U.S. patent application number 14/180661 was filed with the patent office on 2015-08-20 for magnetic construction toy.
This patent application is currently assigned to BUILD & IMAGINE, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is BUILD & IMAGINE, LLC. Invention is credited to Laura E. Peterson.
Application Number | 20150231521 14/180661 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53797230 |
Filed Date | 2015-08-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150231521 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Peterson; Laura E. |
August 20, 2015 |
Magnetic Construction Toy
Abstract
A construction toy is provided, with illustrated panels that
connect together magnetically to assemble two- and
three-dimensional structures and background scenery, optionally
with accessory items that bind magnetically or mechanically to the
panels to embellish the structures or scenes that are created.
Inventors: |
Peterson; Laura E.;
(Oakland, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BUILD & IMAGINE, LLC |
Oakland |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
BUILD & IMAGINE, LLC
Oakland
CA
|
Family ID: |
53797230 |
Appl. No.: |
14/180661 |
Filed: |
February 14, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/92 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/046 20130101;
A63H 33/044 20130101; B29C 65/56 20130101; B29L 2031/5209 20130101;
B29C 65/08 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63H 33/04 20060101
A63H033/04 |
Claims
1. A construction toy, comprising: a plurality of panels, wherein
each panel comprises two faces and at least three edges, wherein at
least one panel comprises an illustration on at least one face,
wherein each panel comprises at least one magnetic edge, wherein
said magnetic edge comprises at least one magnet embedded within
said panel in proximity to said edge, and wherein the magnets are
configured such that panels may be connected by magnetic attraction
at their magnetic edges to form illustrated structures and/or
scenes.
2. A construction toy according to claim 1, wherein each edge of
each panel is a magnetic edge.
3. A construction toy according to claim 1, wherein said magnetic
edge comprises at least one multipole magnet, wherein each
multipole magnet comprises adjacent pairs of magnetic poles of
opposite polarity and in alternating magnetic orientation, and
wherein the number of poles is equal to 4n where n is an integer
greater than or equal to 1.
4. A construction toy according to claim 3, wherein said multipole
magnet is a block magnet that comprises a length, a width, and a
thickness, wherein said multipole magnet is oriented with its
length parallel to the panel edge and with its width perpendicular
to the panel face, and is embedded to a depth of at least its
thickness in the panel edge, and wherein pairs of poles are
disposed along the length of the magnet with alternating magnetized
directions through the width and perpendicular to the length of the
magnet.
5. A construction toy according to claim 4, wherein at least one
panel comprises said multipole magnets spaced symmetrically on each
edge of the panel and disposed around the panel in the same
orientation of polarity.
6. A construction toy according to claim 1, wherein said magnetic
edge comprises two dual pole magnets, wherein the two magnets on
said edge are oriented with opposite polarity with respect to one
another.
7. A construction toy according to claim 1, wherein panels may be
connected at their magnetic edges to form a three-dimensional
structure or scene, wherein illustrations on faces of the panels
provide illustrated interior and/or exterior walls and/or
scenery.
8. A construction toy according to claim 1, wherein panels may be
connected at their magnetic edges such that illustrations on
adjacent faces form a contiguous illustrated scene.
9. A construction toy according to claim 1, wherein the panels may
be rearranged in sequence and/or converted to different
orientations to create a multitude of different scenes and/or
structures.
10. A construction toy according to claim 1, wherein at least some
panels comprise magnetic edges of the same length and connect along
the entire lengths of their magnetic edges.
11. A construction toy according to claim 1, comprising panels with
magnetic edges of differing lengths, wherein panels with magnetic
edges of shorter lengths connect with magnetic edges of longer
lengths along the entire length of the shorter edge.
12. A construction toy according to claim 1, further comprising at
least one accessory item that is capable of attaching or adhering
to at least one panel face.
13. A construction toy according to claim 12, wherein said
attachment or adherence to the panel face comprises magnetic
attraction, adhesion, or static electricity, or mechanical
attachment
14. A construction toy according to claim 12, wherein the accessory
item comprises a human or animal figure, furniture, clothing, food,
a tool, an appliance, a bag, a container, a scenery embellishment,
a vehicle, a light fixture, or a weapon.
15. A construction toy according to claim 12, wherein at least one
panel comprises a material that will magnetically attract a
magnetic or magnetically receptive portion of an accessory item to
a face of the panel.
16. A construction toy according to claim 15, wherein at least a
portion of at least one face of the panel comprises a magnetic
receptive material, wherein a magnetic portion of an accessory item
will bind to an exterior surface of the panel by attraction to the
magnetic receptive material.
17. A construction toy according to claim 1, wherein at least one
panel is constructed with an interior substructure, wherein said
substructure comprises at least one magnet embedded in proximity to
at least one edge of the substructure, wherein said panel comprises
at least one magnetic receptive material covering at least a
portion of at least one face of the substructure, wherein said
panel comprises two exterior sheets that form the exterior faces of
the panel, and wherein at least one exterior-facing surface of an
exterior sheet comprises an illustration.
18. A construction toy according to claim 17, comprising at least
one accessory item that comprises magnetic material and attaches
magnetically to the exterior-facing surface of an exterior sheet
that covers a magnetic receptive material.
19. A construction toy according to claim 1, comprising a spacer on
at least one face or at least one edge of a panel that creates a
gap between panels when they are stacked with faces parallel to
each other and bound together by magnetic attraction at their
magnetic edges, wherein said spacer facilitates pulling the stacked
panels apart.
20. A construction toy according to claim 18, wherein the spacer
comprises a ridge or a recessed or beveled area.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a construction toy, in particular a
toy that includes illustrated panels that connect magnetically at
their edges to construct structures or scenes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Construction toys, or building sets, have long provided
children with educationally enriching play. Through the act of
building, kids develop foundational science, technology,
engineering and math (STEM) skills such as spatial reasoning and
decision making Magnetic construction toys such as Magformers.RTM.,
Tegu.RTM., and Magna-Tiles.RTM. have made building more accessible
to children by having pieces that join magnetically without the
need for precise dexterity that is often required when assembling
with plastic building bricks such as Lego.RTM. or even plain wooden
blocks that can easily topple. These existing magnetic construction
toys are composed of abstract plastic or wood shapes (panels) that
can be combined magnetically to form a larger structure.
[0003] Existing panel type magnetic building sets do a good job in
getting kids to build structures, but they fall short in the
opportunity to create long-term engagement by involving children in
narrative development. The structures that are formed are abstract,
which makes it difficult for many children to engage in imaginative
play with the structures. Contrast this to Lego.RTM., which has had
much success in theming their once exclusively abstract plastic
bricks, allowing children to act out and embellish upon stories
implied by the themes. The approach to combine structural and
narrative building is especially important to interest girls, who
have historically been underserved in the construction toy
category.
[0004] GeoMag.RTM. has made a few attempts with themed magnetic
building sets, but these sets are cumbersome to play with as there
are many small parts required for assembly since the magnets are
separate pieces rather than being housed within the
shapes/panels.
[0005] In addition to a deficiency in providing thematic backdrops
for imaginative play, existing magnetic construction toys present a
number of challenges for getting building pieces to magnetically
attract regardless of orientation. For example, some magnetic
building toys have a set orientation dictated by magnetic polarity
(see, e.g., PCT Application No. WO 2010111189 A1), which limits the
way the child can combine panels. Others use magnets that spin
around or roll to attract the magnets in a neighboring panel (see,
e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,160,170 B2 and Japanese patent publication
nos. 2003-190663 and 06-302425). This allows for panels to connect
regardless of orientation but requires expensive Neodynium magnets,
which also pose a safety risk to children due to their strength.
Other building sets separate the magnets from the panels so that
the shapes don't have a set magnetic polarity (see, e.g., U.S.
Publication No. 2007/0287353). This works to provide the child with
freedom of choice but creates an inconvenience with additional
small parts to keep track of as well as posing a choking and
swallow hazard.
[0006] There is a need for an improved magnetic construction toy
that provides illustrated, thematic backdrops for imaginative play
and in which magnetic panels may be assembled and re-assembled with
ease and without small pieces that could present a choking hazard
to small children.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Construction toys are disclosed herein that encourage
building and imaginative play via illustrated panels that connect
magnetically to form a larger structure or scene. The panel
illustrations provide jumping off points for storytelling and
imaginative play. The panels connect regardless of orientation,
providing the child with freedom of choice to combine the panels in
any way they choose. The magnets are housed within the edge(s) of
each panel, so that no separate small magnet connectors are
required. Magnetic accessory items can optionally be added to the
face(s) of panels to further customize and embellish the scene. The
freedom of configuration and the optional magnetic accessory items
increase replayability as children modify the story context and
experiment with different designs, providing endless opportunities
for imaginative play.
[0008] Construction toys described herein include a plurality of (a
group of two or more) panels, with each panel including two faces
and at least three edges. At least one panel includes an
illustration on at least one face, and each panel includes at least
one magnetic edge. A magnetic edge includes at least one magnet
embedded within the panel in proximity to the panel edge. Magnets
are configured within magnetic edges such that panels may be
connected by magnetic attraction between their magnetic edges to
form illustrated structures and/or scenes. In some embodiments,
each edge of each panel is a magnetic edge.
[0009] In an embodiment, a magnetic edge includes at least one
multipole magnet that contains adjacent pairs of magnetic poles of
opposite polarity and in alternating magnetic orientation, wherein
the number of poles is equal to 4n where n is an integer greater
than or equal to 1. In one embodiment, a magnetic edge includes at
least one such multipole magnet that is a block magnet having a
length, a width, and a thickness, wherein the multipole magnet is
oriented with its length parallel to the panel edge and with its
width perpendicular to the panel face, and is embedded to a depth
of at least its thickness in the panel edge, and wherein pairs of
poles are disposed along the length of the magnet with alternating
magnetized directions through the width and perpendicular to the
length of the magnet. In some embodiments, at least one panel
includes the multipole magnets spaced symmetrically on each edge of
the panel and disposed around the panel in the same orientation of
polarity. In some embodiments, at least one panel includes two of
the multipole magnets spaced symmetrically and a constant distance
apart on each edge of the panel and disposed around the panel in
the same orientation of polarity.
[0010] In another embodiment, a magnetic edge includes two dual
pole magnets that are oriented with opposite polarity with respect
to one another. In one embodiment, each dual pole magnet is a block
magnet that includes a length, a width, and a thickness, wherein
each dual pole magnet is oriented with its length parallel to the
panel edge and with its width perpendicular to the panel face, and
is embedded to a depth of at least its thickness in the panel edge,
and wherein each dual pole block magnet is magnetized in the
direction of its width and is oriented with the magnetized
direction perpendicular to the length of the magnet. In some
embodiments, dual pole magnets are spaced symmetrically and a
constant distance apart on magnetic edges of panels. In some
embodiments, each edge of each panel includes the dual pole
magnets, oriented in alternating polarity around the panel.
[0011] In a further embodiment, a magnetic edge includes an even
number of multipole magnets that each contains an odd number of
pairs of magnetic poles of opposite polarity and in alternating
magnetic orientation, wherein each multipole magnet is disposed
along the edge with alternating magnetized directions through each
pair of poles, and wherein the multipole magnets on the panel edge
are oriented with opposite polarity with respect to one another. In
one embodiment, each of the multipole magnets is a block magnet
that includes a length, a width, and a thickness, wherein the
multipole magnets are oriented with their lengths parallel to the
panel edge and with their widths perpendicular to the panel face,
and are embedded to a depth of at least their thicknesses in the
panel edge, and wherein pairs of poles are disposed along the
length of each magnet with alternating magnetized directions
through the width and perpendicular to the length of the magnet. In
some embodiments, at least one panel includes the multipole magnets
spaced symmetrically and a constant distance apart on each edge of
the panel, and disposed around the panel in alternating orientation
of polarity.
[0012] In some embodiments, panels may be connected at their
magnetic edges to form a three-dimensional structure or scene,
wherein illustrations on faces of the panels provide illustrated
interior and/or exterior walls and/or scenery. In some embodiments,
panels may be connected at their magnetic edges such that
illustrations on adjacent faces form a contiguous illustrated
scene. In some embodiments, panels may be rearranged in sequence
and/or converted to different orientations to create a multitude of
different scenes.
[0013] Panels of a construction toy as described herein may include
magnetic edges of the same or different lengths. In some
embodiments, at least some panels include magnetic edges of the
same length and connect along the entire lengths of their magnetic
edges. In some embodiments, the panels include magnetic edges of
differing lengths, and panels with magnetic edges of shorter
lengths connect with a portion of a longer length magnetic edge
along the entire length of the shorter length edge.
[0014] In some embodiments, at least one accessory item is provided
that is capable of attachment to at least one face of at least one
panel. In various embodiments, an accessory item may attach or
adhere to the face of panel by magnetic attraction, adhesion,
static electricity, or mechanical attachment. In various
embodiments, an accessory may include a human or animal figure,
furniture, clothing food, a tool, an appliance, a bag, a container,
a scenery embellishment, a vehicle, a light fixture, or a weapon.
In one embodiment, an accessory is a handle for carrying a group of
stacked panels.
[0015] In some embodiments, at least one panel includes a material
that will magnetically attract a magnetic or magnetically receptive
portion of an accessory item to a face of the panel. In one
embodiment, at least one accessory item is provided that includes a
magnetic material on at least one surface or portion of the
accessory item, which attaches by magnetic attraction to a panel
face (e.g., attaches by magnetic attraction to a magnetic receptive
material that is located on or beneath the exterior surface of the
panel face). In another embodiment, at least one accessory item is
provided that includes a magnetic receptive material on at least
one surface or portion of the accessory item, which attaches by
magnetic attraction to a panel face (e.g., attaches by magnetic
attraction to a magnetic material that is located on or beneath the
exterior surface of the panel face).
[0016] In some embodiments, at least a portion of at least one face
of at least one panel includes a magnetic material (e.g., located
on or beneath the exterior surface of the panel face), which will
bind a magnetic receptive surface or portion of an accessory item
by magnetic attraction. In some embodiments, at least a portion of
at least one face of at least one panel includes a magnetic
receptive material (e.g., located on or beneath the exterior
surface of the panel face), which will bind a magnetic surface or
portion of an accessory item by magnetic attraction.
[0017] In some embodiments, a panel may be constructed with an
interior substructure that contains two faces and the same number
of edges as the finished panel, with face and edge dimensions that
are proportionate or substantially proportionate to those of the
finished panel.
[0018] In an embodiment, a panel includes at least one magnet
embedded in proximity to at least one edge of a substructure, at
least one magnetic receptive material covering at least a portion
of at least one face of the substructure, and two exterior sheets
that form the exterior faces of the panel and include an
illustration on at least one exterior-facing surface of an exterior
sheet. In some embodiments, a magnetic surface or portion of an
accessory item may bind to the exterior-facing surface of a panel
face, by magnetic attraction to a magnetic receptive material
beneath the exterior sheet.
[0019] In another embodiment, a panel includes at least one magnet
embedded in proximity to at least one edge of a substructure, and
at least one magnetic receptive material covering at least one face
(e.g., covering the entire face or substantially the entire face of
the substructure), and includes an illustration on the
exterior-facing surface of the magnetic receptive material. In some
embodiments, a magnetic surface or portion of an accessory item may
bind to the exterior-facing surface of the magnetic receptive
material.
[0020] In a further embodiment, a panel is constructed of magnetic
receptive material, includes at least one magnet embedded in
proximity to an edge, and includes illustrations printed on at
least one exterior-facing surface of the magnetic receptive
material. In some embodiments, a magnetic surface or portion of an
accessory item may bind to the exterior-facing surface of the
magnetic receptive material.
[0021] In some embodiments, at least one panel includes one or more
spacer(s) on at least one face or at least one edge. A spacer
creates a gap between panels when they are stacked with faces
parallel to each other and bound together by magnetic attraction at
their magnetic edges to facilitate pulling the stacked panels
apart. A spacer may decrease magnetic attraction between the
stacked magnetic edges and/or provide a finger hold between stacked
panels. In some embodiments, a spacer includes a ridge or a
recessed or beveled area.
[0022] In some embodiments, a handle is provided that is attached
to or capable of attachment to an edge or face of at least one
panel, to facilitate carrying panels that are stacked with faces
parallel to each other and bound together by magnetic attraction at
their magnetic edges.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The figures herein are not necessarily drawn to scale.
