Modular and customizable toy systems comprising building blocks, removable non-adhesive graphics, and built-in instructions

Abstract

Customizable adhesive building blocks are not restrained in construction, offering near infinite permutations for structures resulting therefrom. Distinct indicia, color, and/or shape can be used to inspire children to construct according to their imagination. Alternatively, instructions can lead children to construct predetermined structures or hint at how to solve puzzle(s) with a limited number of solution(s).

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A kit of building blocks comprising:
 polyhedral building blocks;   an adhesive substantially covering every external surface of the building blocks; and   non-adhesive symbols placed on or exposed at non-covered portions of the every external surface.   
     
     
         2 . The kit of  claim 1  further comprising cylindrical building blocks and/or conical building blocks. 
     
     
         3 . The kit of  claim 1  wherein at least some of the building blocks are solid or hollow. 
     
     
         4 . The kit of  claim 1  wherein at least some of the non-adhesive symbols are etched into or embossed onto the building blocks. 
     
     
         5 . The kit of  claim 1  wherein at least some of the non-adhesive symbols are removable and are placed on top of the each external surface and/or the adhesive. 
     
     
         6 . The kit of  claim 1  wherein at least some of the non-adhesive symbols are graphic representations. 
     
     
         7 . The kit of  claim 6  wherein at least some of the graphic representations depict animals, shapes, modes of transportation, and/or letters. 
     
     
         8 . The kit of  claim 1  wherein at least some of the non-adhesive symbols (118) are numbers. 
     
     
         9 . The kit of  claim 1  wherein the non-adhesive symbols include instructions on how to use the building blocks, said instructions optionally comprising a method to construct a structure or a method to form a pattern. 
     
     
         10 . The kit of  claim 1  wherein the building blocks are free from glue, mechanical fasteners, and magnets. 
     
     
         11 . The kit of  claim 1  wherein the adhesive is dust resistant. 
     
     
         12 . The kit of  claim 1  wherein the adhesive comprises a chemical substance with a bonding strength sufficient to fasten one building block to a vertical wall such that the one building block does not succumb to gravity, said chemical substance still allowing the building blocks to later be separated from each other and the vertical wall. 
     
     
         13 . The kit of  claim 1  further comprising product packaging for housing at least some of the components included therein. 
     
     
         14 . A method of play comprising:
 contacting a surface with a first adhesive block;   contacting the first adhesive block with a second adhesive block;   contacting either the first adhesive block or the second adhesive block with one or more subsequent adhesive blocks, wherein the adhesive blocks are polyhedron with sides substantially covered by an adhesive substance and non-adhesive symbols placed on or exposed at non-covered portions of the sides; and   arranging the first adhesive block, the second adhesive block, and the one or more subsequent adhesive blocks in such a manner to form a pattern or structure.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein said pattern or structure is inspired by similar or complementary non-adhesive symbols. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein said pattern or structure forms an alphanumeric string of letters and digits, said alphanumeric string of letters and digits optionally comprising a multi-digit numeral or a word. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising instructing a user to play in a specific manner with the non-adhesive symbols. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising removing the adhesive building blocks from storage. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising deconstructing the pattern or structure and storing the adhesive building blocks in a container. 
     
     
         20 . A themed kit comprising:
 adhesive building blocks; and   pairs of alphanumeric characters on external surfaces of the adhesive building blocks, said pairs of alphanumeric characters distributed amongst the adhesive building blocks such that if the adhesive building blocks are assembled by adhering like-alphanumeric characters to one another, a three-dimensional model is formed; and   labels having graphics, said labels capable of clinging to said adhesive building blocks.