Method of constructing a three-dimensional structure with a multi-part construction toy set

• US 7,510,457 B2
• Filed: 02/03/2005
• Issued: 03/31/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 02/03/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: K'Nex Limited Partnership Group
• Original Assignee: K'Nex Limited Partnership Group
• Inventors: Hussa-Lietz, Kyle Philip
• Primary Examiner(s): Kim; Gene
• Assistant Examiner(s): Cegielnik; Urszula M
• Application Number:
  US11/049,809
• Publication Number:
  US 20060172656A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,517 Days
• Field of Search: 446/85, 446/476, 446/487, 446/488, 446/478, 273/157.R, 434/79
• US Class Current: 446/85
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 33/04 Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 33/062 with clip or snap mechanisms
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 33/101 with clip or snap mechanism

Abstract

A method for constructing three-dimensional structures with a multi-part construction toy comprised of connectable component parts. A flat construction plan is provided illustrating in full size a two-dimensional structure constituting all or a large part of the intended three-dimensional structure. The connectable component parts are placed directly over their respective illustrations on the flat plan, and joined to form the two-dimensional structure. The two-dimensional structure may include a pair of opposite side subassemblies joined by one or more reorientable bridging elements, for example a flexible panel. After completion, the two-dimensional structure is picked up and erected to three-dimensional form by bending or pivoting the bridging element to position the opposite side subassemblies in spaced apart, usually parallel relation. The free ends of the subassemblies are then joined, usually by a bridging element, which may form an end element of the two-dimensional structure. Where desired, additional bridging components can be added to rigidify and embellish the initially formed three-dimensional structure.

Claims

1. A method for constructing a three-dimensional structure with a multi-part construction toy set having a plurality of component parts which can be joined together in a semi-permanent manner by a lateral snap-together engagement, which comprises

(a) providing a flat two-dimensional construction plan illustrating a flat two-dimensional assembly of a plurality of said component parts sufficient to form a substantial portion of said three-dimensional structure,

(b) said two-dimensional construction plan including a full-size illustration of said flat two-dimensional assembly, showing the component parts thereof in assembled relation,

(c) initially building said flat two-dimensional assembly directly upon said flat two dimensional construction plan by connecting together the component parts illustrated on said construction plan,

(d) said flat two-dimensional assembly having opposite end portions and including first and second flat two-dimensional subassemblies, each including respective first and second end portions and said assembly further including a reorientable bridging element positioned between and joining adjacent end portions of said first and second subassemblies in said flat two-dimensional assembly,

(e) erecting said two-dimensional assembly to a three-dimensional form, by reorienting said bridging element with respect to the respective subassemblies to bring said subassemblies into spaced apart positions with end portions thereof in generally opposing relation, and

(f) connecting said opposite end portions of said reoriented assembly to form a three-dimensional structure.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein

(a) said flat two-dimensional structure is constructed to include a pair of opposite side subassemblies of relatively rigid flat construction,

(b) said subassemblies are joined by one or more flexible bridging elements, and

(c) said bridging elements are flexed when joining said subassemblies.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein

(a) said component parts are provided in a multiplicity of colors, and

(b) said construction plan illustrates said component parts in the respective colors thereof whereby said flat two-dimensional assembly may be constructed by placing component parts of a given color directly over a corresponding colored illustration of such component part on said construction plan for lateral snap-in engagement.