HK1116441B - Constructional modular system with removable magnetic framework - Google Patents

Description

Structural modular system with removable magnetic frame

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a structural system comprising a plurality of modular blocks defining the shape and appearance of a structural assembly, said modular blocks being held in an assembled condition by a removable magnetic frame.

The modular blocks of the construction system can be of various shapes and can be assembled in different ways to each other or to magnetic frame elements to form any type of construction in any field, for example for use on toy constructions, on display constructions, on furniture or any other application requiring freedom and high modularity and modularity of the structural blocks.

The invention also relates to a kit for the construction of an assembly comprising a set of modular blocks and a plurality of sets of magnetically anchorable frame elements for the assembly of the assembly.

Background

Structural systems comprising magnetically anchorable frame elements have been proposed in various ways, for example for use in the toy industry, for forming various types and shapes of combinations, wherein individual toy parts are held in an assembled state by permanent magnets.

Magnetic toys comprising modular elements are shown, for example, in US-A-1.236.234, DE-A-3152024 and EP-A-1093834.

In particular, US-A-1.236.234 relates to A magnetic toy comprising A plurality of building blocks having permanent magnets fixedly embedded therein so as to hold the building blocks in an assembled state.

In ｃA substantially similar manner, DE- ｃA-3152024 and EP- ｃA-1093834 show magnetic toys in which ｃA plurality of structural blocks of basic geometry are used, containing permanent magnets enabling the blocks to be assembled in various ways.

US-A-4.038.775, US-A-4.118.888 and US 4.186.515 in turn show magnetic toys comprising modular elements for dolls, humans or animals, having A body fitted with A removable accessory that can be magnetically anchored to the body by means of A ball joint allowing its articulation.

In all cases, the body of the doll or animal contains magnets and metal plates for conducting magnetic flux, designed to form shaped pole pieces for magnetically connecting the various accessories of the toy.

It is therefore evident from the foregoing description that in all cases the various components of the system or of a part thereof permanently comprise one or more permanent magnets with which the toy components can be assembled and magnetically anchored to one another; there is no possibility of removing the magnet from the block and using the same magnet and block differently or independently for different components or different uses.

It is also evident that with the magnetic systems known today, the possibilities of combination and anchorage between the components are limited, depending on the specific features of the same components and the fixed arrangement of the magnets in the various blocks.

All this, in addition to limiting the freedom of construction choice and combination of the various components used to make up the system, also has a tendency to limit the combined skills and imagination of children or persons in their use.

In addition, the components themselves have generally been designed and produced for a particular use, and cannot be used for other purposes or applications than the use for which they were originally designed.

From DE-A-3910304, US-A-2.970.388 and WO-A-99/60583 there are also known modular systems for forming assemblies or net structures for toys or for educational purposes, which use two types of magnetically anchorable modules; in particular, they propose the use of a first type of frame element in the form of rod elements, and a second type of frame element in the form of balls, which can be magnetically anchored to the rod elements to constitute any type of net structure. In addition to the field of toys, WO-A-99/60583 suggests the use of various magnetic modules for forming A net-like structure, maintaining the shape, structure and magnetic characteristics of the various components unchanged as A whole, which can be used in other technical fields.

These types of magnetic modules have therefore been designed exclusively for their specific use (unlike the aforementioned magnetic toys); none of the known prior art documents suggest or present any possible use different from its original design.

In all cases, unless uneconomical and costly solutions are adopted, the constructional possibilities and the specificity of the use of the individual elements constituting these toys considerably limit their possible applications and the flexibility in their application.

Object of the Invention

The main object of the present invention is to provide a structural system using modular blocks and specific magnetic frames for differently assembling and removably connecting the various blocks of the system, able to provide a significant flexibility of use and a high degree of modularity, as well as the structure of assemblies or compositions not possible to obtain with the currently known magnetic systems.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a structural system as described in the foregoing which, in addition to being highly modular, is extremely economical, easy to use and at the same time suitable for use in different technical fields.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a structural system with a magnetic framework in such a way that complex structures or compositions of any size and/or for any use can be formed, which are highly stable and characterized by a high structural resistance; in the case of complex compositions, it may be preferable also for uses other than toys, for example for furniture or display structures or for other uses, all of which require a quick and easy assembly of the various components without the use of tools and/or special devices.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a structural system as previously described which uses certain magnetic components as an integral part of the system, both for the connection between the blocks and for stand-alone use.

It is a particular object of the present invention to provide a modular system for toys, furniture parts and the like, whereby specific planar and/or three-dimensional structures or building structures, human, animal or purely fictitious structures can be formed, maintaining a wide selection of degrees of freedom and freedom of combination of the individual elements of the system, and their different uses with respect to the shape, size and characteristics of each individual composition formed.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention accomplishes these and other objects.

The invention provides a construction modular system comprising:

a plurality of shaped block elements of non-magnetic material for forming an assembly, the block elements having a circumferential contact surface;

a plurality of magnetically anchorable frame elements for holding the profiled block elements of the assembly in an assembled state;

characterized in that the block element comprises an elongated through hole and flank surfaces, wherein the end of the elongated through hole is open, the frame element comprising:

a first elongated frame element removably disposed in the elongated through hole of the block element and extending between the side wing surfaces;

a second profiled frame element adapted to bear against the side wing surface of the block element;

the first elongated frame element and the second profiled frame element being magnetically engageable with each other and arranged in the assembly to provide a removable magnetic frame;

wherein the second profiled frame element is magnetically anchored by the first elongate frame element and bears against the flank surfaces of the block elements to maintain the assembled state of the assembly.

The present invention also provides a modular assembly for constructing a magnetic structure having modular elements, comprising:

at least a first set of shaped block elements of non-magnetizable material having through holes extending from the flank surfaces;

at least a second set of elongate frame elements removably disposable in the through-holes; and

at least a third set of profiled frame elements magnetically anchorable to the second set of elongate frame elements.

The invention is based on the principle of using modular blocks of non-magnetic material, of various shapes and capable of being assembled differently, in order to facilitate, in combination with a plurality of magnetically anchorable frame elements removably arranged or housed in respective holes and/or housed in the same modular block, imitating any type of structure or combination, so as to form, each time during the assembly construction, a connection between the modular block and the supporting magnetic frame of a shape, size and characteristics suitable for the combination.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a structural module system for the construction of toys, furniture, display structures and similar assemblies, comprising:

a plurality of shaped block elements for forming an assembly, the block elements having circumferential contact surfaces;

a plurality of magnetically anchorable frame elements for assembling the profiled block elements of the assembly;

characterized in that said frame element comprises:

a first elongated frame element removably disposed in the elongated through hole of the at least one block element of the assembly, extending between the flank surfaces;

a second profiled frame element adapted to rest on the wing surface;

the first and second frame elements are magnetically engageable with one another and arranged for providing a removable magnetic frame for holding the block elements in an assembled condition of the assembly.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there has been provided a structural modular system of blocks, wherein: the magnetic frame comprises a first set of magnetically anchorable rod-like elements and a second set of magnetically anchorable frame elements, each having a circumferential surface for resting against a flank surface of a module block, respectively for magnetic connection with the rod-like elements in the assembled state of the module blocks.

The blocks of the system according to the invention may be in the form of modular elements of different sizes and/or various shapes to imitate the structural and/or functional parts of various spatial structures, for example various civil toy structures or industrial buildings or other types of combinations.

Preferably, the aforesaid first and second sets of frame elements are constituted by various shaped body elements of rod-like elements which can be combined and magnetically anchorable to each other and/or to the covering block; however, it is not excluded that for certain applications in combination with and/or instead of said first and second sets of frame elements, an elongated frame element having a widening head at one end thereof may be used, while providing both an anchoring surface for magnetic connection with another magnetic frame element and a wing surface for resting against a corresponding wing surface of the module block.

In accordance with another feature of the invention, the overlay pieces may be adapted and/or used to form various shapes and kinds of toys: for example, motor vehicles, puppets, dolls, animals, robots or purely fictitious living beings, with removable appendages and suitable joints, can be assembled and disassembled quickly and easily from time to time, while maintaining, for the structure of the reticular structure, the possibility of using the magnetic frame elements differently in a totally traditional manner, in a manner similar to what is suggested by the aforementioned several prior art documents.

Drawings

These and other features and scope of the invention will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of non-limiting example, various modular blocks and frame elements constructed in different ways, and several possible combinations or parts thereof. Specifically, the method comprises the following steps:

fig. 1 shows a front view of a common assembly obtained by several modular blocks and several frame elements to which the invention relates;

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the upper part of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the middle portion of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates articulation;

FIG. 5 shows a first overlay block;

FIG. 6 shows an alternative to the block of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows two different overlay blocks in an assembled state;

FIG. 8 shows another block;

fig. 9 shows a first rod-like frame element;

FIG. 10 shows a second spherical frame element;

FIG. 11 shows a third magnetic frame element;

fig. 12 shows a fourth magnetic frame element in the form of a triangular prism;

fig. 13 shows a fifth magnetic frame element in the form of a cylinder;

FIG. 14 shows a triangular joint obtained by the ball component of FIG. 10;

FIG. 15 shows a quadrilateral joint obtained by the cube-shaped component of FIG. 11;

FIG. 16 shows a triangular joint obtained by the prism assembly of FIG. 12;

FIG. 17 shows a linear joint obtained by the ball component of FIG. 10;

FIG. 18 shows a variation of the overlay block;

FIG. 19 shows another variation of a coating block;

FIG. 20 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line 20-20 of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 shows the basic components and possible magnetic frame and cladding block arrangements;

FIG. 22 illustrates another possible embodiment of a cover block and magnetic frame;

FIG. 23 shows another variation of a overlay block;

FIG. 24 shows another variation of a overlay block;

FIG. 25 shows another variation of a coating block;

FIG. 26 illustrates another embodiment of a overlay block;

FIG. 27 shows other embodiments of combination and overlay blocks, and different arrangements of magnetic frame elements;

FIG. 28 shows an assembly of rotating elements;

FIG. 29 shows a detail of a ceiling of a general motor vehicle;

FIG. 30 shows a variation of a magnetic frame element;

FIG. 31 shows another variation of a magnetic frame element;

FIG. 32 shows a puppet obtainable with several cover blocks and corresponding magnetic frame elements;

FIG. 33 shows a cross-sectional view of a detail along line 33-33 of FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 shows a detail of the lower limb of the puppet of FIG. 32 in an upright position;

figure 35 shows a detail of the same lower limb of the previous figures in flexion.

Detailed Description

In the following, with reference to fig. 1, a description will be given of a first embodiment of a generic building structure comprising the modular blocks and magnetic frame according to the present invention, and of some of the many possible embodiments of the magnetic frame elements of the modular blocks and frames.

The description given hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings is only intended to illustrate the basic features of the invention, its numerous applications and several preferred embodiments of the frame elements of the various shaped block elements and systems; it is however also indicated that within the scope of the invention, other embodiments of the module blocks and magnetic frame elements are possible depending on the type and specific combination to be formed.

It is also pointed out that for the purposes of the present description, the term "magnetic frame element" is understood to mean both any magnetically movable anchoring element, constituted by or comprising at least one permanent magnet, and any ferromagnetic element that can be magnetized by induction, capable of performing a magnetic connection between adjacent frame elements and between frame structures to support and lock any type of modular block, irrespective of their shape and size. For example, the magnetic frame element may be of the type described and shown in DE-A-3910304, WO-A-99/60583 or WO-A-03/003388, the understanding being incorporated in this specification.

Fig. 1 shows a general structure of a construction toy obtained by assembling modular blocks of different shapes and magnetic frame elements of the system according to the present invention.

As shown, the structure includes a plurality of modular blocks, generally indicated by reference numerals 10, 14, which are capable of providing a combined structural and aesthetic feature, such as a simulation of a cylinder, beam, wall and/or arch-shaped part.

The structure of fig. 1 further includes a plurality of magnetic frame elements of a first type, generally indicated by reference numeral 11, and a plurality of magnetic frame elements of a second type, generally indicated by reference numeral 12; both the magnetic frame elements 11 and 12 provide a magnetic frame in which all parts of the frame elements are removably received in respective seats in the blocks 10 or are disposed between adjacent modular blocks in a manner that defines various connection points between the entire combined blocks.

As previously mentioned, the modular blocks 10 may be of various shapes and sizes, or may be combined with another type of block, indicated by the reference numeral 14 in fig. 1, wherein the block 14 is rectangular in shape and serves as a closure element for some of the walls of the structure.

The various modular blocks 10, 14 of fig. 1 mainly serve an aesthetic function, in that the connection between the blocks is performed by means of a frame constituted by removable magnetic frame elements 11 and 12, as previously described.

In accordance with the present invention, the module block 10 is constructed of any type of non-magnetizable material, such as wood, cardboard, plastic material, metal, glass, or other suitable combination of non-magnetizable materials.

The shape and cross-section of the module block 10 may be arbitrary. For example, the shape may be linear, curvilinear, square, circular, polygonal, or other possible shapes; likewise, the cross-section of the module block 10 may again be triangular, square, rectangular, polygonal, cylindrical or any other suitable shape or combination thereof. The module block 10 may also include suitable wing surfaces, and one or more bases for receiving or resting on the magnetic frame elements, as previously described.

The magnetic frame elements 11 and 12 may be shaped and sized in any manner relevant to the intended use.

In particular, a square section block 10 is used in the example of fig. 1, the end surfaces of which lie in orthogonal planes or form an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis or the side walls of the block; cylindrical frame elements 11 are also used, as well as spherical and cubic shaped magnetic frame elements 12, as shown in the figure.

The module pieces 10, 14 and the magnetic frame elements 11 and 12 may be of the same or different sizes to allow a higher degree of freedom of combination; or may have various modular shapes and sizes suitable for forming specific structures or combinations.

As shown in fig. 2, which shows an exploded view of the upper portion of fig. 1, each modular block 10 may include one or more bases adapted to be arranged for removably receiving magnetic frame elements, or may include flanking surfaces for magnetic frame elements 11 and/or 12, magnetic frame elements 11 and/or 12 for connection of blocks 10, 14, as shown in various examples.

More specifically, with reference to the exploded view of fig. 2, in which the three upper blocks of fig. 1 are designated by the reference numbers 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3, each block has a longitudinal hole 13 open at both ends, which defines a seat for housing a first magnetic frame element 11 in the shape of an elongated bar, which first magnetic frame element 11 in this example comprises two axially polarized permanent magnets 15, arranged at both ends of a central core element 16 of ferromagnetic material, to direct the magnetic flux between the poles of the magnets 15 having opposite polarity.

The central block 10.1, as well as the lateral blocks 10.2 and 10.3, are provided at each end with a hemispherical seat 17, said seat 17 being designed to partially house the spherical elements 12.1 and 12.2 of the frame.

Each seat 17 for receiving the spherical elements 12.1 and 12.2 of the frame is in turn equipped with a flank surface 18 for abutment against the spherical element 12, the flank surface 18 extending as far as the contact surface 19 at the end of the blocks 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3 in this particular example.

Furthermore, the radius of curvature of the flank surfaces 18 corresponds to the radius of curvature of the spherical elements 12.1 and 12.2 or is wider than the radius of curvature of the spherical elements 12.1 and 12.2, so that the spherical elements 12.1 and 12.2 can be freely placed in and removed from the seat.

The hole 13 forming the base for the elongated rod-shaped element 11 has again a diameter or cross-sectional dimension slightly larger than the magnetic rod element 11. Thus, according to the invention, the rod-shaped frame element 11 and the spherical frame element 12 can be partially or completely and freely arranged in and removed from the respective seats of the block 10.

Thus, in combination, each magnetic frame element 11 can be easily inserted into a respective seat 13 of the block 10, or the axially aligned seats 13 screwed into adjacent blocks; the magnetic frame elements 12 may in turn be inserted into respective seats 17. In this way, the frame elements 12 at both ends of the block 10 are magnetically anchored to the frame elements 11 against the flanking surfaces 18, forming an assembly comprising a connecting frame once the structure is completed, wherein the magnetic frame elements and the modular blocks can be easily disassembled and recycled for the same or a different combination or for another use.

In the example of fig. 1 and 2, each contact surface 19 between the blocks 10 lies in a plane forming a predetermined angle with the longitudinal axis of the block itself, so as to come into contact with a similar inclined surface 19 at the opposite end of the adjacent block, thus preventing separation or relative sliding between the blocks 10 due to the spherical element 12, while maintaining the possibility of rotating one block relative to the other on the contact surface 19 according to its longitudinal axis; so that they are held firmly together. It should be noted that in the example of figure 2, the axis of the hole 13 of the block 10, which extends longitudinally between the flank surfaces 18, forms a given angle with the axis of the hemispherical seat 17, the axis of the hemispherical seat 17 coinciding with a line passing through the geometric centre of said same seat, said line being perpendicular to the plane of the contact surface 19; however, as shown in the next few figures, these two axes may be aligned with each other, or coincide, or be set at 90 ° so that the spherical element 12 or equivalent magnetic frame element may be provided on one side of the block 10 or may be removable from one side of the block 10.

The drawing of fig. 3 shows a situation substantially similar to the previous fig. 2, showing the central part of the combination of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 differs from fig. 2 in that the magnetic frame elements 12.4, which are cuboid in shape, are separated by flat flank surfaces designed to come into contact with respective flat flank surfaces 18' at the ends of the blocks 10.4, 10.5 and 10.6, which lie in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the blocks themselves. In addition, in the example of fig. 3, the magnetic frame element 11 can be freely inserted into the respective seats 13 of the blocks 10.4, 10.5 and 10.6, while the frame element 12.4 can be freely positioned between the aforementioned blocks.

Finally, it should be noted that in the example of fig. 3, the flank surfaces 18 'for the magnetic frame elements 12.4 and 12.5 coincide with the contact surfaces 19' at the ends of the module pieces.

As an alternative to the solution of fig. 2 and 3, it is possible to envisage forming, on one or both opposite sides of each block 10, contact surfaces having mutually different inclination angles with respect to the longitudinal axis of the block, as indicated by 19 "in fig. 4; thus, an angle α is formed between the opposing contact surfaces, which may enable articulating or pivotal movement between the adjacent blocks.

FIG. 5 shows another possible embodiment of a module block; in particular, one of the two blocks 14 of fig. 1 is shown, substantially consisting of a square or rectangular element designed to form a transversal closing wall, if necessary equipped with holes designed to imitate doors, windows or other aesthetic features of buildings or of any other type of structure or purpose; in the example of fig. 5, the block 14 is equipped with two side holes 13 for the introduction of the magnetic rod element 11, the magnetic rod element 11 extending between the two side surfaces of the block.

As an alternative to the blocks 14 of fig. 5, it is conceivable to use plates 20, as shown in fig. 6, which plates 20 can be inserted into longitudinal slits 21 provided on one or more sides of the module blocks 10 or other blocks of the toy, the slits 21 being spaced apart and parallel to each other.

