in FIG. 4A for purposes of explanation.

Regarding the fitting part 223 and the second socket part 221, in addition to the male-female connection in which the second protrusion 239 of the fitting part 223 forms a male part, and the groove 237 of the second socket part 221 forms a female part, another male-female connection is provided. Yin and Yang connection. In particular, the second mating end 227 of the adapter 223 includes a groove 210 formed in the second protrusion 239 of the second mating end 227 of the adapter 223, and the mating end 231 of the second socket member 221 includes A protrusion 212 extending outward is formed in the recess 237 of the mating end 231 of the second socket member 221 , and the protrusion 212 extends into and fits in the recess 210 , eg within tight dimensional tolerances. Thus, there is an additional male-female connection in which the protrusion 212 forms the male part and the groove 210 forms the female part. As shown in FIG. 4A , the protrusion 212 and the groove 210 are complementary in shape and are elongated in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the protrusion 212 is inserted into the groove 210 . Moreover, the protrusion 212 and groove 210 are centered in their arrangement within their respective mating ends, together with the laterally elongated features, to facilitate movement between the second socket member 221 and adapter member 223 during snap fit assembly and disassembly. well aligned. In addition, the presence of these elongated features within the second socket member 221 and adapter member 223 increases the rigidity of the respective parts and generally contributes to the durability and service life of the connection system 217, especially when these parts are made of plastic When manufactured, and the corresponding toy components held together from wood, the wood may warp, swell, shrink and/or split over time and develop unanticipated or excessive forces, for Overcoming these problems can impart additional stiffness of the elongated nature described above.

The second socket part 221 and the adapter part 223 also include complementary mating unit features that form a detent feature or snap fit feature of the connection system 217, which may be characterized by a contact between the second socket part 221 and the adapter part 223. The interaction of assembly and disassembly. For example, the second socket part 221 includes a raised edge 214 extending laterally (ie, perpendicular to the direction in which the fitting part 223 is inserted into the second socket part 221), and the fitting part 223 includes another protruding edge 214 extending in the same lateral direction. Raised edge 216. Therefore, after the second protrusion 239 of the fitting part 223 is inserted far enough into the groove 237 of the second socket part 221 , the raised edge 216 of the fitting part 223 will pass through the raised edge 214 of the second socket part 221 . Thus if allowed to rise to the height of the raised edge 214 of the second socket member 221 , the raised edge 216 of the adapter member 223 will tend to be secured against one side of the raised edge 214 of the second socket member 221 facing inwardly. This configuration provides considerable resistance to any attempt to pull the adapter member 223 out of the second socket member 221 without first separating the pair of raised edges 214,216. FIG. 4B shows the subassembly 218 formed when the fitting member 223 is seated within the second socket member 221 and the raised edges 214 and 216 act to prevent them from separating.

Referring again to FIGS. 4A-4B , the adapter 223 also includes a removable tab 220, and the raised edge 216 of the adapter 223 can be disposed on the removable tab 220 so that a child can, for example, move the subassembly. The raised edge 216 of the mobile adapter 223 moves out of the way of the raised edge 214 of the second socket member 221 during disassembly (or assembly) of 218 . The small tab 220 improves this capability because it is connected to a part of the rest of the fitting 223 (such as the second protrusion 239 of the second mating end 227 of the fitting 223) and cantilevered from its connection. Extending, the extending direction is opposite to the direction in which the second protrusion 239 extends into the groove 237 of the second socket member 221 .

The tab 220 includes a finger interface region 222 formed at least in part by a recessed portion 224 present within the tab 220 that is sized and shaped to comfortably receive the end of a child's finger. The finger interface area 222 also includes a plurality of frictional features in the recessed portion for preventing the child's fingertips from sliding relative to the tab 220 as the child manipulates the tab 220 . As shown in FIG. 4B, the friction feature includes finger gripping ribs 226 like steps or stepped portions. Other types of friction features may be used in addition to or in place of finger grip ribs 226, such as flanges, posts or tips, microdots of adhesive, and the like. It is important that a child using the adapter 223 does not have his or her fingers rub against the tabs 220 due to oil or other moisture on the fingers or due to the presence of dust or some other contaminant on the tabs 220. 220 slides and the small tab 220 cannot be manipulated comfortably.

As clearly shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the second socket member 221 includes additional elongated structural features adjacent to the outer surface of the second socket member 221, which increase the rigidity of the second socket member 221, thereby increasing the size and/or shape stability. For example, the second socket part 221 includes a series of ribs surrounding the second socket part 221, arranged parallel to each other and extending longitudinally (that is, along the direction in which the adapter part 223 is inserted and/or removed from the second socket part 221). 228. For another example, the second socket member 221 includes a flange 230 extending around the end portion 131 of the second socket member 221 for the purpose of increasing rigidity. The flange 230 also includes a surface 232 (covered), which allows the second socket part 221 to be equivalent to the longitudinal positioning of a toy component to which the second socket part 221 is connected (see FIGS. described in Figures 6A-6C). Also, the same surface 232 allows the second socket part 221 to assume a proper orientation relative to the toy component, essentially for good alignment of the other parts of the connection system 217 .

