WO2017126983A9

WO2017126983A9 - A multidimensional building blocks and assembly thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2017126983A9
Application number: PCT/PH2016/000014
Authority: WO
Inventors: Oddette L. POWER
Original assignee: Power Oddette L
Priority date: 2016-01-19
Filing date: 2016-12-16
Publication date: 2018-08-30
Also published as: WO2017126983A3; PH12016000037A1; CN208660361U; WO2017126983A2

Abstract

A multidimensional building block is disclosed, comprising an internal cavity built in each multidimensional building block, and a strong magnet lodged within the cavity. The magnet capable of multi-axial movement within the cavity, allowing the abutting surfaces of the multidimensional building block to join with other multidimensional building blocks as well as other permanent and movable magnetic materials. The multidimensional building block is capable of being assembled into a desired structure and disassembled as to be used as a toy or educational tool.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

A Multidimensional Building Block Assembly

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to the field of a multidimensional building block capable of being assembled and disassembled as to be used for entertainment or educational purposes for people of varying ages. More specifically, the current invention relates to the use of spherical magnets capable of multi-axial movement inside the cavity affixed to the multidimensional block, to form magnetic connections with other blocks, thereby permitting creation of various desired figures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A wide variety of built-up objects presently exists, some types can be connected or disconnected through push-in convex portions and concave portions affixed in/or on the individual blocks, others making use of a magnet found in the block connected to another block by magnetic force and others that cannot be disconnected after being connected being adhesive.

Of the above described built-up multidimensional block, the former built-up object in which individual blocks are connected together by pushing in the concave portions and the convex portions affixed in/or on the individual blocks are limited in the direction of the connection. A limitation is imposed on the number and variety of objects or figures that can be formed by connecting the blocks. Other types of built- up objects which make use of magnetic mechanism are largely constrained in the number of ways in which the blocks may be connected to each other, diminishing the flexibility of the blocks leading to the loss of interest of the user.

Prior magnet block systems have used rotatable magnets that are housed in fixed cavities, however the magnets are not movable in multi-axial direction within the cavity. Instead, the magnets are polarized so that the surface of the other blocks will be connected.

A limitation is therefore, imposed on figures which can be formed by assembling the blocks with internally lodged magnets and having magnetic members. Thus, there is a need for magnetic build-up blocks that offer more flexibility and sophistication in design and form.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a multidimensional building block that offers more flexibility and sophistication in design and form.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a magnet with multi-axial movement within the cavity of the multidimensional building block. Another object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism within the multidimensional building block capable of producing electronic operations.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism to the multidimensional building block assembly capable of mechanical movement.

Brief Description of the Drawings The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and appended claims, taken in combination with the following accompanying drawing: Figure 1. Perspective view of the multidimensional building block having the internal components.

Figure 2. Perspective view of the multidimensional building block having magnets lodged in the cavities

Figure 3. Perspective view of the multidimensional building block with cover to retain the components inside the body.

Figure 4. Perspective view of the assembly of different multidimensional blocks

Figure 5. Perspective view of another assembly multidimensional blocks having accessories attached.

Figures 6a-6d. Perspective views of other embodiments and shapes of the invention.

Figures 7a-7d. Perspective view of the accessories that may be attached to one of the multidimensional block in the multidimensional block assembly.

Detailed description

In each block of the multidimensional building block according to the present invention, the main body is formed by injection molding or the like, preferably using plastic material such as but not limited to polyethylene, polypropylene, or ABS resin. Injection molding is a processing technique known in the art of plastic toy manufacturing. Since this multidimensional building block is intended for people of varying ages, it is preferred to mold each block with a plastic material containing antimicrobial substance which are harmless to people. This substance could be zinc oxide so that harmful microorganisms and the like can be prevented from growing on the surfaces of the multidimensional building block.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the multidimensional building block having three dimensional shapes such as cube, hexagonal prism, square-based pyramid, triangular-based pyramid, triangular prism and other shapes are provided with abutting surfaces which forms the wall, a hollow body forming the interior chamber which may lodge a mechanism or module that will produce electronic operations, and affixed within the hollow body are plurality of cavities where magnets may be lodged within the said cavity.

