U.S. patent application number 12/319709 was filed with the patent office on 2010-07-15 for magic blocks.
This patent application is currently assigned to Usama M. Khattah Omar. Invention is credited to Usama M. Khattah Omar.
Application Number | 20100178839 12/319709 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42319400 |
Filed Date | 2010-07-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100178839 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Khattah Omar; Usama M. |
July 15, 2010 |
Magic Blocks
Abstract
Magic Blocks are a construction blocks game that is both fun and
educational. It consists of four distinct individual pieces. The
four pieces that make up this game are identified as Rectangle
Block (FIG. 1), Square Block, (FIG. 5), Rectangle Connector (FIG.
9), and Square Connector (FIG. 10). The Rectangle Block and the
Square Block are made up of panels which contain both male locks,
and female locks. The Rectangle Connector and the Square Connector
contain only female locks. The game works by folding the Rectangle
and the Square Blocks, respectively, along their scored edges then
stacking the folded blocks on top of one another with the male
locks going into the female locks of the block placed below it.
Objects can be built horizontally as well as vertically.
Inventors: |
Khattah Omar; Usama M.;
(Garfield, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Usama M. Khattah Omar
221 Macarthur Ave.
Garfield
NJ
07026
US
|
Assignee: |
Usama M. Khattah Omar
Garfield
NJ
|
Family ID: |
42319400 |
Appl. No.: |
12/319709 |
Filed: |
January 12, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/120 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/084 20130101;
A63H 33/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/120 |
International
Class: |
A63H 33/08 20060101
A63H033/08 |
Claims
1) A fully functional and unique construction block game consisting
of: a) a Rectangle Block made up of 6 male locks, 7 female locks,
one of which is a double lock, 5 panels, and 4 flaps. b) a Square
Block made up of 4 male locks, 7 female locks, 5 panels, and 4
flaps. c) a Rectangle Connector comprised of 7 female locks, one of
which is a double lock. d) a Square Connector comprised of 4 female
locks. e) a construction block system designed to work with
cardboard with a thickness ranging from 0.016-0.030; on plastic
sheets with a thickness range of 0.016-0.050; and on corrugated
board with a thickness range of 0.125-0.375 (E-flute). That
includes Micro Flutes A,B,C, and E.
2) One type of male lock used by the Square Block and the Rectangle
Block that is capable of: a) connecting into any type of female
lock and securing itself.
3) Three different types of female locks including: a) a single
female lock able to hold one male lock. b) a double female lock
able to hold two male locks simultaneously. c) a female lock
located on the top side of both the Square and the Rectangle blocks
that is score attached.
4) Trapezoidal shaped female locks used to: a) provide the male
locks with an easy way to connect into the female locks using the
wider side of the trapezoidal opening. b) provide a way for the
male locks to secure themselves into the female locks they are
being connected into by having them shift from the wider side of
the trapezoidal female lock opening to the slightly shorter side
once they are connected, securing its location in the process.
5) A trapezoidal shaped female double lock that: a) provides an
easy way for the two male locks placed into it to slide in and out,
while also enabling them to be secured at the same time by shifting
from the wider side, to the slightly shorter side.
6) One type of flap located on the Square Block and the Rectangle
Block that: a) provides stability and strength when building simple
objects. b) provides stability and strength when building complex
objects that require a large amount of blocks stacked on top of one
another. c) provides a clearance for the male locks allowing them
to connect and secure themselves into the score attached female
locks.
7) A construction block system that: a) uses a Rectangle Block and
a Square Block that are foldable along its scored edges. b) uses 4
symmetrical pieces designed and cut to correspond perfectly with
one another in a variety of different ways. c) uses 4 symmetrical
pieces that are 100% reversible, meaning they can be folded and
assembled in either direction. c) are capable of being used to
build 3-dimensional objects in which the outside shell can be
completely closed in all directions.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
TABLE-US-00001 [0001] Pat. No. Issue Date Inventor 3,558,138 Jan.
26, 1971 Lemelson 3,941,038 Mar. 2, 1976 Bishop 3,946,514 Mar. 30,
1976 Joslyn 4,003,144 Jan. 18, 1977 Maddestra 4,035,947 Jul. 19,
1977 Burge 4,055,019 Oct. 25, 1977 Harvey 4,676,762 Jun. 30, 1987
Ballard 5,795,210 Aug. 18, 1998 Kushner 6,231,272 May 15, 2001
Bishop 5,647,185 Jul. 15, 1997 Forlini 5,365,714 Nov. 22, 1994
Potvin 5,987,829 Nov. 23, 1999 Fisher 5,910,086 Jun. 8, 1999 Fisher
5,970,673 Oct. 26, 1999 Fisher 5,928,052 Jul. 27, 1999 Buscher
5,964,635 Oct. 12, 1999 Krog 6,010,279 Jan. 4, 2000 Taylor-Smith
6,645,033 Nov. 11, 2003 Thomsen
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] The idea of inventing Magic Blocks came about because of a
personal situation I encountered in my life. I have the equipment
and the software to create different things out of paper with the
CAD system. I was helping a local program in my area called
Building Blocks which works with children that need assistants with
developing skills such as motor skills. This program helps children
improve their motor skills by having the children play with Lego's
and other similar educational toys. Using my background with over
21 years of experience in the packaging and development field, I
decided one day, to create a construction blocks game in which the
pieces were made out of paper, as a way to help kids to improve
their motor skills. The idea of creating a construction block
system made entirely out of paper made a lot of sense to me as it
posed a great deal of advantages. Paper is a great alternative
material to use instead of what is available to the public, more
environmental friendly, safer, cheaper and more versatile
alternative. I presented my invention to the teachers that ran the
Building Blocks program to test the invention, and allowed them the
opportunity to use it and have their students play with it.
DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0003] FIG. 1 shows a top view of the Rectangle Block which
consists of 6 male locks (FIG. 1a), 7 female locks (FIG. 2), one of
which is a female double lock (FIG. 2b), 5 panels (FIG. 3), and 4
flaps (FIG. 4). Panels 1, 2, 3 and 4 (FIG. 3) can be folded up or
down, depending on which side of the block the user wants to be
visible. All the panels must be folded in the same direction in
order for them to work properly during construction. The male locks
located at the very bottom of the folded block are used during
assembly to connect it to a block and/or connector pieces female
locks. The female locks (FIG. 2) located on the very top of the
folded Rectangle Block create a 1/16 opening allowing the male
locks of another block piece to be connected to it. The 4 flaps
(FIG. 4) are folded inward and create a clearance for the male
locks on the adjacent panels.
[0004] FIG. 5 shows a top view of the Square block which consists
of 4 male locks (FIG. 5a), 4 female locks (FIG. 6), 5 panels (FIG.
7), and 4 flaps (FIG. 8). Panels 1,2,3 and 4 (FIG. 7) can be folded
up or down, depending on which side of the block the user wants to
be visible. All the panels must be folded in the same direction in
order for them to work properly during construction. The male locks
located at the very bottom of the folded block are used during
assembly to connect it to a block and/or connector pieces female
locks. The female locks (FIG. 6) located on the very top of the
folded Square Block create a 1/16 opening allowing the male locks
of another block piece to be connected to it. The 4 flaps (FIG. 8)
are folded inward and create a clearance for the male locks on the
adjacent panels.
[0005] FIG. 9 shows a top view of the Rectangle Connector piece.
The Rectangle Connector is made up of 7 female locks (FIG. 9a), one
of which is a female double lock (7). The female locks are used to
connect two blocks together in any direction, allowing you to build
horizontally whether the blocks are lined up in the same direction,
or perpendicular to one another. The female double lock has the
ability to hold two male connectors from two separate blocks while
in the process connecting them together.
[0006] FIG. 10 shows a top view of the Square Connector piece. The
Square Connector is made up of 4 female locks (FIG. 10a). The
Square Connector is used in conjunction with the small block to
close off corners and the end points of an object.
[0007] FIG. 11 shows a top view of the four individual pieces which
make up the Magic Blocks game. The Rectangle Block and the Square
Block start off flat. Before construction of an object can begin,
the user must fold these two blocks along their already scored
edges as illustrated in FIG. 11a. Once the blocks are folded
properly, they are then ready to be assembled together to build a
3-dimensional object. The first step to building an object is to
create a base. FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the blocks being
used to create a base. The blocks are placed upside down, either
adjacent or perpendicular to one another. Connect the blocks
together using the Rectangle Connector piece, and you have
successfully created a base from which to begin building upon. FIG.
12a illustrates how the blocks are added one on top of another to
build vertically. There is no limit to how many blocks you can use
to build an object.
