Patent Publication Number: US-11389741-B2

Title: Transformable building block

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/778,577, filed Dec. 12, 2018, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     The present embodiments relate generally to toys, and in particular, to building blocks and modular play structures. 
     Background 
     Popular toys for children are building blocks that can be connected together to create different objects and structures. Though some objects and structures may be assembled from a single type of building block, providing a child with additional options and possibilities of play through an assortment of different building blocks and other building elements is highly desirable. 
     SUMMARY 
     A transformable building block is described herein, which may be stacked onto connector posts, or other portions, of an associated building block system, and may allow additional building blocks or elements to be built on top of the transformable building block. When the transformable building block is stacked onto a connector post, an internal mechanism may open or move various appendages and raise a top post from inside the transformable building block (i.e., engaged configuration). The now protruding top post may allow other building blocks to be connected with the transformable building block. Additionally, when the transformable building block is stacked onto a connector post, a child&#39;s hand may keep one or more of the appendages closed or retracted in the transformable building block. A clutch or spring load allows the appendages to be closed when held down by an external force and automatically open when released. 
     When the transformable building block is removed from the connector post, the internal mechanism may close or retract the appendages and top post back into, or against, the transformable building block (i.e., default configuration). In one or more embodiments, the transformable building block may collapse into a substantially spherical shape. While in its substantially spherical configuration, the retracted appendages may allow the transformable building block to roll conveniently down a track or ramp. 
     In transforming from the default configuration to the engaged configuration, movement of one or more appendages may reveal features of a transformable building block. In an embodiment, two appendages may open to reveal two eyes. In another embodiment, one or more appendages may reveal a face or expression. In another embodiment, one or more appendages may cycle between the default and engaged configurations, opening and closing to provide a “peek-a-boo” function. 
     In one embodiment, a transformable building block may comprise a body configured to receive a connector post, an appendage movably coupled to the body, and a post configured to protrude (e.g., slidably) from the body and retract into the body. Inserting a connector post into the body of the transformable building block may cause the appendage to move and the post to protrude from the body. Removing the connector post from the body may cause the post to retract into the body. In one or more embodiments, the transformable building block may have a substantially spherical shape when the body has not received a connector post. 
     In another aspect, removing the connector post from the body may cause the post to retract into the body. 
     In another aspect, the transformable building block may have a substantially spherical shape when the body has not received a connector post. 
     In another aspect, the transformable building block may further include a base plate and a central plate. The base plate may be in contact with the post and may be configured to be pushed by the connector post to move the post from a default configuration of the transformable building block in which the post is disposed inside the body to an engaged configuration of the transformable building block in which the post protrudes from the body. The central plate may be movably coupled to the body and connected to the appendage, and as the post moves toward the engaged configuration, the base plate may push the central plate, and the central plate may move the appendage. 
     In another aspect, the post may move in a first direction from the default configuration to the engaged configuration, the central plate may move in a second direction transverse to the first direction, and the base plate may move the central plate in the second direction as the post moves from the default configuration to the engaged configuration. 
     In another aspect, the base plate may have an angled rib that slides against a sliding member of the central plate and progressively moves the sliding member in the second direction as the post moves in the first direction. 
     In another aspect, the central plate may be connected to the appendage by a spring biased to pull the appendage against the body. In the default configuration, the appendage may be stowed against the body. Movement of the central plate in the second direction transverse to the first direction may pull the appendage against the spring to a position protruding from the body, in the engaged configuration. 
     In another aspect, removing the connector post from the body may cause the spring to pull the appendage and the central plate toward the default configuration, and the central plate may move the post toward the default configuration. 
     In another aspect, the transformable building block may include a return spring connected to the central plate and the body, and biased to pull the central plate to the default configuration. 
     In another aspect, the body may define a cavity that receives the connector post, a wall of the cavity may define an opening, the central plate may protrude from the opening, and the central plate may be configured to contact the connector post as the connector post is received within the cavity such that the connector post pushes the central plate in the second direction toward the engaged configuration. 
     In another aspect, the central plate may have a leg that protrudes from the opening, and the leg may have an angled surface configured to slide against a corresponding angled surface of the connector post. 
     In another aspect, the base plate may have a base, the base may define an opening, and the central plate may extend through the opening of the base and then protrude from the opening of the wall of the cavity. 
     In another aspect, the body may include a first section and a second section. The first section and the second section may be joined along curved and flanged joints, and may have edges that define a recess of the body. In the default configuration, the appendage may be stowed within the recess substantially flush with an outer surface of the body. 
     In another aspect, the body may define a guide member, and the central plate may have a runner member that protrudes in the first direction and slides against the guide member. 
     In another embodiment, a transformable building block may comprise a body defining a storage cavity and a receiving cavity, a post member having a protruding portion and a base portion, and being movably coupled to the body to move in a first direction, a central plate moveably coupled to the body to move in a second direction transverse to the first direction, and an appendage moveably coupled to the body and connected to the central plate. In a default configuration of the transformable building block, the protruding portion may be disposed in the storage cavity, the base portion may be disposed within the receiving cavity at a first position, the central plate may be disposed at a first inner position, and the appendage may be stowed against the body. In moving from the default configuration to an engaged configuration of the transformable building block, the protruding portion may protrude from the storage cavity, the base portion may move within the receiving cavity to a second position farther inside the body than the first position, the central plate may be moved by the base portion to a second outer position outside of the first inner position, and the appendage may be moved by the central plate to protrude away from the body. 
     In another aspect, the base portion of the post member may have a base disposed in the receiving cavity and a riser extending from the base to the protruding portion and extending through an opening of the body. 
     In another aspect, as the base portion moves from the first position to the second position, the base portion may push the central plate from the first inner position to the second outer position. 
     In another aspect, the body may define an opening in a wall of the receiving cavity, and a portion of the central plate may extend through the opening in the wall and into the receiving cavity, and may be configured to be pushed in the second direction by a portion of another building element inserted into the receiving cavity. 
     In another aspect, the appendage may be connected to the central plate by a spring that is biased to pull the appendage stowed against the body. 
     In another embodiment, a transformable building block may comprise a body, a post member, a central plate, and an appendage. The post member may have a base portion and a post portion. The post member may be movably coupled to the body to move along a first axis between a default position in which the post portion is disposed inside the body and an engaged position in which the post portion protrudes from the body. The central plate may be movably coupled to the body to move along a second axis that is transverse to the first axis between a first inner position and a second outer position. The appendage may be connected to the central plate. As the post member moves from the default position to the engaged position, the base portion of the post member may force the central plate from the first inner position to the second outer position. As the central plate moves from the first inner position to the second outer position, the central plate may move the appendage from a first stowed position to a second protruding position. 
     Other objects, features, and advantages of the present embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. It is to be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating some embodiments, are given by way of illustration and not limitation. Many changes and modifications within the scope of the present embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present embodiments include all such modifications. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The embodiments can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the embodiments. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram that illustrates a perspective view of a transformable building block and a typical building block, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram that illustrates a front view of the transformable building block of  FIG. 1  in the default configuration, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  are schematic diagrams that illustrate a front view ( FIG. 3A ) and side view ( FIG. 3B ) of the transformable building block of  FIG. 1  in the engaged configuration, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIGS. 4A-4C  are schematic diagrams that illustrate a front perspective view ( FIG. 4A ), a rear perspective view ( FIG. 4B ), and a cross-sectional view ( FIG. 4C ) of the internal components of a transformable building block in the default configuration, in accordance with another embodiment; 
         FIGS. 5A-5D  are schematic diagrams that illustrate a front perspective view ( FIG. 5A ), a rear perspective view ( FIG. 5B ), a cross-sectional view ( FIG. 5C ), and a close-up partial view ( FIG. 5D ) of the internal components of the transformable building block of  FIGS. 4A-4C  in the engaged configuration, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram that illustrates an exploded view of components of the transformable building block of  FIGS. 4A-4C , in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIGS. 7A-7D  are schematic diagrams that illustrate various embodiments of transformable building blocks transforming from engaged configurations to default configurations, in accordance with other embodiments; 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  are schematic diagrams that illustrate various interactions between transformable building blocks and a play set, in accordance with other embodiments, with  FIG. 8A  showing the transformable building blocks in their engaged configurations while being stacked on the play set, and with  FIG. 8B  showing the transformable building blocks in their default configurations rolling across the play set; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram that illustrates a front perspective view of a transformable building block, with the body shown transparent for illustrative purposes, in accordance with another embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram that illustrates an exploded view of the components of the transformable building block of  FIG. 9 , in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic diagram that illustrates a bottom perspective view of the transformable building block of  FIG. 9 , in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic diagram that illustrates the transformable block of  FIG. 9  with portions hidden for illustrative purposes, showing one appendage, the bottom section, the central plate, and the base portion of the post member, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIGS. 13 and 14  are a schematic diagrams that illustrate the transformable block of  FIG. 9  with portions hidden for illustrative purposes, showing two appendages, the post member, and the central plate, in accordance with an embodiment; and 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic diagram that illustrates the transformable block of  FIG. 9  with portions hidden for illustrative purposes, showing the central plate and portions of the appendages and post member, in accordance with an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments provide a transformable building block that when stacked onto another building element of an associated building block system, may transform from a default configuration with a post stored and an appendage stowed, to an engaged configuration with the post and the appendage protruding, and in the engaged configuration may allow additional building blocks or elements to be built on of the transformable building block. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an illustrative embodiment of the transformable building block is shown. In preferred embodiments, the transformable building block  100  may have a substantially spherical body  102  formed by a top section  104  and a flat bottom section  106 . The outer portions of the top section  104  and the bottom section  106  may have flat geometries (see, e.g.,  FIG. 2 ), which may allow the transformable building block  100  to contact and securely engage flat surfaces of other building blocks or building elements in a toy construction assembly. The bottom section  106  of the body  102  may include an opening, aperture, and/or cavity that is sized to receive a connector post, or other portion, of another building block or building element (see, e.g.,  FIG. 8A ). For example,  FIG. 1  shows a typical simple building block  108  with a connector post  110  that may be used to engage the bottom section  106  of the transformable building block  100 , with flat lower surfaces of the bottom section  106  contacting flat upper surfaces of the building block  108 . The top section  104  of the body  102  may also include an opening, aperture, and/or cavity that is sized to allow a top post  112  stored within the body  102  of the transformable building block  100  to pass through the body  102  and protrude from the transformable building block  100 . Two appendages  114 ,  116  may also be movably coupled to the body  102  of the transformable building block  100 . Appendages  114 ,  116  may represent, for example, ears, wings, hands, and/or arms. 
     In  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the transformable building block  100  is shown in its default configuration in which the transformable building block  100  has not been connected to or engaged with another building block or element. In this configuration, the appendages  114 ,  116  may be closed around, or stowed against, the body  102  such that the transformable building block  100  retains its substantially spherical shape. The top post  112  may also be stored within the cavity of the body  102 , with an upper surface of the top post  112  flush with or recessed from the upper surface of the top section  104 , for example, as seen from the front view of  FIG. 2 . The substantially spherical shape of the transformable building block  100  may allow the transformable building block  100  to roll, for example, down a ramp or across a flat surface (see, e.g.,  FIG. 8B ). Though the transformable building block  100  is illustrated herein as having a substantially spherical shape, embodiments of the transformable building block  100  may include other shapes, such as a cube, cylinder, cone, prism, or pyramid. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the transformable building block  100  is shown in its engaged configuration. The transformable building block  100  may transform from its default configuration (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) to its engaged configuration when the connector post  110  of another building block  108  (shown as a dashed outline) is inserted into the bottom section  106  of the transformable building block  100 . Engagement of the connector post  110  of the building block  108  with the transformable building block  100  may cause the top post  112  to protrude from the top section  104  of the transformable building block  100 . Preferably, the top post  112  is the same size and shape as the connector post  110  that is inserted into the transformable building block  100 . This may allow an additional transformable building block, simple building block, or other building element to be stacked on top of the transformable building block  100 . Stacking the transformable building block  100  onto the connector post  110  may also cause the two appendages  114 ,  116  to pivot outwardly from the body  102  of the transformable building block  100  and reveal features of the transformable building block  100 , such as two eyes  118 . In embodiments, cycling transformable building block  100  between the default and engaged configurations may open and close appendages  114 ,  116  to alternately conceal and reveal eyes  118 , thereby providing a “peek-a-boo” function. 
       FIGS. 4A-4C  show an exemplary embodiment of an internal mechanism  400  of the transformable building block  100 . The internal mechanism  400  may include a central plate  404 , a base plate  406 , and a top post  112 . The central plate  404  may be held in place by the body  102  and a spring  402  attached to the central plate  404 . The body  102  may further include guides  408  against which the central plate  404  can slide. The spring  402 , which may be referred to as a return spring, may bias the central plate  404  to the position shown in  FIGS. 4A-4C . Appendages  114 ,  116  may also be movably connected to the central plate  404 . The base plate  406  may include angled cam surfaces or ribs  410  that are matched to slide against the central plate  404 . The base plate  406  may further support the top post  112 , which may include one or more risers  412 , which in this example are three risers. Together, the base plate  406  and the top post  112  may be collectively referred to as a post member. 
       FIGS. 5A-5D  show the internal mechanism  400  of the transformable building block  100  in its engaged configuration. When a connector post is inserted into the bottom section  106  of the transformable building block  100 , the base plate  406  may be pushed up towards the top section  104 . The upward movement of the base plate  406  may cause the angled ribs  410  of the base plate  406  to slide against the central plate  404 , which may move the central plate  404  forward laterally in a direction away from the spring  402  (and against the biasing force of the spring  402 ). The guides  408  may ensure that the central plate  404  slides laterally along a predetermined path. 
     Because the top post  112  is supported by the base plate  406  (which may be referred to collectively as the post member), the top post  112  may rise in direct relation to the upward movement of the base plate  406 . Here, the travel of the top post  112  is the height of a connector post inserted into the bottom section  106  of the transformable building block  100 . The base plate  406  may be configured such that it abuts against the bottom section  106  or the central plate  404  when the base plate  406  is raised to a certain point. The top post  112  may also include a lip  414  that abuts against the edge of the opening of the top section  104 , which prevents the top post  112  from being over-extended from the transformable building block  100 . 
     Movement of the central plate  404  may also cause the appendages  114 ,  116  to move. Each appendage  114 ,  116  may include a torsion spring  416  that is operably connected to a protrusion  418  on the central plate  404 . As the central plate  404  moves forward, the protrusion  418  may cause the torsion spring  416  to pivot a respective appendage  114 ,  116  away from the body  102  of the transformable building block  100 . The torsion spring  416  may further allow an external force (e.g., a child&#39;s hand) to move the appendage  114 ,  116  back towards the body  102  while the transformable building block  100  is still in its engaged position. And, when such an external force is removed, the torsion spring  416  may again pivot the appendages  114 , 116  away from the body  102 . 
     Disengaging the transformable building block  100  from an inserted connector post may allow the transformable building block  100  to transform back to its default configuration automatically. When an inserted connector post is removed, the spring  402  may pull the central plate  404  back to its default position (as shown in  FIGS. 4A-4C ). Movement of the central plate  404  towards the spring  402  may cause the base plate  406  to move downwards towards the bottom section  106  and the appendages  114 ,  116  to pivot back towards the body  102 . 
       FIG. 6  provides an exploded view of the components of an illustrative embodiment of the transformable building block  100 . As shown, the body  102  of the transformable building block  100  may include a top section  104  and a bottom section  106 . The bottom section  106  may include an opening (not shown) similar to the opening on the top section  104 . The bottom section  106  may be molded with guides  408  to guide the lateral movement of a central plate  404 . Central plate  404  may include runners  405  that contact guides  408 , and which may be disposed between guides  408 , as shown in the example of  FIG. 5D . The bottom section  106  may be further molded with slots that allow the angled ribs  410  of a base plate  406  to move upwards past the central plate  404 . The base plate  406  may support a top post  112 , and together, the base plate  406  and the top post  112  may form a post member. The top post  112  may include risers  412  that pass through holes in the bottom section  106  to contact or connect to the base plate  406 . A spring  402  may bias the central plate  404  to a default configuration. Appendages  114 ,  116  may be connected to the central plate  404  via torsion springs  416 . 
     In addition to pushing central plate  404  with the angled ribs  410  of the base plate  406 , embodiments may include provisions for allowing another building element to contact and push the central plate  404 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , central plate  404  may have one or more legs  403 , which may extend through one or more openings  107  of the bottom section  106  and one or more openings  407  of the base plate  406 . In a default configuration, the one or more legs  403  may therefore extend inside the cavity  126  defined by bottom section  106 . In an embodiment, as a post of another building element is received within the cavity  126 , a surface of the post may push the legs  403  forward laterally in a direction away from the spring  402  to help move central plate  404  that same direction. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the legs  403  may also have angled lower surfaces, which may contact and slide against corresponding angled surfaces of another building element, such as the chamfered upper surface  128  of the building block  108  shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     In addition to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-6 , a transformable building block may have other designs, shapes, and/or movable appendages. For instance, the transformable building block may be based on various themes and animals, such as an owl, penguin, bear, cow, cat, tiger, fox, dog, and elephant. The transformable building block may also have various appendages (wings, arms, ears, etc.) that open or move when the transformable building block is stacked on a connector post of a building block or special dedicated base. A lever may be pushed to release the transformable building block from the special dedicated base. When the transformable building block is removed from the post, the appendages may close or retract into the transformable building block automatically. 
       FIGS. 7A-7D  provide some illustrative embodiments of the transformable building block. For example,  FIG. 7A  shows a transformable building block  700  designed to represent a cat. In its engaged configuration (connected to base  702 ), the transformable cat block  700  may have a top post  704  that protrudes and ears  706  that are pivoted away from its body  708 . In its default configuration (disengaged from base  702 ), the top post  704  may be retracted and the ears  706  may be pivoted towards its body  708 , as represented by the arrows in  FIG. 7A . 
       FIG. 7B  shows a transformable building block  710  designed to represent a dog. In its engaged configuration (connected to base  712 ), the transformable dog block  710  may have a top post  714  and ears  716  that protrude from its body  718 , and eyes  720  that are open. In its default configuration (disengaged from the base  712 ), the top post  714  and the ears  716  may be retracted into the body  718  and the eyes  720  may be closed, as represented by the arrows in  FIG. 7B . The base  712  may further include a lever  713  that facilitates in releasing the transformable dog block  710  from the base  712 . Pushing downwards on the lever  713  may force the transformable dog block  710  upwards and away from the base  712 . 
       FIG. 7C  shows a transformable building block  722  designed to represent an owl. In its engaged configuration (connected to base  724 ), the transformable owl block  722  may have a top post  726  that protrudes and wings  728  that are pivoted away from its body  730 . In its default configuration (disengaged from base  724 ), the top post  726  may be retracted and the wings  728  may be pivoted towards its body  730 , as represented by the arrows in  FIG. 7C . The base  724  may also include a lever  725  that facilitates in releasing the transformable owl block  722  from the base  724 . 
       FIG. 7D  shows a transformable building block  732  designed to represent a bear. In its engaged configuration (connected to base  734 ), the transformable bear block  732  may have a top post  736 , ears  738 , and arms  740  that protrude from its body  742 , and eyes  744  that are open. In its default configuration (disengaged from the base  734 ), the top post  736 , ears  738 , and arms  740  may be retracted into the body  742 , and the eyes  744  may be closed, as represented by the arrows in  FIG. 7D . 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  show transformable building blocks  802 ,  804  interacting with a constructed structure or play set  800 , according to an embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 8A , the transformable building blocks  802 ,  804  may be placed on various connector posts and in their engaged configurations. When removed from the connector posts, the transformable building blocks  802 ,  804  may assume their substantially spherical default configurations. This allows the transformable building blocks to roll down tracks or ramps in the play set  800 , as shown in the example of  FIG. 8B . 
     Embodiments may also include further provisions for easing manufacture, increasing durability, and improving playability of a transformable building block.  FIGS. 9-16  illustrate embodiments of such provisions, in an engaged configuration. As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , an exemplary transformable building block  200  may have a substantially spherical body  202  formed by a top section  204  and a bottom section  206  (shown transparent in  FIG. 9 ). The transformable building block  200  may further include one or more appendages  214 ,  216  (two in this embodiment), a post  212 , a central plate  504 , and a base plate  506 . The two appendages  214 ,  216  may be movably coupled to the body  202  of the transformable building block  200 , and may represent, for example, ears, wings, hands, and/or arms. 
     Post  212  may be connected to the base plate  506  at the top of one or more risers  512  of the base plate  506 . Together, the post  212  and the base plate  506  may be collectively referred to as a post member. Central plate  504  may be disposed in between the post  212  and a guide support  508  of the bottom section  206 . The base  509  of base plate  506  may be disposed on the other side of guide support  508 , with the one or more risers  512  extending through openings in both the bottom section  206  and the central plate  504 . The base  509  of base plate  506  may be configured to slide within a cavity  556  defined by the bottom section  206 , and the base  509  and the cavity  556  may have complementary shapes and sizes, such as a cylindrical cavity having a first diameter and a circular base having a second diameter slightly smaller than the first diameter. The central plate  504  may be slidably secured to the bottom section  206  by fasteners  519  that extend through slots  560  of central plate  504  and are affixed to fastener openings  562  of the bottom section  206 . As represented by the dashed arrow  564  in  FIG. 10 , central plate  504  may therefore slide forward (to the bottom left in  FIG. 10 ) and backward (to the top and right in  FIG. 10 ) over the guide support  508  of the bottom section  206  and within the bottom section  206 . 
     The appendages  214 ,  216  may be pivotably connected to the body  102  by hinge assemblies  566 . The insides of top section  204  and the bottom section  206  may define openings that receive the ends of the hinge assemblies  566 . The appendages  214 ,  216  may be affixed and pivot with the hinge assemblies  566 . The hinge assemblies  566  may also be attached to protrusions  518  of the central plate  504  by torsion springs  516 . The torsion springs  516  may be biased in a direction that closes the appendages  214 ,  216  against the body  202  in the default configuration. Movement of the central plate  504  in the forward direction may cause the protrusions  518  to pull the torsion springs  516  against their bias, and pivot the appendages  214 ,  216  open to an engaged position (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 10 ). Movement of the central plate  504  in the backward direction may cause the protrusions  518  to decrease tension on the torsion springs  516  and allow the appendages  214 ,  216  to pivot back closed to the default configuration. In embodiments, the torsion springs  516  may provide spring forces suitable for moving the central plate  504  and holding the appendages  214 ,  216  open, while also allowing the appendages  214 ,  216  to be closed manually (e.g., by a child&#39;s hand) when the central plate  504  is still in the forwardmost position. Providing such torsion springs may obviate the need for a counteracting spring pulling the central plate  504  in the rearward direction, such as the spring  402  of the embodiments of  FIGS. 4A-6 . Eliminating a counteracting spring may ease the manufacture of and increase the durability of a transformable building block. 
     As with the embodiment of  FIGS. 4A-6  described above, the outer portions of the top section  204  and the bottom section  206  may have flat geometries, which may allow the transformable building block  200  to contact and securely engage flat surfaces of other building blocks or building elements in a toy construction assembly. Unlike the embodiment of  FIGS. 4A-6 , however, the top section  204  and the bottom section  206  of the body  202  may be joined along curved and flanged joints  550 , which may overlap and provide a strong, durable connection between sections  204 ,  206 . The top section  204  and the bottom section  206  may also include edges  552  that define one or more recesses  554  of the body  202 . Recesses  554  may provide areas in which an appendage may stow, with the outer surface of the appendage substantially flush with the edges  552  so as to provide a substantially continuous spherical surface in a default configuration. The substantially spherical surface may improve the performance of a transformable building block in the default configuration, for example, allowing the block to roll more smoothly. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the bottom section  206  of the body  202  may define an opening, aperture, and/or cavity  556  that is sized to receive a connector post, or other portion, of another building block or building element. The top section  204  of the body  202  may also include an opening, aperture, and/or cavity  558  that is sized to allow the post  212  to be stored within the body  202  of the transformable building block  200  and to emerge from the cavity  558  and protrude from the transformable building block  200 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9, 10, and 12 , the guide support  508  of bottom section  206  may guide the lateral movement of the central plate  504 . Central plate  504  may include an upper portion  501  and two side portions  505  that contact and enclose an upper surface  593  and two side surfaces  595  of the guide support  508 , as shown in the  FIGS. 10, 12, and 15 . The guide support  508  may also have side protrusions  596  over which the lower edges of the side portions  505  slide and are further supported. The bottom section  206  may be further molded with openings that allow the angled ribs  510  of a base plate  506  to move upwards past the central plate  504 . The base plate  506  may include risers  512  that pass through holes in the bottom section  206  to contact or connect to the top post  212 . 
     In embodiments, the transformable building block  200  may also include provisions for moving the central plate  504  in the forward direction while simultaneously extending the post  212 , which may provide increased durability and smoother operation. As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the base plate  506  may be configured to push the post  212  upward while also pushing the central plate  504  forward. As the base plate  506  rises within the cavity  556 , the post  212  also rises by virtue of the direct contact or connection through risers  512 . At the same time, the angled ribs  510  of the base plate  506  slide against complementary slide members  520  of the central plate  504  and push the central plate  504  forward, as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 12, 13, and 15 . In addition, the base  509  of the base plate  506  may include one or more openings  507  through which legs  503  of the central plate  504  extend into the cavity  556 , as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . The central plate  504  may have one or more legs  503 , which may extend through one or more openings  597  defined in a wall of the cavity  556  of the bottom section  206 , and the one or more openings  507  of the base  509  of the base plate  506 . In the default configuration, legs  503  may therefore extend inside the cavity  556  defined by the bottom section  206 . In an embodiment, as a post of another building element is received within the cavity  556 , a surface of the post may push the legs  503  forward to help move the central plate  504  forward. As shown in  FIGS. 9-11, 13, and 15 , the legs  503  may also have angled lower surfaces  515 , which may contact and slide against corresponding angled surfaces of another building element, such as the chamfered upper surface  128  of the building block  108  shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     Although the disclosed embodiments are illustrated and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the present embodiments and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. 
     Moreover, it is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points or portions of reference and do not limit the present embodiments to any particular orientation or configuration. Further, the term “exemplary” may be used herein to describe an example or illustration. Any embodiment described herein as exemplary is not to be construed as a preferred or advantageous embodiment, but rather as one example or illustration of a possible embodiment. Finally, various features from one of the embodiments may be incorporated into another of the embodiments. 
     The foregoing disclosure of the embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations and modifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above disclosure. 
     While various embodiments have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting, and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the embodiments. Any feature of any embodiment may be used in combination with or substituted for any other feature or element in any other embodiment unless specifically restricted. Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims. 
     Further, in describing representative embodiments, the specification may have presented a method and/or process as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth in the specification should not be construed as limitations on the claims. In addition, the claims directed to the method and/or process should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present embodiments.