Fig. 7 shows two possible embodiments of the block 10 with respect to those previously described; the same reference numerals are used in fig. 7 as in the previous figures to indicate similar or equivalent parts.

In particular, fig. 7 shows two modular blocks 10.7 and 10.8 having different length and different shape bases for receiving spherical magnetic frame elements 12.

More specifically, the blocks 10.7 have longitudinal holes 13 for inserting the elongated magnetic rod elements 11, which open at both ends towards respective seats 17, for example, shaped as a hemisphere or a half-cylinder or a suitable shape, said seats 17 being intended to partially receive the magnetic frame elements 12 for anchoring the blocks 10 and interconnecting the blocks 10.

In the illustrated fig. 7, reference numeral 22 is used to indicate a transverse hole with respect to the longitudinal hole 13 of the block 10.7, into which transverse hole 22 one end of the rod-like magnetic frame element 11, partially projecting from the transverse block, can be screwed, for example the end of the block 10.8, locally forming a magnetic or mechanical connection capable of reinforcing the connection between the blocks, preventing any relative sliding and enabling them to rotate on the contact plane.

In the example of block 10.8 of fig. 7, possible variants are also shown with regard to the housing for the magnetic frame element and the interconnection between adjacent blocks.

In practice, the block 10.8 is provided at one end with a seat 17' shaped so as to fully house the magnetic frame element 12, whether or not this is required. The depth of the seat 17' may be equal to or greater than the diameter, thickness, length or corresponding dimension of the frame element 12, so that the frame element 12 may be disposed tangentially to the plane of the end surface 19 of the block, or completely disposed therein; when the base 17' must accommodate a spherical or cylindrical frame element, and when the depth of said base is equal to the diameter or size of the frame element, magnetic anchoring between the frame elements 11 and 12 of adjacent blocks is thus possible unless the frame elements 11 of adjacent blocks are protruding.

Fig. 8 shows another possible embodiment of the block 10; here, the same reference numerals as in the previous drawings are used to designate similar or equivalent parts.

The block 10 of fig. 8 differs in that at both ends of the longitudinal bore 13, at each end thereof, a seat 17 is provided for partially receiving, for example, a spherical or cylindrical frame element.

In fig. 8, reference numeral 18 is used to denote a flank surface for the frame element 12, while reference numerals 19' and 19 "are used to denote two inclined contact surfaces between adjacent blocks, or to allow articulated or pivotal movement.

Fig. 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 show by way of example several of the embodiments of magnetic frame elements 11 and 12 used to form part of a magnetic frame in a structural system according to the present invention.

Fig. 9 schematically shows an elongated rod-shaped magnetic frame element 11 that can be obtained in any way; for example, the frame element 11 may be constituted by a simple cylindrical or polygonal bar of ferromagnetic material.

Alternatively, the rod 11 may be constituted by a permanent magnet or comprise at least one permanent magnet and an inductively magnetised ferromagnetic element which can be in direct contact with the magnet, so as to provide at one end thereof a magnetic anchoring surface having a magnetic pole corresponding to that of the magnet itself, so as to form a polar extension.

According to another embodiment, previously shown in fig. 2, the elongated element 11 may comprise permanent magnets 15 at both ends thereof, an intermediate partition 16, for example tubular in shape, extending between them, two magnets 15 being fixed on said intermediate partition 16; the spacers 16 may also be constructed of ferromagnetic elements, plastic materials, or any other type of material. Finally, it should be noted that the frame elements 11 of the first type may in any way have an extremely flat, concave, convex surface or a surface of a different shape to adapt to the contact surface of the frame elements 12 of the second type.

Fig. 10 shows a magnetic frame element 12 having a spherical shape, while fig. 11 shows a cube-shaped frame element 12 as shown in the structure of fig. 1.

Fig. 12 and 13 show a prism-shaped and cylindrical magnetic frame element 12, respectively, which can be used independently or in combination with the frame element of the previous figures.

In the examples of fig. 10, 11, 12 and 13, the frame element 12 may be constituted by a ferromagnetic material or a permanent magnet, or comprise at least one permanent magnet, in a completely similar way as the elongated rod-shaped element 11 of fig. 9.

FIGS. 14, 15, 16 and 17 show several examples of some connection points in a common combination using various shapes of magnetic frame elements 12 as referred to in the previous illustrative examples; additionally, the same reference numbers in these figures as in the previous figures are used to indicate similar or equivalent parts.

In particular, fig. 14 shows the connection points between three blocks 10, wherein using the spherical frame element 12 according to fig. 10, it can theoretically be assumed that its circumferential surface is constituted by a plurality of partial flank surfaces, which coincide with the flank surfaces of the module blocks 10.

Fig. 15 shows the connection points between four blocks 10, in which the cubic frame element 12 according to fig. 11 is used.

Fig. 16 shows the connection points for three blocks 10, where a prism-shaped magnetic frame element 12 similar to fig. 12 is used.

Finally, fig. 17 shows the connection point between two blocks 10, connected by a spherical or cylindrical element 12.

The previous figures show some of the possible embodiments of the arrangement of the magnetic frame elements 11, 12 and the module blocks 10 and the blocks 10 corresponding to some of the connection points; it should not be considered in any way as limiting all possible modifications or variations that fall within the scope of the invention; for example, three-dimensional connection points may be formed instead of or in place of the flat connection points of the previous figures.

Other embodiments of the block 10 are also shown by way of example in the following figures, in which the same reference numerals as in the previous figures are used to indicate similar or equivalent parts.

Fig. 18 shows an elongated modular block 10, for example with square, polygonal or circular section, equipped with a longitudinal open end hole 13, a first seat 17 for partially housing the magnetic ball element 12, and a second seat 17' for fully housing the magnetic ball element 12 for anchoring between the blocks 10. Reference numeral 22 'denotes a half transverse hole at one end of the block 10, which is designed to be combined with a similar half hole 22' of the adjacent block 10 so that one end of the rod member 11 can be inserted therein.

Figures 19 and 20 show a block 10 equipped with a longitudinal open end hole 13 and with two seats 17' for the complete housing of the frame element 12 and a transverse hole 22; in this example, as in the example of the previous figures, the seats 17, 17' and the hole 13 are arranged coaxially to each other.

Fig. 21 shows an example of a possible assembly of the various blocks 10 and 14 formed by means of removable magnetic frame elements 11 and 12 according to the present invention.

In particular, the example of fig. 21 clearly shows adjacent blocks 10 and/or 14 held one against the other by the action of an elongate rod member 11, said elongate rod member 11 being magnetically connected to a ball element 12 resting against a respective flank surface 18 of the block 10 and/or 14.

Fig. 22 and 23 show other possible shapes of the module block 10. the module block 10 may have protruding and/or recessed portions 10A, 10B or 10', 10 "which may be connected by simply overlapping or fitting them together.

It should be noted that in figures 22 and 23, the seats 13 ', 13 "and 13'" for the elongated rod-like elements 11 are constituted by axially aligned holes in the adjacent blocks 10 in the assembled condition.

Fig. 24 to 27 show other embodiments relating to the shape and arrangement of the module block 10 and the magnetic frame elements 11 and 12, in which the same reference numerals as in the previous figures are used to indicate similar or equivalent parts.

Fig. 24 shows two linear blocks with respective seats for housing the magnetic frame elements 11 and 12. The block 10 of fig. 24 differs from the previous ones in that on one end there is a seat 17 "which is part-spherical or part-cylindrical; the block 10 of fig. 24 also differs in that a projecting edge 10 ' is fitted on one end in a coaxial manner with the seat 17 ", said projecting edge 10 ' being designed to be insertable into a seat 17 ' provided on the opposite end of the adjacent block 10.

Unlike the example of fig. 3, fig. 25 shows the use of a cubic or cylindrical frame element 12, having dimensions smaller than the cross-sectional dimensions of the block 10, so as to be fully housed in respective seats at the opposite ends of two adjacent blocks 10. The solutions of figures 23, 24 and 25, in addition to enabling magnetic anchoring of the masses, also prevent any lateral movements and lateral bending between the masses 10.

In contrast to the previous figures, fig. 26 shows an arch module block 10 as an alternative to the linear block of fig. 24, in which the holes for the frame element 11 are arranged differently.

Finally, fig. 27 shows by way of example a columnar structure in which the elongated rod-like frame elements 11 have different lengths and the anchoring magnetic frame elements 11 all extend partially into the holes 13 of one block 10 and partially into the holes 13 of the adjacent block 10. In addition, in this example, the provision of the magnetic frame element 11 serves to prevent any lateral movement and/or bending of the various blocks 10.

Fig. 28 shows another possible application of the invention. In particular, fig. 28 shows a movable block 23 designed to be connected, by means of a possible rotation, to a partially shown block 24; for example, the block 23 may constitute a wheel of a normal motor vehicle, or other movable part with a hub 23' inserted into a suitable seat 25 at the end of the block 24; by means of magnetic frame elements 11 and 12 of the aforementioned type, the wheel 23 is kept assembled on the block 24 by means of a possible rotation.

Fig. 29 shows a peculiar structure, such as a roof 27 for a general motor vehicle; as previously mentioned, the canopy 27 is secured to the lateral blocks 28 by means of the magnetic frame elements 11 and 12.

In the example described so far, the assembly and anchoring between the various modular blocks 10 is achieved by using rod-like elements 11 of the first type in combination with magnetic frame elements 12 of the second type, which are configured in different shapes and have flank surfaces, enabling the connection between the blocks.

In some examples, only frame member 11 may be used, and elongated frame members having different shapes may be used, such as shown in fig. 30 and 31, by a variety of methods.

In the example of fig. 30 and 31, the frame element 11 comprises a bar with a widened head 11A, designed to be inserted into a suitable seat or to rest on the flank surface of the block 10 during the construction of the assembly or of any type of structure; for example, the magnetic frame member 11 of fig. 30 and 31 may be used in place of the frame members 11 and 12 of fig. 28.

Whereas in fig. 30 the head 11A is constituted by a separate part, for example by a disc of ferromagnetic material or by a magnet fixed directly to the rod 11 or by a magnet fixed to the rod 11 by means of a sheath 26 of plastic material, in the example of fig. 31 the head 11A is integral with the rod 11 of the magnetic frame element 11.

Finally, fig. 32, 33, 34 and 35 also illustrate the application of the invention with respect to magnetic toys having modular elements, showing a common puppet with human features; the puppet comprises a body 30 and movable appendages, for example comprising a head 31, arms 32 and legs 33.

Similar to the previous example, in the example of figure 32, the body 30, the arms 32 and the legs 33 are also constituted by shaped blocks 10 similar to those previously described, and by specific blocks for the body 30, which can be magnetically connected to each other by means of magnetic frame elements 11 and 12 removably housed in suitable seats in the modular blocks of the toy, as previously described.

The body 30 of the puppet can be obtained by moulding in one piece with the seat 17 for the insertion of the central ball 12, said seat 17 being open at the rear side of the body, as shown in fig. 33; alternatively, the body 30 may be made in two separate parts, as shown by the dashed line corresponding to the central ball 12 in fig. 32.

Instead, the body 30 of the puppet may be constituted by front and rear half-shells equipped, for example, with pins press-fitted in suitable holes, or with other retaining means capable of engaging or disengaging them; each half shell may be formed with a seat for receiving an articulating ball element 12 defining the shoulder and hip, and with seats for elongated rod elements 11, said elongated rod elements 11 serving to retain the ball elements 12 in their seats and in turn anchor themselves to the central ball 12.

The head 31 or other appendage may be fitted with a magnet 34 or equivalent magnetic anchoring element 11 removably inserted into a suitable hole in the upper edge of the body 30 to magnetically anchor itself to the elongated rod element 11 laterally disposed between the ball elements 12 for shoulder articulation.

In addition, the arm 32 and the leg 33, as shown by way of example in fig. 34 and 35, may comprise two blocks 10 of the first type shown in fig. 4, which are able to form an articulation of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee and ankle, wherein the ball element 12 of the wrist and ankle in turn partially fits in the blocks 34, 35 shaped to resemble a hand and a foot and containing magnets 36, 37.

The examples of the preceding figures show by way of example several applications of the invention for common buildings and puppets, wherein magnetic frame elements 11 and 12 are used, which are constituted by or comprise at least one magnet and/or at least one ferromagnetic element.

In some instances or for some applications it is necessary to have A large magnetic anchoring force, for example in the range of about several kilograms, and it is therefore difficult to assemble or disassemble from each other the various components of the magnetic structure according to the invention in combination with the aforesaid frame elements 11 or instead of the frame elements 11, wherein using simple permanent magnets, magnetic frame elements or frame elements provided with magnetically activatable or deactivatable anchoring heads at one or both ends thereof may be used, as described in WO-A-03/003388 of one inventor, the understanding being incorporated in this specification.

Briefly, each anchoring head comprises a stator and a rotor unit with permanent magnets axially aligned, so that the rotor unit can be turned between a regular deactivated position, in which the magnetic flux is short-circuited in the anchoring head, and one or more regular activated positions, in which all or part of the magnetic flux circulates towards the magnetic anchoring elements.

According to one variant, the anchoring head may comprise two axially aligned permanent magnet stator units, one of which comprises a set of electric coils to enable a current pulse cycle, wherein the current pulse cycle is capable of alternately reversing the polarity of the magnets and causing the anchoring head to activate or deactivate.

As will be clear from the description and the drawings, the invention provides a system comprising a plurality of modular blocks made of non-magnetic material, having suitable shape and dimensions to enable the formation of a specific combination, so as to imitate any object, wherein the various blocks are kept in an assembled condition by means of a removable frame made of a plurality of magnetic frame elements, wherein the anchoring frame elements can be freely inserted into and removed from respective seats formed in said blocks, while maintaining the possibility of reusing said blocks and magnetic frame elements, to form other structures or other types of combinations.

It is therefore understood that what has been described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings is given by way of example only, for the purpose of illustrating the basic features of the block and magnetic anchoring frame elements to which the present invention relates, and the possible applications thereof. Accordingly, other modifications or changes may be made in relation to the shape, size or configuration of the various blocks, and in relation to the shape, size and features of the various frame elements, their bases and the wing surfaces, without departing from the scope of protection of the appended claims.

Claims (30)

1. A structural module system comprising:

a plurality of shaped block elements (10) of non-magnetic material for constituting an assembly, said block elements (10) having a circumferential contact surface (19);

a plurality of magnetically anchorable frame elements (11, 12) for holding the profiled block elements (10) of the assembly in an assembled state;

characterized in that the block element comprises an elongated through hole (13) and a flank surface (18), wherein the elongated through hole (13) is open ended, the frame element (11, 12) comprising:

a first elongated frame element (11) removably arranged in an elongated through hole (13) of the block element (10) and extending between the side wing surfaces (18; 18';);

a second profiled frame element (12) adapted to rest on the flank surface (18; 18') of the block element (10);

said first elongated frame element (11) and second profiled frame element (12) being magnetically engageable with each other and arranged in said assembly to provide a removable magnetic frame;

wherein the second profiled frame element (12) is magnetically anchored by the first elongated frame element (11) and rests on a flank surface (18) of the block element (10) to maintain the assembled state of the assembly.

2. A modular system according to claim 1, characterized in that the block element (10) comprises at least one base (17) for receiving the second profiled frame element (12), said at least one base being provided with the side wing surfaces (18).

3. A modular system according to claim 2, wherein said base (17) is adapted to partially house said second profiled frame element (12).

4. A modular system according to claim 2, wherein said base (17) is adapted to fully house said second profiled frame element (12).

5. A modular system according to claim 3, wherein said through hole (13) for the first elongated frame element (11) and the base (17) for the second profiled frame element (12) have longitudinal alignment axes.

6. A module system according to claim 3, wherein said through hole (13) for the first elongated frame element (11) and the base (17) for the second profiled frame element (12) have axes arranged at an angle.

7. A modular system according to claim 1, wherein the block element (10) is provided with at least one longitudinal slit (21).

8. A modular system according to claim 1, characterized in that the block element (10) comprises a flat contact surface (19).

9. A modular system according to claim 1, wherein said block element (10) comprises at least one transverse hole (22) arranged transversely to said through hole (13).

10. A modular system according to claim 9, characterized in that the transverse hole (22) is provided in an intermediate position of the block element (10).

11. A modular system according to claim 1, characterized in that half of the transverse holes (22) are provided at least one end of the block element (10).

12. A module system according to claim 1, wherein the first elongated frame element (11) and/or the second profiled frame element (12) comprises at least one magnet (15).

13. A modular system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first elongated frame element (11) and/or the second profiled frame element (12) are constituted by at least one magnet (15).

14. A modular system according to claim 1, characterized in that some of said first elongated frame elements (11) and second shaped frame elements (12) comprise at least one magnet and other of said first elongated frame elements (11) and second shaped frame elements (12) are constituted by ferromagnetic elements.

15. A modular system according to claim 1, wherein some of said first elongated frame elements (11) and second shaped frame elements (12) are constituted by a magnet and other of said first elongated frame elements (11) and second shaped frame elements (12) are constituted by ferromagnetic elements.

16. A modular system according to claim 1, wherein the first elongated frame element (11) comprises at least one magnet (15) and at least one ferromagnetic element (16).

17. A modular system according to claim 1, wherein the first elongated frame element (11) comprises a first and a second magnet (15) and an intermediate spacer (16).

18. A modular system according to claim 17, characterized in that said spacer (16) is made of ferromagnetic material.

19. A modular system according to claim 17, characterized in that the partition (16) is made of a non-magnetizable material.

20. A modular system according to claim 1, wherein said first elongated frame element (11) is constituted by a cylindrical and/or polygonal rod-like element.

21. A modular system as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that said second profiled frame element (12) has a geometry selected from spherical, cubic, cylindrical, prismatic, plate-shaped.

22. A modular system according to claim 1, characterized in that the block element (11) comprises a matching portion (10', 10 ").

23. A modular system according to claim 1, wherein the modular block elements (11, 23) comprise rotatable connecting portions (23', 25).

24. A modular system according to claim 1, wherein said first elongated frame element (11) is provided with a widened fixing head (11A).

25. A modular system according to claim 1, wherein said first elongated frame element (11) is provided with magnetically activatable and deactivatable anchoring heads at least one end.

26. A modular assembly for constructing a magnetic structure having modular elements, said modular assembly comprising:

at least a first set of shaped block elements (10) of non-magnetizable material, having a through hole (13) extending from a flank surface (19);

at least a second set of elongated frame elements (11) removably disposable in said through holes (13); and

at least a third set of profiled frame elements (12) magnetically anchorable to said second set of elongated frame elements (11).

27. A modular assembly according to claim 26, wherein said first set of shaped block elements (11) comprises blocks of different shapes.

28. A modular assembly according to claim 26, wherein said second set of frame elements (11) comprises bar elements (11) having the same length.

29. A modular assembly according to claim 26, wherein said second set of frame elements (11) comprises bar elements (11) having different lengths.

30. The modular assembly according to claim 26, wherein said third set of frame elements (12) comprises frame elements having different shapes.