JP4477014B2 - Snap-type educational toy vehicle equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

A toy vehicle system is provided that includes a first toy vehicle (101). The toy vehicle includes a first body component (103) having an end, a second body (107) component having an end, and a coupling system (117). The coupling system includes a first socket element (119) attached to the end of the first body component, a second socket element (121) attached to the end of the second body component, and an adapter (123) having one end removeably attached to the first socket element and an opposite end removeably attached to the second socket element.

Description

Disclosure details

[Technical Field of the Invention]
The present invention is in the field of educational toys.

[Background Technology]
There are many types of toys that snap-fit and form a model shape that is planned or born from the mind of an infant using toys. Typical devices of this type are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,744,780, 5,797,784, 5,486,127 and 5,653,621. All of these generally help educate young children in many ways to develop small motor skills. However, there is an ongoing pursuit for educational toys that develop the higher mental abilities of infants and yet also meet the highest standards of quality, durability, and ease of use.

[Disclosure of the Invention]
A toy vehicle apparatus including a first toy vehicle is provided. The toy vehicle includes a first body part having an end part, a second body part having an end part, and a connecting device. The coupling device includes a first socket element attached to the end of the first body part, a second socket element attached to the end of the second body part, and a first socket element. And an adapter having one end removably attached to the second socket element and an opposite end removably attached to the second socket element.

[Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]
The snap-fit educational toy vehicle described here is that described in US Pat. No. 6,595,824 of co-inventors Patrick Calello and Danilo Medina. Similar to. The specification and description of that US patent is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Similarities include at least the following aspects of a snap-fit educational toy vehicle as described in Carrero et al., US Pat. No. 6,595,824.

  As described in US Pat. No. 6,595,824 to Carrero et al., The snap-fit educational toy vehicle device described therein is clearly an infant's essential to cars, trucks and other vehicles. Using such interests to make such infants master skills such as skillful manipulation, organization, harmony of shape and color and recognition, creativity and problem solving. It is aimed. In particular, with respect to a very important skill in problem solving, Carrero et al., US Pat.No. 6,595,824, a snap-fit toy vehicle device includes a plurality of body parts that are joined together by an infant to form a toy vehicle. The toddler can assemble their car body elements by any of a number of different potential combinations to form toys with various relative arrangements and / or It features a toy vehicle with a coupling device configured to be able to disassemble the body elements of the vehicle at will. According to aspects of the invention disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,595,824 to Carrero et al., An infant who had a toy vehicle in a particular relative configuration in mind forms a vehicle in mind. Therefore, it is necessary to first recognize which combination of the toy parts is necessary. The infant must then select a coupling device adapter element that has a shape that complements the shape of the socket elements attached to their body parts. Eventually, the infant must determine the position of the adapters and the body parts and manipulate them to assemble a toy vehicle with the desired assembly in mind. Thus, this toy vehicle device extends the infant's ability to recognize not only similar colors, but also complementary shapes and structures, while at the same time “for how the article works”, eg, smaller It can be a very effective tool to learn lessons from how parts can make up larger assemblies (eg, toy cars or trucks).

  Some of the aspects of toy vehicle devices described in US Pat. No. 6,595,824 to Carrero et al. Are, for example, limited in durability or easy to assemble the toy parts by an infant. It may present some drawbacks such as problems associated with height and / or ease of removal. The present invention addresses these and other problems.

  With reference to FIGS. 1-3, a first exemplary embodiment of a toy vehicle 101 according to the present invention will be described. The toy vehicle 101 includes a plurality of body parts that can be coupled together to form the toy vehicle 101. For example, the toy vehicle 101 includes a front body part 103, a center body part 105, and a rear body part 107. The front, center and rear body parts 103, 105 and 107 can have one or more of a number of different materials including wood, plastic, metal, or combinations of different materials.

  In at least one embodiment, the base material of the body parts 103, 105 and 107 is wood, for example, wood smoothed with sandpaper. Such wood can be left unfinished, for example, or it can be partially or fully finished with paint, wood stain, and the like. Other finishing treatments and / or materials can be used. As will be explained later, wood is generally a good choice as a toy material, but the sled of the wooden part of the assembly (eg due to normal aging, excessive humidity or drying of the environment, cracks, etc.) Warping and swelling can apply large and / or unpredictable forces to adjacent parts of the assembly. These forces can act to deform or break adjacent parts. In the context of the toy vehicle apparatus of the present invention, such problems can adversely affect the general durability of the toy, but more importantly, the assembly and / or removal of body parts. During which undesired friction and / or unavoidable misalignment occurs, resulting in the infant's thoughts being interrupted by the resulting difficulties experienced by the infant Or there is a risk that the willingness to use the toy will be completely lost. The present invention addresses such problems.

  In relation to the front body part 103, in particular, as shown in FIG. 3, the front body part 103 is at least two regions 112 on the surface of the front body part 103 and has a complex curved portion (for example, A region depicting a surface that is curved according to two or more axes, eg, the surface of a sphere is oriented as a complex curve, whereas a cylinder is not oriented as a complex curve At least two headlamp cutouts 110 formed on one of the 112 are included. The headlight cut-out portion 110 is centered off the axis of the complex bend through the complex bend using a drill bit into the complex bend in the region 112 (eg, It is formed by making a hole in a direction that is not aligned with the curved axis. Its effect is to entertain the eyes in addition to the modern style of the toy, yet it is easy to produce.

  Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the central vehicle body part 105 of the toy vehicle 101 is a first end 109, thereby connecting the central vehicle body part 105 to the front vehicle body part 103. One end 109 and a second end 111, thereby allowing the central body part 105 to be connected to the rear body part 107. The front body part 103 has an end 113 which can connect the front body part 103 to the first end 109 of the central body part 105, and The rear body part 107 has an end 115, which can connect the rear body part 107 to the second end 111 of the central body part 105.

  When any two of the body parts 103, 105, 107 of the toy vehicle 101 are connected together, the toy vehicle 101 shown in FIGS. One exemplary embodiment, which includes a first exemplary embodiment in which the connecting device 117 is used to make the connection, is included. For example, the toy vehicle 101 includes two examples of the first exemplary embodiment of the coupling device 117 according to the present invention, namely one example, where the front body part 103 and the central body part 105 are together. A typical coupling device 117 disposed when coupled to the vehicle body, and another example is a typical coupling disposed when the rear body part 107 and the central body part 105 are coupled together. The device 117 is included.

  Each instance of coupling device 117 may be easily coupled and / or removed by an infant attempting to explore a variety of different possible toy vehicle assembly combinations. Having a plurality of parts or elements designed. (Alternative car body parts that infants replace with car body parts 103, 105, 107 are not shown in FIGS. 1-3. Examples of the same type are more detailed in US Pat. No. 6,595,824 to Carrero et al. The U.S. patent specification is incorporated herein by reference.) Specifically, the end 113 of the front body part 103 and the end 109 of the center body part 105 are also described. In relation to the connecting device 117 disposed between the first and second body parts 103, 105, 105 are attached to the front body part 103 at the end 113 of the front body part 103. Are attached to the second socket element 121 attached to the central vehicle body part 105 at the first end 109 and the first and second socket elements 119, 121, respectively. The connection between the central portion body component 105, and a adapter element 123 for performing the ends 113,109 of each of them. Similarly, in connection with the second example of the coupling device 117 disposed between the end 115 of the rear body part 107 and the second end 111 of the central body part 105, the coupling apparatus 117 A first socket element 119 attached to the central vehicle body part 105 at the second end 111 of the central vehicle body part 105, and a second socket element attached to the rear vehicle body part 107 at the end 115 of the rear vehicle body part 107. Are attached to each of the first and second socket elements 119, 121, and the connection between the rear body part 107 and the central body part 105 is made by their respective ends 115, 111. Adapter element 123 for performing.

  The adapter element and socket element of the coupling device 117 obtain strength and durability and other favorable properties useful for color coding, such as the ability of the plastic to have and maintain vivid coloration. In order to be made of plastic. However, it will be appreciated that those elements of the coupling device 117 may have one or more suitable materials such as metal, wood, rubber, etc. in addition to or instead of plastic.

  The elements 119, 121, 123 of the coupling device 117 are mating ends, at which the elements 119, 121, 123 themselves can be connected together. Can have. For example, in connection with the coupling device 117 disposed between the end 113 of the front body part 103 and the end 109 of the central body part 105, the adapter element 123 is the first mating end 125. The first mating end 125 and the second mating end 127 to which the adapter element 123 is attached to the first socket element 119 at the end thereof. A second mating end 127 attached to the second socket element 121. The first socket element 119 is a mating end portion 129 having a mating end portion 129 to which the first socket element 119 is attached to the first mating end portion 125 of the adapter element 123. Further, the second socket element 121 is a mating end portion 131, and the mating end at which the second socket element 121 is attached to the second mating end portion 127 of the adapter element 123. Part 131.

  The mating ends of the elements 119, 121, 123 of the coupling device 117 are arranged so that the corresponding interfaces can be fitted together and / or the protruding part of one mating end is It can have complementary shapes such that it has a complementary shape in the corresponding recess of the other mating end. For example, the mating end of the first socket element 119 is again related to the coupling device 117 disposed between the end 113 of the front body part 103 and the first end 109 of the central body part 105. The portion 129 has a socket or recessed portion 133, the first mating end 125 of the adapter element 123 has a first protruding portion 135, and the first protruding portion 135 is a recessed portion 133. And / or is sized and / or shaped to fit snugly within the recessed portion 133, for example, within tight dimensional tolerances for good fit and placement. Is arranged. As such, there is a male-female connection between the first socket element 119 and the adapter element 123, in which case the first mating end 125 of the adapter element 123 is not connected. One protruding portion 135 becomes a male portion, and a recessed portion 133 of the fitting end portion 129 of the first socket element 119 becomes a female portion. Similarly, the mating end 131 of the second socket element 121 has a recessed portion 137, and the second mating end 127 of the adapter element 123 has a second protruding portion 139, The portion 139 is sized and / or shaped to reach the recessed portion 137 and fit snugly within the recessed portion 137, eg, within tight dimensional tolerances, and / or arranged as such. ing. As such, there is a fitting connection between the second socket element 121 and the adapter element 123, in which case the second projecting part 139 is a male part and the recessed part 137 is a female part.

  There may be one or more additional mating connections between the first socket element 119 and the adapter element 123 of the coupling device 117. For example, once again, in connection with the example of the coupling device 117 arranged between the end 113 of the front body part 103 and the first end 109 of the central body part 105, the first fitting of the adapter element 123 The mating end 125 has a recessed portion 141 formed inside its first protruding portion 135, and the mating end 129 of the first socket element 119 is out of the interior of its recessed portion 133. Projecting portion 143 extending toward, and projecting portion 143 is sized and shaped to reach recessed portion 141 and fit snugly within recessed portion 141, for example, within a tight dimensional tolerance. Defined and / or arranged as such. As such, there may be an additional mating connection between the first socket element 119 and the adapter element 123, in which case the protruding portion 143 becomes a male portion and the recessed portion 141 becomes a female portion. Become. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, there may be a plurality of such additional mating connections between the first socket element 119 and the adapter element 123.

