Portable magnetic toy construction kit

Abstract

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

Description

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

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]Embodiments of the present invention provide a novel magnetic toy construction system that provides both increased stability for magnetic construction assemblies as well as increased portability of such assemblies.

[0010]An embodiment of the present invention provides a base plate having at least one flexible membrane on top of which building components can be assembled to form a stable structure. The base plate comprises two layers, with at least one of the layers being flexible. The base plate is configured to accept and retain one or more ferromagnetic or magnetic base elements between the two layers. Before the base elements are inserted, the two layers can contact each other or can be spaced apart. The flexible layer stretches to accept and retain the base elements. In one embodiment, the base plate retains ferromagnetic spheres between the layers. The bilayer structure can be configured to provide sufficient mechanical pressure on the base elements to hold the base elements in position, resisting their lateral movement within the volume between the two layers.

[0012]The membranes can be configured to have sufficient flexibility and surface friction to accommodate base elements (e.g., spherical elements) that cause local distortions in the membranes. When the base plate is in a closed position, the force exerted on the base elements by the membranes is sufficient to retain the bodies without substantial lateral movement. The base elements contained within the base plate thereby each serve as a stable foundation upon which further ferromagnetic or magnetic elements can be placed (with the flexible membrane in between).

[0013]In one configuration of the present invention, the base plate comprises at least one thin flexible membrane, wherein the position of base elements contained therein can be conveniently manually manipulated by exerting pressure through the thin flexible membrane. However, once external manual pressure is removed, the flexible membrane exerts enough force to retain the base elements in position, resisting any substantial lateral movement. Accordingly, a plurality of base elements, such as ferromagnetic spheres, can be arranged in any desired pattern within the base plate, which pattern is then maintained such that a stable magnetic structure can be constructed on the pattern of base elements.

[0014]In one embodiment, the base plate is sufficiently rigid such that the entire base plate, including the base elements contained therein as well as a magnetic structure assembled thereon, can be conveniently picked up and transported. As an example, in a base plate having a frame holding two flexible membranes, the frame could provide the necessary rigidity.

[0016]In one particular configuration of the present invention, the base plate comprises a frame, at least one portion of which is permanently affixed within a travel case. The lower layer of the base plate can be affixed to or form part of a travel case and the upper layer can be removable to accommodate insertion and removal of the base elements. For example, the lower layer could be a rigid plastic sheet affixed to the travel case and the upper layer could be removably attached to the travel case over the rigid plastic sheet. The travel case can also include separate compartments to temporarily house magnetic building components, such as spheres, rods, circles, triangles, squares, and other structures. The portable travel case therefore provides a convenient surface for assembly of a stable magnetic structure anywhere and anytime a user desires.

Problems solved by technology

A major challenge in working with construction toy assemblies is the ability to build complex and large structures that maintain sufficient stability.

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