Modular toy system

Abstract

This educational modular, snap-together toy block system is a learning tool to imaginatively play and create functional cityscapes to use as play areas. Small blocks shaped and stylized to mimic everyday objects within a normal city setting that are fitted with male connectors can be manipulated and rotated before being plugged into a grid pattern base/tray. The base/tray female connections secure the blocks into place and provide a solid, stable platform for play. Once blocks have been attached to the base/tray, various transportation toys can be manipulated on its play surface. When the user requires additional play space, base/trays can exponentially be added to the current base/tray using connectors which lock multiple base/trays seamlessly together.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 601,130 titled Educational Modular Snap-Together Toy Block System filed on Feb. 21, 2012, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]There are many commercially available block systems which allow for the building of objects. Most common are blocks which snap together independently of a base. As these toys are utilized they can be moved and easily dropped and / or lost. Other currently available systems use bases but do not make the building pieces snap into place which leaves them vulnerable to the same problem. These issues can make the toy frustrating for a young child or even cause them to lose interest in the overall toy and focus on one small piece of it.[0003]Themes for other commercially available toy block systems range from human figures and animals to vehicles, structures and geographic landscapes. As the le...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]The present invention also advantageously provides familiar shapes and natural objects that a child can use to recreate their own familiar environment or something completely foreign to them. Other current products which are designed to resemble city settings are very clearly defined and present a clear “right” versus “wrong” way of building which is why they are better suited for older, more mature children. The objects in this product are detailed enough to be recognizable to a small child but at the same time simple enough to encourage creativity by not defining a “right” versus “wrong” way of use. Each piece is a fundamental shape which helps encourage the development of rudimentary motor skills and thus, is a more fundamentally educational product than some similar products.

[0009]The system according to embodiments of the present invention provides the ability to expand with additional bases to create larger play spaces for the user. As the user gets more involved with the toy and looks for more of a challenge or expanded creative space, additional bases can be attached allowing for an exponentially longer life span. The additional bases will securely attach to the original base and make a seamless transition for play.

[0010]The modular toy block system according to embodiments of the present invention allows the users to create their own cityscapes with streets, parks, waterways/beaches, railroads, buildings and houses. Designed for chil...

Problems solved by technology

As these toys are utilized they can be moved and easily dropped and/or lost.

Other currently available systems use bases but do not make the building pieces snap into place which leaves them vulnerable to the same problem.

These issues can make the toy frustrating for a young child or even cause them to lose interest in the overall toy and focus on one small piece of it.

Another problem with current product designs is the lif...

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