  In particular, it is similarly placed to prevent adapter elements other than adapter element 123 from being connected to socket element 119 (ie, extending outwardly from the interior of recessed portion 141 of first socket element 119). A protruding portion 143 of the first socket element 119 in addition to any other protruding portion). Accordingly, the first protruding portion 135 of the adapter element 123 is received in the recessed portion 133 of the first socket element 119, thereby doing so with the first socket element 119 and the adapter element 123. Is placed in the same way (i.e. formed within the first protruding portion 135 of the adapter element 123) and / or required In addition to any other indentations that are made, there is a indentation 141 of the adapter element 123. That is, an adapter that does not have an appropriate number of the recessed portions and does not have a recessed portion having a sufficient size, an appropriate shape, etc., and a protruding portion of each of the first mating end portions thereof The adapter formed in is associated with the first socket element 119 and is essentially useless. Therefore, an infant must use a specific adapter element 123 or another adapter element having the same cavity configuration to connect the front body part 103 and the central body part 105. Determining what must not be, for example, by trial and error or by performing a visual comparison of the shape depends on the judgment of the infant attempting the assembly.

  In some aspects of the invention, if the two elements of the coupling device are shape compatible as described above, the two elements are the same color and are much easier to understand for infants. Plays the role of ensuring (shape-compatibility). However, in some other embodiments of the invention that are appropriate for older infants, the infant needs to use similar colors as "stand-in" to fit the shapes together. Therefore, the colors of the elements of the shape-compatible coupling device are not always the same. As a result, the infant is forced to make other types of reasoning, such as deduction, in order to establish the necessary shape combinations.

  A second exemplary embodiment of a coupling device for coupling toy parts is illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, FIGS. 5A and 5B, and FIGS. 6A-6C. The elements illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6C, corresponding to those described above in connection with FIGS. 5A and 5B, have been indicated by a corresponding reference number increased by 100. Further, elements illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, 5A and 5B, and FIGS. 6A-6C that do not correspond to elements described above in connection with FIGS. Indicated by the reference number. The embodiments of FIGS. 4A and 4B, FIGS. 5A and 5B, and FIGS. 6A-6C function similarly to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-3 unless otherwise noted.

  4A shows two complementary elements of a subassembly of a second exemplary embodiment of a connecting device 217 for connecting multiple parts of a toy according to the present invention. In particular, the coupling device 217 has an adapter element 223 and a second socket element 221 shown in perspective view, separated from each other in FIG. 4A for illustrative purposes.

  In relation to the adapter element and the second socket element 221, there is a male female connection where the second protruding part 239 of the adapter element 223 becomes the male part and the recess of the second socket element 221 In addition to an inset connection where the portion 237 is a female part, another inset connection is provided. Specifically, the second mating end 227 of the adapter element 223 has a recessed portion 210 formed inside the second protruding portion 239 of the second mating end 227 of the adapter element 223. The mating end portion 231 of the second socket element 221 has a projecting portion 212 extending outward from the inside of the recessed portion 237 of the mating end portion 231 of the second socket element 221. 212 fits inside the recessed portion 210 so that it reaches the recessed portion 210 and is within, for example, a tight dimensional tolerance. As such, there is an additional fit connection where there is a fit connection where the protruding portion 212 becomes the male portion and the recessed portion 210 becomes the female portion. As shown in FIG. 4A, the shape of the protruding portion 212 and the recessed portion 210 is complementary, and is elongated in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the protruding portion 212 is inserted into the recessed portion 210. Further, both the protruding portion 212 and the recessed portion 210 have a second socket element 221 and an adapter element during snap-fit assembly and disassembly in addition to the laterally extending feature. An arrangement that facilitates good alignment with 223 and is aligned within the mating ends of each of the protruding portion 212 and the recessed portion 210. In addition, the presence of elongated features of the protruding portion 212 and the recessed portion 210 in the second socket element 221 and the adapter element 223 generally increases the rigidity of each such element, and This contributes to the durability and useful life of the coupling device 217, especially when the corresponding toy parts, which are made of plastic and connected together, are made of wood. This wood may, over time, tend to warp, expand, shrink, and / or crack, produce unexpected or excessive force, The added stiffness may add to the wood.

  The second socket element 221 and the adapter element 223 are complementary mating element mechanisms that form a detent or snap-fit feature of the coupling device 217, the second socket element 221. And a mating element mechanism that can characterize the assembly and removal interactions between the adapter element 223 and the adapter element 223. For example, the second socket element 221 has a raised ridge 214 extending in the lateral direction (ie, perpendicular to the direction in which the adapter element 223 is inserted into the second socket element 221). The adapter element 223 has another protruding ridge 216 extending in the same lateral direction. As such, after the second protruding portion 239 of the adapter element 223 is inserted sufficiently deep into the recessed portion 237 of the mating end 231 of the second socket element 221, the protruding ridge of the adapter element 223 Part 216 advances past the raised ridge 214 of the second socket element 221. Thereafter, when the protruding ridge 216 of the adapter element 223 rises to the level of the protruding ridge 214 of the second socket element 221, the protruding ridge 216 becomes the protrusion of the protruding ridge 214 of the second socket element 221. There is a tendency to stay on the side facing inward. Such an arrangement provides considerable resistance to any attempt to pull the adapter element 223 out of the second socket element 221 without first separating the pair of raised ridges 214, 216. FIG. 4B shows the subassembly 218 formed when the adapter element 223 stays inside the second socket element 221 and the raised ridges 214, 216 act to prevent their separation. .

