CA2096499A1 - Interconnecting toy block - Google Patents
Interconnecting toy blockInfo
- Publication number
- CA2096499A1 CA2096499A1 CA 2096499 CA2096499A CA2096499A1 CA 2096499 A1 CA2096499 A1 CA 2096499A1 CA 2096499 CA2096499 CA 2096499 CA 2096499 A CA2096499 A CA 2096499A CA 2096499 A1 CA2096499 A1 CA 2096499A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- edge
- protrusion
- block
- blocks
- invention defined
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- Toys (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An interconnecting toy block having a body with a first surface, an opposed second surface, and a circumferential edge wall connecting the two surfaces. A
plurality of edge protrusions and complementary edge recesses are disposed at spaced locations around the edge wall. At least one protrusion projects from the first surface; a mating recess complementary to each first surface protrusion is formed in the second surface. The block may be interconnected with other identically shaped blocks by mating edge protrusions with edge recesses on another block, and by mating first surface protrusions with second surface recesses on another block to form a three-dimensional structure.
An interconnecting toy block having a body with a first surface, an opposed second surface, and a circumferential edge wall connecting the two surfaces. A
plurality of edge protrusions and complementary edge recesses are disposed at spaced locations around the edge wall. At least one protrusion projects from the first surface; a mating recess complementary to each first surface protrusion is formed in the second surface. The block may be interconnected with other identically shaped blocks by mating edge protrusions with edge recesses on another block, and by mating first surface protrusions with second surface recesses on another block to form a three-dimensional structure.
Description
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TITLE
INTERCONNECTING TOY BLOCK
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a novel toy and in particular to a building block capable of being interconnected with similar blocks to form a ~ariety of shapes in three dimensions.
There is a variety of toy blocks in which individual blocks are interconnected to form larger structures.
Typical of these are the toys disclosed by Sakamoto, U.S.
Pat. No. 3,701,214; Poleri, U.S. Pat. No. 4,202,131; and ~oe et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,249,336. These blocks and block sets require a number of differently shaped pieces for assembly of structures, the means for attaching adjacent block units lie solely along axes which define a single plane, or they require the use of connections which lie along more than two axes to couple adjacent blocks to form a planar structure.
Accordingly, the cost and complexity of the resulting block sets are increased, or the shapes of structures constructed with these blocks are limited because the user is either unable to utilize connection means in all three dimensions or is unable to construct a planar structure utilizing connection means which lie solely along axes defining a single plane.
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TITLE
INTERCONNECTING TOY BLOCK
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a novel toy and in particular to a building block capable of being interconnected with similar blocks to form a ~ariety of shapes in three dimensions.
There is a variety of toy blocks in which individual blocks are interconnected to form larger structures.
Typical of these are the toys disclosed by Sakamoto, U.S.
Pat. No. 3,701,214; Poleri, U.S. Pat. No. 4,202,131; and ~oe et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,249,336. These blocks and block sets require a number of differently shaped pieces for assembly of structures, the means for attaching adjacent block units lie solely along axes which define a single plane, or they require the use of connections which lie along more than two axes to couple adjacent blocks to form a planar structure.
Accordingly, the cost and complexity of the resulting block sets are increased, or the shapes of structures constructed with these blocks are limited because the user is either unable to utilize connection means in all three dimensions or is unable to construct a planar structure utilizing connection means which lie solely along axes defining a single plane.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTlON
It is an object of the present invention to overcome these limitations by providing a block which includes a series of protrusions and complementary recesses spaced about the circumference of the block so as to allow the block to interlock with identically shaped blocks to form a sheet-like planar structure. The block is also provided with means to interconnect with additional blocks on either surace of the planar structure including a protrusion extending from one surface of each block along an axis perpendicular to the planar structure, and a complimentary mating recess formed on the other surface of each block. The user is thus able to build in a third dimension by means of a slip fit between the mating surface recesses and surface protrusions.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a set of identically shaped blocks of various colors so that the blocks may be arranged to form various patterns for representational or decorative purposes.
The above objects, as well as others, are particularly achieved by a block comprising a body including opposed first and second major surfaces and a circumferential edge wall extending between the first and second surfaces; a plurality of protrusions disposed at spaced locations around the edge wall, and a plurality of complimentary recesses at spaced locations around the edge wall, each edge recess being adapted to releasably receive a protrusion of an adjacent one of the blocks; at least : . :. .: . .
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It is an object of the present invention to overcome these limitations by providing a block which includes a series of protrusions and complementary recesses spaced about the circumference of the block so as to allow the block to interlock with identically shaped blocks to form a sheet-like planar structure. The block is also provided with means to interconnect with additional blocks on either surace of the planar structure including a protrusion extending from one surface of each block along an axis perpendicular to the planar structure, and a complimentary mating recess formed on the other surface of each block. The user is thus able to build in a third dimension by means of a slip fit between the mating surface recesses and surface protrusions.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a set of identically shaped blocks of various colors so that the blocks may be arranged to form various patterns for representational or decorative purposes.
The above objects, as well as others, are particularly achieved by a block comprising a body including opposed first and second major surfaces and a circumferential edge wall extending between the first and second surfaces; a plurality of protrusions disposed at spaced locations around the edge wall, and a plurality of complimentary recesses at spaced locations around the edge wall, each edge recess being adapted to releasably receive a protrusion of an adjacent one of the blocks; at least : . :. .: . .
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one protrusion projecting from the first surface; and a mating recess complimentary to the protrusion from the first surface formed in the second surface of the block whereby the block may be stacked upon and releasably interconnected with other blocks to form a three dimensional multi-block structure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above, as well as other advantages of the present invention, will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a block embodying the features of the invention;
Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the block illustrated in Fig. 1 taken along the line 2-2 thereof;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the block illustrated in Fig. 1 showing an opposite surface thereof; and Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an assemblage of several of the blocks with edge protrusions mated with complimentary edge recesses of adjacent blocks, and with surface protrusions mated with complementary surface recesses.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The toy blocks of the present invention may be made of any material which may be suitably formed, preferably - . , .~ . .:, . - , :, ' .
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above, as well as other advantages of the present invention, will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a block embodying the features of the invention;
Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the block illustrated in Fig. 1 taken along the line 2-2 thereof;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the block illustrated in Fig. 1 showing an opposite surface thereof; and Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an assemblage of several of the blocks with edge protrusions mated with complimentary edge recesses of adjacent blocks, and with surface protrusions mated with complementary surface recesses.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The toy blocks of the present invention may be made of any material which may be suitably formed, preferably - . , .~ . .:, . - , :, ' .
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by molding. One material which has been found to be suitable is Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)~ The blocks are molded into shape by means of any eonventional molding process. The blocks may be manufactured in a variety of colors, to the end that the blocks may be grouped aceording to color during assembly, to achieve a desired artistic, aesthetic, or representational effect, and an ample supply and variety of these blocks are typically supplied in a single kit.
Referring initially to Figs. 1, 2, and 3, each ~lock includes a first lo, generally rectangular in plan, and preferably substantially square in plan. A second surface ~2 is spaced apart from the first surface 10, and is similar in outline to the first surface 10. A
circumferential edge wall 14 interconnects the first surface 10 and the second surface 12. Identical edge protrusions 16 project from the edge wall ~4 at the midpoints of two opposing sides of the block, and extend from the first surface 10 to the second surface 12. The perimeter of each edge protrusion ~6 defines a circular are of greater than 180 degrees. The edge protrusion 16 has a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the first surface 10 and the second surface 12.
An edge recess 18 is formed in the body on each of the two remaining sides of the body. ~ach edge recess 18 is complementary to the shape of an edge protrusion 16, and adapted to releasably receive the edge protrusion 16 of an adjacent block.
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Referring initially to Figs. 1, 2, and 3, each ~lock includes a first lo, generally rectangular in plan, and preferably substantially square in plan. A second surface ~2 is spaced apart from the first surface 10, and is similar in outline to the first surface 10. A
circumferential edge wall 14 interconnects the first surface 10 and the second surface 12. Identical edge protrusions 16 project from the edge wall ~4 at the midpoints of two opposing sides of the block, and extend from the first surface 10 to the second surface 12. The perimeter of each edge protrusion ~6 defines a circular are of greater than 180 degrees. The edge protrusion 16 has a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the first surface 10 and the second surface 12.
An edge recess 18 is formed in the body on each of the two remaining sides of the body. ~ach edge recess 18 is complementary to the shape of an edge protrusion 16, and adapted to releasably receive the edge protrusion 16 of an adjacent block.
