CA2282714A1 - Toy interlocking block container - Google Patents
Toy interlocking block container Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2282714A1 CA2282714A1 CA002282714A CA2282714A CA2282714A1 CA 2282714 A1 CA2282714 A1 CA 2282714A1 CA 002282714 A CA002282714 A CA 002282714A CA 2282714 A CA2282714 A CA 2282714A CA 2282714 A1 CA2282714 A1 CA 2282714A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- lid
- interlocking
- panel
- panels
- toy block
- 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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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
- A63H33/08—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
- A63H33/086—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 with primary projections fitting by friction in complementary spaces between secondary projections, e.g. sidewalls
Abstract
An interlocking toy block container comprises a plurality of adjoining panels (3, 5, 6, 7, 8) having an outer surface and defining an interior space. The panels include first and second panels, the first panel (3) being hinged to the second panel (8) and movable between an open position for providing access to the interior space and a closed position for containing an item in the interior space. Hinging means (19) are provided for rotatably connecting the first panel to the second panel, the hinging means lying at or below the plane of the outer surface of each of the first and second panels. Interlocking means (9) extend from one of said panels for interlocking with an adjoining block engaging means (13) on another of said panels for frictionally engaging the interlocking means of an adjoining block. Releasable locking means (31, 15a) are provided for selectively maintaining the first panel in a closed position.
Description
TOY INTERLOCKING BLOCK CONTAINER
The present invention relates to the field of toy blocks and, in particular, to toy interlocking blocks which can be used as containers.
It is desirable to package and sell confectionery in a container which is reusable and which adds value to the purchase of the confectionery. Confectionery is often targeted at children and it would be advantageous to package the confectionery in containers which can also be used as a toy.
One toy which is popular with children is interlocking construction blocks. These blocks have a series of nibs projecting from one end and complementary receptacles or other receiving devices at the opposing ends for frictionally engaging the nibs of adjoining blocks. The blocks may be used by children to construct a variety of structures.
However, such interlocking construction blocks are generally formed without a hollow interior to contain confectionery or other items. Instead, the nibs extend upwardly from the upper side of the upper surface and the complementary receptacles extend downwardly from the lower side of the upper surface.
In this manner, the blocks cannot contain an interior area.
U.S. Patent 3,496,670 discloses a hollow interlocking construction block. It has a hollow interior area and hinged ends to access this area. However, the hinged ends must be forced closed into frictional engagement with the sides of the block and are not easily opened. As well, the hinged ends are biased outwardly by the hinge element. This arrangement, therefore, does not provide easy access to the interior of the block while reliably maintaining the contents in the interior area.
U.S. Patent 3,774,339 issued November 27, 1973 discloses a prism-shaped interlocking block. It is divided across its diagonal and hinged along one end. It forms a block when the two sides are closed and forms two triangular sections joined along one edge when the two sides are open. This block also does not reliably retain its contents.
There therefore remains a need for a container shaped as an interlocking block and which will reliably retain items in its interior area while providing easy access to these items.
SU1~1ARY OF T8E INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. The present invention provides for an interlocking toy construction block which may interlock with other toy construction blocks. The interlocking block of the present invention includes a hollow interior for storing items and will reliably retain these items in its interior area while providing easy access to them when desired.
There, therefore, is provided a container designed as a child's toy. The container is a toy interlocking block having a hollow interior area for containing items. The block is generally rectangular in shape having six panels.
One of the panels is hinged to the block along one edge and may be moved between an open and closed position to allow or prevent access to the interior area. The hinge is preferably flush with or recessed from the surface of the block to avoid any protruberance which would interfere with the efficient stacking of multiple containers. The hinged panel or lid is preferably a single, unitary piece but may be split into two or more hinged portions if desired. The hinged portion or portions include a locking means for maintaining the lid in a closed position. The lid may include a lip extending over the upper edge of the block and having a projection extending outwardly from the inner surface of the lid for engaging the panels of the block to maintain the hinged portion in a closed position. The block is preferably integrally formed by plastic moulding. Where the lip meets the adjoining front panel, the front panel may include a round indentation similar to a thumbprint for allowing a user to easily open the lid and gain access to the interior area.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described and may be better understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the block of the present invention with the hinged lid in a closed position.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the bottom surface of the block of figure 1.
Figure 3 is an end view of the block of figure 1.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the block of figure 1 with the lid in an open position.
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional detail of the lip and turret engagement for maintaining the hinged lid in a closed position.
Figure 6 is an end view of the block of Figure 1 with the lid in an open position.
Figures 7a and 7b are cross-sectional views of the hinge construction shown in figure 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
With reference to the Figures, there is provided a toy interlocking construction block which may be used as a container. These blocks may be interlocked with each other or with other interlocking blocks available on the market.
The toy interlocking construction block 1 comprises a hollow block having a hinged upper panel 3, a series of nibs 9 extending upwardly from the surface of panel 3, and means located on the underside of the block for fractionally engaging the nibs of an adjoining block.
The block shown in the figures is generally rectangular in shape having six sides or panels, 3-8. It has a hollow interior area defined by the panels.
The block has opposing flat side panels 5,8 and end panels 6,7. The inner surface 10 of the side 5,8 and end 6,7 panels may include ribs 11 extending laterally along the panels. These ribs 11 generally extend to the lower edge of the side 5,8 and end 6,7 panels but do not necessarily extend to the upper edge of the panels.
The upper panel 3 forms a lid which is flat with a series of nibs 9 projecting upwardly from its upper surface. Two rows of four nibs are shown in the figures. These nibs 9 are used to interlock with adjoining blocks. The lower panel 4 of the block is generally flat and is recessed upwardly from the lower edges of the side 5,8 and end 6,7 panels so as to form a skirt 5a,6a,7a,8a surrounding the panel 4. Located on the lower surface of the lower panel 4 are a number of generally circular receptacles 13 extending downwardly from the lower surface of the lower panel 4 a distance slightly less than the depth of the skirt. These receptacles 13 are positioned on the lower surface of the lower panel 4 between the lower edges of the side 5,8 and end 6,7 panels. The nibs 9 of adjoining blocks are fractionally engaged between the outer edge of the circular receptacles 13 and the inner edge of the lower portion of the side 5,8 and end 6,7 panels. The lower ends lla of the ribs 11 may also act to fractionally engage the nibs 9. This lower surface arrangement allows the lower panel 4 to fractionally engage one or more nibs of one or more adjoining blocks. It is not necessary for all eight nibs of one adjoining block to engage the entire lower WO 99/43574 PCTlCA99/00129 surface arrangement of the lower panel, which permits the blocks to be stacked in a staggered arrangement.
The container may be dimensioned to receive toy blocks from other sources already on the market and which a child S may have in his or her possession. In that case, the ribs il also serve to provide a snug interference fit with another block placed within the container.
The lid 3 is hinged along one of its side edges to the upper edge of side panel 8 of the block 1 to allow access to the interior of the block. The lid also includes a lip 15 extending around three sides of its perimeter which overlap the upper edge of the side panel 5 and end panels 6,7.
Extending from the upper edges of the side panel 5 and the end panels 6,7 are turrets 31. These turrets 31 are 1S separated by spaces 32. The inner surface of the lid 3 includes two inner rails 33 spaced apart from and extending parallel to the lip 15 and also extending back along parallel portions 34. The inner rails 33 are spaced apart from the lip 15 by ribs 35, which stabilize the lip 15. This spacing 15a creates an area between the lip 15 and each inner rail 33 for receiving the turrets 31 in frictional engagement when the lid 3 is closed. When the lid is in the closed position, the ribs 35 extend into the spaces 32 between the turrets 31.
Immediately behind the inner rails 33 and extending 2S downwardly from the inner surface of the upper panel 3 are semicircular guides 36. The guides 36 extend downwardly past the inner rail 33 and lip 15 to help in the alignment of the turrets 31 with the space 15a and consequently smooth closure of the lid 3. Each turret 31 may also include a ridge 37 extending forwardly to increase the frictional engagement of the turrets 31 with the lip 15, as shown in Fig. 5.
Additionally, the lip 15 may include a series of ridges 25 in registry with the turrets 31 which engage the ridges 37 on the turrets 31 for ensuring a more secure closure.
-S-The side panel 5 includes a semi-circular indentation 29 on its surface near its upper edge corresponding to the shape of a portion of a thumbprint. The upper edge of the indentation 29 is positioned at or near the upper edge of the side panel 5. This "thumbprint" indentation 29 is positioned towards one end of the panel 5. The indentation 29 allows a user to gain a purchase on the lip 15 of the lid 3 and easily open the lid. The hinge 19 is preferably a living hinge and is formed such that it does not interfere with the stacking of the containers, as is described below. The end edges of the hinge near the end panels 6,7 are preferably rounded as a safety feature against injury to a child. As well, the block has no sharp edges and the radius on all of the edges are designed for the block to be safe for use by children. The back corner inner edge 21 of the lip and the corresponding edge 23 of the end panel 6,7 are mitred to allow the hinged panel 3 to close tightly without interference (see Figures 1 and 6).
Figure 6 shows the container in its open position with the lid 3 extending outwardly at 180 degrees. This is the orintation in which the container is molded, which greatly simplifies the molding operation, because it results in the nibs 9 being formed in a vertically downward orientation within the mold. As a consequence, the mold sections can be separated simply by parting them in a vertical direction, without the necessity for cams or other complex arrangements in order to retract portions of the mold section or sections to clear the nibs 9 before the sections can be parted - which would be the case if the container were molded with the panel 3 extending upwardly at 90 degrees and the nibs 9 extending horizontally.
Figures 7a and 7b are details showing the hinge in cross-section in its open and closed positions, respectively. In the open position in which the hinge is molded, the web of material is typically about .015 inch in thickness T. The corner of the panel 3 is rounded with a radius R of about 0.031 inch. In its closed position, (i.e. 180 degrees from the molded orientation), the thickness T1 decreases slightly to about 0.013 inch and the hinge radius R1 about 0.005 inch.
This is an especially desirable feature of the invention, since it enables the hinge to be flush with the panels 3 and 8 with no protruberances which would interfere with the stacking of the containers. The material from which the IO container is molded is selected to provide high torque strength (especially to the hinge) and impact resistance. A
preferred combination is a dry-blended combination of commercially available high impact and clarified random polypropylene copolymers.
A further advantage of the hinge construction which allows the lid to be opened to an angle of 180 degrees is that further arrangements of interlocking containers can be realized. For example, referring to Figure 6, the nibs 9 can be engaged with the recesses of a second container, so that the second container is alongside the first container rather than above or beneath it. Of course, the living hinge allows the lid to swing open more than 180 degrees, the extent of opening being limited only by the nibs 9 contacting the panel 8 when the lid is fully open.
As described above, the inner surface of lip 15 preferably has a small ridge 25 extending inwardly along the length of the lip 15. This is shown more clearly in Figure 5.
The ridge also extends part way along the side portions of the lip 15 which meet the side panels 6, 7. When the hinged panel 3 is in its closed position, this ridge 25 not only engages the ridge 37 on the turrets but also frictionally engages the upper edges of the side panels 6 and 7 to help maintain the hinged portion 3 in its closed position.
The block of the' present invention is shown in the form _7_ of preferred embodiments. However, various modifications may be made. For example, the block may incorporate fewer or more nibs and these may be arranged in a different manner.
The only limitation is that a surface of one of the panels would need to be altered accordingly to provide a complementary area to frictionally engage the nibs of adjoining blocks. Further, the nibs and the complementary area for engaging the nibs may be positioned on any panel of the block and any of the panels may be hinged.
The above-described embodiments of the present invention are meant to be illustrative of preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various modifications, which would be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, are intended to be within the scope of the present invention. The only limitations to the scope of the present invention are set out in the following appended claims.
_g_
The present invention relates to the field of toy blocks and, in particular, to toy interlocking blocks which can be used as containers.
It is desirable to package and sell confectionery in a container which is reusable and which adds value to the purchase of the confectionery. Confectionery is often targeted at children and it would be advantageous to package the confectionery in containers which can also be used as a toy.
One toy which is popular with children is interlocking construction blocks. These blocks have a series of nibs projecting from one end and complementary receptacles or other receiving devices at the opposing ends for frictionally engaging the nibs of adjoining blocks. The blocks may be used by children to construct a variety of structures.
However, such interlocking construction blocks are generally formed without a hollow interior to contain confectionery or other items. Instead, the nibs extend upwardly from the upper side of the upper surface and the complementary receptacles extend downwardly from the lower side of the upper surface.
In this manner, the blocks cannot contain an interior area.
U.S. Patent 3,496,670 discloses a hollow interlocking construction block. It has a hollow interior area and hinged ends to access this area. However, the hinged ends must be forced closed into frictional engagement with the sides of the block and are not easily opened. As well, the hinged ends are biased outwardly by the hinge element. This arrangement, therefore, does not provide easy access to the interior of the block while reliably maintaining the contents in the interior area.
U.S. Patent 3,774,339 issued November 27, 1973 discloses a prism-shaped interlocking block. It is divided across its diagonal and hinged along one end. It forms a block when the two sides are closed and forms two triangular sections joined along one edge when the two sides are open. This block also does not reliably retain its contents.
There therefore remains a need for a container shaped as an interlocking block and which will reliably retain items in its interior area while providing easy access to these items.
SU1~1ARY OF T8E INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. The present invention provides for an interlocking toy construction block which may interlock with other toy construction blocks. The interlocking block of the present invention includes a hollow interior for storing items and will reliably retain these items in its interior area while providing easy access to them when desired.
There, therefore, is provided a container designed as a child's toy. The container is a toy interlocking block having a hollow interior area for containing items. The block is generally rectangular in shape having six panels.
One of the panels is hinged to the block along one edge and may be moved between an open and closed position to allow or prevent access to the interior area. The hinge is preferably flush with or recessed from the surface of the block to avoid any protruberance which would interfere with the efficient stacking of multiple containers. The hinged panel or lid is preferably a single, unitary piece but may be split into two or more hinged portions if desired. The hinged portion or portions include a locking means for maintaining the lid in a closed position. The lid may include a lip extending over the upper edge of the block and having a projection extending outwardly from the inner surface of the lid for engaging the panels of the block to maintain the hinged portion in a closed position. The block is preferably integrally formed by plastic moulding. Where the lip meets the adjoining front panel, the front panel may include a round indentation similar to a thumbprint for allowing a user to easily open the lid and gain access to the interior area.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described and may be better understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the block of the present invention with the hinged lid in a closed position.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the bottom surface of the block of figure 1.
Figure 3 is an end view of the block of figure 1.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the block of figure 1 with the lid in an open position.
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional detail of the lip and turret engagement for maintaining the hinged lid in a closed position.
Figure 6 is an end view of the block of Figure 1 with the lid in an open position.
Figures 7a and 7b are cross-sectional views of the hinge construction shown in figure 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
With reference to the Figures, there is provided a toy interlocking construction block which may be used as a container. These blocks may be interlocked with each other or with other interlocking blocks available on the market.
The toy interlocking construction block 1 comprises a hollow block having a hinged upper panel 3, a series of nibs 9 extending upwardly from the surface of panel 3, and means located on the underside of the block for fractionally engaging the nibs of an adjoining block.
The block shown in the figures is generally rectangular in shape having six sides or panels, 3-8. It has a hollow interior area defined by the panels.
The block has opposing flat side panels 5,8 and end panels 6,7. The inner surface 10 of the side 5,8 and end 6,7 panels may include ribs 11 extending laterally along the panels. These ribs 11 generally extend to the lower edge of the side 5,8 and end 6,7 panels but do not necessarily extend to the upper edge of the panels.
The upper panel 3 forms a lid which is flat with a series of nibs 9 projecting upwardly from its upper surface. Two rows of four nibs are shown in the figures. These nibs 9 are used to interlock with adjoining blocks. The lower panel 4 of the block is generally flat and is recessed upwardly from the lower edges of the side 5,8 and end 6,7 panels so as to form a skirt 5a,6a,7a,8a surrounding the panel 4. Located on the lower surface of the lower panel 4 are a number of generally circular receptacles 13 extending downwardly from the lower surface of the lower panel 4 a distance slightly less than the depth of the skirt. These receptacles 13 are positioned on the lower surface of the lower panel 4 between the lower edges of the side 5,8 and end 6,7 panels. The nibs 9 of adjoining blocks are fractionally engaged between the outer edge of the circular receptacles 13 and the inner edge of the lower portion of the side 5,8 and end 6,7 panels. The lower ends lla of the ribs 11 may also act to fractionally engage the nibs 9. This lower surface arrangement allows the lower panel 4 to fractionally engage one or more nibs of one or more adjoining blocks. It is not necessary for all eight nibs of one adjoining block to engage the entire lower WO 99/43574 PCTlCA99/00129 surface arrangement of the lower panel, which permits the blocks to be stacked in a staggered arrangement.
The container may be dimensioned to receive toy blocks from other sources already on the market and which a child S may have in his or her possession. In that case, the ribs il also serve to provide a snug interference fit with another block placed within the container.
The lid 3 is hinged along one of its side edges to the upper edge of side panel 8 of the block 1 to allow access to the interior of the block. The lid also includes a lip 15 extending around three sides of its perimeter which overlap the upper edge of the side panel 5 and end panels 6,7.
Extending from the upper edges of the side panel 5 and the end panels 6,7 are turrets 31. These turrets 31 are 1S separated by spaces 32. The inner surface of the lid 3 includes two inner rails 33 spaced apart from and extending parallel to the lip 15 and also extending back along parallel portions 34. The inner rails 33 are spaced apart from the lip 15 by ribs 35, which stabilize the lip 15. This spacing 15a creates an area between the lip 15 and each inner rail 33 for receiving the turrets 31 in frictional engagement when the lid 3 is closed. When the lid is in the closed position, the ribs 35 extend into the spaces 32 between the turrets 31.
Immediately behind the inner rails 33 and extending 2S downwardly from the inner surface of the upper panel 3 are semicircular guides 36. The guides 36 extend downwardly past the inner rail 33 and lip 15 to help in the alignment of the turrets 31 with the space 15a and consequently smooth closure of the lid 3. Each turret 31 may also include a ridge 37 extending forwardly to increase the frictional engagement of the turrets 31 with the lip 15, as shown in Fig. 5.
Additionally, the lip 15 may include a series of ridges 25 in registry with the turrets 31 which engage the ridges 37 on the turrets 31 for ensuring a more secure closure.
-S-The side panel 5 includes a semi-circular indentation 29 on its surface near its upper edge corresponding to the shape of a portion of a thumbprint. The upper edge of the indentation 29 is positioned at or near the upper edge of the side panel 5. This "thumbprint" indentation 29 is positioned towards one end of the panel 5. The indentation 29 allows a user to gain a purchase on the lip 15 of the lid 3 and easily open the lid. The hinge 19 is preferably a living hinge and is formed such that it does not interfere with the stacking of the containers, as is described below. The end edges of the hinge near the end panels 6,7 are preferably rounded as a safety feature against injury to a child. As well, the block has no sharp edges and the radius on all of the edges are designed for the block to be safe for use by children. The back corner inner edge 21 of the lip and the corresponding edge 23 of the end panel 6,7 are mitred to allow the hinged panel 3 to close tightly without interference (see Figures 1 and 6).
Figure 6 shows the container in its open position with the lid 3 extending outwardly at 180 degrees. This is the orintation in which the container is molded, which greatly simplifies the molding operation, because it results in the nibs 9 being formed in a vertically downward orientation within the mold. As a consequence, the mold sections can be separated simply by parting them in a vertical direction, without the necessity for cams or other complex arrangements in order to retract portions of the mold section or sections to clear the nibs 9 before the sections can be parted - which would be the case if the container were molded with the panel 3 extending upwardly at 90 degrees and the nibs 9 extending horizontally.
Figures 7a and 7b are details showing the hinge in cross-section in its open and closed positions, respectively. In the open position in which the hinge is molded, the web of material is typically about .015 inch in thickness T. The corner of the panel 3 is rounded with a radius R of about 0.031 inch. In its closed position, (i.e. 180 degrees from the molded orientation), the thickness T1 decreases slightly to about 0.013 inch and the hinge radius R1 about 0.005 inch.
This is an especially desirable feature of the invention, since it enables the hinge to be flush with the panels 3 and 8 with no protruberances which would interfere with the stacking of the containers. The material from which the IO container is molded is selected to provide high torque strength (especially to the hinge) and impact resistance. A
preferred combination is a dry-blended combination of commercially available high impact and clarified random polypropylene copolymers.
A further advantage of the hinge construction which allows the lid to be opened to an angle of 180 degrees is that further arrangements of interlocking containers can be realized. For example, referring to Figure 6, the nibs 9 can be engaged with the recesses of a second container, so that the second container is alongside the first container rather than above or beneath it. Of course, the living hinge allows the lid to swing open more than 180 degrees, the extent of opening being limited only by the nibs 9 contacting the panel 8 when the lid is fully open.
As described above, the inner surface of lip 15 preferably has a small ridge 25 extending inwardly along the length of the lip 15. This is shown more clearly in Figure 5.
The ridge also extends part way along the side portions of the lip 15 which meet the side panels 6, 7. When the hinged panel 3 is in its closed position, this ridge 25 not only engages the ridge 37 on the turrets but also frictionally engages the upper edges of the side panels 6 and 7 to help maintain the hinged portion 3 in its closed position.
The block of the' present invention is shown in the form _7_ of preferred embodiments. However, various modifications may be made. For example, the block may incorporate fewer or more nibs and these may be arranged in a different manner.
The only limitation is that a surface of one of the panels would need to be altered accordingly to provide a complementary area to frictionally engage the nibs of adjoining blocks. Further, the nibs and the complementary area for engaging the nibs may be positioned on any panel of the block and any of the panels may be hinged.
The above-described embodiments of the present invention are meant to be illustrative of preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various modifications, which would be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, are intended to be within the scope of the present invention. The only limitations to the scope of the present invention are set out in the following appended claims.
_g_
Claims (22)
1. An interlocking toy block container comprising:
a plurality of adjoining panels having an outer surface and defining an interior space, said panels including first and second panels, said first panel being hinged to said second panel and movable between an open position for providing access to said interior space and a closed position for containing an item in said interior space;
hinging means for rotatably connecting said first panel to said second panel, said hinging means lying at or below the plane of the outer surface of each of said first and second panels;
interlocking means extending from one of said panels for interlocking with an adjoining block;
engaging means on another of said panels for fractionally engaging the interlocking means of an adjoining block; and releasable locking means for selectively maintaining said first panel in a closed position.
a plurality of adjoining panels having an outer surface and defining an interior space, said panels including first and second panels, said first panel being hinged to said second panel and movable between an open position for providing access to said interior space and a closed position for containing an item in said interior space;
hinging means for rotatably connecting said first panel to said second panel, said hinging means lying at or below the plane of the outer surface of each of said first and second panels;
interlocking means extending from one of said panels for interlocking with an adjoining block;
engaging means on another of said panels for fractionally engaging the interlocking means of an adjoining block; and releasable locking means for selectively maintaining said first panel in a closed position.
2. An interlocking toy block container as defined in claim 1, wherein the container is rectangular in shape forming a box having a lower panel, opposed end panels and opposed first and second side panels, said panels each having inner and outer surfaces and said side and end panels having upper and lower edges, said first panel forming a lid for said box and said second panel forming said second side panel.
3. An interlocking toy block container as defined in claim 2, wherein said lid is hingedly mounted to said second side panel by means of a living hinge.
4. An interlocking toy block container as defined in claim 3, wherein said container is molded in one piece.
5. An interlocking toy block container as defined in claim 4, wherein said lid has a perimeter provided with a lip extending downwardly around three sides of the perimeter which overlap the upper edges of the end panels and said first side panel, said first side panel and said end panels each having an upper region which is inwardly relieved by a distance sufficient to accommodate the thickness of said lip and to a depth sufficient to accommodate the depth of said lip, whereby said lip in the closed position of said lid has an outer surface flush with the outer surfaces of said panels.
6. An interlocking toy block container as defined in claim 5, wherein said lid is further provided with at least one rail extending along its inner surface parallel to and spaced from said lip to form a space between said at least one rail and said lip within which the upper edge region of said first side panel is fractionally engaged when said lid is closed.
