Blocks and block assemblies

Abstract

To provide blocks and block sets that can improve the user experience with blocks. [Means] A block used in a block toy, which constitutes part of a block assembly that mimics a structure, and at least part of the block is provided with an internal diagram showing the inside of the structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to blocks and block aggregates.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a block toy system in which one two-dimensional figure is formed by assembling blocks in a predetermined arrangement is known (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1 above, for the user, the interest in the blocks tends to remain until the blocks are assembled, and there is room for further improvement in the user's experience of the blocks.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide blocks and block aggregates capable of improving the user's experience of the blocks.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The first means is a block used for a block toy and constituting a part of a block aggregate imitating a structure, wherein at least a part thereof is provided with an internal view representing the inside of the structure. This is the gist.

[0007] The second means is the first means, wherein the internal view is printed on the surface. It is characterized by the following:

[0008] The third method is, The block assembly includes the block described in the first means, It is characterized by the following:

[0009] The fourth means is the third means, The internal diagram of the aforementioned block is such that, in its assembled state, it is separated from other blocks constituting the block assembly by a distance of at least 1, It is characterized by the following:

[0010] The fifth means is the fourth means, The aforementioned block is, The supported portion is supported by the support portion of the other block, It comprises a side section, The internal diagram shows that the side portion is provided, Between the support portion of the other block and the supported portion, a gap with a width of the second distance or less is formed with respect to the support portion of the other block. The aforementioned second distance is less than the aforementioned first distance. It is characterized by the following:

[0011] The sixth means is the third means, The aforementioned internal diagram is formed at a distance of three or more from the periphery of the block, It is characterized by the following:

[0012] The seventh means is the sixth means, When placed as part of the aforementioned block assembly, the internal diagram is separated from other blocks constituting the aforementioned block assembly by a distance of at least 1. The aforementioned third distance is greater than or equal to the aforementioned first distance. It is characterized by the following:

[0013] The eighth means is the third means, The aforementioned first distance is 0 mm to 3.0 mm. It is characterized by the following:

[0014] The ninth means is the third means, which is a toy mimicking a vehicle, and is characterized by this.

[0015] The tenth means is the ninth means, and has a connecting member for connecting to other toys, wherein the connecting member is a flat plate-shaped and annular connecting portion, and has a rotation support portion that rotatably supports the connecting portion, and is characterized by this.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] According to the second means, the internal view can be accurately visually recognized by the user when assembling and disassembling the block assembly.

[0017] According to the third means, since the block assembly includes the blocks according to the present invention, a block assembly capable of allowing the user to visually recognize the internal structure of the structure by attaching and detaching the blocks can be provided.

[0018] According to the fourth means, it is possible to suppress other blocks from contacting the internal view in the assembled state.

[0019] According to the fifth means, while appropriately securing the distance between the internal view and other blocks, the blocks can be appropriately supported.

[0020]

[0021] ​According to the sixth method, it is possible to prevent the internal diagram from being damaged by contact with other blocks when attaching or detaching a block that has an internal diagram or when attaching or detaching a block near an internal diagram.

[0022] According to the seventh method, since the third distance is greater than or equal to the first distance, it is possible to suppress the visibility of the interior diagram through the gaps between the blocks.

[0023] According to the eighth method, when placing a block in a position opposite the internal diagram, it is possible to suppress contact between the block and the internal diagram while simultaneously suppressing the visibility of the internal diagram.

[0024] According to the ninth method, the user can not only use the block assembly by moving it, but also use the block assembly as a block toy.

[0025] According to the tenth means, the orientation of the connecting part can be changed according to the connecting part of another toy, and it can be connected to the connecting part of another toy.

[0026] The effects described above are merely illustrative for the sake of explanation and are not limiting. In addition to, or in lieu of, any other effects described herein or that would be obvious to those skilled in the art may be achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0027] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of toy 1. [Figure 2] This is a disassembled perspective view of toy 1. [Figure 3] This is a view of the side of toy 1, seen from an oblique angle above. [Figure 4] This is a rear perspective view of toy 1. [Figure 5] This diagram shows other toys 101 positioned behind toy 1. [Figure 6] This diagram shows other toys 101 positioned behind toy 1. [Figure 7] This is an enlarged view of the area S in Figure 4. [Figure 8] The first internal diagram 41 is a front view of the corner block 31 in which the first internal diagram 41 is provided. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. For the sake of explanation, any one direction in the horizontal direction will be referred to as the front-rear direction, the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction in the horizontal direction will be referred to as the left-right direction, and the direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction will be referred to as the up-down direction.

[0029] Referring to Figure 1, a perspective view of Toy 1 is shown. Referring to Figure 2, an exploded perspective view of Toy 1 is shown. Toy 1 is a vehicle-shaped toy that imitates, for example, a railway vehicle (structure). This Toy 1 comprises a main body 3 and blocks 5. In other words, Toy 1 is a railway vehicle-shaped block assembly that can be played with by attaching blocks 5 to the main body 3.

[0030] The main body 3 is the main body of the toy 1, primarily having a driving function and a function to detachably support the blocks 5. This main body 3 has a driving body 11 and a base 13. The driving body 11 is provided on the lower side of the toy 1. This driving body 11 includes a frame 15, an axle 17, and a connecting unit 19. The frame 15 is a skeletal member, for example, made of resin, that extends in the front-rear and left-right directions of the toy 1. A support portion 15a is formed on this frame 15 that rotatably supports the connecting unit 19. The axle 17 is composed of a shaft 21 and a pair of wheels 23 fixed to both ends of the shaft 21 as a set. Two sets of these axles 17 are provided at the lower part of the frame 15, for example, spaced apart in the front-rear direction. The shaft 21 is rotatably supported at the lower part of the frame 15. As a result, the axle 17 is supported at the lower part of the frame 15.

[0031] As a result, the running body 11 can move the frame 15 by rotating the wheels 23 around the shaft 21. The term "movement" here may refer to a so-called driven movement, such as being towed by another vehicle model, or it may refer to a so-called active movement, such as the running body 11 being equipped with an electric motor that rotates the wheels 23 using the driving force of the motor.

[0032] The connecting unit 19 is a component for connecting toy 1 with other toys (including other toys 101 described later). Specifically, the connecting unit 19 includes a connecting member 25 and a pivot support part 27. The connecting member 25 is a component, for example, made of resin, that engages with the connecting part of the other toy. This connecting member 25 is formed in a flat plate shape and extends rearward from the frame 15. The connecting member 25 also has a connecting part 25a formed on its rear side in the front-rear direction. The connecting part 25a is flat and annular in shape, with a notch formed in a part of it. This allows the connecting member 25 to be connected to the connecting part of the other toy (including connecting parts 125a and 126a described later) by passing through the notch in the connecting part 25a. The pivot support part 27 is a disc-shaped component that is attached to the support part 15a so as to be rotatable on an axis in the front-rear direction. This pivot support part 27 supports the end of the connecting member 25 on the frame 15 side so as to be able to swing the connecting part 25a. As a result, the connecting unit 19 can support the connecting member 25 so that it can rotate around the front-rear axis by providing the connecting member 25 to the frame 15 via the rotating support portion 27.

[0033] The base 13 is a substantially flat, plate-shaped member, for example, made of resin, that extends in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions of the toy 1. This base 13 is fixed to the upper side of the running body 11, for example, by screws 29. The base 13 also has a plurality of protrusions 13b formed on its upper surface 13a, extending upward from the upper surface 13a. The protrusions 13b are formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape. The plurality of protrusions 13b are spaced a certain distance apart from each other and arranged in a row in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. These plurality of protrusions 13b can be fitted into the block 5, which will be described in detail later, to support the block 5 on the base 13. In this way, the main body 3 is configured to be able to move on the running body 11, while also being able to support the block 5 on the base 13.

[0034] Block 5 is a component made of, for example, resin, that can be attached to and detached from the base 13 and other blocks. This block 5 may be not only a relatively simple shape such as a prism, cylinder, pyramid, and cone, but also a relatively complex shape such as a shape that imitates a part of a vehicle, a shape that imitates a human, or a shape that imitates an animal or plant. As an example, the following explanation will use a prism-shaped block 31 and a model block 33 that imitates the front part of a railway vehicle.

[0035] The corner block 31 is, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped block. This corner block 31 has projections 31a and a fitting portion 31b formed on it. The projections 31a are similar to the projections 13b formed on the base 13 and are formed to protrude upward from the upper surface of the corner block 31. Multiple projections 31a are formed on the upper surface 31c of the corner block 31, and are spaced a certain distance apart from each other, similar to the projections 13b formed on the base 13. The fitting portion 31b is a recess that is recessed from the lower side of the corner block 31 toward the interior of the corner block 31. This fitting portion 31b is a part that can be fitted into the projections 13b and 31a, thereby engaging with the projections 13b and 31a.