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A cylindrical protrusion 20 extends axially from the center of the first surface 10. The protrusion 20 may be ~ormed with an internal cavity 2~ to reduce the amount of material required to produce the block.
A cylindrical recess 24 extends axially into the block from the center of the second surface 12, and opposite the protrusion 20 as clearly ill-lstrated ln Figs.
2 and 3. The shape of the recess 24 is complementary to the shape of the cylindrical protrusion 20 from the first surface 10.
It will be appreciated that various ones of the blocks may be suitably joined edge to edge or in stacked relationship to ~orm any of a variety of planar or three dimensional multi-block structures. As illustrated in Fig. 4, for example, blocks embodying the features of the present invention may be assembled to form a planar structure by releasably interconnecting the edge protrusion 16 of a block 4a with the edge recess 18 of the adjacent block 4b, and the edge recesses 18 of the block 4a with the edge protrusions 16 of the blocks 4c and 4d.
These blocks may, in turn, be similarly interconnected with other adjacent blocks, 4e and 4f. The edge protrusion 16 tends to keep the individual blocks in planar relationship because the longitudinal length of the edge protxusion 16 is greater than the diameter thereof.
This relationship enables the edge protrusion 16 to resist bending moments about its longitudinal axis which are gener~lly coplanar with the adjacent edge wall 14.
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, Additionally, the blocks may be joined axially or stacked one upon another. The protrusion 20 is suitably siæed to be frictionally slip~fitted into the recess 24 of another block, thereby releasably coupling the two blocks.
As illustrated, the protrusion 20 of the block 4e has been slip-fitted into the recess 24 of a block 4g; in turn, the protrusion 20 of the block 4g may be slip-fitted inko the recess 24 of a block ~h. The illustrated arrangement of blocks 4e, 4g and 4h is one example of how the blocks may be stacked one upon another. The blocks may also be stacke~ with one block rotated relative the subjacent block, as indicated by blocks 4i and ~f. Note that the corner 26 of the block 4i does not contact the protrusion 20 from the block 4d located adjacent the block 4f which is subjacent to block 4i. This feature allows individual blocks to be axially assembled or stacked and rotated without regard to the presence of blocks adjacent a subjacent block.
It will be appreciated that the edge protrusions 20 of a first block embodying the features of the present invention may be suitably inserted into the edge recess 18 of a second block such that the first surface lo of the first block will be coplanar with the second surface of the second block.
In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the present invention has been described in what is considered to represent its preferred embodiment.
However, it should be noted that the invention can be .~ .~ . . . . .
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A cylindrical recess 24 extends axially into the block from the center of the second surface 12, and opposite the protrusion 20 as clearly ill-lstrated ln Figs.
2 and 3. The shape of the recess 24 is complementary to the shape of the cylindrical protrusion 20 from the first surface 10.
It will be appreciated that various ones of the blocks may be suitably joined edge to edge or in stacked relationship to ~orm any of a variety of planar or three dimensional multi-block structures. As illustrated in Fig. 4, for example, blocks embodying the features of the present invention may be assembled to form a planar structure by releasably interconnecting the edge protrusion 16 of a block 4a with the edge recess 18 of the adjacent block 4b, and the edge recesses 18 of the block 4a with the edge protrusions 16 of the blocks 4c and 4d.
These blocks may, in turn, be similarly interconnected with other adjacent blocks, 4e and 4f. The edge protrusion 16 tends to keep the individual blocks in planar relationship because the longitudinal length of the edge protxusion 16 is greater than the diameter thereof.
This relationship enables the edge protrusion 16 to resist bending moments about its longitudinal axis which are gener~lly coplanar with the adjacent edge wall 14.
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, Additionally, the blocks may be joined axially or stacked one upon another. The protrusion 20 is suitably siæed to be frictionally slip~fitted into the recess 24 of another block, thereby releasably coupling the two blocks.
As illustrated, the protrusion 20 of the block 4e has been slip-fitted into the recess 24 of a block 4g; in turn, the protrusion 20 of the block 4g may be slip-fitted inko the recess 24 of a block ~h. The illustrated arrangement of blocks 4e, 4g and 4h is one example of how the blocks may be stacked one upon another. The blocks may also be stacke~ with one block rotated relative the subjacent block, as indicated by blocks 4i and ~f. Note that the corner 26 of the block 4i does not contact the protrusion 20 from the block 4d located adjacent the block 4f which is subjacent to block 4i. This feature allows individual blocks to be axially assembled or stacked and rotated without regard to the presence of blocks adjacent a subjacent block.
It will be appreciated that the edge protrusions 20 of a first block embodying the features of the present invention may be suitably inserted into the edge recess 18 of a second block such that the first surface lo of the first block will be coplanar with the second surface of the second block.
In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the present invention has been described in what is considered to represent its preferred embodiment.
However, it should be noted that the invention can be .~ .~ . . . . .
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practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its spirit or scope. For example, it is fully contemplated that the body of the block may assume any of a number of polygonal shapes, such as a rectangle or a hexagon; the number and disposition of edge protrusions 16 and edge recesses 18 may likewise be varied. The number of protrusions 20 from the first surface ~0 and corresponding recesses 24 from the second surface 12 may be increased, and their disposition varied.
Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and thei.r legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.
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Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and thei.r legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.
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Claims (8)
1. Interconnecting toy blocks, each block comprising:
a) a body including opposed first and second surfaces and a circumferential edge wall extending between the first and second surfaces;
b) a plurality of edge protrusions disposed at spaced locations around the edge wall of said body, and a plurality of complementary edge recesses at spaced locations around the edge wall of said body;
3) at least one protrusion projecting from the first surface of said body; and 4) a recess complementary to each said protrusion from the first surface of said body formed in the second surface of said body;
whereby said blocks are adapted to be releasably interconnected one another to form two- and three-dimensional multi-block structures.
a) a body including opposed first and second surfaces and a circumferential edge wall extending between the first and second surfaces;
b) a plurality of edge protrusions disposed at spaced locations around the edge wall of said body, and a plurality of complementary edge recesses at spaced locations around the edge wall of said body;
3) at least one protrusion projecting from the first surface of said body; and 4) a recess complementary to each said protrusion from the first surface of said body formed in the second surface of said body;
whereby said blocks are adapted to be releasably interconnected one another to form two- and three-dimensional multi-block structures.
2. The invention defined in claim 1, wherein each said block is one of a set of identically shaped blocks.
3. The invention defined in claim 2, wherein each said block is formed in one of an assortment of colorings.
4. The invention defined in claim 1, wherein each said recess formed in the second surface of said body is sized to frictionally interfit with a said protrusion from the first surface of an adjacent one of said bodies to releasably couple the two bodies.
5. The invention defined in claim 1, wherein each said protrusion from the first surface of said body is cylindrical.
6. The invention defined in claim 1, wherein each said protrusion from the first surface of said body is tubular.
7. The invention defined in claim 1, wherein the perimeter of each said edge protrusion is a circular arc of greater than 180 degrees.
8. The invention defined in claim 1 wherein, said body is substantially square, with a said edge protrusion projecting on each of two opposed edges of said body, each said edge protrusion formed with a perimeter defined by a circular arc of greater than 180 degrees; one said edge recess formed in each of the remaining two opposed edges of said body; one said protrusion projecting from the first surface of said body being of tubular configuration and centered with respect to the first surface of said body; and one said recess formed in the center of the second surface of said body sized to frictionally receive a said protrusion from the first surface of an adjacent one of said bodies; whereby said blocks may be releasably interconnected with other identically shaped blocks by mating said edge protrusions with said edge recesses, and mating said protrusion projecting from the first surface of one said body with said recess formed in the second surface of another said body to form selected two- and three-dimensional multi-block structures.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US88512292A | 1992-05-18 | 1992-05-18 | |
| US885,122 | 1992-05-18 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2096499A1 true CA2096499A1 (en) | 1993-11-19 |
Family
ID=25386194
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2096499 Abandoned CA2096499A1 (en) | 1992-05-18 | 1993-05-18 | Interconnecting toy block |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2096499A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6015150A (en) * | 1997-09-24 | 2000-01-18 | Giguere; Marcel | Three-dimensional puzzle assembly |
-
1993
- 1993-05-18 CA CA 2096499 patent/CA2096499A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6015150A (en) * | 1997-09-24 | 2000-01-18 | Giguere; Marcel | Three-dimensional puzzle assembly |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |