Assembly for Toy Block, Toy Vehicle, and Toy Roadway Play

Abstract

An assembly and method for play upon a flat surface including a multiplicity of channeled road segments including cross intersection road segments, “T” intersection road segments, “L” road segments, straight road segments, and dead-end road segments; a plurality of blocks having a multiplicity of sides, each side bearing one of the road segments; and a toy road formed by, upon a horizontally abutting or side-to-side arrangement of the blocks upon the flat surface, an upturned plurality of the road segments; and including steps of providing a toy vehicle, placing the toy vehicle upon the toy toad, and moving the toy vehicle along the toy road.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY FROM PREVIOUSLY FILED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This continuation in part patent application claims the benefit of and priority from U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/833,617 filed Jun. 11, 2013, and from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/293,672 filed Jun. 2, 2014. The inventor disclosed in and applicant of said applications is the same person as the person who is disclosed as the inventor in and applicant of the instant application. The applicant asserts that structures, functions of structures, and method and process steps disclosed and described in the instant application are substantially identical to those disclosed in said prior patent applications.

STATEMENT OF NATURE OF AND OBJECTIVES OF CONTINUATION IN PART FILING

In examination of the application Ser. No. 14/293,672 (of which the instant application constitutes a continuation in part) the Examiner cited prior art references which include descriptions of several types of blocks. Each block appearing in the cited prior art reference includes structures which are different from the structures which are present within the blocks of the instant invention. As a result of those blocks' differing structures, those blocks are rendered incapable of performing the functions of the instant invention. In addition to those blocks' inclusions of the differing structures, each of those blocks is disclosed within a patent document which does not include content which constitutes suggestions for the making of changes to the other references' blocks in ways which would cause them to structurally conform with or be able to perform the functions of the instant invention's blocks. To the extent that the previously cited references do include suggestions for the making of changes to each other's structures (they do not), such suggestions are for the making of blocks which are even further different from the blocks of the instant invention, and are even further incapable of performing the functions of the instant invention.

This continuation in part application is intended to better demonstrate the structure and functions of the blocks of the invention, and to clarify the differences between the instant invention's blocks and the structures and functions of various blocks which are disclosed in the prior art references.

In order to more easily see the differences between the Specification, Claims, and Abstract as they last appeared in application Ser. No. 14/293,672 and the Specification, Claims, and Abstract as they appear in the instant continuation in part application, a Line-in/Line-out version of those patent application sections is contemporaneously submitted. The Line-in/Line-out version is submitted only for purposes of reference, and the Applicant's Continuation in Part Application follows:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to games and toys. More particularly, this invention relates to games and toys which incorporate blocks, toy vehicles, and roadway channels for facilitating game playing and imaginative play upon flat play surfaces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Game play utilizing cube formed blocks upon playing surfaces and game play with toy vehicles upon miniature tracks, roads, and the like are known. The instant inventive assembly and method for toy block, toy vehicle, and toy roadway play facilitates unique and beneficial blocks and toy vehicles type game play and imaginative play upon flat play surfaces. Specially configured blocks including roadway indicia capable of being arranged in cooperation with each other to create roadways which support the toy vehicles are provided, and the instant invention includes game play method steps which utilize the provided blocks and toy vehicles for unique, imaginative, and amusing game play.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first structural component which is provided in accordance with the instant inventive assembly and method comprises a plurality of, and preferably a multiplicity of, substantially cubically formed blocks. In a preferred embodiment of the instant invention, approximately forty-two of such blocks are provided, each block preferably being configured substantially identically with each other block. In the preferred embodiment, each block constitutes a six sided geometric cube, each side having a surface area between 1.0 and 2.25 square inches. Each of the blocks preferably bears a roadway channel upon a plurality, and preferably five, of its sides. In a preferred embodiment, the roadway channels extend or indent inwardly from the faces of the blocks, such channels having configurations selected from the group consisting of straight road segment channels, 90° turn or corner or “L” channels, “+” or cross traffic intersection channels, “T” intersection channels, and roadway dead end channels.

In a preferred embodiment, a sixth side of each of the block components of the instant invention is configured to present a hollow socket for receipt of and support of landscape or cityscape feature indicating structures such as miniature toy houses and buildings, miniature toy road signs, and miniature toy trees.

According to the instant invention, the roadway channels graphically and/or sculpturally depict common streets or highways. Suitably, such channels may alternatively represent or depict railroad tracks, canals, or trails.

Further structural components which are preferably provided in accordance with the instant invention comprise toy vehicles which are fitted and sized for play upon roadways which may be construed via coordinating arrangements of the blocks' roadway channels. Where the roadways comprise surface indented street portraying channels, as is preferred, the toy vehicles preferably comprise toy automobiles and trucks which may be rolled by a child engaging in toy road play along the constructed street channels. Toy boats and toy trains may be alternatively suitably provided and used.

In unstructured play with the block and toy vehicle components of the instant invention, the child may arrange the blocks upon a flat surface in relation to each other to form variously configured road paths. Thereafter, the preferably provided toy automobiles or trucks may be guided and rolled by the child along the roadway during imaginative play. Such rolling of toy vehicles along the constructed roadways may undesirably result in horizontal shifts and disarrangements of the blocks. In order to resist block disarrangement during play, a block retaining grid with slightly raised grid lines may be provided for holding the blocks in their assigned roadway forming places.

According to a structured game playing mode of the instant invention, a square grid whose grid openings substantially match the faces of the blocks is preferably provided. Suitably, the square grid may comprise a play surface of a folding game board. Alternatively, the square grid may comprise a flat surface of a board, tray, or table. The grid lines may suitably comprise the above described slightly raised ridge lines which advantageously form a multiplicity of shallow square sockets for secure receipts of the road channel bearing blocks.

According to a preferred method of structured play, at least two game players, and suitably up to four game players, may assemble about the game's square grid. The multiple blocks of the invention are initially placed within a common pool from which the game players may draw. Upon each player's turn, said each player draws a block and places it within a grid square. Upon each player's first play turn, the player preferably places a first block within a grid square which is closest to that player.

According to the inventive structured method of play, block orientation directing means are provided. Each player's turn includes utilizing such means for determining which face of the next block to be placed must be oriented upwardly. Where each block's faces present straight road channel, a 90° turn or “L” channel, “+” or cross intersection channel, a “T” intersection channel, a road dead end channel, and a socket, as is preferred, the orientation directing means preferably randomly selects among such faces. In a preferred embodiment, the orientation directing means comprises a six sided dice having socket, 90° or “L” turn, “T”, “+” or cross, dead end, and straight channel indicia upon its six faces. Suitably, though less desirably, one of the road channel bearing blocks itself may be thrown by the players in place of such block orientation directing dice.

Where the block orientation directing dice includes the preferred road section indicia, each player, upon his or her turn, throws such dice to indicate which face of his or her roadway constructing block must be oriented upwardly. Each player is provided a toy vehicle to use upon the blocks, and each player preferably pursues game playing objectives including constructing a roadway which spans the game play grid, and includes guiding his or her toy vehicle therealong to the extreme opposite side of the game play grid. According to the method of the game, each player may freely orient each block by rotating it within the horizontal plane and may freely place each block upon the game grid at any open grid square, provided that the placement and rotation is consistent with roadway formation.

In a preferred mode of play, a separate standard dice or number spinner is provided for determining a number of steps or blocks each player may cause his or her toy vehicle to traverse upon each of his or her game play turns.

Construction of a roadway spanning the grid, and causing a player's toy vehicle to traverse the grid constitute the preferred game play goals or objectives, and the first player to achieve such goal is preferably declared or designated as a game winner.

The unique structure of the geometric cube configured blocks of the invention compliments and facilitates choices which are made during a child's active play with the invention's assembly. Such play typically comprises, for example, a movement of a provided toy vehicle along the assembly's channeled toy road which is constructed upon a square grid or in a square grid matrix. Such toy vehicle is conventionally moved by the child toward a particular location upon the assembled toy road.

While moving the toy vehicle toward said particular location, the child may have no fixed intention regarding further movement of the toy vehicle following its arrival at the location. Notwithstanding, the child must recognize that, under the constraints of the square grid matrix character of the assembled roadway, the only possible continued motions of the toy vehicle following its arrival at the location are a straight ahead motion, a right turn motion, a left turn motion, or a reversing motion.

A placement of a cross intersection channel at the above referenced location will avoid the imposition of any constraint against further vehicle motion, and will allow the child to delay her decision regarding the further motion until after the toy vehicle's arrival at the location. The above described lack of any fixed intention on the part of the child regarding the further motion of the toy vehicle is hereinbelow described as Intent No. 1.

Alternatively, while moving the toy vehicle toward said location upon the square grid toy road, the child may have developed a fixed intent to either continue a straight movement of the toy vehicle, to turn the vehicle to the right, or to reverse the vehicle's direction of travel. Such alternative intention is hereinbelow described as Intent No. 2. An alternative placement at the location of a “T” intersection channel which is oriented to rightwardly extend its stem or column will allow such child with Intent No. 2 to delay her decision regarding further motion of the toy vehicle until after the toy vehicle's arrival at the location. Such channel placement and orientation advantageously avoids any superfluous facilitation of other continued vehicle motions (i.e., a left turn) which do not exist within Intent No. 2.

Alternatively, while moving the toy vehicle toward said location upon the square grid toy road, the child may have a fixed intent to either continue straight, turn left, or reverse directions following the toy vehicle's arrival at the location. Such further alternative intention is hereinbelow referred to as Intent No. 3. An alternative reorienting placement at the location of the “T” intersection channel, wherein the reorientation leftwardly extends such channel's stem will allow the child to delay her decision regarding the further motion of the toy vehicle until after the toy vehicle's arrival at the location. Like the Intent No. 2 facilitating placement of the “T” channel, such reoriented placement of the “T” channel advantageously avoids any superfluous facilitation of other motions (i.e., a right turn) which do not exist within Intent No. 3.

While moving the toy vehicle toward said location upon the square grid toy road, the child may further alternatively have a fixed intent to either turn right or reverse directions following the vehicle's arrival. Such intent is hereinafter referred to as Intent No. 4. An alternative placement of an “L” channel, which is oriented so that its foot or stem extends rightwardly, advantageously facilitates such intent without superfluously facilitating motions (i.e., straight and left) which do not exist within the Intent No. 4.

While moving the toy vehicle toward said location upon the square grid toy road, the child may further alternatively have a fixed intent to turn left or to reverse directions following such arrival. Such intent is hereinafter referred to as Intent No. 5. An alternative reoriented placement of the “L” channel for left turning at the location facilitates such Intent No. 5 without superfluously facilitating other vehicle motions.

While moving the toy vehicle toward said location upon the square grid toy road, the child may further alternatively have a fixed intent to continue straight or reverse directions following the toy vehicle's arrival at the location. Such intent is hereinafter referred to as Intent No. 6. An alternate placement of a straight road channel at such location exclusively facilitates such Intent No. 6.

As a final alternative, while moving the toy vehicle toward said location upon the square grid toy road, the child may have a fixed intent to reverse the toy vehicle's motion following the toy vehicle's arrival at the location. Such direction reversing intent is hereinafter referred to as Intent No. 7. An alternative placement of a dead end channel at the location will facilitate such intention without superfluously facilitating other motions (i.e., straight, right turn, and left turn motions) not existing within Intent No. 7.

In circumstances where the child intends to execute further motions of the toy vehicle following its arrival at the location referenced above, it is impossible for the child to develop any future vehicle motion intention which falls outside of the intention numbers 1 through 7 described above.

Where orthogonal N, S, E, and W coordinates or directions are ascribed to the square grid toy road, it may be recognized that the above described preliminary motions of the toy vehicle toward the above described location may proceed only from one of such N, S, E, and W directions. A single “T” intersection channel which is capable of free orientation and reorientation with respect to such N, S, E, and W directions will accommodate Intent Nos. 2 and 3 regardless of the direction from which the location is approached, and without superfluous accommodation of motions not existing within those intentions. A single 90° turn or “L” channel may similarly accommodate Intent Nos. 4 and 5 from all directions. The straight through intention of Intent No. 6 is similarly always facilitated by the instant invention's straight channel. The dead end travel of Intent No. 7 is similarly always facilitated by the dead end channel. It follows that, where cross, “T”, “L”, straight, and dead end channels are reorientable with respect to the N, S, E, and W directions, a provision of one of each of such road segments will accommodate every future toy vehicle motion intention (i.e, Intent Nos. 1-7 in four directions) which could exist or be formed by the child. Intent Nos. 1-7 from the four N, S, E, and W directions results in fifteen discrete intentions which are facilitated by the instant invention's five channel types.

Each segment of the instant inventive toy road is desirably configured to include a channel which opens upwardly for a downward receipt of the toy vehicle, which has a floor along which the toy vehicle may roll, and which has opposing side walls to retain the toy vehicle within the channel. Since the above described cross, “T”, “L”, straight, and dead end road segments constitute channels having ends, they necessarily form end openings in addition to their upward openings. For example, the cross configured channel road segment includes four end openings with two end openings facing the N/S directions and with two end openings facing in the E/W directions. Correspondingly, the “T” channeled road segment has three end openings, the straight channel road segment has two end openings, the “L” channeled road segment has two end openings, and the dead end channeled road segment has one end opening. The cross, “T”, “L”, straight, and dead end channels cumulatively present twelve channel end openings. The instant invention's provision of such twelve channel end openings (as opposed to a provision of a lesser or greater number of openings) constitutes an intentional specialized feature of the assembly which allows the invention to functionally achieve the objectives of the invention as further described below.

The square grid toy road assembly described above typically presents a flat surface which is analogous to a flat ground surface which may include an actual road and over which an actual vehicle may roll. The instant invention recognizes that the typically flat faces of a cube may suitably represent such “real world” flat road bearing surfaces. Since every geometric cube has six flat surfaces or faces and since, as explained above, only five channeled road segments are needed to facilitate all of the toy vehicle movements included within intention numbers 1 through 7, every geometric cube includes enough flat faces to receive one of each of the instant invention's five channeled road segments. The instant invention includes formations of such channels within five of the faces of a six sided cube.

The instant invention also recognizes that, upon formations of the five channeled road segments within five of the cube's six faces, each of those channels' twelve end openings necessarily resides at one of the cube's edges. Since every geometric cube has twelve edges, each cube whose faces include the five channeled road segments necessarily includes cube edges (i.e., twelve edges) in sufficient numbers to accommodate each of the invention's twelve channel end openings. Such 12:12 ratio of channel ends to cube edges allows the invention to arrange its structures so that no two of such channel ends is required to reside at any single cube edge.

The instant invention further recognizes that the above described 5:6 and 12:12 ratios [i.e., five (5) channel segment spaces: six (6) cube faces, and twelve (12) channel end opening spaces: twelve (12) cube edges] allow a single geometric cube to be modified to serve and facilitate each of the toy road playing intention numbers 1 through 7 described above. For example, the child who is engaged in play with the instant inventive toy road assembly may progressively move her toy vehicle toward the above described particular location. Such child may also have in his or her possession one of the inventive cubes which is configured in accordance with the instant invention to include the five road channels (i.e., the cross, “T”, straight, “L”, and dead end channels). If the child has developed the Intent No. 1 during such approach, the child may advantageously manipulate the cube to upturn the face which includes the cross channel, and the child may thereafter align one of such channel's end openings in the path of the toy vehicle. Consistent with the child's developed Intent No. 1, the child may freely decide which further direction the vehicle will move after the vehicle arrives at the location.

Alternatively, in the event that the child has preliminarily developed either Intent No. 2 or Intent No. 3, the child may manipulate the cube so that its “T” channel faces upwardly. Thereafter, the child may place such cube at the location with a channel end aligning with the toy vehicle's travel path. If such placement occurs while Intent No. 2 exists, the child may rotate the cube to extend the T's stem or column extends rightwardly. Alternatively, where Intent No. 3 has been preliminarily developed, the child may oppositely rotate the cube to leftwardly extend the T's stem.

Further alternatively, in the event that the child has developed either of Intent Nos. 4 and 5, the child may manipulate the cube to upturn “L” channel road segment, and may thereafter rotate the cube for a left turn or a right turn consistently with Intent Nos. 4 and 5, as applicable.

Further alternatively, if a straight passage or direction reversal is intended (i.e. Intent No. 6), the child may upturn and align the cube's straight road channel face.

As a final alternative which accommodates the direction reversing Intent No. 7, a child having such intent may upturn and align the face of the cube which includes the dead end channel.

As indicated above, each toy vehicle motion which is not included within one of the seven intentions is described as a superfluous motion with respect to said one intention. Each of such described superfluous motions is intended as describing or representing a positively developed intention on the part of the child to mechanically block and prohibit such motion.

In accordance with the instant invention, where the child moves the toy vehicle along the toy road channel toward the above referenced exemplary location, alternative placements and orientations of a single rendition of the inventive cube at such location mechanically facilitates each and every possible future vehicle motion intention that the child could develop.

Accordingly, a core objective of the instant invention constitutes a provision of a cube which is specially configured and channeled for alternatively facilitating and accommodating each and every toy road play vehicle motion intention (i.e., intention numbers 1 through 7).

The instant invention further recognizes that, in attempting to fabricate a cube to include all of the structural features described above, a fabricator may naturally assume that the cube's cross channel face is to be positioned oppositely from the cube's sixth or channel—less face. However, such an attempted cube fabrication will unexpectedly fail because such opposite positioning requires that the straight and “T” channels be on sides opposite from each other, making it mechanically impossible for the cube to include the “L” channel. Accordingly, the instant invention includes a discovery that the cross channel face and the channel—less face must be adjacent to each other (i.e., having cube face edges which meet at one of the twelve edges of the cube/block) and not opposite from each other.

Other and further objects, benefits, and advantages of the present invention will become known to those skilled in the art upon review of the Detailed Description which follows, and upon review of the appended drawings.

STATEMENT REGARDING CHARACTER OF DRAWINGS

Drawing FIGS. 1-5 described below are photographic in character, and the Applicant does not petition for the allowance of photographic drawings. Notwithstanding, the Applicant asserts that the drawings are such that the prosecution can be carried out without the submission of corrected drawings showing the depicted structures in black lines only, and that the drawings are expected to be legible after scanning, making them drawings acceptable under the provisions of MPEP 507(F). Accordingly, the Applicant requests under MPEP § 608.02(b) that the drawings be admitted for examination purposes, and that any requirement for submission of black line drawings be imposed following examination of the application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one of the game blocks which is provided in accordance with the instant invention.

FIG. 2 presents an alternative view of the block of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 depicts an assemblage of multiple renditions of the block of FIGS. 1 and 2, the view further showing provided toy vehicles, and toy buildings, signs and trees used in conjunction with such assemblage.

FIG. 4 presents a game board grid which is utilized in a structured game play mode of the instant invention.

FIG. 5 redepicts the game board grid of FIG. 4, the view of FIG. 5 showing game block and vehicle placements resulting from performance of the game play method steps of the instant invention.

FIG. 6 presents a game block orientation directing dice utilized in the structured game play mode of the instant invention.

FIG. 7 presents an alternate orientation of the die of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 presents a common dice utilized in the structured game play mode of the instant invention.

FIG. 9 presents a spinner dial utilized in the structural game play mode of the instant invention.

FIG. 10 presents a block configured substantially identically with the FIG. 1 block.

FIG. 11 is an alternative view of the block of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS AND MODES OF GAME PLAY

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to Drawing FIGS. 1-3, a game block which is preferably provided in accordance with the instant invention is referred to generally by Reference Arrow 1. The game block 1 is a substantially regular cube having sides between 1.0 and 2.25 square inches. The game block 1 has six sides 2, 10, 20, 28, 36, and 44, and five of the six sides are preferably configured to present indented or “C” channel configured road segments including a 90° turn or “L” channel 4,6,7,8, a “T” intersection channel 30,32,34, a “+” or cross intersection channel 38,40,42, a straight road channel 12,14,18, and a dead end road channel 22,24,26. As indicated in Drawing FIGS. 1 and 2, block face 2 of each block 1 includes an indented channel 4, such channel 4 having a floor 8 and side walls 6 and 7, such channel 4 curving 90° and preferably having roadway markings upon the channel floor 8. The face 36 of each block 1 preferably has a “+” or cross intersection configured channel 38, such channel 38 having a floor 42 bearing roadway markings and having side walls 40. Block face 10 has a straight road channel 12, such channel having a floor 18 bearing straight road markings and having side walls 14 and 16. Block face 20 has a roadway dead end channel 22, such channel having a floor 26 and a side wall 24. Finally, block face 28 has a “T” intersection channel 30, such channel having a floor 34 and having side walls 32.

Referring simultaneously to FIGS. 1-3 and 5, upon placement of one of the blocks 1 within one of the grid spaces 63 of a square grid 62 appearing upon a game board 60, such block may be advantageously arranged to present upon its upturned face any one of fifteen differently oriented and configured road segments, they being four differently oriented 90° or “L” turns, four differently oriented “T” intersections, four differently oriented dead ends, two differently oriented straight road segments, and one “+” or cross traffic intersection.

Referring simultaneously to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, a multiplicity of, and preferably 42 game blocks are preferably provided, each game block preferably being configured substantially identically with each other game block. Each game block's ability to orient an upturned face to alternatively portray fifteen separate and discreet road segments, as described above, allows for such multiplicity of game blocks to be advantageously arranged in coordination with each other to form various interesting roadways or street paths. An example of such coordinating arrangement of the blocks appears in FIG. 3.

Referring further simultaneously to FIGS. 1-3, a sixth side 44 of each of the game blocks 1 preferably presents a hollow socket 46 which may be utilized for mounting support of sculptural depictions of common cityscape and landscape features. Toy houses or building structures 48A,48B,48C,48D, miniature road signs 45, and trees 47 are examples of such features. Each such toy cityscape or landscape feature preferably has a downwardly extending mounting pin 50 which is fitted for receipt within each of the blocks' sockets 46.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, upon arranging the game blocks 1 to form a roadway as indicated in FIG. 3, and upon placements of buildings and other structures within sockets 46, as indicated in FIG. 3, children may advantageously engage in imaginative play upon the constructed roadways, such play including rolling provided miniature toy vehicles 52A and 52B upon and along the constructed streets.

To accommodate for the tendency of such toy vehicle play to disarrange the blocks 1, a game board 60 presenting a square grid of low ridges 62A may be provided, and the imaginative vehicle and blocks play may proceed while each block is nestingly secured within one of the defined block receiving spaces 63A. The outside edges or corners of the blocks 1 are preferably curved or relieved to avoid interference between the ridges 62A and the blocks, and to allow lateral sides of the blocks 1 to closely abut each other upon placements within adjacent spaces 63A.

Referring simultaneously to FIGS. 1-3, the “C” channel configured road segments 4, 38, 14, 30, and 22 formed within the faces 2, 36, 10, 28, and 20 of the game blocks 1 are intended as being representative of and other common types of travel paths such as railroads or rail tracks, canals, and trails.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the block 103 of FIGS. 10 and 11 is configured similarly with other blocks described above. The block 103 has a first face 104, and a cross channel 105 extends into and is formed at such first face 104. Channel 105 opens the block 103 at such first face 104. The first face 104 has a substantially square periphery and the block 103 has a first edge 106, a second edge 110, a third edge 114, and a fourth edge 118, each of which is positioned at such periphery. The block 103 is further opened by the channel 105 at such channel's first end 108, at such channel's second end 112, at such channel's third end 116, at such channel's fourth end 120, with each of such channel end openings 108, 112, 116, and 120 being positioned at the square periphery of the first face 104. Such channel end openings 108, 112, 116, and 120 are respectively inwardly positioned (with respect to the first face 104) from the block's first, second, third, and fourth edges 106, 110, 114, and 118. Each of such channel end openings 108, 112, 116, and 112 performs its further opening of the block 103 function at four other block faces, each of which is perpendicular to or extends perpendicularly from face 104. Also, each of the instant invention's channel end block openings (e.g., the first opening 108) has a rectangular periphery which is indicated in dashed lines. The block 103 has twelve of such openings, and each such opening comprises a channel floor edge, a pair of opposing channel wall edges which extend upwardly from opposite ends of the channel floor edge, and an open space which spans between the upper ends of such channel wall edges. Each of the twelve edges of the block 103 comprises one of such rectangular periphery open space components.

The block 103 further has a second face 122 and the block is further opened by a “T” channel which extends into and is formed at such face 122. Like the first face 104, the second face 122 has a square periphery. In addition to the block's first, second, third, and fourth edges 108, 110, 114, and 118, the block has fifth, sixth, and seventh edges 126, 130, and 134, and each of such fifth through seventh edges is positioned at the periphery of the second face 122. In addition to the block's first, second, third, and fourth channel end openings 108, 112, 116, and 120, the block 103 is further opened by fifth, sixth, and seventh openings 128, 132, and 136. In a fashion similar to openings 108, 122, 116, and 120 at the ends of the cross channel 105, said fifth, sixth, and seventh openings, open the block 103 at the arm ends and stem end of the “T” channel 124. Also, similarly with the inward positionings of the first through fourth openings with respect to face 104, the fifth through seventh openings 128, 132, and 136 are positioned inwardly from face 122, and the fifth through seventh openings open the block 103 at three faces which are perpendicular to face 122.

The block 103 further has a third face 138 which, similarly with the first and second faces 104 and 122, has a square periphery. An “L” channel 140 is formed at and extends inwardly from the third face 138. Associated with such third face 138 and its “L” channel 140, the block 103 further has eighth and ninth edges 142 and 146, each of which is positioned at the square periphery of such third face 138. Also associated with such third face 138 and “L” channel 140, the block 103 further has eighth and ninth channel end openings 144 and 148 which further open the block at the two ends of such “L” channel 140. Consistently with the relative inward positionings of the first through seventh openings 108, 112, 116, 120, 128, 132, and 136 with respect to the faces 104 and 122, channel end openings 144 and 148 are positioned inwardly from or inwardly underlie the third face 138, and those openings reside at two block faces which are perpendicular to face 138.

The block 103 further has a fourth face 150 including a straight channel 152 which opens the block 103 at and extends inwardly from such face. Like all other faces of the block 103, the fourth face 150 has a square periphery. Similarly with the square periphery positionings of the block's first through ninth edges, the block 103 further has tenth and eleventh edges 154 and 158 which are positioned at the periphery of the fourth face 150. Tenth and eleventh channel end openings 156 and 160 are associated with both the fourth face 150 and the ends of the straight channel 152. Such channel ends 156 and 160 function to further open the block 103 at both ends of the straight channel 152. Similarly with all other channel end openings discussed above, the end openings 156 and 160 of the straight channel 152 are positioned inwardly from the fourth face 150, and they further open the block 103 at two perpendicular faces.

Other than the lower face of block 103 (which cannot be seen in either of the views of FIGS. 10 and 11), the block 103 has only one other face which has not been discussed above. For convenience of reference, such only one other block face is denominated the fifth face 162 of the block 103. Like all other block faces, the fifth face 162 has a square periphery. A dead end channel 164 is formed at and extends inwardly from such fifth face 162. As a result of the preferred geometric cube configuration of the block 103, such block can have one and only one other edge in addition to the eleven edges discussed above (i.e., edges 108, 110, 114, 118, 126, 130, 134, 142, 146, 154, and 158), and that one and only one other edge is, for the convenience of reference, denominated the block's twelfth edge 166. As indicated above, the block 103 has eleven channel end openings (i.e., the first through eleventh channel end openings 108, 112, 116, 120, 128, 132, 136, 144, 148, 156, and 160), and each of such eleven channel end openings is positioned at one and only one edge among the block's first through eleventh edges (i.e., block edges 106, 110, 114, 118, 126, 130, 134, 142, 146, 154, and 158). Such one and only one positioning relationship of the block's first through eleventh openings 108, 112, 116, 120, 128, 132, 136, 144, 148, 156, 160 with respect to the block's first through eleventh edges 106, 110, 114, 118, 126, 130, 134, 142, 146, 154, 158 constitutes a preferred configuration of the instant invention.

The instant invention's preferred provision of the 1:1 ratio of channel ends with respect to block edges may be understood by considering an undesirable alternative structural arrangement wherein any two of the openings among the first through eleventh channel end openings are positioned at any one of the edges among the block's first through eleventh edges. Such structural arrangement would cause two of the block's channels to include floor surfaces which do not extend to a block face. Just as holes or pits within the surface of real roads are undesirable, holes or pits within the floors of the instant inventive block's roadway channels are undesirable. The instant inventive block's preferred exclusive and 1:1 positioning relationship between the channel end openings and the block edges advantageously avoids such channel floor pits or holes, and allows each channel floor to completely extend to a perpendicular block face for smooth rolling communication of the toy vehicle with another adjacently placed block. In accordance with the invention, the dead end channel 164 positions its single channel end opening 168 (i.e., the block's twelfth and final channel end opening) at the block's twelfth and final edge 166. No other or additional type of vehicle conveying channel could be received into or formed at any of the six faces of the block 103 without precipitating or causing the undesirable floor hole or pit problem described above. In particular, it may be noted that the sixth or downwardly oriented face of the block 103 could not receive or include any vehicle motion accommodating channel because the block's third, eleventh, sixth, and twelfth openings (i.e., openings 116, 160, 132, and 168) respectively reside at the block's third, eleventh, sixth, and twelfth edges (i.e., edges 114, 158, 130, and 166). Thus, such sixth face is available only for uses such as socket support of structures such as road signs, as indicated above.

Each of the channel end openings 108, 11,2 116, 120, 128, 132, 136, 144, 148, 156, 160, and 166 is “U” configured, and each such “U” respectively opens at one of the block's edges 106, 110, 114, 118, 126, 130, 134, 142, 146, 154, 158, and 166.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, in a structured mode of play which may be facilitated by the instant invention, a folding game board 60 may be provided, such game board having upon its upper surface a square grid 62 (or alternatively a raised square grid 62A), such square grid defining a multiplicity of block receiving squares 63 (or block receiving recesses 63A). The depicted game board 60 is intended as being representative of other suitably substituted flat play surfaces such as rigid boards, tray surfaces, and table tops.

According to a preferred mode of play, at least two game players may participate, one of the players being seated adjacent game board edge 64, and the other player being seated adjacent game board edge 66. As many as two other players may suitably play, they being seated along opposing lateral edges of the game board 60.

Referring to FIGS. 4-9, in addition to the game board 60, a multiplicity of substantially identical game blocks 1 are provided, a toy vehicle 52A,52B is provided for each player, and a common six sided dice 100 or number spinner 102 is provided. Referring in particular to FIGS. 6 and 7, a game block orientation directing dice 70 is also preferably provided, such dice 70 preferably being marked in a fashion which corresponds with the roadway segment bearing faces and socket face of the game blocks 1. Accordingly, dice face 72 has a “+” intersection indicia 74, dice face 76 has a “T” intersection indicia 78, dice face 80 has 90° turn or “L indicia 82, dice face 84 has a socket indicia 86, dice face 88 has a road dead end indicia 90, and dice face 92 has a straight road section indicia 94. Suitably, though less desirably, one of the game blocks 1 itself may be alternatively thrown in the manner of dice in place of the block orientation directing dice 70.

Following seating of players about game board 60 as indicated above, the players may roll the common dice 100 or spin the number spinner 102 to determine who will play first, the player having the high dice roll or high spin playing first. Thereafter, the first player to play may draw one of the game blocks 1 and may throw the block orientation selecting dice 70 upon a flat table surface. In the exemplary event that such dice 70 shows upturned face 80 bearing 90° turn indicia 82, as indicated in FIG. 6, the player making such throw must place his or her first game block 1 upon a nearest square 63 of the game board 60, and such player must orient the game block to indicate either a right turn or a left turn at such nearest square. As indicated in FIG. 5, the game block denoted by Reference Arrow 1 has been selected to initially construct a right turn roadway path extending from such player's game board edge 64. Thereafter, such player may place his or her toy vehicle 52A within the channel of such initially placed game block 1.

In an alternative exemplary event that the throw of the orientation selecting dice 70 results in upturned face 84 bearing socket indicia 86, the player making such throw may, referring further simultaneously to FIG. 3, orient a game block 1 with face 44 and socket 46 upturned, and may engage one of the buildings 48A-48E therein, or may engage other structures such as trees 47 or road sign 45 therein. Thereafter, such player may place such game block within any of the unoccupied squares 63 upon the game board 60, provided that such placement does not cause the block to function as a road dead end. Placement of such structure supporting game block serves to exclude one of the squares 63 from becoming a part of a roadway matrix, and upon a game turn including such placement, no vehicle placement or vehicle movement is allowed.

In the event that a throw of dice 70 upturns dice faces 72, 76, 88, or 92, the player making the throw is required to orient his or her game block in a manner similar to that described above, all block placements being required to be consistent with construction of a common roadway.

Upon an opposing player's turn, the opposing player performs steps substantially identical to those performed by the first player, and play proceeds in an alternating fashion or in a continuous loop where there are more than two players. In a preferred mode of play, each player utilizes the common dice or the numbered spinner dial to determine a maximum number of blocks or spaces his or her vehicle may be moved along the constructed roadway during a play turn.

A game playing objective of each participating player is to both create a roadway path which spans from the player's side to an opposite side of the game board, and to perform incremental or “block-to-block” moves of his or her vehicle along such constructed path until the player's vehicle completely traverses the board and ultimately arrives at another player's opposite side. According to a preferred mode of play, a player whose vehicle first arrives at the other side of the board is designated as or is declared to be a game winner. Other game board starting points, and other final position objectives upon the game board are considered to fall within the scope of the invention.

While the principles of the invention have been made clear in the above illustrative embodiment, those skilled in the art may make modifications in the structure, arrangement, portions and components of the invention without departing from those principles, and those skilled in the art may make modifications to the method steps of the invention including their identity, character, and sequence of performance without departing from those principles. Accordingly, it is intended that the description and drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in the limiting sense, and that the invention be given a scope commensurate with the appended claims.

Claims

1-4. (canceled)

5-11. (canceled)

12. A method for game play upon a flat surface, the method comprising steps of:

(a) providing a multiplicity of road segment indicia;

(b) providing a plurality of blocks having a multiplicity of sides, wherein each side among the multiplicity of sides bears one of the road segment indicia;

(c) abuttingly arranging the blocks upon the flat surface so that road segment indicia borne upon the blocks' upturned sides form a toy road;

(d) providing a toy vehicle fitted for play movement along the toy road; and

(e) placing the toy vehicle upon the toy road and moving the toy vehicle therealong.

13. The method for game play upon the flat surface of claim 12 wherein the providing a multiplicity of road segment indicia step provides indicia selected from the group consisting of turn indicia, “T” intersection indicia, cross intersection indicia, dead-end indicia, and straight indicia.

14. The method for game play upon the flat surface of claim 13 wherein the step of abuttingly arranging the blocks upon the flat surface is preceded by a grid providing step wherein the grid includes a matrix of square block receiving spaces, and wherein each abuttingly arranged block is positioned within one of said spaces.

15. The method for game play upon the flat surface of claim 14 further comprising a step of providing at least a second toy vehicle, wherein the toy vehicle placing and moving steps further move the at least second toy vehicle, and wherein each toy vehicle moving step is performed by a game player among a group of a first game player and at least a second game player.

16. The method for game play upon the flat surface of claim 15 further comprising a step of providing a block orientation dice, wherein the first game player and the at least second game player alternatingly place one of the blocks upon the grid, and wherein, preceding each block placement, the game player placing said each block rolls the block orientation dice to determine the side of said each block which shall be upturned upon its placement upon the grid.

17. The method for game play upon the flat surface of claim 16 further comprising a step of providing a plurality of sculpture and pin mount combinations, wherein the providing a plurality of blocks step provides a plurality of sockets wherein each socket opens at one of the blocks' sides and wherein each socket is fitted for receiving one of said combinations' pins, and wherein the block orientation dice providing step provides a six sided dice bearing upon its sides indicia selected from the group consisting of cross intersection indicia, “T” intersection indicia, turn indicia, road dead-end indicia, straight road indicia, and pin receiving socket indicia.

18. The method for game play upon the flat surface of claim 17 further comprising steps of either providing a common six sided dice or providing a number spinner, wherein the first game player and the at least second game player alternatingly move their toy vehicles along the roadway, and wherein, prior to each game player's toy vehicle movement, said each game player rolls or spins said dice or spinner to determine a distance said each player's toy vehicle may be moved along the toy road.

19. The method for game play upon the flat surface of claim 18 wherein the grid providing step provides a substantially square grid having two pairs of opposing sides, wherein each game player among the first game player and at least second game player is positioned at one of said grid's sides, wherein said each game player attempts to configure the toy road to extend to a grid side opposite said each game player's grid side position, and wherein said each game player attempts to move said each game player's toy vehicle along the toy road to said each game player's opposite grid side.

20. The method for game play upon the flat surface of claim 19 further comprising a step of declaring a game winner, the game winner being the game player among the first game player and at least second game player whose toy vehicle first moves to said game player's opposite grid side.

21. A toy road assembly comprising:

(a) a first cube having six faces;

(b) a cross channel, a “T” channel, a straight channel, an “L” channel, and a dead end channel, said channels opening said cube at five of the six faces, wherein the cross channel has ends which further open said cube at four of the six faces, wherein the “T” channel has ends which further open said cube at three of the six faces, wherein the straight channel has ends which further open said cube at two of the six faces, wherein the “L” channel has ends which further open said cube at two of the six faces, and wherein the dead end channel has an end which further opens said cube at one of the six faces.

22. The toy road assembly of claim 21 wherein the first cube has twelve edges, wherein each end has a rectangular periphery comprising a floor end, a pair of wall ends extending upwardly from the floor end, and an opening which spans between upper ends of said wall ends, and wherein each edge among said twelve edges comprises one of said openings.

23. The toy road assembly of claim 22 further comprising a socket which further opens the first cube at a face other than one of said five of the six faces.

24. The toy road assembly of claim 23 further comprising a plurality of second cubes, each cube among the plurality of second cubes being configured substantially identically with the first cube.

25. The toy road assembly of claim 24 wherein the first and plurality of second cubes are arranged to align one of the first cube's ends with one of the second cubes' ends.

26. The toy road assembly of claim 25 further comprising a toy vehicle positioned for rolling motion at the aligned one of the first cube's end and one of the second cube's end.

27. The toy road assembly of claim 26 further comprising a toy road sign having a base, said base being received within the socket.