FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a toy and more specifically to an apparatus, method, and kit for enabling the building of various arrangements of structures using one or more bases to support stacking of individual building blocks.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
Toy construction block systems are widely known and have captured the imagination of children for generations In their most basic forum, toy building blocks were made of wood in a cubic shape. Children would stack the blocks on top of one another in a variety of orientations, heights, and configurations for endless hours of entertainment.
Toy building block systems began using interlocking surfaces to optimize stability and block structures. U.S. Pat. No. 2,565,823 describes toy building blocks and a base whereby inherently unstable stacks of toy blocks may be erected. There, at least one toy building block and base include means to interlock the base and the block in a detachable union. The interlock means includes a plural number of strips of material having under-cut ribs and grooves adhesively secured upon one of the surfaces of the base, and a plural number of similar ribs and grooves formed in certain of the faces of said block, the ribs and grooves of the block being matable with the ribs and grooves of said base upon being slidably moved together.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,498 describes a toy construction block system with interblock connectors for extended support structures. A plurality of toy construction blocks with recesses and a plurality of interblock connectors can all be arranged into a multitude of extended multi-block structures. The toy construction blocks used with the interlock connectors in the block system of the present invention have a top, four sidewalls and an open bottom, the top having a plurality of symmetrically arranged, elongated projections for interlocking with other, similar blocks, the open bottom exposing an underside to the top; the underside of the top having an elongated friction post extending therefrom, the friction post being hollow and being centrally and symmetrically located on the underside; the top having thereon a top recess in alignment with the friction post; the friction post having a bottom recess therein, and at least one of the four sidewalls having a side recess therein, the top recess, the bottom recess and the side recess adapted to receive an interblock connector.
Canadian Patent No. 2,045,696 describes toy building blocks capable of assembly in any selected one of a variety of arrangements of contiguous blocks include a plurality of projections on one face of each block and a plurality of longitudinal and lateral channels on an opposite face of the block. The blocks combine the stability of interengaged contiguous block faces with the ability to move the inter-engaged contiguous blocks of an assemblage relative to one another during construction of the assembly for encouraging structural innovations during the course of construction.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,894,061 describes wooden construction blocks which embody a series of interlocking projections along all edges thereof, constructed to permit formation of projections on all sides and still prevent the usual possibility of breakage of certain of the projections. The blocks having uniform thickness, varying in length and width in definite ratios and formed with a series of mortises and tenons on all edges such that any edge of one block will interlock snugly in parallel position or at right angles with any edge of another block.
Japanese Patent No. 3,228,636U, provides a stackable wooden toy capable of enhancing game playability by comprising rectangular pieces having different weights and coefficient of frictions. South Korean Patent No. 20140043585A demonstrates a stacking block structure which utilizes stacking blocks which extend in one direction, have a column shape with a substantially uniform L-shaped cross-section, and have the width and the height of a part bent inward half of the width and the heigh of the block, respectively. The blocks are formed until two units that interlock by oppositely coupling together to be rectangular and form a layer that provides more stability and intricacy in the stacking game.
The above described patents have at least the shortcomings of requiring specially formed blocks including interblock connectors which may have increased manufacturing costs in comparison to conventional non interlocking blocks and the interconnection means may be difficult for users to manipulate, especially younger children or persons with disabilities.
It is desirable to provide an apparatus for building structures using non interlocking building blocks. Furthermore, there is a desire for a kit that is able to be used as an adaptor to be used with conventional cubic shaped wooden blocks to enable optimized play and stability.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus, method and kit for enabling the building of structures using a plurality of individual building blocks. A base is configured to receive at least one building block in a respective bay. The base includes a lip having sides protruding from the base surrounding the bay. The bay can have a square shape. The bay is slightly larger than the building block having a predetermined tolerance to allow the block to be received in the bay and supported by the lip so that the received block is retained within the base. In one embodiment, the base can include a bay on an upper surface and a lower surface of the base. In alternative embodiments, the base is a bay row base which includes one bay, two bays, three bays, four bays, five bays or six bays. In embodiments with multiple bays, the bays are aligned side by side in a row. In additional embodiments the base row base can include more than six bays. In one embodiment, the bay row base includes multiple bays on a top surface and a bottom surface of the bay row base.
