Patent Publication Number: US-11642605-B2

Title: Block system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a Continuation of, and claims priority to and the benefit of, U.S. Ser. No. 16/577,785, filed on Sep. 20, 2019 and entitled “BLOCK SYSTEM”, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 15/858,038, filed Dec. 29, 2017 and entitled “BLOCK SYSTEM”, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 29/574,740, filed Aug. 18, 2016, entitled “TOY BLOCK,” all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates blocks, and more specifically, blocks that can be coupled together. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Blocks used as toys, or for construction, may be stacked or otherwise disposed next or adjacent to one another. However, without the blocks being coupled to one another, they may shift, rotate, or otherwise stray from their desired place or arrangement. 
     SUMMARY 
     Systems and methods are disclosed relating to a block system. In various embodiments, a block may comprise a base comprising a first block side, wherein the first block side comprises a first side plane defining a first base surface, the first base surface being a distally innermost surface on the first block side. The block may further comprise a middle connective protrusion coupled to the base and extending distally outwardly and substantially perpendicularly from the base and the first side plane, wherein the middle connective protrusion is adjacent to the first base surface. The middle connective protrusion may comprise a middle center pillar coupled to the base extending distally outward from the base and the first side plane for a middle center pillar length, a middle base portion coupled to the middle center pillar and the base and extending axially and substantially perpendicularly from the middle center pillar in a first direction for a middle base portion length, wherein the middle base portion comprises a middle base portion width being the distance the middle base portion extends distally outward from the base and the first block side, and a middle overhang portion coupled to the middle center pillar extending axially and substantially perpendicularly from the middle center pillar in a second direction opposite the first direction for a middle overhang portion length such that there is a middle overhang space between the first block side and the middle overhang portion. The middle overhang portion may comprise a middle overhang portion width being the distal distance of the middle overhang portion spanning from the middle overhang space to a middle protrusion top surface of the middle connective protrusion. The middle overhang space may comprise a middle overhang space width, which may be the distal distance between the first block side and the middle overhang portion, and wherein the middle overhang space width is equal to the middle base portion width. 
     In various embodiments, a block may further comprise a lateral connective protrusion coupled to the first block side and extending distally outwardly from the first block side. The lateral connective protrusion may be disposed axially along the first block side in the first direction from the middle connective protrusion such that there is a second base surface having a second base surface length spanning between the lateral connective protrusion and a middle base portion end surface of the middle base portion. In various embodiments, the lateral connective protrusion may have a structure similar to the structure of the middle connective protrusion. 
     In various embodiments, a block may comprise additional block sides comprising at least one connective protrusion (e.g., similar to or the same as the middle connective protrusion and/or the lateral connective protrusion). In various embodiments, a block may comprise additional block sides, at least one of which may be a flush side comprising no connective protrusions. In various embodiments, the connective protrusion of one block may couple or engage with, and/or be disposed adjacent to, the connective protrusion of another block, such that the blocks are coupled, creating a block system. 
     In various embodiments, a block tool may comprise a middle connective protrusion coupled to a first end surface of the block tool. The middle connective protrusion of the block tool may have a similar structure to that of the middle connective protrusion of a block, as described herein. Similarly, in various embodiments, the block tool may comprise a lateral connective protrusion similar to the lateral connective protrusion of a block, as described herein. The connective protrusion of a block tool may be configured to couple or engage with, and/or be disposed adjacent to, the connective protrusions of a block, such that the first end of the block tool and the block are coupled. In various embodiments, a second end of the block tool may comprise a second end surface and a coupling protrusion extending perpendicularly from the second end surface, wherein the coupling protrusion comprises a coupling perimeter defining a coupling cutout, wherein the coupling cutout comprises a cutout floor which may be axially outward of the second end surface. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The subject matter of the present disclosure is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. A more complete understanding of the present disclosure, however, may best be obtained by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the drawing figures. Elements with the like element numbering throughout the figures are intended to be the same. 
         FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  illustrate perspective views of a block with four connective sides, in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG.  2    illustrates blocks coupled together having three connective sides each, in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a block having two connective sides, in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a block having one connective side, in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  illustrate perspective views of a block having an axle extension coupled to a block side, in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG.  6 A  illustrates a perspective view of a block tool, in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG.  6 B  illustrates a first end of a block tool, in accordance with various embodiments; and 
         FIG.  6 C  illustrates another perspective view of a block tool, in accordance with various embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     All ranges may include the upper and lower values, and all ranges and ratio limits disclosed herein may be combined. It is to be understood that unless specifically stated otherwise, references to “a,” “an,” and/or “the” may include one or more than one and that reference to an item in the singular may also include the item in the plural. 
     The detailed description of various embodiments herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which show various embodiments by way of illustration. While these various embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical, chemical, and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation. Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step may include a singular embodiment or step. Also, any reference to attached, fixed, connected, or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full, and/or any other possible attachment option. Additionally, any reference to without contact (or similar phrases) may also include reduced contact or minimal contact. 
     In various embodiments, and with reference to  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B , a block  50  may comprise a base  52  comprising a plurality of block sides  60 ,  70 ,  80 ,  90 . In various embodiments, block  50  may comprise any suitable number of sides, such as four sides, as depicted in  FIG.  1 A , or three sides, six sides, or the like. Each side may comprise a side plane (e.g., side plane  62  on block side  60 ), from which connective elements of the blocks protrude. Base  52  may comprise a top surface  54 , a bottom surface  56 , and a height  57  therebetween. Top surface  54  may comprise a top insert  55  protruding from top surface  54  substantially perpendicularly (as used in this context only, “substantially” means plus or minus 10 degrees from perpendicular). Top insert  55  may comprise an insert edge  58  defining the shape of top insert  55 , wherein insert edge  58  has a height. Bottom surface  56  may comprise a bottom cutout  40  defined by a cutout edge  42 . Bottom cutout  40  may extend through bottom surface  56  to any suitable depth within base  52  and/or top insert  55 . Cutout edge  42  may define the shape of bottom cutout  40 , which may be complementary to the shape of top insert  55 , such that top insert  55  of one block  50  may be inserted into the bottom cutout  40  of another block  50 . Top insert  55  of one block  50  may fit tightly into bottom cutout  40  of another block  50 , such that the two blocks are coupled. 
     In various embodiments, block  50  may comprise a block side  60  having one or more connective protrusions configured to allow block  50  to couple with another block  50  by engaging the connective protrusions of the other block  50 . In that regard, a middle connective protrusion  100  (a connective protrusion) may be coupled to block side  60  and protrude substantially perpendicularly from base  52  and side plane  62  (wherein “substantially” means, in this context only, plus or minus 10 degrees from perpendicular). In various embodiments, middle connective protrusion  100  may be disposed in any suitable location along block side  60 . Middle connective protrusion  100  may be adjacent to one or more base surfaces (e.g., base surfaces  152 ,  252 ), which are surfaces along block side  60  and side plane  62 , and/or the distally innermost surfaces on block side  60 . An A-D axis has been included in  FIG.  1 A  with respect to block side  60  to illustrate the axial (A) and distal (D) directions. For clarity, axial axis A spans parallel to side plane  62 . As utilized herein, distally inward refers to the negative D direction towards base  52 , and distally outward refers to the D direction away from base  52 . For other sides of block  50 , the A-D axis would be rotated such that the axial direction is parallel to the respective side plane, and the D direction is away from base  52 . Middle connective protrusion  100  may be configured to facilitate the coupling of block  50  with another block  50  by couple to, or engaging with, a connective protrusion of the other block  50 . 
     In various embodiments, middle connective protrusion  100  may be disposed between base surfaces  152 ,  252 . In various embodiments, middle connective protrusion  100  may comprise a middle center pillar  110  coupled to base  52 , defined by dotted lines  112 . Middle center pillar  110 , having a middle center pillar width  118 , may extend distally and substantially perpendicularly from base  52  and side plane  62  for a middle center pillar length  114 . In various embodiments, middle connective protrusion  100  may further comprise a middle base portion  120  coupled to middle connective protrusion  100  and base  52 . Middle base portion  120  may extend axially and substantially perpendicularly in a first direction  12  from middle center pillar  110  for a middle base portion length  124  (an axial distance), having a middle base portion end surface  126  on the opposite end of middle base portion length  124  than middle center pillar  110 . Middle base portion  120  may have a middle base portion width  122 , which is the distal width middle base portion  120  spans from base  52  to a middle base portion upper surface  125 , the distally outermost surface of middle base portion  120 . As used in this context, “substantially” means plus or minus 10 degrees from perpendicular. 
