GB2523010A

GB2523010A - Toy building block systems, kits, and parts

Info

Publication number: GB2523010A
Application number: GB1502042.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Julia Kelley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-02-06
Filing date: 2015-02-06
Publication date: 2015-08-12
Also published as: GB2522869A; GB201402043D0; GB201502042D0

Abstract

A toy building block system comprises a first and second toy brick 1; a connection member 3; and a first and second connection element 5, the first connecting element 5 being configured for receipt by a first aperture defined by the connection member 3 and a first aperture defined by the first toy brick 1, the second connection element 5 being configured for receipt by a second aperture defined by the connection member 3 and first aperture 2 defined by the second toy brick 1, such that the first and second brick 1 may be coupled to each other using the connection member 3, and first and second connection elements 5.Â The length of at least one of the first and second connection elements 5 is substantially equal to or greater than the height of the first toy brick 1 combined with the combined height of two connection members 3 and less than double the height of the first toy brick 1, so as to be partially receivable by an aperture of another brick in another row of bricks. The connection member 3 may have the appearance of mortar between courses of house bricks 1.

Description

Title: Toy building block systems, kits, and pads

Description of Invention

Embodiments of the present invention relate to toy building block systems including one or more bricks, connection members and connection elements, along with parts of such systems.

Existing toy building blocks are often made of a hard material. As such, there is a practical limit on the size of such building blocks -as large building blocks of a hard material are likely to cause injury to young children.

Building blocks which are made of a softer material, such as foam, lack features which allow the blocks to be coupled to each other in a reliable manner. Accordingly, such building blocks cannot be used to construct large structures.

In addition, many building blocks have little resemblance to blocks of material (such as bricks) which are used to construct real structures (such as houses).

Embodiments of the present invention seek to ameliorate one or more problems associated with the prior ad.

Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention provides a toy building block system comprising: a first and a second toy brick; a connection member; and a first and a second connection element, the first connection element being configured for receipt by a first aperture defined by the connection member and a first aperture defined by the first toy brick, the second connection element being configured for receipt by a second aperture defined by the connection member and a first aperture defined by the second toy brick, such that the first and second brick may be coupled to each other using the connection member, and first and second connection elements, wherein the length of at least one of the first and second connection elements is substantially equal to or greater than the height of the first toy brick combined with the combined height of two connection members and less than double the height of the first toy brick, so as to be partially receivable by an aperture of another brick in another row of bricks.

The first and second connection elements may be made from a foam material.

Each connection member may be a planar member.

Each connection element may comprise a cylindrical body.

The first and second toy bricks may be made from a foam material.

The connection member may be made from plastic.

The connection element may be made from plastic.

The first aperture defined by the first brick may extend through an entire height of the first brick.

The system may further comprise a third connection element, wherein the first and third connection elements may be configured such that at least part of the first and third connection elements are receivable the first aperture defined by the first toy brick.

The connection member may be integrally formed or attached to a brick.

The connection member may be a separate piece.

The first and second toy bricks may have substantially the same dimensions.

Another aspect of the present invention may provide a kit of parts for a system as above, the kit including: the first and the second toy brick; the connection member; and the first and the second connection element.

The kit may further comprise one or more further toy bricks.

The kit may further comprise one or more further connection members and one or more further connection elements.

Another aspect of the invention provides a connection member and at least one connection element for use in a system as above.

Embodiments of the present invention are described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, by way of example only, in which: Figure 1 shows a connection member of some embodiments; Figure 2 shows a side view of a connection member of some embodiments; Figure 3 shows a plan view of a connection member of some embodiments; Figure 4 shows another side view of a connection member of some embodiments along with a side view of a connection element; Figure 5 shows a connection element of some embodiments; Figure 6 shows an end view of a connection element of some embodiments; Figure 7 shows a connection member and two connection elements of some embodiments; Figure 8 shows another view of a connection member and two connection elements of some embodiments; Figure 9 shows a brick of some embodiments; Figure 10 shows a cross-section view of three bricks, two connection elements, and a connection member of some embodiments; and Figure 11 shows a structure of some embodiments.

With reference to figures 1-11, some embodiments of the present invention include a brick 1 (see figures 9-11 in particular). In some embodiments, the brick 1 is formed from a foamed material. The foamed material may be a polyurethane foam which may be of an open cell structure.

The brick 1 may be a rectangular cuboid having a length, a depth, and a height. In some embodiments, the height and depth are substantially equal such that the brick 1 has a generally square cross-section. In some embodiments the depth of the brick 1 is greater than the height of the brick 1.

The length of the brick 1 may be greater than the height and/or depth of the brick 1. In some embodiments, the brick 1 may have a length of approximately 210mm (and maybe about 215mm), a depth of approximately 100mm (and maybe about 102.5mm), and a height of approximately 70 mm (and maybe about 65mm).

The brick 1 typically has the form of a house brick. The brick 1 may be a red brick colour or may be grey, or any other colour. The colouration of the brick 1 may be a coating on external surfaces of the brick 1 (such as paint). In some embodiments, the material which forms the brick 1 carries the colouration (such as a dye) such that the colouration extends through a substantial depth of the material forming the brick 1.

In some embodiments, the brick 1 is a cube. In some embodiments, a set of bricks 1 are provided. The set of bricks 1 may include bricks which are of at least two different colours and/or sizes.

The brick 1 defines at least one aperture 2. The aperture 2 is defined through the entire height of the brick 1 and is accessible from two opposing sides of the brick 1.

The aperture 2 may have a circular cross-section in some embodiments but, in others, may have a different cross-sectional shape (such as square or rectangular).

The brick 1 may define two or more such apertures 2. In some embodiments, the two or more apertures 2 include at least two apertures 2 which are of different shapes and/or sizes.

In embodiments in which there are three or more apertures 2 defined by the brick 1, each aperture 2 may be equidistant from the next nearest other aperture(s) 2. In embodiments including two or more apertures 2, the apertures 2 may extend along respective axes which are parallel and spaced apart. The respective axes may be substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the brick 1.

In embodiments, the distance from a nearest edge (or part of an edge) of at least one of the one or more the apertures 2 to a nearest edge of the brick 1 is substantially equal to the distance from another nearest edge (or part of an edge) of that aperture 2 to another nearest edge of the brick 1. In other words, in some embodiments, the portion of the depth of the brick 1 between that aperture 2 and a side surface of the brick 1 may be substantially equal to the portion of the length of the brick 1 between the aperture 2 and an end surface of the brick 1. The aperture 2 may be equidistant from two opposing side surfaces of the brick 1 -side surfaces which oppose each other across the depth of the brick 1.

Embodiments include a connection member 3 (see figures 1 to 3 in particular).

The connection member 3 comprises a generally flat or planar member. The connection member 3 has a length, a height, and a depth. The length and depth may be substantially larger than the height, and the depth may be shorter than the length. The depth of the connection member 3 may be substantially the same as the depth of the brick 1. In some embodiments, the depth of the connection member 3 may be less than the depth of the brick 1.

In some embodiments, the length of the connection member 3 is substantially the same as or less than the length of the brick 1.

The connection member 3 defines at least one aperture 4. The aperture 4 may be substantially the same size and shape as the aperture 2 defined by the brick 1.

In some embodiments, the connection member 3 defines two or more apertures 4.

In embodiments in which the connection member 3 defines at least two apertures 4, the apertures 4 may be positioned so as to correspond with apertures 2 defined by the brick 1 -such that the apertures 4 of the connection member 3 are alignable with respective apertures 2 of the brick 1.

Embodiments include one or more connection elements 5 (see figures 4 & 5 in particular). The or each connection element 5 is configured to be received by one of the one or more apertures 2 defined by the brick 1 (see figure 10). The or each connection element is also configured to be received by one of the one or more apertures 4 of the connection member 3 (see figure 8).

Accordingly, the or each connection element 5 may be shaped and sized to correspond with the shape and size of one of the one or more apertures 2, 4 of the brick 1 and connection member 3. The or each connection element 5 may be configured for loose fitting receipt in at least one of the one or more apertures 2,4, or may be configured for close fitting receipt (which may be an interference fit). In some embodiments, the or each connection element 5, once fitted, is held in place with respect to the brick 1 or bricks 1 to which it is coupled and/or with respect to the connection member 3 to which it is coupled, by an interference fit with at least one of the brick 1 or bricks 1 or connection member 3.

In some embodiments, each connection element 5 comprises a substantially cylindrical body with a length and a diameter. Two substantially flat end faces of each connection element 5 may oppose each other across the length of the connection element 5. The length of each connection element S may be greater than the height of the brick 1. In some embodiments, the length of each connection element 5 is substantially equal to the height of the brick 1 combined with the height of the connection member 3.

In some embodiments, the length of at least one of the or each connection elements 5 is substantially equal to or greater than the height of the brick 1 combined with the combined height of two connection members 3 and less than double the height of the brick 1. The length of at least one of the or each connection elements 5 may be configured so as to be partially receivable by an aperture of another brick in another row of bricks.

In some embodiments, the length of the at least one connection element 5 is substantially equal to the height of the brick 1 combined with the combined height of two connection members 3.

In some embodiments, at least one of the or each connection element 5 has a height which is approximately half the height of the brick 1.

As will be appreciated, in embodiments in which there are different shapes and/or sizes of aperture 2,4 of the brick 1 and connection member 3, a plurality of connection elements 5 may be provided -each with a different shape and size.

In embodiments, the connection member 3 defines a plurality of apertures 4 which are positioned with respect to each other such that a first of the plurality of apertures 4 defined by the connection member 3 is alignable with an aperture 2 defined by a first brick 1 and a second of the plurality of apertures 4 defined by the connection member 3 is alignable with an aperture defined by a second brick 1. With the apertures 2,4 so aligned, a major plane of the connection member 3 is generally parallel to a major plane of the first and second bricks 1 (i.e. the longitudinal axis of each of the bricks 1 may be generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connection member 3).

So aligned, a connection element 5 may be partially received by both the aperture 2 of the first brick 1 and the first aperture 4 of the connection member 3. Similarly, another connection element 5 may be received by both the aperture 2 of the second brick 1 and the second aperture 4 of the connection member 3.

The connection member 3 overlaps at least a portion of the two adjacent bricks 2. The connection member 3 may, therefore, be used to connect two adjacent bricks 1.

The connection elements 5 may extend above the connection member 3, in whose apertures 4 the connection elements 5 are partially received, and may, therefore, be partially received by apertures 2 of other bricks 1 in another row of bricks 1.

Connection members 3 may be positioned above and below a row of bricks 1.

Each connection element 5 may rest (under the effect of gravity) on another connection element 5.

It is possible, therefore, to construct a wall 6 from a plurality of bricks 1, connection members 3, and connection elements 5. In the constructed wall 6, the connection elements 5 will form columns wherein each connection element 6 extends through at least part of two bricks 1 and though a connection member 3.

So constructed, the connection members 3 and elements 5 couple adjacent bricks 1 together and, from a side view, have the appearance of mortar between courses of bricks 1.

In some embodiments, connection members 3 of different shapes may be provided -such as an L-shape or T-shape -with appropriately positioned apertures 4 to allow the connection members 3 to join two rows of bricks 1 together (e.g. each row of bricks corresponding with an arm of the connection member 3).

In some embodiments, the connection member 3 may be constructed from plastic or wood. In some embodiments, the connection element 6 may be constructed from plastic or wood and may be hollow. In some embodiments the connection member 3 and/or the connection elements 5 are constructed from a foamed material (which may be the same or a similar material to the material from which the or each brick 1 may be constructed).

A toy building block system may be provided which includes at least two bricks 1, a connection member 3, and two connection elements 5 (but which may include more of each).

The toy building block system may allow the construction of structures 10 (see figure 11).

As will be appreciated, a first and a second connection element 5 may be provided, wherein the first connection element 5 is configured for receipt by a first aperture 4 defined by the connection member 3 and a first aperture 2 defined by a first toy brick 1. The second connection element 5 may be configured for receipt by a second aperture 4 defined by the connection memberS and a first aperture 2 defined by the second toy brick 1, such that the first and second bricks 1 may be coupled to each other using the connection member 3, and first and second connection elements 5.

A further connection member 3 and third and fourth connection elements 5 may be positioned on an opposite side of the first and second bricks 1. The first, second, third, and/or fourth connection elements 5 may be at least partially received by respective apertures 2 defined in one or more further bricks 1 to couple the one or more further bricks to the first and second bricks 1 and so on -to form a structure 10.

Other parts of the system may include base connection members 3 which are intended to form the base of the structure 10. The base connection members 3 may include a plate from which extend a number of integral or removable connection elements 5 which are approximately half the length of other connection elements 5 (and about half the height of the brick 1 or the height of the brick 1 and connection member 3). Further connection elements 5 may, therefore, form columns on top of the connection elements which form part of the base connection members 3.

The system may also include lintel connection members 3 which are longer than other connection members 3 and which are intended to form door or window lintels. For example, a lintel connection member 3 may be twice the length of another connection member 3 (e.g. approximately the length of two bricks 1).

As depicted the or each brick 1 and/or the or each connection member 3 may carry text (such as "Little Brickies"). In some embodiments, one or more bricks 1 and/or connection members 3 do not carry such text. In some embodiments, at least one side surface of one or more of the bricks 1 may carry text (which may be a single letter or number) such that a constructed wall may spell a word or present a sequence of numbers.

Any such text included on the or each brick 1 and/or the or each connection member 3 may be included by way of raised sections -i.e. portions of the surface of the component are raised in comparison to other portions of the surface. Alternatively, the text may be provided in the form of indented portions of the surface. In some embodiments text may be provided in the form of both raised and indented portions of the surface. The text may be printed (in addition to or not the raised and/or indention portions of the surface). Such printing may include printing on the surface directly, and/or may be in the form of transfers, stickers, or the like.

The text may include text in any alphabet and may be in Braille.

Embodiments may include a kit of parts for such a system.

In some embodiments, the connection member 3 is integrally formed with the brick 1 or attached thereto (e.g. adhered). Accordingly, the connection member 3 may not be a separate piece. A brick 1 may, therefore, include the connection member 3 as a lower part thereof or as an upper part thereof. The connection member 3 may, in such embodiments, comprise a portion of the brick 1 which is coloured differently (e.g. a light grey or brown) to represent mortar. The connection elements 5 may still be used to provide a coupling between bricks 1 as described herein.

In some embodiments, there is a filler member provided -which may be part of the system. The filler member may be constructed from the same material as the connection member 3 (and may a foam material). The filler member may have a depth which is generally equal to a depth of the brick 1 and a height which is generally equal to a height of the brick 1. The filler member may have a thickness which is generally equal to the height of the connection member 3. As such, the filler member is configured to slot between adjacent bricks 1 in a row of bricks 1 to represent the mortar therebetween in a real brick structure. Accordingly, only a thin portion of the filler member (defined by the height and thickness thereof) may be visible between two bricks 1 from an external view of a structure 10.

The connection member 3 may be configured such that it is operable to couple to adjacent bricks 1 together (with the use of connection elements 5) with a gap between the two bricks 1 which is sufficient to receive the filler member.

In some embodiments, the fit may be tight such that there is an interference fit which holds the filler member in place between the bricks 1. In some embodiments, either or both of the filler member and/or the bricks 1 are configured to deform resiliently to receive and hold the filler member in place (as such the filler member may have a thickness which is marginally greater than the gap between the two coupled bricks 1).

As with the connection member 3, in some embodiments, the filler member may be part of one of the one or more bricks 1 (e.g. may be integrally formed therewith or attached (e.g. adhered) thereto). The filler member may be the same or a similar colour to the connection member 3.

In some embodiments] the connection elements 5 are integrally formed with or attached (e.g. adhered) to a connection member 3.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A toy building block system comprising: a first and a second toy brick; a connection member; and a first and a second connection element, the first connection element being configured for receipt by a first aperture defined by the connection member and a first aperture defined by the first toy brick, the second connection element being configured for receipt by a second aperture defined by the connection member and a first aperture defined by the second toy brick, such that the first and second brick may be coupled to each other using the connection member, and first and second connection elements, wherein the length of at least one of the first and second connection elements is substantially equal to or greater than the height of the first toy brick combined with the combined height of two connection members and less than double the height of the first toy brick, so as to be partially receivable by an aperture of another brick in another row of bricks.
2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second connection elements are made from a foam material.
3. A system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each connection member is a planar member.
4. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein each connection element comprises a cylindrical body.
5. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second toy bricks are made from a foam material.
6. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the connection member is made from plastic.
7. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the connection element is made from plastic.
8. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the first aperture defined by the first brick extends through an entire height of the first brick.
9. A system according to any preceding claim, further comprising a third connection element, wherein the first and third connection elements are configured such that at least part of the first and third connection elements are receivable in the first aperture defined by the first toy brick.
10. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the connection member is integrally formed or attached to a brick.
11. A system according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the connection member is a separate piece.
12. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second toy bricks have substantially the same dimensions.
13. A kit of parts for a system according to any preceding claim, the kit including: the first and the second toy brick; the connection member; and the first and the second connection element.
14. A kit according to claim 13, further comprising one or more further toy bricks.
15. A kit according to claim 13 0114, further comprising one or more further connection members and one or more further connection elements.
16. A connection member and at least one connection element for use in a system according to any of claims 1 to 12.
17. A system substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
18. A kit substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
19. A connection member and at least one connection element substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
20. Any novel feature or novel combination of features disclosed herein.