MODULAR BUILDING BLOCK

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 29/822,831 for Magnetic Brick, filed January 12, 2022; U.S. Patent Application No. 29/822,829 for Magnetic Brick, filed January 12, 2022; U.S. Patent Application No. 29/822,827 for Magnetic Brick, filed January 12, 2022; and U.S. Patent Application No. 29/822,826 for Magnetic Brick, filed January 12, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is directed to a modular building block, and more specifically, to a modular building block for children’s playsets having one or more connection methods for connecting with other modular building blocks.

SUMMARY

An exemplary building block may be characterized by a plurality of embodiments related to designs and functionalities for snap-fit and/or magnetic interconnection with one or more other modular building block toys.

An exemplary modular building block may comprise a first face having one or more segments formed into a polygonal shape, an opposing second face having one or more segments formed into a corresponding polygonal shape connected to the first face via one or more sidewalls. Further, the modular building block may comprise one or more magnets disposed within one or more sidewalls. In another embodiment, the modular building block may further comprise at least one studs disposed on the first face and at least one stud disposed on the second face.

In addition to the previously described embodiment and/or as an alternative to any other described exemplary embodiment, the segments constituting the polygonal shape and the corresponding polygonal shape may connect to one another at either an acute angle, a right angle, or an obtuse angle. Thus, the segments may make polygonal shapes that are circular, trigonal, quadratic, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, and other such shapes known to those skilled in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the one or more sidewalls may comprise three to four sidewalls, wherein the one or more magnets may comprise two magnets equilaterally disposed within each of the sidewalls.

In addition to the previously described embodiment and/or as an alternative to any other described exemplary embodiment, the polygonal shape and the corresponding polygonal shape may be a right triangle connected via the one or more sidewalls, wherein the one or more sidewalls may comprise three sidewalls and the one or more magnets may comprise one magnet disposed within each of the three sidewalls.

In addition to the previously described embodiment and/or as an alternative to any other described exemplary embodiment, the polygonal shape and the corresponding polygonal shape may be an equilateral triangle connected via the one or more sidewalls, wherein the one or more sidewalls may comprise three sidewalls and the one or more magnets may comprise one magnet disposed within each of the three sidewalls.

In addition to the previously described embodiment and/or as an alternative to any other described exemplary embodiment, the polygonal shape and the corresponding polygonal shape may be an isosceles triangle connected via the one or more sidewalls, each of the polygonal shape and corresponding polygonal shape having a first segment with a first length, a second segment with a second length, and a third segment with a third length. In an embodiment, the first length and the second length are equal, and the one or more magnets may comprise two magnets equilaterally disposed within the sidewall located between the first segments, two magnets equilaterally disposed within the sidewall located between the second segments, and one magnet disposed within the sidewall located between the third segments.

In addition to the previously described embodiment and/or as an alternative to any other described exemplary embodiment, an exemplary modular building block may be part of an exemplary modular building block system. According to this exemplary embodiment, an exemplary modular building block system may comprise a first modular building block comprising a first face formed into a polygonal shape, an opposing second face formed into the polygonal shape connected to the first face via one or more sidewalls, one or more magnets disposed within each of the one or more sidewalls, a plurality of studs disposed upon the first face, and one or more studs disposed on the second face. In another embodiment, the modular building block system may comprise a second modular building block comprising a first face formed into a second polygonal shape, an opposing second face formed into the second polygonal shape connected to the first face via one or more sidewalls, one or more magnets disposed within each of the one or more sidewalls, a plurality of studs disposed upon the first face, and one or more studs disposed on the second face. In yet a further embodiment, the one or more studs of the second modular block may be reversibly coupled to the plurality of studs of the first modular building block, and the one or more magnets of the first modular building block may be reversibly coupled to the one or more magnets of the second building block.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a first embodiment of a modular building block.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view thereof.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevation view thereof.

FIG. 4 illustrates a first side view thereof.

FIG. 5 illustrates a second side view thereof.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view thereof.

FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom view thereof.

FIG. 8 illustrates a rear elevation view thereof.

FIG. 9 illustrates a front perspective view of a second embodiment of the modular building block.

FIG. 10 illustrates a rear perspective view thereof.

FIG. 11 illustrates a front elevation view thereof.

FIG. 12 illustrates a first side view thereof.

FIG. 13 illustrates a second side view thereof.

FIG. 14 illustrates a top view thereof.

FIG. 15 illustrates a bottom view thereof.

FIG. 16 illustrates a rear elevation view thereof.

FIG. 17 illustrates a front perspective view of a third embodiment of the modular building block.

FIG. 18 illustrates a rear perspective view thereof.

FIG. 19 illustrates a front elevation view thereof.

FIG. 20 illustrates a first side view thereof.

FIG. 21 illustrates a second side view thereof.

FIG. 22 illustrates a top view thereof.

FIG. 23 illustrates a bottom view thereof.

FIG. 24 illustrates a rear elevation view thereof.

FIG. 25 illustrates a front perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the modular building block.

FIG. 26 illustrates a rear perspective view thereof.

FIG. 27 illustrates a front elevation view thereof.

FIG. 28 illustrates a first side view thereof.

FIG. 29 illustrates a second side view thereof.

FIG. 30 illustrates a top view thereof.

FIG. 31 illustrates a bottom view thereof.

FIG. 32 illustrates a rear elevation view thereof.

In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different and interchangeable and interrelated figures. Parts and components of each figure may be substitutes for other components in other figures to achieve the various methods and embodiments disclosed herein. Methods and protocols disclosed in any embodiment may be run in any order so as to affect their disclosed goals and/or enable performance of the systems as described. Additionally, any one embodiment may utilize any method or protocol described and in any portions, sequences, and combinations thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference will be made to the accompanying drawing(s), in which identical functional elements are designated with like numerals. The aforementioned accompanying drawings show by way of illustration, and not by way of limitation, specific aspects, and implementations consistent with principles of this disclosure. These implementations are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and it is to be understood that other implementations may be utilized and that structural changes and/or substitutions of various elements may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be construed in a limited sense.

It is noted that description herein is not intended as an extensive overview, and as such, concepts may be simplified in the interests of clarity and brevity.

All documents mentioned in this application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Any process described in this application may be performed in any order and may omit any of the steps in the process. Processes may also be combined with other processes or steps of other processes.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a modular building block system including a plurality of modular building blocks 100, 200, 300, 400. Each of the plurality of modular building blocks 100, 200, 300, 400 may feature two or more mechanisms facilitating connection amongst said blocks 100, 200, 300, 400 providing versatile assembly options for users.

In an embodiment, the two or more connection mechanisms may include both mechanical and magnetic connection systems. For example, magnetic connections may be achieved via sidewall-to-sidewall magnetic communication between adjacent modular building blocks 100, 200, 300, 400 (described in more detail below). In another example, the mechanical connections may be accomplished via a stud-to-receptacle engagement system, wherein one or more protruding studs on a first modular building block engage with corresponding receptacles on a second modular building block.

The plurality of modular building blocks 100, 200, 300, 400 may be manufactured from a rigid material such as plastic, preferably acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (“ABS”). In one example, the plastic material may provide structural integrity for each of the plurality of modular building blocks 100, 200, 300, 400, as well as, adequate mechanical strength to withstand repeated assembly and disassembly during use. In some instances, the plastic material may be selected from thermoplastic polymers such as polycarbonate, acrylic, or clear polystyrene.

Furthermore, each of the plurality of modular building blocks 100, 200, 300, 400 may comprise a body featuring at least a first face 102, 202, 302, 402 and an opposing second face 104, 204, 304, 404. In an embodiment, the first 102, 202, 302, 402 and second 104, 204, 304, 404 faces may be bound by one or more sidewalls 106, 206, 306, 406. To illustrate, the one or more sidewalls 106, 206, 306, 406 may may extend between the perimeter boundaries of the first 102, 202, 302, 402 and second 104, 204, 304, 404 faces, thus connecting the first face 102, 202, 302, 402 to the second face 104, 204, 304, 404. Such a connection may form a three-dimensional body defining the plurality of modular building blocks 100, 200, 300, 400.

The first face 102, 202, 302, 402 and second face 104, 204, 304, 404 may be configured as substantially flat surfaces. As previously mentioned, the plurality of modular building blocks 100, 200, 300, 400 may include a mechanical connection system. Such a connection system may employ a plurality of studs 108, 208, 308, 408 and one or more studs 110, 210, 310, 410. Alternatively, the first and second faces may have a recess therein adjacent the perimeter boundaries.

To illustrate, the plurality of studs 108, 208, 308, 408 may be disposed upon, and protrude from, the first face 102, 202, 302, 402 of the plurality of building blocks 100, 200, 300, 400. Meanwhile, the one or more studs 110, 210, 310, 410 may be disposed upon, and protrude from, the second face 104, 204, 304, 404 of the plurality of building blocks 100, 200, 300, 400.

In an embodiment, the plurality of studs 108, 208, 308, 408 may be formed as recessed cavities incorporated into the first face 102, 202, 302, 402 of each of the plurality of building blocks 100, 200, 300, 400. The studs 108, 208, 308, 408 may receive and reversibly mechanically engage with the one or more studs 110, 210, 310, 410 from another building block. As a nonlimiting example, the plurality of studs 108 of modular building block 100 may receive and reversibly mechanically engage with the one or more studs 210, 310, 410 of any one of modular building blocks 200, 300, 400. Further, the studs 108, 208, 308, 408 may be shaped and/or sized to provide a friction-fit connection with the one or more studs 110, 210, 310, 410, allowing for connection and disconnection of the plurality of building blocks 100, 200, 300, 400 during use.

In another embodiment, the one or more studs 110, 210, 310, 410 may extend outwardly from the second face 104, 204, 304, 404 of each of the plurality of building blocks 100, 200, 300, 400. Said studs 110, 210, 310, 410 may be inserted into any one of the plurality of studs 108, 208, 308, 408 of adjacent building blocks 100, 200, 300, 400. In one embodiment, the one or more studs 110, 210, 310, 410 may be dimensioned to provide a friction fit and/or snap-fit engagement with the plurality of receptacles 108, 208, 308, 408, creating a reversible mechanical connection between any one of building blocks 100, 200, 300, 400.

For example, the mechanical connection between the one or more studs 110, 210, 310, 410 and the plurality of receptacles 108, 208, 308, 408 may enable the plurality of building blocks 100, 200, 300, 400 to be assembled in stacked configurations, where the blocks 100, 200, 300, 400 are layered vertically with the second face 104, 204, 304, 404 of one block engaging the first face 102, 202, 302, 402 of another block.

Furthermore, the plurality of building blocks 100, 200, 300, 400 may be formed into various shapes. In an exemplary embodiment, said shapes may be comprised of polygonal shapes, including, but not limited to, rectangles, trapezoids, squares, triangles, and the like. However, one having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the plurality of building blocks 100, 200, 300, 400 may be formed into any suitable non-polygonal shape alternative (e.g., circles, ovals, etc.). For instance, the first face 102, 202, 302, 402 and the second face 104, 204, 304, 404 may be formed into complementary shapes, wherein the respective faces are joined by the one or more sidewalls 106, 206, 306, 406 as described above.

As a nonlimiting example, the plurality of building blocks 100, 200, 300, 400 may be formed of perimeter segments in the shape of a square (as depicted in FIGS. 1-8), a right triangle (as depicted in FIGS. 9-16), an equilateral triangle ( as depicted in FIGS. 17-24), and an isosceles triangle (FIGS. 25-32).

The number and arrangement of the one or more studs 110, 210, 310, 410 and the plurality of studs 108, 208, 308, 408 may vary based on the shape and size of the plurality of building blocks 100, 200, 300, 400. Different shape configurations of the plurality of building blocks 100, 200, 300, 400 may accommodate different quantities of receptacles 108, 208, 308, 408 and studs 110, 210, 310, 410 based on the available surface area of the first face 102, 202, 302, 402 and the second face 104, 204, 304, 404.

Furthermore, the dimensions of the studs 110, 210, 310, 410 and the receptacles 108, 208, 308, 408 may be standardized across the plurality of modular building blocks 100, 200, 300, 400 to ensure compatibility between different polygonal shapes. Such standardized sizing may allow the one or more studs 110, 210, 310, 410 from any building block 100, 200, 300, 400 to engage with the plurality of receptacles 108, 208, 308, 408 on any other building block, regardless of the specific shape configuration.

In one embodiment, the second face 104 of building block 100 may be sectioned into one or more constituent sections 112. Specifically, the one or more sections 112 may comprise four distinct sections. In one embodiment, each of the one or more sections 112 may incorporate at least one of the one or more studs 110. Such a sectioned configuration of the second face 104 may organize the placement of studs 110 in a pattern corresponding to the characteristics of its square shape. Alternatively, building block 100 may feature one stud centrally positioned upon its second face 104.

As a nonlimiting example, each of the one or more sections 112 may incorporate a single stud positioned at a center of the respective section. Such a configuration may provide distributed mechanical connection points across the square shaped building block 100.

Moreover, the arrangement of studs 110 for building block 100 may differ from those of building blocks 200, 300, and 400. For instance, the second faces 204, 304, and 404 of building blocks 200, 300, and 400 may feature one of the one or more studs 210, 310, and 410 positioned at or near the geometric center of said faces 204, 304, and 404 to provide balanced mechanical connection capability.

The mechanical connection system described above may work in conjunction with a magnetic connection system to provide dual-mode attachment between the plurality of modular building blocks 100, 200, 300, 400. In an exemplary aspect, a combination of any of the aforementioned connection systems may create a modular building block system offering both ease of use and structural stability. In another exemplary aspect, the dual connection approach may accommodate different user preferences and assembly techniques.

