TOY BLOCK

BACKGROUND
1. Field

Aspects of some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a block toy and, for example, to a modular building-block toy having connection and rotation portions.

2. Description of Related Art

In general, a toy having joint portions is configured such that the joint portions are made round to enable movement of joints similar to the structure of the human body.

In the prior art, some connection members of a doll toy may be connected by concavo-convex joint members, which are provided in the joint portions to be bent, respectively, which allows a user to form various poses of the toy. However, such joint members may not allow the toy to express various human-like postures or shapes.

Some joint members use a magnetic force, wherein a joint device includes a connector in which at least one cylindrical magnetic anchor is installed on one side (e.g., end) or the other side. A dumbbell-shaped rotator may be detached or fixed by magnetic force to one side of the anchor to allow for rotation.

Toys using magnets use the principle that blocks can be coupled by using attractive forces of different poles.

The above information disclosed in this Background section is for enhancement of understanding of the background of the present disclosure, and therefore, it may contain information that does not constitute prior art.

SUMMARY

Example embodiments of the present disclosure provide a building-block toy that may be freely connected and rotated and that may be fixed to maintain an angle (e.g., a predetermined angle) at a specific position, such that a specific posture or shape of the building-block toy may be maintained.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a block toy including a first body, a second body configured to be separably coupled with, and at least partially in contact with, the first body, and a connector configured to fixedly support the first body and the second body when the first body and the second body are positioned to form an angle with respect to each other.

The connector may be made of a spherical magnetic material, and at least one of the first body or the second body may include a magnet that forms a magnetic field with the connector.

The first body may include a first body coupling portion coupled to the second body, and a guide portion on which a portion of the connector is mounted.

The first body may further include a flange formed to be in contact with a portion of the connector seated in the guide portion.

The second body may include a second body coupling portion configured to be coupled to the first body, a seating groove provided inside the second body coupling portion to allow a portion of the connector penetrating the first body to be seated therein, and a magnet provided in the seating groove to form a magnetic attraction with the connector.

The connector may be installed at one end of the first body and the second body may be installed at an opposite end from the one end of the first body.

According to some other embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a block toy including a first body including, at one end, a first body coupling portion to which a second body is configured to be rotatably connected via a connector, wherein the first body coupling portion is configured to support the second body in a fixed position, the second body includes, on one end, a second body coupling portion configured to be coupled with either the first body or the first body coupling portion be rotatably coupled to the first body via the connector, and support the first body or the first body coupling portion in a fixed position, the fixed position including an angle formed between the first body and the second body, and the connector is configured to be detachably installed in a portion of the first body and in a portion of the second body.

Each of the first body and the second body may further include a contact pad configured to increase frictional force with the connector.

A magnet may be slidably installed in the first body and the second body.

The magnet may form a magnetic field with the connector and may be attached to the connector in a state of protruding to one end of the first body, the second body and the connector may be disposed at a distance from an inner surface of the first body and may be coupled to be freely rotatable.

When the magnet is attached to the connector in a state of being accommodated inside the first body, the second body and the connector may come into contact with the inner surface of the first body, such that a shape of the block toy is maintained or fixed through friction caused by pressure.

The magnet may be attached to the connector in a state of being accommodated inside the first body, the second body and the connector may come into contact with the inner surface of the first body to be limited in a rotation range or to be fixed at an angle.

The first body coupling portion may include a plurality of second body fixing portions provided at an interval to be coupled with at least a portion of the second body coupling portion to fix the second body at an angle.

The first body coupling portion may be coupled to be rotatable around a longitudinal rotation axis of the first body.

The first body coupling portion may further include a first body fixing portion coupled to the first body to limit a rotation range of the first body.

The second body coupling portion may include at least one second body fixing portion coupled to either the first body or the first body coupling portion.

The magnet may form a magnetic field with the connector and may be attached to the connector in a state of protruding to one end of the second body, the second body and the connector may come into contact with an inner surface of the first body to be limited in a rotation range or to be fixed at an angle.

When the magnet is attached to the connector in a state of being accommodated inside the second body, the second body and the connector may be disposed at a distance from the inner surface of the first body and may be coupled to be freely rotatable.

The second body coupling portion may be coupled to be rotatable around a longitudinal rotation axis of the second body.

The second body coupling portion may be coupled to a second body fixing portion to limit a rotation range of the second body.

The above and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become better understood through the accompanying drawings, the detailed description, and the claims and their equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary view illustrating a toy having a joint structure, according to the prior art.

FIG. 2 is a diagram depicting a block toy, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the block toy of FIG. 2, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is another exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the block toy of FIG. 2, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary view illustrating a block toy, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the block toy of FIG. 5, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the block toy of FIG. 5, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a block toy, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the block toy of FIG. 8, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a block toy, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the block toy of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is another perspective view illustrating the block toy according to the embodiment of FIG. 10, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the block toy of FIG. 10, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a block toy, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the block toy of FIG. 14, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a block toy, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the block toy of FIG. 16, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating a block toy, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the block toy of FIG. 18, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a block toy, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the block toy of FIG. 20, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view illustrating a block toy, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the block toy of FIG. 22, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view illustrating a block toy, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 25 is another perspective view illustrating the block toy of FIG. 24, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the block toy of FIG. 24, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity, and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements, layers, and regions in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements, layers, and regions to help to improve clarity and understanding of various embodiments. Also, common but well-understood elements and parts not related to the description of the embodiments might not be shown to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments and to make the description clear.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present disclosure and methods of accomplishing the same may be understood more readily by reference to the detailed description of one or more embodiments and the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments, however, may be embodied in various different forms, and should not be construed as being limited to only the illustrated embodiments herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided as examples so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey aspects of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, description of processes, elements, and techniques that are not necessary to those having ordinary skill in the art for a complete understanding of the aspects and features of the present disclosure may be omitted.

Unless otherwise noted, like reference numerals, characters, or combinations thereof denote like elements throughout the attached drawings and the written description, and thus, descriptions thereof will not be repeated. Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity, and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements, layers, and regions in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements, layers, and regions to help to improve clarity and understanding of various embodiments. Also, common but well-understood elements and parts not related to the description of the embodiments might not be shown to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments and to make the description clear.

In the detailed description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments. It is apparent, however, that various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements.

It will be understood that, although the terms “zeroth,” “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section described below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

It will be understood that when an element or component is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or component, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or component, or one or more intervening elements or components may be present. However, “directly connected/directly coupled” refers to one component directly connecting or coupling another component without an intermediate component. Meanwhile, other expressions describing relationships between components such as “between,” “immediately between” or “adjacent to” and “directly adjacent to” may be construed similarly. In addition, it will also be understood that when an element or component is referred to as being “between” two elements or components, it can be the only element or component between the two elements or components, or one or more intervening elements or components may also be present.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “have,” “having,” “includes,” and “including,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, each of the terms “or” and “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, the expression “A and/or B” denotes A, B, or A and B.

For the purposes of this disclosure, expressions such as “at least one of,” when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list. For example, “at least one of X, Y, or Z,” “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” and “at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z” may be construed as X only, Y only, Z only, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as, for instance, XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ.

As used herein, the term “substantially,” “about,” “approximately,” and similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent deviations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art. “About” or “approximately,” as used herein, is inclusive of the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, considering the measurement in question and the error associated with measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, “about” may mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, 20%, 10%, 5% of the stated value. Further, the use of “may” when describing embodiments of the present disclosure refers to “one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.”

When one or more embodiments may be implemented differently, a specific process order may be performed differently from the described order. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially at the same time or performed in an order opposite to the described order.

Any of the components or any combination of the components described (e.g., in any system diagrams included herein) may be used to perform one or more of the operations of any flow chart included herein. Further, (i) the operations are merely examples, and may involve various additional operations not explicitly covered, and (ii) the temporal order of the operations may be varied.

In addition, the term “at least one” is defined as a term including singular and plural, and even if the term “at least one” does not exist, it will be apparent that each component may exist in singular or plural numbers, and the term may mean singular or plural.

In addition, each component may be provided in singular or plural depending on how it is implemented.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present inventive concept belongs. It is will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and/or the present specification, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly so defined herein.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary view illustrating a toy having a joint structure using a magnet according to the prior art, and includes a first body 10, a second body 20, and a connector 30 made of a metal material, and the first body 10 and the second body 20 are provided respectively with magnets 11 and 21 to be connected to the connector 30 via a magnetic force using a magnetic field.

In addition, blocks using magnets may be mainly installed in a toy having joint portions, such as the arms, the legs, and the neck of a doll or figure, so that the doll or figure can maintain a predetermined posture or shape.

However, the block toy using magnets have a problem in that it is difficult to maintain a set posture or shape when the magnetic force between the magnets and the connector 30 is weak or the weights of the first body 10 and the second body 20 are heavy.

In addition, there is a problem in that it is difficult to maintain the shape even when a friction agent is included.

Hereinafter, embodiments of a block toy according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment

FIG. 2 is an exemplary view illustrating a block toy according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the block toy according to the embodiment of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is another exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the block toy according to the embodiment of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, a block toy 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first body 110, a second body 120, and a connector 130.

The first body 110 is a member configured in a shape such as a sphere, a circular cylinder, a cylinder, or a polyhedron shape such as a tetrahedron or hexahedron, wherein the first body 110 may be fabricated as a partial component of a joint structure such as a hand, a wrist, a foot, an ankle, an arm, an elbow, a leg, a knee, a torso, a head, a shoulder, a waist, or a pelvis in a jointed toy such as a doll or a figure.

In addition, the first body 110 may be fabricated as a partial component of an arch structure to form a certain angle between bricks in a block-type toy that forms a shape (e.g., an arbitrary shape) through assembly or stacking.

In addition, the first body 110 may include a first body coupling portion 111 to be coupled to the second body 120 on one side (e.g., on or at one end).

The first body coupling portion 111 is coupled to a portion of the second body 120 and fixed so that the first body and the second body can maintain a state of forming an angle (e.g., an arbitrary angle).

In addition, the first body 110 may include a guide portion 112, which is in contact (e.g., close contact) with at least a portion of the outer surface of the connector 130 along the outer peripheral edge of the first body coupling portion 111 so that the connector 130 is supported, and a through hole 113 which is bored such that the connector 130 partially penetrates the guide portion 112.

In addition, the first body 110 may include toothed engagement grooves 114 protruding by a length (e.g., a predetermined length) at a distal end portion of the guide portion 112, and the toothed engagement grooves 114 allow the first body 110 and the second body 120 coupled in contact (e.g., close contact) with each other to maintain an angle (e.g., a predetermined angle) therebetween.

In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the configuration using the toothed engagement groove 114 is described as an example for convenience of explanation, but is not limited thereto. The first body 110 and the second body 120 may be provided with materials for increasing frictional force, such as rubber and silicone, on the outer surfaces thereof such that the first body 110 and the second body 120 can maintain a position (e.g., a predetermined position) or an angle (e.g., a predetermined angle).

In addition, the first body 110 may include a flange 115 formed such that a portion of the connector 130 seated on the guide portion 112 more firmly comes into contact (e.g., close contact) with the first body 110.

In addition, the flange 115 may have a curved surface formed on the inner surface thereof in contact (e.g., close contact) with the connector 130 so that the contact state with the connector 130 can be maintained more firmly.

The second body 120 is a member that is installed to be in contact (e.g., close contact) with or separable from the first body and is configured in a shape such as a sphere, a circular cylinder, a cylinder, or a polyhedron shape such as a tetrahedron or hexahedron, wherein the second body may be fabricated as a partial component of a joint structure such as a hand, a wrist, a foot, an ankle, an arm, an elbow, a leg, a knee, a torso, a head, a shoulder, a waist, or a pelvis in a jointed toy such as a doll or a figure.

In addition, the second body 120 may be fabricated as a partial component of an arch structure to form a certain angle between bricks in a block-type toy that forms a shape (e.g., an arbitrary shape) through assembly or stacking.

In addition, the second body 120 may include a second body coupling portion 121 to be coupled to the first body 110 on one side (e.g., on or at one end).

The second body coupling portion 121 is coupled to a portion of the first body 110, that is, the toothed engagement grooves 114 of the first body coupling portion 111 to fix the first body 110 and the second body 120 so that the first body 110 and the second body 120 can maintain a state of forming an angle (e.g., an arbitrary angle).

In addition, the second body 120 may include, inside the second body coupling portion 121, a seating groove 122 in which a portion of the outer surface of the connector 130 exposed through the through hole 113 in the first body 110 is seated.

In addition, the second body 120 may have an toothed engagement groove portion 123 protruding by a length (e.g., a predetermined length) on the inner surface of the second body coupling portion 121, and the toothed engagement groove portion 123 may be coupled with the toothed engagement groove portion 114 provided on the first body 110 so that the first body 110 and the second body 120, which are engaged with each other, can maintain a state of being coupled at an angle (e.g., a predetermined angle).

Meanwhile, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the configuration using the toothed engagement groove 123 is described as an example for convenience of explanation, but is not limited thereto. The first body 110 and the second body 120 may be provided with materials for increasing frictional force, such as rubber and silicone, on the outer surfaces thereof such that the first body 110 and the second body 120 can maintain a position (e.g., a predetermined position) or an angle (e.g., a predetermined angle).

That is, the first body 110 and the second body 120 can more firmly maintain a fixed state through an increase in frictional force.

In addition, the second body 120 may have a magnet 124 installed at the center of the seating groove 122 to form a magnetic attraction with the connector 130.

The magnet 124 forms a magnetic field with the connector 130 so that the first body 110 and the second body 120 can be maintained in contact (e.g., close contact) with each other.

That is, the connector 130 is installed on one side (e.g., on or at one end) of the first body 110, the second body 120 is installed on the other side (e.g., on or at another end) of the first body 110, and the magnet 124 installed on the second body 120 forms a magnetic attraction with the connector 130, so that the first body 110 and the second body 120 can maintain a contact (e.g., close contact) state while maintaining an angle (e.g., a predetermined angle).

The connector 130 is a member installed between the first body 110 and the second body 120. Preferably, the connector 130 may have a spherical shape, and more preferably, the connector 130 may be made of a metallic magnetic material to be capable of forming a magnetic field with the magnet 124 of the second body 120.

That is, when the first body 110 and the second body 120 are at least partially brought into contact (e.g., close contact) with each other in the state of forming an angle (e.g., an arbitrary angle), so that the toothed engagement grooves 114 of the first body 110 and the toothed engagement grooves 123 of the second body 120 are engaged with each other, the connector 130 fixedly supports the first body 110 and the second body 120.