Flange 230 and protruding rib 228 increase rigidity and dimensional stability to second socket part 221, especially protruding rib 228 wherein second connecting part 221 is inserted (for example with press fit) a toy component (for example see first among Fig. 2). Support is provided in any structure within the component body 103). And, in the embodiment of the toy vehicle (such as the toy vehicle 101 of FIGS. The rigidity provided may allow sufficient resistance to the larger forces that may arise from warping or swelling of a piece of wood.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-5B , the first socket member 219 of the connection system 217 also includes ribs 228 and a flange 230 of similar configuration to the ribs 228 and flange 230 of the second socket member 221 in a similar number and configuration. The function of the ribs 228 and flanges 230 of the first socket member 219 and the advantages these structures provide within the confines of the first socket member 219 are therefore similar to those described above with reference to the second socket member 221 of FIGS. 4A-4B .

The first socket part 219, cooperating with the adapter part 223, comprises complementary mating parts in the form of detent structures or snap-fit features that are functionally the connection system 217, characterized in that the first socket part 219 and the adapter part 223 interactions between assembly and disassembly. For example, fitting member 223 includes two instances of outwardly facing recesses 232 (best shown in FIGS. 4A and 5A ) occupying opposite sides of fitting member 223, and first receptacle member 219 includes inwardly facing protrusions. Two instances of 234 (see FIG. 5A for showing one of the protrusions, the other on the opposite side of the first socket member is obscured) are used to complete the detent structure. As far as the detent structure associated with the first socket part 219 and the adapter part 223 is concerned, once the first protrusion 235 of the first mating end 225 of the adapter part 223 is inserted far enough into the mating end of the first socket part 219 In the groove 233 at 229 places (seeing Fig. 6B, will further describe below), inwardly protruding 234 or the flange snap button on each side of first socket member 219 enters and tends to remain in occupying adapter 223 In the corresponding side of the groove 232 (see, for example, FIG. 5B). The groove and protrusion arrangement serves to retain the adapter 223 within the first socket member 219 (see FIG. 5B ) until removal is desired.

Referring again to FIGS. 5A-5B , the first socket member 219 also includes two instances of movable small tabs 236 on which respective instances of the inwardly facing small protrusions 234 of the first socket member 219 are disposed. , for the purpose of moving the corresponding inwardly facing small protrusion 234 inwardly or outwardly relative to the groove 237 of the first socket member when the situation requires. The movable tab 236 is connected to and extends in a cantilevered manner from the remaining portion of the first socket member 219 (eg, from the flange 230 of the first socket member 219 ). As far as the movable tab 236 of the first socket member 219 is concerned, once the inwardly facing tab 234 snaps into the corresponding groove 232 of the adapter 223, there is usually no way for the child to move the movable tab alone. 236, this is because the entire movable small tab 236 is located under the flange 230 of the first socket part 219 and within the toy component to which the first socket part 219 is connected. However, the child is not required to have this control capability on the movable tab 236 of the first socket member 219, as will be explained below with reference to FIGS. 6A-6C.

The feature corresponding to the detent or snap-fit feature between the second socket part 221 and the adapter part 223 is stronger than the corresponding feature characteristic of the connection between the first socket part 219 and the adapter part 223 . As shown in FIG. 6A, a subassembly 218 consisting of a combination of a second socket part 221 and an adapter part 223 is produced by a child inserting the adapter part 223 into the second socket part 221, which has been connected to the socket part 221 according to the present invention. Central body member 105 of the toy vehicle. A first socket member 219 for attachment to the front body member 103 of the toy vehicle in accordance with the present invention may be positioned forward of the subassembly 218 and aligned with the subassembly in preparation for attachment of the body members 103,105.

As shown in FIG. 6B , the child can exert force (e.g., push) on the body members 103, 105 together by opposing forces 236, 238 applied to the body members 103, 105, so that a connection between the adapter part 223 and the first socket part 219 is achieved. the connections required between them, as discussed below. In this regard, the adapter 223 may be largely or completely enclosed within the body members 103, 105, as shown in FIG. 6B. When the child decides to remove the body members 103, 105, the child forces (eg pulls) the body members 103, 105 apart, as represented by the forces 240, 242 applied to the body members 103, 105 in FIG. 6C. The force required to remove the fitting 223 from the first socket member 219 is less than the force required to remove the fitting 223 from the second socket member 221 . Accordingly, the fitting 223 is held in the second socket part 221 while the detent structure associated with the connection between the first socket part 219 and the fitting 223 is released or due to a relatively weak connection as shown in FIG. 6C Failed due to defects. In this way, children generally do not need to worry about the adapter 223 falling to the ground or becoming stuck in the first socket member 219 (because the adapter is more difficult to hold than the larger body member, and to control its contact with the first socket member 219 The detent structure of the connection is enclosed in the body member 103 and under the flange 230 of the first socket member, so the adhesion is more difficult to disassemble). And, this is prophetically comforting to children playing with the associated toy vehicle, who will conveniently manipulate the connection system 217 many times over the life of the toy through the assembly/disassembly cycle shown in FIGS. 6A-6C .

A third exemplary embodiment of an adapter for a connection system for connecting components of a toy according to the present invention is shown in FIGS. 7A-7B . Components shown in FIGS. 7A-7B that correspond to components described above with respect to FIGS. 4A-4B , 5A-5B and 6A-6C are denoted by corresponding reference numerals increased by 100 . Additionally, components shown in FIGS. 7A-7B that do not correspond to components described above with respect to FIGS. 4A-4B , 5A-5B , and 6A-6C are indicated by even-numbered numbers beginning with reference numeral 310 . The embodiment of Figure 7A operates in the same manner as Figures 4A-4B, 5A-5B, and 6A-6C unless otherwise stated.

Referring to Figures 7A-7B, a third exemplary embodiment of an adapter 323 according to the present invention has similarities and differences with the second adapter 223 shown in Figures 4A-4B, 5A-5B and 6A-6C . The connection system 317 is essentially part of an adapter 323 comprising a main subsection 310 and an insert subsection 312 . The main sub-part is part of the adapter 323 which includes a first mating end 335 together with a recess 341 formed in the first protrusion 325 and a movable small portion including a recessed portion 324 having a finger interface area 322. The tab 320, along with the increased friction portion embodied in the finger grip rib 326, and includes a raised rib 328, a flange 330 and a groove 332 for receiving a raised edge as part of the detent structure. The insertion sub-portion of the fitting 323 includes a groove 345 formed in the first protrusion 339 of the second mating end 327 of the fitting 323 . Main subsection 310 and insert subsection 312 may be sized and shaped for mass production, such as by high volume plastic molding techniques. Insertion subsection 312 can be sized and shaped to be inserted into gap 314 of main subsection 310 of adapter 323, where it can be fastened therein, for example by gluing or by plastic welding techniques, so as to secure groove 345 The position of is correct for inserting into the protrusion 247 of the second connector 221 (see FIG. 4A ).

Another embodiment of a toy vehicle according to the present invention is shown in FIGS. 8-9. Corresponding to the parts described above with respect to FIGS. 1-3, shown in FIGS. The parts shown are numbered with even numbers starting with the numeral 410 . The embodiment of Figures 8-9 operates in the same manner as the embodiment of Figures 1-3 unless otherwise stated.

8-9, toy vehicle 401 is part of a toy vehicle system that includes toy vehicle 101 shown in FIGS. 1-3. Thus, parts of toy vehicle 401 may be interchanged with parts of toy vehicle 101 where compatible shapes permit, according to the imagination and desire of the child. The toy vehicle comprises a front body member 403, a central body member 405, a rear body member 407, an attachment system 417 between an end 413 of the front body member 403 and a first end 409 of the central body member 405, and a rear body member Connection system 417 between end 415 of 407 and the second end of the central body member.

A first socket member 419 of the front connection system 417 is connected to the front body member 403 at the end 413 of the front body member, and a second socket member 421 of the front connection system is connected to the center at the first end 409 of the central body member 405. Body member 405 . The second socket member 421 of the rear connection system 417 is connected to the rear body member 407 at the end 415 of the rear body member 407, and the first socket member 419 of the rear connection system 417 is connected to the second end 411 of the central body member. Central body member 405 .

The first protrusion 435 of the first mating end 425 of the adapter of the front connection system 417 is inserted into the groove 433 of the mating end 429 of the first socket member 419, and the second mating of the adapter 423 of the front connection system 417 The second protrusion 439 of the end 427 is inserted into the groove 437 of the mating end 431 of the second socket part 421, and the first protrusion 435 of the first mating end 425 of the adapter part 423 of the rear connection system 417 is inserted into the first socket part The groove 433 of the mating end 429 of 419 and the second protrusion 439 of the second mating end 427 of the fitting part 423 of the rear connection system 417 are inserted into the groove 437 of the mating end 431 of the second socket part 421 .

