Magnetic toy construction bricks and system

Abstract

A magnetic toy building block is provided, comprising a planar shell having at least one pair of magnet retaining recesses formed within the shell and positioned along respective outer side walls of the shell. The magnetic toy building block also includes magnets located within the respective magnet retaining recesses. Each magnet includes a north pole and a south pole, thereby defining a magnetic pole axis extending along the north and south poles. The magnets are sized to rotate within their respective magnet retaining recesses such that the magnetic pole axis is magnetically attracted to the magnets of adjacent magnetic toy building blocks.

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 659,408, filed June 13, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 601,474, filed November 21, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0002] Building tiles and systems have been historically well-known, in which they incorporate complementary mating features to allow multiple tiles to connect with each other to create any two-dimensional or three-dimensional structure a child or builder can conceive of. Over time, magnets have been integrated into the tiles themselves to facilitate the connection of adjacent tiles. However, due to the polarity of the magnets supporting the tiles, there are certain limitations to the arrangement of adjacent tiles, whether forming two-dimensional or three-dimensional structures. Therefore, there is a need for improved magnetic building tiles that offer increased flexibility for children or builders in arranging adjacent tiles, whether creating two-dimensional or three-dimensional structures. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a magnetic toy assembly block is provided, comprising a planar shell. The planar shell includes a bottom wall defining a bottom wall plane; a top wall defining a top wall plane; peripheral outer walls defining outer side wall planes; peripheral inner walls spaced apart from the outer walls to define a border; the outer walls connecting the bottom wall and the top wall to each other, wherein the bottom wall and the top wall are spaced apart from each other; and at least one pair of magnet retaining pockets formed within the shell and positioned along the respective outer walls.

[0004] The magnetic toy building blocks also include magnets located within individual magnet holding recesses. Each magnet includes a north pole and a south pole, thereby defining a magnetic pole axis extending along the north and south poles. The magnets are sized to rotate within their respective magnet holding recesses such that the magnetic pole axis is magnetically attracted to the magnets of adjacent magnetic toy building blocks.

[0005] Each magnet can rotate freely in all directions within its corresponding magnet holding recess.

[0006] Each magnet holding recess may include a magnet centering feature formed within the magnet. The centering feature ensures that the magnet housed within the respective magnet holding recess is completely adjacent to the planar inner wall of the respective magnet holding recess.

[0007] The centering feature may include an angled wall connected to at least one of the following: (1) a first inner wall positioned adjacent to and parallel to the outer wall of the housing, and a second inner wall positioned adjacent to and parallel to the top wall of the housing; or (2) a first inner wall positioned adjacent to and parallel to the outer wall of the housing, and a third inner wall positioned adjacent to and parallel to the bottom wall of the housing.

[0008] The bottom wall plane and the top wall plane can be parallel to each other.

[0009] The outer wall plane of the outer wall may be orthogonal to at least one of the bottom wall plane of the bottom wall or the top wall plane of the top wall.

[0010] The inner sidewall may define an inner sidewall plane. The inner sidewall plane may be orthogonal to at least one of the bottom wall plane of the bottom wall or the top wall plane of the top wall.

[0011] The housing may include at least three outer walls.

[0012] The frame may have an equal width along all sides of the housing. The magnet retaining recess may be located within the frame.

[0013] Each magnet retaining cavity can be located between the outer and inner walls, and between the top and bottom walls.

[0014] Each magnet retaining cavity can be independent and is defined by a pair of end walls.

[0015] Each magnet retaining cavity can be spaced apart from each other by passing through the central cavity along either side of the housing.

[0016] Each magnet retaining cavity can be cubic in shape or can have an elongated cubic shape outline.

[0017] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a magnetic toy assembly block is provided, and the magnetic toy assembly block includes a planar shell. The planar shell includes a bottom wall defining a bottom wall plane; a top wall defining a top wall plane; peripheral outer walls defining outer side wall planes, the outer walls connecting the bottom wall and the top wall to each other, wherein the bottom wall and the top wall are spaced apart from each other; and at least one pair of magnet retaining recesses formed within the shell and positioned along the respective outer walls.

[0018] The magnetic toy building blocks also include magnets located within individual magnet holding recesses. Each magnet includes a north pole and a south pole, thereby defining a magnetic pole axis extending along the north and south poles. The magnets are sized to rotate within their respective magnet holding recesses such that the magnetic pole axis is magnetically attracted to the magnets of adjacent magnetic toy building blocks.

[0019] Each magnet can rotate freely in all directions within its corresponding magnet holding recess.

[0020] Each magnet holding recess may include a magnet centering feature formed within the magnet. The centering feature ensures that the magnet housed within the respective magnet holding recess is completely adjacent to the planar inner wall of the respective magnet holding recess.

[0021] The centering feature may include an angled wall connected to at least one of the following: (1) a first inner wall positioned adjacent to and parallel to the outer wall of the housing, and a second inner wall positioned adjacent to and parallel to the top wall of the housing; or (2) a first inner wall positioned adjacent to and parallel to the outer wall of the housing, and a third inner wall positioned adjacent to and parallel to the bottom wall of the housing.

[0022] Each magnet retaining cavity can be independent and can be defined by a pair of end walls.

[0023] Each magnet retaining cavity can be spaced apart from each other by passing through the central cavity along either side of the housing.

[0024] The housing may include a peripheral inner wall spaced at a certain distance from the outer outer wall, thereby defining a frame. The frame may have an equal width along all sides of the housing. The magnet retaining recess may be located within the frame.

