BUILDING BLOCKS FOR A TOY BUILDING SET

Information

  • Patent Application
  • 20200047078
  • Publication Number
    20200047078
  • Date Filed
    August 08, 2018
    6 years ago
  • Date Published
    February 13, 2020
    4 years ago
  • Inventors
    • BERTRAND; Yves
    • POPIK; Jan
  • Original Assignees
    • 9321-7032 QUEBEC INC
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to building blocks for a toy building set. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a building block configured to releasably join another building block of a similar construction. The building block comprises a hollow main body which defines a lower surface, an upper surface and walls joining the lower and the upper surfaces. At least one of the walls comprises a first wall section and a second wall section parallel to and distant from the first wall section. The building block further comprises spaced apart projections that extend from the upper surface and spaced apart recess sections disposed within the hollow main body. When two building blocks are releasably connected together, a longitudinal groove is provided between the second wall section of the lower building block and the hollow main body of the upper building block when the blocks are fully connected one to another.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to building blocks for a toy building set.


BACKGROUND

There already exists on the market a plurality of building blocks and of toy building sets for allowing construction of a toy building or the construction of a toy structure. Such building blocks are known to be made of a rigid plastic and further provided with a number of cylindrical projections that fit with sufficient tightness into the hollow of another building block or into the hollows of two or more adjacent building blocks, thus permitting the construction of toy buildings/structures in three dimensions.


Yet, while the above-described building blocks are successfully used and enjoyed, they provide limitations in the construction of some specific toy buildings/structures.


There is therefore a need for building blocks that are configured to provide a useful alternative to known building blocks and toy building sets.


SUMMARY

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide building blocks for a toy building set that overcome or mitigate one or more disadvantages of known building blocks or at least provide a useful alternative.


According to an embodiment, there is provided a building block for a toy building set, the building block being releasably joinable to another building block, the building block comprising:


a hollow main body defining:

    • a lower surface for supporting the hollow main body;
    • an upper surface opposite the lower surface;
    • walls joining the lower surface and the upper surface, at least one of the walls comprising:
      • a first wall section defining a first wall surface;
      • a second wall section defining a second wall surface parallel to and distant from the first wall surface;


spaced apart projections extending from the upper surface in a direction opposite the lower surface; and


spaced apart recess sections disposed within the hollow main body about the lower surface, each one of the spaced apart recess sections being in a substantial alignment with a corresponding one of the spaced apart projections;


wherein when at least one of the spaced apart projections is releasably connected to at least one of the spaced apart recess sections of the other building block, a longitudinal groove is provided between the second wall section and the hollow main body of the other building block when the building block is fully connected to the other building block.


According to another embodiment, there is provided the building block as defined above, wherein the first wall section defines a first surface area and the second wall section defines a second surface area, the second surface area being greater than the first surface area.


According to a further embodiment, there is provided the building block as defined above, wherein the first wall section defines a first wall section upper longitudinal edge and the second wall section defines a second wall section upper longitudinal edge, and further wherein the longitudinal groove is formed between the second wall section upper longitudinal edge, at least part of the first wall surface and the lower surface of the hollow main body of the other building block when the building block is fully connected to the other building block.


According to yet another embodiment, there is provided the building block as defined above, wherein the upper surface defines an upper surface first longitudinal edge and an upper surface second longitudinal edge distant from the upper surface first longitudinal edge.


According to another embodiment, there is provided the building block as defined above, wherein the first wall section upper longitudinal edge corresponds to one of the upper surface first and second longitudinal edges.


According to a further embodiment, there is provided the building block as defined above, wherein the second wall section upper longitudinal edge is parallel to and distant from the upper surface first and second longitudinal edges.


According to yet another embodiment, there is provided the building block as defined above, wherein the lower surface defines a lower surface first longitudinal edge and a lower surface second longitudinal edge distant from the lower surface first longitudinal edge; and further wherein the first wall section defines a first wall section lower edge and the second wall section defines a second wall section lower longitudinal edge, both the first wall section lower edge and the second wall section lower longitudinal edges corresponding to one of the lower surface first and second longitudinal edges.


According to another embodiment, there is provided the building block as defined above, wherein the first wall section further defines: a first wall section first side edge; and a first wall section second side edge opposite the first wall section first side edge; and further wherein the second wall section further defines: a second wall section first side edge; and a second wall section second side edge opposite the second wall section first side edge.


According to a further embodiment, there is provided the building block as defined above, wherein the first wall section first side edge is at a distance from the second wall section first side edge.


According to yet another embodiment, there is provided the building block as defined above, wherein the first wall section second side edge is at a distance from the second wall section second side edge.


According to another embodiment, there is provided the building block as defined above, wherein the hollow main body further defines spaced apart receiving grooves inbetween at least some of the spaced apart projections and about the upper surface.


According to a further embodiment, there is provided the building block as defined above, wherein each one of the spaced apart projections comprises: a projection upper surface; and projection walls joining the projection upper surface and the upper surface of the hollow main body.


According to yet another embodiment, there is provided the building block as defined above, wherein the hollow main body defines wall inner surfaces, the building block further comprising: an inner wall within the hollow main body, extending from the lower surface towards the upper surface and joining together two of the walls, the inner wall together with some of the walls forming the spaced apart recess sections.


According to another embodiment, there is provided the building block as defined above, wherein the hollow main body defines wall inner surfaces, the building block further comprising: spaced apart inner walls within the hollow main body, each one of the spaced apart inner walls extending from the lower surface towards the upper surface and joining together two of the walls, the spaced apart inner walls together with some of the walls forming the spaced apart recess sections.


According to a further embodiment, there is provided the building block as defined above, further comprising: inner longitudinal protrusions extending from the lower surface towards the upper surface outwardly from each one of the wall inner surfaces and further outwardly from each one of the spaced apart inner walls, wherein each one of the inner longitudinal protrusions is adapted to interface with a corresponding one of the projection walls when the building block is fully connected to the other building block.


According to yet another embodiment, there is provided the building block as defined above, wherein the hollow main body defines a cross-sectional surface area, the cross-section surface area defining at least one of: a rectangular shape, a squared shape, an incurved shape, an L-like shape, a T-like shape, an incurved L-like shape, an incurved T-like shape, a ring shape and a rounded shape.


According to another embodiment, there is provided the building block as defined above, wherein each one of the spaced apart projections comprises: a projection upper surface defining a substantially squared surface; and four projection walls joining the projection upper surface and the upper surface of the hollow main body.


According to a further embodiment, there is provided the building block as defined above, wherein one of the four projection walls extend from the upper surface respectively at the upper surface first and second longitudinal edges.


According to yet another embodiment, there is provided the building block as defined above, wherein two of the four projection walls extend from the upper surface respectively at the upper surface first and second longitudinal edges.


According to another embodiment, there is provided the building block as defined above, wherein at least one of: each one of the spaced apart receiving grooves and the longitudinal groove is configured to releasably connect with at least one of: a toy flooring component, a toy window component, a toy bridge component and a toy roofing component.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in combination with the appended drawings, in which:



FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a toy building, or structure, in accordance with an embodiment;



FIG. 2A is top perspective view of some building blocks being connected one to another in accordance with another embodiment;



FIG. 2B is another top perspective view of the building blocks shown in FIG. 2A;



FIG. 2C is a front elevation view of some of the building blocks shown in FIG. 2A;



FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of a two-head building block in accordance with a further embodiment;



FIG. 3B is another top perspective view of the two-head building block shown in FIG. 3A;



FIG. 3C is a front elevation view of the two-head building block shown in FIG. 3A;



FIG. 3D is a side elevation view of the two-head building block shown in FIG. 3A;



FIG. 3E is a top plan view of the two-head building block shown in FIG. 3A;



FIG. 3F is a cross-sectional view of the two-head building block shown in FIG. 3E, taken along line A-A;



FIG. 3G is a cross-sectional view of the two-head building block shown in FIG. 3E, taken along line B-B;



FIG. 3H is a cross-sectional view of the two-head building block shown in FIG. 3E, taken along line C-C;



FIG. 3I is a bottom plan view of the two-head building block shown in FIG. 3A;



FIG. 4A is a top perspective view of a four-head building block in accordance with yet another embodiment;



FIG. 4B is another top perspective view of the four-head building block shown in FIG. 4A;



FIG. 4C is a front elevation view of the four-head building block shown in FIG. 4A;



FIG. 4D is a side elevation view of the four-head building block shown in FIG. 4A;



FIG. 4E is a top plan view of the four-head building block shown in FIG. 4A;



FIG. 4F is a cross-sectional view of the four-head building block shown in FIG. 4E, taken along line D-D;



FIG. 4G is a cross-sectional view of the four-head building block shown in FIG. 4E, taken along line E-E;



FIG. 4H is a cross-sectional view of the four-head building block shown in FIG. 4E, taken along line F-F;



FIG. 4I is a bottom plan view of the four-head building block shown in FIG. 4A;



FIG. 5A is a top perspective view of three four-head building blocks, as shown in FIGS. 4A-4I, connected together;



FIG. 5B is cross-sectional front elevation view of the three connected four-head building blocks shown in FIG. 5A;



FIG. 5C is a side elevation side elevation view of the three connected four-head building blocks shown in FIG. 5A;



FIG. 5D is a closed-up view of the connected building blocks shown in FIG. 5B;



FIG. 6A is a top perspective view of a five-head building block (right corner building block) in accordance with another embodiment;



FIG. 6B is another top perspective view of the five-head building block shown in FIG. 6A;



FIG. 6C is a front elevation view of the five-head building block shown in FIGS. 6A-6B;



FIG. 6D is a side elevation view of the five-head building block shown in FIGS. 6A-6B;



FIG. 6E is a top plan view of the five-head building block shown in FIGS. 6A-6B;



FIG. 6F is a cross-sectional view of the five-head building block shown in FIG. 6E, taken along line G-G;



FIG. 6G is a cross-sectional view of the five-head building block shown in FIG. 6E, taken along line H-H;



FIG. 6H is a cross-sectional view of the five-head building block shown in FIG. 6E, taken along line I-I;



FIG. 6I is a cross-sectional view of the five-head building block shown in FIG. 6E, taken along line J-J;



