Storage Device for Toy Building Components

Abstract

A building set includes a container and several building components placeable in a receptacle defined by the container. The container has a sidewall with a opposite ends. A cover is coupled to one end of the sidewall, and another cover is removably coupleable to the other end of the sidewall. Each cover includes a building portion. The building portion of one cover has the same configuration as the building portion of the other cover. The building components are engagable with the building portion on either or both of the covers.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/571,732, filed Oct. 1, 2009, entitled “Storage Device for Toy Building Components,” Attorney Docket No. 0621.1665CIP, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a toy building set including a container and a plurality of building components retainable in the container. The container includes a first cover coupled to a first end of the container, and a second cover removably coupled to a second end of the container. Each of the covers includes a building portion engagable with the building components. The building portion of the first cover has the same configuration as the building portion of the second cover.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Young children enjoy grasping and stacking play implements, such as building blocks. Building blocks with connection means that can be used to couple or stack blocks together are generally known. Some building block sets are sold and retained in conventional storage bins. Although such conventional storage bins retain the building blocks when not in use, they offer little or no additional entertainment benefit for the child. Various attempts to provide a storage bin having a lid with a building surface have been made. However, such lidded storage bins provide only a single building surface with limited play configurations.

Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a storage device for toy building components that provides multiple engagement surfaces for the associated building components, and provides various play configurations that enhances entertainment value for the child.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a building set including a container and a cover removably coupled to the container. The container has an upper end, a lower end, and a sidewall. The sidewall and the lower end define a receptacle into which building components can be placed. The upper end of the container defines an opening in communication with the receptacle. The lower end of the container includes an outer surface defining a first building portion on which the building components can be placed, the first building portion having a configuration. The cover is coextensive with the opening of the container, and includes an outer surface defining a second building portion on which the building components can be placed. The configuration of the second building portion is the same as the configuration of the first building portion.

In one embodiment, the first building portion includes a plurality of projections extending outwardly from the outer surface of the lower end of the container. The second building portion includes a plurality of projections extending outwardly from the cover. Each of the building components includes a recess or cavity that receives a selected one of the plurality of projections on the first building portion or on the second building portion.

In one embodiment, the cover is a first cover and the lower end of the container includes a second cover fixedly coupled to a lower end of the sidewall of the container, wherein the second cover includes the first building portion. Each of the first and second covers may include a body portion and a wall portion defining a receptacle. The wall portion of the first cover receives the first end of the container sidewall, and the wall portion of the second cover receives the second end of the container sidewall.

In one embodiment, the cover includes a handle pivotally coupled thereto. The sidewall of the container may include a projection or locking protrusion. The handle may be oriented so that it engages the locking protrusion and couples the cover to the sidewall.

The present invention also relates to a building set including a container and a plurality of building components. The container has a sidewall with a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A first cover is fixedly coupled to the first end of the container sidewall, the first cover and the sidewall collectively forming a receptacle. A second cover is removably coupleable to the second end of the container sidewall. The first cover includes a building portion, and the second cover includes a building portion. The building portion of the first cover has the same configuration as the building portion of the second cover. The building components are placeable in the receptacle defined by the container, and engagable with the building portions on the first and second covers.

In one embodiment, the building set includes a ramp component having a first end and an opposite second end. The first end of the ramp is releasably coupleable to the first cover. The second end of the ramp is releasably coupleable to the second cover when the second cover is removed from the second end of the sidewall.

In one embodiment, the second cover includes a first side and an opposite second side. The building portion of the second cover is disposed on the first side. The second side includes a nesting surface engagable with the building portion of the first cover, so that the first cover may be releasably coupled to the second cover.

The present invention also relates to a building assembly including a sidewall having a first end and an opposite second end. A first cover is fixedly coupled to the first end of the sidewall. The first cover includes a body portion and at least one projection extending outwardly from the body portion. The first cover and the sidewall define a receptacle. A second cover is removably coupled to the second end of the sidewall. The second cover includes a body portion and at least one projection extending outwardly from the body portion. The at least one projection of the first cover has the same configuration as the at least one projection of the second cover.

In one embodiment, the building assembly includes a plurality of building components, which are placeable in the receptacle defined by the first cover and the sidewall. Each of the building components is engagable with the at least one projection on the first cover and on the second cover.

In one embodiment, the building assembly includes a ramp component having a first end and an opposite second end. The first end of the ramp component is releasably coupleable to the first cover. The second end of the ramp component is releasably coupleable to the second cover when the second cover is removed from the sidewall of the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a building assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a building set according to another embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective assembly view of a container of the building set of FIG. 2, showing a sidewall of the container and covers;

FIG. 4 illustrates a top perspective view of the sidewall and a cover;

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the sidewall and the cover of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 illustrates a top perspective view of the another cover of the container of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the cover of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of the container showing one cover partially nested on the other cover;

FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded fragmentary view of a cover of the container of FIG. 2 showing a projection;

FIG. 10 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of a cover of the container of FIG. 2;

FIG. 11 illustrates a front assembly view of a cover and a handle of the container;

FIG. 12 illustrates a partial perspective view of the handle of FIG. 11 showing an end of the handle;

FIG. 13 illustrates a partial perspective view of the cover of FIG. 11 showing a protrusion extending outwardly from a sidewall of the cover;

FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of the container showing the handle in a first position;

FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of the container showing the handle in a second position;

FIG. 16 illustrates a partial exploded perspective view of the sidewall of the container and the handle in one orientation;

FIG. 17 illustrates a partial exploded perspective view of the sidewall of the container and the handle in another orientation;

FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of the building set of FIG. 2 showing a cover decoupled from the container sidewall and building components coupled to the building portions of the covers;

FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of a container and a ramp component releasably coupled to the covers of the container of FIG. 2;

FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective assembly view of the container and the ramp component of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective view of a building set according to another embodiment;

FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective view of a container of the building set of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective top view of a cover of the building set of FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective bottom view of the cover of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 illustrates a perspective view of another cover of the building set of FIG. 21;

FIG. 26 illustrates a perspective view of a building set according to another embodiment;

FIG. 27 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the building set of FIG. 26, showing the first and second covers detached from a container of the building set;

FIG. 28 illustrates a perspective view of a building set according to another embodiment;

FIG. 29 illustrates another perspective view of the building set of FIG. 28 viewed from another orientation;

FIG. 30 illustrates another perspective view of the building set of FIG. 28, showing a cover of the building set in an open position; and

FIG. 31 illustrates a perspective view of a building set according to another embodiment.

Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points or portions of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Further, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., merely identify one of a number of portions, components, positions and/or points of reference as disclosed herein, and do not limit the present invention to any particular configuration or orientation. Either of the covers of a building set as described herein can be referred to as a “first cover” and a “second cover.”

FIG. 1 illustrates schematic diagram of a building assembly S1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Building assembly S1 includes a container 10 having an upper end portion 12, a lower end portion 14, and a sidewall 16. The sidewall 16 and the lower end portion 14 define a receptacle 17 into which building components 40 (shown in phantom within the receptacle 17) can be placed. The upper end portion 12 defines an opening 18 in communication with the receptacle 17. The lower end portion 14 of the container 10 includes an outer surface 20 defining a building portion B1 on which the building components 40 can be placed and releasably attached. The building portion B1 has a configuration as shown.

Building assembly S1 also includes a cover 60 removably coupleable to the container 10. The cover 60 is coextensive with the opening 18 of the container 10 in that it covers the opening 18. The cover 60 has an outer surface 62 defining a building portion B2 on which the building components 40 can be placed. The building portion B2 has a configuration that is the same as the configuration of the building portion B1. As such, the building components 40 may be releasably attached to either building portion B1 or building portion B2.

A building set S2 according to another embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 2. Building set S2 includes a container 100 and a plurality of building components 500. In one embodiment, each of the building components may include a body or block portion with a movable insert retained therein. When a force is applied to one end of the insert, the insert is moved relative to the body so that it extends outwardly from the body.

Referring to FIG. 3, the container 100 includes a sidewall 102 with ends 104 and 106 that are opposite each other. In this embodiment, the sidewall 102 extends continuously around the perimeter of the container 100. However, in other embodiments, the sidewall 102 may contain portions that are not continuous. The container 100 also includes covers 150 and cover 200, which will be described in greater detail below. Cover 150 can be referred to as either a first cover or a second cover for the container 100. Similarly, cover 200 can be referred to as either a first cover or a second cover for the container 100. The building components 500 may be placed in a receptacle 108 defined by the container 100.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, cover 150 includes a body portion 152 having an outer side 154 and an inner side 156 opposite the outer side 154. A sidewall 158 extends from the inner side 156 of the body portion 152. The inner side 156 of the body portion 152 and the sidewall 158 collectively form a recess 160 configured to receive end 104 of the sidewall 102 of the container 100. Cover 150 may be fixedly coupled to end 104 of the sidewall 102, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, such as by an adhesive or one or more connectors. Cover 150 also includes a building portion B1′. As shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, building portion B1′ includes several projections 162a, 162b, 162c, 162d, 162e, and 162f extending outwardly from the outer side 154 of the body portion 152.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 6 and 7, cover 200 is removably coupleable to end 106 of the sidewall 102 of the container 100. Cover 200 includes a body portion 202 having an outer side 204 and an inner side 206 opposite the outer side 204. A sidewall 208 extends from the inner side 206 of the body portion 202. The inner side 206 of the body portion 202 and the sidewall 208 collectively form a recess 210 configured for receiving end 106 of the sidewall 102 (as shown in FIG. 2).

In one embodiment, cover 200 includes a building portion B2′ that has the same configuration as the building portion B1′ of cover 150. As shown, building portion B2′ includes several projections 212a, 212b, 212c, 212d, 212e, and 212f that extend outwardly from the outer side 204 of the body portion 202 of cover 200. The projections 212a-f of cover 200 have the same configuration as the projections 162a-f of cover 150. In another embodiment, the configuration of building portion B1′ and the configuration of the second building portion B2′ may differ.

In one embodiment, the building portions B1′ and B2′ have the same configuration in that each has projections that extend outwardly relative to the container 100. In one embodiment, the building portions B1′ and B2′ may have the same quantity of projections. In another embodiment, the projections of the building portions B1′ and B2′ have the same overall shape. In addition, the width dimension and/or the length dimension of the projections of the building portions B1′ and B2′ may be the same.

Cover 200 may include additional entertainment elements that provide sensory stimulation for the child. Referring to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, an entertainment element 250 is connected to or integrally formed with the sidewall 208 of cover 200. The entertainment element 250 extends outwardly from the outer side 204 of the cover 200. As illustrated, the entertainment element 250 forms a rear wall extending upwardly beyond the projections 212a-f with various indicia, such as molded butterfly and caterpillar characters. The illustrated entertainment element 250 is exemplary only, and in other embodiments, it may have other configurations. However, any additional entertainment element provided on cover 200 should be configured such that it does not interfere with the releasable attachment of the building components 500 to building portion B2′. Alternatively, no additional entertainment elements may be provided on cover 200.

Similarly, cover 150 may include additional entertainment elements. Cover 150 is configured to engage a support surface S, and support the container 100 in an upright position on the support surface S, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. Thus, any additional entertainment element provided on cover 150 should be configured such that it does not extend outwardly beyond the projections 162a-f or otherwise cause cover 150 to be unbalanced when resting on the support surface S. Further, any additional entertainment element provided on cover 150 should be configured such that it does not interfere with the releasable attachment of the building components 500 to building portion B1′.

Referring again to FIG. 7, a plurality of support ribs 207 may extend from the inner side 206 of cover 200. The support ribs 207 provide additional rigidity to cover 200. Projections 212a-f may have a hollow configuration and define cavities 213a, 213b, 213c, 213d, 213e, and 213f, respectively. The hollow configuration of projections 212a-f reduces the weight of cover 200 as well as the material required to form cover 200. The inner side 156 of cover 150 may be similarly configured, and include support ribs 207 and projections 162a-f having a hollow configuration.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, each of the projections 162a-f of cover 150 may have a generally cylindrical configuration including a lower portion 164 connected to the outer side 154 of cover 150, and a distal portion 166. The distal portion 166 of each of the projections 162a-f may partially nest within the aligned and corresponding cavities 213a-f of cover 200. The inner side 206 of cover 200 may engage the outer side 154, and thus engage building portion B1′ of cover 150.

In one embodiment, the distal portion 166 of a projection includes a tapered or rounded edge 168. The distal portion 166 has a diameter d1, and the lower portion 164 has a diameter d2 that is larger than the diameter d1 of the distal portion 166. Each of the cavities 213a-f, defined by the projections 212a-f of the second cover 200, has a third diameter d3 (shown in FIG. 7) that is larger than the diameter d1 of the distal portion 166. Thus, the distal portion 166 of each of the projections 162a-f may be inserted into the corresponding cavities 213a-f, so that cover 200 may be partially nested on the building portion B1′ of cover 150.

Alternatively or in addition, the inner side 206 of cover 200 may include engagement walls or projections extending outwardly from the inner side 206, which engage at least a portion of the projections 162a-f of cover 150. In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 10, the inner side 206 of cover 200 includes engagement walls 215 extending outwardly from the inner side 206 and adjacent each of the cavities 213a-f. The engagement walls 215 may extend around the entire perimeter of each of the cavities 213a-f. Alternatively, the engagement walls 215 may extend around a portion of the perimeter of each of the cavities 213a-f. The engagement walls 215 have a diameter d4 greater than the diameter d2 of the projections 162a-f of cover 150. Thus, a portion of the projections 162a-f below the distal portion 166 and having the diameter d2 may be engaged by the engagement walls 215. Thus, the inner side 206 of cover 200 that includes engagement walls 215 provides a nesting surface engagable with the building portion B1′ of cover 150.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 11, cover 200 includes a pivotally coupled handle 214. In one embodiment, cover 200 includes a protrusion 216 extending outwardly from the sidewall 208 at one end 218 thereof. Another similarly configured protrusion 220 extends outwardly from the sidewall 208 at an opposing end 222 thereof. The handle 214 includes knobs 224, 226 on opposite ends, which are rotatably coupled to the protrusions 216, 220, respectively.

The knobs 224, 226 are similarly constructed and only knob 226 is described in detail herein for simplicity only. Referring to FIG. 12, knob 224 includes an inner wall 228 defining a recess 230, and an outer wall 232 having an extension member 234 extending along a portion of an end portion 236 of the outer wall 232. A stop member 238 extends outwardly from the inner wall 228 and into the recess 230. As shown in FIG. 13, each of the protrusions 216, 220 on the cover 200 includes an outwardly extending engagement member 240. Rotational movement of the handle 214 relative to the sidewall 208 is limited by the engagement member 240 contacting the stop member 238.

The stop member 238 may be configured and positioned within the recess 230 such that the handle 214 is permitted to rotate along the direction of arrow D1 until the handle 214 reaches a position P1 adjacent one face 102a of the sidewall 102, shown in FIG. 14. At position P1, the engagement member 240 engages the stop member 238, thereby restricting further rotational movement in direction D1. The handle 214 may be rotated in along the direction of arrow D2 opposite direction D1 until the handle 214 reaches a position P2 adjacent an opposing face 102b of the sidewall 102, shown in FIG. 15. At position P2, the engagement member 240 again engages the stop member 238, thereby restricting further rotational movement in direction D2.

Referring again to FIG. 4, in one embodiment the sidewall 102 of the container 100 includes locking protrusions 110, 112 extending outwardly from opposing faces thereof and proximate to end 106. When end 106 of the sidewall 102 is disposed within the recess 210 of cover 200, the locking protrusions 110, 112 are aligned with the knobs 224, 226 of the handle 214. In order to releasably secure cover 200 to end 106, the handle 214 is pivoted to an unlocked or lowered position, so that the extension member 234 of each of the knobs 224, 226 is positioned above the locking protrusions 110, 112, such as when the handle 214 is in either position P1 or P2 shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. When the handle 214 is in the unlocked or lowered position, cover 200 may either be seated on or removed from end 106 of the container 100.

When cover 200 is seated against end 106 of the container 100, the handle 214 may be pivoted to an upright position in order to releasably lock cover 200 to end 106, such as shown in FIG. 2. As the handle 214 is pivoted to the upright position, the extension member 234 of each of the knobs 224, 226 is rotated to a position below or underneath the locking protrusions 110, 112, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. When the handle 214 is pivoted to an upright or locked position, the locking protrusions 110, 112 are intermediate the extension member 234 and the inner wall 228. Each of the extension members 234 bear against the corresponding locking protrusions 110, 112 upon an upward force on the handle 214 and/or cover 200 (e.g. when the container 100 is carried by a child using the handle 214), thereby releasably coupling or locking cover 200 to end 106 of the container 100. Thus, the building set S2 may be easily carried by a child.

Referring to FIG. 18, each of the building components 500 is engagable with the building portion B1′ on cover 150 and with the building portion B2′ on cover 200. A child may arrange the covers 150 and 200 in various play arrangements and configurations, in addition to placing one or more of the building components 500 within the receptacle 108 of the container 100. Further, cover 200 may be nested upon cover 150 for alternative play arrangements. Building components 500 may be coupled to the building portion B1′ of cover 150, and cover 200 then nested upon the building components 500 that are placed on cover 150. A variety of play arrangements are possible due to the multiple building portions B1′ and B2′.

Each of the building components 500 may include a housing having a cavity for receiving a selected one of the projections 212a-f or 162a-f. In one embodiment, each of the building components 500 includes a housing 502 having a recess 504 extending into a face 506 thereof. A selected one of the projections 212a-f or 162a-f is inserted into the recess 504 of an associated building component 500, thereby releasably connecting the building component 500 to the selected building portion B1′ or B2′. The building component 500 may also include an engagement member 508 slidably coupled to the housing 502. The engagement member 508 is disposed substantially within the housing 502 when the building component 500 is disengaged from one of the projections 212a-f or 162a-f and in an upright position, as shown by building component 500A. When the building component 500 is engaged with a selected one of the projections 212a-f or 162a-f, the engagement member 508 is pushed outwardly from the housing 502 by the selected projection 212a-f or 162a-f, as shown by building component 500B. Exemplary building components suitable for use with the container 100 of the present invention are blocks marketed under the name Stack 'n Surprise Blocks™ by Fisher-Price, Inc. of East Aurora, N.Y.

Referring to FIG. 19, the building set S2 may also include a ramp component 600 having an end 602 releasably coupleable to cover 150, and an opposing end 604 releasably coupleable to cover 200 when cover 200 is removed from the sidewall 102 of the container 100. The ramp component 600 may include a third building portion B3. The third building portion B3 may include a plurality of projections 606a, 606b, 606c, and 606d extending outwardly from a side 608 of the ramp component 600. The building components 500 are engagable with the third building portion B3. Alternatively, the ramp component may not include any projections.

Referring to FIG. 20, in one embodiment, the end 602 of the ramp component 600 includes projections 610, 612 receivable in correspondingly configured slots 170, 172 provided in the sidewall 158 of cover 150. The projections 610, 612 may be releasably retained within the corresponding slots 170, 172 via a friction fit. Similarly, the other end 604 of the ramp component 600 includes projections 614, 616 receivable in correspondingly configured slots 242, 244 provided in the sidewall 208 of cover 200. The projections 614, 616 may be releasably retained within the corresponding slots 242, 244 via a friction fit. The friction fit between the projections 610, 612, 614, 616 and corresponding slots 170, 172, 242, 244, respectively, should be sufficient snug so that the ramp component 600 and covers 150, 200 may be retained in a coupled arrangement, as shown in FIG. 19. However, a child should be able to easily remove the projections 610, 612, 614, 616 from the corresponding slots 170, 172, 242, 244, if desired.

Each of the ends 602, 604 of the ramp component 600 may alternatively include a single projection receivable in a selected slot in the covers 150, 200, or more than two projections receivable in corresponding slots in the covers 150, 200. Further, either or both of the covers 150 and 200 may include multiple slots spaced about the sidewalls 158, 208 thereof, so that the corresponding ends 602, 604 of the ramp component 600 may be secured to a selected one of a plurality of different positions on the covers 150 and 200. Further, other mechanisms for releasably securing the ramp component 600 to the covers 150, 200 may be employed. Thus, the illustrated connection mechanism is exemplary only.

The various components of the container 100 are formed of plastic and can either be translucent or opaque, as desired.

While the covers 150 and 200 are illustrated as each having six projections, in alternative embodiments, the quantity of projections on each of the covers 150 and 200 can vary. For example, in some embodiments, each of the covers 150 and 200 may have fewer than six projections, such as four. Alternatively, in other embodiments, each of the covers 150 and 200 may have more than six projections. While the projections in the illustrated embodiment are cylindrical, in alternative embodiments, the projections may have different shapes, such as square, rectangular, or oval cross-sections.

In the illustrated embodiment, the size (width and height) of the projections on a particular cover 150 or 200 are substantially the same. However, in different embodiments, at least one the projections on a cover can vary in height or width relative to at least one of the other projections on that cover. In an alternative embodiment, each of the projections on a cover may be different than the other projections on that cover.

Thus, the specific configurations of the covers, building portions and/or container may vary. Further, alternative embodiments may include one or more features of the several embodiments described herein.

For example, a building set S3 according to another embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 21. Building set S3 includes a container 300 configured to hold a plurality of building components 500. Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, container 300 includes a sidewall 302 with ends 304 and 306 that are opposite each other, and an end wall 308 connected to the sidewall 302 and enclosing end 306. The building components 500 may be placed in a receptacle 310 defined by the container 300. The building set S3 also includes a cover 350 removably coupleable to end 306, and another cover 400 removably coupleable to end 304.

The end wall 308 includes a building portion B3. Similar to building portion B1′, building portion B3 includes several projections 312a, 312b, 312c, 312d, 312e, and 312f extending outwardly from end wall 308 and away from the receptacle 310. Each of projections 312a-f of the building portion B3 are configured to engage a building component 500, such as described above.

Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, cover 350 includes a body portion 352 having opposing sides 354, 356 and a sidewall 358. Side 354 includes a recess 360 configured to receive the end wall 308 and building portion B3 of the container 300 therein, as shown in FIG. 21. Side 356 includes another building portion B1″. Building portion B1″ includes several projections 362a, 362b (shown engaging a building component 500), 362c, 362d, 362e, and 362f. Each of the projections 362a-f of the building portion B1″ are configured to engage a building component 500.

Projections 362a-f may have hollow configurations and define cavities 364a, 364b, 364c, 364d, 364e, and 364f, respectively. Each of the cavities 364a-f is in communication with the recess 360, and receives at least a portion of a correspondingly aligned one of the projections 312a-f of the building portion B3 of the container 300. For example, the distal portion of each of the projections 312a-f may partially nest within the aligned and corresponding cavities 364a-f, such as described above. In one embodiment, the building portion B3 is releasably secured within the recess 360, such as by a friction fit of the projections 312a-f within the cavities 364a-f, so that the cover 350 is securely maintained on the container 300 when desired, such as when the container 300 is being carried and/or moved.

Referring to FIGS. 21 and 25, cover 400 includes a body portion 402 having opposing sides 404, 406, and a sidewall 408. Side 404 is configured to be supported by and/or engage end 304 of the container 300. Similar to outer side 204 of cover 200, side 406 includes another building portion B2″. Building portion B2″ includes several projections 410a, 410b, 410c, 410d, 410e (not shown), and 410f. Each of the projections 410a-f of the building portion B2″ are configured to engage a building component 500.

Side 406 may have an angular or arcuate profile, so that at least one of the projections 410a-f is disposed on one horizontal plane p1, and another of the projections 410a-f is disposed on another horizontal plane p2 spaced from plane p1 (see FIG. 21). For example, the distal ends of projections 410a-b (and/or 410e-f) may lie on or be located along plane p1, while the distal ends of projections 410c-d may lie on or be located along plane p2. The non-planar configuration of building portion B2″ provides a unique building surface, thereby enhancing the play experience.

In some embodiments, the building portions B1″, B2″ and B3 have the same configuration in that each has projections that extend outwardly relative to the container 100, such as described above. In one embodiment, the building portions B1″, B2″ and B3 have the same quantity of projections and/or the projections of the building portions B1″, B2″ and B3 have the same overall shape. In addition, the width dimension and/or the length dimension of the projections of the building portions B1″, B2″ and B3 may be the same.

Cover 400 includes a pivotally coupled handle 412, which may have a similar configuration to handle 214. Accordingly, handle 412 may be rotatably coupled to sidewall 408, such as by protrusions and knobs as described above for handle 214. Further, the sidewall 302 of the container 300 may include locking protrusions (such as locking protrusions 110, 112) extending outwardly from opposing faces thereof, which are releasably engaged by correspondingly configured extension members on the handle 412 for releasably locking the cover 400 to the container 300. Thus, the building set S3 may be carried by a child in a manner similar to that described above for the building set S2.

Cover 350 and/or cover 400 may include additional entertainment elements that provide sensory stimulation for the child. Further, each of the building components 500 is engagable with the building portion B3 on the end wall 308 of the container 300, with the building portion B2″ on cover 350, and with building portion B1″ on cover 400. A child may arrange the container 300 and covers 350, 400 in various play arrangements and configurations. For example, container 300 and cover 350 may be inverted so that the building portions B3, B2″ are facing upwardly relative to a support surface and usable as building surfaces by the child. Further, end wall 308 of the container 300 may be nested within recess 360 of cover 350 for alternative play arrangements. Thus, a variety of play arrangements are possible due to the multiple building portions B3, B2″ and B1″.

A building set S4 according to an alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 26 and 27. Building set S4 includes a container 700 configured to hold a plurality of building components 500. Container 700 includes a sidewall 702 with ends 704 and 706 that are opposite each other, and an end wall 708 connected to the sidewall 702 and extending outwardly from end 706. The building components 500 may be placed in a receptacle 710 defined by the container 700. The building set S4 also includes a cover 750 removably coupleable to end 706, and another cover 780 removably coupleable to end 704.

In one embodiment, a portion of the sidewall 702 defines a door 712 that is pivotally coupled to end 706. Door 712 includes a distal end 714 movable between a closed position aligned with end 704 (shown in FIG. 26) and an open position extending outwardly from end 706 (shown in FIG. 27). The door 712 may include detents 716 disposed at the distal end 714 and configured to engage indents 718 provided proximate the end 704 when the door 712 is in the closed position. Thus, the door 712 may be easily maintained in the closed position when desired.

Cover 750 includes a body portion 752 having opposing sides 754, 756 and a sidewall 758. Side 754 includes a recess 760 configured to receive the end wall 708 of the container 700 therein. In one embodiment, the end wall 708 is releasably secured within the recess 760, such as by a friction fit, so that the cover 750 is securely maintained on the container 700 when desired, such as when the container 700 is being carried and/or moved. The recess 760 includes a base 762 with several projections 764a, 764b (shown engaging a building component 500), 764c, 764d, 764e, and 764f extending upwardly from the base 762 and defining a building portion B1′″. Each of the projections 764a-f of the building portion B1′″ are configured to engage a building component 500.

The other cover 780 includes a body portion 782 having opposing sides 784, 786, and a sidewall 788. Side 786 is configured to be supported by and/or engage at least a portion of end 704 of the container 700, such as opposing sides of the container 700 as shown in FIG. 26. Side 784 includes another building portion B2′″. Building portion B2′″ includes several projections 790a, 790b, each of which are configured to engage a building component 500.

The cover 780 includes a side portion 780a angularly disposed relative to another side portion 780b, so that the cover 780 has an arched or bridge-like configuration when resting on a support surface with the building portion B2′″ facing upwardly. A handle 792 is pivotally coupled to the sidewall 788. In one embodiment, opposing ends of side 786 releasably engage correspondingly aligned portions of end 704 of the container 700, such as via friction fit, clips, snaps, etc. for releasably locking the cover 780 to the container 700.

Cover 750 and/or cover 780 may include additional entertainment elements that provide sensory stimulation for the child. Further, each of the building components 500 is engagable with the building portion Br on the cover 750 and with the building portion B2′″ on the cover 780. The container 700 and covers 750, 780 may be arranged in various play arrangements and configurations, such as shown in FIG. 27.

A building set S5 according to an alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 28, 29 and 30. Building set S5 includes a container 800 configured to hold a plurality of building components 500. In one embodiment, container 800 has a generally square or rectangular configuration and includes sidewalls 802, 804, 806, 808, a bottom portion 810 extending between and connecting an end 812 of sidewalls 802-808, and a top portion 814 extending between an opposite end 816 of sidewalls 802-808. The building components 500 may be placed in a receptacle 818 defined by the container 800 as shown in FIG. 30.

One or more of the sidewalls 802-808 may include a building portion. Referring to FIG. 29, sidewall 806 includes a building portion B4 including projections 820a, 820b, 820c, and 820d, each of which are configured to engage a building component 500. Sidewall 808 includes another building portion B5 including a single projection 822a, which is configured to engage a building component 500.

In one embodiment, the top portion 814 of the building set S5 defines a cover 850 pivotally coupled to end 816 of the container 800 and movable between a closed position (shown in FIGS. 28 and 29) and an open position (shown in FIG. 30). The cover 850 has opposing sides 852, 854 and a sidewall 856. Side 852 includes another building portion B6. Building portion B6 includes several projections 858a, 858b, 858c, and 858d, each of which are configured to engage a building component 500.

Sidewalls 802-808 and/or cover 850 may include additional entertainment elements, patterns, textures and/or graphic indicia that provide sensory stimulation for the child. Further, each of the building components 500 is engagable with the building portion B4 on the sidewall 806, the building portion B5 on the sidewall 808, and with the building portion B6 on the cover 850.

A building set S6 according to an alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 31. Building set S6 includes a container 900 configured to hold a plurality of building components 500. Container 900 includes sidewall 902, a bottom portion 904 extending between and connecting an end 906 of sidewall 902, and a top portion 908 extending between and connecting an opposite end 910 of sidewall 902. The top portion 908 includes an opening 912. The building components 500 may be placed through the opening 912 and into a receptacle defined by the container 900.

The sidewall 902 includes a building portion B7 having projections 916a, 916b, 916c, and 916d, each of which are configured to engage a building component 500. Sidewall 902 may include another building portion B8 spaced from building portion B7, which has projections 918a, 918b. Projections 918a, 918b are configured to engage a building component 500. Sidewall 902 may include additional building portions. Alternatively or in addition, sidewall 902 may include additional entertainment elements, patterns, textures and/or graphic indicia that provide sensory stimulation for the child.

The top portion 908 includes a wall 920 with threads extending upwardly therefrom and about a perimeter of the opening 912. A cover 950 is releasably securable to the wall 920. The cover 950 includes an upper portion 952 and a sidewall 954. The sidewall 954 may have a threaded interior configuration, which engages correspondingly configured threads on the wall 920 of the top portion 908. Thus, the cover 950 may be screwed onto or off of the top portion 908. The upper portion 952 of the cover 950 includes another building portion B9 having several projections 956a, 956b, 956c, and 956d, each of which are configured to engage a building component 500.

Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the inventions and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. In addition, various features from one of the embodiments may be incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A building set, comprising:

a container having an upper end, a lower end, and a sidewall, the sidewall and the lower end defining a receptacle into which building components can be placed, the upper end defining an opening in communication with the receptacle, the lower end of the container including an outer surface defining a first building portion on which the building components can be placed, the first building portion having a configuration; and

a cover removably coupled to the container, the cover being coextensive with the opening of the container, the cover including an outer surface defining a second building portion on which the building components can be placed, the second building portion having a configuration, the configuration of the second building portion being the same as the configuration of the first building portion.

2. The building set of claim 1, wherein the first building portion includes a plurality of projections extending outwardly from the outer surface of the lower end of the container.

3. The building set of claim 2, wherein the second building portion includes a plurality of projections extending outwardly from the cover.

4. The building set of claim 1, wherein the cover is a first cover, the sidewall of the container extends continuously around the perimeter of the container, and the lower end of the container includes a second cover fixedly coupled to a lower end of the sidewall, wherein the second cover includes the first building portion.

5. The building set of claim 4, wherein the sidewall of the container includes a first end and a second end, each of the first cover and the second cover includes a body portion and a wall portion defining a receptacle, the wall portion of the first cover receiving the first end of the container sidewall, and the wall portion of the second cover receiving the second end of the container sidewall.

6. The building set of claim 1, wherein each of the building portions includes a plurality of projections and each of the building components is a block with a cavity that receives one of the plurality of projections.

7. The building set of claim 1, wherein the cover is a first cover, the sidewall of the container extends continuously around the perimeter of the container, and the lower end of the container includes a second cover removably coupled to a lower end of the sidewall, wherein the second cover includes a third building portion.

8. The building set of claim 7, wherein the second cover includes a first side and an opposite second side, the third building portion of the second cover disposed on the first side, the second side including a nesting surface engagable with the first building portion of the of the lower end of the container.

9. The building set of claim 1, wherein the cover is a first cover, the sidewall of the container extends continuously around the perimeter of the container, and the lower end of the container includes a second cover removably coupled to a lower end of the sidewall, wherein the second cover includes the first building portion.

10. A building set, comprising:

a container having a sidewall with a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the container including a first cover and a second cover, the first cover being fixedly coupled to the first end of the sidewall, the first cover and the sidewall collectively forming a receptacle, the second cover being removably coupleable to the second end of the sidewall, the first cover including a building portion, the second cover including a building portion, the building portion of the first cover having the same configuration as the building portion of the second cover; and

a plurality of building components, the building components being placeable in the receptacle defined by the container, the building components being engagable with the building portion on the first cover and with the building portion on the second cover.

11. The building set of claim 10, wherein the building portion of the first cover includes a plurality of projections extending outwardly from the first cover and the building portion of the second cover includes a plurality of projections extending outwardly from the second cover.

12. The building set of claim 11, wherein at least one of the building components includes a recess formed therein, the at least one of the building components being placeable on a projection of the first cover or of the second cover so that the projection is inserted into the recess.

13. The building set of claim 10, further comprising a ramp component having a first end and an opposite second end, the first end of the ramp component releasably coupleable to the building portion of the first cover and the second end of the ramp component releasably coupleable to the building portion of the second cover when the second cover is removed from the second end of the sidewall.

14. The building set of claim 10, wherein the second cover includes a first side and an opposite second side, the building portion of the second cover disposed on the first side, the second side including a nesting surface engagable with the building portion of the first cover.

15. A building assembly, comprising:

a sidewall having a first end and a second end opposite the first end;

a first cover fixedly coupled to the first end of the sidewall, the first cover including a body portion and at least one projection extending outwardly from the body portion, the first cover and the sidewall defining a receptacle; and

a second cover removably coupled to the second end of the sidewall, the second cover including a body portion and at least one projection extending outwardly from the body portion, the at least one projection of the first cover having the same configuration as the at least one projection of the second cover.

16. The building assembly of claim 15, further comprising:

a plurality of building components, the plurality of components being placeable in the receptacle, each of the building components being engagable with the at least one projection on the first cover and with the at least one projection on the second cover.

17. The building assembly of claim 15, wherein the first cover includes a plurality of projections and the second cover includes a plurality of projections, the projections of the first cover having the same configuration as the projections of the second cover.

18. The building assembly of claim 15, wherein the second cover includes a handle pivotally coupled thereto.

19. The building assembly of claim 15, further comprising a ramp component having a first end and an opposite second end, the first end of the ramp component releasably coupleable to the first cover and the second end of the ramp component releasably coupleable to the second cover when the second cover is removed from the second end of the sidewall.

20. The building assembly of claim 15, wherein the body portion of the second cover includes a first side and an opposite second side, the at least one projection extending outwardly from the first side of the body portion, the second side of the body portion including a nesting surface engagable with the at least one projection extending outwardly from the body portion of the first cover.