Building set for children
Patent Information
- Application Number
- ES2025032081U
- Authority / Receiving Office
- ES · ES
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-11-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-13
- Estimated Expiration
- 2032-11-22
Abstract
Description
Building set for children OBJECT OF THE INVENTION The present patent application relates to a children's construction set comprising a set of pieces with a plurality of building blocks having at least one flat face, a plurality of assembly pins, where at least one of the building blocks comprises at least one hole in the flat face, configured to accommodate an assembly pin, further incorporating notable innovations and advantages. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Research in the toy industry is focused on designing play devices that provide cognitive development in the areas of logic, spatial awareness, and basic physics concepts, with the aim of encouraging creativity in children from the age of 2. Various construction and educational toys with magnetic or mechanical joining systems are known in the prior art. For example, US patent 8850683 describes a method for making blocks with internally arranged magnets. The magnet housings are machined from a non-extrudable material, such as wood. Powerful permanent magnets are placed in the housings to create block faces that exhibit a magnetic field of the desired polarity. These housings are then sealed to permanently retain the magnets. The external shape of the block can be formed before or after machining and sealing the cavities. On the other hand, it is known from the prior art, as described in patent JP2010234050A, a building block for a toy that can be constructed without regard to the polarity of a magnet on a connecting surface, that can be connected to each other so that they do not slip and detach from one another, and that is manageable. This building block for a toy comprises: a body; a case placed on the body; a support mounted movably and rotatably within the body, having a non-slip feature; and magnets mounted on the support with opposite polarities on their front and rear surfaces. The support consists of a support body and several surfaces projecting onto an outer circumferential surface of the support body. A hole, into which a magnet is placed, is formed in the center of the support body. The ends of the first and second axes are preferably round.The case consists of a first case that has a case body and a case plate that covers the front surface of the body. It is also known from the prior art, as described in patent US3102362A, a magnetic ball with a particular mounting for its magnet. The ball is envisaged to be in the form of a closed, lightweight spherical shell. The magnet is fixedly mounted inside the shell at an eccentric location, preferably close to and adjacent to the spherical wall of the shell. The magnetic properties will cause the ball, when given a push and set in motion, to roll erratically and amusingly with a twisting or uneven motion, and at an irregular speed with alternating increases of acceleration and deceleration. When rolled on a non-magnetic surface, the ball will roll so erratically until its kinetic energy has dissipated, at which point it will stop with an oscillating or rocking motion that gradually diminishes.When a ball is rolled across a magnetic surface, the permanent magnet, due to its weight, will immediately seek out the magnetic surface. As long as the ball's momentum is sufficient to overcome the magnetic attraction between the magnet and the magnetic surface, the ball will continue to roll erratically. Once most of the ball's kinetic energy has been dissipated, the force of the magnetic attraction exerted by the magnet on the surface will abruptly halt the ball's motion. Thus, in view of all the above, there is still a need to provide a construction game for children, which allows the change or elimination of the joining elements between pieces, leading to the change from one construction system to another, making it possible to use the invention by people of very different ages, adapting its difficulty to the age of the user. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a construction toy for children that utilizes different construction systems: stacking, interlocking, mechanical insertion, and magnetic connection. This is made possible by the incorporation of various auxiliary connecting pieces, also known as pins or bolts. The great versatility of its construction system makes it ideal for all ages, from young children to adults, simply by changing the auxiliary connector pieces according to the individual's age. Younger children will need adult assistance to change these connector pieces. It should be noted that in the case of the magnetic connection, the pieces sometimes repel each other between poles of the same polarity, representing a slight complication of the construction system. However, this system can also help children understand basic concepts of magnetism from an early age. In fact, this type of toy has proven to be highly effective in developing spatial, logical-mathematical, motor, and creative skills, a fact recognized by renowned educators. Specifically, the toy consists of various perforated wooden geometric pieces designed to accommodate pins or bolts. These geometric pieces are primarily wooden strips cut into rectangles, cubes, and triangles. The auxiliary connecting pieces are of two types. First, there are wooden pins that the child inserts themselves as needed to make connections, making this toy suitable for children over six years old. Second, there are pins with magnets at their ends that are fully inserted into the main pieces to create a magnetic connection. For this type, an adult or older child will need to prepare these connections by inserting the pins with magnetic ends into position, especially if the toy has been previously used with a twin-joint construction system.In this second case, the toy becomes a suitable and ideal toy for children between two and six years old. The design of the pieces allows for great versatility in possible constructions. Its design is based on the fragmentation of a golden rectangle into different geometric pieces such as cubes, trapezoids, and prisms. The inclusion of pieces with angles that vary from orthogonal angles generates even more construction possibilities. Furthermore, the ability to combine the three systems provides both great complexity and ease of learning, allowing for the change of connecting elements to adapt to different ages, making this toy an innovative addition to the field of construction toys. More specifically, the children's construction set comprises a set of pieces, with a plurality of building blocks having at least one flat face, a plurality of assembly pins, where at least one of the building blocks comprises at least one hole in the flat face, configured to accommodate an assembly pin, so as to enable a first type of joining by stacking, and also by auxiliary connecting pieces or pins, offering various play alternatives to the child, adapting to the child's age. It should be noted that the length of the mounting pin is greater than the depth of the hole, allowing for its removal with a second extraction tool included in the set. The pin's length is such that it protrudes at least 2 mm from the mounting block. Optionally, the length of the mounting pin is substantially twice the depth of the hole, so that the pin can be inserted simultaneously into the holes of two building blocks, with both being assembled and the surfaces of the building blocks in contact, presenting a compact outer shape. Preferably, the hole and / or mounting pin are configured so that the mounting pin fits snugly into the hole, with slight friction between surfaces, so that the relative position between building blocks is stable, although it still allows some maneuverability between pieces. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the hole and the mounting pin are tubular, so that rotation between attached building blocks is possible, which offers greater play possibilities for the child. Preferably, the inner diameter of the hole and the outer diameter of the pin are equal, presenting a certain friction to movement, both to longitudinal displacement on its axis, and to rotation around its axis. Advantageously, the building blocks and / or assembly pins are made of wood, so the game offers greater durability, while the pieces are not heavy, and withstand the impacts of possible falls. More specifically, the building blocks and / or assembly pins are made of beech wood, which is a very hard wood that does not loosen over time and use. Additionally, the wood includes a protective coating, specifically paints or varnishes to protect the object and achieve its maximum longevity. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the building blocks have at least one shape from the group of a triangular prism, a rectangular prism, a trapezoid and / or a cube, so that, since they are pieces whose angles vary from orthogonal ones, greater construction possibilities are generated. Advantageously, the arrangement of all the building blocks, grouped on a flat surface, can form a golden rectangle shape, which allows for maximum creative possibilities. Optionally, the mounting pin is metallic, which gives it greater mechanical strength and durability. More specifically, the assembly pin comprises a first magnet with a first north pole at a first end and a first south pole at a second end, so that the connection between building blocks is made possible by means of a magnetic union. Additionally, the construction set includes a first tool for removing the assembly pins, which comprises tweezers, which facilitates the removal of the pins when required, so that they can be extracted from the building blocks without damaging them. Additionally, the construction set includes a second magnetic tool for removing the assembly pins, with a second magnet comprising a second north pole and / or a second south pole, which makes it possible to remove the pins with magnetic ends when required, in order to extract them from the building blocks without damaging them, for example when it is necessary to prepare the toy for a change of user with an age within the other age range. The accompanying drawings show, by way of non-limiting example, a children's construction set made according to the invention. Other features and advantages of this children's construction set, the subject of the present invention, will become apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1- Perspective view of the construction set, in its storage box, according to the present invention; Figure 2- Perspective view of the construction set, with all component pieces unfolded, according to the present invention; Figure 3- Perspective view of some component pieces of the construction set in an arrangement of pin insertion, according to the present invention; Figure 4- Perspective view of some component pieces of the construction set in a coupling arrangement between pieces, according to the present invention; Figure 5- Perspective view of assemblies in various shapes with pieces of the construction set, according to the present invention; Figure 6- Perspective view of an assembly with magnetic pins, according to the present invention; Figure 7- Perspective view of an assembly with magnetic and non-magnetic pins, according to the present invention; Figure 8- Perspective view of the disassembly action of non-magnetic pins, according to the present invention; Figure 9- Perspective view of the magnetic pin removal action, according to the present invention; DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In view of the aforementioned figures and in accordance with the numbering adopted, an example of a preferred embodiment of the invention can be observed, comprising the arts and elements that are indicated and described in detail below. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the construction set in its storage box, with the multiple pieces (1), mainly the building blocks (2), that comprise it. When arranged on a surface (3), they form a golden rectangle (31), a shape that offers special performance and possibilities. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the construction set and the multitude of pieces (1) that comprise it, primarily the building blocks (2), each with a protective coating (23). Specifically, in Figure 2 and Figure 1, a total of 88 building blocks (2) can be seen, 44 on each level. These blocks allow for a multitude of construction possibilities without needing to purchase additional sets to vary the models. Furthermore, the toy includes 288 magnetic pins (4) and 144 pins (4) for changing its construction system, as well as an auxiliary magnetic piece, or second tool (7), to replace the magnetic pins (4), or first magnets (5), when needed. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of some of the components (1) of the construction set, arranged for inserting the pins (4) to assemble the various building blocks (2). Each face (21) has a hole (22) configured to accommodate the pin (4), which has a first end (41) and a second end (42). If the pin (4) is a magnet (5), it has a first north pole (51) and a first south pole (52). The toy incorporates seven different geometries generated from a 3x3cm cube. This system allows for its manufacture using wooden strips. Furthermore, its modular design reduces material waste, thus contributing to the toy's sustainability. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of some pieces (1) of the construction set in a coupling arrangement between pieces (1), by means of the insertion of a pin (4) into at least one hole (22) of a construction block (2). Figure 5 shows a perspective view of assemblies in various shapes and configurations with pieces (1) and building blocks (2) of the construction set. Figure 5 shows a first example of the toy being used with a stacking construction method. Alternatively, a second example shows a construction method using the insertion or interlocking of the pins (4). Figure 6 shows a perspective view of an assembly with magnetic pins (4), or first magnets (5), between the various pieces (1) or building blocks (2). These first magnets (5) are inserted through the hole (22). In this case, the assembly is formed and held together by a magnetic connection method. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of an assembly with magnetic and non-magnetic pins (4), interlocking the various pieces (1) and building blocks (2). This allows for the interchange of connecting elements and different construction systems, making it suitable for a wide range of ages and greatly benefiting the child's cognitive development in various areas. Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the disassembly action of non-magnetic pins (4), i.e., the removal of the pin from the piece (1) or the building block (2), specifically from one of its faces (21) or holes (22) by means of a first tool (6), preferably tweezers (61). Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the disassembly action of magnetic pins (4), or the first magnet (5), from the parts (1) and / or building blocks (2), specifically from a hole (22) on one of their faces (21). The action is performed by bringing the second tool (7), with a second magnet (71) including a second north pole (71a) and a second south pole (71b), close to the first magnet (5) with a first north pole (51) and a first south pole (52). The magnetic attraction between the poles is such that it overcomes the mechanical resistance of the pin (4) in the hole (22). It is important to emphasize here that this construction set aims to provide a system for cognitive development from an early age using play. This construction toy adapts to different ages, always maintaining the user's interest by increasing the complexity of its structure as the child grows older. To clarify, the system of the invention is organized through 7 types of geometric pieces (1), or building blocks (2), obtained from cutting 3x3cm wooden strips, with the aim of minimizing waste as much as possible. Thus, the complete toy can be manufactured with two 3x3x234cm wooden strips. This modularity allows for 90% material utilization. The auxiliary pieces are 288 magnets and 144 wooden pegs, both with a diameter of 6mm. More specifically, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the children's construction set comprises a set of pieces (1), which comprises a plurality of building blocks (2) with at least one flat face (21), a plurality of mounting pins (4), wherein at least one of the building blocks (2) comprises at least one hole (22) in the flat face (21), configured to accommodate a mounting pin (4). Preferably, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the length of the mounting pin (4) is greater than the depth of the hole (22). Advantageously, as can be seen in Figures 3 and 4, the length of the mounting pin (4) is substantially twice the depth of the hole (22). Additionally, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the hole (22) and / or the mounting pin (4) are configured so that the mounting pin (4) fits snugly into the hole (22). Furthermore, as can be seen in figures 3 and 4, the mounting hole (22) and pin (4) are tubular. Additionally, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the inner diameter of the hole (22) and the outer diameter of the pin (4) are the same. Specifically, this diameter is 6 mm in both cases, with no play between them, requiring force to be applied for insertion. Optionally, as shown in Figure 2, the building blocks (2) and / or the assembly pins (4) are made of wood. Preferably, as shown in Figure 2, the building blocks (2) and / or the assembly pins (4) are made of beech wood. More specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the wood comprises a protective coating (23). According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the building blocks (2) have at least one shape from the group of a triangular prism, a rectangular prism, a trapezoid and / or a cube, giving rise, among variations of the above shapes, to seven different geometries, all of them preferably generated from a 3x3cm cube. It is worth mentioning that, as can be seen in figure 1, the arrangement of all the building blocks (2) grouped on a flat surface (3) can form a golden rectangle shape (31). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figure 9, the mounting pin (4) is metallic. Additionally, as shown in Figures 3 and 9, the mounting pin (4) comprises a first magnet (5) with a first north pole (51) at a first end (41) and a first south pole (52) at a second end (42). According to another aspect of the invention, as shown in Figure 8, the children's construction set comprises a first tool (6) for removing the assembly pins (4), which comprises tweezers (61). Additionally, as shown in Figure 9, the children's construction set comprises a second magnetic tool (7) for removing the mounting pins (4), with a second magnet (71) comprising a second north pole (71a) and / or a second south pole (71b). The details, shapes, dimensions and other accessory elements, as well as the components used in the implementation of the children's construction game, may be conveniently replaced by others that are technically equivalent, and do not depart from the essence of the invention or the scope defined by the claims included below the following list. List of numerical references: 1 piece 2 building block 21 face 22 hole 23 coating 3 surface 31 golden rectangle 4 pin 41 first end 42 second end 5 first magnet 51 first north pole 52 first south pole 6 first useful 61 tweezers 7 useful seconds 71 second magnet 71a second north pole 71b second south pole
Claims
1. A children's construction set comprising a set of pieces (1), characterized in that said set of pieces (1) comprises a plurality of building blocks (2) with at least one flat face (21), and a plurality of assembly pins (4), wherein at least one of the building blocks (2) comprises at least one hole (22) in the flat face (21), configured to accommodate an assembly pin (4).
2. A children's construction set according to claim 1, characterized in that the length of the assembly pin (4) is greater than the depth of the hole (22).
3. A children's construction set according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the length of the assembly pin (4) is twice the depth of the hole (22). 4.A children's construction set according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hole (22) and / or the mounting pin (4) are configured so that the mounting pin (4) fits snugly into the hole (22).
5. A children's construction set according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hole (22) and the mounting pin (4) are tubular.
6. A children's construction set according to claim 5, characterized in that the inner diameter of the hole (22) and the outer diameter of the pin (4) are equal.
7. A children's construction set according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the building blocks (2) and / or the mounting pins (4) are made of wood.
8. A children's construction set according to claim 7, characterized in that the building blocks (2) and / or the mounting pins (4) are made of beech wood. 9.A children's construction set according to any of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the wood comprises a protective coating (23).
10. A children's construction set according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the building blocks (2) have at least one shape from the group of a triangular prism, a rectangular prism, a trapezoid, and / or a cube.
11. A children's construction set according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the assembly pin (4) is metallic.
12. A children's construction set according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the assembly pin (4) comprises a first magnet (5) with a first north pole (51) at a first end (41) and a first south pole (52) at a second end (42). 13.A children's construction set, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a first tool (6) for extracting the assembly pins (4), comprising tweezers (61).
14. A children's construction set, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a second magnetic tool (7) for extracting the assembly pins (4), with a second magnet (71) comprising a second north pole (71a) and / or a second south pole (71b).