INTERLOCKING BLOCK SYSTEM

Abstract

An interlocking block system is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of blocks which include projections on two lateral sides and receiving slots on two other lateral sides adapted to interface with the projections. The blocks further include interfacing members on top and bottom sides. Thus, the blocks can be connected both laterally and vertically. A passageway from bottom to top is provided, and a notch on the bottom side allows a cable to enter and pass through the passageway. Thus, various configurations can be built, and cables such as power cords or charging cords can pass up a leg of a built configuration. The sides of the blocks are configured to provide support to a block which is connected above and laterally to the first block, in various configurations, enabling stable lateral connections. Cap members interfacing with tops of the blocks are further provided to form a flat top surface.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/281,078 filed on Jan. 20, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to interlocking block systems, and more particularly, to interlocking blocks having various connecting and supporting functionalities.

Background

Building blocks play a very important role in toys and construction of structures. However, most building blocks in the market only connect vertically. For example, common toys such as building blocks marketed under the name LEGO® have features which enable vertical connection but no horizontal connection.

Various other blocks may provide for a horizontal connection, however, they do not connect horizontally in a manner strong enough for any structure made from these blocks to bear weight and provide strength. Furthermore, such blocks which might connect horizontally may still not connect on each lateral side.

While various block systems have been proposed, there remains a need for an interlocking block system which enables both vertical and horizontal connections on all sides, and which provides for a weight-bearing horizontal surface comprised of horizontally connected blocks, among other features and advantages.

SUMMARY

The present invention is an interlocking block system. The blocks include lateral sides, and top and bottom sides. Each side has a connective element which allows blocks to be either stacked vertically, or connected laterally. Connections can this be made without the need for adhesive, fasteners, or other reinforcement.

In various embodiments, the blocks of the present invention include two sides having projections which interface with two remaining sides which have receiving slots configured to interface with the projections and lock blocks laterally in place. The top and bottom sides of the blocks also have interfacing elements which can connect vertically.

A particularly useful feature of the present invention involves the configuration in which laterally connected blocks are assembled above vertically stacked blocks. For example, as explained in detail below, if block 2 is stacked above block 1, and block 3 is connected laterally to block 2, a portion of block 1, such as part of a projection on one of the sides, extends below a portion of block 3 to provide support an enable weight to be applied to block 3 without dislodging the connection.

Cap members are optionally provided to enable a flat surface to be formed. The cap members interface with the top side of the blocks. For example, a table assembly may be topped with a layer of cap members to create a flat tabletop surface.

An optional notch may be provided at the bottom of the blocks, and a hollowed vertical passageway may extend through the block. Thus, various wires or cords are able to pass through the passageway to provide connections to electronic devices.

Thus, an interlocking block system which allows for lateral, horizontal connections between blocks is provided. The system allows the blocks to be connected not only vertically, but horizontally, without the need for an adhesive or other supporting element, and it enables the horizontal surface created to be a weight-bearing surface. Applications of the system are numerous, and may include, but are not limited to, toys, modular furniture, tables, desks, book shelves, and structures formed in the construction industry.

Still other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein it is shown and described only the preferred embodiments of the invention, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated of carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like features, and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a block in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a block in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a block in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a cap member in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a cap member in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a block and cap member in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a block assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a block assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a block and cap member assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a block assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail, preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

In various embodiments, the present invention is an interlocking block system. The system allows blocks to be stacked and interconnected both vertically and horizontally.

In various embodiments, a plurality of substantially identical blocks 10 are provided. Each block includes four lateral sides, and a top and bottom side. Various projections and receiving slots are provided to allow the lateral sides to connect in line with one another, and the top and bottom sides of the blocks 10 interface as well.

In certain embodiments, a first block 10 and a second block 10 are provided. Referring to FIGS. 1-3 by way of illustration, the first and second blocks 10 are substantially identical to one another in size and configuration. The first block and second block each include a first side 20, a second side 30, a third side 40, a fourth side 50, a top side 60, and a bottom side 70.

In various embodiments, vertical stacking and connection is achieved via the top side 60 and bottom side 70. The top side 60 includes a top interfacing member 65, such as a projection, and bottom side 70 of the blocks 10 include a bottom interfacing member 75, such as a receiving configuration. The bottom interfacing member 75 is adapted to interface and connect with the top interfacing member 65 in a vertically stacked mode in which a second block is placed on top of a first block.

Numerous configurations for connection are possible, and variations are considered within the scope of the invention. In certain embodiments, the first side 20 of the first block 10 has a first projection 25, and the third side 40 of the second block 10 has a first receiving slot 45 adapted to receive the first projection 25. Thus, in a first connected mode in which the first projection 25 is interlocked with the first receiving slot 45, the second block 10 is held in place aside the first block 10 with respect to lateral forces. Ideally, these connections allow the blocks to be laterally connected so that they are even with one another horizontally. In certain embodiments, projection 25 is at the lower portion of the first side 20, and slot 45 is open at the lower portion of the third side 40.

In similar fashion, in certain embodiments, the fourth side 50 of the first block 10 has a second projection 55, and the second side 30 of the second block 10 has a second receiving slot 35 adapted to receive the second projection 55. Thus, in a second connected mode in which the second projection 55 is interlocked with the second receiving slot 35, the second block is held in place aside the first block with respect to lateral forces. An example of this connection is shown in FIG. 10 with respect to blocks 202 and 203. In certain embodiments, projection 55 and slot 35 are disposed at the upper portion of their respective lateral sides.

In various embodiments, a feature which provides functional support is provided. In reference to FIG. 10, when blocks are connected such as block 202 stacked above block 201, and block 203 connected laterally to block 202, the lateral connection shown is accomplished by interlocking a fourth side 50 with a second side 30. If the blocks 202 and 203 are only connected laterally in this orientation, block 203 could slide downward with respect to block 202 and release from it, when it is unobstructed. However, when block 201 is present and stacked under block 202, and oriented as shown in FIG. 10, with projection 55 extending below a portion of block 203, this relative movement is restricted. Thus, this allows downward force to be applied to block 203 without the blocks disconnecting.

Further to the concept illustrated above, in certain embodiments, a lateral row of blocks 10 can be added to the assembly, and another leg added, as seen on the right side of FIG. 10, and a stable configuration is achieved so that force applied to the top surface does not cause blocks to be dislodged.

Other configurations of support being provided to laterally connected blocks from portions of a block stacked beside and below are possible. For example, in the configuration shown, the top portion of the fourth side 50 can support the bottom of a first side 20 or a second side 30. The top portion of a third side 40 can provide support to a bottom portion of a first side 20 or second side 30. Similarly, a top of a second side 30 can provide support to the bottom portion of a second side 30 of another block. Thus, numerous orientations and configurations can provide support to assembled structures in accordance with the present invention.

Numerous additional assemblies are thus possible, such as a table 130 as shown in FIG. 9, book shelves, desks, other modular furniture assemblies, toys, and other creative configurations. Block systems according to the invention also have applications in the construction industry, and numerous constructions can be accomplished using the system of the present invention.

Furthermore, the shapes and configurations of the various projections and receiving slots may be any suitable shape. In certain embodiments, projections are T-shaped, and receiving slots are T-shaped to receive the projections. However, Y shapes, or any suitable shape which interfaces and laterally locks blocks together can be used.

In various embodiments, a cap member 100 is provided. The cap member 100 has a substantially flat top cap surface 110, and a bottom cap interfacing member 120 adapted to connect to the top interfacing member 65 of a block 10. Ideally, cap members 100 are substantially square in shape. Thus, a top surface such as a table top surface can be created, as illustrated in FIG. 9.

In certain embodiments, the blocks 10 include an open passageway extending from the bottom side 70 to the top side 60. Optionally, a notch or opening 140 is provided on the bottom side 70. This enables the block 10 to sit on a flat surface and allow a cable, such as a power cord or charging cord, to pass through or under the notch 140 without disturbing the contact between the block and the surface. Such a cord can be strung through the passageway, and through multiple stacked blocks such as up the leg of an assembled object so that wired power or connectivity can be provided in this fashion.

While specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of protection is limited by the scope of the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. An interlocking block system comprising:

at least a first block and a second block, wherein said first and second blocks are substantially identical to one another in size and configuration,

said first block and said second block each comprising a first side, a second side, a third side, a fourth side, a top side, and a bottom side,

said first side of said first block having a first projection, and said third side of said second block having a first receiving slot adapted to receive said first projection, wherein, in a first connected mode in which said first projection is interlocked with said first receiving slot, said second block is held in place aside said first block with respect to lateral forces, and

said fourth side of said first block having a second projection, and said second side of said second block having a second receiving slot adapted to receive said second projection, wherein, in a second connected mode in which said second projection is interlocked with said second receiving slot, said second block is held in place aside said first block with respect to lateral forces.

2. The interlocking block system according to claim 1, wherein said top side of said first and second blocks each comprise a top interfacing member, and wherein said bottom side of said first and second blocks each comprise a bottom interfacing member, and wherein the bottom interfacing member of said second block is adapted to interface and connect with the top interfacing member of said first block in a stacked mode in which said second block is placed on top of said first block.

3. The interlocking block system according to claim 2, further comprising at least one cap member, said cap member having a substantially flat top cap surface, and a bottom cap interfacing member adapted to connect to said top interfacing member of either of said first and second blocks.

4. The interlocking block system according to claim 3, wherein said top cap surface is substantially square in shape.

5. The interlocking block system according to claim 2, wherein, in such a second connected mode, said second receiving slot and said second projection are configured and adapted to allow said second block to be disconnected from said first block by sliding said second side downward with respect to said fourth side of first block when no obstructions are present.

6. The interlocking block system according to claim 6, wherein said first and second blocks are connected in such a second connected mode, further comprising a third block substantially identical in shape and configuration to said first and second blocks, and having first, second, third, fourth, top, and bottom sides substantially identical to the first, second, third, fourth, top, and bottom sides of said first and second blocks, respectively,

a top side of said third block connected to the bottom side of said first block and oriented with the fourth side of the third block facing the same direction as the fourth side of the first block,

wherein, the fourth of said third block comprises a second projection substantially identical to the second projection on the fourth sides of said first and second blocks,

wherein the second projection of said third block extends below a portion of said second block and prevents said second block from sliding downward with respect to said first block when said third block remains connected to said first block.

7. The interlocking block system according to claim 6, wherein said second projection of each of said first, second, and third blocks comprises a T shaped projection.

8. The interlocking block system according to claim 2, wherein said second projection of each of said first and second blocks comprises a T shaped projection, and wherein the first projection of each of said first and second blocks comprises a T shaped projection.

9. The interlocking block system according to claim 6, further comprising a plurality of additional blocks having substantially identical size and configuration to said first, second, and third blocks, wherein said plurality of additional blocks are connected to said first, second, and third blocks in the shape and configuration of a table having four legs and a table top side.

10. The interlocking block system according to claim 9, further comprising a plurality of cap members each having a substantially flat top cap surface, and a bottom cap interfacing member adapted to connect to said top interfacing member of any of said plurality of blocks, wherein said plurality of cap members are disposed on and connected to at least some of said plurality of blocks forming said table top side, forming a substantially flat table top surface.

11. The interlocking block system according to claim 2, wherein said first block further comprises an open passageway from said bottom side to said top side of said first block, and a notch on said bottom side of said first block adapted to allow a cable to enter said passageway when said first block is disposed with said bottom side on a flat surface.