  Referring again to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the adapter element 223 has a displaceable tab 220 so that the infant can remove, for example, the subassembly 218 (or alternatively, the subassembly). The protruding ridge 216 of the adapter element 223 is removed in such a way that the protruding ridge 216 of the adapter element 223 can be moved away from the protruding ridge 214 of the second socket element 221. It can be disposed on the knob 220 for use. The knob 220 is configured so that the rest of the adapter element 223 (eg, the second mating of the adapter element 223) is opposite to the direction in which the second protruding portion 239 extends into the recessed portion 237 of the second socket element 221. The knob 220 has this ability in that it is attached to a portion of the second protruding portion 239) of the end 227 and extends as a cantilever away from where the knob 220 is attached to that portion. I will provide a.

  The knob 220 is a finger interface region 222 formed by the presence of a depression 224 at least partially in the knob 220, comprising: It has an action area 222 that is defined in size and shape so that an infant's fingertip can be easily received. When the infant is operating the finger action area 222, the finger action area 222 has a plurality of friction mechanisms inside the recess 224 to prevent sliding movement of the infant's fingertip relative to the knob 220. As shown in FIG. 4B, the friction mechanisms have finger-catching edges 226 that are part of a terrace-like or stepped structure. Other types of friction mechanisms such as bumps, multiple posts or spikes, adhesives in addition to or in place of finger hooking end 226 Microdots of adhesive, etc. can be used. Importantly, an infant using the adapter element 223, for example, has oil or other moisture on the finger, or there is dust or other dirt on the knob 220 so that the infant's finger The reason is that the user does not feel that the knob 220 cannot be operated easily because the knob 220 is slippery.

  As best shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the second socket element 221 adds rigidity to the second socket element 221 and, as a result, adds dimensional and / or shape stability. , Having an additional plurality of elongated structures adjacent to the outer surface of the second socket element 221. For example, the second socket element 221 is a series of ribs 228 arranged around the second socket element 221 and arranged in parallel to each other and in the longitudinal direction (ie, With respect to the second socket element 221, it has a rib 228 extending along the direction in which the adapter element 223 is inserted and / or removed. As another example, the second socket element 221 extends around the end 231 of the second socket element 221 and is also useful for stiffening purposes. Have The flange 230 further has a surface 232 that allows the second socket element 221 to be arranged vertically (hidden) in relation to the toy part to which the second socket element 221 is attached. (See FIGS. 2 and 3 or FIGS. 6A-6C shown below for examples of such accessories). In addition, the same surface 232 allows the second socket element 221 to take the proper orientation relative to the toy part, which is very important for the elements of the coupling device 217 to be well aligned. is important.

  Flange 230 and rib 228 add rigidity and dimensional stability to second socket element 221. In particular, the ribs 228 provide support in any arrangement in which the second coupling element 221 is inserted into the toy part (eg, in an interference fit) (eg, the first in FIG. 2). (See the body part 103). Furthermore, in a toy vehicle embodiment (eg, the toy vehicle 101 of FIGS. 1-3) in which the body parts are formed primarily or exclusively of wood, the ribs 228 and / or flanges 230 provide the second socket element 221. The stiffness provided can be sufficient to withstand relatively large forces that can be caused by warping or swelling of the wood.

  Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the first socket element 219 of the coupling device 217 is also similar in number and arrangement of ribs 228 and flanges 230 of the second socket element and similar arrangement of flanges. 230. Accordingly, the function of the ribs 228 and flange 230 of the first socket element 219 and the advantages of such a structure provided in connection with the first socket element 219 are the second socket of FIGS. 4A and 4B. Similar to that described above with respect to element 221.

  The first socket element 219 cooperates with the adapter element 223 to characterize the assembly and removal interaction between the first socket element 219 and the adapter element 223, or a detent of the coupling device 217 or It has the function of a complementary mating element in the form of a snap-fit mechanism. For example, the adapter element 223 is an outwardly facing recessed portion 232 (which is best understood with reference to both FIGS. 4A and 5A), with recessed portions on opposite sides of the adapter element 223. 232, and the first socket element 219 has two instances of the inwardly facing protruding portion 234 (for one instance of such protruding portion) to complete the detent. 5A, the other of the opposing sides of the first socket element is hidden. With respect to the detent associated with the first socket element 219 and the adapter element 223, once the first protruding portion 235 of the first mating end 225 of the adapter element 223 is engaged with the mating end of the first socket element 219. When part 229 is inserted sufficiently deep into recessed portion 233 (see FIG. 6B, as further described below), it faces inward on each side of first socket element 219. The protruding portion 234 or ridge tends to snap into the recessed portion 232 in the recessed portion 233 on the corresponding side of the adapter element 223 and remain within the recessed portion 232 (eg, FIG. 5B). See). This arrangement of indentations and protrusions serves to hold the adapter element 223 within the first socket element 219 until removal is desired (see FIG. 5B).

