BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed generally to puzzles and toys. More particularly, the present invention is directed to structural components having magnetic surfaces and which can be magnetically and/or mechanically coupled to form three-dimensional assemblies.
2. Background of the Invention
Individuals often find enjoyment in the challenge of building aesthetic structural designs and/or functional structural models. Frequently, the utility associated with constructing such structures is found in the creative and/or problem solving process required to achieve a desired structural objective. Currently, construction assemblies that exploit magnetic properties to interlink various structural components and thereby form different two and/or three dimensional structures are known and can provide an added dimension of sophistication to the construction process (see, for example, the magnetic construction toy disclosed in Balanchi U.S. Pat. No. 6,626,727, the modular assemblies disclosed in Vicentielli U.S. Pat. No. 6,566,992, and the magnetic puzzle/toy disclosed in Smith U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,262). In addition, German Patent No. DE 202 02 183 U1 to Kretzschmar describes flat triangles, squares and rectangles used in conjunction with ferromagnetic balls to create a limited range of geometric constructions. The flat shapes disclosed in the Kretzschmar German Patent consist of magnets inserted in the corners of a triangular or square piece, or six magnets in a rectangular plate which can be attached to steel balls to create a limited number of three-dimensional shapes. Thus, conventional construction kits are appealing to persons of all ages in that they allow for both aesthetic and geometric creativity.
The above-noted magnet construction assemblies each contain a certain number of component parts, which can sometimes limit geometries and stable or secure connections. Thus, a need remains for a magnetic construction assembly that provides more flexibility in both aesthetic and geometric design, and, moreover, that provides an additional degree of design/construction sophistication.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, substantially planar structural components are provided having various two-dimensional generally polygonal shapes, such as rectangles and triangles. Each such structural component is sized for easy manipulation and includes a plurality of externally-oriented edge-mounted magnets positioned immediately adjacent (though preferably recessed slightly from the surface) the polygonal corners of the structural component and in other locations for use in connecting multiple instances of such structural components together, e.g., via the use of interconnecting ferromagnetic balls sized and configured for efficient interaction with such magnets. Such structural components can also include one or more slots extending peripherally inward from the component edge for use in assembling corresponding structural components together in an interlocking fashion, e.g., to form cruciform subassemblies, thereby increasing the stability and rigidity of the assembly. The spacing and orientation of the slots and magnets and the shapes of the structural components are coordinated so as to give one the option of keeping the center-to-center spacing of adjacent ferromagnetic balls substantially constant while at the same time drawing on one's imagination and creativity in building constructions having a broad variety of sizes, shapes, and/or configurations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of various exemplary embodiments considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective top view of a structural component constructed in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the structural component of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an edge elevational view of the structural component of FIG. 1 taken along view line 3-3 shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a side-facing sectional view of the structural component of FIG. 1 taken along the section line 4-4 shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a side-facing sectional view of the structural component of FIG. 1 taken along section line 5-5 shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 is an upward-facing sectional view of the structural component of FIG. 1 taken along the section line 6-6 shown in FIG. 2;
FIGS. 7, 9, 11, 13, 15 and 17 are perspective top views of additional structural components constructed in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 are side elevational views of the structural components of FIGS. 7, 9, 11, 13, 15 and 17, respectively;
FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of a construction made in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention and including multiple instances of the structural components of FIGS. 7, 9, 11, 13, 15 and/or 17, the same being assembled and/or integrated using various interlocking and interconnection means;
FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the construction of FIG. 19;
FIG. 21 is a side-facing sectional view of the construction of FIG. 19 taken along the section line 21-21 shown in FIG. 19;
FIG. 22 is an upward-facing sectional view of the construction of FIG. 19 taken along the section line 22-22 shown in FIG. 19;
FIG. 23 is a perspective top view of a structural component constructed in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of the structural component of FIG. 23;
FIG. 25 is a top plan view of a construction made in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention and including multiple instances of the structural component of FIG. 23 assembled together using an interconnection means; and
FIG. 26 is a top plan view of another construction made in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention and including multiple instances of the structural component of FIG. 23 assembled together using an interconnection means.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to FIGS. 1-3, there is shown a first structural component 10 constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The first structural component 10 includes a body 12, which is substantially planar in configuration, and is substantially rectangular in general peripheral shape. The body 12 of the first structural component 10 includes a first major surface 14, a second major surface 16 opposite and substantially parallel to the first major surface 14, and a peripheral edge surface 18 disposed between and substantially perpendicular to the first and second major surfaces 14, 16. The peripheral edge surface 18 includes a top edge 20, a bottom edge 22, and first and second side edges 24, 26. Disposed along the peripheral edge surface 18 are a plurality of magnetic and mechanical interconnection elements, including respective first, second, and third interconnection elements 28, 30, 32 disposed along the top edge 20, respective fourth, fifth, and sixth interconnection elements 34, 36, 38 disposed along the bottom edge 22, a seventh interconnection element 40 disposed along the first side edge 24, and an eighth interconnection element 42 disposed along the second side edge 26. Though not clearly evident in all of the perspective views, the exposed surface of the magnet is preferably slightly recessed from its surrounding surface if he magnet is intended to attract a non-planer (e.g., spherical) component of the assembly. In this way the magnetic attraction pulls the non-planar component into engagement with the surrounding surface.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the first, second, third, fourth, and sixth interconnection elements 28, 30, 32, 34, 38 of the first structural component 10 are similarly configured and consist of a pocket 44 formed within the body 12, a peripheral flange 46 formed in the edge surface 18 and defining an opening 48 to the pocket 44, and a magnet 50 contained within the pocket 44 and having an outward-facing magnetic surface 52 adjacent to and coextensive with the opening 48 to the pocket 44 near the edge surface 18. As best shown in FIG. 4, the outward facing magnetic surface is recessed from the edge surface 18. As best shown in FIG. 4, the outward facing magnetic surface is recessed from the edge surface 18. The peripheral flange 46 has a substantially planar configuration consistent with the local shape of the edge surface 18 and includes an inner rim 54 adjacent the magnetic surface 52 for retaining the magnet 50 within the pocket 44, an outer edge 56 at the edge surface 18 having structure and function to be described hereinafter, and a beveled surface 58 disposed between the inner rim 54 and the outer edge 56.
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 6, the fifth interconnection element 36 of the first structural component 10 consists of a slot 60 formed in the bottom edge 22 and oriented substantially perpendicularly to the otherwise planar local shape of the edge surface 18. The slot 60 includes substantially straight, planar side walls 62 which are substantially parallel to each other, but substantially perpendicular to the bottom edge 22 and the first and second major surfaces 14, 16. A substantially planar bottom wall 64 is oriented perpendicular to the side walls 62 and parallel to the bottom edge 22. Similar to the first, second, third, fourth and sixth interconnection elements 28, 30, 32, 34, 38, the fifth interconnection element 36 includes a pocket 66 formed within the body 12, a peripheral flange 68 formed in the edge surface 18 and defining an opening 70 to the pocket 66, and a magnet 72 contained within the pocket 66 and having an outward-facing magnetic surface 74 adjacent to and coextensive with the opening 70 to the pocket 66 near the edge surface 18. The peripheral flange 68 has a substantially planar configuration consistent with the local shape of the edge surface 18 (i.e., the bottom wall 64 of the slot 60) and includes an inner rim 76 adjacent the magnetic surface 74 for retaining the magnet 72 within the pocket 66, an outer edge 78 at the edge surface 18, and a beveled surface 80 disposed between the inner rim 76 and the outer edge 78.
Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 6, the seventh and eighth interconnection elements 40, 42 of the first structural component 10 are similarly configured and consist of a recess 82 formed in the otherwise substantially planar local portions of the edge surface 18 comprising the respective first and second side edges 24, 26. The recess 82 includes a substantially cylindrical side wall 84 having a function to be explained hereinafter and which is substantially perpendicular to the first and second major surfaces 14, 16. The seventh and eighth interconnection elements 40, 42 each include a pocket 86 formed within the body 12, a peripheral flange 88 formed in the edge surface 18 (i.e., in the cylindrical side wall 84) and defining an opening 90 to the pocket 86, and a magnet 92 contained within the pocket 86 and having an outward-facing magnetic surface 94 adjacent to and coextensive with the opening 90 to the pocket 86 near the edge surface 18. The peripheral flange 88 includes a substantially planar inner rim 96 adjacent the magnetic surface 94 for retaining the magnet 92 within the pocket 86, an outer edge 98 having a substantially cylindrical configuration consistent with the local shape of the adjacent edge surface 18, and a beveled surface 100 disposed between the inner rim 96 and the outer edge 98.
Referring again to FIG. 2, the substantially rectangular general shape of the first structural component 10 is established by respective first, second, third, and fourth corners 102, 104, 106, 108 of such rectangle. The first, third, fourth, and sixth interconnection elements 28, 32, 34, 38 of the first structural component are disposed immediately adjacent the first, second, third, and fourth corners 102, 104, 106, 108 respectively. The significance of this arrangement will be explained more fully hereinafter.
Various additional structural components constructed in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention are shown in FIGS. 7-18, including a second structural component 110 shown in FIGS. 7-8, a third structural component 112 shown in FIGS. 9-10, a fourth structural component 114 shown in FIGS. 11-12, a fifth structural component 116 shown in FIGS. 13-14, a sixth structural component 118 shown in FIGS. 15-16, and a seventh structural component 120 shown in FIGS. 17-18.
As shown in FIGS. 7-8, the second structural component 110 is in the general shape of a trapezoid. More particularly, the second structural component 110 is substantially identical to the first structural component 10, except insofar as the second structural component 110 lacks the equivalent of the seventh and eighth interconnection elements 40, 42 featured on the first structural component 10, and is truncated where the first and second corners 102, 104 of the first structural component 10 appear. Accordingly, the second structural component 110 includes a first major surface 122, a second major surface 124, and a peripheral edge surface 126 disposed between the first and second major surfaces 122, 124 and including a top edge 128, a bottom edge 130, first and second side edges 132, 134, a first corner edge 136, and a second corner edge 138. As shown in FIGS. 7-8, the second structural component 110 includes first, second, third, and fourth interconnection elements 140, 142, 144, 146 along the top and bottom edges 128, 130, which interconnection elements correspond with, and are substantially similar in all relevant respects to the second, fourth, fifth, and sixth interconnection elements 30, 34, 38, 40 of the first structural element 10, respectively.
As shown in FIGS. 9-10, the third structural component 112 is also in the general shape of a trapezoid. More particularly, the third structural component 112 is substantially similar to the second structural component 110, except insofar as in the structural component 112, the positions of the first and third interconnection elements 140, 144 of the second structural component 110 have been interchanged. Accordingly, the third structural component 112 includes a peripheral edge surface 148 and first, second, third, and fourth interconnection elements 150, 152, 154, 156 disposed along the peripheral edge surface 148 at positions corresponding to those of the respective first, second, third, and fourth interconnection elements 140, 142, 144, 146 on the second structural component 112. The first and third interconnection elements 150, 154 of the third structural component 112 are configured substantially similarly, in at least a mechanical sense (if not in all respects, including that of magnetic polarity), to the respective third and first interconnection elements 144, 140 of the second structural component 110. The second and fourth interconnection elements 152, 156 of the third structural component 112 are configured substantially similarly in all respects to the respective second and fourth interconnection elements 142, 146 of the second structural component 110.
Referring to FIGS. 11-12, the fourth structural component 114 is in the general shape of a right triangle. The fourth structural component 114 includes a peripheral edge surface 158 including a top edge 160, a bottom edge 162, a first side edge 164, a second side edge 166, and a corner edge 168. The fourth structural component 114 further includes first and second interconnection elements 170, 172 disposed along the first side edge 162, a third interconnection element 174 disposed along the bottom edge 162, and a fourth interconnection element 176 disposed along the second side edge 166. The first, second, and fourth interconnection elements 172, 174, 178 of the fourth structural component 114 are configured similarly, in at least a mechanical sense (if not in all respects, including that of magnetic polarity), to the first interconnection element 28 of the first structural component 10. The third interconnection element 174 of the fourth structural component 114 consists of a slot 178 formed in the bottom edge 166 and oriented substantially perpendicular thereto. The slot 178 includes substantially straight, planar side walls 180 which are substantially parallel to each other, but substantially perpendicular to the bottom edge 162. A substantially planar bottom wall 182 is oriented perpendicular to the side walls 180.
As shown in FIGS. 13-14, the fifth structural component 116 is also in the general shape of a right triangle. More particularly, the fifth structural component 116 is substantially similar to the fourth structural component 114, except insofar as in the fifth structural component 116, the position of the third interconnection element 174 of the fourth structural component 114 has been changed. Accordingly, the fifth structural component 116 includes a peripheral edge surface 184 and first, second, third, and fourth interconnection elements 186, 188, 190, 192 disposed along the peripheral edge surface 184. The first interconnection element 186 of the fifth structural component 116 is configured substantially similarly to the third interconnection element 174 of the fourth structural component 114, except that a slot 194 of the third interconnection element 186 extends downward from a corner edge 196 thereof, rather than upward from a bottom edge 198 thereof. The second, third, and fourth interconnection elements 188, 190, 192 of the fifth structural component 116 are configured substantially similarly in all respects to the respective first, second, and fourth interconnection elements 170, 172, 176 of the fourth structural component 114.
Referring to FIGS. 15-16, the sixth structural component 118 is generally rectangular in shape. The sixth structural component 118 includes a peripheral edge surface 200 including a top edge 202, a bottom edge 204, a first side edge 206, and a second side edge 208. The sixth structural component 118 further includes first and second interconnection elements 210, 212 disposed along the first side edge 206, and third and fourth interconnection elements 214, 216 disposed along the second side edge 208. The substantially rectangular shape of the sixth structural component 118 includes respective first, second, third, and fourth corners 218, 220, 222, 224, and is substantially similar in size and shape to the generally rectangular shape defined by corresponding respective corners 102, 104, 106, 108 of the first structural component 10. The significance of this arrangement will be explained more fully hereinafter. The first, second, third and fourth interconnection elements 210, 212, 214, 216 of the sixth structural component 118 are configured substantially similarly in all respects to the respective first, third, fourth, and sixth interconnection elements 28, 32, 34, 38 of the first structural component 10. The first, second, third and fourth interconnection elements 212, 214, 216, 218 of the sixth structural component 118 are also positioned immediately adjacent to the respective corners 218, 220, 222, 224 thereof, providing an additional point of similarity with the first structural component 10.
Referring to FIGS. 17-18, the seventh structural component 120 is also generally rectangular in shape. The seventh structural component 120 includes a peripheral edge surface 226 including a top edge 228, a bottom edge 230, a first side edge 232, and a second side edge 234. The seventh structural component 120 further includes first and second interconnection elements 236, 238 disposed along the first side edge 232, and third and fourth interconnection elements 240, 242 disposed along the second side edge 234. The substantially rectangular shape of the seventh structural component 120 includes respective first, second, third, and fourth corners 244, 246, 248, 250, adjacent to which are positioned the respective first, second, third, and fourth interconnection elements 236, 238, 240, 242. The first, second, third and fourth interconnection elements 236, 238, 240, 242 of the seventh structural component 120 are configured substantially similarly in all respects to the respective first, second, third, and fourth interconnection elements 210, 212, 214, 216 of the sixth structural component 118.
In operation, the above-described structural components can be assembled together with ferromagnetic balls to form stable constructions, which can include combinations of one or more cruciform subassemblies formed when some of these structural components are assembled together in an interlocking fashion. For example, and as will be explained in more detail hereinafter, two instances of the first structural component 10 (FIG. 2) can be oriented such that their respective slots 60 face each other, after which the two first structural components 10 can be merged to the limit allowed by their respective slot bottom surfaces 64. Each of the slots 60 terminates (i.e., each of the slot bottom surfaces 64 fall) at approximately the midpoint of the height of the respective first structural component 10, such that when the two first structural components 10 are merged as just described, the top edge 20 of one of the first structural components 10 become substantially coplanar with the bottom edge 20 of the other of the first structural components 10, and vice versa. The width dimensions of each slot 60 closely tracks the thickness of the respective first structural component 10 (i.e., the distance between the first and second major surfaces 14, 16 of the respective first structural component 10) so as to produce an appropriately frictional fit between the two first structural components 10 when the same are merged as described above. Further, the polarities of the outward-facing magnetic surfaces 74 of the magnets 72 associated with the slots 60 of the respective first structural components 10 can be coordinated (e.g., to ensure the north pole of one such magnet 72 faces the south pole of the other such magnet 72) so as to produce magnetic attraction between the two first structural components 10. As shown in FIGS. 19-20, and as will be explained in more detail hereinafter, the above-described merging of a pair of first structural components 10 forms a first precisely-configured three-dimensional cruciform subassembly 252, multiple instances of which can be incorporated within a larger construction for any number of purposes, including contributing structural stability to the assembly. As will also be explained, slightly different cruciform subassemblies can be formed by merging, in a similar fashion, and for example, a second structural component 10 with a third structural component 112 (e.g., producing a second cruciform subassembly 254 as shown in FIGS. 19-20), or a fourth structural component 114 with a fifth structural component 116 (e.g., producing a third cruciform subassembly 256 as shown in FIGS. 19-20), in a similar fashion.
Referring to FIGS. 19-20, construction 258 is shown including one or more instances each of the above-described first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth structural components 10, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118 (some of which are arranged in the form of respective first, second and third cruciform subassemblies 252, 254, 256, as described above), as well as numerous ferromagnetic balls 260 magnetically connected to, and disposed between, the magnets 50, 92 (see FIGS. 4 and 6) of many of the interconnection elements of such structural components. According to this embodiment of the present invention, the diameters D of the ferromagnetic balls 260 are substantially equivalent, each such diameter preferably being held to within a tight mechanical tolerance of a common value. As may be seen with reference to FIGS. 2, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19 and 20, the various structural components described above share many dimensions, such dimensions also preferably held to within a tight mechanical tolerance of common respective values, and such values being represented by the designations “A”, “B”, and “½A”. The designations “A” and “½ A” represent constant distances between the magnetic axes of the magnets 50 (FIG. 4), such axes being substantially parallel. The value “B” represents constant distances between the magnetic surfaces 52 of the magnets 50 (FIG. 4). It will therefore be apparent that close coordination is achieved between and among the shapes of the various structural components described above, and between and among the positions, configurations, and orientations of the interconnecting elements associated with such structural components. One salutary effect of this close coordination is that the many ferromagnetic balls 260 contained in the construction 258 are caused to be arranged in a regular array 262 having consistent regular horizontal and vertical spacing, which is not only aesthetically pleasing to the eye, but is also conducive to producing constructions of various scales with consistent precision and stability. This also serves to spark the imagination and creativity of one who uses such structural components to build constructions, since there are very few limits on the shape or configuration of constructions that may be built in accordance with the present invention.
FIGS. 21-22 illustrate two exemplary manners by which the ferromagnetic balls 260 connect with and/or interconnect the various structural components of the construction 258. For example, and as shown in FIG. 21, a ferromagnetic ball 260 can be placed in magnetic contact with the magnetic surface 52 of the magnet 50 of the first interconnection element 140 of a second structural component 110, which forms part of a second cruciform assembly 254 along with a third structural component 112. The size and shape of the opening 48 of the first interconnection element 140 are such that the outer edge 56 is placed in edge-to-surface annular contact with the ferromagnetic ball 260 while the ball 260 is simultaneously in contact with the magnetic surface 52. Thus the ferromagnetic ball 260 is not only allowed to remain in secure magnetic contact with the second structural component 110, it is also kept in a constant position and orientation with respect to the first interconnection element 140 by the “seat” provided by the outer edge 56.
For another example, and as shown in FIG. 22, a ferromagnetic ball 260 can be placed in magnetic contact with the magnetic surface 94 of the magnet 92 of the seventh interconnection element 40 of a first structural component 10. The size and shape of the recess 82, and specifically of the cylindrical side wall 84, is such that the cylindrical side wall 84 is placed in semicircular linear contact with the ferromagnetic ball 260 while the ball 260 is simultaneously in contact with the magnetic surface 94. Thus the ferromagnetic ball 260 is not only allowed to remain in secure magnetic contact with the first structural component 10, it is also kept in a constant position and orientation with respect to the seventh interconnection element 40 by the “seat” provided by the cylindrical side wall 84.
It should be appreciated that numerous advantages are provided by the above-described structural components 10, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 and/or by constructions (such as construction 258) containing such structural components in assembly with ferromagnetic balls 260 in accordance with the foregoing description. The consistent spacing between opposite magnetic surfaces of a given structural component, designated by “B”, ensures consistent center-to-center distances, designated by “A” (and/or by “½ A”), between adjacent ferromagnetic balls 260 in the array (e.g., the array 262 of FIGS. 19-20). In addition, where a magnet, such as the magnet 50 of FIG. 2, is positioned immediately adjacent to a corner, such as the corner 104 of FIG. 2, of a corresponding structural component, such as the structural component 10 of FIG. 2, the magnet is operatively associated with one of the adjacent side edge surfaces, such as the top edge 20 of FIG. 2. This provides a simple construction for such a structural component, and as shown in FIGS. 19-20, provides one with the choice of gap sizes (e.g., wide or narrow) between adjacent structural components. Furthermore, disassembly and reassembly can be accomplished with great speed.
It should also be noted that the above-described structural components 10, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 can have numerous modifications and/or variations consistent with the first embodiment of the present invention. For example, one or more of such structural components can be modified to define a general planar shape other than that of a polygon, and/or a generally polygonal shape can be altered with one or more curved edge surfaces as desired. For another example, one or more of the interconnecting elements of such a structural component can be positioned on an edge surface so as not to coincide with the standard spacing of the array formed by the ferromagnetic balls. The same result can be achieved by providing an edge surface that diverges in shape or angle of extension from a more regular (e.g., straight and perpendicular) arrangement. For still another example, one or more of the above-described structural components 10, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 can have a body formed from two or more molded plastic parts (e.g., translucent and/or colored plastic) which are assembled together, e.g., via ultrasonic welding to form the body. In such circumstances, the pockets containing the magnets of the interconnecting elements can be formed from separate molded wall sections associated with different molded parts, and the magnets can be captured therein during body assembly. For a further example, magnets of different types, sizes and shapes can be used, it being recognized that rare-earth magnets in particular can provide exceptional strength per unit volume, and that a cylindrically-shaped magnet can provide excellent dimensional and orientational uniformity in the assembled structural component. For a still further example, one or more of the above-described structural components can be assembled together without the use of ferromagnetic balls. In such circumstances, the north-south polarity of the magnets used in the interconnection elements can be prearranged to facilitate such an assembly (e.g., axially-aligned magnets separated by a “B” direction and facing in opposite directions, or axially-spaced magnets separated by an “A” dimension and facing in the same direction, can be provided with opposite polarity). In still another example of a modification, the magnets associated with the above-described interconnection interfaces can be embedded without retaining flanges in the bodies of the structural components, and/or in a manner which does not provide annular edge-to-surface seating (e.g., flush with the edge surface)
An additional exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 23-26. Elements illustrated in FIGS. 23-26 which correspond substantially to the elements described above with reference to FIGS. 1-22 have been designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by an increment of one thousand. The embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 23-26 operates and is constructed in manners consistent with the foregoing description of the first embodiment of the invention, unless it is stated otherwise.
Referring to FIGS. 23-24, there is shown an eighth structural component 1264 constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. As with the structural components associated with the above-described first embodiment, the eighth structural component 1264 is equipped with interconnection elements immediately adjacent to its corners that are still operatively associated with side, and net corner, edges. More particularly, the eighth structural component 1264 includes a body 1266 that is substantially planar in configuration and substantially square in general peripheral shape. The body 1266 includes a peripheral edge surface 1268, four side edges 1270, and four corner edges 1272 disposed between the respective side edges 1270. The eighth structural component 1264 further includes eight interconnection elements 1028 similar to the first interconnection element 28 associated with the above-described first structural component 10. The interconnection elements 1028 are distributed in a regular arrangement, each such interconnection element 1028 being disposed immediately adjacent one of the two sides of a corner edge 1272. As shown in FIG. 25-26, in use, multiple instances of the eighth structural component 1264 can be assembled together (e.g., to form the two-dimensional assembly 1274 of FIG. 25, or the three-dimensional assembly 1276 of FIG. 26) with the use of one or more ferromagnetic balls 1260. As described above, such balls can optionally be eliminated, and multiple instances of the eighth structural component 1264 can be assembled together directly, provided the respective polarities of the associated magnets 1050 are arranged to permit same.
It will be understood that the embodiments of the present invention described herein are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the magnets 72 of the interconnecting elements 36, 144 may be removed and the frictional fit between the pairs of structural components 10 and 110, 112 relied upon to keep such structural components together as part of the respective cruciform subassemblies 252, 256. Additionally, other magnetic domains (i.e., north/south polarity arrangements) than those shown in FIGS. 2, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 may be provided with respect to the magnets 34, 50, 72, 92 of the structural components 10, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120. All such variations and modifications, including those discussed above, are therefore intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Further, this application is related to co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. ______, entitled Magnetic Toy Construction Modules with Side-Mounted Magnets by Daftari et al., filed ______, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Patent Application
20060179778
