US3777393A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Construction toy
Assignee: OPERATIONS ANALYSIS Inc
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Filing: 1972-03-13
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Granted: 1973-12-11
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Expires: 1992-03-13
Abstract
Abstract An educational toy for constructing three dimensional, geometric figures by combining together numerous unitary planar construction members each having an array of holes and array of pins. Each construction member has two wing-shaped elements joined by a hinge at the longitudinal axis of the member and two hinges in each end of the member. The hinges permit the member to be deformed into the edges and corner of various polyhedra. The arrays of holes and pins have a circular symmetry about each end of the member. The construction members mate together by attaching the portion of the member containing pins to a corresponding portion on another member containing holes. The circular symmetry of the arrays of holes and pins permits the members to mesh together in selectable angular relationships.
Inventors
- 👤 S Baer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 03:27
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63H; A63H33/00; A63H33/04; A63H33/06; A63H33/08; A63H33/088; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S16/00; Y10S16/40
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
60 words
A construction member comprising: two opposing, generally semi-circular, exterior opening planar ends joined by a coplanar web, each of said ends having an array of angularly spaced apart pins thereon for releasably mating one member to another member; and a longitudinal hinge through said ends and web and disposed along the axis connecting the radial centers of the semi-circular ends.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
60 words
A construction member comprising: two opposing, generally semi-circular, exterior opening planar ends joined by a coplanar web, each of said ends having an array of angularly spaced apart pins thereon for releasably mating one member to another member; and a longitudinal hinge through said ends and web and disposed along the axis connecting the radial centers of the semi-circular ends.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The construction member of claim 1 further including two hinges in each semi-circular end, said hinges being radially disposed from the radial center of each end.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
72 words
A construction member comprising: two opposing, generally semi-circular, exterior opening, planar ends joined by a coplanar web, each of said semi-circular ends having an array of angularly spaced-apart holes and an array of angularly spaced-apart pins thereon; a longitudinal hinge through said ends and web and disposed along the axis connecting the radial centers of semi-circular ends; and hinges in each semi-circular end radially disposed from the radial center of each end.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
72 words
A construction member comprising: two opposing, generally semi-circular, exterior opening, planar ends joined by a coplanar web, each of said semi-circular ends having an array of angularly spaced-apart holes and an array of angularly spaced-apart pins thereon; a longitudinal hinge through said ends and web and disposed along the axis connecting the radial centers of semi-circular ends; and hinges in each semi-circular end radially disposed from the radial center of each end.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
The construction member of claim 3 wherein the array of the angularly spaced-apart holes is disposed on one quandrant of said semi-circular end and the array of angularly spaced-apart pins is disposed on the other quandrant of said semi-circular end.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
46 words
The construction member of claim 4 wherein the surface of the quadrant containing the angularly spaced-apart pins is recessed relative to the quadrant containing the angularly spaced-apart holes so that meshing of the pins and holes of multiple construction members results in a substantially planar structure.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
54 words
The construction member of claim 3 wherein the array of angularly spaced-apart holes comprises an array of irregularly spaced holes and wherein the array of angularly spaced-apart pins comprises an array of irregularly spaced pins, said irregular spacing of pins and holes preventing meshing of multiple construction members other than to form regular polyhedra.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-12-10 | 1977-06-11 | 1977-12-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-10 | 1981-06-11 | 1981-12-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-10 | 1985-06-11 | 1985-12-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |