Three-dimensional geometric artistic toy

Abstract

The invention provides a geometric art toy comprising a first toy member and a second toy member. The first toy member is formed as a tetrahedron and, in some embodiments, includes magnets positioned in the bracket such that the magnets alternately exhibit a first polarity through the first and second faces of the first toy member. The second toy member is also formed as a tetrahedron, and in some embodiments includes a magnet positioned in the bracket such that the magnet alternately exhibits a second polarity different from the first polarity through the first and second faces of the second toy member.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese invention patent application with an application date of August 10, 2021, application number 202180047928.3 (international application number PCT / US2021 / 045398), and invention name “Three-dimensional Geometric Art Toys”. Background Art

[0002] In geometry, a tetrahedron is a polygonal solid figure with six sides and four triangular surfaces, three of which intersect at each of four corners or vertices. The uniqueness of a tetrahedron is that all other polygonal solid figures can be decomposed into multiple tetrahedrons. Therefore, many different polygonal solid shapes and / or structures can be made by manipulating or assembling multiple tetrahedrons relative to each other. In different applications, such multiple tetrahedrons can be regarded as educational devices for studying polygonal entities, or as puzzles or toys that can be used for entertainment or pastime. In addition, some people may see various polygonal solid shapes or structures, which can be formed into art forms that can be shown to others. In any of these applications, it can be expected that multiple tetrahedrons are stably maintained in any of the various structures.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for improved educational devices, puzzles and toys. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides geometric art toys, including educational devices, puzzles, etc.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a geometric art toy is provided. The geometric art toy includes a plurality of first toy components formed as tetrahedrons, each of which has a magnet positioned in a bracket (e.g., movably positioned) so that the magnet alternately presents a first polarity through a first face and a second face of the first toy component. The geometric art toy also includes a plurality of second toy components formed as tetrahedrons, each of which has a magnet positioned in a bracket (e.g., movably positioned) so that the magnet alternately presents a second polarity different from the first polarity through a first face and a second face of the second toy component. The plurality of first toy components and the plurality of second toy components are connected together so that in a first structure, a magnet of a first toy component is magnetically coupled with a magnet of a second toy component through its first face, and in a second structure, a magnet of a first toy component is magnetically coupled with a magnet of another second toy component through its second face.

[0006] In any of the embodiments described herein, the bracket of each first toy component and each second toy component can be located inside the tetrahedral shell of the corresponding first toy component or second toy component.

[0007] In any of the embodiments described herein, the first plurality of toy components and the second plurality of toy components may include at least a portion of twelve toy components formed as tetrahedrons.

[0008] In any embodiments described herein, the plurality of first toy components and the plurality of second toy components may be flexibly connected in the following order: one of the first toy components, one of the second toy components, another of the second toy components, and another of the first toy components.

[0009] In any embodiments described herein, the magnet of each first toy component may be the only magnet in each first toy component, and / or wherein the magnet of each second toy component may be the only magnet in each second toy component.

[0010] In any embodiments described herein, each first toy component may further include a second magnet configured to present one of the first polarity or the second polarity through a third face of the first toy component, and wherein each second toy component may further include a second magnet configured to present the other of the first polarity or the second polarity through a third face of the second toy component.

[0011] In any of the embodiments described herein, the brackets of each first toy component and each second toy component may form a cavity in which the magnet moves, the cavity being adjacent to the first face and the second face.

[0012] In any of the embodiments described herein, the bracket of each first toy component and each second toy component may include a track formed therein.

[0013] In any of the embodiments described herein, the track of each first toy component and each second toy component can have an arcuate surface formed therein, the arcuate surface configured to receive a magnet.

[0014] In any of the embodiments described herein, in each of the first toy component and the second toy component, a divider may separate the support into the first support and the second support.

[0015] In any of the embodiments described herein, the separator may include a coupling structure configured to couple the first portion and the second portion of the housing.

[0016] In any of the embodiments described herein, the magnet of each first toy component can be positioned in a first bracket, and the magnet of each second toy component can be positioned in a second bracket.

[0017] In any of the embodiments described herein, the track of each first toy component and each second toy component can be integrally formed with the first toy component and the second toy component, respectively.

[0018] In any of the embodiments described herein, each first toy component and each second toy component may include a retaining component configured to retain the magnet within the track.

[0019] In any of the embodiments described herein, the retaining member may be a protrusion extending away from a third face of the first toy member or the second toy member, respectively.

[0020] In any of the embodiments described herein, the magnets of each first toy component and each second toy component may be cylindrical magnets that rotate within a bracket.

[0021] In any embodiments described herein, the support of each first toy component and each second toy component may include a partially spherical support member arranged near the vertices of the first face, the second face, and the third face, wherein the magnet of each first toy component and each second toy component is a spherical magnet that rotates within the partially spherical support member.

[0022] In any embodiments described herein, in each first toy component, the spherical magnet may alternately present a first polarity through the first face, the second face, and the third face, and wherein in each second toy component, the spherical magnet may alternately present a second polarity through the first face, the second face, and the third face.

[0023] In any of the embodiments described herein, a plurality of first toy components can be engaged with a plurality of second toy components such that each first toy component is directly and flexibly connected to another first toy component and one second toy component.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a toy component for a geometric art toy is provided, the geometric art toy comprising twelve such toy components connected in a ring. The toy component comprises a tetrahedral shell having a first face, a second face, a third face and a fourth face, the first face forming a right angle with the fourth face. The toy component also comprises a bracket positioned inside the tetrahedral shell adjacent to the first face and at least one of the second face or the third face, and a magnet arranged in the bracket so that it presents a first polarity through the first face and at least one of the second face or the third face. In any embodiments described herein, the magnet may be movable or fixed.

[0025] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The foregoing aspects of the present disclosure and many of the attendant advantages will become more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a representative geometric art toy having features of the present disclosure, shown in a first configuration;

[0028] Figure 1B for Figure 1A Another stereoscopic view of the geometric art toy shown;

[0029] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a representative embodiment of a toy component that can be used as Figure 1A A portion of the geometric art toy shown;

[0030] Figure 2B for Figure 2A A simplified schematic top view of a toy structure shown before it is formed into a tetrahedral shape;

[0031] Figure 2C for Figure 2A Another simplified schematic top view of the toy structure shown before it is formed into a tetrahedral shape;

[0032] Figure 2D for Figure 2A Another simplified schematic top view of the toy structure shown before it is formed into a tetrahedral shape;

[0033] Figure 3A for Figure 2A A simplified schematic top view of a toy component is shown, comprising one or more first magnets;

[0034] Figure 3B for Figure 2A A simplified schematic top view of a toy component is shown, including one or more second magnets;

[0035] Figure 4A for Figure 2A A simplified schematic top view of two toy components is shown, which are movably connected to each other via a first flexible connector;

[0036] Figure 4B for Figure 2A A simplified schematic top view of two toy components is shown, which are movably connected to each other via a second flexible connector;

[0037] Figure 4C for Figure 2A A simplified schematic top view of two toy components is shown, which are movably connected to each other via a third flexible connector;

[0038] Figure 5for Figure 1A A simplified schematic top view of a geometric art toy is shown, the geometric art toy comprising a plurality of toy components movably connected to one another by one or more first flexible connectors, one or more second flexible connectors, and one or more third flexible connectors;

[0039] Figure 6 for Figure 1A A perspective view of the geometric art toy shown in a second configuration;

[0040] Figure 7 for Figure 1A A perspective view of the geometric art toy shown, shown in a third configuration;

[0041] Figure 8 for Figure 1A The three-dimensional view of the geometric art toy shown is shown in a fourth configuration;

[0042] Fig. 9 for Figure 1A The three-dimensional view of the geometric art toy shown is shown in a fifth configuration;

[0043] Fig.10 for Figure 1A The three-dimensional view of the geometric art toy shown is shown in the sixth structure;

[0044] Fig.11 for Figure 1A The three-dimensional view of the geometric art toy shown is shown in the seventh structure;

[0045] Fig.12 To include Figure 1A A perspective view of representative toy components of the plurality of geometric art toys shown;

[0046] Fig.13A is a schematic perspective view of a toy component of a geometric art toy according to another representative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Fig. 13B According to another aspect of the present disclosure, Fig.13A Another schematic perspective view of a toy component;

[0048] Fig.14A According to a representative embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of Fig.13A A schematic diagram of a portion of a geometric art toy of a toy component;

[0049] Fig. 14B for Fig.14A A schematic diagram of a portion of a geometric art toy showing a representative polar configuration;

[0050] Fig. 14C for Fig.14A A schematic diagram of a portion of a geometric art toy showing another representative polar configuration;

[0051] Fig.14D for Fig.14A A schematic diagram of a portion of a geometric art toy showing yet another representative polar configuration;

[0052] Fig.14E for Fig.14A A schematic diagram of a portion of a geometric art toy showing yet another representative polar configuration;

[0053] Fig.15A is a perspective partial cross-sectional view of a toy component according to a representative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0054] Fig. 15B for Fig.15A A partial rear cross-sectional view of a toy component;

[0055] Fig. 15C for Fig.15A a top plan view of a first portion of a toy structure;

[0056] Fig.15D for Fig.15A A rear cross-sectional view of a first portion of a toy component;

[0057] Fig.15E for Fig.15A a bottom plan view of a second portion of the toy component;

[0058] Fig.15F for Fig.15A a rear view of a second portion of the toy structure;

[0059] Fig.16A According to one aspect of the present disclosure, Fig.15A a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a representative interaction between two toy components;

[0060] Fig. 16B According to one aspect of the present disclosure, Fig.16A a perspective cutaway view of another representative interaction between two toy components;

[0061] Fig.17A is a schematic perspective view of a toy component of a geometric art toy according to another representative embodiment of the present disclosure according to one aspect;

[0062] Fig. 17B According to the other side, Fig.17A A schematic three-dimensional diagram of a toy component;

[0063] Fig. 17CBased on another aspect, Fig.17A A schematic three-dimensional diagram of a toy component;

[0064] Fig.18A According to a representative embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of Fig.17A A schematic diagram of a portion of a geometric art toy of a toy component;

[0065] Fig.18B for Fig.18A A schematic diagram of a portion of a geometric art toy showing a representative polar configuration;

[0066] Fig.19A is a schematic top plan view of a toy component according to another representative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0067] Fig.19B for Fig.19A A schematic rear view of a toy component;

[0068] Fig.19C for Fig.19A A schematic right side view of a toy component;

[0069] Fig. 20A is a schematic perspective view of a toy component of a geometric art toy according to another representative embodiment of the present disclosure according to one aspect;

[0070] Fig. 20B According to the other side, Fig. 20A A schematic three-dimensional diagram of a toy component;

[0071] Fig. 20C is a schematic perspective view of a toy component of a geometric art toy according to yet another representative embodiment of the present disclosure according to one aspect; and

[0072] Fig.20D According to the other side, Fig. 20C A schematic three-dimensional diagram of a toy component. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0073] Figure 1A FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a three-dimensional geometric art toy 10 (sometimes referred to herein as an “art toy”) according to a representative and non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition, Figure 1B for Figure 1A Another perspective view of the geometric art toy 10 shown. In particular, Figure 1B Certain features of the art toy 10 are shown more clearly (in phantom).

[0074] The design of the art toy 10 can be changed as needed. In some embodiments, as shown in the figure, the art toy 10 includes a plurality of toy components 12 (some of which and / or parts thereof are in Figure 1B ), these toy components are movably (e.g., hingedly) connected to each other. For example, in one such embodiment, the art toy 10 may include twelve toy components 12, each toy component 12 being movably connected to two adjacent toy components 12. In addition, in some embodiments, each toy component 12 may be formed in the shape of a tetrahedron (or a three-sided pyramid with a base). Alternatively, the art toy 10 may include more or less than twelve toy components 12, one or more of the toy components 12 may be movably connected to more than two adjacent toy components 12, or movably connected to only one adjacent toy component 12, and / or one or more toy components 12 may form another suitable shape.

[0075] As an overview, as described in more detail below, the art toy 10 is designed to be selectively and stably positioned in a variety of alternative configurations. In addition, as shown herein, various such configurations can be substantially symmetrical about one or more axes extending through the center of the configuration. More specifically, as shown, the art toy 10 includes a plurality of toy components 12 that are connected to each other and can move relative to each other so that the art toy 10 can be selectively and stably positioned in a plurality of alternative configurations. For example, Figure 1A and 1B The art toy 10 and / or toy components 12 are shown positioned in a first configuration (i.e., a cubic configuration). In addition, in addition to each toy component 12 being movably (e.g., hingedly) connected to one or more adjacent toy components 12, each toy component 12 also includes one or more magnets 14 (two magnets 14 are located in the same direction as the toy component 12). Figure 1A ), when the art toy 10 and / or the toy component 12 are positioned in any of a plurality of alternative configurations, the one or more magnets 14 are positioned and oriented so as to effectively stabilize the art toy 10 and / or the toy component 12 relative to each other.

[0076] Furthermore, as provided herein, in certain embodiments, multiple art toys 10 can be used together as part of a toy assembly 1200 (e.g., Fig.12), that is, a plurality of art toys 10 can be selectively coupled together to form a toy assembly 1200 that can be selectively and stably positioned in various other configurations. More specifically, the precise positioning and orientation of the magnets 14 (as disclosed in more detail below) enables each art toy 10 to be positioned in any of the various individual configurations disclosed herein, and then selectively and stably coupled to one or more additional art toys 10 to provide a toy assembly 1200 that can be selectively and stably positioned in various additional, alternative configurations.

[0077] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG1 , each toy component 12 can be substantially identical in size and design except for the location and orientation of the one or more magnets 14. For example, in one embodiment, each toy component 12 can be formed as a tetrahedron having four triangular surfaces 16 and six sides 18, the dimensions of the four triangular surfaces 16 and the six sides 18 enabling the art toy 10 to be positioned in a cubic configuration without internal voids or cavities within the cube. Additionally, in some embodiments, the art toy 10 can include one or more patterns or indicia 20, the one or more patterns or indicia 20 included on one or more surfaces 16 of each toy component 12.

[0078] like Figure 1A As further shown in FIG. 1 , when a user desires to display the art toy 10 (e.g., as a work of art), the art toy 10 may further include a display support, such as a display base 22, a display box 23, and / or a display hanger 24, which may be used to support the art toy 10 (i.e., the toy component 12) relative to a surface 26 (e.g., the ground, a wall, a ceiling, a tabletop, a countertop, or another surface).

[0079] It should be understood that the display support (e.g., display base 22, display box 23, and / or display hanger 24) can have any suitable design capable of supporting art toy 10 relative to surface 26. For example, in some embodiments, display base 22 can be a rectangular plate or square plate that can be placed and / or fixed to surface 26 (e.g., with nails or screws). In addition, display base 22 can include one or more support magnets 22M (shown in phantom) that interact with magnets 14 of art toy 10 to support art toy 10 relative to surface 26. In some embodiments, the size of display base 22 is no larger than art toy 10, so that display base 22 does not interfere with the display of art toy 10.

[0080] The display box 23 can be a rectangular box or a square box, which can be placed and / or fixed to the surface 26 (e.g., with nails or screws). In addition, the display box 23 can have an opening, the size and shape of the opening are designed to effectively receive and display the art toy 10 as needed.

[0081] Furthermore, as shown, the display hanger 24 can be a hook that can be mounted on the surface 26. Additionally and / or alternatively, the display hanger 24 can include a string or rope having a tensile strength sufficient to support the weight of the art toy 10. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the display hanger 24 can be adapted to engage a connector 28 that can be selectively or fixedly secured to one or more surfaces of the art toy 10. It should be understood that the connector 28 can have any suitable design that can stably support the art toy 10 relative to the surface 26. For example, the connector 28 can include one or more hanger members that can be used to selectively support the art toy 10 from the top, bottom, and / or sides of the art toy 10 when the art toy 10 is displayed as desired.

[0082] Figure 2A For use as Figure 1A 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a toy component 212 of a portion of a geometric art toy 10. For example, as described above, the art toy 10 may include twelve toy components 212, except that the positioning and orientation of one or more magnets 14 (e.g., Figure 1A ), the toy components 212 are substantially identical in size and design.

[0083] like Figure 2A As shown, the toy component 212 can be formed as a tetrahedron having four triangular surfaces (i.e., a first surface 216A, a second surface 216B, a third surface 216C, and a fourth surface 216D) and six sides (i.e., a first side 218A, a second side 218B, a third side 218C, a fourth side 2180, a fifth side 218E, and a sixth side 218F). In one embodiment, using a unit length measurement value as a reference, the sizes of the sides 218A-218F can be set as follows: the first side 218A is one (1) unit, the second side 218B is one (1) unit, the third side 218C is the square root of two (√2) units, the fourth side 218D is one-half the square root of three (√3 / 2) units, the fifth side 218E is one-half the square root of three (√3 / 2) units, and the sixth side 218F is one-half the square root of three (√3 / 2) units. With this design, as described above, the twelve toy components 212 (i.e., twelve tetrahedrons) can effectively form a cubic configuration with no internal voids or cavities within the cube, such as Figure 1B. More specifically, the first surface 216A of the toy component 212 can be defined by a first side 218A that is one (1) unit, a second side 218B that is one (1) unit, and a third side 218C that is a square root of two (√2) units, wherein the first surface 216A forms one half of a triangle of one of the outer surfaces of a cube. In addition, when the art toy 10 and / or the toy component 212 are positioned in a cubic configuration, the other surfaces 216B, 216C, 216D of the toy component 212 can be oriented to extend into the interior of the cube. Alternatively, the sides 218A-218F can be designed to be different lengths relative to each other.

[0084] It should be understood that the use of the terms "first surface", "second surface", "third surface" and "fourth surface" is merely for description and ease of illustration, and any of the surfaces 216A-216D may be referred to as the "first surface", "second surface", "third surface" and / or "fourth surface". Similarly, it should also be understood that the use of the terms "first side", "second side", "third side", "fourth side", "fifth side" and "sixth side" is merely for description and ease of illustration, and any of the sides 218A-218F may be referred to as the "first side", "second side", "third side", "fourth side", "fifth side" and / or "sixth side".

[0085] Figure 2B for Figure 2A The toy structure 212 is shown in a simplified schematic top view before being formed into a tetrahedral shape. More specifically, Figure 2B A two-dimensional layout of surfaces 216A-216D and sides 218A-218F relative to one another is shown, which may be used as a template for forming toy piece 212 before toy piece 212 is actually positioned and / or formed into a tetrahedral shape.

[0086] It should be understood that Figure 2B As shown, when the toy member 212 is formed into a tetrahedral shape, the two sides marked as the first side 218A will be positioned together as a single side. Similarly, it should be understood that Figure 2B As shown, when the toy component 212 is formed into a tetrahedral shape, the two sides marked as the second side 218B will be positioned together as a single side. Figure 2B As shown, when the toy member 212 is formed into a tetrahedral shape, the two sides labeled as the sixth side 218F will be positioned together as a single side.

[0087] In addition to the length of each side 218A-218F and the size of each triangular surface 216A-216D as described above, Figure 2BThe angles existing between each adjacent edge 218A-216F are also shown. More specifically, in the case where the six edges 218A-218F have the dimensions specifically noted above, the angles between the edges 218A-218F are as follows: (i) a first angle 230A between the first edge 218A and the second edge 218B is approximately 90 degrees; (ii) a second angle 230B between the first edge 218A and the third edge 218C is approximately 45 degrees; (iii) a third angle 230C between the second edge 218B and the third edge 218C is approximately 45 degrees; (iv) a fourth angle 230D between the third edge 218C and the fourth edge 218D is approximately 35.26 degrees; (v) a fifth angle 230E between the third edge 218C and the fifth edge 218E is approximately 35.26 degrees; (vi) a fifth angle 230E between the first edge 218A and the fifth edge 218E is approximately 35.26 degrees; (g) a sixth angle 230F between the second side 218B and the fourth side 218D is approximately 54.74 degrees; (seven) a seventh angle 230G between the second side 218B and the fourth side 218D is approximately 54.74 degrees; (eight) an eighth angle 230H between the fourth side 218D and the fifth side 218E is approximately 109.47 degrees; (nine) a ninth angle 230I between the first side 218A and the sixth side 218F is approximately 54.74 degrees; (ten) a tenth angle 230J between the second side 218B and the sixth side 218F is approximately 54.74 degrees; (eleven) an eleventh angle 230K between the fourth side 218D and the sixth side 218F is approximately 70.53 degrees; and (twelfth) a twelfth angle 230L between the fifth side 218E and the sixth side 218F is approximately 70.53 degrees.

[0088] It should be understood that the use of the terms "first angle" to "twelfth angle" is merely for description and ease of illustration, and any of the angles 230A-230L may be referred to as any of the "first angle" to the "twelfth angle".

[0089] In addition, it should be understood that when the toy component 212 is Figure 2B When the two-dimensional layout shown is formed into a tetrahedron shape, the tetrahedron (ie, the toy member 212) will form a hollow interior. Alternatively, the toy member 212 can be formed into a tetrahedron shape in a different manner, and / or the toy member 212 can be formed without a hollow interior.

[0090] Figure 2C for Figure 2A Another simplified schematic top view of the toy structure 212 shown before being formed into a tetrahedral shape. More specifically, Figure 2C An alternative two-dimensional arrangement of surfaces 216A-216D and edges 218A-218F relative to one another is shown, which may be used as a template for forming the toy piece 212 prior to the toy piece 212 being actually positioned and / or formed into a tetrahedral shape.

[0091] It should be understood that Figure 2C As shown, when the toy member 212 is formed into a tetrahedral shape, the two sides marked as the second side 218B will be positioned together as a single side. Figure 2C As shown, when the toy component 212 is formed into a tetrahedral shape, the two edges marked as the third edge 218C will be positioned together as a single edge. Figure 2C As shown, when the toy piece 212 is formed into a tetrahedral shape, the two sides labeled fifth side 218E will be positioned together as a single side.

[0092] Figure 2D for Figure 2A Another simplified schematic top view of the toy structure 212 shown before being formed into a tetrahedral shape. More specifically, Figure 2D Another alternative two-dimensional arrangement of surfaces 216A-216D and sides 218A-218F relative to one another is shown, which may be used as a template for forming the toy structure 212 prior to the toy structure 212 being actually positioned and / or formed into a tetrahedral shape.

[0093] It should be understood that Figure 2D As shown, when the toy member 212 is formed into a tetrahedral shape, the two sides marked as the first side 218A will be positioned together as a single side. Similarly, it should be understood that Figure 2D As shown, when the toy component 212 is formed into a tetrahedral shape, the two edges marked as the third edge 218C will be positioned together as a single edge. Figure 2D As shown, when the toy member 212 is formed into a tetrahedral shape, the two sides labeled as fourth sides 218D will be positioned together as a single side.

[0094] Figure 3A FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic top view of a toy component (ie, the first toy component 312A), similar to FIG. Figure 2A In the toy component 212 shown, the first toy component 312A includes one or more first magnets 314A. Figure 3A As shown, the first toy component 312A can include three first magnets 314A, wherein one first magnet 312A is coupled (e.g., positioned near, physically attached to (e.g., adhered to), held against, etc.) to each of the first surface 316A, the third surface 316C, and the fourth surface 316D. Alternatively, the first toy component 312A can include more than three or less than three first magnets 314A, and / or one or more of the first magnets 314A can be coupled to another surface of the first toy component 312A.

[0095] The size, shape, orientation, and polarity of the first magnet 314A may be varied to accommodate the first toy component 312A and / or the art toy 10 (eg, Figure 1A For example, in one embodiment, the first magnet 314A can be a bar magnet oriented as shown, i.e., the north pole (shown as "N") and the south pole (shown as "S") are oriented as described in the figure. More specifically, in this embodiment, (i) the first magnet 314A coupled to the first surface 316A is oriented to face the north pole of the third side 318C; (ii) the first magnet 314A coupled to the third surface 316C is oriented to face the south pole of the second side 318B; and (iii) the first magnet 314A coupled to the fourth surface 316D is oriented to face the north pole of the third side 318C. Alternatively, the first magnet 314A can have a different design, and / or the first magnet 314A can be oriented differently than the first magnet 314A. Figure 3A , i.e., to achieve different polarities of the first magnets 314A. In addition, in some embodiments, each of the first magnets 314A can be designed to have a magnetic field strength of at least about one pound. Alternatively, the first magnets 314A can be designed to present different magnetic field strengths.

[0096] In one embodiment, when the first toy component 312A is formed in a tetrahedral shape, each of the first magnets 314A may be coupled to a surface of the first toy component 312A at the interior (i.e., the inner surface) of the first toy component 312A. With this design, the first magnets 314A may not be visible to the user and may not affect the appearance of the first toy component 312A and / or the art toy 10. Alternatively, when the first toy component 312A is formed in a tetrahedral shape, one or more first magnets 314A may be coupled to the exterior or outer surface of the first toy component 312A.

[0097] Figure 3B FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic top view of a toy component (i.e., the second toy component 312B) that is connected to the toy component 312B. Figure 2A The toy component 212 shown is also similar, and the second toy component 312B includes one or more second magnets 314B. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 3B As shown, the second toy component 312B may include three second magnets 314B, wherein one second magnet 314B is coupled to each of the first surface 316A, the third surface 316C, and the fourth surface 316D. Alternatively, the second toy component 312B may include more than three or less than three second magnets 314B, and / or one or more second magnets 314B may be coupled to another surface of the second toy component 312B.

[0098] The size, shape, orientation, and polarity of the second magnet 314B may be varied to suit the second toy component 312B and / or the art toy 10 (eg, Figure 1A For example, in one embodiment, the second magnet 314B can be a bar magnet oriented as shown, that is, the north pole (shown as an "N") and the south pole (shown as an "S") are oriented as described in the figure. More specifically, in this embodiment, (i) the second magnet 314B coupled to the first surface 316A is oriented with the south pole facing the third side 318C; (ii) the second magnet 314B coupled to the third surface 316C is oriented with the north pole facing the second side 318B; and (iii) the second magnet 314B coupled to the fourth surface 316D is oriented with the south pole facing the third side 318C. Alternatively, the second magnet 314B can have a different design, and / or the second magnet 314B can be oriented differently from Figure 3B , i.e., to achieve different polarities of the second magnets 314B. In addition, in some embodiments, each of the second magnets 314B can be designed to have a magnetic field strength of at least about one pound. Alternatively, the second magnets 314B can be designed to exhibit different magnetic field strengths.

[0099] In one embodiment, when the second toy component 312B is formed in a tetrahedral shape, each of the second magnets 314B may be coupled to a surface of the second toy component 312B within the interior (i.e., the inner surface) of the second toy component 312B. With this design, the second magnets 314B may not be visible to the user and may not affect the appearance of the second toy component 312B and / or the art toy 10. Alternatively, when the second toy component 312B is formed in a tetrahedral shape, one or more second magnets 314B may be coupled to the exterior or outer surface of the second toy component 312B.

[0100] It should be understood that in comparison Figure 3A The first toy component 312A and Figure 3B When the second toy component 312B is shown, the orientation and corresponding polarity of the first magnet 314A of the first toy component 312A is substantially directly opposite to the orientation and polarity of the second magnet 314B of the second toy component 312B. With this design, in combination with the specific movable coupling of the plurality of first toy components 312A and the plurality of second toy components 312B to form the art toy 10, as described in more detail below, the art toy 10 can be stably positioned and retained in each of the alternative configurations shown herein.

[0101] Moreover, as further provided herein, the precise positioning and orientation of the first magnet 314A of the first toy component 312A and the second magnet 314B of the second toy component 312B enables the assembled art toy 10 (as shown in FIG. 1 ) to be subsequently selectively and stably coupled to one or more additional art toys 10 to provide a toy assembly 1200 that can be selectively and stably positioned in a variety of additional, alternative configurations (e.g., Fig.12 shown).

[0102] In addition, it should be understood that the use of the terms "first toy component" and "second toy component" is only for the purpose of description and ease of explanation, and any of the toy components 312A, 312B can be referred to as the "first toy component" and / or the "second toy component." Similarly, it should also be understood that the use of the terms "first magnet" and "second magnet" is only for the purpose of description and ease of explanation, and any of the magnets 314A, 314B can be referred to as the "first magnet" and / or the "second magnet."

[0103] Figure 4A is a simplified schematic top view of two toy components, namely Figure 3A The two first toy components 312A shown are movably connected to each other via a first flexible connector 430A (eg, a first hinge). More specifically, Figure 4A The first flexible connector 430A is shown to be used to movably couple the second edge 418B of one first toy component 312A to the second edge 418B of another first toy component 312A. In other words, when the two first toy components 312A are positioned substantially adjacent to each other and are connected to each other accordingly, the first flexible connector 430A is positioned to movably connect the second edges 418B of the adjacent first toy components 312A together.

[0104] The first flexible connector 430A can have any suitable design so that adjacent first toy components 312A can pivot relative to each other along the second edge 418B of each first toy component 312A. For example, in certain non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the first flexible connector 430A can be formed by a flexible adhesive, such as different types of tape and / or vinyl stickers. Alternatively, the first flexible connector 430A can be formed in another suitable manner.

[0105] Figure 4B is a simplified schematic top view of two toy components, namely Figure 3B The two second toy components 312B shown are movably connected to each other via a second flexible connector 430B (eg, a second hinge). More specifically, Figure 4BThe second flexible connector 430B is shown to be used to movably couple the first edge 418A of one second toy component 312B to the first edge 418A of another second toy component 312B. In other words, when the two second toy components 312B are positioned substantially adjacent to each other and are connected to each other accordingly, the second flexible connector 430B is positioned to movably connect the first edges 418A of the adjacent second toy components 312B together.

[0106] The second flexible connector 430B can have any suitable design so that adjacent second toy components 312B can pivot relative to each other along the first edge 418A of each second toy component 312B. For example, in certain non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the second flexible connector 430B can be formed by a flexible adhesive, such as different types of tape and / or vinyl stickers. Alternatively, the second flexible connector 430B can be formed in another suitable manner.

[0107] Figure 4C is a simplified schematic top view of two toy components, namely Figure 3A The first toy member 312A and Figure 3B The second toy component 312B shown is movably connected to each other via a third flexible connector 430C (eg, a third hinge). More specifically, Figure 4C The third flexible connector 430C is shown to be used to movably connect the first side 418A of the first toy component 312A with the second side 418B of the second toy component 312B. In other words, when the first toy component 312A and the second toy component 312B are substantially positioned adjacent to each other and correspondingly connected to each other, the third flexible connector 430C is positioned to movably connect the first side 418A of the first toy component 312A and the second side 418B of the adjacent second toy component 312B.

[0108] The third flexible connector 430C can have any suitable design so that the adjacent first toy components 312A and second toy components 312B can pivot relative to each other along the first side 418A and the second side 418B of each toy component 312A, 312B, respectively. For example, in certain non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the third flexible connector 430B can be formed by a flexible adhesive, such as different types of tape and / or a vinyl sticker (or a sticker formed of other suitable materials). Alternatively, the third flexible connector 430C can be formed in another suitable manner.

[0109] when Figures 4A-4CWhen viewed in conjunction with one another, it should be understood that: (i) each first toy component 312A can be flexibly connected along a first edge 418A to a second edge 418B (ie, using a third flexible connector 430C) of an adjacent second toy component 312B (ie, adjacent to the first toy component 312A).

[0110] It should be understood that the terms "first flexible connector", "second flexible connector" and "third flexible connector" are used for description and ease of illustration only, and any one of the flexible connectors 430A, 430B, 430C can be referred to as the "first flexible connector", "second flexible connector" and / or "third flexible connector".

[0111] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic top view of the geometric art toy 10. As shown in the figure, the geometric art toy 10 includes a plurality of toy components, namely Figure 3A The first toy components 312A and Figure 3B The plurality of second toy components 312B shown are movably connected to each other using one or more first flexible connectors 430A, one or more second flexible connectors 430B, and one or more third flexible connectors 430C. More specifically, Figure 5 1 shows an embodiment of a general schematic arrangement of toy components 312A, 312B relative to each other in the formation of an art toy 10. As described above, Figure 5 As shown, each of the one or more first flexible connectors 430A is used to movably connect two first toy components 312A together, each of the one or more second flexible connectors 430B is used to movably connect two second toy components 312B together, and each of the one or more third flexible connectors 430C is used to movably connect one first toy component 312A and one second toy component 312B together. It should be understood that due to Figure 5 The three-dimensional connection scheme is shown in a two-dimensional illustration, so the third flexible connector 430C shown at either end of the figure is actually a single third flexible connector 430C. In addition, it should be understood that for clarity, the individual toy components 312A, 312B are shown as being spaced apart from each other and from the flexible connectors 430A, 430B, 430C, that is, so that the various connections between adjacent toy components 312A, 312B can be more clearly demonstrated. In addition, for clarity, Figure 5 The first magnet 314A of the first toy component 312A and the second magnet 314B of the second toy component 312B are omitted.

[0112] exist Figure 5In the illustrated embodiment, the art toy 10 includes six first toy components 312A and six second toy components 312B. In addition, as shown, each of the first toy components 312A is movably connected to another first toy component 312A (i.e., through the first flexible connector 430A) and one second toy component 312B (i.e., through the third flexible connector 430C); and each of the second toy components 312B is movably connected to another second toy component 312B (i.e., through the second flexible connector 430B) and one first toy component 312A (i.e., through the third flexible connector 430C). Alternatively, the art toy 10 may include more than six or less than six first toy components 312A, more than six or less than six second toy components 312B, and / or the toy components 312A, 312B may be movably connected to each other in different ways. In addition, in this embodiment, the art toy 10 includes a total of twelve flexible connectors 430A, 430B, 430C. More specifically, as shown, the art toy 10 includes three first flexible connectors 430A, three second flexible connectors 430B, and six third flexible connectors 430C. Alternatively, the art toy 10 may include more or less than twelve flexible connectors 430A, 430B, 430C, and / or the art toy 10 may include more than twelve flexible connectors 430A, 430B, 430C. Figure 5 Specific examples of different numbers of individual flexible connectors 430A, 430B, and 430C are shown in FIG.

[0113] Figure 6-11 Various other possible configurations are shown for the art toy 10. Through the specific positioning and orientation of the magnets 314A, 314B and the flexible connectors 430A, 430B, 430C as described in detail above, the art toy 10 can be stably held in any other potential configuration disclosed and / or shown.

[0114] More specifically, Figure 6 is a three-dimensional view of the geometric art toy 10 shown in FIG. 1 , the geometric art toy being in a second configuration; Figure 7 is a three-dimensional view of the geometric art toy 10 shown in FIG. 1 , wherein the geometric art toy 10 is in a third structure; Figure 8 is a three-dimensional view of the geometric art toy 10 shown in FIG. 1 , wherein the geometric art toy 10 is in a fourth structure; Fig. 9 is a three-dimensional view of the geometric art toy 10 shown in FIG. 1 , wherein the geometric art toy 10 is in a fifth structure; Fig.10 is a three-dimensional view of the geometric art toy 10 shown in FIG. 1 , wherein the geometric art toy 10 is in a sixth structure; Fig.11 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the geometric art toy 10 shown in FIG. 1 , and the geometric art toy 10 is in the seventh structure.

[0115] During use of the art toy 10, the individual toy components 12 can be quickly and easily moved and manipulated relative to each other to enable the user to form the art toy 10 into any of the disclosed configurations. In addition, as described above, the positioning, orientation, and polarity of the magnets 14 within each toy component 12 enable the art toy 10 to be stably maintained in any such configuration. Therefore, the art toy 10 and toy components 12 can be viewed as educational devices for studying polygonal solids, puzzles or toys that can be used for entertainment or recreation, and / or works of art that can be displayed for others to view.

[0116] Fig.12 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toy assembly 1200 including a plurality of geometric art toys 10 shown in FIG. 1 . For example, in some embodiments, Fig.12 As shown, the toy assembly 1200 may include four geometric art toys 10. Alternatively, the toy assembly 1200 may be designed to include more than four or less than four art toys 10.

[0117] Furthermore, in one embodiment, each geometric art toy 10 within the toy assembly 1200 is substantially identical in design. Furthermore, each of the geometric art toys 10 may be selectively and stably positioned in a variety of alternative configurations as shown and described above.

[0118] In addition, based on the magnets 314A and 314B (respectively Figure 3A and 3B , the geometric art toys 10 can be selectively and stably (i.e., magnetically) coupled together to form additional, alternative configurations with the toy assembly 1200. Furthermore, various such additional, alternative configurations can be substantially symmetrical about one or more axes extending through the center of the configuration. In various embodiments, each of the geometric art toys 10 can be positioned in the same individual configuration before the geometric art toys 10 are coupled together to form some additional, alternative configurations. Alternatively, one or more of the geometric art toys 10 can be positioned in different individual configurations before the geometric art toys 10 are coupled together to form other additional, alternative configurations.

[0119] During the development of the art toys 10 and / or toy assemblies 1200, it has been discovered that utilizing multiples of four art toys 10 results in the toy assemblies 1200 falling into neat families of complexity. It should be further appreciated that as more and more art toys 10 are added to the toy assemblies 1200, and with the precise positioning and orientation of the magnets 314A, 314B within each art toy 10, the toy assemblies 1200 can be manipulated into an almost unlimited number of stable configurations.

[0120] In some representative embodiments, the geometric art toys of the present disclosure include one or more magnets that are configured to move (e.g., displace, slide, rotate, etc.) in such a manner that each moving magnet presents a specified polarity in two or more directions through two or more faces of the toy component, etc. To reiterate, the tetrahedral toy component of the geometric art toy is configured so that one or more magnets associated with the toy component move to present a polarity (e.g., north or south polarity, positive or negative polarity, etc.) through two or more faces of the tetrahedral toy component. For example, the moving magnet is configured to move in response to the presence of a nearby magnetic field, such as a magnetic field generated by a magnet (e.g., a moving magnet) in an adjacent toy component.

[0121] In such an embodiment, each moving magnet advantageously simulates multiple fixed magnets (non-moving magnets). For example, in some representative geometric art toys having only twelve tetrahedral toy components, each toy component includes only a single moving magnet, i.e., there are a total of twelve moving magnets in the geometric art toy. Due to the movement of each moving magnet, such an embodiment advantageously simulates the function of a geometric art toy having 24, 36, or another number of fixed magnets.

[0122] Before describing representative and non-limiting embodiments of geometric art toys with one or more moving magnets, it should be understood that the present disclosure includes many implementations of the concept, including embodiments with any combination of features described with respect to the previously described embodiments. In some embodiments, the geometric art toy includes one or more toy components with one or more moving magnets. For example, in some embodiments, all toy components of the geometric art toy include at least one moving magnet (e.g., one, two, or three moving magnets). In some embodiments, one or more toy components include at least one moving magnet (e.g., one, two, or three moving magnets), while other toy components do not include any moving magnets (e.g., at least one toy component less than all toy components includes a moving magnet). In some embodiments, the moving magnet is the only magnet of each toy component. In some embodiments, one or more toy components include at least one moving magnet and one or more fixed magnets to provide additional functionality and entertainment. The present disclosure includes additional embodiments with any combination of the aforementioned representative embodiments.

[0123] Figures 13A-13BA representative embodiment of a tetrahedral toy piece 1310 is schematically shown, with a single moving magnet 1312 that is radially magnetized. The tetrahedral toy piece 1310 has four faces A, B, C, and D, with faces B and D hidden from view. In some embodiments, faces A and D (i.e., the first and fourth faces) form a right angle relative to each other, wherein one of faces A or D is relatively larger than the other, and faces B and C are substantially the same size as each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnet 1312 is positioned within a tetrahedral housing 1316 in a manner that allows it to rotate about its longitudinal axis 1317.

[0124] Typically, the magnets 1312 are not allowed to move in an uncontrolled manner within the tetrahedral toy building block 1310. Instead, the tetrahedral toy building block 1310 is provided with one or more internal structures (e.g., brackets) that hold the moving magnets 1312 near two or three faces while allowing the moving magnets 1312 to move within a controlled area. For example, in some embodiments, the toy building block 1310 is provided with internal brackets, tracks, slots, compartments, cavities, supports, and / or the like. Representative structures for enabling the magnets 1312 to move within a controlled area are described below.

[0125] like Fig.13A and 13B As shown, the moving magnet 1312 is positioned proximate to the faces A and B so that it can move relative to the housing 1316 about the axis 1317. Fig.13A In FIG, the northern portion of magnet 1312 is close to face A (outline shown in bold). In contrast, in Fig. 13B , magnet 1312 has been rotated about axis 1317 so that the north is proximate to face B (outline shown in bold). Due to this movement of the magnet, both the north and south sides of magnet 1312 can be positioned proximate to face A or B. Thus, magnet 1312 can alternately present a first polarity (e.g., positive or negative polarity) through face A or B. By "alternatingly," the present disclosure means that the magnet presents a first polarity through one face at a time. Advantageously, this enables a single moving magnet 1312 to simulate multiple fixed magnets.

[0126] Fig.13A and 13BThe embodiments are representative and non-limiting. In some embodiments, magnet 1312 is a cylindrical magnet, a disk magnet, a spherical magnet, or other magnet types. In some embodiments, magnet 1312 translates, shifts, slides, or rolls relative to housing 1316 so as to alternately present a first polarity through face A or face B. In some embodiments, magnet 1312 rotates in more than one direction, for example, in the case of spherical magnet 1312, magnet 1312 rotates around a center. This advantageously enables the magnet to alternately present polarity through more than two faces (e.g., three faces). In some embodiments, magnet 1312 is positioned close to different faces, for example, close to faces A and C, A and D, B and C, B and D, or D and C. In some embodiments, magnet 1312 is positioned close to more than two faces, for example, close to faces A, B, and C. In some embodiments, magnet 1312 is positioned close to a vertex where three faces intersect (e.g., faces A, B, and C intersect).

[0127] In some embodiments, the geometric art toy of the present disclosure includes one or more moving magnetic toy components 1310, such as Fig.13A and 13B As shown, to provide enhanced entertainment, reduce manufacturing costs and / or for other benefits. In some embodiments, the geometric art toy includes two or more different types of moving magnet toy components (e.g., a first type and a second type), each type having a different moving magnet configuration, which are configured to alternately present magnet polarity through different faces. As described below, in some embodiments, the different moving magnet toy component types are arranged so that the toy components can be selectively magnetically coupled to one or more configurations (e.g., Figure 6-12 Any one or more of the configurations shown).

[0128] Fig.14A A representative portion of a geometric art toy 1400 is schematically shown having an ordered arrangement of flexibly connected "A-type" and "B-type" moving magnet tetrahedron toy pieces 1410A and 1410B, respectively, each of which includes a moving magnet 1412 and optional fixed magnet 1406. Figures 13A-13BLike the toy building blocks 1310 of FIG. 1 , each toy building block 1410 includes four faces: A, B, C, and D. Aside from the placement of the moving magnets 1412, the A-type and B-type toy building blocks 1410 are structurally identical, i.e., have the same tetrahedral size and shape. Likewise, the moving magnets 1412 are identical between the A-type and B-type toy building blocks 1410. Although in the illustrated embodiment, the A-type toy building blocks 1410A are structurally similar to the B-type toy building blocks 1410B, differences in polarity may occur between the magnets of the A-type and B-type toy building blocks 1410 when two or more toy building blocks 1402 are placed proximate to each other. In some embodiments, not every A-type toy building block 1410A has the same magnetic polarity configuration as every other A-type toy building block 1410A, and / or not every B-type toy building block 1410B has the same magnetic polarity configuration as every other B-type toy building block 1410B. In some embodiments, the A-type toy component 1410A has additional differences relative to the B-type toy component 1410B.

[0129] In the illustrated embodiment, each A-type toy building block 1410A includes a moving magnet 1412 located near its A and B faces, the moving magnet 1412 being configured to alternately present a first polarity (e.g., positive polarity) through the A and B faces due to its controlled movement within the toy building block 1410A. Representative structures for positioning the moving magnets 1412 are described below. Each B-type toy building block 1410B includes a moving magnet 1412 located near its A and C faces, the moving magnet 1412 being configured to alternately present a second polarity through the A and C faces due to its controlled movement within the toy building block 1410B, the second polarity being different from the first polarity (i.e., negative polarity in the above example). An optional fixed magnet 1414 is located near the D face in each of the A-type and B-type toy building blocks 1410. In some embodiments, the optional fixed magnet 1414 is located near the D face in each of the A-type and B-type toy building blocks 1410. In some embodiments, the polarity of the optional stationary magnet 1414 is different between the A-type and B-type toy components 1410. In some embodiments, the polarity of the optional stationary magnet 1414 is the same between the A-type and B-type toy components 1410.

[0130] like Fig.14AAs shown, the "A-type" and "B-type" toy components 1410 are arranged in an ABBA order. That is, the A-type toy component 1410A is flexibly connected to the B-type toy component 1410B (such as using a flexible connector as described above), the B-type toy component 1410B is flexibly connected to another B-type toy component 1410B, and the other B-type toy component 1410B is connected to the A-type toy component 1410A. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the B side of each A-type toy component 1410A is flexibly connected to the C side of the adjacent B-type toy component 1410B. Adjacent B-type toy components 1410B have different orientations, so that adjacent B sides are flexibly connected. In some embodiments, the A-type toy component 1410A and the B-type toy component 1410B are flexibly connected in any connection scheme described herein.

[0131] In some embodiments, Fig.14A The ABBA sequence is repeated two or more times. For example, in a representative embodiment, Fig.14A The geometric art toy 1400 includes twelve toy components 1410, each of which has a single moving magnet 1412 as shown, but without the optional fixed magnet 1414. Therefore, there are twelve moving magnets 1412 in such an embodiment. The twelve toy components 1410 are connected in a ring, each toy component 1410 is movably connected to two adjacent toy components 1410 (as described above), and the ABBA sequence occurs a total of four times, so that the geometric art toy 1400 includes twelve toy components 1410 connected in the following sequence: ABBAABBAABBA.

[0132] Fig. 14B Shows Fig.14A A representative polarity configuration of the geometric art toy 1400. This polarity configuration is representative and not limiting. Fig. 14B The polarity configuration shown is determined by Fig.14A That is, when the toy components 1410 are positioned adjacent to each other (e.g., flexibly connected as shown), one or more of the moving magnets 1412 (in the A-type toy component 1410A and / or the B-type toy component 1410B) move to achieve the polarity configuration shown. For example, again briefly referring to Fig.14A , merely the proximity of the moving magnets 1412 of the flexibly connected toy members 1410A and 1410B causes one or both of those moving magnets 1412 to move such that they attract each other, ie, assume opposite polarities by virtue of adjacent faces.

[0133] Now refer to Fig.14A Describe in more detail Fig. 14BPolarity configuration. The moving magnet 1412 of each A-type toy component 1410A is configured to alternately present a positive polarity through each of the A side and the B side. The C side remains unmagnetized. The D side is magnetized with a positive polarity or a negative polarity by an optional fixed magnet 1414. The moving magnet 1412 of each B-type toy component 1410B is configured to alternately present a negative polarity through each of the A side and the C side. The B side remains unmagnetized. The D side is magnetized with a positive polarity or a negative polarity by an optional fixed magnet 1414.

[0134] Specify the polarity above and if Fig. 14B As shown, when the A-type and B-type toy components are Fig.14A When the ordered combination is flexibly connected as shown, the positively magnetized B surface of each A-type toy component 1410A is magnetically coupled with the negatively magnetized C surface of the adjacent B-type toy component 1410B (for example, when the geometric art toy 1400 is manipulated into Figure 6 In addition, the non-magnetized B surfaces of the adjacent B-type toy components 1410B are not magnetically coupled to each other. Similarly, the non-magnetized C surfaces of the A-type toy components 1410A are not magnetically coupled to each other.

[0135] Fig. 14C Shown by Fig.14A The moving magnet 1412 of each A-type toy component 1410A is configured to alternately present a negative polarity through each of the A and B faces. The C face remains unmagnetized. The D face is magnetized with a positive polarity or a negative polarity by an optional fixed magnet 1414. The moving magnet 1412 of each B-type toy component 1410B is configured to alternately present a positive polarity through each of the A and C faces. The B face remains unmagnetized. The D face is magnetized with a positive polarity or a negative polarity by an optional fixed magnet 1414.

[0136] Fig.14D Shown by Fig.14A The moving magnet 1412 of each B-type toy component 1410B is configured to alternately present a positive polarity through the A side and alternately present a positive polarity through the B side. The C side remains unmagnetized. The D side is magnetized with a positive polarity or a negative polarity by an optional fixed magnet 1414. The moving magnet 1412 of each B-type toy component 1410B is configured to alternately present a positive polarity through the A side and alternately present a negative polarity through the C side. The B side remains unmagnetized. The D side is magnetized with a positive polarity or a negative polarity by an optional fixed magnet 1414.

[0137] Fig.14E Shown by Fig.14AThe moving magnet 1412 of each A-type toy component 1410A is configured to alternately present a positive polarity through the A side and alternately present a negative polarity through the B side. The C side remains unmagnetized. The D side is magnetized with a positive or negative polarity by an optional fixed magnet 1414. The moving magnet 1412 of each B-type toy component 1410B is configured to alternately present a negative polarity through the A side and alternately present a positive polarity through the C side. The B side remains unmagnetized. The D side is magnetized with a positive or negative polarity by an optional fixed magnet 1414.

[0138] Figures 14B-14E The structures of the toy components 1410 have at least the following common features. First, each toy component 1410 includes at least one moving magnet 1412 (such as Fig.14A ), which is configured to present polarity alternately through at least two faces. Second, the coupling faces of each A-type toy component 1410A and each B-type toy component 141B have opposite polarities. The coupling faces include: the A face of the A-type toy component 1410A and the A face of the B-type toy component 1410B; the B face of each A-type toy component 1410A and the adjacent (e.g., flexibly connected) C face of each B-type toy component 1410B.

[0139] Figures 14A-14E The ordered combination of the A-type toy component 1410A and the B-type toy component 1410B shown in the figure enables the geometric art toy 1400 to be selectively and stably positioned (i.e., magnetically held) at a certain position by only twelve moving magnets 1412. Figure 6-12 To reiterate, the ordered combination shown enables each A-type toy component 1410A to be magnetically coupled with one or more B-type toy components 1410B, so that the geometric art toy 1400 is configured to be selectively and stably positioned (i.e., magnetically retained) in Figure 6-12 In each of the configurations shown. For example, in Figure 6 In the illustrated configuration, the B face of each A-type toy component 1410A is magnetically coupled to the C face of the adjacent B-type toy component 1410B, and the A-type toy component 1410A is flexibly connected to the B-type toy component 1410B. As another example, in Fig.12 In the illustrated configuration, the A side of each A-type toy component 1410A is magnetically coupled to the A side of the B-type toy component 1410B. Fig.12 In the illustrated configuration, the A-sides of some of the A-type toy components 1410A are magnetically coupled to the A-sides of the B-type toy components 1410B, which are separated by two intermediate toy components 1402 (one A-type and one B-type).

[0140] The implementation will now be described Figures 13A-14E A representative toy component of the construction.

[0141] Now let’s refer to Figures 15A-15F , the tetrahedral toy member 1510 is configured to achieve through the selective placement of one or more moving magnets Figures 14A-14E In the representative and non-limiting embodiment shown, the toy member 1510 includes a tetrahedral shell 1516 formed by a first portion 1520 and a second portion 1540 that are configured to be coupled together (eg, via a coupling structure 1518). Fig.15A and 15B A comparison of the first and second portions 1520 and 1540 shows the coupling of the first and second portions 1520 and 1540. The face of the toy structure 1510 corresponds to Figures 13A-14E , namely, faces A, B, C, and D. In this representative embodiment, first portion 1520 is provided with faces A, B, and C, while second portion 1540 is provided with face D. Toy component 1510 is generally hollow, that is, shell 1516 defines interior cavity 1519, which contains coupling structure 1518 and additional features described below. In the embodiment shown, shell 1516 is formed of plastic or similar material.

[0142] Figures 15A-15F The toy component 1510 is representative and non-limiting. For example, in some embodiments, the shell 1516 is formed of one, three, or four parts instead of two parts, for example, a first part 1520 having faces A and B, a second part 1540 having faces C, and a third part having faces D. Likewise, each part forming the shell 1516 need not be provided with Fig.15A For example, in some embodiments, the first portion 1520 and the second portion 1540 are provided with different faces of the toy member 1510, for example, the first portion 1520 is provided with faces B, C, and D, and the second portion 1540 is provided with face A. These examples are representative and non-limiting.

[0143] refer to Fig.15A The cross-sectional diagram and Fig. 15B , the toy component 1510 includes a bracket 1570 arranged inside the tetrahedral shell 1516, and the bracket 1570 includes a first bracket 1570A and a second bracket 1570B. The first bracket 1570A is generally parallel to the A surface along the edge 1522 where the A surface and the B surface intersect (see Fig. 15C ) extends. Similarly, the second bracket 1570B extends along the edge 1524 where the A face and the C face intersect. In some embodiments, the bracket includes only the first bracket 1570A or 1570B. The bracket 1570 includes portions of the first portion 1520 and the second portion 1540, as described below.

[0144] The bracket 1570 is configured to support one or more moving magnets, so that each moving magnet can move and alternately present magnetism through the first side and the second side of the toy member 1502. For example, the first bracket 1570A is configured to support the moving magnet so that it can present a first polarity (e.g., positive polarity) through the A side and the B side. Similarly, the second bracket 1570B is configured to support the moving magnet so that it can present a second polarity (e.g., negative polarity) through the A side and the C side.

[0145] Bracket 1570 enables the moving magnet(s) to alternately present magnetism through a first face and a second face, such as in response to another magnet in close proximity (e.g., a moving magnet positioned in another toy component), by forming a confined space, cavity, compartment, etc., in which the moving magnet moves or is capable of moving (e.g., shifting, sliding, rotating, etc.) therein. Thus, bracket 1570 provides at least two functions. First, bracket 1570 holds the moving magnet near the designated face through which the moving magnet is designed to present magnetism, i.e., close enough to those faces that the moving magnet is attracted to another magnet or ferrous element positioned adjacent to any of those faces. To reiterate, bracket 1570 prevents the moving magnet from moving throughout cavity 1519 in an uncontrolled manner. Second, bracket 1570 provides sufficient space for the moving magnet to move (e.g., shifting, sliding, rotating, etc.) so that it can alternately present one or more specific polarities through the designated face. To reiterate, bracket 1570 is sized and shaped to allow a limited range of movement of the moving magnet.

[0146] Reference Fig. 15C and 15D, the first portion 1520 will now be described. In the first portion 1520, the bracket 1570 includes a side wall 1572, an end wall 1574, and a divider 1578 (in this embodiment, a post), the divider 1570 dividing the bracket 1570 into a first bracket 1570A extending along the edge 1522 where the A face and the B face meet, and a second bracket 1570B extending along the edge 1524 where the A face and the C face meet. The side wall 1572 and the end wall 1574 together with a portion of the A face and a portion of the B or C face (for the first bracket 1570A and the second bracket 1570B, respectively) form a groove or track that is slightly larger than the moving magnet (e.g., the moving magnet 1512) it is designed to accommodate. In some embodiments, a portion of the B face or the C face has an arcuate groove or depression 1576 that is configured to hold the moving magnet in a specific orientation. See FIG. 16. Divider 1578 is useful because it enables the same toy component 1510 to be used to form both Type A and Type B toy components. To reiterate, a representative Type A toy component includes a moving magnet 1512A (i.e., only one moving magnet 1512A) positioned in a first bracket 1570A, and a representative Type B toy component includes a moving magnet 1512B (i.e., only one moving magnet 1512B) positioned in a second bracket 1570B. In the illustrated embodiment, bracket 1570 is integrally formed into first portion 1520; however, in some embodiments, bracket 1570 is not integrally formed. Optionally, divider 1578 also serves as a coupling structure that couples first portion 1520 to second portion 1540, such as Figures 15A-15B shown.

[0147] Reference Fig.15E and 15F , the second portion 1540 will now be described. The second portion 1540 includes a portion of a bracket 1570, which includes a retaining member 1542, which is formed as a tab or protrusion extending away from the D-plane. Fig. 15B As shown, when the second portion 1540 is coupled to the first portion 1520, the retaining members 1542 each extend toward a respective slot or track formed by the sidewalls 1572 and end walls 1574 of the first portion 1520 to form a "lid" on the bracket, thereby forming a cavity in which the moving magnet can move. To help achieve this, each retaining member 1542 has a distal edge 1544 that is configured to be generally parallel to the edges 1522 and 1524 of the first portion 1520, respectively. The second portion 1540 also includes an optional seat 1546 configured to hold an optional fixed magnet.

[0148] Thus, retaining member 1542, side wall 1572, end wall 1574, and divider 1578 form a bracket 1570 having a substantially confined space configured to accommodate at least one moving magnet. Likewise, depending on whether toy component 1502 is an A-type or B-type toy component, the moving magnet can be positioned in first bracket 1570A and / or second bracket 1570B.

[0149] Fig.16A and 16B Each adjacent A-type toy component 1610A and B-type toy component 1620B are shown to illustrate some advantages of geometric art toys. Each toy component 1610A and 1610B is as shown in FIG. Figures 15A-15F In addition, each toy component 1610A and 1610B includes a single moving magnet 1612A and 1612B positioned in a respective bracket 1670A and 1670B, so that the A-type toy component 1610A is similar to Fig.14A The A-type toy structure 1410A and the B-type toy structure 1610B are similar to Fig.14A Type B toy component 1410B.

[0150] Fig.16A Adjacent toy components 1610A and 1610B are shown with their A faces adjacent to each other. One arrangement of geometric art toys that induces this interaction is Fig.12 In contrast, Fig. 16B In the embodiment, the B face of the A-type toy component 1610A is adjacent to the C face of the B-type toy component 1620B. One arrangement of geometric art toys that causes this interaction is Figure 6 structure.

[0151] refer to Fig.16A , the proximity of the toy components causes the two moving magnets 1612A and 1612B to interact through the A-side of the corresponding toy components, causing each moving magnet to move in its corresponding bracket 1670A and 1670B. Therefore, a representative polarity result of this interaction is that the moving magnet 1612B presents a negative polarity through the A-side, while the moving magnet 1612A presents a positive polarity through the A-side. This polarity result is as follows Fig. 14B As shown. Therefore, the two moving magnets will attract each other, thereby magnetically coupling the A sides of the two toy components together. In some embodiments, the polarity is opposite, that is, the moving magnet 1612B presents a positive polarity through the A side, and the moving magnet 1612A presents a negative polarity through the A side.

[0152] Reference now Fig. 16B, the proximity of the toy components again causes the two moving magnets to interact, but this time through different faces. In this example, the moving magnet 1612A is presented with a positive polarity through the B face of the A-type toy component 1610A, while the moving magnet 1612A is presented with a negative polarity through the C face of the B-type toy component 1620B. In this way, the two moving magnets attract each other, causing the B face of the A-type toy component 1610A to be magnetically coupled with the C face of the B-type toy component 1620B.

[0153] In conclusion, Fig.16A and 16B An example of how a moving magnet (e.g., moving magnet 1612A) can alternately present a first polarity (e.g., positive polarity) through a first face (e.g., face A) and a second face (e.g., face B) of a tetrahedral toy component is shown. In effect, each moving magnet 1612 simulates two fixed magnets. The bracket 1670 of each toy component achieves this advantageous function.

[0154] Figures 17A-17C Another representative embodiment of a tetrahedral toy component 1710 having a single moving magnet 1712 that is diametrically magnetized is schematically illustrated. As shown, the toy component 1710 is advantageously configured such that the moving magnet 1712 can rotate relative to the housing (e.g., in response to another magnet) and alternately presents a first polarity through the three faces: face A, face B, and face C. This not only enables additional functionality (e.g., multiple geometric art toys incorporating one or more toy components 1710 can be magnetically assembled in additional ways), but also enables the geometric art toy to be magnetically assembled in each of its configurations (e.g., Figure 6-12 These advantages help enhance user enjoyment.

[0155] Fig.18A A portion of a geometric art toy 1800 is schematically shown. The geometric art toy 1800 has a plurality of Figures 17A-17B A tetrahedral toy component 1810 of the toy component 1710. In this embodiment, each toy component 1810 is substantially identical, i.e., there is no A-type and B-type per se. Instead, each toy component 1810 includes a moving magnet 1812 (e.g., a spherical magnet) located near the vertices of the A-face, B-face, and C-face. In addition, each toy component 1810 includes an optional fixed magnet 1814. Given its proximity to the A-face, B-face, and C-face, the moving magnet 1812 can present magnetism through each of those faces. In some embodiments, the toy component 1810 is configured so that the moving magnet 1804 presents a first polarity through the A-face, B-face, and C-face.

[0156] Fig.18BOne representative polarity result is shown when the toy components 1810 are connected as shown. In the first and third toy components 1810A and 1810C, the moving magnet 1812 alternately presents positive polarity through each of the A face, the B face, and the C face. In the second and fourth toy components 1810B and 1810D, the moving magnet 1812 alternately presents negative polarity through each of the A face, the B face, and the C face. In this way, adjacent toy components are magnetically attracted to each other.

[0157] Figures 19A-19C A representative embodiment of a toy component 1910 is provided, which is configured for use in the geometric art toy shown herein. In particular, the toy component 1910 is configured so that the moving magnet can alternately present a first polarity through three faces. Similar to the previous embodiment, the toy component 1910 has a tetrahedral shell 1916 defined by the A face, the B face, the C face, and the D face. The bracket 1970 is disposed within the shell 1916, and the shell 1916 is adjacent to the vertices of the A face, the B face, and the C face. The bracket 1970 holds the spherical moving magnet 1912 near the A face, the B face, and the C face, and allows it to rotate around the center of the bracket 1970 itself, for example, in response to a nearby magnet or ferrous element. To achieve this, the bracket 1970 has a first portion 1972 and a complementary second portion 1974, and the first portion 1972 has a partially spherical shape (e.g., a hemisphere) with a diameter slightly larger than the spherical moving magnet 1912. The bracket 1970 holds the moving magnet 1912, and the moving magnet 1912 rotates in response to an external magnetic force, thereby alternately presenting magnetism through the A surface, the B surface, and the C surface.

[0158] refer to Figures 20A-20D Other embodiments of the present disclosure may be appreciated. In particular, Fig. 20A and 20B Another type of tetrahedral toy building block 2010a is shown, and Fig. 20C and 20D A tetrahedral toy building block 2010b of the magnetically complementary type is shown. Toy building block 2010a may be used with toy building block 2010b to form a geometric toy as described above.

[0159] Advantageously, the toy components 2010 need not include any moving magnets. Instead, a single fixed magnet is positioned in each toy component 2010 such that it presents a first polarity through a first face (e.g., the "A" face) and a second polarity through a second face (e.g., the "B" face or the "C" face). This can be accomplished by using an axially magnetized magnet in each toy component 2010, wherein one pole of the axially magnetized magnet is positioned proximate the first face and the second pole is positioned proximate the second face. The magnets may be held in place by a "bracket" as described above, by a friction fit in a hole or aperture formed in the toy component, by an adhesive, or similar attachment means.

[0160] refer to Fig. 20A and 20B , the toy member 2010a is formed as a tetrahedron having four faces A, B, C, and D, which correspond to the faces of the same name described above. An axially magnetized magnet 2012a is disposed within the toy member 2010a such that a first pole (e.g., a positive pole) is disposed proximate to the A face and a second pole (e.g., a negative pole) is disposed proximate to the B face. In this representative embodiment, the magnet 2012a is disposed within a hole 2014a formed in the toy member 2010a. For example, the hole 2014a may be formed by at least one of the A face or the B face, and the magnet 2012a may be retained therein by a friction fit.

[0161] refer to Fig. 20C and 20D , the toy member 2010b is formed as a tetrahedron having four faces A, B, C, and D, which correspond to the four faces of the same name of the toy member 2010a. An axially magnetized magnet 2012b is disposed in the toy member 2010b such that a first pole (e.g., a negative pole) is disposed near the A face and a second pole (e.g., a positive pole) is disposed near the C face. In this representative embodiment, the magnet 2012b is disposed in a hole 2014b formed in the toy member 2010b. For example, the hole 2014b may be formed by at least one of the A face or the C face, and the magnet 2012b may be retained therein by a friction fit.

[0162] Toy component 2010b is magnetically complementary to toy component 2010a. That is, the polarity of magnet 2012a disposed near face A in toy component 2010a should be opposite to the polarity of magnet 2012b disposed near face A in toy component 2010b. In addition, magnets 2012a, 2012b are positioned to have corresponding positions on corresponding face a. Similarly, the magnetic pole of magnet 2012a disposed near face B in toy component 2010a should have opposite polarity (and corresponding position) to the magnetic pole of magnet 2012b disposed near face C in toy component 2010b.

[0163] When formed as described above, toy component 2010a may be considered an "A-type" toy component, while toy component 2010b may be considered a magnetically complementary "B-type" toy element. Fig.14D and 14E The A, B, and C faces are arranged in a repetitive ABBA sequence of polarity as shown. Therefore, the toy components 2010a and 2010b can form a geometric art toy as described above. As an example, twelve toy components 2010 can be connected into a ring, each toy component 2010 can be movably connected to two adjacent toy components 2010, and the ABBA sequence appears a total of four times, thereby forming a geometric art toy with twelve toy components 2010, and the toy components 2010 are connected in the following sequence: ABBAABBAABBA. This construction enables magnetic coupling between type A and type B toy components. For example, this construction enables magnetic coupling between the oppositely magnetized A faces of the toy components 2010a, 2010b (such as Fig.16A In addition, this configuration enables magnetic coupling between the oppositely magnetized B and C surfaces of the toy components 2010a, 2010b (as shown). Fig. 16B shown).

[0164] It should be understood that although a number of different embodiments of art toys and toy components have been shown and described herein, one or more features of any one embodiment may be combined with one or more features of other embodiments as long as such combination meets the intent of the present disclosure.

[0165] Although several representative aspects and embodiments of art toys and toy components have been discussed above, those skilled in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the claims appended hereto and subsequently introduced hereto be interpreted as including all modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations within the true spirit and scope thereof.

[0166] The detailed descriptions described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings (wherein the same reference numerals represent the same elements) are intended as descriptions of various embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not intended to represent the only embodiment. Each embodiment described in the present disclosure is provided as an example or illustration, and should not be interpreted as being superior to or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Similarly, any step described herein can be interchanged with other steps or combinations of steps to achieve the same or substantially similar results.

[0167] In general, the embodiments disclosed herein are non-limiting, and the inventors contemplate that other embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure may include structures and functions from one or more specific embodiments shown in the figures and described in the specification. It should be understood that changes and modifications may be made by others and equivalents adopted without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is expressly provided that all such changes, modifications, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure claimed. For example, the present disclosure includes additional embodiments having a combination of any one or more of the features described above with respect to the representative embodiments.

[0168] In the foregoing description, specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of representative embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without embodying all of the specific details. In some cases, well-known process steps are not described in detail in order not to confuse various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0169] The present application may include references to orientations, such as "first," "second," "vertical," "horizontal," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "upper," and "lower," etc. These references, as well as other similar references in the present application, are intended to aid in the description and understanding of a particular embodiment (such as when the embodiment is oriented for use), and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to these orientations or positions.

[0170] The application can also quote quantity and number. Unless otherwise specified, these quantities and numbers should not be considered as restrictive, but represent possible quantities or numbers related to the application. In this regard, the application can also use the term "multiple" to refer to quantity or number. In this regard, the term "multiple" refers to any number greater than one, for example, two, three, four, five, etc. The terms "approximately", "approximately", etc. refer to the plus or minus 5% of the value. The term "based on" refers to "based at least in part". For the purpose of this disclosure, the phrase "at least one of A and B" is equivalent to "A and / or B", and vice versa, i.e. only "A", only "B" or "A and B". Similarly, for example, the phrase "at least one of A, B and C" refers to (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (B and C) or (A, B and C), when more than three elements are listed, all other possible arrangements are included.

Claims

1. A geometric art toy, comprising: a plurality of first toy components, the plurality of first toy components being formed as tetrahedrons, each first toy component including a magnet movably positioned in a bracket such that the magnet alternately exhibits a first polarity through a first face and a second face of the first toy component; and a plurality of second toy components, the plurality of second toy components being formed as tetrahedrons, each second toy component including a magnet movably positioned in a bracket such that the magnet alternately presents a second polarity different from the first polarity through a first face and a second face of the second toy component; The plurality of first toy components and the plurality of second toy components are connected together such that: In a first configuration, the magnet of a first toy component is magnetically coupled to the magnet of a second toy component via the first face thereof, and In the second configuration, the magnet of the one first toy component is magnetically coupled to the magnet of the other second toy component via the second face thereof.

2. The geometric art toy according to claim 1, wherein: The brackets of each first toy component and each second toy component are each located within the tetrahedral shell of the corresponding first toy component or second toy component.

3. The geometric art toy according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of first toy components and the plurality of second toy components include at least a portion of twelve toy components formed as tetrahedrons.

4. The geometric art toy according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of first toy components and the plurality of second toy components are flexibly connected in the following order: one of the first toy components, one of the second toy components, another one of the second toy components, and another one of the first toy components.

5. The geometric art toy according to claim 1, wherein: The magnet of each first toy component is a unique magnet in each first toy component, and wherein the magnet of each second toy component is a unique magnet in each second toy component.

6. The geometric art toy according to claim 1, wherein: Each first toy component further includes a second magnet configured to present one of the first polarity or the second polarity through a third face of the first toy component, and wherein each second toy component further includes a second magnet configured to present the other of the first polarity or the second polarity through a third face of the second toy component.

7. The geometric art toy according to claim 1, wherein: The brackets of each first toy component and each second toy component form a cavity in which the magnet moves, the cavity being adjacent to the first face and the second face.

8. The geometric art toy according to claim 1, wherein: The bracket of each first toy component and each second toy component includes a track formed therein.

9. The geometric art toy according to claim 8, wherein: The track of each first toy component and each second toy component has an arcuate surface formed therein, the arcuate surface being configured to receive the magnet.

10. A toy component for a geometric art toy, the geometric art toy comprising twelve such toy components connected in a ring, the toy component comprising: A tetrahedral shell having a first face, a second face, a third face, and a fourth face, wherein the first face forms a right angle with the fourth face; a bracket positioned within the tetrahedral shell, the tetrahedral shell being adjacent to the first face and at least one of the second face or the third face; and A magnet is arranged in the bracket so that the magnet alternately presents a first polarity through the first surface and at least one of the second surface or the third surface.

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