  Referring again to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the first socket element 219 further has two instances of a displaceable tab 236 and faces inward of the first socket element 219. Each instance of the protruding portion 234 moves the corresponding protruding portion 234 facing inward inward or outward relative to the recessed portion 237 of the first socket element, as circumstances require. For this purpose, it is disposed on the removal knob 236. The removal knob 236 is attached to the remaining portion of the first socket element 219 and extends as a cantilever away from that portion (eg, from the flange 230 of the first socket element 219). In the case of the removal knob 236 of the first socket element 219, the inwardly protruding portion 234 is usually fitted to the infant once it makes a noise in the corresponding recess 232 of the adapter element 223. There is no way to move any of the removal knobs 236 independently. This is because the entire removal knob 236 is disposed directly below the flange 230 of the first socket element 219 and inside the toy part to which the first socket element 219 is attached. However, as described below in connection with FIGS. 6A-6C, the infant need not manage the removal knob 236 of the first socket element 219 to this extent.

  The detent or snap-fit mechanism corresponding to the connection between the second socket element 221 and the adapter element 223 is stronger than the corresponding mechanism that characterizes the connection between the first socket element 219 and the adapter element 223. is there. As shown in FIG. 6A, the subassembly 218 comprising the combination of the second socket element 221 and the adapter element 223 allows the infant to place the adapter element 223 on the central body part 105 of the toy vehicle according to the present invention. Created by insertion into the attached second socket element 221. A first socket element 219 attached to the front body part 103 of the toy vehicle according to the invention is arranged on the front of the subassembly 218 and is provided for connecting the body parts 103, 105. Can be aligned with sub-assemblies.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the infant applies forces 236, 238 facing the body parts 103, 105 to simultaneously apply (eg, push) the body parts 103, 105, as described below. As desired, the desired connection between the adapter element 223 and the first socket element 219 can be achieved. At this point, the adapter element 223 may be almost or completely within the body parts 103, 105, as shown in FIG. 6B. When the infant decides to remove the body parts 103, 105, the infant strongly pulls the body parts 103, 105 apart as represented by the forces 240, 242 applied to the body parts 103, 105 in FIG. 6C ( Or pull). The force required to remove the adapter element 223 from the first socket element 219 is less than the force required to remove the adapter element 223 from the second socket element 221. As such, the detent associated with the connection between the first socket element 219 and the adapter element 223 is released due to relative weakness, as shown in FIG. Alternatively, the adapter element 223 remains in the second socket element 221 although it is defeated by default. Thus, an infant typically does not need to be involved with an adapter element 223 that is not realized or that is fitted inside the first socket element 219 (the adapter element is more than a larger body element). A detent that is more difficult to grasp and that governs the connection between the first socket element 219 and the adapter element is located within the body element 103 and directly below the flange 230 of the first socket element. It will be difficult to remove the adapter element 223). Also, such predictability may be coupled to the coupling device 217 over the life of the toy as it is played with the associated toy vehicle and throughout the assembly / removal cycle shown in FIGS. 6A-6C. It brings a sense of security (calmness) to an infant who seems to be skillfully handling the question.

  7A and 7B illustrate a third exemplary embodiment of an adapter element of a connecting device for connecting parts of a toy according to the present invention. Elements illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B that correspond to the elements described above in connection with FIGS. 4A and 4B, FIGS. 5A and 5B, and FIGS. Is increased by 100. Further, elements illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B that do not correspond to the elements described above in connection with FIGS. 4A and 4B, FIGS. 5A and 5B, and FIGS. It is indicated by an even reference number starting with. The embodiment of FIG. 7A functions similarly to the embodiments of FIGS. 4A and 4B, FIGS. 5A and 5B, and FIGS. 6A-6C unless otherwise specified.

  7A and 7B, the adapter element 323 according to the present invention is similar to the second adapter element 223 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, FIGS. 5A and 5B, and FIGS. 6A to 6C. 2 with both differences from the adapter element 223. The coupling device 317 consists of a portion of an adapter element 323 having a main partial element 310 and an insert partial element 312. The main sub-element has a first mating end 335 in addition to a recessed portion 341 formed in the first projecting portion 325 and a friction enhancement embodied as a finger hooking end 326. In addition to the activating element, it has a removal knob 320 with a recess 324 in the finger action area 322, and further a rib 328, a flange 330, and a recessed portion 332 for receiving a raised ridge as a detent portion. Is a portion of the adapter element 323. The insert portion element of the adapter element 323 has a recessed portion 345 formed in the second protruding portion 339 of the second mating end 327 of the adapter element 323. The main sub-element 310 and the insert sub-element 312 can be sized and shaped to facilitate mass production, for example by high-volume plastic molding techniques. The insert subelement 312 can be sized and shaped to be inserted into a gap 314 in the main subelement 310 of the adapter element 323, with the position of the recessed portion 345 being In order to ensure that the protruding portion 247 of the second coupling element 221 (see FIG. 4A) is suitable for insertion, the insert portion element 312 can be, for example, adhesive or plastic It can be fixed in the cavity 314 by welding techniques.

  8 and 9 illustrate further aspects of toy vehicles according to the present invention. The elements illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, corresponding to those described above in connection with FIGS. 1-3, are represented by corresponding reference numbers increased by 300. Further, elements illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 that do not correspond to elements described above in connection with FIGS. 1-3 are represented by even reference numbers beginning with reference numeral 410. The embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9 functions similarly to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3 unless otherwise specified.

  With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, a toy vehicle 401 is part of a toy vehicle device comprising the toy vehicle 101 shown in FIGS. As such, if compatible shapes are allowed, the parts of the toy vehicle 401 can be replaced with parts of the toy vehicle 101, depending on the infant's imagination and desire. The toy vehicle includes a front body part 403, a center body part 405, a rear body part 407, a connecting device between the end 413 of the front body part 403 and the first end 409 of the center body part 405. 417 and a connecting device 417 between the end 415 of the rear body part 407 and the second end 411 of the central body part.

  The first socket element of the former coupling device 417 is attached to the front body part 403 at the end 413 of the front body part, and the second socket element of the former coupling unit is the center body part. At the first end 409 of 405, it is attached to the central body part 405. The first socket element 419 of the latter coupling device 417 is attached to the rear body component 407 at the end 415 of the rear body component 407, and the second socket element of the latter coupling device 417 is the center vehicle body. At the second end 411 of the part, it is attached to the central body part 405.

  The first protruding portion 435 of the first mating end 425 of the adapter element 423 of the former coupling device 417 is inserted into the recessed portion 433 of the mating end 429 of the first socket element 419, and The second protruding portion 439 of the second mating end 427 of the adapter element 423 of the former coupling device 417 is inserted into the recessed portion 437 of the mating end 431 of the second socket element 421. . The first protruding portion 435 of the first mating end 425 of the adapter element 423 of the latter coupling device 417 is inserted into the recessed portion 433 of the mating end 429 of the first socket element 419, and The second projecting portion 439 of the second mating end 427 of the adapter element 423 of the latter coupling device 417 is inserted into the recessed portion 437 of the mating end 431 of the second socket element 421. .

  The triangular prism-shaped protruding portion 410 extending from the inside of the recessed portion 433 of the mating end of the first socket element of both the former and the latter coupling device 417 is an adapter of both the former and the latter coupling device 417. It is inserted into a corresponding triangular prism shaped recess 412 formed in the first protruding portion 435 of the element 423. When an adapter element 423 having a triangular prism-shaped recessed portion 412 is attached to a vehicle body part, a first socket element having a cylindrical protruding portion extending from the recessed portion at the end of the first socket element, for example, The connection may not be formed with the body parts attached to the front socket element 119 of FIGS. However, if the adapter element 123 of FIGS. 2 and 3 is used instead of the adapter element 423, such a connection can be performed again.

  It is understood that the aspects described herein are merely exemplary and that many variations and partial modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Will be done. All such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Embodiment
(1) In a toy vehicle device,
A first body part having an end;
A second body part having an end;
A coupling device,
A first socket element attached to the end of the first body part;
A second socket element attached to the end of the second body part; and
An adapter having one end removably attached to the first socket element and an opposite end removably attached to the second socket element;
A coupling device having
A device including a first toy vehicle comprising:
(2) In the apparatus according to Embodiment 1,
The opposite end of the adapter of the first toy vehicle has a recessed portion having a first shape;
The second socket element has a protruding portion extending outwardly from the second socket element, the protruding portion being removably received within the recessed portion; Having a second shape that complements the first shape of the recessed portion;
apparatus.
(3) In the apparatus according to Embodiment 2,
The one end of the adapter of the first toy vehicle has a third shape such that the adapter is removably received within the first socket element; The apparatus, wherein the first socket element has a fourth shape that complements the third shape of the one end of the adapter.
(4) In the apparatus according to Embodiment 3,
A first body part having an end;
A second body part having an end;
A coupling device,
A first socket element attached to the end of the first body part;
A second socket element attached to the end of the second body part; and
An adapter having one end removably attached to the first socket element and an opposite end removably attached to the second socket element;
A coupling device having
A device further comprising a second toy vehicle comprising:
(5) In the toy vehicle apparatus according to embodiment 4,
The opposite end of the adapter of the second toy vehicle has a recessed portion having a fifth shape;
The second socket element has a protruding portion extending outwardly from the second socket element, the protruding portion being removably received within the recessed portion; Having a sixth shape that complements the fifth shape of the recessed portion;
apparatus.
(6) In the apparatus according to Embodiment 5,
The one end of the adapter of the second toy vehicle has a seventh shape, such that the adapter is removably received within the first socket element; The apparatus, wherein the first socket element has an eighth shape that complements the seventh shape of the one end of the adapter.
(7) In the apparatus according to Embodiment 6,
The adapter of the first toy vehicle is prevented from mating with the second body part of the second toy vehicle and the adapter of the second toy vehicle is the first toy vehicle. The first shape of the recessed portion of the first toy vehicle is such that the first toy vehicle is prevented from mating with the second body part of the first toy vehicle. An apparatus different from the fifth shape of the protruding portion of the vehicle.
(8) In the apparatus according to embodiment 7,
The adapter of the first toy vehicle is removably received within the first body part of the second toy vehicle and the adapter of the second toy vehicle The fourth shape of the first socket element of the first toy vehicle so that an adapter is removably received within the first body part of the first toy vehicle. Is the same as the eighth shape of the first socket element of the second toy vehicle.
(9) In the apparatus according to embodiment 8,
The apparatus, wherein the first toy vehicle has a first color and the second toy vehicle has a second color different from the first color.
(10) In the apparatus according to embodiment 9,
An apparatus wherein the first body part and the second body part of the first toy vehicle are made of wood and the coupling device of the first toy vehicle is made of plastic .
(11) In the device according to embodiment 10,
The one end of the adapter of the first toy vehicle has a recessed portion formed at the one end;
The first socket element has a protruding portion extending outward from the first socket element, and the protruding portion of the first socket element is inside the recessed portion of the adapter; Accepted as removable,
apparatus.
(12) In the apparatus according to the eleventh embodiment,
The first socket element has the first ridge, and the first socket element has the first socket element such that the adapter is retained within the first socket element. A device having a second ridge cooperating with one ridge.
(13) In the apparatus according to embodiment 12,
The adapter has a removal knob disposed adjacent to the first ridge so that the adapter can be removed from the first socket element when the knob is depressed. Device with various dimensions and shapes.
(14) In the device according to embodiment 13,
The apparatus wherein the knob has a depression having a size and shape that increases the frictional engagement of the knob.
(15) In the device according to embodiment 14,
The apparatus, wherein the first socket element comprises an outer surface having a plurality of ribs having dimensions and shapes such that the first socket element is retained within the first body part.
(16) In the device according to embodiment 15,
The apparatus, wherein the second socket element comprises an outer surface having a plurality of ribs having dimensions and shapes such that the second socket element is retained within the second body part.

1 is a side view of a first exemplary embodiment of a snap-fit educational toy vehicle according to the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is an exploded rear side view, in perspective view, of the snap-fit educational toy vehicle shown in FIG. 1, wherein each of the toy connecting parts according to the invention is a first socket element first Disassembled rear view showing two instances of the first aspect of the coupling device for the coupling component comprising an exemplary aspect and the first exemplary aspect of the first adapter element. It is a side view. FIG. 3 is an exploded front side view of a snap-fit educational toy vehicle shown in FIG. 1 in a perspective view, with different perspective views of two example separation elements of the coupling device also shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a side view of the pre-disassembly assembly shown by the figure and wherein the coupling device comprises a first exemplary embodiment of a second socket element. FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of a coupling device for coupling components of a toy according to the present invention, partially in that only two complementary elements of the coupling device are shown. And includes a second exemplary embodiment of the first socket element and a second exemplary embodiment of the adapter element, but for convenience, a second exemplary embodiment of the second socket element. FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view, with no aspect shown. FIG. 4B is another partial perspective view of the coupling device shown in FIG. 4A, with the first socket element and the adapter element shown attached together according to the present invention. . FIG. 4B is another partial perspective view of the coupling device shown in FIG. 4A, and a second view of the adapter element shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B and the second socket element not shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view including an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 5B is another partial perspective view of the coupling device shown in FIG. 5A with the second socket element and adapter element of the coupling device attached together to form a subassembly according to the present invention. It is a fragmentary perspective view shown by. 4B is a side view of the coupling device shown in FIGS. 4A-5B, with the first socket element of FIG. 4A shown attached to a first toy part (shown in dotted lines), A subassembly of 5B is shown attached to a second toy part (also indicated by a dotted line) by the second socket element of FIG. 4A, and further comprising the first socket element and the FIG. 6 is a side view showing the subassembly separated and generally aligned prior to being installed. FIG. 6B is a side assembly view of the coupling device shown in FIG. 6A, wherein the first and second toy parts (shown in dotted lines) are connected to each other such that the first socket element and the subassembly are attached to each other. FIG. 4 is a side assembly view after connecting the first and second toy parts in accordance with the present invention by moving forward sufficiently in the direction; 6A and 6B are side views of the coupling device shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, in accordance with the present invention, such that the first and second (shown in dotted lines) are such that the first socket element is removed from the subassembly. It is a side view after separating a toy part. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of an adapter element of a connecting device for connecting parts of a toy according to the invention, the adapter element being two complementary partial elements assembled together; FIG. 6 is a perspective view having complementary partial elements that are dimensioned and shaped to form an adapter element. FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the adapter element of the coupling device shown in FIG. 7A, wherein the complementary partial elements are merged to form an assembled adapter element. FIG. 4 is an exploded rear side view of a second exemplary embodiment of a snap-fit educational toy vehicle according to the present invention in a perspective side view of a connecting device for connecting parts of a toy according to the present invention; FIG. 8 shows two examples of a fourth exemplary embodiment, wherein the coupling device in FIG. 8 is a third exemplary embodiment of the first socket element and a fourth exemplary embodiment of the adapter element. FIG. 6 is a rear side view of the disassembled assembly shown as having. FIG. 9 is an exploded front side view of a snap-fit educational toy vehicle shown in FIG. 8 in a perspective view, separated by two different perspective views of the two examples of the coupling device shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is an exploded rear view showing the elements, wherein the coupling device is shown in FIG. 9 with the first exemplary embodiment of the second socket element also shown in FIG. 3.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Toy vehicle 103 Front body part 105 Center part body part 107 Rear body part 109 First end part 110 of the center part body part 110 Headlight cut-out part 111 Second end part 112 Surface of front body part 103 At least two regions 113 End part of front body part 103 115 End part of rear body part 107 117 Connecting device 119 First socket element, front socket element 121 Second socket element 123 Adapter element 125 First part of adapter element 123 1 mating end portion 127 second mating end portion of adapter element 123 129 mating end portion of first socket element 119 131 mating end portion of second socket element 121 133 of first socket element 119 Socket or recess 135 First protrusion of adapter element 123 Portion 137 Recessed portion 139 Second projecting portion 141 Recessed portion of first socket element 119 143 Projected portion of first socket element 119 210 Recessed portion 212 Projected portion 214 Projected raised portion of second socket element 216 Adapter element 223 protruding ridge 217 coupling device 218 subassembly 219 first socket element 220 removal knob 221 second socket element, second coupling element 222 finger action area 223 adapter element 224 depression 225 adapter element 223 first 1 fitting end 226 finger hooking end 227 second fitting end 228 of adapter element 223 rib 229 fitting end of first socket element 219 230 flange 231 fitting of second socket element 221 End 232 Recessed part 34 protruding portion 235 first protruding portion 236 of adapter element 223 first mating end 225 detaching knob 237 recessed portion of mating end 231 of second socket element 221 second of adapter element 223 Second projecting portion 247 of mating end 227 Projected portion of second coupling element 221 310 Main partial element 312 Insert partial element 314 Cavity 317 Connecting device 320 Detachment knob 322 Finger action area 323 Adapter element 324 Dimple 325 First protruding portion 326 Finger hooking end 327 Second fitting end of adapter element 323 328 Rib 330 Flange 332 Recessed portion 335 First fitting end 339 Second fitting end of adapter element 323 Second projecting part 341 of the part 327 345 Recessed portion 401 Toy vehicle 403 Front car body part 405 Central car body part 407 Rear car body part 409 First end part of central car body part 405 410 Triangular prism-shaped projecting part 411 Second end of central car body part 405 Portion 412 Triangular prism-shaped recess 413 End of front body part 403 415 End of rear body part 407 417 Connecting device 419 First socket element 423 of connecting device 417 Adapter element 425 of connecting device 417 First of adapter element 423 1 mating end 427 second mating end 429 of adapter element 423 mating end 431 of first socket element 419 mating end 433 of second socket element 421 dent of mating end 429 Part 435 First protruding portion 437 of first fitting end 425 fitting Recessed portion 439 of second end portion 431 Second protruding portion of second fitting end portion 427

Claims (14)

In toy vehicle equipment,
A first body part having an end;
A second body part having an end;
A coupling device,
A first socket element attached to the end of the first body part;
A second socket element attached to the end of the second body part; and
An adapter having one end removably attached to the first socket element and an opposite end removably attached to the second socket element;
A coupling device having
Including a first toy vehicle comprising :
The second socket element cooperates with the first ridge so that the adapter has a first ridge and the adapter is retained within the second socket element. Having a second ridge,
The adapter has a removal knob disposed adjacent to the first ridge so that the adapter can be removed from the second socket element when the knob is depressed. a size and shape to have a, device. The apparatus of claim 1.
The opposite end of the adapter of the first toy vehicle has a recessed portion having a first shape;
The second socket element has a protruding portion extending outwardly from the second socket element, the protruding portion being removably received within the recessed portion; Having a second shape that complements the first shape of the recessed portion;
apparatus. The apparatus of claim 2.
The one end of the adapter of the first toy vehicle has a third shape such that the adapter is removably received within the first socket element; The apparatus, wherein the first socket element has a fourth shape that complements the third shape of the one end of the adapter. The apparatus of claim 3.
A first body part having an end;
A second body part having an end;
A coupling device,
A first socket element attached to the end of the first body part;
A second socket element attached to the end of the second body part; and
An adapter having one end removably attached to the first socket element and an opposite end removably attached to the second socket element;
A coupling device having
A device further comprising a second toy vehicle comprising: The apparatus of claim 4.
The opposite end of the adapter of the second toy vehicle has a recessed portion having a fifth shape;
The second socket element of the second toy vehicle has a protruding portion extending outwardly from the second socket element, and the protruding portion is removable inside the recessed portion. So that it has a sixth shape that complements the fifth shape of the recessed portion,
apparatus. The apparatus of claim 5.
The one end of the adapter of the second toy vehicle has a seventh shape, and the adapter is removable within the first socket element of the second toy vehicle. So that the first socket element has an eighth shape that complements the seventh shape of the one end of the adapter. The apparatus of claim 6.
The adapter of the first toy vehicle is prevented from mating with the second body part of the second toy vehicle and the adapter of the second toy vehicle is the first toy vehicle. The first shape of the recessed portion of the first toy vehicle is such that the first shape of the recessed toy vehicle of the first toy vehicle is prevented from mating with the second body part of the first toy vehicle. An apparatus different from the fifth shape of the recessed portion. The apparatus of claim 7.
The adapter of the first toy vehicle is removably received within the first body part of the second toy vehicle and the adapter of the second toy vehicle The fourth shape of the first socket element of the first toy vehicle so that an adapter is removably received within the first body part of the first toy vehicle. Is the same as the eighth shape of the first socket element of the second toy vehicle. The apparatus of claim 8.
The apparatus, wherein the first toy vehicle has a first color and the second toy vehicle has a second color different from the first color. The apparatus of claim 9.
The first body part and the second body part of the first toy vehicle are made of wood, and the coupling device of the first toy vehicle is made of plastic; apparatus. The apparatus of claim 10.
The one end of the adapter of the first toy vehicle has a recessed portion formed at the one end;
The first socket element has a protruding portion extending outward from the first socket element, and the protruding portion of the first socket element is inside the recessed portion of the adapter; Accepted as removable,
apparatus. The apparatus of claim 11 .
The apparatus, wherein the knob comprises a recess having a size and shape that increases the frictional engagement of the knob. The apparatus of claim 12 .
The apparatus, wherein the first socket element comprises an outer surface having a plurality of ribs having dimensions and shapes such that the first socket element is retained within the first body part. The apparatus of claim 13 .
The apparatus, wherein the second socket element comprises an outer surface having a plurality of ribs having dimensions and shapes such that the second socket element is retained within the second body part.

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