Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02741943 2011-06-02
INTERCONNECTABLE AND TRANSFORMABLE TOY BUILDING ELEMENT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to interconnectable toy blocks,
and more
specifically, to an interconnectable and transformable toy building element
which is
transformable into at least one interconnectable toy figure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Regular non-transformable toy blocks, such as LEGOO blocks, usually
come in
the form of basic geometric shapes such as a cube or rectangular
parallelepiped, disc or
plate, polyhedron, and the like. They can be connected together by inserting
one or
more studs of a toy block into corresponding mating recesses of another toy
block.
Simple or complex play structures such as those that resemble the shape of a
building, a
train, and the like can be formed depending on the way these toy blocks are
connected
together. However, these toy blocks are not themselves physically
transformable into
other toy figures such as a robot-like toy figure, a plane-like toy figure,
etc.
[0003] Also known in the art are block toys with at least one segment being
movable
between retracted and extended positions, enabling children to transform a
block toy into
at least one predetermined toy figure. U.S. Patent Number 5,019,010 describes
one
such example of a block toy. However, this type of block toy is not
connectable to other
toy blocks or other block toys, thereby limiting children's play options.
[0004] It is therefore desirable to provide interconnectable and transformable
toy
building elements that offer a variety of play options, allowing children to
play with the
toy building elements as regular toy blocks to form simple play structures, or
to
manipulate and transform the toy building elements into other interconnectable
toy
figures such as robot-like toy figures, plane-like toy figures, vehicle-like
toy figures, or the
like. This way, interconnectable and transformable toy building elements can
offer play
options of varying levels of challenge and complexity that are suitable for
children of
different ages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] One aspect of the invention provides a transformable toy building
element which
is interconnectable with one or more other toy building elements. The
transformable toy
building element includes one or more coupling connectors and a plurality of
movably
1
CA 02741943 2011-06-02
attached members and the toy building element is transformable between a
contracted
state and one or more expanded states upon manipulation of one or more of the
movably attached members. In the contracted state, the transformable toy
building
element has the form of a block and in at least one of the expanded states,
the
transformable toy building element has a form of a toy figure. The
transformable toy
building element is interconnectable with one or more other toy building
elements when
the transformable toy building element is in at least one of the contracted
state and the
one or more expanded states.
[0006] Another aspect of the present invention provides a kit containing a
plurality of
interconnectable toy building elements including at least one transformable
toy building
element as described herein. In at least one embodiment, the kit further
includes
instructions for transforming the transformable toy building element between
the
contracted state and at least one of the expanded states. In at least one
embodiment,
the kit further includes instructions for connecting the transformable toy
building element
to other interconnectable toy building elements when the transformable toy
building
element is in at least one of the contracted state and the one or more
expanded states.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the
following
written description and the accompanying drawings and the appended claims in
which:
[0008] Figure 1A is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the present
transformable toy building element in the form of a block.
[0009] Figure 1 B is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 1A
in the
form of a block.
[0010] Figure 1C is a top perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 1A in
the form of
a block.
[0011] Figure 2 is a series of front perspective views of the embodiment of
Figure 1A
showing the transition from the form of a block to the form of a robot.
[0012] Figure 3A is a top perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 1A in
the form of
a robot.
[0013] Figure 3B is a front perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 1A in
the form
of a robot.
[0014] Figure 3C is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 1A in
the form
2
CA 02741943 2011-06-02
of a robot.
[0015] Figure 4A is an end perspective view of another embodiment of the
present
transformable toy building element in the form of a block.
[0016] Figure 4B is a side perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 4A in
the form
of a block.
[0017] Figure 5 is a series of top perspective views of the embodiment of
Figure 4A
showing the transition from the form of a block to the form of an airplane.
[0018] Figure 6A is a top perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 4A in
the form of
an airplane.
[0019] Figure 6B is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 4A
in the
form of an airplane.
[0020] Figure 7A is a side perspective view of yet another embodiment of the
present
transformable toy building element in the form of a block-
[00211 Figure 7B is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 7A
in the
form of a block.
[0022] Figure 8 is a series of front perspective views of the embodiment of
Figure 7A
showing the transition from the form of a block to the form of a vehicle.
[0023] Figure 9A is a top perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 7A in
the form of
a vehicle.
[0024] Figure 9B is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 7A
in the
form of a vehicle.
[0025] Figure 1 OA is an end perspective view of yet another embodiment of the
present
transformable toy building element in the form of a block.
[0026] Figure 10B is a side perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 10A
in the
form of a block.
[0027] Figure 11 A is a front perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 1
OA in the
form of a robot.
[0028] Figure 11 B is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 1 OA
in the
form of a robot.
[0029] Figure 12A is an end perspective view of yet another embodiment of the
present
transformable toy building element in the form of a block.
3
CA 02741943 2011-06-02
[0030] Figure 12B is a side perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 12A
in the
form of a block.
[0031] Figure 13 is a side perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 12A in
the form
of a weapon.
[0032] Figure 14 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 10A
in the form
of a robot connected to the embodiment of Figure 12A in the form of a weapon.
[0033] Figure 15A is an end perspective view of yet another embodiment of the
present
transformable toy building element in the form of a block.
[0034] Figure 15B is a side perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 15A
in the
form of a block.
[0035] Figure 16A is a front perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 15A
in the
form of a block, partially disassembled.
[0036] Figure 16B is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 15A
in the
form of a block, partially disassembled.
[0037] Figure 17A is a side perspective view of the leg region of the
embodiment of
Figure 15A in the form of a block.
[0038] Figure 17B is a side perspective view of the leg region of the
embodiment of
Figure 15A in the form of a robot.
[0039] Figure 18A is a front perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 15A
in the
form of a robot.
[0040] Figure 18B is a side perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 15A
in the
form of a robot.
[0041] Figure 18C is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 15A
in the
form of a robot.
[0042] Figure 19A is a side perspective view of yet another embodiment of the
present
transformable toy building element in the form of a block.
[0043] Figure 19B is a side perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 19A
in the
form of a block.
[0044] Figure 20 is a side perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 19A in
the form
of a weapon.
[0045] Figure 21 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 15A
in the form
of a robot connected to the embodiment of Figure 19A in the form of a weapon.
4
CA 02741943 2011-06-02
[0046] Figure 22A is a side perspective view of yet another embodiment of the
present
transformable toy building element in the form of a block.
[0047] Figure 22B is an end perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 22A
in the
form of a block.
(0048] Figure 23A is a front perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 22A
in the
form of a robot.
[0049] Figure 23B is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 22A
in the
form of a robot.
[0050] Figure 24A is a side view of the head and torso region of the
embodiment of
Figure 22A in the form of a block.
[0051] Figure 24B is a side view of the head and torso region of the
embodiment of
Figure 22A in the form of a robot.
[0052] Figure 25A is a side perspective view of the leg region of the
embodiment of
Figure 22A in the form of a block.
[0053] Figure 25B is a side perspective view of the leg region of the
embodiment of
Figure 22A in the form of a robot.
[0054] Figure 26 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 22A
in the form
of a robot connected to the embodiment of Figure 12A in the form of a weapon.
[0055] Figure 27A is a top perspective view of yet another embodiment of the
present
transformable toy building element in an expanded form.
[0056] Figure 27B is a side perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 27B
in the
form of a weapon.
[0057] Figure 28A is a top perspective view of yet another embodiment of the
present
transformable toy building element in the form of a block.
[0058] Figure 28B is a side perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 28B
in the
form of a weapon.
[0059] Figures 29A to 29C illustrate a playset in which embodiments of the
present
transformable toy building element in the form of blocks grouped to present
the form of a
Trojan horse are transformed to individual embodiments of the present
transformable toy
building element in the form of robots.
CA 02741943 2011-06-02
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0060] The present transformable toy building element includes one or more
coupling
connectors so as to be interconnectable with one or more other toy building
elements
having complementary coupling connectors. In at least one embodiment, the
coupling
connectors are each independently chosen from a stud and a recess shaped to
releasably couple with the stud with a snug friction fit. In at least one
embodiment, the
stud is a flattened, disc-shaped protrusion with a round profile, which may be
hollow or
solid. However, the studs and recesses can take any shape that will allow for
complementary fit, as will be understood by the skilled person. Each stud is
adapted to
releasably couple with a complementary recess on another toy building element
and
each recess is adapted to releasably couple with a complementary stud on
another toy
building element, as is well known in the art.
[00611 It is contemplated that a stud can be immovably fixed to, or unitary
with, a
surface of the transformable toy building element. Alternatively, it is
envisioned that a
stud can be movable. For example, it is possible that a stud can be retracted
within the
transformable toy building element or, once retracted, re-extended therefrom.
