Patent Publication Number: US-6340323-B1

Title: Waterslide toy block construction system

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention is directed to a waterslide toy block construction system, and more particularly, to toy construction blocks with grooves which can be assembled to create continuous, extendable and generally horizontal and vertical paths for the travel of water thereon. 
     2. Information Disclosure Statement 
     Toy construction blocks have been manufactured and successfully marketed for generations. They have been designed to connect to one another, to connect to tubes and rods, and even to connect to toy figurines of people, animals, vehicles, and other objects. Of particular popularity have been construction blocks with pegs and the accessories that combine with them, for example, the type sold under the trademark LEGO, the type sold under the trademark DUPLO, and the type sold under the trademark PLAYMOBIL. 
     Games and toys which employ water as a basic amusement factor have also been around for years. Among the popular devices are water guns, water slides, water sprinklers, and water-related hoop toys. 
     The following U.S. patents and other literature represent items related to the present invention and represent the state-of-the-art in this field: 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,005,282 to Christiansen teaches a toy building brick which includes a plurality of pegs protruding from the top surface of each brick and a plurality of recesses along the undersurface of each brick sized and shaped so as to engage such pegs for clamping bricks together in a fashion determined by the user. Both the pegs and the recesses may have differently shaped cross-sections, and the brick itself has a friction post located at its midsection to facilitate the attachment of other such bricks. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,752,472 to Snead teaches a child&#39;s building toy which comprises elongated, tubular building units with connectors at each end. The units are hollow to facilitate travel of water therethrough, and some of the units have apertures which allow water to spray. The units have bends in them which allow the user to create various structures. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,744,780 to Volpe shows an adapter block which can be varied to interconnect with a peg block construction toy. The blocks define generally parallel sidewalls that define a plurality of open ends for the receiving of pegs on a peg block construction toy. The adapter block can also be manufactured to slope considerably from the horizontal. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,074,437 to D&#39;Andrade et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,150,819 to Johnson et al., both teach water devices that implement self-contained means of pressurizing water with compressed air, creating a pressure differential between the water and the ambient atmosphere. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,344,143 to Yule teaches a marble run game that involves toy construction blocks assembled to create extended paths for travel of at least one marble. The blocks have grooves defined thereon that facilitate rolling marbles, and said grooves can be aligned to create a multiplicity of paths to prolong the balls&#39;run. The construction blocks may have more than one groove, and multiple grooves may intersect. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,480,336 to Blanchard teaches a water construction kit featuring a plurality of elongated tubular elements and mating connectors, which elements and connectors provide for the flow of water therethrough. The connectors may include shutoff valves to provide selective control of water flowing through the individual tubes. 
     U.S. Pat. No. Des. 353,851 to Glynn is a design for a multi-orificed tubular toy construction block, featuring recesses in each of the block&#39;s four sides and an orifice through the block&#39;s midsection. The block&#39;s orifice and recesses facilitate connection of rods and tubes thereto. 
     Notwithstanding the prior art, the present invention is neither taught nor rendered obvious thereby. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a waterslide toy block construction system. The present invention includes a plurality of toy construction blocks, said construction blocks having a top surface, a bottom surface and at least three side surfaces. Some of the construction blocks have a plurality of elongated projections extending from said top surface. Each of said blocks also has an undersurface that defines recesses therein for frictionally engaging the elongated projections of other such blocks. 
     Other construction blocks have conduits for water flow (hereinafter “grooves”) which can be assembled to create continuous, extendable and generally horizontal and vertical paths for the travel of water thereon. Each of said blocks has a top surface and a side surface which define at least one groove for the routing of water. When a user correctly arranges the blocks to form a multi-block structure, these grooves form a path for the travel of water thereon, which path can be alternated to suit the user&#39;s preference. 
     There is a construction block unit having means for connecting a water outlet, such as a hose or a tank. The connection means incorporates an adapter to reduce water pressure and to prevent detachment of the water outlet due to hydrodynamic motion therethrough. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention should be more fully understood when the specification herein is taken in conjunction with the drawings appended hereto wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a waterslide toy block construction system with an attachment unit for connection to a water source, said water source comprising a water storage reservoir, a pressurized water storage tank, and a pumping means. 
     FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a waterslide toy block construction system with toy miniatures. 
     FIGS. 3,  4  and  5  are a side view, a perspective view and a bottom view, respectively, of a standard toy construction block. 
     FIGS. 6,  7  and  8  are a side view, a perspective view and a bottom view. respectively, of a ramp block. 
     FIGS. 9,  10  and  11  are a side view, a perspective view and a bottom view, respectively, of a grooved toy construction block. 
     FIGS. 12,  13  and  14  are a side view, a perspective view and a bottom view, respectively, of a grooved ramp block. 
     FIGS. 15,  16  and  17  are a side view, a perspective view and a bottom view, respectively, of a grooved wedge block. 
     FIGS. 18,  19  and  20  are a side view, a perspective view and a bottom view, respectively, of a grooved toy construction block with a plurality of elongated projections. 
     FIGS. 21,  22  and  23  are a side view, a perspective view and a bottom view, respectively, of a grooved wedge block with a plurality of elongated projections. 
     FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a toy construction block with two grooves. 
     FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a toy construction block with intersecting grooves. 
     FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a toy construction block with one groove. 
     FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a toy construction block with two grooves. 
     FIG. 28 is perspective view of a toy construction block with an S-shaped groove. 
     FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a toy construction block with a corkscrew groove and opening. 
     FIGS. 30,  31  and  32  are two perspective views and a side view, respectively, of a grooved toy construction block with male and female connector pegs for attachment of adjacent grooved toy construction blocks. 
     FIGS. 33,  34  and  35  are two perspective views and a side view, respectively, of a grooved toy construction block with a hook and a slot for attachment of adjacent grooved toy construction blocks. 
     FIGS. 36,  37  and  38  are two perspective views and a side view, respectively, of a grooved toy construction block with a recess and a tongue for attachment of adjacent grooved toy construction blocks. 
     FIGS. 39 and 40 show a tilt cup device for integration with a waterslide toy block construction system. 
     FIGS. 41 and 42 show miniature water-propelled ferris wheels for integration with a waterslide toy block construction system. 
     FIG. 43 is a tilt cup and spring-activated catapult device for integration with a waterslide toy block construction system. 
     FIG. 44 is a toy block sprinkler unit for integration with a waterslide toy block construction system. 
     FIG. 45 is a miniature grooved see-saw for integration with a waterslide toy block construction system. 
     FIG. 46 is a partial perspective view of a waterslide toy block construction system with an attachment unit for connection to a water source, said water source comprising a garden hose. 
     FIG. 47 is a perspective view of a waterslide toy block construction system with an attachment unit for connection to a water source, said water source comprising a water storage reservoir and a pumping means for recycling water throughout the multi-block structure. 
     FIG. 48 is a side view of a standard construction block having an electrical power source. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     The present invention is a waterslide toy block construction system. The present invention includes a plurality of various toy construction blocks, which can be arranged into at least one multi-block structure that defines an extended path for the travel of water thereon. In a preferred embodiment, there is also a construction block unit having means for connecting a water outlet, such as a hose or a tank. The connection means incorporates an adapter to reduce water pressure and prevent detachment of the water outlet due to hydrodynamic motion therethrough. This adaptation can be retrofitted to be used with structures comprised of construction blocks of the type sold under the trademark LEGO, or with construction blocks of another type or source, or with the marble run game disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,344,143 to Yule. 
     Each of the construction blocks have at least a top, a bottom and three side surfaces. Some blocks are standard blocks which have a plurality of elongated projections from said top surface, an open bottom, and an elongated friction post extending from the undersurface of said top. Some of the blocks also have pre-shaped conduits for water flow (hereinafter “grooves”). When a user correctly arranges the grooved blocks in a multi-block structure, the series of grooves forms a path thereon for the travel of water. Some blocks are ramp blocks, which have a top surface that slopes considerably from the horizontal and which can be manufactured with or without grooves. Some blocks are grooved wedge blocks, having a top surface that is parallel with the bottom surface and at least one side surface that slopes considerably from the vertical. Such a side surface has at least one groove defined thereon. 
     There may be two grooves on a grooved toy construction block, and these may intersect in a number of ways. There may also be a construction block that defines an opening at the base of a corkscrew groove, and the opening delivers the flowing water to adjacent grooved toy construction blocks or to a base pool. 
     In an alternative embodiment, water may also circulate through the construction system by electric-powered pumping means attached to a water reservoir such as a base pool, said base pool having an inlet to connect it to a pump for return of the water. In addition, a pressurized water storage tank could be included as an enhancement to the circulation of water. The pump can return water to a pressurized water storage tank, and such tank could operate with a single tank mechanism which is filled partially with water and partially with air and pressurized with a pump mechanism. An electrical power source would be required for such autonomous pumping means. This power source can be either a self-contained battery unit or a solar panel arranged upon a surface of pre-assembled housing for such a power source. 
     There is a plurality of toy miniatures, each having an undersurface defining a plurality of apertures sized, shaped and spaced so as to frictionally engage the elongated projections of a standard toy construction block. The toy miniatures can be connected to the top surface of the construction blocks so as to build tunnels or bridges, or to assemble objects associated with certain themes, such as palm trees, sailboats and umbrellas to represent an island getaway, or flowers, watering cans and picket fences to represent a gardening scene. 
     The toy construction blocks can be manufactured from molded plastic or any other suitable material known to be used in the art. The toy miniatures are preferably made of molded plastic, but may be made out of another suitable material used in the art. 
     Referring now to FIG. 1, a waterslide toy block construction system  1  consists of a plurality of construction blocks  17 ,  19 ,  21 ,  23 ,  25 ,  27  and  31 , manufactured to be connected and disassembled by the user in a desired arrangement to provide an extended, generally horizontal and vertical path for the flow of water. The waterslide toy block construction system  1  may be used, for example, with toy construction blocks of the type sold under the trademark LEGO, or with other blocks of different type or source, or with a base support structure  2  having elongated projections  4  thereon. 
     As shown in the accompanying figures, a typical waterslide toy block construction system might include the following: several standard construction blocks  51 , each with a plurality of elongated projections  53  (FIG.  2 ); several construction blocks  19 , each with a groove defined upon the top surface to facilitate the flow of water thereon (FIG.  1 ); several construction blocks  21 ,  23 ,  25 ,  27  and  31  with dual grooves and intersecting grooves defined on the top surface to vary the travel of water thereon (FIG.  1 ); several grooved toy construction blocks  39  having a plurality of elongated projections  41  (FIG.  2 ); a pressurized water storage tank  3  connected to pumping means  6  by water return avenue  14  and also connected to attachment means  7  by water return avenue  5  (FIG.  1 ); a plurality of miniature toy figurines  70  to accessorize a waterslide toy block construction system  1  (FIG.  2 ); a plurality of assorted toy FIGS. 71,  72  and  73  adapted to travel along the paths generated by a user of a waterslide toy block construction system (FIGS. 1,  46  and  47 ); and 
     an attachment unit  9  with adapter  7  for connection of a water outlet  5  to a waterslide toy block construction system  1  (FIG.  1 ). 
     Referring now to FIGS. 3,  4  and  5 , a standard toy construction block  101  has a top surface  103 , a bottom surface  107  and at least four side surfaces  105 . Each block has a plurality of elongated projections  109  extending from said top surface  103 . Each block also has at least one elongated friction post  121 , being hollow and extending from the undersurface  112  of top  103  for clamping with other such blocks. Undersurface  112  further exposes recesses  110 , said recesses being defined by exterior wall  115 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 6,  7  and  8 , a typical ramp block  201  has a top surface  203 , a bottom surface  207  and three side surfaces  205 . Each block also has at least one elongated friction post  221  extending from undersurface  112  of top  103 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 9,  10  and  11 , a typical grooved toy construction block  301  has a conduit for water  331  (hereinafter “groove”). This block is similar in construction to the standard toy construction block of FIGS. 3,  4  and  5 , having a top surface  303 , a bottom surface  307 , and at least four side surfaces  305 , as well as an elongated friction post  321  extending from undersurface  112 . 
     A waterslide toy block construction system  1  can also be used with a variety of grooved toy construction blocks as shown in FIGS. 12 through 29. These blocks may be selected to vary the path of flowing water in a fashion determined by the user. FIGS. 18 through 23, in particular, show grooved toy construction blocks that also have a plurality of elongated projections extending from the top surface of each such construction block. Such blocks can be arranged with other blocks or with miniature toy figures to vary both the appearance of the system and the route that water flowing within the system will take. Referring to FIGS. 30 through 38, the plurality of grooved toy construction blocks in a waterslide toy block construction system  1  also includes such blocks having attachment means for connection of adjacent grooved toy construction blocks. Such attachment means can comprise male connectors  1541  and female connectors  1542  (FIGS.  30  and  31 ), a hook  1641  and a corresponding slot  1642  (FIGS.  33  and  34 ), or a tongue  1741  and recess  1742 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 39 through 45, a waterslide toy block construction system  1  can integrate various miniature toy amusements which are activated by flowing water. Such amusements include, but are not limited to, the following: a tilt cup device  81  (FIGS.  39  and  40 ); a water-propelled wheel  83  and paddle-propelled ferris wheel  84  (FIGS.  41  and  42 ); a tilt cup device  81  with spring activated catapult  82  (FIG.  43 ); a toy block sprinkler unit  85  (FIG.  44 ); and a grooved seesaw  87  (FIG.  45 ). Referring now to FIG. 46, an alternative embodiment of a waterslide toy block construction system has a water source comprising a garden hose  11  connected to attachment  7  of multi-block structure  9 . Another alternative embodiment of a waterslide toy block construction system as shown in FIG. 47 can have a water source comprising a water storage reservoir  8  connected to pumping means  6  by water return avenue  16 . Pumping means  6  is further connected to attachment  7  of multi-block structure  9  by water return avenue  10  for recirculation of water throughout the system. 
     Referring now to FIG. 48, there is shown a side view of a standard construction block having an electrical power source. Similar parts as to those shown in FIG. 3, are similarly numbered but beginning with “ 1900 ”. It includes and electrical power source  1925 , which, in this case is a solar panel. 
     Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.