[0025] The top wall may include a central top surface located at the center of the top wall. The central top surface may include a pair of top surface ramps projecting into the planar housing. The pair of top surface ramps may intersect along the centerline of the magnetic toy block. The bottom wall may include a central bottom surface located at the center of the bottom wall. The central bottom surface may include a pair of bottom surface ramps projecting into the planar housing and facing the central top surface. The pair of bottom surface ramps may intersect along the centerline of the magnetic toy block. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are included in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the general description of the present disclosure given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure, wherein: Figure 1AThis is a top plan view of a square magnetic toy assembly block according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 1B This is a top plan view of a rectangular magnetic toy assembly block according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 1C This is a top plan view of a triangular magnetic toy assembly block according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 1D This is a top plan view of another triangular magnetic toy assembly block according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 1E This is a top plan view of a hexagonal magnetic toy assembly block according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 yes Figure 1A A perspective view of a square magnetic toy assembly block; Figure 3 This is a perspective view of another square magnetic toy assembly block; Figure 4 This is a perspective view of another square magnetic toy assembly block; Figure 5 This is a top-down view of a two-dimensional structure, which includes traditional magnetic toy building blocks and... Figure 1A The magnetic toy assembly blocks shown; Figure 6 This is a side view of a three-dimensional structure, which includes traditional magnetic toy building blocks and Figure 1A The magnetic toy assembly blocks shown; Figure 7 This is a perspective view of another three-dimensional structure, which includes traditional magnetic toy building blocks and Figure 1A The magnetic toy assembly blocks shown; Figure 8 This is a perspective view of another three-dimensional structure, which includes traditional magnetic toy building blocks and Figure 1A The magnetic toy assembly blocks shown; Figure 9 This is a perspective view of another two-dimensional structure, which includes traditional magnetic toy building blocks and Figure 1B The magnetic toy assembly blocks shown; Figure 10 yes Figure 4 An enlarged view of the detailed area shown illustrates the details of the internal recesses of a magnetic toy assembly block according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 The diagram illustrates the assembly of traditional magnetic toy building blocks and... Figure 10 A perspective view of the connections between magnetic toy building blocks; Figure 12This is a perspective view illustrating details of the internal recesses of a magnetic toy assembly block according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 13 This is a perspective view illustrating details of the internal recesses of a magnetic toy assembly block according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 14 This is a perspective view illustrating details of the internal recesses of a magnetic toy assembly block according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 15A and Figure 15B It is along Figure 4 The front view cropped by “AA” in the figure illustrates details of the internal recess of a magnetic toy assembly block according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the internal recess including a magnet centering feature; Figure 16A and Figure 16B It is along Figure 4 The front view cropped by “AA” in the figure illustrates details of the internal recess of a magnetic toy assembly block according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the internal recess including a magnet centering feature with a concave profile. Figure 16C and Figure 16D It is along Figure 4 The front view cropped by “AA” in the figure shows details of the internal recess of a magnetic toy assembly block according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the internal recess including a magnet centering feature with a convex profile; Figure 17A and Figure 17B It is along Figure 4 The front view cropped by “AA” in the figure illustrates details of an internal recess of a magnetic toy assembly block according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the internal recess including a magnet centering feature; Figure 18 This is a top plan view of a square magnetic toy assembly block according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 19 yes Figure 18 A perspective view of magnetic toy building blocks; Figure 20 This is a top plan view of a triangular magnetic toy assembly block according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figures 21 to 23 yes Figure 20 A perspective view of magnetic toy building blocks; Figure 24 This is a top plan view of a square magnetic toy assembly block according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 25 yes Figure 24 A perspective view of magnetic toy building blocks; Figure 26This is a top plan view of a rectangular magnetic toy assembly block according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 27 yes Figure 26 A perspective view of magnetic toy building blocks; Figure 28 This is a top view of a first triangular magnetic toy assembly block according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 29 yes Figure 28 A perspective view of magnetic toy building blocks; Figure 30 This is a top view of a second triangular magnetic toy assembly block according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; Figures 31 to 32 yes Figure 30 A perspective view of magnetic toy building blocks; Figure 33 This is a top view of a third triangular magnetic toy assembly block according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; Figures 34 to 35 yes Figure 33 A perspective view of magnetic toy building blocks; Figure 36 This is a top view of a fourth triangular magnetic toy assembly block according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; Figures 37 to 38 yes Figure 36 A perspective view of magnetic toy building blocks; Figure 39 This is a top view of a fourth triangular magnetic toy assembly block according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; Figures 40 to 41 yes Figure 39 A perspective view of magnetic toy building blocks; Figure 42 This is a top plan view of a trapezoidal magnetic toy assembly block according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; Figures 43 to 44 yes Figure 42 A perspective view of magnetic toy building blocks; Figure 45 This is a top plan view of a parallelogram magnetic toy assembly block according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; Figures 43 to 44 yes Figure 45 A perspective view of magnetic toy building blocks; Figure 48 This is a top plan view of a pentagonal magnetic toy assembly block according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; Figures 49 to 50 yes Figure 48 A perspective view of magnetic toy building blocks; Figure 51 This is a top plan view of a hexagonal magnetic toy assembly block according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; Figures 52 to 53 yes Figure 51 A perspective view of magnetic toy building blocks; and Figure 54 This is a perspective view of a magnetic toy assembly block according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Embodiments of the magnetic toy assembly blocks of this disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same or corresponding elements in each of the plurality of views.

[0028] As will be described in detail below, among various embodiments, this disclosure relates to magnetic toy building blocks and systems, and more specifically, to magnetic toy building blocks configured to be magnetically connected to each other, wherein multiple magnetic toy building blocks can be connected to each other to construct two-dimensional and three-dimensional structures or constructions.

[0029] Reference Figures 1A to 4 The magnetic toy assembly blocks disclosed herein are generally represented as 100. For example, and in no way limiting, this disclosure includes: Figure 1A The illustration shows a magnetic toy assembly block 100A with a square footprint or outline. Figure 1B The illustration shows a magnetic toy assembly block 100B with a rectangular (non-square) covered area or outline; Figure 1C The illustration shows a magnetic toy assembly block 100C with a first triangle (right triangle) covered area or outline; Figure 1D The illustration shows a magnetic toy assembly block 100D with a second triangular covering area or outline. Figure 1E The illustration shows a magnetic toy assembly block 100E with a hexagonal covering area or outline. Although a specific shape of the magnetic toy assembly block 100 is shown, it is foreseeable that the magnetic toy assembly block can be manufactured in any conceivable polygonal shape (e.g., pentagon, octagon, etc.). According to this disclosure, each magnetic toy assembly block will include at least three sides, which will be described in detail below.

[0030] Each magnetic toy assembly block 100 includes a planar (e.g., basically two-dimensional) main body or a shell 102. The shell 102 may be made of plastic, resin, rubber, metal, wood, etc.

[0031] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the shell 102 of each magnetic toy assembly block 100 includes a bottom wall 104, a top wall 106, and a peripheral outer wall 108 that connects the bottom wall 104 and the top wall 106 to each other, thereby the bottom wall 104 and the top wall 106 are spaced apart by a certain distance.

[0032] The bottom wall 104 and the top wall 106 define their respective planes, namely the bottom wall plane "BWP" and the top wall plane "TWP". The bottom wall plane "BWP" and the top wall plane "TWP" are illustrated as parallel to each other; however, other relative orientations between the bottom wall plane "BWP" and the top wall plane "TWP" are conceivable and within the scope of this disclosure.

[0033] Each magnetic toy building block 100 has a housing 102 including a peripheral inner wall 110 spaced apart from an outer wall 108, thereby defining a border 112 of width “W”. In some embodiments, the border 112 may have an equal width “W” along all sides of the housing 102. In further embodiments, the width “W” of the border 112 may vary depending on which side of the housing 102 it extends from. The inner wall 110 and the border 112 together may define a shape 114 within the housing 102, which may or may not match the coverage area of ​​the corresponding magnetic toy building block 100. Exemplary shapes defined within the magnetic toy building block 100 include circles, triangles, rectangles, hexagons, etc. The shape 114 defined within the magnetic toy building block 100 may be centrally positioned.

[0034] Depending on the coverage area or outline of the magnetic toy building block 100, the outer wall 108 of the magnetic toy building block 100 may include at least three outer sidewalls. Similarly, the inner wall 110 of the magnetic toy building block 100 may include at least three inner sidewalls. Each outer sidewall 108 and each inner sidewall 110 defines a respective plane, namely an outer sidewall plane "OSWP" and an inner sidewall plane "ISWP". The outer sidewall plane "OSWP" and the inner sidewall plane "ISWP" are illustrated as parallel to each other; however, other relative orientations between the outer sidewall plane "OSWP" and the inner sidewall plane "ISWP" are also contemplated and are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0035] The outer wall plane “OSWP” and the inner wall plane “ISWP” are illustrated as orthogonally oriented relative to the bottom wall plane “BWP” and the top wall plane “TWP”. However, other relative orientations between the outer wall plane “OSWP” and the inner wall plane “ISWP”, as well as between the bottom wall plane “BWP” and the top wall plane “TWP”, are conceivable and within the scope of this disclosure.

[0036] Each magnetic toy assembly block 100 has a housing 102 including at least one magnet holding recess 120 positioned along each side of the housing 102. Specifically, each magnet holding recess 120 is located between the outer wall 108 and the inner wall 110, and between the top wall 104 and the bottom wall 106. According to this disclosure, the housing 102 may include a pair of magnet holding recesses 120a, 120b formed along each side of the housing 102. Each magnet holding recess 120a, 120b is self-contained and defined by a pair of end walls 122, 124. Each magnet holding recess 120a, 120b is spaced apart from each other by an intermediate recess 120c.

[0037] Although a pair of magnet-holding recesses 120a and 120b are generally shown, as Figure 1D As shown, it is conceivable that a pair or more magnet holding recesses are provided along a specific sidewall of the housing 102, for example, three magnet holding recesses 120a, 120b and 120c, or more magnet holding recesses (not shown).

[0038] Continue to refer to Figures 1A to 4 Each magnetic toy assembly block 100 includes a magnet 130 located within a magnet holding recess 120. Each magnet 130 has a generally cubic or blocky shape defined by a planar outer wall. Each magnet 130 includes a north pole "N" and a south pole "S," thereby defining a magnetic pole axis "MPA" extending through the magnet 130 (see...). Figure 1A , Figures 2 to 4 ).

[0039] In an embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the magnetic toy assembly block 100 includes a relatively cubic magnet holding recess 120 and a corresponding relatively cubic magnet 130, the size and dimensions of which are designed to allow the magnet 130 to rotate (or self-orient) in all directions within its corresponding recess 120. Specifically, regarding... Figure 2 In one embodiment, the magnet 130 can rotate within the corresponding recess 120, with its magnetic pole axis "MPA" oriented orthogonal to the outer wall plane "OSWP", orthogonal to the bottom wall plane "BWP", along an axis orthogonal to the outer wall plane "OSWP" and the bottom wall plane "BWP", or along any intermediate axis.

[0040] In an embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the magnetic toy assembly block 100 includes a relatively shallow magnet holding recess 120 and a corresponding relatively flat magnet 130, the size and dimensions of which are designed so that the magnet 130 can rotate (or self-orient) within its corresponding recess 120 along only one axis of rotation. Specifically, regarding Figure 3In one embodiment, the magnet 130 can rotate within the corresponding recess 120, with its magnetic pole axis “MPA” oriented parallel to the magnet holding recess 120 and the corresponding magnet 130 along its positioned outer wall plane “OSWP” (i.e., along a rotation axis “R” extending orthogonally to the magnetic pole axis “MPA”).