[0062] In at least one embodiment, the studs are located on one face of the
transformable toy building element and the recesses are located on a different
face of
the transformable toy building element. However, it is contemplated that a
particular face
of the transformable toy building element can have both studs and recesses. In
at least
one embodiment, a face bearing one or more studs is opposite to a face bearing
one or
more recesses, such that the face bearing one or more studs and the face
bearing one
or more recesses define an angle of about 360 . This allows the toy building
elements to
couple with other toy building elements in a stacking fashion as is well
known. However,
it is contemplated that a face bearing one or more studs and a face bearing
one or more
recesses can define another angle, as long as at least one of the one or more
studs or
the one or more recesses can be available for coupling with at least one other
toy
building element. It is also contemplated that the transformable toy building
element can
have a plurality of faces each bearing studs and/or a plurality of faces each
bearing
recesses, oriented at any angle that will allow for coupling with at least one
other toy
building element.
[0063] The transformable toy building element also includes a plurality of
movably
attached members. The members can be attached to each other by any of a wide
variety
6
CA 02741943 2011-06-02
of mechanisms known in the art such that they can move relative to each other
while
remaining attached to each other. For example, in at least one embodiment, the
members can be attached to each other such that they can be pivoted, rotated,
slid,
extended, retracted, folded, unfolded, telescoped, bent or tilted with respect
to each
other. The skilled person will appreciate many ways in which such movable
attachment
can be accomplished, including but not limited to hinges, pivots, ball and
socket joints,
flexible expandable tubes, and rotating, sliding and telescoping mechanisms.
It is also
contemplated that the movement of a movable stud can be linked to the movement
of
another movably attached member in the transformable toy building element such
that,
for example, retraction or extension of the stud can actuate, or be actuated
by,
movement of another movable member.
[0064] The toy building element can exist in a contracted state and in one or
more
expanded states. The toy building element is transformable between the
contracted
state and the one or more expanded states by manipulating one or more of the
movably
attached members. In at least one embodiment, the members can be manipulated
by at
least one of pivoting, rotating, sliding, extending, retracting, folding,
unfolding,
telescoping, bending and tilting. In at least one embodiment, the
transformable toy
building element has the form of a block in the contracted state. In at least
one
embodiment, the transformable toy building element has a form of a toy figure
in at least
one of the one or more expanded states. In at least one embodiment, the
transformable
toy building element can be manipulated such that the one or more movably
attached
members rearrange to form a toy figure. In at least one embodiment, the
transformable
toy building element can be manipulated such that it opens or expands to
reveal one or
more members which form a toy figure or which can rearrange to form a toy
figure.
[0065] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that toy figures of
different appearance
may be formed depending on the shapes, colors, and sizes of each movably
attached
member of the various embodiments of the present toy building element. For
example,
the toy figure may be in a form including but not limited to the form of a
robot-like, plant-
like, animal-like or human-like figure; a vehicle-like figure, including but
not limited to a
flying vehicle-like figure, an aquatic vehicle-like figure or a ground-
traveling vehicle-like
figure; a building-like toy figure; an accessory-like figure, including but
not limited to a
tool-like figure or weapon-like figure; or any other toy figures apparent to
the skilled
person which can represent objects or beings found in life, in play or in
imagination.
[0066] In at least one of the contracted state and the one or more expanded
states, the
7
CA 02741943 2011-06-02
transformable toy building element has at least one coupling connector
available for
coupling to at least one other toy building element. Thus, the transformable
toy building
element is interconnectable with one or more other toy building elements
having
complementary coupling connectors, when the transformable toy building element
is in
at least one of the contracted state and the one or more expanded states. In
at least one
embodiment, the transformable toy building element is interconnectable with
one or
more other toy building elements having complementary coupling connectors when
the
transformable toy building element is in the contracted state and in at least
one of the
expanded states.
[0067] The transformable toy building element can be interconnectable with one
or more
other toy building elements having complementary coupling connectors when the
transformable toy building element is in an expanded state in which it has the
form of a
toy figure. Alternatively, the transformable toy building element can be
interconnectable
with one or more other toy building elements having complementary coupling
connectors
when the transformable toy building element is in an expanded state in which
it does not
have the form of a toy figure, but in which surfaces bearing coupling
connectors
(interconnectable surfaces) are presented for interconnection. For example, in
at least
one expanded state, the transformable toy building element can present
interconnectable surfaces at different angles and levels than those at which
such
interconnectable surfaces are presented when the transformable toy building
element is
in the contracted state. This can provide added interest in play, as the
transformable toy
building element can provide different options for interconnection in the one
or more
expanded states compared to the options for interconnection available in the
contracted
state.
[0068] The other toy building elements which can interconnect with the present
transformable toy building element can themselves be transformable.
Alternatively, the
other toy building elements which can interconnect with the present
transformable toy
building element can be standard interconnectable building blocks such as are
well
known in the art, as long as they have coupling connectors complementary to
those on
the present transformable toy building element.
[0069] The present transformable toy building elements can be made of suitable
materials well known in the art, including but not limited to plastic, wood,
metal, rubber,
silicone or composite materials. The plastic can be rigid or deformable and
can include
plastic foam. It is also contemplated that the present transformable toy
building elements
8
CA 02741943 2011-06-02
can be decorated with one or more decorative finishes including but not
limited to paint,
stickers, tampo printing, coating or other finishes well known in the art.
[0070] It is envisioned that at least one embodiment of the present
transformable toy
building element can be transformed into two or more interconnectable toy
figures by
selectively manipulating certain movable members while keeping others in their
retracted
positions, or by pivoting movable members in different directions to form
different
interconnectable toy figures. It is also contemplated that a toy figure can be
made to
assume different poses, including but not limited to sitting, standing,
attacking, flying,
and the like, by manipulating one or more movable members.
[0071] In addition, to increase the level of challenge and complexity when
playing with
the present transformable toy building elements, at least one embodiment of
the present
transformable toy building element, when manipulated, can be transformable
into a
component which forms a part of a larger interconnectable toy figure. It is
contemplated
that two or more of the present transformable toy building elements, which can
be the
same as or different from each other, can be manipulated and connected
together, in the
contracted state and/or in one or more of the expanded states, to form an
interconnectable composite toy figure. For example, a robot-like toy figure
can be
constructed by connecting at least one embodiment of the present transformable
toy
building element which can be transformed into an expanded form of one or more
lower
body members to at least one other embodiment of the present transformable toy
building element which can be transformed into an expanded form of one or more
upper
body members. The skilled person will appreciate that such a feature provides
the
possibility of creating custom toy figures by mixing and matching various
embodiments
of the present transformable toy building elements, thereby increasing
enjoyment in play.
[0072] It is also contemplated that various embodiments of the present
transformable
toy building element can be combined to create playsets. For example, in one
embodiment, the present transformable toy building element can be transformed
into a
robot-like toy figure, while, in another embodiment, the present transformable
toy
building element can be transformed into a weapon-like toy figure which can
interconnect with the robot-like toy figure, such that the robot-like toy
figure appears to
be wielding the weapon-like toy figure. In at least one other embodiment, the
present
transformable toy building element in the form of a toy figure can be
connected to a
building-like figure made from toy building elements with complementary
connectors,
such that the toy figure appears to be standing on the building-like figure,
for example.
9
CA 02741943 2011-06-02
Other options for playsets will be readily apparent to the person of skill in
the art_
[0073] The level of skill required in transforming a transformable toy
building element
into different interconnectable toy figures can vary depending on a number of
factors.
These factors include but are not limited to the number of movable members,
the various
ways movable members can be manipulated, and the number of transformable toy
building elements involved to form an interconnectable toy figure or a play
set. Various
embodiments of the present transformable toy building elements can therefore
offer
different play options and different levels of challenge that are appropriate
to the skills of
users of different ages.
[0074] A kit may also be provided, containing a plurality of interconnectable
toy building
elements including at least one transformable toy building element as
described herein.
In at least one embodiment, the kit further includes instructions for
transforming the
transformable toy building element between the contracted state and at least
one of the
expanded states. In at least one embodiment, the kit further includes
instructions for
connecting the transformable toy building element to other interconnectable
toy building
elements when the transformable toy building element is in at least one of the
contracted
state and the expanded states.
[0075] Figures 1A to 1 C show one embodiment of the present transformable toy
building
element in the form of a block. The transformable toy building element 10
includes studs
11 and complementary recesses 13. Studs 11 can be solid or hollow, as long as
they
can be removably received in recesses 13 with a snug fit. Recesses 13 can be
any
shape that will snugly and removably receive studs 11.
[0076] As shown in Figure 2, this embodiment of the transformable toy building
element
is transformable into the form of a robot-like toy figure, shown in Figures 3A
to 3C.
