BUILDING BLOCK PLATFORM STRUCTURE WITH ADHESIVE BACKING

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to relates to building block platform structures comprising a studded surface for attachment of building block elements and further comprising an adhesive backing that provides for removably attaching the building block platform structures to surfaces.

BACKGROUND

Building blocks, bricks and pieces, such as those provided under the trademarks LEGO™, Mega Bloks™, Kre-O™, and the like are a popular tool among people of all ages. These building blocks/bricks and pieces can be used to construct various items, including play-focused items, functional items, ornamental items, and the like. While these building blocks/bricks and pieces have many form factors, a significant number of them are designed to couple to one another via a peg/stud and slot mechanism. These building blocks/bricks and pieces can also be used with a baseplate (e.g., platform, tile, sheet, etc.) that serves as a platform upon which to build various items. For example, conventional building block baseplates includes a plurality of pegs/studs arranged in a grid configuration that are configured to couple with the building block elements. However, such baseplates restrict construction of building block items to flat, horizontal surfaces of fixed dimensions.

For the avoidance of doubt, the above-described contextual background shall not be considered limiting on any of the below-described embodiments, as described in more detail below.

SUMMARY

The following presents a summary to provide a basic understanding of one or more embodiments of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or critical elements, or delineate any scope of the particular embodiments or any scope of the claims. Its sole purpose is to present concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. In one or more embodiments described herein, various building block platform structures are described that comprise a studded surface for attachment of building block elements thereto and further comprising an adhesive backing that provides for removably attaching the building block platform structures to surfaces, including vertical surface, angled surfaces, horizontal surface, moving surface, textured surfaces, and the like.

According to an embodiment, a building block platform structure is provided that comprises a plate comprising a plurality of studs formed on a first surface of the plate, wherein the plurality of studs are configured to couple with one or more building block elements. The building block platform structure further comprises an adhesive layer provided on a second surface of the plate, wherein the second surface is opposite the first surface, and wherein the adhesive layer comprises an adhesive material configured to removably attach to a surface. In some implementations, the building block platform structure can further comprise an intermediary layer formed between the plate and the adhesive layer, wherein the adhesive layer is formed on and contacting a surface of the intermediary layer that is opposite the second surface of the plate.

In another embodiment, a method for attaching a building block platform structure to a surface is described. The method can comprise removing a liner attached to an adhesive layer formed on a first surface of a studded baseplate, thereby exposing the adhesive layer, wherein the studded baseplate comprises a plurality of studs formed on a second surface of the studded baseplate, wherein the second surface is opposite the first surface, and wherein the plurality of studs are configured to couple with one or more building block elements. The method can further comprise contacting the adhesive layer with a surface of an object, wherein the adhesive layer comprises an adhesive material configured to removably attach to the surface of the object, pressing the studded baseplate against the surface of the object, thereby attaching the studded baseplate to the surface of the object via the adhesive layer.

According to another embodiment another method for attaching a building block platform structure to a surface is described. The method can comprise attaching a first building block tile to a planar surface via a first adhesive layer formed on a first surface of the first building block tile, wherein the first building block tile comprises a first set of studs formed on a second surface of the first building block tile, wherein the second surface is opposite the first surface, and wherein the first set of studs are configured to couple with one or more building block elements. The method can further comprise aligning a first side of a second building block tile with a second side of the first building block tile. Once aligned, the method further comprises attaching the second building block tile to the planar surface via a second adhesive layer formed on a third surface of the second building block tile such that the first side of the second building block tile is adjacent to and contacting the second side of the first building block tile, wherein the second building block tile comprises a second set of studs formed on a fourth surface of the second building block tile, wherein the fourth surface is opposite the third surface, and wherein the second set of studs are configured to couple with the one or more building block elements.

According to another embodiment, another building block platform structure is provided. The building block platform structure can comprise a tile having a top surface and a bottom surface, and at least two parallel rows of studs formed on the top surface of the tile, wherein the parallel rows of studs are configured to couple with one or more building blocks. The building block platform structure can further comprise an intermediate layer having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the top surface of the intermediate layer is attached or bonded to the bottom surface of the tile, and an adhesive applied to the bottom surface of the intermediate layer, and wherein the adhesive comprises an adhesive material configured to removably attach to another surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the subject disclosure are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example building block platform structure in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 2 presents a view of the backside of the example building platform block structure in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 3 illustrates attachment of an example building block platform structure to a wall in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 4 provides a planar view of a top surface of an example building block platform structure in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 5 presents a cross-sectional view of an example building block platform structure in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 6A-6C respectively present different cross-sectional views of an example building block platform structure in accordance with different embodiments described herein.

FIG. 7 provides a planar view of a bottom surface of an example building block platform structure in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of an example building block platform structure in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 9 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of two example building block platform structures attached to a surface in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 10 presents a cross-sectional view of another example building block platform structure in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 11A-11B respectively present different cross-sectional views of an example building block platform structure in accordance with different embodiments described herein.

FIG. 12 illustrates another enlarged cross-sectional view of two example building block platform structures attached to a surface in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 13 illustrates another enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of another example building block platform structure in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example use case of an example building block platform structure in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 15 illustrates another example use case of an example building block platform structure in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 16 illustrates another example use case of an example building block platform structure in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 17 illustrates another example use case of an example building block platform structure in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 18 provides a series of images illustrating construction of a large building block platform area using a plurality of individual building block platform structures in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 19 presents a flow diagram of an example method for attaching a building block platform structure to a surface in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 20 presents a flow diagram of another example method for attaching a building block platform structure to a surface in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 21 presents a flow diagram of another example method for attaching a building block platform structure to a surface in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit embodiments and/or application or uses of embodiments. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied information presented in the preceding Background or Summary sections, or in the Detailed Description section.

By way of introduction, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to building block platform structures having a studded surface upon which building block elements can be attached and further having an adhesive backing that provides for removably attaching the building block platform structures to a variety of surfaces. For example, in various embodiments, the subject building block platform structures can include a stud layer that has a top surface and a bottom surface that opposes the top surface. The top surface of the stud layer can include a plurality of studs configured to couple with one or more building blocks or bricks and pieces, collectively referred to herein as building block elements. For example, in one or more implementations, the studs of the stud layer can be compatible with various standard sized building block elements, such as those provided under the trademarks LEGO™, Mega Bloks™, Kre-O™, and the like. In other implementations, the studs of the stud layer can be tailored to couple with building block elements having proprietary or non-standard dimensions. In some implementations, the stud layer can include an at least partially rigid material in the form of a sheet, a plate, a baseplate, a tile or the like. The plurality of studs can be arranged in a grid configuration consisting of two or more rows of studs and two or more columns of studs, wherein the rows and columns are orthogonal to one another.

The subject building block platform structures can further include a layer of adhesive material provided on the bottom surface of the stud layer that facilitates removably attaching the building block platform structures to various surfaces. In particular, the adhesive material can provide for attaching the building platform block structure to not only horizontal surfaces, but angled surfaces, vertical surfaces, overhead surfaces, moving surfaces, and the like, with sufficient grip so as to withstand natural and gravitational forces without detaching, even when loaded with building block elements coupled thereto. However, the adhesive material can also provide for easily removing the building block platform structure with minimal effort by manually pealing the building block platform structure away from the surface without the need of removal tools. In addition, once removed the adhesive material can be sufficiently tacky so as to provide for re-attaching the building block platform structure to the same surface or another surface. Further, the adhesive material can provide for removing the building block platform structure from variety of different surfaces to which it is attached without damaging the surface or the building block platform structure.

In one embodiment, the bottom surface of the stud layer can be fully or partially coated with the adhesive material. In another implementation, a layer of the adhesive material can be bonded to the bottom surface of the stud layer. In another embodiment, the subject building block platform structures can include an intermediary layer formed on the bottom surface of the stud layer. According to these embodiments, a top surface of the intermediary layer can be bonded to the bottom surface of the stud layer and the adhesive material can be provided on the bottom surface of the intermediary layer, (wherein the bottom surface of the intermediary layer opposes the top surface of the intermediary layer). In various implementations, the intermediary layer can facilitate attaching the building block platform structure to surfaces of varying or uneven textures. For example, the intermediary layer can include a material that is less rigid than the stud layer, such as but not limited to, a foam material, a vinyl material, a rubber material or the like, that can compress in response to applied pressure and conform to textured surfaces. As a result, the bottom surface of the intermediary layer comprising the adhesive material layer can mold to the bumps, ridges, or otherwise uneven texture of a surface, thereby establishing greater contact area between the adhesive material layer and the surface.

The term building block platform structure/apparatus is used herein to refer to a structure comprising one or more layers of material that have enough strength and sturdiness to serve as the surface to which building block elements can be attached to and supported by. In this regard, the subject building block platform structures can be formed with a variety of materials having various degrees of rigidity so long as the subject building block platform structures can provide a surface to which building block elements can be attached to and supported by. For example, the subject building block platform structures can be formed with one or more layers of plastic, vinyl, or the like. In various embodiments, the subject building block platform structures can be or include a plate, a baseplate, a tile or the like. However, the terms plate, baseplate and tile are not intended to restrict the form of the subject building block platform structures. For example, in addition to variances in rigidity, the subject the subject building block platform structures can also vary in size, shape and dimensions.

Various aspects or features of this disclosure are described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In this specification, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject disclosure. It should be understood, however, that the certain aspects of this disclosure may be practiced without these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc.

With reference now to the drawing, FIG. 1 illustrates an example building block platform structure 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Two separate building block platform structures 100 are depicted wherein one is placed on top of the other. In the embodiment shown, the building block platform structure 100 has a rectangular shape defined by four sides and resembles a tile or baseplate. Call out box 101 presents an enlarged view of a portion of the top surface the building block platform structure 100. As shown in call out box 101, the building block platform structure includes a studded surface consisting of a plurality of rows and columns of studs 104. The portion of the building block platform structure 100 including the studded surface is referred to herein as the stud layer 102.

In various embodiments, the stud layer 102 can be or resemble a plate, a baseplate, a tile, a sheet, or the like. The stud layer 102 can be formed with a material having sufficient sturdiness as to support building block elements, such as but not limited to those provided under the trademarks LEGO™, Mega Bloks™, Kre-O™, and the like. For example, the material of the stud layer 102 can include but is not limited to, plastic, vinyl or a similar material, having appropriate stiffness, weight, and manufacturability properties the like. In one implementation in which the material of the stud layer 102 is plastic, the plastic can include a thermoplastic polymer such as an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) thermoplastic polymer.

FIG. 2 presents a view of the backside of the example building block platform structure 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. In the embodiment shown, a removable liner 302 is being peeled away from the backside of the building block platform structure 100 to expose an adhesive layer 202 formed on the bottom surface of the stud layer 102 (e.g., wherein the bottom surface of the stud layer opposes the top surface of the stud layer including the studs). In particular, the adhesive layer 202 can include an adhesive material configured to stick to or otherwise attach to various surfaces. The adhesive layer 202 can thus provide for attaching the building block platform structure 100 to a surface of an object.

For example, FIG. 3 illustrates attachment of example building block platform structure 100 to a wall 300 via the adhesive layer 202. In accordance with one or more embodiments, the building block platform structure 100 can be attached to a surface (e.g., the wall 300) by contacting the adhesive layer 202 with the surface and pressing the building block platform structure against the surface.

In various embodiments, the adhesive layer 202 can comprise an adhesive material that provides for removably attaching the building block platform structure 100 (and additional building platform block structures described herein) to a variety of different surface materials, including but not limited to: wood, plastic, rubber, vinyl, metal, concrete, ceramic, glass and other materials. In this regard, the adhesive layer 202 can comprise an adhesive material that provides for attaching the building block platform structure 100 not only horizontal surfaces, but angled surfaces, vertical surfaces, overhead surfaces, moving surfaces, and the like, with sufficient grip so as to withstand natural and gravitational forces without detaching, even when loaded with building block elements coupled thereto. Accordingly, the subject the building block platform structure 100 (and additional building platform block structures described herein) can be applied to a variety of different planar surfaces. For example, the subject building block platform structure 100 (and additional building platform block structures described herein) can be applied to walls, doors, dressers, desks, ceilings, cars and the like. In some implementations, depending on the degree of flexibility of the material employed for stud layer 102, the building block platform structure 100 (and additional building platform block structures described herein) can also be applied to non-planar surfaces.

The adhesive material can also provide for easily removing the building block platform structure 100 (and additional building platform block structures described herein) from a surface to which it is attached with minimal effort by manually pealing the building block platform structure away from the surface without the need of removal tools. In addition, once removed the adhesive material can be sufficiently tacky so as to provide for re-attaching the building block platform structure to the same surface or another surface multiple times. Further, the adhesive material can provide for removing the building block platform structure from variety of different surfaces to which it is attached without damaging the surface or the building block platform structure.

In various embodiments, the adhesive material employed for the adhesive layer 202 can include a removable, pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) material. The adhesive material is preferably highly extensible and has higher cohesion than adhesion to any suitable surface. After being applied to a surface, the adhesive material can have the property of becoming firmly bonded, but can be easily removed without damaging the surface. Some suitable pressure-sensitive adhesive materials can include but are not limited to: tackified rubber adhesives (e.g., natural rubber, olefins, silicones, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polyurethanes, styrene-isoprene-styrene and styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers, and other elastomers), tackified or untackified acrylic adhesives (e.g., copolymers of isooctylacrylate and acrylic acid), and crosslinked adhesives.

FIG. 4 provides a planar view of a top surface of another example building block platform structure 400 in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Building block platform structure 400 can include same or similar features and functionalities as building block platform block structures 100. Repetitive description of like elements employed in respective embodiments is omitted for sake of brevity.

Similar to building block platform structure 100, the building block platform structure 400 includes a stud layer 102 composed of a plurality of studs 104 arranged in a grid configuration comprising rows and columns of studs 104. In the embodiment shown, the building block platform structure 400 has 22 rows and 22 columns. However, it should be appreciated that the number of rows and columns of studs can vary and that the 22 rows and 22 columns depicted are merely exemplary. For example, in some implementations, the building block platform structure 400 can be formed with 10 rows and 10 columns, 15 rows and 15 columns, 32 rows and 32 columns, etc. In another example, the number of rows verses the number of columns can vary. For example, in one implementation, the building block platform structure 400 can include 10 rows and 2 columns, 20 rows and 10 columns, 23 rows and 33 columns, etc. Thus in various embodiments, the building block platform structure 400 can include two or more rows of studs 104 and two or more columns of studs 104.

Further, although the building block platform structure 400 has a rectangular shape, the subject building block platform structures are not limited to this shape. For example, the subject building platform block structures can have a circle shape, a star shape, an octagon shape, a triangle shape, etc. Further, in some implementations, the subject building block platform structures can have a three-dimensional shape. In this regard, the building block platform structure can have two or more planar surfaces that include studs 104. For example, in one implementation, the building block platform structure 400 can have a rectangular prism shape including a top surface, a bottom surface and four side surfaces. According to this example, the top surface and the four side surfaces can respectively comprise studs 104 and the bottom surface can include an adhesive layer that provides for attaching the building block platform structure 400 to a surface of an object.

Call out box 401 provides an enlarged view of a portion of the top surface of the building block platform structure 400. As shown in call out box 401, the rows and columns are orthogonal to one another (i.e., the rows and columns are 90° relative to one another). In one or more embodiments, the dimensions of the studs 104 and the spacing between the respective studs can be selected to facilitate compatibility with various known building block elements (e.g., such as those provided under the trademarks LEGO™, Mega Bloks™, Kre-O™, and the like). For example, although studs 104 may be set at different distances, for compatibility with many known building block elements, it is desirable for the studs 104 to have a cylindrical shape with a diameter d₁of about 4.8 millimeters (mm) or slightly less than about 4.8 mm, and a height between about 1.4 and 2.0 millimeters, and more preferably, a height between about 1.6 and 1.9 mm. Further, the center-to-center distance d₂between the studs is preferably about 8.0 mm in both the horizontal and vertical directions to accommodate known building platform block structures. However, it should be appreciated that the diameter d₁of the respective studs and the distance the center-to-center distance d₂between the studs can be adapted to accommodate various types of building block elements.

In the embodiment shown, the respective studs are spaced at equal distances d₂from one another in both the horizontal and vertical direction. In one or more embodiments, the distance d₃from an edge or side of the building block platform structure 400 to the centers of the studs 104 in the closest row or column can be set at half of the center-to-center distance d₂(or less). In this regard, the respective studs can be spaced at first equal distances d₂relative to one another, and wherein a second distance d₃between a side of the four sides and a row of studs of the two or more rows of studs provided closest to the side, or a column of studs of the two or more columns of studs provided closest to the side, is half the first distance d₂(e.g., d₃=½d₂). With this spacing configuration, two or more building block platform structures 400 can be set in an edge-to-edge (or approximately edge-to-edge) fashion so that a side of a first structure is adjacent to and contacting another side of the second structure. The resulting distance between adjacent studs on the first structure and the second structure will then be d₂, thereby enabling attachment of a single building block element to a subset of studs split between the two building block platform structures (e.g., the subset of studs can include one or more studs from the first structure and one or more studs from the second structure). Otherwise, if the stud-center to edge distance d₃is more than half of the center-to-center distances d₂, the use of more than one building block platform structure will require a gap of at least one stud between the structures when attempting to span more the gap with a single building block element. Likewise, if the stud-center to edge distance is less than half of the center-to-center distances, a user will need to take additional care in aligning pairs of building block platform structures 400, to prevent the edge studs on two adjacent plates from being too close.

The dimensions (e.g., the length x and width y) of the building block platform structure 400 can vary. It should be appreciated that the dimensions will be restricted in part by the number of rows and columns and the selected dimensions for the spacing between the studs (e.g., d₂) and the diameter (e.g., d₁) of the studs. In one embodiment, the building block platform structure 400 is about 10 inches by 10 inches.

FIGS. 5 and 6A-6C present different cross-sectional views of building block platform structure 400 in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. In particular, FIG. 5 presents a cross-sectional view of building block platform structure 400 taken along line A in FIG. 4 in accordance with various embodiments. FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C respectively present different cross-sectional views of building block platform structure 400 taken along line B in FIG. 4, in accordance with three different embodiments.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 6A-6C, in one or more embodiments, the building block platform structure 400 can include a stud layer 102 (shown in grey), and an adhesive layer 202 (shown as diagonal lines) formed on the stud layer 102. In various implementations, the stud layer 102 can be formed with a plastic material such as an ABS thermoplastic polymer or a similar material, having appropriate stiffness, weight, and manufacturability properties. The stud layer 102 can include a plurality of studs 104 formed on a first surface thereof (referred to herein as the top surface or side of the stud layer). The adhesive layer 202 can comprise a removable PSA material having one or more of the properties described herein with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. In the embodiment shown, the adhesive layer 202 is formed on and contacting a second surface of the stud layer 102 that opposes the studs 104 (referred to herein as the bottom surface or side or the of the stud layer).

The thickness of the adhesive layer 202 can vary. For example, in some implementations, the adhesive layer 202 can include a thin layer or film of adhesive material that coats the bottom surface of the stud layer. In another embodiment, the adhesive layer 202 can include a sheet of material that is coated with the removable PSA material on a first side and then bonded to the bottom surface of the stud layer via a second side of the sheet (e.g., using a permanent adhesive or another suitable permanent bonding material/technique). For example, in one implementation, the adhesive layer 202 can include a sheet of vinyl or high-grade vinyl having the removable, PSA material on a first side. The sheet of vinyl can further be bonded to the bottom surface of the stud layer 102 via the second side (which opposes the adhesive side). In some implementations, the adhesive layer 202 can cover or substantially cover the entire bottom surface of the stud layer 102. In other implementations, the adhesive layer 202 can be formed on one or more portions of the stud layer 102 but not cover the entire bottom surface of the stud layer 102. In one or more embodiments, the thickness of the adhesive layer 202 can be between about 0.05 and about 1.0 mm. In another embodiment, the thickness of the adhesive layer 202 is preferably between about 0.1 and 0.8 mm. In yet another embodiment, the thickness of the adhesive layer 202 is more preferably between about 0.3 and 0.6 mm.

The building block platform structure 400 can further include a removable liner 302 provided on the adhesive layer 202 to protect the adhesive layer 202 from becoming contaminated when the building block platform structure is not attached to surface. For example, the liner can include a thin sheet of paper, plastic, or another material having the property of sticking to the adhesive to protect it from unwanted attachment to other items (e.g., dust, dirt, other surfaces) until the user desires to use the adhesive, but also having the property of being easy to remove from the removable adhesive when the user desires to removably secure the building block platform structure 400 to a surface.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, the stud layer 102 includes a solid piece of material. In this regard, the bottom surface of the stud layer 102 that opposes the top surface of the stud layer can be solid in that it does not have any holes or openings formed through the bottom surface. According to this embodiment, the building block platform structure 400 does not include gaps or spaces between the studs 104 and the bottom surface of the stud layer 102.

In other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C, the stud layer 102 can include spaces or openings 602 respectively formed under the studs 104. In this regard, the bottom surface of the stud layer 102 that opposes the top surface of the stud layer can include holes or openings 602 formed through the bottom surface and directly under the studs 104.

FIG. 7 provides a planar view of a bottom surface of example building block platform structure 400 in accordance with one or more embodiments wherein spaces or openings 602 are formed under the studs. As shown in FIG. 7, these spaces or openings 602 are depicted by solid black circles. In one or more embodiments, the spaces or openings can have a cylindrical prism hollow shape that corresponds to the shape of the studs 104. Call out box 701 depicts and enlarged view of a portion of the back surface of structure 400 in accordance with this embodiment. In some embodiments, the diameter d₄of the spaces or openings 602 can be equal to or slightly less than the diameter of the studs d₁. However, the center-to-center distance (e.g. d₂) between the openings 602 and the distance (e.g., d₃) between the center of an outermost opening and the edge or side of the structure 400 can be the same as those described with reference to the studs 104 and the top surface of the structure 104. In another embodiment, the diameter d₄of the spaces or openings 602 can be equal to or slightly greater than the diameter of the studs d₁to provide for attachment of building block elements studs to the openings 602, as described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 13.

With reference to FIGS. 6B, 6C, and 7, according to these embodiments in which spaces or openings 602 are formed under the studs 104, the total weight of the building block platform structure 400 can be reduced, thereby providing less strain on the adhesive layer 202 when the building block platform structure 400 is attached to a non-planar surface. Further, in some implementations, the spaces or openings 602 can increase the flexibility of the building block platform structure 400. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6B the adhesive layer 202 can be discontinuously formed on portions 604 of the bottom surface of the stud layer 102 located between the gaps or spaces. In this regard, the adhesive layer 202 can be formed by coating the portions 604 of the bottom surface of the stud layer 102. Alternatively, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6C, the adhesive layer can include a continuous layer of adhesive material. According to this embodiment, the adhesive layer 202 can be formed by attaching a thin sheet of material (e.g., vinyl) having at least one adhesive side (including the adhesive material) to the bottom surface of the stud layer 102 such that the adhesive side contacts the removable liner 302.

FIG. 8 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion of the building block platform structure 400 included within the call out box 601 of FIG. 6C. Repetitive description of like elements employed in respective embodiments is omitted for sake of brevity.

As previously noted, the various dimensions of the subject building block platform structures can be selected to conform to the specific type of building block elements with which the inventive concepts are employed (e.g., those provided under the trademarks LEGO™, Mega Bloks™, Kre-O™, and the like). For example, in the embodiment shown, the studs 104 of the top surface of the building block structure 400 can be configured to couple with a building block element such as building block element 802. With this implementation, the building block element 802 can have a cylindrical opening or slot 804 formed through the bottom surface of the building block element and the stud 104 can have a shape that is configured to tightly insert into the cylindrical opening 802, thereby connecting the building block element 802 to the stud 104.

FIG. 8 provides various dimensions for building block platform structure 400 labeled A through L that can enable attachment of building block elements, such as building block element 802, to the studs 104 of the building block platform structures in accordance with the manner exemplified above. It should be appreciated that dimensions A through L described with reference to the embodiment of building block platform structure 400 depicted in FIG. 8 can apply to other embodiments of the subject building block platform structures described herein.

In one or more embodiments, dimension F (which corresponds to d₂in FIG. 4) can be between about 5.0 mm and about 12.0 mm. In a preferable embodiment compatible with standard building block elements, dimension F can be set to about 8.0 mm. In some implementations, dimension G (which corresponds to d₃in FIG. 4) can be set to half the dimension of F (e.g., 4.0 mm) to provide for attaching two or more building block platform structure adjacent to one another without a gap there between while enabling attachment of a building block element to studs shared between the respective structures. However, in other embodiments, the subject building block platform structures (e.g., building block platform structure 400 and the like) can be designed to attach to a specific object having a specific surface area or otherwise intended for use as a single unit. With these embodiments, the length of G can be less precise. For example, in some implementations, the length of G can be equal to or greater than the length of F.

In one or more embodiments, dimension D can be between about 2.0 mm and about 6.0 mm, and dimension E can be between about 3.0 mm and about 8.0 mm. However in a preferable embodiment compatible with standard building block elements, dimension D should be slightly less than about 3.2 mm and dimension E should be slightly more than about 4.8 mm. Dimension H can be slightly more than 3.0 mm. Dimensions B, A, C and J will vary depending on the thickness of the material employed for the stud layer 102. However, it is preferable that dimension B is between about 1.2 and 2.5 mm and more preferably between about 1.6 and 1.9. Similarly, it is preferable that dimensions A, C and J be between about 1.0 and about 2.3 mm and more preferably between about 1.3 and 1.8 mm (and the same or substantially the same). Dimension L can be equal to or slightly greater than dimension J (e.g., between about 1.3 and 1.9 mm). Dimension K is preferably between about 2.5 and 3.4 mm and more preferably between about 2.8 and 3.0 mm. Dimension I can be about equal to dimension H minus dimension J. In one embodiment, dimension I can be between about 1.4 and 2.1 mm. In another embodiment, dimension I can be between about 1.6 and 2.0 mm. Still in yet another embodiment, dimension I can be between about 1.8 and 1.9 mm.

FIG. 9 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of two example building block platform structures attached to a surface 900 in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. The surface 900 for example can include a vertical surface (e.g., a wall, a door), a horizontal surface (e.g., a table, a ceiling), an angled surface, a planar surface, a non-planar surface, and the like. In the embodiment shown, the respective building platform block structures are identified as structure 1 and structure 2 and correspond to building block platform structure 400. The respective structures 1 and 2 are identical (or substantially identical). It should be appreciated that only portions of the surface 900, structure 1 and structure 2 are shown in FIG. 8 merely for exemplary purposes.

The respective structures 1 and 2 are attached to the surface 900 via the adhesive layer 202. The removable liner 302 was removed from the respective structures prior to attachment. The respective structures 1 and 2 are attached to the surface 900 side-to-side such that their respective side surfaces align and abut (or contact one another), as indicated by line 901. For example, line 901 corresponds to the divide between respective sides of structures 1 and 2. The resulting distance between adjacent studs of the respective structure 1 and 2 (e.g., the stud 104₁closest to the side surface of structure 1 and the stud 104₂closest to the side surface of structure 2) has the dimension F. As described with reference to FIG. 8, the dimension F corresponds to the same center-to-center distance between all adjacent pairs of studs (e.g., which is about 8.0 mm in one preferred embodiment). With this configuration, a single building block, brick or piece can span both structures 1 and 2. For example, a single building block, brick or pieces that is configured to couple with at least two studs can be attached to at least one pair of studs comprising a first stud on structure 1 (e.g., stud 104₁) and a second stud (e.g., stud 104₂) on structure 2.

FIGS. 10 and 11A-11B present different cross-sectional views of another example building block platform structure 1000 in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Building block platform structure 1000 can include same or similar features and functionalities as building block platform structure 400 with the addition of an intermediary layer 1002 (e.g., having the speckled fill pattern) provided between the stud layer 102 and the adhesive layer 202. In this regard, the intermediary layer 1002 can comprise a top surface and a bottom surface, and the top surface of the intermediary layer 1002 can be attached to or otherwise bonded to the bottom surface of the stud layer 102 (e.g., via a permanent adhesive material or other bonding material/technique). The adhesive layer 202 can further be attached to, coat, or otherwise bonded to (e.g., via a permanent adhesive material or other bonding material/technique) the bottom surface of the intermediary layer 1002. The top surface of the building block platform structure 1000 can be the same or substantially the same as the top surface of building block platform structures 400 and 100. Repetitive description of like elements employed in respective embodiments is omitted for sake of brevity

FIG. 10 presents a cross-sectional view of building block platform structure 1000 though a region between the studs 104 (e.g., corresponding to line A in FIG. 4) in accordance with various embodiments. FIG. 11A presents a cross-sectional view of building block platform structure 1000 through the center points of a row or column of studs (e.g., taken along line B in FIG. 4) in accordance with one embodiment wherein the stud layer 102 comprises a solid material. In accordance with this embodiment, the building block platform structure 1000 does not include spaces or openings 602 between the studs and the intermediary layer 1002. FIG. 11B presents another cross-sectional view of building block platform structure 1000 through the center points of a row or column of studs (e.g., taken along line B in FIG. 4), in accordance with another embodiment wherein the building block platform structure 1000 includes spaces or openings 602 between the studs and the intermediary layer 1002.

In various implementations, the intermediary layer 1002 can facilitate attaching the building block platform structure 1000 to surfaces of varying or uneven textures. For example, the intermediary layer 1002 can include a lightweight material that is less rigid than the stud layer 102 that can compress in response to applied pressure and conform to textured surfaces. As a result, the bottom surface of the intermediary layer 1002 and the adhesive layer 202 provided thereon can mold to the bumps, ridges, or otherwise uneven texture of a surface, thereby establishing greater contact area between the adhesive layer 202 and the surface. In various embodiments, the material of the intermediary layer 1002 can included but is not limited to, a foam material, a paper material, a gel material, a putty material, a molding compound material, a vinyl material, a rubber material or the like.

The thickness of the intermediary layer 1002 can vary. In one or more embodiments, the thickness of the intermediary layer 1002 can be between about 0.05 and about 5.0 mm. In another embodiment, the thickness of the intermediary layer 1002 is preferably between about 0.1 mm and 3.0 mm. In another embodiment, the thickness of the intermediary layer 1002 is preferably between about 1.0 mm and 2.0 mm.

FIG. 12 illustrates another enlarged cross-sectional view of two example building block platform structures attached to a surface in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 12 presents substantially similar features and functionalities of the subject building block platform structures described with reference to FIG. 9 with a few notable differences. Repetitive description of like elements employed in respective embodiments is omitted for sake of brevity.

In the embodiment shown, the respective building platform block structures are identified as structure 1 and structure 2 and respectively correspond to building block platform structure 1000. The respective structures 1 and 2 are attached to a surface 1200 via the adhesive layer 202. The liner 302 was removed prior to attachment. The surface 1200 can include for example, a vertical surface, a horizontal surface, an angled surface, etc. Unlike surface 900, surface 1200 has an uneven texture consisting of bumps and ridges (as indicated by the wavy lines). However, because the adhesive layer 202 is provided on an intermediary layer 1002 configured to compress and conform to uneven surface textures, the adhesive layer 202 also conforms to the uneven surface texture of surface 1200. For example, in accordance with the embodiment shown, the adhesive layer 202 can comprise a thin film or coating of adhesive material applied to the bottom surface of the intermediary layer 1002. Accordingly, the shape of the adhesive layer 202 can conform to and mirror the shape of the intermediary layer 1002. As a result, the bottom surface of the intermediary layer 1002 and the adhesive layer 202 provided thereon can conform or at least partially conform to the uneven surface texture of surface 1200, thereby increasing the contact surface are between the adhesive layer 202 and the surface 1200.

FIG. 13 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of another building block platform structure 1300 in accordance with one or more additional embodiments. Building block platform structure 1300 can include same or similar features and functionalities as building block platform structures 400 and 1000. Repetitive description of like elements employed in respective embodiments is omitted for sake of brevity.

Building block platform structure 1300 differs from building block platform structures 400 and 1000 in that the top surface of building block platform structure 1300 corresponds to the bottom surface of building block platform structures 400 and 1000 in accordance with the embodiments in which the bottom surface of building block platform structures 400 and 1000 include spaces or openings 602 below the studs (e.g., the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6B, 6C, 7, 8, 11B and 12. For example, in one implementation, the structure of the stud layer 102 of building block platform structure 1300 is the same as that described with reference to the stud layer of building block platform structure 400 described with reference FIG. 8, however the stud layer 102 as shown in FIG. 13 is flipped over. With this embodiment, the adhesive layer 202 can be formed on and contacting the top surface of the stud layer 102. In this regard, the adhesive layer 202 can be formed on and contacting the studs 104 and the openings 602 can be exposed. Although not shown, in other embodiments, an intermediary layer 1002 can also be formed between the studs 104 and the adhesive layer 202.

According to this embodiment, the openings 602 now provided on the top surface of the building block platform structures 1300 can be configured to reversibly couple with studs (e.g., stud 1304) of building block elements (e.g., building block elements). For example, in the embodiment shown, the openings 602 of the top surface of the building block platform structure 1300 can be configured to couple with the stud 1304 of building block element 1304, which can include those provided under the trademarks LEGO™, Mega Bloks™, Kre-O™, and the like. With this implementation, the building block element 1302 can have a cylindrical stud 1304 formed on a surface of the building block element that has dimensions configured to tightly insert into the cylindrical opening 602 of the top surface of the building block platform structure 130, thereby connecting the building block element 1302 to the opening 602.

According to this embodiment, the FIG. 8 the various dimensions A through L can be adapted to conform to enable attachment of building block elements, such as building block element 1302, to the openings 602 of the building block platform structures in accordance with the manner exemplified above. For example, the length of K or B of the openings 602 (which corresponds to d₄shown in FIG. 7) can be made slightly greater than the diameter of the stud 1304. For example, the length of K or B can be slightly greater than about 4.8 mm.

It should be appreciated that the structures in shown FIGS. 4-13 are not necessarily drawn to scale and are merely intended for exemplary purposes.

FIGS. 14-18 illustrate example use cases of the subject example building block platform structures (e.g., building block platform structures 100, 400, 1000, 1300 and the like) in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Repetitive description of like elements employed in respective embodiments is omitted for sake of brevity.

With reference to FIG. 14, illustrated is an example building block platform structure 100 attached to a wall, with various building block elements attached to the studs. For example, such building block elements include plastic blocks or bricks used to form the parrot, pirate and the shelf or holder for the sunglasses. The building block elements also include a hook or clip piece from which the keys are hanging.

FIG. 15 illustrates another example use case of example building block platform structure 100 attached to a vertical surface 1500 in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. For example, the vertical surface may include a cabinet, a wall, a door or the like. In this example use case, building block elements have been attached to the studs to form a business card holder, a holder for a pen, a lowercase f, and a cartoon character.

FIG. 16 illustrates another example use case of an example building block platform structure in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. With the subject use case, the building block platform structure 1600 is attached to the surface of an electronic device 1602 (a laptop computer). The UT symbol is constructed with building block elements attached to the studs. Building block platform structure 1600 can include one or more features and functionalities of building block platform structures 100, 400, 1000 and 1300 described herein. In accordance with the subject use case, the dimensions of the building block platform structure 1600 have been tailored to compliment the dimensions of the computer. For example, the building block platform structure 1600 has a rectangular shape with more columns than rows (e.g., 23 rows and 33 columns to be exact).

FIG. 17 illustrates another example use case of example building block platform structure 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. With the subject use case, a plurality of building block platform structures 100 have been attached to a wall in a side-to-side fashion to form a large building block platform area 1700. Building block elements can be applied anywhere on the building block platform area 1700 and span between the individual structures in a seamless manner.

FIG. 18 provides a series of images 1801-1805 illustrating construction of a large building block platform area (e.g., building block platform area 1800) on a wall using a plurality of individual building block platform structures 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. As shown in image 1801, after a first building block platform structure 100 has been attached to the wall, the user can align a second building block platform structure 100 with the first building block platform structure 100 such that the respective sides of the building block platform structures abut. In image 1802, the user is pressing the second building block structure against the wall in its aligned position to cause the adhesive layer provided on the back surface of the building block platform structure to stick to the wall. In images 1803, 1804 and 1805, the user is continuing to add additional building block platform structures to the wall in this fashion to create a large building block platform area on the surface of the wall.

FIGS. 19-21 illustrate methods in accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure. While, for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the methods are shown and described as a series of acts, it is to be understood and appreciated that this disclosure is not limited by the order of acts, as some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts from that shown and described herein. For example, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that methods can alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states or events, such as in a state diagram. Moreover, not all illustrated acts may be required to implement methods in accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure.

Turning now to FIG. 19 presents a flow diagram of an example method 1900 for attaching a building block platform structure to a surface in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Repetitive description of like elements employed in respective embodiments is omitted for sake of brevity.

At 1902 a liner attached to an adhesive layer (e.g., adhesive layer 202) formed on a first surface (e.g., the top surface) of a studded baseplate (e.g., stud layer 102), thereby exposing the adhesive layer, wherein the studded baseplate comprises a plurality of studs (e.g., studs 104) formed on a second surface of the studded baseplate, wherein the second surface is opposite the first surface, and wherein the plurality of studs are configured to couple with one or more building block elements. At 1904, the adhesive layer is contacted with a surface of an object, wherein the adhesive layer comprises an adhesive material configured to removably attach to the surface of the object (e.g., a removable PSA material). At 1906, the studded baseplate is pressed against the surface of the object, thereby attaching the studded baseplate to the surface of the object via the adhesive layer.

FIG. 20 presents a flow diagram of another example method 2000 for attaching a building block platform structure to a surface in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Repetitive description of like elements employed in respective embodiments is omitted for sake of brevity.

At 2002, a first building block tile (e.g., building block platform structure 100, 400, 1000 or the like) is attached to a planar surface (e.g., a wall) via a first adhesive layer (e.g., adhesive layer 202) formed on a first surface (e.g., the bottom surface) of the first building block tile, wherein the first building block tile comprises a first set of studs (e.g., studs 104) formed on a second surface (e.g., the top surface) of the first building block tile, wherein the second surface is opposite the first surface, and wherein the first set of studs are configured to couple with one or more building block elements. At 2004, a first side of a second building block tile (e.g., building block platform structure 100, 400, 1000 or the like) is aligned with a second side of the first building block tile (e.g., as shown in FIG. 18 with reference to images 1801 and 1802). At 2006, the second building block tile is attached to the planar surface via a second adhesive layer formed on a third surface (e.g., the back surface) of the second building block tile such that the first side of the second building block tile is adjacent to and contacting the second side of the first building block tile, wherein the second building block tile comprises a second set of studs formed on a fourth surface (e.g., the top surface) of the second building block tile, wherein the fourth surface is opposite the third surface, and wherein the second set of studs are configured to couple with the one or more building block elements.

FIG. 21 presents a flow diagram of another example method 2100 for attaching a building block platform structure to a surface in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Repetitive description of like elements employed in respective embodiments is omitted for sake of brevity.

At 2102, a first building block tile (e.g., building block platform structure 100, 400, 1000 or the like) is attached to a planar surface (e.g., a wall) via a first adhesive layer (e.g., adhesive layer 202) formed on a first surface (e.g., the bottom surface) of the first building block tile, wherein the first building block tile comprises a first set of studs (e.g., studs 104) formed on a second surface (e.g., the top surface) of the first building block tile, wherein the second surface is opposite the first surface, and wherein the first set of studs are configured to couple with one or more building block elements. At 2104, a first side of a second building block tile (e.g., building block platform structure 100, 400, 1000 or the like) is aligned with a second side of the first building block tile (e.g., as shown in FIG. 18 with reference to images 1801 and 1802). At 2106, the second building block tile is attached to the planar surface via a second adhesive layer formed on a third surface (e.g., the back surface) of the second building block tile such that the first side of the second building block tile is adjacent to and contacting the second side of the first building block tile, wherein the second building block tile comprises a second set of studs formed on a fourth surface (e.g., the top surface) of the second building block tile, wherein the fourth surface is opposite the third surface, and wherein the second set of studs are configured to couple with the one or more building block elements. Then at 2106, a building block element of the one or more building block elements can be attached to the first building block tile and the second building block tile via a first subset of the first set of studs and a second subset of the second set of studs.

What has been described above includes examples of various embodiments of the subject invention. The description of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purpose of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methods for purposes of describing the subject invention, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the subject invention are possible. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein. Accordingly, the subject invention is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” and “involves” are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” or “an embodiment,” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment,” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

The word “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “has,” “contains,” and other similar words are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive—in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as an open transition word—without precluding any additional or other elements.

In addition, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. Moreover, articles “a” and “an” as used in the subject specification and annexed drawings should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form.

	Number	Date	Country
	62353006	Jun 2016	US
	62353008	Jun 2016	US

BUILDING BLOCK PLATFORM STRUCTURE WITH ADHESIVE BACKING

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