FIG. 6J is a bottom plan view of the five-head building block shown in FIGS. 6A-6B;



FIG. 7A is a top perspective view of another five-head building block (left corner building block) in accordance with a further embodiment;



FIG. 7B is another top perspective view of the five-head building block shown in FIG. 7A;



FIG. 7C is a front elevation view of the five-head building block shown in FIGS. 7A-7B;



FIG. 7D is a side elevation view of the five-head building block shown in FIGS. 7A-7B;



FIG. 7E is a top plan view of the five-head building block shown in FIGS. 7A-7B;



FIG. 7F is a cross-sectional view of the five-head building block shown in FIG. 7E, taken along line K-K;



FIG. 7G is a cross-sectional view of the five-head building block shown in FIG. 7E, taken along line L-L;



FIG. 7H is a cross-sectional view of the five-head building block shown in FIG. 7E, taken along line M-M;



FIG. 7I is a bottom plan view of the five-head building block shown in FIGS. 7A-7B;



FIG. 8A is a top perspective view of a curved four-head building block in accordance with yet another embodiment;



FIG. 8B is another top perspective view of the curved four-head building block shown in FIG. 8A;



FIG. 8C is a front elevation view of the curved four-head building block shown in FIGS. 8A-8B;



FIG. 8D is a side elevation view of the curved four-head building block shown in FIGS. 8A-8B;



FIG. 8E is a top plan view of the curved four-head building block shown in FIGS. 8A-8B;



FIG. 8F is a cross-sectional view of the curved four-head building block shown in FIG. 8E, taken along line N-N;



FIG. 8G is a cross-sectional view of the curved four-head building block shown in FIG. 8E, taken along line O-O;



FIG. 8H is a cross-sectional view of the curved four-head building block shown in FIG. 8E, taken along line P-P;



FIG. 8I is a bottom plan view of the curved four-head building block shown in FIGS. 8A-8B;



FIG. 9A is a top perspective view of another curved four-head building block (tower right corner building block) in accordance with another embodiment, where only two of the four heads are providing a curve to the building block;



FIG. 9B is another top perspective view of the curved four-head building block shown in FIG. 9A;



FIG. 9C is a front elevation view of the curved four-head building block shown in FIGS. 9A-9B;



FIG. 9D is a side elevation view of the curved four-head building block shown in FIGS. 9A-9B;



FIG. 9E is a top plan view of the curved four-head building block shown in FIGS. 9A-9B;



FIG. 9F is a cross-sectional view of the curved four-head building block shown in FIG. 9E, taken along line Q-Q;



FIG. 9G is a cross-sectional view of the curved four-head building block shown in FIG. 9E, taken along line R-R;



FIG. 9H is a cross-sectional view of the curved four-head building block shown in FIG. 9E, taken along line S-S;



FIG. 9I is a bottom plan view of the curved four-head building block shown in FIGS. 9A-9B;



FIG. 10A is a top perspective view of a further curved four-head building block (tower left corner building block) in accordance with a further embodiment, where only two of the four heads are providing a curve to the building block;



FIG. 10B is another top perspective view of the curved four-head building block shown in FIG. 10A;



FIG. 10C is a front elevation view of the curved four-head building block shown in FIGS. 10A-10B;



FIG. 10D is a side elevation view of the curved four-head building block shown in FIGS. 10A-10B;



FIG. 10E is a top plan view of the curved four-head building block shown in FIGS. 10A-10B;



FIG. 10F is a cross-sectional view of the curved four-head building block shown in FIG. 10E, taken along line T-T;



FIG. 10G is a cross-sectional view of the curved four-head building block shown in FIG. 10E, taken along line U-U;



FIG. 10H is a cross-sectional view of the curved four-head building block shown in FIG. 10E, taken along line V-V;



FIG. 10I is a bottom plan view of the curved four-head building block shown in FIGS. 10A-10B;



FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a curved three-head building block in accordance with yet another embodiment;



FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a curved two-head building block in accordance with another embodiment;



FIG. 13 is a top plan view of a curved one-head building block in accordance with a further embodiment;



FIG. 14 is a top plan view of a corner three-head building block in accordance with yet another embodiment;



FIG. 15A is a front elevation view of a window building block in accordance with another embodiment;



FIG. 15B is a side elevation view of the window building block of FIG. 15A;



FIG. 15C is a top plan view of the window building block of FIG. 15A;



FIG. 15D is a bottom plan view of the window building block of FIG. 15A;



FIG. 16A is a front elevation view of a curved window building block in accordance with a further embodiment;



FIG. 16B is a side elevation view of the curved window building block of FIG. 16A;



FIG. 16C is a top plan view of the curved window building block of FIG. 16A;



FIG. 16D is a bottom plan view of the curved window building block of FIG. 16A;



FIG. 17 is a front elevation view of a roof building block in accordance with yet another embodiment;



FIG. 18 is a front elevation view of a roof building block in accordance with another embodiment;



FIG. 19 is a front elevation view of a roof building block in accordance with a further embodiment;



FIG. 20 is a front elevation view of a post building block in accordance with yet another embodiment; and



FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a toy building, or structure, in accordance with another embodiment, showing a flooring building block interfacing with the longitudinal groove defined by some of the building blocks.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown a toy building or a toy structure 12. Toy building 12 is made of a plurality of connected together building blocks and building block components, such as, window building blocks 80, roof building blocks 82, post building blocks 84, door building blocks 86 and the like.


Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 2A to 2C, there are shown a plurality of building blocks, namely building blocks 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, that are releasably connected one to another such as to provide part of a toy building 12, or toy structure. As it will be described in more details below, and as best shown in FIG. 2C, configuration of each one of the building blocks 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 provides a useful alternative to known building blocks as horizontally oriented longitudinal grooves 34 and vertically oriented longitudinal grooves 35 are provided inbeetween the plurality of fully connected building blocks, here building blocks 110. Such horizontally and vertically oriented longitudinal grooves 34, 35 therefore provide the toy building 12 with a special appearance, as bricks look to be connected one adjacent another.


Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 3A to 3I, there is shown a two-head building block 10, or building block 10. Building block 10 comprises a substantially rectangular hollow main body 14 defining a lower surface 16, which is adapted to support hollow main body 14, and an upper surface 18, opposite lower surface 16. Building block 10 further comprises four walls 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d that together join lower surface 16 and upper surface 18. As best shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, some of the walls 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, namely walls 20a, 20c, each comprises a first wall section 22a, 22c which defines a first wall surface 24a, 24c, as well as a second wall section 26a, 26c, which defines a second wall surface 28a, 28c. Second wall surfaces 28a, 28c are parallel to and distant from first wall surfaces 24a, 24c (second wall surface 28a is parallel to and distant from first wall surface 24a, while second wall surface 28c is parallel to and distant from first wall surface 24c).


Still referring to FIGS. 3A to 3I, there is shown that building block 10 further comprises spaced apart projections or heads 30a, 30b, that extend from upper surface 18 in a direction opposite lower surface 16. Building block 10 further comprises spaced apart recess sections 32a, 32b (FIG. 3I) disposed within hollow main body 14 about lower surface 16. Each one of the spaced apart recess sections 32a, 32b is being in a substantial alignment with a corresponding one of the spaced apart projections 30a, 30b.


According to the configuration of building block 10, when at least one of the spaced apart projections 30a, 30b of a lower building block 10 is releasably connected to at least one of the spaced apart recess sections 32a, 32b of an upper building block 10 (or to any other similar building block 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610), an horizontally oriented longitudinal groove 34 is provided/created between second wall section 26a, 26c of lower building block 10 and hollow main body 14 of upper building block 10 when lower building block 10 is fully connected to upper building block 10 (FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1D, 4A and 4B).


Still referring to FIGS. 3A to 3I, there is shown that first wall sections 22a, 22c each defines a first surface area and second wall sections 26a, 26c each defines a second surface area, and that the second surface areas are being greater than the first surface areas. Each one of the first wall sections 22a, 22c further defines a first wall section upper longitudinal edge 40a, 40c and each one of the second wall sections 26a, 26c defines a second wall section upper longitudinal edge 42a, 42c. Therefore, horizontally oriented longitudinal groove 34 is formed between second wall section upper longitudinal edges 42a, 42c (of lower building block 10), at least part of first wall surfaces 24a, 24c (of lower building block 10) and lower surface 16 of hollow main body 14 of upper building block 10, again, when building blocks 10 are fully connected one to another.


Still referring to FIGS. 3A to 3I, there is shown that upper surface 18 defines an upper surface first longitudinal edge 44 and an upper surface second longitudinal edge 46, which is distant from upper surface first longitudinal edge 44. As best shown in FIG. 3E, first wall section upper longitudinal edges 40a, 40c respectively correspond to upper surface first and second longitudinal edges 44, 46. Moreover, there is shown that second wall section upper longitudinal edges 42a, 42c are parallel to and distant from upper surface first and second longitudinal edges 44, 46 respectively.


Still referring to FIGS. 3A to 3J, there is shown that lower surface 16 defines a lower surface first longitudinal edge 48 and a lower surface second longitudinal edge 50, which is distant from lower surface first longitudinal edge 48. Additionally, each one of the first wall sections 22a, 22c defines a first wall section lower edge 52a, 52c and each one of second wall sections 26a, 26c defines a second wall section lower longitudinal edge 54a, 54c. Both first wall section lower edges 52a, 52c and second wall section lower longitudinal edges 54a, 54c correspond to respectively lower surface first and second longitudinal edges 48, 50.


Each one of the first wall sections 22a, 22c further defines a first wall section side edge 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d. Similarly, each one of the second wall sections 26a, 26c further defines a second wall section side edge 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d. Therefore, according to the two-head building block 10 shown in FIGS. 3A to 3I, first wall section side edge 56a is at a distance from second wall section side edge 60a and similarly, first wall section side edge 56b is at a distance from second wall section side edge 60b. Additionally, first wall section side edge 56c is at a distance from second wall section side edge 60c and similarly, first wall section side edge 56d is at a distance from second wall section side edge 60d of wall 20c (FIG. 3E). Therefore, vertically oriented longitudinal groove 35 is formed between second wall section side edges of two adjacent building blocks, as shown in FIG. 2C, and at least part of first wall surfaces 24a, 24c (of such adjacent blocks), again, when building blocks 10 are fully connected one adjacent another.


