MODULAR MAGNETIC BUILDING BLOCK TOY SYSTEM

Abstract

A modular building block toy kit or system having a plurality of building blocks and a plurality of accessory pieces. Each of the building blocks and the accessory pieces have embedded magnets for coupling to other building blocks or accessory pieces.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/145,527 filed Feb. 4, 2021, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of infant and children's toys, and more particularly to building block toys.

BACKGROUND

Building blocks are popular children's toys favored by both parents and children alike. They help children explore their imagination further fostering their creativity and ingenuity. The use of magnets in building blocks is known. However, magnets in conventional magnetic building blocks are embedded or fixed to the blocks such that their polarity is fixed limiting their attraction to those with opposite polarity.

Continuing developments and improvements are sought in the field of toy building blocks that allow greater utility and block play. It is to the provision of magnetic toy building blocks meeting these and other needs that the present disclosure is primarily directed.

SUMMARY

In example embodiments, the present disclosure provides a modular, magnetic toy building block system that may be used with other blocks in building any particular structure. The building block system includes building block pieces and accessory pieces that may be coupled to the building blocks using magnets. The magnetic system allows a child to easily change the configuration of the building blocks while developing their fine motor skills. For example, the magnets allow a child to easily put the pieces together or take them apart without the need to overcome a tighter friction fit connection.

In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a modular building block toy system. The modular building block toy system includes one or more building block pieces with at least one first magnetic portion and one or more accessory pieces with at least one second magnetic portion. In example embodiments, the one or more building block pieces are configured for releasably coupling to the one or more accessory pieces.

In example embodiments, the one or more building block pieces of the modular building block toy system includes one or more magnets loosely housed or retained in the building block pieces. The one or more magnets are free to rotate about at least axes inside the one or more building block pieces.

In example embodiments, the one or more building block pieces of the modular building block toy system include at least one indentation, and the one or more accessory pieces include at least one protrusion corresponding to the at least one indentation. In example embodiments, the at least one indentation and the at least one projection are octagonal in shape and are configured for cooperative engagement with one another.

In some example embodiments, the one or more buildings block pieces may have four magnetic portions. In other example embodiments, the one or more buildings block pieces may have five magnetic portions. In still other example embodiments, the one or more buildings block pieces may have six magnetic portions.

In some example embodiments, the modular building block toy system may further include an activity table having one or more interactive features configured for engagement with the one or more building block pieces or one or more accessory pieces. In other example embodiments, the modular building block toy system may include a convertible activity table convertible between a first carrying case configuration and a second activity table configuration.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to magnetic toy block configured for releasably coupling to an accessory piece having at least one projection thereon. In example embodiments, the magnetic toy block includes a plurality of magnetic sides, each of the plurality of magnetic sides comprising at least one indentation corresponding to the at least one projection of the accessory piece. The magnetic toy block also includes a magnet loosely retained adjacent each magnetic side, and the magnet is free to rotate about at least two axes. In some example embodiments, the magnetic toy block includes four magnetic portions. In other example embodiments, the magnetic toy block includes five magnetic portions. In still other example embodiments, the magnetic toy block includes six magnetic portions.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a children's play item. The children's play item includes at least one freely rotating magnet that is retained internally therein and adjacent at least one side of the children's play item. The at least one magnet has at least two axes of rotation in the children's play item. In some example embodiments, the children's play item includes four free floating magnets. Each of the four free floating magnets are retained inside the building block and adjacent one distinct side thereof. In other example embodiments, the children's play item includes five free floating magnets. Each of the five free floating magnets are retained inside the children's play item and adjacent one distinct side thereof. In yet another example embodiment, the children's play item includes six free floating magnets. Each of the six free floating magnets are retained inside the children's play item and adjacent one distinct side thereof.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the disclosure will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of example embodiments are explanatory of example embodiments of the disclosure, and are not restrictive of the disclosure, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular building block toy system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a modular building block toy system according to another example embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a modular building block toy system according to yet another example embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a modular building block according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of one magnetic side of a modular building block.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a modular building block with four magnetic sides.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a modular building block with five magnetic sides.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a modular building block with six magnetic sides.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of an example modular accessory piece according to example embodiments according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a is an exploded view of another example modular accessory piece.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a children's activity table according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the children's activity table of FIG. 11.

