Hinged folding magnetic tile toy

Abstract

A building tile toy includes a frame having four structural members, each structural member connected to adjacent structural members at hinges. One or more magnets are at least partially disposed within one or more of the four structural members. A removable brace is configured to extend diagonally across the frame between opposing hinges. The removable brace includes a magnetic component configured to magnetically connect the removable brace to the frame at the hinges.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 779,116, titled “Hinged Folding Magnetic Tile Toy”, filed on Mar. 27, 2025, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to construction toys, and more particularly to a hinged folding magnetic tile toy with a collapsible frame and a removable brace for stabilization.BACKGROUND

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of construction toys. Construction toys have long provided opportunities for creative play and learning. Building tile, which are generally planar structures that can be connected along edges, may be used to form three-dimensional assemblies and structures. In some construction toys and building tiles, magnets may be used to facilitate connection between individual components. Such magnetic building toys may allow users to assemble and disassemble structures with relative ease. Structures built from conventional building tiles are subject to racking when structural components are forced out of alignment by lateral loads. Structural stability may be achieved through shear walls, braced frames, or moment frames. Conventional magnetic building tiles support shear wall and moment frame construction by virtue of their rigid, planar geometry.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a general interest in construction toys and building tile systems that provide engaging building experiences.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The embodiments herein may be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate identically or functionally similar elements, of which:

[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a hinged folding magnetic tile toy, with connecting magnets indicated in dashed lines, according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of the hinged folding magnetic tile toy of FIG. 1 in a supported configuration and an unsupported configuration, according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of the hinged folding magnetic tile toy of FIG. 1 with internal components indicated, according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the hinged folding magnetic tile toy of FIG. 1 with inner walls removed and connecting magnets exposed, according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of an unsupported hinged folding magnetic tile toy assembly and a supported hinged folding magnetic tile toy assembly, according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of a hinged folding magnetic tile toy assembly with a combination of supported and unsupported tiles, according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of various hinged folding magnetic tile toy embodiments assembled together, according to an embodiment of this disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The following description sets forth exemplary aspects of the present disclosure. It should be recognized, however, that such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. Rather, the description also encompasses combinations and modifications to those exemplary aspects described herein.

[0014] The Detailed Description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. Furthermore, the drawings in the figures shown may be considered as providing an approximate depiction of the relative sizes of the individual components within individual figures. However, the drawings are not to scale, and the relative sizes of the individual components, both within individual figures and between the different figures, may vary from what is depicted. In particular, some of the figures may depict components as a certain size or shape, while other figures may depict the same components on a larger scale or differently shaped for the sake of clarity. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items.

[0015] As discussed above, the present disclosure relates generally to a hinged folding magnetic tile toy. In an embodiment, the hinged folding magnetic tile toy may include a frame having structural members that are rotatably coupled at corners through hinges or pivotable corner connectors. The hinged folding magnetic tile toy may include one or more magnets disposed within the structural members for connecting adjacent tiles together. A removable brace may be configured to extend diagonally across the frame to stabilize the frame.

[0016] As used herein, the hinged folding magnetic tile toy may also be referred to as a building tile toy. The hinges described herein may also be referred to as pivotable corner connectors. These terms are used interchangeably throughout this disclosure and the claims appended hereto, and no distinction in scope is intended between them.

[0017] In an embodiment, the hinged folding magnetic tile toy may provide a dynamic structural system. The hinges at the corners of the frame may allow the frame to change geometry and shape, providing a collapsible unit that may transition between different configurations. The frame may be braced for stability through a removable brace that extends diagonally across the frame. The brace may include magnetic components at opposing ends thereof to enable magnetic connection with the frame at the hinges.

[0018] In an embodiment, the hinged folding magnetic tile toy may be provided as a kit including a plurality of structural members, a plurality of pivotable connectors, a plurality of magnets, and at least one brace. The kit may further include a plurality of braces of varying lengths, each brace configured to stabilize the frame at a different angle. In an embodiment, the kit may include a predetermined quantity of hinged tiles. For example, the kit may include two, four, six, eight, or more hinged tiles. In some embodiments, the kit may include hinged tiles of varying sizes or shapes to allow users to create diverse structures. In an embodiment, the kit may include a plurality of braces. The plurality of braces may include braces of varying lengths configured to stabilize the frames at different angles. In some embodiments, the kit may include at least one adjustable brace configured to extend or retract to different lengths. In an embodiment, the kit may include instructions for assembling the hinged tiles and braces into various structures. The instructions may include diagrams, illustrations, or step-by-step guidance for creating three-dimensional assemblies. In some embodiments, the kit may include a storage container configured to store the hinged tiles and braces when not in use.