The triangular protrusion 410 extending from the groove 433 of the mating end of the first socket part of the front and rear connection system 217 is inserted into the corresponding triangular recess formed in the first protrusion 435 of the adapter part 423 of the front and rear connection system 217. slot 412. Where an adapter 423 having a triangular recess 412 is connected to a body member, it cannot be connected to a first socket member having a circular protrusion extending from its end recess, such as that of FIGS. 2-3 . A body member of the front socket member 119' forms the connection. However, this connection can be made if the adapter 423 is replaced by the adapter 123 of FIGS. 2-3.

It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are exemplary only, and that many changes and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the principle and scope of the invention. All such changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (16)

1. toy vehicle system, comprising: one first toy vehicle, this toy vehicle comprise one first body member with an end; One second body member with an end; And a connected system, it have the described end that is connected in described first body member one first socket piece, be connected in described second body member described end one second socket piece and have an end that removably is connected in described first socket piece and removably be connected in an adapter of an opposite end of described second socket piece.

2. toy vehicle system as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that, the described opposite end of the described adapter of described first toy vehicle has the groove with one first shape, and described second socket piece has a projection that extends outwardly from described second socket piece, described projection has one second shape with described first shape complementarity of described groove, so that allows described projection removably to be received within the described groove.

3. toy vehicle system as claimed in claim 2, it is characterized in that, a described end of the described adapter of described first toy vehicle has one the 3rd shape, and described first socket piece has one the 4th shape with described the 3rd shape complementarity of the described end of described adapter, so that allows described adapter removably to be received within described first socket piece.

4. toy vehicle system as claimed in claim 3 is characterized in that, also comprises: one second toy vehicle, this toy vehicle comprise one first body member with an end; One second body member with an end; And a connected system, it have the described end that is connected in described first body member one first socket piece, be connected in the described end of described second body member one second socket piece, have an end that removably is connected in described first socket piece and removably be connected in an adapter of an opposite end of described second socket piece.

5. toy vehicle system as claimed in claim 4, it is characterized in that, the described opposite end of the described adapter of described second toy vehicle has the groove with one the 5th shape, and described second socket piece has a projection that extends outwardly from described second socket piece, described projection has one the 6th shape with described the 5th shape complementarity of described groove, so that allows that described projection is dismountable to be received within the described groove.

6. toy vehicle system as claimed in claim 5, it is characterized in that, a described end of the described adapter of described second toy vehicle has one the 7th shape, and described first socket piece has one the 8th shape with described the 7th shape complementarity of the described end of described adapter, so that allows described adapter removably to be received within described first socket piece.

7. toy vehicle system as claimed in claim 6, it is characterized in that, described first shape of the described groove of described first toy vehicle is different from described the 5th shape of the described projection of described second toy vehicle, so that the described adapter that prevents described first toy vehicle cooperates with described second body member of described second toy vehicle and prevents that the described adapter of described second toy vehicle from cooperating with described second body member of described first toy vehicle.

8. toy vehicle system as claimed in claim 7, it is characterized in that, described the 4th shape of described first socket piece of described first toy vehicle is identical with the 8th shape of described first socket piece of described second toy vehicle, so that allows the described adapter of described first toy vehicle removably to be received within described first body member of described second toy vehicle and allow the described adapter of described second toy vehicle removably to be received within described first body member of described first toy vehicle.

9. toy vehicle system as claimed in claim 8 is characterized in that, described first toy vehicle has one first color and described second toy vehicle has one second color that is different from described first color.

10. toy vehicle system as claimed in claim 9 is characterized in that, described first body member and described second body member of described first toy vehicle are made by timber, and the described connected system of described first toy vehicle is made of plastics.

11. toy vehicle system as claimed in claim 10, it is characterized in that, a described end of the described adapter of described first toy vehicle has a groove that is formed in the described end, and wherein said first socket piece has a projection that extends outwardly from described first socket piece, and the described projection of described first socket piece removably is received within the described groove of described adapter.

12. toy vehicle system as claimed in claim 11, it is characterized in that, the described adapter of described first toy vehicle has one first flange, and described first socket piece has one second flange that matches with described first flange, so that described adapter is remained in described first socket piece.

13. toy vehicle system as claimed in claim 12, it is characterized in that, described adapter has the movably little lug near described first flange, and the size and dimension of described little lug is confirmed as allowing when depressing described little lug described adapter to pull down from described first socket piece.

14. toy vehicle system as claimed in claim 13 is characterized in that, described little lug comprises a sunk part, and the size and dimension of this sunk part is formed into increases being frictionally engaged of described little lug.

15. toy vehicle system as claimed in claim 14 is characterized in that, described first socket piece comprises an outer surface that has many fins, and the size and dimension of this fin is formed into described first socket piece is remained in described first body member.

16. toy vehicle system as claimed in claim 15 is characterized in that, described second socket piece comprises an outer surface that has many fins, and the size and dimension of this fin is formed into described second socket piece is remained in described second body member.

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