For example, one of the plurality of modular building blocks 100, 200, 300, 400 may engage with multiple adjacent building blocks through different connection mechanisms, where some connections may be primarily magnetic and others may be primarily mechanical. The combination of connection types may allow for complex three-dimensional structures that incorporate both planar assembly capabilities (stud-to-receptacle) and stacked assembly capabilities (wall-to-wall).

In an embodiment, one or more magnets (not depicted) may be disposed within the one or more sidewalls 106, 206, 306, 406 of each building block 100, 200, 300, 400 to facilitate magnetic communication between corresponding sidewalls 106, 206, 306, 406 of other building blocks 100, 200, 300, 400.

The one or more magnets may be embedded or housed within the one or more sidewalls 106, 206, 306, 406. To illustrate, said magnets may be positioned within cavities or channels formed in the sidewalls 106, 206, 306, 406. The one or more magnets may be oriented with alternating polarity to ensure proper magnetic communication between adjacent building block sidewalls 106, 206, 306, 406.

Moreover, the number of magnets disposed within the sidewalls 106, 206, 306, 406 may vary depending on the specific shape and size of the building blocks 100, 200, 300, 400. As a nonlimiting example, the square building block 100 may feature two magnets in each of its four sidewalls 106, whereas the right triangle building block 200 and equilateral triangle building block 300 may feature one magnet in each of their three sidewalls 206, 306. As a further nonlimiting example, the isosceles triangle building block 400 may feature two magnets in two of its sidewalls 406 and one magnet in its third sidewall 406.

The one or more magnets in each sidewall 106, 206, 306, 406 of the modular building block 100, 200, 300, 400 may provide distributed magnetic attraction along the length of each sidewall 106, 206, 306, 406 surface. The multiple magnetic connection points per sidewall 106, 206, 306, 406 may enhance the stability and alignment of connections between the modular building blocks 100, 200, 300, 400 during assembly.

Furthermore, the one or more magnets may be positioned equidistantly along each sidewall 106, 206, 306, 406 of the building blocks 100, 200, 300, 400. In an embodiment, such an equidistant spacing arrangement may ensure uniform distribution along the length of the sidewalls 106, 206, 306, 406, providing consistent attraction force across the entire sidewall 106, 206, 306, 406.

The modular building block system may enable various assembly configurations through the coordinated operation of the magnetic connection system and the mechanical connection system. In an exemplary aspect, the dual connection approach may allow the building blocks 100, 200, 300, 400 to be joined through multiple attachment mechanisms simultaneously, creating expanded assembly possibilities for users.

For instance, the one or more magnets may facilitate sidewall-to-sidewall magnetic communication facilitating planar configurations, where the plurality of building blocks 100, 200, 300, 400 are arranged side-by-side with their respective sidewalls 106, 206, 306, 406 in contact. The magnetic communication between the building blocks 100, 200, 300, 400 may maintain the alignment of the connected sidewalls 106, 206, 306, 406.

Yet further, aspects of the present disclosure may relate to a modular building block 100, 200, 300, 400 comprising a first face 102, 202, 302, 402 formed into a polygonal shape. Further, the modular building block 100, 200, 300, 400 may comprise an opposing second face 104, 204, 304, 404 formed into a corresponding polygonal shape connected to the first face via one or more sidewalls 106, 206, 306, 406. In an embodiment, modular building block 100, 200, 300, 400 may further comprise one or more magnets disposed within each of the one or more sidewalls 106, 206, 306, 406, a plurality of studs 108, 208, 308, 408 disposed upon the first face 102, 202, 302, 402, and one or more studs 110, 210, 310, 410 disposed on the second face 104, 204, 304, 404.

In one embodiment, the polygonal shape and the corresponding polygonal shape of the modular building block 100 may be a square comprising perimeter segments on its first and second faces that are connected via the one or more sidewalls 106. Specifically, the one or more sidewalls 106 may comprise four sidewalls and the one or more magnets may comprise two magnets equilaterally disposed within each of the four sidewalls of the modular building block 100.

In an alternative embodiment, the polygonal shape and the corresponding polygonal shape of the first face 202 and the second face 204 may be a plurality of segments formed as a right triangle and connected via the one or more sidewalls 206. To illustrate, the one or more sidewalls 206 may comprise three sidewalls and the one or more magnets may comprise one magnet disposed within each of the three sidewalls 206.