Referring now more particularly to FIG. 3B, there is shown that hollow main body 14 further defines a receiving groove 64 inbetween spaced apart projections 30a, 30b and about upper surface 18. Such receiving groove 64 is configured to releasably connect with, or receive, a plurality of additional building components, such as, without limitations, toy flooring components, toy window components, toy bridge components, toy roofing components and the like.


Referring now more particularly to FIG. 3E, there is shown that each one of the spaced apart projections 30a, 30b comprises a projection upper surface 66, defining a substantially squared surface, and projection walls 68a, 68b, 68c, 68d, joining projection upper surface 66 and upper surface 18 of hollow main body 14. The substantially squared surface may prevent a building block to rotate when releasably connected to another building block, even if connected by only one projection 30a or 30b. For each one of the spaced apart projections, or heads, 30a, 30b, two of the four projection walls, namely projection walls 68a, 68c, extend from upper surface 18 respectively at the upper surface first and second longitudinal edges 44, 48. Therefore, as shown, projection wall 68a share the same plan with first wall surface 24a of wall 20a, while projection wall 68c share the same plan with first wall surface 24c of wall 20c.


Referring now more particularly to FIG. 3I, there is shown that hollow main body 14 defines wall inner surfaces 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d. Building block 10 also further comprises an inner wall 72, within hollow main body 14. Inner wall 72 extends from lower surface 16 towards upper surface 18 and joins together walls 20a, 20c. Inner wall 72, together with walls 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, forms the spaced apart recess sections 32a, 32b.


Building block 10, as defined above, further comprises inner longitudinal protrusions (four inner longitudinal protrusions 74a, 74b, 74c, 74d for each one of the recess sections 32a, 32b). Each one of the inner longitudinal protrusions 74a, 74b, 74c, 74d longitudinally extends from lower surface 16 towards upper surface 18. Only some of the inner longitudinal protrusions, namely protrusions 74a, 74c, extend outwardly from wall inner surfaces 70a, 70c, while the remaining ones extend outwardly from inner wall 72. Each one of the inner longitudinal protrusions 74a, 74b, 74c, 74d is adapted to interface with a corresponding one of projection walls 68a, 68b, 68c, 68d when a lower building block 10 (or any other building 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 and the like) is fully connected to an upper building block 10 (or any other building 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 and the like).


Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 4A to 4I, there is shown a four-head building block 110, or building block 110, which is similar to building block 10. Indeed, building block 110 comprises a substantially rectangular hollow main body 114 defining a lower surface 116, which is adapted to support hollow main body 114, and an upper surface 118, opposite lower surface 116. Building block 110 further comprises four walls 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d that together join lower surface 116 and upper surface 118. As best shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, some of the walls 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, namely walls 120a, 120c, each comprises a first wall section 122a, 122c which defines a first wall surface 124a, 124c, as well as a second wall section 126a, 126c, which defines a second wall surface 128a, 128c. Second wall surfaces 128a, 128c are parallel to and distant from first wall surfaces 124a, 124c (second wall surface 128a is parallel to and distant from first wall surfaces 124a, while second wall surface 128c is parallel to and distant from first wall surfaces 124c).


Still referring to FIGS. 4A to 4I, there is shown that building block 110 further comprises spaced apart projections or heads 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d that extend from upper surface 118 in a direction opposite lower surface 116. Building block 110 further comprises spaced apart recess sections 132a, 132b, 132c, 132d disposed within hollow main body 114 about lower surface 116. Each one of the spaced apart recess sections 132a, 132b, 132b, 132c is being in a substantial alignment with a corresponding one of the spaced apart projections 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d.


According to the configuration of building block 110, and referring also to FIGS. 5A to 5D, when at least one of the spaced apart projections 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d of a lower building block 110 is releasably connected to at least one of the spaced apart recess sections 132a, 132b, 132c, 132d of an upper building block 110 (or to any other similar building block 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610), an horizontally oriented longitudinal groove 34 is provided/created between second wall section 126a, 126c of lower building block 110 and hollow main body 114 of upper building block 110 when lower building block 110 is fully connected to upper building block 110.


Still referring to FIGS. 4A to 4I, there is shown that first wall sections 122a, 122c each defines a first surface area and second wall sections 126a, 126c each defines a second surface area, and that the second surface areas are being greater than the first surface areas. Each one of the first wall sections 122a, 122c further defines a first wall section upper longitudinal edge 140a, 140c and each one of the second wall sections 126a, 126c defines a second wall section upper longitudinal edge 142a, 142c. Therefore, horizontally oriented longitudinal groove 34 is formed between second wall section upper longitudinal edges 142a, 142c (of lower building block 110), at least part of first wall surfaces 124a, 124c (of lower building block 110) and lower surface 116 of hollow main body 114 of upper building block 110, again, when building blocks 110 are fully connected one to another (FIGS. 5A to 5D).


Still referring to FIGS. 4A to 4I, there is shown that upper surface 118 defines an upper surface first longitudinal edge 144 and an upper surface second longitudinal edge 146, which is distant from upper surface first longitudinal edge 144. As best shown in FIG. 4E, first wall section upper longitudinal edges 140a, 140c respectively correspond to upper surface first and second longitudinal edges 144, 146. Moreover, there is shown that second wall section upper longitudinal edges 142a, 142c are parallel to and distant from upper surface first and second longitudinal edges 144, 146 respectively.


Still referring to FIGS. 4A to 4I, there is shown that lower surface 116 defines a lower surface first longitudinal edge 148 and a lower surface second longitudinal edge 150, which is distant from lower surface first longitudinal edge 148. Additionally, each one of the first wall sections 122a, 122c defines a first wall section lower edge 152a, 152c and each one of second wall sections 126a, 126c defines a second wall section lower longitudinal edge 154a, 154c. Both first wall section lower edges 152a, 152c and second wall section lower longitudinal edges 154a, 154c correspond to respectively lower surface first and second longitudinal edges 148, 150.


Each one of the first wall sections 122a, 122c further defines a first wall section side edge 156a, 156b, 156c, 156d. Similarly, each one of the second wall sections 126a, 126c further defines a second wall section side edge 160a, 160b, 160c, 160d. Therefore, according to the four-head building block 110 shown in FIGS. 4A to 4I, first wall section side edge 156a is at a distance from second wall section side edge 160a and similarly, first wall section side edge 156b is at a distance from second wall section side edge 160b (wall 120a). Additionally, first wall section side edge 156c is at a distance from second wall section side edge 160c and similarly, first wall section side edge 156d is at a distance from second wall section side edge 160d of wall 120c (FIG. 4E). Therefore, as best shown in FIG. 5A, vertically oriented longitudinal groove 35 is formed between second wall section side edges of two adjacent building blocks, and at least part of first wall surfaces 124a, 124c (of such adjacent blocks), again, when building blocks 110 are fully connected one adjacent another.


Referring now more particularly to FIG. 4B, there is shown that hollow main body 114 further defines receiving grooves 164a, 164b, 164c inbetween spaced apart projections 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d and about upper surface 118, that are configured to releasably connect with, or receive, the plurality of additional building components mentioned above.


Referring now more particularly to FIG. 6E, there is shown that each one of the spaced apart projections 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d comprises a projection upper surface 166, defining a substantially squared surface, and projection walls 168a, 168b, 168c, 168d, joining projection upper surface 166 and upper surface 118 of hollow main body 114. For each one of the spaced apart projections, or heads, 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, two of the four projection walls, namely projection walls 168a, 168c, extend from upper surface 118 respectively at the upper surface first and second longitudinal edges 144, 148. Therefore, as shown, projection walls 168a share the same plan with first wall surface 124a of wall 120a, while projection walls 168c share the same plan with first wall surface 124c of wall 120c.


Referring now more particularly to FIG. 6J, there is shown that hollow main body 114 defines wall inner surfaces 170a, 170b, 170c, 170d. Building block 110 also further comprises inner wall 172a, 172, 172c within hollow main body 114. Inner wall 172a, 172b, 172c extend from lower surface 116 towards upper surface 118 and join together walls 120a, 120c. Inner walls 172a, 172b, 172c, 172d, together with walls 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, form the spaced apart recess sections 132a, 132b, 132c, 132d.


Building block 110, as defined above, further comprises inner longitudinal protrusions (four inner longitudinal protrusions 174a, 174b, 174c, 174d for each one of the recess sections 132a, 132b, 132c, 132d). Each one of the inner longitudinal protrusions 174a, 174b, 174c, 174d longitudinally extends from lower surface 116 towards upper surface 118. Only some of the inner longitudinal protrusions, namely protrusions 174a, 174c, extend outwardly from wall inner surfaces 170a, 170c, while the remaining ones extend outwardly from inner walls 172a, 172b, 172c. Each one of the inner longitudinal protrusions 174a, 174b, 174c, 174d is adapted to interface with a corresponding one of projection walls 168a, 168b, 168c, 168d when a lower building block 110 is fully connected to an upper building block 110, or to any other similar building block (and where one or more of the spaced apart projection(s) is in alignment with a corresponding one of the one or more spaced apart recess sections).


Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 6A to 6J, there is shown a five-head L-shaped building block 210, or building block 210 (right corner building block). Building block 210 comprises an elongated L-shaped hollow main body 214 defining a lower surface 216, which is adapted to support hollow main body 214, and an upper surface 218, opposite lower surface 216. Building block 210 further comprises six walls 220a, 220b, 220c, 220d, 220e, 220f that together join lower surface 216 and upper surface 218. As best shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, some of the walls 220a, 220b, 220c, 220d, 220e, 220f, namely walls 220a, 220b, 220d, 220e, each comprises a first wall section 322a, 322b, 322d, 322e which defines a first wall surface 224a, 224b, 224d, 224e, as well as a second wall section 226a, 226b, 226d, 226e, which defines a second wall surface 228a, 228b, 228d, 228e. Second wall surfaces 228a, 228b, 228d, 228e are parallel to and distant from first wall surfaces 224a, 224b, 224d, 224e (second wall surface 228a is parallel to and distant from first wall surface 224a, second wall surface 228b is parallel to and distant from first wall surfaces 224b, second wall surface 228d is parallel to and distant from first wall surfaces 224d and second wall surface 228e is parallel to and distant from first wall surfaces 224e).


