Modular block toy compatible panels and storage unit assembled therefrom

Abstract

A modular block toy compatible panels and storage unit assembled therefrom for includes modular panels that have at least one surface, or portion thereof, that is compatible with common block toys such as LEGO™, DUPLO™, and other compatible blocks are described. Each panel may have at least one connector or at least one connector portion for connecting to one or more other panels. The panels are modular in nature and can be used in a multitude of ways to create flat, upright, or three-dimensional structures. The present invention also relates to a storage unit assembled using at least one modular block-toy-compatible panel.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A modular storage and block compatible system configured to engage blocks having female couplers, said system including:
 a plurality of panels, each of said panels including a first surface, a second surface, and an edge extending between said first and second surfaces;   a plurality of nubs, each of said panels having at least a portion thereof being covered with said nubs, said nubs being configured to engage blocks; and   a plurality of connectors, each of said panels having at least one connectors attached thereto and positioned on an associated edge thereof, said connectors releasably coupling said panels together.   
     
     
         2 . The modular storage and block compatible system according to  claim 1 , wherein each of said panels has a geometric shape. 
     
     
         3 . The modular storage and block compatible system according to  claim 2 , wherein said geometric shape is selected from rectangles and triangles. 
     
     
         4 . The modular storage and block compatible system according to  claim 1 , wherein said first and second surfaces each having said nubs positioned thereon. 
     
     
         5 . The modular storage and block compatible system according to  claim 4 , wherein an entirety of said first and second surfaces being covered with said nubs. 
     
     
         6 . The modular storage and block compatible system according to  claim 4 , wherein said nubs on said first surface have a different size than said nubs on said second surface. 
     
     
         7 . The modular storage and block compatible system according to  claim 1 , wherein each of said connectors includes a holder portion and a snap-in portion. 
     
     
         8 . The modular storage and block compatible system according to  claim 7 , wherein said holder portion includes two prongs spaced apart a distance such that a width of said snap-in portion releasably receives said prongs. 
     
     
         9 . The modular storage and block compatible system according to  claim 8 , wherein said snap in portion includes a pair of divots extending into said edge, said divots positioned adjacent to and on either side of said snap-in portion, said divots of one of said panels receiving said prongs of another of said panels. 
     
     
         10 . The modular storage and block compatible system according to  claim 8 , wherein said snap-in portion has a pair of extensions, said extensions being positioned on opposite ends of said snap-in portion, said extensions being fittable into corresponding recesses in each of said prongs. 
     
     
         11 . The modular storage and block compatible system according to  claim 1 , wherein each of said connectors is an articulating connector such that connected ones of said panels are positionable into angles relative to each other, said angles being between at least −150° to 150°. 
     
     
         12 . A modular storage and block compatible system configured to engage blocks having female couplers, said system including:
 a plurality of panels, each of said panels including a first surface, a second surface, and an edge extending between said first and second surfaces, each of said panels having a geometric shape, said geometric shape being selected from rectangles and triangles;   a plurality of nubs, each of said panels having at least a portion thereof being covered with said nubs, said nubs being configured to engage blocks, said first and second surfaces each having said nubs positioned thereon, said nubs on said first surface having a different size than said nubs on said second surface;   a plurality of connectors, each of said panels having at least one connectors attached thereto, said connectors releasably coupling said panels together, each of said connectors including:
 a holder portion; 
 a snap-in portion; 
 said holder portion including two prongs spaced apart a distance such that a width of said snap-in portion releasably receives said prongs; 
 said snap in portion including a pair of divots extending into said edge, said divots positioned adjacent to and on either side of said snap-in portion, said divots of one of said panels receiving said prongs of another of said panels; 
 said snap-in portion having a pair of extensions, said extensions being positioned on opposite ends of said snap-in portion, said extensions being fittable into corresponding recesses in each of said prongs; and 
   each of said connectors being an articulating connector such that connected ones of said panels are positionable into angles relative to each other, said angles being between at least −150° to 150°.