WO2008073345A1

WO2008073345A1 - Magnetic support surface with magnetic shapes

Info

Publication number: WO2008073345A1
Application number: PCT/US2007/025168
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steven M. Koehler
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-12-08
Filing date: 2007-12-07
Publication date: 2008-06-19
Anticipated expiration: 2009-06-08

Abstract

A magnetic toy assembly (10) includes a plurality of magnetic shapes (14) and a support having a magnetic array surface (12) to which each of the magnetic shapes (14) can be positioned thereon and held thereto with magnetic attraction. The magnetic array surface (12) comprises an array of magnets wherein the magnets of the array are disposed or formed in a continuous side-by-side relationship so as to form a single unitary body. Each of the magnetic shapes (14) and the magnetic array surface (12) are formed of material that has magnetism.

Description

MAGNETIC SUPPORT SURFACE WITH MAGNETIC

SHAPES

BACKGROUND The discussion below is merely provided for general background information and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The present invention relates to toys for children; and more particularly toys for children having magnets. There are numerous toys that have incorporated magnets yet this fact does not diminish the need for new and creative toys. Although a toy that is capable of occupying a child's mind and serves to expand the child's imagination by itself is always needed and valuable, a toy that also allows a child to learn or practice skills is particularly useful and needed because, in addition to a toy, it is a teaching aid.

SUMMARY

This Summary and the Abstract herein are provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary and the Abstract are not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor are they intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in the background.

A first aspect of the invention is magnetic toy assembly that includes a plurality of magnetic shapes and a support having a magnetic array surface to which each of the magnetic shapes can be positioned thereon and held thereto with magnetic attraction. The magnetic array surface comprises an array of magnets wherein the magnets of the array are disposed or formed in a continuous side-by-side relationship so as to form a single unitary body. Each of the magnetic shapes and the magnetic array surface are formed of material that has magnetism.

In another aspect of the invention, each of the magnetic shapes and the magnetic array surface comprise a pattern of magnets such that the magnetic shape has one or more positions relative to the magnetic array surface where magnetic attraction between each of the magnetic shapes and the magnetic array surface is strongest. For example, this can be achieved when each of the magnetic shapes also comprises a magnetic array surface, and in a further embodiment when the magnetic array surface on each magnetic shape has the same pattern, such as strips, as the magnetic array surface on the support.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the magnetic array surface of the support comprises sections that are hingeably attached to each other, for example, so that the support is disposable in an operative position where the magnetic array surface of the support accepts each of the plurality of magnetic shapes, and disposable in a transport position where the sections are facing each other and magnetically joined to each other. If desired, each of the plurality of magnetic shapes is of size so as to be trapped between the sections in the transport position.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a magnetic shape can comprise sections that are hingeably attached to each other, one or more apertures, a label, which can be removable, for the one or more of the magnetic shapes and/or apertures and/or a reference indicator so as to indicate an orientation relative to the magnetic array surface of maximum magnetic attraction.

In yet another aspect of the invention, toy assembly can include an addition sheet of material that has magnetism so that additional shapes can be obtained, such as via cutting, for example from a pattern made on a writing surface thereof. The sheet of material can have a magnetic array surface with the same pattern as the magnetic array surface on the support, and where the magnetic shapes and/or sheet of material can include foam. In yet another aspect of the invention, the magnetic shapes can form a set, and wherein each magnetic shape comprises a tracing stencil with or without apertures, and wherein when the magnetic shapes are used sequentially as separate tracing stencils that are aligned with respect to each other, a composite design is formed via tracing using the magnetic shapes. A registration indicator, such as an aperture or notch, can be used to align the shapes with respect to each other during sequential use.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a carrying case can be joined to the support. In one embodiment, the carrying case is hingably joined to the support in such a manner so as to be positioned away from the user when the support is in disposed in an operative position to accept the magnetic shapes, and/or so that an opening of the case is accessible to the user when the support is in disposed in an operative position to accept the magnetic shapes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a magnetic support surface and a plurality of magnetic shapes thereon.

FIG. 2 is a second embodiment of a magnetic support surface. FIG. 3 is a third embodiment of a magnetic support surface. FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the magnetic support surface with two forms of handles.

FIG. 5 is a sheet of magnetic material.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a magnetic support surface with a carrying case in the operative position.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the magnetic support surface with the carrying case in the closed, transport position.

FIG. 8 is a plurality of magnetic shapes comprising a set.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an assembly 10, commonly used as a toy, having a support with a support surface 12 that comprises an array of magnets wherein -A- the magnets of the array are disposed or formed in a continuous side-by-side relationship so as to form a single unitary body, hereinafter referred to as a "magnetic array surface" and herein exemplified as a flat panel or sheet. If desired, the support can include portions such a border that is made of a material that is not magnetic. The assembly 10 further includes a plurality of magnetic shapes generally indicated at 14. Generally, each of the magnetic shapes 14 can be selectively placed on the magnetic array surface 12 (which is substantially larger than each of the magnetic shapes 14) where desired, allowing a child or other to create a scene or other form of artwork depending on the types of shapes provided. In a further use of the toy assembly 10, a sheet of paper 16 can be laid upon the magnetic array surface 12 and one or more of the magnetic shapes 14 can be laid over the sheet of paper 16 so as to trap or sandwich the sheet of paper 16 between the magnetic shape and the magnetic array surface 12. Using a pencil, pen, crayon, marker or other writing device, the assembly 10 becomes a teaching aid because the user can trace (inside or outside) around a portion or all of the magnetic shape so as to form an image on the sheet of paper 16 corresponding to the magnetic shape or part thereof.

Use of both a magnetic array surface 12 and magnetic shapes 14 is advantageous in that the shapes 14 can have one or more positions relative to the magnetic array surface 12 where the magnetic attraction between the magnetic shape 14 and the magnetic array surface 12 is strongest. Interaction of the magnetic fields from the magnetic shape 14 and the magnetic array surface 12 tends to hold the magnetic shape 14 on the magnetic array surface 12 in the selected position allowing the user to trace the shape 14 without having to use the other hand in order to maintain pressure to prevent rotation. This allows a user that is just learning or relearning how to manipulate writing devices to concentrate on moving the writing device correctly, which can lead to improved muscle memory. Orientation of the magnets shapes 14 on the magnetic array surface 12 in their position of strongest attraction can take various forms depending upon the orientation of the magnets making up the magnetic array surface 12 and each of the magnetic shapes 14. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the magnets making up the magnetic array surface 12 are arranged linearly in a parallel manner. Although not drawn to scale, the magnets of the magnetic array surface 12 can be pictorially represented as longitudinally oriented strips 18 each strip 18 comprising a south pole (S) and a north pole (N) as is well known. In one embodiment, each of the magnetic shapes 14 also includes a magnetic array surface having linearly oriented magnets comprising longitudinally oriented strips 20, as illustrated by Christmas tree 19. Each strip 20 also comprises a north pole (N) and a south pole (S) such that when the magnetic array surface of the magnetic shape 14 is placed on the magnetic array surface 12 opposite poles attract. Although the magnetic shape 14 will be somewhat attracted to the magnetic array surface 12 at almost any orientation of the magnetic shape 14 to the magnetic array surface 12, there does exist one or more positions where the magnetic attraction is the strongest. In the embodiment illustrated this position occurs when the longitudinal strips 20 of magnetic material of the magnetic array surface of the shape 14 corresponds or aligns with the longitudinal strips 18 of magnetic material of the magnetic array surface 12. Although the width of the strips 20 of the magnetic shape 14 can differ from that of the strips 18 of the magnetic array surface 12, the strongest magnetic attraction may occur when the patterns (e.g. width) coincide with each other (i.e., when the magnets are aligned).

