U.S. patent application number 11/478859 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-15 for magnetic joints and toy figurines made therefrom.
Invention is credited to Ans Bealieu, Parviz Daftari, Charles J. Kowalski.
Application Number | 20070060011 11/478859 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36793728 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070060011 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Daftari; Parviz ; et
al. |
March 15, 2007 |
Magnetic joints and toy figurines made therefrom
Abstract
Magnetic joints for toy figurines are provided. In one
embodiment, the magnetic joint comprises a socket which is formed
in a first figurine component and includes a ring magnet, and a
ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion attached to a second figurine
component, wherein the ring magnet receives and is magnetically
coupled to the ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion. In another
embodiment, the magnetic joint comprises a socket which is formed
in a first figurine component and includes a magnet having a
recess, a ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion attached to a second
figurine component, and an O-ring positioned between the magnet and
the ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion. In another embodiment,
the magnetic joint comprises a flexible socket attached to a first
figurine component and having a magnet positioned therein, and a
ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion attached to a second figurine
component and magnetically coupled with the flexible socket. In
another embodiment, the magnetic joint comprises a socket attached
to a first figurine component, a ferromagnetic, hemispherical
portion attached to a second figurine component and magnetically
coupled with the socket, and a switch extending through an aperture
formed in the ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion, wherein the
switch is activated when the first figurine component is coupled to
or uncoupled from the second figurine component.
Inventors: |
Daftari; Parviz; (Summit,
NJ) ; Kowalski; Charles J.; (Ridgewood, NJ) ;
Bealieu; Ans; (Montreal, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCCARTER & ENGLISH, LLP
FOUR GATEWAY CENTER
100 MULBERRY STREET
NEWARK
NJ
07102
US
|
Family ID: |
36793728 |
Appl. No.: |
11/478859 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
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Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11182212 |
Jul 15, 2005 |
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11478859 |
Jun 30, 2006 |
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29223384 |
Feb 10, 2005 |
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11182212 |
Jul 15, 2005 |
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29223389 |
Feb 10, 2005 |
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11182212 |
Jul 15, 2005 |
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29223385 |
Feb 10, 2005 |
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11182212 |
Jul 15, 2005 |
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29223387 |
Feb 10, 2005 |
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11182212 |
Jul 15, 2005 |
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Feb 10, 2005 |
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Jul 15, 2005 |
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29223383 |
Feb 10, 2005 |
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11182212 |
Jul 15, 2005 |
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29223392 |
Feb 11, 2005 |
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11182212 |
Jul 15, 2005 |
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Feb 11, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
446/97 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/26 20130101;
A63H 3/46 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/097 |
International
Class: |
A63H 3/16 20060101
A63H003/16 |
Claims
1. A magnetically-coupled joint for a toy figurine, comprising a
ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion attached to a first figurine
component; a socket attached to a second figurine component, said
socket including a magnet coupled to said ferromagnetic,
hemispherical portion to thereby couple said first figurine
component to said second figurine component; and means for
frictional engagement positioned between said ferromagnetic,
hemispherical portion and said socket, said means for frictional
engagement retaining said first figurine component in a desired
position with respect to said second figurine component.
2. The magnetically-coupled joint of claim 1, wherein said magnet
further includes a recess formed therein.
3. The magnetically-coupled joint of claim 2, wherein a portion of
said ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion extends into said recess
when said ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion is coupled to said
magnet.
4. The magnetically-coupled joint of claim 3, wherein said means
for frictional engagement includes an O-ring.
5. The magnetically-coupled joint of claim 4, wherein said magnet
further includes an annular channel and said O-ring is positioned
in said annular channel.
6. The magnetically-coupled joint of claim 1, wherein said socket
is flexible.
7. The magnetically-coupled joint of claim 6, wherein said means
for frictional engagement further includes an inner surface of said
socket which bears against said ferromagnetic, hemispherical
portion.
8. The magnetically-coupled joint of claim 6, wherein said means
for frictional engagement further includes a coating formed on said
ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion, said coating positioned
between said ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion and said
socket.
9. The magnetically-coupled joint of claim 1, wherein said
ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion further includes an annular
lip extending about an end of said ferromagnetic, hemispherical
portion.
10. The magnetically-coupled joint of claim 9, wherein said second
figurine component is molded about said annular lip and a portion
of said ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion.
11. The magnetically-coupled joint of claim 1, wherein said magnet
includes a ring magnet.
12. The magnetically-coupled joint of claim 11, wherein said ring
magnet further includes an aperture for receiving a portion of said
ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion when said ring magnet contacts
said ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion.
13. The magnetically-coupled joint of claim 1, wherein said
ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion includes a switch extending
through an aperture formed in said ferromagnetic, hemispherical
portion.
14. The magnetically-coupled joint of claim 13, wherein said switch
is activated when said first figurine component is coupled to or
removed from said second figurine component.
15. The magnetically-coupled joint of claim 13, further comprising
an electrical circuit connected to said switch.
16. The magnetically-coupled joint of claim 15, wherein said
electrical circuit further includes a light-emitting diode and an
associated flasher circuit, said light-emitting diode being flashed
by said flasher circuit when said switch is activated.
17. The magnetically-coupled joint of claim 13, wherein said
electrical circuit is positioned within said first figurine
component.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/182,212 filed Jul. 15, 2005, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. Design patent application Ser. No.
29/223,384 filed Feb. 10, 2005; U.S. Design patent application Ser.
No. 29/223,389 filed Feb. 10, 2005; U.S. Design patent application
Ser. No. 29/223,385 filed Feb. 10, 2005; U.S. Design patent
application Ser. No. 29/223,387 filed Feb. 10, 2005; U.S. Design
patent application Ser. No. 29/223,386 filed Feb. 10, 2005; U.S.
Design patent application Ser. No. 29/223,383 filed Feb. 10, 2005;
U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/223,392 filed Feb. 11,
2005; U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/223,391 filed Feb.
11, 2005; U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/223,397 filed
Feb. 11, 2005; U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/223,388
filed Feb. 11, 2005; U.S. Design patent application Ser. No.
29/223,395 filed Feb. 11, 2005; and U.S. Design patent application
Ser. No. 29/223,393 filed Feb. 11, 2005, the entire disclosures of
which are all expressly incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of toy figurines,
and, more particularly, to toy figurines having magnetic
joints.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Joints of various designs have, in the past, been developed
for toy figurines to permit the selective attachment and removal of
component parts, such as appendages and the like. An example of a
joint for a toy figurine can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,889 to
Ejima, which discloses a toy figurine having magnetically-coupled,
ball-and-socket joints that allow appendages to be selectively
attached to the figurine as desired. Another example of a joint for
a toy figurine can be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication
No. US 2004/0077259 to Barri, which discloses a toy figurine having
joints in the form of magnetized pegs and corresponding sockets for
receiving the pegs. Other examples of joints include U.S. Pat. No.
6,203,396 to Asmussen, et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 6,705,794 to
Varner, et al., which disclose magnetically-coupled joints for
mannequins with generally flat joint surfaces that allow for
indexing of parts using protrusions and corresponding recesses (see
the Asmussen, et al. Patent) or a pin and corresponding apertures
(see the Varner, et al. Patent).
[0004] Existing joint designs suffer from a number of
disadvantages. For example, in the case of the
magnetically-coupled, ball-and-socket joints currently available in
toy figurines, only a single socket is provided, and the ball is
attached to a component of the figurine (e.g., to an appendage or
other part). Thus, the ball is neither removable from the figurine
nor interchangeable with another ball. As such, the user cannot
substitute balls of desired colors, patterns, or designs to achieve
a desired appearance, nor can the user quickly and conveniently
construct figurines using a multitude of interchangeable
components.
[0005] Moreover, while existing joint designs allow for indexing of
parts, such designs do not allow for indexing using magnets and
completely planar (flat) joint surfaces. Rather, a pin and
corresponding apertures or a protrusion and corresponding recesses
(or other mechanical arrangement) are required to effectuate
indexing. Further, current joint designs for toy figurines do not
allow power to be transmitted through a completely planar or flat
joint interface. Accordingly, there is a need to provide magnetic
joints for toy figurines that address the foregoing
limitations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention overcomes the disadvantages and
shortcomings of the prior art discussed above by providing magnetic
joints for toy figurines having various configurations that allow
for the quick and easy assembly and disassembly of figurine
components. In one embodiment of the present invention, the
magnetic joint comprises a ball and a pair of sockets magnetically
coupled to the ball, wherein the first socket is formed in a first
figurine part and the second socket is formed in a second figurine
part. Each socket includes a magnet embedded in the socket for
magnetically coupling the socket to the ball. The joint allows for
angulation and rotation of joined parts, as well as for quick and
convenient assembly and disassembly of figurine components. The
ball "floats" between the sockets, and can be removed by the user
and substituted with another ball, as desired. A pair of friction
inlays or O-rings can be provided between the ball and the sockets
to provide sufficient friction when the joint is assembled to allow
coupled figurine components to be retained in one or more desired
positions.
[0007] In another embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic
joint comprises a first socket formed in a first figurine
component, a first hemispherical portion magnetically coupled with
the first socket, a second hemispherical portion interconnected
with the first hemispherical portion, and a second socket formed in
a second figurine component and interconnected with the second
hemispherical portion. A friction inlay could be provided between
the first socket and the first hemispherical portion to provide
sufficient friction when the joint is assembled to allow the first
figurine component to be retained in one or more desired
positions.