FIGS. 13A-13B show one aspect of a magnet-play feature of the children's activity table of FIG. 11, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 14A-14B show another aspect of the magnet-play feature of the children's activity table of FIG. 11.

FIGS. 15A-15B show yet another aspect of the magnet-play feature of the children's activity table of FIG. 11.

FIGS. 16A-16C show a convertible activity table reconfigurable between a first, carrying case configuration and a second, activity table configurable, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of example embodiments taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed disclosure. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIGS. 1-3 show a plurality of examples of a modular building block toy system according to an example embodiment. The modular building block toy system uses magnets and/or magnetic paint or components to couple each of the different pieces together. The magnets are embedded or otherwise provided within the pieces and may not be removed. In particular embodiments, the magnets are sufficiently strong to attach to another magnet of a different piece.

Generally, the building block toy system includes a plurality of building block pieces 10 and a plurality of accessory pieces 90. The building block pieces 10 generally comprise a cube-like shape or profile but may comprise any suitable, 3-D shape, such as for example play items shaped as human- and animal-characters; vehicles such as for example cars, trucks, boats, airplanes; toy construction equipment; toy houses or other buildings; alphanumeric figures; animated characters; etc. The accessory pieces 90 may be any suitable shape and have any suitable play feature such as for example wheels, gears, character/building attributes, beads, rotating rattle beads, sliding doors, spinners, etc. Each building block piece 10 and each accessory piece 90 includes one or more magnets for coupling to other building block pieces and/or other accessory pieces. In example embodiments, the building block pieces 10 and the accessory pieces 90 are sized and shaped so that they cannot be swallowed by a child.

FIG. 1, for example, shows a modular building block toy system 100 according to an example embodiment. In this embodiment, the modular building block toy system 100 includes a plurality of building blocks 10 and accessory pieces 90 and is configured to resemble a custom home or building. For example, the accessory pieces 90 may include home features including a roof, windows, doors, chimneys, etc. In example embodiments, additional building block pieces 10 may be used to build bigger and more complex custom homes.

FIG. 2 shows a modular building block toy system 200 according to another example embodiment. In this embodiment, the modular building block toy system 200 includes for example a building block 10 and accessory pieces 90 and is configured to resemble a submarine. For example, the accessory pieces 90 may include submarine features including a propeller, scope, sliding window, bead window, wheels, etc.—all of which are configured or adapted to releasably attach to the building block 10.

FIG. 3 shows a modular building block toy system 300 according to another example embodiment. In this embodiment, the modular building block toy system 300 includes for example building block 10 and accessory pieces 90 and is configured to resemble an airplane. For example, the accessory pieces 90 may include airplane features including a propeller, wings, tail, wheels, etc.—all of which are configured or adapted to releasably attach to a building block 10.

In other example embodiments, the modular building block toy system may be configured to resemble a variety of other structures and vehicles, such as for example, cars, buses, fire trucks, and buildings. For example, the modular building block toy system may be configured to resemble a fire truck and include fire truck features including a rotating ladder, rotating rattle to resemble a siren, wheels, etc. In some example embodiments, the building block pieces and/or the accessory pieces may include one or more additional features for entertaining and interacting with a child including, for example, lights, sounds, vibrations, etc.

In example embodiments, the building block pieces 10 include one or more indentations 12 and the accessory pieces 90 include one or more projections 92 that correspond to the indentations of the building block pieces. The indentations 12 and projections 92 make using the building blocks easier for a developing child by providing a guide for joining the pieces together. For example, as shown FIG. 3, the accessory pieces include octagonal projections 92 which correspond to octagonal indentations 12 of the building block 10. However, in other examples, the indentations 12 and projections 92 may be any suitable shape as long as they correspond to each other to make the building block pieces modular. In still other examples, the projections may be provided on the building blocks pieces and the indentations may be provided on the accessory pieces.

In example embodiments, the magnetic elements for coupling one or more pieces of the system together are located at or around the indentations 12 and/or the projections 92 so that the magnetic attraction and the cooperating or complementary configurations of the indentation-projection couplings work together to assist in alignment and attachment of the pieces during use. Alternatively, the magnetic elements may be positioned elsewhere on or in the pieces.

In further example embodiments, the shapes of the indentations and/or the projections may be round or circular to allow coupled parts to rotate relative to one another, or alternatively may be configured in the form of an oval, a triangle, a square or rectangle, or other regular or irregular polygons, to allow for selective or indexed positioning of coupled parts into one or more coupled configurations. Preferably, the indentations and projections have a polygonal or non-circular shape which help lock the orientation of the building block pieces and the accessory pieces relative to one another. In the depicted embodiments, for example as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the shapes of the indentations 12 and projections 92 are octagonal to allow for selective or indexed positioning of the coupled parts in eight different configurations or orientations. The octagonal shape of the projections and indentations prevent the building block pieces and the accessory pieces from accidentally or unintentionally being rotated or spun relative to one another while connected but also providing eight different possible orientations or configurations for assembly.

In still further example embodiments, the magnetic elements may comprise an array of one, two, or more magnetic elements on one or both pieces to be coupled together, with the magnetic polarization of magnetic elements arranged to bias the pieces to a particular orientation relative to one another when coupled.

FIG. 4 shows a building block 10 according to an example embodiment. As shown, the building block piece 10 is a cube having a first (front) side, a second (rear) side, a third (left) side, a fourth (right) side, a fifth (top) side and a sixth (bottom) side. In example embodiments, any one of the six sides or any combination of sides may include magnetic elements embedded or provided therein. For example, FIG. 6 shows a building block piece 10 with four magnetic sides, FIG. 7 shows a building block piece 10 with five magnetic sides, and FIG. 8 shows a building block piece 10 with six magnetic sides.

According to example embodiments, the magnetic elements provided in the building block pieces 10 are loosely contained therein to allow the magnetic elements to rotate and flip freely to accommodate the polarity of any other building block piece or accessory piece as described in greater detail below.

In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 6, building block 10 includes a first shell portion 14 and a second shell portion 15. The first and second shell portions are each substantially one half of the building block 10 and together define the hollow body of the building block. In this embodiment, each shell portion includes a base section and two side walls extending transversely from opposing sides of the base section. When the two shell portions are assembled, the shell portions define two openings 13 on opposing sides of the building block 10. The building block 10 is further provided with sidewall caps or panels 16 configured to fit and cover the two opposing openings.

The building block 10 of FIG. 6 is provided with two pairs of opposing magnetic sides and one pair of opposing non-magnetic sides. As shown in FIG. 6, the base sections of the two shell portions 14 and 15 define two of the four magnetic sides and the two sidewall caps or panels 16 define the remaining two magnetic sides. In example embodiments, each of the magnetic sides comprise an inwardly extending tubular magnet housing or retainer 19. The magnet housings are configured to receive and loosely house a magnet therein. In example embodiments, the magnets 17 are confined to the tubular magnet housings 19 by magnet housing covers or caps 18 secured to the open ends of the magnet housings.

As shown in FIG. 5 and briefly described above, the magnets 17 are preferably dimensioned and shaped so that they can rotate and flip freely within the magnet housing or retainer 19 to accommodate the magnetic polarity of an adjoining piece regardless of the orientation of magnet embedded in the adjoining piece. In other words, the magnets at their widest point are preferably narrower than the narrowest cross-sectional point in the magnet housing. Preferably, the magnets are free-floating and are configured to rotate about at least two axes within the magnet housings 19 to ensure that the magnets can magnetically align its polarity to that of the magnet in the adjoining building block or accessory piece. This is advantageous because a building block piece with a fixed magnetic element can only connect with other pieces with opposite magnetic polarity while a building block piece with magnets that can freely rotate and flip therein (i.e., free-floating magnets) is able to magnetically connect with any other piece regardless of the other piece's magnetic polarity. For example, a building block with a fixed magnetic polarity on one of its sides will repel another piece with the same magnetic polarity from said side. But, if the magnetic element is free to flip and/or rotate inside the building block, the unrestrained magnetic element will automatically correct its orientation for magnetic attraction as the two pieces are brought together. This allows for greater use and less frustration for the children when interacting with the building block pieces.

FIG. 7 shows a building block 10 with five magnetic sides. In this embodiment, the building block 10 includes a first shell portion 14 and a second shell portion 15. The first and second shell portions are each substantially one half of the building block 10 and together define the hollow body of the building block. In this embodiment, each shell portion includes a base section, a first side wall extending transversely from a first side of the base section and a second partial side wall extending transversely from a second side of the base opposite the first side of the base section. When the two shell portions are assembled, the shell portions define three openings 13 as shown in FIG. 7. The building block 10 further includes sidewall panels 16 configured to fit and cover the three openings 13.

According the example embodiments, the building block 10 of FIG. 7 includes five magnetic sides and one non-magnetic side. As shown in FIG. 7, the base sections of the two shell portions 14 and 15 define two of the five magnetic sides and the three sidewall panels 16 define the remaining three magnetic sides. In example embodiments, each of the magnetic sides comprise an inwardly extending tubular magnet housing or retainer 19. The magnet housings are configured to receive and loosely house a magnet 17 therein. According to example embodiments, magnets 17 are confined to the tubular magnet housings 19 by the magnet housing covers or caps 18. As described above, each magnet is dimensioned and shaped so that it can rotate and flip freely within the magnet housing 19 to accommodate the magnetic polarity of any adjoining piece.

FIG. 8 shows a building block 10 with six magnetic sides. In this embodiment, the building block 10 includes a first shell portion 14 defining five sides of the building block and a second shell portion 15 defining the remaining one side. The first and second shell portions 14, 15 together define the hollow body of the building block. In this embodiment, the first shell portion 14 includes base section and four transverse side walls extending from each of the four sides of the base section. The second shell portion 15 defines entirely the remaining one side of the building block. An opening 13 is provided on the each of the four transverse side walls of the first shell portion 14 and corresponding sidewall panels 16 are further provided to fit and cover the openings 13.

As shown in FIG. 8, the four sidewall panels 16 define four of the six magnetic sides, the base section of the first shell portion defines a fifth magnetic side, and the second shell portion 15 defines the sixth magnetic side of the building block 10. Each magnetic side comprises an inwardly extending tubular magnet housing 19 configured to receive and loosely house a magnet 17 therein as described above. In this embodiment, a frame insert 20 is provided to close the open ends of the five magnet housing tube within the first shell portion 14 and a magnet housing cover or retainer cap 18 is provided to cover the magnet housing tube 19 of the second shell portion 15. As described above, each magnet is dimensioned and shaped so that it can rotate and flip freely within the magnet housing 19 to accommodate any magnetic polarity of an adjoining piece.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show two example accessory pieces 90. In example embodiments, each accessory piece includes one or more corresponding shell portions 94, 95 defining a hollow body. The hollow body may define for example a base to attach for example a character feature 91 (as shown in FIG. 9), or the hollow body may define the overall appearance or frame of the accessory piece (for example, the frame or appearance of a toy bridge as shown in FIG. 10). The accessory pieces 90 may be any suitable shape and have any suitable play feature such as for example wheels, gears, character/building attributes, beads, rotating rattle beads, sliding doors, spinners, etc. Each accessory piece also includes one or more magnets 17 embedded therein. Similar to the building blocks described above, the accessory pieces also include tubular magnet housings or receivers 99 configured to receive and retain magnets 17.

In other example embodiments, the modular building block toy system may include an activity table 500 as shown FIG. 11. Activity table 500 provides a raised surface on which children can play with the building block pieces 10 and accessor pieces 90. For example, the activity table 500 includes a tabletop 502 supported by a plurality of table legs 504. The tabletop 502 includes a top surface on which a variety of interactive features are provided. For example, the tabletop 502 includes an image of a road or runway 510 on which children can play with vehicles constructed from the building block pieces 10 and accessory pieces 90, such as for example cars, trucks, and airplanes described above. The tabletop 502 also includes a stationary section 520 for constructing stationary constructions, such as for example homes and buildings, from the building blocks 10 and accessory pieces 90. The stationary section includes a set of projections 522 to which building blocks 10 can be secured or connected.

The activity table also includes a plurality of interactive play features, such as for example sliding windows 550, a seesaw, a set of rotating gears 530, and piano keys with pop-up features 540. The sliding windows 550, for example, include a plurality of sliding panels that, when moved, reveal images of for example animals, shapes, numbers, and/or letters provided thereunder. The sliding panels include projections 552 configured for cooperative engagement with indentions 12 of the building block pieces 10 allowing children to slide the panels with or without the building block pieces. The set of rotating gears 530 are interconnected so that all the gears rotate if any one of them is rotated. The gears 530 also include projections and/or indentations configured for interactive play with the building block pieces 10 and accessory pieces 90. In example embodiments, the activity table also includes a set of interactive piano keys that play melodies and sounds when pressed. In other example embodiments, the piano keys may also be configured to activate lights and/or pop-up characters when played.

In example embodiments, the activity table 500 also includes a pull-out drawer 570. The drawer 570 can be used to store building blocks 10 and accessory pieces 90 when the modular building block toy system is not in use. In other example embodiments, the activity table may include other storage means, such as for example, a built-in drawer without a pull-out component or a hidden built-in storage accessible by lifting the tabletop surface or a portion thereof.

In example embodiments, the activity table 500 also includes a magnet-play section 560, as shown in FIGS. 12-15B. The magnet play section 560 is an embedded section of the tabletop 502 provided with an enclosure covered by a transparent or translucent covering, such as for example a clear thermoplastic cover or panel. In example embodiments, various interactive features and objects are provided inside the enclosure under the transparent cover. In the depicted embodiment, for example, the inside of the enclosure is decorated or fashioned to resemble an underwater landscape with toy corals, an interactive toy sea creature 564 and an interactive treasure chest 562. The inner surfaces of the enclosure are also adorned with background images of an underwater landscape. The transparent covering or panel allows children to see into the enclosure but not physically access the decorative or interactive features located thereunder. Rather, the interactive features, such as the toy turtle 564 and treasure chest 562 are provided or adapted with one or more magnets to interact with building block pieces and/or accessory pieces placed on top of the clear covering.

FIGS. 13A-13B, for example, show an example method of using a building block piece 10 to open the lid of the toy treasure chest 562. Specifically, as a block piece 10 is moved across the top clear cover of the magnet-play section 560, a magnet 17 embedded in the hinged lid of the toy treasure chest is pulled up by magnetic attraction to the magnet embedded in the building block piece. The toy treasure chest lid remains open as long as the building block 10 remains over the treasure chest and the magnetic attraction between the two magnets is maintained. In some example embodiments, the treasure chest 562 may include a light source embedded in the treasure chest that activates when the chest lid is lifted. When the building block 10 is moved away, the magnetic attraction is broken, and the lid falls back down under its own weight.

FIGS. 14A-14B show another example method of magnet-play including another interactive toy piece. In the depicted embodiment, the interactive toy piece is a toy sea turtle. The toy sea turtle includes transparent or translucent dome 564 over its shell. The dome is preferably clear or transparent so that the toy sea turtle is clearly visible underneath. In example embodiments, a magnet 17 is loosely provided inside the clear dome. When a building block piece 10 is placed over the toy sea turtle, the magnet 17 inside the clear dome 564 is lifted up by magnetic attraction towards the building block piece 10. Preferably, the magnetic attraction between the magnet inside the building block 10 and the magnet inside the clear dome 564 is sufficiently strong to elevate the toy sea turtle and move the sea turtle around inside the magnetic-play enclosure 560 as if the toy sea turtle is floating around. When the building block piece 10 is moved away from the top clear cover, the magnetic attraction between the magnets is lost and toy sea turtle falls back down.

FIGS. 15A-15B show yet another example method of magnet-play including the toy sea turtle. In some example embodiments, the toy sea turtle may also include a magnet 17 embedded in the toy body closer to the bottom surface of the magnet-play enclosure 560. In this embodiment, the toy seat turtle may also be moved by placing a building block piece 10 underneath tabletop 502 immediately under the toy sea turtle. The magnetic attraction between the magnet embedded in the toy sea turtle and the building block 10 is preferably sufficiently strong to cause the toy sea turtle to slide about the enclosure floor as the building block 10 is moved along the underside of the tabletop 502, appearing as if the toy sea turtle is moving about inside the magnet play enclosure on its own.

In the depicted embodiments, the magnet-play enclosure 560 is fashioned to resemble an underwater landscape with a magnetically interactive toy sea turtle and treasure chest. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the magnet-play enclosure may be decorated to resemble any landscape or scenery with interactive features relevant to the chosen background.

In still other example embodiments, the modular building block toy system includes a portable activity table 600 as shown FIGS. 16A-16C. In this example embodiment, the portable activity table 600 is an activity table that can be folded or converted into a carrying case for building block pieces 10 and accessory pieces 90. FIG. 16A shows the portable activity table 600 in a first, carrying case configuration. The portable activity table includes a first case portion 602 hingedly connected to a second case portion 604. In example embodiments, the portable activity table includes a handle extending from for example the second case portion 604 for carrying the table in the carrying case configuration.

FIG. 16B shows the portable activity table 600 in a partially opened configuration. The activity table includes an internal cavity generally configured for receiving and retaining one more building block pieces 10 and accessory pieces 90. The internal cavity may include retainers, designated slots, and/or magnets to retain the building blocks and accessory pieces in place and prevent the pieces from moving around while being carried in the carrying case configuration. The portable activity table 600 also includes a plurality of legs 606 which are pivotally secured to the first and second case portions. For example, two legs 606 are secured to the inside of the outer two corners of the first case portion 602 and two legs 606 are secured to the inside of the outer two corners of the second case portion 604.

FIG. 16C shows the portable activity table 600 fully opened in a second, table configuration and supported on a support surface. In the table configuration, the legs 606 are pivoted or rotated out from the first and second case portions such that they are substantially transverse, or preferably flared out towards the support surface, to provide a stable and sturdy base over the support surface. The exterior surfaces of the first and second case portions now form the tabletop surface on which children can play with the building block pieces and accessory pieces. When the children are finished playing, the legs are folded or pivoted back into their respective case portions and the portable table is folded back into the carrying case configuration with the block pieces and accessory pieces stowed away between the first and second case portions.

In alternate embodiments, the tabletop 502 of activity table 500 is optionally configured for releasably fitting or attaching to other children's accessories, such as for example, on a tray of a highchair, booster seat or stroller, walkers, activity centers, play mats, or the like. For example, in this embodiment, table legs 504 are detachable or removable from the tabletop 502 and tabletop 502 includes slots, clips, belts, buckles, or other suitable attachment means for releasably securing the tabletop 502 to other children's accessories. Further, in this embodiment, the tabletop 502 may also be configured to be portable. For example, the tabletop 502 may be foldable or collapsible, for example as shown in FIGS. 16A-16C, or include one or more handles for carrying and transporting the tabletop 502.

The example embodiments disclosed herein comprise various components and parts which may be assembled, disassembled, and reassembled into various configurations in modular fashion, as described herein and shown herein. For example, the building block pieces 10 and accessory pieces may be interchangeably joined or connected to one another to construct any number of constructs, such as for example vehicles, such as cars, buses, trucks, airplanes, boats, or submarines; buildings such as houses, offices, or castles; or other structures.

In particular embodiments, a kit may comprise one or more of the pieces from the modular building block toy systems 100, 200, 300, 500, 600 from FIGS. 1-16C.

In example modes of use, the building block systems disclosed herein provide entertainment, enhance cognitive and motor-skill development, and foster creativity and ingenuity. In example modes of use, the building block pieces and accessory pieces may be assembled, disassemble, and reassembled. For assembly, the building block pieces and accessory pieces are stacked, connected, or otherwise joined to one another by aligning the protrusions and indentations of the respective pieces and brining the pieces together until magnetic attraction is achieved between the pieces. The free-floating magnets in the building block pieces ensure magnetic attraction between its magnetic sides and any other magnetic accessory piece or magnetic feature and/or item (e.g., on the activity tables 500 or 600) regardless of the orientation of the magnets embedded in the accessory pieces and/or the other magnetic items. In exampled modes of use, the building block pieces and accessory pieces may be used to construct vehicles, buildings, or other structures as desired by the user. To disassemble, the assembled pieces are separated by pulling the pieces apart and overcoming the magnetic attraction between the assembled pieces. The loose pieces can now be reassembled as desired or stored away in designated receptacles, such as for example the drawer of activity table 500 or inside portable table 600, or any other suitable storage repository.

While the disclosure has been described with reference to example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the disclosure, as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A modular building block toy system comprising:

one or more building block pieces comprising at least one first magnetic portion; and

one or more accessory pieces comprising at least one second magnetic portion,

wherein the one or more building block pieces are configured for releasably coupling to the one or more accessory pieces.

2. The modular building block toy system of claim 1, wherein the one or more building block pieces comprise one or more magnets loosely housed therein.

3. The modular building block toy system of claim 2, wherein the one or more magnets are free to rotate about at least two axes inside the one or more building block pieces.

4. The modular building block toy system of claim 1, wherein the one or more building block pieces comprise at least one indentation and the one or more accessory pieces comprise at least one protrusion corresponding to the at least one geometric indentation.

5. The modular building block toy system of claim 4, wherein the at least one indentation and at least one projection are octagonal in shape.

6. The modular building block toy system of claim 1, wherein the one or more building block pieces comprise four magnetic portions.

7. The modular building block toy system of claim 1, wherein the one or more building block pieces comprise five magnetic portions.

8. The modular building block toy system of claim 1, wherein the one or more building block pieces comprise six magnetic portions.

9. The modular building block toy system of claim 1, further comprising an activity table comprising one or more interactive features configured for engagement with one or more building block pieces or one or more accessory pieces.

10. The modular building block toy system of claim 1, further comprising a portable activity table convertible between a first carrying case configuration and a second activity table configuration.

11. A magnetic toy block configured for releasably coupling to an accessory piece comprising a projection, the magnetic toy block comprising a plurality of magnetic sides, each magnetic side comprising an indentation corresponding to the projection of the accessory piece and a magnet loosely retained therein adjacent each magnetic side, wherein the magnet is free to rotate about at least two axes.

12. The magnetic toy block of claim 10, comprising four magnetic sides.

13. The magnetic toy block of claim 10, comprising five magnetic sides.

14. The magnetic toy block of claim 10, comprising six magnetic sides.

15. The magnetic toy block of claim 10, wherein the indentation is octagonal.

16. A children's play item comprising at least one free-floating magnet internally retained therein and adjacent at least one side thereof, the at least one magnet comprising at least two axes of rotation in the children's play item.

17. The children's play item of claim 16, comprising four free-floating magnets, wherein each of the four magnets is retained inside the children's play item and adjacent one distinct side of the children's play item.

18. The children's play item claim 14, comprising five free-floating magnets, wherein each of the five magnets is retained inside the children's play item and adjacent one distinct side of the children's play item.

19. The children's play item of claim 14, comprising six free-floating magnets, wherein each of the six magnets is retained inside the children's play item and adjacent one distinct side of the children's play item.