ENGAGEABLE BLOCKS WITH SPECIAL FEATURES

Abstract

A building block toy system includes blocks having posts with elliptical collars or grooves and heads configured for versatile engagement. The posts extend from surfaces of the blocks and feature a bulbous head portion and either grooves or an elliptical collar with curved ends. These posts engage either post receiving holes in a base or other blocks, or slots in adjacent components. The post receiving holes may include ledges and expansion slots that facilitate snap-fit or twist-lock engagement with the posts. Slots in the blocks provide alternative engagement of a post via insertion and locking portions, optionally with engagement knobs that deform the elliptical collar during sliding engagement. An alternative post design engages the slot via a circular channel at the base of the post. The system allows stable, multi-directional connections between building blocks and bases, enhancing construction flexibility while maintaining structural integrity.

Claims

1. A building block toy system comprising: a building block 2210 having a post 2230 extending from a surface 2212 thereof, the post 2230 comprising: (a) a gap 2332 spaced from the surface 2212; (b) a thicker engagement portion 2334 below the gap 2332; (c) a circumferential groove 2338; and (d) a bulbous head 2344 at a distal end; wherein the groove 2338 and bulbous head 2344 are configured to engage a shelf 2362 in a post receiving hole 2260 in a snap-fit.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the post 2230 further comprises one or more longitudinal grooves 2333 configured to engage raised ridges 2264 on the inner surface of the post receiving hole 2260 to resist post rotation.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the post 2230 includes angled post sidewalls 2335 forming an angle a with a central axis 2331 of the post, and wherein the sidewalls 2335 form an interference fit with the post receiving hole 2260.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the post receiving hole 2260 includes an expansion slot 2267 that allows the sidewalls 2265 to elastically deform during insertion of the angled post 2230.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the post 2230 is configured to be received in a slot 2390 comprising: (a) an insertion portion 2392; (b) an engagement portion 2394; and (c) a containing portion 2396; wherein the engagement portion 2394 is narrower than the containing portion 2396.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the post gap 2332 accommodates a surface 2391 surrounding the slot 2390 during insertion and sliding through the engagement portion 2394.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the engagement portion 2394 is narrower than the post engagement portion 2334, providing an interference fit that deforms the surface 2391 during post travel.

8. A building block toy system comprising: a building block 1000 including a post 1100 extending from a surface thereof, the post 1100 comprising: (a) an elliptical collar 1110 having curved ends 1132 and a minor diameter b; and (b) a head portion 930 comprising a groove 932 and a bulb 934, wherein the post 1100 is configured to removably engage one or more of: (i) a post receiving hole 1210 of a base 1200; and (ii) a slot 1030 of another building block 1000.

9. The building block toy system of claim 8, wherein the post receiving hole 1210 comprises: (a) a top opening 1212 having a larger diameter d3 and a smaller diameter d4 separated by a ledge 1226; (b) a bottom opening 1216; (c) post hole sidewalls 1224; (d) a post hole shelf 1220; and (e) an expansion slot 1222 extending through the post hole sidewalls 1224 and the post hole shelf 1220.

10. The building block toy system of claim 9, wherein the elliptical collar 1110 of the post 1100 engages beneath the ledge 1226 after a 90-degree twist, locking the post 1100 to the base 1200.

11. The building block toy system of claim 8, wherein the slot 1030 comprises: (a) an insertion portion 1032 sized to receive the elliptical collar 1110; and (b) a locking portion 1034 sized to retain the extension portion 910 of the post 1100.

12. The building block toy system of claim 11, wherein the locking portion 1034 comprises engagement knobs 1152 configured to elastically deform the curved ends 1132 of the elliptical collar 1110 during sliding engagement.

13. The building block toy system of claim 8, further comprising a cylindrical specialty piece 2010 having the post 1100 at one end and a post receiving hole 2020 at an opposite end.

14. The building block toy system of claim 13, wherein the cylindrical specialty piece 2010 further comprises a large collar 2030 configured to engage a slot 1030 in a building block 1000.

15. The building block toy system of claim 8, further comprising a flexible cord 2110, the flexible cord 2110 comprising: (a) a cord body; and (b) one or more knobs 2120 attached at ends of the cord body, the knobs 2120 configured to engage slots 2130 in a building block 2100.

16. The building block toy system of claim 15, wherein the flexible cord 2110 comprises round or square ends 2165 configured to engage a locking portion 1034 of a key slot 130.

17. The building block toy system of claim 15, wherein the flexible cord 2110 is made of silicone or another flexible polymer.

18. The building block toy system of claim 8, further comprising a specialty piece 2110 comprising a hinge, wherein the hinge allows rotational movement between connected components.

19. The building block toy system of claim 8, further comprising a decorative piece 1070 having a post 1072 configured to engage a post receiving hole 1010.

20. The building block toy system of claim 8, wherein the building block 1000 comprises a partial slot 2140 configured to receive flexible cords 2110 or posts 1100.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] FIGS. 1 and 2 show variations of the building block.

[0005] FIGS. 3 and 4 show a building board with building blocks oriented thereon, with

[0006] FIG. 4 showing also a flexible component.

[0007] FIG. 5 shows building blocks engaged to additional flexible components, and close-ups of certain components.

[0008] FIG. 6 shows further embodiments of combinations of the building blocks and flexible components with close-up views.

[0009] FIGS. 7 and 8 show a top and bottom view of an alternate embodiment of the base 700.

[0010] FIG. 9 shows a detail of an engagement between a base and a block.

[0011] FIGS. 10A and 10B show further block to block and other component engagement details.

[0012] FIG. 11 shows detail of a block post.

[0013] FIGS. 12A-12F show an alternate post engagement.

[0014] FIG. 13 shows an alternate post engagement related to the discussion in FIG. 11, shown in partial cutaway.

[0015] FIG. 14 shows a bottom view of posts engaging a block.

[0016] FIG. 15A-15F show engagement between a block and the base of FIG. 18.

[0017] FIG. 16 shows different slot embodiments.

[0018] FIGS. 17 and 18 show flexible building pieces in use with other building pieces.

[0019] FIG. 19-21 show other specialty building pieces.

[0020] FIGS. 22A-22E show another variation of the building blocks.

[0021] FIGS. 23 and 24 show alternate blocks and connections disassembled and assembled.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0022] FIGS. 1 and 2 show several variations of building blocks 100, it being understood that other arrangements are possible, including shapes that are rounded, or with different combinations of functional and decorative features. The building blocks shown here have studs 110 and sockets 120 that engage one another in a removable snap fit due to the tight tolerance between these components, allowing a user to stack blocks one atop another in a familiar way. Note: as shown, the sockets 120 are depicted as studs 110 graphically, though it should be understood that if these were inverted into the block 100 itself, the studs 110 and sockets 120 can link together.

[0023] The blocks 100 also include key slots 130 that have an insertion portion 132 and a locking portion 134. The insertion portion 132 or the locking portion 134 may be sized to engage the studs 110. In use, the ball end 220 of a flexible or rigid ball engagement component 200 slides into the insertion portion, and then the post portion 210 of the ball engagement component 200 (see FIG. 5 detail for general configuration of a ball engagement component 200). A cavity 140 within the building block 100 contains the ball end 220 in use.

[0024] As seen in FIG. 4, the ball end 220 is larger in diameter than a width of the post portion 210, and the post portion 210 can slide within the insertion portion 132 and locking portion 134.

[0025] The ball engagement component 200 can include various configurations of central portions between its combined post and ball ends. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, it comprises a rigid rod 230a. FIG. 5 shows a rigid or flexible track 230b as the central portion. The track 230 may include key slots 130b for further engagement with the ball and post pieces.

[0026] FIG. 6 shows another variation in which a flexible sheet 230c forms the central portion of the ball engagement component 200. As can be appreciated in the roof configuration shown, the flexibility increases the building opportunities for creative users. The flexible sheet 230c may also form floors in the structure.

[0027] The spacing of the ball ends 220 and key slots 130 may be uniform to assist in component interchangeability.

[0028] FIG. 6 also shows building blocks 100 incorporated with rigid ball and post panels 230d. The panels 230d include key slots 130 as shown, but they could also include sockets 120 and studs 110.

[0029] As seen in FIGS. 4 and 6, the building blocks may have additional sockets 150 sized to receive additional studs 160a, 160b. The additional studs 160 may include ball ends 220 engageable to key slots 130 or locking cavities 310 in the base 300 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The locking cavities 310 may include flexible tabs 312 that engage the ball ends 220 in a firmer snap fit.

[0030] The base 300 may have any arrangement of locking cavities, studs, and/or key slots 130 that follows the uniform spacing of slots and sockets/studs in other components to encourage interchangeability.

[0031] Although the key slots 130 have been shown with just two locking portions 134 on either side of the insertion portion 132, there could be four locking portions 134 at right angles to one another, or they could be arranged extending outward from the insertion portion in groups of 6 or 8. Either arrangement would retain their same functionality and give a user a chance for more designs.

[0032] FIGS. 7 and 8 show a top and bottom view of an alternate embodiment of the base 700. The base 700 includes a top surface 702 that includes post receiving holes 710. The post holes 710 may extend from the top surface 702 through a thickness 714 (see FIG. 10B) of the base 700. The post holes 710 may include a top circular opening 712 on the top surface 702 in fluid communication with a bottom opening 716, which may be substantially circular in shape but of a lesser diameter than the top circular opening 712. The post holes 710 may include a post hole shelf 720 that provides the full or partial perimeter boundary to the bottom opening 716.

[0033] An expansion slot 722 that extends through post hole sidewalls 724 and the post hole shelf 720. This allows a post (to be discussed further below) to be inserted in a low- tolerance fit or snap fit.

[0034] As best seen in FIG. 8, the base top's underside 703 may include support walls 730 that may be arranged in a grid as shown, or include posts. The support walls 730 may be of a height such that the bottom of the shelf 720 is above a surface 760 (see FIG. 10A) when the base 700 is resting on the surface 760. The shelf 720 may be formed as a step from the post hole sidewalls 724 to minimize leverage and potential breaking.

[0035] Post hole supports 732 may extend from the support walls 730 to the post hole sidewalls 724 to further support the post holes and prevent breakage. Such post hole supports 732 may be thinner than the support walls 730 and may connect to the post hole sidewalls 724 at one or more points (in FIG. 8, the number of points is between 1 and 3).

[0036] FIG. 9 shows a detail of an engagement between a post hole 710 and a post 900. The post 900 may be attached to blocks or other parts of the building toy. The post 900 may include an extension portion 910, an engagement portion 920, and a head portion 930. The engagement portion 920 may engage the sidewalls 724. The head portion 930 may include a groove 932 that engages the shelf 720. The head portion 930 may have a larger bulb 934, where the larger bulb 934 is larger in circumference than the bottom opening 716, such that inserting the larger bulb 934 into the bottom opening 716 causes the sidewalls 724 to separate along the expansion slot 722 and then snap back in place as the larger bulb 934 passes therethrough.

[0037] FIGS. 10A and 10B show further block to block and other component engagement details. The blocks 1000 may include, at any portion thereof, the post 900, extending therefrom. The post 900 can engage the base 700 or an adjacent post receiving hole 1010 of a block 1000. Each of the post receiving holes 1010 in the blocks 1000 may include similar features to the post receiving holes 710 in the base 700, such as: the top circular opening 1012, bottom opening 1016, post hole shelf 1020, sidewalls 1024, and expansion slot 1022. Although the building blocks 1000 are shown as block-shaped, they could be other shapes, including custom shapes, and may include the features described herein.

[0038] Like the engagement discussed in FIG. 4, the post 900 may engage a slot 1030. Each slot may contain an insertion portion 1032 and a locking portion 1034, where the insertion portion is large enough to accommodate the entire post 900 circumference, but the locking portion is sized to accept only the extension portion 910, thus securing a post in the locking portion 1034.

[0039] The post holes 710 may include a top circular opening 712 on the top surface 702 in fluid communication with a bottom opening 716, which may be substantially circular in shape but of a lesser diameter than the top circular opening 712. The post holes 710 may include a post hole shelf 720 that provides the full or partial perimeter boundary to the bottom opening 716.

[0040] FIG. 10 also shows one of many types of decorative pieces 1070. This particular decorative piece engages the block 1000 in its post receiving hole 1010 in a less secure manner, where a decorative piece post 1072 merely extends into the hole 1010 and is secured therein by engagement with the sidewalls 1024. Such simple engagement may be desirable for less structural pieces.

[0041] FIG. 11 shows detail of an alternate embodiment of a block post 1100. This block post 1100 includes the head portion 930, with the larger head 934 and groove 932 previously discussed with reference to FIG. 9. The block post, however, also includes a collar 1110 extending therefrom and spaced from the bottom surface of the block 1000. The post 1100 is shaped like an ellipse with curved ends 1132. The curved ends 1132 have a minor diameter b (see FIG. 13) that is less than the diameter d1 of an insertion portion 1032 such that the collar 1110 can be inserted therein and then twisted 90 degrees within the locking portion 1034 to engage the block post 1100 therein. A gap 1140 between a bottom 1040 of the block 1000 may be large enough to engage the block wall thickness t in an engagement that allows for movement along the locking portion 1034. The locking portion may also include engagement knobs 1152.

[0042] These knobs 1152 may be of a thickness such that when the thickness t of another block 1000 is within the gap 1140 of another block, and a user is sliding the post 1100 along the locking portion 1034, the knobs 1150 bend the curved ends 1132 away from the thickness t as the collar 1132 passes thereover. A distance d2 between the knob 1152 and a terminal point 1035 of the locking portion 1034 may be slightly more than the diameter 1155 of the post 1100 at the gap 1140 to prevent movement between the post 1100 and its engagement in an adjacent locking portion 1034 on a block 100 or other piece. (Note that FIG. 13 shows this knob and collar engagement clearly).

[0043] FIGS. 12A-12F show engagement between the post 1100 and an alternate base 1200. The base 1200 includes post receiving holes 1210. The post receiving holes 1210 may include similar features already discussed, such as: the top opening 1212, bottom opening 1216, post hole shelf 1220, sidewalls 1224, and a different but similarly functioning expansion slot 1222. The top opening 1212 may be shaped to receive the collared post 1100 and include two diameters, a larger diameter d3 and a smaller diameter d4, where the larger diameter is larger than the major diameter d5 of the collar 1110 and the smaller diameter d3 is smaller than the major diameter d5 of the collar 1110. The smaller diameter d4 of the top opening 1212 is defined by a ledge 1226 that is smaller also than the diameter of the sidewalls 1224.

[0044] Inserting the post 1100 into the post receiving hole 1210 is likely readily apparent, but a user first aligns the collars 1132 within the larger diameter d2 of the top opening 1212 and pushes the post into the post receiving hole 1210 until the collar 1110 engages the shelf 1220. The post area 1280 beneath the collar 1110 may include the groove or ridge as shown in FIGS. 9 and 19E, or not, as shown in FIG. 12E.

[0045] Once the collar 1110 engages the shelf 1220, the user can twist the post 1100 or related block 1000 90 degrees. In so doing, the curved ends 1132 pass beneath the ledge 1226 into a press fit between the ledge 1226 and the shelf 1220, thereby engaging the post 1100 to the base 1200. Expansion slots 1222 within the post receiving holes 1210 increase flexibility in the shelf 1220 and sidewalls 1224 and prevent breakage due to engagement between the post 1100 and hole 1210.

[0046] FIGS. 15A-15F show a similar embodiment as FIGS. 12A-12F, except that the post receiving holes 1910 include a circumferential groove 1934 that engages a post ridge 1392 in a snap fit to engage the two to one another more securely. The ridge and groove engagement may be reversed as shown in FIG. 9, and the post receiving holes 1910 may include an expansion slot as previously described.

[0047] FIG. 14 shows a bottom view of posts 1100 engaging a block 1400 having 4 post receiving holes all pointed towards one another,. In such an arrangement, the depth of the post receiving holes is such that the posts 1100 do not interfere with one another.

[0048] FIG. 16 shows different slot embodiments 1610, 1620, 1630, 1640, 1650 having insertion portions 1632 and locking portions 1634 that function as described previously. Such slots may be positioned on blocks, bases, or specialty pieces and include knobs 1631 thereunder to secure posts thereto.

[0049] FIGS. 17 and 18 show flexible building pieces in use with other building pieces. FIG. 17 shows a specialty block 2100 with slots 2130 therein. Flexible cords 2110 with knobs 2120 attached thereto may be permanently attached to the specialty block 2100 or the knobs 2120 may be engaged within slots 2130. The flexible cords 2150, 2160 may have round or square 2165 ends, with a dimension that is small enough to fit within the insertion portion of slots and large enough to engage the locking portion thereof.

[0050] FIG. 19 shows specialty building pieces 19 that include ball ends 2120 for engagement in slots and other engaging ends 2180 of various shapes to engage flexible or inflexible pieces, or for decorative use.