[0036] As described above, model block 33 is a block shaped to resemble the front section of a railway vehicle. Similar to the square block 31, model block 33 has protrusions and fitting parts. Since the protrusions and fitting parts on model block 33 are the same as those on the square block 31 (protrusion 31a and fitting part 31b), a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0037] As a result, the corner block 31 and the model block 33 are supported by the base 13 by the insertion portion 31b being fitted onto the projection 13b of the base 13. Therefore, the base 13, the corner block 31, and the model block 33 can support or be supported by each other.

[0038] Referring to Figure 3, a side view of toy 1 from diagonally above is shown. Referring to Figure 4, a rear perspective view of toy 1 is shown. Note that in Figure 4, for the sake of explanation, only block 5, which is provided with the first internal view 41 and the second internal view 42, is shown. Of the multiple (four in this embodiment) corner blocks 31, at least one corner block 31 has a first internal view 41 on its flat surface, which represents the interior of toy 1 (e.g., the passenger seats). A specific example of the internal view of toy 1 is a diagram that mimics the internal structure as seen from inside a railway vehicle (endoscopic view). In other words, it is preferable that it is not a diagram that looks like the interior of a railway vehicle as seen from outside the window. This allows the user to feel as if they are inside a railway vehicle. In addition, model block 33 has a second internal view 42 on its flat surface, which represents the interior of toy 1 (e.g., the driver's cab). Specifically, the first internal diagram 41 and the second internal diagram 42 are printed on the corner block 31 and the model block 33. Preferably, the first internal diagram 41 and the second internal diagram 42 are printed on the corner block 31 and the model block 33 by so-called UV printing, which hardens the paint with ultraviolet light. The first internal diagram 41 and the second internal diagram 42 may also be provided on the corner block 31 and the model block 33 by pad printing or tampo printing, or they may be provided by attaching stickers with the first internal diagram 41 and the second internal diagram 42 pre-printed to the corner block 31 and the model block 33.

[0039] In this way, by printing the first internal diagram 41 and the second internal diagram 42, the corner block 31 and the model block 33 can represent the internal structure (especially the internal view) of toy 1. Specifically, according to Figure 3, the corner block 31 on which the first internal diagram 41 is provided is positioned in toy 1 such that the first internal diagram 41 is covered by the corner block 31 on the near side of the paper (not shown in Figure 4). Therefore, toy 1 does not normally allow the user to see the first internal diagram 41. On the other hand, according to Figure 4, toy 1 allows the user to see the first internal diagram 41 when the corner block 31 covering the first internal diagram 41 is removed. Therefore, by providing the first internal diagram 41 on the corner block 31, the user can see the first internal diagram 41 when assembling or disassembling toy 1. Therefore, by using block 5 (corner block 31 and model block 33) which is provided with the first internal diagram 41 and the second internal diagram 42, it is possible to provide users with educational opportunities. Note that the model block 33, which is provided with the second internal diagram 42, has the same effects as the corner block 31, so its explanation is omitted.

[0040] In particular, the square block 31 has a simpler shape compared to the model block 33, making it relatively versatile. Therefore, users can place the square block 31, which is provided in toy 1, a vehicle-shaped toy that imitates a railway vehicle (vehicle), into, for example, an airplane-shaped model. This also provides users with an opportunity to conceive of things that would be difficult to realize in reality, such as the first internal diagram 41, which is an internal diagram of a railway vehicle, being placed inside an airplane.

[0041] Referring to Figure 5, a diagram is shown in which the other toy 101 is located behind toy 1. The other toy 101, like toy 1, is a vehicle-shaped toy, for example, a railway vehicle (vehicle). Specifically, the other toy 101 comprises a main body 103 and a corner block 31. The main body 103, like the main body 3 in toy 1, mainly has the function of running and detachably supporting the block 5. This main body 103 differs from the main body 3 in toy 1 in terms of the connecting unit 119. Note that the main body 103 may also differ from the main body 3 in toy 1 in terms of configuration other than the connecting unit 119, but for the sake of explanation, the configuration other than the connecting unit 119 will be assumed to be the same as the configuration of the main body 3 in toy 1, and the explanation will be omitted.

