U.S. patent application number 13/199998 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-29 for toy with releasably engageable conical modules.
Invention is credited to Gary Doskas.
Application Number | 20120302127 13/199998 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47219518 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120302127 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Doskas; Gary |
November 29, 2012 |
Toy with releasably engageable conical modules
Abstract
A toy designed to stimulate multi-dimensional spatial awareness
includes a set of individual modules that can be magnetically
joined together to form a variety of complex structures. Each
module includes a cone and a plurality of magnets coupled to the
cone in an equidistantly spaced apart arrangement. The cone is
preferably a right angle cone that includes a circular base and a
inwardly tapering sidewall that together define an interior cavity
that is externally accessible through the circular base. Six
modules can magnetically joined together in a cube-like structure
with the base circle for each module lying in the plane defined by
a corresponding face of the structure. By providing each module
with unique indicia, such a particular color, pattern, symbol or
alphanumeric marking, the resulting structure can serve as the
foundation for numerous varieties of game-like puzzles.
Inventors: |
Doskas; Gary; (Shrewsbury,
MA) |
Family ID: |
47219518 |
Appl. No.: |
13/199998 |
Filed: |
September 15, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61489773 |
May 25, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
446/92 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2009/1212 20130101;
A63H 33/046 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/92 |
International
Class: |
A63H 33/04 20060101
A63H033/04 |
Claims
1. A toy comprising a plurality of releasably engageable modules,
each module comprising: (a) a cone, the cone having a circular base
and a sidewall that extends out from the circular base, and (b) at
least one magnet coupled to the cone.
2. The toy as claimed in claim 1 wherein the plurality of modules
is adapted to be magnetically joined together in different
configurations to form a variety of distinct structures.
3. The toy as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sidewall for the cone
extends out from the circular base and tapers uniformly inward.
4. The toy as claimed in claim 3 wherein the sidewall uniformly
tapers inward from the circular base and extends at least partially
towards a common point.
5. The toy as claimed in claim 4 wherein the cone is truncated so
as to form an apex-free conical ring.
6. The toy as claimed in claim 4 wherein the sidewall tapers
uniformly inward from the circular base so as to form an apex.
7. The toy as claimed in claim 6 wherein the aperture of the apex
is approximately 90 degrees.
8. The toy as claimed in claim 6 wherein the aperture of the apex
is approximately 60 degrees.
9. The toy as claimed in claim 6 wherein the aperture of the apex
is approximately 36 degrees.
10. The toy as claimed in claim 4 wherein the cone is at least
partially hollowed, the sidewall being shaped to define an interior
cavity that is externally accessible through the circular base.
11. The toy as claimed in claim 1 wherein each module comprises a
plurality of magnets coupled to the sidewall of the cone.
12. The toy as claimed in claim 11 wherein the plurality of magnets
is mounted on the sidewall of the cone.
13. The toy as claimed in claim 12 wherein the plurality of magnets
is embedded within the sidewall of the cone.
14. The toy as claimed in claim 11 wherein the plurality of magnets
is equidistantly arranged on the sidewall of the cone.
15. The toy as claimed in claim 14 wherein the plurality of magnets
is arranged on the sidewall of the cone in alternating
polarity.
16. The toy as claimed in claim 1 wherein designated pairs of the
releasably engageable modules are provided with a unique
marking.
17. The toy as claimed in claim 16 wherein designated pairs of the
releasably engageable modules are similarly uniquely marked at
least partially by color.
18. The toy as claimed in claim 1 wherein the inner surface of the
sidewall for each module is provided with multiple unique
markings.
19. The toy as claimed in claim 18 wherein the multiple unique
markings are equidistantly arranged on the inner surface of the
sidewall in four separate regions.
20. The toy as claimed in claim 19 wherein the unique markings are
from the group consisting of colors, numbers, letters, patterns,
symbols and combinations thereof.
21. The toy as claimed in claim 1 wherein six of the modules are
magnetically joined together in a cube-like structure with the base
circle for each module lying in the plane defined by a
corresponding face of the structure.
22. The toy as claimed in claim 20 wherein each module within the
structure is rotatable about its longitudinal axis.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/489,773, which was filed
on May 25, 2011 in the name of Gary Doskas, the disclosure of which
is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to mental
stimulation devices, such as toys, puzzles, games and the like, and
more particularly to construction and building toys that include a
plurality of individual modules, or building blocks, that can be
arranged in a variety of different configurations.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Construction and building toys are well known in the art and
commonly used by children to stimulate creative design and
multi-dimensional cognition. Construction and building toys (also
referred to in the art simply as construction sets) traditionally
include a plurality of individual standardized modules, or building
blocks, that can be randomly arranged to form models, buildings or
other unique structures.
[0004] The individual modules used in conventional construction
sets are constructed out of a variety of different materials, such
as wood, plastic, metals and composites thereof. In addition, it
should be noted that individual modules are typically constructed
in a variety of different shapes that include, but are not limited
to, blocks, sticks, logs, strips, panels and pyramids.
[0005] Traditional construction sets rely on various means to
temporarily join, or assemble, a plurality of individual modules
together to form a larger structure. Stacking is one basic
connection means that relies principally on gravitational forces to
couple multiple modules together. To facilitate stacking,
construction set modules are often provided with grooves or notches
that fittingly receive at least a portion of other modules and
thereby retain stacked components relatively fixed in place in
relation to one another.
[0006] To strengthen the structural integrity of the model being
designed, certain construction sets rely upon the press-fit or snap
engagement of complementary fasteners to join multiple modules
together. However, it has been found that the use of complementary
fasteners not only complicates the manufacturing process but also
requires a considerable degree of user dexterity that is often
unattainable for younger and/or physically challenged
individuals.
[0007] Accordingly, magnetic-based construction sets are well known
in the art and are commonly used to facilitate and, in fact,
promote the releasable engagement of multiple modules.
Specifically, as opposing magnets on separate modules are disposed
in close proximity to one another, magnetic forces serve to a draw
the modules together with a suitable retentive force, which is
highly desirable.
[0008] As an example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,247,075 to R. V. von Oech,
there is disclosed a set of magnetic building blocks. Each block or
piece in the set is in the shape of a right golden rhombic pyramid
that has magnets embedded in its interior faces. Because the pieces
are able to stick together magnetically, the user can build various
shapes and designs with the blocks.
[0009] Although well known in the art and relatively easy to use,
magnetic building block sets of the type described above have been
found to suffer from a few notable shortcomings.
[0010] As a first drawback, magnetic building block sets of the
type described above utilize individual pyramid-shaped modules that
are solid in construction. As a result, each solid module requires
a relatively significant amount of material, thereby substantially
increasing construction costs, which is highly undesirable. In
addition, the lack of any external indentations or depressions in
its outer surface that could be used for gripping purposes renders
each module relatively difficult to handle.
[0011] As a second drawback, the complex, angular shape of the
individual modules for the magnetic building block sets described
above offer the user little flexibility in repositioning modules
relative to one another when magnetically coupled. For example,
when a 30-sided polyhedron, or rhombic triacontahedron, is formed
using modules of the type disclosed in the '075 patent (as shown in
FIG. 10), the particular fitted arrangement of each module within
the polyhedron precludes manipulation of its orientation. Rather,
the user is only capable of removing and reinserting each module in
the exact same orientation within the polyhedron, thereby limiting
its use, which is highly undesirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide a new
and improved toy with a plurality of individual modules, or
building blocks, that can be randomly arranged in a variety of
different configurations.
[0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
toy as described above that utilizes magnetic coupling means to
join together two or more of the individual modules.
[0014] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a toy as described above wherein each of the individual modules is
designed to facilitate handling.
[0015] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide a toy as described above wherein each of the individual
modules is optimally designed to allow for enhanced manipulative
capabilities when coupled to other modules.
[0016] It is yet still another object of the present invention to
provide a toy as described above which is inexpensive to
manufacture and easy to use.
[0017] Accordingly, as one feature of the present invention, there
is provided a toy comprising a plurality of releasably engageable
modules, each module comprising (a) a cone, the cone having a
circular base and a sidewall that extends out from the circular
base, and (b) at least one magnet coupled to the cone.
[0018] Additional objects, as well as features and advantages, of
the present invention will be set forth in part in the description
which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description or
may be learned by practice of the invention. In the description,
reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part
thereof and in which is shown by way of illustration various
embodiments for practicing the invention. The embodiments will be
described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art
to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other
embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made
without departing from the scope of the invention. The following
detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting
sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by
the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are hereby incorporated
into and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate
various embodiments of the invention and, together with the
description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In
the drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like
parts:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of a
toy with six releasably engageable modules, the toy being
constructed according to the teachings of the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 2(a) is an enlarged, top perspective view of one of the
modules shown in FIG. 1, the embedded magnets being represented in
dashed form;
[0022] FIG. 2(b) is a top view of the module shown in FIG. 2(a),
the embedded magnets being represented in dashed form;
[0023] FIG. 2(c) is a section view of the module shown in FIG.
2(b), taken along lines 2C-2C;
[0024] FIG. 3 is an enlarged bottom perspective view of a structure
that can be formed using a pair of the releasably engageable
modules shown in FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 4 is an enlarged top perspective view of a structure
that can be formed using three of the releasably engageable modules
shown in FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 5 is an enlarged top perspective view of a structure
that can be formed using five of the releasably engageable modules
shown in FIG. 1;
[0027] FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b) are first and second perspective views
of a structure that can be formed using all six of the releasably
engageable modules shown in FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a modified version of
the module shown in FIG. 2(a); and
[0029] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a puzzle-type game that is
implemented using the structure shown in FIG. 6(a).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Toy 11
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a toy with
releasably engageable conical modules, the toy being constructed
according to the teachings of the present invention and identified
generally by reference number 11. As will be described in detail
below, toy 11 is designed as a construction and building toy that
stimulates creative design and multi-dimensional spatial
awareness.
[0031] As defined herein, use of the term "toy" denotes any novelty
item that is used in a recreational manner, such as construction
sets, puzzles, games, display devices, creativity tools, creativity
props, cognitive stimulants and the like.
[0032] Toy 11 (also referred to herein interchangeably as kit 11 or
set 11) includes six individual modules 13-1 thru 13-6 that are
adapted to be releasably joined, or assembled, in a variety of
different configurations to form a multitude of creative
structures. The individual modules 13 are preferably identical in
construction, thereby limiting manufacturing costs, which is highly
desirable.
[0033] As seen most clearly in FIGS. 2(a)-(c), each module 13
comprises a cone 15 and a plurality of magnets 17-1 thru 17-4 that
are permanently coupled to cone 15. As will be described further
below, manipulating separate cones 15 so that opposite polarity
magnets 17 are drawn in close proximity to one another creates a
significant magnetic attraction that joins together the pair of
modules 13.
[0034] Cone 15 is preferably constructed as a unitary member that
is formed from a rigid and durable plastic material using known
injection molding techniques. As can be seen, each cone 15
comprises a circular base, or base circle, 19 and a continuous
sidewall 21 that extends out from base circle 19. Sidewall 21
tapers uniformly inward to form a pointed tip, or apex, 23. As seen
most clearly in FIG. 2(c), base 19, sidewall 21 and apex 23
together define a substantially open interior cavity 25 that is
externally accessible through open base circle 19.
[0035] As defined herein, use of the term "cone" denotes any
element with a circular base and an outer surface that uniformly
tapers inward from the circular base and extends, at least
partially, towards a common apex, or point. As such, use of the
term "cone" herein is meant to encompass hollow nozzle cones,
partially or fully solid cones, and truncated, or apex-free, cones
(i.e., conical rings).
[0036] It should be noted that hollowed interior cavity 25 reduces
the overall amount of material that is required to construct cone
15. In addition, hollowed interior cavity 25 serves as an enlarged
gripping surface that facilitates handling and manipulation of cone
15 and therefore serves as notable feature of the present
invention. However, it is to be understood that cone 15 could be
alternatively constructed as a solid (i.e., without an externally
accessible interior cavity) without departing from the spirit of
the present invention.
[0037] In the present embodiment, cone 15 is a right angle circle
cone. Accordingly, as seen most clearly in FIG. 2(c), the aperture
A (i.e., the interior angle defined by cone 15 at apex 23) is 90
degrees. As a result, the radius R of base circle 19 is 2/2 (or
0.7071) times the length of the generatrix, or slant height, G.
Similarly, the height H of cone 15 is 2/2 (or 0.7071) times the
length of generatrix G. In the preferred embodiment, a slant height
G of 2.0 inches is utilized which, in turn, results a height H and
radius R that is approximately 1.4142 inches.
[0038] It should be noted that each identically constructed cone 15
is not limited to any particular set of dimensions. Rather, it is
to be understood that the relative dimensions of each cone 15 could
be modified without departing from the spirit of the present
invention. However, it has been found that an aperture A of
approximately 90 degrees (and the aforementioned scaling factors
set forth in detail above) is optimal for cone 15 when using set 11
to construct a hexaconical cube-like structure, as will be
described in detail below.
[0039] As seen most clearly in FIG. 2(b), four equidistantly spaced
magnets 17-1 thru 17-4 are coupled to cone 15 and, as referenced
briefly above, serve as means for releasably joining together two
or more modules 13 in set 11. Preferably, magnets 17 are
permanently embedded into sidewall 21 for enhanced safety and
durability purposes. However, it is to be understood that magnets
17 could be alternatively coupled to cone 15 (e.g., by adhesively
mounting magnets 17 to either surface of sidewall 21) without
departing from the spirit of the present invention.
[0040] Magnets 17 are preferably arranged 90 degrees apart from one
another and are located a fixed distance in from both base circle
19 and apex 23. As can be appreciated, the uniform, equidistant
arrangement of magnets 17 facilitates construction of set 11 into a
hexaconical cube-like structure, as will be described further
below.
[0041] Each magnet 17 is represented herein as being in the form of
a flat, 0.25 inch diameter circular magnet. Preferably, magnets 17
are arranged with alternating polarities (i.e., with magnets 17-1
and 17-3 being of a first polarity and magnets 17-2 and 17-4 being
of a second polarity that is the opposite of the first polarity).
However, it is to be understood that the size, shape and polar
arrangement of magnets 17 could be modified without departing from
the spirit of the present invention.
[0042] As noted above, magnets 17 serve as means for releasably
joining together two or more modules 13. For example, as shown in
FIG. 3, there are shown first and second modules 13-1 and 13-2 that
are arranged in a side-by-side relationship with apexes 23-1 and
23-2 and base circles 19-1 and 19-2 in direct contact with one
another. By rotating either of modules 13-1 and 13-2 about its
corresponding longitudinal axis L.sub.A1 and L.sub.A2,
respectively, opposite polarity magnets 17-1 and 17-2 on first and
second modules 13-1 and 13-2, respectively, are eventually drawn
into close proximity to one another. The close proximity of magnets
17-1 and 17-2 creates a tactile magnetic force that suitably joins
modules 13-1 and 13-2, with magnets 17-1 and 17-2 extending within
the linear region of contact established between modules 13-1 and
13-2 (i.e., magnets 17-1 and 17-2 lying along a common generatrix).
Modules 13-1 and 13-2 remain coupled together until a significant
separation force is applied thereto.
[0043] It should be noted that each module 13 is not limited to a
particular number of coupling magnets 17. Rather, it is to be
understood that an alternative number of magnets 17 could be
utilized without departing from the spirit of the present
invention. In particular, it should be noted that additional
magnets 17 could be utilized to (i) increase the magnetic force
established between modules 13 and (ii) enable the user to
construct more complex shapes using kit 11, which is highly
desirable.
[0044] For example, four secondary magnets could be embedded into
sidewall 21, each secondary magnet being positioned along the same
generatrix on which a corresponding primary magnet 17 is situated
(i.e., so that four radial pairs of similar polarity magnets 17 are
embedded in sidewall 21). As another example, four secondary
magnets could be embedded into sidewall 21 at the approximate
midpoint between each adjacent pair of primary magnets 17 (i.e., so
that eight magnets 17 are embedded in sidewall 21 at 45 degree
intervals and are therefore equidistantly spaced apart).
[0045] As noted briefly above, modules 13 are designed to be
releasably joined together in a wide variety of possible
configurations. For example, in FIG. 4, there are shown first and
second downwardly pointing conical modules 13-1 and 13-2 (i.e.,
apex 23 of each module 13 pointing downward) that are magnetically
joined to a third upwardly pointing conical module 13-3 in an
equidistantly spaced apart relationship. Similarly, in FIG. 5,
there are shown first, second, third and fourth downwardly pointing
conical modules 13-1 thru 13-4 that are magnetically joined to a
fifth upwardly pointing conical module 13-5 in an equidistantly
spaced apart relationship. As can be appreciated, the unique
construction of each module 13 allows for a considerable amount of
design flexibility, which is a principal object of the present
invention.
[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b), there is shown a
structure 31 that can be formed using set 11 of six releasably
engageable modules 13-1 thru 13-6 shown in FIG. 1. As can be seen,
by directing the apex 23 of each module 13 inward towards a common
point and, in turn, rotating each module 13 about its longitudinal
axis until each adjacent pair of modules 13 is magnetically
coupled, modules 13 together form a fully magnetically coupled
structure 31. It should be noted that structure 31 has a six-sided
cubical configuration that is referred to herein simply as a
conical hexahedron, or hexaconix.
[0047] Because each module 13 has a circular base 19 and is
symmetrical 360 degrees about its longitudinal axis, individual
modules 13 are capable of rotation about its own longitudinal axis
without removal from hexaconix 31. As noted briefly above, magnetic
coupling of each module 13 within hexaconix 31 can then be achieved
by rotating each module 13 about its longitudinal axis until
magnetic engagement is achieved. When all directly opposing magnets
17 are of opposite polarities, and accordingly, fully engaged,
hexaconix 31 is considered fully magnetically coupled. Accordingly,
it is to be understood that toy 11 relies upon a sense of feel
(i.e., the physical sensation of opposite polarity magnets being
attracted to each other) and three-dimensional spacial awareness
from the user in order to form hexaconix 31 as well as other
similar structures.
[0048] As will be described further in detail below, the unique
properties associated with hexaconix 31 that are directly related
to the construction of each module 13 enable toy 11 to be also used
as a puzzle-type game, which is highly desirable.
Sets with Alternate Numbers of Modules
[0049] As noted briefly above, toy 11 is not limited to any
particular number of modules 13. Rather, it is to be understood
that set 11 may alternatively include a greater or fewer number of
modules 13 without departing from the spirit of the present
invention.
[0050] To enable modified sets of modules 13 to be formed into a
fully magnetically coupled cube-like (or polyhedron-like) base
shape with similar characteristics to hexaconix 31 (i.e., with each
module apex 23 directed inward to a common point), it is to be
understood that the geometric properties of each cone 15 and the
particular number and arrangement of magnets 17 for each module 13
needs to be optimized.
[0051] As an example, set 11 could be modified to include four
modules. In this situation, it is to be understood that each module
in the set would preferably be modified by (i) increasing the
aperture of each cone to approximately 120 degrees, thereby
rendering its base circle radius approximately 2/ 3 (or 0.8165)
times the length of the generatrix, or slant height, and (ii)
reducing the number of magnets to three, with the three magnets
being equidistantly coupled to said cone at 120 degree intervals
(e.g., with two cones having two north pole magnets and one south
pole magnet and the other two cones having two south pole magnets
and one north pole magnet). Based on the aforementioned
construction of each modified module, it is to be understood that a
fully magnetically coupled conical tetrahedron, or tetraconix,
could be created that has characteristics similar to the
characteristics of hexaconix 31.
[0052] As another example, set 11 could be modified to include
eight modules. In this situation, it is to be understood that each
module in the set would preferably be modified by (i) decreasing
the aperture of each cone to approximately 70.529 degrees, thereby
rendering its base circle radius approximately 1/ 3 (or 0.5754)
times the length of the generatrix, or slant height, and (ii)
reducing the number of magnets to three, with the three magnets
being equidistantly coupled to said cone at 120 degree intervals
(e.g., with four cones having two north pole magnets and one south
pole magnet and the other four cones having two south pole magnets
and one north pole magnet). Based on the aforementioned
construction of each modified module, it is to be understood that a
fully magnetically coupled conical octahedron, or octaconix, could
be created that has characteristics similar to the characteristics
of hexaconix 31.
[0053] As another example, set 11 could be modified to include
twelve modules. In one twelve module version, each module in the
set would preferably be modified by (i) decreasing the aperture of
each cone to approximately 63.431 degrees, thereby rendering its
base circle radius approximately (2 tan(3.pi./10))/(3+/ 5), or
0.5257, times the length of the generatrix, or slant height, and
(ii) increasing the number of magnets to five, with the five
magnets being equidistantly coupled to said cone at 72 degree
intervals (e.g., with six cones having three north pole magnets and
two south pole magnet and the other six cones having three south
pole magnets and two north pole magnets). Based on the
aforementioned construction of each modified module, it is to be
understood that a fully magnetically coupled conical dodecahedron,
or dodecaconix, could be created that has characteristics similar
to the characteristics of hexaconix 31. In another twelve module
version, each module in the set would preferably be modified by (i)
decreasing the aperture of each cone to approximately 60 degrees,
thereby rendering its base circle radius approximately 1/2 the
length of the generatrix, or slant height, and (ii) maintaining the
number of magnets at four, with the four magnets being arranged in
alternating polarities and located at the 0 degree, 72 degree, 180
degree and 252 degree positions about each sidewall. Based on the
aforementioned construction of each modified module, it is to be
understood that a fully magnetically coupled conical
predodecahedron, or predodecaconix, could be created that has
characteristics similar to the characteristics of hexaconix 31.
[0054] As another example, set 11 could be modified to include
twenty modules. In this situation, it is to be understood that each
module in the set would preferably be modified by (i) decreasing
the aperture of each cone to approximately 41.808 degrees, thereby
rendering its base circle radius approximately (2 3)(1+/ 5), or
0.3568, times the length of the generatrix, or slant height, and
(ii) reducing the number of magnets to three, with the three
magnets being equidistantly coupled to said cone at 120 degree
intervals (e.g., with ten cones having two north pole magnets and
one south pole magnet and the ten cones having two south pole
magnets and one north pole magnet). Based on the aforementioned
construction of each modified module, it is to be understood that a
fully magnetically coupled conical isosahedron, or isosaconix,
could be created that has characteristics similar to the
characteristics of hexaconix 31.
[0055] As another example, set 11 could be modified to include
thirty modules. In this situation, it is to be understood that each
module in the set would preferably be modified by (i) decreasing
the aperture of each cone to approximately 36 degrees, thereby
rendering its base circle radius approximately 1/(1+/ 5), or
0.3090, times the length of the generatrix, or slant height, and
(ii) maintaining the number of magnets at four, with the four
magnets being arranged in alternating polarities and located at the
0 degree, 63.43 degree, 180 degree and 243.43 degree positions
about each sidewall. Based on the aforementioned construction of
each modified module, it is to be understood that a fully
magnetically coupled conical tricontahedron, or tricontaconix,
could be created that has characteristics similar to the
characteristics of hexaconix 31.
Sets with Alternate Shapes of Modules
[0056] As noted briefly above, each module 13 is not limited to a
particular conical shape. Rather, cone 15 for each module 13 could
be constructed in other conical designs without departing from the
spirit of the present invention.
[0057] For example, referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a top
perspective view of a modified module that is constructed according
to the teachings of the present invention and identified generally
by reference numeral 113. As can be appreciated, module 113 is
similar to module 13 in that module 113 comprises a cone 115 and a
plurality of magnets 17 coupled to cone 115.
[0058] As can be seen, cone 115 is in the form of a truncated
hollow cone, or conical ring, that is preferably constructed from a
rigid and durable plastic material using known injection molding
techniques. Each cone 115 is similar to cone 15 in that each cone
115 comprises a circular base 119 and a continuous sidewall 121
that uniformly tapers inward from base circle 19, base 119 and
sidewall 121 together defining a substantially open interior cavity
125. Cone 115 differs from cone 15 in that sidewall 121 extends
only partially towards a common apex, thereby rendering cone 115
truncated, or apex-free.
[0059] In the present embodiment, eight magnets 17 are embedded or
otherwise secured to cone 115 in an equidistant arrangement (i.e.,
with adjacent magnets 17 spaced 45 degrees apart). However, it is
to be understood that a greater or fewer number of magnets 17 could
be utilized in module 113 without departing from the spirit of the
present invention.
[0060] It should be noted that the use of truncated cone, or
conical ring, 115 provides module 113 with significant ease of
handling. In particular, the absence of an apex on each conical
ring 115 enables modules 113 to be coupled together with less
inter-module interference, thereby providing modules 113 with
greater versatility in creating multiple module structures, which
is highly desirable.
Puzzle-Type Applications for Set 11
[0061] As noted above, the unique conical design of each module 13
enables set 11 to be used to construct a fully magnetically coupled
conical hexahedron, or hexaconix 31. Because each module 13 has a
circular base 19 and is symmetrical 360 degrees about its
longitudinal axis, it is to be understood each individual module 13
is capable of rotation about its longitudinal axis without being
removed from hexaconix 31. Accordingly, in this capacity, each
module 13 can be magnetically engaged or disengaged from the
remainder of hexaconix 31 by rotation about its longitudinal axis.
As a result of its unique properties, hexaconix 31 can serve as the
base structure for numerous varieties of puzzle-type games.
[0062] As an example, the six modules 13 in set 11 are uniquely
marked or otherwise visibly identified as designated pairs. For
instance, each designated pair of modules 13 is preferably
constructed out of a uniquely colored plastic (e.g., two modules
are colored red, two modules are colored yellow and two modules are
colored blue). After the six marked modules 13 are arranged into
hexaconix base structure 31, the user is required to rearrange
modules 13 into a particular fully magnetized pattern (e.g., with
similarly colored modules 13 arranged on opposite faces of
hexaconix 31 so as not to directly touch). Rules may restrict how
modules 13 can be manipulated to render the puzzle solving process
more challenging. For example, it may be required that the user
only separate hexaconix 31 into two separate sections of three
joined modules 13 that must be retained intact during manipulation
(i.e., rotation of the three module section in 120 degree
increments) before subsequent rejoinder.
[0063] As another example, the interior sidewall 21 of each module
13 is preferably provided with a plurality of unique markings, such
as colors, numbers, letters, patterns, symbols or the like. With
modules 13 arranged into hexaconix base structure 31, the user is
required to rearrange modules 13, either individually or in
specified intact groups, so that the unique markings on each module
13 match the closest markings on adjacent modules 13. For instance,
referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown a puzzle-type game 211 that
includes six modules 213-1 thru 213-6 that are arranged into a
conical hexahedron. Each module 213 differs from module 13 in that
the inner surface of sidewall 221 for each module 213 is printed or
otherwise provided with a particular pattern of unique markings.
Specifically, four uniquely identified markings (represented herein
as Roman numeral sections) are provided on the inner surface of
each sidewall 221. In all, twelve different markings are provided
on modules 213, with each marking being used on only two modules
213. As part of the game, the user is required to match all of the
directly adjacent, or facing, markings on neighboring modules
213.
[0064] As another example, sidewall 21 of each module 13 is printed
or otherwise marked with a unique picture or pattern. With modules
13 arranged into hexaconix base structure 31, the user is required
to rearrange modules 13 so that the various patterns on the joined
modules 13 together form a larger identifiable image.
[0065] The embodiments of the present invention described above are
intended to be merely exemplary and those skilled in the art shall
be able to make numerous variations and modifications to it without
departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such
variations and modifications are intended to be within the scope of
the present invention as defined in the appended claims.
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