[0008] There is no limit to the size, shape, width, height or type
of object that can be created using U.S. Magic Blocks. FIG. 12b
shows a perspective view of two example objects (robot, house)
which were built using the blocks. The blocks generally have a
texture printed on their top side. Since they are reversible
however, they can be folded with the clear white side facing the
outside. This creates an entirely new dimension of creativeness by
allowing the user to color/paint an object after it has been built.
The creating possibilities are endless.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1A is a top view of the Rectangle Block. It is made up
of 5 panels, 6 male locks, 6 female locks, and 1 female double
lock.
[0010] FIG. 1B is a top view of the Rectangle Blocks male locks,
labeled 1-6. These locks connect Rectangle Block to other blocks by
inserting themselves and locking into the female locks on which
they are placed into.
[0011] FIG. 1C is a top view of the Rectangle Block's male lock
including its measurements and specifications.
[0012] FIG. 2A is a top view of the Rectangle Block's Female Locks,
labeled 1-6. These female locks act as place holders for the male
locks of the blocks being placed on top of them.
[0013] FIG. 2B: is a top view of a Rectangle Block's single Female
Lock, including its measurements and specifications.
[0014] FIG. 2C is a top view of the Rectangle Block's Female Double
Lock, including measurements and specifications. The Female Double
Block is able to hold two Male Locks simultaneously.
[0015] FIG. 3A is a top view of the Rectangle Block's different
panels, labeled 1-5. These panels are folded down turning the flat
block into a 3-dimensional block.
[0016] FIG. 3B is a top view of the Rectangle Block's center panel,
labeled 5. Each of the four other panels attach to the sides of
this center panel.
[0017] FIG. 3C is a top view of the Rectangle Block's panels 2
& 4 specifications.
[0018] FIG. 3D is a top view of the Rectangle Block's panels 1
& 3 specifications.
[0019] FIG. 4A is a top view of the Rectangle Block's Fold Down
Flaps, labeled 1-4.
[0020] FIG. 4B is a top view of the Rectangle Block's single Fold
Down Flap Specification.
[0021] FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the Rectangle Block folded
from a flat piece to a 3-dimensional piece.
[0022] FIG. 4D is a perspective view of the Rectangle Block's
folded from a flat piece to a 3-dimensional piece. (with hidden
lines visible)
[0023] FIG. 5A is a top view of the Square Block. This Block
consists of 5 panels, 4 male locks, and 4 female locks.
[0024] FIG. 5B is a top view of the Square Block's Male Locks,
labeled 1-4. These locks connect the Square Block to other blocks
by inserting themselves and locking into the female locks on which
they are placed into.
[0025] FIG. 5C is a top view of the Square Block's male lock
specifications.
[0026] FIG. 6A is a top view of the Square Block's female locks,
labeled 1-4. These female locks act as place holders for the male
locks of the blocks being placed on top of them.
[0027] FIG. 6B is a top view of the Square Block's female lock
specifications.
[0028] FIG. 7A is a top view of the Square Block's panels, labeled
1-5. These panels are folded down turning the flat block into a
3-dimensional block.
[0029] FIG. 7B is a top view of the Square Block's center panel,
labeled 5. Each of the four other panels attach to the sides of
this center panel.
[0030] FIG. 7C is a top view of the Square Block's panels 1,2,3,
& 4 specifications.
[0031] FIG. 8A is a top view of the Square Block's Fold Down Flaps,
labeled 1-4.
[0032] FIG. 8B is a top view of the Square Block's Fold Down Flap
specifications.
[0033] FIG. 8C is a perspective view of the Square Block folded
from a flat piece into a 3-dimensional piece.
[0034] FIG. 8D is a perspective view of the Square Block folded
from a flat piece into a 3-dimensional piece. (with hidden lines
visible)
[0035] FIG. 9A is a top view of the Rectangle Connector piece. This
piece is made up of 6 female locks, and one female double lock.
[0036] FIG. 9B is a top view of the Rectangle Connector's female
locks, labeled 1-6, and one female double lock, labeled 7.
[0037] FIG. 9C is a top view of the Rectangle Connector's female
lock specifications.
[0038] FIG. 9D is a top view of the Rectangle Connector's female
double lock specifications.
[0039] FIG. 10A is a top view of the Square Connector.
[0040] FIG. 10B is a top view of the Square Connector's female
locks, labeled 1-4.
[0041] FIG. 10C is a top view of the Square Connector's female lock
specifications.
