DESC:Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a building block. More specifically, the present invention relates to a toy building block.

Background of the invention

[0002] Generally, toy building blocks are solid or hollow shapes used for construction play like constructing a defined shape like a toy, horse, vehicle, house, and the like or any shape based on the creativity of a kid by using the construction block. Some of the toy building blocks are simple plank shapes made using wood or fancy interlocking brick shape made using plastic. The toy building blocks provide a way to master many other kinds of emerging skills, such as problem-solving, spatial skills, and understanding semi-complex tasks. Using three-dimensional objects also enables young and fertile minds the ability to plan and make the necessary alterations so the pieces fit together as intended.

[0003] Most of the time the quality of the toy building blocks is compromised or the manufacturing precision is not achieved which makes the building blocks shrink or warp outwards over time. The toy building blocks shrink or expand after some period due to overuse of the blocks and these warped blocks cannot be inserted perfectly because the size of the protrusion and groove is changed.
[0004] Also, the toy building blocks may deform due to environmental conditions or due to improper storage of one over the others. Once the shape of the building block is deformed, the building block is wasted because the building block does not interlock with each other. As it may become too tight or it may become too loose to attach two building blocks to each other.

[0005] International patent publication WO2007081094A1 discloses A TOY BLOCKS. Further, the disclosed invention suggests toy blocks including hexahedral blocks (200) where convex projections (210) are formed on at least one side while concave grooves (220) are inserted into the convex projections (210) are formed on the remaining sides. The convex projection (210) provided on one side of the block is circular in shape and there is the possibility that if the second block is attached to the first block, then the second block will revolve around the axis (215) and shape of the final toy or model will be changed.

[0006] Korean patent application KR20140146246 discloses A TOY BLOCK SET. Further, the disclosed invention suggests that toy blocks (300) have protruded part (310). The protruded part (310) is in a square pillar shape. A square pillar shape groove (320) is provided on another block. For assembly, the protruded part (310) is inserted in the square pillar shape groove (320). But Insertion of the protruded part (310) is difficult because you have to perfectly align the protruded part (310) in front of the square pillar shape groove (320) before applying the force for insertion of the protruded part (310) into the square pillar shape groove (320).
[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a toy building block, which overcomes the problems of the prior art.

Objects of the invention

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a toy building block.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a toy building block, wherein the toy building blocks can be easily inserted and removed from one another.

[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a toy building block, wherein the toy building block can be restricted from revolving around itself.

[0011] Still one object of the present invention is to provide a toy building block, which restricts the twisting of the block and avoids the change in the shape of the entire built toy or model.

[0012] One more object of the present invention is to provide a toy building block, where even if the shape of the toy building block is slightly deformed, warped, or shrinks after repetitive use over some time the toy building blocks can be easily moved to and from a second toy building block.

[0013] Further object of the present invention is to provide a toy building block, which has a hexagonal-shaped protrusion that avoids the twisting or revolution of a second block around the center axis of the protrusion of the block.

Summary of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, a toy building block is provided. The toy building block is hereinafter referred to as a block. The block is adapted to arrange interlocked with a second block and the second block with a third block and so on to form a tower shape structure and the like. The block is having a hollow body in a rectangular-shaped profile with side walls. One side of the hollow body is having an opening. A set of guide channels are arranged on each side wall of the hollow body. The set of guide channels is arranged at a distance from each other forming a channel. An outer edge of the guide channels are having a ladder shape which is configured on the outer side of the opening. The ladder shape of the outer edge allows anything to move smoothly inside the opening.

[0015] In the present embodiment, a protrusion is extending from the hollow body toward an opposite side of the opening. The protrusion is of a hexagonal shape. The protrusion has a chamfered edge at the outer surface which facilitates the protrusion to move to and from an opening of a second toy building block. The protrusion is adapted to glide on the guide channels, specifically on the outer surface of the guide channels and the chamfered edge allows the protrusion to smoothly move inside the opening. Specifically, the chamfered edge guides the protrusion to insert into the hollow body even if the protrusion is slightly misaligned with the opening.

[0016] The protrusion locks off and prevents twisting of the toy building block from the second toy building block and so on from a structure made by the toy building blocks. Specifically, due to the hexagonal shape of the protrusion, the rotational movement locks thereon and the guide channels provide a press-fit arrangement to hold the protrusion of the second toy building block tightly even if the shape of the protrusion is slightly deformed from the original shape. The hexagonal shape of the protrusion avoids the twisting or revolution of a second block around a centre axis of the protrusion of the block. In the present embodiment, the hexagonal shape of the protrusion of the first block fits snugly in the hollow body of the second block.

[0017] Specifically, edges of the protrusion are adapted to glide on the guide channels and hold tightly thereon by press fit arrangement. In the present embodiment, the outer edge of the guide channels, the protrusion, and the chamfered edge of the protrusion provide ease to pull and push the protrusion to and from the opening of the second building block. Even if the shape of the toy building block is slightly deformed, warped, or shrinks after repetitive use over a period of time, the protrusion easily moves to and from the opening and holds the protrusion tightly thereon by applying little force.

Brief description of drawings

[0018] The advantages and features of the present invention will be understood better with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

[0019] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a toy building block illustrated in accordance with the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 shows an inside view of the present invention; and

[0021] Figure 3 shows a top view of the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention

[0022] An embodiment of this invention, illustrating its features, will now be described in detail. The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open-ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items.

[0023] The terms “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.

[0024] The disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms.

[0025] The present invention provides a toy building block. The toy building block can be easily inserted and removed from one another. Also, the toy building block can be restricted from revolving around itself. Further, the toy building block restricts the twisting of the block and avoids the change in the shape of the entire built toy or model. In the toy building block, even if the shape of the toy building block is slightly deformed, warped, or shrinks after repetitive use over a period of time the toy building blocks can we easily move to and from a second toy building block. The toy building block has a hexagonal-shaped protrusion which avoids the twisting or revolution of a second block around a centre axis of the protrusion of the block.

[0026] Referring now to figures 1, 2, and 3, various views of a toy building block (100) in accordance with the present invention are illustrated. The toy building block (100) is hereinafter referred to as a block (100). The block (110) is adapted to arrange interlocked with a second block, a third block and “n” number of blocks to form a tower shape structure and the like. The block (100) is having a hollow body (110). In the present embodiment, the hollow body (110) is configuring a rectangular-shaped profile with side walls (112). In an alternate embodiment, the hollow body (110) may be made in a hexagonal shape. One side of the hollow body (110) is having an opening (120) at one side as shown in figure 2.

[0027] A set of guide channels (115) are arranged on each side wall (112) of the hollow body (110). In the present embodiment, the guide channels (115) are configured facing inwardly towards the opening (120). The set of guide channels (115) is arranged at a distance from each other forming a channel. An outer edge (118) of the guide channels (115) are having a ladder shaped profile which is configured on the outer side of the opening (120) as shown in figure 2. The ladder shaped outer edge (118) allows a portion of a second toy block to move smoothly inside the opening (120).
[0028] In the present embodiment, a protrusion (130) extends from the hollow body (110) toward an opposite side of the opening (120). In the present embodiment, the protrusion (130) is of a hexagonal shape. It may be obvious to a person skilled in the art to make the protrusion (130) in a pentagonal, octagonal shape. The protrusion (130) has a chamfered edge (132) at the outer surface which facilitates the protrusion (130) to move to and from an opening of a second toy building block or any similar toy blocks. The protrusion (130) is adapted to glide on the guide channels (115), specifically on the outer surface of the guide channels (115) and the chamfered edge (132) allows the protrusion (130) to smoothly move inside the opening (120). Specifically, the chamfered edge (132) guides the protrusion (130) to insert into the hollow body (110) even if the protrusion (130) is slightly misaligned with the opening (120).

[0029] The protrusion (130) locks off or locks with a guide channel of the second toy building block and prevents twisting of the toy building block (100) from the second toy building block and so on from a structure made by the toy building blocks (100). Specifically, due to the hexagonal shape of the protrusion (130), the rotational movement of the second toy block placed over/on top of the toy building block (100) is restricted and the guide channels (115) provide a press-fit arrangement to hold protrusion of any similar toy building block. For example, the guide channels (115) of the toy building block (100) provide a press-fit arrangement to hold the protrusion of a third toy building block (not shown) which can be arranged below the toy building block (100) tightly even if the shape of the protrusion of the third building block is slightly deformed from the original shape. The hexagonal shape of the protrusion (130), avoids the twisting or revolution of the second toy block around a centre axis of the protrusion (130) of the block (100). In the present embodiment, the hexagonal shape of the protrusion (130) of the first block fits (100) snugly in the hollow body (110) of the second block.

[0030] Specifically, edges of the protrusion (130) are adapted to glide on the guide channels (115) and hold tightly thereon by press fit arrangement. In the present embodiment, the outer edge (118) of the guide channels (115), the protrusion (130), and the chamfered edge (132) of the protrusion (130) provide ease to pull and push the protrusion (130) to and from the opening (120) of the second building block. Even if the shape of the toy building block (100) is slightly deformed, warped, or shrink after repetitive use over some time, the protrusion (130) easily moves to and from the opening (120) and holds the protrusion (130) tightly thereon by applying little force.

[0031] In another embodiment, two or more sides of the block (100) can have the protrusion (130) with the hollow body (110) and the opening (120). The block (100) may be used to build towers or a building or toys, vehicles, and the like.

[0032] Therefore, the present invention has the advantage of providing a toy building block (100). The toy building block (100) can be easily inserted and removed from one another. Also, the toy building block (100) can be restricted from revolving around itself. Further, the toy building block (100) restricts the twisting of the block and avoids the change in the shape of the entire built toy or model. In the toy building block (100), even if the shape of the toy building block (100) is slightly deformed, warped, or shrinks after repetitive use over some time the toy building blocks can we easily move to and from a second toy building block. The toy building block (100) has a hexagonal-shaped protrusion which avoids the twisting or revolution of a second block around a centre axis of the protrusion of the toy building block (100).

[0033] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described to explain the principles of the present invention best and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.
,CLAIMS:We claim
1. A toy building block (100) comprising:
a hollow body (110) with side walls (112) configuring a rectangular-shaped profile having an opening (120) at one side;
a set of guide channels (115) arranged on each side wall (112) of the hollow body (110), the guide channels (115) are configured facing inwardly towards the opening (120);
characterized in that, a protrusion (130) of hexagonal shape extends from the hollow body (110) towards an opposite side of the opening (120), the protrusion (130) has a chamfered edge (132) which facilitates to move to and from an opening of a second toy building block;
wherein the protrusion (130) lock with a guide channel of the second toy building block and prevents twisting of the toy building block (100) from the second toy building block and so on from a structure made by the toy building blocks (100), and the guide channels (115) provide a press fit arrangement to hold a protrusion of a third toy building block tightly even if the shape of the protrusion of the third building block is slightly deformed from the original shape.

2. The toy building block (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of the guide channels (115) are arranged at a distance from each other forming a channel to glide the protrusion (130) on an outer surface of the guide channels (115).
3. The toy building block (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein edges of the protrusion (130) are adapted to glide on the guide channels (115) and hold tightly thereon by press fit arrangement.

4. The toy building block (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an outer edge (118) of the guide channels (115) has a ladder shaped profile to smoothly guide a protrusion of the second toy block inside the opening (120).

5. The toy building block (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the toy building block (100) interlocks with other blocks to form a tower shape structure.

6. The toy building block (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer edge (118) of the guide channels (115), the protrusion (130), and the chamfered edge (132) of the protrusion (130) provide ease to pull and push the protrusion (130) to and from the opening of the second building block even if the shape of the toy building block (100) is slightly deformed, warped or shrink.