INTERCONNECTED BUILDING BLOCK SYSTEM

Abstract

A building block system includes a plurality of building blocks. Each of the building blocks includes an upper first connecting surface composed of first connecting members and a lower second connecting surface composed of second connecting members, wherein the upper first connecting surface of a first building block is shaped and dimensioned for connection with the lower second connecting surface of a second building block. At least one of the plurality of building blocks has sides or side of unequal length, at least one of the plurality of building has sides of equal length, at least one of the plurality of building blocks has an aperture extending therethrough, and at least one of the plurality of building blocks is a transition building block.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/928,402, entitled "INTERCONNECTED BUILDING BLOCK SYSTEM," filed Oct. 31, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates to an interconnected building block system.

2. Description of the Related Art

[0003] Building blocks are well known as a toy that aid both children and adults in the development of physical dexterity and mental acuity. Potentially more important, building blocks bring joy to those who are able to realize grand imagined projects as physical manifestation of their imagination that can be played with and admired.

[0004] The present building block system provides an array of building blocks that allow for the construction of a wide range of objects in a convenient, challenging, and effective manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In an embodiment, an interconnecting building block system includes a plurality of building blocks. Each of the building blocks includes an upper first connecting surface including at least one first connecting member and a lower second connecting surface including at least one second connecting member, wherein the upper first connecting surface of a first building block is shaped and dimensioned for connection with the lower second connecting surface of a second building block. At least one of the plurality of building blocks has sides or side of unequal length, at least one of the plurality of building has sides of equal length, at least one of the plurality of building blocks has an aperture extending therethrough, and at least one of the plurality of building blocks is a transition building block. The upper first connecting surfaces of the building block having sides or side of unequal length and the building block having sides of equal length include a repeating series of hexagonal patterns and the lower second connecting surfaces include a plurality of projections shaped and dimensioned for coupling within the repeating series of hexagonal patterns found on the upper first connecting surfaces for coupling of building blocks in a variety of orientations.

[0006] In some embodiments at least one of the plurality of building blocks is a six-sided hexagon having sides or side of unequal length and at least one of the plurality of building blocks is a six sided hexagon having sides of equal length.

[0007] In some embodiments the transition building block includes a central plate member between the upper first connecting surface and the lower second connecting surface.

[0008] In some embodiments the central plate member includes a planar first side from which the at least one first connecting member extends and a planar second side from which the at least one second connecting member extends.

[0009] In some embodiments each of the hexagonal patterns on the upper first connecting surface of the building block having sides or side of unequal length and the building block having sides of equal length includes six (6) equilateral triangular protections symmetrically positioned about a central aperture extending through a planar base member and between the upper first connecting surface and the lower second connecting surface.

[0010] In some embodiments each of the six (6) equilateral triangular protections includes an apex pointing toward the central aperture such that six (6) equally spaced radial lines coming from a center of the central aperture bisect the respective six (6) equilateral triangular protections.

[0011] In some embodiments the lower second connecting surface of the building block having sides or side of unequal length and the building block having sides of equal length includes cylindrical projections including an outer diameter that is the same size and distance between the apexes of diametrically opposed equilateral triangular protections.

[0012] In some embodiments the lower second connecting surface of the building block having sides or side of unequal length and the building block having sides of equal length also includes a perimeter wall extending downwardly from the base member along the perimeter of the base member so as to define an exterior wall.

[0013] In some embodiments the distance between the perimeter wall and the outer surface of an adjacent cylindrical projection is equal to the distance from the apex of the equilateral triangular projection to the base of the equilateral triangular projection.

[0014] In some embodiments the lower second connecting surface of the building block having sides or side of unequal length and the building block having sides of equal length also includes a perimeter wall extending downwardly from the base member along the perimeter of the base member so as to define an exterior wall of the building block.

[0015] In some embodiments a distance between an inner surface of the perimeter wall and an outer surface of an adjacent cylindrical projection is equal to a distance from the apex of the equilateral triangular projection to the base of the equilateral triangular projection.

[0016] In some embodiments the at least one first connecting member of the transition building block is a rod shaped projection and the at least one second connecting member of the transition building block is a rod shaped projection.

[0017] In some embodiments each of the at least one first connecting member of the transition building block and the at least one second connecting member of the transition building block has a first diameter adjacent a free first end thereof and a second diameter adjacent a second end thereof.

[0018] In some embodiments the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter.