[0008] In another embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic
joint comprises a pair of complementary, generally planar joint
surfaces that are magnetically coupled to each other using
complementary magnets embedded in the joint surfaces. Complementary
central magnets could be embedded in central regions of the joint
surfaces for coupling the joints together, and a plurality of
satellite magnets could be disposed radially about each central
magnet and embedded in the joint surfaces to allow coupled figurine
components to be rotated and held in one or more predetermined
positions (indexed). Complementary conductive regions, such as a
central conductive region surrounded by an annular conductive
region, could be provided on each joint surface for allowing
electrical power to be transmitted through the joint.
[0009] In still another embodiment of the present invention, the
magnetic joint comprises a peg and corresponding socket
construction that cooperate to permit rotation of coupled figurine
components. The peg and socket each include corresponding end
magnets for retaining the peg in the socket. A plurality of
corresponding indexing magnets are embedded in the peg and the
socket for allowing the joined parts to be retained in one or more
predetermined positions (internally indexed) when the indexing
magnets are rotated into alignment with each other.
[0010] In another embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic
joint comprises a socket including a ring magnet, and a
ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion magnetically coupled with the
ring magnet. The ring magnet is attached to a first figurine
component in a recess formed therein, while the ferromagnetic,
hemispherical portion is attached to a second figurine
component.
[0011] In still another embodiment of the present invention, the
magnetic joint comprises a socket which includes a magnet having a
recess, the magnet being attached to a first figurine component in
a recess formed therein, a ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion
attached to a second figurine component, and an O-ring positioned
between the magnet and the ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion.
The O-ring provides frictional engagement with the ferromagnetic,
hemispherical portion, so that the first figurine component is
retained in a desired position with respect to the second figurine
component. The O-ring could be positioned in an annular channel
formed in the magnet.
[0012] In another embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic
joint comprises a flexible socket attached to a first figurine
component and having a magnet positioned therein, and a
ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion attached to a second figurine
component and magnetically coupled with the flexible socket. An
inner surface of the flexible socket frictionally engages the
ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion to retain the first figurine
component in a desired position with respect to the second figurine
component. A coating could be provided on the ferromagnetic,
hemispherical portion to facilitate frictional engagement with the
socket.
[0013] In still another embodiment of the present invention, the
magnetic joint comprises a socket attached to a first figurine
component, a ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion attached to a
second figurine component and magnetically coupled with the socket,
and a switch extending through an aperture formed in the
ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion, wherein the switch is
activated when the first figurine component is coupled to or
uncoupled from the second figurine component. The switch could be
connected to an electrical circuit (e.g., a light-emitting diode
(LED) and an associated flasher circuit), so that the electrical
circuit is activated when the switch is activated.
[0014] Further features and advantages of the invention will appear
more clearly upon a reading of the following detailed description
of various exemplary embodiments thereof, which are given below by
way of example only with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] For a better understanding of the present invention,
reference is made to the following detailed description of the
exemplary embodiments considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a toy figurine having
magnetically-coupled joints according to a first embodiment of the
present invention, wherein each joint includes a ball and a pair of
sockets magnetically coupled to the ball;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of one of the magnetic
joints for the toy figurine shown in FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view, taken along section line
3-3 of FIG. 2 and looking in the direction of the arrows, of the
magnetic joint shown in FIG. 2;
[0019] FIG. 4a is an exploded, cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of the magnetic joints of the present invention, wherein
friction inlays are provided between the sockets and the ball;
[0020] FIG. 4b is a perspective view of one of the friction inlays
shown in FIG. 4a;
[0021] FIG. 4c is a cross-sectional view showing the components of
FIG. 4a assembled;
[0022] FIG. 5a is an exploded, cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of the magnetic joints of the present invention, wherein
O-rings are provided between the sockets and the ball;
[0023] FIG. 5b is a cross-sectional view showing the components of
FIG. 5a assembled;
[0024] FIG. 6a is an exploded, cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of the magnetic joints of the present invention,
including a two-piece, ferromagnetic ball which is coupled to only
one of two socket members;
[0025] FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view showing the components of
FIG. 6a assembled;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a toy figurine having
magnetic joints according to another embodiment of the present
invention, wherein the joints include generally planar surfaces
that allow for indexing;
[0027] FIG. 8a is a perspective view of one of the magnetic joints
for the toy figurine shown in FIG. 7;
[0028] FIG. 8b is a front elevational view of the magnetic joint
shown in FIG. 8a;
[0029] FIG. 9a is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
magnetic joints of the present invention, wherein each joint
includes generally planar surfaces having conductive areas for
allowing power transmission through the joint;
[0030] FIG. 9b is a front elevational view of the magnetic joint
shown in FIG. 9a;
[0031] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a toy figurine having
magnetic joints according to another embodiment of the present
invention, wherein each joint comprises an internally-indexed,
magnetically-coupled peg and socket;
[0032] FIG. 11a is a perspective view of one of the magnetic joints
for the toy figurine shown in FIG. 10;
[0033] FIG. 11b is a front elevational view of the magnetic joint
shown in FIG. 11a;
[0034] FIG. 12a is an exploded perspective view of another
embodiment of the magnetic joints of the present invention, which
embodiment includes a socket having an hemispherical portion;
[0035] FIG. 12b is a cross-sectional view showing the components of
FIG. 12a assembled;
[0036] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
the magnetic joints of the present invention, which embodiment
includes a magnet having a recess, an hemispherical portion coupled
to the magnet, and an O-ring positioned between the magnet and the
hemispherical portion;
[0037] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
the magnetic joints of the present invention, which embodiment is
similar to the one shown in FIG. 13 except that an O-ring is
positioned within an annular channel formed in the magnet;
[0038] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
the magnetic joints of the present invention, which embodiment
includes a flexible socket having a magnet positioned therein and
an hemispherical portion;
[0039] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
the magnetic joints of the present invention, which embodiment is
similar to that shown in FIG. 15 except that the hemispherical
portion includes a rubber coating;
[0040] FIG. 17 is a front elevational view of a portion of a
figurine equipped with a magnetic joint and a switch for activating
a lighting circuit within the figurine component; and
[0041] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing the switch of FIG. 17
implemented in a light flasher circuit.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a toy figurine 10 which
includes a head 12, an upper torso 14, a lower torso 16, arms 18,
20, and legs 22, 24. The arm 18 includes a bicep 26, a forearm 28,
and a hand 30. Similarly, the arm 20 includes a bicep 32, a forearm
34, and a hand 36. The leg 22 includes a thigh 38, a shin 40, and a
foot 42. Similarly, the leg 24 includes a thigh 44, a shin 46, and
a foot 48. All of the foregoing parts are movably coupled to their
adjoining parts by magnetic joints 50a-n.
[0043] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the magnetic joint 50e
shown in FIG. 1, it being understood that each of the magnetic
joints 50a-d and 50f-n of FIG. 1 has the same construction as the
magnetic joint 50e. With particular reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, a
ball 56 is positioned between a pair of magnetic sockets 52a, 52b
(see FIG. 3) formed in the upper torso 14 and the bicep 26,
respectively. The magnetic joint 50e allows for both angulation
(indicated generally by arrow A) and rotation (indicated generally
by arrow B) of the bicep 26 relative to the upper torso 14. Each of
the magnetic joints 50a-d and 50f-n shown in FIG. 1 is likewise
adapted for such angulation and rotation. Importantly, the ball 56
can be completely disengaged from the upper torso 14 and the bicep
26, and substituted with another ball having any desired color,
pattern, or appearance, so as to enhance the entertainment value of
the figurine. Further, it should be noted that more than two
components can be joined to a single ball.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 3, the ball 56 is positioned between the
sockets 52a, 52b formed in the upper torso 14 and the bicep 26,
respectively. The sockets 52a, 52b are generally cup-shaped so as
to conform to the shape of the ball 56, and include magnets 54a,
54b embedded in central portions of the sockets 52a, 52b. The
magnets 54a, 54b are magnetically attracted to the ball 56, which
can be manufactured from any suitable ferromagnetic material. The
magnetic attraction of the magnets 54a, 54b to the ball 56 retains
the sockets 52a, 52b in position against the ball 56 so as to
couple the upper torso 14 to the bicep 26. The sockets 52a, 52b can
be disengaged from the ball 56 by pulling the upper torso 14 and
the bicep 26 away from the ball 56.
[0045] FIG. 4a is an exploded, cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of the magnetic joints of the present invention,
indicated generally at 60, for coupling a first figurine portion
62a to a second figurine portion 62b. The joint 60 includes
friction inlays 65a, 65b positioned between sockets 72a, 72b
(formed in portions 62a, 62b, respectively) and a ball 66. The
friction inlays 65a, 65b include cup-shaped portions 68a, 68b which
conform to the shape of the ball 66. Magnets 64a, 64b extend
through apertures 67a, 67b formed in the cup-shaped portions 68a,
68b, and are positionable within recesses 73a, 73b formed in the
centers of the sockets 72a, 72b. The magnets 64a, 64b could include
rounded faces 69a, 69b, respectively, which conform to the shape of
the ball 66. The inlays 65a, 65b could be interconnected with the
sockets 72a, 72b in any known manner, such as by gluing or by means
of a friction fit. Importantly, the inlays 65a, 65b provide
sufficient friction against the ball 66 when the joint 60 is
assembled (see FIG. 4c) to retain the figurine portions 62a, 62b in
a desired position with respect to each other, while allowing for
rotation and angulation. As shown in FIG. 4b, which is a
perspective view of one of the friction inlays 65a (the opposite
friction inlay 65b being identical thereto), the magnet 64a extends
through the aperture 67a formed in the cup-shaped portion 68a of
the inlay 65a. The magnet 64a could be permanently attached to the
cup-shaped portion 68a (e.g., by gluing), or could be removable
therefrom. Further, it should be noted that the inlays 65a, 65b
could be manufactured from rubber or other suitable material.
[0046] FIG. 5a is an exploded, cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of the magnetic joints of the present invention,
indicated generally at 80, wherein O-rings 88a, 88b are positioned
between generally cup-shaped sockets 89a, 89b and a ball 86. The
sockets 89a, 89b are formed in figurine components 82a, 82b (which
could be any desired components of a figurine), and include magnets
84a, 84b positioned in recesses 83a, 83b formed in the sockets 89a,
89b. When the magnetic joint 80 is assembled (see FIG. 5b), the
O-rings 88a, 88b bear against the ball 86 when the sockets 89a, 89b
are coupled to the ball 86, so that the figurine components 82a,
82b can be retained in a desired position with respect to each
other after being moved by a user. The O-rings 88a, 88b can be made
from any suitable material.
[0047] FIG. 6a is an exploded, cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of the magnetic joints of the present invention,
indicated generally at 90, for joining first and second figurine
components 91a, 91b (which could be any desired components of a
figurine). The joint 90 includes a first socket 92a formed in the
first figurine component 91a, a second socket 92b formed in the
second figurine component 91b, a friction inlay 94, a first
hemispherical portion 96, and a second hemispherical portion 98.
The socket 92a includes a recess 93a for receiving a magnet 95
formed in the friction inlay 94, and the friction inlay 94 could be
permanently attached to the socket 92a (such as by gluing) or
temporarily by means of a friction fit. The socket 92b includes a
recess 93b for receiving a protrusion 99 formed on the second
hemispherical portion 98. The second hemispherical portion 98 can
be permanently attached to the second socket 92b in any suitable
manner, such as by gluing, etc.
[0048] The first hemispherical portion 96 includes an annular lip
97a that is configured to be received by an annular external recess
97b formed on an external surface 98a of the second hemispherical
portion 98. Similarly, the second hemispherical portion 98 includes
an annular lip 97c that is configured to be received by an annular
recess 97d formed on an internal surface 96a of the first
hemispherical portion 96. The lips 97a, 97c and recesses 97b, 97d
cooperate to interconnect the first hemispherical portion 96 to the
second hemispherical portion 98. The first hemispherical portion 96
is preferably manufactured from a ferromagnetic material, so as to
facilitate magnetic attraction to the magnet 95. When the joint 90
is assembled (see FIG. 6b), magnetic attraction between the magnet
95 and the first hemispherical portion 96 couples the first
figurine component 91a to the first hemispherical portion 96,
allowing for rotation and angulation of the first figurine
component 91a. The friction inlay 94 provides sufficient friction
to retain the first figurine component 91a in a desired
position.
[0049] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a toy figurine, indicated
generally at 100, having a body portion 102, a plurality of
appendages 104-118, and a plurality of magnetic joints 120a-h made
in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention for
the purpose of coupling the appendages 104-118 to the body portion
102. The magnetic joints 120a-h include complementary, generally
planar (i.e., flat) joint surfaces 122a, 122b (see FIGS. 8a-8b)
that allow for rotation and indexing. The magnetic joints 120a-h
allow, for example, the plurality of appendages 104-118 to be
selectively attached to and removed from the body portion 102, and
rotated and indexed when attached to the body portion 102.
[0050] FIG. 8a is perspective view of the magnetic joint 120a shown
in FIG. 7, each of the magnetic joints 120b-h of FIG. 7 having the
same construction as the joint 120a. The complementary, generally
planar joint surfaces 122a, 122b include complementary magnets
124a, 124b positioned within central regions of the joint surfaces
122a, 122b, such that attraction between the magnets 124a, 124b
retains the joint surfaces 122a, 122b against each other when the
joint 120a is assembled. Several indexing magnets 126a, 126b are
positioned in a radial array about the magnets 124a, 124b to allow
the appendage 104 and the body portion 102 to be indexed by means
of magnetic attraction exerted between the magnets 126a, 126b when
the magnets 126a, 126b are rotated into alignment (see arrow C in
FIG. 8b). The magnets 124a, 124b and 126a, 126b could be embedded
in the joint surfaces 122a, 122b, or otherwise attached thereto. It
should be noted that the magnets 126a, 126b could be substituted
with protrusions and corresponding recesses to allow for
indexing.
[0051] FIG. 9a is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
magnetic joints of the present invention, indicated generally at
130, for coupling a first figurine component 132 to a second
figurine component 134. The joint 130 comprises a pair of
complementary, generally planar joint surfaces 136a, 136b having
annular conductive regions 138a, 138b surrounding central
conductive regions 140a, 140b. The annular conductive regions 138a,
138b or the central conductive regions 140a, 140b, or both, could
be magnetic to retain the joint surfaces 136a, 136b in position
against each other. An electrical circuit 142 in the first figurine
component 132 (e.g., a battery positioned in a torso portion of a
figurine) is in electrical communication with the annular
conductive region 138a and the central conductive region 140a via
leads 144. When the joint surface 136a is coupled with the joint
surface 136b, the annular conductive region 138a makes electrical
contact with the annular conductive region 138b and the central
conductive region 140a makes electrical contact with the central
conductive region 140b to allow power to be transmitted from the
circuit 142 through the joint 130 and into the second figurine
component 134. Leads 146 in the second figurine component 134 are
connected to the annular conductive region 138b and the central
conductive region 140b to transfer electrical power to a circuit in
the second figurine component 146 (e.g., to a light or motor). As
shown in FIG. 9b, the joint 130 allows for rotation of the second
figurine part 134 with respect to the first figurine part 132,
indicated generally by arrow D. Thus, the joint 130 allows for
power transmission therethrough, while simultaneously allowing for
rotation of the magnetically coupled parts. It should be noted that
the conductive regions 138a, 138b and 140a, 140b could be provided
in any desired shapes and at any desired locations of the joint
surfaces 136a, 136b without departing from the spirit or scope of
the present invention.
[0052] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a toy figurine, indicated
generally at 150, having a head 152, an upper torso 154, arms 156,
158, a lower torso 160, legs 162, 164, magnetic joints 166a, 166b
removably coupling the legs 162, 164 to the lower torso 160, and
another set of magnetic joints 170a, 170b according to another
embodiment of the present invention removably coupling the arms
156, 158 to the upper torso 154. A magnetic joint 168 could be
provided for removably coupling the head 152 to the upper torso
154, or the head 152 could be permanently coupled to the upper
torso 154. The magnetic joints 170a, 170b are internally indexed
and allow for rotation and indexing of the arms 156, 158 with
respect to the upper torso 154.
[0053] FIGS. 11a-11b are perspective and front elevational views,
respectively, of the magnetic joint 170b shown in FIG. 10, the
magnetic joint 170a being identical thereto in construction. The
joint 170b comprises a peg 172 formed on the arm 158, which is
insertable into a socket 174 formed in the upper torso 154. A
shoulder 176 surrounding the socket 174 abuts a shoulder 178
disposed about the peg 172 when the peg 172 is inserted into the
socket 174. The socket 174 includes an end magnet 180 and a
plurality of indexing magnets 182 disposed along the longitudinal
axis of the socket 174 and about the circumference of the socket
174. The peg 172 includes a corresponding end magnet 184 and a
plurality of corresponding indexing magnets 186 disposed along the
longitudinal axis of the peg 172 and about the circumference of the
peg 172. When the peg 172 is inserted into the socket 174, magnetic
attraction between the end magnets 180, 184 retains the peg 172 in
the socket 174, so as to couple the arm 158 to the upper torso 154
while allowing for rotation of the arm 158 with respect to the
upper torso 154 (as indicated generally by arrow E).
[0054] The indexing magnets 182 of the socket 174 are magnetically
attracted to the indexing magnets 186 of the peg 172 to allow the
arm 158 to be rotated and held in one or more predetermined
positions (i.e., indexed). It should be noted that the indexing
magnets 182, 186 could be replaced with corresponding protrusions
and recesses to allow for indexing. Moreover, either set of the
indexing magnets 182, 186 could be replaced with a ferromagnetic
material, so that only a single set of magnets is required to
provide indexing. Still further, one of the end magnets 180, 184
could likewise be replaced with a ferromagnetic material so that
only a single magnet is required to retain the peg 172 in the
socket 174. Additionally, in each of the embodiments of the
magnetic joints of the present invention, the magnets could be
poled (e.g., one set of magnets could correspond to a south
magnetic pole, and another set of magnets could correspond to a
north magnetic pole), so as to further facilitate indexing of the
joined components.
[0055] The magnetic joints of the present invention could be used
to couple figurine components in any desired configuration. For
example, the arm 26 (see FIG. 1) could be formed by coupling the
bicep 26 to the forearm 28 using the joint 50f, and the forearm 28
to the hand 36 using the joint 50g. The arm 26 could then be
coupled to upper torso 14 using the joint 50e. Similarly, the arm
20 could be formed by coupling the bicep 32 to the forearm 34 using
the joint 50c, and the forearm 34 to the hand 36 using the joint
50d. The arm 20 could then be coupled to upper torso 14 using the
joint 50b. The head 12, upper torso 14, and lower torso 16 could be
interconnected using the joints 50a and 50h, respectively. The legs
22 could be formed by coupling the thigh 38 to the shin 40 using
the joint 50m, and the shin 40 could be coupled to the feet 42
using the joint 50n. The leg 22 could then be coupled to the lower
torso 16 using the joint 50l. Similarly, the legs 24 could be
formed by coupling the thigh 44 to the shin 46 using the joint 50j,
and the shin 46 could be coupled to the feet 48 using the joint
50k. The leg 24 could then be coupled to the lower torso 16 using
the joint 50i. Thus, as can be readily appreciated, any desired
combination of components could be interconnected in any desired
fashion using the magnetic joints of the present invention.
Further, any desired combination of the various embodiments of the
magnetic joints of the present invention could be implemented in a
toy figurine.
[0056] Referring now to FIGS. 12a and 12b, a magnetic joint 200
constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention is shown. The joint 200 includes a hemispherical,
ferromagnetic portion 202, a socket 206, and a ring magnet 204
positioned in the socket 206. The ring magnet 204 is mounted in a
recess 216 of a first figurine component 208 (see FIG. 12b). The
ring magnet 204 is glued or otherwise permanently mounted to the
first figurine component 208. The ferromagnetic, hemispherical
portion 202 includes an annular lip 210 (see FIG. 12b) which
facilitates permanent attachment of the ferromagnetic,
hemispherical portion 202 to a second figurine component 212. The
second figurine component 212 is molded about the ferromagnetic,
hemispherical portion 202. Optionally, the ferromagnetic,
hemispherical portion 202 could be glued to the second figurine
component 212. The ring magnet 204 couples the first figurine
component 208 to the second figurine component 212 by means of
magnetic attraction. An aperture 214 of the ring magnet 204
receives a portion of the ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion 202
when the first figurine component 208 is coupled with the second
figurine component 212, so that the ferromagnetic, hemispherical
portion 202 is "seated" within the aperture 214. It should be noted
that some amount of frictional engagement exists between the ring
magnet 204 and the ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion 202. If
additional frictional engagement is desired, the hemispherical
portion 202 could include a surface treatment or a coating, such as
the coating discussed below with respect to FIG. 16.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 13, a magnetic joint 220 constructed in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is
shown. The joint 220 includes a ferromagnetic, hemispherical
portion 222; a socket 226, which includes a magnet 224 having a
recess 232; and an O-ring 230 positioned between the ferromagnetic,
hemispherical portion 222 and the magnet 224. The magnet 224 is
mounted in a recess 227 of a first figurine component 228. The
magnet 224 is glued or otherwise permanently mounted to the first
figurine component 228. The ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion
222 includes an annular lip 236 which facilitates permanent
attachment of the ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion 222 to a
second figurine component 238. The second figurine component 238 is
molded about the ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion 222.
Optionally, the ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion 222 could be
glued to the second figurine component 238. The magnet 224 couples
the first figurine component 228 to the second figurine component
238 by means of magnetic attraction. The recess 232 of the magnet
224 receives a portion of the ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion
222 when the first figurine component 228 is coupled with the
second figurine component 238, so that the ferromagnetic,
hemispherical portion 222 is "seated" in the recess 232. The O-ring
230 is positioned proximal to an annular bevel 234 formed in the
first figurine component 228. The O-ring 230 facilitates frictional
engagement between the first figurine component 228 and the
ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion 222, so that the first
figurine component 228 is retained in a desired position with
respect to the second figurine component 238.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 14, a magnetic joint 240 constructed in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is
shown. The joint 240 includes a ferromagnetic, hemispherical
portion 242; a socket 246, which includes a magnet 244 having a
recess 256 and an annular channel 258; and an O-ring 250 positioned
in the annular channel 258 between the ferromagnetic, hemispherical
portion 242 and the magnet 244. The magnet 244 is mounted in a
recess 249 of a first figurine component 248. The magnet 244 is
glued or otherwise permanently mounted to the first figurine
component 248. The ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion 242
includes an annular lip 252 which facilitates permanent attachment
of the ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion 242 to a second
figurine component 254. The second figurine component 254 is molded
about the ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion 242. Optionally, the
ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion 242 could be glued to the
second figurine component 254. The magnet 244 couples the first
figurine component 248 to the second figurine component 254 by
means of magnetic attraction. The recess 256 of the magnet 244
receives a portion of the ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion 242
when the first figurine component 248 is coupled with the second
figurine component 254, so that the ferromagnetic, hemispherical
portion 242 is "seated" in the recess 256. The O-ring 250
facilitates frictional engagement between the first figurine
component 248 and the ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion 242, so
that the first figurine component 248 is retained in a desired
position with respect to the second figurine component 254.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 15, a magnetic joint 260 constructed in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is
shown. The joint 260 includes a ferromagnetic, hemispherical
portion 262, a flexible socket 264, and a magnet 270 positioned
within the flexible socket 264. The socket 264 could be
manufactured from a suitable, flexible material, such as plastic,
rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and the like. The socket 264 is
mounted in a recess 268 formed in a first figurine component 266
(e.g., by gluing or other suitable means of attachment), and
includes an inner surface 276 which bears against the
ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion 262 to provide frictional
engagement therewith. Such engagement retains the first figurine
component 266 in a desired position with respect to a second
figurine component 274. The magnet 270 magnetically couples the
first figurine component 266 to the second figurine component 274.
The ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion 262 includes an annular
lip 272 which facilitates permanent attachment of the
ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion 262 to the second figurine
component 274. The second figurine component 274 is molded about
the ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion 262. Optionally, the
ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion 262 could be glued to the
second figurine component 274.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 16, a magnetic joint 280 constructed in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is
shown. The joint 280 includes a ferromagnetic, hemispherical
portion 282, a flexible socket 284, a magnet 290 positioned within
the flexible socket 284, and a coating 283 formed on the
ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion 282. Both the coating 283 and
the socket 284 could be manufactured from a suitable, flexible
material, such as plastic, rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and the
like. The socket 284 is mounted in a recess 288 formed in a first
figurine component 286 (e.g., by gluing or other suitable means of
attachment). The magnet 290 magnetically couples the first figurine
component 286 to a second figurine component 294. The
ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion 282 includes an annular lip
292 which facilitates permanent attachment of the ferromagnetic,
hemispherical portion 282 to the second figurine component 294. The
second figurine component 294 is molded about the ferromagnetic,
hemispherical portion 292. Optionally, the ferromagnetic,
hemispherical portion 292 could be glued to the second figurine
component 294. The coating 283 facilitates frictional engagement
with the socket 284, so as to retain the first figurine component
286 in a desired position with respect to the second figurine
component 294.
[0061] Referring now to FIG. 17, a magnetic joint 300 constructed
in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is
shown. The joint 300 includes a ferromagnetic, hemispherical
portion 304 attached to a head 302 of a figurine, an electrical
switch 306 extending through an aperture in the ferromagnetic,
hemispherical portion 304, and a socket 308 attached to a torso 310
and magnetically coupled to the ferromagnetic, hemispherical
portion 304. The head 302 can be removed from the torso 310 by
pulling the head 302 away from the torso 310, as shown by arrow A.
When the head 310 is removed from the torso 310, the switch 306 is
activated, causing the head 302 to light up. Illumination is
facilitated by the circuit 320 shown in FIG. 18, which is
positioned within the head 302. When the switch 306 is activated, a
flasher circuit 324, powered by a battery 312, is activated,
causing the light emitting diode (LED) 326 to flash. The LED 326
could be substituted with any other suitable light source, such as
an incandescent lamp. The flasher circuit 324 could include any
suitable, commercially-available lamp or LED flasher circuit.
Additionally, the switch 306 could be configured to activate any
other circuit, such as a buzzer or sound effects circuit. Moreover,
the circuit 320 could be configured so that both removal and
attachment of the head 302 of FIG. 17 to the torso 310 causes the
LED 326 to flash.
[0062] It should be noted that the joint 300 of FIG. 17 could be
implemented in any desired location of a figurine, such as between
an arm and a torso, a leg and a torso, etc. Additionally, the
switch 306 of FIG. 17 and its associated circuitry shown in FIG. 18
could be implemented using any of the magnetic joints disclosed
herein. Moreover, the hemispherical portion 304 (see FIG. 17) could
include a coating or other surface treatment (such as the coating
283 discussed above with respect to FIG. 16) to provide additional
frictional engagement between the hemispherical portion 304 and the
socket 308 (see FIG. 17). Further, an O-ring or other frictional
engagement means (such as the friction inlays 65a, 65b shown in
FIG. 4a and described above) could be included to provide
additional frictional engagement between the hemispherical portion
304 and the socket 308 of FIG. 17.
[0063] It will be understood that the embodiments described herein
are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make
many variations and/or modifications without departing from the
spirit and scope of the present invention. All such variations and
modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the
present invention.
* * * * *