The two opposed movable shoulder members 15 can be pivoted outwardly so as to
form
the shoulders of the robot-like toy figure. Movable hand-arm members 17 can
then be
pivoted about pivot points 19 and 20 so as to extend away from shoulder
members 15.
Leg member 21 can be extended by sliding away from torso member 23 so as to
expose
lower body member 25 previously retracted inside leg member 21. Lower body
member
25 is adapted to pivot around pivot point 26, such that the robot-like toy
figure can
assume, for example, a standing or a sitting position. In addition, head
member 27 can
be extended from its recess within torso member 23. It will be clear to the
skilled person
that the transformable toy building element 10 can be transformed from the
form of a
CA 02741943 2011-06-02
robot-like toy figure to the form of a block by reversing the above-described
steps.
[0077] Transformable toy building element 10 is interconnectable to other toy
building
elements with complementary coupling connectors, both in the form of a block
and in the
form of a robot-like toy figure. As seen in Figures 1A-1 C and 3A-3C, coupling
connectors
in the form of both studs 11 and recesses 13 are available for coupling to
other toy
building elements in both the block and robot-like toy figure forms.
[0078] Figures 4A to 6B show another embodiment of the present transformable
toy
building element 30 which is transformable into a airplane-like toy figure.
Transformable
toy building element 30 has studs 31 and complementary recesses 33 (best seen
in
Figure 6B). It will be clear to the skilled person that studs 31 and recesses
33 are
analogous to studs 11 and recesses 13 and, in at least one embodiment, can be
complementary such that studs 31 can be removably and snugly received in
recesses
13 and recesses 33 can snugly and removably receive studs 11.
[0079] As seen in Figure 5, the transformable toy building element 30 can be
transformed from the block form seen in Figures 4A and 4B to the airplane-like
toy figure
form seen in Figures 6A and 6B. Front body member 35 can be pivoted away from
rear
body member 37 by pivoting hinge 39 around pivot points 40, 41. Cockpit member
43
can then be pivoted away from front body member 35. Rear wing members 45 can
be
rotated outwards around pivot points 46 to abut rear body member 37, and wing
tip
members 47 can be extended from cavities inside rear wing members 45. It will
be clear
to the skilled person that the transformable toy building element 30 can be
transformed
from the form of a airplane-like toy figure to the form of a block by
reversing the above-
described steps.Whether transformable toy building element 30 is in the form
of a block
or in the form of an airplane-like toy figure, studs 31 and recesses 33 are
available for
coupling to other toy building elements, as seen in Figures 4A, 4B, 6A and 6B.
[0080] Figures 7A to 9B show yet another embodiment of the present
transformable toy
building element 50 which is transformable into a vehicle-like toy figure.
Transformable
toy building element 50 has studs 51 and complementary recesses 53. The person
of
skill in the art will appreciate that studs 51 and recesses 53 are analogous
to studs 11 or
31 and recesses 13 or 33 and, in at least one embodiment, can be complementary
such
that studs 51 can be removably and snugly received in recesses 13 or 33 and
recesses
53 can snugly and removably receive studs 11 or 31.
(0081] As seen in Figure 8, the transformable toy building element 50 can be
11
CA 02741943 2011-06-02
transformed from the block form seen in Figures 7A and 7B to the vehicle-like
toy figure
form seen in Figures 9A and 9B. Fender members 55 bearing wheels 56 can be
rotated
sideways, thereby rotating ball joints 57 sideways within body member 59, such
that
fender members 55 abut the sides of body member 59. Further longitudinal
pivoting of
fender members 55, so as to rotate ball joints 57 frontward or rearward within
body
member 59, allow wheels 56 to make contact with the ground surface while
moving body
member 59 out of contact with the ground surface. Tail member 61 can then be
extended from a cavity within body member 59. It will be clear to the skilled
person that
the transformable toy building element 50 can be transformed from the form of
a vehicle-
like toy figure to the form of a block by reversing the above-described steps.
Whether
transformable toy building element 50 is in the form of a block or in the form
of a vehicle-
like toy figure, studs 51 and recesses 53 are available for coupling to other
toy building
elements, as seen in Figures 7A, 7B, 9A and 9B.
[0082] Figures 1 OA to 11 B show yet another embodiment of the present
transformable
toy building element 70 which is transformable into a robot-like toy figure.
Transformable
toy building element 70 has studs 71 and complementary recesses 73. The person
of
skill in the art will appreciate that studs 71 and recesses 73 are analogous
to studs 11,
31 or 51 and recesses 13, 33 or 53 and, in at least one embodiment, can be
complementary such that studs 71 can be removably and snugly received in
recesses
13, 33 or 53 and recesses 73 can snugly and removably receive studs 11, 31 or
51.
