ES1207388U - MODULAR CONSTRUCTION GAME (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Set of modular construction, consisting of a plurality of individual pieces magnetically coupled together to form three-dimensional shapes, characterized by the fact that each individual piece includes a support element, independent of the individual piece, which is held in a interior space of the individual piece, said support element including receptacles in a radial star arrangement for receiving magnets for the magnetic coupling of several individual pieces together. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Modular construction set

5 The present description refers to a modular construction set intended to form three-dimensional figures through the union of various parts that are magnetically attachable to each other.

The known magnetic type construction sets are normally constituted by a set of pieces, of equal or different shapes, provided with magnets. Joining the pieces together, three-dimensional structures can be formed in multiple combinations.

This type of games has proven to be very beneficial for the development of children from an intellectual, motor, and emotional point of view, since it has been seen that they positively stimulate creativity and mental ability.

To make the union of the pieces with each other in order to form three-dimensional structures, the conventional magnetic construction sets have magnets on the faces of the game pieces. The magnets are held in the pieces by means of respective fastening means, as described, for example, in US Patent US5409236. Said patent refers to a puzzle of cubic pieces that are joined together by means of magnets. The magnets are inserted in a hole formed in the face of each cubic piece by means of a clamping element. To hide the magnets, a cover is provided in each hole.

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This type of configuration implies having, on each face of each piece, a fastening element and, in addition, a cover to hide each magnet from the outside, which complicates the structure of the assembly. This configuration also has the disadvantage that it allows easy access to the magnets, allowing a child to remove them, removing the cover and releasing the magnet from the clamping element, or that the magnet accidentally comes out of the piece. during the game. This, in some occasions, can mean a risky situation, since the magnets are usually of relatively small dimensions, and a child can swallow them.

In order to at least reduce the drawbacks of games of this type known so far, the present modular construction set is proposed with which, in addition, numerous additional advantages are obtained, as will be seen below.

5 The proposed modular construction set is of the type indicated, that is, consisting of a plurality of individual pieces, of different configurations, colors and motifs, which can be magnetically coupled together to form three-dimensional figures or structures. The particularity of the present modular construction set is that each of said individual pieces includes a support element, which is independent of the individual piece, which is held in an interior space of the individual piece, and which is configured to hold a plurality of magnets.

Thus, with the same support element, mounted inside each individual piece, a plurality of magnets are held at the same time inside each individual piece. For this, the support element includes receptacles, as many as magnets, arranged in a radial star arrangement, for example, in a cross. While it may be preferred that each receptacle is properly configured and sized to receive a pressurized magnet, however, other ways of holding the magnet in the support element receptacle, such as by gluing, through mechanical means are not ruled out. , and the like.

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The support element thus allows to hold the magnets preventing their movement during the use of the game with the manipulation of the individual pieces. With a single support element, all magnets are simultaneously placed properly in each individual piece regardless of their polarity. Preferably, the support element has the receptacles positioned so that the magnets, once mounted, are centered on faces of the individual piece. Many other configurations are possible. In any case, the support element can be configured so that the magnets can be held regardless of their polarity without repel and move from their position during use.

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The support element may be configured to include two support arms. These support arms can have, for example, a configuration as a flat rectangular plate, projecting outwardly to rest on opposite edges of the individual piece, inside it.

The support element can have a unitary configuration, that is, the receptacles and the support arms of the support element can be formed in one piece. However, it is also foreseen the case in which the support element is

5 consisting of two support parts, for example, two halves, or even more pieces. If he

support element is formed by two support parts, each of said support parts will include their respective receptacles to receive magnets and corresponding corresponding support arms to rest inside the individual piece, as indicated above.

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On the other hand, each individual piece of the game can be unitary, that is, formed in one piece, manufactured, for example, by an overmolding process, such as plastic overinjection, with the magnets incorporated therein.

15 In other variants, each individual piece may consist of at least two parts

attachable with each other. In the case where each individual piece is made up of at least two

attachable parts to each other, closing means of said engaging parts configured to prevent their opening can be arranged once they have been coupled together. In other words, with the closing means, once the attachable parts are assembled forming a single piece, they can no longer be opened. In a possible example, said closing means can be a clipping mechanism constituted by tabs formed in one part configured to engage in complementary cavities formed in the other part.

Although the two attachable parts that form an individual piece may be different, it is preferable that said attachable parts of each individual piece be exactly the same, so that only a single mold is necessary for its manufacture, thereby reducing costs.

In some examples of the present modular construction kit, each individual piece 30 may have a plurality of faces, with the support element configured to hold the magnets in a position substantially centered on the inside of said faces of each individual piece.