In one embodiment, the base is a bay grid base which includes at least two rows of bays in which each row of bays is aligned side by side with an adjacent row of bays. Example embodiments of the bay grid base can include a four bay grid base with two rows of two bays or a six bay grid base with two rows of three bays. In additional embodiments, the bay grid base can include more than two rows and each row of bays can have two or more bays.
In one embodiment, the base is a bay corner base which includes a first bay and a second bay each of the first bay and the second bay have a side adjacent to a corner bay. In this embodiment, the bay corner base includes three bays. In additional embodiments the bay corner base can include additional bays adjacent the first bay to form a first row of bays and additional bays adjacent to the second bay to form a second row of bays.
A bay cover includes at least one bay protrusion for covering a top surface of a block received in the underlying base. The bay cover can include a one bay cover having one bay protrusion or a two bay cover having two bay protrusions aligned side by side. In additional embodiments, the bay cover can include more than two bay protrusions.
A ramp base can include a ramp extending downwardly being adjacent to a bay cover. The bay cover including at least one bay protrusion for covering at least one bay of the underlying base. The bay cover can include two bay protrusions. In additional embodiments, the bay cover can cover more than two bays of the base. The ramp and the bay cover can be integral to one another.
An insert is configured to be stacked in the base. A door insert can be configured to be received in one of the bays of the base. The door insert can include a front wall in the shape of a door. The front wall can substantially extend in height of two stacked rows of blocks. A bottom support extending laterally from a bottom of the front wall can be configured to be received in one of the bays of the bay row base, bay grid base or bay corner base. Optionally, the door insert can include a top support extending laterally from a top of the front wall configured to be received in one of the bays of a stacked bay row base, bay grid base or bay corner base. Alternatively, the door insert can include a front wall, side walls, bottom wall and top wall. The front wall includes an opening. A door is coupled to the opening with a protrusion or a hinge. The door being opened or closed over the opening. The door having a handle or door knob. A bottom support extending from the bottom wall can be configured to be received in one of the bays of the bay row base, bay grid base or bay corner base. Optionally, the door insert can include a top support extending laterally from the top wall configured to be received in one of the bays of a stacked bay row base, bay grid base or bay corner base.
A window insert can be configured to be received in one of the bays of the base. The window insert can include a front wall in the shape of a window. The front wall can substantially extend a height of a block. A bottom support extending laterally from a bottom of the front wall can include bay protrusion configured to be received in one of the bays of the bay row base, bay grid base or bay corner base. Optionally, the window insert can include a top support extending laterally from a top of the front wall configured to be received in one of the bays of a stacked bay row base, bay grid base or bay corner base.
In one embodiment, the base is a bay grid track base which includes at least two rows of bays in which each row of bays is aligned side by side adjacent to a side of a track. For example, the track can include indentations configured for receiving wheels of a toy train.
In one embodiment, a gable insert can be configured to be received in one of the bays of the base. The gable insert can include angled top walls extending from an apex in the shape of a gable. A bottom support extending laterally between a bottom of the angled top walls can include multiple bay protrusions configured to be received in bays of the bay row base or bay grid base.
The blocks can include a top, four side walls and a bottom. The top, four side walls and bottom can have the same dimensions making the block in a cube shape. The blocks can include indicia of for example letters, numbers or pictures. The blocks are non-interlocking. The blocks can be formed of wood. Suitable blocks include alphabet blocks manufactured by Melissa and Doug.
A kit can be formed of a plurality of the bases and/or inserts. Optionally, the kit can include a plurality of blocks.
The apparatus, method and kit of the present invention can provide improved play value to conventional blocks to create a building system that inspires imagination and experimentation that enhances all areas of block play particularly from pre-school through early grammar school age levels or in rehabilitation of all ages. Block play can increase mathematical competence and be used as a learning tool for Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM). The building system of the present invention can be used to improve fine motor skills and problem solving. Indicia on the blocks arranged in the building system can be used for forming words and counting applications.
The invention will be more fully described by reference to the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other advantages and features of the invention can be seen from the following description in which preferred embodiments of the invention are described in a non-limiting manner in reference to the attached drawings. In said drawings:
FIG. 1A is a schematic top plan view of an example apparatus of the present invention for building a structure with a block including a base.
FIG. 1B is a schematic side view of an example apparatus of the present invention for building structures with a block including a base.
FIG. 2A is a schematic top plan view of an example apparatus of the present invention for building a structure with a plurality of blocks including a base.
FIG. 2B is a schematic side view of an example apparatus of the present invention for building structures with a plurality of blocks including a base.
FIG. 2C is a schematic end view of an example apparatus of the present invention for building structures with a plurality of blocks including a bay row base.
FIG. 3 is a schematic top plan view of an example apparatus of the present invention for building a structure with a plurality of blocks including a bay row base.
FIG. 4A is a schematic perspective view of an example apparatus of the present invention for building a structure with a plurality of blocks including a bay row base and a bay corner base.
FIG. 4B is a schematic top plan view of an example apparatus of the present invention for building a structure with a plurality of blocks including a bay row base and a bay corner base.
FIG. 4C is a schematic top plan view of an example apparatus of the present invention for building a structure with a plurality of blocks including a bay row base and a bay corner base.
FIG. 4D is a schematic side view of an example apparatus of the present invention for building structures with a block including a bay row base and a bay corner base.
FIG. 5A is a schematic perspective view of an example apparatus of the present invention for building a structure with a plurality of blocks including a bay grid base.
FIG. 5B is a schematic top plan view of an example apparatus of the present invention for building a structure with a plurality of blocks including a bay grid base.
FIG. 6A is a schematic perspective view of an example apparatus of the present invention for building a structure with a plurality of blocks including a bay cover.
FIG. 6B is a schematic top plan view of an example apparatus of the present invention for building a structure with a plurality of blocks including a bay cover.
FIG. 7A is a schematic perspective view of an example apparatus of the present invention for building a structure with a plurality of blocks including a bay cover.
FIG. 7B is a schematic top plan view of an example apparatus of the present invention for building a structure with a plurality of blocks including a bay cover.
FIG. 8A is a schematic top perspective view of an example apparatus of the present invention for building a structure with a plurality of blocks including a ramp base.
FIG. 8B is a schematic bottom perspective view of an example apparatus of the present invention for building a structure with a plurality of blocks including a ramp base.
FIG. 8C is a schematic top plan view of an example apparatus of the present invention for building a structure with a plurality of blocks including a ramp base.
FIG. 8D is a schematic top plan view of an example apparatus of the present invention for building a structure with a plurality of blocks including a ramp base.
FIG. 8E is a schematic rear side view of FIG. 8D of an example apparatus of the present invention for building a structure with a plurality of blocks including a ramp base.
FIG. 8F is a schematic front side view of FIG. 8A of an example apparatus of the present invention for building a structure with a plurality of blocks including a ramp base.
FIG. 9A is a schematic perspective view of an example apparatus of the present invention for building a structure with a plurality of blocks including a door insert.
FIG. 9B is a front view of an example apparatus of the present invention for building a structure with a plurality of blocks including a door insert.
FIG. 9C is a side view of an example apparatus of the present invention for building a structure with a plurality of blocks including a door insert.
FIG. 9D is a schematic perspective view of an example apparatus of the present invention for building a structure with a plurality of blocks including a door insert.
FIG. 9E is a schematic perspective view of an example apparatus of the present invention for building a structure with a plurality of blocks including a door insert.
FIG. 10A is a schematic perspective view of an example apparatus of the present invention for building a structure with a plurality of blocks including a window insert.
FIG. 10B is a schematic perspective of an example apparatus of the present invention for building a structure with a plurality of blocks including a window insert.
FIG. 10C is a schematic perspective of an example apparatus of the present invention for building a structure with a plurality of blocks including a window insert.
FIG. 10D is a schematic perspective of an example apparatus of the present invention for building a structure with a plurality of blocks including a window insert.
FIG. 11A is a schematic perspective view of an example apparatus of the present invention for building a structure with a plurality of blocks including a grid track base.
FIG. 11B is a schematic side view of an example apparatus of the present invention for building a structure with a plurality of blocks including a grid track base receiving a ramp insert.
FIG. 12A is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a gable structure of the present invention. FIG. 12B is a schematic diagram of a bottom view of the gable structure shown in FIG. 12A.
FIG. 12C is a schematic diagram of a top view of a left side of the gable structure shown in FIG. 12A.
FIG. 13A is a structure including a block using the apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 13B is a structure including a block using the apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a structure including a plurality of blocks using the apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a structure including a plurality of blocks using the apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a structure including a plurality of blocks using the apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a structure including a plurality of blocks using the apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a structure including a plurality of blocks using the apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a kit including one or more bases and one or more inserts of the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a kit including one or more bases and one or more inserts of the present invention.
FIG. 21A is a schematic diagram of a kit including one or more bases and one or more inserts of the present invention.
FIG. 21B is a schematic diagram of a kit including one or more bases and one or more inserts of the present invention.
FIG. 21C is a schematic diagram of a kit including one or more bases and one or more inserts of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
Reference will now be made in greater detail to a preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.
FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of apparatus 10 including base 12. Base 12 is configured to receive a building block in bay 14. Bay 14 can be included on top surface 11 of base 12. Bay 14 can also be included on bottom surface 13 of base 12. Base 12 includes lip 16 having sides 15a-d protruding from base 12. Sides 15a-15d surround bay 14. Bay 14 can have a square shape. Bay 14 is slightly larger than a size of a building block and has a predetermined tolerance to allow the block to be received in bay 14 and supported by lip 16 so that the received block is retained within bay 14. For example bay 14 can have a size in a range of about 1.15 square inches to about 1.25 square inches for a 1.0 square inch building block. In one, embodiment bay 14 is 1.22 square inches. Sides 15a-15d of lip 16 can have a width in a range of 0.125 to 0.25 inches, in one embodiment, sides 15a-15d have a width of 0.1125 inches. Base 12 can be formed of top layer 17, middle layer 18 and lower layer 19 as shown in FIG. 1B. Top layer 17 includes top surface 11. Middle layer 18 can be a solid layer. Lower layer 19 includes bottom surface 13. Top layer 17, middle layer 18 and lower layer 19 can be integral to one another. Example dimensions for base 12 are a length of each side of 15a-15d of 37.31mm and a width of lip 16 of 3.175 mm.
FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of apparatus 20 including bay row base 22. Bay row base 22 is configured to receive a building block in bay 14a,b. Bays 14a,b can be included on top surface 21 of base 22. Bays 14a,b can also be included on bottom surface 23 of base 22. Bays 14a,b are aligned side by side in a row. Bay row base 22 includes lip 26 having sides 25a-c protruding from base 12. Sides 25a-25c of lip 26 surround respective bays 14a, 14b. Sides 25a-c of lip 26 are outer sides. Side 25d of lip 26 can be a spacer which positioned between bay 14a and bay 14b. Side 25d of lip 26 is an inner side. For example, Side 25d can be double the width of sides 25a-25c of lip 26. Sides 25a-25c of lip 26 can have a width in the range of 0.125 to 0.25 inches, in one embodiment, sides 25a-25c have a width of 0.125 inches. Side 25d can have a width in the range of 0.25 to 0.5 inches, in one embodiment side 25d has a width of 0.25 inches. Bay row base 22 can be formed of top layer 27, middle layer 28 and lower layer 29 as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C. Top layer 27 includes top surface 21 having bays 14a, 14b. Middle layer 28 can be a solid layer. Lower layer 29 includes bottom surface 23 having bays 14a,b. Example dimensions for bay row base 22 are a length of side 25b of 74.62 mm, a width of side 25a of 37.31 mm, a width of lip 16 of 3.175 mm and a width of side 25d of 6.35 mm.
Alternative embodiments shown in FIG. 3, include apparatus 30 also including bay row base 32 having three bays 14a, 14b and 14c, bay row base 42 having four bays 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d, bay row base 52 having five bays 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d and 14e and bay row base 62 having six bays 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e and 14f with each of the respective bays 14 aligned side by side in a row. Apparatus 30 can include bay corner base 102.
Referring to FIGS. 4A-4C, apparatus 100 includes bay corner base 102. Bay corner base 102 includes bay 14a, bay 14b and bay 14c. Bay corner base 102 is configured to receive a building block in bay 14a,b,c. Bays 14a,b,c can be included on top surface 121 of bay corner base 102. Bays 14a,b,c can also be included on bottom surface 123 of bay corner base 102. Bay row base 102 includes lip 126 having sides 125a-c protruding from base 12. Sides 125a-c of lip 125 are outer sides. Sides 125a-c of lip 126 surround respective bays 14a, 14b. Sides 125a, 125b of lip 126 surround bay 14c. Connection lip side 125d of lip 126 is positioned between bay 14a and bay 14c.
Connection lip side 125e of lip 126 is positioned between bay 14b and bay 14c. Connection lip side 125d and connection lip side 125e of lip 126 are inner sides. Connection lip side 125d is perpendicular to connection lip side 125e to form bay 14c as a corner between bay 14a and 14b. Connection lip side 125d and connection lip side 125e can be double the width of sides 125a-c of lip 126. Bay corner base 102 can be formed of top layer 127, middle layer 128 and lower layer 129 as shown in FIG. 4D. Top layer 127 includes top surface 121 having bays 14a,b,c. Middle layer 128 can be a solid layer. Lower layer 129 includes bottom surface 123 having bays 14a,b,c. Example dimensions for bay corner base 102 are length and width of 74.62 mm, a width of lip 126 of 3.175 mm and width of connection lip side 125d, 125e of 6.35 mm.
Referring to FIGS. 5A-5B, apparatus 200 includes bay grid base 202 which includes at least two rows 201a, 201b of respective bays 14 in which each row 201a, 201b of bays is aligned side by side. Bay grid base 202 can include six bays 14 with each of rows 201a,201b having three bays 14. Connection lip 225 extends between adjacent bays 14 and adjacent rows 201a,201b. In additional embodiments bay grid base 202 can include more than two rows 201 and each row 201 of bays 14 can have two or more bays 14.
Referring to FIGS. 6A-6B, apparatus 300 includes bay cover 302 which includes bay protrusion 314. Bay protrusion 314 can be received in a bay for covering the bay or can be received over a block for covering a top surface of the block. Bay protrusion 314 can have a substantially similar circumference size as the circumference size of the bay.
Referring to FIGS. 7A-7B, apparatus 350 includes bay cover 352 which includes bay protrusions 354a, 354b. Bay protrusions 354a,354b can be received in respective bays for covering the respective bays or can be received over respective blocks for covering a top surface of the respective blocks. Bay protrusions 354a,354b can have a substantially similar circumference size as the circumference size of the bay. Boarder 355 can have a similar width as sides 25a-c of lip 26. Connection boarder 356 can have a similar width as side 25d of lip 26 as shown in FIG. 2A. Referring to FIGS. 8A-8E, apparatus 400 includes ramp base 402 having top surface 411 as shown in FIG. 8A and bottom surface 413 as shown in FIG. 8B. Ramp 401 extending downwardly being adjacent to bay cover portion 404. Bay cover portion 404 including at least one bay 14. Bay cover portion 404 can include two bays 14a, 14b as shown in FIGS. 8C,8D. Bay cover portion 404 can have similar dimensions to bay cover 352. In additional embodiments, bay cover portion 404 can include more than two bays. Ramp 401 and bay cover portion 404 can be integral to one another.