[0019] In an embodiment, the hinged folding magnetic tile toy may be provided in a variety of frame shapes to allow users to create diverse three-dimensional structures. The connecting magnets disposed within the structural members may be configured to connect frames of different shapes together.

[0020] In an embodiment, the frame may be configured in various shapes. For example, the frame may be configured as a quadrilateral, such as a square, rectangle, or rhombus. In some embodiments, the frame may be configured as a triangle, pentagon, hexagon, or other polygon shape. In an embodiment, a triangular frame may include three structural members rotatably coupled at three hinges. A pentagonal frame may include five structural members rotatably coupled at five hinges. A hexagonal frame may include six structural members rotatably coupled at six hinges. Each frame shape may include one or more braces configured to extend diagonally across the frame to stabilize the frame in various configurations.

[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, a hinged folding magnetic tile toy 100 is shown. In an embodiment, the hinged folding magnetic tile toy 100 may include a frame 102 and a brace 104. The frame 102 may include four structural members, such as a first structural member 106, a second structural member 108, a third structural member 110, and a fourth structural member 112. Each structural member may have a structural member length 128 and a structural member width 130.

[0022] In an embodiment, each structural member may be connected to adjacent structural members at hinges. For example, the frame 102 may include a first hinge 114, a second hinge 116, a third hinge 118, and a fourth hinge 120. The first hinge 114 may rotatably couple the first structural member 106 to the second structural member 108. The second hinge 116 may rotatably couple the second structural member 108 to the third structural member 110. The third hinge 118 may rotatably couple the third structural member 110 to the fourth structural member 112. The fourth hinge 120 may rotatably couple the fourth structural member 112 to the first structural member 106.

[0023] In an embodiment, the hinges 114, 116, 118, 120 may include a cylindrical connector. The cylindrical connector may be a hinge pin, a screw, a snap connector, or other suitable connector that allows rotational movement between adjacent structural members. In some embodiments, the hinges 114, 116, 118, 120 may include a magnetic material.

[0024] In an embodiment, the hinges 114, 116, 118, 120 may include snap connectors. A snap connector may include a male portion, and a female portion configured to snap together to form a rotatable connection between adjacent structural members. The male portion may include a protrusion, such as a ball, a post, or a cylindrical member, and the female portion may include a corresponding receptacle, such as a socket, a hole, or a cylindrical bore, configured to receive the protrusion. The snap connector may allow rotational movement between adjacent structural members while maintaining the structural members in a coupled configuration.

[0025] In an embodiment, the snap connector may be configured to be assembled without the use of tools. For example, the male portion may be pressed into the female portion until the snap connector snaps into place. In some embodiments, the snap connector may be configured to be disassembled by applying a separation force to release the male portion from the female portion. In some embodiments, the snap connector may be permanently assembled.

[0026] In an embodiment, the snap connector may be formed of a resilient material, such as plastic or polymer, that allows the female portion to flex when receiving the male portion and return to its original shape to retain the male portion. In some embodiments, the snap connector may include a magnetic material to provide additional magnetic attraction at the hinges.

[0027] In an embodiment, the structural members 106, 108, 110, 112 may be formed of a rigid material. For example, the structural members may be formed of plastic, polymer, wood, metal, or other suitable material. In some embodiments, the structural members may be formed of a transparent or translucent material, such as clear plastic or acrylic, to allow visibility of the connecting magnets disposed within.

[0028] In an embodiment, the hinges 114, 116, 118, 120 may be formed of a durable material configured to withstand repeated rotational movement. For example, the hinges 114, 116, 118, 120 may be formed of metal, plastic, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the hinges 114, 116, 118, 120 may include metal components, such as steel or iron, to provide magnetic attraction with the magnetic components of the brace. In some embodiments, the hinges 114, 116, 118, 120 may include a ferrous fastener, such as a ferrous hinge screw or rivet, that forms the hinge pin and is configured to be magnetically attracted to the magnetic component of the brace 104. The ferrous fastener may be formed of a ferromagnetic material, such as iron or steel, that provides sufficient magnetic attraction to retain the brace 104 at the hinges during play while permitting removal of the brace 104 by a user. The use of ferrous hinge fasteners may allow the magnetic components of the brace 104 to connect to the hinges 114, 116, 118, 120 without requiring separate magnetic inserts at the hinges, thereby simplifying manufacture and reducing component count.

[0029] In an embodiment, the brace 104 may be formed of a lightweight material. For example, the brace may be formed of plastic, polymer, aluminum, or other suitable material. In some embodiments, the brace 104 may be formed of a flexible material that allows the brace 104 to bend slightly while maintaining structural integrity.

[0030] In an embodiment, the connecting magnets 122 may be formed of a magnetic material, such as neodymium, ferrite, or other suitable magnetic material. The connecting magnets 122 may be configured to provide sufficient magnetic attraction to connect adjacent frames while allowing for easy separation by a user.

[0031] In an embodiment, the connecting magnets 122 may be oriented to ensure proper magnetic attraction between adjacent frames. For example, the connecting magnets 122 may be configured with alternating polarities along each structural member. In some embodiments, the connecting magnets 122 may be configured to rotate freely within the structural members to self-align with magnets of an adjacent frame.

[0032] In an embodiment, the connecting magnets 122 may include a north pole and a south pole. The connecting magnets 122 may be oriented such that when two frames are brought together, the north pole of a first connecting magnet aligns with the south pole of a second connecting magnet of an adjacent frame. In some embodiments, the connecting magnets 122 may be encased in a housing that allows the magnets to rotate and self-orient for proper magnetic attraction.

[0033] In an embodiment, the first magnetic component 124 and the second magnetic component 126 of the brace 104 may be configured to magnetically attract to the hinges 114, 116, 118, 120. For example, the magnetic components 124, 126 may be oriented with a polarity configured to attract to a corresponding magnetic material or magnet disposed within or adjacent to the hinges.

[0034] In an embodiment, the frame 102 may include one or more connecting magnets 122 disposed within one or more of the structural members. The connecting magnets 122 are indicated in dashed lines in FIG. 1. The connecting magnets 122 may be configured to connect to one or more magnets of a separate frame, allowing multiple hinged folding magnetic tile toys to be assembled together.

[0035] In an embodiment, the brace 104 may be configured to extend diagonally across the frame 102 between opposing hinges. For example, the brace 104 may extend between the first hinge 114 and the third hinge 118. The brace 104 may have a brace length 132. The brace 104 may include a first magnetic component 124 at a first end and a second magnetic component 126 at a second end. The first magnetic component 124 and the second magnetic component 126 may be configured to magnetically connect the brace 104 to the frame 102 at the hinges. In an embodiment, the brace 104 may be configured to extend between alternative opposing hinges. For example, the brace 104 may extend between the second hinge 116 and the fourth hinge 120 as an alternative to extending between the first hinge 114 and the third hinge 118. In some embodiments, the frame 102 may include two braces, wherein a first brace extends between the first hinge 114 and the third hinge 118, and a second brace extends between the second hinge 116 and the fourth hinge 120.

[0036] In an embodiment, the brace 104 may further include a physical connector configured to mechanically engage the hinges 114, 116, 118, 120. The physical connector may be disposed at the first end and the second end of the brace 104, in addition to or in place of the magnetic components 124, 126. The physical connector may provide a mechanical connection between the brace 104 and the frame 102 to supplement or replace the magnetic connection. In an embodiment, the physical connector may include a hook, a clip, a snap-fit connector, a friction-fit connector, a press-fit ball and socket connector, or other suitable mechanical engagement feature. For example, the physical connector may include a hook configured to engage a corresponding loop, ring, or aperture disposed at or adjacent to the hinges 114, 116, 118, 120. In some embodiments, the physical connector may include a clip configured to grip or clamp onto a portion of the hinge or structural member.

[0037] In an embodiment, the physical connector may include a snap-fit connector configured to snap onto or into a corresponding receptacle at the hinges. For example, the snap-fit connector may include a protrusion configured to engage a corresponding recess or detent at the hinge. In some embodiments, the physical connector may include a friction-fit connector configured to be press-fit into an aperture or socket at the hinge. In an embodiment, the physical connector may be configured to provide a more secure connection than the magnetic connection alone. The physical connector may prevent the brace 104 from being inadvertently dislodged from the frame 102 during play. In some embodiments, the physical connector may be configured to be releasable, allowing the brace 104 to be removed from the frame 102 by a user.

[0038] In an embodiment, the brace 104 may be configured to be stored when not in use. For example, the brace 104 may be configured to attach to the frame 102 along one of the structural members 106, 108, 110, 112. In some embodiments, the brace 104 may include a clip, hook, or magnetic attachment configured to secure the brace 104 to the frame 102 during storage. In an embodiment, the brace 104 may be configured to be stored within one of the structural members 106, 108, 110, 112. For example, one or more of the structural members may include a cavity or channel configured to receive the brace 104. In some embodiments, the brace 104 may be collapsible or foldable to reduce its size for storage.

[0039] In an embodiment, the hinged folding magnetic tile toy 100 may include child safety features. For example, the structural members 106, 108, 110, 112 may include rounded edges or corners to reduce the risk of injury during play. In some embodiments, the hinges 114, 116, 118, 120 may be configured with smooth surfaces to prevent pinching. In an embodiment, the connecting magnets 122 may be fully enclosed within the structural members 106, 108, 110, 112. The inner wall covers 412, 414 may be configured to securely retain the connecting magnets within the structural members to prevent access to the magnets by a user. In some embodiments, the connecting magnets 122 may be permanently sealed within the structural members.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 2, the hinged folding magnetic tile toy is shown in various configurations. In an embodiment, a hinged folding magnetic tile toy with brace assembled 200 may be in a supported configuration. The brace may stabilize the frame in a rectangular shape, as shown in the hinged folding magnetic tile toy with brace assembled 200.

[0041] In an embodiment, the hinged folding magnetic tile toy may be in an unsupported configuration without the brace. For example, a hinged folding magnetic tile toy without brace 202 may be in a slightly angled or compressed configuration. A hinged folding magnetic tile toy without brace 204 may be in a more angled or compressed configuration. The hinges at the corners of the frame may allow the frame to change geometry and shape, providing a collapsible unit that may transition between different configurations.

[0042] In an embodiment, the frame may be collapsible between a first configuration and a second configuration. For example, the frame may transition from a rectangular shape to a parallelogram shape, or from a parallelogram shape to a more compressed configuration. In some embodiments, the frame may be collapsed such that adjacent structural members are substantially parallel or flush with one another. In some embodiments, the frame may be configured to fold flat.

[0043] In an embodiment, the brace may be adjustable in length. A brace of a first length may stabilize the frame at a first angle, and a brace of a second length may stabilize the frame at a second angle. In some embodiments, a plurality of braces of varying lengths may be provided, each brace configured to stabilize the frame at a different angle. For example, a shorter brace may stabilize the frame in a more compressed configuration, while a longer brace may stabilize the frame in a more rectangular or square configuration.

[0044] In an embodiment, the brace may be adjustable in length. The brace may include a telescoping mechanism that allows the brace to extend or retract to different lengths. For example, the brace may include a first segment and a second segment, wherein the second segment is configured to slide within or over the first segment to adjust the overall length of the brace. The telescoping mechanism may include a locking feature configured to secure the brace at a desired length.

[0045] In an embodiment, the brace may include multiple segments connected by a pivot or hinge. The multiple segments may be configured to fold or unfold to adjust the effective length of the brace. In some embodiments, the brace may include a threaded adjustment mechanism, wherein rotating a portion of the brace extends or retracts the brace length. In an embodiment, the brace may include a plurality of discrete length settings. For example, the brace may include detents, notches, or other engagement features that allow the brace to be set at predetermined lengths. In some embodiments, the brace may be continuously adjustable along a range of lengths.

[0046] In an embodiment, the adjustable brace may allow a user to stabilize the frame at various angles. For example, a shorter brace length may stabilize the frame in a more compressed or parallelogram configuration, while a longer brace length may stabilize the frame in a more rectangular or square configuration. The adjustable brace may provide flexibility in the shapes and structures that may be created with the hinged folding magnetic tile toy.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 3, a hinged folding magnetic tile toy with brace assembled 300 is shown with internal components indicated. In an embodiment, the hinged folding magnetic tile toy with brace assembled 300 may include a frame 302 and a brace 304. The frame 302 may include structural members 306A-D rotatably coupled at hinges 316A-D.

[0048] In an embodiment, the frame 302 may include a plurality of connecting magnets disposed within the structural members 306A-D. For example, the frame 302 may include a first pair of connecting magnets 308, a second pair of connecting magnets 310, a third pair of connecting magnets 312, and a fourth pair of connecting magnets 314. Each pair of connecting magnets may be disposed along a respective structural member. The connecting magnets may be configured to connect to one or more magnets of a separate frame, allowing multiple hinged folding magnetic tile toys to be assembled together.

[0049] In an embodiment, the brace 304 may include a first magnetic component 318 at a first end and a second magnetic component 320 at a second end. The first magnetic component 318 and the second magnetic component 320 may be configured to magnetically connect the brace 304 to the frame 302 at the hinges 316A-D.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 4, a hinged folding magnetic tile toy 400 is shown in various states of assembly with inner walls removed and connecting magnets exposed. In an embodiment, the four structural members may include vertical structural members (e.g., 408) and horizontal structural members (e.g., 410). Each vertical structural member may include an inner vertical wall cover 412, and each horizontal structural member may include an inner horizontal wall cover 414.

[0051] In an embodiment, a hinged folding magnetic tile toy with vertical inner wall removed 402 may have the inner vertical wall cover 412 removed from a vertical structural member 408 to expose a space for a pair of vertical magnetic connectors 416. A hinged folding magnetic tile toy with horizontal inner wall removed 404 may have the inner horizontal wall cover 414 removed from a horizontal structural member 410 to expose a space for a pair of horizontal magnetic connectors 418.

[0052] In an embodiment, the connecting magnets may be disposed in pairs along each structural member. For example, the vertical structural member 408 may include a pair of vertical magnetic connectors 416, and the horizontal structural member 410 may include a pair of horizontal magnetic connectors 418. In an embodiment, the hinged folding magnetic tile toy 406 may include a brace 428.

[0053] In an embodiment, the vertical structural member 408 may include a first end 420 and a second end 422. The horizontal structural member 410 may include a first end 424 and a second end 426. The horizontal structural member 410 may include an end gap 436 configured to accommodate a width 434 of the vertical structural member 408. The ends of the horizontal structural member 410 may be configured to receive the ends of the vertical structural member 408. In an embodiment, the vertical structural member 408 may include a first hinge hole 430 and a second hinge hole 432. The hinge holes 430, 432 may be configured to receive a hinge pin, a screw, a snap connector, or other suitable connector for rotatably coupling adjacent structural members. In an embodiment, the hinge holes 430, 432 may be configured to receive a snap connector. For example, the male portion of the snap connector may be inserted through the hinge holes 430, 432 of adjacent structural members and snapped into the female portion to rotatably couple the adjacent structural members.

[0054] In an embodiment, the inner vertical wall covers 412 and the inner horizontal wall covers 414 may be formed of a transparent or translucent material. For example, the inner wall covers 412, 414 may be formed of clear plastic, acrylic, or polycarbonate to allow visibility of the vertical and horizontal connecting magnets (e.g., 416, 418 respectively) disposed within the structural members 408, 410. In an embodiment, the inner wall covers 412, 414 may be colored or tinted. For example, the inner wall covers 412, 414 may be formed of a colored transparent or translucent material, such as red, blue, green, yellow, or other colors. The colored inner wall covers may allow light to pass through while providing a visual effect. In some embodiments, the inner wall covers 412, 414 may include patterns, textures, or graphics.

[0055] In an embodiment, the inner wall covers 412, 414 may be removable or interchangeable. For example, the inner wall covers 412, 414 may be configured to snap into or slide within the structural members 408, 410. In some embodiments, the inner wall covers 412, 414 may be permanently affixed to the structural members 408, 410.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 5, a hinged folding magnetic tiles assembly is shown in unsupported and supported configurations. In an embodiment, a hinged folding magnetic tiles assembly may be in an unsupported configuration 500. The unsupported configuration 500 may include a plurality of unsupported hinged folding magnetic tiles 506A-C. The unsupported hinged folding magnetic tiles 506A-C may be connected together through the connecting magnets disposed within the structural members.

[0057] In an embodiment, a hinged folding magnetic tiles assembly may be in a supported configuration 502. The supported configuration 502 may include supported hinged folding magnetic tiles 508A-B and a supported hinged folding magnetic tile with brace 510. A brace 504 may extend diagonally across the supported hinged folding magnetic tile with brace 510 to stabilize the frame. The supported hinged folding magnetic tiles 508A-B may be stabilized by the supported hinged folding magnetic tile with brace 510 through the magnetic connection between adjacent frames.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 6, a hinged folding magnetic tiles assembly 600 is shown with a combination of supported and unsupported tiles. In an embodiment, the hinged folding magnetic tiles assembly 600 may include hinged folding magnetic tiles supported without brace 602, hinged folding magnetic tiles unsupported 604, and hinged folding magnetic tiles supported with brace 606. A brace 608 may extend diagonally across the hinged folding magnetic tiles supported with brace 606 to stabilize the frame.

[0059] In an embodiment, the hinged folding magnetic tiles supported without brace 602 may be stabilized by the hinged folding magnetic tiles supported with brace 606 through the magnetic connection between adjacent frames. The hinged folding magnetic tiles unsupported 604 may be in a collapsed or angled configuration. The hinged folding magnetic tiles assembly 600 may demonstrate that a single brace 608 may or may not stabilize multiple connected tiles through the magnetic connections between adjacent frames.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 7, a hinged folding magnetic tiles assembly 700 is shown with various hinged folding magnetic tile toy embodiments assembled together. In an embodiment, the hinged folding magnetic tiles assembly 700 may include a magnetic tile 702, a hinged folding magnetic tile toy with screws 704A, a hinged folding magnetic tile toy with hinge pins 704B, and a hinged folding magnetic tile toy supported with brace 706. A brace 708 may extend diagonally across the hinged folding magnetic tile toy supported with brace 706 to stabilize the frame.

[0061] In an embodiment, the hinged folding magnetic tile toys 704A, 704B may demonstrate that the hinges may include various types of connectors, such as screws or hinge pins. The magnetic tile 702 may be a conventional magnetic building tile that may be connected to the hinged folding magnetic tile toys through the connecting magnets disposed within the structural members.

[0062] In an embodiment, the hinged folding magnetic tile toy may be configured to connect with other magnetic building tile systems. The connecting magnets may be configured with a magnetic strength and polarity compatible with magnets of other magnetic building tiles. In some embodiments, the structural member length 128 and structural member width 130 may be configured to match dimensions of other magnetic building tile systems to allow seamless integration.Exemplary Embodiments

[0063] In a first exemplary embodiment, a building tile toy may include a frame including four structural members, wherein adjacent structural members are rotationally coupled together at hinges positioned at corners of the frame. The hinges may include a cylindrical connector, such as a hinge pin, a screw, or a snap connector. One or more magnets may be at least partially disposed within one or more of the four structural members. The one or more magnets may be disposed in pairs along one or more of the four structural members and may be configured to connect to one or more magnets of a separate frame. A removable brace may be configured to extend diagonally across the frame between opposing hinges. The removable brace may include a magnetic component configured to magnetically connect the removable brace to the frame at the opposing hinges. The removable brace may further include a physical connector configured to mechanically engage the opposing hinges. The frame may be collapsible between a first configuration and a second configuration. The removable brace may be adjustable in length.

[0064] In a second exemplary embodiment, a building tile toy may include a frame including a first structural member, a second structural member, a third structural member, and a fourth structural member. A first pivotable corner connector may rotatably couple the first structural member to the second structural member. A second pivotable corner connector may rotatably couple the second structural member to the third structural member. A third pivotable corner connector may rotatably couple the third structural member to the fourth structural member. A fourth pivotable corner connector may rotatably couple the fourth structural member to the first structural member. Each pivotable corner connector may include a hinge pin, a screw, or a snap connector. Each pivotable corner connector may include a magnetic material. A plurality of connecting magnets may be disposed along one or more of the structural members. The plurality of connecting magnets may be disposed in pairs along each of the structural members. A brace may be configured to be removably attachable to the frame. The brace may include a first magnetic component at a first end and a second magnetic component at a second end. The brace may further include a physical connector at the first end and the second end configured to mechanically engage the first pivotable corner connector and the third pivotable corner connector. The first structural member and the third structural member may be vertical structural members, and the second structural member and the fourth structural member may be horizontal structural members. Each horizontal structural member may have ends configured to receive ends of the vertical structural members. The brace may be adjustable in length.