In an alternative embodiment, a multidimensional building block assembly comprising a plurality of connected multidimensional building blocks arranged in such a way as desired by the user. These assemblies of multidimensional building blocks are joined or connected together through the magnet lodged within the internal cavities of each multidimensional block. Each magnet is strategically located to make a strong hold of each block in order for the whole assembly not to be disassembled without an application of external force.

Referring now to figure 1 of one embodiment of the present invention, there is shown a multidimensional building block 100 comprising a hollow body 101 enclosed in walls preferably made of plastic which forms the abutting surfaces 102 of the multidimensional building block 100. Affixed to the internal hollow body 101 of the multidimensional building block 100 is plurality of cavities 103 where plurality of magnets 104 (Figure 2) will be lodged. The hollow body 101 may contain a module or circuitry, or battery, which will add more elements to the multidimensional building block. The module (not shown) featured inside the hollow body 101 of the multidimensional building block 100 is configured to provide an attractive and educational feature when the multidimensional building block 100 shall be assembled to form a desired structure. One of the opposing flat surfaces of the multidimensional building block 00 serves as a cover 105 (figure 3) which is configured to retain the elements found in the cavities 103 and internal hollow body 101 of the multidimensional building block 100. The cover has a lip that would fit into one of the slots 106 found on the side of the multidimensional building block 100 for a snap fit lock. The said slot 106 is not visible from the outside of the multidimensional building block 100.

Furthermore, the plurality of cavities 103 within the hollow body 101 is where magnets 104 are lodged. The cavities 103 comprise a shape and size which is enough to enclose the magnets 104 allowing a gap between the magnets 104 and cavities 103, in such way that the magnets 104 are freely movable in a multi-axial direction. These cavities 103 are preferably located in the corners of the multidimensional building block 100 but other locations within the block may also be appropriate for same purpose. The cavities 103 are created by injection molding, a processing technique known in the art of plastic manufacturing. These cavities 103 are preferably created by molding rather than by drilling after molding. The abutting surfaces 102 of the multidimensional building block 100 are preferably configured to be of equal dimensions or segments to one or more multidimensional building blocks. These abutting surfaces 102 shall be used to attach to another abutting surface of another multidimensional building block in order to form an assembly or structure as desired by the user. One of the opposing flat surfaces may be translucent to display numbers, letters, and other figures. In one embodiment of the present invention as shown in figure 3, a multidimensional building block 100 may comprise at least one recess 107 projected towards the hollow body 101 in one of the opposing flat surfaces, arranged to receive any protruding element of another building block or an accessory (figures 7a to 7d) such as but not limited to gears and wheels. The recess 107 is preferably cylindrical but other shapes may also be suitable for the same purpose.

The magnets 104 lodged in the cavities 103 of the multidimensional building block 100 are used to connect to multiple multidimensional building blocks 100 through their abutting surfaces 102. These magnets 104 are preferably lodged in the corner cavities 103 (figure 2) of the Multidimensional building block 100, but other locations may also be appropriate for same purpose. The magnets 104 have polarities which attract other magnets or other magnetic material from another device or surface. A gap is configured between the cavities 103 and magnets 104 so that the magnets 104 can rotate or turn in a multi-axial movement. The magnets 104 are preferably spherical, but other magnets such as but not limited to cylindrical and disc shape may also be used. The magnets 104 are preferably made of neodymium properties with a grade of between N35 to N52.

In another embodiment of the present invention, there is shown a multidimensional building block assembly 200 in figure 4. The multidimensional building block assembly 200 comprises a plurality of multidimensional building blocks having the same or different shapes connected or attached to each other through their abutting surfaces 102. The magnets 104 of each multidimensional building block 100 are rotatable in multi-axial movement in order to attract other magnets from other multidimensional building blocks. To connect a multidimensional building block to another multidimensional building block, a user may hold the blocks in close and adjacent distance in order for the magnets to rotate and attract each other. When the magnets attract through its magnetic force, it tends to pull each multidimensional building block to attach to each other through their abutting surfaces. When two multidimensional building blocks are attached or connected through their abutting surfaces, one of the two attached multidimensional building blocks can be transferred to another abutting surface of the same multidimensional building block without necessarily detaching each other. The other block of the two multidimensional building blocks can be made to pivot from their current abutting surface to another abutting surface. But if the user decides to detach the multidimensional blocks from each other, it can also be done.