In an alternate embodiment, bay cover portion 404 includes at least one bay protrusion 414 as shown in FIG. 8E, 8F. Ramp 401 includes angled side 406 being angled at a 45 degree angle from bottom side 408.
Referring to FIGS. 9A-9C, apparatus 500 includes door insert 502. Door insert 502 can be configured to be received in one of the bays 14 of a base. Door insert 502 can include front wall 511 in the shape of a door. Front wall 511 can extend for example in height of two stacked rows of blocks. Bottom support 512 extending laterally from bottom 513 of front wall 511 can include bay protrusion 514 configured to be received in one of the bays 14 of the bay row base 22, bay grid base 202 or bay corner base 102. Door insert 502 can include top support 515 extending laterally from top 516 of front wall 511 configured to be received in one of bays 14 of a stacked bay row base 22, bay grid base 202 or bay corner base 102. Apparatus 550 includes door insert 552 as shown in FIG. 9D. Door insert 552 can include margin 555 at top 516 of front wall 511 and margin 555 at bottom 513 of front wall 511. Margin 555 is configured to be received in one of the bays 14 of the bay row base 22, bay grid base 202 or bay corner base 102.
Referring to FIG. 9E, apparatus 560 includes door insert 562. Door insert 562 can be configured to be received in one of the bays 14 of a base. Door insert 562 can include front wall 571, side walls 573, bottom wall 574 and top wall 575. Front wall 571 can extend for example in height of two stacked rows of blocks. Bottom wall 574 can include bay protrusion 584 configured to be received in one of the bays 14 of the bay row base 22, bay grid base 202 or bay corner base 102. Top wall 575 can include top support 585 configured to be received in one of bays 14 of a stacked bay row base 22, bay grid base 202 or bay corner base 102.
Referring to FIGS. 10A-10C, apparatus 600 includes window insert 602. Referring to FIG. 10A, window insert 602 can be configured to be received in one of the bays 14 of a base. Window insert 502 can include front wall 611 in the shape of a window. The front wall 611 can substantially extend a height of a block. Bottom support 612 extending laterally from bottom 613 of front wall 611 can include bay protrusion 614 configured to be received in one of the bays 14 of the bay row base 22, bay grid base 202 or bay corner base 102. Referring to FIG. 10B, window insert 602 can include top support 615 extending laterally from top 616 of front wall 611 configured to be received in one of bays 14 of a stacked bay row base 22, bay grid base 202 or bay corner base 102. Apparatus 650 includes window insert 652 as shown in FIG. 10C. Window insert 652 can include margin 655 at top 616 of front wall 611 and margin 655 at bottom 613 of front wall 611. Margin 655 is configured to be received in one of the bays 14 of bay row base 22, bay grid base 202 or bay corner base 102.
Referring to FIG. 10D, apparatus 660 includes window insert 662. Window insert 662 can be configured to be received in one of the bays 14 of a base. Window insert 662 can include front wall 671, side walls 673, bottom wall 674 and top wall 675. Front wall 671 can extend for example in height of a block. Bottom wall 674 can include bay protrusion 684 configured to be received in one of the bays 14 of the bay row base 22, bay grid base 202 or bay corner base 102. Top wall 675 can include top support 685 configured to be received in one of bays 14 of a stacked bay row base 22, bay grid base 202 or bay corner base 102.
Referring to FIG. 11A-11B, apparatus 700 is bay grid track base 702. Bay grid track base 702 includes at least two rows 701a, 701b of bays 14 in which each row 701a,b of bays 14 is aligned side by to respective side 703a, 703b of track 705. For example, track 705 can include indentations 706a, 706b configured for receiving wheels of a train. Ends of track 705 can include protrusion 708 or indentation 709. Indentation 709 can mate with protrusion 708 for attaching pieces of track 705. Ramp inserts 710 can be coupled to bay grid base 702. Ramp insert 710 can include protrusion 714. Ramp insert 710 includes ramp 711 having angled side 716 being angled at a 45 degree angle from bottom side 718.
