U.S. patent application number 13/839449 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for magnetic juggling apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is GREG KENNEDY. Invention is credited to GREG KENNEDY.
Application Number | 20140274492 13/839449 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51529653 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140274492 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KENNEDY; GREG |
September 18, 2014 |
MAGNETIC JUGGLING APPARATUS
Abstract
At least one embodiment of the invention describes a magnetic
juggling apparatus that includes at least a first juggling
structure and a second juggling structure, wherein each juggling
structure has a front face, a back face, four or more non-magnetic
sides, four or more rounded corners between each of the four or
more non-magnetic sides respectively, a hollow opening and four or
more magnetic sources of an even number. The magnetic juggling
apparatus allows a user to manipulate the first juggling structure
or the second juggling structure, or the first juggling structure
and the second juggling structure simultaneously to re-arrange a
first magnetic pattern or a second magnetic pattern through
acceptance of at least one action from the group consisting of a
rotational action, a pushing action, a pulling action and a sliding
action.
Inventors: |
KENNEDY; GREG;
(Philadelphia, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KENNEDY; GREG |
Philadelphia |
PA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51529653 |
Appl. No.: |
13/839449 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/514 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 67/08 20130101;
A63B 2209/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/514 |
International
Class: |
A63B 67/08 20060101
A63B067/08 |
Claims
1. A magnetic juggling apparatus comprising: at least a first
juggling structure and a second juggling structure; wherein each of
said at least a first juggling structure and a second juggling
structure comprise a front face and a back face; four or more
non-magnetic sides and four or more rounded corners between each of
said four or more non-magnetic sides respectively; and four or more
magnetic sources each of which is embedded within a respective one
of said four or more non-magnetic sides on said front face and said
back face, and proximal to each of said four or more rounded
corners on each of said at least a first juggling structure and a
second juggling structure; wherein each of said four of more
non-magnetic sides, said four or more rounded corners, and said
four or more magnetic sources comprise an even number; each of said
four or more magnetic sources comprises a north pole and a south
pole of opposite polarity pointed in a direction orthogonal to a
length of each of said four or more non-magnetic sides
respectively, such that each of said front face and said back face
comprises two or more north poles and two or more south poles; each
of said north poles or said south poles point in an outward
direction towards said front face or said back face, and the other
of said north poles or said south poles point in an outward
direction towards the other of said front face or said back face;
each rounded corner of said four or more rounded corners on each of
said first structure and said second juggling structure comprises
an opposite polarity with respect to an adjacent rounded corner; at
least one magnetic source of said four or more magnetic sources
within said first juggling structure is configured to couple to at
least one magnetic source of said four or more magnetic sources on
said second juggling structure to form a single unit with a first
magnetic pattern, a first shape and a first orientation; and said
first juggling structure or said second juggling structure is
configured to be manipulated by a user to form at least one second
magnetic pattern, at least one second shape and at least one second
orientation, or wherein said first juggling structure and said
second juggling structure are simultaneously manipulated to form at
least one second magnetic pattern, at least one second shape and at
least one second orientation; wherein said at least one second
shape or said at least one second orientation is different than
said first shape or said first orientation; and, wherein said at
least one second shape and said at least one second orientation are
formed without decoupling said first juggling structure from said
second juggling structure.
2. The magnetic juggling apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said
at least a first juggling structure and second juggling structures
further comprise: a first hollow opening inside said first juggling
structure; and a second hollow opening in said second juggling
structure.
3. The magnetic juggling apparatus of claim 2, wherein said first
hollow opening inside said first juggling structure comprises a
hollow opening of a same shape as said first juggling
structure.
4. The magnetic juggling apparatus of claim 3, wherein said second
hollow opening inside said second juggling structure comprises a
hollow opening of a same shape as said second juggling
structure.
5. The magnetic juggling apparatus of claim 2, wherein said
magnetic juggling apparatus is configured to allow said user to
hold said first juggling structure with one hand placed inside said
first hollow opening, and hold said second juggling structure with
a second hand placed inside said second hollow opening,
simultaneously.
6. The magnetic juggling apparatus of claim 1, wherein said
magnetic juggling apparatus is configured to allow said user to
manipulate said first juggling structure or said second juggling
structure, or said first juggling structure and said second
juggling structure simultaneously and is further configured to
enable said user to re-arrange said first magnetic pattern or said
second magnetic pattern through acceptance of at least one action
from the group consisting of a rotational action, a pushing action,
a pulling action and a sliding action.
7. The magnetic juggling apparatus of claim 6, wherein said at
least one action comprises a sliding action such that any of said
four or more non-magnetic sides on said first juggling structure
are configured to slide on any of said four or more non-magnetic
sides of said second juggling structure, wherein said north pole on
one of said four or more magnetic sources of said first juggling
structure couples with said south pole on one of said four or more
magnetic sources of said second juggling structure.
8. The magnetic juggling apparatus of claim 6, wherein said at
least one action comprises a pushing action such that said magnetic
juggling apparatus is configured to allow said user to push any of
said four or more non-magnetic sides of said first juggling
structure towards any of said four or more non-magnetic sides of
said second juggling structure, wherein said north pole on one of
said four or more magnetic sources of said first juggling structure
couples with said south pole on one of said four or more magnetic
sources of said second juggling structure.