[0042] The connecting unit 119 has a horizontal connecting member 125 and a vertical connecting member 126. The horizontal connecting member 125 is provided on the front side of the main body 103 as seen in Figure 5 and is a member made of, for example, resin that locks onto the connecting unit 19 of the toy 1. This horizontal connecting member 125 is formed in a flat plate shape that extends in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. The horizontal connecting member 125 is also rotatably supported on the main body 103 by, for example, a rod-shaped support part (not shown) that extends in the vertical direction. This allows the horizontal connecting member 125 to swing its connecting part 125a (approximately in the left-right direction) within a vertical plane perpendicular to the axis of the vertical direction. On the other hand, the horizontal connecting member 125 is restricted from swinging its connecting part 125a approximately in the vertical direction and from rotating it around the front-rear direction. The vertical connecting member 126 is provided on the rear side of the main body 103 as seen in Figure 5 and is a member made of, for example, resin that locks onto the connecting unit 19 of the toy 1. The vertical connecting member 126 is formed in a flat plate shape that extends in the front-rear and up-down directions. The vertical connecting member 126 is rotatably supported by the main body 103 by, for example, a rod-shaped support portion (not shown) that extends in the left-right direction. This allows the vertical connecting member 126 to swing its connecting portion 126a (approximately in the up-down direction) within a vertical plane perpendicular to the left-right axis. On the other hand, the swinging of the connecting portion 126a in the approximately left-right direction and rotation around the front-rear axis of the vertical connecting member 126 are restricted.

[0043] As described above, the connecting unit 19 of the main body 3 is configured such that the connecting member 25 is attached to the frame 15 via the rotating support portion 27, allowing the connecting member 25 to rotate around the front-rear axis. This enables the connecting unit 19 of the toy 1 to connect the connecting member 25 to the horizontal connecting member 125 that extends in the front-rear and left-right directions.

[0044] Referring to Figure 6, another toy 101 is shown that has a corner block 31 provided in the third internal diagram 43. The third internal diagram 43 differs from the first internal diagram 41 in that the direction of movement is assumed to be backward, whereas the first internal diagram 41 assumes the direction of movement is forward. In other words, the assumed direction of movement of the other toy 101 as a whole is different from the assumed direction of movement of toy 1. In such a case, it is conceivable that the user could rotate the corner block 31 of the other toy 101 by 180° around the vertical axis and reposition it towards the front of the page. On the other hand, if there are multiple blocks other than the corner block 31 shown in Figure 6, for example, blocks not shown, then repositioning all of these blocks may be troublesome for the user. Therefore, it is conceivable that the assumed direction of movement of the other toy 101 as a whole would be made to match the assumed direction of movement of toy 1 by rotating the other toy 101 in the orientation shown in Figure 6 by 180° around the vertical axis.

[0045] As described above, the connecting unit 19 of the main body 3 is configured such that the connecting member 25 is attached to the frame 15 via a rotating support part 27, allowing the connecting member 25 to rotate around the front-rear axis. In other words, by rotating the connecting member 25, the connecting unit 19 of the main body 3 can change the orientation of the connecting member 25 so that it extends in the left-right direction. As a result, the connecting unit 19 of the toy 1 can connect the connecting member 25 to the vertical connecting member 126 that extends in the front-rear and up-down directions.

[0046] Therefore, the connecting unit 19 of the main body 3 can be connected to either the horizontal connecting member 125 or the vertical connecting member 126. Thus, the main body 3 can be connected to either connecting member, even if the configuration of the connecting unit 119 differs between the front and rear, as in the example of Figure 6 described above. In particular, in toys 1 and 101 that have blocks with internal diagrams 41 to 43, if the orientation of the internal diagram is not what the user expects, by the time the user notices this, multiple blocks may already be placed in toys 1 and 101. Even in such cases, the user can easily correct the direction of travel by changing the orientation of one of the toys 1 and 101. In other words, the connecting unit 19 of the main body 3 is particularly effective in toys 1 and 101 that have blocks with internal diagrams 41 to 43.

[0047] Referring to Figure 7, an enlarged view of the area S in Figure 4 is shown. Note that in Figure 4, for the sake of explanation, only block 5, which has the first internal diagram 41 and the second internal diagram 42, was shown, but in Figure 7, the corner block 31 on the near side of the page as seen in Figure 4 is also shown. In toy 1, the first internal diagram 41 of corner block 31 is separated from other corner blocks 31 by a first distance L1 or more. Specifically, when corner block 31 is placed on the base 13, it is separated from other corner blocks 31 by a first distance L1 or more in the left-right and front-back directions. Here, the distance between corner block 31 and other corner blocks 31 is the distance considering the thickness of the first internal diagram 41. That is, if the thickness of the first internal diagram 41 is UV printed as described above, the distance between the printed part and the other corner block 31 when the projection 13b of each block and the fitted part 31b are fully fitted together is the distance of the closest part to the other corner block 31 is the first distance L1 or more. Furthermore, if the first internal diagram 41 is a seal, the distance considering the thickness of the seal will be greater than or equal to the first distance L1. Therefore, if the first internal diagram 41 is made of a material with less thickness than a seal, such as UV printing, the distance between the blocks 5 excluding the first internal diagram 41 can be reduced while maintaining the first distance L1.

[0048] Specifically, the first distance L1 is preferably 0 mm to 3.0 mm, more specifically, greater than 0 mm and 3.0 mm or less. This prevents the toy 1 from damaging the first internal diagram 41 by the block 5 coming into contact with it when the block 5 is placed in a position facing the first internal diagram 41. It also prevents the user from seeing the first internal diagram 41 when the blocks are assembled, providing the user with the enjoyment of the first internal diagram 41 appearing only after the blocks are disassembled. Preferably, the first distance L1 is 1.0 mm or less. This more effectively prevents the user from seeing the first internal diagram 41. More preferably, the first distance L1 is 0.5 mm or less. This allows the toy 1 to improve its design by reducing the gaps between the blocks 5 while more effectively preventing the user from seeing the first internal diagram 41. Preferably, the first distance L1 is 0.2 mm or more. As a result, toy 1 can more effectively suppress the contact of block 5, which is positioned opposite the first internal diagram 41, with the first internal diagram 41 due to swinging or other reasons.

[0049] Next, the state in which block 5 is disposed on the base 13 will be described in detail. Block 5 is disposed on the base 13 by fitting the insertion portion 31b onto the projection 13b of the base 13. Block 5 disposed in this manner is separate from the base 13, and a predetermined gap may occur between block 5 and the base 13 due to tolerances and other factors. For example, the maximum value of the predetermined gap when the insertion portion 31b is fitted onto the projection 13b of the base 13 and pressed until the lower end of the insertion portion 31b contacts the upper surface 13a of the base 13 and it is no longer possible to get any closer is defined as the second distance L2.

[0050] The second distance L2 defined in this way is less than the first distance L1. By intentionally providing a first distance L1 that is larger than the unintended gaps that occur between blocks due to tolerances, etc., it is possible to prevent the corner portion closest to the first internal figure 41 from coming into contact with the first internal figure 41 when, for example, the block 5 closest to the first internal figure 41 rotates on its axis around the part furthest from the corner block 31 on which the first internal figure 41 is provided when it is removed from the base 13. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first internal figure 41 provided on the corner block 31 from coming into contact with other blocks 5 and deteriorating.

[0051] Referring to Figure 8, a front view of the corner block 31 on which the first internal view 41 is provided is shown. The first internal view 41 is located at a distance of at least a third distance L3 from the periphery of the corner block 31. Specifically, the first internal view 41 is located at a distance of at least a third distance L3 from each of the top surface 31c, side surface 31d, and bottom surface 31e of the corner block 31. In this way, by positioning the first internal view 41 at a distance of at least a third distance L3 from each of the top surface 31c and side surface 31d of the corner block 31, the toy 1 can suppress the user from viewing the first internal view 41 from above. In particular, since the third distance L3 is greater than or equal to the first distance L1, the angle at which the periphery of the first internal view 41 can be viewed is 45° or more with respect to the top surface 31c and 45° or more with respect to the side surface 31d, thus effectively suppressing the user from viewing the first internal view 41.

[0052] Furthermore, by ensuring that the first internal figure 41 is separated from the bottom 31e of the corner block 31 by a third distance L3 or more, it is possible to suppress contact between the first internal figure 41 and other blocks when moving the opposing corner block 31. In particular, by ensuring that the third distance L3 is greater than or equal to the first distance L1, it is possible to effectively suppress contact between the bottom of the face facing the first internal figure 41 and the first internal figure 41 when the opposing corner block 31 is rotated around the bottom of the face opposite to the face facing the first internal figure 41.

[0053] As described above, the block 5 according to the present invention is used in a block toy and constitutes a part of a toy 1 that imitates a railway vehicle as a structure, and at least a part of it is provided with internal diagrams 41, 42 and 43 that represent the inside of the structure.

[0054] As a result, the block 5 according to the present invention is provided with internal diagrams 41, 42, and 43 that show the inside of the structure, so that when the toy 1, which is assembled to resemble a structure using the block 5, is disassembled again, the inside of the structure can be seen. In turn, the user's experience with the blocks can be improved.

[0055] Furthermore, in block 5 according to the present invention, internal diagrams 41, 42, and 43 are printed on the surface. This allows for accurate visualization of the internal diagrams 41, 42, and 43 when assembling and disassembling toy 1.

[0056] In particular, the toy 1 according to the present invention includes the block 5 according to the present invention. This makes it possible to provide a toy 1 in which the internal structure can be seen by the user by attaching and detaching the block 5. Furthermore, in the toy 1 according to the present invention, the internal diagrams 41, 42, and 43 of the block 5 are separated by a first distance L1 or more from other blocks 5 that make up the toy 1 in the assembled state, thereby preventing other blocks from coming into contact with the internal diagrams 41, 42, and 43, and preventing the internal diagrams 41, 42, and 43 from being seen by the user or others when the block 5 on which the internal diagrams 41, 42, and 43 are provided is attached to the toy 1.

[0057] Furthermore, in the toy 1 according to the present invention, block 5 comprises a fitted portion 31b as a supported portion, which is supported by a projection 13b formed on the upper surface 13a of the base 13, which is another block, and a side portion such as a side surface 31d. Internal figures 41, 42, and 43 are provided on the side portion, and a gap with a width of a second distance L2 or less is formed between the upper surface 13a of the base 13 and the fitted portion 31b, with the fitted portion 31b supported by the projection 13b of the base 13, and the second distance L2 is less than the first distance L1. In this way, since the second distance L2 is less than the first distance L1, the distance between internal figures 41, 42, and 43 and other blocks 5 can be appropriately secured, and support by the projection 13b and the fitted portion 31b can be appropriately provided. Note that in the case of the corner block 13, the "side portion" is the side surface 31d, but in the case of the model block 33, for example, it may be the side surface near the second internal figure 42. Furthermore, if the block 5 has a flat surface with rounded corners, such as a chamfer, or if the corners are rounded by, for example, filleting, the second distance L3 may be measured using the corner as it would be without the chamfer or rounding (i.e., the distance from the side of the block 5).

[0058] Furthermore, in the toy 1 according to the present invention, internal figures 41, 42, and 43 are spaced at a distance of at least a third distance L3 from the periphery of block 5. This prevents internal figures 41, 42, and 43 from coming into contact with other blocks and getting damaged when attaching or detaching block 5 on which internal figures 41, 42, or 43 are provided, or when attaching or detaching blocks near internal figures 41, 42, or 43. In particular, when block 5 on which internal figures 41, 42, or 43 are provided is arranged as part of toy 1, internal figures 41, 42, or 43 are spaced at least a first distance L1 from other blocks 5 that make up toy 1, and the third distance L3 is at least the first distance L1, so it is possible to prevent internal figures 41, 42, and 43 from being visible through the gaps between blocks 5. Specifically, if, for example, there is no chamfering on the corners, it is difficult for a user to see internal figures 41, 42, or 43 at an angle of less than 45° to their line of sight when facing them.

[0059] Furthermore, in the toy 1 according to the present invention, the first distance is 0 mm to 3.0 mm. This allows the toy 1 to suppress contact between the block 5 and the internal diagrams 41, 42, or 43 when the block 5 is positioned opposite the internal diagrams 41, 42, or 43, while also suppressing the user from seeing the internal diagrams 41, 42, or 43.

[0060] Furthermore, the toy 1 according to the present invention is a toy that imitates a vehicle. This allows the user to not only use the toy 1 by driving it, but also to use the toy 1 as a block toy, and furthermore, to view the internal diagrams 41, 42, or 43 of the vehicle by attaching and detaching the blocks 5 of the toy 1 as a vehicle. In particular, the toy 1 according to the present invention has a connecting member 25 for connecting with other toys 101 that imitate vehicles, for example, and the connecting member 25 has a flat, annular connecting portion 25a and a rotating support portion 27 that rotatably supports the connecting portion. This allows the toy 1 according to the present invention to change the orientation of the connecting portion 25a according to the connecting member of the other toy 101 (horizontal connecting member 125 and vertical connecting member 126) and connect to the connecting member of the other toy 101.

[0061] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and various modifications are possible.

[0062] For example, in this embodiment, toy 1 was used as the block assembly for explanation. However, the block assembly may be a commercial model that mimics a structure, or it may not be a toy. Also, in this embodiment, a railway vehicle was used as an example of a structure for explanation, but it may be a vehicle such as an automobile, airplane, ship, or construction machinery, or a building such as a building or house, or even a fictional structure. Fictional structures include, for example, structures that appear in novels, comics, or anime but do not actually exist.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, projections 13b and 31a were given as support parts of the block, and the fitted part 31b was given as the supported part. However, the support parts and supported parts may be such that the blocks support and are supported by magnets or hook-and-loop fasteners, or they may be such that they are supported by being sandwiched between support parts with a U-shaped cross-section.

[0064] Furthermore, while this embodiment describes materials such as resin as appropriate, these are merely examples, and materials such as wood or metal may also be used. In addition, in this embodiment, connecting members and connecting parts are exemplified as connecting member 25, connecting part 25a and rotating support part 27, horizontal connecting member 125 and connecting part 125a, and vertical connecting member 126 and connecting part 126a, but it is also possible to use connecting members and connecting parts of various types, such as connecting members using connecting parts including magnets or hook-and-loop fasteners, and connecting members using connecting parts with a U-shaped cross-section. In addition, in this embodiment, as another toy 101, a main body 103 with a removable block 5, similar to the main body 3 in toy 1, is used for the description, but the other toy 101 does not have to have a removable block 5, and does not have to be vehicle-shaped.

[0065] Furthermore, the designations in the embodiments described above are merely used to distinguish the components from one another, and other designations may be used depending on the function and form. Also, even if there are descriptions such as "First" or "Second" in this disclosure, it does not mean that it is limited to only the two elements to which these designations are attached. Naturally, it may also include "Third," "Fourth," and more elements. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1. Toy (block assembly) 5 blocks 13 Base (other blocks) 25 Connecting member 25a Connecting part (Connecting part) 27 Rotating support section 31 square blocks (blocks) 31a Protrusion (support part) 31b Fitted insertion part (supported part) 31c top surface 31d Side view 31e Bottom 33 Model Blocks (Blocks) 41. First Internal Diagram (Internal Diagram) 42. Second Internal Diagram (Internal Diagram) 43 Third Internal Diagram (Internal Diagram) 101 Other Toys

Claims

1. A block used in building block toys, which constitutes part of a block assembly that mimics a structure, At least a portion of the diagram will include an internal view showing the interior of the structure. A block characterized by the following features.

2. The aforementioned internal diagram is printed on the surface. The block according to feature 1.

3. A block assembly comprising the block described in claim 1.

4. The internal diagram of the aforementioned block is such that, in its assembled state, it is separated from other blocks constituting the block assembly by a distance of at least one distance. The block assembly according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned block is, The supported portion is supported by the support portion of the other block, It comprises a side section, The internal diagram shows that the side portion is provided, Between the support portion of the other block and the supported portion, a gap with a width of the second distance or less is formed with respect to the support portion of the other block. The second distance is less than the first distance. The block assembly according to feature 4.

6. The aforementioned internal diagram is formed at a distance of three or more from the periphery of the block, The block assembly according to claim 3.

7. When placed as part of the aforementioned block assembly, the internal diagram is separated from other blocks constituting the aforementioned block assembly by a distance of at least one distance. The third distance is greater than or equal to the first distance. The block assembly according to feature 6.

8. The aforementioned first distance is 0 mm to 3.0 mm. The block assembly according to claim 3.

9. It is a toy that imitates a vehicle. The block assembly according to claim 3.

10. It has connecting members for connecting with other toys, The aforementioned connecting member is A flat, annular connecting portion, The system includes a rotating support portion that rotatably supports the aforementioned connecting portion, The block assembly according to feature 9.

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