Referring to FIGS. 12A-12C, apparatus 800 includes gable insert 802. Gable insert can 802 can include angled top walls 803a,b extending from apex 805 in the shape of a gable. Bottom support 806 extending laterally between bottom 808 of angled top walls 803a,b includes multiple bays 14 configured to be received on blocks. Bay grid tabs 814 can extend from top surface 816 of top walls 803a,b. Bay grid tabs can also extend from bottom support 806.
Blocks 900 include top 902, four side walls 903 and bottom 904 as shown in FIG. 13. Top 902, side walls 903 and bottom 904 can have the same dimensions making block 900 in a cube shape. Block 900 can include indicia 905 of for example letters, numbers or pictures. Block 900 is non-interlocking. Blocks 900 can be formed of wood. Suitable blocks 900 include alphabet blocks manufactured by Melissa and Doug. Blocks 900 can be combined with bases, inserts, ramps to form infinite possibilities of structures. Example structures are shown in FIGS. 12-18.
Various kits 1000 can be formed of one or more of base 12, base row base 22, base row base 32, base row base 42, base row base 52 and base row base 62. Kit 1000 can include one or more of bay corner base 102 and bay grid base 202. Kit 1000 can include one or more of bay cover 302 and bay cover 352. Kit 1000 can include one or more of ramp base 402. Kit 1000 can include one or more of door insert 502, door insert 552 and door insert 562. Kit 1000 can include one or more of window insert 602, window insert 652 and window insert 662. Kit 1000 can include one or more of bay grid track base 702. Kit 1000 can include one or more of gable insert 802. And Example kit 1000 including bay row base 32, bay corner base 102, bay grid base 202, bay cover 302 and bay cover 352 is shown in FIG. 19. Example kit 1100 including bay row base 22, bay row base 32, corner base 102, bay grid base 202 and ramp base 402 is shown in FIG. 20. Optionally, kits 1000 can include a plurality of blocks 900. Base 12, base row base 22, base row base 32, base row base 42, base row base 52, base row base 62, bay corner base 102, bay grid base 202, bay cover 302, bay cover 352, ramp base 402, door insert 502, door insert 552, door insert 562, window insert 602, window insert 652, bay grid track base 702 and gable insert 802 can be formed of wood, plastic and combinations thereof.
Example kit 1120 including three bay row bases 22, door insert 562 and window insert 662 is shown in FIGS. 21a-21c. Door insert 562 includes door 590. Handle 592 is attached or integral with door 590. Front wall 571 includes opening 591. Door 590 opens and closes over door opening 591. Protrusion 595 can extend from bottom 594 of door 590. Protrusion 595 is received in channel 596. Protrusion 598 can extend from top 597 of door 590. Protrusion 598 is received in channel 599. Protrusions 595 and 598 allow door 590 to rotate into an open and closed position.
In the method of the present invention structures are assembled by arranging combinations of bases, inserts, ramps with blocks to form the desired structure. The method can include the steps of placing an apparatus on a surface, the apparatus comprising at least one of a first base selected from base row base 22, base row base 32, base row base 42, base row base 52 and base row base 62, bay corner base 102 bay grid base 202, ramp base 402 and bay grid track base 702. At least one building block 900 is arranged in the one or more bays of the selected one or more bases to form the structure. At least one second base selected from base row base 22, base row base 32, base row base 42, base row base 52 and base row base 62, bay corner base 102 bay grid base 202, ramp base 402 and bay grid track base 702 or at least one bay cover 302 and bay cover 352 is placed over the at least one building block 900 arranged in the one or more bays of the at least one first base. One or more of door insert 502, door insert 552, window insert 602, window insert 653, and a gable insert 802 can be placed over the at least one building block arranged in the one or more bays of the at least one first base or the at least one second base or the at least one base cover.
10 It is to be understood that the above-described invention varied modifications that can be readily devised in accordance with the principles described in this patent by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Patent Application
20240399268
