GB2471670A

GB2471670A - Interlocking toy building blocks

Info

Publication number: GB2471670A
Application number: GB0911698A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stanley Canning
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-07-04
Filing date: 2009-07-04
Publication date: 2011-01-12
Also published as: GB0911698D0

Abstract

Toy building blocks that are either square or octagonal in shape are joined together by connecting rods. The blocks have connecting holes on various sides of the blocks and on the top and bottom of the blocks. The blocks are joined together by the connecting rods being inserted into the connecting holes to enable structures to be built in both horizontal and vertical directions. The octagonal blocks have all sides of equal length.

Description

Description (Title)

Interlocking Blocks

Description (Background)

It is well known that building blocks for children stimulate and nurture a wide range of developmental skills. Usually the size of these units is small designed for use within the home. The blocks are generally used to build different shapes by placing the blocks next to each other or by stacking by placing the blocks on top of the other. When stacked, there is a limit in the number that can be used because the structure becomes unstable.

Larger blocks that could be used to make larger structures both indoors and out of doors are less common, limited in use for the practical reasons that include the weight of the blocks and the lack of stability when the blocks are stacked.

Description ( Statement of invention)

The blocks that are the subject of this invention can be either octagonal or square in shape. The blocks are designed so that they can be joined together by connecting rods that are also part of this patent. The blocks are in fact just the frames with no inner core. This reduces the weight.

Description (Advantages)

This invention is based on using one type of block which is important when costs are considered of producing templates dyes and molds. The blocks that are the subject of this invention can be either octagonal or square in shape. The blocks are in fact just the frames with no inner core. This reduces the weight. They are designed so that they can be joined together by connecting rods that are also part of this patent. There are two connecting points on four sides of the block for the square blocks and on alternating sides for the octagon shape block, that do not go right through the frame. There are two connecting points on the top of four sides of the square blocks and on alternating sides for the octagon shape block that do go right through the frame Connecting the blocks with two points increases the stability of the final structures. The blocks can be very easily dismantled allowing other structures to be built from the same units. If a more permanent structure is required a suitable adhesive may be used depending on the material from which the blocks and connecting rods are made to stick the blocks together The advantage of having the connecting points on different surfaces is that blocks may be joined together in many different ways resulting in a large number of structures that may be built using one basic type of block.

Description (Introduction to drawings)

An example of the invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings Figure 1 (Page 1/2 of drawings) shows the 3 dimensional view of a octagonal and square block.

Figure 1 (Page 1/2 of drawings) shows the connecting rod Figure 2 (Page 2/2 of drawings) shows illustrations of examples showing how the blocks can be joined

Description (Detailed)

As seen in figure 1 the block is a octagonal shaped ref 1.1 or square shaped ref 1.2.

The core or center has been removed, so that the block is in reality is a three dimensional hollow frame rather than a solid figure. Ref 1.1 and 1.2 The sides of the frames are all equal in length. The length of the sides is not specified but can vary from short to long lengths. Figure 2 are illustrations of a octagonal block that was made with a side length of 15cm.

The frame depth as shown in figure ref 1.1, 1.2, is not stated in the patent as it will depend on the length side. Figure ref 2 are illustrations of a octagonal block that was made with depth of 5 cm Figure ref 1.1 and 1.2 shows the two holes in both the vertical and horizontal sides which are the connecting points. The length between the holes is not stated as it will vary depending on the length of the side but whatever the distance it will be the same for all the sides In drawing ref 1.1 and 1.2 connecting holes are shown that run vertically. All these connecting holes pass through the frame from one side to the other The connecting holes shown in figure 1.1 and 1.2 that are on the sides of the frame and run horizontally do not pass through completely. The depth is not included in the patent but will depend on the length of the sides The location of the holes will vary with the size of the block but in all cases as shown in ref 1.1 and 1.2 the relative position of the holes on the sides to the holes on the top and bottom is the same and is in alignment so that they have a matching position to allow them to be connected The blocks are joined together by connecting rods ref 1.3