Forming the magnetic array surface of magnetic shapes 14 with longitudinal strips 20 as well as the magnetic array surface 12 with longitudinal strips 18 illustrates one embodiment in which the magnetic shapes 14 can be oriented or aligned relative to each other. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the Christmas tree 19, outline of a person 17 and the house 21 are all substantially inline with each other. Each of these shapes can be moved relatively easily in the directions indicated by double arrow 23 since in this direction, the longitudinal strips 20 of magnetic material of the magnetic shape 14 and the longitudinal strips 18 of magnetic material of the magnetic array surface 12 remain aligned with each other. In fact, movement in the direction indicated by double arrow 23 allows any of the shapes such as the Christmas tree 17 to take a position inline another shape. In contrast, movement of any of the shapes in the direction indicated by double arrow 24 occurs generally in increment steps coinciding with the width of each of the longitudinal strips 18 and 20. This characteristic is due to the fact that for a position of a magnetic shape 14 in a direction indicated by double arrow 24 equal to one half the width of the longitudinal strips 18,20 causes poles of the same type to align with each other, thereby repelling the magnetic shape 14 away from the magnetic array surface 12 and creating an unstable position, where the magnetic shape 14 then obtains a position of stability where opposite poles are aligned.

The magnetic array surface 12 can be rigid or flexible and can be positioned at an inclined or laid flat. Besides the flat magnetic array surface 12 herein exemplified, the magnetic material can be applied to any surface such as a sphere, cone, pyramid, etc. FIG. 2 illustrates a sphere 31 formed of magnetic material, while FIG. 3 illustrates a block 33 wherein one or more sides can comprise a magnetic material. In the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, magnets of the magnetic array surface can organized in strips. In FIG. 3, the block includes magnetic array surfaces similar to that described above with respect to FIG. 1 with strips 35, while in FIG. 2, the strips 37 are arranged about the sphere 31 at equal distances from a circumference of maximum length in a manner similar to an equator and latitude lines of a globe. Nevertheless, it should be understood that many patterns or orientation of the magnets of the magnetic array surface can be used on a wide variety of two-dimensional and three-dimensional support surfaces.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, magnetic array surface 12 is illustrated as being formed as a composite from two sections 12A and 12B. If desired, a thin tape or other form of joining mechanism can be used such that magnetic array surface 12A can be tilted up and laid flat on magnetic array surface 12A. In the illustrated embodiment, the tape functions as a hinge, which maintains alignment of the magnetic array surfaces 12A and 12B when the magnetic array surface sections 12A and 12B are inclined relative to each other and again laid flat. As appreciated by those skilled in the art, any number of magnetic array surface sections can be provided to form yet a larger, composite magnetic array surface. In addition, the magnetic shapes 14 can be left on the magnetic array surface sections 12 A, 12B such that when magnetic array surface 12B is laid upon magnetic array surface 12A the shapes 14 are trapped between the magnetic array surface sections 12 A, 12B, which is particularly useful for transport or storage since the components of the assembly 10 are easily kept together. Since both magnetic array surfaces 12A and 12B are formed of magnetic material, the magnetic array surface sections 12A and 12B are strongly attracted to each other such that the magnetic array surface sections 12 A, 12B trap the magnetic shapes 14 and remain fixed to each other for storage or transport.

Referring to FIG. 4, if desired, a handle 30 can be affixed to one or both of the magnetic array surfaces 12A and 12B so as to provide a convenient mechanism for carrying the assembly 10. In the alternative or addition, and aperture 31 can be provided in one or both of the magnetic array surface sections 12A, 12B, which can be used for carrying.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 in yet a further embodiment, a carrying case 40 for writing devices, additional magnetic shapes can be attached to the handle and/or the magnetic array surface 12. A particularly convenient construction of the carrying case 40, whether a rigid (e.g. plastic), semi-rigid (e.g. foam), or flexible (e.g. fabric) enclosure, allows it to tilt or move relative to the magnetic array surface 12 so that when the magnetic array surface 12 is placed in its operative position (FIG. 6) such as laid flat with the magnetic material facing upwardly, the carrying case 40 is disposed in a position that is convention but does not interfere with the user, for example, where the carrying case 40 is located at the top edge 42, or the edge furthest away from the user. In yet a further embodiment, once placed the magnetic array surface 12 is placed in the operative position of FIG. 6, the mechanism 44 for opening the carrying case (herein exemplified as a zipper) and it's corresponding access opening are in easy reach of the user, for instance either generally facing the user and/or generally facing upwardly. However, when the magnetic array surface 12 comprises for example sections 12A and 12B are placed side by side in the closed or transport position of FIG. 7, the carrying case 40 can be transported as a unit with the sections 12A and 12B (and if desired with the magnetic shapes 14 trapped therebetween).

As illustrated, the magnetic shapes 14 can take any number of forms. In one embodiment, the name of the shape (e.g. as indicated at 39) is also included, for example, being printed thereon or attached thereto. In one embodiment, the names can be provided on separate magnetic pieces so that the user can practice naming shapes or apertures such as indicated by an aperture for a door 41 and an aperture for a window 43 in the shape comprising that of a house 21. The apertures of course allow the user to trace other images inside the magnetic shape 14 besides just tracing the outer perimeter. An indicator such as illustrated at 45 can be provided on each shape as desired so as to provide a reference indicating to the user the orientation of the shape on the magnetic array surface 12 that provides maximum magnetic attraction. In the embodiment illustrated when the indicator 45 is oriented so as to be parallel to double arrow 24, the shape is in position of maximum magnetic attraction. In a manner similar to that of magnetic array surface 12 where magnetic array surface sections 12A and 12B can be fastened together in a hinge like manner. It should be noted that one or more of the magnetic shapes 14 can also have attached and hingeable sections. For example, for the magnetic shape generally indicating house 21, tape or other fastening mechanism can be provided such that roof section 21 A can be laid upon a main body 21B of the house along dashed line 52 so that when section 5OA is positioned in this manner, a simple square can then be traced.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a set of magnetic shapes 14 that each have apertures or openings, which when each of the magnetic shapes 14 of the set are used in series where one or more of the openings are used to execute a trace, a selected figure, shape or design is obtained. Stated another way, the combined openings of the set of magnetic shapes 14 form a composite design when one or more of the openings of each magnetic shape of the set is used to draw one or more lines.

By way of a simple example illustrated in FIG. 8, a house can be formed by using a set 53 of two magnetic shapes 53A, 53B (more complex designs could be obtained from a higher number set of magnetic shapes). Magnetic shape 53A comprises a plurality of horizontal openings 54, while magnetic shape 53B comprises a plurality of vertical openings 55 and a combination opening 56 having inclined portions and vertical portions. When a trace is executed in each opening of each of the magnetic shapes (used sequentially), a house with a door, roof and windows is created. Practice and mastering these simple writing motions along with "S" curves and circles, which can be provided in other magnetic shape sets to form other designs, provides the foundation for writing letters or drawing shapes. Use of the set of magnetic shapes having various forms of these apertures or openings allows the user such as young child to practice such movements as well as makes such practice interesting and enjoyable. In a further embodiment, each of the magnetic shapes for each set can be of the same color so that the user can easily ascertain which magnetic shapes need to used.

Registration indicators such as the holes indicated at 57 can be provided to allow the user to properly orient each magnetic shape sequentially. Of course, other forms of registration indicators such as but not limited to a notch along the side of each of the magnetic shapes can also be used. In addition to tracing one or more of the openings of the first magnetic shape, the child would also trace the registration indicator such that a mark is provided on the sheet of paper 16 that can then be used to align subsequent magnetic shapes of the set. In view that the magnetic shapes tend to acquire preferred orientations due to the interactions of the magnetic array surfaces as discussed above, proper alignment and placement of the magnetic shapes of each set using the registration indicators and the mark on the sheet of pager 16 is easy. Besides practicing the strokes that comprise the foundation of writing and drawing, using the set magnetic shapes employs and thus practices fine motor skills (both the act of tracing and alignment of each of the magnetic shapes) as well as instills concepts of "order" and "sets" in addition to identifying shapes as discussed above.

An aspect of the present invention is also providing an assembly or kit comprising a magnetic support surface such as magnetic array surface 12 along with a plurality of magnetic shapes 14 that can be used in a the manner described above with or without a sheet of paper 16. In a further embodiment, a sheet of magnetic material 60 having the magnetic array surface (FIG. 5) can be provided from which one or more additional magnetic shapes (e.g. shape 62). The sheet of magnetic material 60 can be relatively pliable allowing easy cutting with a pair of shears, such as scissors, or a knife. In this manner, the user can create any further shapes her/she may desire. If desired, a surface of a magnetic sheet 60 readily accepts writing from a writing instrument, thereby allowing the user to label each of the shapes obtained therefrom. Such a surface also allows -l ithe user to draw an outline of the desired shape for subsequent cutting using, for example, the pair of scissors of the knife. In one embodiment, magnetic array surface 12, the magnetic shapes 14 and the blank magnetic sheet 60 are all formed of the same material. However, since the magnetic sheet 60 also has a pattern for the magnets of the magnetic array surface; the user may want to properly orient the shape on the sheet 60 such that when it is cut out it obtains the desired orientation on the magnetic array surface 12. An indicator 64 can be provided on or throughout the sheet 60 so the user can determine the proper orientation. One suitable sheet magnetic material for components of assembly 10 is available from Deflecto Corporation of Indianapolis, Indiana, or EnduraMag magnetic sheeting sold through the various retailers such as at www.signwarehouse.com. However, a yet further particularly useful material is magnetic foam sheets such as available from Darice, Inc. of Strongsville, Ohio under the trademark "Magni-Foamies™." This material is slightly compressible as compared to the afore-mentioned sheet magnetic material thereby allowing it to be picked up easier. In addition, magnetic shapes having one or more enclosed apertures or openings such as the magnetic shape comprising a circle can be made easily by hand using the magnetic foam sheet with a scissors rather than a knife. In particular, the desired aperture or opening is made from starting at an outer edge of the border and cutting inwardly and then around the perimeter of the desired opening. When cutting is finished, free ends are present, which can then be joined together using an adhesive such as an instant adhesive commonly known as "super glue". The resulting bond is very strong due to the apparent affinity of the adhesive to the foam material. In addition, or in the alternative, tape can be used to join the free ends on one or both sides of the magnetic foam sheet or the afore-mentioned sheet magnetic material.

As indicated above, the toy assembly 10 can be used to make a scene using various magnetic shapes 14. As discussed above, since magnetic array surfaces are present both on surface 12 and each of the magnetic shapes 14, the magnetic shapes 14 have preferred orientations as well as can be arranged easily along a line. The organizing of objects in a scene along a line is a useful concept to teach, hi addition, if the magnetic shapes 14 comprise letters the concept of arranging letters along straight lines to form words is instilled, hi this manner, another aspect of the invention is a sign assembly comprising the surface 12 or hinged sections 12 A, 12B and a set of magnetic shapes 14 in the form of letters, numbers and/or symbols and shapes, where both the surface 12 and each of the magnetic shapes 14 all include magnetic array surfaces that cooperate together to allow words, phrases or the like of the sign to be arranged along a line (straight or curved) corresponding to the aligned magnets of the magnetic array surfaces of the surface 12 and the magnetic shapes 14 thereon.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above as has been determined by the courts. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

IN THE CLAIMS:

1. A magnetic toy assembly comprising: a plurality of magnetic shapes; a support having a magnetic array surface to which each of the magnetic shapes can be positioned thereon and held thereto with magnetic attraction, the magnetic array surface comprising an array of magnets wherein the magnets of the array are disposed or formed in a continuous side-by-side relationship so as to form a single unitary body; and wherein each of the magnetic shapes and the magnetic array surface are formed of material that has magnetism.

2. The magnetic toy assembly of claim 1 wherein the support is flexible.

3. The magnetic toy assembly of claim 2 wherein each of the magnetic shapes and the magnetic array surface comprise a pattern of magnets such that the magnetic shape has one or more positions relative to the magnetic array surface where magnetic attraction between each of the magnetic shapes and the magnetic array surface is strongest.

4. The magnetic toy assembly of any one of the claims above wherein each of the magnetic shapes comprises a magnetic array surface.

5. The magnetic toy assembly of claim 4 wherein the magnetic array surface on each magnetic shape has the same pattern as the magnetic array surface on the support.

6. The magnetic toy assembly of claim 5 wherein each of the patterns of magnetic array surfaces comprise a plurality of strips.

7. The magnetic toy assembly of claim 6 wherein the width of all the strips are approximately equal.

8. The magnetic toy assembly of any one of the claims above wherein the magnetic array surface comprises sections that are hingeably attached to each other.

9. The magnetic toy assembly of claim 8 wherein the support is disposable in an operative position where the magnetic array surface of the support accepts each of the plurality of magnetic shapes, and disposable in a transport position where the sections are facing each other and magnetically joined to each other.

10. The magnetic toy assembly of claim 9 wherein each of the plurality of magnetic shapes is of size so as to be trapped between the sections in the transport position.

11. The magnetic toy assembly of any one of the claims above wherein a magnetic shape comprises sections that are hingeably attached to each other.

12. The magnetic toy assembly of any one of the claims above wherein one or more of the magnetic shapes includes an aperture.

13. The magnetic toy assembly of any one of the claims above wherein a label is provided for one or more of the magnetic shapes and/or aperture contained therein.

14. The magnetic toy assembly of any one of the claims above wherein a reference indicator is provided on at least one of the magnetic shapes so as to indicate an orientation relative to the magnetic array surface of maximum magnetic attraction.

15. The magnetic toy assembly of claim 14 wherein the label is removable from the corresponding magnetic shape.

16. The magnetic toy assembly of any one of the claims above and further comprising a sheet of magnetic material.

17. The magnetic toy assembly of claim 16 wherein the sheet of material includes a magnetic array surface having the same pattern as the magnetic array surface on the support.

18. The magnetic toy assembly of claim 17 wherein the magnetic sheet of material is cutable with a pair of sheers.

19. The magnetic toy assembly of claim 17 or 18 wherein the sheet of material has a surface suitable for writing thereon with a writing instrument.

20. The magnetic toy assembly of any one of the claims above wherein magnetic shapes comprise foam.

21. The magnetic toy assembly of any one of the claims above wherein the magnetic shapes comprise a set, and wherein each magnetic shape comprises a tracing stencil, and wherein when the magnetic shapes are used sequentially as separate tracing stencils that are aligned with respect to each other, a composite design is formed via tracing using the magnetic shapes.

22. The magnetic toy assembly of any one of claims 1-20 wherein the magnetic shapes comprise a set, and wherein each magnetic shape comprises at least one aperture through which a writing instrument can extend, and wherein when the magnetic shapes are used sequentially as separate tracing stencils that are aligned with respect to each other, a composite design is formed via tracing using the apertures of the magnetic shapes.

23. The magnetic toy assembly of claim 21 or 22 wherein each magnetic shape of the set includes a registration indicator used to align the shapes with respect to each other during sequential use.

24. The magnetic toy assembly of claim 23 wherein each registration indicator comprises an aperture.

25. The magnetic toy assembly of any one of the claims above and further comprising a carrying case joined to the support.

26. The magnetic toy assembly of claim 25 wherein the carrying case hingably joined to the support.

27. The magnetic toy assembly of claim 26 wherein the carrying case is disposed away from the user when the support is in disposed in an operative position to accept the magnetic shapes.

28. The magnetic toy assembly of claim 27 wherein the carrying case includes an opening accessible to the user when the support is in disposed in an operative position to accept the magnetic shapes.