U.S. patent application number 12/255066 was filed with the patent office on 2009-04-30 for three-dimensional magnetic amusement device.
Invention is credited to Darryl D. Krochak, Jennifer L. Krochak.
Application Number | 20090111351 12/255066 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40583435 |
Filed Date | 2009-04-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090111351 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Krochak; Jennifer L. ; et
al. |
April 30, 2009 |
THREE-DIMENSIONAL MAGNETIC AMUSEMENT DEVICE
Abstract
An amusement device allowing a user to move magnetic members in
three dimensions is presented. The method enables a group of
magnetic members to be attracted and repelled along three
dimensional paths defined by non-magnetic tracks (30). Relative
alignment of the magnetic members to maintain the attractive and
repulsive orientations is achieved by passing the non-magnetic
tracks (30) through the magnetic members. A user manipulates a
group of magnets (40) by interacting with one or more of them. For
example, the user can repel a group of magnets (40) along the
three-dimensional path by pushing only one of the magnets (45) in
the group. The magnetic members can have many different shapes,
colors, sizes, magnetic strengths, and textures. These devices can
be found in the home and in many other settings such as waiting
rooms, daycares, classrooms, and hospitals.
Inventors: |
Krochak; Jennifer L.;
(Edmonton, CA) ; Krochak; Darryl D.; (Edmonton,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JENNIFER L. KROCHAK
903-117 ST.
EDMONTON
AB
T6J 6Z7
CA
|
Family ID: |
40583435 |
Appl. No.: |
12/255066 |
Filed: |
October 21, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61000647 |
Oct 29, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/137 ;
446/485; 446/489 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2003/00649
20130101; A63F 2007/4081 20130101; A63F 2003/00652 20130101; A63F
9/34 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/137 ;
446/489; 446/485 |
International
Class: |
A63H 33/26 20060101
A63H033/26; A63H 33/00 20060101 A63H033/00 |
Claims
1. A method of moving a plurality of magnetic members in as many as
three dimensions utilizing the laws of magnetic attraction and
repulsion comprising: (a) providing a track member which is
sufficiently non-magnetic, (b) providing a plurality of magnetic
members with a hole in each of sufficient size to surround and
permit free movement on said track member, (c) arranging said
magnetic members in predetermined orientations of magnetic
attraction and repulsion, (d) providing said track member passing
through said magnetic members, (e) providing said track member
shaped in as many as three dimensions, whereby a user can move said
plurality of magnetic members according to the laws of magnetic
attraction and repulsion by manipulating one or more of said
magnetic members such that said magnetic members follow the path
defined by said track member.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said track member is made of
aluminum, plastic, copper or other non-magnetic material with a
predetermined cross section.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein said track member forms a
continuous path.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein said track member is constructed
to be self supporting.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein said magnetic members have
predetermined magnetic strengths and predetermined sizes.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein said magnetic members are
decorative figures depicting a particular sport, hobby, shape or
other interest.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the magnetic orientation and
number of said magnetic members can be changed.
8. A device allowing movement of a plurality of magnetic members in
as many as three dimensions utilizing the laws of magnetic
attraction and repulsion comprising: (a) a base member having
sufficient size and material properties to support said device, (b)
a track member or plurality of track members being sufficiently
non-magnetic, (c) a plurality of magnetic members with a hole in
each of sufficient size to surround and permit free movement on
said track member, (d) said track member each of which passes
through its own said magnetic members, (e) said magnetic members
being arranged in predetermined orientations of magnetic attraction
and repulsion, (f) said track member shaped in as many as three
dimensions, (g) said track member having each end attached to said
base member, whereby a user can move said plurality of magnetic
members according to the laws of magnetic attraction and repulsion
by manipulating one or more of said magnetic members such that said
magnetic members follow the path defined by said track member.
9. The device of claim 8 wherein said base member is made of wood,
plastic, metal or other material of sufficient strength, weight,
and durability.
10. The device of claim 8 wherein said track member is made of
aluminum, plastic, copper or other non-magnetic material with a
predetermined cross section.
11. The device of claim 8 wherein said track member is not
permanently attached to said base allowing the user to change the
magnetic orientation and number of said magnetic members.
12. The device of claim 8 wherein said magnetic members have
predetermined magnetic strengths and predetermined sizes.
13. The device of claim 8 wherein said magnetic members are
decorative figures depicting a particular sport, hobby, shape or
other interest.
14. The device of claim 8 wherein said track members are made of
transparent material that transmits light and the device is further
provided with circuitry associated with the power means to
illuminate the light means as required.
15. A device allowing movement of a plurality of magnetic members
in as many as three dimensions utilizing the laws of magnetic
attraction and repulsion comprising: (a) a track member or
plurality of track members being sufficiently non-magnetic, (b) a
plurality of magnetic members with a hole in each of sufficient
size to surround and permit free movement on said track members,
(c) said track members each of which passes through its own group
of said magnetic members, (d) said magnetic members being arranged
in predetermined orientations of magnetic attraction and repulsion,
(e) said track member shaped in as many as three dimensions,
whereby a user can move said plurality of magnetic members
according to the laws of magnetic attraction and repulsion by
manipulating one or more of said magnetic members such that said
magnetic members follow the path defined by said track member.
16. The device of claim 15 wherein said track member is made of
aluminum, plastic, copper or other non-magnetic material with a
predetermined cross section.
17. The device of claim 15 wherein said track member forms a
continuous path.
18. The device of claim 15 wherein said track member is constructed
to be self supporting.
19. The device of claim 15 wherein said magnetic members have
predetermined magnetic strengths and predetermined sizes.
20. The device of claim 15 wherein said magnetic members are
decorative figures depicting a particular sport, hobby, shape or
other interest.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent
application Ser. No. 61/000,647 filed 2007 Oct. 29 by the present
inventors.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not Applicable
SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM
[0003] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] This invention relates to magnetic games, particularly to
the dimensions of movement within them.
[0006] 2. Prior Art
[0007] Current magnetic games are limited in their dimension of
play. To move a magnet using the repelling force of another, the
magnets must be held in relative alignment. If relative alignment
is not maintained, one of the magnets will flip to its preferred
orientation of attraction. To then have a magnet rise, fall, turn
corners, and loop in three dimensions, one must ensure the relative
alignment of the repelling magnetic forces. Some games use a
magnetic piece to repel another piece in just two dimensions such
as U.S. Pat. No. 2,540,216 to Quinby (1951). Others use attraction
methods beneath a two-dimensional game board to guide a magnetic
member around, such as Canadian patent 1070725 to Takashi (1980).
Another game that uses attractive magnetic forces is found in
Canadian patent 681510 to Sire (1964). Some games use both magnetic
attraction and magnetic repulsion such as Canadian patent 690485 to
Schott (1964). In each of these instances the magnetic forces are
used only in two dimensions. Moreover, some games utilize a
magnetic wand that a user manipulates to attract or repel various
other magnets. One such game is found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,132,032 to
Triska (1979). This restricts a person to using only the wand to
manipulate the various other magnets.
[0008] Commonly found wooden bead mazes only use gravity and the
forces that a person applies to the beads to move them around the
course. Some have tried to make these games more interesting or
have assembled them differently. U.S. Pat. No. 6,203,398 B1 to
Wen-Pin Lin (2001) discloses a track forming a continuous loop.
Canadian patent 1300378 to Johnson (1992) uses a malleable track
member so that the course can be changed and its base is made of
suction cups. U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,268 to Klaus (1992) is a
self-supporting structure. But nobody has used magnetic forces with
a three-dimensional game.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
[0009] Other magnetic games are limited to being played in two
dimensions. With the presented method, all three dimensions can be
easily achieved. The magnets rise, fall, turn corners, and loop
around on the track according to the laws of gravity and magnetic
attraction and repulsion. The trailing magnet must stay in relative
alignment with the magnet that it is repelling in order to achieve
relative orientation of the magnetic forces. By making the magnets
annular to a non-magnetic track, the direction of their travel is
limited only by the design of the track. Moreover, in this method
the user is not limited to having to use the same one magnet to
repel the others. Different magnets on the apparatus can be used to
repel another magnet or groups of magnets around on the track. This
is quite different from the games where the user can only use a
magnetic wand to interact with the magnets.
[0010] The current embodiment of the invention is quite different
from a common bead maze. The wooden bead mazes only use gravity and
the force that a person applies to the beads to move them around
their course. By utilizing annular magnets on a non-magnetic track,
the user of our device can utilize magnetic forces to achieve
movement. This changes the entire feel of how one moves the various
magnets around the non-magnetic tracks. This device adds a novel,
and fun component that will surely delight children.
[0011] There are other objects and advantages of the preferred
embodiment. It is very easy to use and even very young children who
do not know anything about magnets can manipulate the magnets
around. Moreover, the device is very educational as it will teach
its users about magnetic forces, help with color recognition, help
develop hand-eye coordination and help contribute to language
skills. Many will be drawn to its shiny and durable aluminum tracks
as well as its various bright colors. This device should have no
trouble making its way onto the market place. It would be the
perfect waiting room toy, as well as a suitable device for various
daycares, schools, and family homes. It could easily be used as a
rehabilitation device in hospitals to help patients regain or
improve their fine motor skills. Furthermore, it could be used as a
teaching tool to demonstrate magnetic forces in the classroom. It
will appeal to a larger age range than a typical bead maze would,
as its magnetic component will surely hold the attention of older
children much longer. It will also appeal to younger children who
will be able to experience the feel of magnetic forces in three
dimensions. The fact that it does not require batteries and is not
gender-specific increases its appeal even more. Further objects and
advantages of our invention will become apparent from a
consideration of the drawings and ensuing descriptions.
SUMMARY
[0012] This method enables magnetic members to be attracted and
repelled in three dimensions. It is the design of the track that
determines where the magnetic members can go. By making the
non-magnetic tracks pass through a series of magnetic members one
is able to move the magnetic members in any direction that the
track allows. This method keeps the magnetic members in the proper
alignment for the laws of attraction and repulsion to work.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an
apparatus according to the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is an exploded assembly view of a portion of a track
on the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a track
illustrating its attachment to the base of the apparatus
illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
an apparatus according to the present invention utilizing a track
with a continuous path.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
an apparatus according to the present invention utilizing a self
supporting track.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a fragmentary schematic view of an alternate
embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention,
incorporating lights.
DRAWINGS--REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0019] 10 complete device [0020] 20 base [0021] 30 non-magnetic
track [0022] 40 group of magnets [0023] 45 magnet [0024] 50 hex nut
[0025] 60T top flat washer [0026] 60B bottom flat washer [0027] 70
hex jam nut [0028] 80 top cap [0029] 90 bottom cap [0030] 100
threaded portion of non-magnetic track [0031] 110 through-hole
[0032] 120 top countersunk hole [0033] 130 bottom countersunk hole
[0034] 140 tubular non-magnetic track member [0035] 150 light
member [0036] 160 light circuitry [0037] 170 power circuit [0038]
180 track support beam
DETAILED DESCRIPTION--FIGS. 1, 2 AND 3--PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0039] The present invention will now be described with reference
to the included drawings. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a
preferred embodiment of the complete device 10. It sits on base 20.
Tracks 30 are fastened to base 20. The tracks 30 hold groups of
magnets 40. Base 20 is made of 19 mm thick MDF board that is
painted and has its corners rounded and sanded for safer use.
Tracks 30 are made of 6 mm diameter aluminum rod and are bent into
the desired shape with a pipe bender and jigged fixture. The
magnets 45 are painted ceramic ring magnets with a 9.5 mm inner
diameter, 29 mm outer diameter and 6 mm thickness. The magnets 45
are also sprayed with a protective clear coat to add shine and
prevent the paint from chipping.
[0040] FIG. 2 is an exploded assembly detail of a portion of
non-magnetic track 30. The group of magnets 40 is slid onto track
30 followed by top cap 80. Hex jam nut 70 is installed on the
threaded portion of track 100. Top flat washer 60T is placed
against jam nut 70 and this arrangement is inserted into
through-hole 110 (FIG. 3).
[0041] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a track
illustrating flat washer 60T and jam nut 70 resting in top
countersunk hole 120. Threaded portion of non-magnetic track 100 is
installed in through-hole 110. Bottom flat washer 60B and hex nut
50 are installed on the lower threaded portion of non-magnetic
track 100. Hex nut 50 is adequately torqued to secure track 30 to
base 20. Bottom flat washer 60B and hex nut 50 rest in bottom
countersunk hole 130. Top cap 80 is inserted into top countersunk
hole 120 and bottom cap 90 is inserted into bottom countersunk hole
130. This process is repeated to secure all ends of tracks 30 to
base 20. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the threaded
portion of non-magnetic track 100 is threaded with a 6 mm
thread.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION--FIGS. 4, 5 AND 6--ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS
[0042] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a complete device 10
utilizing non-magnetic track 30 forming a continuous path. The
group of magnets 40 is held on track 30 since it forms a continuous
loop. The continuous loop can be temporarily opened to allow a
magnet 45 to be added or removed, or the group of magnets 40 to be
reconfigured by the user.
[0043] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a complete device 10
utilizing non-magnetic track 30 that is a self-supporting
structure. Magnet 45 is installed on track 30. Group of magnets 40
is installed on track 30 before attaching track support beam 180.
Group of magnets 40 is held on track 30 by track support beam 180.
Track support beam 180 is attached to track 30 using commonly know
welding methods.
[0044] FIG. 6 is a fragmentary schematic view of an alternate
embodiment of an apparatus utilizing lights 150. A tubular
non-magnetic member 140 is used to form non-magnetic track 30.
Tubular non-magnetic member 140 is preferably a clear or
translucent material that receives multiple light members 150 and
appropriate control circuitry 160. Tubular non-magnetic member 140
is made of a rigid plastic or other non-magnetic material with
adequate strength. Power circuitry 170 and control circuitry 160
illuminate light members 150 and create an additional feature of
the game.
Operation of the Preferred Embodiment--FIG. 1
[0045] The invention can be utilized in many ways. The user pushes
various groups of magnets 40 around the non-magnetic tracks 30.
Magnetic forces of repulsion enable the user to push one magnet 45
or groups of magnets 40 in such a way that they repel another
magnet 45 or groups of magnets 40. Children are fascinated by the
way in which these magnets move without being touched. Similarly,
some magnets 40 are arranged to be attracted to one another. These
too can be pushed around in groups. Moreover, a user may pull apart
magnets 40 that are arranged to be attracted to one another. The
user can then either by hand or by the use of a repelling magnet
45, force them into such close proximity that the attractive
magnetic force draws them together again. Users can also spin and
bounce the magnets 40 on the track 30. Additionally, magnets 40 on
one track 30 may interact with magnets 40 on a different track 30
as they pass close by one another.
Additional Embodiments
[0046] The specific description given above merely provides an
illustration of the presently preferred embodiment of the
invention. It should not be construed as limiting the scope of the
invention. For example, the tracks can be made of other
non-magnetic materials such as copper, silver or plastic and are
therefore not solely restricted to aluminum. Moreover, each track's
length and diameter may be larger or smaller and the tracks may be
formed into various shapes. There are other means that could be
used in the process of bending the tracks such as heating the
material or using various systems of rollers. The tracks themselves
could be made from a mold. The manner in which the tracks are
fastened to the base may also be different. For example, adhesives
could be used inside the base or clips could be used to retain the
ends of the tracks. The preferred embodiment illustrates permanent
fastening of the tracks to the base. In an alternative embodiment,
a fastening method that allows the user to add, remove, or
re-arrange the magnet configurations could be used. Moreover the
device could be a continuous or non-continuous track that the user
holds. If it were open at one or both ends it would be easy for the
user to change the number of magnets on the track and their
orientations. This would be an excellent teaching tool. The track
could also be self supporting. The magnets themselves could have
many different characteristics such as color, shape, magnetic
strength, texture, and size. The number of magnets used on each of
the tracks and the arrangement of their attractive and repulsive
nature has endless combinations. Various materials could be used to
make the apparatus. For example, the base may be made of plastic,
various kinds of woods, or any other suitable material. The magnets
themselves could be painted or plastic coated. The tracks could be
polished, sealed or anodized to offer further protection. Thus the
scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims
and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.
* * * * *