[0019] Other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth certain embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] FIGS. 1 and 2 are interconnected building block systems 10 in accordance with the present invention.

[0021] FIGS. 3 to 7 are respectively a perspective view, a top view, a bottom view, a side view, and an end view of building block in accordance with the present invention.

[0022] FIGS. 8 to 12 are respectively a perspective view, a top view, a bottom view, a side view, and an end view of another building block in accordance with the present invention.

[0023] FIGS. 13 to 22 are elongated building blocks with different shapes in accordance with the present invention.

[0024] FIGS. 23 to 27 are respectively a perspective view, a top view, a bottom view, a side view, and an end view of still a further building block in accordance with the present invention.

[0025] FIGS. 28 to 32 are respectively a perspective view, a top view, a bottom view, a side view, and an end view of yet another building block in accordance with the present invention.

[0026] FIGS. 33 to 37 are respectively a perspective view, a top view, a bottom view, a side view, and an end view of a transition building block in accordance with the present invention.

[0027] FIGS. 38 to 42 are respectively a perspective view, a top view, a bottom view, a side view, and an end view of another transition building block in accordance with the present invention.

[0028] FIGS. 43 to 47 are respectively a perspective view, a top view, a bottom view, a side view, and an end view of a yet another transition building block in accordance with the present invention.

[0029] FIGS. 48 to 55 are various views of alternate transition building blocks in accordance with the present invention.

[0030] FIGS. 56 to 65 show other shapes for building blocks and transition building blocks in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The detailed embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiment is merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention.

[0032] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, interconnected building block systems 10 in accordance with the present invention are disclosed. In FIG. 1, the system 10 includes a plurality of building blocks, each of the building blocks including an upper first connecting surface composed of first connecting members and a lower second connecting surface composed of second connecting members. The upper first connecting surface of a first building block is shaped and dimensioned for connection with the lower second connecting surface of a second building block. The first connecting members of the upper first connecting surface include a repeating series of hexagonal patterns and the second connecting members of the lower second connecting surface include a plurality of projections shaped and dimensioned for coupling within the series of hexagonal patterns found on the upper first connecting surface such that the first building block may be coupled to the second building block at a variety of orientations.

[0033] Referring to the FIGS. 3-7, at least one of the plurality of building blocks is a six-sided hexagonal building block 100 having sides or side of unequal length. The building block 100 includes a planar base member 102 having an upper first connecting surface 104 and a lower second connecting surface 106. The upper first connecting surface 104 and the lower second connecting surface 106 are connected by a sidewall 108. The upper first connecting surface 104 is composed of a plurality of first connecting members 110 and the lower second connecting surface 106 is composed of a plurality of second connecting members 112, The plurality of first connecting members 110 of the upper first connecting surface 104 are shaped and dimensioned for connection with the plurality of second connecting members of the lower second connecting surface of a second building block.

[0034] The upper first connecting surface 104 includes a repeating series of hexagonal patterns 114 and the lower second connecting surface 106 includes a plurality of projections 122 shaped and dimensioned for coupling within the series of hexagonal patterns 114 found on the upper first connecting surface 104 such that the building block 100 may be coupled to a second building block at a variety of orientations.

[0035] In particular, each of the hexagonal patterns 114 on the upper first connecting surface 104 includes six (6) equilateral triangular protections 118 symmetrically positioned about a central aperture 120 extending through the planar base member 102 and between the upper first connecting surface 104 and the lower second connecting surface 106. Each of the six (6) equilateral triangular protections 118 includes an apex 118a pointing toward the central aperture 120 such that six (6) equally spaced radial lines coming from the center of the central aperture 120 bisect the respective six (6) equilateral triangular protections 118. In accordance with the disclosed embodiment, the upper first connecting surface 104 includes three (3) such hexagonal patterns 114 equidistant and linearly oriented along the length of the building block. The three (3) hexagonal patterns 114 are oriented such that each adjacent pair of hexagonal patterns 114 shares two (2) triangular projections.

[0036] As to the lower second connecting surface 106, it includes three (3) cylindrical projections 122 shaped and dimensioned for frictional engagement with the hexagonal patterns 114 of the upper first connecting surface 104. Each of the three (3) cylindrical projections 122 includes an outer diameter that is the same size and distance between the apexes 118a of diametrically opposed equilateral triangular protections 118. The three (3) cylindrical projections 122 are equidistant and linearly positioned along the length of the building block 100.

[0037] The lower second connecting surface 106 also includes a perimeter wall 124 extending downwardly from the base member 102 along the perimeter of the base member 102 so as to define an exterior wall of the building block. The distance between the inner surface of the perimeter wall 124 and the outer surface of the adjacent cylindrical projection 122 is equal to the distance from the apex 118a of the equilateral triangular projection 118 to the base 118b of the equilateral triangular projection 118 such that when a triangular projection 118 is positioned between the inner surface of the perimeter wall 124 and the outer surface of the adjacent cylindrical projection 122, the adjacent building blocks are frictionally held together.

[0038] Similarly, and with reference to the building block 100 embodiment shown with reference to FIGS. 3-7, an alternate hexagonal building block 200 having sides or side of unequal length is disclosed in FIGS. 8-12. As with the prior embodiment, the building block 200 includes a planar base member 202 having an upper first connecting surface 204 and a lower second connecting surface 206. The upper first connecting surface 204 and the lower second connecting surface 206 are connected by a sidewall 208. The upper first connecting surface 204 is composed of a plurality of first connecting members 210 and the lower second connecting surface 206 is composed of a plurality of second connecting members 212. The plurality of first connecting members 210 of the upper first connecting surface 204 is shaped and dimensioned for connection with the plurality of second connecting members of the lower second connecting surface of a second building block.

[0039] The upper first connecting surface 204 includes a repeating series of hexagonal patterns 214 and the lower second connecting surface 206 includes a plurality of projections 222 shaped and dimensioned for coupling within the series of hexagonal patterns 214 found on the upper first connecting surface 204 such that the building block 200 may be coupled to a second building block at a variety of orientations.

[0040] In particular, each of the hexagonal patterns 214 on the upper first connecting surface 204 include six (6) equilateral triangular protections 218 symmetrically positioned about a central aperture 220 extending through the planar base member 202 and between the upper first connecting surface 204 and the lower second connecting surface 206. Each of the six (6) equilateral triangular protections 218 includes an apex 218a pointing toward the central aperture 220 such that six (6) equally spaced radial lines coming from the center of the central aperture 220 bisect the respective six (6) equilateral triangular protections 218. In accordance with the disclosed embodiment, the upper first connecting surface 204 includes two (2) such hexagonal patterns 214 equidistant and linearly oriented along the length of the building block 200. The two (2) hexagonal patterns 214 are oriented such that each adjacent pair of hexagonal patterns 214 shares two (2) equilateral triangular projections 218.

[0041] As to the lower second connecting surface 206, it includes two (2) cylindrical projections 222 shaped and dimensioned for frictional engagement with the hexagonal patterns 214 of the upper first connecting surface 204. Each of the two (2) cylindrical projections 222 includes an outer diameter that is the same size and distance between the apexes 218a of diametrically opposed equilateral triangular protections 218. The two (2) cylindrical projections 222 are equidistant and linearly positioned along the length of the building block 200.

[0042] The lower second connecting surface 206 also includes a perimeter wall 224 extending downwardly from the base member 202 along the perimeter of the base member 202 so as to define an exterior wall of the building block. The distance between the inner surface of the perimeter wall 224 and the outer surface of the adjacent cylindrical projection 222 is equal to the distance from the apex 218a of the equilateral triangular projection 218 to the base 218b of the equilateral triangular projection 218 such that when a equilateral triangular projection 218 is positioned between the inner surface of the perimeter wall 124 and the outer surface of the adjacent cylindrical projection 222 the adjacent building blocks are frictionally held together.

[0043] In addition to the two embodiments presented above, and as shown with reference to FIGS. 13-22, elongated building blocks may be constructed in a variety of shapes and sizes without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 23-27 at least one of the plurality of alternate embodiments of the building blocks is a six-sided hexagon building block 300 having sides of equal length. The building block 300 includes a planar base member 302 having an upper first connecting surface 304 and a lower second connecting surface 306. The upper first connecting surface 304 and the lower second connecting surface 306 are connected by a sidewall 308. The upper first connecting surface 304 is composed of a plurality of first connecting members 310 and the lower second connecting surface 306 is composed of a plurality of second connecting members 312. The plurality of first connecting members 310 of the upper first connecting surface 304 is shaped and dimensioned for connection with the plurality of second connecting members of the lower second connecting surface of a second building block.

[0045] The upper first connecting surface 304 includes a repeating series of hexagonal patterns 314p, 314c and the lower second connecting surface 306 includes a plurality of projections 322 shaped and dimensioned for coupling within the series of hexagonal patterns 314p, 314c found on the upper first connecting surface 304 such that the one building block 300 may be coupled to a second building block at a variety of orientations.

[0046] In particular, each of the hexagonal patterns 314p, 314c on the upper first connecting surface 304 include six (6) equilateral triangular protections 318 symmetrically positioned about a central aperture 320 extending through the planar base member 302 and between the upper first connecting surface 304 and the lower second connecting surface 306. Each of the six (6) equilateral triangular protections 318 includes an apex 318a pointing toward the central aperture 320 such that six (6) equally spaced radial lines coming from the center of the central aperture 320 bisect the respective six (6) equilateral triangular protections 318. The upper first connecting surface 304 includes seven (7) such hexagonal patterns 314p, 314c, in particular, six (6) hexagonal patterns 314p, 314c are positioned at equal distances about the perimeter of the upper first connecting surface 304 and one (1) hexagonal pattern 314p, 314c is positioned centrally relative to the six (6) hexagonal patterns 314p, 314cp. The seven (7) hexagonal patterns 314p, 314c are oriented such that each adjacent pair of hexagonal patterns 314p, 314c shares two (2) equilateral triangular projections 318.

[0047] As to the lower second connecting surface 306, it includes seven (7) cylindrical projections 322p, 322c shaped and dimensioned for frictional engagement with the hexagonal patterns 314p, 314c of the upper first connecting surface 304. Each of the seven (7) cylindrical projections 322p, 322c includes an outer diameter that is the same size and distance between the apexes of diametrically opposed equilateral triangular protections 318. The six (6) cylindrical projections 322cp are positioned at equal distances about the perimeter of the upper first connecting surface 304 and one (1) cylindrical projection 322c is positioned centrally relative to the six (6) cylindrical projections 322p.

[0048] The lower second connecting surface 306 also includes a perimeter wall 324 extending downwardly from the base member 302 along the perimeter of the base member 302 so as to define an exterior wall of the building block 300. The distance between the inner surface of the perimeter wall 324 and the outer surface of the adjacent cylindrical projection 322p, 322c is equal to the distance from the apex 318a of the equilateral triangular projection 318 to the base 318b of the equilateral triangular projection 318 such that when a equilateral triangular projection 318 is positioned between the inner surface of the perimeter wall 324 and the outer surface of the adjacent cylindrical projection 322p, 322c the adjacent building blocks are frictionally held together.

[0049] Similarly, and with reference to a building block 400 embodiment shown with reference to FIG. 28-32, an alternate hexagonal building block 400 having sides of equal length is disclosed. As with the prior embodiment, the building block 400 includes a planar base member 402 having an upper first connecting surface 404 and a lower second connecting surface 406. The upper first connecting surface 404 and the lower second connecting surface 406 are connected by a sidewall 408. The upper first connecting surface 404 is composed of first connecting members 410 and the lower second connecting surface 406 is composed of second connecting members 412. The first connecting members 410 of the upper first connecting surface 404 is shaped and dimensioned for connection with the second connecting members of the lower second connecting surface of a second building block.

[0050] The upper first connecting surface 404 includes a hexagonal pattern 414 and the lower second connecting surface 406 includes a projection 422 shaped and dimensioned for coupling within the hexagonal pattern 414 found on the upper first connecting surface 404 such that the building block 400 may be coupled to a second building block at a variety of orientations.

[0051] In particular, the hexagonal pattern 414 on the upper first connecting surface 404 includes six (6) equilateral triangular protections 418 symmetrically positioned about a central aperture 420 extending through the planar base member 402 and between the upper first connecting surface 404 and the lower second connecting surface 406. Each of the six (6) equilateral triangular protections 418 includes an apex 418a pointing toward the central aperture 420 such that six (6) equally spaced radial lines coming from the center of the central aperture 420 bisect the respective six (6) equilateral triangular protections 418. The upper first connecting surface 404 includes one (1) such hexagonal pattern 414 centrally positioned on the upper first connecting surface 404.

[0052] As to the lower second connecting surface 406, it includes one (1) cylindrical projection 422 shaped and dimensioned for frictional engagement with the hexagonal pattern 414 of the upper first connecting surface 404. The one (1) cylindrical projection 422 includes an outer diameter that is the same size and distance between the apexes 418a of diametrically opposed equilateral triangular protections 418. The one (1) cylindrical projection 422 is centrally positioned on the lower second connecting surface 406.

[0053] The lower second connecting surface 406 also includes a perimeter wall 424 extending downwardly from the base member 402 along the perimeter of the base member 402 so as to define an exterior wall of the building block 400. The distance between the inner surface of the perimeter wall 424 and the outer surface of the adjacent cylindrical projection 422 is equal to the distance from the apex 418a of the equilateral triangular projection 418 to the base 418b of the equilateral triangular projection 418 such that when a equilateral triangular projection 418 is positioned between the inner surface of the perimeter wall 424 and the outer surface of the adjacent cylindrical projection 422 the adjacent building blocks are frictionally held together.

[0054] In addition to the two embodiments of equal sided building blocks presented above, it is appreciated equal sided building blocks may be constructed in a variety of shapes and sizes without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0055] At least one of the plurality of building blocks is a transition building block 500, 600, 700. Referring to FIGS. 33-47 showing transition building blocks of various shapes and sizes it is appreciated they may take a variety of shapes similar to those of the building blocks disclosed above. Considering first the transition building block 500 shown in FIGS. 33-37, the transition building block 500 includes a central plate member 502 including an upper first connecting surface 504 and a lower second connecting surface 506. The central plate member 502 includes a planar first side 508 defining the upper first connecting surface 504 and a planar second side 509, opposite the planar first side 508, defining the lower second connecting surface 506. The planar first side 508 includes a first connecting member 510 extending therefrom and the planar second side 509 includes a second connecting member 512 extending therefrom. The first and second connecting members 510, 512 are shaped and dimensioned for engagement with either the upper first connecting surface or the lower second connecting surface of the various building blocks disclosed herein.

[0056] The first and second connecting members 510, 512 are rod shaped projections 515 having a first diameter 517 adjacent the free first end 519 thereof and a second diameter 521 adjacent the second end 523 that is attached to the respective planar first and second sides 508, 509. The first diameter 517 is smaller than the second diameter 521. The first diameter 517 is shaped and dimensioned to fit within the cylindrical projections of the lower second surface of embodiment 400 and the second diameter 521 is shaped and dimensioned to fit within the hexagonal patterns along the upper first surface. It should also be noted that the first diameter 517 is, therefore, smaller than the second diameter 521.

[0057] Considering an alternate embodiment of the transition building block shown in FIGS. 38-42, it is of a shape similar to the building block 100 shown in FIGS. 3-7 and therefore includes three (3) linearly oriented connecting members 610, 612 on each side. In particular, the transition building block 600 includes a central plate member 602 including an upper first connecting surface 604 and a lower second connecting surface 606. The central plate member 602 includes a planar first side 608 defining the upper first connecting surface 604 and a planar second side 609, opposite the planar first side 608, defining the lower second connecting surface 606. The planar first side 608 includes three (3) linearly oriented first connecting members 610 extending therefrom and the planar second side 609 includes a three (3) linearly oriented second connecting members 612 extending therefrom. The first and second connecting members 610, 612 are shaped and dimensioned for engagement with either the upper first connecting surface or the lower second connecting surface of the various building blocks disclosed herein.

[0058] The first and second connecting members 610, 612 are rod shaped projections 615 having a first diameter 617 adjacent the free first end 619 thereof and a second diameter 621 adjacent the second end 623 that is attached to the respective planar first and second sides 608, 609. The first diameter 617 is smaller than the second diameter 621. The first diameter 617 is shaped and dimensioned to fit within the cylindrical projections of the lower second surface of a building block or the central aperture of the upper first surface of a building block and the second diameter 621 is shaped and dimensioned to fit within the hexagonal patterns along the upper first surface of a building block. It should also be noted that the first diameter 617 is, therefore, smaller than the second diameter 621.

[0059] Considering another alternate embodiment of the transition building block shown in FIGS. 43-47, it is of a shape similar to the building block 300 shown in Figures labeled E and therefore includes six (6) connecting members 710p, 712p on each side; that is, six (6) connecting members 710p, 712p are peripherally oriented. The transition building block 700 includes a central plate member 702 including an upper first connecting surface 704 and a lower second connecting surface 706. The central plate member 702 includes a planar first side 708 defining the upper first connecting surface 704 and a planar second side 709, opposite the planar first side 708, defining the lower second connecting surface 706. The planar first side 708 includes six (6) first connecting members 710p extending therefrom and the planar second side 709 includes six (6) second connecting members 712p extending therefrom. The first and second connecting members 710p, 712p are shaped and dimensioned for engagement with either the central aperture of the upper first surface of a building block or fit within the cylindrical projections of the lower second surface of the various building blocks disclosed herein.

[0060] The first and second connecting members 710p, 712p are rod shaped projections 715 having a first diameter 717 adjacent the free first end 719 thereof and a second diameter 721 adjacent the second end 723 that is attached to the respective planar first and second sides 708, 709. The first diameter 717 is smaller than the second diameter 721. The first diameter 717 is shaped and dimensioned to fit within the cylindrical projections of the lower second surface or the central aperture of the upper first surface and the second diameter 721 is shaped and dimensioned to fit within the hexagonal patterns along the upper first surface.

[0061] A further variation of the transition blocks is disclosed with reference to FIGS. 48-55. This embodiment is similar in shape to the transition block disclosed with reference to FIGS. 43-47 and therefore includes six (6) connecting members 810p, 812p on each side; that is, six (6) connecting members 810p, 812p are peripherally oriented. The transition building block 800 includes a central plate member 802 including an upper first connecting surface 804 and a lower second connecting surface 806. The central plate member 802 includes a planar first side 808 defining the upper first connecting surface 804 and a planar second side 809, opposite the planar first side 808, defining the lower second connecting surface 806. The planar first side 808 includes six (6) first connecting members 810p extending therefrom and the planar second side 809 includes six (6) second connecting members 812p extending therefrom. The first and second connecting members 810p, 812p are shaped and dimensioned for engagement with either the central aperture of the upper first surface of a building block or fit within the cylindrical projections of the lower second surface of the various building blocks disclosed herein, for example, the building block 300 shown in FIGS. 23-27 (as shown in FIGS. 50-55).

[0062] The first and second connecting members 810p, 812p are rod shaped projections 815 having a first diameter 817 adjacent the free first end 819 thereof and a second diameter 821 adjacent the second end 823 that is attached to the respective planar first and second sides 808, 809. The first diameter 817 is smaller than the second diameter 821. The first diameter 817 is shaped and dimensioned to fit within the cylindrical projections of the lower second surface or the central aperture of the upper first surface and the second diameter 821 is shaped and dimensioned to fit within the hexagonal patterns along the upper first surface.

[0063] In addition to the six (6) connecting members 810p, 812p on each of the upper first connecting surface 804 and the lower second connecting surface 806, the transition building block is provided with first and second diametrically opposed lateral connecting surfaces 850, 852 that allow for attachment of building blocks at an orientation perpendicular to the transition building block. While two lateral connecting surfaces are provided in accordance with a disclosed embodiment, it is appreciated various arrangements of lateral connecting surfaces may be provided within the spirit of the present invention.

[0064] Each of the first and second diametrically opposed lateral connecting surfaces 850, 852 includes a plurality, for example, three (3) cylindrical projections 850a-c, 852a-c shaped and dimensioned for positioning within the central apertures or the cylindrical projections of the various building blocks discussed above. For example, and as shown with reference to the building block 300 disclosed with reference to FIGS. 23-27, the cylindrical projections 850a-c, 852a-c are shaped and dimensioned to fit within the central apertures 320 and cylindrical projections 322p, 322c of the building block 300 so as to secure the transition building block 800 to the building block 300 in a perpendicular orientation.

[0065] In addition to the embodiments of transition building blocks presented above, transition building blocks may be constructed in a variety of shapes and sizes without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0066] The purpose of the transition block is to permit a change of orientation or direction in the construction providing an unlimited number of creative options.

[0067] In addition to the hexagonal building blocks and transition building blocks briefly discussed above, it is appreciated that the building blocks may be manufactured with a variety of shapes. For example, and as shown with reference to the FIGS. 56-64, the building blocks and transition building blocks may have a rhomboid shaped construction. Regardless of the overall shape utilized for the building blocks and transition building blocks, the connection structures described above would still be implemented and employed.

[0068] It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages.

Claims

1. An interconnecting building block system, comprising: a plurality of building blocks, each of the building blocks including an upper first connecting surface including at least one first connecting member and a lower second connecting surface including at least one second connecting member, wherein the upper first connecting surface of a first building block is shaped and dimensioned for connection with the lower second connecting surface of a second building block; wherein at least one of the plurality of building blocks has sides or side of unequal length, at least one of the plurality of building has sides of equal length, at least one of the plurality of building blocks has an aperture extending therethrough, and at least one of the plurality of building blocks is a transition building block. wherein the upper first connecting surfaces of the building block having sides or side of unequal length and the building block having sides of equal length include a repeating series of hexagonal patterns and the lower second connecting surfaces include a plurality of projections shaped and dimensioned for coupling within the repeating series of hexagonal patterns found on the upper first connecting surfaces for coupling of building blocks in a variety of orientations.

2. The building block system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of building blocks is a six-sided hexagon having sides or side of unequal length and at least one of the plurality of building blocks is a six sided hexagon having sides of equal length.

3. The building block system according to claim 2, wherein the transition building block includes a central plate member between the upper first connecting surface and the lower second connecting surface.

4. The building block system according to claim 3, wherein the central plate member includes a planar first side from which the at least one first connecting member extends and a planar second side from which the at least one second connecting member extends.

5. The building block system according to claim 1, wherein the transition building block includes a central plate member between the upper first connecting surface and the lower second connecting surface.

6. The building block system according to claim 5, wherein the central plate member includes a planar first side from which the at least one first connecting member extends and a planar second side from which the at least one second connecting member extends.

7. The building block system according to claim 6, wherein each of the hexagonal patterns on the upper first connecting surface of the building block having sides or side of unequal length and the building block having sides of equal length includes six (6) equilateral triangular protections symmetrically positioned about a central aperture extending through a planar base member and between the upper first connecting surface and the lower second connecting surface.

8. The building block system according to claim 7, wherein each of the six (6) equilateral triangular protections includes an apex pointing toward the central aperture such that six (6) equally spaced radial lines coming from a center of the central aperture bisect the respective six (6) equilateral triangular protections.

9. The building block system according to claim 8, wherein the lower second connecting surface of the building block having sides or side of unequal length and the building block having sides of equal length includes cylindrical projections including an outer diameter that is the same size and distance between the apexes of diametrically opposed equilateral triangular protections.

10. The building block system according to claim 9, wherein the lower second connecting surface of the building block having sides or side of unequal length and the building block having sides of equal length also includes a perimeter wall extending downwardly from the base member along the perimeter of the base member so as to define an exterior wall.

11. The building block system according to claim 10, wherein the distance between the perimeter wall and the outer surface of an adjacent cylindrical projection is equal to the distance from the apex of the equilateral triangular projection to the base of the equilateral triangular projection.

12. The building block system according to claim 8, wherein the lower second connecting surface of the building block having sides or side of unequal length and the building block having sides of equal length also includes a perimeter wall extending downwardly from the base member along the perimeter of the base member so as to define an exterior wall of the building block.

13. The building block system according to claim 12, wherein a distance between an inner surface of the perimeter wall and an outer surface of an adjacent cylindrical projection is equal to a distance from the apex of the equilateral triangular projection to the base of the equilateral triangular projection.

14. The building block according to claim 6, wherein the at least one first connecting member of the transition building block is a rod shaped projection and the at least one second connecting member of the transition building block is a rod shaped projection.

15. The building block according to claim 14, wherein each of the at least one first connecting member of the transition building block and the at least one second connecting member of the transition building block has a first diameter adjacent a free first end thereof and a second diameter adjacent a second end thereof.

16. The building block according to claim 15, wherein the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter.

17. The building block system according to claim 16, wherein each of the hexagonal patterns on the upper first connecting surface of the building block having sides or side of unequal length and the building block having sides of equal length includes six (6) equilateral triangular protections symmetrically positioned about a central aperture extending through a planar base member and between the upper first connecting surface and the lower second connecting surface.

18. The building block system according to claim 17, wherein each of the six (6) equilateral triangular protections includes an apex pointing toward the central aperture such that six (6) equally spaced radial lines coming from a center of the central aperture bisect the respective six (6) equilateral triangular protections.

19. The building block system according to claim 18, wherein the lower second connecting surface of the building block having sides or side of unequal length and the building block having sides of equal length includes cylindrical projections including an outer diameter that is the same size and distance between the apexes of diametrically opposed equilateral triangular protections.

20. The building block system according to claim 19, wherein the lower second connecting surface of the building block having sides or side of unequal length and the building block having sides of equal length also includes a perimeter wall extending downwardly from the base member along the perimeter of the base member so as to define an exterior wall of the building block.