With the described configuration, depending on the type of game to be performed, it is contemplated that at least some of the magnets are housed in the receptacles of the support element in an arrangement with the alternating polarity between them, or in an arrangement with the same polarity between them. Likewise, it is also contemplated that some of the magnets are housed in the receptacles of the support element with the alternating polarity between them, while, at the same time, other magnets are housed in the receptacles of the support element with the same polarity between them.

10 In one variant, the individual pieces may have a symmetrical geometry, although in other variants such pieces may have an asymmetric geometry. In a possible particular example of the present construction set, the individual pieces may have a four-sided configuration, with the support element including four receptacles for holding corresponding magnets, such as two or four magnets, for example. A preferred shape for the individual pieces is a square-based warped bipyramid geometry. However, many other shapes and configurations for the individual parts of this construction set are possible.

In a specific variant, the present set can be formed by eighteen pieces with a determined magnet distribution in each of them. With this configuration a puzzle is obtained in which only a single valid solution is possible, which is the only one in which the individual pieces join together correctly according to the polarity of the magnets in each piece.

25 The assembly process in the manufacture of this modular construction set is very simple and intuitive. The process consists of placing the magnets in the corresponding receptacles of the support element, adjusting them under pressure, for example. Then, the support element is placed, with the magnets mounted on the receptacles, and with the support arms of the support element arranged on an inner edge of each attachable part 30 of the individual piece. Finally, both attachable parts close together with the support element mounted inside, so that the attachable parts can no longer be opened, forming a single piece with magnets inside properly secured, centered on the inner face of each piece. .

With the individual pieces assembled ready for use, the user can then proceed to join several individual pieces with each other, being able to make a single three-dimensional figure, or a variety of three-dimensional figures, depending on the type of game in question.

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With the described configuration, numerous advantages are obtained. The manufacturing of the pieces has reduced costs, since the assembly of the magnets in the support element is intuitive, which allows a quick and precise assembly of each individual piece. Thanks to the described configuration of the receptacles of the element of the support element, the fastening 10 of the magnets simultaneously through a single structure, the support element, advantageously simplifies the structure of the game, by reducing the number of structurally constituting parts the game. In addition, with the described configuration of the support element a very safe game is obtained. The magnets are properly secured inside the piece so that they cannot go outside, accidentally 15 or not. This prevents the magnets from being within reach of children. On the other hand, the

magnets are hidden, not being visible from the outside, which benefits the aesthetic appearance of the set, avoiding the use of caps to hide the magnets.

The present construction set is very safe and versatile, with which an infinite number of random figures or specific figures can be formed depending on the polarity of the magnets inside the pieces. In the latter case, the individual pieces may be configured so that there is only one possible way to join the individual pieces. In another example, the individual pieces could be configured so that the resulting figure, once the individual pieces are assembled, is, for example, a sphere. Other three-dimensional forms, such as, for example, forms of

Animals and many others.

Other objectives, advantages and features of embodiments of the present modular construction kit will become apparent to the person skilled in the art from the following description of a particular non-limiting example with reference to the attached drawings.

In the drawings:

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Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of an example of the present modular construction set, in which the individual piece is formed by two parts and the support element is formed by a single piece;

Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of another example of the present modular construction set, in which the individual part is formed by two parts and the support element is formed by two parts;

Figure 3 is a perspective view showing in detail the support element formed in one piece, with four receptacles and four magnets housed therein;

Figures 4 and 5 are front and side elevational views, respectively, of an individual part of the present modular construction set;

Figure 6 is a view of an individual part sectioned by plane AA of Figure 5;

Figures 7a-7f are schematic views showing different possibilities of placing the magnets in the support element according to their polarity; Y

Figures 8a-8b are perspective views showing two possible examples of figures that can be formed with the present modular construction kit.

In the non-limiting example shown in Figures 1-8b of the drawings, the modular construction set has been designated together by the reference number 100, in particular in Figures 8a and 8b of the drawings. The modular construction set 100, in the example shown in the figures, comprises a plurality of individual pieces 110 although only one piece 110 has been shown in Figures 1,2 and 4-6.

Each of the individual pieces 110 is made of a material, such as plastic, resistant and, at the same time, compatible for use by children. Each individual piece 110, in the particular example shown, has a symmetrical geometry, specifically constituted by four faces 115 that define a warped bipyramid body with a square base 116 of rounded edges. It is evident that the individual pieces 110 can have other shapes and configurations, even presenting, for example, an asymmetric geometry. The individual pieces 110 can incorporate different colors and motifs, have flat faces, smooth faces, embossed faces, etc.