Still referring to FIGS. 6A to 6J, there is shown that building block 210 further comprises spaced apart projections or heads 230a, 230b, 230c, 230d, 230e that extend from upper surface 218 in a direction opposite lower surface 216. Building block 210 further comprises spaced apart recess sections 232a, 232b, 232c, 232d, 232e disposed within hollow main body 214 about lower surface 216. Each one of the spaced apart recess sections 232a, 232b, 232c, 232d, 232e is being in a substantial alignment with a corresponding one of the spaced apart projections 230a, 230b, 230c, 230d, 230e.


According to the configuration of building block 210, when at least one of the spaced apart projections 230a, 230b, 230c, 230d, 230e of a lower building block 210 is releasably connected to at least one of the spaced apart recess sections 232a, 232b, 232c, 232d, 232e of an upper building block 210 (or to any other similar building block 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610), an horizontally oriented longitudinal groove 34 is provided/created between second wall section 226a, 226b, 226d, 226e of lower building block 210 and hollow main body 214 of upper building block 210 when lower building block 210 is fully connected to upper building block 210 (FIG. 5A as shown with blocks 110).


Still referring to FIGS. 6A to 6J, there is shown that first wall sections 222a, 222b, 222d, 222e each defines a first surface area and second wall sections 226a, 226b, 226d, 226e each defines a second surface area and that the second surface areas are being greater than the first surface areas. Each one of the first wall sections 222a, 222b, 222d, 222e further defines a first wall section upper longitudinal edge 240a, 240b, 240d, 240e and each one of the second wall sections 226a, 226b, 226d, 226e defines a second wall section upper longitudinal edge 242a, 242b, 242d, 242e. Therefore, horizontally oriented longitudinal groove 34 is formed between second wall section upper longitudinal edges 242a, 242b, 242d, 242e (of lower building block 210), at least part of first wall surfaces 224a, 224b, 224d, 224e (of lower building block 210) and lower surface 216 of hollow main body 214 of upper building block 210, again, when building blocks 210 are fully connected one to another (or with similar building blocks).


Still referring to FIGS. 6A to 6J, there is shown that upper surface 218 defines an upper surface first longitudinal edge 244, an upper surface second longitudinal edge 246, which is distant from upper surface first longitudinal edge 244. Upper surface 218 further defines an upper surface third longitudinal edge 245, an upper surface fourth longitudinal edge 247, which is distant from upper surface third longitudinal edge 245, thus defining the L-shaped configuration. As best shown in FIG. 6E, first wall section upper longitudinal edges 240a, 240b, 240d, 240e respectively correspond to upper surface first, third, fourth and second longitudinal edges 344, 345, 347, 346. Moreover, there is shown that second wall section upper longitudinal edges 242a, 242b, 242d, 242e are parallel to and distant from upper surface first, third, fourth and second longitudinal edges 344, 345, 347, 346 respectively.


Still referring to FIGS. 6A to 6J, there is shown that lower surface 216 defines a lower surface first longitudinal edge 248 and a lower surface second longitudinal edge 250, which is distant from lower surface first longitudinal edge 248. Lower surface 216 further defines a lower surface third longitudinal edge 249 and a lower surface fourth longitudinal edge 251, which is distant from lower surface third longitudinal edge 249. Additionally, each one of the first wall sections 222a, 222b, 222d, 222e defines a first wall section lower edge 252a, 252b, 252d, 252e and each one of second wall sections 226a, 226b, 226d, 226e defines a second wall section lower longitudinal edge 254a, 254b, 254d, 254e. Both first wall section lower edges 252a, 252b, 252d, 252e and second wall section lower longitudinal edges 254a, 254b, 254d, 254e correspond to respectively lower surface first, third, fourth and second longitudinal edges 348, 349, 351, 350, respectively.


Each one of the first wall sections 222a, 222b, 222d, 222e further defines a first wall section side edge 256a, 256b, 256c, 256d, 256e, 256f. Similarly, each one of the second wall sections 226a, 226b, 226d, 226e further defines a second wall section side edge 260a, 260b, 260c, 260d, 260e, 260f. Therefore, according to the four-head building block 210 shown in FIGS. 6A to 6J, first wall section side edge 256a is at a distance from second wall section side edge 260a (wall 220a) and similarly, first wall section side edge 256c is at a distance from second wall section side edge 260c (wall 220b). Additionally, first wall section side edge 256d is at a distance from second wall section side edge 260d (wall 220d) and similarly, first wall section side edge 256f is at a distance from second wall section side edge 260f (wall 220e) (FIG. 6E). Therefore, similarly to blocks 210 shown in FIG. 5A, vertically oriented longitudinal groove 35 is formed between second wall section side edges of two adjacent building blocks, and at least part of first wall surfaces 224a, 224b, 224d, 224e (of such adjacent blocks), again, when building blocks 210 are fully connected one adjacent another.


Referring now more particularly to FIG. 6E, there is shown that each one of the spaced apart projections 230a, 230b, 230c, 230d, 230e comprises a projection upper surface 266, defining a substantially squared surface, and projection walls 268a, 268b, 268c, 268d, joining projection upper surface 266 and upper surface 218 of hollow main body 214. For each one of the spaced apart projections, or heads, 230a, 230b, 230c, 230d, 230e, two of the four projection walls, namely projection walls 268a, 268c (for projections 230a, 230b, 230c) or projection walls 268b, 268c (for projection 230d) or projection walls 268b, 268d (for projection 230e), extend from upper surface 218 respectively at the upper surface first and second longitudinal edges 244, 246 (for projections 230a, 230b, 230c), at the upper surface third and fourth longitudinal edges 245, 247 (for projections 230e) or at the upper surface second and fourth longitudinal edges 246, 247 (for projection 230d). Therefore, as shown, for projections 230a, 230b, 230c, projection walls 268a share the same plan with first wall surface 224a of wall 220a, while projection walls 268c share the same plan with first wall surface 224e of wall 220e. For projection 230d, projection wall 268b share the same plan with first wall surface 224d of wall 220d, while projection wall 268c share the same plan with first wall surface 224e of wall 220e. For projection 230e, projection wall 268b share the same plan with first wall surface 224d of wall 220d, while projection wall 268d share the same plan with first wall surface 224b of wall 220b.


Referring now more particularly to FIG. 6J, there is shown that hollow main body 214 defines wall inner surfaces 270a, 270b, 270c, 270d, 270e, 270f. Building block 210 also further comprises inner walls 272a, 272b, 272c, 272d within hollow main body 214. Inner walls 272a, 272b, 272c, 272d extend from lower surface 216 towards upper surface 218 and join together walls 220a, 220b, 220d, 220e. Inner walls 272a, 272b, 272c, 272d, together with walls 220a, 220b, 220c, 220d, 220e, 220f form the spaced apart recess sections 232a, 232b, 232c, 232d, 232e.


Building block 210, as defined above, further comprises inner longitudinal protrusions (four inner longitudinal protrusions 274a, 274b, 274c, 274d for each one of the recess sections 232a, 232b, 232c, 232d, 232e). Each one of the inner longitudinal protrusions 274a, 274b, 274c, 274d longitudinally extends from lower surface 216 towards upper surface 218. Some of the inner longitudinal protrusions extend outwardly from wall inner surfaces 270a, 270b, 270c, 270d, 270e, 270f, while the remaining ones extend outwardly from inner walls (or from both surfaces of inner walls) 272a, 272b, 272c, 272d. Each one of the inner longitudinal protrusions 274a, 274b, 274c, 274d is adapted to interface with a corresponding one of projection walls 268a, 268b, 268c, 268d when a lower building block 210 is fully connected to an upper building block 210, or another similar block (and where one or more of the spaced apart projection(s) is in alignment with a corresponding one of the one or more spaced apart recess sections).


Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 7A to 7I, there is shown a five-head L-shaped building block 310, or building block 310 (left corner building block). It is to be noted here that building block 310 is similar in shape to building block 210, with the exception that its L-shaped configuration is inverted. Indeed, building block 310 comprises an elongated L-shaped hollow main body 314 defining a lower surface 316, which is adapted to support hollow main body 314, and an upper surface 318, opposite lower surface 316. Building block 310 further comprises six walls 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e, 320f that together join lower surface 316 and upper surface 318. As best shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, some of the walls 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e, 320f, namely walls 320a, 320b, 320d, 320e, comprises a first wall section 322a, 322b, 322d, 322e which defines a first wall surface 324a, 324b, 324d, 324e, as well as a second wall section 326a, 326b, 326d, 326e, which defines a second wall surface 328a, 328b, 328d, 328e. Second wall surfaces 328a, 328b, 328d, 328e are parallel to and distant from first wall surfaces 324a, 324b, 324d, 324e (second wall surface 328a is parallel to and distant from first wall surfaces 324a, second wall surface 328b is parallel to and distant from first wall surfaces 324b, second wall surface 328d is parallel to and distant from first wall surfaces 324d and second wall surface 328e is parallel to and distant from first wall surfaces 324e).


Still referring to FIGS. 7A to 7I, there is shown that building block 310 further comprises spaced apart projections or heads 330a, 330b, 330c, 330d, 330e that extend from upper surface 318 in a direction opposite lower surface 316. Building block 310 further comprises spaced apart recess sections 332a, 332b, 332c, 332d, 332e disposed within hollow main body 314 about lower surface 316. Each one of the spaced apart recess sections 332a, 332b, 332c, 332d, 332e is being in a substantial alignment with a corresponding one of the spaced apart projections 330a, 330b, 330c, 330d, 330e.


According to the configuration of building block 310, when at least one of the spaced apart projections 330a, 330b, 330c, 330d, 330e of a lower building block 310 is releasably connected to at least one of the spaced apart recess sections 332a, 332b, 332c, 332d, 332e of an upper building block 310 (or to any other similar building block 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610), an horizontally oriented longitudinal groove 34 is provided/created between second wall section 126a, 126b, 126d, 126e of lower building block 310 and hollow main body 314 of upper building block 310 when lower building block 310 is fully connected to upper building block 310 (as best shown in FIG. 5A with building blocks 110).


Still referring to FIGS. 7A to 7I, there is shown that first wall sections 322a, 322b, 322d, 322e each defines a first surface area and second wall sections 326a, 326b, 326d, 326e each defines a second surface area and that the second surface areas are being greater than the first surface areas. Each one of the first wall sections 322a, 322b, 322d, 322e further defines a first wall section upper longitudinal edge 340a, 340b, 340d, 340e and each one of the second wall sections 326a, 326b, 326d, 326e defines a second wall section upper longitudinal edge 342a, 342b, 342d, 342e. Therefore, horizontally oriented longitudinal groove 34 is formed between second wall section upper longitudinal edges 342a, 342b, 342d, 342e (of lower building block 310), at least part of first wall surfaces 324a, 324b, 324d, 324e (of lower building block 310) and lower surface 316 of hollow main body 314 of upper building block 310, again, when building blocks 310 are fully connected one to another.


Still referring to FIGS. 7A to 7I, there is shown that upper surface 318 defines an upper surface first longitudinal edge 344, an upper surface second longitudinal edge 346, which is distant from upper surface first longitudinal edge 344. Upper surface 318 further defines an upper surface third longitudinal edge 345, an upper surface fourth longitudinal edge 347, which is distant from upper surface third longitudinal edge 345. As best shown in FIG. 7E, first wall section upper longitudinal edges 340a, 340b, 340d, 340e respectively correspond to upper surface first, third, fourth and second longitudinal edges 344, 345, 347, 346, respectively. Moreover, there is shown that second wall section upper longitudinal edges 342a, 342b, 342d, 342e are parallel to and distant from upper surface first, third, fourth and second longitudinal edges 344, 345, 347, 346, respectively.


Still referring to FIGS. 7A to 7J, there is shown that lower surface 316 defines a lower surface first longitudinal edge 348 and a lower surface second longitudinal edge 350, which is distant from lower surface first longitudinal edge 348. Lower surface 316 further defines a lower surface third longitudinal edge 349 and a lower surface fourth longitudinal edge 351, which is distant from lower surface third longitudinal edge 349. Additionally, each one of the first wall sections 322a, 322b, 322d, 322e defines a first wall section lower edge 352a, 352b, 352d, 352e and each one of second wall sections 326a, 326b, 326d, 326e defines a second wall section lower longitudinal edge 354a, 354b, 354d, 354e. Both first wall section lower edges 352a, 352b, 352d, 352e and second wall section lower longitudinal edges 354a, 354b, 354d, 354e correspond to respectively lower surface first, third, fourth and second longitudinal edges 348, 349, 351, 350.


Each one of the first wall sections 322a, 322b, 322d, 322e further defines a first wall section side edge 356a, 356b, 356c, 356d, 356e, 356f. Similarly, each one of the second wall sections 326a, 326b, 326d, 326e further defines a second wall section side edge 360a, 360b, 360c, 360d, 360e, 360f. Therefore, according to the four-head building block 310 shown in FIGS. 7A to 7I, first wall section side edge 356a is at a distance from second wall section side edge 360a (wall 320a) and similarly, first wall section side edge 356c is at a distance from second wall section side edge 360c (wall 320b). Additionally, first wall section side edge 356d is at a distance from second wall section side edge 360d (wall 320d) and similarly, first wall section side edge 356f is at a distance from second wall section side edge 360f (wall 320e) (FIG. 7E). Therefore, similarly to blocks 110 shown in FIG. 5A, vertically oriented longitudinal groove 35 is formed between second wall section side edges of two adjacent building blocks, and at least part of first wall surfaces 324a, 324b, 324d, 324e (of such adjacent blocks), again, when building blocks 310 are fully connected one adjacent another.


Referring now more particularly to FIG. 7E, there is shown that each one of the spaced apart projections 330a, 330b, 330c, 330d, 330e comprises a projection upper surface 366, defining a substantially squared surface, and projection walls 368a, 368b, 368c, 368d, joining projection upper surface 366 and upper surface 318 of hollow main body 314. For each one of the spaced apart projections, or heads, 330a, 330b, 330c, 330d, 330e, two of the four projection walls, namely projection walls 368a, 368c (for projections 330a, 330b, 330c) or projection walls 368b, 368c (for projection 330d) or projection walls 368b, 368d (for projection 330e), extend from upper surface 318 respectively at the upper surface first and second longitudinal edges 344, 348 (for projections 330a, 330b, 330c), at the upper surface third and fourth longitudinal edges 345, 349 (for projections 330e) or at the upper surface second and fourth longitudinal edges 348, 349 (for projection 330d). Therefore, as shown, for projections 330a, 330b, 330c, projection walls 368a share the same plan with first wall surface 324a of wall 320a, while projection walls 368c share the same plan with first wall surface 324e of wall 320e. For projection 330d, projection wall 368b share the same plan with first wall surface 324d of wall 320d, while projection wall 368c share the same plan with first wall surface 324e of wall 320e. For projection 330e, projection wall 368b share the same plan with first wall surface 324d of wall 320d, while projection wall 368d share the same plan with first wall surface 324b of wall 320b.


Referring now more particularly to FIG. 7I, there is shown that hollow main body 314 defines wall inner surfaces 370a, 370b, 370c, 370d, 370e, 370f. Building block 310 also further comprises inner walls 372a, 372b, 372c, 372d within hollow main body 314. Inner walls 372a, 372b, 372c, 372d extend from lower surface 316 towards upper surface 318 and join together walls 320a, 320b, 320d, 320e. Inner walls 372a, 372b, 372c, 372d, together with walls 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e, 320f form the spaced apart recess sections 332a, 332b, 332c, 332d, 332e.


Building block 310, as defined above, further comprises inner longitudinal protrusions (four inner longitudinal protrusions 374a, 374b, 374c, 374d for each one of the recess sections 332a, 332b, 332c, 332d, 332e). Each one of the inner longitudinal protrusions 374a, 374b, 374c, 374d longitudinally extends from lower surface 316 towards upper surface 318. Some of the inner longitudinal protrusions extend outwardly from wall inner surfaces 370a, 370b, 370c, 370d, 370e, 370f, while the remaining ones extend outwardly from inner walls 372a, 372b, 372c, 372d (or from both surfaces of inner walls). Each one of the inner longitudinal protrusions 374a, 374b, 374c, 374d is adapted to interface with a corresponding one of projection walls 368a, 368b, 368c, 368d when a lower building block 310 is fully connected to an upper building block 310 or to any other similar block (and where one or more of the spaced apart projection(s) is in alignment with a corresponding one of the one or more spaced apart recess sections).


Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 8A to 8I, there is shown a curved four-head building block 410, or building block 410. Indeed, building block 410 comprises an elongated and curved hollow main body 414 defining a lower surface 416, which is adapted to support hollow main body 414, and an upper surface 418, opposite lower surface 416. Building block 410 further comprises four walls 420a, 420b, 420c, 420d that together join lower surface 416 and upper surface 418. As best shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, some of the walls 420a, 420b, 420c, 420d, namely walls 420a, 420c, each comprises a first wall section 422a, 422c which defines a first wall surface 424a, 424c, as well as a second wall section 426a, 426c, which defines a second wall surface 428a, 428c. Second wall surfaces 428a, 428c are parallel to and distant from first wall surfaces 424a, 424c (second wall surface 428a is parallel to and distant from first wall surfaces 424a, while second wall surface 428c is parallel to and distant from first wall surfaces 424c).


Still referring to FIGS. 8A to 8I, there is shown that building block 410 further comprises spaced apart projections or heads 430a, 430b, 430c, 430d that extend from upper surface 418 in a direction opposite lower surface 416. Building block 410 further comprises spaced apart recess sections 432a, 432b, 432c, 432d disposed within hollow main body 414 about lower surface 416. Each one of the spaced apart recess sections 432a, 432b, 432b, 432c is being in a substantial alignment with a corresponding one of the spaced apart projections 430a, 430b, 430c, 430d.


According to the configuration of building block 410, when at least one of the spaced apart projections 430a, 430b, 430c, 430d of a lower building block 410 is releasably connected to at least one of the spaced apart recess sections 432a, 432b, 432c, 432d of an upper building block 410 (or to any other similar building block 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610), an horizontally oriented longitudinal groove 34 is provided/created between second wall section 426a, 426c of lower building block 410 and hollow main body 414 of upper building block 410 when lower building block 410 is fully connected to upper building block 410.


Still referring to FIGS. 8A to 8I, there is shown that first wall sections 422a, 422c each defines a first surface area and second wall sections 426a, 426c each defines a second surface area, and that the second surface areas are being greater than the first surface areas. Each one of the first wall sections 422a, 422c further defines a first wall section upper longitudinal edge 440a, 440c and each one of the second wall sections 426a, 426c defines a second wall section upper longitudinal edge 442a, 442c. Therefore, horizontally oriented longitudinal groove 34 is formed between second wall section upper longitudinal edges 442a, 442c (of lower building block 410), at least part of first wall surfaces 424a, 424c (of lower building block 410) and lower surface 416 of hollow main body 414 of upper building block 410, again, when building blocks 410 are fully connected one to another.


Still referring to FIGS. 8A to 8I, there is shown that upper surface 418 defines an upper surface first longitudinal edge 444 and an upper surface second longitudinal edge 446, which is distant from upper surface first longitudinal edge 444. As best shown in FIG. 8E, first wall section upper longitudinal edges 440a, 440c respectively correspond to upper surface first and second longitudinal edges 444, 446. Moreover, there is shown that second wall section upper longitudinal edges 442a, 442c are parallel to and distant from upper surface first and second longitudinal edges 444, 446 respectively.


Still referring to FIGS. 8A to 8I, there is shown that lower surface 416 defines a lower surface first longitudinal edge 448 and a lower surface second longitudinal edge 450, which is distant from lower surface first longitudinal edge 448. Additionally, each one of the first wall sections 422a, 422c defines a first wall section lower edge 452a, 452c and each one of second wall sections 426a, 426c defines a second wall section lower longitudinal edge 454a, 454c. Both first wall section lower edges 452a, 452c and second wall section lower longitudinal edges 454a, 454c correspond to respectively lower surface first and second longitudinal edges 448, 450.


