UNILATERAL ELECTRIFIED INTERLOCKING BLOCK SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF

Abstract

A system and method are provided for integrating circuitry on to interlocking blocks and/or transmitting electricity across a surface of the interlocking blocks. An aspect of the system may include adhesive-backed low profile conductive pathways which may be coupled to or defined on the surface of certain one of the interlocking blocks without compromising interlocking strength of both modified and unmodified interlocking blocks. Another aspect of the system may include defining a unilateral circuit on the surface on the interlocking blocks using one or more conductive pathways, a conductive coating applied to the surface, or a conductive material of the surface. The unilateral circuit may feature a through-air return path.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates generally to interlocking blocks. More particularly, this disclosure pertains to electrified interlocking blocks.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Interlocking blocks of the type to which the disclosure relates are generally interlocking, such as structural blocks that house wires or need electrical capabilities. Current interlocking blocks, however, do not come with integrated power functions. These current interlocking blocks generally utilize separate and bulky wiring to provide power to the various motors, lights, or the like electrical components coupled thereto.

The motors, lights, or the like electrical components are generally powered by wires that must be fed through or between the blocks. Feeding the wires through the blocks can be difficult. Additionally, the wires may compromise the integrity of the blocks when assembled as they may prevent the blocks from interlocking fully. Not only do these wires compromise the integrity of the blocks when assembled, but they may also lead to pieces falling off and/or sets not looking aesthetically correct and/or functioning properly. The wires may also be susceptible to breakage which may lead to unexpected circuits failure.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In view of at least some of the above-referenced problems in conventional electronic options for interlocking blocks and systems thereof, an exemplary object of the present disclosure may be to provide a new apparatus, system, and method for seamlessly adding electrical functions to interlocking blocks, for example, as a retrofit kit or incorporated in the blocks by the manufacturer prior to purchase by the user.

One aspect of the disclosed system may allow for electronic functions to be implemented into interlocking blocks without having wires positioned externally from or internally within the blocks. Another aspect of the disclosed system may further utilize foil tape to conduct electrical current across the surfaces of existing blocks.

Another exemplary aspect of the disclosed system may include blocks made from or coated with a conductive material which may conduct electrical current across the surface thereof. An exemplary such system in accordance with the present disclosure may be designed for unilateral (e.g., single conductive pathways) circuits to be built using modified blocks. An aspect of the disclosed system provides a unilateral flow path of electricity that may be conducted via connected items or blocks. A unilateral circuit is defined as conductive pathways that have no return wire. For example, electric current flows along the conductive pathways and returns through the air. Unilateral circuits are starkly different from a bilateral, two wire, circuit that requires a returning conductive pathway. Bilateral circuits may create geometric restrictions for interlock block systems due to the need of a forward conductor and return conductor on the block. In certain optional embodiments, however, the system in accordance with the present disclosure may utilize two conductive pathway circuits. A benefit of unilateral circuits are connection and connectivity resilience since there is only one conductive pathway. For bilateral circuits, if one of the conductors is broken, then the circuit ceases to function. However, for unilateral circuits, even if the single pathway is broken, the circuit will continue to transfer energy as long as the gap remains small since it's capacitive. Additionally, if the single pathway of a unilateral circuit is partially broken, for example, due to space dust blasting small holes in the pathway or some other deterioration of the pathway, the circuit will continue to transfer energy. Furthermore, unilateral circuits do not short out when in water or some other aqueous solution. Unilateral circuits are not as geometrically restricted as bilateral circuits.

An exemplary such system may preserve the modified blocks ability to interlock with the exact same strength as regular, unmodified pieces. An exemplary such system may allow for electronics to be integrated into existing blocks and systems thereof with ease.

In a particular embodiment, an exemplary electronic interlocking block system as disclosed herein may include a power source, at least one electronic element, a plurality of interlocking blocks, and one or more conductive pathways. Each of the plurality of interlocking blocks may include an exterior surface and at least one coupling device. The at least one coupling device of each of the plurality of interlocking blocks may be configured to interact with the at least one coupling device of a different one of the plurality of interlocking blocks. The one or more conductive pathways may be coupled to the exterior surface of one or more of the plurality of interlocking blocks. The one or more conductive pathways may be configured to define an electrical circuit between the power source and the at least one electronic element when the plurality of interlocking blocks are coupled together.

In an exemplary aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the electrical circuit may be a unilateral circuit with a through-air return path.

In another exemplary aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the electrical circuit may be a bilateral circuit with a physical return path.

In another exemplary aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, each of the one or more of the plurality of interlocking blocks may include a first conductive pathway and a second conductive pathway of the one or more conductive pathways.

In another exemplary aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the exterior surface of each of the plurality of interlocking blocks may define the one or more conductive pathways.

In another exemplary aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, one of the at least one electronic element may be positioned within at least one of the plurality of interlocking blocks and powered by the electrical circuit.

In another embodiment, an exemplary electronic block as disclosed herein may include a block and one or more conductive pathways. The block may have an exterior surface and at least one coupling device. The one or more conductive pathways may be coupled to the exterior surface of the block or defined by the exterior surface of the block.

In an exemplary aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the one or more conductive pathways may comprise foil tape coupled to the exterior surface of the block.

In another exemplary aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the one or more conductive pathways may include a supply pathway and a return pathway.

In another exemplary aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the one or more conductive pathways may be defined by a conductive coating coupled to the exterior surface of the block.

In another exemplary aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the one or more conductive pathways may be configured to interact with a power source.

In another exemplary aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the power source may be configured to provide power to an electronic element coupled to the block via the one or more conductive pathways.

In another exemplary aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the electronic element ay be positioned within the block.

In another exemplary aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the one or more conductive pathways may define an electrical circuit between the power source and the electronic element.

In another embodiment, an exemplary method for transmitting electricity across a surface of at least one of a plurality of electronic blocks as disclosed herein may include (a) defining one or more conductive pathways on the surface of one or more of the plurality of interlocking blocks and (b) coupling the plurality of interlocking blocks together to define an electrical circuit between a power source and at least one electronic element using the one or more conductive pathways.

In an exemplary aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, step (a) of the method may further include applying the one or more conductive pathways to the surface of the one or more of the plurality of interlocking blocks.

In another exemplary aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, step (a) of the method may further include coating an exterior surface of the one or more of the plurality of interlocking blocks with a conductive material.

In another exemplary aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the one or more conductive pathways may define a unilateral circuit having a through-air return path from the at least one electronic element to the power source.

In another exemplary aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, each of the plurality of interlocking blocks may include at least one coupling device for coupling the one or more of the plurality of interlocking blocks together.

In another exemplary aspect according to the above-referenced embodiment, the at least one coupling device may be conductive and electrically connected to the one or more conductive pathways.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front top left perspective view of an assembled interlocking block car set in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the interlocking block car set of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a rear bottom right exploded perspective view of the interlocking block car set of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a rear bottom right exploded perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the interlocking block car set of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a front top left perspective view of an embodiment of an interlocking block in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a front bottom right perspective view of the interlocking block of FIG. 5 in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a front top left perspective view of an embodiment of an interlocking block in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a front bottom right perspective view of the interlocking block of FIG. 7 in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a front top left perspective view of an embodiment of an interlocking block in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a front bottom right perspective view of the interlocking block of FIG. 9 in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a front top left perspective view of an embodiment of an interlocking block in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a front bottom right perspective view of the interlocking block of FIG. 11 in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a front top left perspective view of an assembled interlocking block car set with a unilateral electric circuit in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the interlocking block car set of FIG. 13 in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a method of defining circuitry on one or more of a plurality of interlocking building blocks in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an assembled interlocking block robot in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is an embodiment of a circuit diagram corresponding to blocks of the interlocking block robot of FIG. 16 in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a front elevation view of an assembled interlocking block display in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a rear partially exploded elevation view of a of the assembled interlocking block display showing electrical flow paths in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 is an elevation view of an embodiment of an assembled interlocking block system showing electrical flow paths in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 an elevation view of the assembled interlocking block system of FIG. 20 with a block removed and showing electrical flow paths in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart of a method of transmitting electricity across a surface of one or more of a plurality of interlocking blocks in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that are embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention and do not delimit the scope of the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize numerous equivalents to the specific apparatus and methods described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the claims.

In the drawings, not all reference numbers are included in each drawing, for the sake of clarity. In addition, positional terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “side,” “top,” “bottom,” etc. refer to the apparatus when in the orientation shown in the drawing. A person of skill in the art will recognize that the apparatus can assume different orientations when in use.

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more drawings of which are set forth herein. Each drawing is provided by way of explanation of the present disclosure and is not a limitation. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment.

Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features, and aspects of the present disclosure are disclosed in, or are obvious from, the following detailed description. It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, an electronic interlocking block system 100 is shown. The electronic interlocking block system 100 may include a power source 110, at least one electronic element 120, a plurality of interlocking blocks 130, and one or more conductive pathways 150 coupled to one or more of the plurality of interlocking blocks 130. The one or more conductive pathways 150 are configured to define an electrical circuit 102 (shown in FIG. 1) between the power source 110 and the at least one electronic element 120 when the plurality of interlocking blocks 130 are coupled together. The plurality of interlocking blocks 130 may also be referred to herein as a plurality of interlocking building blocks 130, a plurality of electronic blocks 130, or a plurality of blocks 130. The electronic interlocking block system 100 while illustrated using a car as an example may be applicable for any size interlocking block set of any skill or difficulty level.

Referring to FIGS. 1-14, each of the plurality of interlocking blocks 130 may include an upper surface 132 having at least one coupling stud 134 extending therefrom, a plurality of side surfaces 136 extending downward from the upper surface 132, and a receptacle 138 open to and surrounded by a lower surface 140, also referred to herein as a lower rim surface 140. The upper surface 132, the at least one coupling stud 134, the plurality of side surfaces 136, the lower surface 140 may, in conjunction, define an exterior surface of each of the plurality of interlocking blocks 130. The receptacle 138 may be configured to receive the at least one coupling stud 134 of a different one of the plurality of interlocking blocks 130. The plurality of interlocking blocks 130 may come in various sizes and shapes, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, but generally include all or most of the above-mentioned structural elements. Certain other specialty pieces may be utilized, for example, one or more axel pieces 142 which include at least an upper surface and at least one coupling stud extending therefrom, or a steering piece 144 including a receptacle for receiving the at least one coupling stud 134 of one of the plurality of interlocking blocks 130.

The one or more conductive pathways 150 may be coupled to (or defined along) one or more of the upper surface 132, one or more of the plurality of side surfaces 136, or the lower surface 140. In certain optional embodiments, the one or more conductive pathways 150 may also be coupled to (or defined along) one or more of the at least one coupling stud 134 or at least partially within the receptacle 138. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and 5-10, the one or more conductive pathways 150 may be defined along portions of the upper surface, side surface(s) or bottom surface. In certain optional embodiments, such as when the electrical circuit is unilateral, the second conductive pathway 154 may be removed from the figures. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 11-12, the one or more conductive pathways 150 may occupy an entire surface, such as a side surface of the plurality of side surfaces 136.

The one or more conductive pathways 150 may utilize foil tape or the like to conduct electrical current across the surfaces of existing bricks of the plurality of interlocking blocks 130. In certain optional embodiments, the one or more conductive pathways 150 may be coupled to select ones of the plurality of interlocking blocks 130 by an end user (e.g., as part of a retrofit kit), using an adhesive backed thin conductive material. In other optional embodiments, the one or more conductive pathways 150 may be incorporated into select ones of the plurality of interlocking blocks 130 by the interlocking block manufacturer, for example, integrally formed therewith.