[0024] FIG. 1 depicts an assembly of illustrated panels as
described herein, showing schematically how a number of panels can
be connected together by magnetic attraction at their edges to form
a three dimensional structure and additional outdoor scenery.
[0025] FIG. 2 depicts optional accessory items as described herein.
FIG. 2A shows an illustrated panel without accessory items. FIG. 2B
shows accessory items which may be used to embellish the scene
depicted on the panel. FIG. 2C shows accessory items added to the
scene on the panel.
[0026] FIG. 3 depicts a dual pole block magnet having a length,
width, and thickness, with magnetic polarity through the width of
the magnet and perpendicular to its length.
[0027] FIG. 4 depicts a multipole block magnet having a length,
width, and thickness, with pairs of poles disposed along the length
of the magnet and oriented with alternating magnetized directions
through the width of the magnet and perpendicular to its length.
Shown is a four pole magnet.
[0028] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view, partly in section, of one
embodiment of a panel, showing the positioning and orientation of
dual pole magnets, oriented with alternating polarity in an edge of
the panel.
[0029] FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view, partly in section, of one
embodiment of a panel, showing the positioning and orientation of a
four-pole multipole magnet in an edge of the panel.
[0030] FIG. 7 depicts a plan view of several panels connected
magnetically at edges that contain one or two multipole magnets,
oriented with the same polarity around the edges of the panels.
[0031] FIG. 8 depicts a sectional view through two panels that are
sandwiched together with parallel faces and magnetically attracted
edges, showing one embodiment of an edge design that facilitates
pulling the panels apart.
[0032] FIG. 9 schematically depicts one embodiment of a panel,
showing layers of materials of which the panel is composed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] Construction toys and methods of use for constructing
structures and scenes are provided. The construction toys disclosed
herein contain panels with illustrations on at least one side and
that connect via magnetic attraction at their edges. The
illustrations allow for imaginative play, and panels are optionally
configured for connection in several different ways to change the
scene or structure, stimulating creativity. Optional accessory
items may connect to the panels (e.g., magnetically, adhesively,
via static electricity, or mechanically), to embellish scenes and
enhance creative play.
Illustrated Panels
[0034] The construction toys described herein contain a plurality
of panels which may be combined to form three dimensional
structures, such as houses, buildings, enclosures, etc., or
backdrop scenery, for imaginative play. A plurality of panels of a
construction toy, as described herein, refers to two or more panels
and typically refers to a number of panels that is sufficient for
the user to construct a three-dimensional structure and/or scenery
backdrop for imaginative play.
[0035] Each panel contains at least two faces, typically parallel
or substantially parallel to each other, and at least three edges.
The faces are in the form of polygon shapes, such as triangles,
squares, rectangles, pentagons, etc. Each panel contains two faces
of the same polygon shape and of the same or substantially the same
dimensions, and each side of the polygon forms an edge of the panel
(e.g., three edges for a triangular panel, four edges for a square
or rectangular panel, etc.). The edges are perpendicular or
substantially perpendicular to the faces. Each edge has a depth
suitable to contain one or more embedded magnet(s), as described
herein.
[0036] At least one (i.e., one or more than one) panel of the
construction toy contains an illustration on at least one face. In
some embodiments, at least one panel contains illustrations on both
faces. In some embodiments, several panels (i.e., more than one), a
majority of panels, or all panels contain illustrations on at least
one face. In some embodiments, at least one panel, several panels,
a majority of panels, or all panels contain illustrations on both
faces.
[0037] An "illustration" (e.g., an illustration on an illustrated
face of a panel of a construction toy as described herein) refers
to an image or depiction, including but not limited to, a drawing,
sketch, painting, photograph, engraving, etching, or embossing, of
things seen, remembered, or imagined, using a graphic or tactile
representation. The illustrations may be in the form of pictures or
scenery, for example, an interior or exterior floor, wall, or roof
of a building or other structure, or rural, urban, or natural
exterior scenes. Illustrations may be printed, engraved, etched, or
embossed on the exterior face of a panel, or may be created by a
user directly on the face of a panel or affixed to the face.
Exemplary, nonlimiting materials which may be used for the
exterior, illustrated surface of a face of a panel include wood,
plastic, magnetic receptive material, magnetic material, cardboard,
etc.
[0038] Each panel contains at least one magnetic edge. A magnetic
edge refers to an edge of a panel that contains tat least one
magnet embedded within the panel and in proximity to the edge, and
configured to magnetically attract a magnetic edge of another
panel. In some embodiments, all edges of a panel are magnetic.
Panels may be connected by magnetic attraction between their
respective magnetic edges to construct structures or illustrated
backdrops and/or scenery. In some embodiments, panels are connected
with magnetic edges parallel (180.degree. angle). In another
embodiment, panels are connected with magnetic edges perpendicular
(90.degree. angle). In other embodiments, panels are connected at
their magnetic edges at an acute or obtuse angle.
[0039] In some embodiments, panels may be connected magnetically at
adjacent edges to form a contiguous illustrated scene, such as a
rural scene, cityscape, or natural landscape.
[0040] In some embodiments, panels may be connected magnetically at
their magnetic edges to form a three dimensional structure, such as
a house, building, or other enclosure, with illustrated interior
and/or exterior walls, floors, and/or ceilings/roofs, and
optionally associated outdoor scenery. This is shown schematically
in FIG. 1.
[0041] FIG. 1 shows panels with illustrated faces (e.g., 1, 4)
connected at magnetic edges (e.g., 2, 3). Panels may be connected,
for example, in a three-dimensional configuration (5) (e.g.,
perpendicular magnetic edges) or side-by-side (6) (e.g., parallel
magnetic edges), or at other angles. Structures (e.g., 5) and/or
scenery or enhancements to structures (e.g., 1, 4) may be
constructed.
[0042] In some embodiments, illustrations are designed such that
panels may be rearranged in sequence and/or orientation to form
different structures and/or scenery from the same set of
panels.
[0043] Construction toys as described herein may contain panels of
the same size and shape or of different sizes and/or shapes. (See,
e.g., FIGS. 1 and 7.) In some embodiments, adjacent panels in a
structure or scene have edges of the same length, such that they
magnetically connect along the entire lengths of the adjacent
magnetic edges (e.g., 22 and 23 in FIG. 7). In some embodiments,
adjacent panels in a structure or scene have edges of different
lengths and the shorter magnetic edge of one panel (e.g., 25 or 26
in FIG. 7) magnetically connects along a portion of the length of
the longer magnetic edge of the other panel (e.g., 24 in FIG.
7).
[0044] A panel face may optionally contain a material on at least a
portion of its exterior surface, or interior to at least a portion
of the face of the panel, configured to magnetically attract one or
more accessory item(s) to the exterior surface of the panel, to
embellish the illustration depicted on the panel or depicted in a
combination of panels that are constructed to form an illustrated
structure or scene. In some embodiments, a panel face may contain
an interior or exterior magnetic receptive material, which may
attract a magnetic surface of an accessory item. In other
embodiments, a panel face may contain an interior or exterior
magnetic material, which may attract a magnetically receptive
surface of an accessory item. In other embodiments, a panel face
may contain both magnetic and magnetically receptive materials in
different interior and/or exterior areas of the panel face.
"Magnetic receptive material" refers to a material that attracts a
magnetic material but is not itself permanently magnetic. In
various embodiments of panels and/or accessories described herein,
magnetic receptive material may include, but is not limited to,
rolled steel, a steel plate or grid, or a flexible magnetic roll
product, such as FlexIron.TM., FlexMag.TM. or RubberSteel.RTM..
[0045] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the exterior
surface of a panel face includes a magnetic receptive material. In
another embodiment, at least a portion of the exterior surface of a
panel face includes a magnetic material. In a further embodiment,
at least a portion of the exterior surface of a panel face includes
a magnetic receptive material and at least a portion of the
exterior surface of the face also includes a magnetic material. In
a still further embodiment, the exterior surface of the panel face
is constructed of a material that is not magnetic or magnetic
receptive, and magnetic and/or magnetic receptive material(s) are
interior to the panel face but configured such that they are
capable of magnetically attracting magnetic receptive and/or
magnetic materials, respectively, to the exterior surface of the
panel face.
[0046] In some embodiments, a panel is constructed with a
substructure that includes at least one magnetic edge (i.e., at
least one or more embedded magnet(s) as described herein). A
"substructure" is interior to the panel surface, and is the same or
substantially the same shape as the finished panel. A substructure
contains two faces and the same number of edges as the finished
panel, and at least one edge of the substructure contains one or
more embedded magnet(s). Generally, the lengths of the edges are in
the same or substantially the same proportions as the finished
panel. One or more materials may cover the face(s) and/or edge(s)
of the substructure to produce the finished panel. In some
embodiments, the substructure may be constructed of plastic, wood,
foam, cardboard, or a combination thereof, or other suitable
materials known to those of skill in the art.
[0047] In some embodiments, depicted schematically in FIG. 9, a
panel is constructed with at least one magnetic receptive material
(e.g., magnetic receptive sheet) 29 covering at least a portion of
at least one face of the substructure 28, or the entire face, and
at least one exterior sheet 30 that covers the magnetic receptive
material and includes an illustration on its exterior-facing
surface. In one embodiment, the panel includes magnetic receptive
material (e.g., magnetic receptive sheets) 29 covering at least a
portion of each face of the substructure 28, or both entire faces,
and two exterior sheets 30 that cover the magnetic receptive
materials and include illustrations on their exterior-facing
surfaces. In some embodiments, the exterior sheet(s) may be
constructed of a printed sticker, printed cardstock, a vinyl layer
printed onto magnetically receptive material, wood veneer with
illustrations heat transferred, painted, etc. onto the surface, or
other suitable materials known to those of skill in the art.
[0048] In some embodiments, a panel is constructed with a
substructure that includes at least one magnetic edge, as described
herein, and at least one magnetic receptive sheet covering one face
of the substructure (a portion of the face or the entire face) and
including an illustration on the exterior-facing surface of the
magnetic receptive sheet, which forms an exterior face of the
panel. In one embodiment, the panel includes two magnetic receptive
sheets each covering one face of the substructure (each magnetic
receptive sheet covering a portion of one face or one entire face
of the substructure) and including illustrations on both
exterior-facing surfaces of the magnetic receptive sheets, forming
the two exterior faces of the panel.
[0049] In some embodiments, a panel is constructed of magnetic
receptive material, with at least one magnetic edge, as described
herein, and an illustration on at least one exterior face of the
panel. In one embodiment, the panel contains illustrations on both
exterior faces of the panel.
[0050] Dimensions of the panels of the construction toys described
herein should be appropriate for use by the age range of children
or other individuals who will be using the toy. For example, panel
dimensions should be suitable to allow a user (e.g., a child) to
pick panels up and manipulate them with their hands.
[0051] Panels may be stored or carried in a sandwiched
configuration, with faces parallel or substantially parallel to
each other and bound together by magnetic attraction at magnetic
edges. When sandwiched, the magnetic attraction between panels may
make it challenging to pull the panels apart to initiate play,
particularly for small children or individuals impaired in certain
motor skills. In some embodiments, a spacer is provided in the form
of a ridge or gap between panels, which facilitates pulling
sandwiched panels apart. Spacers may be configured to provide
finger hold leverage and/or to reduce panel-to-panel magnetic
attraction when panels are sandwiched face-to-face, by increasing
the distance between the edge magnets. In some embodiments, spacers
are configured such that magnetic attraction between sandwiched
panels is reduced to a degree sufficient to facilitate pulling the
panels apart, while preserving sufficient magnetic attraction
between panel edges for use as a construction toy as described
herein, e.g., sufficient attraction between magnetic edges to hold
a three dimensional structure and/or scenery backdrop together. In
some embodiments, panels may contain a bevel on at least a portion
of at least one edge, as shown schematically in FIG. 8. A gap 27
between the edges allows insertion of a finger between panel edges
and/or decreases magnetic attraction between magnets in adjacent
magnetic edges in the stack of panels, to facilitate pulling the
panels apart. In other embodiments, panels may contain a recessed
area on at least a portion of at least one edge and/or on at least
a portion of at least one face. In other embodiments, panels may
contain at least one ridge on at least a portion of at least one
edge and/or at least a portion of at least one face. In any of
these nonlimiting examples, a gap or space is created between
adjacent panels in a stack, making it easier to pull the stacked
panels apart.
[0052] In some embodiments, a handle may be provided for ease of
carrying panels that are stacked together with their faces parallel
or substantially parallel to each other and bound together by
magnetic attraction at magnetic edges. For example, ends of one or
more handle(s) may be fastened to the substructure(s) of one or
more panel(s) (e.g., with a central portion of a handle protruding
through openings in an edge of a panel). In another example,
handle(s) may contain magnetic or magnetically receptive material
at the ends, which may attach by magnetic attraction to one or more
edge(s) or face(s) of one or more panel(s) (e.g., as an accessory).
The handle protrudes from the stack of panels, thus facilitating
carrying a stack of panels as a group from one location to another.
A handle may be made of any suitable material that is capable of
supporting the weight of a desired stack of panels. For example,
materials that may be suitable for construction of a handle
include, but are not limited to, ribbon, cloth, rope, fabric,
leather, plastic, wood, or metal chain.
Magnets
[0053] The construction toys described herein include panels that
contain at least one magnetic edge. In some embodiments, more than
one edge is magnetic. In further embodiments, all edges of a panel
are magnetic. A magnetic edge includes at least one magnet embedded
within proximity of the edge and oriented to magnetically attract a
magnet embedded within proximity of the edge of another panel, such
that the panel edges connect by magnetic attraction when they are
brought into contact. In some embodiments, the magnets are
configured such that the edges may undergo a magnetic attraction
only when panels are contacted with a specific edge orientation,
but preferably, the magnets are arranged such that panels may
connect at any edge orientation. Exemplary, but not limiting,
possibilities for magnet configurations that do not limit the
orientation at which the panels may connect include use of two dual
pole magnets or one or more multipole magnet per magnetic edge, as
described in more detail below. "Dual pole" magnet refers to a
magnet that contains one pair of magnetic poles. A nonlimiting
example of a dual pole magnet is shown in FIG. 3. "Multipole"
magnet refers to a magnet that contains more than one pair of
magnetic poles. A nonlimiting example of a multipole magnet is
shown in FIG. 4.
[0054] Typically magnets are embedded at a depth within the panels
that is at close proximity to a panel edge, such that magnetic
panel edges will magnetically attract each other when they are
brought into close contact. A suitable depth for magnets within the
panel edge may be dependent on factors such as the strength of the
magnets and the type of material in which they are embedded. For
example, the magnets should be embedded at a depth such that when
two panels are connected by magnetic attraction at their respective
magnetic edges and held or suspended with panel faces in a vertical
orientation and with the connected magnetic edges at an
intermediate position between the top panel and the bottom panel,
the bottom panel will remain magnetically attached to the top
panel. In one embodiment, magnets are embedded at a depth of
.ltoreq.1 mm from the panel edge.
[0055] In some embodiments, a magnetic edge contains an even number
of dual pole magnets (e.g., 2, 4, etc.) disposed in alternating
magnetic orientation along the edge, and in alternating orientation
around the panel if more than one edge is magnetic. A nonlimiting
example of a dual pole magnet is shown in FIG. 3. The example shown
in FIG. 3 is a block magnet 9 with two poles ("N") and ("S), with
the magnetized direction S to N shown with an arrow. The block
magnet has a length 10, a width 11, and a thickness 12, and
magnetized direction through the width. One embodiment of a panel
edge is shown schematically in FIG. 5 with two dual pole block
magnets 18, 19 embedded in an edge of a panel. Each block magnet is
oriented with its length L.sub.m parallel or substantially parallel
to the edge of the panel and its width perpendicular or
substantially perpendicular to the face of the panel, embedded to a
depth of at least its thickness in the edge of the panel, and
oriented with a magnetized direction S to N (shown by arrows)
through the width and perpendicular to the length of the magnet,
with magnets configured in alternating S to N magnetic orientation
along the panel edge. In an embodiment in which all edges of the
panel contain dual pole magnets, the magnets are configured with an
even number of magnets per edge and in alternating magnetic
orientation around the edges of the panel.
[0056] In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, two dual pole block
magnets 18 and 19 are configured in opposite, alternating magnetic
orientation (indicated by arrows showing the magnetized directions
through the magnets) on the edge of the panel. In some embodiments,
the dual pole magnets are spaced symmetrically and/or a constant
distance apart on each edge of a panel, or on each magnetic edge of
the panels of the construction toy. For example, as shown in FIG.
5, where the total length of the panel edge is represented by L,
the length of each magnet is L.sub.m, the distance between magnets
18 and 19 is L.sub.s, and the distance from each corner to the
nearest magnet is L.sub.c, L=2L.sub.c+2L.sub.m+L.sub.s. A "corner"
herein refers to the junction between two edges of a panel. In some
embodiments, all magnetic edges within a group of panels contain
dual pole magnets in alternating magnetic orientation and
symmetrically configured on the edge, with L.sub.c, L.sub.m, and
L.sub.s the same on each magnetic edge. In some embodiments, all
edges of a panel are magnetic edges that contain dual pole magnets
in alternating magnetic orientation and symmetrically configured on
all edges, and in alternating magnetic orientation around the
panel, with all L.sub.c, all L.sub.m, and all L.sub.s lengths the
same around the panel. In some embodiments, all magnetic edges
within a group of panels contain dual pole magnets in alternating
magnetic orientation with L.sub.s the same on each magnetic edge,
and L.sub.m and L.sub.c lengths the same or different. In some
embodiments, all edges of a panel are magnetic edges that contain
dual pole magnets in alternating magnetic orientation, and in
alternating magnetic orientation around the panel, with L.sub.s the
same on each magnetic edge, and L.sub.m and L.sub.c lengths the
same or different. In some embodiments, all magnetic edges within a
group of panels contain dual pole magnets in alternating magnetic
orientation with L.sub.m and L.sub.s the same on each magnetic
edge, and L.sub.c lengths the same or different. In some
embodiments, all edges of a panel are magnetic edges that contain
dual pole magnets in alternating magnetic orientation, and in
alternating magnetic orientation around the panel, with L.sub.m and
L.sub.s the same on each magnetic edge, and L.sub.c lengths the
same or different.
[0057] In some embodiments, a magnetic edge contains at least one
multipole magnet that contains adjacent pairs of magnetic poles of
opposite polarity, where the number of poles is equal to 4n and n
is an integer .gtoreq.1, with the magnet configured along the edge
of the panel such that magnetized directions through each pair of
poles are oriented with alternating polarity. A nonlimiting
embodiment of a multipole magnet is shown in FIG. 4. The multipole
block magnet depicted in FIG. 4 contains two pairs of poles (four
poles, i.e., n=1) in alternating magnetic polarity. The multipole
magnet has a length 15, a width 16, and a thickness 17, and
alternating magnetized directions through the width. Two pairs of
poles 14 are configured in alternating magnetic polarity S to N,
indicated by arrows.
[0058] Where more than one multipole magnet is embedded in an edge
of a panel or where more than one edge of a panel contains the
multipole magnets with pairs of magnetic poles of opposite
polarity, where the number of poles is equal to 4n and n is an
integer .gtoreq.1, the magnets are disposed along the edge or
around the panel in the same orientation of polarity. This is shown
schematically in FIG. 7.
[0059] In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 6, one multipole block
magnet with 4n magnetic poles in pairs of poles of opposite
polarity, where n is an integer .gtoreq.1, is configured on the
edge of a panel. In other embodiments, more than one of the
multipole magnets may be configured on the edge of a panel, with
the multipole magnets configured in the same magnetic orientation.
In embodiments in which the multipole magnets are on each edge of a
panel, they are configured in the same magnetic orientation around
the panel. For example, FIG. 7 shows magnetic edges with two of the
multipole magnets (e.g., 20 and 21) configured on a panel edge in
the same magnetic orientation, and in the same orientation around
the panel. In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7, a
multipole magnet is configured with its length parallel or
substantially parallel to the edge of the panel, with its width
perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the face of the
panel and embedded to a depth of at least its thickness in the edge
of the panel. The magnet contains pairs of poles disposed along the
length of the magnet with alternating magnetized directions through
the width of the magnet and perpendicular to its length.
[0060] In some embodiments, the multipole magnet(s) with 4n
magnetic poles in pairs of poles of opposite magnetic polarity,
where n is an integer .gtoreq.1, are spaced symmetrically and/or a
constant distance apart on each edge of a panel, or on each
magnetic edge of the panels of the construction toy. For example,
where the total length of the panel edge is represented by L, the
length of each magnet is L.sub.m, the distance between magnets on a
panel edge is L.sub.s, and the distance from each corner to the
nearest magnet is L.sub.c, L=2L.sub.c+nL.sub.m+(n-1)L.sub.s, where
n is the number of magnets on the panel edge. In some embodiments,
all magnetic edges within a group of panels contain the multipole
magnets symmetrically configured on the edge, with L.sub.c,
L.sub.m, and L.sub.s the same on each magnetic edge. In some
embodiments, all edges of a panel are magnetic edges that contain
the multipole magnets symmetrically configured on all edges with
all L.sub.c, all L.sub.m, and all L.sub.s lengths the same around
the panel, and with the magnets in the same magnetic orientation
around the panel. In some embodiments, all magnetic edges within a
group of panels contain the multipole magnets with L.sub.s the same
on each magnetic edge, and L.sub.m and L.sub.c lengths the same or
different. In some embodiments, all edges of a panel are magnetic
edges that contain the multipole magnets with L.sub.m the same on
each magnetic edge, and L.sub.m and L.sub.c lengths the same or
different, and with the magnets configured in the same magnetic
orientation around the panel. In some embodiments, all magnetic
edges within a group of panels contains the multipole magnets with
L.sub.m the same. In some embodiments, all magnetic edges within a
group of panels contain the multipole magnets with L.sub.m the same
and L.sub.s and L.sub.c lengths the same or different. In some
embodiments, all edges of a panel are magnetic edges that contain
the multipole magnets with L.sub.m the same and L.sub.s and L.sub.c
lengths the same or different, and with the magnets configured in
the same magnetic orientation around the panel.
[0061] In some embodiments, a magnetic edge contains an even number
of multipole magnets (e.g., multipole block magnets) that each
contains an odd number of pairs of poles of opposite polarity. Each
magnet is oriented along the edge of the panel with alternating
magnetized directions through the pairs of poles and perpendicular
to the panel edge, and the magnets are configured with alternating
orientation of polarity with respect to one another along the panel
edge. The multipole magnets may be configured with their lengths
parallel or substantially parallel to the edge of the panel, with
their widths perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the
face of the panel, and embedded to depths of at least their
thicknesses in the edge of the panel. Each magnet contains an odd
number of pairs of poles disposed along the length of the magnet
with alternating magnetized directions through the width of the
magnet and perpendicular to its length. In some embodiments, an
even number of the multipole magnets is spaced symmetrically and/or
a constant distance apart on each edge of a panel, or on each
magnetic edge of the panels of the construction toy, with the
multipole magnets disposed around a panel in alternating
orientation of polarity.
Accessory Items
[0062] Accessory items may optionally be used in conjunction with
the construction toy described herein to embellish the illustrated
scenes on the panels or to further enhance creative play or
storytelling. In some embodiments, ways in which accessory items
may attach or adhere to illustrated panel face(s) include, but are
not limited to, magnetic attraction, adhesively, by static
electricity, or mechanically (e.g., a hook, a rod that fits into an
opening, etc.).
[0063] As shown in FIG. 2C, an accessory item 7 may be configured
to attach or adhere to the illustrated face of panel 1 such that it
lays flat on the illustration depicted thereon. Alternatively, an
accessory item 8 may be configured to project outward from the face
of the panel at an angle, with at least one surface or portion of
the accessory item attached or adhered to the panel face. In FIG.
2C, accessory item 8 as shown is a human figure with foot portions
attached or adhered to the face of panel 1 and the remainder of the
figure projecting up from the panel face.
[0064] In some embodiments, an accessory item includes at least one
magnetic or magnetic receptive surface that may be magnetically
attracted to a magnetic receptive or magnetic material,
respectively, that is located on or inside of the face of an
illustrated panel. An accessory item may contain one or more
magnetic or magnetic receptive surface(s). An accessory item may
optionally be configured so that the item may be magnetically
attached to panel faces in a number of different orientations.
[0065] A magnetic or magnetic receptive surface of an accessory
item may be configured such that the item lays flat on the
illustration on the face of the panel (e.g., parallel to the face)
and is held in place by magnetic attraction. This is shown
schematically in FIG. 2C (7). Alternatively, a magnetic or magnetic
receptive surface of an accessory item may be configured such that
the item projects outward from the face of the panel at an angle
(e.g., perpendicular to the face or at some other angle), also
shown schematically in FIG. 2C (8).
[0066] Accessory items may be designed to be moved from one
location to another within the constructed structure or scene, or
may be designed as stationary embellishments that magnetically
attach at a specific location on a panel. Nonlimiting examples of
accessory items include human and animal figures, furniture,
clothing, food, tools, appliances, bags or other containers,
scenery embellishments (e.g., trees, flowers), vehicles, light
fixtures, and weapons.
[0067] In some embodiments, an accessory item may include moving
parts and optionally, a motor, and may be powered, for example, via
a battery or electricity. Nonlimiting examples of such accessory
items include a fan that spins, a light fixture that lights up, a
crane that pivots, or a motile human or animal figure.
Methods of Use
[0068] Illustrated panels and optional accessory items as described
herein may be connected together magnetically in a method to create
structures and scenes for imaginative play. In some embodiments,
the method includes combining panels by magnetic attraction between
adjacent edges to assemble a three-dimensional structure, such as a
house, building, or other enclosure. The method includes bringing
magnetic edges of illustrated panels, as described herein, within
proximity such that they magnetically attract each other to
construct structures or scenes. The structure may include two or
more walls, and optionally, roof/ceiling, floor, and/or exterior
attached scenery and/or auxiliary structure(s). In some
embodiments, the method includes combining panels by magnetic
attraction between adjacent edges to form a contiguous scene, such
as a rural, urban, or suburban setting. Panels may be connected at
their magnetic edges such that faces form a 90.degree. angle, a
180.degree. angle, an acute angle, or an obtuse angle.
[0069] The faces of at least some of the panels are illustrated, as
described herein, to facilitate creation of narrative, stories, or
other imaginative endeavor in connection with the structures and/or
scenery constructed. In some embodiments, panels are illustrated
such that they may be combined and rearranged in several different
ways by changing the order and/or orientation of panels, connected
magnetically at their edges, to create different structures,
scenes, and/or creative story lines.
[0070] Optional accessory items, as described herein, may be added
to further embellish the structure or scene that has been
constructed. At least one surface of an accessory item may attach
or adhere (e.g., magnetically, adhesively, via static electricity
or mechanically) to a face of a panel, and optionally the panels
may be configured such that the accessory item may be moved around
to different locations within the same or different panels as
desired by the user.
[0071] Although the foregoing invention has been described in some
detail by way of illustration and examples for purposes of clarity
of understanding, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art
that certain changes and modifications may be practiced without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is
delineated in the appended claims. Therefore, the description
should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.
[0072] All publications, patents, and patent applications cited
herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties for
all purposes and to the same extent as if each individual
publication, patent, or patent application were specifically and
individually indicated to be so incorporated by reference.
* * * * *