Each of the individual pieces 110, in the example shown in the figures, is formed by two parts that can be coupled together 110a, 110b. In said example, the two parts that can be coupled together 110a, 110b are exactly the same. This advantageously allows to reduce manufacturing costs by using a single mold for the manufacture of both 5 parts 110a, 110b. However, other examples of the present modular construction set 100 in which the individual parts 110 are constituted parts 110a, 110b distinct from each other are not discarded.

Although not shown in the figures, the parts that can be coupled together 110a, 110b can incorporate closure means configured so that, once the parts 110a, 110b are coupled, they can no longer be opened, leaving the individual piece 110 ready for use. .

In other examples not shown, the individual pieces 110, instead of being constituted by two interlocking parts 110a, 110b, could be formed in one piece. In this case, the piece could be manufactured, for example, by an overmolding process, such as plastic overinjection, also with an interior space 120.

When the two parts 110a, 110b of the individual piece 110 are coupled together, an interior space 120 is defined, as shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings. This interior space 120 is suitable for receiving a support element 130, illustrated in detail in Figure 3 of the drawings. The support element 130 is an element independent of the interlocking parts 110a, 110b and is intended to be held inside 120 of the individual part 110.

In the non-limiting example described in relation to the figures, the support element 130 is made of a suitable material, such as plastic or a similar resistant material that can be the same material from which the parts that are interlocking with each other are made. 110a, 110b of the individual piece 110. In particular, the support element 130 shown in Figures 1 and 3 is constituted by a unique structure that incorporates four 30 receptacles 140. Each receptacle 140 is formed by walls defining a configuration space cubic to accommodate corresponding magnets 150. It is obvious that a different number of receptacles 140 could be arranged depending on the number of magnets 150. Nor is the described cubic shape of the receptacles 140 limited, and could have a different configuration depending on the geometry of the magnets 150. The space defined by

The receptacles 140 is suitable, as indicated, for accommodating four corresponding magnets 150 and keeping them subject, for example, to pressure, by gluing, by mechanical means, or other means known to those skilled in the art.

5 As can be seen in Figures 1 to 3, the receptacles 140 of the

support 130 are formed in support element 130 in a radial arrangement in

star, in particular, in a radial cross arrangement, as you can see in Figures 1-3 and 6 of the drawings. The four magnets 150 are held in the support element 130 regardless of their polarity, without repelling. In any case, the

10 magnets 150 can be housed in the corresponding receptacles 140 of the element

of support 130 in an arrangement with the alternating polarity between them, or an arrangement with the same polarity between them, or even some magnets 150 with the alternating polarity between them and other magnets 150 with the same polarity between them.

15 The support element 130 also includes two support arms 160, 170 configured as a rectangular flat plate of smaller sides defining rounded edges. The support arms 160, 170 project in an opposite way outward, that is, extending towards opposite edges of the individual piece 110 from a core where the receptacles 140 are formed. Said core includes a hollow central part 180. The 20 arms of support 160, 170 are configured with said ends intended to be properly supported inside the individual piece 110, for example, between the parts that can be coupled together 110a, 110b.

An example is shown in Fig. 2 in which the support element 130 is formed by two equal support parts that can be coupled together. Each part of the support element 130 is associated with each part 110a, 110b, of the individual piece 110. Each part of the support element 130 in the example of Figures 2 and 3 includes two receptacles 140 for receiving corresponding magnets 130 and two arms support 160, 170 to rest inside the individual piece 110.

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It is important to highlight the fact that all magnets 150 are adequately held simultaneously by the same support element 130, so that they cannot be moved during the use of the game 110 with the manipulation of the individual pieces 110. In addition, the magnets 150 are suitably held in receptacles 140 of the

support element 130 so that they are oriented towards the inner faces of each attachable part 110a, 110b of the individual piece 110, centered therein.

Referring to Figures 7a-7f, a possible example of a set of construction 100 formed by 18 individual pieces 110 with different configurations of the magnets 150 illustrated in said Figures 7a-7f is shown.

In said example of Figures 7a-7f, the set 100 includes four pieces 110 configured as shown schematically in Figure 7a, each with four magnets 150 10 held in the support element 130 in an arrangement with the alternating polarity between they, that is, the magnets 150 in figure 7a are positioned so that a magnet 150 has its pole N oriented towards the inside of the face of the individual piece 110 and an adjacent magnet 150 has a distinct pole S oriented towards the inside of the adjacent face of the individual piece 110.