The electrical circuit 102 may be defined by a conductive path created by the one or more conductive pathways 150 and extend between a positive terminal 114 and a negative terminal 116 (shown in FIGS. 3-4) of the power source 110. Each of the at least one electronic element 120 may be positioned in series or in parallel along the one or more conductive pathways 150. In certain optional embodiments, the one or more conductive pathways 150 may be described as including a first conductive pathway 152 and a second conductive pathway 154, each defined between the power source 110 and the at least one electronic element 120. The first conductive pathway 152 may be referred to herein as a supply path 152 and the second conductive pathway 154 may be referred to herein as a return path 154.

In other optional embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 13-14, the one or more conductive pathways 150 may extend only from the positive terminal 114 and thus define a unilateral electrical circuit 102 with an unconnected negative terminal. In such cases, the electric charge may flow back to the power source 110 from the at least one electronic element 120 through the air, for example, utilizing displacement currents, through-the-air capacitive return, or the like technologies. In such embodiments, a physical second conductive pathway 154 may not be present, however, a through-air conductive path (not illustrated) is used to complete the unilateral electrical circuit 102.

The one or more conductive pathways 150 may generally be coupled to (or defined) along one or more of the plurality of side surfaces 136 and may overlap one or more of the upper surface 132 or lower surface 140 in order to define terminals 146 configured to interact with terminals of other ones of the plurality of interlocking blocks 130, for example, when stacked. In certain optional embodiments, the one or more conductive pathways 150 may overlap an adjacent side surface of the plurality of side surfaces 136 so as to interact with terminals of other ones of the plurality of interlocking blocks 130, for example, when positioned side by side. In accordance with the present disclosure, longer and longer electrical pathways can be created as the plurality of interlocking blocks 130 are assembled.

The power source 110 may include a battery 112 having which may be integrated into one of the plurality of interlocking blocks 130. As integrated into one of the plurality of interlocking blocks 130, the one of the plurality of interlocking blocks 130 may include the positive terminal 114 and the unconnected negative terminal 116. The at least one electronic element 120 may be a light (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED)), an electric motor, or the like. The at least one electronic element 120 may be integrated into one of the plurality of interlocking blocks 130.

In certain optional embodiments, the unilateral electrical circuit 102 created by the one or more conductive pathways 150 may have a break or gap along one of the one or more conductive pathways 150 such that the electrical circuit 102 is open along one of the plurality of interlocking blocks 130. The electrical circuit 102 may be closed by adding one of the plurality of interlocking blocks 130 having one or more conductive pathways 150 defined thereon to thereby provide power to the at least one electronic element 120. In certain other optional embodiments, the electronic interlocking block system 100 may further include a block character (e.g., resembling a human) having conductive feet or legs, each of which may be configured to receive at least one coupling stud 134 of one or more of the plurality of interlocking blocks 130. The conductive feet or legs of the block character may be used to connect the electrical circuit 102 and thereby provide power to the at least one electronic element 120 through the first conductive pathway 152 and the second conductive pathway 154 (which may be air as illustrated in FIGS. 13-14). In accordance with these examples, the at least one electronic element 120 may quickly and easily be turned off or on by connecting or disconnecting one of the aforementioned pieces.

The electronic interlocking block system 100 may further include one or more of a printed circuit board, at least one MOSFET, at least one capacitor, at least one resistor, or other electrical components generally utilized to control and/or monitor the electrical capabilities and functions of the electronic interlocking block system 100.

Referring to FIG. 15, a method 200 for adding circuitry to one or more of a plurality of interlocking blocks 130 is provided. The method 200 may include applying 202 one or more conductive pathways 150 to one or more of an upper surface 132, one or more of a plurality of side surfaces 136, or a lower surface 140 of the one or more of the plurality of interlocking blocks 130. The one or more conductive pathways 150 may be applied to groupings of assembled interlocking blocks or may be applied to individual ones of the plurality of interlocking blocks 130 in enable disassembly and reassembly without destroying the one or more conductive pathways 150.

The method 200 may further include providing a power source 110 configured to interact with the one or more conductive pathways 150 and coupling the power source 110 to one or more of a plurality of interlocking blocks 130 so as to interact with the one or more conductive pathways 150. The method 200 may still further include providing at least one electronic element 120 and coupling the at least one electronic element 120 to one or more of a plurality of interlocking blocks 130 so as to interact with the one or more conductive pathways 150.

The method 200 may further include defining 204 an electrical circuit 102 between a power source 110 and at least one electronic element 120 using the one or more conductive pathways 150.

The method 200 may further include additional novel and/or non-obvious method 200 steps apparent based on the disclosure contained herein.

Referring to FIGS. 16, 18-22, an embodiment of an electronic interlocking block system 300 is shown. The electronic interlocking block system 300 is similar to the electronic interlocking block system 100. As such, similar elements of the electronic interlocking block system 300 may be numbered similar to corresponding elements of the electronic interlocking block system 100 with a 3XX prefix, unless numbered differently below.

The electronic interlocking block system 300 may include a power source 310, at least one electronic element 320, a plurality of interlocking blocks 330, and one or more conductive pathways 350 coupled to one or more of the plurality of interlocking blocks 330. The one or more conductive pathways 350 are configured to define an electrical circuit 302 (shown in FIG. 17) between the power source 310 and the at least one electronic element 320 when the plurality of interlocking blocks 330 are coupled together. While the electrical circuit 302 is illustrated as a unilateral electrical circuit, in other optional embodiments, the electrical circuit 302 may be a bilateral electrical circuit. Unilateral electrical circuits include improved resilience over bilateral electrical circuits. For example, unilateral electrical circuits are not as geometrically restricted as bilateral circuits. Additionally, unilateral electrical circuits feature improved connectivity and circuit reliability even when the pathway is partially broken or fully broken (e.g., as long as the gap remains small). Furthermore, unilateral electrical circuits may function in an aqueous solution such as water without shorting out.

The plurality of interlocking blocks 330 may include any shape or combination of shapes, for example, including blocks, robots, panels, car components, or any other shape electronic block. The plurality of interlocking blocks 330 may also be referred to herein as a plurality of blocks 330 or a plurality of elements 330. While discussed as “interlocking”, the plurality of interlocking blocks 330 may be coupled together use external means separate from the blocks themselves. As described herein, the conductivity of the one or more conductive pathways 350 allows various embodiments of paths, for example, including partial surface flow, entire surface flow, defined pathways, of the like. The one or more conductive pathways 350 may be defined an adhesive-backed conductive material, a conductive coating applied to the exterior surface 332 of the plurality of interlocking blocks 330, or a conductive material of at least the exterior surface of the plurality of interlocking blocks. The conductive material may, for example, be a metal, graphite, conductive polymers, carbon nanotubes, metal alloys, or the like.

Each of the plurality of interlocking blocks 330 may include an exterior surface 332 and at least one coupling device 334. The exterior surface 332 may also be referred to herein as a surface 332. In certain optional embodiments, the one or more conductive pathways 350 may be defined on an inner surface (not shown) with electrical connectivity between blocks provided by the at least one coupling device. The at least one coupling device 334 may, for example, comprise bolts and nut, rivets pins (including cotter pins and retaining clips), interlocking mechanisms (such as tabs, slots, and dovetails), clamps and fasteners (including hose clamps, spring clamps, and zip ties), latches and catches, snap-fit connectors, press-fit connections, bayonet mounts, threaded inserts, magnetic couplings, tapered fittings (such as Morse taper), expansion joints, flanged connections studs, or the like.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, the plurality of interlocking blocks 330 of the electronic interlocking block system 300 may be robotic components. In certain optional embodiments, each of the robotic components may be identical and build upon each other. In other optional embodiments, one or more of the robotic components may be different. The exterior surface 332 of the plurality of interlocking blocks 330 may define the one or more conductive pathways 350 (e.g., defining a unilateral electric circuit with a through-air return path 304, as discussed above). In other optional embodiments, the one or more conductive pathways 350 may be coupled to or applied to the exterior surface, similar to the above description with regard to the electronic interlocking block system 100.

