TOY BUILDING BLOCK

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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).

FIELD

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

BACKGROUND

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.

SUMMARY

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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter of the present disclosure is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. A more complete understanding of the present disclosure, however, may best be obtained by referring to the following detailed description and claims in connection with the following drawings. While the drawings illustrate various embodiments employing the principles described herein, the drawings do not limit the scope of the claims.

FIG. 1A illustrates a base unit in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 1B illustrates an enlarged view of a protrusion of a base unit in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 1C illustrates an enlarged view of a recess of a base unit in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 1D illustrates a bottom view of a base unit in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates a base unit with a cavity in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates a base unit in accordance with various embodiments;

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, and 4E illustrate a base unit in various multi-unit configurations in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 5A illustrates a base unit in a single-unit configuration stacked on a base unit in a multi-unit configuration in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 5B illustrates an enlarged view of a protrusion of a base unit in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 5C illustrates a bottom view of a base unit in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 6A illustrates a side view of a base unit in a single-unit configuration stacked on a base unit in a multi-unit configuration in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 6B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a base unit in a single-unit configuration stacked on a base unit in a multi-unit configuration in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 7A illustrates a base unit in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 7B illustrates a bottom view of a base unit in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom view of a base unit in a multi-unit configuration in accordance with various embodiments; and

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, and 9E illustrate a base unit in various multi-unit configurations in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates a base unit board in accordance with various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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 FIG. 1A, a base unit 100 is illustrated, in accordance with various embodiments. The base unit 100 may be defined by a geometric shape. While the base unit 100 illustrated in FIG. 1A has a hexagonal shape, it is understood that the base unit 100 may have any geometric shape. In various embodiments, the base unit 100 has a geometric shape which can repeat to form a tessellation. In various embodiments, the base unit 100 has a geometric shape which cannot repeat to form a tessellation. In various embodiments, various shaped base units 100 may be incorporated into a single toy set and be used to construct complex shapes and structures.

In various embodiments, the base unit 100 comprises a proximal surface 112 and a distal surface 114. The base unit 100 may comprise a plurality of walls 115 extending between the proximal surface 112 and the distal surface 114. The walls 115 may enclose a perimeter 117 of the base unit 100 geometric shape. The walls 115 may themselves form a single perimetric wall 116. Where multiple base units are stacked side-by-side, the relative size of the walls 115 and the substantially flat surface of the proximal and distal surfaces 112, 114 provide for greater lateral stability such that complex structures with bridges can be formed. Further, the substantially flat proximal and distal surfaces 112, 114 provide platforms for game pieces or other non-interlocking features to rest. The platforms formed by proximal and distal surfaces 112, 114 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 112, 114 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 112, 114 without obstruction.

In various embodiments, the base unit 100 comprises at least one protrusion 120. The protrusion 120 may be disposed on the proximal surface 112. The protrusion 120 may extend from the proximal surface 112. The protrusion 120 may be of a rectangular shape. With reference to FIG. 1B, protrusion 120 may have a first face 121 (also referred to herein as an outer face) and an opposing second face 122 (also referred to herein as an inner face). Protrusion 120 may have a third face 123 connecting and perpendicular to first face 121 and second face 122. Protrusion 120 may have a fourth face 124 connecting and perpendicular to first face 121 and second face 122. Third face 123 and fourth face 124 may be opposing faces. A fifth face 125 of protrusion 120 may be a top of protrusion 120 such that first face 121, second face 122, third face 123, fourth face 124, and fifth face 125 form an enclosed structure. In various embodiments, each of the first face 121, second face 122, third face 123, and fourth face 124 are defined by an equivalent length. In various embodiments, first face 121 and second face 122 are of a greater length than third face 123 and fourth face 124. First face 121 may be oriented radially outward. Second face 122 may be oriented radially inward.

In various embodiments, protrusion 120 may be disposed along an outer edge of proximal surface 112. In various embodiments, the first face 121 of protrusion 120 is aligned to (i.e., flush with) the perimeter 117 of the base unit 100. In various embodiments, the first face 121 of protrusion 120 is offset from (i.e., not flush with) the perimeter 117 of the base unit 100.

In various embodiments, the protrusion 120 may be one of a plurality of protrusions 120, as shown in FIG. 1A. Each protrusion 120 may be centered along its corresponding wall 115. As depicted in FIG. 1A, a protrusion 120 may be disposed on each wall 115. However, it should be understood that a protrusion 120 need not be disposed along each wall 115. For example, with brief reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. 17, a protrusion 120 may be disposed on some walls 115. For example, a protrusion 120 may be disposed on every other wall 115, every third wall 115, or a pair of opposing walls 115. For example, two protrusions 120 may be disposed along a wall 115. In other words, any number of protrusions 120 may be selected to achieve the intended purpose of the connection of the base unit 100.

In various embodiments, the base unit 100 comprises at least one recess 130. The recess 130 may be disposed on the distal surface 114. The recess 130 may extend into the distal surface 114. The recess 130 may extend into the plurality of walls 115 (or into the perimeter 117, into the perimetric wall 116). The recess 130 may be of a rectangular shape. With reference to FIG. 1C, recess 130 may define a first surface 131. First surface 131 may be parallel to the distal surface 114. Recess 130 may define a second surface 132 perpendicular to first surface 131 and distal surface 114. Recess 130 may define a third surface 133 opposing second surface 132, perpendicular to first surface 131, and perpendicular to distal surface 114. In various embodiments, such as embodiments in which the distal surface 114 extends from and between each wall 115 as depicted in FIG. 1A, recess 130 may define a fourth surface 134 parallel to wall 115, perpendicular to second surface 132, and perpendicular to third surface 133. In various embodiments, such as embodiments in which the distal surface 114 comprises a cavity between walls 115, the fourth surface 134 may be omitted.

In various embodiments, recess 130 may be disposed along an outer edge of distal surface 114.

In various embodiments, the recess 130 may be one of a plurality of recesses 130, as shown in FIG. 1A. Each recess 130 may be centered along its corresponding wall 115. As depicted in FIG. 1A, a recess 130 may be disposed on each wall 115. However, it should be understood that a recess 130 need not be disposed along each wall 115. For example, a recess 130 may be disposed on some walls 115. For example, a recess 130 may be disposed on every other wall 115, every third wall 115, or a pair of opposing walls 115. For example, two recesses 130 may be disposed along a wall 115. In other words, any number of recesses 130 may be selected to achieve the intended purpose of the connection of the base unit 100.

In various embodiments, and with reference to FIG. 1A, the proximal surface 112 may be solid and extend from and between walls 115. In various embodiments, the distal surface 114 may be solid and extend from and between walls 115. In various embodiments, the base unit 100 may have a hollow cavity between the solid proximal surface 112 and the solid distal surface 114. In various embodiments, the base unit 100 may be solid.

In various embodiments, and with continued reference to FIG. 1A, base unit 100 may comprise a recessed ridge 136. Recessed ridge 136 may assist in identification of base unit 100 when stacked with other building blocks. Recessed ridge 136 may assist in decoupling, or unstacking, base unit 100 from other building blocks.

With reference to FIG. 1D, a bottom perspective view of base unit 100 with a solid distal surface 114. Recesses 130 extend into distal surface 114 and define a first surface 131, a second surface 132, a third surface 133, and a fourth surface 134. Recessed ridge 136 extends into distal surface 114 and around the perimeter 117 of base unit 100.

With reference to FIG. 2, a base unit 200 is illustrated, in accordance with various embodiments. Base unit 200 may be similar to base unit 100. Accordingly, some features of the base unit 100 are not repeated for ease of description. Base unit 200 is defined by a rectangular or square geometric shape.

With reference to FIG. 3, a base unit 300 is illustrated, in accordance with various embodiments. Base unit 300 may be similar to base unit 100. Accordingly, some features of the base unit 100 are not repeated for ease of description. Base unit 300 may comprise a cavity 310. Cavity 310 may extend through proximal surface 112. As such, walls 115 define a thickness of proximal surface 112. Cavity 310 may extend to a solid distal surface 114. Cavity 310 may extend through distal surface 114. As such walls 115 define a thickness of proximal surface 112 and distal surface 114. In such an embodiment, fourth surface 134 may be omitted.

With reference to FIG. 4A-4E, a base unit 400 is illustrated. Base unit 400 may be similar to base unit 100. Accordingly, some features of the base unit 100 are not repeated for ease of description. Base unit 400 may have a geometric shape. The geometric shape of base unit 400 may be defined by a pattern of base shapes unified as one. Base unit 400, with a geometric shape defined by multiple base shapes, may be referred to as a multi-unit configuration. It should be understood that base unit 400 may be in a configuration of any suitable multiple (i.e., a two-unit, four-unit, five-unit, etc. configuration). For example, as depicted in FIGS. 4A-4E, the base shape of base unit 400 is a hexagon. As depicted in FIG. 4A, base unit 400 may have two hexagons repeated to form a unified geometric shape. As depicted in FIG. 4B, base unit 400 may have three hexagons repeated in a first configuration to form a geometric shape. As depicted in FIG. 4C, base unit 400 may have three hexagons repeated in a second configuration. As depicted in FIG. 4D, base unit 400 may have four hexagons repeated. As depicted in FIG. 4E, base unit 400 may have seven hexagons repeated. Further, it should be understood that that base unit 400 may be formed be base shapes in any suitable configuration. For example, the base unit 400 may 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 FIG. 2, or any other suitable shape.

In various embodiments, base unit 400 may be constructed monolithically. Thus, the base unit 400 may be described as being formed from the same material without seams or other joints. The base unit 400 may 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 unit 400 may comprise a plastic, polymer, wood, metal, or any other suitable material. The base unit 400 may comprise polylactic acid (PLA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), SLS polymer powder, etc. The base unit 400 may comprise multiple materials. The base unit 400 may comprise a homogeneous material of the same or differing colors.

With reference to FIG. 5A, a base unit 100 is illustrated stacked on top of a base unit 500. Base unit 100 may have a first geometric shape. Base unit 500 may have a second geometric shape. The second geometric shape of base unit 500 may be defined by a pattern of base shapes unified as one. For example, as depicted in FIG. 5A, the base shape of base unit 500 is a hexagon. Three hexagons are repeated to form a unified second geometric shape. Base unit 100 may be referred to as a single-unit configuration.

In various embodiments, base unit 500 may comprise protrusions 520 similar to protrusions 120. In various embodiments, base unit 500 may comprise various sized protrusions 520a and 520b. Protrusions 520a may be located along a perimeter 517 of base unit 500 and arranged in accordance with the second geometric shape. Protrusions 520b may be arranged along an intersection of projected base shapes. For example, FIG. 5B illustrates protrusion 520b disposed at an intersection of two projected hexagons. Protrusions 520b may be shaped and dimensioned to be equivalent to two protrusions 520a. In other words, protrusions 520b may be understood as two protrusions 120 coupled seamlessly along radially outer faces 121.

With reference to FIG. 5C, a bottom view of base unit 500 is illustrated. In various embodiments, base unit 500 may similarly comprise recesses 530 similar to recesses 130. In various embodiments, base unit 500 may comprise various sized recesses 530a and 530b. Recesses 530a may be located along a perimeter 517 of base unit 500 and arranged in accordance with the second geometric shape. Recesses 530b may be arranged along an intersection of projected base shapes, similar to the intersection of protrusion 520 depicted in FIG. 5B. Recesses 530b may be shaped and dimensioned to be equivalent to two recesses 530a. In other words, recesses 530b may be understood as two recesses 130 coupled together. In various embodiments, base unit 500 may comprise a recessed ridge 536, similar to recessed ridge 136. In various embodiments, recessed ridge 536 may extend along the second geometric shape. In various embodiments, recessed ridge 536 may extend along each base shape.

With reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, a side view of base unit 100 stacked on base unit 500 is illustrated. FIG. 6A depicts cross-sectional markings indicating the orientation of FIG. 6B. FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate the connection mechanism of base unit 100 and base unit 500. In various embodiments, the protrusions 520 and recesses 130 may be dimensioned such that the protrusions 520 of a base unit 500 may connect with the recesses 130 of a base unit 100. The connections may form a joint to secure base unit 100 and base unit 500. 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 protrusions 520 and recesses 130 are compatibly dimensioned, the proximal surface 512 of base unit 500 may contact the distal surface 114 of the base unit 100. In various embodiments, all or substantially all of the distal surface 114 may be in contact with at least a portion of the proximal surface 512.

In various embodiments, the first face 521 and second face 522 (similar to first face 121 and second face 122) may be of a same length or slightly shorter than the first surface 131. The third face 523 and fourth face 524 (similar to first face 123 and second face 124) may be of a same or slightly shorter width as the second surface 132 and third surface 133. The third face 523 and fourth face 524 may be of a same or slightly shorter height as the second surface 132 and third surface 133. Therefore, the fifth face 525 (similar to fifth face 121) may be of the same or slightly smaller dimensions as the first surface 131. In this manner, the protrusions 520 of a base unit 500 may form a snug connection (or a snap fit) with the recesses 130 of a second base unit 100. In this manner, when multiple base units 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, etc. are connected with each other, the connection provides structural stability of stacked or connected the connected base units 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, etc.

In various embodiments, the tolerance of the connection between protrusions 520 and recesses 130 is 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 131, 132, 133, and 134 of recess 130 may contact the corresponding surfaces of protrusion 520.

Because base unit 100 is constructed as a multiple (i.e., a multiple of one as depicted in FIG. 5) of the base shape of base unit 500, base unit 100 is stackable with base unit 500. That is, a recess 130 of base unit 100 may connect with a protrusion 520a, 520b disposed along a base shape of base unit 500. Because the recess 130 of base unit 100 is dimensioned as half of a protrusion 520b of base unit 400, multiple base units 100 could be stacked on top of base unit 500 with walls 115 of each base unit 100 abutting.

With reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, a base unit 700 is illustrated. Base unit 700 may be similar to base unit 100. Accordingly, some features of the base unit 100 are not repeated for ease of description. Base unit 700 may comprise protrusions 720, which may be similar to protrusions 120. Base unit 700 may comprise a proximal surface 712. Base unit 700 may comprise a distal surface 714. Distal surface 714 may be flat, that is, with out recesses or other surface features. Distal surface 714 may be substantially flat but comprise a recessed ridge 736, similar to recessed ridge 136. Base unit 700 is depicted with a shorter height as compared to a height of base unit 100. For example, base unit 700 is depicted with a height of one to three times a height of protrusion 720 while base unit 100 is depicted with a height of more than five times a height of protrusion 120. It should be understood that base units of any variation (such as 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 etc.) may have varying overall heights; any height of any variation of base units are within the scope of this disclosure.

With reference to FIG. 8, a bottom view of base unit 800 is illustrated. Base unit 800 may be similar to base unit 700 but in a multi-unit configuration. Accordingly, some features of the base unit 700 are not repeated for ease of description. Base unit 800 may comprise protrusions 820 on a proximal face 812 (not shown). Base unit 800 may comprise a flat or substantially flat distal surface 814. Distal surface 814 may be without recesses. Distal surface 814 may comprise a recessed ridge 836 similar to recessed ridge 536. In various embodiments, recessed ridge 836 may extend along the second geometric shape. In various embodiments, recessed ridge 836 may extend along each base shape.

With reference to FIGS. 9A-9E, a base unit 900 is illustrated. Base unit 900 may be similar to base unit 700. Accordingly, some features of the base unit 700 are not repeated for ease of description. Base unit 900 may have a geometric shape. The geometric shape of base unit 900 may be defined by a pattern of base shapes unified as one. Base unit 900, with a geometric shape defined by multiple base shapes, may be referred to as a multi-unit configuration. It should be understood that base unit 900 may be in a configuration of any suitable multiple (i.e., a two-unit, four-unit, five-unit, etc. configuration). For example, as depicted in FIGS. 9A-9E, the base shape of base unit 900 is a hexagon. As depicted in FIG. 9A, base unit 900 may have two hexagons repeated to form a unified geometric shape. As depicted in FIG. 9B, base unit 900 may have three hexagons repeated in a first configuration to form a geometric shape. As depicted in FIG. 9C, base unit 900 may have three hexagons repeated in a second configuration. As depicted in FIG. 9D, base unit 900 may have four hexagons repeated. As depicted in FIG. 4E, base unit 400 may have seven hexagons repeated. Further, it should be understood that that base unit 900 may be formed be base shapes in any suitable configuration. For example, the base unit 900 may 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 FIG. 2, or any other suitable shape.

In various embodiments, base unit 900 may be constructed monolithically. Thus, the base unit 900 may be described as being formed from the same material without seams or other joints.

With reference to FIG. 9A and in various embodiments, base unit 900 may have protrusions 920a similar to protrusions 120 and 520a. In various embodiments, base unit 900 may have protrusions 920b similar to protrusions 520b. With reference to FIGS. 9B-9E and in various embodiments, a proximal surface 912 of base unit 900 has a smooth outer border without protrusions 920a. In various embodiments, base unit 900 only contains protrusions 920b disposed on the portions of base unit 900's base shapes that do not form the base unit 900's geometric shape. While such a configuration, with a smooth outer border, is depicted as base unit 900, it should be understood that other variations of base shapes, such as 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 800, etc. may comprise a smooth outer border.

It is also contemplated that while base units 700, 800, and 900 are formed with only protrusions 720, 820, and 920, base units 700, 800, and 900 could be formed with only recesses 730, 830, and 930.

It is also contemplated that while base units 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 800, and 900 are depicted as comprising one protrusion 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 720, 820, or 920 or one recess 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 730, 830, or 930 per wall 115, 215, 315, 415, 515, 715, 815, or 915, base units may have any number of protrusions 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 800, and 900 or recesses 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 730, 830, or 930 per wall 115, 215, 315, 415, 515, 715, 815, or 915.

It is also contemplated that base units 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 800, and 900 may be formed with protrusions 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 720, 820, or 920 on each of the proximal and distal surfaces 112/114, 212/214, 312/314, 412/414, 512/514, 712/714, 812/814, or 912/914 or recesses 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 730, 830, or 930 on each of the proximal and distal surfaces 112/114, 212/214, 312/314, 412/414, 512/514, 712/714, 812/814, or 912/914.

It is also contemplated that base units 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 800, and 900 may comprise visual indicia such as symbols, images, colors, patterns, etc.

With reference to FIG. 10, a base unit board 1000 is illustrated. Base unit board 1000 may be a game board for the base units 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 800, and 900. Base unit board 1000 may comprise multiple rows 1001 and columns 1002 (ex: greater than 5 rows and columns, greater than 10 rows and columns, greater than 20 rows and columns). Base unit board 1000 may comprise only recesses 1030a and 1030b such base units 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 800, and 900 may be combined together and coupled to base unit board 1000 to form complex game arenas. Base unit board 1000 may comprise a recessed ridge 1036 extending around each base shape.

Finally, it should be noted that while this disclosure is directed primarily to toy building blocks, that the concepts described above can also be applied to other fields such as three-dimensional puzzles, construction toys, do-it-yourself building kits, etc. For example, various shaped base units can be incorporated in a single set as a puzzle or a build-it-yourself structure.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described herein with regard to specific embodiments. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical system. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” Moreover, where a phrase similar to “at least one of A, B, or C” or “at least one of A, B, and C” is used in the specification or claims, it is intended that the phrase be interpreted to mean that A alone may be present in an embodiment, B alone may be present in an embodiment, C alone may be present in an embodiment, or that any combination of the elements A, B and C may be present in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. Different cross-hatching may be used throughout the figures to denote different parts but not necessarily to denote the same or different materials.

Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided herein. In the detailed description herein, references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. After reading the description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the disclosure in alternative embodiments.

Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.” As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

Finally, it should be understood that any of the above-described concepts can be used alone or in combination with any or all of the other above-described concepts. Although various embodiments have been disclosed and described, one of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, the description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the principles described or illustrated herein to any precise form. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.