7. An interlocking toy block container as defined in claim 6, which comprises a pair of linearly aligned rails.
8. An interlocking toy block container as defined in claim 6 or 7, wherein the upper edge region of said first side panel is in the form of turrets which are frictionally engaged in said space between said at least one rail and said lip and the inner surface of said lid is provided with ribs extending transversely between said lip and said at least one rail, said turrets having spaces therebetween which are aligned with and accommodate said ribs when said lid is closed.
9. An interlocking toy block container as defined in claim 8, wherein outwardly extending ridges are provided along the upper edges of said turrets to enhance the frictional engagement between said turrets and an inner surface of said lip.
10. An interlocking toy block container as defined in claim 9, wherein an inwardly extending ridge is provided along the inner surface of said lip to engage said outwardly extending ridges on said turrets.
11. An interlocking toy block container as defined in any of claims 5 - 10, wherein a series of spaced guides is provided extending downwardly from the inner surface of the lid, said guides having arcuate camming surfaces which engage the upper edges of said first side panel and said end panels as said lid is closed to urge the outer surfaces of said panels into alignment with the inner surface of said lip for smooth closure of said lid.
12. An interlocking toy block container as defined in any of claims 5 - 11, wherein the outer surface of said first side panel is provided with an indentation located proximate the upper region of said panel to enable a user to gain a purchase on the lid in its closed position to assist in opening of the lid by inserting a thumb into said indentation and prying upwardly on said lid.
13. An interlocking toy block container as defined in any of claims 3 - 12, wherein said lid is hingedly mounted to said second side panel by means of a single living hinge extending over substantially the entire length of said second side panel.
14. An interlocking toy block container as defined in claim 13, wherein said lid may be rotated about said hinge from its closed position to an open position by at least 180 degrees.
15. An interlocking toy block container as defined in claim 14, wherein said box and lid are integrally molded in one piece with said lid in an open position subtending an angle of 90 degrees to said second panel and said living hinge is formed as a web having a thickness of about .015 inch, which decreases to about .013 inch upon closing of said lid.
16. An interlocking toy block container as defined in any of claims 2 - 15, wherein a series of nibs extends outwardly from said lid.
17. An interlocking toy block container as defined in claim 16, wherein means are located on an exterior surface of said lower panel for interlocking with the nibs extending from the lid of an adjoining block.
18. An interlocking toy block container as defined in any of claims 2 - 17, wherein the lower panel is recessed upwardly from the lower edges of the side and end panels, thereby forming a skirt extending downwardly from said lower panel.
19. An interlocking toy block container as defined in claim 18, wherein a series of vertical ribs extends downwardly along inner surfaces of said skirt.
20. An interlocking toy block container as defined in claim 18, wherein said means for interlocking comprises a series of projections extending downwardly from said lower panel to form receptacles between said projections and said skirt for fractionally engaging the nibs of said adjoining block.
21. An interlocking toy block container as defined in claim 19, wherein said means for interlocking comprises a series of projections extending downwardly from said lower panel to form receptacles between said projections and said ribs for fractionally engaging the nibs of said adjoining block.
22. An interlocking toy block container as defined in any of claims 16 - 21, wherein said nibs are circular in cross-section.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002282714A CA2282714A1 (en) | 1998-02-24 | 1999-02-12 | Toy interlocking block container |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2,227,746 | 1998-02-24 | ||
| CA 2227746 CA2227746A1 (en) | 1998-02-24 | 1998-02-24 | Toy interlocking block container |
| PCT/CA1999/000129 WO1999043574A1 (en) | 1998-02-24 | 1999-02-12 | Toy interlocking block container |
| CA002282714A CA2282714A1 (en) | 1998-02-24 | 1999-02-12 | Toy interlocking block container |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2282714A1 true CA2282714A1 (en) | 1999-09-02 |
Family
ID=31716442
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002282714A Abandoned CA2282714A1 (en) | 1998-02-24 | 1999-02-12 | Toy interlocking block container |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2282714A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN111661444A (en) * | 2020-06-12 | 2020-09-15 | 徐州安耕农业科技服务有限公司 | Fruit transportation protection device |
-
1999
- 1999-02-12 CA CA002282714A patent/CA2282714A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN111661444A (en) * | 2020-06-12 | 2020-09-15 | 徐州安耕农业科技服务有限公司 | Fruit transportation protection device |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |