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WO2018157223A1 - Bloc de construction de jouet magnétique - Google Patents

Bloc de construction de jouet magnétique Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018157223A1
WO2018157223A1 PCT/CA2017/000039 CA2017000039W WO2018157223A1 WO 2018157223 A1 WO2018157223 A1 WO 2018157223A1 CA 2017000039 W CA2017000039 W CA 2017000039W WO 2018157223 A1 WO2018157223 A1 WO 2018157223A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
component
building block
external
toy building
internal
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/CA2017/000039
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English (en)
Inventor
Christopher GOULET
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to PCT/CA2017/000039 priority Critical patent/WO2018157223A1/fr
Publication of WO2018157223A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018157223A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H33/00—Other toys
    • A63H33/04—Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts
    • A63H33/046—Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts comprising magnetic interaction means, e.g. holding together by magnetic attraction
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H33/00—Other toys
    • A63H33/04—Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts
    • A63H33/10—Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled by means of additional non-adhesive elements

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to children's toys. More specifically, the present invention relates to toy building block systems.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Figure 9 is an isometric view of multiple embodiments of magnetic toy building blocks in use in accordance with the present invention.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the present invention can provide a toy building block having a first component, a second component and an internal structure.
  • 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.
  • each of the first component and the second component has at least one external face and a proximal surface.
  • 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.
  • each component can have a number of external faces as required by the needs of specific end user application that is selected.
  • the shape of each component is ultimately selected based on the desired shape of the resultant toy building block when assembled.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the internal structure houses at least one internal magnet cavity.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • an internal magnet cavity located in the internal structure of a first component fluidly communicates with a first central axial bore.
  • an internal magnet cavity located in the internal structure of a second component also fluidly communicates with a second central axial bore.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the perimeter shoulder extends fully around the perimeter of the proximal surface of the component such that a raised central portion is created.
  • a central bore communicating with at least one of the magnetic recesses can extend through a generally central portion of the raised central portion.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the internal insert is integrally formed with at least one of the first component and the second component.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the central axial bore receives a cylindrical shaft component having a first end and a second end.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • a toy building block 10 has a first component 12, a second component 14 and an internal structure 16.
  • first component 12 and second component 14 are symmetrical components.
  • each of first component 12 and second component 14 has a plurality of external faces 18, 20 and a respective proximal surface 22, 24.
  • 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.
  • each component 12, 14 has a number of external faces 18, 20.
  • the shape of each component is ultimately selected based on the desired shape of the resultant toy building block when assembled.
  • the external faces are square and rectangular.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • internal structure 16 houses a number of internal magnet cavities 26.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • one internal magnet cavity 26 located in the internal structure 16 of first component 12 fluidly communicates with a first central axial bore 30.
  • internal magnet cavity 26 located in the internal structure 16 of second component 14 also fluidly communicates with a second central axial bore 31.
  • first central axial bore 30 is coaxially aligned with second central axial bore 31 in order to create a central axial bore.
  • central axial bore can receive a cylindrical shaft 34 that has a first end 36 and a second end 38.
  • 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.
  • a toy building block 10 has a first component 12, a second component 14 and an internal structure 16.
  • first component 12 and second component 14 are symmetrical components.
  • each of first component 12 and second component 14 has a plurality of external faces 18, 20 and a respective proximal surface 22, 24.
  • 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.
  • each component 12, 14 has a number of external faces 18, 20.
  • the shape of each component is ultimately selected based on the desired shape of the resultant toy building block when assembled.
  • the external faces are square and rectangular.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • internal structure 16 of toy building block 10 is formed integrally with both of first component 12 and second component 14.
  • internal structure 16 houses a number of internal magnet cavities 26.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • one internal magnet cavity 26 located in the internal structure 16 of first component 12 fluidly communicates with a first central axial bore 30.
  • internal magnet cavity 26 located in the internal structure 16 of second component 14 also fluidly communicates with a second central axial bore 31.
  • first central axial bore 30 is coaxially aligned with second central axial bore 31 in order to create a central axial bore.
  • central axial bore can receive a cylindrical shaft 34 that has a first end 36 and a second end 38.
  • 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.
  • a toy building block 10 has a first component 12, a second component 14 and an internal structure 16.
  • first component 12 and second component 14 are symmetrical components.
  • each of first component 12 and second component 14 has a plurality of external faces 18, 20 and a respective proximal surface 22, 24.
  • 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.
  • each component 12, 14 has a number of external faces 18, 20.
  • the shape of each component is ultimately selected based on the desired shape of the resultant toy building block when assembled.
  • the external faces are square and rectangular.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • internal structure 16 of toy building block 10 is formed integrally with both of first component 12 and second component 14.
  • internal structure 16 houses a number of internal magnet cavities 26.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • internal magnet cavity 26 located in the internal structure 16 of first component 12 fluidly communicates with a first central axial bore 30.
  • 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.
  • central axial bore can receive a cylindrical shaft 34 that has a first end 36 and a second end 38.
  • 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.
  • a toy building block 10 has a first component 12, a second component 14 and an internal structure 16.
  • first component 12 and second component 14 are non-symmetrical components.
  • each of first component 12 and second component 14 has a plurality of external faces 18, 20 and a respective proximal surface 22, 24.
  • 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.
  • each component 12, 14 has a number of external faces 18, 20.
  • the shape of each component is ultimately selected based on the desired shape of the resultant toy building block when assembled.
  • the external faces are square and rectangular.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • internal structure 16 of toy building block 10 is formed integrally with both of first component 12 and second component 14.
  • internal structure 16 houses a number of internal magnet cavities 26.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • internal magnet cavity 26 located in the internal structure 16 of first component 12 fluidly communicates with a first central axial bore 30.
  • 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.
  • central axial bore can receive a cylindrical shaft 34 that has a first end 36 and a second end 38.
  • 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.
  • FIG. 5A, 5B, 6 and 7, at least one embodiment of a toy building block in accordance with the present invention is illustrated.
  • 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.
  • each of first component 102 and second component 104 is contemplated as having at least one external face 106.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • central axial bore 122 receives a cylindrical shaft component 130 having a first end 132 and a second end 134.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • first component 202 and second component 204 have proximal surfaces that are perimeter rims 205, and that these perimeter rims
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • this spherical magnet rotates itself within the internal magnet cavity such that it is aligned for magnetic attraction between these adjacent components.
  • 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

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  • Toys (AREA)

Abstract

Dans au moins un mode de réalisation, la présente invention peut fournir un bloc de construction de jouet comprenant un premier composant ayant au moins une première face de composant externe et une première surface proximale, un second composant ayant au moins une seconde face de composant externe et une seconde surface proximale, et une structure interne. La structure interne est placée à l'intérieur d'au moins l'un du premier composant et du second composant. La structure interne définit au moins une cavité d'aimant interne. Chacune de la ou des cavités d'aimant interne reçoit un aimant sphérique de façon rotative à une position adjacente à la ou aux premières faces de composant externe et à la ou aux secondes faces de composant externe. La première surface proximale vient en butée contre la seconde surface proximale lorsque le bloc de construction de jouet est assemblé.
PCT/CA2017/000039 2017-03-02 2017-03-02 Bloc de construction de jouet magnétique Ceased WO2018157223A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/CA2017/000039 WO2018157223A1 (fr) 2017-03-02 2017-03-02 Bloc de construction de jouet magnétique

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/CA2017/000039 WO2018157223A1 (fr) 2017-03-02 2017-03-02 Bloc de construction de jouet magnétique

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2018157223A1 true WO2018157223A1 (fr) 2018-09-07

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PCT/CA2017/000039 Ceased WO2018157223A1 (fr) 2017-03-02 2017-03-02 Bloc de construction de jouet magnétique

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2018157223A1 (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
RU2782724C1 (ru) * 2021-08-19 2022-11-01 Кристина Олеговна Соболевская Деревянные блоки со встроенными скрытыми магнитами
US20230061357A1 (en) * 2021-08-31 2023-03-02 Aaron August Hart System and method for a magnetic block assembly
WO2023031703A1 (fr) * 2021-09-01 2023-03-09 Savoca Fabrizio Composant de brique magnétique
EP4302850A1 (fr) * 2022-07-04 2024-01-10 evrbit GmbH Jouet magnétique

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5347253A (en) * 1993-04-12 1994-09-13 Magx Co., Ltd. Attracting body utilizing magnet
US6749480B1 (en) * 2002-11-27 2004-06-15 Larry Dean Hunts Device for connecting plural multi-shaped bodies utilizing magnets
WO2010111189A1 (fr) * 2009-03-26 2010-09-30 Tegu Blocs magnétiques et procédé permettant de réaliser des blocs magnétiques
US20120164913A1 (en) * 2010-12-23 2012-06-28 Pomeroy Gregory E Magnetic toy pieces
ES1076840Y (es) * 2011-03-29 2012-07-27 Torres Xavier Sol Pieza magnética de juego de construcción.
KR101308201B1 (ko) * 2012-02-16 2013-09-13 김영준 벽돌블럭 완구
US20150258462A1 (en) * 2014-03-17 2015-09-17 Zhengpeng WEI Structure for a Multi-Surface Magnetic Block

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5347253A (en) * 1993-04-12 1994-09-13 Magx Co., Ltd. Attracting body utilizing magnet
US6749480B1 (en) * 2002-11-27 2004-06-15 Larry Dean Hunts Device for connecting plural multi-shaped bodies utilizing magnets
WO2010111189A1 (fr) * 2009-03-26 2010-09-30 Tegu Blocs magnétiques et procédé permettant de réaliser des blocs magnétiques
US20120164913A1 (en) * 2010-12-23 2012-06-28 Pomeroy Gregory E Magnetic toy pieces
ES1076840Y (es) * 2011-03-29 2012-07-27 Torres Xavier Sol Pieza magnética de juego de construcción.
KR101308201B1 (ko) * 2012-02-16 2013-09-13 김영준 벽돌블럭 완구
US20150258462A1 (en) * 2014-03-17 2015-09-17 Zhengpeng WEI Structure for a Multi-Surface Magnetic Block

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
RU2782724C1 (ru) * 2021-08-19 2022-11-01 Кристина Олеговна Соболевская Деревянные блоки со встроенными скрытыми магнитами
US20230061357A1 (en) * 2021-08-31 2023-03-02 Aaron August Hart System and method for a magnetic block assembly
US11904254B2 (en) 2021-08-31 2024-02-20 Aaron August Hart System and method for a magnetic block assembly
WO2023031703A1 (fr) * 2021-09-01 2023-03-09 Savoca Fabrizio Composant de brique magnétique
EP4302850A1 (fr) * 2022-07-04 2024-01-10 evrbit GmbH Jouet magnétique

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