U.S. patent application number 11/297445 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-17 for magnetic toy construction modules with corner-adjacent magnets.
Invention is credited to Charles J. Kowalski, Lawrence I. Rosen.
Application Number | 20060179778 11/297445 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36814214 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060179778 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kowalski; Charles J. ; et
al. |
August 17, 2006 |
Magnetic toy construction modules with corner-adjacent magnets
Abstract
Three-dimensional assemblies include substantially planar
structural components having various two-dimensional generally
polygonal shapes. Each such structural component includes a
plurality of magnets positioned immediately adjacent the polygonal
corners of the structural component and in other locations for use
in connecting multiple instances of such structural components
together, e.g., via the use of interconnecting ferromagnetic balls.
Such structural components can also include one or more slots
extending peripherally inward from the component edge for use in
assembling corresponding structural components together in an
interlocking fashion.
Inventors: |
Kowalski; Charles J.;
(Ridgewood, NJ) ; Rosen; Lawrence I.; (Mendham,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL BEDNAREK;PILLSBURY WINTHROP SHAW PITTMAN LLP
1650 TYSONS BLVD.
MCLEAN
VA
22102
US
|
Family ID: |
36814214 |
Appl. No.: |
11/297445 |
Filed: |
December 9, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60635150 |
Dec 10, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/596 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/046
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/596 |
International
Class: |
E04C 2/04 20060101
E04C002/04; E04B 5/04 20060101 E04B005/04 |
Claims
1. A planar body having a generally polygonal shape, comprising: a
first major surface; a second major surface opposite and
substantially parallel to the first major surface; a peripheral
edge surface disposed between and substantially perpendicular to
the first and second major surfaces, the peripheral edge surface
including a first side edge and a second side edge; a slot formed
in the first side edge; and a first pocket formed adjacent the
slot, the first pocket having a first magnet with an outward-facing
magnetic surface.
2. The planar body of claim 1, wherein the outward-facing magnetic
surface is recessed within the first pocket.
3. The planar body of claim 1, further comprising: a recess formed
in the second side edge, the recess including a substantially
cylindrical side wall which is substantially perpendicular to the
first and second major surfaces; and a second magnet formed
adjacent the recess.
4. The planar body of claim 1, further comprising a corner pocket
disposed adjacent each corner of the generally polygonal shape,
each corner pocket having a magnet with an outward-facing magnetic
surface disposed therein, the outward-facing magnetic surface being
recessed from an outer surface of the peripheral edge.
5. The planar body of claim 1, wherein the planar body is
substantially rectangular in shape and wherein a pocket having a
magnet fitted therein is disposed at each corner of the planar
body.
6. The planar body of claim 1, wherein the planar body is in the
general shape of at least one of a trapezoid and a triangle.
7. The planar body of claim 1, wherein the planar body is in the
general shape of a rectangle.
8. A planar body having a generally polygonal shape, comprising: a
first major surface; a second major surface opposite and
substantially parallel to the first major surface; and a peripheral
edge surface disposed between and substantially perpendicular to
the first and second major surfaces, the peripheral edge defining a
recess, the recess including a substantially cylindrical side wall
which is substantially perpendicular to the first and second major
surfaces, and the peripheral edge defining a pocket disposed
adjacent the recess, the pocket having a magnet with an
outward-facing magnetic surface.
9. The planar body of claim 8, wherein the planar body is
substantially rectangular in shape.
10. The planar body of claim 8, wherein the planar body is in at
least one of the general shape of a trapezoid and a triangle.
11. The planar body of claim 8, further comprising a corner pocket
disposed adjacent each corner of the generally polygonal shape,
each corner pocket having a magnet with an outward-facing magnetic
surface disposed therein.
12. The planar body of claim 11, wherein the outward-facing
magnetic surface of each corner pocket magnet is recessed from an
outer surface of the peripheral edge.
13. The planar body of claim 8, wherein the magnet is recessed the
peripheral edge.
14. A three-dimensional assembly, comprising: a plurality of
substantially planar bodies, each substantially planar body having
a generally polygonal shape including a first major surface, a
second major surface opposite and substantially parallel to the
first major surface, a peripheral edge surface disposed between and
substantially perpendicular to the first and second major surfaces,
the peripheral edge defining a slot, and the peripheral edge
defining a first pocket formed adjacent the slot, the first pocket
having a first magnet with an outward-facing magnetic surface; and
a first planar body and a second planar body of the plurality of
substantially planar bodies interlocked such that the slot of first
planar body engages the slot of the second planar body and the
first magnet of the first planar body magnetically bonds to the
first magnet of the second planar body.
15. The three-dimensional assembly of claim 14, further comprising:
a third planar body and a fourth planar body of the plurality of
substantially planar bodies interlocked such that the slot of the
third planar body engages the slot of the fourth planar body and
the magnet of the third planar body magnetically bonds to the
magnet of the fourth planar body; and a ferromagnetic ball, wherein
a second magnet formed in a second pocket within the peripheral
edge of the second planar body magnetically bonds to the
ferromagnetic ball and a second magnet formed in a second pocket
within the peripheral edge of the third planar body magnetically
bonds to the ferromagnetic ball.
16. The three-dimensional assembly of claim 15, wherein the second
magnet of the second and third planar bodies is recessed from an
outer surface of the peripheral edge to form a seat for the
ferromagnetic ball.
17. The three-dimensional assembly of claim 14, wherein each of the
plurality of planar bodies further comprise: a recess formed in the
peripheral edge including a substantially cylindrical side wall;
and a third magnet formed in a third pocket adjacent the
recess.
18. The three-dimensional assembly of claim 17, further comprising:
a third planar body and a fourth planar body of the plurality of
substantially planar bodies interlocked such that the slot of the
third planar body engages the slot of the fourth planar body and
the magnet of the third planar body magnetically bonds to the
magnet of the fourth planar body; and a ferromagnetic ball, wherein
the third planar body and the second planar body are coupled such
that the recess of the third planar body and the recess of the
second planar body align to form a seat for the ferromagnetic ball,
and the ferromagnetic ball magnetically bonds to the third magnet
of the third planar body and to the third magnet of the second
planar body.
19. The three-dimensional assembly of claim 18, wherein an
outward-facing magnetic surface of the third magnet is recessed
from an outer surface of the peripheral edge.
20. The three-dimensional assembly of claim 14, wherein the
plurality of substantially planar bodies includes at least one
planar body having a substantially rectangular shape.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/635,150, filed Dec. 10, 2004, which is herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention is directed generally to puzzles and
toys. More particularly, the present invention is directed to
structural components having magnetic surfaces and which can be
magnetically and/or mechanically coupled to form three-dimensional
assemblies.
[0004] 2. Background of the Invention
[0005] Individuals often find enjoyment in the challenge of
building aesthetic structural designs and/or functional structural
models. Frequently, the utility associated with constructing such
structures is found in the creative and/or problem solving process
required to achieve a desired structural objective. Currently,
construction assemblies that exploit magnetic properties to
interlink various structural components and thereby form different
two and/or three dimensional structures are known and can provide
an added dimension of sophistication to the construction process
(see, for example, the magnetic construction toy disclosed in
Balanchi U.S. Pat. No. 6,626,727, the modular assemblies disclosed
in Vicentielli U.S. Pat. No. 6,566,992, and the magnetic puzzle/toy
disclosed in Smith U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,262). In addition, German
Patent No. DE 202 02 183 U1 to Kretzschmar describes flat
triangles, squares and rectangles used in conjunction with
ferromagnetic balls to create a limited range of geometric
constructions. The flat shapes disclosed in the Kretzschmar German
Patent consist of magnets inserted in the corners of a triangular
or square piece, or six magnets in a rectangular plate which can be
attached to steel balls to create a limited number of
three-dimensional shapes. Thus, conventional construction kits are
appealing to persons of all ages in that they allow for both
aesthetic and geometric creativity.
[0006] The above-noted magnet construction assemblies each contain
a certain number of component parts, which can sometimes limit
geometries and stable or secure connections. Thus, a need remains
for a magnetic construction assembly that provides more flexibility
in both aesthetic and geometric design, and, moreover, that
provides an additional degree of design/construction
sophistication.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with the present invention, substantially
planar structural components are provided having various
two-dimensional generally polygonal shapes, such as rectangles and
triangles. Each such structural component is sized for easy
manipulation and includes a plurality of externally-oriented
edge-mounted magnets positioned immediately adjacent (though
preferably recessed slightly from the surface) the polygonal
corners of the structural component and in other locations for use
in connecting multiple instances of such structural components
together, e.g., via the use of interconnecting ferromagnetic balls
sized and configured for efficient interaction with such magnets.
Such structural components can also include one or more slots
extending peripherally inward from the component edge for use in
assembling corresponding structural components together in an
interlocking fashion, e.g., to form cruciform subassemblies,
thereby increasing the stability and rigidity of the assembly. The
spacing and orientation of the slots and magnets and the shapes of
the structural components are coordinated so as to give one the
option of keeping the center-to-center spacing of adjacent
ferromagnetic balls substantially constant while at the same time
drawing on one's imagination and creativity in building
constructions having a broad variety of sizes, shapes, and/or
configurations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] For a better understanding of the present invention,
reference is made to the following detailed description of various
exemplary embodiments considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective top view of a structural component
constructed in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the structural
component of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is an edge elevational view of the structural
component of FIG. 1 taken along view line 3-3 shown in FIG. 2;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a side-facing sectional view of the structural
component of FIG. 1 taken along the section line 4-4 shown in FIG.
2;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a side-facing sectional view of the structural
component of FIG. 1 taken along section line 5-5 shown in FIG.
2;
[0014] FIG. 6 is an upward-facing sectional view of the structural
component of FIG. 1 taken along the section line 6-6 shown in FIG.
2;
[0015] FIGS. 7, 9, 11, 13, 15 and 17 are perspective top views of
additional structural components constructed in accordance with the
first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIGS. 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 are side elevational views of
the structural components of FIGS. 7, 9, 11, 13, 15 and 17,
respectively;
[0017] FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of a construction made in
accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention and
including multiple instances of the structural components of FIGS.
7, 9, 11, 13, 15 and/or 17, the same being assembled and/or
integrated using various interlocking and interconnection
means;
[0018] FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the construction of FIG.
19;
[0019] FIG. 21 is a side-facing sectional view of the construction
of FIG. 19 taken along the section line 21-21 shown in FIG. 19;
[0020] FIG. 22 is an upward-facing sectional view of the
construction of FIG. 19 taken along the section line 22-22 shown in
FIG. 19;
[0021] FIG. 23 is a perspective top view of a structural component
constructed in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0022] FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of the structural
component of FIG. 23;
[0023] FIG. 25 is a top plan view of a construction made in
accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention and
including multiple instances of the structural component of FIG. 23
assembled together using an interconnection means; and
[0024] FIG. 26 is a top plan view of another construction made in
accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention and
including multiple instances of the structural component of FIG. 23
assembled together using an interconnection means.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, there is shown a first structural
component 10 constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of
the present invention. The first structural component 10 includes a
body 12, which is substantially planar in configuration, and is
substantially rectangular in general peripheral shape. The body 12
of the first structural component 10 includes a first major surface
14, a second major surface 16 opposite and substantially parallel
to the first major surface 14, and a peripheral edge surface 18
disposed between and substantially perpendicular to the first and
second major surfaces 14, 16. The peripheral edge surface 18
includes a top edge 20, a bottom edge 22, and first and second side
edges 24, 26. Disposed along the peripheral edge surface 18 are a
plurality of magnetic and mechanical interconnection elements,
including respective first, second, and third interconnection
elements 28, 30, 32 disposed along the top edge 20, respective
fourth, fifth, and sixth interconnection elements 34, 36, 38
disposed along the bottom edge 22, a seventh interconnection
element 40 disposed along the first side edge 24, and an eighth
interconnection element 42 disposed along the second side edge 26.
Though not clearly evident in all of the perspective views, the
exposed surface of the magnet is preferably slightly recessed from
its surrounding surface if he magnet is intended to attract a
non-planer (e.g., spherical) component of the assembly. In this way
the magnetic attraction pulls the non-planar component into
engagement with the surrounding surface.
[0026] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the first, second, third,
fourth, and sixth interconnection elements 28, 30, 32, 34, 38 of
the first structural component 10 are similarly configured and
consist of a pocket 44 formed within the body 12, a peripheral
flange 46 formed in the edge surface 18 and defining an opening 48
to the pocket 44, and a magnet 50 contained within the pocket 44
and having an outward-facing magnetic surface 52 adjacent to and
coextensive with the opening 48 to the pocket 44 near the edge
surface 18. As best shown in FIG. 4, the outward facing magnetic
surface is recessed from the edge surface 18. As best shown in FIG.
4, the outward facing magnetic surface is recessed from the edge
surface 18. The peripheral flange 46 has a substantially planar
configuration consistent with the local shape of the edge surface
18 and includes an inner rim 54 adjacent the magnetic surface 52
for retaining the magnet 50 within the pocket 44, an outer edge 56
at the edge surface 18 having structure and function to be
described hereinafter, and a beveled surface 58 disposed between
the inner rim 54 and the outer edge 56.
[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 6, the fifth interconnection
element 36 of the first structural component 10 consists of a slot
60 formed in the bottom edge 22 and oriented substantially
perpendicularly to the otherwise planar local shape of the edge
surface 18. The slot 60 includes substantially straight, planar
side walls 62 which are substantially parallel to each other, but
substantially perpendicular to the bottom edge 22 and the first and
second major surfaces 14, 16. A substantially planar bottom wall 64
is oriented perpendicular to the side walls 62 and parallel to the
bottom edge 22. Similar to the first, second, third, fourth and
sixth interconnection elements 28, 30, 32, 34, 38, the fifth
interconnection element 36 includes a pocket 66 formed within the
body 12, a peripheral flange 68 formed in the edge surface 18 and
defining an opening 70 to the pocket 66, and a magnet 72 contained
within the pocket 66 and having an outward-facing magnetic surface
74 adjacent to and coextensive with the opening 70 to the pocket 66
near the edge surface 18. The peripheral flange 68 has a
substantially planar configuration consistent with the local shape
of the edge surface 18 (i.e., the bottom wall 64 of the slot 60)
and includes an inner rim 76 adjacent the magnetic surface 74 for
retaining the magnet 72 within the pocket 66, an outer edge 78 at
the edge surface 18, and a beveled surface 80 disposed between the
inner rim 76 and the outer edge 78.
[0028] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 6, the seventh and eighth
interconnection elements 40, 42 of the first structural component
10 are similarly configured and consist of a recess 82 formed in
the otherwise substantially planar local portions of the edge
surface 18 comprising the respective first and second side edges
24, 26. The recess 82 includes a substantially cylindrical side
wall 84 having a function to be explained hereinafter and which is
substantially perpendicular to the first and second major surfaces
14, 16. The seventh and eighth interconnection elements 40, 42 each
include a pocket 86 formed within the body 12, a peripheral flange
88 formed in the edge surface 18 (i.e., in the cylindrical side
wall 84) and defining an opening 90 to the pocket 86, and a magnet
92 contained within the pocket 86 and having an outward-facing
magnetic surface 94 adjacent to and coextensive with the opening 90
to the pocket 86 near the edge surface 18. The peripheral flange 88
includes a substantially planar inner rim 96 adjacent the magnetic
surface 94 for retaining the magnet 92 within the pocket 86, an
outer edge 98 having a substantially cylindrical configuration
consistent with the local shape of the adjacent edge surface 18,
and a beveled surface 100 disposed between the inner rim 96 and the
outer edge 98.
[0029] Referring again to FIG. 2, the substantially rectangular
general shape of the first structural component 10 is established
by respective first, second, third, and fourth corners 102, 104,
106, 108 of such rectangle. The first, third, fourth, and sixth
interconnection elements 28, 32, 34, 38 of the first structural
component are disposed immediately adjacent the first, second,
third, and fourth corners 102, 104, 106, 108 respectively. The
significance of this arrangement will be explained more fully
hereinafter.
[0030] Various additional structural components constructed in
accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention are
shown in FIGS. 7-18, including a second structural component 110
shown in FIGS. 7-8, a third structural component 112 shown in FIGS.
9-10, a fourth structural component 114 shown in FIGS. 11-12, a
fifth structural component 116 shown in FIGS. 13-14, a sixth
structural component 118 shown in FIGS. 15-16, and a seventh
structural component 120 shown in FIGS. 17-18.
[0031] As shown in FIGS. 7-8, the second structural component 110
is in the general shape of a trapezoid. More particularly, the
second structural component 110 is substantially identical to the
first structural component 10, except insofar as the second
structural component 110 lacks the equivalent of the seventh and
eighth interconnection elements 40, 42 featured on the first
structural component 10, and is truncated where the first and
second corners 102, 104 of the first structural component 10
appear. Accordingly, the second structural component 110 includes a
first major surface 122, a second major surface 124, and a
peripheral edge surface 126 disposed between the first and second
major surfaces 122, 124 and including a top edge 128, a bottom edge
130, first and second side edges 132, 134, a first corner edge 136,
and a second corner edge 138. As shown in FIGS. 7-8, the second
structural component 110 includes first, second, third, and fourth
interconnection elements 140, 142, 144, 146 along the top and
bottom edges 128, 130, which interconnection elements correspond
with, and are substantially similar in all relevant respects to the
second, fourth, fifth, and sixth interconnection elements 30, 34,
38, 40 of the first structural element 10, respectively.
[0032] As shown in FIGS. 9-10, the third structural component 112
is also in the general shape of a trapezoid. More particularly, the
third structural component 112 is substantially similar to the
second structural component 110, except insofar as in the
structural component 112, the positions of the first and third
interconnection elements 140, 144 of the second structural
component 110 have been interchanged. Accordingly, the third
structural component 112 includes a peripheral edge surface 148 and
first, second, third, and fourth interconnection elements 150, 152,
154, 156 disposed along the peripheral edge surface 148 at
positions corresponding to those of the respective first, second,
third, and fourth interconnection elements 140, 142, 144, 146 on
the second structural component 112. The first and third
interconnection elements 150, 154 of the third structural component
112 are configured substantially similarly, in at least a
mechanical sense (if not in all respects, including that of
magnetic polarity), to the respective third and first
interconnection elements 144, 140 of the second structural
component 110. The second and fourth interconnection elements 152,
156 of the third structural component 112 are configured
substantially similarly in all respects to the respective second
and fourth interconnection elements 142, 146 of the second
structural component 110.
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 11-12, the fourth structural component
114 is in the general shape of a right triangle. The fourth
structural component 114 includes a peripheral edge surface 158
including a top edge 160, a bottom edge 162, a first side edge 164,
a second side edge 166, and a corner edge 168. The fourth
structural component 114 further includes first and second
interconnection elements 170, 172 disposed along the first side
edge 162, a third interconnection element 174 disposed along the
bottom edge 162, and a fourth interconnection element 176 disposed
along the second side edge 166. The first, second, and fourth
interconnection elements 172, 174, 178 of the fourth structural
component 114 are configured similarly, in at least a mechanical
sense (if not in all respects, including that of magnetic
polarity), to the first interconnection element 28 of the first
structural component 10. The third interconnection element 174 of
the fourth structural component 114 consists of a slot 178 formed
in the bottom edge 166 and oriented substantially perpendicular
thereto. The slot 178 includes substantially straight, planar side
walls 180 which are substantially parallel to each other, but
substantially perpendicular to the bottom edge 162. A substantially
planar bottom wall 182 is oriented perpendicular to the side walls
180.
[0034] As shown in FIGS. 13-14, the fifth structural component 116
is also in the general shape of a right triangle. More
particularly, the fifth structural component 116 is substantially
similar to the fourth structural component 114, except insofar as
in the fifth structural component 116, the position of the third
interconnection element 174 of the fourth structural component 114
has been changed. Accordingly, the fifth structural component 116
includes a peripheral edge surface 184 and first, second, third,
and fourth interconnection elements 186, 188, 190, 192 disposed
along the peripheral edge surface 184. The first interconnection
element 186 of the fifth structural component 116 is configured
substantially similarly to the third interconnection element 174 of
the fourth structural component 114, except that a slot 194 of the
third interconnection element 186 extends downward from a corner
edge 196 thereof, rather than upward from a bottom edge 198
thereof. The second, third, and fourth interconnection elements
188, 190, 192 of the fifth structural component 116 are configured
substantially similarly in all respects to the respective first,
second, and fourth interconnection elements 170, 172, 176 of the
fourth structural component 114.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 15-16, the sixth structural component 118
is generally rectangular in shape. The sixth structural component
118 includes a peripheral edge surface 200 including a top edge
202, a bottom edge 204, a first side edge 206, and a second side
edge 208. The sixth structural component 118 further includes first
and second interconnection elements 210, 212 disposed along the
first side edge 206, and third and fourth interconnection elements
214, 216 disposed along the second side edge 208. The substantially
rectangular shape of the sixth structural component 118 includes
respective first, second, third, and fourth corners 218, 220, 222,
224, and is substantially similar in size and shape to the
generally rectangular shape defined by corresponding respective
corners 102, 104, 106, 108 of the first structural component 10.
The significance of this arrangement will be explained more fully
hereinafter. The first, second, third and fourth interconnection
elements 210, 212, 214, 216 of the sixth structural component 118
are configured substantially similarly in all respects to the
respective first, third, fourth, and sixth interconnection elements
28, 32, 34, 38 of the first structural component 10. The first,
second, third and fourth interconnection elements 212, 214, 216,
218 of the sixth structural component 118 are also positioned
immediately adjacent to the respective corners 218, 220, 222, 224
thereof, providing an additional point of similarity with the first
structural component 10.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 17-18, the seventh structural component
120 is also generally rectangular in shape. The seventh structural
component 120 includes a peripheral edge surface 226 including a
top edge 228, a bottom edge 230, a first side edge 232, and a
second side edge 234. The seventh structural component 120 further
includes first and second interconnection elements 236, 238
disposed along the first side edge 232, and third and fourth
interconnection elements 240, 242 disposed along the second side
edge 234. The substantially rectangular shape of the seventh
structural component 120 includes respective first, second, third,
and fourth corners 244, 246, 248, 250, adjacent to which are
positioned the respective first, second, third, and fourth
interconnection elements 236, 238, 240, 242. The first, second,
third and fourth interconnection elements 236, 238, 240, 242 of the
seventh structural component 120 are configured substantially
similarly in all respects to the respective first, second, third,
and fourth interconnection elements 210, 212, 214, 216 of the sixth
structural component 118.
[0037] In operation, the above-described structural components can
be assembled together with ferromagnetic balls to form stable
constructions, which can include combinations of one or more
cruciform subassemblies formed when some of these structural
components are assembled together in an interlocking fashion. For
example, and as will be explained in more detail hereinafter, two
instances of the first structural component 10 (FIG. 2) can be
oriented such that their respective slots 60 face each other, after
which the two first structural components 10 can be merged to the
limit allowed by their respective slot bottom surfaces 64. Each of
the slots 60 terminates (i.e., each of the slot bottom surfaces 64
fall) at approximately the midpoint of the height of the respective
first structural component 10, such that when the two first
structural components 10 are merged as just described, the top edge
20 of one of the first structural components 10 become
substantially coplanar with the bottom edge 20 of the other of the
first structural components 10, and vice versa. The width
dimensions of each slot 60 closely tracks the thickness of the
respective first structural component 10 (i.e., the distance
between the first and second major surfaces 14, 16 of the
respective first structural component 10) so as to produce an
appropriately frictional fit between the two first structural
components 10 when the same are merged as described above. Further,
the polarities of the outward-facing magnetic surfaces 74 of the
magnets 72 associated with the slots 60 of the respective first
structural components 10 can be coordinated (e.g., to ensure the
north pole of one such magnet 72 faces the south pole of the other
such magnet 72) so as to produce magnetic attraction between the
two first structural components 10. As shown in FIGS. 19-20, and as
will be explained in more detail hereinafter, the above-described
merging of a pair of first structural components 10 forms a first
precisely-configured three-dimensional cruciform subassembly 252,
multiple instances of which can be incorporated within a larger
construction for any number of purposes, including contributing
structural stability to the assembly. As will also be explained,
slightly different cruciform subassemblies can be formed by
merging, in a similar fashion, and for example, a second structural
component 10 with a third structural component 112 (e.g., producing
a second cruciform subassembly 254 as shown in FIGS. 19-20), or a
fourth structural component 114 with a fifth structural component
116 (e.g., producing a third cruciform subassembly 256 as shown in
FIGS. 19-20), in a similar fashion.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 19-20, construction 258 is shown
including one or more instances each of the above-described first,
second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth structural components 10,
110, 112, 114, 116, 118 (some of which are arranged in the form of
respective first, second and third cruciform subassemblies 252,
254, 256, as described above), as well as numerous ferromagnetic
balls 260 magnetically connected to, and disposed between, the
magnets 50, 92 (see FIGS. 4 and 6) of many of the interconnection
elements of such structural components. According to this
embodiment of the present invention, the diameters D of the
ferromagnetic balls 260 are substantially equivalent, each such
diameter preferably being held to within a tight mechanical
tolerance of a common value. As may be seen with reference to FIGS.
2, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19 and 20, the various structural
components described above share many dimensions, such dimensions
also preferably held to within a tight mechanical tolerance of
common respective values, and such values being represented by the
designations "A", "B", and "1/2A". The designations "A" and "1/2 A"
represent constant distances between the magnetic axes of the
magnets 50 (FIG. 4), such axes being substantially parallel. The
value "B" represents constant distances between the magnetic
surfaces 52 of the magnets 50 (FIG. 4). It will therefore be
apparent that close coordination is achieved between and among the
shapes of the various structural components described above, and
between and among the positions, configurations, and orientations
of the interconnecting elements associated with such structural
components. One salutary effect of this close coordination is that
the many ferromagnetic balls 260 contained in the construction 258
are caused to be arranged in a regular array 262 having consistent
regular horizontal and vertical spacing, which is not only
aesthetically pleasing to the eye, but is also conducive to
producing constructions of various scales with consistent precision
and stability. This also serves to spark the imagination and
creativity of one who uses such structural components to build
constructions, since there are very few limits on the shape or
configuration of constructions that may be built in accordance with
the present invention.
[0039] FIGS. 21-22 illustrate two exemplary manners by which the
ferromagnetic balls 260 connect with and/or interconnect the
various structural components of the construction 258. For example,
and as shown in FIG. 21, a ferromagnetic ball 260 can be placed in
magnetic contact with the magnetic surface 52 of the magnet 50 of
the first interconnection element 140 of a second structural
component 110, which forms part of a second cruciform assembly 254
along with a third structural component 112. The size and shape of
the opening 48 of the first interconnection element 140 are such
that the outer edge 56 is placed in edge-to-surface annular contact
with the ferromagnetic ball 260 while the ball 260 is
simultaneously in contact with the magnetic surface 52. Thus the
ferromagnetic ball 260 is not only allowed to remain in secure
magnetic contact with the second structural component 110, it is
also kept in a constant position and orientation with respect to
the first interconnection element 140 by the "seat" provided by the
outer edge 56.
[0040] For another example, and as shown in FIG. 22, a
ferromagnetic ball 260 can be placed in magnetic contact with the
magnetic surface 94 of the magnet 92 of the seventh interconnection
element 40 of a first structural component 10. The size and shape
of the recess 82, and specifically of the cylindrical side wall 84,
is such that the cylindrical side wall 84 is placed in semicircular
linear contact with the ferromagnetic ball 260 while the ball 260
is simultaneously in contact with the magnetic surface 94. Thus the
ferromagnetic ball 260 is not only allowed to remain in secure
magnetic contact with the first structural component 10, it is also
kept in a constant position and orientation with respect to the
seventh interconnection element 40 by the "seat" provided by the
cylindrical side wall 84.
[0041] It should be appreciated that numerous advantages are
provided by the above-described structural components 10, 110, 112,
114, 116, 118, 120 and/or by constructions (such as construction
258) containing such structural components in assembly with
ferromagnetic balls 260 in accordance with the foregoing
description. The consistent spacing between opposite magnetic
surfaces of a given structural component, designated by "B",
ensures consistent center-to-center distances, designated by "A"
(and/or by "1/2 A"), between adjacent ferromagnetic balls 260 in
the array (e.g., the array 262 of FIGS. 19-20). In addition, where
a magnet, such as the magnet 50 of FIG. 2, is positioned
immediately adjacent to a corner, such as the corner 104 of FIG. 2,
of a corresponding structural component, such as the structural
component 10 of FIG. 2, the magnet is operatively associated with
one of the adjacent side edge surfaces, such as the top edge 20 of
FIG. 2. This provides a simple construction for such a structural
component, and as shown in FIGS. 19-20, provides one with the
choice of gap sizes (e.g., wide or narrow) between adjacent
structural components. Furthermore, disassembly and reassembly can
be accomplished with great speed.
[0042] It should also be noted that the above-described structural
components 10, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 can have numerous
modifications and/or variations consistent with the first
embodiment of the present invention. For example, one or more of
such structural components can be modified to define a general
planar shape other than that of a polygon, and/or a generally
polygonal shape can be altered with one or more curved edge
surfaces as desired. For another example, one or more of the
interconnecting elements of such a structural component can be
positioned on an edge surface so as not to coincide with the
standard spacing of the array formed by the ferromagnetic balls.
The same result can be achieved by providing an edge surface that
diverges in shape or angle of extension from a more regular (e.g.,
straight and perpendicular) arrangement. For still another example,
one or more of the above-described structural components 10, 110,
112, 114, 116, 118, 120 can have a body formed from two or more
molded plastic parts (e.g., translucent and/or colored plastic)
which are assembled together, e.g., via ultrasonic welding to form
the body. In such circumstances, the pockets containing the magnets
of the interconnecting elements can be formed from separate molded
wall sections associated with different molded parts, and the
magnets can be captured therein during body assembly. For a further
example, magnets of different types, sizes and shapes can be used,
it being recognized that rare-earth magnets in particular can
provide exceptional strength per unit volume, and that a
cylindrically-shaped magnet can provide excellent dimensional and
orientational uniformity in the assembled structural component. For
a still further example, one or more of the above-described
structural components can be assembled together without the use of
ferromagnetic balls. In such circumstances, the north-south
polarity of the magnets used in the interconnection elements can be
prearranged to facilitate such an assembly (e.g., axially-aligned
magnets separated by a "B" direction and facing in opposite
directions, or axially-spaced magnets separated by an "A" dimension
and facing in the same direction, can be provided with opposite
polarity). In still another example of a modification, the magnets
associated with the above-described interconnection interfaces can
be embedded without retaining flanges in the bodies of the
structural components, and/or in a manner which does not provide
annular edge-to-surface seating (e.g., flush with the edge
surface)
[0043] An additional exemplary embodiment of the present invention
is illustrated in FIGS. 23-26. Elements illustrated in FIGS. 23-26
which correspond substantially to the elements described above with
reference to FIGS. 1-22 have been designated by corresponding
reference numerals increased by an increment of one thousand. The
embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 23-26 operates
and is constructed in manners consistent with the foregoing
description of the first embodiment of the invention, unless it is
stated otherwise.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 23-24, there is shown an eighth
structural component 1264 constructed in accordance with a second
embodiment of the present invention. As with the structural
components associated with the above-described first embodiment,
the eighth structural component 1264 is equipped with
interconnection elements immediately adjacent to its corners that
are still operatively associated with side, and net corner, edges.
More particularly, the eighth structural component 1264 includes a
body 1266 that is substantially planar in configuration and
substantially square in general peripheral shape. The body 1266
includes a peripheral edge surface 1268, four side edges 1270, and
four corner edges 1272 disposed between the respective side edges
1270. The eighth structural component 1264 further includes eight
interconnection elements 1028 similar to the first interconnection
element 28 associated with the above-described first structural
component 10. The interconnection elements 1028 are distributed in
a regular arrangement, each such interconnection element 1028 being
disposed immediately adjacent one of the two sides of a corner edge
1272. As shown in FIG. 25-26, in use, multiple instances of the
eighth structural component 1264 can be assembled together (e.g.,
to form the two-dimensional assembly 1274 of FIG. 25, or the
three-dimensional assembly 1276 of FIG. 26) with the use of one or
more ferromagnetic balls 1260. As described above, such balls can
optionally be eliminated, and multiple instances of the eighth
structural component 1264 can be assembled together directly,
provided the respective polarities of the associated magnets 1050
are arranged to permit same.
[0045] It will be understood that the embodiments of the present
invention described herein are merely exemplary and that a person
skilled in the art may make many variations and modifications
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For
example, the magnets 72 of the interconnecting elements 36, 144 may
be removed and the frictional fit between the pairs of structural
components 10 and 110, 112 relied upon to keep such structural
components together as part of the respective cruciform
subassemblies 252, 256. Additionally, other magnetic domains (i.e.,
north/south polarity arrangements) than those shown in FIGS. 2, 8,
10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 may be provided with respect to the magnets
34, 50, 72, 92 of the structural components 10, 110, 112, 114, 116,
118, 120. All such variations and modifications, including those
discussed above, are therefore intended to be included within the
scope of the present invention. Further, this application is
related to co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. ______, entitled
Magnetic Toy Construction Modules with Side-Mounted Magnets by
Daftari et al., filed ______, which is herein incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
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