WO2006136835A1 - Component for a constructional toy - Google Patents
Component for a constructional toy Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2006136835A1 WO2006136835A1 PCT/GB2006/002294 GB2006002294W WO2006136835A1 WO 2006136835 A1 WO2006136835 A1 WO 2006136835A1 GB 2006002294 W GB2006002294 W GB 2006002294W WO 2006136835 A1 WO2006136835 A1 WO 2006136835A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- layers
- component
- accordance
- laminate
- inner layer
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 48
- 239000012858 resilient material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 239000006261 foam material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 239000002648 laminated material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004922 lacquer Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000002966 varnish Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000009736 wetting Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000002983 wood substitute Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 10
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 240000000731 Fagus sylvatica Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000010099 Fagus sylvatica Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000004026 adhesive bonding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000806 elastomer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011120 plywood Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007493 shaping process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H33/00—Other toys
- A63H33/04—Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts
- A63H33/06—Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled without the use of additional elements
- A63H33/065—Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled without the use of additional elements using elastic deformation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H33/00—Other toys
- A63H33/04—Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts
- A63H33/06—Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled without the use of additional elements
- A63H33/08—Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled without the use of additional elements provided with complementary holes, grooves, or protuberances, e.g. dovetails
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B25/00—Layered products comprising a layer of natural or synthetic rubber
- B32B25/04—Layered products comprising a layer of natural or synthetic rubber comprising rubber as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
- B32B5/18—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by features of a layer of foamed material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
- B32B5/22—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by the presence of two or more layers which are next to each other and are fibrous, filamentary, formed of particles or foamed
- B32B5/32—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by the presence of two or more layers which are next to each other and are fibrous, filamentary, formed of particles or foamed at least two layers being foamed and next to each other
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B7/00—Layered products characterised by the relation between layers; Layered products characterised by the relative orientation of features between layers, or by the relative values of a measurable parameter between layers, i.e. products comprising layers having different physical, chemical or physicochemical properties; Layered products characterised by the interconnection of layers
- B32B7/02—Physical, chemical or physicochemical properties
Definitions
- This invention relates primarily to a component for a constructional toy, particularly a child's constructional toy, wherein a number of such components may be assembled together by engagement of one component with another component to enable a structure to be built-up.
- this invention relates to the construction of a component forming part of a kit enabling similar components to be assembled into a larger construction by engagement of the components in a manner which provides a firm and stable connection between the components whilst also permitting ready disassembly when required and without using extraneous coupling parts.
- this invention relates generally to a laminate construction and method of making same, particularly to form a panel.
- a constructional component having at least three layers, each of the outermost layers being of a more rigid and less compressible material than an inner layer, each outer layer being bonded to an inner layer.
- the inner layer may be a sheet of material.
- the inner layer may comprise discrete areas of material each spaced from one another.
- This invention also provides a constructional component part for use in combination with other component parts, said component part being capable of interengagement with another component part, the component part being formed from at least three layers, each of the outermost layers being of a flexurally resistant and substantially uncompressible material and each bonded to an inner layer being of a compressibly resilient material.
- This invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a laminate material primarily, but not essentially, for a constructional component, the material having at least three layers, each of the outermost layers being of a flexurally resistant material and each bonded to a respective surface of an inner layer being of a compressibly resilient material, the method comprising: i. coating one surface of each outer layer or both surfaces of an inner layer, or all such surfaces, with an adhesive; ii. bringing said surfaces into face to face contact; applying pressure across the outer layers; iii. maintaining the pressure for a time to achieve an adhesive bond between the surfaces; iv. removing the pressure; and optionally v. shaping the laminate to form a component.
- the outermost layers may comprise a stiff or rigid material such as wood, wood substitute or a plastics material. Such material forms the basic structural shape of the component and provides stability and the desired surface properties.
- the inner layer or layers may comprise a foam material, particularly a closed cell foam material, or a rubber or elastomer material. The construction permits limited movement of the outermost layers when subject to compressive loading.
- This invention also provides a set of such constructional component parts wherein one part at least in the set includes a slot or recess disposed transversely to an edge of the laminate, the width of the slot or recess being less than the uncompressed thickness of another component part of the set, such that the other part may be located in the slot of the one part by compressive force applied across the outer layers of said part reducing the thickness through compression of the resilient material, removal of the compressive force allowing restoration of the compressive material to retain the other part within the recess of the one part.
- some, or all, component parts may be fabricated from the laminate of this invention.
- Parts may be made to inter-engage using a slotted or recessed arrangement in one part whereby one part can be fitted edge-wise into the slot of another part by a slight compression applied between the outer layers of the one part.
- the slot of the other part being marginally narrower than the uncompressed width of the one part.
- More than three layers may be provided in such a case one or more inner layers of flexurally resistant material is bonded at each side to a compressibly resilient material which, in turn, are bonded to the outer layers or further inner layers.
- the layers will preferably comprise laminar sheets of the relevant material.
- the outer layers may have a characteristic imparting rigidity and with a compressibility which is significantly less than that of the foam inner layer.
- Fig. Ia shows a perspective view of one laminate component part
- Fig. Ib shows a perspective view of another component part
- Fig. 2a shows a perspective view of an alternative laminate component part
- Fig. 2b shows a perspective view of another alternative component part
- Fig. 3 illustrates a step in the method of manufacture of a component part.
- FIGs. Ia and Ib of the drawings one construction of laminate material is shown comprising outer layers 1 and 2 of a rigid material comprising wood such as beech wood, MDF (medium density fibreboard), plywood, or plastics material having similar characteristics, being flexurally resisting and capable of defining a constructional shape.
- Each outer layer 1 and 2 is bonded to a respective surface of an inner compressibly resilient material comprising a rubber or closed cell foam material 3.
- the outer layers 1 and 2 comprise MDF and the inner layer 3 is a closed cell foam material manufactured by Zotefoam pic, of Croydon, Surrey, UK and known under the name "standard LD33".
- a less resilient material to be used comprises "standard LD45".
- the thickness of the material 1 is of the order of between 4 mm and 15 mm and the foam 3 is of the order of 4 mm to 15 mm.
- the laminate material of Fig. Ia materials 1 and 2 are 5 mm thick and the foam 12mm thick
- the component part B shown in Fig. Ib includes a recess, or a slot, 4.
- the dimension W of the recess 4 is made, or cut, to be slightly less, say lmm to 3mm, than the dimension X of the component Ia.
- Such dimensions being in an unstressed condition of the components with the material 3 uncompressed.
- the component part A of Fig. Ia may be compressed across the dimension X and located within the recess 4 of the component B; release of the compressive force then permitting the dimension X of the component A to restore and thus be held within the width W of the recess 4.
- the material of this invention may thus be used as a basis for the manufacture of parts for a constructional kit or a child's toy which may be easily put together by the engagement of one preshaped piece as A into a second preshaped piece, as B, and so on to build-up a complete article from a plurality of such engaging pieces. It will be understood that the pieces are retained together through the restoring force of the closed cell foam material forming the centre of the "sandwich" construction.
- This invention thus provides also a child's constructional toy or a kit of parts for constructing a toy or model comprising a set of components such as A and B formed from a laminate material with at least three layers, each of the outermost layers 1 and 2 being of a flexurally resistant material such as wood and each bonded to a respective surface of an inner layer 2 being of a compressibly resilient material such as a closed cell foam material, the components being made to interengage using a slotted or recessed arrangement 4 in one component B whereby the other component A can be fitted edgewise into the slot 4 by a slight compression applied between the outer layers of the component A.
- the slot width W of the component B is marginally narrower than the uncompressed width X of the component A whereby after such engagement the restoration of the width X of the provides retention
- Figs. 2a and 2b show a modification and as will be apparent in this example the sandwich laminate is formed from five layers being the outer layers 1 and 2 but with a central layer 5 of a similar material. Two layers of the foam material 6 and 7 are used. More layers can be provided as required, for example the laminate may comprise the three layers of Figs 1, the five layers of Figs 2, or seven or nine layers. In this embodiment the material 1, 2 and 5 is 5 mm thick the foam being 4 mm thick.
- the main object of the laminate material of this invention is to provide outer layers giving a stable overall shape for a component made therefrom but nevertheless permitting components to be engaged and retained together to enable disassembly when required.
- the laminate material provided by this invention is not limited to use as constructional components or parts for toys.
- This invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a laminate material primarily, but not essentially, for a constructional component the material having at least three layers, each of the outermost layers being of a flexurally resistant material and each bonded to a respective surface of an inner layer being of a compressibly resilient material, the method comprising; coating one surface of each outer layer or both surfaces of an inner layer, or all such surfaces, with an adhesive; bringing said surfaces into face to face contact; applying pressure across the outer layers; maintaining the pressure for a time to achieve an adhesive bond between the surfaces; removing the pressure.
- the outer layers may be grooved on the surfaces bonded to the inner layer to assist adhesion.
- the relevant mating surfaces are coated with adhesive to form the multi-layered laminate structure.
- adjacent edge portions of the outer layers 1 and 2 and middle layer 5 are provided with a rigid filler pieces or spacers 8 and 9 the overall width of which is arranged such that pressure applied to the outer layers compresses the foam material 6 and 7 only to a limit.
- the filler pieces thus forming a stop. This arrangement ensures that when the compressive force is applied the outer layers remain parallel and the displacement is limited during the adhesive bonding step of the method.
- the filler pieces can be removed or discarded, for example when the laminate is cut-up to form components.
- a further step in the method comprises "wetting" the outermost surface of each layer using a spray of water or other media specifically to produce outward bowing of the material.
- a lacquer or varnish is applied This step has been found to counteract an opposite inward bowing of the wood component which can occur an application of the adhesive.
- the adhesive used is preferable a contact type such as "EVO-STIK” multi-purpose impact ( a registered trade mark).
- a child's constructional toy or a kit of parts for constructing a toy or model comprises a set of components formed from a laminate material with at least three layers, each of the outermost layers being of a fiexurally resistant material such as wood and each bonded to a respective surface of an inner layer being of a compressibly resilient material such as a closed cell foam material, the components being made to interengage using a slotted or recessed arrangement in one component whereby the other component can be fitted edge-wise into the slot by a slight compression applied between the outer layers of the component.
- the slot width of the one component is marginally narrower than the uncompressed width of the other component whereby after such engagement the restoration of the width provides retention.
Landscapes
- Toys (AREA)
- Laminated Bodies (AREA)
Abstract
A child's constructional toy or a kit of parts for constructing a toy or model comprises a set of components such as (A) and (B) formed from a laminate material with at least three layers, each of the outermost layers (1) and (2) being of a flexurally resistant material such as wood and each bonded to a respective surface of an inner layer (2) being of a compressibly resilient material such as a closed cell foam material, the components being made to interengage using a slotted or recessed arrangement (4) in one component (B) whereby the other component (A) can be fitted edge-wise into the slot (4) by a slight compression applied between the outer layers of the component (A) . The slot width (W) of the component (B) is marginally narrower than the uncompressed width (X) of the component (A) whereby after such engagement the restoration of the width (X) provides retention.
Description
COMPONENT FOR A CONSTRUCTIONAL TOY
Field of the Invention This invention relates primarily to a component for a constructional toy, particularly a child's constructional toy, wherein a number of such components may be assembled together by engagement of one component with another component to enable a structure to be built-up.
In a broader aspect this invention relates to the construction of a component forming part of a kit enabling similar components to be assembled into a larger construction by engagement of the components in a manner which provides a firm and stable connection between the components whilst also permitting ready disassembly when required and without using extraneous coupling parts.
In a further and yet broader aspect this invention relates generally to a laminate construction and method of making same, particularly to form a panel.
Summary of the invention In accordance with this invention there is provided a constructional component having at least three layers, each of the outermost layers being of a more rigid and less compressible material than an inner layer, each outer layer being bonded to an inner layer.
The inner layer may be a sheet of material. Alternatively, the inner layer may comprise discrete areas of material each spaced from one another.
This invention also provides a constructional component part for use in combination with other component parts, said component part being capable of interengagement with another component part, the component part being formed from at least three layers, each of the outermost layers being of a flexurally resistant and substantially uncompressible material and each bonded to an inner layer being of a compressibly resilient material.
This invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a laminate material primarily, but not essentially, for a constructional component, the material having at least three layers, each of the outermost layers being of a flexurally resistant material and each bonded to a respective surface of an inner layer being of a compressibly resilient material, the method comprising: i. coating one surface of each outer layer or both surfaces of an inner layer, or all such surfaces, with an adhesive; ii. bringing said surfaces into face to face contact; applying pressure across the outer layers; iii. maintaining the pressure for a time to achieve an adhesive bond between the surfaces; iv. removing the pressure; and optionally v. shaping the laminate to form a component.
The outermost layers may comprise a stiff or rigid material such as wood, wood substitute or a plastics material. Such material forms the basic structural shape of the component and provides stability and the desired surface properties. The inner layer or layers may comprise a foam material, particularly a closed cell foam material, or a rubber or elastomer material. The construction permits limited movement of the outermost layers when subject to compressive loading.
The layers are bonded together at their mating surfaces using an adhesive agent applied preferably over the whole of such mating areas.
This invention also provides a set of such constructional component parts wherein one part at least in the set includes a slot or recess disposed transversely to an edge of the laminate, the width of the slot or recess being less than the uncompressed thickness of another component part of the set, such that the other part may be located in the slot of the one part by compressive force applied across the outer layers of said part reducing the thickness through compression of the resilient material, removal of the compressive force allowing restoration of the compressive material to retain the other part within the recess of the one part.
For a child's constructional toy, or indeed a kit of parts for constructing models or the like, some, or all, component parts may be fabricated from the laminate of this invention. Parts may be made to inter-engage using a slotted or recessed arrangement in one part whereby one part can be fitted edge-wise into the slot of another part by a slight compression applied between the outer layers of the one part. The slot of the other part being marginally narrower than the uncompressed width of the one part. Thus after such engagement the restoration of the width of the one part ensures retention.
More than three layers may be provided in such a case one or more inner layers of flexurally resistant material is bonded at each side to a compressibly resilient material which, in turn, are bonded to the outer layers or further inner layers.
In this invention the layers will preferably comprise laminar sheets of the relevant material.
In a modified construction the outer layers may have a characteristic imparting rigidity and with a compressibility which is significantly less than that of the foam inner layer.
Brief Description of the Drawings
This invention will be further explained and exemplified with reference to the drawings showing embodiments and by way of illustration only. In the drawings:
Fig. Ia shows a perspective view of one laminate component part,
Fig. Ib shows a perspective view of another component part,
Fig. 2a shows a perspective view of an alternative laminate component part,
Fig. 2b shows a perspective view of another alternative component part, and
Fig. 3 illustrates a step in the method of manufacture of a component part.
Detailed Description of an Embodiment Referring to Figs. Ia and Ib of the drawings one construction of laminate material is shown comprising outer layers 1 and 2 of a rigid material comprising wood such as beech wood, MDF (medium density fibreboard), plywood, or plastics material having similar characteristics, being flexurally resisting and capable of defining a constructional shape. Each outer layer 1 and 2 is bonded to a respective surface of an inner compressibly resilient material comprising a rubber or closed cell foam material 3. In this example, the outer layers 1 and 2 comprise MDF and the inner layer 3 is a closed cell foam material manufactured by Zotefoam pic, of Croydon, Surrey, UK and known under the name "standard LD33". A less resilient material to be used comprises "standard LD45". It will be understood that the drawings show only a part of a constructional component and in detail to illustrate the layer construction.
In a typical construction the thickness of the material 1 is of the order of between 4 mm and 15 mm and the foam 3 is of the order of 4 mm to 15 mm. In the laminate material of Fig. Ia materials 1 and 2 are 5 mm thick and the foam 12mm thick
The component part B shown in Fig. Ib includes a recess, or a slot, 4. For a toy component, for example a child's construction toy, the dimension W of the recess 4 is made, or cut, to be slightly less, say lmm to 3mm, than the dimension X of the component Ia. Such dimensions being in an unstressed condition of the components with the material 3 uncompressed. By this means the component part A of Fig. Ia may be compressed across the dimension X and located within the recess 4 of the component B; release of the compressive force then permitting the dimension X of the component A to restore and thus be held within the width W of the recess 4.
The material of this invention may thus be used as a basis for the manufacture of parts for a constructional kit or a child's toy which may be easily put together by the engagement of one preshaped piece as A into a second preshaped piece, as B, and so on to build-up a complete article from a plurality of such engaging pieces. It will be understood that the pieces are retained together through the restoring force of the closed cell foam material forming the centre of the "sandwich" construction.
