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

The present invention is an educational modular toy block system that allows children to build and re-configure functional play settings out of blocks. The blocks are stylized to mimic objects they may see around them in a normal city setting. The system is designed to easily manipulate and modify the city themed structures all while connecting pieces to a secure building foundation. The system provides the ability to expand with additional bases to create larger play spaces for the user. The user can create their own cityscapes with streets, parks, waterways / beaches, railroads, buildings and houses. The system contemplates that additional toy block systems can be included to expand upon the city theme using clearly recognizable landmarks from actual cities, cultural theme variations, multiple color schemes and commercial entities, such as theme parks or other various attractions.

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 life span for creative stimulation.

They are either challenged to continue exploring or they exhaust all options available to them and grow tired the object.

Once the child completes the design, the creative challenge is exhausted and the child loses interest.

In other products there are accompanying add-ons but they are separate from the original product and don't cohesively connect with the child's original creative thought process.

Images