Portable magnetic toy construction kit

a technology of magnetic toy and construction kit, which is applied in the field of toy construction kit, can solve the problems of inability to build large structures that maintain sufficient stability and complex structures

Inactive Publication Date: 2009-07-02
MEGA BRANDS INT R L LUXEMBOURG ZUG BRANCH
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016]In one particular configuration of the present invention, the base plate comprises a frame, at least one portion of which is permanently affixed within a travel case. The lower layer of the base plate can be affixed to or form part of a travel case and the upper layer can be removable to accommodate insertion and removal of the base elements. For example, the lower layer could be a rigid plastic sheet affixed to the trav

Problems solved by technology

A major challenge in working with construction toy assemblies is the abilit

Method used

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  • Portable magnetic toy construction kit
  • Portable magnetic toy construction kit
  • Portable magnetic toy construction kit

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Embodiment Construction

[0021]Aspects of the present invention relate generally to a base plate having a flexible layer holding in place ferromagnetic or magnetic base elements, over which a magnetic assembly can be built. As used herein, the term “flexible” generally refers to the ability of the layer to deform around the base elements to hold them in place in a manner that a rigid surface, such as metal plate, would not. The flexible layer can also be compressible and tacky to further envelope and hold in place the base elements, and also resist lateral movement of the base elements, especially when the flexible layer is compressed between a base element and a magnetic component, as explained in more detail below.

[0022]A flexible layer can be, for example, a membrane made of a thin layer of elastic material. The layer of elastic material could be, for example, a continuous sheet or a fine weave. The overall mechanical properties of the flexible layer can be such that the layer can be reversibly elastical...

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Abstract

An embodiment of the present invention provides portable magnetic toy construction system having a base plate upon which to build magnetic toy constructions, the base plate configured to accept and hold in position ferromagnetic or magnetic base elements, such as ferromagnetic balls. The base plate comprises at least one flexible membrane that stretches around a base element and holds the base element in position. The membrane exerts a force that holds the base element in position resisting lateral movement, although the elasticity of the flexible membrane still allows a user to manipulate the base element through the membrane to move the base element laterally. In one configuration, the base plate forms part of a travel case that can additionally include compartments to store magnetic building components. Further embodiments provide a magnetic toy construction, and a method for building the construction, that incorporate the base plate.

Description

[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 970,155, filed Sep. 5, 2007, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to toy construction kits and more particularly to a portable magnetic toy construction kit having a base plate with a flexible membrane holding in place ferromagnetic or magnetic base elements, over which a magnetic assembly can be built.[0004]2. Background of the Invention[0005]A major challenge in working with construction toy assemblies is the ability to build complex and large structures that maintain sufficient stability. Many different types of construction systems are known, including loose wooden blocks, mechanically fastened systems such as MEGA BLOKS™, and magnetic construction kits that are held together at least in part by magnetic force.[0006]Although magnetic construction assemblies can be built on any surface, using a...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): A63H33/06
CPCA63H33/26A63H33/046
Inventor TARDIF, ANDREE-ANNECASTRO, GUSTAVO
Owner MEGA BRANDS INT R L LUXEMBOURG ZUG BRANCH
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