U.S. patent application number 11/004206 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-09 for stiffening and/or bending modular structure for sets for realising complex figures.
This patent application is currently assigned to Plast Wood S.r.L. Invention is credited to Tusacciu, Edoardo Pio.
Application Number | 20050124259 11/004206 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34452286 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050124259 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tusacciu, Edoardo Pio |
June 9, 2005 |
Stiffening and/or bending modular structure for sets for realising
complex figures
Abstract
The present invention relates to stiffening and/bending modular
structure for sets for realising complex figures, comprising, in
combination, at least three polyhedral or spherical shaped elements
(1; 11) spaced by two elements (2; 12) having a substantially
lengthened three-dimensional shape, said elements (1; 11; 2; 12)
being assembled in such a way to realise a single integrated
structure.
Inventors: |
Tusacciu, Edoardo Pio;
(Calangianus, IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DICKSTEIN SHAPIRO MORIN & OSHINSKY LLP
1177 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS (6TH AVENUE)
41 ST FL.
NEW YORK
NY
10036-2714
US
|
Assignee: |
Plast Wood S.r.L
|
Family ID: |
34452286 |
Appl. No.: |
11/004206 |
Filed: |
December 3, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/129 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/046
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/129 |
International
Class: |
A63H 033/26 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 5, 2003 |
IT |
RM2003A000565 |
Claims
1. A stiffening and/or bending modular structure for realising
complex figures, comprising, in combination, at least three
polyhedral or spherical elements, each two of said elements being
spaced by a member having an elongated three-dimensional shape,
said elements and member being configured to realise a single
integrated structure.
2. A structure according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said
terminal polyhedral or spherical elements comprises a magnet.
3. A structure according to claim 1 having at least one combination
of a polyhedral or spherical ferromagnetic element, an elongated
ferromagnetic element, a polyhedral or spherical ferromagnetic
element, an elongated ferromagnetic element, and a polyhedral or
spherical ferromagnetic element, said elements being integrally
coupled each other.
4. A structure according to claim 3, wherein said elongated
ferromagnetic elements are coated.
5. A structure according to claim 3 wherein said polyhedral or
spherical ferromagnetic elements are coated.
6. A structure according to claim 5, wherein said coating is of
plastic material.
7. A structure according to claim 4 wherein said coating is formed
by nickel-plating.
8. A structure according to claim 3, wherein the polyhedral or
spherical ferromagnetic elements comprise spheres.
9. A structure according to claim 3, wherein in the elongated
ferromagnetic elements comprise bars.
10. A structure according to claim 3, wherein the polyhedral or
spherical shaped ferromagnetic elements have different shapes and
sizes.
11. A structure according to claim 3, wherein the polyhedral or
spherical shaped ferromagnetic elements have the same size and
shape.
12. A structure according to claim 3, wherein the elongated
ferromagnetic elements have different shapes and sizes.
13. A structure according to claim 3, wherein the elongated
ferromagnetic elements have the same size and shape.
14. A structure according to claim 3, wherein the coupling between
the various elements is obtained by welding.
15. A structure according to claim 3, wherein the coupling between
the various elements is obtained by die-casting.
16. A structure according to claim 3, wherein in that coupling
surfaces of contiguous elements are shaped.
17. A structure according to claim 1, comprising a combination of a
polyhedral or spherical element, an elongated element, a polyhedral
or spherical element, an elongated element, and a polyhedral or
spherical element, said elements being made integral each other by
an outer envelope enclosing the same.
18. A structure according to claim 17, wherein said polyhedral or
spherical elements are comprised of ferromagnetic material.
19. A structure according to claim 17, wherein the polyhedral or
spherical elements are comprised of magnetic material.
20. A structure according to claim 17, wherein the elongated
elements shape are comprised of ferromagnetic material.
21. A structure according to claim 17, wherein the elongated
elements comprise of magnetic material.
22. A structure according to claim 17, wherein said envelope
comprises plastic material.
23. A structure according to claim 17, wherein the polyhedral or
spherical elements comprise spheres.
24. A structure according to claim 17, wherein the elongated
elements are comprised of bars.
25. A structure according to claim 17, wherein said polyhedral or
spherical elements have different shapes and sizes.
26. A structure according to claim 17, wherein said polyhedral or
spherical elements have the same size and shape.
27. A structure according to claim 17, wherein the elongated
elements have different shapes and sizes.
28. A structure according to claim 17, wherein the elongated
elements have the same size and shape.
29. A structure according to claim 17, wherein the coupling
surfaces of contiguous elements are shaped.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable.
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING
[0003] Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] (1) Field of the Invention
[0005] The present invention relates to a stiffening and/bending
modular structure for sets for realizing complex figures. More
specifically, the invention relates to structures of the above kind
allowing improving the construction possibility employing magnetic
and ferromagnetic elements.
[0006] (2) Description of Related Art Including Information
Disclosed Under 37 C.F.R. 1.97 and 1.98
[0007] In recent years different sets for realizing complex figures
have been realized, based on the interaction between magnetic
elements and ferromagnetic elements. Substantially, it is a
combination of bars, having magnetic ends, or completely magnetic
bars, combined with ferromagnetic elements, or spheres, in
different ways for realizing complex figures.
[0008] In the first macro category providing bars with magnetic
ends must be considered as including toys known on the market with
the name Roger's Connection, providing bars, all having the same
sizes, comprised of two magnets separated by an air gap, or those
marketed under the trade name Geomag.RTM., the bars of which are
comprised of a combination of magnet--Ferro magnet--magnet. In both
cases complex figures are realised by employing ferromagnetic
spheres.
[0009] In the second macro-category it must be considered as
including the product known on the market as Supermag.RTM.,
patented and realised by the same Applicant, providing bars with
different sizes, and completely comprised of magnetic material.
Supermag.RTM. has realised a remarkable improvement with respect to
the known solutions, both as far as the possibility of realising
always more complex figures, as well as for sturdiness of the
obtained figures.
[0010] However, a need exists for structures allowing to obtain a
further stiffening of the complex figures that are realised with
each one of the previous products.
[0011] It is further felt the need of having a structure allowing
to realise figures having curved parts.
[0012] These and other results are obtained according to the
present invention by a modular structure that can be applied to
each one of the solutions known on the market.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] It is therefore a specific object of the present invention
to provide a stiffening and/bending modular structure for realising
complex figures, comprising, in combination, at least three
polyhedral or spherical shaped elements spaced by two elements
having a substantially lengthened three-dimensional shape, said
elements being assembled in such a way as to enable the realization
of a single integrated structure. In particular, according to the
invention, at least one of said polyhedral or spherical-shaped
elements outer with respect to the structure can be comprised of a
magnet.
[0014] In a first embodiment of the structure according to the
invention, it is provided at least a combination of a polyhedral or
spherical-shaped ferromagnetic element, a ferromagnetic element
having a substantially lengthened three-dimensional shape, a
polyhedral or spherical-shaped ferromagnetic element, a
ferromagnetic element having a substantially lengthened
three-dimensional shape, a polyhedral or spherical shaped
ferromagnetic element, said elements being integrally coupled to
each other.
[0015] Preferably, said ferromagnetic elements having a
substantially lengthened three-dimensional shape are coated and/or
said polyhedral or spherical shaped ferromagnetic elements are
coated.
[0016] Furthermore, according to the invention, said coating is
comprised of plastic material or nickel-plating.
[0017] According to the invention, said polyhedral or spherical
shaped ferromagnetic elements are always comprised of spheres, and
said ferromagnetic elements having a substantially lengthened
three-dimensional shape are comprised of bars.
[0018] Further, according to the invention, said polyhedral or
spherical shaped ferromagnetic elements have different shapes and
sizes, or they have the same size and shape.
[0019] Furthermore, according to the invention, said ferromagnetic
elements having a substantially lengthened three-dimensional have
different shapes and sizes, or they have the same size and
shape.
[0020] Preferably, the coupling between the various elements is
obtained by welding, or by die-casting.
[0021] Furthermore, coupling surfaces of contiguous elements can be
shaped.
[0022] Said elements can be comprised of every material suitable to
the coupling with a magnetic element.
[0023] A second embodiment of the structure according to the
invention comprises a combination of a polyhedral or spherical
shaped element, an element having a substantially lengthened
three-dimensional shape, a polyhedral or spherical shaped element,
an element having a substantially lengthened three-dimensional
shape, a polyhedral or spherical shaped element, said elements
being made integral each other by an outer envelope enclosing the
same.
[0024] Particularly, according to the invention, said polyhedral or
spherical shaped elements are comprised of ferromagnetic and/or
magnetic material.
[0025] Always according to the invention, said elements having a
substantially lengthened three-dimensional shape are comprised of
ferromagnetic and/or magnetic material.
[0026] Still according to the invention, said envelope is comprised
of plastic material.
[0027] Furthermore, according to the invention, said polyhedral or
spherical shaped elements are comprised of spheres and said
elements having a substantially lengthened three-dimensional shape
are comprised of bars.
[0028] Further, according to the invention, said polyhedral or
spherical shaped elements have different shape and size each other,
or they have the same size and shape.
[0029] Always according to the invention, said elements having a
substantially lengthened three-dimensional have different shape and
size each other, or they have the same size and shape.
[0030] Finally, according to the invention, coupling surfaces of
contiguous elements are shaped.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] The present invention will be now described, for
illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its
preferred embodiments, with particular reference to the figures
shown in the enclosed drawings, wherein:
[0032] FIGS. 1a-1d are schematic views of first embodiments of the
system according to the invention not coated;
[0033] FIGS. 2a-2d are schematic views of first embodiments of the
system according to the invention coated;
[0034] FIGS. 3a and 3b show a particular of the system according to
FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0035] FIGS. 4a-4d are schematic views of second embodiments of the
system according to the invention;
[0036] FIGS. 5a-5d are schematic views flexed structures according
to FIG. 4;
[0037] FIGS. 6a and 6b show a particular embodiment of the system
according to FIGS. 4 and 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0038] FIGS. 1-3 show a first embodiment of the system according to
the invention.
[0039] The solution shown provides a structure A comprised of a
succession of metallic spheres 1, having different sizes, coupled
with metallic bars 2, having different length and thickness.
[0040] Coupling between spheres 1 and bars 2 can be obtained by
electro-welding, or they can be directly realised as a single
die-cast ferromagnetic material piece.
[0041] As shown in the figures, composition of structure A can vary
according to the specific needing, varying its sizes and providing
a different number of coupled spheres 1 and bars 2.
[0042] Even if not represented, each structure A can also be
comprised of a combination of bars 2, having different sizes and
shapes, with spheres, or other conjunction elements, also having
different shapes and dimensions.
[0043] Obviously, structure A according to the invention must start
with a sphere 1 and terminate with another sphere 1, or with a
magnet (not shown), in order to permit every kind of
connection.
[0044] As it is clear from FIG. 2, structure A is nickel-plated and
polished.
[0045] Specifically, each sphere 1 can be realised with the most
different sizes, obviously employing ferromagnetic material (such
as stainless steel) or other metal.
[0046] As already mentioned, coupling between sphere 1 and metallic
bar 2 can be realised by electro-welding, or more simply by
die-casting with the bar 2 directly within a suitable die.
[0047] Bar 2 can be realised with different sizes, being it
possible varying length, thickness and mainly the shape of the
bar.
[0048] In fact, bar 2 can take for example the shape of a cylinder,
of a parallelepiped with a different base, etc.
[0049] If desired, in the coupling point with sphere 1, head of the
bar 2 can be bevelled according to a given angle to obtain a
suitable coupling.
[0050] As already said, bar body is covered by a uniform plastic
layer, having the thickness necessary only for the aesthetic
coating of the system, obviously with different colour and kind,
said coating not preventing the magnetic interaction with the
magnet with which it must be coupled.
[0051] Instead, spheres 1 can be left bare and/or can be covered
with a plastic surface layer
[0052] Structure A shown is particularly used for stiffening the
complex figures realised employing bar magnetic elements, usually
available on the market an employed for realising constructions,
generic figures, and like. Particularly, it is used in combination
with bars comprised of completely magnetic material, commercialised
by the same Applicant under the Trade Mark Supermag.RTM..
[0053] FIGS. 4-6 of the drawings show a structure B according to an
embodiment of the invention, comprising a succession of metallic or
magnetic spheres 11, and of metallic or magnetic bars 12, having
different length and thickness.
[0054] Structure B is kept still by a plastic surface envelope 13,
having suitable thickness to obtain the necessary ductility to
obtain the torsion of the same system.
[0055] Obviously, composition of deformable structure B can have
different sizes according to the number of spheres 11 and bars
12.
[0056] In this case too, structure B must necessarily start with a
sphere 11 and terminate with another sphere 11, or with a magnet
(not shown), in order to permit every kind of connection.
[0057] Torsion of structure is possible since between bar 12 and
sphere 11 a direct coupling does not exist, integrity of the
structure being guaranteed by the plastic envelope 13.
[0058] In this case too, sphere can be realised with the most
different sizes, or have a different shape, and can be realised
employing material (such as stainless steel) or other metal, or
with a magnetic material.
[0059] As already said, integrity of structure B is obtained simply
covering bars 12 and spheres 11 with a plastic surface layer
directly within the die.
[0060] Bar 12 too can be realised with the most different sizes,
particularly its length, thickness and shape of the basis; in fact,
it can take the shape of cylinder, of a parallelepiped with a
different base, etc.
[0061] In this case too, sphere can be realised with the most
different sizes, or have a different shape, and can be realised
employing material (such as stainless steel) or other metal, or
with a magnetic material.
[0062] In the articulation point with respect to the sphere 11,
head of bar 12 can be bevelled according to a given angle.
[0063] Also structure B illustrated in the figures is particularly
used for stiffening complex figures realised employing bar magnetic
elements, usually available on the market an employed for realising
constructions, generic figures, and like. Particularly, it is used
in combination with bars comprised of completely magnetic material,
commercialised by the same Applicant under the Trade Mark
Supermag.RTM..
[0064] The present invention has been described for illustrative
but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred
embodiments, but it is to be understood that modifications and/or
changes can be introduced by those skilled in the art without
departing from the relevant scope as defined in the enclosed
claims.
* * * * *