[0083] The transformable toy building element 70 can be transformed from the
block
form seen in Figures 1OA and 10B to the robot-like toy figure form seen in
Figures 11A
and 11 B. Pelvis member 74 can be rotated about hinge members 75 to abut torso
member 76. Boot members 77 can be extended away from pelvis member 74, and toe
members 78 pivoted about pivot point 79 to abut the front of boot members 77.
Rotating
ball joint members 80 with respect to torso member 76 can swing shoulder
members 81
sideways to abut the sides of torso member 76. Forearm members 82 can be
extended
from shoulder members 81, and hand members 83 can be pivoted away from forearm
members 82 about pivot point 84. Head member 85 can be pivoted to align with
torso
member 76, and backpack member 86 can be pivoted around pivot point 87 to abut
the
back of torso member 76. It will be clear to the skilled person that the
transformable toy
building element 70 can be transformed from the form of a robot-like toy
figure to the
form of a block by reversing the above-described steps. It will be appreciated
that,
whether transformable toy building element 70 is in the form of a block or in
the form of a
12
CA 02741943 2011-06-02
robot-like toy figure, at least studs 71 are available for coupling to other
toy building
elements, as seen in Figures 1 OA to 11 B.
[0084] Figures 12A to 13 show yet another embodiment of the present
transformable toy
building element 90 which is transformable into a weapon-like toy figure.
Transformable
toy building element 90 has studs 91 and complementary recesses 93. The person
of
skill in the art will appreciate that studs 91 and recesses 93 are analogous
to studs 11,
31, 51 or 71 and recesses 13, 33, 53 or 73 and, in at least one embodiment,
can be
complementary such that studs 91 can be removably and snugly received in
recesses
13, 33, 53 or 73 and recesses 93 can snugly and removably receive studs 11,
31, 51 or
71.
[0085] The transformable toy building element 90 can be transformed from the
block
form seen in Figures 12A and 12B to the weapon-like toy figure form seen in
Figure 13.
Barrel members 94 can pivot outward to abut base member 95. Handle base member
96
can rotate outwards about hinge member 97, allowing handle member 98 to pivot
further
about pivot point 99. It will be clear to the skilled person that the
transformable toy
building element 90 can be transformed from the form of a weapon-like toy
figure to the
form of a block by reversing the above-described steps. It will be appreciated
that,
whether transformable toy building element 90 is in the form of a block or in
the form of a
weapon-like toy figure, studs 91 and recesses 93 are available for coupling to
other toy
building elements, as seen in Figures 12A to 13. As seen in Figure 14, toy
building
element 70 in the form of a robot-like figure is also adapted to connect with
toy building
element 90 in the form of a weapon-like figure, such that robot-like figure 70
appears to
be holding and pointing weapon-like figure 90.
[0086] Figures 15A to 18C show yet another embodiment of the present
transformable
toy building element 100 which is transformable into a robot-like toy figure.
Transformable toy building element 100 has studs 101 and complementary
recesses
103. The person of skill in the art will appreciate that studs 101 and
recesses 103 are
analogous to studs 11, 31, 51, 71 or 91 and recesses 13, 33, 53, 73 or 93 and,
in at
least one embodiment, can be complementary such that studs 101 can be
removably
and snugly received in recesses 13, 33, 53, 73 or 93 and recesses 103 can
snugly and
removably receive studs 11, 31, 51, 71 or 91.
[0087] The transformable toy building element 100 can be transformed from the
block
form seen in Figures 15A to 15B to the robot-like toy figure form seen in
Figures 18A to
13
CA 02741943 2011-06-02
18C. Front plate 104 can swing forward from bottom plate 105 by pivoting about
pivot
point 106. Bottom plate 105 can then swing downward and rearward, by rotation
about
hinge 107, best seen in Figure 15B, and front plate 104 can be collapsed
against bottom
plate 105, as shown in Figure 18B. Torso member 108 and leg assemblies 110 are
then
exposed, as best seen in Figures 16A and 16B. As seen in Figures 16B, 17A and
17B,
extension of leg assemblies 110 can be effected by pivoting pelvis member 111
forward
to abut torso member 108. Thigh members 112 can then pivot forward and
downward,
and rotate around the longitudinal axis of thigh members 112. Shin members 113
can be
pivoted about pivot points 114, from a position recessed within thigh members
112, and
boot members 115 can be positioned by rotating boot members 115 about ankle
members 116. Head member 117 can then be rotated outwards from a cavity within
torso member 108 by lifting head plate 118, as seen in Figures 16A and 18A.