This invention thus provides also a child's constructional toy or a kit of parts for constructing a toy or model comprising a set of components such as A and B formed from a laminate material with at least three layers, each of the outermost layers 1 and 2 being of a flexurally resistant material such as wood and each bonded to a respective surface of an inner layer 2 being of a compressibly resilient material such as a closed cell foam material, the components being made to interengage using a slotted or recessed arrangement 4 in one component B whereby the other component A can be fitted edgewise into the slot 4 by a slight compression applied between the outer layers of the component A. The slot width W of the component B is marginally narrower than the uncompressed width X of the component A whereby after such engagement the restoration of the width X of the provides retention
Figs. 2a and 2b show a modification and as will be apparent in this example the sandwich laminate is formed from five layers being the outer layers 1 and 2 but with a central layer 5 of a similar material. Two layers of the foam material 6 and 7 are used. More layers can be provided as required, for example the laminate may comprise the three layers of Figs 1, the five layers of Figs 2, or seven or nine layers. In this embodiment the material 1, 2 and 5 is 5 mm thick the foam being 4 mm thick.
It will be appreciated that the main object of the laminate material of this invention is to provide outer layers giving a stable overall shape for a component made therefrom but nevertheless permitting components to be engaged and retained together to enable disassembly when required.
The laminate material provided by this invention is not limited to use as constructional
components or parts for toys.
This invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a laminate material primarily, but not essentially, for a constructional component the material having at least three layers, each of the outermost layers being of a flexurally resistant material and each bonded to a respective surface of an inner layer being of a compressibly resilient material, the method comprising; coating one surface of each outer layer or both surfaces of an inner layer, or all such surfaces, with an adhesive; bringing said surfaces into face to face contact; applying pressure across the outer layers; maintaining the pressure for a time to achieve an adhesive bond between the surfaces; removing the pressure.
The outer layers may be grooved on the surfaces bonded to the inner layer to assist adhesion.
In the case where more than three layers are provided then the relevant mating surfaces are coated with adhesive to form the multi-layered laminate structure.
In a preferred embodiment of the method and as shown in Fig. 3 adjacent edge portions of the outer layers 1 and 2 and middle layer 5 are provided with a rigid filler pieces or spacers 8 and 9 the overall width of which is arranged such that pressure applied to the outer layers compresses the foam material 6 and 7 only to a limit. The filler pieces thus forming a stop. This arrangement ensures that when the compressive force is applied the outer layers remain parallel and the displacement is limited during the adhesive bonding step of the method. The filler pieces can be removed or discarded, for example when the laminate is cut-up to form components.
When wood is used for the outer layers 1 and 2 a further step in the method comprises "wetting" the outermost surface of each layer using a spray of water or other media specifically to produce outward bowing of the material. In another embodiment a lacquer or varnish is applied This step has been found to counteract an opposite inward bowing of the wood component which can occur an application of the adhesive.
The adhesive used is preferable a contact type such as "EVO-STIK" multi-purpose impact
( a registered trade mark).
In summary, a child's constructional toy or a kit of parts for constructing a toy or model comprises a set of components formed from a laminate material with at least three layers, each of the outermost layers being of a fiexurally resistant material such as wood and each bonded to a respective surface of an inner layer being of a compressibly resilient material such as a closed cell foam material, the components being made to interengage using a slotted or recessed arrangement in one component whereby the other component can be fitted edge-wise into the slot by a slight compression applied between the outer layers of the component. The slot width of the one component is marginally narrower than the uncompressed width of the other component whereby after such engagement the restoration of the width provides retention.
Claims
1. A constructional component part for use in combination with other component parts, said component part being capable of interengagement with another component part, the component part being formed from at least three layers, each of the outermost layers being of a flexurally resistant material and each bonded to an inner layer being of a compressibly resilient material.
2. A set of constructional component parts each said part being in accordance with claim 1.
3. A set of constructional component parts in accordance with claim 2, wherein one part at least includes a slot or recess disposed transversely to an edge of the laminate, the width of the slot or recess being less than the uncompressed thickness of another component part, such that the other part may be located in the slot of the one part by compressive force applied across the outer layers of said part reducing the thickness through compression of the resilient material, removal of the compressive force allowing restoration of the compressive material to retain the other part within the recess of the one part.
4. A component or set of components in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the outermost layers comprise a stiff or rigid material such as wood, wood substitute or a plastics material, said material forming the basic structural shape of the component
5. A component or set of components in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the inner layer or layers comprise a foam material or a rubber material.
6. A component or set of components in accordance with claim 5, wherein the foam material is a closed cell foam material or a foamed rubber material.
7. A component or set of components in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the layers forming the laminate are bonded together at their mating surfaces using an adhesive agent applied over the whole of such mating surfaces.
8. A child's constructional toy or a kit of parts for constructing a toy or model comprising a set of components in accordance with any preceding claim, the components being made to interengage using a slotted or recessed arrangement in one part whereby one part can be fitted edge-wise into the slot of another part by a slight compression applied between the outer layers of the one part, the slot of the other part being marginally narrower than the uncompressed width of the one part whereby after such engagement the restoration of the width of the one part provides retention.
9. A component or set of components in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein more than three layers are provided forming the laminate including one or more inner layers of flexurally resistant material bonded at each of its sides to a compressibly resilient material which, in turn, are bonded to the outer layers or further inner layers.
10. A laminate material having at least three layers, each of the outermost layers being of a flexurally resistant material and each bonded to a respective surface of an inner layer being of a compressibly resilient material.
11. A laminate constructional component having at least three layers, each of the outermost layers being of a flexurally resistant material and each bonded to a respective surface of an inner layer being of a compressibly resilient material.
12. A laminate material or constructional component in accordance with claim 10 or 11, comprising alternate laminated layers of the flexurally resistant material each bonded to a respective surface off the compressibly resilient material, wherein the outermost layers of the laminate each comprise the flexurally resistant material.
13. A method of manufacturing a laminate material primarily, but not essentially, for a constructional component the material having at least three layers, each of the outermost layers being of a flexurally resistant material and each bonded to a respective surface of an inner layer being of a compressibly resilient material, the method comprising; coating one surface of each outer layer or both surfaces of an inner layer, or all such surfaces, with an adhesive; bringing said surfaces into face to face contact; applying pressure across the outer layers; maintaining the pressure for a time to achieve an adhesive bond between the surfaces; removing the pressure.
14. A method in accordance with claim 12, wherein more than three layers are provided, the relevant mating surfaces of the layers being each coated with adhesive to form a multi-layered laminate structure.
15. A method in accordance with claim 12 or 13, wherein adjacent edge portions of the outer layers and any further flexurally resistant material intermediate layer are provided with a rigid filler pieces or spacers the overall width of which is arranged such that pressure applied to the outer layers compresses the foam material only to a defined limit.
16. A method in accordance with claims 12, 13 or 14 including the further step of wetting the outermost surface of each flexurally resistant material layer using water or other media to produce an outward bowing of the material.
17. A method in accordance with any preceding claim 12 to 15, wherein a lacquer or varnish is applied to the outermost surface of each flexurally resistant material layer.
18. A constructional component having at least three layers, each of the outermost layers being of a more rigid and less compressible material than an inner layer, each outer layer being bonded to a respective surface of the inner layer.
19. A constructional component or a method of making same in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the or each inner layer may be a sheet of material alternatively the inner layer may comprise discrete areas of material each spaced from one another.
20. A constructional component comprising a laminate as described herein and exemplified with reference to Figs 1 or Figs 2 or Fig. 3 of the drawings.
21. A child's toy formed from a plurality of component parts at least some such parts being formed from a laminate material as described herein and exemplified.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0512855A GB2427371B (en) | 2005-06-23 | 2005-06-23 | Component for a constructional toy |
GB0512855.8 | 2005-06-23 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2006136835A1 true WO2006136835A1 (en) | 2006-12-28 |
Family
ID=34856056
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/GB2006/002294 WO2006136835A1 (en) | 2005-06-23 | 2006-06-22 | Component for a constructional toy |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
GB (1) | GB2427371B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2006136835A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE112014002621T5 (en) * | 2013-05-31 | 2016-03-10 | Anki, Inc. | Mobile agents for manipulating, moving and / or realigning components |
WO2015008291A1 (en) * | 2013-07-18 | 2015-01-22 | Palziv Ltd. | Compressible vertical connector |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2996832A (en) * | 1959-01-20 | 1961-08-22 | Robert L Rubin | Toy construction kit |
FR2545370A1 (en) * | 1983-05-04 | 1984-11-09 | Parant Francois | Structure with multiple elements, such as a puzzle, and method for using it |
EP0521433A1 (en) * | 1991-07-05 | 1993-01-07 | BOSCARIN, Remo | Educational game structure |
EP0531662A1 (en) * | 1991-09-09 | 1993-03-17 | 279 8140 Canada Inc. | Three dimensional, self-standing puzzle |
US5536009A (en) * | 1994-04-28 | 1996-07-16 | Insulation Materials Corporation Of America | Pool puzzle, method of play |
US20050130553A1 (en) * | 2003-12-09 | 2005-06-16 | Maniquis Arturo A. | Set of building components for building a plurality of predefined structures |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5021021A (en) * | 1990-01-24 | 1991-06-04 | Ballard Scott T | Magnetic building block |
US5212842A (en) * | 1992-09-17 | 1993-05-25 | Pi Consumer Products Corporation | Child's interlockable foam pad, foam pad structure and method |
FR2774004B1 (en) * | 1998-01-28 | 2000-04-21 | Michel Barriere | CONSTRUCTION SET WITH PARTS PARTICULARLY IN WOODEN WOOD |
-
2005
- 2005-06-23 GB GB0512855A patent/GB2427371B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2006
- 2006-06-22 WO PCT/GB2006/002294 patent/WO2006136835A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2996832A (en) * | 1959-01-20 | 1961-08-22 | Robert L Rubin | Toy construction kit |
FR2545370A1 (en) * | 1983-05-04 | 1984-11-09 | Parant Francois | Structure with multiple elements, such as a puzzle, and method for using it |
EP0521433A1 (en) * | 1991-07-05 | 1993-01-07 | BOSCARIN, Remo | Educational game structure |
EP0531662A1 (en) * | 1991-09-09 | 1993-03-17 | 279 8140 Canada Inc. | Three dimensional, self-standing puzzle |
US5536009A (en) * | 1994-04-28 | 1996-07-16 | Insulation Materials Corporation Of America | Pool puzzle, method of play |
US20050130553A1 (en) * | 2003-12-09 | 2005-06-16 | Maniquis Arturo A. | Set of building components for building a plurality of predefined structures |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB0512855D0 (en) | 2005-08-03 |
GB2427371A (en) | 2006-12-27 |
GB2427371B (en) | 2008-07-09 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
JP6419862B2 (en) | Lightweight board, connection configuration, and method of manufacturing connection configuration | |
US8087212B2 (en) | Method of making multi-ply door core, multi-ply door core, and door manufactured therewith | |
CN110124296B (en) | Skateboard body | |
EP3973132A1 (en) | Doors containing core inserts, and method of making the same | |
WO2006136835A1 (en) | Component for a constructional toy | |
JP2004044315A (en) | Soundproof floor material | |
CN214220463U (en) | Aldehyde-free solid wood composite floor | |
JP2012162040A (en) | Decorative panel | |
KR100545364B1 (en) | Method of manufacture for wood panel and wood panel manufacture method thereof | |
JP5039584B2 (en) | Joinery panel | |
KR100713105B1 (en) | Multy layer structure door and Methode of producting the door | |
JP4567957B2 (en) | Wood veneer | |
JP3256202B2 (en) | Laminated board | |
JPH0868191A (en) | Floor plate | |
CN215589429U (en) | Wood-imitated floor | |
JP2016053280A (en) | Woody floor material | |
JP2007237703A (en) | Decorative board and fittings | |
CN209837578U (en) | Solid wood floor | |
KR101949847B1 (en) | Composite board | |
JP2597825Y2 (en) | Floorboard | |
JP2001173214A (en) | Wood floor material and its manufacturing method | |
CN101004102A (en) | Composite floor made from bottom of bamboo green | |
JP2016000466A (en) | Method of producing surface decorative materials, and method of producing tabular building materials using surface decorative materials produced by the production method | |
JPH0557191U (en) | Floor board | |
CN2653037Y (en) | Anti-mould anti-deformation composite board |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application | ||
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: DE |
|
WWW | Wipo information: withdrawn in national office |
Country of ref document: DE |
|
122 | Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase |
Ref document number: 06755596 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A1 |