     In various embodiments, middle connective protrusion  100  may further comprise a middle overhang portion  130  coupled to middle center pillar  110  and protruding axially and substantially perpendicularly from middle center pillar  110  in a second direction  14  for a middle overhang portion length  132 . Middle overhang portion  130  may be coupled to middle center pillar  110  above middle base portion width  122  on middle center pillar  110  such that there is a middle overhang space  140  between side plane  62  and middle overhang portion  130 . A middle overhang portion width  134  of middle overhang portion  130  may span distally between middle overhang space  140  and a middle protrusion top surface  102 . Middle protrusion top surface  102  may have a length  116  equal and/or complementary to the combined lengths of middle center pillar width  118  and middle overhang portion length  132 . A middle overhang space width  142  of middle overhang space  140 , the distal distance of middle overhang space  140  between base  52  (and/or side plane  62 ) and middle overhang portion  130 , in various embodiments, may be equal and/or complementary to middle base portion width  122 . In various embodiments, middle connective protrusion  100  may couple with another block  50  by engaging a connective protrusion, or a portion thereof, of the other block  50  being disposed within middle overhang space  140 . As used in this context, “substantially” means plus or minus 10 degrees from perpendicular. 
     In various embodiments, middle connective protrusion  100  may be integral with base  52 . In various embodiments, the components of middle connective protrusion  100  may be integral with one another. That is middle center pillar  110 , middle base portion  120 , and/or middle overhang portion  130  may be integral with one another. As used herein, “integral” means unitary, such that there are no splits in the material between the integral parts, and/or that the integral parts are monolithic. 
     In various embodiments, block side  60  may alternatively or additionally comprise a lateral connective protrusion  200  (a connective protrusion). Lateral connective protrusion  200  may be disposed axially along side plane  62  in any suitable location. For example, lateral connective protrusion  200  may be coupled to base  52  an axial distance from middle connective protrusion  100 . Lateral connective protrusion  200  may be disposed a distance in first direction  12  from middle connective protrusion  100  such that base surface  252 , having a base surface length, is between lateral connective protrusion  200  and middle connective protrusion  100 . In various embodiments, lateral connective protrusion  200  may be disposed a distance in second direction  14  from middle connective protrusion  100 . In various embodiments, lateral connective protrusion  200  may be disposed on, adjacent, or proximate to the side plane of another side of base  52  (e.g., side plane  72  of block side  70 ). 
     In various embodiments, lateral connective protrusion  200  may comprise a lateral center pillar  210  coupled to base  52  defined by dotted lines  212 . Lateral center pillar  210 , having a lateral center pillar width  218 , may extend distally and substantially perpendicular from base  52  and side plane  62  for a lateral center pillar length  214 . In various embodiments, lateral connective protrusion  200  may further comprise a lateral base portion  220  coupled to lateral center pillar  210 . lateral base portion  220  may extend axially and substantially perpendicularly in first direction  12  from lateral center pillar  210  for a lateral base portion length  224  (an axial distance), having a lateral base portion end surface  226  on the opposite end of lateral base portion length  224  than middle center pillar  110 . Lateral base portion  220  may have a lateral base portion width  222 , which is the distal width lateral base portion  220  spans from base  52  to a lateral base portion upper surface  225 , the distally outermost surface of lateral base portion  220 . As used in this context, “substantially” means plus or minus 10 degrees from perpendicular. 
     In various embodiments, lateral connective protrusion  200  may further comprise a lateral overhang portion  230  coupled to lateral center pillar  210  and protruding axially and substantially perpendicularly from lateral center pillar  210  in second direction  14  for a lateral overhang portion length  232 . Lateral overhang portion  230  may be coupled to lateral center pillar  210  above lateral base portion width  222  on lateral center pillar  210  such that there is a lateral overhang space  240  between block side  60  (and/or side plane  62 ) and lateral overhang portion  230 . A lateral overhang portion width  234  of lateral overhang portion  230  may span distally between lateral overhang space  240  and a lateral protrusion top surface  202 . Lateral protrusion top surface  202  may have a length  216  equal and/or complementary to the combined lengths of lateral center pillar width  218  and lateral overhang portion length  232 . A lateral overhang space width  242  of lateral overhang space  240 , the distal distance of lateral overhang space  240  between base  52  (and/or side plane  62 ) and lateral overhang portion  230 , in various embodiments, may be equal and/or complementary to lateral base portion width  222 . In various embodiments, lateral connective protrusion  200  may couple with another block  50  by engaging a connective protrusion, or a portion thereof, of the other block  50  being disposed within lateral overhang space  240 . As used in this context, “substantially” means plus or minus 10 degrees from perpendicular. 
     In various embodiments, lateral connective protrusion  200  may be integral with base  52 . In various embodiments, the components of lateral connective protrusion  200  may be integral with one another. That is lateral center pillar  210 , lateral base portion  220 , and/or lateral overhang portion  230  may be integral with one another. 
     In various embodiments, block side  60  may alternatively or additionally comprise a singular protrusion  320  (a connective protrusion). Singular protrusion  320  may be disposed axially along side plane  62  in any suitable location. For example, singular protrusion  320  may be coupled to base  52  an axial distance along side plane  62  from middle connective protrusion  100  or lateral connective protrusion  200 . Singular protrusion  320  may be disposed a distance in second direction  14  from middle connective protrusion  100  such that base surface  152  having a base surface length is between middle connective protrusion  100  and singular protrusion  320 . In various embodiments, singular protrusion  320  may be disposed a distance in first direction  12  from middle connective protrusion  100 . In various embodiments, singular protrusion  320  may be disposed on, adjacent, or proximate to the side plane of another side of base  52  (e.g., side plane  92  of block side  90 ). Singular protrusion  320 , may have a singular protrusion width  324 , and may be coupled to base  52  and extend distally from base  52  and side plane  62  for a singular protrusion length  322 . In various embodiments, side  60  may comprise an outer surface  330 , which spans an outer surface length  332 . In various embodiments, singular protrusion  320  may be integral with base  52 . 
     In various embodiments, singular protrusion  320  may be the lateral overhang portion  230  of another side of block  50  (e.g., side  90 ), and outer surface  330  may be a surface of the lateral center pillar  210  of another side (e.g., side  90 ). Similarly, in various embodiments, lateral base portion  220  of lateral connective protrusion  200  may be the singular protrusion  320  of another side of block  50  (e.g., side  70 ). 
     In various embodiments, lateral overhang space width  242  may be equal and/or complementary to middle overhang portion width  134  such that the middle overhang portion  130  of one block  50  may be disposed in the lateral overhang space  240  of another block  50  to couple the two blocks together. Similarly, in various embodiments, middle overhang space width  142  may be equal and/or complementary to lateral overhang portion width  234  such that the lateral overhang portion  230  of one block  50  may be disposed in the middle overhang space  140  of another block  50  to couple the two blocks together. Therefore, the middle overhang portion  130  and lateral overhang portion  230  of one block  50  may be disposed in the lateral overhang space  240  and middle overhang space  140 , respectively, of another block  50  to couple the two blocks together. Along similar lines, the length of base surface  252  may be equal and/or complementary to middle protrusion top surface  102 , such that middle protrusion top surface  102  is adjacent to base surface  252  in response to two blocks being coupled together. The length of base surface  152  may be equal and/or complementary to lateral protrusion top surface  202 , such that lateral protrusion top surface  202  is adjacent to base surface  152  in response to two blocks being coupled together. In various embodiments, singular protrusion length  322  may be equal and/or complementary to the difference between lateral center pillar length  214  and lateral base portion width  222 . Also, singular protrusion width  324  may be equal and/or complementary to lateral base portion length  224 . Therefore, in the coupling of two blocks  50 , singular protrusion  320  may be disposed adjacent to lateral base portion  220 , wherein singular protrusion width  324  is adjacent to lateral base portion upper surface  225 . An example of a block system comprising two blocks coupled together having sides similar to side  60  of block  50  is depicted in, and discussed in relation to,  FIG.  2   . 
     In various embodiments, additional sides of block  50  may comprise the configuration of connective protrusions described in relation to side  60 . For example, as depicted in  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B , every side of block  50  (i.e., sides  60 ,  70 ,  80 , and  90 ) may comprise a connective protrusion, such that each side  60 ,  70 ,  80 , and  90  may couple with a side of another block  50  having a connective protrusion. As shown in  FIG.  2   , depicting a block system  250  comprising two blocks  250 A and  250 B, block side  260 A of block  250 A may couple with block side  260 B of block  250 B. Block sides  260 A and  260 B may comprise the same configuration of connective protrusions as discussed in regard to block side  60  of block  50  depicted in  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B . In that regard, with combined reference to  FIGS.  1 A,  1 B , and  2 , in various embodiments, lateral overhang portion  230 B of block side  260 B (similar to lateral overhang portion  230  of block side  60 , with similar dimensions) may be disposed in middle overhang space  140 A of block side  260 A (similar to middle overhang space  140  of block side  60 , with similar dimensions). Reciprocally, middle overhang portion  130 A of block side  260 A (similar to middle overhang portion  130  of block side  60 , with similar dimensions) may be disposed in lateral overhang space  240 B of block side  260 B (similar to lateral overhang space  240  of block side  60 , with similar dimensions). Middle overhang portion  130 B of block side  260 B (similar to middle overhang portion  130  of block side  60 , with similar dimensions) may be disposed in lateral overhang space  240 A of block side  260 A (similar to lateral overhang space  240  of block side  60 , with similar dimensions). Reciprocally, lateral overhang portion  230 A of block side  260 A (similar to lateral overhang portion  230  of block side  60 , with similar dimensions) may be disposed in middle overhang space  140 B of block side  260 B (similar to middle overhang space  140  of block side  60 , with similar dimensions). Base surface  252 A (similar to base surface  252  of block side  60 , with similar dimensions) may be adjacent to middle protrusion top surface  102 B (similar to middle protrusion top surface  102  of block side  60 , with similar dimensions). Reciprocally, base surface  252 B (similar to base surface  252  of block side  60 , with similar dimensions) may be adjacent to middle protrusion top surface  102 A (similar to middle protrusion top surface  102  of block side  60 , with similar dimensions). Likewise, base surface  152 A (similar to base surface  152  of block side  60 , with similar dimensions) may be adjacent to lateral protrusion top surface  202 B (similar to lateral protrusion top surface  202  of block side  60 , with similar dimensions). Reciprocally, base surface  152 B (similar to base surface  152  of block side  60 , with similar dimensions) may be adjacent to lateral protrusion top surface  202 A (similar to lateral protrusion top surface  202  of block side  60 , with similar dimensions). 
     In various embodiments, a block may comprise one or more flush sides, which do not comprise a connective protrusion. For example, in  FIG.  2   , blocks  250 A,  250 B each comprise one flush side  280 A,  280 B, respectively, and three block sides comprising connective protrusions (similar to block side  60  in  FIG.  1 A ). As depicted in  FIG.  3   , a block  350  may comprise two flush sides  370 ,  380 , and two block sides comprising connective protrusions (similar to block side  60  in  FIG.  1 A ). Block  350  may be a corner block. As depicted in  FIG.  4   , a block  405  may comprise three flush sides  470 ,  480 ,  490 , and one side comprising connective protrusions (similar to block side  60  in  FIG.  1 A ). 
     In various embodiments, a block  550  may comprise an axle extension  560  coupled to base  552  of block  550 . With reference to  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B , axle extension  560  may be coupled to a block side  554  of base  552 , and extend distally and substantially perpendicularly to block side  554 . Axle extension  560  may be configured to be inserted through a wheel and be coupled to the wheel, such that the wheel may spin about axle extension  560 . Axle extension  560  may comprise an axle base  562  coupled and extending substantially perpendicularly from block side  554 . An axle body  564  may be coupled to and extend substantially perpendicularly from axle base  562 . In various embodiments, axle body  564  may be coupled directly to base  552 . A wheel may be coupled to or disposed about axle body  564 . As used in this context, “substantially” means plus or minus 10 degrees from perpendicular. 
     In various embodiments, axle body  564  may comprise a flange  566  disposed on a distally outer portion of axle body  564  configured to retain a wheel coupled to axle body  564 . In various embodiments, axle body  564  may be cylindrical, having a radius, wherein the radius of axle body  564  is less than a radius of flange  566 . In various embodiments, axle body  564  may comprise a flex gap  568  creating two axle body arms  572 . Flange  566  may, therefore, comprise two pieces, wherein each piece is coupled to a respective axle body arm  572 . Flex gap  568  may increase the ease of sliding a wheel onto axle body  564  because axle body arms  572 , comprising the flange  566  having a larger radius than axle body  564 , may be pressed together, temporarily decreasing the radius of flange  566  and allowing a wheel to slide over flange  566  and onto axle body  564 . 
     In various embodiments, with reference to  FIGS.  1 A,  6 A -C, a block system or kit may comprise a block tool  600 . Block tool may be configured to couple to and/or engage block  50  to be able to pull block  50  apart from another block to which block  50  is coupled. In that regard, in various embodiments, block tool  600  may comprise a first end  610  configured to couple to and/or engage a block side of a block having the configuration of connective protrusions shown and described in relation to block side  60  of block  50 . In various embodiments, block tool  600  may comprise a second end  640  configured to couple to and/or engage a top insert on a top surface of a block, such as top insert  55  on top surface  54  of block  50 . A handle  690  may be disposed between first end  610  and second end  640  such that first end  610  and second end  640  are coupled to handle  690 . Handle  690  may be configured for gripping by a user of block tool  600 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  1 A,  6 A -C, with box  602  magnifying first end  610  in  FIG.  6 B , first end  610  of block tool  600  may comprise a configuration of connective protrusions similar, identical, and/or complementary to the configuration of connective protrusions depicted and discussed in  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B . First end  610  may comprise a first end side  660 . First end side  660  may have one or more connective protrusions coupled to a first end surface defined by side plane  662  configured to allow first end  610  to couple with block  50  by engaging one or more connective protrusions of block  50 . In that regard, a middle connective protrusion  700  (a connective protrusion) may be coupled to the first end surface and protrude substantially perpendicularly from the first end surface (wherein “substantially” means, in this context only, plus or minus 10 degrees from perpendicular). In various embodiments, middle connective protrusion  700  may be disposed in any suitable location along the first end surface. Middle connective protrusion  700  may be adjacent to one or more base surfaces (e.g., base surfaces  752 ,  852 ), which are surfaces along the first end surface, or the distally innermost surfaces on the first end surface. Middle connective protrusion  700  may be configured to facilitate the coupling of block tool  600  with block  50  by coupling to, or engaging with, a connective protrusion of block  50 . 
     In various embodiments, middle connective protrusion  700  may be disposed between base surface  752 ,  852 . In various embodiments, middle connective protrusion  700  may comprise a middle center pillar  710  coupled to the first end surface, defined by dotted lines  712 . Middle center pillar  710 , having a middle center pillar width  718 , may extend distally and substantially perpendicularly from the first end surface for a middle center pillar length  714 . In various embodiments, middle connective protrusion  700  may further comprise a middle base portion  720  coupled to middle center pillar  710  and the first end surface. Middle base portion  720  may extend axially and substantially perpendicularly in a first direction  19  from middle center pillar  710  for a middle base portion length  724  (an axial distance), having a middle base portion end surface  726  on the opposite end of middle base portion length  724  than middle center pillar  710 . Middle base portion  720  may have a middle base portion width  722 , which is the distal width middle base portion  720  spans from the first end surface to a middle base portion upper surface  725 , the distally outermost surface of middle base portion  720 . As used in this context, “substantially” means plus or minus 10 degrees from perpendicular. 
     In various embodiments, middle connective protrusion  700  may further comprise a middle overhang portion  730  coupled to middle center pillar  710  and protruding axially and substantially perpendicularly from middle center pillar  710  in a second direction  20  for a middle overhang portion length  732 . Middle overhang portion  730  may be coupled to middle center pillar  710  above middle base portion width  722  on middle center pillar  710  such that there is a middle overhang space  740  between the first end surface and middle overhang portion  730 . A middle overhang portion width  734  of middle overhang portion  730  may span distally between middle overhang space  740  and a middle protrusion top surface  702  (middle overhang portion width  734  may be equal and/or complementary to lateral overhang space width  242 ). Middle protrusion top surface  702  may have a length  716  equal and/or complementary to the combined lengths of middle center pillar width  718  and middle overhang portion length  732  (length  716  may be equal and/or complementary to the length of base surface  252 ). A middle overhang space width  742  of middle overhang space  740 , the distal distance of middle overhang space  740  between the first end surface and middle overhang portion  730 , in various embodiments, may be equal and/or complementary to middle base portion width  722  (middle overhang space width  742  may be equal and/or complementary to lateral overhang portion width  234 ). In various embodiments, middle connective protrusion  700  may couple with a block  50  by engaging a connective protrusion, or a portion thereof, of the other block  50  being disposed within middle overhang space  740 . For example, middle overhang portion  130  or lateral overhang portion  230  of block  50  may be disposed in middle overhang space  740  of block tool  600  to couple block tool  600  and block  50 . As used in this context, “substantially” means plus or minus 10 degrees from perpendicular. 
     In various embodiments, middle connective protrusion  700  may be integral the first end surface. In various embodiments, the components of middle connective protrusion  700  may be integral with one another. That is middle center pillar  710 , middle base portion  720 , and/or middle overhang portion  730  may be integral with one another. As used herein, “integral” means unitary, such that there are no splits in the material between the integral parts, and/or the integral parts are monolithic. 
     In various embodiments, the first end surface may alternatively or additionally comprise a lateral connective protrusion  800  (a connective protrusion). Lateral connective protrusion  800  may be disposed axially along the first end surface in any suitable location. For example, lateral connective protrusion  800  may be coupled to the first end surface an axial distance from middle connective protrusion  700 . Lateral connective protrusion  800  may be disposed a distance in first direction  19  from middle connective protrusion  700  such that base surface  752  having a base surface length is between lateral connective protrusion  800  and middle connective protrusion  700  (the length of base surface  752  may be equal and/or complementary to length  116 ). In various embodiments, lateral connective protrusion  800  may be disposed a distance in second direction  20  from middle connective protrusion  700 . 
     In various embodiments, lateral connective protrusion  800  may comprise a lateral center pillar  810  coupled to the first end surface defined by dotted lines  812 . Lateral center pillar  810 , having a lateral center pillar width  818 , may extend distally and substantially perpendicular from the first end surface for a lateral center pillar length  814 . In various embodiments, lateral connective protrusion  800  may further comprise a lateral base portion  820  coupled to lateral center pillar  810  and/or the first end surface. Lateral base portion  820  may extend axially and substantially perpendicularly in first direction  19  from lateral center pillar  810  for a lateral base portion length  824  (an axial distance), having a lateral base portion end surface  826  on the opposite end of lateral base portion length  824  than lateral center pillar  810 . Lateral base portion  820  may have a lateral base portion width  822 , which is the distal width lateral base portion  820  spans from the first end surface to a lateral base portion upper surface  825 , the distally outermost surface of lateral base portion  820 . As used in this context, “substantially” means plus or minus 10 degrees from perpendicular. 
     In various embodiments, lateral connective protrusion  800  may further comprise a lateral overhang portion  830  coupled to lateral center pillar  810  and protruding axially and substantially perpendicularly from lateral center pillar  810  in second direction  20  for a lateral overhang portion length  832 . Lateral overhang portion  830  may be coupled to lateral center pillar  810  above lateral base portion width  822  on lateral center pillar  810  such that there is a lateral overhang space  840  between the first end surface and lateral overhang portion  830 . A lateral overhang portion width  834  of lateral overhang portion  830  may span distally between lateral overhang space  840  and a lateral protrusion top surface  802  (lateral overhang portion width  834  may be equal and/or complementary to middle overhang space width  142 ). Lateral protrusion top surface  802  may have a length  816  equal and/or complementary to the combined lengths of lateral center pillar width  818  and lateral overhang portion length  832  (length  816  may be equal and/or complementary to the length of base surface  152 ). A lateral overhang space width  842  of lateral overhang space  840 , the distal distance of lateral overhang space  840  between the first end surface and lateral overhang portion  830 , in various embodiments, may be equal and/or complementary to lateral base portion width  822  (lateral overhang space width  842  may be equal and/or complementary to middle overhang portion width  134 ). In various embodiments, lateral connective protrusion  800  may couple with another block  50  by engaging a connective protrusion, or a portion thereof, of the other block  50  being disposed within lateral overhang space  840 . As used in this context, “substantially” means plus or minus 10 degrees from perpendicular. 
     In various embodiments, lateral connective protrusion  800  may be integral with base  52 . In various embodiments, the components of lateral connective protrusion  800  may be integral with one another. That is lateral center pillar  810 , lateral base portion  820 , and/or lateral overhang portion  830  may be integral with one another. 
     In various embodiments, block side  60  may alternatively or additionally comprise a singular protrusion  920  (a connective protrusion). Singular protrusion  920  may be disposed axially along the first end surface in any suitable location. For example, singular protrusion  920  may be coupled to the first end surface an axial distance from middle connective protrusion  700  or lateral connective protrusion  800 . Singular protrusion  920  may be disposed a distance in second direction  20  from middle connective protrusion  700  such that base surface  752  having a base surface length is between middle connective protrusion  700  and singular protrusion  920  (the length of base surface  752  may be equal and/or complementary to length  216 ). In various embodiments, singular protrusion  920  may be disposed a distance in first direction  19  from middle connective protrusion  700 . Singular protrusion  920 , may have a singular protrusion width  924 , and may be coupled to first end surface and extend distally from the first end surface for a singular protrusion length  922 . 
     In various embodiments, block tool  600  may couple to a block side  60 . In response, middle overhang portion  130  may be disposed in lateral overhang space  840 . Likewise, lateral overhang portion  830  may be disposed in middle overhang space  140 . Base surface  152  may be adjacent to lateral protrusion top surface  802 . Middle overhang portion  730  may be disposed in lateral overhang space  240 . Lateral overhang portion  230  may be disposed in middle overhang space  740 . Base surface  252  may be adjacent to  702 . Lateral base portion upper surface  825  may be adjacent to singular protrusion width  324 . Singular protrusion width  924  may be adjacent to lateral base portion upper surface  225 . In response to coupling block tool  600  to block side  60 , the user of block tool  600  may apply force (e.g., use leverage) to remove block  50  from another block to which block  50  is coupled. 
     In various embodiments, with continued reference to  FIGS.  1 A,  1 B,  6 A, and  6 B . second end  640  may comprise a second end surface  642  to which a coupling protrusion  650  is coupled. Coupling protrusion  650  protrudes substantially perpendicularly from second end surface  642  and has a protrusion height. Coupling protrusion  650  comprises a cutout perimeter  654  defining a coupling cutout  652 , which is a void in coupling protrusion  650 . In various embodiments, coupling protrusion  650  comprises a cutout floor  656 . Cutout floor  656  may be flush with second end surface  642  or may be axially outward or inward of second end surface  642 . The shape of coupling cutout  652  is complementary to the shape of top insert  55  of block  50  such that coupling protrusion  650  may be placed over and couple to top insert  55  by top insert  55  being disposed in coupling cutout  652 . In response, the user of block tool  600  may apply force or leverage to block tool  600  and/or block  50  to decouple block  50  from another block. 
     In various embodiments, blocks described herein may comprise any suitable material or one or more suitable materials. For example, blocks of the present disclosure may be made from a plastic material (i.e. a polymeric material) such as thermoplastics and/or thermosets, as well as metals and metal alloys. In various embodiments, blocks of the present disclosure may be made from composite materials. Blocks of the present disclosure may be manufactured through subtractive or additive manufacturing techniques. In various embodiments, blocks of the present disclosure comprise a polymeric material formed by molding. 
     Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described herein with regard to specific embodiments. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical system. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” Moreover, where a phrase similar to “at least one of A, B, or C” is used in the claims, it is intended that the phrase be interpreted to mean that A alone may be present in an embodiment, B alone may be present in an embodiment, C alone may be present in an embodiment, or that any combination of the elements A, B and C may be present in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. Different cross-hatching is used throughout the figures to denote different parts but not necessarily to denote the same or different materials. 
     Systems, methods and apparatus are provided herein. In the detailed description herein, references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “various embodiments”, etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. After reading the description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the disclosure in alternative embodiments. 
     Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.” As used herein, the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.