HK1134662B

HK1134662B - Offset matrix system for construction toy sets

Info

Publication number: HK1134662B
Application number: HK10101612.4A
Authority: HK
Inventors: J‧I.‧格利克曼; M‧F.W.‧德普纳
Original assignee: K'nex普通合股公司
Priority date: 2006-10-16
Filing date: 2007-10-09
Publication date: 2012-10-12

Description

Offset line-column spacing system for construction toy sets

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an offset matrix spacing system for construction toy sets, and more particularly to an offset matrix spacing system for pole and connector construction toy sets in combination with the structure of a modular construction toy set.

Background

The above-mentioned co-pending application relates to the concept of combining the well-known K' NEX rod and connector construction toy system with a building block construction toy (construction) system such as Lego and Mega Bloks. The techniques described for this purpose in the co-pending application include, among other things, sizing the K' NEX rods and connector elements specifically to be universally compatible with known building block construction toy systems that use standard size building blocks. Existing building block systems are based on standardized lateral and longitudinal spacing of lugs that project upwardly from the building elements and enable these elements to be frictionally connected to similar building elements located directly above. In the system of the above-mentioned co-pending application, specific adapter bricks are provided which are dimensioned to conform to existing bricks and which include evenly spaced vertical sockets positioned between the sets of lugs for receiving specific adapter pins. The adapter pin includes an upwardly projecting end configured to engage a connector element of a K' NEX system. This arrangement allows the K 'NEX rods and connectors to be connected to the building block assemblies at longitudinally spaced, laterally spaced or diagonally spaced points to accommodate complex combinations of K' NEX and modular construction.

While the above-described arrangement for combining K 'NEX and modular construction toy systems is highly advantageous and useful, the use of the primary base of existing sized K' NEX rods and connector elements is not readily adaptable to the base of existing Lego-type construction blocks. Existing K' NEX rods and connectors are initially sized without reference to conventional modular construction sets and are therefore incompatible in size with the spaced intervals employed in conventional modular systems. In general, the use of standard components of one system requires the resizing of components of the other system for complete compatibility.

Disclosure of Invention

In accordance with the present invention, the structural integration of existing K' NEX assemblies with existing modular size assemblies can be accomplished by the application of specific offset matrix adapters that can engage modular building system assemblies having standard bump pitches and other modular systems that are fully dimensionally compatible with Lego and similar systems. The system of the present invention comprises a Lego-compatible block or panel having vertically open adaptor sockets for receiving adaptors already disposed between pairs of projections. These sockets are formed in bricks or panels which correspond in different ways in size to standard Lego-style systems, and the adapter sockets are disposed within the limits of these dimensions so as not to compromise in any way the overall compatibility of the adapter brick or panel elements with other fully conventional Lego-style elements of standard size.

In a standard size Lego-style system, the bumps are spaced apart a distance of about 0.315 inches (8.0mm) in the longitudinal and transverse directions. According to the invention, the adapter sockets provided in the adapter plate or block are evenly spaced, centrally positioned in groups of four lugs, and are therefore also spaced apart by a standardized spacing of 0.315 inch (8.0 mm). In a solid panel, the 0.315 inch (8.0mm) spacing is present in both the longitudinal and transverse directions, preferably throughout the entire panel area. In a side-by-side assembly of bricks, the surface area presented by the assembly of bricks is interrupted by a seam between adjacent contacting bricks. Where joints between adjacent bricks exist, adapter sockets are generally not present, and there will therefore be interruptions in the spacing of adapter sockets across the face of an assembly made up of bricks with side walls joined to side walls. However, the spacing matrix spacing is still the same, as the bricks are dimensioned in length and width such that adjacent adapter sockets in a pair of adjacent bricks are simply spaced twice the usual 0.315 inch (8.0mm) spacing. The overall spacing row and column spacing is uniform throughout the entire block assembly, although there are no sockets at the locations where the block sidewalls join the sidewalls.

The K' NEX rod and connector system includes a plurality of receptacle and spoke connector elements and a plurality of rods of a standardized length. The connector element is formed with a central receptacle and one or moreA plurality of stem-engaging sockets extending radially from the receptacle. In all cases, the base of the socket is a fixed distance from the central axis of the socket. The basic principles of the K' NEX system are set forth in Glickman, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,061,219 and 5,199,919, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. As disclosed in the patent, the length of the rod follows the equation 2D + L_x＝0.707*(2D+L_x+1) Where D is equal to the distance from the central axis of the connector to the base of its socket and L is equal to the length of the rod. In a typical construction set, there is a sequence of rod lengths from minimum to maximum, all sized according to the aforementioned formula.

The currently marketed K' NEX kit has two major sizes, the larger of the two being "classic" and the smaller being "miniature". In the "classic" K' NEX set, the rod lengths may be provided in a sequence ranging from about 0.61 inches (15.49mm) to about 7.560 inches (192mm) according to the aforementioned sequence. For a typical "mini" kit, the assembly components are small in all respects, and the sequence of rod lengths may range from a shortest rod of about 0.5625 inches (14.29mm) to a longest rod of about 7.874 inches (200 mm). Typically, all dimensions of a "mini" set are scaled down compared to the components of a "per-typical" set. For example, the diameter of the rod of a "typical" kit may be about one-quarter inch, while the diameter of the rod of a "mini" kit may be about 0.152(3.86mm) inch. Distance D from jack axis to socket base of miniature size connector_mIs 0.241 inch (6.12mm) and is "over the typical" distance D of the kit_cIs 0.398 inches (10.1 mm).

The term "K' NEX rod and connector system" as used in this application refers to the rod and connector construction toy system described in the preceding two paragraphs.

Because the K' NEX rod and connector system is designed and developed without reference to the Lego-style building block construction system, there is no compatibility between the two by itself that enables the two systems to be combined in a manner that enables complex structures to be assembled using the components of the two systems, thereby forming a unique and advantageous hybrid structure.

According to the invention, specific matrix adapters are provided, which can be assembled with the aforesaid specific adapter bricks. These matrix adapters are uniquely configured to position the K 'NEX-compatible elements on the standard building block matrix in such a way that the K' NEX-compatible elements are properly spaced for incorporation into complex hybrid structures. The concept of the present invention enables this to be achieved using either "classic" or "miniature" K' NEX components, or both where appropriate.

The objects of the present invention are achieved by providing a specific matrix adapter element with spaced apart posts that are received in and extend upwardly from sockets of specific Lego compatible bricks or tiles. The spaced apart posts support an adapter rod in a substantially horizontal orientation, with an axis of the adapter rod being laterally offset relative to a vertical axis of the post element. The extent of the lateral offset is set such that by positioning the offset in one direction or the other, other incompatible dimensions of the building block system can be almost completely eliminated and can be ignored for practical purposes.

By using different rod lengths for the K 'NEX components, the "error" in spacing between the building block system and the K' NEX system can be varied, which in some cases is positive and in other cases is negative. However, according to the invention, this situation is easily accommodated by the ability to reverse the orientation of the row-column adapter so that the offset of the adapter lever adds or subtracts the distance necessary to achieve substantial alignment with respect to the underlying socket of the building block system. Thus, with a single adapter structure (one for "typical" sizes and one for "micro" sizes), all other incompatible spacings between the K' NEX system and the building block system can be accommodated. Thus, a standard, existing Lego-style construction toy set can be fully integrated with a standard, existing K' NEX rod and connector construction toy set using a small number of relatively simple components.

According to the present invention there is provided an offset column spacing system for structural integration of rod and connector construction toy sets with modular construction toy sets, wherein:

(a) the rod and connector construction toy set includes connectors of various shapes and sizes, each connector having a socket and a plurality of rod-engaging sockets radially arranged relative to a longitudinal axis of the socket, wherein the sockets have base walls spaced apart from the longitudinal axis of the socket by a uniform distance "D", and the rods are of a length to follow 2D + L_x＝0.707*(2D+L_x+1) Increased length sequence L₁…L_nWherein D is about 0.398 inches or 0.241 inches, and length L_xAbout 1.477 inches, the stem being formed with mutually opposed stem ends including an end flange and a reduced diameter neck portion adjacent the end flange adapted for lateral snap-fit engagement with the stem-engaging socket,

(b) the building block construction toy set includes one or more construction elements forming a matrix of upwardly projecting lugs uniformly spaced longitudinally and transversely at a center-to-center spacing "C" of about 0.315 inches,

(c) the construction element is formed with a plurality of vertically oriented adapter sockets centrally located between groups of four lugs such that all adapter sockets are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal and transverse directions by a center-to-center distance of about C S, where S is a positive integer greater than zero,

(d) a plurality of the adapter sockets are spaced apart by a distance of no more than 2 x C relative to a nearest adjacent adapter socket, and wherein:

(e) a plurality of matrix adapter elements for engaging the adapter sockets,

(f) each matrix adapter element including a pair of spaced apart vertically oriented mounting posts having free ends shaped and sized for close axial engagement into a pair of adapter sockets and an offset rod connected to upper ends of the mounting posts,

(g) the free ends of the mounting posts have a spacing of C S₁Vertical axis of distance, wherein S₁Is a positive integer greater than zero and is,

