Toy Building Block

This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/655,033, filed Jun. 2, 2024, and titled “TOY BUILDING BLOCK,” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes (but except for any subject matter disclaimers or disavowals, and except to the extent that the incorporated material is inconsistent with the express disclosure herein, in which case the language in this disclosure shall control).

The present disclosure relates generally to toy building elements and more particularly to toy building blocks adapted to be connected together.

Toy building blocks are often designed to connect with or stack on top of each other through means of chamfer geometry or cylindrical hold and peg configurations. The chamfer geometry or cylindrical hold and peg configurations are typically patterned throughout or across a center of top and bottom faces of base units. As a result, toy building blocks suffer from lack of stability when connected. Further, the geometry of the connecting features disposed across or patterned across the top and bottom faces provide for predominantly non-flat or irregular surfaces. Accordingly, improved systems and methods for toy building blocks, and specifically, the coupling features of toy building blocks, are desirable.

One aspect of the subject matter described herein may be a toy building block comprising a building block of a geometric shape having a proximal surface, a distal surface, and a number of walls extending from the proximal surface to the distal surface. In various embodiments, the walls may define a perimeter of the building block. In various embodiments, the plurality of protrusions may extend normally from the proximal surface and may be disposed along an outer edge of the proximal surface. In various embodiments, the plurality of recesses may extend into the distal surface.

In various embodiments, the number of walls of the building block may correspond to a number of sides of the geometric shape. In various embodiments, the number of sides of the geometric shape is at least five. In various embodiments, the outer face of each protrusion may be aligned with the perimeter of the building block and the plurality of recesses extends into the perimeter of the building block.

In various embodiments, each protrusion and each recess may be rectangular. In various embodiments, the plurality of protrusions on the proximal surface may be inserted into clamping engagement with a second plurality of recesses of another building block such that the proximal surface contacts a distal surface of the another building block.

In various embodiments, the toy building block may further comprise a recessed ridge extending around the perimeter on the distal surface.

In various embodiments, the proximal surface is solid and extends from and between the walls. In other embodiments, the proximal surface comprises a cavity extending at least partially toward the distal surface along the walls and wherein an inner face of each protrusion is aligned with an inner perimeter of the building block about the cavity.

In another aspect, the subject matter described herein may be a toy building block comprising a building block of a geometric shape defined by a pattern of base shapes unified as one. In various embodiments, the building block may have a proximal surface, a distal surface, and a number of walls extending from the proximal surface to the distal surface. In various embodiments, the walls may define a perimeter of the building block. In various embodiments a plurality of first protrusions may extend normally from the proximal surface and may be disposed along an outer edge of each base shape. In various embodiments, a plurality of first recesses may extend into the distal surface and may be disposed along the outer edge of each base shape.

In various embodiments, the outer edge may be an edge that does not abut the perimeter and may further include a plurality of second protrusions extending normally from the proximal surface and disposed along the perimeter of the building block.

In various embodiments, the plurality of second recesses may extend into the distal surface and may be disposed along the perimeter of the building block. In various embodiments, each of the first protrusions, each of the second protrusions, each of the first recesses, and each of the second recesses are rectangular. In various embodiments, a width of each first protrusion is twice a width of each second protrusion and wherein a width of each first recess is twice a width of each second recess.

In another aspect, the subject matter described herein may be a toy building block set comprising a first building block of a first base geometric shape having a first proximal surface, a first distal surface, and a number of first walls extending from the first proximal surface to the first distal surface, the first walls defining a perimeter of the first building block. The first building block may have a plurality of protrusions extending normally from the first proximal surface. The toy building block set may comprise a second building block of a second geometric shape having a second proximal surface, a second distal surface, and a number of second walls extending from the proximal surface to the distal surface, the second walls defining a perimeter of the second building block. The second building block may have a plurality of recesses extending into the second distal surface. The plurality of recesses may be defined by a shape of the plurality of protrusions, and the plurality of protrusions may be inserted into clamping engagement with the plurality of recesses.

In various embodiments, the first base geometric shape and the second geometric shape may be the same shape.

In various embodiments, the first base geometric shape may be defined by a pattern of a base shape. The second base geometric shape may be the same shape as the base shape of the first base geometric shape. In various embodiments, the base shape may have at least five sides. In various embodiments, the first building block may further comprise a plurality of second protrusions extending normally from the first proximal surface and disposed along a remaining outer edge of the base shapes. The remaining outer edge may be an edge of the base shapes that does not abut the perimeter. In various embodiments, when the first building block and the second building block are in clamping engagement, the first proximal surface and the second distal surface may be in contact.

The following detailed description of various embodiments herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which show various embodiments by way of illustration. While these various embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation. Furthermore, any reference to “singular” includes plural embodiments, and any reference to “more than one” component or step may include a singular embodiment or step. Also, any reference to “attached,” “fixed,” “connected,” or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full or any other possible attachment option. Additionally, any reference to “without contact” (or similar phrases) may also include reduced contact or minimal contact. It should also be understood that unless specifically stated otherwise, references to “a,” “an,” or “the” may include one or more than one and that reference to an item in the singular may also include the item in the plural. Further, all ranges may include upper and lower values and all ranges and ratio limits disclosed herein may be combined.

For the sake of brevity, conventional approaches for interlocking materials, clamping joints, friction joints, snap fit joints, and/or the like may not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical or communicative couplings between various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical system and/or related methods of use, for example interconnecting pieces of three-dimensional puzzles, construction toys, or do-it-yourself building kits.

In connection with the present disclosure, the terms “stack” and refers to connecting, coupling, securing, or the like at least two base units via at least one friction joint, snap joint, clamping joint, etc. Base units may also be “unstacked” or disconnected, uncoupled, removed from each other, or the like.

The present disclosure provides for a toy building block set having a base unit building block. The base unit building block (also referred to herein as a base unit, a base unit block, or a building block) may be configured in various geometric shapes including, but not limited to, hexagonal, rectangular, triangular, etc. The base unit block may also be configured in a geometric shape defined by repeating hexagons, rectangles, triangles, etc. The toy building blocks disclosed herein provide for stable, flat upper surfaces. The adjustable nature of the interlocking features of the toy building blocks of the present disclose allows for versatile assembly, accommodating a wide range of creative and structural possibilities.

With initial reference to, a base unitis illustrated, in accordance with various embodiments. The base unitmay be defined by a geometric shape. While the base unitillustrated inhas a hexagonal shape, it is understood that the base unitmay have any geometric shape. In various embodiments, the base unithas a geometric shape which can repeat to form a tessellation. In various embodiments, the base unithas a geometric shape which cannot repeat to form a tessellation. In various embodiments, various shaped base unitsmay be incorporated into a single toy set and be used to construct complex shapes and structures.

In various embodiments, the base unitcomprises a proximal surfaceand a distal surface. The base unitmay comprise a plurality of wallsextending between the proximal surfaceand the distal surface. The wallsmay enclose a perimeterof the base unitgeometric shape. The wallsmay themselves form a single perimetric wall. Where multiple base units are stacked side-by-side, the relative size of the wallsand the substantially flat surface of the proximal and distal surfaces,provide for greater lateral stability such that complex structures with bridges can be formed. Further, the substantially flat proximal and distal surfaces,provide platforms for game pieces or other non-interlocking features to rest. The platforms formed by proximal and distal surfaces,allow for non-interlocking components to rest by contacting a continual surface rather than rest on perimeters of other sorts of non-coupled interlocking features. For example, proximal and distal surfaces,can support game characters or action figures and aesthetic features such as trees, rocks, buildings, etc. The game characters and aesthetic features may have their own bottom surface which can contact the platforms of the proximal and distal surfaces,without obstruction.

In various embodiments, the base unitcomprises at least one protrusion. The protrusionmay be disposed on the proximal surface. The protrusionmay extend from the proximal surface. The protrusionmay be of a rectangular shape. With reference to, protrusionmay have a first face(also referred to herein as an outer face) and an opposing second face(also referred to herein as an inner face). Protrusionmay have a third faceconnecting and perpendicular to first faceand second face. Protrusionmay have a fourth faceconnecting and perpendicular to first faceand second face. Third faceand fourth facemay be opposing faces. A fifth faceof protrusionmay be a top of protrusionsuch that first face, second face, third face, fourth face, and fifth faceform an enclosed structure. In various embodiments, each of the first face, second face, third face, and fourth faceare defined by an equivalent length. In various embodiments, first faceand second faceare of a greater length than third faceand fourth face. First facemay be oriented radially outward. Second facemay be oriented radially inward.

In various embodiments, protrusionmay be disposed along an outer edge of proximal surface. In various embodiments, the first faceof protrusionis aligned to (i.e., flush with) the perimeterof the base unit. In various embodiments, the first faceof protrusionis offset from (i.e., not flush with) the perimeterof the base unit.

In various embodiments, the protrusionmay be one of a plurality of protrusions, as shown in. Each protrusionmay be centered along its corresponding wall. As depicted in, a protrusionmay be disposed on each wall. However, it should be understood that a protrusionneed not be disposed along each wall. For example, with brief reference toand, a protrusionmay be disposed on some walls. For example, a protrusionmay be disposed on every other wall, every third wall, or a pair of opposing walls. For example, two protrusionsmay be disposed along a wall. In other words, any number of protrusionsmay be selected to achieve the intended purpose of the connection of the base unit.

In various embodiments, the base unitcomprises at least one recess. The recessmay be disposed on the distal surface. The recessmay extend into the distal surface. The recessmay extend into the plurality of walls(or into the perimeter, into the perimetric wall). The recessmay be of a rectangular shape. With reference to, recessmay define a first surface. First surfacemay be parallel to the distal surface. Recessmay define a second surfaceperpendicular to first surfaceand distal surface. Recessmay define a third surfaceopposing second surface, perpendicular to first surface, and perpendicular to distal surface. In various embodiments, such as embodiments in which the distal surfaceextends from and between each wallas depicted in, recessmay define a fourth surfaceparallel to wall, perpendicular to second surface, and perpendicular to third surface. In various embodiments, such as embodiments in which the distal surfacecomprises a cavity between walls, the fourth surfacemay be omitted.

In various embodiments, recessmay be disposed along an outer edge of distal surface.

In various embodiments, the recessmay be one of a plurality of recesses, as shown in. Each recessmay be centered along its corresponding wall. As depicted in, a recessmay be disposed on each wall. However, it should be understood that a recessneed not be disposed along each wall. For example, a recessmay be disposed on some walls. For example, a recessmay be disposed on every other wall, every third wall, or a pair of opposing walls. For example, two recessesmay be disposed along a wall. In other words, any number of recessesmay be selected to achieve the intended purpose of the connection of the base unit.

In various embodiments, and with reference to, the proximal surfacemay be solid and extend from and between walls. In various embodiments, the distal surfacemay be solid and extend from and between walls. In various embodiments, the base unitmay have a hollow cavity between the solid proximal surfaceand the solid distal surface. In various embodiments, the base unitmay be solid.

In various embodiments, and with continued reference to, base unitmay comprise a recessed ridge. Recessed ridgemay assist in identification of base unitwhen stacked with other building blocks. Recessed ridgemay assist in decoupling, or unstacking, base unitfrom other building blocks.

With reference to, a bottom perspective view of base unitwith a solid distal surface. Recessesextend into distal surfaceand define a first surface, a second surface, a third surface, and a fourth surface. Recessed ridgeextends into distal surfaceand around the perimeterof base unit.

With reference to, a base unitis illustrated, in accordance with various embodiments. Base unitmay be similar to base unit. Accordingly, some features of the base unitare not repeated for ease of description. Base unitis defined by a rectangular or square geometric shape.

With reference to, a base unitis illustrated, in accordance with various embodiments. Base unitmay be similar to base unit. Accordingly, some features of the base unitare not repeated for ease of description. Base unitmay comprise a cavity. Cavitymay extend through proximal surface. As such, wallsdefine a thickness of proximal surface. Cavitymay extend to a solid distal surface. Cavitymay extend through distal surface. As such wallsdefine a thickness of proximal surfaceand distal surface. In such an embodiment, fourth surfacemay be omitted.

With reference to, a base unitis illustrated. Base unitmay be similar to base unit. Accordingly, some features of the base unitare not repeated for ease of description. Base unitmay have a geometric shape. The geometric shape of base unitmay be defined by a pattern of base shapes unified as one. Base unit, with a geometric shape defined by multiple base shapes, may be referred to as a multi-unit configuration. It should be understood that base unitmay be in a configuration of any suitable multiple (i.e., a two-unit, four-unit, five-unit, etc. configuration). For example, as depicted in, the base shape of base unitis a hexagon. As depicted in, base unitmay have two hexagons repeated to form a unified geometric shape. As depicted in, base unitmay have three hexagons repeated in a first configuration to form a geometric shape. As depicted in, base unitmay have three hexagons repeated in a second configuration. As depicted in, base unitmay have four hexagons repeated. As depicted in, base unitmay have seven hexagons repeated. Further, it should be understood that that base unitmay be formed be base shapes in any suitable configuration. For example, the base unitmay have a geometric shape comprising gaps or base shapes arranged in other geometric shapes not shown herein. Further, it should be understood that the base shape may be any suitable shape. For example, the base shape may be a rectangle, as depicted in, or any other suitable shape.

In various embodiments, base unitmay be constructed monolithically. Thus, the base unitmay be described as being formed from the same material without seams or other joints. The base unitmay be manufactured using fused deposition molding, filament 3D printing, selective laser sintering (SLS), stereolithography (SLA), injection molding, additive manufacturing, carving, or any other suitable method. The base unitmay comprise a plastic, polymer, wood, metal, or any other suitable material. The base unitmay comprise polylactic acid (PLA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), SLS polymer powder, etc. The base unitmay comprise multiple materials. The base unitmay comprise a homogeneous material of the same or differing colors.

With reference to, a base unitis illustrated stacked on top of a base unit. Base unitmay have a first geometric shape. Base unitmay have a second geometric shape. The second geometric shape of base unitmay be defined by a pattern of base shapes unified as one. For example, as depicted in, the base shape of base unitis a hexagon. Three hexagons are repeated to form a unified second geometric shape. Base unitmay be referred to as a single-unit configuration.

In various embodiments, base unitmay comprise protrusionssimilar to protrusions. In various embodiments, base unitmay comprise various sized protrusionsandProtrusionsmay be located along a perimeterof base unitand arranged in accordance with the second geometric shape. Protrusionsmay be arranged along an intersection of projected base shapes. For example,illustrates protrusiondisposed at an intersection of two projected hexagons. Protrusionsmay be shaped and dimensioned to be equivalent to two protrusionsIn other words, protrusionsmay be understood as two protrusionscoupled seamlessly along radially outer faces.

With reference to, a bottom view of base unitis illustrated. In various embodiments, base unitmay similarly comprise recessessimilar to recesses. In various embodiments, base unitmay comprise various sized recessesand. Recessesmay be located along a perimeterof base unitand arranged in accordance with the second geometric shape. Recessesmay be arranged along an intersection of projected base shapes, similar to the intersection of protrusiondepicted in. Recessesmay be shaped and dimensioned to be equivalent to two recessesIn other words, recessesmay be understood as two recessescoupled together. In various embodiments, base unitmay comprise a recessed ridge, similar to recessed ridge. In various embodiments, recessed ridgemay extend along the second geometric shape. In various embodiments, recessed ridgemay extend along each base shape.

With reference to, a side view of base unitstacked on base unitis illustrated.depicts cross-sectional markings indicating the orientation of.illustrate the connection mechanism of base unitand base unit. In various embodiments, the protrusionsand recessesmay be dimensioned such that the protrusionsof a base unitmay connect with the recessesof a base unit. The connections may form a joint to secure base unitand base unit. The joint may be established via friction, opposing compressive forces (i.e., clamping engagement), a snap fit, or any other feasible means. Further, because the protrusionsand recessesare compatibly dimensioned, the proximal surfaceof base unitmay contact the distal surfaceof the base unit. In various embodiments, all or substantially all of the distal surfacemay be in contact with at least a portion of the proximal surface.

In various embodiments, the first faceand second face(similar to first faceand second face) may be of a same length or slightly shorter than the first surface. The third faceand fourth face(similar to first faceand second face) may be of a same or slightly shorter width as the second surfaceand third surface. The third faceand fourth facemay be of a same or slightly shorter height as the second surfaceand third surface. Therefore, the fifth face(similar to fifth face) may be of the same or slightly smaller dimensions as the first surface. In this manner, the protrusionsof a base unitmay form a snug connection (or a snap fit) with the recessesof a second base unit. In this manner, when multiple base units,,,,, etc. are connected with each other, the connection provides structural stability of stacked or connected the connected base units,,,,, etc.

In various embodiments, the tolerance of the connection between protrusionsand recessesis chosen based on the material used and manufacturing process. For example, injection molding may provide for tighter tolerances than additive manufacturing methods. The tolerance may be chosen to allow the surfaces,,, andof recessmay contact the corresponding surfaces of protrusion.

Because base unitis constructed as a multiple (i.e., a multiple of one as depicted in) of the base shape of base unit, base unitis stackable with base unit. That is, a recessof base unitmay connect with a protrusiondisposed along a base shape of base unit. Because the recessof base unitis dimensioned as half of a protrusionof base unit, multiple base unitscould be stacked on top of base unitwith wallsof each base unitabutting.

With reference to, a base unitis illustrated. Base unitmay be similar to base unit. Accordingly, some features of the base unitare not repeated for ease of description. Base unitmay comprise protrusions, which may be similar to protrusions. Base unitmay comprise a proximal surface. Base unitmay comprise a distal surface. Distal surfacemay be flat, that is, with out recesses or other surface features. Distal surfacemay be substantially flat but comprise a recessed ridge, similar to recessed ridge. Base unitis depicted with a shorter height as compared to a height of base unit. For example, base unitis depicted with a height of one to three times a height of protrusionwhile base unitis depicted with a height of more than five times a height of protrusion. It should be understood that base units of any variation (such as,,,,,etc.) may have varying overall heights; any height of any variation of base units are within the scope of this disclosure.

With reference to, a bottom view of base unitis illustrated. Base unitmay be similar to base unitbut in a multi-unit configuration. Accordingly, some features of the base unitare not repeated for ease of description. Base unitmay comprise protrusionson a proximal face(not shown). Base unitmay comprise a flat or substantially flat distal surface. Distal surfacemay be without recesses. Distal surfacemay comprise a recessed ridgesimilar to recessed ridge. In various embodiments, recessed ridgemay extend along the second geometric shape. In various embodiments, recessed ridgemay extend along each base shape.

With reference to, a base unitis illustrated. Base unitmay be similar to base unit. Accordingly, some features of the base unitare not repeated for ease of description. Base unitmay have a geometric shape. The geometric shape of base unitmay be defined by a pattern of base shapes unified as one. Base unit, with a geometric shape defined by multiple base shapes, may be referred to as a multi-unit configuration. It should be understood that base unitmay be in a configuration of any suitable multiple (i.e., a two-unit, four-unit, five-unit, etc. configuration). For example, as depicted in, the base shape of base unitis a hexagon. As depicted in, base unitmay have two hexagons repeated to form a unified geometric shape. As depicted in, base unitmay have three hexagons repeated in a first configuration to form a geometric shape. As depicted in, base unitmay have three hexagons repeated in a second configuration. As depicted in, base unitmay have four hexagons repeated. As depicted in, base unitmay have seven hexagons repeated. Further, it should be understood that that base unitmay be formed be base shapes in any suitable configuration. For example, the base unitmay have a geometric shape comprising gaps or base shapes arranged in other geometric shapes not shown herein. Further, it should be understood that the base shape may be any suitable shape. For example, the base shape may be a rectangle, as depicted in, or any other suitable shape.

In various embodiments, base unitmay be constructed monolithically. Thus, the base unitmay be described as being formed from the same material without seams or other joints.

With reference toand in various embodiments, base unitmay have protrusionssimilar to protrusionsandIn various embodiments, base unitmay have protrusionssimilar to protrusionsWith reference toand in various embodiments, a proximal surfaceof base unithas a smooth outer border without protrusionsIn various embodiments, base unitonly contains protrusionsdisposed on the portions of base unit's base shapes that do not form the base unit's geometric shape. While such a configuration, with a smooth outer border, is depicted as base unit, it should be understood that other variations of base shapes, such as,,,,,,, etc. may comprise a smooth outer border.

It is also contemplated that while base units,, andare formed with only protrusions,, and, base units,, andcould be formed with only recesses,, and.

It is also contemplated that while base units,,,,,,, andare depicted as comprising one protrusion,,,,,,, oror one recess,,,,,,, orper wall,,,,,,, or, base units may have any number of protrusions,,,,,,, andor recesses,,,,,,, orper wall,,,,,,, or.

It is also contemplated that base units,,,,,,, andmay be formed with protrusions,,,,,,, oron each of the proximal and distal surfaces/,/,/,/,/,/,/, or/or recesses,,,,,,, oron each of the proximal and distal surfaces/,/,/,/,/,/,/, or/.

It is also contemplated that base units,,,,,,, andmay comprise visual indicia such as symbols, images, colors, patterns, etc.

With reference to, a base unit boardis illustrated. Base unit boardmay be a game board for the base units,,,,,,, and. Base unit boardmay comprise multiple rowsand columns(ex: greater than 5 rows and columns, greater than 10 rows and columns, greater than 20 rows and columns). Base unit boardmay comprise only recessesandsuch base units,,,,,,, andmay be combined together and coupled to base unit boardto form complex game arenas. Base unit boardmay comprise a recessed ridgeextending around each base shape.