Moreover, the polygonal shape and the corresponding polygonal shape of the first face 302 and the second face 304 may be a plurality of segments formed as an equilateral triangle and connected via the one or more sidewalls 306. In one embodiment, the one or more sidewalls 306 may comprise three sidewalls and the one or more magnets may comprise one magnet disposed within each of the three sidewalls.

Further, the polygonal shape and the corresponding polygonal shape of the first face 402 and the second face 404 may be an isosceles triangle connected via the one or more sidewalls 406. For example, the one or more sidewalls 406 may comprise a first sidewall having a first length, a second sidewall having a second length, and a third sidewall having a third length. Particularly, the first length and the second length may be equal. Additionally, the one or more magnets may comprise two magnets equilaterally disposed within the first sidewall, two magnets equilaterally disposed within the second sidewall, and one magnet disposed within the third sidewall.

Aspects of the present disclosure may also relate to a modular building block system comprising at least a first modular building block 100, 200, 300, or 400 and a second modular building block 100, 200, 300, or 400. In an exemplary embodiment, the first 100, 200, 300, or 400 and second 100, 200, 300, or 400 modular building block may comprise a first face 102, 202, 302, or 402 having its segments of its perimeter formed into a polygonal shape, an opposing second face 104, 204, 304, or 404 formed into the polygonal shape connected to the first face 102, 202, 302, or 402 via one or more sidewalls 106, 206, 306, or 406. The first 100, 200, 300, or 400 and second 100, 200, 300, or 400 modular building block may additionally comprise one or more magnets disposed within each of the one or more sidewalls 106, 206, 306, or 406, a plurality of studs 108, 208, 308, or 408 disposed upon the first face 102, 202, 302, or 402, and one or more studs 110, 210, 310, or 410 disposed on the second face 102, 202, 302, or 402.

In another exemplary embodiment, the one or more studs 110, 210, 310, or 410 of the second modular block 100, 200, 300, or 400 may be reversibly coupled to the plurality of studs 108, 208, 308, 408 of the first modular building block 100, 200, 300, or 400. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the one or more magnets of the first modular building block 100, 200, 300, or 400 may be reversibly coupled to the one or more magnets of the second building block 100, 200, 300, or 400.

An exemplary polygonal shape of the first modular building block 100 may be a square, the one or more sidewalls 106 may comprise four sidewalls, and the one or more magnets may comprise two magnets equilaterally disposed within each of the four sidewalls 106.

In another exemplary embodiment, the polygonal shape of the first modular building block 200 may be a right triangle, the one or more sidewalls 206 may comprise three sidewalls, and the one or more magnets may comprise one magnet disposed within each of the three sidewalls 206.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the polygonal shape of the first modular building block 300 may be an equilateral triangle, the one or more sidewalls 306 may comprise three sidewalls, and the one or more magnets may comprise one magnet disposed within each of the three sidewalls 306.

In an alternative embodiment, the polygonal shape of the first modular building block 400 may have its perimeter segments be in the form of an isosceles triangle, the one or more sidewalls 406 may comprise a first sidewall interconnecting a first segment having a first length, a second sidewall interconnecting a second segment having a second length, and a third sidewall interconnecting a third segment having a third length, wherein the first length and the second length are equal, and the one or more magnets may comprise two magnets equilaterally disposed within the first sidewall, two magnets equilaterally disposed within the second sidewall, and one magnet disposed within the third sidewall.

Moreover, the polygonal shape of the second modular building block 100 may comprise a plurality of perimeter segments in the form of a square, the one or more sidewalls 106 may comprise four sidewalls, and the one or more magnets may comprise two magnets equilaterally disposed within each of the four sidewalls 106.

In a different embodiment, the polygonal shape of the second modular building block 200 may comprise a plurality of perimeter segments in the form of a right triangle, the one or more sidewalls 206 may comprise three sidewalls, and the one or more magnets may comprise one magnet disposed within each of the three sidewalls 206.

Furthermore, the polygonal shape of the second modular building block 300 may comprise a plurality of perimeter segments in the form of an equilateral triangle, the one or more sidewalls 306 may comprise three sidewalls, and the one or more magnets may comprise one magnet disposed within each of the three sidewalls 306.

Various elements, which are described herein in the context of one or more embodiments, may be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. Further, the processes described herein are not limited to the specific embodiments described. For example, the processes described herein are not limited to the specific processing order described herein and, rather, process blocks may be re-ordered, combined, removed, or performed in parallel or in serial, as necessary, to achieve the results set forth herein.

It will be further understood that various changes in the details, materials, and arrangements of the parts that have been described and illustrated herein may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the following claims.

All references, patents and patent applications and publications that are cited or referred to in this application are incorporated in their entirety herein by reference. Finally, other implementations of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosure disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims.