Amusement devices: toys – Resilient toy or actuator
Reexamination Certificate
2002-01-24
2003-11-11
Banks, Derris H. (Department: 3712)
Amusement devices: toys
Resilient toy or actuator
C446S485000, C446S219000, C446S118000, C040S547000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06645038
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a toy and particularly one in which flexible loops may be assembled in various patterns or pictures on a board or other surface.
BACKGROUND
LITE BRITE®, a well-known toy, includes a board that defines an array of apertures, each capable of receiving a peg. Light from a source behind the board is transmitted through received pegs so as to enhance the appearance of designs or pictures formed using the pegs. This toy has been popular for many years.
SUMMARY
In one general aspect, a toy includes a member that is at least partially translucent. The member includes a flexible, elongate portion with two ends, having a first peg portion extending from a first end and a second peg portion extending from a second end.
Implementations may include one or more of the following features. For example, the first peg portion and the second peg portion each may include an insertion stop configured to stop insertion of the peg portion through an aperture while allowing at least partial insertion of the peg portion into the aperture. The insertion stop may include a protrusion extending from the peg portion. The protrusion may have a dimension greater than {fraction (3/16)} of an inch. In particular, the protrusion may include an annular ring extending radially outward from a radially symmetric peg portion, and the ring may have a diameter greater than {fraction (3/16)} of an inch.
The first peg portion and the second peg portion each may terminate in a tip. The tip may include a portion of a sphere with a radius of less than ⅛ of an inch.
The elongate portion may be a rod. The elongate portion may be made from a polymer.
The member may be of unitary construction. The member also may be transparent.
In another general aspect, a toy includes a flexible member having a first end and a second end. The first end includes an insertion stop configured to stop insertion of the first end into an aperture while allowing at least partial insertion of the first end into the aperture. The member is at least partially translucent.
Implementations may include one or more of the features noted above and one or more of the following features. For example, the second end may include a second insertion stop configured to stop insertion of the second end into an aperture while allowing at least partial insertion of the second end into the aperture.
In another general aspect, a toy includes a toy assembly and a flexible peg. The toy assembly includes a peg board having spaced apertures extending therethrough and a light source positioned adjacent to the peg board. The flexible peg has at least one end dimensioned to be inserted into one of the apertures. Implementations may include one or more of the features noted above.
The toy allows a child or other user to creatively interconnect apertures using peg elements with a pliable three-dimensional structure. This increases both the intellectual challenge to the child or other user and the types of images or patterns that may be formed.
The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
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Internet: http://biz.yahoo.com, Yahoo Finance, “Just in Time for Daylight Saving Time, Hasbro Brightens the Day with New LIT-BRITE CUBE”, Oct. 23, 2002.*
Internet: http://www.hasbro.com, Hasbro, Inc., “Lite-Brite Light Loops”, 2003.*
Internet: http://www.fao.com, FAO Schwarz, “Lite-Brite Cube”, 2003.
Banks Derris H.
Cegielnik Urszula M
Thin Air, LLC
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