Modular marble toy kit

A marble toy kit includes building blocks and base platforms. Each building block includes a block base, formed of a single piece of plastic, that has four sides interconnected to form a tubular member having a square cross-section and having an interior. At least one side has an opening sized to receive a toy marble. The top of each building block has a base portion and a connection boss extending from the base portion. The connection boss and base portion have a second opening sized to receive a toy marble. The boss is configured to engage and fit within the open bottom of another block base having the same structure. At least one base platform includes a plurality of pedestals extending from a top surface. Each pedestal fits within the open-bottom of the block base of a building block to attach the block base to the base platform.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to modular marble toys.

BACKGROUND

Marble games have been popular among consumers for decades. Marble mazes and marble races in particular are two common types of marble games wherein the user assembles a plurality of pieces to create a track through which marbles travel from a starting position to an ending position. Marble games typically utilize gravity to propel the marble along the desired path.

Generally, in a marble race game, the user must assemble a track using multiple different elements wherein the marble travels down sloped paths between towers built by the user. Marble race games typically focus on exposed portions of track wherein the user can view the marble as it travels along the constructed path. At the end of each piece, the marble typically falls a short vertical distance to the next section of track. Enjoyment can be gleaned from this game as the user sends marbles down the track of his or her creation, with tracks often utilizing special pieces such as spirals, pinwheels, and jumps. These games can be built to be cover significant area, or designed by the user to travel through obstacles in the area of play. Such a system is disclosed by Wichman in U.S. Pat. No. 4,713,038 and Klitsner in U.S. Pat. No. 4,874,342.

Marble maze games are typically more vertically disposed, with the user creating a tightly winding path through which the marble is meant to travel. Typically, these games have an objective, such as building an apparatus that will sort marbles of varying colors or sizes into specific groups.

Another objective of marble maze games may be to build a path for a marble to travel from a specified starting position to a specified ending position using a set of specified pieces. Such a game is available from ThinkFun, Inc., entitled “Gravity Maze”, in which a user attempts to complete a path between specified points using specified pieces. In this game, plastic column pieces are supplied, and the tracks contained within a column are configured in predetermined orientations leading to a limited number of possible track combinations and configurations. Additionally, the heights of the columns are fixed, and are not designed to be stackable.

Both the above described systems offer their own style of amusement, but limited interactivity with other play objects, such as toy vehicles, toy people and the like. User defined marble mazes are typically abstract in nature, and thus utilize imagination in certain ways, but not others. Therefore, a need exists for a modular marble toy kit that incorporates the some of the aspects of marble mazes while providing the ability to simulate building structures, thereby facilitating interplay with other toys.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention address the above stated need by providing marble toy kit that includes modular, connectible blocks that have different marble paths therethrough, and base platforms for securing the stacks of blocks in user-selected patterns.

A first embodiment is a marble toy kit that includes a plurality of building blocks and a plurality of base platforms. Each building block includes a block base that has four sides interconnected to form a tubular member having an external perimeter defining a square cross-section and having an interior. At least a first side has an opening sized to receive a toy marble therethrough. The top of each building block engages each of the four sides, and has a base portion and a connection boss extending from the base portion. The connection boss and base portion have a second opening sized to receive a toy marble therethrough. The boss is configured to engage and fit within the open bottom of another block base having the same structure. The block based is formed of a single piece of plastic. A first base platform includes a top surface and a plurality of pedestals extending from the top surface. Each pedestal fits within the open-bottom of the block base of a building block to attach the block base to the base platform.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1shows a top plan view of a modular marble maze kit10according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The kit10includes a plurality of hollow stackable blocks11and a plurality of base platforms13. In this embodiment, the plurality of hollow stackable blocks11includes exemplary stackable blocks20,22,24,26and28, as well as sets of multiple blocks having a substantially similar construction. In other words, the plurality of hollow stackable blocks includes multiple blocks having the design of block20, multiple blocks having the design of block22, multiple blocks having the design24, and so forth. The plurality of base platforms13includes exemplary base platforms12and14, as well as sets of multiple base platforms having similar designs, as will be discussed below.

Each stackable block20,22,24,26and28has a corresponding top20a,22a,24a,26aand28a, and a corresponding bottom20b,22b,24b,26band28b. Each top20a,22a,24a,26aand28ais configured to engage and attach to a bottom20b,22b,24b,26band28bof another stackable block. For example, the top22aof the stackable block22is configured to engage and attach to the bottom20bof the stackable block20, as well as to the bottom24bof the stackable block24, the bottom26bof stackable block26, and the bottom28bof the stackable block28.

As will be discussed further below in detail, each of the stackable blocks20,22,24,26and28has at two openings and an interior, both sufficiently sized so as to facilitate the passage of a marble, not shown. By way of example, the openings are preferably designed to have at least approximately 9 mm radial clearance, regardless of shape. As will also be discussed below in connection withFIGS. 2A-2C, 3, 4A-4C, 6A-6C and 7A-7B, each of the stackable blocks20,22,24,26and28has first, second, third and fourth sides interconnected to form a tubular member having an external perimeter defining a rectangular cross-section (square cross-section in the case of blocks20,22,24and28), and having an interior. Each of the stackable blocks22,24,26and28has at least a first side having a first opening sized to receive a toy marble therethrough.

The plurality of stackable blocks11may be stacked and combined by a user in a myriad of ways to form elongated and serpentine marble passages or paths. The plurality of stackable blocks11may include other blocks without openings, or with a single opening, not shown, which have tops and/or bottoms configured to connect to each other, and to connect to the tops or bottoms of the stackable blocks20,22,24,26and28.

Each of the plurality of base platforms13is configured to interlock with another of the plurality of base platforms13. In this embodiment, the base platform12has a top surface30, a bottom surface31, and a plurality of pedestals32disposed on and extending from the top surface30. Each pedestal32is sized and configured to fit within the bottom20b,22b,24b,26band28bof corresponding blocks20,22,24,26and28, so as to engage and removably secure the blocks20,22,24,26and28to the corresponding base platform12.

In this embodiment, the base platform14has a top surface34that does not have pedestals, and a bottom surface35. In general, the plurality of base platforms13are configured to engage with each other such that the top surfaces30and34are at least in parallel planes, and preferably are coplanar. Thus, for example, the bottom surfaces31and35may suitably be coplanar as well. As such the base platforms12and14may be combined to have first portions (base platform12and similar base platforms) on which structures of combinations of blocks11may be built and secured, and second portions (base platform14and similar base platforms) that form play surfaces for toy vehicles, toy people, and the like, not shown.

The plurality of base platforms13interconnect with each other via sets of plugs36and corresponding receptacles38.FIG. 13, by way of example, shows various the plurality of base platforms interconnected in a pattern. Referring again toFIG. 1, the base platform12has two receptacles38on each of its edges and the base platform14has two plugs36on each of its edges. In general, the receptacles38are sized and configured to receive the plugs36to connect the base platforms12and14like jigsaw puzzle pieces. The plurality of base platforms13preferably includes other platforms, discussed further below, both with and without pedestals and having different combinations of plugs36and receptacles38to allow different configurations.

FIGS. 2A-2Cshow a preferred embodiment of the first block20ofFIG. 1.FIG. 2Ashows a top plan view of the block20,FIG. 2Bshows a perspective view of the block20, andFIG. 2Cshows a side plan view of the block20.

In addition to the top20aand bottom20b, the block20in this embodiment has first, second, third and fourth sides104,106,108and110, respectively, that interconnected to form a tubular member111having an external perimeter defining a square cross-section and having an interior112. The top20ahas a base portion114that engages each of the first, second, third and fourth sides104,106,108and110, respectively, and a connection boss116extending upward from the base portion114. The base portion114and connection boss116define a central opening118sized to receive a toy marble therethrough.

The base portion114of the top20ais also configured to engage the bottom edges of at least two sides of a similar bottom structure (e.g. bottoms20b,22b,24betc.) in a second block. In this embodiment, the base portion114is a flat horizontal plate having an outer perimeter that is equal to that of the perimeter of the tubular member111.

The first, second, third and fourth sides104,106,108and110, respectively, terminate at the bottom20bto form an open bottom. As a result, the opening118, the tubular member111and the open bottom20bdefine a marble passage through that block20. The boss116is configured to engage and fit within the first, second, third and fourth sides (e.g.104,106,108and110) of a second block, not shown inFIG. 2, which has the same bottom structure as the block20, for example, any of the bottoms22b,24b, or28bofFIG. 1.

The connection boss116thus has an outer diameter or outer perimeter that is sized to fit within and engage at least two sides of the other block (e.g. any of sides104,106,108or110of another block20). In this embodiment, the connection boss116is in the form of a generally round ring having chords116aor other discontinuities on the outer perimeter. The distance between opposing chords116ashould be substantially the same as the dimension between inner surfaces104a,106a,108aand110aof opposing sides104/108and/or106/110. Thus, the chords116acan engage the corresponding inner surfaces of another block. The connection boss116may take other shapes, such as a ring shape without chords116a, or with fewer chords. However, the cords add a feature of assisting in the alignment of the blocks20,22,24,26and28when they are connected and stacked, because the flat surfaces of the chords116aseat against the inner surfaces of the other block's sides in a predetermined rotational relationship. In this embodiment, the surfaces of four of the chords116alie in planes that are parallel to the inner surfaces104a,106a,108aand110aand outer surfaces104b,106b,108b, and110bof respective sides104,106,108and110.

It will be appreciated, therefore, that several blocks having the design of the block20may be stacked vertically, with the connection boss116of each block20disposed within and engaging the bottom20bof another block20. It will further be appreciated that that top20aand the bottom20bcan compatibly connect with many commercially available traditional marble race toys that are not part of the kit10. Thus, the blocks having the design of the block20may be combined with marble maze tracks of other manufacturers to combinations of marble mazes and marble model buildings. It will also be appreciated that the block20is formed of a single piece of injection molded plastic, which allows for ease of manufacturing in quantity.

FIG. 3shows a perspective view of a second block28. In addition to the top28aand bottom28b, the block28in this embodiment has first, second, third and fourth sides204,206,208and210, respectively, that interconnected to form a tubular member211having an external perimeter defining a square cross-section and having an interior212. The sides204,206,208and210are identical structure and configuration as the sides104,106,108and110of the first block20ofFIGS. 2A-2C, with the exception that a first side204of the block28has an opening205sized to receive a toy marble therethrough. In this embodiment, the opening205is square or rectangular, but may take other shapes as long as it defines an opening for receiving a standard toy marble therethrough, for example, having a radial clearance of 8 mm to 10 mm.

The top28ais substantially identical in structure and configuration to the top20aofFIGS. 2A-2C. Thus, the top has a base portion214that engages (i.e. touches) the upper edge of each of the first, second, third and fourth sides204,206,208and210, and a connection boss216extending upward from the base portion214. The base portion214and connection boss216define a central opening218sized to receive a toy marble therethrough. The connection boss216may suitably be identical instruction to the connection boss116ofFIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C.

The block28is in everyway identical to the block20except for the opening205. The additional opening in the block28allows the tubular member211to receive a marble either through the central opening218, or the first side opening205, and guide the marble to the open bottom28b. It is evident that several blocks having the design of blocks20and28may be connected to each other vertically, and that a marble would pass vertically from through all of the blocks. Referring toFIG. 1, it will further be appreciated that multiple stacks of the blocks20,28may be built upward from and coupled to the pedestals32on the base platform12.

Like the block20, the block28is formed of a single piece of injection molded plastic. As will be discussed below, the design of block28can also be used as a block base for the block22, which contains an additional piece.

FIGS. 4A and 4Bshow another block22of the kit10ofFIG. 1.FIG. 4Ashows an exploded perspective view of the block22, andFIG. 4Bshows a side cutaway view of the block22. The block22comprises a block base250that is identical in structure as the block28ofFIG. 3, and a curved element curved element352. The block base250includes the top22aand bottom22b, and first, second, third and fourth sides304,306,308and310, respectively, that are identical in structure to the top28a, bottom28band sides204,206,208and210of the block28ofFIG. 3. The sides304,306,308, and310form a tubular member311having an external perimeter defining a square cross-section and having an interior312. The first side304includes a side opening305identical to the opening205ofFIG. 3. Like the block28, the block base250is formed from a single piece of injection molded plastic, and is configured to connect and stack with other blocks20,24,26and28, as well as the pedestals32. To this end, the top22aof the block base includes a base portion314and connection boss316identical to the base portion214and connection boss216ofFIG. 3, and defining a central opening318sized to receive a toy marble therethrough.

The curved element352is affixed to the block base250within the interior312. The curved element352defines a curved, convex marble path or ramp from the top central opening318to the opening305. Thus, the curved element352causes a marble entering through the top central opening318to exit through the side opening305. It will be appreciated that when the block22is disposed adjacent to a block having the design of block28ofFIG. 3, such that their respective side openings205,305face each other, a marble entering the central opening318of the block22will be guided by the curved element352to the opening305, pass into the interior212of the block28via the opening205, and exit the block28through the open bottom28b.

To this end, the curved element352extends in a curved manner from the top22aadjacent the third side308to a bottom354of the opening352on the first side304. The curved element352has a flat cross-section in the direction orthogonal to the marble path, but may in other embodiments have a different cross section.

The curved element352includes a first end352athat abuts the top22a, and specifically, the base portion314. The curved element352has a second end352bthat engages a bottom ledge354of the opening352. Along the marble path, the curved element352defines a concave inner surface353on which the marble is intended to travel. The inner surface353has a first curve radius r that is substantially equal to a linear vertical distance d from an interior surface of the base portion314to the bottom ledge354. To engage and hold the second end352bto the bottom ledge354, the second end352bincludes vertical edge surface358, and a lip portion356that extends the upper portion of the vertical edge surface358. The vertical edge surface358engages an interior surface304aof the first side304below the first opening305, and the lip portion356extends into the opening305. The curved portion352is thus held in place by a trap fit between the first end352a, which is trapped between and against the bottom wall of the base portion314and the top of the interior surface308aof the third side, and the second end352, which is trapped by the lip portion356and vertical edge surface358engaging the bottom ledge354. The curved portion352may also be optionally glued, if possible disassembly by the consumer is not desired.

FIG. 5shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a block25, which is not shown separate inFIG. 1, but which is shown as part of the block24ofFIG. 1. The block25includes a top25a, a bottom25b, and first, second, third and fourth sides404,406,408and410, respectively, that interconnected to form a tubular member411having an external perimeter defining a square cross-section and having an interior412. The sides404,406,408and410are identical structure and configuration as the sides204,206,208and210of the block28ofFIG. 3, with the exception that the second side406also includes an opening407that is identical to the opening405of the side404. Thus, the block25has openings405,407on adjacent sides, each of which are sized to receive a toy marble therethrough.

The top25ais substantially identical in structure and configuration to the top20aofFIG. 2. Thus, the top has a base portion414that engages each of the first, second, third and fourth sides404,406,408and410, and a connection boss416extending upward from the base portion414. The base portion414and connection boss416define a central opening418sized to receive a toy marble therethrough.

The block25is in every way identical to the block28except for the second side opening407. The additional opening407in the block25allows the tubular member411to receive a marble either any of the central opening418, the first side opening405, or the second side opening407, thus expanding the connection options. For example, using the various combinations of blocks having the design of block22and blocks20or28, three different marble paths may converge at the block25via the two openings405,407and the top central opening418. The block25in any event guides the marble to the open bottom25b.

Like the block28, the block25is formed of a single piece of injection molded plastic. As will be discussed below, the design of block25can also be used as a block base for the block24, which contains additional pieces.

FIGS. 6A-6Cshow a block24which includes a block base having the design of the block25, a second curved element552, and a bottom element560. In the description ofFIG. 6, the block base will be referenced as block base25, and the same reference numbers fromFIG. 5shall be used to describe the same structures of the block base25. However, for clarity of exposition, the top25aand bottom25bof the block base25are referred to as top24aand bottom24b, to be consistent with the description ofFIG. 1.FIG. 6Ashows a perspective view of the block24,FIG. 6Bshows a bottom plan view of the block without the bottom element560, andFIG. 6Cshows a perspective view of the bottom element560alone.

The second curved element552extends in a curved manner from the first side404adjacent to the first opening405(and the fourth side410, not visible inFIG. 5) to the second side406adjacent to the second opening407(and the third side408, not visible inFIG. 5). The second curved element552has a flat cross-section in the direction orthogonal to the marble path, but may in other embodiments have a different cross section. It will be noted that in the case of the block24, the marble path is intended to extend between the first side opening405and the second side opening407, along a concave surface552aof the second curved element. The second curved element552includes a convex (outer) surface552bhas a radius of curvature throughout that is less than a horizontal width of the first wall404, to ensure proper marble guidance between the openings405and407.

The second curved element552has a height that extends from the base portion414of the top24ato the bottom454of the first opening405, and to the bottom455of the second opening407.

With reference toFIG. 6Cspecifically, the bottom element560includes a square plate562and first and second support ribs564,566, respectively. The square plate562is dimensioned to fit snugly within, and to engage, the interior surfaces404a,406a,408a, and410aof the respective sides404,406,408and410of the block base25(see alsoFIG. 5B). The first support rib564extends above and along an edge of the square plate562from a first corner562ato about halfway to an adjacent second corner562b. The first support rib564has a straight long side564aabutting the interior surface410aof the fourth wall410and a curved long side564babutting the convex (outer) surface552bof the curved element552. The curved long side564band the outer surface552have the same radius of curvature. The second support rib566extends above and along an edge of the square plate562from a third corner562c(opposite first corner562a) to about halfway to the second corner562b. Analogous to the first support rib564, the second support rib566has a straight long side566aabutting the interior surface408aof the third wall408and a curved long side566babutting the convex (outer) surface552bof the second curved element552, which has the same radius of curvature.

As shown inFIG. 6A, the bottom element560is disposed in the interior of the tubular member411such that the bottom of the second curved element552engages the plate562. In such position the ribs564and566are trapped between the bottom of the second curved element552and the block base25, thereby providing additional fit and support. The bottom surface568of the plate562is located at a distance from the bottom edges of the sides404,406,408and410that is substantially the same as, and slightly exceeding, the height of the connection boss416. As such, the plate562does not interfere with the operation of the open bottom24bto connect to the connection bosses of other blocks, or to connect to the pedestals32.

The bottom element560may suitably be secured in place by an adhesive. The bottom element560cooperates with the base portion514of the top24ato trap the second curved element552within the tubular structure511. It will be appreciated that the top opening418is not used, but for ease of manufacturing may remain in the design of the block24when the block25is included within the kit10.

FIGS. 7A and 7Bshow another block26that is a functional equivalent of two adjacent blocks have the design of the block28, and thus is also the functional equivalent of two adjacent block bases250.FIG. 7Ashows a perspective view of the block26, andFIG. 7Bshows a bottom plan view of the block26.

In addition to the top26aand bottom26b, the block26in this embodiment has first, second, third and fourth sides604,606,608and610, respectively, that interconnected to form a mostly hollow rectangular box611. The sides604and608are twice as wide as the standard block sides104,204,304, etc. ofFIGS. 2 to 6. The side sides606and610have the same width as the standard block sides ofFIGS. 2 to 6. The block26also includes an interior wall609that is aligned parallel to, and has substantially the same width as, each of the second and fourth sides606and610, respectively. The interior wall609is extends between the midpoint of the first side604and the midpoint of the third side608, such that the sides604,606,608and610and the interior wall609define two substantially identical interior spaces612a,612b, and form adjacent tubular members613a,613b.

The first side604of the block26has first and second openings605,607, respectively, each sized to receive a toy marble therethrough. In this embodiment, each opening605,607is square or rectangular, but may take other shapes as long as it defines an opening for receiving a standard toy marble therethrough.

The top26ahas a base portion614that engages each of the first, second, third and fourth sides604,606,608and610, and two connection bosses616a,616bthat extend upward from the base portion614. The base portion614and each connection boss616define respective top openings618a,618b, respectively, each sized to receive a toy marble therethrough. Each of the connection bosses616a,616bis identical in structure and function as the connection boss116ofFIG. 2.

The block26is substantially identical in function as two laterally adjacent blocks28. Accordingly, the open bottom26bis configured to receive the connection bosses (e.g.116,216,316etc.) of two adjacent single blocks, such as blocks20,22,24,25and28. To this end, the interior wall609includes a pillar650. The pillar650extends from the interior wall609into both the first interior612aand612b. Thus, the pillar650has a first interior surface652adisposed within the first interior space612a, and a second interior surface652bdisposed within the second interior space612b.

The pillar650extends into the first interior612asuch that the distance d1between the first interior surface652aand the interior surface610aof the fourth wall610is the same as the distance between opposing interior surfaces604aand604bof the respective first and third walls604and608. Such distance is, in fact, the uniform distance between opposing interior surfaces of the walls of all of the blocks20,22,24,25and28. The first interior surface652of the first pillar650thus cooperates with the walls604,608and610to form a friction fit to retain the connection boss (e.g. boss116,216etc.) or a pedestal32.

The pillar650similarly extends into the second interior612bsuch that the distance between the second interior surface652band the interior surface606aof the second wall606is the same distance, d1. Thus, the first pillar650thus cooperates with the walls604,606, and608to form a friction fit to retain the connection boss (e.g. boss116,216etc.) or a pedestal32. It will be appreciated that without the pillar650, the interior wall609would need to be twice as thick as the other walls604,606,608and610to provide the same fitting function. However, doubling the thickness of the interior wall609unnecessary incurs undesirable material expense, cure time delay, and weight. In this embodiment, such disadvantages are avoided by the use of a thinner interior wall609and the pillar650. In fact, the interior wall609may suitably be thinner than the walls604,606,608and610.

While the pillar650extends the height of the block26, in other embodiments, the pillar650may be replaced with any detent or rib that is only located at the bottom26bwhere the connection to other blocks occurs. Such a detect or rib may have any suitable shape having a surface or edge that extends into the interior such that the distance from innermost surface of the rib or detect is the distance d1from the inner surface606aor610a. Moreover, it will be appreciated that in yet other embodiments, the interior wall609may be located at the distance d1from one of the interior surfaces606a,610a, and that the pillar, detent or rib would extend only in one direction, but twice as far, toward the other of the interior surfaces606a,610a.

Nevertheless, in the embodiment shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B, the fitting function of the detent or rib is formed as a continuous pillar650. The use of a pillar650facilitates molding by avoiding overhang that would otherwise be present if a rib were only included at the bottom. As a further reduction in material and material thickness, the pillar650includes an interior channel or bore654. The bore654may extend the entire height of the pillar650, or a fraction thereof. The bore654in this embodiment is round in cross-section, but may be other shapes in other embodiments.

Like the blocks20and28, the block26is formed of a single piece of injection molded plastic. It will further be appreciated that the curved element352ofFIG. 4may be inserted into either or both of the interiors612a,612band snap fit into place with one of the windows605,607in the same manner of block22ofFIG. 4. Thus, the block26has further flexibility within the kit10, particularly if at least some curved elements352are provided separately in the kit10ofFIG. 1.

FIGS. 8A and 8Bshow another block27that may be included within the kit that has a footprint equivalent to three of the blocks20,22,24and28, and includes an interior ramp774designed to direct a marble laterally within the block27.FIG. 8Ashows a top plan view of the block27, andFIG. 8Bshows a side cutaway view plan view of the block27.

The block27includes a top27a, a bottom27b, and first, second, third and fourth sides754,756,758and760, respectively, that interconnected to form a mostly hollow rectangular box761. The sides754and758are three times as wide as the standard block sides104,204,304, etc. ofFIGS. 2 to 6. The side sides756and760have the same width as the standard block sides ofFIGS. 2 to 6. The block27also includes an interior ramp774that extends through a portion of the interior763of the rectangular box761.

The top27ahas a base portion764that engages each of the first, second, third and fourth sides754,756,758and760, and three connection bosses766a,766band766cthat extend upward from the base portion764. The base portion764and each connection boss766a,766band766cdefine respective top openings768a,768b, and768c, respectively, each sized to receive a toy marble therethrough. Each of the connection bosses766a,766band766cis identical in structure and function as the connection boss116ofFIG. 2. The connection bosses766a,766band766care spaced and arranged on the top such that they can receive three adjacent blocks having the design of the blocks20,22,24or28, or one block20,22,24or28adjacent to block26.

The open bottom27bis configured to receive the connection bosses (e.g.116,216,316etc.) of three adjacent single blocks, such as blocks20,22,24,25and28or one of such blocks in combination with the block26. The open bottom27bis divided into three adjacent sections770a,770b, and770c, each disposed directly below and vertically aligned with a corresponding and respective top opening768a,768band768c. The open bottom sections770a,770band770care separated by two intervening vertical wall segments772a,772b. Specifically, the vertical wall segment772aseparates the open bottom section770afrom bottom section770b, and the vertical wall segment772bseparates the open bottom section770bfrom bottom section770c. Each of the open bottom sections770a,770band770cis sized to receive and couple (via friction fit) to a corresponding connection boss (e.g.116,216etc.) of blocks of the kit10.

The ramp774has a top surface774afor transporting marbles and a bottom surface774band an internal end774c. The ramp774may suitably be a flat, elongate plate, but may have any structure that provides a surface (or surfaces) suitable for transporting marbles. Thus, the ramp774and/or surfaces774a,774bmay be concave, convex, or segmented in to lengthwise or widthwise sections.

The top surface774aof the ramp774extends in a declined manner from the side wall756to the first vertical wall segment772a, such that the internal end774cintersects or contacts the first vertical wall segment772a. The top surface774adeclines at an angle sufficient to ensure that, when bottom27bthe block27is disposed on a relatively horizontal surface, a standard marble will roll downward from any position thereon, off of the internal end774c. Because the internal end774cterminates at the first vertical wall segment772a, any marble rolling off of the internal end774cwill fall down through the first open bottom section770a. It will be appreciated that each of the vertical wall segments772a,772bextends from the bottom of the walls754,758to the bottom of the lower surface774bof the ramp774.

It will also be appreciated that the top surface774aof the ramp must be configured such that a standard marble may pass between the top surface774aand the base portion764. The bottom surface774bmust be configure such that the connection boss (e.g.116,216, etc.) of another block can be fully received and coupled within each of the open bottom sections770b,770c.

It can be seen that the block27allows for another variant of marble path segment. A marble may enter any of the top openings768a,768b, and768cand exit through the first open bottom section770a. It will also be appreciated that the same ramp design may be adapted to blocks having another block width, for example, such that there are four connection bosses and top openings, or to blocks having only a two-block width, similar to block26. The maximum number of top openings is limited, however, by the competing factors of required angle of declination, the minimum height requirement between the top surface774aand the base portions764, and the minimum height requirement below the bottom surface774bto allows for receipt of connection bosses in all parts of the open bottom27b.

FIG. 9Adepicts a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the base platform12. The base platform12may be comprised of injection molded plastic, high density foam, rubber, or any other suitable platform material. As discussed above, the base platform12has a top surface30, a bottom surface31, and a plurality of pedestals32disposed on extending from the top surface30. Each pedestal32is sized and configured to fit within the bottom20b,22b,24b,25b,26band28bof corresponding blocks20,22,24,26and28, so as to engage and removable secure the blocks20,22,24,25,26and28to the corresponding base platform12.

The first base platform12has four essentially straight sides (or edges)702,704,706, and708that extend from the top surface30to the bottom surface31. The sides702,704,706and708define the perimeter of the base platform12. In this embodiment each of the sides702,704,706and708also include two receptacles38. Each receptacle38is a recess in the otherwise straight side (e.g. side702) that has a shape that is complementary to the plugs36, not shown onFIG. 9A, but which would be part of adjoining base platforms of the plurality of base platforms13. In this embodiment, the receptacle38has a uniform shape through the thickness of the base platform12from the top surface30to the bottom surface31.

The pedestals32in this embodiment are arranged in a 6×6 array710of straight rows and straight columns. The array710of rows and columns allow for the blocks20,22,24,25,26and28to be combined to form, for example, models of buildings with planar walls several blocks wide However, it will be appreciated that other arrangements of pedestals32on the top surface30may be employed.

FIG. 9Bdepicts a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of a base platform12′ that may be included in the kit10ofFIG. 1. The base platform12′ may suitably be identical to the first base platform12except for the addition of a depression712in the top surface30configured to receive at least one marble. In the embodiment described herein, the depression712is in the form of trough that extends adjacent multiple pedestals32between the array710and one of the sides704of the base platform12′. With simultaneous reference toFIG. 4, it can be seen that when the block22is disposed on a pedestal32adjacent to the depression712, within the window305facing in the direction of the depression712, a marble entering the block22will exit the window305and fall into the depression712, where it will be retained. It will be appreciated that the depression712may extend from the top surface30partially to, or all the way through, the bottom surface31.

FIG. 10depicts a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a base platform12″ that may be included in the kit10. The base platform12″ may suitably be identical to the first base platform12′ except for additional features that allow access to marbles that fall out of the bottoms20b,25b,26band28bof blocks20,25,26and28. In particular, one or more pedestals32in the array710is/are replaced with a marble catch714configured to receive a marble and guide the marble into the depression. Each of the marble catches714includes a C-shaped rim716designed to engage and fit within each of the bottoms20a,22a,24a,25aand so forth. A depression extension718is disposed under the C-shaped rim716and extends laterally to the depression712, thereby providing a marble run from under the C-shaped rim716to the depression712. Thus, marble structures may be built atop the base platform12″ with the final block20,25,26, or28to be placed atop one of the marble catches714, thus providing a marble path to easy user access in the depression712.

FIG. 11depicts an enlarged perspective view of the flat base platform14ofFIG. 1. The second or flat base platform14has four essentially straight sides (or edges)802,804,806, and808that extend from the top surface34to the bottom surface35. The sides802,804,806and808define the perimeter of the base platform14. In this embodiment, each of the sides802,804,806and808also include two plugs36. Each plug36is a bulbous protrusion including a stem720, and a bulb722. The stem720extends laterally outward from the respective side/edge802,804,806, or808, and has a thickness or height identical to that of the rest of the base platform14. The stem720terminates (seamlessly) in the side of the bulb722. The bulb722is a rounded element having the same height as the rest of the base platform14, and is wider than the stem720. The bulb722and stem720are complementary in shape with respect to the receptacle38.

FIG. 12shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the flat base platform14′ that may be included within the kit10ofFIG. 1. The flat base platform14′ is substantially identical to the base platform14ofFIG. 11, with the exception that the flat base platform14′ has two sides802,806with receptacles38, and two sides with804,808with plugs36. Other base platforms having other combinations of plugs36and receptacles38may also be employed. However, it will be appreciated that the combination of base platforms12,12′ and/or12″, having pedestals32and all receptacles38, can be combined with base platforms having each of the designs of base platforms14and14′ to generate designs having continuous flat play surfaces (of the platforms14and14′) with intermixed pedestal surfaces (of the platforms12,12′ and/or12″).FIG. 13, for example shows an exemplary arrangement850of base platforms that includes a single flat base platform14, four base platforms14′ and four base platforms12′. The base platform14with four plugs is in the center of the arrangement. The four base platforms14′ are coupled to each side via the receptacles38on of the base platforms14′. The four pedestaled base platforms12′ have receptacles38connected to plugs36from respective pairs of base platforms14′. It will be appreciated that the plurality of blocks11may be built atop the platforms12′ to form building mazes, not shown, and the base platforms14,14′ may still be used as a play surface for marbles, toy vehicles, toy animals, and the like.

It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the platforms12,12′,12″,14and14′ may be interchangeably assembled in a plurality of ways. Combinations of the plurality of blocks11may then be vertically built upon the base platform12,12′ and/or12″ to make structures having marble paths therein. The possible designs can be practically infinite.

For purposes of illustration only,FIG. 14shows a perspective view of an exemplary structure5that includes some of the plurality of the building blocks11assembled onto each other and onto an exemplary base platform12″. It can be seen that similar structures may be placed on each of the base platforms12′ ofFIG. 13. At least some embodiments of the invention are kits that only include a single base platform (having pedestals32) and the plurality of blocks11. In a kit with a single base platform, the single base platform may or may not have mechanisms for interconnecting with other base platforms.

It will be appreciated that the above described embodiments are merely illustrative, and that those of ordinary skill in the art may readily devise their own modifications and implementations that incorporate the principles of the present invention and fall within the spirit and scope thereof.