At least one Multidimensional building block of the multidimensional building block assembly 200 may comprise a module configured to add elements and attractive features of the assembly. The module may produce sounds, lights, and movements through electronic and mechanical operations. These operations would be powered by battery, spring-driven, or manually operated modules. A switch is configured in order to activate the module in one of the multidimensional building block.

Further embodiment of the present invention is an assembly of the Multidimensional building blocks 300 with accessories attached as shown in figure 5. One of the multidimensional blocks of the assembly has a module inside that is used to move one of the accessories (ex. gears) attached to it which will then move the other gear attached to another multidimensional block, then the gears of another accessory attached to another multidimensional building block, and so on, creating a movement of all accessories attached to the different multidimensional building blocks. In the shown assembly of multidimensional blocks 300 with accessories, the gears are attached to one of the multidimensional building block through the recess 107 (figure 3) projected towards the internal body of the multidimensional building block as stated above. On the other hand, other accessories may also be attached to the multidimensional building block 100 or to the accessories which are already attached to one of the multidimensional building block.

In a further embodiment, the accessories (figures 7a-7d) may have snap fit or magnetic connections with the multidimensional building block 100. Snap fit connections are connections adapted for accessories to be mechanically connected to multidimensional building blocks 100 with complimentarily shaped connections. Snap fit connections can support a greater range of building configurations adding versatility to the multidimensional building block 100.

For an adult market, as a gadget rather than a toy, another embodiment of the current invention comes with a small plastic multidimensional building block configured to enclose a single spherical neodymium magnet with at least N35 grade. The small plastic multidimensional block can be configured but not limited to different colors, shapes, and forms. The small plastic multidimensional block can be magnetically attached, assembled, and linked to form different shaped accessories such as but not limited to necklaces and bracelets.

The present invention provides a multidimensional building block having different shapes that can be assembled in different structures as desired by the user and can further be enhanced in terms of looks and functionality by incorporating a module into one of the multidimensional block in the assembly.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A multidimensional building block comprising:

a. A hollow block main body having a plurality of internal cavities for housing the magnets;

b. A plurality of spherical magnet strategically located in each corner of the multidimensional block capable of multi-axial movement to attract magnets from multiple multidimensional building blocks; c. At least one removable cover for concealing hollow main body; d. An opposing flat surfaces wherein at least one surface has an

external recess;

2. The multidimensional building block of claim 1 wherein the abutting

surfaces are of equal dimensions.

3. The multidimensional building block of claim 1 wherein the cavities are affixed to the internal hollow portion.

4. The multidimensional building block of claim 1 where the magnets are made of neodymium properties with grades between N35 to N52.

5. The multidimensional building block of claim 1 wherein the

multidimensional building blocks are in different shapes such as but not limited to cube, hexagonal prism, square-based pyramid, triangular-based pyramid, and triangular prism.

6. The multidimensional building block of claim 5 wherein any of the

multidimensional blocks have features capable of mechanical movements.

7. The multidimensional building block of claim 1 wherein a module is

integrated in the body to produce electronic operations;

8. The multidimensional building block of claim 1 wherein the blocks are made of plastic material.

9. A multidimensional building block assembly comprising:

a. A plurality of separate multidimensional building blocks equipped with abutting surfaces;

b. A plurality of magnets capable of multi-axial movement for joining the plurality of multidimensional building blocks wherein one multidimensional building block can be transferred to another abutting surface of an adjacent multidimensional building block without necessarily losing contact with the same adjacent multidimensional building block;

c. At least one multidimensional building block allowing a mechanism within the body to produce electronic operations; and

d. At least one multidimensional building block that allows a

mechanism to be attached within the body to perform mechanical movements.

10. The multidimensional building block assembly of claim 9 wherein the multidimensional building blocks is magnetically joined with other multidimensional building blocks to form a desired defined structure.

11. The multidimensional building block assembly of claim 9 wherein the abutting surfaces are of equal dimensions.

12. The multidimensional building block assembly of claim 9 wherein the plurality of multidimensional parts include various shapes.

13. The multidimensional building block assembly of claim 9 wherein at least one multidimensional building block has a feature capable of mechanical movements.

14. The multidimensional building block assembly of claim 9 comprising at least one cube, hexagonal prism, square-based pyramid, triangular-based pyramid, and triangular prism.