Each one of the first wall sections 422a, 422c further defines a first wall section side edge 456a, 456b, 456c, 456d. Similarly, each one of the second wall sections 426a, 426c further defines a second wall section side edge 460a, 460b, 460c, 460d. Therefore, according to the four-head building block 410 shown in FIGS. 8A to 8I, first wall section side edge 456a is at a distance from second wall section side edge 460a and similarly, first wall section side edge 456b is at a distance from second wall section side edge 460b (wall 420a). Additionally, first wall section side edge 456c is at a distance from second wall section side edge 460c and similarly, first wall section side edge 456d is at a distance from second wall section side edge 460d of wall 420c (FIG. 8E). Therefore, as best shown in FIG. 5A for blocks 110, similarly, vertically oriented longitudinal groove 35 is formed between second wall section side edges of two adjacent building blocks, and at least part of first wall surfaces 424a, 424c (of such adjacent blocks), again, when building blocks 410 are fully connected one adjacent another.


Referring now more particularly to FIG. 8B, there is shown that hollow main body 414 further defines receiving grooves 464a, 464b, 464c inbetween spaced apart projections 430a, 430b, 430c, 430d and about upper surface 418, that are configured to releasably connect with, or receive, the plurality of additional building components mentioned above.


Referring now more particularly to FIG. 8E, there is shown that each one of the spaced apart projections 430a, 430b, 430c, 430d comprises a projection upper surface 466, defining a substantially squared surface, and projection walls 468a, 468b, 468c, 468d, joining projection upper surface 466 and upper surface 418 of hollow main body 414. For each one of the spaced apart projections, or heads, 430a, 430b, 430c, 430d, two of the four projection walls, namely projection walls 468a, 468c, extend from upper surface 418 respectively at the upper surface first and second longitudinal edges 444, 448. Therefore, as shown, projection walls 468a share the same plan with first wall surface 424a of wall 420a, while projection walls 468c share the same plan with first wall surface 424c of wall 420c.


Referring now more particularly to FIG. 8I, there is shown that hollow main body 414 defines wall inner surfaces 470a, 470b, 470c, 470d. Building block 410 also further comprises inner wall 472a, 472, 472c within hollow main body 414. Inner wall 472a, 472b, 472c extend from lower surface 416 towards upper surface 418 and join together walls 420a, 420c. Inner walls 472a, 472b, 472c, 472d, together with walls 420a, 420b, 420c, 420d, form the spaced apart recess sections 432a, 432b, 432c, 432d.


Building block 410, as defined above, further comprises inner longitudinal protrusions (four inner longitudinal protrusions 474a, 474b, 474c, 474d for each one of the recess sections 432a, 432b, 432c, 432d). Each one of the inner longitudinal protrusions 474a, 474b, 474c, 474d longitudinally extends from lower surface 416 towards upper surface 418. Only some of the inner longitudinal protrusions, namely protrusions 474a, 474c, extend outwardly from wall inner surfaces 470a, 470c, while the remaining ones extend outwardly from inner walls 472a, 472b, 472c. Each one of the inner longitudinal protrusions 474a, 474b, 474c, 474d is adapted to interface with a corresponding one of projection walls 468a, 468b, 468c, 468d when a lower building block 410 is fully connected to an upper building block 410, or to any other similar building block (and where one or more of the spaced apart projection(s) is in alignment with a corresponding one of the one or more spaced apart recess sections).


Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 9A to 9I, there is shown a curved four-head building block 510, or building block 510 (tower right corner building block). Building block 510 comprises a substantially curved elongated L-shaped hollow main body 514 defining a lower surface 516, which is adapted to support hollow main body 514, and an upper surface 518, opposite lower surface 516. Building block 510 further comprises six walls 520a, 520b, 520c, 520d, 520e, 520f that together join lower surface 516 and upper surface 518. As best shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, some of the walls 520a, 520b, 520c, 520d, 520e, 520f, namely walls 520a, 520b, 520d, 520e, comprises a first wall section 522a, 522b, 522d, 522e which defines a first wall surface 524a, 524b, 524d, 524e, as well as a second wall section 526a, 526b, 526d, 526e, which defines a second wall surface 528a, 528b, 528d, 528e. Second wall surfaces 528a, 528b, 528d, 528e are parallel to and distant from first wall surfaces 524a, 524b, 524d, 524e (second wall surface 528a is parallel to and distant from first wall surfaces 524a, second wall surface 528b is parallel to and distant from first wall surfaces 524b, second wall surface 528d is parallel to and distant from first wall surfaces 524d and second wall surface 528e is parallel to and distant from first wall surfaces 524e).


Still referring to FIGS. 9A to 9I, there is shown that building block 510 further comprises spaced apart projections or heads 530a, 530b, 530c, 530d that extend from upper surface 518 in a direction opposite lower surface 516. Building block 510 further comprises spaced apart recess sections 532a, 532b, 532c, 532d, disposed within hollow main body 514 about lower surface 516. Each one of the spaced apart recess sections 532a, 532b, 532c, 532d is being in a substantial alignment with a corresponding one of the spaced apart projections 530a, 530b, 530c, 530d.


According to the configuration of building block 510, when at least one of the spaced apart projections 530a, 530b, 530c, 530d of a lower building block 510 is releasably connected to at least one of the spaced apart recess sections 532a, 532b, 532c, 532d of an upper building block 510 (or to any other similar building block 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610), an horizontally oriented longitudinal groove 34 is provided/created between second wall section 526a, 526b, 526d, 526e of lower building block 510 and hollow main body 514 of upper building block 510 when lower building block 510 is fully connected to upper building block 510 (as best shown in FIG. 5A with building blocks 110).


Still referring to FIGS. 9A to 9I, there is shown that first wall sections 522a, 522b, 522d, 522e each defines a first surface area and second wall sections 526a, 526b, 526d, 526e each defines a second surface area and that the second surface areas are being greater than the first surface areas. Each one of the first wall sections 522a, 522b, 522d, 522e further defines a first wall section upper longitudinal edge 540a, 540b, 540d, 540e and each one of the second wall sections 526a, 526b, 526d, 526e defines a second wall section upper longitudinal edge 542a, 542b, 542d, 542e. Therefore, horizontally oriented longitudinal groove 34 is formed between second wall section upper longitudinal edges 542a, 542b, 542d, 542e (of lower building block 510), at least part of first wall surfaces 524a, 524b, 524d, 524e (of lower building block 510) and lower surface 516 of hollow main body 514 of upper building block 510, again, when building blocks 510 are fully connected one to another.


Still referring to FIGS. 9A to 9I, there is shown that upper surface 518 defines an upper surface first longitudinal edge 544, an upper surface second longitudinal edge 546, which is distant from upper surface first longitudinal edge 544. Upper surface 518 further defines an upper surface third longitudinal edge 545, an upper surface fourth longitudinal edge 547, which is distant from upper surface third longitudinal edge 545. As best shown in FIG. 9E, first wall section upper longitudinal edges 540a, 540b, 540d, 540e respectively correspond to upper surface first, third, fourth and second longitudinal edges 544, 545, 547, 546, respectively. Moreover, there is shown that second wall section upper longitudinal edges 542a, 542b, 542d, 542e are parallel to and distant from upper surface first, third, fourth and second longitudinal edges 544, 545, 547, 546, respectively.


Still referring to FIGS. 9A to 9I, there is shown that lower surface 516 defines a lower surface first longitudinal edge 548 and a lower surface second longitudinal edge 550, which is distant from lower surface first longitudinal edge 548. Lower surface 516 further defines a lower surface third longitudinal edge 549 and a lower surface fourth longitudinal edge 551, which is distant from lower surface third longitudinal edge 549. Additionally, each one of the first wall sections 522a, 522b, 522d, 522e defines a first wall section lower edge 552a, 552b, 552d, 552e and each one of second wall sections 526a, 526b, 526d, 526e defines a second wall section lower longitudinal edge 554a, 554b, 554d, 554e. Both first wall section lower edges 552a, 552b, 552d, 552e and second wall section lower longitudinal edges 554a, 554b, 554d, 554e correspond to respectively lower surface first, third, fourth and second longitudinal edges 548, 549, 551, 550.


Each one of the first wall sections 522a, 522b, 522d, 522e further defines a first wall section side edge 556a, 556b, 556c, 556d, 556e, 556f. Similarly, each one of the second wall sections 526a, 526b, 526d, 526e further defines a second wall section side edge 560a, 560b, 560c, 560d, 560e, 560f. Therefore, according to the four-head building block 510 shown in FIGS. 9A to 9I, first wall section side edge 556a is at a distance from second wall section side edge 560a (wall 520a) and similarly, first wall section side edge 556c is at a distance from second wall section side edge 560c (wall 520b). Additionally, first wall section side edge 556d is at a distance from second wall section side edge 560d (wall 520d) and similarly, first wall section side edge 556f is at a distance from second wall section side edge 360f (wall 520e) (FIG. 9E). Therefore, similarly to blocks 110 shown in FIG. 5A, vertically oriented longitudinal groove 35 is formed between second wall section side edges of two adjacent building blocks, and at least part of first wall surfaces 524a, 524b, 524d, 524e (of such adjacent blocks), again, when building blocks 510 are fully connected one adjacent another.


Referring now more particularly to FIG. 9E, there is shown that each one of the spaced apart projections 530a, 530b, 530c, 530d comprises a projection upper surface 566, defining a substantially squared surface, and projection walls 568a, 568b, 568c, 568d, joining projection upper surface 566 and upper surface 518 of hollow main body 514. For each one of the spaced apart projections, or heads, 530a, 530b, 530c, 530d two of the four projection walls, namely projection walls 568a, 568c (for projections 530a, 530b) or projection walls 568b, 568c (for projection 530c) or projection walls 568b, 568d (for projection 530d), extend from upper surface 518 respectively at the upper surface first and second longitudinal edges 544, 548 (for projections 530a, 530b), at the upper surface third and fourth longitudinal edges 545, 549 (for projection 530d) or at the upper surface second and fourth longitudinal edges 548, 549 (for projection 530c). Therefore, as shown, for projections 530a, 530b, projection walls 568a share the same plan with first wall surface 524a of wall 520a, while projection walls 568c share the same plan with first wall surface 524e of wall 520e. For projection 530c, projection wall 568b share the same plan with first wall surface 524d of wall 520d, while projection wall 568c share the same plan with first wall surface 524e of wall 520e. For projection 530d, projection wall 568b share the same plan with first wall surface 524d of wall 520d, while projection wall 568d share the same plan with first wall surface 524b of wall 520b.