[0042] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a Rectangle Block and a
Square Block folded and placed upside down. Once they are placed
aside one another, they are connected together by a Rectangle
Connector piece. The purpose of doing this is to create a base on
which to build upon.
[0043] FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the Rectangle Block and
the Square Block being connected by a Rectangle connector piece,
forming a base on which to build upon.
[0044] FIG. 11C is a perspective view of a Rectangle Block being
added to the base that was created in FIG. 11B. When attaching
Block Pieces onto the base, they are done so with the male locks
facing down, so they insert into the female locks of the base and
connector pieces, securing themselves in the process.
[0045] FIG. 11D is the same as FIG. 11C, only taken a step further.
Additional blocks are assembled on top of one another allowing you
to build vertically.
[0046] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an example object, a robot,
that was built using Magic Blocks.
ADVANTAGES
[0047] Accordingly, several advantages of my invention are: [0048]
(a) they are made from 100% biodegradable paper and do not contain
plastics or any other chemicals. [0049] (b) they provide limitless
benefits for a child's physical, social, creative and intellectual
development. [0050] (c) extremely safe, lightweight, yet strong and
assemble easily.
DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0051] FIG. 1A shows a top view of the Rectangle Block which
consists of 6 male locks (FIG. 1B), 7 female locks (FIG. 2A), one
of which is a female double lock (FIG. 2C), 5 panels (FIG. 3A), and
4 flaps (FIG. 4A). Panels 1,2,3 and 4 (FIG. 3A) can be folded up or
down, depending on which side of the block the user wants to be
visible. All the panels must be folded in the same direction, up or
down, in order for them to work properly during construction. The
male locks located at the very bottom of the folded block are used
during assembly to connect it to a block and/or connector piece's
female locks. The female locks (FIG. 2A) located on the very top of
the folded Rectangle Block create a 1/16 opening allowing the male
locks of another block piece to be connected to it. The 4 flaps
(FIG. 4A) are folded inward and create a clearance for the male
locks on the adjacent panels.
[0052] FIG. 5 shows a top view of the Square block which consists
of 4 male locks (FIG. 5B), 4 female locks (FIG. 6A), 5 panels (FIG.
7A), and 4 flaps (FIG. 8A). Panels 1,2,3 and 4 (FIG. 7A) can be
folded up or down, depending on which side of the block the user
wants to be visible. All the panels must be folded in the same
direction in order for them to work properly during construction.
The male locks located at the very bottom of the folded block are
used during assembly to connect it to a block and/or connector
pieces female locks. The female locks (FIG. 6A) located on the very
top of the folded Square Block create a 1/16 opening allowing the
male locks of another block piece to be connected to it. The 4
flaps (FIG. 8A) are folded inward and create a clearance for the
male locks on the adjacent panels.
[0053] FIG. 9A shows a top view of the Rectangle Connector piece.
The Rectangle Connector is made up of 7 female locks (FIG. 9B), one
of which is a female double lock (7). The female locks are used to
connect two blocks together in any direction, allowing you to build
horizontally whether the blocks are lined up in the same direction,
or perpendicular to one another. The female double lock has the
ability to hold two male connectors from two separate blocks while
in the process connecting them together.
[0054] FIG. 10A shows a top view of the Square Connector piece. The
Square Connector is made up of 4 female locks (FIG. 10B) The Square
Connector is used in conjunction with the small block to close off
corners and the end points of an object.
[0055] Once the blocks are folded properly, they are then ready to
be assembled together to build a 3-dimensional object. The first
step to building an object is to create a base. FIG. 11A shows a
perspective view of a Rectangle Block and a Square Block folded and
placed upside down. This is the first step in the base creation
process. The two blocks are then connected together with a large
connector (FIG. 11B). This series of steps can then be repeated
over and over again until the desired result is achieved. Once the
base has been created, you can begin building vertically. Blocks
can begin to be connected to the base as shown in FIG. 11C.
Additional blocks can be added continuously on top of one another
as illustrated in FIG. 11D.
[0056] There is no limit to the size, shape, width, height or type
of object that can be created using Magic Blocks. FIG. 12 shows a
perspective view of a robot created by using the blocks. The blocks
generally have a texture printed on their top side. Since they are
reversible however, they can be folded with the clear white side
facing the outside. This creates an entirely new dimension of
creativeness by allowing the user to color/paint an object after it
has been built. The create possibilities are endless.
* * * * *