[0065] In a third exemplary embodiment, a kit for assembling a building tile toy may include a plurality of hinged tiles. Each hinged tile may include a plurality of structural members, a plurality of pivotable connectors configured to rotatably couple adjacent structural members at corners to form a frame, and a plurality of magnets configured to be disposed within the structural members for connecting adjacent frames. The plurality of pivotable connectors may include a magnetic material. The kit may further include at least one brace. The at least one brace may include magnetic components at opposing ends thereof. The at least one brace may be configured to extend diagonally across the frame between opposing pivotable connectors and to magnetically connect to the frame. The at least one brace may be adjustable in length. In some embodiments, the kit may further include a plurality of braces of varying lengths, each brace configured to stabilize the frame at a different angle.Conclusion

[0066] The terms “a,”“an,”“the” and similar referents used in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0067] Although several embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A building tile toy, comprising:a frame including four structural members, wherein adjacent structural members of the four structural members are rotationally coupled together at hinges positioned at corners of the frame;one or more magnets at least partially disposed within one or more of the four structural members; anda removable brace configured to extend diagonally across the frame between opposing hinges, the removable brace including a magnetic component configured to magnetically connect the removable brace to the frame at the opposing hinges.

2. The building tile toy of claim 1, wherein the hinges include a ferrous fastener configured to be magnetically attracted to the magnetic component of the removable brace.

3. The building tile toy of claim 2, wherein the ferrous fastener comprises a hinge screw or a hinge rivet.

4. The building tile toy of claim 1, wherein one or more of the four structural members includes a removable inner wall cover disposed on an inner face of the structural member.

5. The building tile toy of claim 1, wherein the removable brace further includes a physical connector configured to mechanically engage the opposing hinges.

6. The building tile toy of claim 1, wherein the one or more magnets are retained within the one or more structural members by a heat-sealed cap disposed over an end of the respective structural member.

7. The building tile toy of claim 1, wherein the four structural members include a first vertical structural member, a second vertical structural member, a first horizontal structural member, and a second horizontal structural member.

8. The building tile toy of claim 7, wherein each of the first horizontal structural member and the second horizontal structural member has ends configured to receive ends of the first vertical structural member and the second vertical structural member.

9. The building tile toy of claim 1, wherein the removable brace is adjustable in length.

10. The building tile toy of claim 1, wherein a plurality of the frames are magnetically connectable to one another along edges of the structural members to form a three-dimensional assembly.

11. A building tile toy, comprising:a frame including a first structural member, a second structural member, a third structural member, and a fourth structural member;a first pivotable corner connector rotatably coupling the first structural member to the second structural member;a second pivotable corner connector rotatably coupling the second structural member to the third structural member;a third pivotable corner connector rotatably coupling the third structural member to the fourth structural member,a fourth pivotable corner connector rotatably coupling the fourth structural member to the first structural member;a plurality of connecting magnets disposed along one or more of the first structural member, the second structural member, the third structural member, and the fourth structural member; anda brace configured to be removably attachable to the frame, the brace including a first magnetic component at a first end and a second magnetic component at a second end.

12. The building tile toy of claim 11, wherein each pivotable corner connector includes a hinge pin, a screw, and a snap connector.

13. The building tile toy of claim 11, wherein each pivotable corner connector includes a ferrous fastener configured to be magnetically attracted to the magnetic component of the removable brace.

14. The building tile toy of claim 11, wherein the plurality of connecting magnets are disposed in pairs along each of the first structural member, the second structural member, the third structural member, and the fourth structural member.

15. The building tile toy of claim 11, wherein the first structural member and the third structural member are vertical structural members, and wherein the second structural member and the fourth structural member are horizontal structural members, each horizontal structural member having ends configured to receive ends of the vertical structural members.

16. The building tile toy of claim 11, wherein the brace further includes a physical connector at the first end and the second end configured to mechanically engage the first pivotable corner connector and the third pivotable corner connector.

17. The building tile toy of claim 11, wherein the brace is adjustable in length.

18. A kit for assembling a building tile toy, the kit comprising:a plurality of hinged tiles, each hinged tile comprising:a plurality of structural members,a plurality of pivotable connectors configured to rotatably couple adjacent structural members of the plurality of structural members at corners to form a frame; anda plurality of magnets configured to be disposed within the plurality of structural members for connecting adjacent frames; andat least one brace, the at least one brace comprising:magnetic components at opposing ends thereof;wherein the at least one brace is configured to extend diagonally across the frame between opposing pivotable connectors of the plurality of pivotable connectors; andwherein the at least one brace is configured to magnetically connect to the frame.

19. The kit of claim 18, wherein each hinged tile includes a ferrous fastener at each pivotable connector, the ferrous fastener configured to be magnetically attracted to magnetic components of the at least one brace.

20. The kit of claim 18, further comprising a plurality of braces of varying lengths, wherein at least of the at least one brace is adjustable in length, each brace configured to stabilize the frame at a different angle.

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