WO2018157223A1

WO2018157223A1 - Magnetic toy building block

Info

Publication number: WO2018157223A1
Application number: PCT/CA2017/000039
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christopher GOULET
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-03-02
Filing date: 2017-03-02
Publication date: 2018-09-07
Anticipated expiration: 2019-09-02

Abstract

In at least one embodiment the present invention can provide a toy building block having a first component having at least one external first component face and a first proximal surface, a second component having at least one external second component face and a second proximal surface, and an internal structure, the internal structure positioned within at least one of the first component and the second component, the internal structure defining at least one internal magnet cavity, each of the at least one internal magnet cavity rotatably receiving a spherical magnet at a position adjacent at least one of the at least one external first component face and the at least one external second component face, the first proximal surface abutting the second proximal surface when the toy building block is assembled.

Description

Magnetic Toy Building Block

Field

The present invention relates to children's toys. More specifically, the present invention relates to toy building block systems.

Background

Construction toys are extremely popular with children of all ages, some of which even carry this enthusiasm into adulthood. This type of play fosters creativity, problem-solving, co-operation and spatial awareness in a manner that can be greatly beneficial to children across the developmental spectrum.

There are numerous construction toys and building component systems available on the market, ranging from traditional options (including wooden blocks, modeling clay and sand toys) to more sophisticated modern options (including Lego®, Kinex®, Meccano® and Tinkertoy® sets).

Many of these more sophisticated modern options involve interlocking components that can be securely but releasably mated to one another in a wide variety of ways. For example, in Lego® sets and their analogues, a projecting stud on one plastic "brick" is securely but releasably received in a corresponding recess on a second brick.

Other well-known systems releasably fasten otherwise separate components together using mechanical fasteners (Meccano®) or by using rod components that are snugly yet removably received in appropriately sized bores located on corresponding hub components (Kinex® or Tinkertoy®).

Moreover, magnetic building systems are known wherein magnets are used to adjoin separate components together in a secure but releaseable fashion. Magnets have the advantage of working in a seemingly "invisible manner" and require minimal effort to engage a first component with a second component.

In this way, such magnetic building systems are well-suited to young children who may lack the dexterity and hand-eye coordination to engage with more complicated types of construction toys. However and as will be understood by the skilled person, magnets fundamentally rely on the attraction of opposing poles, and as such if the magnets used in connection with a magnetic building component are statically positioned, the magnetic polarity of the component is necessarily non-agnostic. In other words, a component having a negative pole can only attract a component having a corresponding positive pole, and vice versa.

As such, it is beneficial if the magnets used in magnetic building components are dynamically positioned such that the orientation of the magnet itself can pivot depending on the polarity the adjacent magnetic component. However, such arrangements are difficult to manufacture from a practical perspective and can often result in a product that is difficult and expensive to manufacture and which has poor attractive qualities.

Moreover, it will be readily appreciated that magnetic toys pose unique safety challenges as extra precautions must be taken to ensure that a small child cannot dislodge a magnet and accidentally swallow it, leading to complications that extend beyond the standard concerns regarding choking with respect to children and small objects. As such, any toys intended for small children that incorporate magnets must be large enough to prevent swallowing the toy whole and further should be constructed in a sufficiently robust manner so that any magnetic components cannot be dislodged from the toy.

Therefore, there is a need for a magnetic building component that is safe to use, easy and economical to manufacture, can be designed in a nearly limitless number of shapes and which exhibits high quality magnetic attraction between adjacent components.

Brief Summary

It is contemplated that the present invention provides a magnetic building component that is safe to use, easy and economical to manufacture, can be designed in a nearly limitless number of shapes and which exhibits secure but releasable magnetic attraction between adjacent components.

In at least one embodiment, the present invention provides a toy building block having a first component having at least one external first component face and a first proximal surface, a second component having at least one external second component face and a second proximal surface, and an internal structure, the internal structure positioned within at least one of the first component and the second component, the internal structure defining at least one internal magnet cavity, each of the at least one internal magnet cavity rotatably receiving a spherical magnet at a position adjacent at least one of the at least one external first component face and the at least one external second component face, the first proximal surface abutting the second proximal surface when the toy building block is assembled.

Description of the Figures

The present invention will be better understood in connection with the following drawings, in which:

Figure 1A is an exploded isometric view of at least one embodiment of a magnetic toy building block in accordance with the present invention;

Figure IB is a cross-sectional view of at least one embodiment of a magnetic toy building block in accordance with Figure 1A;

Figure 2A is an exploded isometric view of another embodiment of a magnetic toy building block in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of at least one embodiment of a magnetic toy building block in accordance with Figure 2A;

Figure 3A is an exploded isometric view of yet another embodiment of a magnetic toy building block in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of at least one embodiment of a magnetic toy building block in accordance with Figure 3A;

Figure 4A is an exploded isometric view of yet another embodiment of a magnetic toy building block in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of at least one embodiment of a magnetic toy building block in accordance with Figure 4A; Figure 5A is an exploded isometric view of yet another embodiment of a magnetic toy building block in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of at least one embodiment of a magnetic toy building block in accordance with Figure 5A;

Figure 6 is an internal upper view of the embodiment of a magnetic toy building block shown in Figure 5A;

Figure 7 is an internal lower view of the embodiment of a magnetic toy building block shown in Figure 5A;

Figure 8 is an exploded isometric view of yet another embodiment of a magnetic toy building block in accordance with the present invention; and

Figure 9 is an isometric view of multiple embodiments of magnetic toy building blocks in use in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

It is contemplated that the present invention can provide a magnetic building component or toy building block that is safe for very small children to use, easy and economical to manufacture, can be designed in a nearly limitless number of shapes and which exhibits secure but releasable magnetic attraction between adjacent components.

It will be readily appreciated that a toy building block in accordance with the present invention can be manufactured by way of any suitable manufacturing process as will be understood by the skilled person, including but not limited to extrusion, casting, ultrasonic welding, moulding, milling, woodworking, 3-D printing or any other suitable manufacturing method. Further, it is contemplated that the present invention can be manufactured to any suitable dimensions as required by the needs of specific end user application that is selected.

Further, it is contemplated that many design variations may be selected in constructing a toy building block in accordance with the present invention. More specifically, it is contemplated that separate components can be joined together by any suitable technique, including but not limited to adhesives, ultrasonic welding and mechanical fasters. Further, it is contemplated that generally planar surfaces can be joined together using a variety of finishing techniques including but not limited to fillets, inside and outside radial corners and chamfers, among other finishing arrangements that will be readily appreciated by the skilled person.

Moreover, it will be readily appreciated that a toy building block in accordance with the present invention can be manufactured out of any suitable material having the requisite non-magnetic properties required for the effective operation of the present invention, including but not limited to wood, various plastics, non-magnetic metals and composite materials as required by the needs of specific end user application that is selected.

In at least one embodiment the present invention can provide a toy building block having a first component, a second component and an internal structure. In some embodiments it is contemplated that the first component and the second component are symmetrically-oriented components and in other embodiments it is contemplated that these components are not symmetrical as required by the needs of specific end user application that is selected.

It is contemplated that each of the first component and the second component has at least one external face and a proximal surface. In at least one embodiment it is contemplated that the external face is generally flat and adapted to smoothly abut an external face of a second, adjacent toy building block or toy accessory component when the two components are adjoined together, as will be readily appreciated by the skilled person.

As will be discussed in further detail herein, it is contemplated that each component can have a number of external faces as required by the needs of specific end user application that is selected. As will be appreciated by the skilled person, the shape of each component is ultimately selected based on the desired shape of the resultant toy building block when assembled. In this way, the external face can take any suitable shape including but not limited to circular, elliptical, triangular, square, rectangular and polygonal, among any other shape that is required.

It is also contemplated that a toy building block in accordance with the present invention can be used in connection with a number of toy accessory components having at least one magnetically attractive surface and taking a limitless number of shapes or forms, including but not limited to signs, wheels, windows, roof tiles, faces, arms, doors, decorative elements, among any other number of toy accessory components that could possibly contemplated by the skilled purpose for use in connection with the present invention.

As will be appreciated by the skilled person, in some embodiments it is contemplated that the external face from the first component can be coplanar with an external face on the second component, such that a resultant external face is created when the toy block is assembled, as will be readily appreciated by the skilled person.

In some embodiments, the proximal surfaces of the first component and the second component can be oriented at an opposite end of the component from at least one external face of that particular component; however other arrangements are also contemplated. It is contemplated that the proximal surfaces of the first component and the second component can have a number of features and arrangements as will be discussed in further detail below.

In this way, the proximal surface of the first component abuts the proximal surface of the second component when the toy building block is assembled, as will be readily understood by the skilled person.

It is contemplated that the internal structure of the toy building block can be formed integrally with one or both of the first component and the second component or alternatively can be a completely separate component that is received within a cavity defined by one or both of the first component and the second component. Further, it is contemplated that the internal structure can be comprised of multiple separate components that can be joined or abutted together or alternatively can be a single unitary component, depending on the particular needs of the end- user application.

It is contemplated that the internal structure houses at least one internal magnet cavity. As will be discussed in further detail below it is contemplated that the internal magnet cavity can be a partial internal magnet cavity or an entire internal magnet cavity. It can be contemplated that the internal magnet cavity fully and rotatably receives a spherical magnet or partially and rotatably receives a spherical magnet, as will be discussed above. It is contemplated that the internal magnet cavity can take a number of shapes as required by the end-user application of the present invention, including but not limited to spherical, cubic, polygonal, partially spherical, hemispherical, cylindrical and partially cylindrically, among any other shape that permits a spherical magnet to rotate freely within the internal magnet cavity when the spherical magnet is received within the internal magnet cavity. In some embodiments it is contemplated that the internal magnet cavity is cylindrical, and in some embodiments it is contemplated that the internal magnet cavity is generally cylindrical with at least one hemispherical end, among other arrangements.

Moreover it is contemplated that the internal magnet cavity can be completely housed within a single internal structure or alternatively a first, partial internal magnet cavity can be housed in a first internal structure component that mates with a second, partial internal magnet cavity housed in a second internal structure component when the resultant toy block is assembled.

As discussed previously, it is contemplated that the internal magnet cavity is located adjacent to the external face of the component of the toy building block. As will be readily understood by the skilled person, it is contemplated that in some embodiments the internal magnet cavity does not fluidly communicate with the external face (in other words, is completely internal and separate from the external face) while in other embodiments it is contemplated that an external orifice is provided in the external face that fluidly communicates with the internal magnet cavity through the provided external orifice.

In some embodiments, an internal magnet cavity located in the internal structure of a first component fluidly communicates with a first central axial bore. Moreover, in these embodiments, an internal magnet cavity located in the internal structure of a second component also fluidly communicates with a second central axial bore. In this way, when the toy building block is assembled (and the respective proximal surfaces of the components abut one another) the first central axial bore is coaxially aligned with the second central axial bore in order to create a single, central axial bore.

In this embodiment, the central axial bore can receive a cylindrical shaft that has a first end and a second end. It is contemplated that this cylindrical shaft can be a single component or multiple components suitably joined together. In this way, at least one of the internal magnet cavities can be defined between the end of the central axial bore and the respective end of the cylindrical shaft, as will be discussed in further detail below.

As discussed both previously and in further detail below, it is contemplated that the proximal surfaces of the components of the toy building block can include a number of additional features depending on the needs of the of the end-user application.

In at least one embodiment it is contemplated that one of the abutting proximal surfaces can include a perimeter shoulder and the other, abutting proximal surface in some embodiments one of the abutting surfaces can have a projecting perimeter rim that can engage the perimeter shoulder when the two proximal surfaces abut one another when the toy building block is assembled. In these embodiments, it is contemplated that the perimeter shoulder and perimeter projecting rim can extend either partially or fully around the perimeter of the proximal surface, among other arrangements that will be readily appreciated by the skilled person.

In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the perimeter shoulder extends fully around the perimeter of the proximal surface of the component such that a raised central portion is created. In this way, in some embodiments a central bore communicating with at least one of the magnetic recesses can extend through a generally central portion of the raised central portion. Moreover, in some embodiments additional internal magnet cavities can be provided about the perimeter of the proximal surface and perimeter shoulder and in some embodiments these additional internal magnet cavities are at least partially cylindrical or spherical bores that extend at least partially through a perimeter edge of the raised central portion.

In this way and as will be understood by the skilled person, the raised central portion creates a physical barrier between adjacent internal magnet cavities such that when a spherical magnet is placed within each of these internal magnet cavities the adjacent spherical magnets are physically prevented from dislodging out of the internal magnet cavities due to the significant magnetic force interactions between adjacent spherical magnets, thereby facilitating the assembly process of a toy building block in accordance with the present invention.

In other embodiments, it is contemplated that at least one of the proximal surfaces of the first component and the second component have a perimeter rim, and that in some embodiments these perimeter rims abut one another when the first proximal surface abuts the second proximal surface when the toy building block is assembled. In these embodiments, it is further contemplated that these perimeter rims can include raised flanges and corresponding recesses that engage with one another when first proximal surface abuts the second proximal surface when the toy building block is assembled.

As discussed above, in at least one embodiment it is contemplated that at least one of the first component and the second component of the toy building block can be hollow and define a partial, external shell of the toy building block. In these embodiments, the internal structure can be an internal insert that is separate from at least one of the first component and the second component and as such the internal insert fits within the internal cavity defined by at least one of the first component and the second component of the toy building block. In other embodiments it is contemplated that the internal insert is integrally formed with at least one of the first component and the second component.

In some embodiments it is contemplated that the internal insert defines at least one internal magnet cavity between the internal insert and an inner surface of at least one of the first component and the second component.

In at least one embodiment, the internal structure is an internal insert that includes a central axial shaft component that has a central axial bore and an external cylindrical surface. It is contemplated that the central axial bore can communicate with at least one internal magnet cavity located adjacent one end of the central axial bore.

It is contemplated that the central axial bore receives a cylindrical shaft component having a first end and a second end. In this way, the cylindrical shaft component defines at least one internal magnet cavity between at least one end of the cylindrical shaft component and an inner surface of the component of the toy building block. As will be understood by the skilled person, it will be appreciated that in this embodiment the inner surface of the component is opposite and adjacent of at least one of the external faces of the component of the toy building block.

It is contemplated that in some embodiments at least one of the first end and the second end of the cylindrical shaft component includes a hemispherical cup that can also define at least one internal magnet cavity between the space created by the hemispherical cup and an opposing inner surface of the component of the toy building block. As will be understood by the skilled person, it will be appreciated that in this embodiment the inner surface of the component is internal to and opposite and adjacent of at least one of the external faces of the component of the toy building block.

In some embodiments it is contemplated that the cylindrical shaft component fits with the central axial bore with a force or friction fit arrangement in order to secure a spherical magnet in an internal magnet cavity defined between one end of the cylindrical shaft component and an inner surface of the component of the toy building block, as discussed above. In other embodiments it is contemplated that the cylindrical shaft component is fixed within the central axial bore by way of mechanical means, including but not limited to threads, crush tabs, crush ribs or any other suitable arrangement that will be readily appreciated by the skilled person.

In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the internal insert can include at least one pair of outwardly and longitudinally extending flanges that define at least one of the at least one internal magnet cavities therebetween. In some embodiments this pair of flanges includes a first flange having a proximal first parallel flange portion and second, inwardly concave flange portion and a symmetrical second flange also having a first parallel flange portion and second, inwardly concave flange portion, among other arrangements that will be readily appreciated by the skilled person.

In some embodiments, a centrally located magnet support flange can be disposed longitudinally between the pair of outwardly and longitudinally extending flanges in the generally cylindrical internal magnet cavity created between these longitudinally extending flanges. This magnet support flange can have an arcuate upper surface and is adapted to rotatably support a spherical magnet in an internal magnet cavity that is a partially spherical space defined by the arcuate upper surface of the magnet support flange, the pair of outwardly and longitudinally extending flanges and an inner surface of the component of the toy building block.

In these embodiments it is contemplated that the inner surface of the component of the toy building block can have a partially spherical bevel that also rotatably engages the spherical magnet and partially defines at least one internal magnet cavity between the pair of outwardly and longitudinally extending flanges and the arcuate upper surface of the magnet support flange.

As will be understood by the skilled person, it will be appreciated that in these embodiments the inner surface of the component is internal to and opposite and adjacent of at least one of the external faces of the component of the toy building block.

Turning to Figures 1A and IB, at least one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, a toy building block 10 has a first component 12, a second component 14 and an internal structure 16. In this embodiment first component 12 and second component 14 are symmetrical components.

It is contemplated that each of first component 12 and second component 14 has a plurality of external faces 18, 20 and a respective proximal surface 22, 24. In this embodiment external face 18, 20 is generally flat and adapted to smoothly abut the external face of a second, adjacent toy building block when the two toy building blocks are adjoined together, as will be readily appreciated by the skilled person.

In this embodiment it is contemplated that each component 12, 14 has a number of external faces 18, 20. As will be appreciated by the skilled person, the shape of each component is ultimately selected based on the desired shape of the resultant toy building block when assembled. In this embodiment, the external faces are square and rectangular.

In this embodiment it is contemplated that external face 18 from first component 12 is coplanar with external face 20 of second component 14, such that a resultant external face is created when the toy building block 10 is assembled, as will be readily appreciated by the skilled person.

In this embodiment, the proximal surfaces 22, 24 of first component 12 and second component 14 can be oriented at an opposite end of component 12, 14 from the external faces 18, 20 of that particular component. It is contemplated that proximal surface 22 of first component 12 and proximal surface 24 of second component 14 can have a number of features and arrangements as will be discussed in further detail below. It is contemplated in this embodiment that internal structure 16 of toy building block 10 is formed integrally with both of first component 12 and second component 14.

It is contemplated that internal structure 16 houses a number of internal magnet cavities 26. In this embodiment it is contemplated that internal magnet cavities 26 are both partial internal magnet cavities and entirely internal magnet cavities. It is contemplated that internal magnet cavity 26 can fully and rotatably receives a spherical magnet 28 or can partially and rotatably receive a spherical magnet 28, as can be seen in Figure IB.

It is contemplated in this embodiment that the internal magnet cavity 26 is cylindrically shaped. Moreover it is contemplated in this embodiment that internal magnet cavity 26 can be completely housed within a single internal structure 16 and alternatively a first, partial internal magnet cavity can be housed in a first internal structure component and can mate with a second, partial internal magnet cavity housed in a second internal structure component.

In this embodiment it is contemplated that each internal magnet cavity 26 is located internal to and adjacent to an external face 18, 20 of the component 12, 14 of the toy building block 10. In this embodiment, it is contemplated that the internal magnet cavity does not fluidly communicate with the external face (in other words, is completely internal and separate from the external face).

In this embodiment, one internal magnet cavity 26 located in the internal structure 16 of first component 12 fluidly communicates with a first central axial bore 30. Moreover, in this embodiments, internal magnet cavity 26 located in the internal structure 16 of second component 14 also fluidly communicates with a second central axial bore 31. In this way, when toy building block 10 is assembled (and the respective proximal surfaces 22, 24 of components 12, 14 abut one another) first central axial bore 30 is coaxially aligned with second central axial bore 31 in order to create a central axial bore.

In this embodiment, central axial bore can receive a cylindrical shaft 34 that has a first end 36 and a second end 38. In this way, an internal magnet cavity 26 can be defined between the end of the central axial bore 30, 31 and the respective end of the cylindrical shaft 36, 38. Turning to Figures 2 A and 2B, at least one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, a toy building block 10 has a first component 12, a second component 14 and an internal structure 16. In this embodiment first component 12 and second component 14 are symmetrical components.

In this embodiment it is contemplated that at least one external face 18 from first component 12 is coplanar with at least one external face 20 of second component 14, such that a resultant external face is created when the toy building block 10 is assembled, as will be readily appreciated by the skilled person.

In this embodiment, the proximal surfaces 22, 24 of first component 12 and second component 14 can be oriented at an opposite end of component 12, 14 from one of the external faces 18, 20 of that particular component. It is contemplated that proximal surface 22 of first component 12 and proximal surface 24 of second component 14 can have a number of features and arrangements as will be discussed in further detail below.

It is contemplated in this embodiment that internal structure 16 of toy building block 10 is formed integrally with both of first component 12 and second component 14.

It is contemplated that internal structure 16 houses a number of internal magnet cavities 26. In this embodiment it is contemplated that internal magnet cavities 26 are both partial internal magnet cavities and entire internal magnet cavities. It is contemplated that internal magnet cavity 26 fully and rotatably receives a spherical magnet 28 or partially and rotatably receives a spherical magnet 28, as can be seen in Figure 2B.

It is contemplated in this embodiment that the internal magnet cavity 26 is spherically shaped. Moreover it is contemplated in this embodiment that internal magnet cavity 26 can be completely housed within a single internal structure 16 and alternatively a first, partial internal magnet cavity can be housed in a first internal structure component can mate with a second, partial internal magnet cavity housed in a second internal structure component.

In this embodiment, central axial bore can receive a cylindrical shaft 34 that has a first end 36 and a second end 38. In this way, an internal magnet cavity 26 can be defined between the end of the central axial bore and the respective end of the cylindrical shaft 36, 38.

Turning to Figures 3A and 3B, at least one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, a toy building block 10 has a first component 12, a second component 14 and an internal structure 16. In this embodiment first component 12 and second component 14 are symmetrical components.

It is contemplated that each of first component 12 and second component 14 has a plurality of external faces 18, 20 and a respective proximal surface 22, 24. In this embodiment external face 18, 20 is generally flat and adapted to smoothly abut the external face of a second, adjacent toy building block when the two toy building blocks are^' adjoined together, as will be readily appreciated by the skilled person.

In this embodiment, the proximal surfaces 22, 24 of first component 12 and second component 14 can be oriented at an opposite end of component 12, 14 from the external faces 18, 20 of that particular component. It is contemplated that proximal surface 22 of first component 12 and proximal surface 24 of second component 14 can have a number of features and arrangements as will be discussed in further detail below.

It is contemplated that internal structure 16 houses a number of internal magnet cavities 26. In this embodiment it is contemplated that internal magnet cavities 26 are both partial internal magnet cavities and entire internal magnet cavities. It is contemplated that internal magnet cavity 26 fully and rotatably receives a spherical magnet 28 or partially and rotatably receives a spherical magnet 28, as can be seen in Figure 3A.

It is contemplated in this embodiment that the internal magnet cavity 26 is spherically shaped. Moreover it is contemplated in this embodiment that internal magnet cavity 26 can be completely housed within a single internal structure 16 and alternatively a first, partial internal magnet cavity can be housed in a first internal structure component 16 can mate with a second, partial internal magnet cavity housed in a second internal structure component. In this embodiment it is contemplated that each internal magnet cavity 26 is located internal to and adjacent to an external face 18, 20 of the component 12, 14 of the toy building block 10. In this embodiment, it is contemplated that internal magnet cavity 26 fluidly communicates with the external face 18, 20 by way of an external orifice 29. In this way, it is contemplated that the spherical magnet 28 is directly exposed to the external environment of the toy building block, thereby enabling the possible of magnet on magnet (or magnet on metal) contact between toy building block 10 and an adjacent toy building block or toy accessory contact and increasing the available attractive magnetic force between these two components.

In this embodiment, internal magnet cavity 26 located in the internal structure 16 of first component 12 fluidly communicates with a first central axial bore 30. Moreover, in this embodiments, internal magnet cavity 26 located in the internal structure 16 of second component 14 also fluidly communicates with a second central axial bore 31. In this way, when toy building block 10 is assembled (and the respective proximal surfaces 22, 24 of components 12, 14 abut one another) first central axial bore 30 is coaxially aligned with second central axial bore 31 in order to create a central axial bore.

Turning to Figures 4A and 4B, at least one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, a toy building block 10 has a first component 12, a second component 14 and an internal structure 16. In this embodiment first component 12 and second component 14 are non-symmetrical components.

It is contemplated that each of first component 12 and second component 14 has a plurality of external faces 18, 20 and a respective proximal surface 22, 24. In this embodiment external face 18, 20 is generally flat and adapted to smoothly abut the external face of a second, adjacent toy building block when the two toy building blocks are adjoined together, as will be readily appreciated by the skilled person. In this embodiment it is contemplated that each component 12, 14 has a number of external faces 18, 20. As will be appreciated by the skilled person, the shape of each component is ultimately selected based on the desired shape of the resultant toy building block when assembled. In this embodiment, the external faces are square and rectangular.

It is contemplated that internal structure 16 houses a number of internal magnet cavities 26. In this embodiment it is contemplated that internal magnet cavities 26 are both partial internal magnet cavities and entirely internal magnet cavities. It is contemplated that internal magnet cavity 26 fully and rotatably receives a spherical magnet 28 or partially and rotatably receives a spherical magnet 28, as can be seen in Figure 4A.

It is contemplated in this embodiment that the internal magnet cavity 26 is cylindrically shaped. Moreover it is contemplated in this embodiment that internal magnet cavity 26 can be completely housed within a single internal structure 16 and alternatively a first, partial internal magnet cavity can be housed in a first internal structure component 16 can mate with a second, partial internal magnet cavity housed in a second internal structure component to create an internal magnet cavity 26 when the resulting toy building block 10 is assembled.

In this embodiment it is contemplated that each internal magnet cavity 26 is located adjacent to an external face 18, 20 of the component 12, 14 of the toy building block 10. In this embodiment, it is contemplated that the internal magnet cavities do not fluidly communicate with the external face (in other words, is completely internal and separate from the external face).

In this embodiment, it is contemplated that proximal surface 22 of first component 12 further includes a perimeter shoulder 40 that extends around the perimeter of proximal surface 22 thereby creating a raised central portion 42. As seen in Figure 4, in this embodiment additional internal magnet cavities 26 are provided about the perimeter of the proximal surface 22 and perimeter shoulder 40 and in some embodiments these additional internal magnet cavities 26 are at least partially cylindrical bores that extend at least partially through a perimeter edge 46 of the raised central portion 42.

In this way and as will be understood by the skilled person, raised central portion 42 creates a physical barrier between adjacent internal magnet cavities 26 such that when spherical magnet 28 is placed within each of these internal magnet cavities adjacent spherical magnets are prevented from dislodging out of the internal magnet cavities due to the significant magnetic force interactions between adjacent spherical magnets, thereby facilitating the assembly process of toy building block 10.

Turning to Figures 5A, 5B, 6 and 7, at least one embodiment of a toy building block in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, it is contemplated that at least one of a first component 102 and a second component 104 of the toy building block 100 is hollow and defines a partial, external shell of the toy building block 100. In this embodiment each of first component 102 and second component 104 is contemplated as having at least one external face 106.

In this embodiment, it is contemplated that at least one of first component 102 and second component 104 have proximal surfaces that are perimeter rims 105, and that these perimeter rims 105 abut one another when first proximal surface abuts the second proximal surface when toy building block 100 is assembled.

In this embodiment, the internal structure is an internal insert 110 that is separate from at least one of first component 102 and second component 104 and as such internal insert 110 fits within the internal cavity defined by at least one of first component 102 and second component 104 of toy building block 100, however other arrangements are also contemplated. For example internal insert can be a separate component or can be integrally formed within the internal cavity defined by at least one of first component 102 and second component 104 of toy building block 100.

In these embodiments it is contemplated that internal insert 110 defines at least one internal magnet cavity 112 between the internal insert 110 and an inner surface 108 of at least one of first component 102 and second component 104.

In this embodiment, internal insert 110 includes a central axial shaft component 120 that has a central axial bore 122 and an external cylindrical surface 124. It is contemplated that central axial bore 122 can communicate with at least one internal magnet cavity 112 located adjacent one end of central axial bore 122.

It is contemplated that central axial bore 122 receives a cylindrical shaft component 130 having a first end 132 and a second end 134. In this way, cylindrical shaft component 130 defines at least one internal magnet cavity 112 between at least one end 132, 134 of the cylindrical shaft component 130 and an inner surface 108 of the component 102, 104 of the toy building block 100. As will be understood by the skilled person, it will be appreciated that in this embodiment the inner surface 108 of the component is opposite and adjacent of at least one of the external faces 106 of the component 102, 104 of the toy building block 100. It is contemplated that in some embodiments at least one of first end 132 and second end 134 of cylindrical shaft 130 component includes a hemispherical cup 135 that can also define at least one internal magnet cavity 112 between the space created by hemispherical cup 135 and an inner surface 108 of component 102, 104 of toy building block 100. As will be understood by the skilled person, it will be appreciated that in this embodiment the inner surface 108 of the component 100 is internal to and opposite and adjacent of at least one of the external faces 106 of the component 102, 104 of the toy building block 100.

In this embodiment, it is contemplated that the internal insert 110 includes at least one pair of outwardly and longitudinally extending flanges that define at least one of the at least one internal magnet cavities 112 therebetween. In this embodiment, flanges include a first flange 140 having a proximal first parallel flange portion 142 and second, inwardly concave flange portion 144 and a symmetrical second flange 141 also having a first parallel flange portion 143 and second, inwardly concave flange portion 145 as can be seen in Figure 7.

In this embodiment, a centrally located magnet support flange 146 can be disposed longitudinally between the flanges 140, 141. Magnet support flange 146 has an arcuate upper surface 148 and is adapted to rotatably support a spherical magnet 150 in an internal magnet cavity 112 that is a partial spherical space defined by arcuate upper surface 148 of magnet support flange 146, flanges 140, 141 and an inner surface 108 of the component 102, 104 of the toy building block 100.

In this embodiment it is contemplated that the inner surface 108 of the component 102, 104 of the toy building block 100 can have a partially spherical bevel 152 that also rotatably engages spherical magnet 150 and partially defines at least one internal magnet cavity 112 between flanges 140, 141 and arcuate upper surface 148 of magnet support flange 146.

As will be understood by the skilled person, it will be appreciated that in this embodiment the inner surface 108 of the component 102, 104 is opposite and adjacent of at least one of the external faces 106 of the component 102, 104 of the toy building block 100. Turning to Figure 8, another embodiment of the embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. As will be appreciated by the skilled person, this embodiment is largely analogous to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 to 7.

In this embodiment, it is contemplated that at least one of a first component 202 and a second component 204 of the toy building block 200 is hollow and defines a partial, external shell of the toy building block 200. In this embodiment each of first component 202 and second component

204 is contemplated as having a number of external faces 206.

In this embodiment, it is contemplated that at least one of first component 202 and second component 204 have proximal surfaces that are perimeter rims 205, and that these perimeter rims

205 abut one another when first proximal surface abuts the second proximal surface when toy building block 200 is assembled.

In this embodiment, the internal structure is a plurality of internal inserts 210 that are separate from at least one of first component 202 and second component 204 and as such internal insert 210 fits within the internal cavity defined by at least one of first component 202 and second component 204 of toy building block 200.

In these embodiments it is contemplated that each internal insert 210 defines at least one internal magnet cavity 212 between the internal insert 210 and an inner surface 208 of at least one of first component 202 and second component 204.

Each internal insert 210 further includes a central bore 214 that receives a cylindrical shaft 216 that can includes a cylindrical cup 218. Cylindrical cup 218 further defines another internal magnet cavity between the cavity defined by cylindrical cup 218 and an inner surface 208 of at least one of first component 202 and second component 204. Moreover, each internal magnet cavity 212 receives a spherical magnet 220 at an internal position adjacent the each of the external faces 206 of the toy building block 200.

In this way, it will be appreciated that any of the embodiments of the present invention provide a toy building block having a number of spherical magnets rotatably housed in an internal magnet cavity at an internal position adjacent the each of the external faces of the toy building block. In this way, when another magnetic component is brought within the magnetic field of the spherical magnet this spherical magnet rotates itself within the internal magnet cavity such that it is aligned for magnetic attraction between these adjacent components. '

Therefore and with reference to Figure 9, toy building blocks 10, 100 are provided that can automatically magnetically align and attract itself to an adjacent component in an agnostic manner (i.e. regardless of the polarity of the adjacent component) to ensure that magnetic attraction is always possible

The skilled person will readily appreciate that the present embodiments discussed herein are introduced for exemplary purposes only and the protection sought will be limited only by the scope of the attached claims.

Claims

We claim:

1. A toy building block comprising: a first component having at least one external first component face and a first proximal surface; a second component having at least one external second component face and a second proximal surface; and an internal structure, said internal structure positioned within at least one of said first component and said second component, said internal structure defining at least one internal magnet cavity, each said at least one internal magnet cavity rotatably and at least partially receiving a spherical magnet at a position adjacent at least one of said at least one external first component face and said at least one external second component face, said first proximal surface abutting said second proximal surface when the toy building block is assembled.

2. The toy building block of claim 1, wherein said first component includes a first central axial bore extending from a first distal position adjacent said least one external first component face to said first proximal surface of said first component and said second component includes a second central axial bore extending from a second distal position adjacent said at least one external second component face and said second proximal surface of said second component, wherein said first central axial bore aligns coaxially with said second central axial bore, and wherein said first central axial bore and said second axial bore receive a cylindrical shaft having a first end and a second end, said cylindrical shaft defining at least one of said at least one internal magnet cavity between said first end of said cylindrical shaft and said first distal position, said cylindrical shaft defining another at least one of said at least one internal magnet cavity between said second end of said cylindrical shaft and said second distal position.

3. The toy building block of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein at least one of said first proximal surface of said first component and said second proximal face of said second component has a perimeter shoulder.

4. The toy building block of claim 3 wherein said perimeter shoulder defines a raised central portion of said at least one of said first proximal surface of said first component and said second proximal face of said second component.

5. The toy building block of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein at least one of said at least one internal magnet cavity is cylindrically shaped.

6. The toy building block of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein at least one of said at least one internal magnet cavity is spherically shaped.

7. The toy building block of any one of claims 1 to 6 further comprising at least one

external opening on at least one of said at least one external first component face and said at least one external second component face, said at least one external opening positioned between said at least one spherical magnet and at least one of said at least one external first component face and said at least one external second component face, said at least one external opening fluidly communicating with said at least one internal magnet cavity.

8. The toy building block of any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein said first component is a first external shell component defining a first cavity and said second component is a second external shell component defining a second cavity and said internal structure is an internal insert, said internal insert positioned within said first internal cavity and said second internal cavity when the toy building block is assembled.

9. The toy building block of claim 8 wherein said internal insert further comprises:

A central axial shaft component, said central axial shaft component having an external cylindrical surface and a central axial bore receiving a cylindrical shaft component having a first end and a second end, said cylindrical shaft defining at least one of said at least one internal magnet cavity between said first end of said cylindrical shaft and said first distal position, said cylindrical shaft defining another at least one of said at least one internal magnet cavity between said second end of said cylindrical shaft and said second distal position, said central axial shaft component having at least one pair of outwardly projecting longitudinally extending flanges projecting outwardly from said external cylindrical surface, said at least one pair of outwardly projecting longitudinally extending flanges at least partially defining at least one of said at least one internal magnet cavity therebetween.

10. The toy building block of claim 9, wherein said central axial shaft component further comprises a magnet support flange having an upper arcuate surface, said magnet support flange projecting outwardly and longitudinally along said external cylindrical surface, said magnet support flange positioned between said at least one pair of outwardly projecting longitudinally extending flanges, said arcuate upper surface of said magnet support flange at least partially defining said another at least one of said at least one internal magnet cavity between said at least one pair of outwardly projecting

longitudinally extending flanges.

1 1. The toy building block of any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein said internal insert is

integrally formed with one of said first external shell component and said second external shell component.

12. The toy building block of any one of claims 8 to 1 1, wherein said first proximal surface includes a first perimeter rim and said second proximal surface includes a second perimeter rim, and wherein one of said first perimeter rim and said second perimeter rim has at least one raised flange and wherein the other of said first perimeter rim and said second perimeter rim has at least one recess, said at least one raised flange being received in said at least one recess when the toy building block is assembled.

13. The toy building block of any one of claims 8 to 12 wherein said cylindrical shaft

component includes a first hemispherical component located at least one of said first end of said cylindrical shaft and said second end of said cylindrical shaft, said at least one hemispherical component at least partially defining at least one of said at least one internal magnet cavity.

14. The toy building block of any one of claims 8 to 13 wherein at least one of said at least one internal magnet cavity is cylindrically shaped.

15. The toy building block of any one of claims 8 to 13 wherein at least one of said at least one internal magnet cavity is spherically shaped.

16. The toy building block of any one of claims 8 to 15 further comprising at least one