Patent Publication Number: US-2023141115-A1

Title: Modular Block System

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Application Ser. No. 63/277,227 filed on Nov. 9, 2021, the contents of which are herein fully incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     The field of the embodiments relates to modular building elements that may be combined in a number of ways to form unique articles. In at least one embodiment, the modular building embodiment is embodied as a textile-based children&#39;s toy that is used to promote the building of articles if varying complexities. In other embodiments, the modular building element may be utilized by individuals or users of all ages. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Over the years there have been several different toy building block sets created in an attempt to amuse and educate children. Various sets or kits are commercially available for use by children in constructing toys and other playthings. Different sets or kits have different purposes. For example, one may be focused on two-dimensional construction whereas others are focused on three-dimensional construction. Even further, the overall complexity and purpose of the sets or kits may vary. It is desirable as children advance in age and dexterity, that the various playthings available to them advance accordingly. 
     For example, one such kit (Lego®) comprises interlocking blocks that can be assembled to form model buildings, vehicles, characters, and numerous other objects. However, these blocks are small and susceptible to choking by small children. Children can also hurt themselves and each other by stepping on or throwing the hard blocks. 
     Another well-known construction kit comprises perforated metal and plastic strips that can be connected to one another by various fasteners (KNEX®), Such kits again have the disadvantage that they are made of hard objects having jagged corners and edges and include many small parts. These objects could injure children when thrown, stepped on, eaten, or otherwise misused. 
     Further, it is desirable to enable the building of soft, textile-based structures as an alternative to hard and non-deformable structures. Such a soft, textile-based structure may provide heightened flexibility regarding use such as safely simulating sewing, which traditionally involves complex machinery and sharp objects. Such a soft, textile based modular building kit would provide a medium for children, who are interested in creating textile structures but who may not possess an advanced skill set or access to specialized equipment, the ability to do so safely and effectively. 
     The above and other kits are also limited in terms of what can be created by the kits based on the components and pieces purchased. It is advantageous for children to have highly versatile building elements without limitations of predefined shapes or modes of operation and further that are safe for use and cannot readily injure, choke, or cause other harm to a child or user. The present invention and its embodiments meet and exceed these objectives. 
     Review of Related Technology: 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,272,072 pertains to a reversible, seamless article of clothing and a system for constructing reversible seamless garments and accessories by assembling and attaching a plurality of reversible and interchangeable panels of the article of clothing with plurality of fasteners. The panel elements have a plurality of edges with a plurality of buttonholes adjacent to the edges. The fasteners are elastomeric two-headed button studs. The panel elements are attached by matching the buttonholes of the elements to form the article of clothing and inserting the studs into the buttonholes to fasten the panel elements. 
     A plurality of trim elements have buttonholes adjacent to the edges and can be attached to the article of clothing by inserting the stud into a trim buttonhole and a buttonhole on the garment. With the system of construction using reversible elements with buttonholes and stud fasteners, accessories, such as tote bags and watch bracelets, can be constructed. 
     U.S. Patent Application 2003/0153243 pertains to a toy building construction set which comprises a plurality of geometrically shaped thin panels. Each panel has loop and hook strips positioned at borders of the geometrically shaped thin panels, which can be used to attach the panels to one another. A number of different large-scale structures can be made by children using these safe, light weight panels which simulate actual structures found in architecture. 
     U.S. Patent Application 2010/0178846 pertains to a partial undergarment for covering the cleavage area of the chest exposed by a low-cut article of clothing, using a panel that may be fastened and removed from the article of clothing. A method for affixing a panel traversing the cleavage area of the chest exposed by a low-cut article of clothing, with steps that include affixing the means for fastening to the panel and the article of clothing and affixing the panel to the article of clothing. A partial undergarment concealing cleavage from exposure when low cut outer garments are worn over a bra, the partial undergarment comprising a cleavage concealing panel that affixes to the inside front of the bra. 
     European Patent Application 2789374 pertains to a toy comprising a plate having a front side, a backside a perimeter and a flap with a flexible part protruding out from the perimeter. The flexible part comprises a male touch fastener surface and a corresponding female touch fastener surface facing away from the male touch fastener surface. The male touch fastener surface corresponds to the front side of the plate and the female touch fastener surface corresponds to the backside of the plate. 
     International Application Wo1998/040143 pertains to a toy made from flexible construction pieces of hook-and-loop material having hook for engageable by hook-and-loop interengagement pith loop formations for releasably securing the pieces to one another. The pieces each have a hook formation on one face thereof and a loop formation on an opposite face thereof. The hook and loop formations extend to the edges of the pieces. The pieces may be bent and attached to one another to form structural components such as tubes and curved panels which are quite rigid despite the flexibility of the construction pieces themselves. The pieces may be assembled to form toys which appeal to children of either sex. The toys so made are rigid and are yet soft enough so that they are not damaged, and do not do damage, if they are dropped during play. 
     Thus, there is a need for a modular building element that can be used to create a variety of articles of varying complexities. The modular building element should be kid-friendly and allow for virtually any skill set to use the modular building element. The present invention and its embodiments meet and exceed these needs. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Described herein is a modular building element that may be a part of a modular building kit. The modular building element is preferably a textile-based material having structures configured to allow for the connecting or coupling of multiple modular building elements to be joined to one another. 
     The modular building element may generally have a body portion and support portions. The supports or support portions may generally be tubular to allow additional support elements to pass therethrough to facilitate the joining of multiple modular building elements. When the modular building elements are quadrilateral in nature, various objects such as pocketbooks, clothing, toys, and blankets may be formed from the joined elements. Further, in some instances, printed indicia on the modular building elements may allow for educational or interactive elements. 
     In at least one aspect of the present invention, there is a modular building element that includes a body having a front side and a back side, a first support being coupled to a first side of the body, a second support being coupled to a second side of the body, and a plurality of fastening elements with at least two of the plurality of fastening elements being coupled to the front side of the body and at least two of the plurality of fastening elements being coupled to the first support or the second support. 
     The modular building element may also include where the first support includes a length of material having a first end and a second end with both of the first end and the second end coupled to the first side of the body. 
     The modular building element may also include where the second support includes a length of material having a first end and a second end with both of the first end and the second end coupled to the second side of the body. 
     The modular building element may also include where the body is a quadrilateral. 
     The modular may also include where the plurality of fastening elements are a snap, magnet, clip, or a combination thereof. 
     The modular may also include where the plurality of fastening elements on the first support and the second support are located at a top end and a bottom end of the first support and the second support. Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims. 
     In one aspect, the modular building element has four fastening elements coupled to the front side of the body with one of the four fastening elements being positioned near a vertex of the quadrilateral. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, there is a modular building element that includes a body having a front side, a back side, a first edge, and a second edge, where the body is formed from a first textile-based material, a first support being coupled to the first edge of the body, where the first support includes a first channel passing therethrough, and where the first support is formed from a second textile-based material. The modular building element also includes a second support being coupled to a second side of the body, where the second support includes a second channel passing therethrough, and where the second support is formed from a third textile-based material; and a plurality of fastening elements with at least two of the plurality of fastening elements being coupled to the front side of the body and at least two of the plurality of fastening elements being coupled to each of the first support and the second support. 
     The modular building element may also include a support element. 
     The modular building element may also include where the first textile-based material, the second textile-based material, and the third textile-based material are the same or different. 
     The modular building element may also include where the plurality of fastening elements disposed on the first support and the second support are on the same side of the modular building element. 
     The modular building element may also include where the plurality of fastening elements disposed on the body are on an opposing side of the modular building element from the plurality of fastening elements disposed on both of the first support and the second support. Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims. 
     In yet another aspect of the present invention, there is a modular building kit that includes a plurality of modular building elements with each of the plurality of modular building elements having a body with a front side and a back side, a first support being coupled to a first side of the body, a second support being coupled to a second side of the body, and a plurality of fastening elements with at least two of the plurality of fastening elements being coupled to the front side of the body and at least two of the plurality of fastening elements being coupled to the first support or the second support, and at least two support structures. 
     The modular building kit may also include a threading device and a connecting structure. 
     The modular building element nay also include where the support element configured to pass through the first channel or the second channel. 
     The modular building element may also include where the support element is rigid. 
     The modular building element nay also be removable from the first channel or the second channel. 
     The modular building kit may also include here the threading device has a first end and a second end with an aperture disposed at the first end, aperture configured to receive the connecting structure therethrough. 
     The modular building kit may also include here the connecting structure is a length of ribbon. 
     The modular building kit may also include where the body of the plurality of modular building elements has differing shapes. 
     In general, the present invention succeeds in conferring the following, and others not mentioned, benefits and objectives. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular building element that is lightweight and easy to use. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular building element that is child-friendly. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular building element that can be used to build a variety of articles. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular building element that is flexible and resilient. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular building element that is sold amongst other components as part of a kit. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular building element that can be used to make a pocketbook. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular building element that can be used to make a blanket. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular building element that can be used to make an article of clothing. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular building element that can be used to make a toy. 
     It is an object of the present ion to ide a modular building element that is educational. 
     Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1 A  illustrates a front view of a modular building element in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG.  1 B  illustrates a back view of a modular building element in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG.  1 C  illustrates a top view of a modular building element in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a modular building element with accompanying support elements in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates the joining of multiple modular building elements in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a first assembly of the modular building kit in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a second assembly of the modular building kit in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a third assembly of e modular building kit in accordance with one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals. 
     Reference will now be made in detail to each embodiment of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  1 A- 1 C , shown is one embodiment of the modular building element  102 . Here, the modular building element  102  has at least a body  104 , a front side  106 , a back side  124 , a first support  108 , a first side  110 , a second support  112 , a second side  114 , a plurality of fastening elements  116 , a vertex  118 , and a pocket  126 . 
     Here, the modular building element  102  may be comprised of a textile-based material. The composition of the various elements or portions of the modular building element  102  may be formed from the same or a different textile as the other elements or portions. The modular building element  102  may be comprised of woven or un wen fabric, cloth, terrycloth, woven or woven fibers of wool, flax, cotton, and/or yarn, and synthetic textile including but not limited to nylon, polyester, and/or acrylic, co-polymers (e.g. Spandex®) or any combination(s) thereof. Various other materials may be used in the construction of the modular building element  102  and its structures such as but not limited to plastics, metals, composites, resins, and the like or any combination thereof. Plastics used in the construction of the modular building element  102  may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), high impact polystyrene (HIPS) and polycarbonate (PC), or any combination thereof. Composites may include but are not limited to fiber-reinforced plastics, metal composites, carbon fiber, Kevlar®, and the like. Metals may comprise lightweight metals such as aluminum and other pure metals as well as various alloys. 
     The modular building element  102  has a body  104  having a front side  106  and a back side  124 . The body  104  is preferably a quadrilateral in shape but may take on any shape necessary to fulfill the user&#39;s needs. The body  104  may further be comprised of a first panel and a second panel coupled via any suitable mechanical and/or chemical means. The body  104  may further be filled with some amount of material to provide the desired weight, rigidity, softness, etc. that is desired. The outer surface of the body  104  may have surface ornamentation thereon. Said surface ornamentation may be purely for aesthetic purposes or may be for educational, information, etc. purposes. 
     On either (or both) of a front side  106  or a back side  124  of the body  104  there are disposed a plurality of fastening elements  116 . As shown in  FIG.  1 A , these plurality of fastening elements  116  are located at each respective vertex  118  of the body  104 . However, the plurality of fastening elements  116  may be located at any position upon an outer surface of the body  104 . These plurality of fastening elements  116  are one of the structural features that allow for the joining of multiple modular building elements  102  as the plurality of fastening elements  116  between multiple modular building elements  102  (within a kit or otherwise) are configured to be complementary to one another. For example, the plurality of fastening elements  116  disposed on the body  104  may be a set of male or female snaps configured to be joined with the opposing snap of another (second) body  104 . The plurality of fastening elements  116  is not limited to snaps and may comprise any fastening element such as but not limited to hook and loop fasteners (Velcro®), rivets, magnets, clips, adhesives, and the like or some combination thereof. 
     In a preferred embodiment, there is a plurality of fastening elements  116  disposed on both the body  104  and the first support  108  and the second support  112 . Preferably, in such a configuration, the plurality of fastening elements  116  disposed on the first support  108  and the second support  112  are on an opposing side of the modular building element  102  than from the plurality of fastening elements  116  disposed on the body  104 . Further, the plurality of fastening elements  116  disposed on the first support  108  and the second support  112  are similar in that each are configured to pair with one of the plurality of fastening elements  116  on another modular building element  102 . For example, if male/female snaps are being used, then all of the plurality of fastening elements  116  on the first support  108  and the second support  112  are female snaps and all of the plurality of fastening elements  116  on the body  104  are male snaps or vice versa. This allows for the proper joining of multiple modular building elements  102  in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention. 
     While the plurality of fastening elements  116  may be located anywhere on the modular building element  102 , it is preferable that if located on the body  104 , the plurality of fastening elements  116  are located at vertices  118 , and if located on the first support  108 /second support  112  are located near a top end and a bottom end of each of the respective support as shown here in  FIGS.  1 A-C . The plurality of fastening elements  116  located on the first support  108  and second support  112  are also to be positioned such that the distance between at least a first fastening element and a second fastening element of the first support  108 /second support  112  are aligned with the distance between two fastening elements located on the body  104  of the modular building element  102 . 
     On a first side  110  or edge of the body  104  is a first support  108  and on the second side  114  or edge of the body  104  there is a second support  112 . The first support  108  and second support  112  may be coupled to the body  104  via any suitable mechanical and/or chemical means. Each of the first support  108  and the second support  112  may be the same or different as any other support attached or coupled to the body  104 . 
     In general, each of the first support  108  and the second support  112  have a first side or edge and a second side or edge. Each of the first side and the second side of the first support  108  (and second support  112 ) are preferably coupled to the body  104 . This allows the first support  108  and the second support  112  to form a first channel  120  and a second channel  122 , respectively. The first channel  120  and the second channel  122  allow for the support element  202  as shown in  FIG.  2    to pass therethrough. Further, each of the first support  108  and the second support  112  may be of the same or a different general construct as the body  104  in terms of material, fill, etc. 
     In some embodiments (and as shown in  FIG.  1 A ) there may be a pocket  126  in the body  104  or other portion of the modular building element  102 . The pocket  126  may allow for the removal/insertion of any fill (or another material, item, etc.) in the body  104  or may allow for a recess for rec g a secondary item outside of the confines of the interior portion of the body  104 . For example, the pocket  126  may allow for a hot and/or cold compress to be inserted therein. In another example, the pocket  126  repay allow for an aromatherapy material to be inserted therein. Depending on the intended usage, the material forming the body  104  may have insulating or conductive properties to better retain or transfer heat, cold, etc. Thicker and more robust/resilient support elements  202  and connecting structures  208  (as shown in  FIG.  2   ) may be required depending on intended usage. 
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , there is a (nodular building element  102  with a support element  202 , connecting structure  208 , and threading device  204 . Each of the support elements  202  and the connecting structure  208  is configured to interact with either of the first channel  120  and/or the second channel  122  of the first support  108  and second support  112 , respectively. When joining multiple modular building elements  102  any combination of support elements  202  and connecting structures  208  may be used. 
     The support element  202  is a length of material configured to supply some amount of rigidity to the article formed by the user in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. A length of the support element  202  is such that it preferably allows for the support element  202  to pass through the channels of the first support  108 /second support  112  of more than one modular building element  102  thereby allowing for more than one modular building element  102  to be joined (in addition to joining via the plurality of fastening elements  116 ). In at least one embodiment, the support element  202  is a cylindrical post formed from wood or other comparable material. As previously described herein, however, any number of desired materials may be used for the support element  202 . These support elements  202  allow for the building of more rigid structures such as rigid cubes, play building structures, and the like. 
     The connecting structure  208  is a length of material configured to supply a more flexible quality (than the support element  202 ) while still providing properties that allow for the joining of multiple modular building elements  102  as opposed to solely via the plurality of fastening elements  116 . In at least one embodiment, the connecting structure  208  is a ribbon or ribbon-like material that is flexible but sufficiently resilient and resistant to tearing such that the modular building element  102  retains the desired flexible qualities when joined. 
     A threading device  204  is preferably included to be used with the connecting structure  208  due to the flexible nature of the connecting structure  208  and the dimensions, material, etc. associated with the respective channel through which the connecting structure  208  is intended to pass through. The threading device  204  is therefore formed from a sufficiently rigid material (such as a plastic or polymer as previously described herein) to allow for the threading device  204  to be passed through either the first channel or the second channel. At one end, the threading device  204  has an aperture  206  configured to allow the connecting structure  208  to pass through and be selectively retained by the threading device  204  as it is passed through the respective channel. An opposing end of the threading device  204  is preferably blunt (rounded) so as to not cause damage to the respective channel as the threading device  204  is passed through. 
     It is preferable that a modular building kit consistent with the present application provides at least a plurality of modular building elements (as previously described herein), at least two support structures, at least one connecting structure, and at least one threading device. More or less of any of the components and the configurations (type of material, fastener configuration, shape, printed insignia, etc.) may be varied as desired. 
     As shown in  FIG.  3   , there are multiple (first modular building element  302 , second modular building element  304 , third modular building element  306 , and fourth modular building element  308 ) modular building elements coupled together via the plurality of fastening elements  116  associated with said devices. Generally, the modular building elements are sized and shaped such that the modular building elements can be combined in a “patchwork” format. That is, the plurality of fastening elements  116  disposed on the front side  106  of one modular building element is positioned to join with the plurality of fastening elements  116  on a back side  124  of another modular building element. As previously noted herein, the plurality of fastening elements  116  located on the front side  106  are positioned on the first support  108  and the second support  112 , whereas the plurality of fastening elements  116  located on the back side  124  are located on the vertices  118 . 
     Thus, the plurality of fastening elements  116  on the fourth modular building element  308 , as shown, is coupled to each of the first modular building element  302  and the second modular building element  304 , and the third modular building element  306 . It is coupled to the first modular building element  302  and the second modular building element  304  via the plurality of fastening elements  116  on the first support (not shown) and second support (not shown) of the fourth modular building element  308 . Said plurality of fastening elements  116  are coupled to the plurality of fastening elements  116  on the respective body portion of the first modular building element  302  and the second modular building element  304 . 
     The third modular building element  306  is then coupled to the fourth modular building element  308  via the plurality of fastening elements  116  on the support (not shown) of the third modular building element  306 . Said fourth modular building element  308  is configured to receive, via the plurality of fastening elements  116  on the body portion of the fourth modular building element  308 , said plurality of fastening elements  116  on the third modular building element  306 . As can be seen in  FIG.  3   , the fourth modular building element  308  has a “free” or open side to which yet another modular building element may be coupled if desired. The same applies for each of the first modular building element  302 , second modular building element  304 , and third modular building element  306  via the plurality of fastening elements  116  visible as well as the plurality of fastening elements  116  on the rear of the body portion nit shown. One may continually build out using the modular building elements to create any of the articles shown in  FIGS.  4 - 6   , as well as virtually any other article desired. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  4 - 6   , shown are various articles built with a modular building kit and/or other embodiments as described herein. Shown is a pocketbook  402 , blanket  502 , and toy animal  602 . Each of the pocketbook  402 , blanket  502 , and toy animal  602  are comprised of various permutations of modular building elements  102 , support elements  202 , a threading device  204 , and a connecting structure  208 . While these particular embodiments have been shown in the drawings, virtually any combination of elements with a modular building kit or modular building kits may be combined with (or without) additional constructing elements to create an article of desire and such articles are contained under the purview of this application. 
     Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.