Referring now more particularly to FIG. 9I, there is shown that hollow main body 514 defines wall inner surfaces 570a, 570b, 570c, 570d, 570e, 570f. Building block 510 also further comprises inner walls 572a, 572b, 572c within hollow main body 514. Inner walls 572a, 572b, 572c extend from lower surface 516 towards upper surface 518 and join together walls 520a, 520b, 520d, 520e. Inner walls 572a, 572b, 572c, together with walls 520a, 520b, 520c, 520d, 520e, 520f form the spaced apart recess sections 532a, 532b, 532c, 532d.


Building block 510, as defined above, further comprises inner longitudinal protrusions (four inner longitudinal protrusions 574a, 574b, 574c, 574d for each one of the recess sections 532a, 532b, 532c, 532d). Each one of the inner longitudinal protrusions 574a, 574b, 574c, 574d longitudinally extends from lower surface 516 towards upper surface 518. Some of the inner longitudinal protrusions extend outwardly from wall inner surfaces 570a, 570b, 570c, 570d, 570e, 570f, while the remaining ones extend outwardly from inner walls 572a, 572b, 572c (or from both surfaces of inner walls). Each one of the inner longitudinal protrusions 574a, 574b, 574c, 574d is adapted to interface with a corresponding one of projection walls 568a, 568b, 568c, 568d when a lower building block 510 is fully connected to an upper building block 510 or to any other similar block (and where one or more of the spaced apart projection(s) is in alignment with a corresponding one of the one or more spaced apart recess sections).


Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 10A to 10I, there is shown an inverted curved four-head building block 610, or building block 610 (tower left corner building block). Building block 610 comprises a substantially curved elongated L-shaped hollow main body 614 defining a lower surface 616, which is adapted to support hollow main body 614, and an upper surface 618, opposite lower surface 616. Building block 610 further comprises six walls 620a, 620b, 620c, 620d, 620e, 620f that together join lower surface 616 and upper surface 618. As best shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, some of the walls 620a, 620b, 620c, 620d, 620e, 620f, namely walls 620a, 620b, 620d, 620e, comprises a first wall section 622a, 622b, 622d, 622e which defines a first wall surface 624a, 624b, 624d, 624e, as well as a second wall section 626a, 626b, 626d, 626e, which defines a second wall surface 628a, 628b, 628d, 628e. Second wall surfaces 628a, 628b, 628d, 628e are parallel to and distant from first wall surfaces 624a, 624b, 624d, 624e (second wall surface 628a is parallel to and distant from first wall surfaces 624a, second wall surface 628b is parallel to and distant from first wall surfaces 624b, second wall surface 628d is parallel to and distant from first wall surfaces 624d and second wall surface 628e is parallel to and distant from first wall surfaces 624e).


Still referring to FIGS. 10A to 10I, there is shown that building block 610 further comprises spaced apart projections or heads 630a, 630b, 630c, 630d that extend from upper surface 618 in a direction opposite lower surface 616. Building block 610 further comprises spaced apart recess sections 632a, 632b, 632c, 632d, disposed within hollow main body 614 about lower surface 616. Each one of the spaced apart recess sections 632a, 632b, 632c, 632d is being in a substantial alignment with a corresponding one of the spaced apart projections 630a, 630b, 630c, 630d.


According to the configuration of building block 610, when at least one of the spaced apart projections 630a, 630b, 630c, 630d of a lower building block 610 is releasably connected to at least one of the spaced apart recess sections 632a, 632b, 632c, 632d of an upper building block 610 (or to any other similar building block 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610), an horizontally oriented longitudinal groove 34 is provided/created between second wall section 626a, 626b, 626d, 626e of lower building block 610 and hollow main body 614 of upper building block 610 when lower building block 610 is fully connected to upper building block 610 (as best shown in FIG. 5A with building blocks 110).


Still referring to FIGS. 10A to 10I, there is shown that first wall sections 622a, 622b, 622d, 622e each defines a first surface area and second wall sections 626a, 626b, 626d, 626e each defines a second surface area and that the second surface areas are being greater than the first surface areas. Each one of the first wall sections 622a, 622b, 622d, 622e further defines a first wall section upper longitudinal edge 640a, 640b, 640d, 640e and each one of the second wall sections 626a, 626b, 626d, 626e defines a second wall section upper longitudinal edge 642a, 642b, 642d, 642e. Therefore, horizontally oriented longitudinal groove 34 is formed between second wall section upper longitudinal edges 642a, 642b, 642d, 642e (of lower building block 610), at least part of first wall surfaces 624a, 624b, 624d, 624e (of lower building block 610) and lower surface 616 of hollow main body 614 of upper building block 610, again, when building blocks 610 are fully connected one to another.


Still referring to FIGS. 10A to 10I, there is shown that upper surface 618 defines an upper surface first longitudinal edge 644, an upper surface second longitudinal edge 646, which is distant from upper surface first longitudinal edge 644. Upper surface 618 further defines an upper surface third longitudinal edge 645, an upper surface fourth longitudinal edge 647, which is distant from upper surface third longitudinal edge 645. As best shown in FIG. 10E, first wall section upper longitudinal edges 640a, 640b, 640d, 640e respectively correspond to upper surface first, third, fourth and second longitudinal edges 644, 645, 647, 646, respectively. Moreover, there is shown that second wall section upper longitudinal edges 642a, 642b, 642d, 642e are parallel to and distant from upper surface first, third, fourth and second longitudinal edges 644, 645, 647, 646, respectively.


Still referring to FIGS. 10A to 10I, there is shown that lower surface 616 defines a lower surface first longitudinal edge 648 and a lower surface second longitudinal edge 650, which is distant from lower surface first longitudinal edge 648. Lower surface 616 further defines a lower surface third longitudinal edge 649 and a lower surface fourth longitudinal edge 651, which is distant from lower surface third longitudinal edge 649. Additionally, each one of the first wall sections 622a, 622b, 622d, 622e defines a first wall section lower edge 652a, 652b, 652d, 652e and each one of second wall sections 626a, 626b, 626d, 626e defines a second wall section lower longitudinal edge 654a, 654b, 654d, 654e. Both first wall section lower edges 652a, 652b, 652d, 652e and second wall section lower longitudinal edges 654a, 654b, 654d, 654e correspond to respectively lower surface first, third, fourth and second longitudinal edges 648, 649, 651, 650.


Each one of the first wall sections 622a, 622b, 622d, 622e further defines a first wall section side edge 656a, 656b, 656c, 656d, 656e, 656f. Similarly, each one of the second wall sections 626a, 626b, 626d, 626e further defines a second wall section side edge 660a, 660b, 660c, 660d, 660e, 660f. Therefore, according to the four-head building block 610 shown in FIGS. 10A to 10I, first wall section side edge 656a is at a distance from second wall section side edge 660a (wall 620a) and similarly, first wall section side edge 656c is at a distance from second wall section side edge 660c (wall 620b). Additionally, first wall section side edge 656d is at a distance from second wall section side edge 660d (wall 620d) and similarly, first wall section side edge 656f is at a distance from second wall section side edge 360f (wall 620e) (FIG. 10E). Therefore, similarly to blocks 110 shown in FIG. 5A, vertically oriented longitudinal groove 35 is formed between second wall section side edges of two adjacent building blocks, and at least part of first wall surfaces 624a, 624b, 624d, 624e (of such adjacent blocks), again, when building blocks 610 are fully connected one adjacent another.


Referring now more particularly to FIG. 10E, there is shown that each one of the spaced apart projections 630a, 630b, 630c, 630d comprises a projection upper surface 666, defining a substantially squared surface, and projection walls 668a, 668b, 668c, 668d, joining projection upper surface 666 and upper surface 618 of hollow main body 614. For each one of the spaced apart projections, or heads, 630a, 630b, 630c, 630d two of the four projection walls, namely projection walls 668a, 668c (for projections 630a, 630b) or projection walls 668b, 668c (for projection 630c) or projection walls 668b, 668d (for projection 630d), extend from upper surface 618 respectively at the upper surface first and second longitudinal edges 644, 648 (for projections 630a, 630b), at the upper surface third and fourth longitudinal edges 645, 649 (for projection 630d) or at the upper surface second and fourth longitudinal edges 648, 649 (for projection 630c). Therefore, as shown, for projections 630a, 630b, projection walls 668a share the same plan with first wall surface 624a of wall 620a, while projection walls 668c share the same plan with first wall surface 624e of wall 620e. For projection 630c, projection wall 668b share the same plan with first wall surface 624d of wall 620d, while projection wall 668c share the same plan with first wall surface 624e of wall 620e. For projection 630d, projection wall 668b share the same plan with first wall surface 624d of wall 620d, while projection wall 668d share the same plan with first wall surface 624b of wall 620b.


Referring now more particularly to FIG. 10I, there is shown that hollow main body 614 defines wall inner surfaces 670a, 670b, 670c, 670d, 670e, 670f. Building block 610 also further comprises inner walls 672a, 672b, 672c within hollow main body 614. Inner walls 672a, 672b, 672c extend from lower surface 616 towards upper surface 618 and join together walls 620a, 620b, 620d, 620e. Inner walls 672a, 672b, 672c, together with walls 620a, 620b, 620c, 620d, 620e, 620f form the spaced apart recess sections 632a, 632b, 632c, 632d.


Building block 610, as defined above, further comprises inner longitudinal protrusions (four inner longitudinal protrusions 674a, 674b, 674c, 674d for each one of the recess sections 632a, 632b, 632c, 632d). Each one of the inner longitudinal protrusions 674a, 674b, 674c, 674d longitudinally extends from lower surface 616 towards upper surface 618. Some of the inner longitudinal protrusions extend outwardly from wall inner surfaces 670a, 670b, 670c, 670d, 670e, 670f, while the remaining ones extend outwardly from inner walls 672a, 672b, 672c (or from both surfaces of inner walls). Each one of the inner longitudinal protrusions 674a, 674b, 674c, 674d is adapted to interface with a corresponding one of projection walls 668a, 668b, 668c, 668d when a lower building block 610 is fully connected to an upper building block 610 or to any other similar block (and where one or more of the spaced apart projection(s) is in alignment with a corresponding one of the one or more spaced apart recess sections).