(h) said offset rod having a length sequence L according to the aforementioned₁…L_nAnd having rod ends at their mutually opposite ends, each rod end comprising an end flange and a neck of reduced diameter adjacent to said end flange,

(i) the upper portion of the mounting post is secured to the middle portion of the biasing rod, the ends of the biasing rod extend far enough beyond the mounting post on both sides to enable connection with a connector at each end,

(j) said offset rod having a rod axis laterally offset from the axis of said free end by a distance "O" less than the spacing "C", whereby in assembly of the rod and connector with the splice elements, a pair of opposed said matrix adapter elements can be inserted into the pair of spaced adapter sockets with its offset rod positioned inwardly or outwardly relative to the pair of opposed matrix adapter elements such that the respective rod ends of said offset rod are in close proximity to 2D + L_xAre spaced apart to enable other rod and connector assemblies and subassemblies to be connected with the matrix adapter elements.

Further in accordance with the present invention, there is also provided an offset column spacing system for structural integration of a rod and connector construction toy set with a modular construction toy set, wherein:

(a) the rod and connector construction toy set includes connectors of various shapes and sizes, each connector having a socket and a plurality of rod-engaging sockets radially arranged relative to a longitudinal axis of the socket, wherein the sockets have base walls spaced apart from the longitudinal axis of the socket by a uniform distance "D", and the rods are of a length to follow 2D + L_x＝0.707*(2D+L_x+1) Increased length sequence L₁…L_nProviding that D is a fixed dimension and the shortest rod has a length L greater than or equal to 2 x D₁And the rod is formed with mutually opposed rod ends including an end flange and a reduced diameter neck portion adjacent the end flange adapted for transverse snap-fitting in the rod-engaging socket,

(b) the building block construction toy set includes one or more construction elements forming a matrix of upwardly projecting lugs uniformly spaced longitudinally and transversely at center-to-center spacings "C",

(c) the construction element is formed with a plurality of vertically oriented adapter sockets centrally located between groups of four projections such that all adapter sockets are spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal and transverse direction by a center-to-center distance of about C S, wherein S is a positive integer greater than zero, and wherein:

(d) a plurality of said adapter sockets are spaced apart relative to the nearest adjacent adapter socket by a distance of no more than 2 x C,

(e) a plurality of matrix adapter elements for engagement with the adapter sockets,

(j) said offset rod having a rod axis laterally offset from the axis of said free end of said mounting post by a distance "O" less than the spacing "C", whereby in assembly of the rod and connector with the splice elements, a pair of opposed said matrix adapter elements can be inserted into the pair of spaced adapter sockets with its offset rod positioned inwardly or outwardly relative to the pair of opposed matrix adapter elements such that the respective rod ends of said offset rod are in close proximity to 2D + L_xAre spaced apart to enable other rod and connector assemblies and subassemblies to be connected with the matrix adapter elements.

For a fuller understanding of the above-mentioned and other features and advantages of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention along with the accompanying figures.

Drawings

FIG. 1a is a perspective view showing a tile compatible with a Lego-style building block system, shown with the assembled components from a "via-typical" K' NEX rod and connector system, and using the novel matrix adapter elements of the present invention.

FIG. 1b is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1a, showing a building block compatible panel on which elements of a "miniature" K' NEX rod and connector system are mounted.

Fig. 2a is a top view of the assembled combination of fig. 1 a.

Fig. 2b is a top view of the assembled combination of fig. 1 b.

FIGS. 3a and 3b are perspective views of matrix adapter elements according to the present invention sized according to K' NEX "via typical" and "micro" lever and connector systems, respectively.

Fig. 4a and 4b are front views of the matrix adapter elements of fig. 3a and 3b, respectively.

FIGS. 5a and 5b are end views of respective matrix adapters.

FIGS. 6a and 6b are enlarged exploded front views showing details of the lower end portions of the post portions of the respective matrix adapters.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged exploded cross-sectional view showing one adapter post installed in a particular adapter construction element.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view similar to fig. 1a and 1b, showing a base structure made up of a plurality of individual bricks instead of a monolithic block.

Detailed Description

Referring now first to fig. 1a, reference numeral 20 generally designates a mounting tile configured to be compatible with a standard Lego-style building block construction toy system. In this respect, the panel is provided with a plurality of upwardly projecting cylindrical projections 21 over its working surface, which projections 21 are evenly spaced both longitudinally and transversely on the surface of the panel 20. In a standard Lego-style building block system, the center-to-center spacing between adjacent lugs is about 0.315 inches (8.0 mm). As will be shown below, the lower supporting surface need not be a complete surface of the plate 20, for example, but may be constituted by a plurality of individual blocks. However, even if constructed from the bricks, the spacing of the studs 21 will remain at 0.315 inches (8.00 mm). As is well known, Lego-style building block construction systems have been on the market for many years and are sold not only by Lego but also by other manufacturers such as Mega blocks and Cobi Best-Lock. Thus, standard building blocks that have been sold for many years have a considerable basis for existence.

The K' NEX rod and link construction toy system is represented in FIG. 1a by links 22 and rods 23. Each connector has a socket 24 with a central axis (not shown) and a plurality of rod-engaging sockets 25 extending radially from the axis of the socket 24 at 45 ° intervals. In each connector 22 of the K' NEX system, a fixed distance D is from the central axis of the receptacle 24 to the base wall 26 of the socket 25. Thus, for any connector that can take many forms, and for any socket of any connector, the distance from the socket axis to the base wall 26 is always a fixed distance D. In the case of a K' NEX "classic" construction kit, the distance D_cIs 0.398 inches (10.1 mm).

As set forth in the aforementioned Glickman U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,061,219 and 5,199,919, the rods 23 of the K' NEX kit are oriented according to the function 2D + L_x＝0.707*(2D+L_x+1) Is provided in the form of a specific length sequence. In the existing K' NEX "classic" set, the smallest rod has a length of 0.681 inches. When the lengths of the sections are connected to connectors at each end, the centerline-to-centerline distance between the receptacles of the respective connectors is 1.477 inches (37.5 mm). Based on the foregoing formula, the series of rod lengths in the current K' NEX "classic" set are 0.681, 1.293, 2.158, 3.382, 5.112, and 7.559 inches (17.3, 32.8, 54.8, 85.9, 129.8, 192.0 mm). Such a geometry allows very complex structures to be assembled when each of these existing rod lengths is connected at each end with a connector.

In order to enable interconnection between the Lego-type building block system and the K' NEX system, it is necessary to provide the panels 20 with a plurality of vertically disposed cylindrical sockets 27 extending over the working surface thereof. These sockets are centrally located between sets of bumps 21 so that the center-to-center spacing between sockets and between bumps is the same, i.e., 0.315 inches (8.0mm) for a standard Lego-style system. However, the centre-to-centre line distance of the connector connecting the mutually opposite ends of any length of rod 23 in the sequence described above, does not coincide with the spacing of the lugs 21 and sockets 27. In lower panel 20, for example, for the smallest "classic" pole, the centerline-to-centerline distance is 1.477 inches (37.5mm), while in the panel the closest mating centerline-to-centerline spacing between sockets 27 is 1.26 inches (32.0mm) on one side and 1.575 inches (40.0mm) on the other side. For longer rods of two sizes, the centerline-to-centerline spacing between connector receptacles is 2.954 inches (75.0mm), while the closest mating socket spacing on lower plate 20 is 2.835 inches (72.0mm) on one side and 0.315 inches (8.0mm) on the other side. Similar misalignment occurs for all sizes of rod and connector combinations, as shown in the pitch chart shown below.

Fig. 1b of the drawings shows a tile 20 which is the same as that shown in fig. 1a, with 0.315 inch (8.0mm) spacing lugs 21 and sockets 27 provided on the same standard Lego-style tile. However, in the diagram of fig. 1b, an assembled combination of existing K' NEX "micro" assemblies is shown, including rods 30 and connectors 31. As can be seen by comparing fig. 1a and 1b, which are shown on the same scale, the "micro" components are significantly smaller than the "classical" components. However, the sequence of bar codes for "miniature" systems follows the same formula as for "classic" systems, i.e. for "n" bar lengths, the length is from L₁To L_nWill be according to 2D + L_x＝0.707*(2D+L_x+1) And (4) increasing. However, in the case of a "miniature" system, the distance "D" from the axis 32 of the socket of the connector to the base wall 33 of one of its sockets_n"is 0.241 inch (6.12 mm). Now thatShortest rod length L with "mini" set₁Is 0.5625 inches (14.3mm) and the centerline-to-centerline distance between the jack axes when connected to the connector at each end is set at 1.0445 inches (26.5 mm). Advantageously, the length sequence of the "mini" rods is such that, starting from the rod length L2 of the "mini" bundle, the centerline-to-centerline distance between the jack axes of the "mini" bundle is exactly the same as the centerline-to-centerline distance of the "typical" bundle. In all cases, however, this centerline-to-centerline distance is inconsistent with the jack spacing in the lower plate 20 as defined by the standard Lego-style spacing row-column spacing.

In accordance with the present invention, compatibility between existing K 'NEX construction sets ("typical" or "micro") and standard Lego-style systems is achieved through the use of novel offset adapter elements mounted on the plate 20 and capable of being oriented in either of two directions, one for substantially correcting for the difference existing between the spacing of the plate receptacles 27 and the spacing between a pair of receptacles to which "typical" or "micro" K' NEX rods are connected. In accordance with the present invention, a single type of offset matrix adapter for each system ("typical" and "micro") can be used in conjunction with any rod and connector combination to achieve such an assembled combination with the panel 20. Although small differences in pitch may still be present, these are so small that there is no effect in the assembled combination of structures and are not apparent to all except the most professionally trained eye. They may be omitted for practical purposes.

With respect to the included figures 3a-6a, there is shown an offset adapter according to the present invention suitably balanced for use in conjunction with a K' NEX "typical" building system. The biasing adapter, generally designated by reference numeral 40, includes a biasing rod 41, the biasing rod 41 being integrally connected with a pair of adapter posts 42. Preferably, the entire offset adapter 40 is a single integral piece injection molded from a suitable structural plastic. The posts 42, which may have a transverse dimension of about 1/4 inches (6.35mm), are provided at their lower ends with bifurcated extensions 43, the extensions 43 being defined at the top by a ledge 44 and at the bottom by a prong flange 45. The spacing between the axes of the respective posts 42 is advantageously equal to twice the standard spacing between the lugs 21 and sockets 27 on the plate 20 (i.e. 0.630 inch; 16.0 mm). Thus, the offset adapter may be mounted on the plate 20 by inserting the extensions 43 into a pair of spaced apart sockets 27.

As shown in figure 7, the bifurcated extension 43 has substantially the same diameter as the cylindrical socket 27 and will fit snugly into the socket until the projecting edge 44 engages the upper surface 46 of the panel 20. The prong flanges 45 engage in cylindrical recesses 47 in the lower portion of the cylindrical socket so that the biased adapter snaps into place when its extension 43 is inserted into the socket 27. As shown in fig. 1a, the post 42 of the offset adapter is substantially vertical when mounted on the panel 20 and the offset rod 41 is substantially horizontal. It will be appreciated that reference herein to vertical and horizontal orientations is merely for ease of understanding, as in actual use these elements may have different orientations.

In the illustration of fig. 3a-6a, the biasing rod member 41 has a length of about 2.158 inches (54.8mm), as compared to the length L in the series of six rod lengths of the "typical" set₃And (7) corresponding. In theory, shorter rod lengths can be used with "classic" systems. However, it is preferred to use two mounting posts 42 and space the posts apart a distance equal to the spacing of the two sockets on the panel 20. To achieve these preferred conditions, L₃The rod length is adapted to provide space at the end for fitting with the connector.

For "micro" systems, as shown in FIGS. 3b-6b, an offset adapter 50 is provided that includes an offset rod 51 of "micro" size and spaced mounting posts of "micro" size52. The transverse dimension of the biasing bars 51 and posts 52 may be about 0.152 inches (3.86mm) compared to about 1/4 inches (6.35mm) for the corresponding elements of a "typical" system. Ideally and advantageously, the mounting posts 52 of the "mini" adapter are spaced apart the same distance as for the "typical" adapter 40, i.e., the center-to-center distance is equal to the spacing of the two sockets 27 on the plate 20. At the lower end of each mounting post 52 is an extension 53, which extension 53 is bounded at the top by a ledge 54 and at the bottom by a jaw flange 55. For the "mini" adapter 50 the dimensions of the extensions 53 and related components are substantially the same as for the "per-typical" adapter 40, since these extensions are in each case intended to be inserted into the standard receptacle 27 of the mounting plate 20. Due to the smaller size of the "micro" connector, the length of the biasing rod 51 may be less than the length of the "classic" biasing rod 41, e.g., about 1.607 inch (40.8mm), which corresponds to the "micro" rod length L in the series according to the formula set forth above₃. As shown in fig. 1b and 2b, a "micro" offset adapter 50 is mounted on the plate 20 in the same way as the offset adapter 40 of the "via typical" system.

According to one aspect of the invention, the biasing rods 41, 51 are arranged with their respective axes offset by about 0.104 inches (2.64mm) relative to the vertical axis of the posts 42, 52 on which the biasing rods 41, 51 are mounted. The offset distance is approximately equal to one-third of the 0.315 inch (8.00mm) spacing of the adapter sockets 27.

As shown in fig. 1a and 1b, the biasing adapters 40, 50 are mounted in the plate 20 in such a way that their respective biasing rods 41, 51 are biased towards each other from the respective mounting posts 42, 52. Thus, the spacing between a pair of spaced apart respective biasing bars 51 is 0.208 inches (5.52mm) less than the spacing between the sockets 27 into which the mounting posts 42, 52 are inserted. If the biasing adapters 40, 50 are reversed, i.e., they are positioned such that the biasing rods 41, 51 are biased toward the outside (not shown) rather than the inside, the spacing between the respective biasing rods 41, 51 is greater than the spacing between the sockets into which the mounting posts 42, 52 are inserted.

Referring to the following spacing chart, it can be seen that for the offset of the 0.104 inch wand 41, 51 indicated, the difference in spacing between the K' NEX and Lego systems can be substantially eliminated to the extent that the remaining difference is completely negligible. For example, for the smallest "miniature" rod, the centerline-to-centerline distance between the links 22 mounted at each end thereof is 1.0445 inches (corresponding to the millimeter dimension indicated in the lower portion of the spacing diagram). However, in Lego rank spacing, there is no corresponding socket spacing. The closest jack spacing is 1.26 inches (larger) and 0.945 inches (smaller). In contrast, in the system of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1b, a pair of matrix adapter elements 50 may be mounted in sockets that are spaced 1.26 inches apart, with biasing rods 51 biased toward each other. This allows the axis of each biasing rod 51 to be positioned at a 1.052 inch spacing, on each side, less than 0.004 inch from the ideal (1.0445), which is small enough to be negligible. Thus, the structure is fully integrated into a K 'NEX system, enabling all kinds of K' NEX structures to be assembled and integrated with a wide variety of Lego-style building blocks.

Space diagram

For the next larger size of the K' NEX rod in the sequence, the center-to-center distance between its connectors is 1.477 inches, and the closest socket spacing in the Lego matrix is 1.575 inches and 1.26 inches. For such bar size codes, the adapters 40 or 50 are inserted into sockets spaced 1.26 inches apart and oriented with their bars 41, 51 biased outwardly away from each other. The resulting centerline-to-centerline spacing between the rods 41 or 51 is 1.468 inches (differing from ideal by an amount of less than 5 thousandths of an inch on each side, which can be ignored).

By careful inspection of the remainder of the pitch chart, it can be determined that by orienting the adapters 40, 50 so that their offsets face outward or inward, the difference in the spacing between the Lego matrix and the K' NEX rod and connector system can be substantially eliminated. For distances between centerlines up to about three inches, the uncorrected pitch difference on each side is 6 thousandths of an inch or less. For the more spaced K' NEX systems (4.178, 5.909, 8.356), the uncorrected differences were 12, 15.5, and 21 thousandths of an inch on each side, respectively, which were negligible relative to the rod length to which they were applied.

It can thus be appreciated that with matrix adapter components of essentially a single type (one for K 'NEX "classic" systems, one for "micro" systems), an almost seamless integration between the K' NEX system and the Lego-style system can be achieved.

Referring to fig. 8, there is shown a bottom base block made up of a series of bricks which fit together to form a base block similar to the panel 20 of fig. 1a and 1 b. However, when the base block of the base is formed of building block assemblies, there are fewer sockets in the surface of the base. In the arrangement of fig. 8, there is a relatively thin, flat bottom plate 70, said plate 70 being provided with upwardly projecting cylindrical lugs 71 over its entire surface. A plurality of bricks 72 are mounted on the bottom panel 70 in a conventional manner for assembling Lego-like components. In the arrangement shown, however, the bricks 72 in a 2 x 8 configuration are each provided with a series of adaptor sockets 27, the sockets 27 being symmetrically disposed between each group of four lugs 73 of bricks.

Along the length of the building block 72, the adapter sockets 27 are spaced at a standard Lego-style pitch, i.e., 0.315 inch (8.0mm) spacing. However, as can be seen by comparing fig. 1a with fig. 8, where adjacent bricks 72 abut one another, whether side-by-side, end-to-end or end-to-side, there is a "missing" adapter socket space where the bricks abut. However, the geometry of the bricks is such that the side and end walls are spaced from the nearest adjacent adapter receptacle by a distance of 0.315 inches (8.0mm) consistent with the spaced row-to-row spacing. Thus, between two adjacent bricks whose walls abut, the spacing between the nearest adapter spigot pair in an adjacent brick is twice the standard spacing, or 0.630 inches (16.0 mm). In the arrangement of fig. 8, the bricks are mounted in a compact configuration with no space between adjacent bricks, and all adapter sockets 27 are located one or two standard spacings "C" from the nearest socket. Thus, in the preferred and illustrated form of the invention, the mounting posts 42, 52 of both "classic" and "miniature" offset adapters are spaced apart by two standard spacings "C" or a distance of 0.630 inches (16.0 mm). This enables the matrix adapter to extend over two adjacent bricks, if necessary.

For example, in the assembled combination shown in fig. 8, where the base is made up of a plurality of individual bricks, there may be open spaces between some of the bricks. However, the bricks can always be arranged in the necessary positions in order to accommodate the mounting studs for the matrix adapters. Typically, there are a plurality of adapter sockets spaced no more than twice the standard spacing "C", and additional bricks may be added if necessary to make the mounting location of the matrix spacing adapters less of a problem.

With the system of the present invention, a Lego-like assembly with a large existing customer base can be combined with a K' NEX system assembly with a large existing base so that the two systems can be easily combined for assembly of unique hybrid structures. With the improvements of the present invention, simple, inexpensive pairs of offset matrix adapter elements mounted in a Lego-style substructure enable differences in the spacing matrices of the two systems to be effectively compensated to the extent that these differences are negligible and do not prevent complete coupling of the two systems.

In the example shown in this document, it is assumed that the K' NEX component is combined with a Lego-style bottom structure. However, the matrix adapter functions in both ways, i.e. it can also be installed in the parent K' NEX structure, in order to be able to combine the structure of the building block base with it. Thus, the present invention greatly improves the utility of both K' NEX and Lego-style existing systems, allowing the consumer a great deal of freedom to design and build complex hybrid structures using standard components from both systems.

It should be understood, of course, that the specific forms of the invention herein illustrated and described are intended to be representative only, as certain changes may be made therein without departing from the clear teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims for determining the full scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An offset column spacing system for structural integration of a rod and connector construction toy set with a modular construction toy set, wherein:

(a) the rod and connector construction toy set includes connectors (22) of various shapes and sizes, each connector (22) having a socket (24) and a plurality of rod-engaging sockets (25) arranged radially with respect to a longitudinal axis of the socket, wherein the sockets have base walls (26) spaced apart from the longitudinal axis of the socket by a uniform distance "D", and the rods (23) are of a length to correspond to 2D + L_x＝0.707*(2D+L_x+1) Increased length sequence L₁...L_nWherein D is about 0.398 inches or 0.241 inches, and length L_xOne of about 1.477 inches, the stem (23) being formed with mutually opposed stem ends including an end flange and a reduced diameter neck adjacent the end flange adapted for lateral snap-fit engagement with the stem-engaging socket,

(b) the building block construction toy set includes one or more construction elements (20, 72) forming a matrix of upwardly projecting lugs (21, 73) uniformly spaced longitudinally and transversely at a center-to-center spacing "C" of about 0.315 inches,

(c) the construction element (20, 72) is formed with a plurality of vertically oriented adapter sockets (27), the adapter sockets (27) being centrally located between groups of four projections such that all adapter sockets (27) are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal and transverse directions by a center-to-center distance of about C S, where S is a positive integer greater than zero,

(d) a plurality of the adapter sockets are spaced apart relative to a nearest adjacent adapter socket by a distance of no more than 2 x C,

it is characterized in that

(e) A plurality of matrix adapter elements (40, 50) are provided for engagement with the adapter sockets,

(f) each matrix adapter element (40, 50) including a pair of spaced apart vertically oriented mounting posts (42, 52) having free ends (43, 53) shaped and sized for axially close fitting into a pair of adapter sockets (27), and an offset rod (41, 51) connected with upper ends of the mounting posts,

(g) the free ends (43, 53) of the mounting posts have a spacing of C S₁Vertical axis of distance, wherein S₁Is a positive integer greater than zero and is,

(h) the offset rods (41, 51) having a length sequence L according to the aforementioned₁...L_nAnd having rod ends at their mutually opposite ends, each rod end comprisingAn end flange and a reduced diameter neck portion adjacent the end flange,

(i) the upper part of the mounting post (42, 52) is fixed to the middle of the biasing rod, the ends of the biasing rod are far enough beyond the mounting post on both sides to be able to connect with a connector (22) at each end,

(j) the biasing rod (41, 51) has a rod axis which is laterally offset with respect to the axis of the free end by a distance "O" which is less than the spacing "C", whereby in assembly of the rod and connector (23, 22) with a splice element (20, 72) a pair of opposing said matrix adapter elements (40, 50) can be inserted into a pair of spaced adapter sockets (27) with its biasing rod (41, 51) positioned inwardly or outwardly with respect to the pair of opposing matrix adapter elements such that the respective rod end of the biasing rod is in close proximity to 2D + L_xAre spaced apart to enable other rod and connector assemblies and subassemblies to be connected with the matrix adapter elements.

2. The offset column pitch system of claim 1, wherein

(a) The distance "O" is approximately equal to one-third of the distance "C".

3. The offset column pitch system of claim 1, wherein

(a) The offset direction of each matrix adapter element (40, 50) of a pair of opposing matrix adapter elements (40, 50) is a mirror image of the opposing matrix adapter elements such that for each pair of opposing matrix adapter elements, its opposing offset bar (41, 51) is spaced closer together than the free ends of its opposing mounting post (42, 52) or further apart than its opposing mounting post.

4. The offset column pitch system of claim 1, wherein

(a) Said matrix adapter elements (40, 50) comprising an integral molded part, wherein free ends of said mounting posts (42, 52) are fixedly and parallel disposed and spaced apart by a distance equal to 2 x C,

(b) the biasing rod (41, 51) is integrally connected with the mounting post (42, 52) at an upper end of the mounting post (42, 52) and is oriented at right angles to the mounting post.

5. The offset column spacing system of claim 4, wherein said offset column spacing system comprises a plurality of offset columns and rows

(a) Said matrix adapter elements (40, 50) being configured for both larger and smaller basic sizes of the K' NEX rod and connector system,

(b) the smaller of the systems uses a sequence of rod and link lengths corresponding to the larger system, where the sequence of the individual systems follows the formula 2D + L_x＝0.707*(2D+L_x+1) And an

(c) The biasing lever (51) for the matrix adapter element (50) of the smaller system is correspondingly shorter than the biasing lever (41) for the matrix adapter element (40) of the larger system, an

(d) The free ends (43, 53) of the mounting posts (42, 52) of the matrix adapter elements of both the larger and smaller systems are spaced the same distance apart.

6. An offset column spacing system for structural integration of a rod and connector construction toy set with a modular construction toy set, wherein:

(a) the rod and connector construction toy set includes connectors (22) of various shapes and sizes, each connector (22) having a socket (24) and a plurality of rod-engaging sockets (25) radially arranged relative to a longitudinal axis of the socket, wherein the sockets have base walls (26) spaced apart from the longitudinal axis of the socket by a uniform distance "D", and the rods (23) are of a length to correspond to 2D + L_x＝0.707*(2D+L_x+1) Increased length sequence L₁...L_nSet up in which D is a fixed size and the shortest rod has a diameter greater thanOr a length L equal to 2 x D₁And the rod is formed with mutually opposite rod ends comprising an end projecting edge and a neck of reduced diameter adjacent to the end projecting edge, adapted to be snap-fitted laterally in a rod-engaging socket (25),

(b) the building block construction toy set includes one or more construction elements (20, 72) forming a matrix of upwardly projecting lugs (21, 73) uniformly spaced longitudinally and transversely at a center-to-center spacing "C",

it is characterized in that

(e) a plurality of matrix adapter elements (40, 50) for engagement with the adapter sockets (27),

(f) each matrix adapter element (40, 50) including a pair of spaced apart vertically oriented mounting posts (42, 52) having free ends (43, 53) shaped and sized for axially close fitting into a pair of adapter sockets (27), and an offset rod (41, 51) connected to upper ends of the mounting posts (42, 52),

(h) the offset rods (41, 51) having a length sequence L according to the aforementioned₁...L_nAnd having rod ends at their mutually opposite ends, each rod end comprising an end flange and a neck of reduced diameter adjacent to said end flange,

(i) the upper part of the mounting post (42, 52) is fixed to the middle part of the biasing rod (41, 51), the ends of the biasing rod (41, 51) are far enough beyond the mounting post on both sides to be able to connect with a connecting piece (22) at each end,

(j) said offset rod (41, 51) having a rod axis laterally offset with respect to the axis of said free end (43, 53) of said mounting post by a distance "O" less than the pitch "C", whereby in assembly of the rod and connector (23, 22) with the splice element (20, 72) a pair of opposed said matrix adapter elements (40, 50) can be inserted into the pair of spaced adapter sockets (27) with the offset rod (41, 51) positioned inwardly or outwardly with respect to the pair of opposed matrix adapter elements (40, 50) such that the respective rod end of said offset rod (41, 51) is in close proximity to 2D + L_xAre spaced apart to enable other rod and connector assemblies and subassemblies to be connected with the matrix adapter elements.

7. The offset column spacing system of claim 6, wherein said offset column spacing system comprises a plurality of offset columns and rows

(a) The distance "O" is approximately equal to one-third of the distance "C".