[0041] In an embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the magnetic toy assembly block 100 includes a relatively elongated rectangular magnet holding recess 120 and a corresponding relatively elongated rectangular magnet 130, the size and dimensions of which are designed so that the magnet 130 can rotate (or self-orient) within its corresponding recess 120 along only one axis of rotation. Specifically, regarding Figure 4 In one embodiment, each recess 120 includes an elongated recess axis parallel to the bottom wall plane "BWP" (or top wall plane "TWP") and extending parallel to the outer side wall plane "OSWP" where the magnet holding recess 120 is positioned. Furthermore, each magnet 130 includes an elongated magnet axis extending parallel to the elongated recess axis of the corresponding magnet holding recess 120, the magnet axis being arranged within the magnet holding recess 120, and extending parallel to the rotation axis "R" of the magnet 130. Figure 4 In one embodiment, the magnet 130 can rotate within the corresponding recess 120, with its magnetic pole axis “MPA” oriented orthogonally to the rotation axis “R” of the magnet 130, and the rotation axis “R” is parallel to the bottom wall plane “BWP” (or the top wall plane “TWP”) and parallel to the magnet holding recess 120 extending along its positioned outer wall plane “OSWP”.

[0042] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the relative north pole "N" and south pole "S" of each magnet 130 are located on the opposite diameter half of the respective magnet 130 along the entire length of the magnet 130 and are separated by a longitudinal centerline (or rotation axis "R") that extends longitudinally through the center of the magnet 130 and radially cuts through the centerline plane of the magnet 130.

[0043] Therefore, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that, referring to Figures 5 to 9 When two magnetic toy building blocks 100 move toward each other, they face each other or are adjacent (the bottom wall planes "BWP" of the two magnetic toy building blocks 100 are parallel to each other (see...) Figure 5 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 Orthogonal and adjacent (the bottom planes "BWP" of two magnetic toy building blocks 100 are orthogonal to each other (see...) Figure 6 and Figure 7The magnets 130, which are housed in each magnetic toy assembly block 100, are closely adjacent to each other and rotate freely within their respective magnetic retaining recesses 120 (as described above) so that the north pole "N" and south pole "S" of the positioning magnets 130 are magnetically attracted to each other and are opposite each other.

[0044] At this location, the entire length of the facing linear surface region of each magnet 130 is used for magnetic connection, while also enabling the rotation of the magnet 130 for magnetic pole alignment of the magnetic pole axis "MPA". This provides the maximum inter-magnetic linear attraction surface area between two adjacent magnets 130.

[0045] like Figure 5 As shown, a series of conventional magnetic toy building blocks 200, including magnets 220 housed in recesses 230, are shown connected to each other in an adjacent relationship. The magnets 220 and recesses 230 of the conventional magnetic toy building blocks 200 are constructed and sized such that the magnets 220 are statically (i.e., non-rotatably) housed within the recesses 230. Due to this construction of the conventional magnetic toy building blocks 200, the conventional magnetic toy building blocks 200 can be connected to each other only in a discrete arrangement, whereby the north pole "N" and south pole "S" of adjacent magnets 220 of any one conventional magnetic toy building block 200 must always alternate. However, as... Figure 5 As shown, it is not permissible to arrange the traditional magnetic toy building blocks 200 in an interlaced planar pattern when using only traditional magnetic toy building blocks 200, because the magnetic polarities of adjacent traditional magnetic toy building blocks 200 conflict.

[0046] like Figures 1A to 4 As shown, according to this disclosure, the use of magnetic toy building blocks 100 allows for the arrangement of interlaced planar patterns of magnetic toy building blocks, whether composed entirely of magnetic toy building blocks 100 or as... Figure 5 As shown, it consists of a combination of magnetic toy building blocks 100 and traditional magnetic toy building blocks 200.

[0047] like Figures 6 to 9 As shown, the magnetic toy assembly block 100 of this disclosure can be used in conjunction with the conventional magnetic toy assembly block 200 to create two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional structures that cannot be achieved by using the conventional magnetic toy assembly block 200 alone.

[0048] For example, such as Figure 6 As shown, the magnetic toy assembly block 100 can be positioned to be adjacent to two magnetic toy assembly blocks 100 (or two conventional magnetic toy assembly blocks 200 or a combination of two blocks 100 / 200) arranged on a common plane, and extend orthogonally from the two magnetic toy assembly blocks 100.

[0049] In another example, such as Figure 7 As shown, the magnetic toy building block 100 can be positioned adjacent to another magnetic toy building block 100 (or a conventional magnetic toy building block 200), such that the outer wall 108 of the magnetic toy building block 100 is adjacent to the outer wall 208 of the conventional magnetic toy building block 200, as shown, or adjacent to the outer wall 108 of another magnetic toy building block 100, wherein the bottom wall plane "BWP" of the magnetic toy building block 100 is oriented orthogonally to the bottom wall plane "BWP" of the conventional magnetic toy building block 200. Due to the rotational capability of the magnet 130 of the magnetic toy building block 100 (especially... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The magnetic toy assembly block 100 shown can be oriented so that the magnet 130 can be magnetically connected to the magnet 230 of the conventional magnetic toy assembly block 200.

[0050] like Figure 8 As shown, if the magnets 230 of the conventional magnetic toy building block 200 are specifically oriented so that their respective north and south poles face the same direction, then as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the magnetic toy assembly block 100 of this disclosure is magnetically connected to the adjacent magnet 230 of the conventional magnetic toy assembly block 200 by means of the ability of the magnet 130 of the magnetic toy assembly block 100 to rotate as needed to magnetically connect to the adjacent magnet 230 of the conventional magnetic toy assembly block 200.

[0051] Now go to Figures 10 to 14 In an embodiment, the magnetic toy assembly block 100 may include a magnet retaining recess 120 having a magnet centering feature for forcing a corresponding magnet 130 housed therein to align with the outer wall 108, top wall 104, or bottom wall 106 of the housing 102, thereby centering the magnet 130 along the inner wall of the recess 120 and making the magnet 130 of the magnetic toy assembly block 100 parallel to the magnet 130 of the adjacent magnetic block 100 or the magnet 230 of the adjacent magnetic block 200.

[0052] Specifically, such as Figure 10 and Figure 11As shown, the magnet holding recess 120 includes a top wall 120a parallel to the top wall 104 of the housing 102; a bottom wall 120b parallel to the bottom wall 106 of the housing 102; an outer wall 120c parallel to the outer wall 108 of the housing 102; and an inner wall 120d parallel to the inner wall 110 of the housing 102. For any magnetic toy assembly block 100 disclosed herein and / or for any magnet holding recess 120 disclosed herein, the magnet holding recess 120 further includes a chamfered or angled wall 120e that connects the top wall 120a and the inner wall 120d, the inner wall 120d and the bottom wall 120b, the bottom wall 120b and the outer wall 120c, and the outer wall 120c and the top wall 120a to each other. The chamfered wall 120e constitutes the magnet centering feature of the magnet holding recess 120 of the magnetic toy assembly block 100.

[0053] In embodiments, for any magnetic toy assembly block 100 disclosed herein and / or for any magnet holding recess 120 disclosed herein, the chamfered wall 120e serving as the magnet centering feature can be replaced by a curved wall 120f, for example, as Figure 12 As shown, the curved wall 120f can be convex and protrude inward into the magnet retaining recess 120, and as... Figure 13 As shown, the curved wall 120f can be concave, protruding outward from the magnet holding recess 120.

[0054] Turn now Figures 15A to 15B 16A to Figure 16B and 17A to Figure 17B In a further embodiment, the magnetic toy assembly block 100 may include a magnet retaining recess 120, which, together with... Figures 10 to 14 Compared to the magnet centering feature, the magnet holding recess 120 has an alternative magnet centering feature for forcing the corresponding magnet 130 housed therein to align with the outer wall 108, top wall 104 or bottom wall 106 of the housing 102, such that the magnet 130 is centered along the inner wall of the recess 120, and such that the magnet 130 of the magnetic toy building block 100 is parallel to the magnet 130 of the adjacent magnetic building block 100 or the magnet 230 of the adjacent magnetic building block 200.

[0055] Specifically, such as Figure 15A and 15BAs shown, the retaining recess 120 includes a top wall 120a parallel to the top wall 104 of the housing 102; a bottom wall 120b parallel to the bottom wall 106 of the housing 102; an outer wall 120c parallel to the outer wall 108 of the housing 102; and an inner wall 120d. The retaining recess 120 also includes a chamfered or angled wall 120e that connects the top wall 120a and the outer wall 120c to each other, and connects the bottom wall 120b and the outer wall 120c to each other. The chamfered wall 120e constitutes the magnet centering feature of the magnet retaining recess 120 of the magnetic toy assembly block 100.

[0056] like Figure 15A and 15B As shown, magnet 130 has a rectangular cross-sectional profile with a magnet height / width dimension “MH” and a magnet diagonal dimension “MD” (e.g., the dimension extending from a first vertex of magnet 130 to a second vertex of magnet 130 opposite to the first vertex). The top wall 120a of retaining recess 120 has a top wall depth dimension “TWD”, which is at least equal to the magnet height / width dimension “MH”; the bottom wall 120b of retaining recess 120 has a bottom wall depth dimension “BWD”, which is at least equal to the magnet height / width dimension “MH”; and the outer wall 120c of retaining recess 120 has an outer wall height dimension “OWHD”, which is at least equal to the magnet height / width dimension “MH”. Furthermore, retaining recess 120 has a depth dimension “RPD” greater than the magnet diagonal dimension “MD”.

[0057] In this way, and with such a design size and construction, as Figure 15B As shown, when the magnets (multiple) of adjacent magnetic toy assembly blocks 100 (or 200) are magnetically connected to the first magnetic toy assembly block 100, the magnets 130 of the first magnetic toy assembly block 100 (in...) Figure 15B (Seen in three discrete positions) The magnet's central feature 120e causes the top wall 120a (position one), bottom wall 120b (position two), and outer wall 120c (position three) of the magnet holding recess 120 to be flush and centered against it. Furthermore, the dimensions are designed such that... Figure 15A As shown, the magnet 130 of the first magnetic toy assembly block 100 can rotate freely within the magnet holding recess 120.

[0058] like Figure 16A and Figure 16BAs shown, in this embodiment, the chamfered or angled wall of the magnet centering feature 120e constituting the retaining recess 120 is replaced by a curved wall (e.g., a concave curved wall) constituting the magnet centering feature 120f. Similar to the magnet centering feature 120e, when the magnets of adjacent magnetic toy building blocks 100 (or 200) are magnetically connected to the first magnetic toy building block 100, the magnet centering feature 120f is used to cause the magnets 130 of the first magnetic toy building block 100 to be flush and centered against the top wall 120a (position one), bottom wall 120b (position two), and outer wall 120c (position three) of the magnet retaining recess 120.

[0059] In this way, and with such a design size and construction, as Figure 16B As shown, when the magnets (multiple) of adjacent magnetic toy assembly blocks 100 (or 200) are magnetically connected to the first magnetic toy assembly block 100, the magnets 130 of the first magnetic toy assembly block 100 (in...) Figure 16B (Seen in three discrete positions) The magnet's central feature 120f causes the top wall 120a (position one), bottom wall 120b (position two), and outer wall 120c (position three) of the magnet holding recess 120 to be flush and centered against it. Furthermore, the dimensions are designed such that... Figure 16A As shown, the magnet 130 of the first magnetic toy assembly block 100 can rotate freely within the magnet holding recess 120.

[0060] like Figure 16C and Figure 16D As shown, in this embodiment, the chamfered or angled wall of the magnet centering feature 120e constituting the retaining recess 120 is replaced by a curved wall (e.g., a convex curved wall or other curved wall profile) constituting the magnet centering feature 120h. Similar to the magnet centering feature 120e, when the magnets of adjacent magnetic toy building blocks 100 (or 200) are magnetically connected to the first magnetic toy building block 100, the magnet centering feature 120h is used to cause the magnets 130 of the first magnetic toy building block 100 to be flush and centered against the top wall 120a (position one), bottom wall 120b (position two), and outer wall 120c (position three) of the magnet retaining recess 120.

[0061] In this way, and with such a design size and construction, as Figure 16D As shown, when the magnets (multiple) of adjacent magnetic toy assembly blocks 100 (or 200) are magnetically connected to the first magnetic toy assembly block 100, the magnets 130 of the first magnetic toy assembly block 100 (in...) Figure 16D(Seen in three discrete positions) The magnet's central feature 120h causes the top wall 120a (position one), bottom wall 120b (position two), and outer wall 120c (position three) of the magnet holding recess 120 to be flush and centered against it. Furthermore, the dimensions are designed such that... Figure 16C As shown, the magnet 130 of the first magnetic toy assembly block 100 can rotate freely within the magnet holding recess 120.

[0062] Reference Figure 17A and Figure 17B In this embodiment, the retaining recess 120 includes a top wall 120a parallel to the top wall 104 of the housing 102; a bottom wall 120b parallel to the bottom wall 106 of the housing 102; and a curved outer wall 120g connecting the top wall 120a and the bottom wall 120b. The curved outer wall 120g constitutes the magnet centering feature of the magnet retaining recess 120 of the magnetic toy assembly block 100.

[0063] In this way, and in such a construction, as Figure 17B As shown, when the magnets (multiple) of adjacent magnetic toy assembly blocks 100 (or 200) are magnetically connected to the first magnetic toy assembly block 100, the magnets 130 of the first magnetic toy assembly block 100 (in...) Figure 17B (Seen in three discrete positions) The magnet center feature 120g causes the magnet to be directed toward the top wall 120a (position one), bottom wall 120b (position two), and radially outward and centered along the curved outer wall 120g (position three) of the magnet holding recess 120. Furthermore, the dimensions are designed such that... Figure 17A As shown, the magnet 130 of the first magnetic toy assembly block 100 is able to rotate freely within the magnet holding recess 120. Although three discrete positions are shown and described, it is foreseeable and conceivable that any number of positions can be defined as needed or desired.

[0064] In another embodiment, for any magnetic toy assembly block 100 disclosed herein and / or any magnet holding recess 120 disclosed herein, the arbitrary chamfered wall 120e serving as the magnet centering feature can be replaced by an angled rib 120g, for example, as Figure 14 As shown. More specifically, the angled ribs 120g connect at least one of the following to each other: top wall 120a and inner wall 120d, inner wall 120d and bottom wall 120b, bottom wall 120b and outer wall 120c, and outer wall 120c and top wall 120a.

[0065] Turn now Figures 18 to 19The housing 102 of the magnetic toy building block 100 may include a central top surface 140 (i.e., shape 114 defined by the inner wall 110 and the frame 112 of the housing 102) formed in the top wall 104. The central top surface 140 is located within the peripheral inner wall 110 and may include one or more bevels 142 that slope downwards from the inner wall 110 of the frame 112 to the centerline "CL". Figures 18 to 19 One or more inclined planes 142 can divide the central top surface 140 into two, three, or four equal parts, or other division methods are also conceivable. In some embodiments, the central top surface 140 may be flush with the frame 112, or may be recessed or protruding into the housing 102 by a uniform amount. When the frame 112 defines the shape within the housing 102, one or more inclined planes 142 may slope downwards at a certain angle from the inner wall 110 of the frame 112 to a specified depth. Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, the magnetic toy assembly block 100 has a square outline or covering area and includes a square central top surface 140 of the corresponding shape.

[0066] The central top surface 140 may include a circular recess, for example, a partially cylindrical shape (i.e., a half-tube, see below). Figure 54 A circular recess that is either spherical or partially spherical (i.e., shallow pit or bowl-shaped).

[0067] Turn now Figures 20 to 23 The magnetic toy building block 100 has a triangular outline or covering area and includes a central apex surface 140 of a corresponding shape. The triangular magnetic toy building block 100 may include the central apex surface 140 formed in its top wall 104 (located within its peripheral inner wall), and may include a pair of inclined surfaces 142 sloping downwards from the two inner walls to the center line "CL". Figures 20 to 23 The pair of inclined planes 142 can divide the central top surface 140 into two halves.

[0068] Turn now Figures 24 to 25The housing 102 of the magnetic toy building block 100 may include a central top surface 140 (i.e., a shape 114 defined by the inner wall 110 and the frame 112 of the housing 102) formed in the top wall 104. The central top surface 140 is located within the peripheral inner wall 110 and may include one or more inclined surfaces 142 that slope downward from the inner wall 110 of the frame 112 to the centerline "CL" and center point "CP" of the housing 102. The one or more inclined surfaces 142 may divide the central top surface 140 into two, three, or four equal parts, or other division methods are contemplated. In some embodiments, the central top surface 140 may be flush with the frame 112, or may be recessed or protruding into the housing 102 by a uniform amount. When the frame 112 defines the shape within the housing 102, the one or more inclined surfaces 142 may slope downward from the inner wall 110 of the frame 112 at a certain angle to a specified depth.

[0069] Turn now Figures 26 to 27 The magnetic toy building block 100 has a rectangular outline or covering area and includes a rectangular central top surface 140 of a corresponding shape. The rectangular magnetic toy building block 100 may include the central top surface 140 formed in its top wall 104 (located within its peripheral inner wall), and may include four inclined planes 142 that slope downwards from the inner wall to the center line "CL" and converge at the center point "CP". The inclined planes 142 can divide the central top surface 140 into quadrants.

[0070] Turn now Figures 28 to 29 The magnetic toy building block 100 has a triangular (e.g., equilateral triangle) outline or covering area and includes a central apex surface 140 of a correspondingly shaped triangle. The triangular magnetic toy building block 100 may include the central apex surface 140 formed in its top wall 104 (located within its peripheral inner wall) and may include three inclined planes 142 that slope downwards from the inner wall to a center line "CL" and converge at a center point "CP". The inclined planes 142 divide the central apex surface 140 into three regions.

[0071] Turn now Figures 30 to 32 The magnetic toy building block 100 has a triangular (e.g., isosceles triangle) outline or covering area and includes a central apex surface 140 of a correspondingly shaped triangle. The triangular magnetic toy building block 100 may include the central apex surface 140 formed in its top wall 104 (located within its peripheral inner wall) and may include three inclined planes 142 that slope downwards from the inner wall to a centerline "CL" and converge at a center point "CP". The inclined planes 142 may divide the central apex surface 140 into three regions.

[0072] Turn now Figures 33 to 35The magnetic toy building block 100 has a triangular (e.g., right-angled triangle) outline or covering area and includes a central apex surface 140 of a correspondingly shaped triangle. The triangular magnetic toy building block 100 may include the central apex surface 140 formed in its top wall 104 (located within its peripheral inner wall) and may include three inclined planes 142 that slope downwards from the inner wall to a center line "CL" and converge at a center point "CP". The inclined planes 142 divide the central apex surface 140 into three regions.

[0073] Turn now Figures 36 to 38 The magnetic toy building block 100 has a triangular (e.g., an irregular right triangle) outline or covering area and includes a central apex surface 140 of a corresponding shape. The triangular magnetic toy building block 100 may include the central apex surface 140 formed in its top wall 104 (located within its peripheral inner wall) and may include three inclined planes 142 that slope downwards from the inner wall to a center line "CL" and converge at a center point "CP". The inclined planes 142 divide the central apex surface 140 into three regions.

[0074] Turn now Figures 39 to 41 The magnetic toy building block 100 has a disc-shaped outline or covering area and includes a corresponding disc-shaped central top surface 140. The triangular magnetic toy building block 100 may include a central top surface 140 formed in its top wall 104 (located within its peripheral inner wall) and may include three inclined planes 142 that slope downwards from the inner wall to a center line "CL" and converge at a center point "CP". The inclined planes 142 divide the central top surface 140 into three regions.

[0075] Turn now Figures 42 to 44 The magnetic toy building block 100 has a trapezoidal outline or covering area and includes a trapezoidal central top surface 140 of a corresponding shape. The triangular magnetic toy building block 100 may include a central top surface 140 formed in its top wall 104 (located within its peripheral inner wall) and may include four inclined planes 142 that slope downwards from the inner wall to a center line "CL" and converge at a center point "CP". The inclined planes 142 divide the central top surface 140 into four regions.

[0076] Turn now Figures 45 to 47 Magnetic toy building blocks 100 have a parallelogram or rhombus outline or covering area, and include a correspondingly shaped parallelogram or rhombus central top surface 140. Triangular magnetic toy building blocks 100 may include a central top surface 140 formed in its top wall 104 (located within its peripheral inner wall), and may include four inclined planes 142 that slope downwards from the inner wall to the center line "CL" and converge at the center point "CP". The inclined planes 142 divide the central top surface 140 into four regions.

[0077] Turn now Figures 48 to 50 The magnetic toy building block 100 has a pentagonal outline or covering area, including a pentagonal central top surface 140 of a corresponding shape. The pentagonal magnetic toy building block 100 may include the central top surface 140 formed in its top wall 104 (located within its peripheral inner wall), and may include five inclined planes 142 that slope downwards from the inner wall to the center line "CL" and converge at the center point "CP". The inclined planes 142 divide the central top surface 140 into five regions.

[0078] Turn now Figures 51 to 53 The magnetic toy building block 100 has a hexagonal outline or covering area, including a correspondingly shaped hexagonal central top surface 140. The hexagonal magnetic toy building block 100 may include the central top surface 140 formed in its top wall 104 (located within its peripheral inner wall), and may include six inclined planes 142 that slope downwards from the inner wall to a center line "CL" and converge at a center point "CP". The inclined planes 142 divide the central top surface 140 into six regions.

[0079] According to this disclosure, Figures 18 to 54 Each embodiment shown may include a pair of magnet holding recesses 120 positioned along their respective outer walls and arranged between their respective outer walls and corresponding inner walls. It is foreseeable that any number of magnet holding recesses may be provided along any outer wall, for example, one magnet holding recess, more than two magnet holding recesses, or any combination of any number of magnet holding recesses. It is also foreseeable that some magnetic toy building blocks 100 may not include any magnet 130 or any magnet holding recesses 120 along more than one outer wall. Furthermore, according to this disclosure, each magnet holding recess 120 includes a magnet housed therein, wherein the magnet may be fixed without rotation, freely rotated about a single axis of rotation (as described above), or freely rotated in all directions about any axis of rotation (as described above). Furthermore, according to this disclosure, each magnet holding recess 120 may be provided with any of the aforementioned magnet centering features.

[0080] Although the top wall 104 of the housing 102 of the magnetic toy assembly block 100 has been shown and described as including an inclined central top surface 140, it is foreseeable that, within the scope of this disclosure, the bottom wall 106 may also be provided with an inclined central bottom surface (not shown), which is a mirror image of the inclined central top surface 140.

[0081] Although the illustrated magnetic toy building block 100 includes an outer side wall 108 that defines a plane orthogonal to the planes of the top wall 104 and bottom wall 106 of the magnetic toy building block 100, it should be understood that, within the scope of this disclosure, the outer side wall 108 of the magnetic toy building block 100 may lie in a plane that is not orthogonal to the planes of the top wall 104 and / or bottom wall 106 of the magnetic toy building block 100 (i.e., extends laterally).

[0082] It is further envisioned that the outer wall 108 of the magnetic toy assembly block 100 may be non-planar. For example, the outer wall 108 may have a completely circular cross-sectional profile, a semi-circular cross-sectional profile, a stepped profile, or include protrusions or recesses along a portion or the entire length thereof.

[0083] As understood in this article, and as Figure 2 As shown, each magnetic toy assembly block 100 includes a planar body portion 102 having a basic rectangular or geometric shape defined by X and Y dimensions, the X and Y dimensions extending in the same plane and orthogonal to each other, and wherein the body portion 102 defines an edge or outer wall 108 having a Z dimension extending laterally (or orthogonally) to the X and Y dimensions, wherein the Z dimension is smaller than the X or Y dimension.

[0084] It should be understood that various modifications can be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as examples of various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will foresee other modifications within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

[0085] According to embodiments of this disclosure, by incorporating omnidirectional rotating magnets into toy building blocks, magnetic toy building blocks 100 can be arranged in more positions and / or orientations relative to conventional magnetic toy building blocks, thereby enabling the assembly of more two-dimensional or three-dimensional structures.

Claims

1. A magnetic toy assembly block, comprising: A planar shell, having: The bottom wall that defines the plane of the bottom wall; The top wall that defines the plane of the top wall; The peripheral outer wall that defines the outer wall plane; The surrounding inner wall, spaced a certain distance from the outer wall, defines the border; the outer wall connects the bottom wall and the top wall, wherein the bottom wall and the top wall are spaced a certain distance from each other; and At least one pair of magnets retains a cavity, which is formed within the housing and positioned along each of the outer side walls; as well as Magnets located within individual magnet holding recesses, each magnet comprising a north pole and a south pole, thereby defining a magnetic pole axis extending along the north and south poles, wherein the magnets are sized to rotate within their respective magnet holding recesses such that the magnetic pole axis is magnetically attracted to the magnets of adjacent magnetic toy building blocks.

2. The magnetic toy assembly blocks according to claim 1, wherein each magnet is able to rotate freely in all directions within its respective magnet holding recess.

3. The magnetic toy assembly blocks according to claim 1, wherein each magnet holding recess includes a magnet centering feature formed within the magnet, wherein the centering feature causes the magnet housed in the respective magnet holding recess to be completely adjacent to the planar inner wall of the respective magnet holding recess.

4. The magnetic toy assembly block of claim 3, wherein the centering feature comprises an angled wall interconnected with at least one of the following: A corresponding magnet holds a first inner wall positioned adjacent to and parallel to the outer wall of the housing, and a corresponding magnet holds a second inner wall positioned adjacent to and parallel to the top wall of the housing; or A corresponding magnet holds a first inner wall positioned adjacent to and parallel to the outer wall of the housing, and a corresponding magnet holds a third inner wall positioned adjacent to and parallel to the bottom wall of the housing.

5. The magnetic toy assembly blocks according to claim 1, wherein the bottom wall plane of the bottom wall and the top wall plane of the top wall are parallel to each other.

6. The magnetic toy assembly block according to claim 5, wherein the outer side wall plane of the outer side wall is orthogonal to at least one of the bottom wall plane of the bottom wall or the top wall plane of the top wall.

7. The magnetic toy assembly block of claim 6, wherein the inner sidewall defines an inner sidewall plane, and wherein the inner sidewall plane of the inner sidewall is orthogonal to at least one of the bottom wall plane of the bottom wall or the top wall plane of the top wall.

8. The magnetic toy assembly block according to claim 7, wherein the housing includes at least three outer side walls.

9. The magnetic toy assembly block of claim 8, wherein the frame has an equal width along all sides of the housing, and wherein the magnet retaining recess is located within the frame.

10. The magnetic toy assembly blocks according to claim 9, wherein each magnet retains a recess located between the outer wall and the inner wall, and between the top wall and the bottom wall.

11. The magnetic toy assembly blocks of claim 10, wherein each magnet retains an independent cavity and is defined by a pair of end walls.

12. The magnetic toy assembly blocks of claim 11, wherein the individual magnet holding recesses are spaced apart from each other by a central recess along either side of the housing.

13. The magnetic toy assembly blocks of claim 12, wherein each magnet retaining cavity is cubic in shape or has an elongated cubic profile.

14. A magnetic toy assembly block, comprising: A planar shell, having: The bottom wall that defines the plane of the bottom wall; The top wall that defines the plane of the top wall; A peripheral outer wall defining an outer wall plane, the outer wall connecting the bottom wall and the top wall to each other, wherein the bottom wall and the top wall are spaced apart by a certain distance; and At least one pair of magnets retains a cavity, which is formed within the housing and positioned along each of the outer side walls; as well as Magnets located within individual magnet holding recesses, each magnet comprising a north pole and a south pole, thereby defining a magnetic pole axis extending along the north and south poles, wherein the magnets are sized to rotate within their respective magnet holding recesses such that the magnetic pole axis is magnetically attracted to the magnets of adjacent magnetic toy building blocks.

15. The magnetic toy assembly blocks according to claim 14, wherein each magnet is free to rotate in all directions within its respective magnet holding recess.

16. The magnetic toy assembly block of claim 14, wherein each magnet holding recess includes a magnet centering feature formed within the magnet, wherein the centering feature causes the magnet housed in the respective magnet holding recess to be completely adjacent to the planar inner wall of the respective magnet holding recess.

17. The magnetic toy assembly block of claim 16, wherein the centering feature comprises an angled wall interconnected with at least one of the following: A corresponding magnet holds a first inner wall positioned adjacent to and parallel to the outer wall of the housing, and a corresponding magnet holds a second inner wall positioned adjacent to and parallel to the top wall of the housing; or A corresponding magnet holds a first inner wall positioned adjacent to and parallel to the outer wall of the housing, and a corresponding magnet holds a third inner wall positioned adjacent to and parallel to the bottom wall of the housing.

18. The magnetic toy assembly blocks of claim 17, wherein each magnet retains an independent cavity and is defined by a pair of end walls.

19. The magnetic toy assembly blocks of claim 18, wherein the individual magnet holding recesses are spaced apart from each other by a central recess along either side of the housing.

20. The magnetic toy assembly blocks according to claim 14, wherein: The top wall includes a central top surface located at the center of the top wall, the central top surface including a pair of top surface ramps protruding into the planar housing, wherein the pair of top surface ramps intersect along the centerline of the magnetic toy building block; as well as The bottom wall includes a central bottom surface located at the center of the bottom wall, the central bottom surface including a pair of bottom slopes protruding into the planar housing and toward the central top surface, wherein the pair of bottom slopes intersect along the centerline of the magnetic toy block.

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