US20100029168A1

US20100029168A1 - Toy block

Info

Publication number: US20100029168A1
Application number: US12/258,120
Authority: US
Inventors: James S. Fleming
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-10-26
Filing date: 2008-10-24
Publication date: 2010-02-04

Abstract

A toy block. The toy block comprises a body having a top, a bottom and a sidewall connecting the top and the bottom. The sidewall has an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface defines an interior cavity having a curved portion wherein the curved portion rotatably connects with at least another toy block.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/982,979 filed Oct. 26, 2007, in the name of the present inventor and entitled “Toy Block” and is incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to toy structures, and in one application, toy blocks that connect with each other to form a variety of configurations including curved configurations.
Children currently use toy construction blocks to create different types of structures. These toy blocks have keying or matching parts so that only the proper piece of the block fits or engages with the matching receptacle on another block. The matching parts of current toy blocks engage each other in a set orientation for reduced movement of the engaged blocks. Accordingly, the child cannot move one engaged block with respect to the other block leading to limited configurations for the child to create. These current toy blocks also tend to stick together requiring the child, or more commonly an adult, to exert an amount of finger force to pry apart the joined blocks. Additionally, current toy blocks typically have a cube or rectangular base limiting curved or angular configurations for the child to create. Furthermore, these cubed/rectangular blocks often scrape or poke the child's skin while the child handles the blocks.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates generally to toy blocks that connect with each other to form a variety of configurations. One aspect of the disclosure relates to a curved toy block, wherein the curved toy block allows the user to use curves and angles in assembled structures of the toy blocks.
In another aspect of the disclosure, the toy block comprises a body having a top, a bottom and a sidewall connecting the top and the bottom. The sidewall has an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface defines an interior cavity having a curved portion wherein the curved portion rotatably connects with a raised connector of at least another toy block of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings which form part of the specification:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a toy block constructed in accordance with and embodying the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view thereof;

FIG. 3 is side elevational view thereof wherein the other side is a mirror image;

FIG. 4 is an end elevational view thereof wherein the other end is a mirror image;

FIG. 5 is a top view thereof;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view thereof;

FIG. 7 is front perspective view of another toy block constructed in accordance with and embodying the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view thereof;

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view thereof wherein the other side is a mirror image;

FIG. 10 is a top view thereof;

FIG. 11 is a bottom view thereof;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of another toy block constructed in accordance with and embodying the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view thereof;

FIG. 14 is front elevational view thereof;

FIG. 15 is a rear view thereof;

FIG. 16 is a side view thereof wherein the other side is a mirror image;

FIG. 17 is a top view thereof;

FIG. 18 is a bottom view thereof;

FIG. 19 is a is a front perspective view of another toy block constructed in accordance with and embodying the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is front elevational thereof;

FIG. 21 is a side elevational view thereof wherein the other side is a mirror image;

FIG. 22 is rear elevational view thereof;

FIG. 23 is a top view thereof;

FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of toy blocks constructed in accordance with and embodying the present disclosure illustrating raised connectors;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the toy block of FIG. 1 constructed in accordance with and embodying the present disclosure;

FIG. 26 is a side view of the toy block of FIG. 1;

FIG. 27 is a bottom view of the toy block of FIG. 1 illustrating a bottom, sidewall and a cavity;

FIG. 28 is a top view of the toy block of FIG. 1 illustrating a top, sidewall and raised connectors;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of toy blocks of the present disclosure being assembled in a structure;

FIG. 30 is another perspective view of toy blocks of the present disclosure being assembled in another structure

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of toy blocks of the present disclosure being assembled in another structure; and

FIG. 32 is another perspective view of toy blocks of the present disclosure being assembled in another structure.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several figures of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description illustrates the disclosure by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description clearly enables one skilled in the art to make and use the disclosure, describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the disclosure, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention.
The present disclosure relates to a rotatable structure for a toy or educational building block. The structure can be used in any appropriate building block. However, for purposes of illustrations only, the structure will be described as incorporated into a rounded toy building block. The term “block’ does not require any particular geometry and/or configuration.
Referring to the drawings, a toy block of the present disclosure employing a connector is shown generally as 10 (FIG. 1), wherein the toy block 10 is stackable and connectable with other toy blocks of the present disclosure. The toy block 10 comprises a variety of materials, such as but not limited to, polypropylene, polyethylene or other appropriate thermoplastic material. Further, the toy block 10 can have a variety of cross sectional shapes such as elliptical, oval, circular, triangular, square, rectangular or other appropriate configuration. The toy block 10 can be of any size to accommodate users of any size.
The toy block 10 comprises a body generally shown as 12 having a top 14, a bottom 16 and a sidewall 18 connecting the top 14 and the bottom 16. The sidewall 18 has a predetermined wall thickness. In one aspect, the body 12 has a length from about 6½ inches to about 8½ inches, a height from about 2¾ inches to about 4¾ inches and a width from about 1 and ⅞ inches to about 3 and ⅞ inches. A body 12 having a length of about 7½ inches, a height of about 3¾ inches and a width of about 2 and ⅞ inches works well. However, any size that is easily used for its intended purpose is acceptable.
Referring to FIGS. 1-6, the top 14 includes a planar surface 20 that joins with the sidewall 18. The sidewall 18 has an outer surface 22 and an inner surface 24 forming opposing straight sides 26 and forming a rounded or curved portion in the form of a first curved end 28 and a second curved end 30 (FIG. 2).
In one embodiment, the curved ends 28, 30 have a radius of curvature from about 1¼ inches to about 1 and ¾ inches. In one aspect, the curved ends 28, 30 have a radius of curvature of about 1 and ⅝ inches. The dimensions are representative of an embodiment and not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, the inner surface 24 defines an interior cavity 32.
The body 12 further includes lateral supports 34 preferably positioned within the cavity 32 and along a major axis of the body 12 and includes a transverse support 36 preferably positioned within the cavity 32 along a minor axis of the body 12 (FIGS. 2 and 6). The transverse support 36 extends from a top of the inner surface 24 to the bottom 16 of the body 12 and across the cavity 32. In an embodiment, the transverse support 36 bisects the cavity 32. The lateral supports 34 may extend from the curved ends 28, 30 of the inner surface 24 to the transverse support 36. Vertical ribs 38 extend from the top of the inner surface 24 toward the bottom of the inner surface 24. A clearance area 40 (FIG. 2) exists between a lower end of the rib 38 and the bottom 16 of the body 12 as will be discussed. The supports 34, 36 and the ribs 38 provide rigidity and stabilization to the body 12 during use of the toy block 10. Any supporting member that can be employed to support/stabilize the body 12 is intended to be within the scope of the disclosure.
Turning to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the top 14 has a raised connector 42 extending outward and away from the planar surface 20 of the top 14. The raised connector 42 is designed to allow the body 12 to connect with other toy blocks of the present disclosure as will be discussed. The raised connector 42 has a curved wall 44 between an upper surface 46 and a lower end 48. Optimally, the curved wall 44 comprises a circular shape. The curved wall 44 may have a radius of curvature of about 1½ inches. Additionally, the curved wall 44 preferably has a height of about ⅜ inches. The dimensions are representative of an embodiment and not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The raised connector 42 can be constructed in any acceptable manner and shape that allows for the connection of a plurality of the toy blocks 10 of the present disclosure. The raised connector 42 is positioned along the planar surface 20 of the top 14 such that the curved wall 44 forms a shoulder 50 near the curved ends 28, 30. The width of the shoulder 50 may be defined as the radius of curvature of one of the curved ends 28, 30 minus the radius of curvature of the raised connector 42.
The upper surface 46 of the curved wall 44 defines an aperture 52 there through and in communication with the cavity 32. Support members 54 segment the aperture 52 into sections. In an embodiment, the support members 54 comprise cross shaped members that segment the aperture 52 into quadrants as shown in FIG. 5. The support members 54 provide rigidity and stabilization to the raised connector 42 during use of the toy block 10. Any supporting member that can be employed to support/stabilize the raised connector 42 is intended to be within the scope of the disclosure.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, a pair of raised connectors 42 extends from the planar surface 20 of the top 14. The raised connectors 42 have matching configurations. The raised connectors 42 define a channel 56 between facing curved walls 44 of the respective raised connectors 42. The width of the channel 56 is sufficient so that two toy blocks 10 and their respective sidewalls 18 of predetermined thickness can fit in and between the channel 56 with sufficient tolerances to allow the sidewalls 18 to rotate or move within the channel 56. For example, curved end 30 of one toy block 10 and another curved end 28 of another block 10 movably fit within the channel 56.
Turning to FIGS. 28-32 and referring to FIGS. 1-6, during assembly by the user, the user sets one of the toy blocks 10 by grasping or handling the body 12 and releasing the body 12 on a surface (i.e., the ground or another toy block 10′) in a set position. The user then connects another toy block 10′ by aligning and placing the bottom 16 of the other toy block 10′ on the top 14 and the shoulder 50 of the positionally set toy block 10. The user may align the upper toy block 10′ by placing its transverse support 36 within the channel 56 defined by the raised connectors 42 of the lower positioned toy block 10 so that the raised connectors 42 of the lower positioned toy block 10 extend within the cavity 32 of the now upper positioned toy block 10′ wherein the raised connector 42 contacts the clearance area 40 of the upper toy block 10′. In this position, the raised connector 42 of the lower positioned toy block 10 limits movement of the upper sidewall 18, and consequently, the movement of the upper toy block 10′.
Alternatively, the user may rotatably connect the other toy block 10′ to the lower positionally set toy block 10 by aligning and placing the bottom 16 of one of the curved ends 28, 30, for example, curved end 28, within the channel 56 defined by the raised connectors 42 of the lower positioned toy block 10 and on the shoulder 50 of the lower positioned toy block 10 (FIG. 32). In this position, one of the raised connectors 42 of the lower positioned toy block 10 extends within the cavity 32 of the upper toy block 10′.
The curved wall 44 of the now embedded raised connector 42 contacts the clearance area 40 of the inner surface 24 of the upper toy block 10′. In this arrangement, the user can rotate the upper toy block 10′ around the embedded raised connector 42 so as to position the other free curved end 30 of the upper toy block 10′ on a lower and adjacently positioned toy block 10″ (FIGS. 29-32). The user can rotate the curved end 28 of the upper toy block 10′ positioned within the channel 56 to a preferred orientation through a plurality of angles to mate the other free end 30 with any lower adjacent toy block 10″.
The curved wall 44 of the raised connector 42 of the lower positioned toy block 10 limits rotational movement of the upper connected curved end 28, and consequently the rotational movement of the upper toy block 10′. In an embodiment, however, the upper toy block 10′ may rotate around the embedded raised connector 42 of the lower toy block 10 from about 45° to about 315° as measured from the channel 56 of the lower toy block 10. While rotating the other free curved end 30 on an adjacent raised connector 42, the user may rotate this free curved end 30 over on an adjacent shoulder 50 and within an adjacent channel 56 of the lower adjacent toy block 10″. The rotational movement around the raised connector 42 and the curved ends 28, 30 allow the user to incorporate curves and angles in creating the structures. As shown in FIG. 32, another curved end of another toy block 10 fits within the channel 56 and is movable within the channel 56.
Referring to FIGS. 7-11, another embodiment of a toy block generally shown as 58 of the present disclosure comprises a body generally shown as 60 having a top 62, a bottom 64 and a columnar sidewall 66 connecting the top 62 and the bottom 64. The top 62 includes a planar surface. The columnar sidewall 66 has an outer surface 70 and an inner surface 63 defining a columnar cavity 65. In one aspect, the columnar sidewall 66 has a radius of curvature from about 1¼ inches to about 1 and ¾ inches. A columnar sidewall 66 having a radius of curvature of about 1 and ⅝ inches works well. The dimensions are representative of an embodiment and not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. With the columnar sidewall 66, the toy block 58 may comprise a “column” component of any assembled toy structure (FIGS. 24, 29 and 30).
The body 60 may further include lateral supports 67 preferably positioned within the cavity. Vertical ribs 69 may also extend from the top of the inner surface toward the bottom of the inner surface. A clearance area 71 exists between the bottom of the rib and the bottom 62 of the body 60 as previously discussed. The supports 67 and the ribs 69 provide rigidity and stabilization to the body 60 during use of the toy block 58. Any supporting member that can be employed to support/stabilize the body 60 is intended to be within the scope of the disclosure.
The top 62 has a raised connector 72 extending outward and away from the top 62. The raised connector 72 is designed to allow the body 60 to connect with another toy block of the present disclosure as will be discussed. The raised connector 72 has a curved wall 74 between an upper surface 76 and a lower end 78. In one aspect, the curved wall 74 comprises a circular shape. The curved wall 74 may have a radius of curvature of about 1½ inches. Additionally, the curved wall 74 preferably has a height of about ⅜ inches. The dimensions are representative of an embodiment and not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The raised connector 72 can be constructed in any acceptable manner and shape that allows for the connection of a plurality of the toy blocks 58 of the present disclosure. The raised connector 72 is positioned along the planar surface 20 of the top 14 such that the curved wall 74 forms a shoulder 80.
The upper surface 76 of the curved wall 74 defines an aperture 82 there through and in communication with a cavity 65 of the toy block 58. Support members 84 segment the aperture 82 into sections. In an embodiment, the support members 84 comprise cross shaped members that segment the aperture 82 into quadrants as shown. The support members 84 provide rigidity and stabilization to the raised connector 72 during use of the toy block 58. Any supporting member that can be employed to support/stabilize the raised connector 72 is intended to be within the scope of the disclosure.
During assembly by the user, the user connects toy block 58 by aligning and placing the bottom 64 of the toy block 58 on the top and the shoulder of a previously set toy block of the present disclosure. One skilled in the art recognizes that toy block 58 may connect with toy block 10 previously discussed and/or with another toy block 58. The user may align the upper toy block 58 so that the raised connector (not shown) of the lower positioned toy block extends within the columnar cavity of the now upper positioned toy block 58 to connect together the upper toy block 58 and the lower toy block 58.
Referring to FIGS. 12-18, another embodiment of a toy block generally shown as 86 of the present disclosure comprises a body generally shown as 88 having a top 90, a bottom 92 and a sidewall 94 connecting the top 90 and the bottom 92. The sidewall 94 has an outer surface 96 and an inner surface 95 defining a circular cavity 97. As shown, the sidewall 94 has a straight end 98 and a curved portion in the form of curved end 100. In one aspect, the curved end 100 has a radius of curvature from about 1¼ inches to about 1 and ¾ inches. A curved end 100 having a radius of curvature of about 1 and ⅝ inches works well. The dimensions are representative of an embodiment and not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The straight end 98 has a height greater than the curved end 100 wherein a sloped surface 102 connects the tops of the straight end 98 and the curved end 100. With the sloped surface 102, the toy block 86 may comprise a “half roof” component for the toy structure.
The body 88 may further include lateral supports 104 preferably positioned within the cavity. Vertical ribs 106 may also extend from the top of the inner surface toward the bottom 92 of the inner surface. A clearance area 108 exists between the bottom of the rib 106 and the bottom 92 of the body 88 as previously discussed. The supports 104 and the ribs 106 provide rigidity and stabilization to the body 88 during use of the toy block 86. Any supporting member that can be employed to support/stabilize the body 88 is intended to be within the scope of the disclosure.
During assembly by the user, the user connects toy block 86 by aligning and placing the bottom 92 of the toy block 86 on the top and the shoulder of a previously set toy block of the present disclosure. One skilled in the art recognizes that toy block 86 may connect with toy blocks 10, 58 previously discussed. The user may align the upper toy block 86 so that the raised connector of the lower positioned toy block 10 (58) extends within the columnar cavity of the now upper positioned toy block 86 to connect together the upper toy block 86 and the lower toy block 10, 58 (FIGS. 29 and 30).
Referring to FIGS. 19-23, sloped portion 102 may include raised portions 110 operatively connected thereto. In one embodiment, the raised portions 110 are integral with the sloped surface 102.
Regardless of the configurations of the connected toy blocks of the present disclosure, the curved portions allow the user to rotate the toy blocks relative to each other and to use curves and angles in their constructions. The curves and angles allow more creativity in assembling the toy blocks while minimizing unsafe sharp edges. Additionally, the raised connector on one top of a toy block fits into any cavity on any other toy block of the present disclosure. The molding dimensions and configurations are such that there is an easy assembly fit between the toy blocks of the present disclosure. Assembled toy blocks stay in place together but may be easily disassembled by a light pulling force.
In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the disclosure are achieved and other advantageous results are obtained. As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
Moreover, the use of the terms “upper” and “lower” or “top” or “bottom” or “side” or “inner” or “outer” or “raised” or “block” or “curved” or “rounded” and variations of these terms is made for convenience, but does not require any particular orientation of the components.

Claims

1. A toy block of a plurality of toy blocks, the toy block comprising:

a body having a top, a bottom and a sidewall connecting the top and the bottom, the sidewall having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining an interior cavity having a curved portion wherein the curved portion rotatably connects with at least another of the plurality of toy blocks.

2. The toy block of claim 1 further comprising a raised connector having a curved wall.

3. The toy block of claim 2 wherein the curved wall is circular shaped.

4. The toy block of claim 2 wherein the raised connector comprises a pair of raised connectors spaced apart on the top.

5. The toy block of claim 4 wherein the pair of raised connectors form a channel therebetween.

6. The toy block of claim 1 further comprising a rib positioned on the inner surface.

7. The toy block of claim 1 further comprising a support connected to the inner surface and extending across the cavity.

8. The toy block of claim 1 wherein the sidewall is circular shaped.

9. The toy block of claim 1 wherein the top has a planar surface.

10. The toy block of claim 1 wherein the top has a sloped surface.

11. A toy block of a plurality of toy blocks, the toy block comprising:

a body having a top, a bottom and a sidewall connecting the top and the bottom, the sidewall having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining an interior cavity having a curved portion; and

a raised connector connected to and extending from the top wherein the curved portion rotatably connects with another raised connector of at least another of the plurality of toy blocks.

12. The toy block of claim 11 wherein the raised connector comprises a pair of raised connectors spaced apart on the top.

13. The toy block of claim 12 wherein the pair of raised connectors form a channel therebetween.

14. The toy block of claim 1 further comprising a rib positioned on the inner surface.

15. The toy block of claim 14 wherein the rib extends from the top and toward the bottom.

16. A method of building toy blocks with each toy block having a top, a bottom and a sidewall connecting the top and the bottom, the sidewall defining an interior cavity having a curved portion, the method comprising:

setting one of the toy blocks in a position;

rotatably connecting another of the toy blocks in the positionally set toy block; and

rotating the other toy block on the positionally set toy block to an orientation with respect to the positionally set toy block.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein rotatably connecting the other toy block comprises setting the other toy block around and in contact with a raised connector of the positionally set block.