US4556394A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Toy building block set
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1984-07-31
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Granted: 1985-12-03
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Expires: 2004-07-31
Abstract
Abstract A toy building block set having several kinds of blocks, each of them including a frame having a rectilinear outline, the connecting elements and sockets are formed along the periphery of the frame. The block sets are capable of being developed into a variety of articles through connecting selective blocks at selected relative positions, and assembling with an inflatable member to enable the finished work to float on the surface of the water.
Inventors
- 👤 Chen-Tsung Chen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 07:36
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63H; A63H33/00; A63H33/04; A63H33/06; A63H33/08; A63H33/084; A63H23/00; A63H23/005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
190 words
A toy building block adapted to be assembled to develop a desired shape through connecting a number of like blocks, said block comprising: a frame with straight sides, having a plurality of connecting elements projecting from at least one side thereof, each of said connecting elements having two side walls contiguous with said frame and a front wall extending between said side walls, said side walls having slots adjacent said frame; a plurality of sockets provided on another side of said frame for receiving said connecting elements of a horizontally or vertically adjoining block, said sockets each having inversely complimentary slots which interlock with said connecting element side wall slots to secure said block with a horizontally adjoining block; a means for interlocking with another block in a crossed, edgewise intersecting fashion, said interlocking means located between two adjacent sockets, and a space between two adjacent connecting elements being dimensioned to snap-fit around said interlocking means of a crossed, edge-wise intersecting adjoining block; and an elongated inflatable member for passing through said frame to enable a plurality of blocks to be connected and to increase the buoyancy of said blocks.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
190 words
A toy building block adapted to be assembled to develop a desired shape through connecting a number of like blocks, said block comprising: a frame with straight sides, having a plurality of connecting elements projecting from at least one side thereof, each of said connecting elements having two side walls contiguous with said frame and a front wall extending between said side walls, said side walls having slots adjacent said frame; a plurality of sockets provided on another side of said frame for receiving said connecting elements of a horizontally or vertically adjoining block, said sockets each having inversely complimentary slots which interlock with said connecting element side wall slots to secure said block with a horizontally adjoining block; a means for interlocking with another block in a crossed, edgewise intersecting fashion, said interlocking means located between two adjacent sockets, and a space between two adjacent connecting elements being dimensioned to snap-fit around said interlocking means of a crossed, edge-wise intersecting adjoining block; and an elongated inflatable member for passing through said frame to enable a plurality of blocks to be connected and to increase the buoyancy of said blocks.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
A toy building block as claimed in claim 1, wherein said frame has a polygonal outline.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A toy building block as claimed in claim 1, wherein said frame has a polygonal outline and an inscribed circular passage through it.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
A toy building block as claimed in claim 3, wherein said inflatable member passes through said circular passages of a plurality of blocks and is inflatable to tightly engage with said circular passages.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
A toy building block as claimed in claim 1, wherein said interlocking means is centrally positioned along said frame side, said interlocking means having a square cross-section.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
A toy building block as claimed in claim 2, wherein said space is centrally positioned along said frame side.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
58 words
A toy building block as claimed in claim 1, wherein the side walls of connecting elements on either side of said space have adjacent side walls which are spaced apart so that walls forming said sockets which protrude from the frame will interlock between the spaced connecting element side walls when two blocks are vertically or horizontally connected.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-12-02 | 1989-06-03 | 1989-12-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-12-02 | 1993-06-03 | 1993-12-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-12-02 | 1997-06-03 | 1997-12-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |