FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to building blocks for modular construction which are uniquely connectable and releaseable for optimal building options.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Modular Modular building blocks are used for building mostly static and some dynamic structures for entertainment and educational purposes.

[0003] Toy building blocks (for example: Lego®) typically have male and female coupling components. Often, one surface of the block is dedicated to one type of coupling components and consequently, such blocks are usually connected to one another in a simple vertical stacking fashion where, a surface, having the female components, frictionally engages with a surface having the male components.

[0004] The stacking is usually determined to be in a single direction and stacking the blocks in orthogonal directions in relation to the determined one is usually not possible. As a consequence, not all surfaces of the built structures can be evenly patterned with the same structural pattern of coupling components.

[0005] The universality of a toy building system is usually thought of as a measure of all possible structures that can be built using the system. There are multiple historical patents that attempt to describe a more or less universal toy building block system. The number of different building block types that are needed in a given system in order to achieve a certain level of universality also differs from system to system. Most of the known systems usually have many different block types to achieve some level of universality, which is counter-productive. The key to a successful block systems is maximum functionality with minimal number of piece types.

[0006] The structural integrity of the structures that can be built using some toy building block system, and methods of achieving that structural integrity are also very important aspects of a given toy building block system. These aspects are solved with different levels of success by different inventions. There are no easy solutions to these wide-reaching problems, which exists in virtually every block building system.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate these disadvantages. Other objects of the invention will be apparent from the description that follows. The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related thereto arc intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is an objective of the present invention to present a set of toy building blocks which can be stacked and created in multiple orthogonal directions, including the additional provision of a surface finish plate which enables created structures to be evenly and uniformly patterned.

[0009] It is an objective of the present invention to present a set of building blocks that are capable of being assembled into a larger structure that may have a finished outward appearance.

[0010] It is a further object of the invention to provide a set of building blocks that may be customizable, via a plurality of flat surface face plates, finished with a different colours, textures and/or designs.

|0011] It is an object of the invention to use such a plurality of flat surface face plates to hide the “innards” of the building structure components, if desired.

[0012] It is a further object of the invention to provide a set of building blocks with a minimal number of “piece types” while achieving the maximum efficiency in build directions, configurations and finishes.

[0013] This is achieved within the present invention, in part, by the provision of a female coupling member which is either (or both) of a frame of hollowed cuboid-like box and/or a window of a hollowed cuboid-like box, and by the provision of (two or more) male coupling members on mating plates (one both sides) and face plates (on one side). Maximum building flexibility of achieved when a singular male member does not have a mate with a singular female member, as is the case with, for example, Lego®. Instead, the positional opportunities for joining the mating plates/face plates to the cuboid-like boxes (bases) are many and to some extent limited only by creativity of the builder.

[0014] Advantages are also achieved within the present invention, in part, by the provision of total flexibility as to cuboid shape (square or rectangular prism), which enables building in any direction with ease. The provision of either smooth walled or designed featured face plates (finishing plates) enable the creation of a clean, aesthetically pleasing end product. Not only is the end product constructed with a high degree of architectural flexibility and latitude but it is aesthetically and artistically pleasing at the same time

[0015] More specifically, the present invention provides a building block set comprising at least three types of coupling components: i) a cuboid-like box with six faces, each of said faces defined by at least one of a square or rectangular geometric opening to a hollow centre of said cuboid-like box, wherein each geometric opening is lined by a structural frame; ii) a mating plate comprising a front mating face and a back mating face, and having at least one of a square or rectangular geometric shape, wherein both the front mating face and the back mating face comprise and are integral with a plurality of male mating protrusions; and iii) a decor plate comprising a front face and a back face, and having one of a square or rectangular geometric shape, wherein the front face is a solid wall and the back face comprises and is integral with at least one male mating protrusion; wherein the male mating protrusions on both the mating plate and the back face of the decor plate are removably yet securably engagable with both hollow centre of said cuboid-like box and with structural frame of the geometric opening for structure building using the three coupling components.

[0016] Other aspects of the invention will be appreciated by reference to the detailed description of the preferred embodiment and to the claims that follow. Non-limiting examples of various embodiments of the present disclosure will next be described in relation to the drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0017] The preferred embodiment of the invention will be described by reference to the drawings thereof in which

[0018] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of all of the components of a preferred aspect of the building set of the invention;

[0019] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a built structure using the components of a preferred aspect of the building set of the invention;

[0020] Figures 3 is a perspective view of a further built structure using the components of a preferred aspect of the building set of the invention;

[0021] Figures 4 is a perspective view of a further built structure using the components of a preferred aspect of the building set of the invention;

[0022] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a cuboid base engaged with two decor plates, at an offset attachment point;

[0023] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a cuboid base engaged with one mating plate, at an offset attachment point;

[0024] Figure 7 is a perspective bottom view of the cuboid base engaged with one mating plate, at the offset attachment point of Figure 6;

[0025] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a cuboid base engaged with two decor plates, at an offset attachment point;

[0026] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a cuboid base engaged with one decor plate, at an offset attachment point;

[0027] Figure 10 is a top plan view of a cuboid base and decor plate, for exemplary proportions of unit; [0028] Figure 11 is a top plan view of a cuboid base, mating plate and decor plate, for exemplary proportions and join angles of unit;

[0029] Figure 12 is a perspective view of detachment of plates to a cuboid-like “square” box of the invention using adaptive features intended to provide ease in such use;

[0030] Figure 13 is a perspective view of detachment of plates to a cuboid-like “square” box of the invention using adaptive features intended to provide ease in such use;

[0031] Figure 14 is a perspective view of detachment of plates to a cuboid-like “square” box of the invention using adaptive features intended to provide ease in such use;

[0032] Figure 15 is a perspective view of detachment of plates to a perspective view of detachment of plates to a cuboid-like “square” box of the invention using adaptive features intended to provide ease in such use;

[0033] Figure 16 is a perspective view of detachment of plates to a cuboid-like “square” box of the invention using adaptive features intended to provide ease in such use;

[0034] Figure 17 is a perspective view of detachment of plates to a cuboid-like “square” box of the invention using adaptive features intended to provide ease in such use;

[0035] Figure 18 is a perspective view of a structure build comprising the building set of the invention, in progress, and in particular illustrating the flexible addition of a cuboid-like “square” box of the invention in a midsection of the existing structure;

[0036] Figure 19 is a perspective view of a decor plate, with male protrusions comprising grip features;

[0037] Figure 20 is a further perspective view of a decor plate, with male protrusions comprising grip features;

[0038] Figure 21 is an isometric view of a removal tool, in accordance with one aspect of the invention; |0039J Figure 22 is a perspective view of a removal tool, in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

[0040] Figure 23 is a top plan view of a removal tool, in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

[0041] Figure 24 is a bottom plan view of a removal tool, in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

[0042] Figure 25 is a front plan view of a removal tool, in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

[0043] Figure 26 is a back plan view of a removal tool, in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

[0044] Figure 27 is a right-side view of a removal tool, in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

[0045] Figure 28 is a left-side view of a removal tool, in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

[0046] Figure 29 is a perspective view of a removal tool and building structure;

[0047] Figure 30 is further perspective view of a removal tool and building structure;

[0048] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a removal tool and building structure;

[0049] Figure 32 is further perspective view of a removal tool and building structure;

[0050] Figure 33 is a perspective view of a removal tool and building structure; and

[0051] Figure 34 is further perspective view of a removal tool and building structure.

[0052] The figures depict an embodiment of the present invention for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the invention described herein. Unless otherwise specifically noted, articles depicted in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A. EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0053| A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the invention is provided below along with accompanying figures that illustrate the principles of the invention. The invention is described in connection with such embodiments, but the invention is not limited to any embodiment. The scope of the invention is limited only by the claims and the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. These details are provided for the purpose of example and the invention may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention has not been described in detail so that the invention is not unnecessarily obscured.

[0054] The invention is susceptible to many variations, including scaling for capacity, in so long as design and process parameters are maintained. Accordingly, the drawings and following description of the preferred embodiments are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

A. Terms

[0055] The term "product" means any machine, manufacture and/or composition of matter, unless expressly specified otherwise. The term “device” refers to building block system of the invention.

[0056] The term "invention" and the like mean "the one or more inventions disclosed in this application", unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0057] The terms “an aspect”, "an embodiment", "embodiment", "embodiments", "the embodiment", "the embodiments", "one or more embodiments", "some embodiments", "certain embodiments", "one embodiment", "another embodiment" and the like mean "one or more (but not all) embodiments of the disclosed invention(s)", unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0058] The term "variation" or “variant” of an invention means an embodiment of the invention, unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0059] A reference to "another embodiment" or “another aspect” in describing an embodiment does not imply that the referenced embodiment is mutually exclusive with another embodiment (e.g., an embodiment described before the referenced embodiment), unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0060] The terms "including", "comprising" and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to", unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0061] The terms "a", "an" and "the" mean "one or more", unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0062] The term "plurality" means "two or more", unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0063] The term "herein" means "in the present application, including anything which may be incorporated by reference", unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0064] The phrase "at least one of', when such phrase modifies a plurality of things (such as an enumerated list of things) means any combination of one or more of those things, unless expressly specified otherwise. For example, the phrase "at least one of a widget, a car and a wheel" means either (i) a widget, (ii) a car, (iii) a wheel, (iv) a widget and a car, (v) a widget and a wheel, (vi) a car and a wheel, or (vii) a widget, a car and a wheel. The phrase "at least one of', when such phrase modifies a plurality of things does not mean "one of each of' the plurality of things.

[0065] Numerical terms such as "one", "two", etc. when used as cardinal numbers to indicate quantity of something (e.g., one widget, two widgets), mean the quantity indicated by that numerical term, but do not mean at least the quantity indicated by that numerical term. For example, the phrase "one widget" does not mean "at least one widget", and therefore the phrase "one widget" does not cover, e.g., two widgets. [0066] The phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on", unless expressly specified otherwise. In other words, the phrase "based on" describes both "based only on" and "based at least on". The phrase "based at least on" is equivalent to the phrase "based at least in part on".

[0067] The term "represents" and like terms are not exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. For example, the term "represents" do not mean "represents only", unless expressly specified otherwise. In other words, the phrase "the data represents a credit card number" describes both "the data represents only a credit card number" and "the data represents a credit card number and the data also represents something else".

[0068] The term "whereby" is used herein only to precede a clause or other set of words that express only the intended result, objective or consequence of something that is previously and explicitly recited. Thus, when the term "whereby" is used in a claim, the clause or other words that the term "whereby" modifies do not establish specific further limitations of the claim or otherwise restricts the meaning or scope of the claim.

[0069] The term "e.g.", “ex” and like terms mean "for example", and thus does not limit the term or phrase it explains. For example, in a sentence "the computer sends data (e.g., instructions, a data structure) over the Internet", the term "e.g." explains that "instructions" are an example of "data" that the computer may send over the Internet, and also explains that "a data structure" is an example of "data" that the computer may send over the Internet. However, both "instructions" and "a data structure" are merely examples of "data", and other things besides "instructions" and "a data structure" can be "data".

[0070] The term "respective" and like terms mean "taken individually". Thus, if two or more things have "respective" characteristics, then each such thing has its own characteristic, and these characteristics can be different from each other but need not be. For example, the phrase "each of two machines has a respective function" means that the first such machine has a function and the second such machine has a function as well. The function of the first machine may or may not be the same as the function of the second machine.

[0071] The term "i.e." and like terms mean "that is", and thus limits the term or phrase it explains. For example, in the sentence "the computer sends data (i.e., instructions) over the Internet", the term "i.e." explains that "instructions" are the "data" that the computer sends over the Internet.

[0072] The term “cuboid-like box” is intended to have broad meaning and to encompass both six faced rectangular prisms, six faced square cubes, rectangular cuboids, and square cuboids. A rectangular prism is a three-dimensional structure comprising six rectangular faces (which may or may not be of the same size). The rectangular prism is also called a “cuboid”. The vertical or horizontal cross section of a rectangular prism is a rectangle. If the rectangular prism has all the edges/sides equal, then it is considered a “cube”. A cube is a three-dimensional figure with six equal square faces. The vertical or horizontal cross section of a cube is a “square”. Rectangular cuboid may refer to a shape in which each of the faces is a rectangle (and so each pair of adjacent faces meets in a right angle). This more restrictive type of cuboid is also known as a rectangular cuboid, right cuboid, rectangular box, rectangular hexahedron, right rectangular prism, or rectangular parallelepiped. In a rectangular cuboid, all angles are right angles, and opposite faces of a cuboid are equal. By definition this makes it a right rectangular prism, and the terms rectangular parallelepiped or orthogonal parallelepiped may also used, within the scope of the invention to designate this polyhedron. The square cuboid, square box, or right square prism (also ambiguously called square prism) includes at least two faces which are squares. A cube is a subset of the square cuboid in which all six faces are squares.

[0073] It is intended that cuboid-like box, within the scope of the invention, has broad meaning as per the terminology above and furthermore, if a cuboid-like box meets the functional requirements of the building blocks of the invention, it is considered to he within the purview of the claims.

[0074] This description of preferred embodiments is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are part of the entire written description of this invention. In the description, corresponding reference numbers are used throughout to identify the same or functionally similar elements. Relative terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," "up," "down," "top" and "bottom" as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly," "upwardly," etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and are not intended to require a particular orientation unless specifically stated as such. Terms including "inwardly" versus "outwardly," "longitudinal" versus "lateral" and the like are to be interpreted relative to one another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an axis or center of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as "connected" and "interconnected," refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term "operatively connected" is such an attachment, coupling or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship.

[0075] Any given numerical range shall include whole and fractions of numbers within the range. For example, the range "1 to 10" shall be interpreted to specifically include whole numbers between 1 and 10 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, . . . 9) and non-whole numbers (e.g. 1.1, 1.2, . . . 1.9).

[0076] Where two or more terms or phrases are synonymous (e.g., because of an explicit statement that the terms or phrases arc synonymous), instances of one such term/phrase docs not mean instances of another such term/phrase must have a different meaning. For example, where a statement renders the meaning of "including" to be synonymous with "including but not limited to", the mere usage of the phrase "including but not limited to" does not mean that the term "including" means something other than "including but not limited to".

[0077] Neither the Title (set forth at the beginning of the first page of the present application) nor the Abstract (set forth at the end of the present application) is to be taken as limiting in any way as the scope of the disclosed invention(s). An Abstract has been included in this application merely because an Abstract of not more than 150 words is required under 37 C.F.R. .setn.1.72(b). The title of the present application and headings of sections provided in the present application are for convenience only and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any way.

[0078] Numerous embodiments are described in the present application and are presented for illustrative purposes only. The described embodiments are not, and are not intended to be, limiting in any sense. The presently disclosed invention(s) are widely applicable to numerous embodiments, as is readily apparent from the disclosure. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the disclosed invention(s) may be practiced with various modifications and alterations, such as structural and logical modifications. Although particular features of the disclosed invention(s) may be described with reference to one or more particular embodiments and/or drawings, it should be understood that such features are not limited to usage in the one or more particular embodiments or drawings with reference to which they are described, unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0079] No embodiment of method steps or product elements described in the present application constitutes the invention claimed herein, or is essential to the invention claimed herein, or is coextensive with the invention claimed herein, except where it is either expressly stated to be so in this specification or expressly recited in a claim.

B. Overview

[0080] The invention provides in one aspect, a building block set comprising at least three types of coupling components a cuboid-like box with six faces, each of said faces defined by at least one of a square or rectangular geometric opening to a hollow centre of said cuboid-like box, wherein each geometric opening is lined by a structural frame; mating plate comprising a front mating face and a back mating face, and having at least one of a square or rectangular geometric shape, wherein both the front mating face and the back mating face comprise and are integral with a plurality of male mating protrusions; a decor plate comprising a front face and a back face, and having one of a square or rectangular geometric shape, wherein the front face is a solid wall and the back face comprises and is integral with at least one male mating protrusion; wherein the male mating protrusions on both the mating plate and the back face of the decor plate are removably yet securably engagable with both hollow centre of said cuboid-like box and with structural frame of the geometric opening of said cuboid-like box for structure building using the three coupling components.

[0081] In one aspect, the cuboid-like box comprises six equally sized faces. In one aspect, the cuboid-like box is a rectangular prism and comprises first and second equally sized faces and third, fourth, fifth and sixth equally sized faces, which are different in size from the first and second. [0082] In one aspect, the male mating protrusions on the mating plate (both sides) and the decor plate (one side) are generally cylindrically shaped. There may be a varying number of male mating protrusions (also preferred to as projections, herein) although preferably on each plate surface, there are from 2-6. The size and length of the male mating protrusions may vary (from smaller nubs to longer protrusions) so as to suit use and size of overall building sets. These generally cylindrical protrusions/projections extend outwardly from both sides (both faces) of the mating plate and from one side of the decor plate and are preferably arranged in from one, two to multiple rows of opposed projections. Spacing of the projections are aligned with their placement points on/around the cuboid-like box as particular and varied features of the box act as the equivalent of female mating components for these projections. As defined herein, the cuboid-like box comprises a hollow centre, a geometric opening on each side (i.e. opening to the centre) and a structural frame around each geometric opening. The male mating protrusions are spaced and configured to grip the structural frame of the geometric opening (at any point, in whole or in part) and also are spaced and configured to securely fit and hold within the geometric opening.

[0083] The mating plate may be square or rectangular. The decor plate may be square or rectangular and may be made with many different colors, finishes, and materials. The decor plates may be used fully or partially to cover the exposed parts of the cuboid like boxes to create an aesthetically pleased end product.

[0084] The present invention provides a multiplexed structure comprising one of more of the cuboid-like boxes, one or more of the mating plates and one or more of the decor plates, wherein the male mating protrusions couple to both hollow centre of said cuboid-like box and with structural frame of the geometric opening and wherein the front face of the decor wall provides a uniform visual wall to the multiplexed structure.

[0085] These building block set of the invention are preferably made from resilient plastic material that is suitably adaptable for injection molding and each block and plate (mating and decor) may be each made complete by a single injection molding process.

[0086] These building block sets can be made in various sizes, while still maintaining the general and relative shape described. Each size may have some advantages to it. The smaller sizes may be more suitable for toy structures and may be adaptable with other toy blocks already on the market. The larger scaled up sizes may be more suitable for making larger structures. Each component of the set must be scaled up or down, as desired.

[0087] Further detail on the preferred aspects of the invention can be seen in the figures, as follows.

[0088] In Figure 1, a building set is generally provided at 10, which comprises the following main components: cuboid-like “square” box 12, cuboid-like “rectangular” box 14, mating plate 16, four male member (substantially square) decor plates 18 and two male member (substantially rectangular) decor plates 20. Mating plate 16 and decor plates 20 comprise male protrusions 22. The basis for one possible mating option of mating plate 16 to both cuboid-like “square” box 12, cuboid-like “rectangular” box 14 is illustrated clearly in this figure. Cuboid-like “square” box 12 comprises twelve frame members 24 conjoined at their ends and comprises geometric openings 26 to hollow centre 28. Four projections 24 on the face of the mating place closest to cuboid-like “square” box 12 will engage and fit within geometric openings 26 to secure the mating of mating plate 16 to cuboid-like “square” box 12. Cuboid-like “rectangular” box 14 comprises twelve frame members 30 conjoined at their ends and comprises two square geometric openings 32 (at each side) and four rectangular geometric openings 36 (top, bottom and two ends) all to hollow centre 34. Four projections 24 on the face of the mating plate closest to cuboid-like “rectangular” box 14 will engage and fit within square geometric opening 32 to secure the mating of mating plate 16 to cuboid-like “rectangular” box 14.

[0089] Likewise, and by similar means, four male member (substantially square) decor plates 18 and two male member (substantially rectangular) decor plates 20, mate via their respective male protrusions 22 to their respective geometric openings with the sides or ends of the respective frame members. Of note, two male member (substantially rectangular) decor plates 20 engage (via their integral two male protrusions 22), with rectangular geometric openings 36 forming part of cuboid-like “rectangular” box 14. Rectangular geometric openings 36 are at top and bottom and two ends of cuboid-like “rectangular” box 14.

[0090] What is also made clear in Figure 1 are the distinctions between mating plate 16 (male projections on both sides) and decor plates 18 and 20 (male projections only on one side, with wall, or design or decor features on the “exterior” side to provide a finishing surface to a built product).

[0091] Figure 2 offers an example of a built structure using the building set of the present invention, and generally indicated as 40. Structure 40 comprises two cuboid-like “square” boxes 12, two cuboid-like “rectangular” boxes 14, two mating plates 16, one (substantially square decor plates and one substantially rectangular decor plate 20.

[0092] Figures 3 offers another example of a built structure using the building set of the present invention, and generally indicated as 42. Structure 42 comprises three cuboid-like “square” boxes 12 (albeit largely covered by substantially square decor plates 18), one cuboid-like “rectangular” box 14 (uncovered by decor plates), and two mating plates 16.

[0093] Figures 4 offers another example of a built structure using the building set of the present invention, and generally indicated as 44. Structure 44 comprises three cuboid-like “square” boxes 12 (albeit two are fully covered by substantially square decor plates 18) joined by mating plates 16. “Top” cuboid-like “square” box 12 is coupled with four decor plates 18 but instead of said decor plates being fully engaged within geometric opening 26 (as bottom two boxes are, thereby fully encasing the box from view), they are connected via their respective male projections 22, in an offset manner, to one or more of frame members 24. More specifically, comer 46 formed by juncture of three frame members 24 wedges between each of four male projections 22 so that two of the male projections 22 of decor plate 18 sit above top of frame members 24, one projection sits “outside” the frame of the top cuboid-like “square” box 12 and the last male projection 22 sits under the top frame of the top cuboid-like “square” box 12. What is accomplished by this arrangement is more building options and directions, using the available male projections.

Building Set Holds and liasy Detachment of Components:

[0094] Figures 5 to 9 illustrate offset attachment of mating plates and decor plates to a cuboidlike “square” box of the invention using adaptive features intended to provide ease in such use. Figures 12 to 17 illustrate detachment of the mating plates and decor plates to a cuboid-like “square” box of the invention using a removal tool which engages with inclined surfaces on the mating plates and decor plates, to assist in such removal.

[0095] In Figures 5 to 9, cuboid box 12 comprises twelve equisized frame members 24 forming opening 26 and hollow centre 28. Decor plates 16 each comprise four male protrusions 22 extending from the non-face surface 54 (ex: inner or functional surface) of the decor plate. As best shown here, male protrusions 22 are disposed onto raised blocks 52 which extend outwardly from non-face surface 54 (which itself may: 1) be flat or 2) comprise more than one level). In spaces of non-face 54 surface which are “around” raised blocks 52, there is provided a plurality of inclined planes 56 extending into and toward a non-face surface centre 58 (best shown in Figure 19). Such inclined planes serve a purpose of engaging with plate removal tool 60 (shown in Figures 12-17 and also in Figures 21-). Such plate removal tool simply and easily disengages the mating plate and the decor plate from the cuboid-like boxes. The actual tool accepting inclination between non-face surface 54 and raised blocks 52 is shown readily in Figure 5 as 62. Figures 8 and 9 further illustrate this for decor plates.

[0096] Figures 6 and 7 show the analogous configuration for mating plate 16 on cuboid-like box 12. cuboid box 12 comprises twelve equisized frame members 24 forming opening 26 and hollow centre 28. Mating plates 12 each comprise four male protrusions 22 extending from base surface 64 of the mating plate. As best shown here, male protrusions 22 are disposed onto raised blocks 66 which extend outwardly from base surface 64 (which itself may: 1) be flat or 2) comprise more than one level). In spaces of base surface which are “around” raised blocks 66, there is provided a plurality of inclined planes 68 extending into and toward base surface centre 70 (best shown in Figure 1). Such inclined planes which extend “downwardly” from edge of each plate towards centre, serve a purpose of engaging with plate removal tool 60 (shown in Figures 12-17). Such plate removal tool simply and easily disengages both the mating plate and the decor plate from the cuboid-like boxes which avoids frustration in deconstruction. It also avoids damaging the components of the building set as, without an easy removal means, users tend to use knives and other objects unintended for such use. Removal features within the scope of the invention comprise feature-designed inclined planes on each plate and a use-specific, universal, dual function, removal tool 60 comprising block end 72 and chisel/bar end 74 (best seen in Figures 12-17). Removal Tool:

[0097] Plate removal tool 60 is shown, in one preferred embodiment, in Figures 12-17 (in operation showing removal process), in Figures 21 to 28 showing the tool in isolation and again in Figures 29 to 31 showing operation of chisel/bar end and again in Figures 32 to 34 showing operation of block end. It is important to understand the flexibility of the removal tool of the invention, pertaining to the block system of the invention. In some instances, it is desirable to pry part or disengage one or both of the mating plate and the decor plate from the cuboid-like boxes. Depending on whether the decor plate or other piece is sought to be disengaged, a user may select which specific end of the removal tool to use as described further below. For example, for removal of decor plate 18, as shown in Figures 29, 30 and 31, the chisel/bar end 74 may be employed most suitably. For disengagement of mating plate 16, block end 72 may be employed most suitably. The key is that one dual function tool can achieve all block and piece removal requirements, without damaging any of the building block pieces and without being a hazard to children using such a tool.

[0098] Turning to Figures 21, 22 and 23, which are, respectively, an isometric view, a perspective view and a top plan view of removal tool 60, there is provided a block end 72 and a chisel/bar end 74. A centre body portion 100 therebetween is defined by a set of two tapering walls 102 and 104 and scoop channel 106 between the two walls. In some embodiments, centre body portion 100 may be fully or partially solid between the ends 72 and 74. Block end 72 is defined by a four-sided frame 108 which opens to removal cavity 110. Frame 108 extends within removal cavity 110 to form four ledges 1 12, such being a means to hold and grip mating protrusions 22 (such gripping illustrated best in Figures 33 and 34). Removal cavity may comprise one or more windows 1 14 and a back wall 1 16 (best illustrated in Figure 25). The four ledges 112 may be coated with a gripping material or formed of a gripping material. Alternatively, four ledges 112 may be texturized to secure a hold on mating protrusions 22 thereby to assist in disengagement of the mating plate from another piece of the building structure. The two tapering walls 102 and 104 may, in some embodiments, slope at an angle between block end 72 (higher) and chisel end 74 (lower). In this way, tapering walls 102 and 104 taper to form chisel end 74. [0099] As shown in Figures 21 , 22 and 23, chisel end 74 is adapted for easy removal of the decor plate. This is structurally achieved by chisel end 74 defining a bevel surface 120 which “inserts into” of inclined plane 68, providing leverage for separation of the pieces. Figure 24 shows the bottom plan view of removal tool 60, showing bottom surface which may be used for product name or design placement. Figure 25 shows (in isolation) a front-end plan view of removal tool 60, with a best view of removal cavity 110 and four-sided frame 108. Figure 26 shows (in isolation) a back-end plan view of the removal tool 60, with a more detailed view of bevel surface 120. Figures 27 and 28 show, respectively, right and left side plan views of removal tool 60, depicting more clearly the inclination of walls 102 and 104 from 72 and 74.

[00100] Turning to Figures 29-31 , there is a set of illustrations showing operation of chisel end 74, each figure providing removal tool 60 and built structure 122, sought to be disassembled in whole or in part. Built structure 122 comprises on each of four sides, a decor plate and at its centre, a cuboid box 12 (not shown). Top decor plate 124 is aligned with front decor plate 126 and user is desirous of separating the decor plate from the cuboid box using chisel end 74 of removal tool 60. Bevel surface 118 at its point end 130 slides into the opening offered by inclined plane 68 and then, chisel end 74 is lifted to push top decor plate 124 out of connection with the remainder of the built structure 122 (best shown Figure 31).

[00101] Turning to Figures 32-34, there is a set of illustrations showing operation of block end 74, each figure providing removal tool 60 and built structure 130, sought to be disassembled in whole or in part. Built structure 130 comprises four sides, on three: decor plates 132, on a fourth side, a mating plate 134 and a core cuboid box 12 (seen only in Figure 34, once mating plate is removed, in part). Mating plate 134 is engaged with core cuboid box 12 and is aligned with four decor plates and a user is desirous of separating the mating plate from the remainder the structure 130 using block end 72 of removal tool 60. To this end, block end 72 is engaged between protrusions 22 such that: i) at least a part of four-sided frame 108 is inserted in channel spaces between at least some of the protrusions (as shown best in Figure 33) and ii) ledges 112, which are substantially the same height as the protrusions abut the protrusions. One or more of protrusions are thus sufficiently gripped so that when tool 60 is pulled down from build structure 130, mating plate 134 is disconnected from the cuboid box 12. Dimensions, Size and Scaling:

[00102] As noted above, it is intended that a cuboid-like box, within the scope of the invention, has broad scope as to dimension, size and scaling. The sizes, in general may be small, as per original sized Lego®, or larger as per Duplo® and like larger toy construction blocks. In other words, there is no particular limit as to size, only in regard to the relative (relational) size of the respective parts of the building block set of the invention.

[00103] In a most preferred aspect of the invention, the components of the building block set of the invention may be proportioned by a preferred unit described and shown in Figure 10. Cuboid box 12 comprises (in this top plan view) four frame members 24, each with frame depth 50. Exemplary frame depth 50 is shown as 1/4” although this is not intended to be limiting. Decor plate 18 is shown with exemplary depth of G” and comprising inclined plan 56 of 1/8” although these are not intended to be limiting. Figure 1 1 similarly shows attachment to cuboid box 12 of both decor plate 18 and mating plate 16 wherein angle of attachment/alignment 76 between such two plates (in place on box) is 45 degrees, although this is not intended to be limiting.

[00104] Although not limiting, one benefit of having a 45° (or substantially close thereto) angle on the ends (“corners”) of the decor plates and mating plates helps make the final building set product look flush, it helps to make the plates fit flush when placed 90 degrees from each other. As seen best in Figure 10, the mating plate and the decor plate fit flush.

[00105] Using one or more preferred standards of proportion will enable the fit of ancillary components with the building block set. For example, a playmat may be provided, within the scope of the invention, wherein a surface thereof is arrayed with playmat cylindrical protrusions which “match” a preferred unit size of the building block set for engagement. This way, the cuboid-like boxes of the invention may be removably affixed on the mat, for building upwards or outwards, using the mating mat cylindrical protrusions.

Gripping Features:

[00106] Within a preferred form of the invention, the decor plate and mating plate comprise one or more gripping features, points of friction ox friction creating features to assist in securably holding the plates to the cuboid-like box. In one aspect, the cylindrical protrusions have just enough grip or friction to hold them in place in the building process, as described herein (i.e. to be placed and removed).

[00107] In another embodiment, grip or friction is created by coating the male protrusions with a friction or grip material. This may be achieved by a variety of means including but not limited to microbeads, microfibres, micro-nubs, ridging or other friction-creating means. Such material may be coated on the male protrusions, only at the base or throughout. Such material may be integral with the plastic formed male protrusions. Figures 19 and 20 show decor plate 18, male protrusions 22 and red dots indicting friction means 78. Having friction means 78 in place assists in holding the components together in a more rigid and secure fashion. The friction means is not so great so as to prevent plate removal tool from disengaging components, as described herein.

[00108] In another embodiment, some parts of the four-sided frame 108, ledges 112 and bevel surface 118 may be coated with a friction or grip material. This may be achieved by a variety of means including but not limited to microbeads, microfibres, micro-nubs, ridging or other friction-creating or texturizing means.

[00109] Finally, Figure 18 illustrates a perspective view of structure build generally shown as 80 comprising the building set of the invention, in progress, and in particular illustrating the flexible addition of cuboid-like “square” box 82 of the invention in a midsection of the existing structure (80), which comprises 17 cuboid-like “square” boxes (each) 84. The security of the existing part of the already built structure (held in place by secure component engagement and the friction means) enables a user of remove and replace even midsection blocks, without disrupting the remainder of the build. This duality of flexibility and rigidity of build is enabled by the nature of the block components of the invention.

C. Alternative Embodiments

[00110] The descriptions above contain some design specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments but as merely providing illustrations of some of several potential embodiments. Thus, the scope of the embodiments should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

[00111] To aid the Patent Office and any readers of any patent issued on this application in interpreting the claims appended hereto, applicant wishes to note that they do not intend any of the appended claims or claim elements to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the words “means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim.

[00112] It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions, omissions, and sub-combinations as may reasonably be inferred. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

D. CLAIM SUPPORT fhere is provided A building block set comprising at least three types of coupling components: a cuboid-like box with six faces, each of said faces defined by at least one of a square or rectangular geometric opening to a hollow centre of said cuboid-like box, wherein each geometric opening is lined by a structural frame; a mating plate comprising a front mating face and a back mating face, and having at least one of a square or rectangular geometric shape, wherein both the front mating face and the back mating face comprise and are integral with a plurality of male mating protrusions; a decor plate comprising a front face and a back face, and having one of a square or rectangular geometric shape, wherein the front face is a solid wall and the back face comprises and is integral with at least one male mating protrusion; wherein the male mating protrusions on both the mating plate and the back face of the decor plate are removably yet securably engagable with both hollow centre of said cuboid-like box and with structural frame of the geometric opening for structure building using the three coupling components. The cuboid-like box may comprise six equally sized faces. The cuboid-like box may be a rectangular prism and comprises first and second equally sized faces and third, fourth, fifth and sixth equally sized faces, which are difference in size from the first and second. The male mating protrusions may be cylindrically shaped. The mating plate may comprise two male mating protrusions on at least one of front mating face and a back mating face. The mating plate may comprise four male mating protrusions on at least one of front mating face and a back mating face. The back face of the decor plate may comprise two male mating protrusions. The back face of the decor plate may comprise four male mating protrusions. The mating plate may be square or rectangular. The decor plate may be square or rectangular. The building block set may be formed into a multiplexed structure comprising one of more of the cuboid-like boxes, one or more of the mating plates and one or more of the decor plates, wherein the male mating protrusions couple to both hollow centre of said cuboid-like box and with structural frame of the geometric opening and wherein the front face of the decor wall provides a uniform visual wall to the multiplexed structure. The building block set may comprise pieces with male mating protrusions which are spaced and configured to grip the structural frame of the geometric opening. The building block set may comprise male mating protrusions which are spaced and configured to fit securely within the square or rectangular geometric opening to the hollow centre of the cuboid-like box. The mating plate may comprise at least one an inclined surface for engagement with a plate removal tool. The decor plate may comprise at least one an inclined surface for engagement with a plate removal tool. The male protrusion may comprise at least one of a gripping feature, a point of friction or a friction creating feature to assist in securably and rigidly holding the decor plate and and mating plate to the cuboid-like box. The building block set may comprise a male protrusion, which comprises at least one friction creating feature. The male protrusion may comprise at least one gripping feature. A removal tool comprises a chisel end and block end and a body therebetween. Preferably chisel end comprises a bevel surface at an end point thereof. Preferably block end comprises a 4-sided frame, extending into a hollow cavity, wherein frame defines a plurality of gripping ledges.