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In said example, the set 100 includes another piece 110 configured as shown schematically in Figure 7b and another piece 110 configured as shown schematically in Figure 7e, both with four magnets 150 attached in their support element 130 in a arrangement with the same polarity between them, that is, the magnets 150 20 in Figure 7b and 7e are positioned so that a magnet 150 has its pole (S in the

Figure 7b, or N in Figure 7e) oriented towards the inside of the face of the individual piece 110 and an adjacent magnet 150 has the same pole (S in Figure 7b, or N in Figure 7e) oriented towards the inside of the adjacent face of the individual piece 110.

25 Also in said example, the set 100 includes four pieces 110 configured as shown schematically in Figure 7c and four pieces 110 configured as shown schematically in Figure 7f, both with two magnets 150 attached in their support element 130 in an arrangement with the same polarity between them, that is, the magnets 150 in figure 7c are positioned so that a magnet 150 150 has its pole 30 (S in figure 7c, or N in figure 7f) oriented inwards of the face of the piece

individual 110 and an adjacent magnet 150 has the same pole (S in figure 7c, or N in figure

7f) oriented towards the inside of the adjacent face of the individual piece 110. In this case there are two adjacent receptacles 140 of the support element 130 where there is no magnet 150.

Also in said example, the set 100 includes four pieces 110 configured as shown schematically in Figure 7d, with two magnets 150 held in its support element 130 in an arrangement with alternating polarity between them, that is, with the magnets 150 positioned so that a magnet 150 has its pole N oriented towards the inside of the 5 face of the individual piece 110 and an adjacent magnet 150 has a distinct pole S oriented towards the inside of the adjacent face of the individual piece 110. Like Parts 110 of Figures 7c and 7f, in Parts 110 of Figure 7d there are two adjacent receptacles 140 of the support member 130 where there is no magnet 150.

10 With the described configuration, a modular construction set consisting of a series of individual pieces 110 that can be magnetically coupled to each other in a simple and safe way to form one or multiple three-dimensional figures, as shown in figures 8a and 8b In the example shown in Figure 8a, the modular construction set 100 has the assembled parts 110 defining a three-dimensional shape, for example, representing an animal. In the example shown in Figure 8b, the modular construction set 100 is a puzzle with eighteen pieces 110 assembled defining a sphere shape. Many other configurations are possible. In general, it may be a puzzle where only a single valid solution is possible, that is, that there is only one single way to properly join the individual pieces 20 110 together.

A particular example of the present modular construction set has been described here. However, it will be understood that many other alternative variants of the described game are possible, as well as obvious modifications and equivalent elements. The present description 25 therefore encompasses all possible combinations of the specific examples that have been described and the scope of protection should not be construed as limited to said described examples, but should be determined only by an appropriate reading of the appended claims.

Claims (11)

1. Modular construction set, consisting of a plurality of magnetically coupled individual pieces to form three-dimensional figures, characterized by the fact that each individual piece includes a support element, independent of the individual piece, which is held in an interior space of the individual piece, said support element including receptacles in a radial star arrangement for receiving magnets for magnetic coupling of several individual pieces with each other. 10 2. Modular construction set according to claim 1, characterized by the the fact that the support element includes two support arms that project oppositely outwardly to rest inside the individual piece. 3. Modular construction set according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support element is constituted by two support parts which they include, each one, receptacles to receive magnets and two corresponding support arms to rest inside the individual piece. 4. Modular construction set according to any of the preceding claims 20, characterized in that each individual piece has a plurality of faces and the support element is configured to hold magnets in a position substantially centered on the inside of said faces of each individual piece. 5. Modular construction set according to any of the preceding claims 25, characterized in that at least some of the magnets are housed in the receptacles of the support element in an arrangement with the alternating polarity between them. 6. Modular construction set according to any of the preceding claims 30, characterized in that at least some of the magnets are housed in the receptacles of the support element in an arrangement with the same polarity between them. 7. Modular construction set according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that each individual piece consists of at least two parts that can be coupled together. 5. Modular construction set according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it comprises means for closing the attachable parts of each piece that prevent its opening once they have been coupled together. 9. Modular construction set according to any of claims 1-6, 10 characterized in that each individual piece is formed in one piece. 10. Modular construction set according to claim 9, characterized in that the support element is formed by a plastic overinjection process with the magnets incorporated therein. fifteen 11. Modular construction set according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that each receptacle is configured to receive a pressure magnet. 20 12. Modular construction set according to any of the claims above, characterized by the fact that the individual pieces have a symmetrical geometry. 13. Modular construction set according to any of the preceding claims 25, characterized in that each individual piece has four faces and The support element includes four receptacles for holding four corresponding magnets. 14. Modular construction set according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the individual pieces have a warped bipyramid geometry of square base.