It is to be mentioned that a person skilled in the art to which the building blocks as defined above pertain would understand that hollow main body may take any shape, size and/or configuration, as long as its configuration allows adjacent building blocks of the same, or alternatively of a different, configuration, to provide horizontally and vertically oriented longitudinal grooves 34, 35 (as defined above), when the adjacent blocks are fully connected one to another. Indeed, as for example, FIG. 11 illustrates a curved three-head building block 710 which defines an elongated curved hollow main body 714, FIG. 12 illustrates a curved two-head building block 810 which defines an elongated curved hollow main body 814, FIG. 13 illustrates a curved single-head building block 910 which defines a curved hollow main body 914, while FIG. 14 illustrates a corner three-head building block 1010 which defines hollow main body 1014. Additionally, even if described blocks are shown to be provided with only one row of spaced apart projections, multiple rows of spaced apart projections may be provided (with multiple rows of spaced apart recess sections), as well as other configurations of spaced apart projections. Projections may also be provided with a different number of walls as well as with different configurations, sizes and/or shapes of projection upper surfaces, as long as the projections are capable of releasable connections with the spaced apart recess sections (that need to be configured accordingly).


The building blocks as defined above may be integrally formed and further made of a plastic material so that elastic deformation of the spaced apart projections and/or the inner longitudinal protrusions found in the spaced apart recess sections may occur when two or more building blocks are joined and connected together. Elastic deformation will cause a projection and a recess section to snap into mutual engagement.



FIGS. 15A to 15D illustrate a window building block 1110, defining a hollow main body 1114, that can be connected to the building blocks defined above (the ones that define a straight hollow main body).


Similarly, FIGS. 16A to 16D illustrate a curved window building block 1210, defining a hollow main body 1214, that can be connected to the building blocks defined above (the ones that define a curved hollow main body). As both window building blocks 1110, 1210 comprise projections and corresponding recess sections (similar to the ones described above for the conventional building blocks), they can be connected to any one of blocks 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910, 1010, or any other similar building block. Other components may be introduced with building set such as, without limitation, roofing building blocks 1310, 1410, 1510 shown in FIGS. 17-19 and posts, such as post building block 1610, shown in FIG. 20. FIG. 21 further illustrates part of a toy building, or structure, in which a flooring building block 1710 interfaces with horizontally oriented longitudinal grooves 34, and therefore, with some of the building blocks.


As well described, configuration of each one of the building blocks provides a useful alternative to known building blocks as horizontally oriented longitudinal grooves 34 and vertically oriented longitudinal grooves 35 are provided inbeetween the plurality of fully connected building blocks. Such horizontally and vertically oriented longitudinal grooves 34, 35 therefore provide the toy building 12 with a special appearance, as bricks (with brick sealant) look to be connected one adjacent another. Furthermore, it is to be mentioned that a plurality of components, such as the window building blocks, the roof building blocks, the post building blocks, the door building blocks and the like (lighting building blocks, etc.) may interface with both the horizontally aligned and vertically aligned longitudinal grooves. Therefore, as best shown in FIG. 21, the edges (the four edges) of a flooring building block 1710 interface with the horizontally oriented longitudinal grooves defined within four building walls made from the plurality of building blocks as defined above. Even if flooring building block 1710 is shown to interface with the longitudinal grooves found on four perpendicularly oriented walls, a person skilled in the art to which such blocks pertain would understand that, thanks to the configuration of the building blocks that provide the vertically and horizontally oriented longitudinal grooves 34, 35, only one wall, but preferably more than one walls, would be sufficient to strongly hold in place flooring building block 1710 or similar building block components.


Additionally, it is to be mentioned that even if in some of the building blocks defined above, spaced apart receiving grooves are provided inbetween the spaced apart projections to receive and connect/interface with additional building block components, it is not a requirement to find such receiving grooves on the building block. Building components may connect with the toy building or construction, even if receiving grooves are not provided. However, in a scenario where a building block include such receiving grooves positioned inbetween the spaced apart projections or heads, holes/recesses may be provided in the receiving grooves (in a direction toward the lower surface), so that they can receive pin-like members extending from the additional building block components. Thus, a flooring component may for example include a plurality of pin-like members that extend from its main body and the pin-like members may be configured so they can releasably connect with the holes/recesses provided within the receiving grooves. A strong but releasable connection may therefore be provided between the toy building (the building blocks) and the other components (lights, ropes, floors, windows, ladders and the like). In the case where the building blocks do not include such receiving grooves, the holes/recesses may be provided directly on the upper surface.


While preferred embodiments have been described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made therein without departing from the essence of this disclosure. Such modifications are considered as possible variants comprised in the scope of the disclosure.

Claims
  • 1. A building block for a toy building set, the building block being releasably joinable to another building block, the building block comprising: a hollow main body comprising: a lower surface for supporting the hollow main body;an upper surface opposite to the lower surface;a plurality of walls connected to the lower surface and the upper surface, each of the plurality of walls comprising: a first wall section disposed on a second wall section, the first wall section comprising a first wall surface, wherein the first wall section protrudes from the second wall section; andthe second wall section connected to the first wall section, the upper surface, and the lower surface, the second wall section comprising a second wall surface parallel to and distant from the first wall surface;spaced apart projections extending from the upper surface of the hollow main body in a direction opposite to the lower surface;spaced apart recess sections disposed within the hollow main body about the lower surface, each one of the spaced apart recess sections configured to enclose a second spaced apart projection of a second building block, wherein a longitudinal groove is provided between the side of the upper surface and a side of the first wall section, wherein the side of the upper surface is connected to the second wall section, wherein the side of the first wall section is a side close to the upper surface;spaced apart recess sections disposed within the hollow main body about the lower surface, each one of the spaced apart recess sections configured to enclose a second spaced apart projection of a second building block, wherein a longitudinal groove is provided between the side of the upper surface and a side of the first wall section, wherein the side of the upper surface is connected to the second wall section, wherein the side of the first wall section is a side close to the upper surface;an inner wall within the hollow main body, extending from the lower surface towards the upper surface, the inner wall connected to two of the plurality of walls at a right angle, wherein the inner wall and the plurality of walls forms the spaced apart recess sections; andinner longitudinal protrusions extending from the lower surface towards the upper surface, wherein a first inner longitudinal protrusion of the inner longitudinal protrusions protrudes from a first wall inner surface of the plurality of wall inner surfaces, wherein a second inner longitudinal protrusion of the inner longitudinal protrusions protrudes from a first inner wall surface of the inner wall.
  • 2. The building block of claim 1, wherein an area of the first wall surface is greater than an area of the second wall surface.
  • 3. The building block of claim 1, wherein the first wall section further comprises a first wall section upper longitudinal edge and the second wall section further comprises a second wall section upper longitudinal edge, and wherein the longitudinal groove is formed between the second wall section upper longitudinal edge and the first wall section upper longitudinal edge.
  • 4. The building block of claim 3, wherein the upper surface comprises an upper surface first longitudinal edge and an upper surface second longitudinal edge parallel to and distant from the upper surface first longitudinal edge.
  • 5. The building block of claim 4, wherein the second wall section upper longitudinal edge corresponds to one of the upper surface first and second longitudinal edges.
  • 6. The building block of claim 4, wherein the first wall section upper longitudinal edge is parallel to and distant from the upper surface first and second longitudinal edges.
  • 7. The building block of claim 1, wherein the lower surface defines a lower surface first longitudinal edge and a lower surface second longitudinal edge distant from the lower surface first longitudinal edge, and wherein the first wall section defines a first wall section lower edge and the second wall section defines a second wall section lower longitudinal edge, both the first wall section lower edge and the second wall section lower longitudinal edges corresponding to one of the lower surface first and second longitudinal edges.
  • 8. The building block of claim 1, wherein the first wall section further comprises: a first wall section first side edge; anda first wall section second side edge opposite to the first wall section first side edge, andwherein the second wall section further comprises:a second wall section first side edge; anda second wall section second side edge opposite to the second wall section first side edge.
  • 9. The building block of claim 8, wherein the first wall section first side edge is disposed at a distance from the second wall section first side edge.
  • 10. The building block of claim 8, wherein the first wall section second side edge is disposed at a distance from the second wall section second side edge.
  • 11. The building block of claim 1, wherein the hollow main body further defines spaced apart receiving grooves between two of the spaced apart projections, and wherein one of the two of the spaced apart projections are disposed next to the other of the two of the spaced apart projections.
  • 12. The building block of claim 1, wherein each one of the spaced apart projections comprises: a projection upper surface; andprojection walls connected to the projection upper surface and the upper surface of the hollow main body.
  • 13. (canceled)
  • 14. The building block of claim 1, wherein the hollow main body comprises a plurality of wall inner surfaces, the building block further comprising: spaced apart inner walls within the hollow main body, each one of the spaced apart inner walls extending from the lower surface towards the upper surface, spaced apart inner walls connected to two of the plurality of walls, wherein the spaced apart inner walls the plurality of walls forms the spaced apart recess sections.
  • 15. (canceled)
  • 16. The building block of claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional surface area of the hollow main body is at least one of: a rectangular shape, a squared shape, an incurved shape, an L-like shape, a T-like shape, an incurved L-like shape, and incurved T-like shape, a ring shape and a rounded shape.
  • 17. The building block of claim 12, wherein each one of the spaced apart projections comprises: a projection upper surface having a substantially squared surface; andfour projection walls connected to the projection upper surface and the upper surface of the hollow main body.
  • 18. The building block of claim 17, wherein one of the four projection walls extend from the upper surface respectively at the upper surface first and second longitudinal edges.
  • 19. The building block of claim 17, wherein two of the four projection walls extend from the upper surface respectively at the upper surface first and second longitudinal edges.
  • 20. The building block of claim 11, wherein at least one of: each one of the spaced apart receiving grooves and the longitudinal groove is configured to releasably connect with at least one of: a toy flooring component, a toy window component, a toy bridge component and a toy roofing component.