Referring to FIG. 17, a circuit diagram 360 corresponding to the electronic interlocking block system 300 of FIG. 16 is shown. Each of the plurality of interlocking blocks 330 may include one of the at least one electronic element 320 (e.g., a motor, a quarter wave resonator (QWR) 362, and an inductor 364 configured to interact with the QWR 362. The QWR 362 may be coupled to the one or more conductive pathways 350 and acts as a tap to pull electricity towards the at least one electronic element 320. The inductor 364 may be coupled to each of the at least one electronic element 320. The inductor 364 may operate in conjunction with the QWR 362 to define a transformer which may provide power to the at least one electronic element 320.

As illustrated in FIG. 18, the plurality of interlocking blocks 330 of the electronic interlocking block system 300 may be display panels (e.g., interlocking LED display panels with LEDs defining a majority of the front surface). The exterior surface 332 (e.g., the rear surface) of the plurality of interlocking blocks 330 may define the one or more conductive pathways 350 (e.g., defining a unilateral electric circuit with a through-air return path 304). In other optional embodiments, the one or more conductive pathways 350 may be coupled to or applied to the exterior surface, similar to the above description with regard to the electronic interlocking block system 100. As illustrated in FIG. 19, electrical connections or flow paths across the exterior surface 332 of each of the plurality of interlocking blocks 330 are shown using arrows. As each of the plurality of interlocking blocks 330 are coupled together the electrical flow path of the electrical circuit 302 expands to incorporate and electrically communicate with the newly coupled interlocking blocks 330.

As illustrated in FIGS. 20-21, electrical flow paths across the exterior surface 332 of each of the plurality of interlocking blocks 330 are shown using arrows. FIG. 20 illustrates the versatility of the flow paths being able to split and reconverge. FIG. 21 illustrates continued connectivity of the circuit even when one of the plurality of interlocking blocks 330 is removed (e.g., causing a break in one of the flow paths) since the alternative flow path may continue to complete the circuit.

Referring to FIG. 22, a method 400 for transmitting electricity across a surface 332 of at least one of a plurality of interlocking blocks 330. The method 400 may include (a) defining 402 one or more conductive pathways 350 on the surface 332 of one or more of the plurality of interlocking blocks 330. The method 400 may further include (b) coupling 404 the one or more of the plurality of interlocking blocks 330 together to define an electrical circuit 302 between a power source 310 and at least one electronic element 320 using the one or more conductive pathways 350.

In certain optional embodiments, step (a) of the method 400 may further include applying the one or more conductive pathways 350 to the surface 332 of the one or more of the plurality of interlocking blocks 330.

In other optional embodiments, step (a) of the method 400 may further include coating an exterior surface 332 of the one or more of the plurality of interlocking blocks 330 with a conductive material to define the one or more conductive pathways.

In certain optional embodiments, the one or more conductive pathways 350 define a unilateral circuit having a through-air return path 304 from the at least one electronic element 320 to the power source 310.

In further optional embodiments, the each of the plurality of interlocking blocks 330 may include at least one coupling device 334 for coupling the one or more of the plurality of interlocking blocks 330 together. In certain optional embodiments, the at least one coupling device 334 may further be configured to couple one or more of the power source 310 or the at least one electronic element 320 to the electrical circuit 302.

In other optional embodiments, the at least one coupling device 334 is conductive and electrically connected to the one or more conductive pathways 350.

The method 400 may further include additional novel and/or non-obvious method 400 steps apparent based on the disclosure contained herein.

Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take at least the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context dictates otherwise. The meanings identified below do not necessarily limit the terms, but merely provide illustrative examples for the terms. The meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” may include plural references, and the meaning of “in” may include “in” and “on.” The phrase “in one embodiment,” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

It will be understood that the particular embodiments described herein are shown by way of illustration and not as limitations of the invention. The principal features of this invention may be employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize numerous equivalents to the specific procedures described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the claims.

All of the compositions and/or methods disclosed and claimed herein may be made and/or executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the compositions and methods of this invention have been described in terms of the embodiments included herein, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that variations may be applied to the compositions and/or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method described herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the invention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope, and concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

The previous detailed description has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of a new and useful invention, it is not intended that such references be construed as limitations upon the scope of this disclosure except as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. An electronic interlocking block system comprising: a power source;at least one electronic element;a plurality of interlocking blocks, each including an exterior surface and at least one coupling device, the at least one coupling device of each of the plurality of interlocking blocks configured to interact with the at least one coupling device of a different one of the plurality of interlocking blocks; andone or more conductive pathways coupled to the exterior surface of one or more of the plurality of interlocking blocks,wherein the one or more conductive pathways are configured to define an electrical circuit between the power source and the at least one electronic element when the plurality of interlocking blocks are coupled together.

2. The electronic interlocking block system of claim 1, wherein: the electrical circuit is a unilateral circuit with a through-air return path.

3. The electronic interlocking block system of claim 1, wherein: the electrical circuit is a bilateral circuit with a physical return path.

4. The electronic interlocking block system of claim 1, wherein: each of the one or more of the plurality of interlocking blocks includes a first conductive pathway and a second conductive pathway of the one or more conductive pathways.

5. The electronic interlocking block system of claim 1, wherein: the exterior surface of each of the plurality of interlocking blocks defines the one or more conductive pathways.

6. The electronic interlocking block system of claim 1, wherein: one of the at least one electronic element is positioned within at least one of the plurality of interlocking blocks and powered by the electrical circuit.

7. An electronic block comprising: a block having an exterior surface and at least one coupling device; andone or more conductive pathways coupled to the exterior surface of the block or defined by the exterior surface of the block.

8. The electronic block of claim 7, wherein: the one or more conductive pathways comprise foil tape coupled to the exterior surface of the block.

9. The electronic block of claim 7, wherein: the one or more conductive pathways includes a supply pathway and a return pathway.

10. The electronic block of claim 7, wherein: the one or more conductive pathways is defined by a conductive coating coupled to the exterior surface of the block.

11. The electronic block of claim 7, wherein: the one or more conductive pathways are configured to interact with a power source.

12. The electronic block of claim 11, wherein: the power source is configured to provide power to an electronic element coupled to the block via the one or more conductive pathways.

13. The electronic block of claim 12, wherein: the electronic element is positioned within the block.

14. The electronic block of claim 12, wherein: the one or more conductive pathways define an electrical circuit between the power source and the electronic element.

15. A method for transmitting electricity across a surface of at least one of a plurality of interlocking blocks, the method comprising: (a) defining one or more conductive pathways on the surface of one or more of the plurality of interlocking blocks; and(b) coupling the one or more of the plurality of interlocking blocks together to define an electrical circuit between a power source and at least one electronic element using the one or more conductive pathways.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein step (a) further includes: applying the one or more conductive pathways to the surface of the one or more of the plurality of interlocking blocks.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein step (a) further includes: coating an exterior surface of the one or more of the plurality of interlocking blocks with a conductive material to define the one or more conductive pathways.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein: the one or more conductive pathways define a unilateral circuit having a through-air return path from the at least one electronic element to the power source.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein: each of the plurality of interlocking blocks includes at least one coupling device for coupling the one or more of the plurality of interlocking blocks together.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein: the at least one coupling device is conductive and electrically connected to the one or more conductive pathways.