9. The magnetic juggling apparatus of claim 6, wherein said at
least one action comprises a pulling action such that said magnetic
juggling apparatus is configured to allow said user to pull any of
said four or more non-magnetic sides of said first juggling
structure away from any of said four or more non-magnetic sides of
said second juggling structure, wherein said north pole on one of
said four or more magnetic sources of said first juggling structure
couples with said south pole on one of said four or more magnetic
sources of said second juggling structure.
10. The magnetic juggling apparatus of claim 6, wherein said at
least one action comprises a rotational action such that said
magnetic juggling apparatus is configured to allow said user to
rotate any of said four or more non-magnetic sides of said first
juggling structure towards any of said four or more non-magnetic
sides of said second juggling structure, wherein said north pole on
one of said four or more magnetic sources of said first juggling
structure couples with said south pole on one of said four or more
magnetic sources of said second juggling structure.
11. The magnetic juggling apparatus of claim 6, wherein said at
least one action comprises a rotational action such that said
magnetic juggling apparatus is configured to allow said user to
rotate any of said four or more non-magnetic sides of said first
juggling structure away from any of said four or more non-magnetic
sides of said second juggling structure, wherein said north pole on
one of said four or more magnetic sources of said first juggling
structure couples with said south pole on one of said four or more
magnetic sources of said second juggling structure.
12. The magnetic juggling apparatus of claim 1, wherein said
magnetic juggling apparatus comprising said four or more rounded
corners and said north and south poles of opposite polarity
pointing in outward directions, are configured to allow said user
to rotate said first juggling structure and said second juggling
structure 180 degrees around at least one rounded corner of said
four or more rounded corners, wherein said at least one rounded
corner maintains a coupling magnetic force between said first
juggling structure and said second juggling structure throughout
the rotation.
13. The magnetic juggling apparatus of claim 1, wherein said four
or more magnetic sources on each of said at least a first juggling
structure and a second juggling structure comprise ferromagnetic
sources.
14. The magnetic juggling apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at
least one magnetic source of said four or more magnetic sources on
said first juggling structure is configured to couple to said at
least one magnetic source of said four or more magnetic sources on
said second juggling structure in a stacked configuration.
15. The magnetic juggling apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of
said four or more magnetic sources comprises a first magnet and a
second magnet placed in parallel comprising said north pole and
said south pole, wherein said first magnet is placed on said front
face, and said second magnet is placed on said back face.
16. The magnetic juggling apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of
said four or more magnetic sources comprises one magnetic bar with
a first end and a second end comprising said north pole and said
south pole, wherein said first end comprises said north pole placed
on said front face or said back face, and said second end comprises
the other of said north pole or said south pole placed on the other
of said front face or said back face.
17. The magnetic juggling apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of
said four or more magnetic sources are offset from said front face
and said back face by a first predetermined distance, and are
respectively offset from each of said four or more rounded corners
by a second predetermined distance, configured to enable said user
to control a magnetic force between each of said four of more
magnetic sources.
18. The magnetic juggling apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of
said four or more magnetic sources are offset from each of said
four or more rounded corners by a predetermined distance and
wherein each of said four or more magnetic sources are also offset
from two of said four or more non-magnetic sides by a minimal
distance of said predetermined distance.
19. A magnetic juggling apparatus comprising: at least a first
juggling structure and a second juggling structure; wherein each of
said at least a first juggling structure and a second juggling
structure comprise a front face and a back face; four or more
non-magnetic sides and four or more rounded corners between each of
said four or more non-magnetic sides respectively; and four or more
magnetic sources each of which is embedded within a respective one
of said four or more non-magnetic sides on said front face and said
back face, and proximal to each of said four or more rounded
corners on each of said at least a first juggling structure and a
second juggling structure; wherein each of said four of more
non-magnetic sides, said four or more rounded corners, and said
four or more magnetic sources comprise an even number; each of said
four or more magnetic sources comprises a north pole and a south
pole of opposite polarity pointed in a direction orthogonal to a
length of each of said four or more non-magnetic sides
respectively, such that each of said front face and said back face
comprises two or more north poles and two or more south poles; each
of said north poles or said south poles point in an outward
direction towards said front face or said back face, and the other
of said north poles or said south poles point in an outward
direction towards the other of said front face or said back face;
each rounded corner of said four or more rounded corners on each of
said first structure and said second juggling structure comprises
an opposite polarity with respect to an adjacent rounded corner; at
least one magnetic source of said four or more magnetic sources
within said first juggling structure is configured to couple to at
least one magnetic source of said four or more magnetic sources on
said second juggling structure to form a single unit with a first
magnetic pattern, a first shape and a first orientation; and said
first juggling structure or said second juggling structure is
configured to be manipulated by a user to form at least one second
magnetic pattern, at least one second shape and at least one second
orientation, or wherein said first juggling structure and said
second juggling structure are simultaneously manipulated to form at
least one second magnetic pattern, at least one second shape and at
least one second orientation; wherein said at least one second
shape or said at least one second orientation is different than
said first shape or said first orientation; wherein said at least
one second shape and said at least one second orientation are
formed without decoupling said first juggling structure from said
second juggling structure, wherein said magnetic juggling apparatus
is configured to allow said user to manipulate said first juggling
structure or said second juggling structure, or said first juggling
structure and said second juggling structure simultaneously and is
further configured to enable said user to re-arrange said first
magnetic pattern or said second magnetic pattern through acceptance
of at least one action from the group consisting of a rotational
action, a pushing action, a pulling action and a sliding action,
wherein said magnetic juggling apparatus comprising said four or
more rounded corners and said north and south poles of opposite
polarity pointing in outward directions, are configured to allow
said user to rotate said first juggling structure and said second
juggling structure 180 degrees around at least one rounded corner
of said four or more rounded corners, wherein said at least one
rounded corner maintains a coupling magnetic force between said
first juggling structure and said second juggling structure
throughout the rotation.
20. A magnetic juggling apparatus comprising: at least a first
juggling structure and a second juggling structure; wherein each of
said at least a first juggling structure and a second juggling
structure comprise a front face and a back face; four or more
non-magnetic sides and four or more rounded corners between each of
said four or more non-magnetic sides respectively; and four or more
magnetic sources each of which is embedded within a respective one
of said four or more non-magnetic sides on said front face and said
back face, and proximal to each of said four or more rounded
corners on each of said at least a first juggling structure and a
second juggling structure; wherein each of said four of more
non-magnetic sides, said four or more rounded corners, and said
four or more magnetic sources comprise an even number; each of said
four or more magnetic sources comprises a north pole and a south
pole of opposite polarity pointed in a direction orthogonal to a
length of each of said four or more non-magnetic sides
respectively, such that each of said front face and said back face
comprises two or more north poles and two or more south poles; each
of said north poles or said south poles point in an outward
direction towards said front face or said back face, and the other
of said north poles or said south poles point in an outward
direction towards the other of said front face or said back face;
each rounded corner of said four or more rounded corners on each of
said first structure and said second juggling structure comprises
an opposite polarity with respect to an adjacent rounded corner; at
least one magnetic source of said four or more magnetic sources
within said first juggling structure is configured to couple to at
least one magnetic source of said four or more magnetic sources on
said second juggling structure to form a single unit with a first
magnetic pattern, a first shape and a first orientation; and said
first juggling structure or said second juggling structure is
configured to be manipulated by a user to form at least one second
magnetic pattern, at least one second shape and at least one second
orientation, or wherein said first juggling structure and said
second juggling structure are simultaneously manipulated to form at
least one second magnetic pattern, at least one second shape and at
least one second orientation; wherein said at least one second
shape or said at least one second orientation is different than
said first shape or said first orientation; wherein said at least
one second shape and said at least one second orientation are
formed without decoupling said first juggling structure from said
second juggling structure, wherein said magnetic juggling apparatus
is configured to allow said user to manipulate said first juggling
structure or said second juggling structure, or said first juggling
structure and said second juggling structure simultaneously and is
further configured to enable said user to re-arrange said first
magnetic pattern or said second magnetic pattern through acceptance
of at least one action from the group consisting of a rotational
action, a pushing action, a pulling action and a sliding action,
wherein said magnetic juggling apparatus comprising said four or
more rounded corners and said north and south poles of opposite
polarity pointing in outward directions, are configured to allow
said user to rotate said first juggling structure and said second
juggling structure 180 degrees around at least one rounded corner
of said four or more rounded corners, wherein said at least one
rounded corner maintains a coupling magnetic force between said
first juggling structure and said second juggling structure
throughout the rotation, wherein each of said four or more magnetic
sources are offset from said front face and said back face by a
first predetermined distance, and are respectively offset from each
of said four or more rounded corners by a second predetermined
distance, configured to enable said user to control a magnetic
force between each of said four of more magnetic sources, and
wherein each of said four or more magnetic sources are offset from
each of said four or more rounded corners by a third predetermined
distance and wherein each of said four or more magnetic sources are
also offset from two of said four or more non-magnetic sides by a
minimal distance of said third predetermined distance.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] One or more embodiments of the invention are related to the
field of juggling, specifically magnetic juggling structures. More
particularly, but not by way of limitation, one or more embodiments
of the invention enable a user to simultaneously manipulate two or
more magnetic juggling structures to form one or more magnetic
patterns, shapes and orientations.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Generally, juggling involves the use of an array of
different objects and manipulation techniques and is performed in
sports, recreational use, and/or various forms of entertainment.
Manipulation techniques allow a user to manipulate one object or
several objects simultaneously. The most common objects currently
used for juggling include balls, rings, clubs, devil sticks, cigar
boxes, diabolos and many others.
[0005] Many different juggling objects have been used in
combination with a user's manipulation skills to display different
patterns, configurations and tricks. Most of the currently used
juggling objects, for example, vary based on shape, size, color,
material, structure, assembly and disassembly. Often used juggling
objects, however, are not generally differentiated or used based on
the inner structure and inner assembly of the object. In addition,
it is generally known that manipulation techniques of the various
juggling objects to obtain various patterns, shapes and
configurations are based on a user's skills and dexterity in
combination with gravitational force.
[0006] Most often, the juggling objects are tossed in the air and
caught, in order to form various patterns and configurations.
[0007] There are no known juggling objects that utilize magnetic
sources embedded within the juggling objects, such that a user is
able to manipulate two magnetic objects and display different
patterns, shapes, configurations and orientations based on magnetic
force. In addition, there are no known magnetic juggling objects
that are used to form various patterns, shapes, configurations and
orientations using at least two magnetic juggling objects that
remain connected and coupled throughout the entire manipulation
process.
[0008] For at least the limitations described above there are no
known magnetic juggling apparatus configured to enable a user to
manipulate at least two juggling objects or structures using
magnetic sources and magnetic coupling forces.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] One or more embodiments described in the specification are
related to magnetic juggling apparatuses that include at least a
first juggling structure and a second juggling structure, each
containing a front face, a back face, four or more non-magnetic
sides and four or more rounded corners between each of the four or
more non-magnetic sides respectively. In one or more embodiments,
each juggling apparatus contains four or more magnetic sources
embedded within a respective one of the four or more non-magnetic
sides, for example near the corners and on or near the front face
and the back face. In each juggling apparatus, the four or more
magnetic sources are of an even number, each located proximal to
each of the four or more rounded corners respectively. The four or
more magnetic sources on each juggling apparatus may comprise
ferromagnetic sources.
[0010] Embodiments of the invention may be implemented with each of
the four or more magnetic sources having a north pole and a south
pole of opposite polarity pointed in a direction orthogonal to a
length of each of the four or more non-magnetic sides respectively.
This enables each of the front face and the back face of each
juggling structure to contain two north poles and two south poles.
In one or more embodiments, the north poles or south poles point in
an outward direction towards the front face or the back face, and
the other of the north poles or south poles point in an outward
direction towards the other of the front face or back face on each
juggling structure.
[0011] According to at lest one embodiment of the invention, the
four or more magnetic sources comprise a first magnet and a second
magnet, with a north pole and a south pole, placed in parallel,
such that the first magnet is placed on the front face, and the
second magnet is placed on the back face, for example aligned north
to south and north to south in series.
[0012] According to at least one embodiment of the invention, each
of the four or more magnetic sources contain one magnetic bar with
a first end and a second end, containing the north pole and the
south pole, such that the first end comprises the north pole placed
on the front face or the back face, and the second end comprises
the other of the north pole or the south pole placed on the other
of the front face or the back face.
[0013] Furthermore, in at least one embodiment of the invention,
each rounded corner of the four or more rounded corners on each
juggling structure constitute an opposite polarity with respect to
an adjacent rounded corner. According to one or more embodiments,
the north and south poles of opposite polarity pointing in outward
directions allow the user to rotate the first juggling structure
and the second juggling structure 180 degrees (or any multiple
thereof) with respect to one another around at least one rounded
corner of said four or more rounded corners, wherein said at least
one rounded corner maintains a coupling magnetic force between the
first juggling structure and the second juggling structure
throughout the rotation.
[0014] One or more embodiments described herein allow at least one
magnetic source of the four or more magnetic sources within a first
juggling structure to couple to at least one magnetic source of the
four or more magnetic sources on a second juggling structure in
order to form a single unit with a first magnetic pattern, a first
shape and a first orientation. In one example in at least one
embodiment, at least one magnetic source of the four or more
magnetic sources on the first juggling structure couples to at
least one magnetic source of the four or more magnetic sources on
the second juggling structure in a stacked configuration.
[0015] By way of one or more embodiments of the invention, a user
is able to manipulate a first juggling structure or a second
juggling structure to form at least one second magnetic pattern, at
least one second shape and at least one second orientation, or
wherein the first juggling structure and the second juggling
structure are simultaneously manipulated to form at least one
second magnetic pattern, at least one second shape and at least one
second orientation. With such user manipulations, the at least one
second shape or the at least one second orientation is different
than the first shape or the first orientation, and the at least one
second shape and the at least one second orientation are formed
without decoupling the first juggling structure from the second
juggling structure. Users may for example manipulate the structures
to form a pattern, and grab the structures for example at a
different location and manipulate the structures into a different
pattern, albeit in a different pattern.
[0016] According to one or more embodiments, each of the first
juggling structure and the second juggling structure have a hollow
opening inside of the same shape, and of the same shape as the
first and second juggling structures. This enables the user to hold
the first juggling structure with one hand placed inside the hollow
opening of the first juggling structure, and hold the second
juggling structure with a second hand placed inside the hollow
opening of the second juggling structure, simultaneously. With such
placements, the user is able to manipulate the first and second
juggling structures in various configurations, patterns and shapes
using the magnetic sources embedded within the non-magnetic sides.
Manipulation of the first and second juggling structures, as
disclosed in embodiments of the invention, allows the user to
re-arrange a first magnetic pattern of the first juggling structure
or a second magnetic pattern of the second juggling structure
through acceptance of at least one action from the group consisting
of, but not limited to, a rotational action, a pushing action, a
pulling action and a sliding action.
[0017] In at least one or more embodiments, the sliding action is
an action performed such that any of the four or more non-magnetic
sides on the first juggling structure are configured to slide on
any of the four or more non-magnetic sides of the second juggling
structure. With such manipulation, the north pole on one of the
four or four magnetic sources of the first juggling structure
couples with the south pole on one of the four or more magnetic
sources of the second juggling structure.
[0018] In one or more embodiments, the pushing action is an action
performed such that the user is able to push any of the four or
more non-magnetic sides of the first juggling structure towards any
of said four or more non-magnetic sides of the second juggling
structure. With such manipulation, the north pole on one of the
four or four magnetic sources of the first juggling structure
couples with the south pole on one of the four or more magnetic
sources of the second juggling structure.
[0019] In one or more embodiments, the pulling action is an action
performed such that the user is able to pull any of the four or
more non-magnetic sides of the first juggling structure away from
any of the four or more non-magnetic sides of the second juggling
structure. With such manipulation, the north pole on one of the
four or four magnetic sources of the first juggling structure
couples with the south pole on one of the four or more magnetic
sources of the second juggling structure.
[0020] In one or more embodiments, the rotational action is an
action performed such that the user is able to at least one of
rotate any of the four or more non-magnetic sides of the first
juggling structure 180 degrees or any multiple thereof towards any
of the four or more non-magnetic sides of the second juggling
structure and rotate any of the four or more magnetic sources of
the first juggling structure away from any of the four or more
non-magnetic sides of the second juggling structure. With such
manipulations, the north pole on one of the four or more magnetic
sources of the first juggling structure couples with the south pole
on one of the four or more magnetic sources of said second juggling
structure.
[0021] According to at least one embodiment of the invention, each
of the four or more magnetic sources are offset from the front face
and the back face by a predetermined distance, and are respectively
offset from each of the four or more rounded corners by a second
predetermined distance. This enables the user to control a magnetic
force between each of the four of more magnetic sources.
Furthermore, embodiments of the invention disclose wherein each of
the four or more magnetic sources are offset from each of the four
or more rounded corners by a predetermined distance, and each of
the four or more magnetic sources are also offset from two of the
four or more non-magnetic sides by a minimal distance of said
predetermined distance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the
invention will be more apparent from the following more particular
description thereof, presented in conjunction with the following
drawings wherein:
[0023] FIG. 1 shows a schematic overall diagram of the magnetic
juggling apparatus and inventive system according to one or more
embodiments of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 2 shows a structural diagram of the magnetic juggling
apparatus according to one or more embodiments of the
invention.
[0025] FIG. 3A shows a side-view of the magnetic juggling apparatus
with magnetic sources according to one or more embodiments of the
invention.
[0026] FIG. 3B shows a side-view of the magnetic juggling apparatus
with magnetic sources according to another one or more embodiments
of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 4A shows a close-up of one of the magnetic sources
embedded in one rounded corner of the four or more rounded corners
in a concentric manner according to at least one embodiment of the
invention.
[0028] FIG. 4B shows a close-up of one of the magnetic sources
embedded in a rounded corner in a non-concentric manner.
[0029] FIG. 4C shows a close-up of one of the concentric magnetic
sources embedded in a rounded corner according to at least one
embodiment of the invention with a non-circular shape.
[0030] FIG. 5 shown a close-up of one of the magnetic sources in a
rounded corner with two unit pieces of the magnetic juggling
structure according to at least one embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] A magnetic juggling apparatus with at least two or more
juggling structures for manipulation by a user will now be
described. In the following exemplary description numerous specific
details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough
understanding of embodiments of the invention. It will be apparent,
however, to an artisan of ordinary skill that the present invention
may be practiced without incorporating all aspects of the specific
details described herein. In other instances, specific features,
quantities, or measurements well known to those of ordinary skill
in the art have not been described in detail so as not to obscure
the invention. Readers should note that although examples of the
invention are set forth herein, the claims, and the full scope of
any equivalents, are what define the metes and bounds of the
invention.
[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic overall diagram of the
magnetic juggling apparatus and inventive system thereof.
Specifically, FIG. 1 depicts a first magnetic juggling structure
100, a first magnetic pattern, shape and orientation of at least
two magnetic juggling structures 100a, a second magnetic pattern,
shape and orientation of at least two magnetic juggling structures
100b, and a third magnetic pattern, shape and orientation of at
least two magnetic juggling structures 100c. Even though only three
different patterns, shapes, and orientations are illustrated with
four magnetic juggling structures, it is noted that the magnetic
juggling structure may comprise any number of magnetic juggling
structures used to form a variety of different magnetic patterns,
shapes, and orientations. FIG. 1 also illustrates a user 101
manipulating the magnetic juggling apparatus.
[0033] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the magnetic
juggling apparatus includes at least a first magnetic juggling
structure and a second magnetic juggling structure. FIG. 2
illustrates a front view of one magnetic juggling structure 100 of
the at least a first and second magnetic juggling structures, that
contains a front face, a back face, a top surface, a bottom
surface, four or more side surfaces, four or more non-magnetic
sides 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, four or more rounded corners 103a,
103b, 103c, 103d between each of the four or more non-magnetic
sides respectively, and a hollow opening 105. In or more
embodiments, each magnetic juggling structure, of at least a first
and second magnetic juggling structures, contains four or more
magnetic sources 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d, embedded within a
respective one of the four or more non-magnetic sides 102a, 102b,
102c, 102d, on the front face and the back face. In one or more
embodiments, in each juggling apparatus, the four or more magnetic
sources are of an even number, each located proximal to each of the
four or more rounded corners 103a, 103b, 103c, 103d, respectively.
The four or more magnetic sources on each magnetic juggling
structure comprise ferromagnetic sources such as iron, cobalt,
nickel, neodymium or any alloy therefrom or any combination thereof
or any other magnetic source, for example electromagnets, for
example conductive coils that are battery operated, and which may
be turned on or off in any known manner. In addition, the four or
more non-magnetic sides on each magnetic juggling structure
comprise any non-magnetic material, such as material selected from
but not limited to plastic, wood, glass, silicon, rubber, leather,
non-magnetic metals, any non-magnetic alloys therefrom or any
non-magnetic combination thereof.
[0034] According to one or more embodiments, hollow opening 105
inside in each of the first magnetic juggling structure and the
second magnetic juggling structure is of the same shape, and of the
same shape as the first and second magnetic juggling structures.
For example, this enables the user to hold the first magnetic
juggling structure with one hand placed inside the hollow opening
of the first magnetic juggling structure, and holds the second
magnetic juggling structure with a second hand placed inside the
hollow opening of the second magnetic juggling structure,
simultaneously. With such placements, the user is able to
manipulate the first and second magnetic juggling structures in
various configurations, patterns and shapes using the magnetic
sources embedded within the non-magnetic sides.
[0035] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate side views of one of the
non-magnetic sides, in this case 102d with magnetic sources 104a
and 104d, however the same structure applies to the rest of the
non-magnetic sides and magnetic sources of each magnetic juggling
structure. Each of the four or more magnetic sources 104a, 104b,
104c, and 104d contain a north pole and a south pole of opposite
polarity pointed in a direction orthogonal to a length of each of
the four or more non-magnetic sides respectively.
[0036] According to at least one embodiment of the invention as
shown in FIG. 3A, each of the four or more magnetic sources,
depicted using magnetic sources 104a and 104d, contain one magnetic
bar with a first end and a second end (both depicted as dashed
horizontal cylinders 104a), containing the north pole and the south
pole. As such, the first end comprises the north pole placed on the
front face or the back face, and the second end comprises the other
of the north pole or the south pole placed on the other of the
front face or the back face.
[0037] According to at least one embodiment of the invention as
shown in FIG. 3B, each magnetic source of the four or more magnetic
sources, depicted using magnetic sources 104a and 104d, contain a
first magnet 104a-1 and 104d-1 respectively, and a second magnet
104a-2 and 104d-2 respectively, with a north pole and a south pole,
placed in parallel, such that the first magnet is placed on the
front face, and the second magnet is placed on the back face.
[0038] The structures shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B enable each of the
front face and the back face of each magnetic juggling structure to
contain two or more north poles and two or more south poles. As
shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, in one or more embodiments, the north
poles or south poles point in an outward direction towards the
front face or the back face, and the other of the north poles or
south poles point in an outward direction towards the other of the
front face or back face on each magnetic juggling structure. The
configurations shown in the figures allow a user to easily
manipulate two or more magnetic juggling structures towards one
another, and away from one another, using magnetic coupling forces
between each of the four or more magnetic sources embedded within a
respective one of the four or more non-magnetic sides 102a, 102b,
102c, 102d, on the front faces and the back faces.
[0039] In at least one embodiment of the invention, each rounded
corner of the four or more rounded corners 103a, 103b, 103c and
103d, on each juggling structure constitute an opposite polarity
with respect to an adjacent rounded corner. According to one or
more embodiments, the north and south poles of opposite polarity
pointing in outward directions allow the user to rotate the first
juggling structure and the second juggling structure 180 degrees
with respect to one another around at least one rounded corner of
said four or more rounded corners. With such user manipulation, at
least one rounded corner maintains a coupling magnetic force
between the first juggling structure and the second juggling
structure throughout the rotation. This is shown as configuration
100b in FIG. 1 for example.
[0040] One or more embodiments described herein allow at least one
magnetic source of the four or more magnetic sources within a first
juggling structure to couple to at least one magnetic source of the
four or more magnetic sources on a second juggling structure in
order to form a single unit with a first magnetic pattern, a first
shape and a first orientation. In one example in at least one
embodiment, at least one magnetic source of the four or more
magnetic sources on the first juggling structure couples to at
least one magnetic source of the four or more magnetic sources on
the second juggling structure in a stacked configuration. Although
an array of configurations is possible through user manipulation,
examples of different configurations are illustrated in FIG. 1 at
100a, 100b and 100c.
[0041] By way of one or more embodiments of the invention, a user
is able to manipulate a first juggling structure or a second
juggling structure to form at least one second magnetic pattern, at
least one second shape and at least one second orientation, or
wherein the first juggling structure and the second juggling
structure are simultaneously manipulated to form at least one
second magnetic pattern, at least one second shape and at least one
second orientation. With such user manipulations, the at least one
second shape or the at least one second orientation (100a, 100b, or
100c for example) is different than the first shape or the first
orientation (the other of 100a, 100b or 100c for example), and the
at least one second shape and the at least one second orientation
are formed without decoupling the first juggling structure from the
second juggling structure. This allows the user to manipulate each
of the at least one juggling structure, coupled to a second
juggling structure, alone or simultaneously with the second
juggling structure, to move from one juggling action and shape, to
a second juggling action and shape while maintaining a magnetic
coupling force between the juggling structures between at least one
or more magnetic sources on a first juggling structure and at least
one or more magnetic sources on a second juggling structure.
[0042] As briefly discussed above, according to one or more
embodiments, each of the first juggling structure and the second
juggling structure have a hollow opening inside 105 of the same
shape, and of the same shape as the first and second juggling
structures. This enables the user to hold the first juggling
structure with one hand placed inside the hollow opening of the
first juggling structure, and hold the second juggling structure
with a second hand placed inside the hollow opening of the second
juggling structure, simultaneously. With such placements, the user
is able to manipulate the first and second juggling structures in
various configurations, patterns and shapes using the magnetic
sources embedded within the non-magnetic sides. Manipulation of the
first and second juggling structures, as disclosed in embodiments
of the invention, allows the user to re-arrange a first magnetic
pattern of the first juggling structure or a second magnetic
pattern of the second juggling structure through acceptance of at
least one action from the group consisting of, but not limited to,
a rotational action, a pushing action, a pulling action and a
sliding action.
[0043] In at least one or more embodiments, the sliding action is
an action performed such that any of the four or more non-magnetic
sides on the first juggling structure are configured to slide on
any of the four or more non-magnetic sides of the second juggling
structure. With such manipulation, the north pole on one of the
four or four magnetic sources of the first juggling structure
couples with the south pole on one of the four or more magnetic
sources of the second juggling structure, and vice versa.
[0044] In one or more embodiments, the pushing action is an action
performed such that the user is able to push any of the four or
more non-magnetic sides of the first juggling structure towards any
of said four or more non-magnetic sides of the second juggling
structure. With such manipulation, the north pole on one of the
four or four magnetic sources of the first juggling structure
couples with the south pole on one of the four or more magnetic
sources of the second juggling structure, and vice versa.
[0045] In one or more embodiments, the pulling action is an action
performed such that the user is able to pull any of the four or
more non-magnetic sides of the first juggling structure away from
any of the four or more non-magnetic sides of the second juggling
structure. With such manipulation, the north pole on one of the
four or four magnetic sources of the first juggling structure
couples with the south pole on one of the four or more magnetic
sources of the second juggling structure, and vice versa.
[0046] In one or more embodiments, the rotational action is an
action performed such that the user is able to at least one of
rotate any of the four or more non-magnetic sides of the first
juggling structure towards any of the four or more non-magnetic
sides of the second juggling structure and rotate any of the four
or more magnetic sources of the first juggling structure away from
any of the four or more non-magnetic sides of the second juggling
structure. With such manipulations, the north pole on one of the
four or more magnetic sources of the first juggling structure
couples with the south pole on one of the four or more magnetic
sources of said second juggling structure, and vice versa.
[0047] According to at least one embodiment of the invention, as
depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4C, each of the four or more magnetic
sources are offset from the front face and the back face by a
predetermined distance, which for example may be equal to or
greater than zero, and are respectively offset from each of the
four or more rounded corners by a second predetermined distance
which may also be equal to or greater than zero. This enables the
user to control a magnetic force between each of the four of more
magnetic sources. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention
disclose wherein each of the four or more magnetic sources are
offset from each of the four or more rounded corners by a
predetermined distance, and each of the four or more magnetic
sources are also offset from two of the four or more non-magnetic
sides by a minimal distance of said predetermined distance.
[0048] FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C illustrate a close-up view of one of the
four or more rounded corners with one of the four or more magnetic
sources, of each juggling structure. As shown, magnetic source 104a
will be discussed, as both a magnetic bar or as two magnets placed
in parallel. It is noted however, that the discussed structure
applies to any of the juggling structures, any of the four or more
rounded corners and any of the four or more magnetic sources.
[0049] FIG. 4A illustrates a close-up on of the magnetic sources
embedded in one rounded corner of the four or more rounded corners
in a concentric manner according to at least one embodiment of the
invention. For example, magnetic source 104a has a center point
that is concentric with the rounded edge of the rounded corner,
wherein the radius of the corner forms a portion or arc along an
imaginary circle shown as element 401. Such a concentric
configuration enables the user to easily manipulate, roll, and
rotate each of the at least a first and a second magnetic juggling
structures towards and away from one another. This allows the user
to maintain a substantially constant coupling magnetic force
between the coupled magnetic sources of each juggling structure
throughout the rotation (or roll), when rotated (or rolled) at 180
degrees around at least one rounded corner of the second juggling
structure, for example. In a non-concentric magnetic source
configuration, as shown in FIG. 4B, such user manipulations and
specifically ease of manipulation is different in that the coupling
for changes through the rotation since the distance from the
magnetic source to the edges and the corner is different.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 4B, if the magnetic source is located in a
non-concentric manner in relation of the rounded corners and
non-magnetic sides, decoupling the juggling structures from one
another in order to alternate between different magnetic patterns,
shapes, and orientations using at least the first and second
juggling structures differs from the forces required with respect
to the configuration shown in FIG. 4A. According to FIG. 4B,
rotating and rolling the rounded corners with the embedded magnetic
sources around one another at 180 degrees may require more or less
force based on the radius of the magnet and radius of the corner
and the location of the magnet with respect to the corner, as the
magnetic force between the coupled rounded corners is not dispersed
equally from one magnetic source to the other as the structures are
rotated.
[0051] With a concentric configuration, and a concentric radius of
the magnetic source as shown in FIG. 4A and to some extent as is
shown in FIG. 4C, the non-magnetic sides between each magnetic
source of the four or more magnetic sources follow a concentric
path with the magnetic source during manipulation. This enables the
user to more easily manipulate the at least first and second
juggling apparatuses simultaneously. In addition, with a concentric
configuration, a minimal predetermined distance from the magnetic
source (104a in FIG. 4a) vertically towards an edge of the first
adjacent non-magnetic side (102a in FIG. 4a for example) is equal
to a minimal predetermined distance from the magnetic source (104a)
horizontally towards and edge of the second adjacent non-magnetic
side (102d), and is equal to a minimal distance from the magnetic
source radially towards an edge of said rounded corner and the
edges of the non-magnetic sides. As such, the rounded corner
consists of an area of non-magnetic material from the adjacent
non-magnetic sides to be of an equal amount around said magnetic
source. As such, distances from a nearest point orthogonal to the
non-magnetic sides, to the magnetic source, and to the rounded
corner are equal. This enables the user to manipulate the magnetic
juggling structure with no extra force or in FIG. 4C, with
substantially minimal extra force.
[0052] In one or more embodiments of the invention, a first
magnetic coupling force between first adjacent magnetic sources is
different than a second magnetic coupling force between second
adjacent magnetic sources. As such, as the user is manipulating the
magnetic juggling structures, the magnetic force is changing.
[0053] FIG. 4C shows a close-up of one of the concentric magnetic
sources embedded in a rounded corner according to at least one
embodiment of the invention with a non-circular shape. It is noted
however that any shape may be used for the four or more magnetic
sources for ease of rotation as long as the magnetic sources are
embedded in a concentric manner in relation to each of the four or
more rounded corners and four or more non-magnetic sides of each of
the at least a first and second juggling apparatus.
[0054] In one or more embodiments of the invention as discussed
above, each magnetic juggling structure, or the at least a first
and second magnetic juggling structures, is a single unit piece of
material with the front face and face, or contains two separate
unit pieces of material each containing a front face and a back
face as shown in FIG. 5. According to FIG. 5, each unit piece of
material of the two separate unit pieces of material is of
basically the same structural dimensions (rounded corners,
non-magnetic sides, and hollow opening), shape, material and
orientation, bonded to one another to form a single unit piece of
material with a single front face and a single back face. In other
embodiments, any number of components may be formed into the
desired structure as one skilled in the art will appreciate.
[0055] FIG. 5 illustrates a zoomed in view of one of the four
rounded corners 103a with magnetic source 104a between non-magnetic
sides 102a and 102d. Embodiments of the invention disclosing two
separate unit pieces of material bonded to one another using four
pieces of plastic of a same distinct shape and eight cylindrical
connector pins. As shown in FIG. 5, each piece of bracing material
106, e.g., wood, plastic, etc., is placed between the two separate
unit pieces, bottom unit piece and top unit piece, on each rounded
corner between each non-magnetic side of each magnetic juggling
structure. In addition, two cylindrical connector pins 107a and
107b are each placed on each non-magnetic side adjacent to the
magnetic source respectively. The top unit piece contains two
hollow apertures 108a and 108b corresponding to the same shape and
size as the connector pins 107a and 107b of the bottom unit piece
respectively. Although the inner portion underlying the bracing
material 106, i.e., that underlies the connected 45 degree portion
between sides 102a and 102d, is shown as rounded, this portion may
also be formed in any shape such as a 90 degree joint between sides
102a and 102d. As the top unit piece is placed over the bottom unit
piece, the two connector pins 107a and 107b respectively connect
and are placed into hollow apertures 108a and 108b of the top unit
piece, respectively. As shown in FIG. 5, the bracing material 106
extends beyond the inner perimeter of the magnetic juggling
structure and into hollowing opening 105 by a predetermined
distance.
[0056] In one or more embodiments of the invention, in order to
protect the magnetic sources embedded between the front faces, back
faces, and non-magnetic sides, and in some embodiments completely
protect and entirely cover the plastic pieces and connector pins,
at least eight or more separate protective cover elements (not
shown) are externally placed respectively on each of the four or
more rounded corners on each of the front faces and back faces of
each juggling structure. The protective cover elements are each
exposed and protrude from the front face and back face at each of
the four or more rounded corners by a predetermined distance,
wherein the predetermined distance is the same distance for all
eight or more protective cover elements. In one or more
embodiments, the at least eight protective cover elements are not
directly connected to one another, such that the protective cover
elements are only placed on the front faces and back faces of the
juggling structures and are not placed on the top surface, bottom
surface, and side surfaces of each of the juggling structures.
[0057] While the invention herein disclosed has been described by
means of specific embodiments and applications thereof, numerous
modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled
in the art without departing from the scope of the invention set
forth in the claims.
* * * * *