[0051] FIG. 20 shows blocks 1000 engaged to a base 1200 in a manner already discussed. It also shows another specialty cylindrical piece 2010 having a collared post 1100, 1900 on one end. The specialty piece 2010 may include a second end including a post receiving hole 2020 to allow for attaching multiple cylindrical pieces 2010 to build towers, supports, walkways, etc. The specialty piece 2000 may include a large collar 2030 to assist it in engaging slots 2130 in the blocks 1000.

[0052] FIG. 21 shows other specialty pieces, including a hinged piece 2115, a conically topped block 2125, a flag 2135, and a partial slot block 2145.

[0053] FIGS. 22A-22E show another variation of the building blocks 2210, base(s) 2220, and specialty piece windows 2270, and doors 2250. The blocks 2210 engage other blocks 2210 and bases 2220 through the engagement between posts 2230 and post receiving holes 2260. Each post 2230 may include a gap 2232 between a surface 2212 from which the post extends, a thicker engagement portion 2334, a groove 2338, and a bulbous head 2344.

[0054] The groove 2338 and bulbous head 2344 engage a post receiving hole 2260 as has been previously described by mating the shelf 2362 in the groove 2338 in a snap fit. The post 2230 may include additional features to aid engagement inside a post receiving hole 2260. The first is an longitudinal groove 2333 (as opposed to the circumferential groove 2338) and the second is angled/tapered post sidewalls 2335. The longitudinal groove 2333 may engage a raised ridge 2264 that extends from the post receiving hole sidewall 2265 to prevent rotation of the post 2230 in the post receiving hole 2260 during initial insertion. If the post 2230 is rotated inside the post receiving hole 2260, the ridges may be pushed outwards while they engaged the sidewalls 2335 more securely.

[0055] The angled or tapered post sidewalls 2335 may engage the post hole sidewalls 2265 in an interference fit, with the post hole sidewalls 2265 capable of expanding to accommodate the fit due to the expansion slot 2267 that allows for deformation of the sidewalls. The tapered sidewalls 2335 may be angled at an angle a with respect to a central axis 2331 of the post 2230.

[0056] Similar to what was described above, the gap 2332 may be sized to fit into a slot 2390. The slot 2390 may include an insertion portion 2392, engagement portion 2394, and different from the previously described slots, a containing portion 2396. A user inserts the post 2230 into a slot insertion portion 2392 until the block bottom surface 2212 engages a surface 2391 surrounding the slot 2390. Then the user slides the post along the length of the engagement portion 2394, during which the post gap 2332 is large enough to accommodate a thickness of the surface 2391, and the post width within the post gap 2332 is in an interference fit with the engagement portion 2394, deforming the surface 2391 in an area thereof. Once the user slides the post 2230 to the containing portion, which has a diameter x wider than the width y of the engagement portion 2394, the post 2230 can freely rotate, but the diameter y being greater than a minimal diameter z of the post engagement portion 2334, the post 2230 is engaged within the slot 2390.

[0057] The post 2230 may include one or more longitudinal grooves 2333, as can be seen in FIGS. 23 and 24. The post receiving holes 2260 may have alternating expansion slots or tabs rotated to receive posts at different angles.

[0058] It should be appreciated that the block 2210 includes two posts 2230, and thus, when engaged with corresponding post receiving holes 2260, the block 2210 cannot rotate, but it still may be engaged within the holes through the groove 2338 and shelf 2262 engagement.

[0059] All components, especially those involved in engagement, may advantageously be of a uniform size to facilitate interchangeability and give users more flexibility in building.

[0060] The studs and sockets are shown as cylindrical, but they may be square or another shape.

[0061] The rigid components may be made from a rigid polymer, and the flexible components may be made from a very flexible polymer such as silicone. Some components could incorporate small magnets, motors, or other customizable shapes and decorative pieces.

[0062] Any component, including the base, may include electricity, which may be connected through rigid blocks plugged into sockets that complete a circuit and open further creative possibilities for the user.

[0063] Posts, sockets, and holes may be interchangeably used on different parts, such as for example a base that includes posts or a specialty piece that has post receiving holes. The many combinations would be impossible to show in the figures.

[0064] While the invention has been described with reference to the embodiments above, a person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that various changes or modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the claims.