Arm
members 119 can also be extended.
[0088] It will be clear to the skilled person that the transformable toy
building element
100 can be transformed from the form of a robot-like toy figure to the form of
a block by
reversing the above-described steps. It will be appreciated that, whether
transformable
toy building element 100 is in the form of a block or in the form of a robot-
like toy figure,
studs 101 and recesses 103 are available for coupling to other toy building
elements, as
seen in Figures 15A, 15B and 18A to 18C.
[0089] Figures 19A to 20 show yet another embodiment of the present
transformable toy
building element 130 which is transformable into a weapon-like toy figure.
Transformable
toy building element 130 has studs 131 and complementary recesses 133. The
person
of skill in the art will appreciate that studs 131 and recesses 133 are
analogous to studs
11, 31, 51, 71, 91, or 101 and recesses 13. 33, 53, 73, 93 or 103 and, in at
least one
embodiment, can be complementary such that studs 131 can be removably and
snugly
received in recesses 13, 33, 53, 73, 93 or 103 and recesses 133 can snugly and
removably receive studs 11, 31, 51, 71, 91, or 101.
[0090] The transformable toy building element 130 can be transformed from the
block
form seen in Figures 19A and 19B to the weapon-like toy figure form seen in
Figure 20.
Side members 134 and 135 can be rotated about hinge member 136, such that
studs
131 are received within recesses 133. Handle member 137 can be rotated about
pivot
point 138 to emerge from a cavity in side member 134. It will be clear to the
skilled
person that the transformable toy building element 130 can be transformed from
the
form of a weapon-like toy figure to the form of a block by reversing the above-
described
14
CA 02741943 2011-06-02
steps. It will be appreciated that, when transformable toy building element
130 is in the
form of a block, studs 131 and recesses133 are available for coupling to other
toy
building elements, as seen in Figures 19A and 19B.
[0091] As seen in Figure 21, transformable toy building element 100 in the
form of a
robot-like figure is also adapted to connect with transformable toy building
element 130
in the form of a weapon-like figure, such that robot-like figure 100 appears
to be holding
and pointing weapon-like figure 130. Furthermore, it will be apparent that
transformable
toy building element 70 in the form of a robot is adapted to connect with
transformable
toy building element 130 in the form of a weapon, and transformable toy
building
element 100 in the form of a robot is adapted to connect with transformable
toy building
element 90 in the form of a weapon.
[0092] Figures 22A to 23B show yet another embodiment of the present
transformable
toy building element 140 which is transformable into a robot-like toy figure.
Transformable toy building element 140 has studs 141 and complementary
recesses
143. The person of skill in the art will appreciate that studs 141 and
recesses 143 are
analogous to studs 11, 31, 51, 71, 91, 101 or 131 and recesses 13, 33, 53, 73,
93, 103
or 133 and, in at least one embodiment, can be complementary such that studs
141 can
be removably and snugly received in recesses 13, 33, 53, 73, 93, 103 or 133
and
recesses 143 can snugly and removably receive studs 11, 31, 51, 71, 91, 101 or
131.
[0093] The transformable toy building element 140 can be transformed from the
block
form seen in Figures 22A and 22B to the robot-like toy figure form seen in
Figures 23A
and 23B. Arm and shield members 145 can be rotated around ball hinge members
146
to abut the sides of torso member 147. Head member 149 can be pivoted to abut
the top
of torso member 147 as best seen in Figures 24A and 24B. As further seen in
Figures
24A and 24B, central chest member 151 can be pivoted to abut the front of
torso
member 147, thereby extending pelvis member 153 downwards and away from torso
member 147. Rotation of pelvis member 153 by about 180 degrees positions plate
member 155 at the back of the robot-like toy figure, and positions leg
assemblies 160,
which are mounted on ball joints 154. As seen in Figures 25A and 25B, leg
assemblies
160 can be further extended by rotating ankle members 162 about pivot points
163, and
rotating toe members 164 away from foot member 166 about pivot points 165.
[0094] It will be clear to the skilled person that the transformable toy
building element
140 can be transformed from the form of a robot-like toy figure to the form of
a block by
CA 02741943 2011-06-02
reversing the above-described steps. It will be appreciated that, whether
transformable
toy building element 140 is in the form of a block or in the form of a robot-
like toy figure,
studs 141 and recesses 143 are available for coupling to other toy building
elements, as
seen in Figures 22A to 23B.
[0095] As seen in Figure 26, transformable toy building element 140 in the
form of a
robot-like figure is also adapted to connect with transformable toy building
element 90 in
the form of a weapon-like figure, such that robot-like figure 140 appears to
be holding
and pointing weapon-like figure 90. Furthermore, it will be apparent that
transformable
toy building element 140 in the form of a robot is also adapted to connect
with
transformable toy building element 130 in the form of a weapon.
[0096] Figures 27A and 27B show yet another embodiment of the present
transformable
toy building element 170 which is transformable into a weapon-like toy figure.
Transformable toy building element 170 has studs 171 and complementary
recesses
(not shown). The person of skill in the art will appreciate that studs 171 and
the
complementary recesses are analogous to studs 11, 31, 51, 71, 91, 101, 131 or
141 and
recesses 13, 33, 53, 73, 93, 103, 133 or 143 and, in at least one embodiment,
can be
complementary such that studs 171 can be removably and snugly received in
recesses
13, 33, 53, 73, 93, 103, 133 or 143 and the complementary recesses can snugly
and
removably receive studs 11, 31, 51, 71, 91, 101, 131 or 141.
[0097] The transformable toy building element 170 can be transformed from a
block
form to an expanded form seen in Figure 27A and to the weapon-like toy figure
form
seen in Figure 27B. Rear members 175 can be pivoted about hinge members 176 to
abut each other or to abut sides 177 of body member 182. When rear members 175
abut each other as shown in Figure 27B, cover members 178 can be pivoted about
hinge members 179 to reveal weapon member 180, best seen in Figure 27B. Weapon
member 180 can be extended away from body member 182 by pivoting arm member
184 about pivot point 186. Barrel member 188 can also be extended outwards
from
weapon member 180.
[0098] It will be clear to the skilled person that the transformable toy
building element
170 can be transformed from the form of a weapon-like toy figure to the form
of a block
by reversing the above-described steps. It will be appreciated that, whether
transformable toy building element 170 is in the form of a block or in the
form of a
weapon-like toy figure, studs 171 and complementary recesses are available for
16
CA 02741943 2011-06-02
coupling to other toy building elements, as seen in Figures 27A and 27B.
[0099] Figures 28A and 28B show yet another embodiment of the present
transformable
toy building element 190 which is transformable into a weapon-like toy figure.
Transformable toy building element 190 has studs 191 and complementary
recesses
(not shown). The person of skill in the art will appreciate that studs 191 and
the
complementary recesses are analogous to studs 11, 31, 51, 71, 91, 101, 131,
141 or
171 and recesses 13, 33, 53, 73, 93, 103, 133 or 143 and, in at least one
embodiment,
can be complementary such that studs 191 can be removably and snugly received
in
recesses 13, 33, 53, 73, 93, 103, 133 or 143 and the complementary recesses
can
snugly and removably receive studs 11, 31, 51, 71, 91, 101, 131, 141 or 171.
[00100] The transformable toy building element 190 can be transformed from a
block form seen in Figure 28A to the weapon-like toy figure form seen in
Figure 28B.
Cover members 195 can be pivoted about hinge members 197 to reveal weapon
members 199, best seen in Figure 28B. It will be clear to the skilled person
that the
transformable toy building element 190 can be transformed from the form of a
weapon-
like toy figure to the form of a block by reversing the above-described steps.
It will be
appreciated that, whether transformable toy building element 190 is in the
form of a
block or in the form of a weapon-like toy figure, studs 191 and complementary
recesses
are available for coupling to other toy building elements, as seen in Figures
28A and
28B.
[00101] As seen in Figures 29A to 29C, the present transformable toy building
elements can be interconnected and combined to form composite toy figures and
playsets. Playset 200 comprises composite toy figure 210 in the form of a
Trojan horse,
which is formed from, and can be disassembled into, embodiments of the present
transformable toy building elements 220 which can be transformed to the form
of robots.
[00102] The embodiments of the present transformable toy building element
described herein are intended to be illustrative and non-limiting. Various
modifications
which are readily apparent to the person of skill in the art are intended to
be included.
The scope of the claims should not be limited by the specific embodiments
described
herein, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the
description as
a whole.
17