Next, the operation process of the block toy 100 according to the first embodiment will be described.

First, in the state in which the first body 110 and the second body 120, which are separated from each other, are arranged to form an angle (e.g., a predetermined angle), the toothed engagement grooves 114 provided in the first body 110 and the toothed engagement grooves 123 provided in the second body 120 are brought into contact (e.g., close contact) with each other.

Subsequently, the connector 130 is installed on the other side of the first body 110 such that the first body 110 and the second body 120 are fixed in the state of forming an angle (e.g., a predetermined angle) therebetween via a magnetic field with the magnet 124 of the second body 120.

In addition, the connector 130 is placed in contact (e.g., close contact) with the inner surface of the flange 115 of the first body 110 such that the connector 130 and the magnet 124 can maintain a more firmly fixed state.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 5 is an exemplary view illustrating a block toy according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the block toy according to the embodiment of FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the block toy according to the embodiment of FIG. 5.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7, the block toy 100a according to the second embodiment includes a first body 110a, a second body 120a, and a connector 130a.

The first body 110a includes first body coupling portions 111a, which allow the second body 120a to be rotatably coupled to one side (e.g., one end) of the first body 110a via a connector 130a and fixedly supports the second body 120a in the state in which the first body 110a and the second body 120a maintain an position (e.g., an arbitrary position) or an angle (e.g., a predetermined angle).

The first body coupling portions 111a are a pair of members each of which have a semicircular shape, wherein the first body coupling portions may be installed at a distance (e.g., a predetermined distance) from each other, may be connected with the body portion 110a at one side while being open at the other side.

In addition, second body fixing portions 111a′ may be provided at regular intervals along the semicircular inner surfaces of the first body coupling portions 111a.

The second body fixing portions 111a′ are partially engaged with a component of the second body 120a such that the second body 120a can be fixed at a position maintaining an angle (e.g., a predetermined angle) with the first body 110a.

In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the second body fixing portions 111a′ are installed in the first body coupling portions 111a is described as an example, but is not limited thereto. The second body fixing portions may be provided in the first body 110a.

In addition, a magnet 112a may be provided inside the first body 110a to form a magnetic attraction with the connector 130a.

In addition, the first body 110a may be configured to be coupled to the connector 130a via the first body coupling portions 111a.

The second body 120a may be rotatably coupled to the first body 110a via the connector 130a.

In addition, the second body 120a may include, at one side thereof, second body coupling portions 121a, which are at least partially engaged with the first body coupling portions 110a or the second body fixing portions 111a′ provided on one of the first body coupling portions 111a to fixedly support the second body 120a at a position where the second portion 120a forms an angle (e.g., a predetermined angle) with the first body 110a.

The second body coupling portions 121a may be provided at one distal end of the second body 120a, and may include flanges 121a′ protruding radially outward by a length (e.g., a predetermined length). The flanges 121a′ may be arranged at regular intervals along the circumference of the second body coupling portions 121a.

That is, the flanges 121a′ of the second body coupling portions 121a are engaged with the second body fixing portion 111a′ of the first body coupling portions 111a, so that the first body 110a and the second body 120a are fixed at a position where the first body 110a and the second body 120a form an angle (e.g., a predetermined angle) therebetween.

In addition, a magnet 122a may be provided inside the second body 120a to form a magnetic attraction with the connector 130a.

The connector 130a is a member installed between the first body 110a and the second body 120a. Preferably, the connector 130 may have a spherical shape, and more preferably, the connector 130 may be made of a metallic magnetic material to be capable of forming a magnetic field with the magnet 112a of the first body 110a and the magnet 122a of the second body 120a.

In addition, the connector 130a may be configured to be freely detachable from the first body 110a and the second body 120a and may allow the first body 110a or the second body 120a attached thereto to be freely rotatable via the spherical outer shape thereof.

Next, an operation process of the block toy 100a according to the second embodiment will be described.

First, the connector 130a is installed in the first body 110a.

At this time, the connector 130a may be coupled to the first body 110a via the first body coupling portion 111a or may be coupled via a magnetic field formed by the magnet 112a.

Thereafter, the second body 120a is brought into contact (e.g., close contact) with the connector 130a such that the second body 120a is rotatably coupled to the first body 110a via a magnetic field formed by the magnet 122a.

That is, the first body 110a and the second body 120a are rotatably coupled to each other via a magnetic attraction formed by the magnet 122a with the connector 130a.

Next, when the second body 120a is fixed at a position where the second body 120a forms an angle (e.g., a predetermined angle) with the first body 110a, the flanges 121a′ of the second body coupling portion 121a are moved to the first body coupling portion 111a to be engaged with the second body fixing portions 111a′ provided on the inner or outer surfaces of the first body coupling portions 111a such that the second body 120a is fixed at a position where the second body 120a forms the angle (e.g., the predetermined angle) with the first body 110a.

Therefore, the first body 110a and the second body 120a can be freely connected and rotated with respect to each other and can be fixed to maintain an angle (e.g., a predetermined angle) at a specific position desired by a user by using the first body coupling portions 111a and the second body coupling portion 121a, so that the first body 110a and the second body 120a can maintain a specific posture or shape.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a block toy according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a block toy according to FIG. 8.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the block toy 100b according to the third embodiment includes a first body 110b, a second body 120b, and a connector 130b.

The block toy 100b according to the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in terms of the components corresponding to the first body coupling portions 111a (see FIG. 5) and the second body coupling portions 121a (see FIG. 5) of the first embodiment.

A first body coupling portion 111b according to the third embodiment is provided at one distal end of the first body 110b, and may include an accommodation groove 111b′ having an opening on one side in the vertical direction to accommodate the second body 120b, and a magnet (not illustrated) provided in a lower portion of the accommodation groove 111b′.

In addition, the second body coupling portion 121b according to the third embodiment has a hemispherical shape configured to partially accommodate the connector 130b, and a magnet 122b is installed on one side of the second body coupling portion 121b to form a magnetic field with the connector 130b.

Therefore, the second body coupling portion 121b accommodates a portion of the connector 130b, and in the state in which the connector 130b is accommodated, the second body coupling portion 121b is coupled to the first body coupling portion 111b so that stable and free coupling can be provided and the second body 120b can be fixed while maintaining an angle (e.g., a predetermined angle) at a position (e.g., an arbitrary position) of the first body 110b in the vertical direction.

The connector 130b is a member installed between the first body 110b and the second body 120b, and may be made of a metallic magnetic material in a spherical shape.

In addition, the connector 130b may be configured to be freely detachable from the first body 110b and the second body 120b and may allow the first body 110b or the second body 120b attached thereto to be freely rotatable via the spherical outer shape thereof.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the block toy according to the embodiment of FIG. 10, FIG. 12 is another perspective view illustrating the block toy according to the embodiment of FIG. 10, and FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the block toy according to the embodiment of FIG. 10.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 13, the block toy 100c according to the fourth embodiment includes a first body 110c, a second body 120c, and a connector 130c.

The block toy 100c according to the fourth embodiment differs from the second embodiment in terms of the components corresponding to the first body coupling portions 110a (see FIG. 5), the second body coupling portions 120a (see FIG. 5), and the magnet 112c of the second embodiment.

The first body 110c has a hollow therein and is configured such that the magnet 112c in the hollow is slidable in the longitudinal direction of the first body 110c.

In addition, the first body 110c includes a first body coupling portion 111c on one side (e.g., one end), and the first body coupling portion 111c is an arc-shaped member with one side open and supports the second body 120c to be freely rotatable.

In addition, in the first body coupling portion 111c, a through hole 111c′ is formed between the first body 110c so that the magnet 112c can be pulled out from the inside of the first body 110c to the outside.

The magnet 112c may have a flange 112c′ at its distal end portion.

In addition, the first body 110c may further include a contact pad 113c in order to increase the frictional force with the second body 120c or the connector 130c installed in the first body coupling portion 111c, thereby fixing the second body 120c not to rotate.

In the second body 120c, the second body coupling portion 121c may be configured in a semicircular or hemispherical shape to partially accommodate the connector 130c, and a magnet 122c may be installed on one side of the second body coupling portion 121c to form a magnetic field with the connector 130c.

The connector 130c is a member installed between the first body 110c and the second body 120c, and may be made of a metallic magnetic material in a spherical shape.

In addition, the connector 130c may be configured to be freely detachable from the first body 110c and the second body 120c and may allow the first body 110c or the second body 120c attached thereto to be freely rotatable via the spherical outer shape thereof.

Next, an operation process of the block toy 100c according to the fourth embodiment will be described.

When the magnet 112c forms a magnetic field with the connector 130c coupled to the second body 120c, the magnet 112c moves to the outside of the first body 110c and is attached to the connector 130c in the state of protruding to one side of the first body 110c.

At this time, the second body 120c and the connector 130c are disposed at a position spaced apart from the inside of the first body 110c by a distance d (e.g., a predetermined distance) due to the protruding magnet 112c, and the second body 120c is freely rotatable even in the state of being coupled to the first body 110c.

Thereafter, in a state of setting the second body 120c and the connection portion 130c to form an angle (e.g., a predetermined angle) with the first body 110c, a user pushes and moves the second body 120c and the connector 130 toward the inside of the first body 110c, thereby completely inserting the second body 120c and the connector 130c into the first body coupling portion 111c.

The second body 120c inserted into the inside of the first body coupling portion 111c is fixed at a position (e.g., a predetermined position) or at an angle (e.g., a predetermined angle) with respect to the first body 110c at the inserted position by the frictional force with the contact pad 113c.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, when the magnet is attached to the connector in a state of being accommodated inside the first body, the second body and the connector is in contact (e.g., close contact) with the inside of the first body to be limited in the rotation range or to be fixed at an angle (e.g., a predetermined angle).

Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a block toy according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the block toy according to the embodiment of FIG. 14.

As illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the block toy 100d according to the fifth embodiment includes a first body 110d, a second body 120d, and a connector 130d.

The block toy 100d according to the fifth embodiment differs from the second embodiment in terms of the components corresponding to the first body 110a (see FIG. 5) and the second body 120a (see FIG. 5) of the second embodiment.

The first body 110d may include a ring-shaped first body coupling portion 111d on one side (e.g., one end).

In the ring-shaped first body coupling portion 111d, a connector 130d may be installed at the center, and a plurality of second body fixing portions 111d′ may be provided at regular intervals along the outer surface of the first body coupling portion 111d.

The second body fixing portions 111d′ are engaged with at least a portion of the second body coupling portion 121d provided on the second body 120d, so that the second body 120d is fixed at an angle (e.g., a predetermined angle) with respect to the first body 110d.

In addition, the first body coupling portion 111d has a first body fixing portion 111d″ provided on the other side, so that the first body coupling portion 111d is coupled to be rotatable around the longitudinal rotation axis C of the first body 110d.

That is, a protrusion 110d′ is provided at the distal end portion of the first body 110d to be rotatably coupled to the lower portion of the first body coupling portion 111d, and coupling grooves 110d″ are formed along the periphery of the protrusion 110d′ to be engaged with the first body fixing portion 111d″ of the first body coupling portion 111d. As a result, the first body coupling portion 111d can be limited in the rotation range on the rotation axis C of the first body 110d, and can be fixed at an angle (e.g., a predetermined angle).

The second body 120d has a pair of second body coupling portions 121d provided on one side thereof to be in contact (e.g., close contact) with the connector 130d, and a bump 121d′ may be provided on the bottom surface of the second body coupling portion 121d to be engaged with the second body fixing portion 111d′ such that the second body 120d is fixed at a position (e.g., a predetermined position).

In addition, although not illustrated in the drawing, the first body 110d and the second body 120d may each include a magnet (not illustrated) to form a magnetic field with the connector 130d.

The connector 130d is a member installed between the first body 110d and the second body 120d, and may be made of a metallic magnetic material in a spherical shape.

In addition, the connector 130d may be configured to be freely detachable from the first body 110d and the second body 120d and may allow the first body 110d or the second body 120d attached thereto to be freely rotatable via the spherical outer shape thereof.

Sixth Embodiment

FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a block toy according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the block toy according to the embodiment of FIG. 16

As illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, the block toy 100e according to the sixth embodiment includes a first body 110e, a second body 120e, and a connector 130e.

The first body 110e may include a ring-shaped first body coupling portion 111e on one side (e.g., one end).

In the ring-shaped first body coupling portion 111e, a connector 130e may be installed at the center, and a plurality of second body fixing portions 111e′ may be provided at regular intervals along the outer surface of the first body coupling portion 111e.

The second body fixing portions 111e′ are engaged with at least a portion of the second body coupling portion 121e provided on the second body 120e, so that the second body 120e is fixed while forming an angle (e.g., a predetermined angle) with respect to the first body 110e.

In addition, the first body coupling portion 111e has a first body fixing portion 111e″ provided on the other side, so that the first body coupling portion 111e is coupled to be rotatable around the longitudinal rotation axis of the first body 110e.

That is, a protrusion 110e′ is provided at the distal end portion of the first body 110e to be rotatably coupled to the lower portion of the first body coupling portion 111e, and coupling grooves 110e″ are formed along the periphery of the protrusion 110e′ to be engaged with the first body fixing portion 111e″ of the first body coupling portion 111e. As a result, the first body coupling portion 111e can be limited in the rotation range on the rotation axis of the first body 110e, and can be fixed while forming an angle (e.g., a predetermined angle).

The second body 120e has a second body coupling portion 121e, which is provided on one side thereof and brought into contact (e.g., close contact) with the connector 130e by a magnetic field formed by the magnet 122e with the connector 130e, and a protrusion 121e′ may be provided on one side of the second body coupling portion 121e to be engaged with the second body fixing portion 111e′ such that the second body 120e can be fixed at a position (e.g., a predetermined position).

The connector 130e is a member installed between the first body 110e and the second body 120e, and may be made of a metallic magnetic material in a spherical shape.

In addition, the connector 130e may be configured to be freely detachable from the first body 110e and the second body 120e and may allow the first body 110e or the second body 120e attached thereto to be freely rotatable via the spherical outer shape thereof.

Seventh Embodiment

FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating a block toy according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the block toy according to the embodiment of FIG. 18.

As illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19, the block toy 100f according to the seventh embodiment includes a first body 110f, a second body 120f, and a connector 130f.

The first body 110f may include a first body coupling portion 111f on one side.

The first body coupling portion 111f may include a protrusion 111f′ protruding by a length (e.g., a predetermined length) toward the second body 120f, and coupling grooves 111f″ may be provided at regular intervals along the circumference of the outer surface of the protrusion 111f.

In addition, a magnet 112f may be provided at a distal end of the protruding portion 111f.

The second body 120f may include a pair of second body coupling portions 121f on one side, and coupling grooves 121f″ may be provided at regular intervals along the circumference of a distal end portion of the second body coupling portion 121f.

The coupling grooves 121f″ are engaged with the coupling grooves 111f″ of the first body coupling portion 111f so that the second body 120f can be fixed in the state of maintaining an angle (e.g., a predetermined angle) with the first body 110f.

In addition, a hollow may be provided inside the second body 120f, and a slide portion 120f′ may be provided to be movable along the inside of the second body 120f.

The slide portion 120f′ includes a magnet 122f on one side to be capable of forming a magnetic field with the connector 130f, and a coupling groove 120f″ provided on the other side to be in contact (e.g., close contact) with and fixed to an external configuration so that the second body coupling portion 121f or the second body 120f is coupled to be rotatable around the longitudinal rotation axis of the slide portion 120f′.

That is, when the magnet 122f forms a magnetic field with the connector 130f and is attached to the connector 130f in a state of protruding to one side of the second body 120f, the second body 120f and the connector 130f are brought into contact (e.g., close contact) with the coupling groove 111f″ inside the first body 110f to be limited in rotation range or to be fixed at an angle (e.g., a predetermined angle).

In addition, when the magnet 122f is attached to the connector 130f in a state of being accommodated inside the second body 120f, the second body 120f and the connector 130f are disposed at a position spaced apart from the inside of the first body 110f and are coupled to be freely rotatable.

The connector 130f is a member installed between the first body 110f and the second body 120f, and may be made of a metallic magnetic material in a spherical shape.

In addition, the connector 130f may be configured to be freely detachable from the first body 110f and the second body 120f and may allow the first body 110f or the second body 120f attached thereto to be freely rotatable via the spherical outer shape thereof.

Eighth Embodiment

FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a block toy according to an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the block toy according to the embodiment of FIG. 20

As illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21, the block toy 100g according to the eighth embodiment includes a first body 110g, a second body 120g, and a connector 130g.

The first body 110g may include, on one side, a first body coupling portion 111g having a flap rotatable via a hinge portion 110g′.

The flap is configured to be rotatable via the hinge portion 110g′, so that at a first position, the flap presses at least a portion of the second body 120g such that the second body 120g is fixed to maintain an angle (e.g., a predetermined angle) with the first body 110g, and at the second position (for example, when rotated upward in the drawing and separated from the second body 120g) the flap allows the second body 120g to rotate freely.

In addition, the first body coupling portion 111g may include a protrusion 111g′ protruding by a length (e.g., a predetermined length) toward the second body 120g, and coupling grooves 111g″ may be provided at regular intervals along the circumference of the outer surface of a distal end portion of the protrusion 111g′.

In addition, in the protrusion 111g′, a magnet (not illustrated) may be provided to form a magnetic field with the connector 130g to be attached to the connector 130g.

The second body 120g may include a pair of second body coupling portions 121g on one side, and coupling grooves 121g′ may be provided at regular intervals along the circumference of a distal end portion of the second body coupling portion 121g.

The coupling grooves 121g″ are engaged with the coupling grooves 111g″ of the first body coupling portion 111g so that the second body 120g can be fixed in the state of maintaining an angle (e.g., a predetermined angle) with the first body 110g.

In addition, although not illustrated in the drawing, the second body 120g may include a magnet (not illustrated) to form a magnetic field with the connector 130g.

The connector 130g is a member installed between the first body 110g and the second body 120g, and may be made of a metallic magnetic material in a spherical shape.

In addition, the connector 130g may be configured to be freely detachable from the first body 110g and the second body 120g and may allow the first body 110g or the second body 120g attached thereto to be freely rotatable via the spherical outer shape thereof.

Ninth Embodiment

FIG. 22 is a perspective view illustrating a block toy according to a ninth embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the block toy according to the embodiment of FIG. 22

As illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23, the block toy 100h according to the ninth embodiment includes a first body 110h, a second body 120h, and a connector 130h.

The first body 110h may include a first body coupling portion 111h provided on one side, and a protrusion 111h′ protruding by a length (e.g., a predetermined length) toward the second body 120h may be provided inside the first body coupling portion 110h.

In addition, coupling grooves 111h″ may be provided at regular intervals along the circumference of the outer surface of the protrusion 111h′.

In addition, in the protrusion 111h′, a magnet 112h may be provided to form a magnetic field with the connector 130h to be attached to the connector 130.

The second body 120h includes a pair of second body coupling portions 121h on one side, and the second body coupling portions 121h may include a locking portion configured to be rotatable via a hinge 123h.

In addition, coupling grooves 121h′ may be provided at regular intervals along the circumference of the distal end portion of the second body coupling portion 121h.

In addition, inside the second body coupling portion 121h, an accommodation groove 121h″ may be provided such that the connector 120h is seated in the accommodation groove and a magnet (not illustrated) may be provided to form a magnetic field with the connector 130h to be attached to the connector 130h.

When the locking portion is coupled with the first body coupling portion 111h to be rotatable via the hinge portion 123h and is in the locked state, the coupling grooves 121h′ in the second body 120h are pressed and engaged with the coupling grooves 111h″ in the protrusion 111h′, thereby fixing the second body 120h to maintain an angle (e.g., a predetermined angle) with the first body 110h.

In addition, when unlocked, the locking portion is separated from the second body coupling portion 120h, thereby allowing the second body 120h to be freely rotatable.

Although not illustrated in the drawings, the second body 120h may include a magnet (not illustrated) to form a magnetic field with the connector 130h.

The connector 130h is a member installed between the first body 110h and the second body 120h, and may be made of a metallic magnetic material in a spherical shape.

In addition, the connector 130h may be configured to be freely detachable from the first body 110h and the second body 120h and may allow the first body 110h or the second body 120h attached thereto to be freely rotatable via the spherical outer shape thereof.

Tenth Embodiment

FIG. 24 is a perspective view illustrating a block toy according to a tenth embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 25 is another perspective view illustrating the block toy according to the embodiment of FIG. 24, and FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the block toy according to the embodiment of FIG. 24

As illustrated in FIGS. 24 to 26, the block toy 100i according to the tenth embodiment includes a first body 110i, a second body 120i, and a connector 130i.

The first body 110i includes a hollow in which internal slide portions 110i′ are provided, and the slide portion 110i′ is configured to be slidable in the longitudinal direction of the first body 110i.

The slide portion 110i′ is a cylindrical member, includes, on one side, a magnet 112i, so that the slide portion can be coupled to the connector 130i by using a magnetic field, and includes, on the other side, coupling grooves 110i″ which are engaged with an external member so that the rotation of the first body 110i can be limited.

In addition, the first body 110i may include a pair of first body coupling portions 111i having rotation support portions 111i′, so that the second body 120i is rotatably coupled to one side of the first body 110i.

The first body coupling portions 111i are arranged to form a U shape, and a through hole is provided therebetween so that the slide portion 110i′ can be pulled out through the through hole.

In addition, the first body coupling portion 111i may be provided with a bump 111i″ so that the rotation of the second body 120i can be limited and the second body 120i can be fixed at an angle (e.g., a predetermined angle).

That is, in the state in which the slide portion 110i′ is pulled out and attached to the second body 120i, the first body coupling portions 111i support the second body 120i to be freely rotatable, and in the state in which the slide portion 110i′ is accommodated in the first body 110i, the first body coupling portion 111i causes the rotation of the second body 120i to be limited to a direction (e.g., a predetermined direction) and within an angle range (e.g., a predetermined angle range) via the rotation support portions 111i′ and the bump 111i″.

The second body 120i includes second body coupling portions 121i formed in a semicircular or hemispherical shape to accommodate a portion of the connector 130i.

The second body coupling portions 121i is provided, on the opposite sides thereof, with through holes 121i′ to be coupled with the rotation support portions 111i′, so that the second body 120i can be rotated around the rotation support portions 111i′.

In addition, the second body coupling portions 121i include coupling grooves 121i″, which are provided at regular intervals on the outer surfaces thereof to be engaged with the bumps 111i″, thereby limiting the rotation such that the second body 120i is fixed at an angle (e.g., a predetermined angle).

Although not illustrated in the drawings, the second body 120i may include a magnet (not illustrated) to form a magnetic field with the connector 130i.

The connector 130i is a member installed between the first body 110i and the second body 120i, and may be made of a metallic magnetic material in a spherical shape.

In addition, the connector 130i may be configured to be freely detachable from the first body 110i and the second body 120i and may allow the first body 110i or the second body 120i attached thereto to be freely rotatable via the spherical outer shape thereof.

Therefore, the second body can be freely connected and rotated and can be fixed to maintain a certain angle at a specific position, so that a specific posture or shape can be maintained.

While the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments thereof, a person ordinarily skilled in the art may understand that the present disclosure can be variously modified and changed without departing from the technical idea and scope of the present disclosure described in the claims, with functional equivalents thereof to be included therein.

In addition, the above-mentioned terms are terms defined in consideration of functions in the present disclosure, which may vary according to the intention or custom of a user or an operator. Therefore, the terms are to be interpretated based on the content throughout the present specification.

In addition, even if not explicitly illustrated or described, it is evident that a person ordinarily skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs can make various modifications including the technical idea according to the present disclosure based on the description of the present disclosure, and the modifications still fall into the scope of the present disclosure.

The embodiments described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been described for the purpose of describing the present disclosure, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments.

Information

Publication Number

Date Filed

Date Published

Inventors

Original Assignees

CPC

International Classifications

Abstract

Description

Claims

Priority Claims (1)

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

PCT Information