WO2021032939A1

WO2021032939A1 - Toy

Info

Publication number: WO2021032939A1
Application number: PCT/GB2020/051220
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Colin SMITH
Original assignee: Wotch Creations Ltd.
Priority date: 2019-08-21
Filing date: 2020-05-19
Publication date: 2021-02-25
Also published as: CN114269447A; GB2586492A; GB201912011D0; GB2586492B; EP4017610A1

Abstract

A toy kit comprising at least two parts, each part having a front surface and an opposite rear surface and a thickness defined between the front and rear surfaces. The at least two parts comprise a first part having a first attachment means and a second part having a second attachment means, the first and second attachment means being configured to magnetically attach the first part to the second part. The first attachment means comprises a projection that extends from a rear surface of the first part and the second attachment means comprise a hole defined by a front surface of the second part, the projection having a length (L) and the hole having a depth (D). Either (i) the length (L) is equal to the depth (D) or less than the depth (D), such that the entire projection is received in the hole; or (ii) the length (L) is greater than the depth (D), such that a portion of the projection can be received in the hole. Each of the projection and the hole may have a cross-section that is a shape having rotational symmetry of an order of at least 3.

Description

TOY

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a toy, particularly a hand-held toy, and also to a kit for making the toy and components thereof.

Background of the Invention Collectible toys are popular with children and adults. They can be purchased directly from retailers or may be given away as promotional items, and sometimes involve a surprise element whereby the contents are not visible from the packaging. The collectible items may be played with or swapped and shared with others in order to obtain a complete set.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a toy kit comprising at least two parts, each part having a front surface and an opposite rear surface and a thickness defined between the front and rear surfaces; the at least two parts comprising a first part having a first attachment means and a second part having a second attachment means, the first and second attachment means being configured to magnetically attach the first part to the second part, the first attachment means comprising a projection that extends from a rear surface of the first part and the second attachment means comprising a hole defined by a front surface of the second part, the projection having a length (L) and the hole having a depth (D); wherein

(i) the length (L) is greater than the depth (D), such that a portion of the projection can be received in the hole; or

(ii) the length (L) is equal to the depth (D) or less than the depth (D), such that the entire projection is received in the hole.

The first part can be viewed as a plug/jack (i.e. a male connector) and the second part as a socket (i.e. a female connector). It will be appreciated that a toy can be constructed/assembled from the kit and the invention also resides in the constructed/assembled toy.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a toy comprising at least two parts, each part having a front surface and an opposite rear surface and a thickness defined between the front and rear surfaces, the at least two parts comprising a first part having a first attachment means and a second part having a second attachment means, the first and second attachment means magnetically attaching the first part to the second part, the first attachment means comprising a projection that extends from a rear surface of the first part and the second attachment means comprising a hole defined by a front surface of the second part, the projection having a length (L) and the hole having a depth (D); wherein

(i) the length (L) is greater than the depth (D), such that a portion of the projection is received in the hole; or

(ii) the length (L) is equal to the depth (D) or less than the depth (D), such that the entire projection is entirely received in the hole.

The toy kit of the invention provides benefits relative to known collectible toys.

The first and second parts are magnetically attached to each other by means of a projection (a peg) which is at least partly received within a complementary hole. A user can overcome the magnetic attachment to separate the parts. The same two parts can then be combined again to recreate the toy, or mixed with additional parts to make a new toy. In a preferred embodiment, the fidget toy has a “twist and click” action, which is discussed in more detail below.

As such the invention can be described as a fidget toy, a stress relief toy, a play toy, or even a hand therapy device or exerciser. Fidget toys, such as fidget spinners and fidget cubes have been growing in popularity. These toys are designed to keep the hands busy, and may provide a calming effect on the user.

In one embodiment, the projection has a length (L) and the hole has a depth (D) and the length (L) is equal to the depth (D). As such, the projection reaches the base of the hole and there is no gap between the first and second parts. The two parts are flush, rather than having a gap, which may be visually appealing.

In one embodiment, the projection has a length (L) and the hole has a depth (D) and the length (L) is less than the depth (D). As such, the projection does not reach the base of the hole. It is still necessary for the first and second parts to be magnetically attached to one another. Hence, the first and second parts will be flush, rather than having a gap, which may be visually appealing. The parts being flush makes it challenging to separate them, this challenge may be appealing to some users.

In one embodiment, the projection has a length (L) and the hole has a depth (D) and the length (L) is greater than the depth (D). As such, the projection is only partly received in the complementary hole and there is a gap between the first and second parts. This arrangement yields a useful tilting mechanism, which provides a satisfying action for the user.

Since the projection is longer than the depth of the hole, the toy parts are spaced from one another, i.e. there is a gap between the parts. A user can use this gap to prise the first part from the second part and thereby overcome the magnetic attachment.

Since the projection is longer than the depth of the hole, the projection can be used as a pivot or fulcrum, to provide a lever effect, and thereby overcome the magnetic attachment. A user can squeeze the two parts together on one edge of the toy and thereby force the parts apart on the opposite edge of the toy. The magnetic attachment allows the puzzle piece to move within the hole to facilitate this movement. If the projection was tightly fixed within the hole, squeezing the parts together would risk breakage of the toy.

Detailed description

The invention relates to a toy that can be played with, traded, and/or collected. The assembled toy forms a three dimensional shape. The toy is typically a miniature version of a full size article. Suitable shapes include sports equipment and clothing (such as a helmet, a ball, or team kit), animal or human figures. Exemplary helmets include full face helmets, which are designed to cover the entire head except for an opening for the eye region; a modular helmet, where the whole head is covered but the face region is typically able to flip up above the user’s forehead, revealing an opening beneath; open face helmets, which comprise an opening in the face region; and half helmets, which protect the cranium and also comprise an opening in the face. The toy may be in the shape of a helmet used by a particular mode of racing, racing team, racing driver, sports team, or fictional character (e.g. a superhero). For example, a helmet used in Moto GP, Formula 1, Nascar™, IndyCar™, World Superbikes™, British Superbikes™, or The Isle of Man TT™ racing. The toy may be in the shape of a helmet used for American football, hockey, ice hockey, baseball or cricket.

The toy may be in the shape of a ball used for soccer, American football, cricket, rugby, tennis, golf etc.

The toy may be used as a pendant, for example as a key chain.

The toy or kit may be contained within packaging. The packaging, may be transparent (or contain a transparent portion) to allow a user to identify the contents. Alternatively, the packaging may be opaque to provide a surprise element.

Projection and complementary hole

The first attachment means comprises a projection that extends from a rear surface of the first part and the second attachment means comprises a complementary hole defined by a front surface of the second part.

The projection has a longitudinal axis along which the length is measured and a diameter that can be measured in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The hole has a depth which can be measured along its longitudinal axis (or along the axis of the projection (in use)) and a diameter that can be measured in a plane perpendicular to the axis.

The projection may be described with reference to its cross-section measured in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. The cross-section may be circular, triangular, rectangular (including square), pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal or octagonal for example. In a preferred embodiment the projection has a cross-section that is a regular «-sided polygon, in particular a hexagonal cross-section.

The hole may be described with reference to its cross-section measured in a plane perpendicular to its depth. The cross-section may be circular, triangular, rectangular (including square), pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal or octagonal for example. In a preferred embodiment, the hole has a cross-section that is a regular «-sided polygon, in particular a hexagonal cross-section.

Rotational symmetry is the property a shape has when it looks the same after rotation by a partial turn. An object's degree (order) of rotational symmetry is the number of distinct orientations in which it looks exactly the same for each rotation.

In one embodiment each of the projection and the hole has a cross-section that is a (two dimensional) shape having rotational symmetry of an order of at least 3.

In one embodiment each of the projection and the hole has a cross-section that is a regular polygon or another (two dimensional) shape having rotational symmetry of an order of at least 3.

A regular polygon is a polygon that is equiangular (all angles are equal) and equilateral (all sides have the same length). A regular «-sided polygon has rotational symmetry of order «.

Regular polygons include an equilateral triangle (n = 3), a square (n = 4), a regular pentagon (n = 5), a regular hexagon (n = 6), a regular heptagon (n = 7) and a regular octagon (n = 8). These are examples of simple (a.k.a. convex) polygons. A simple polygon does not intersect itself and has no holes.

Regular polygons also include non-convex polygons, such as regular star polygons. A regular star polygon is a self-intersecting, equilateral equiangular polygon. Examples include a star polygon (pentagram) and star hexagon (hexagram). It will be understood that any vertices may be rounded to avoid sharp edges, e.g. for safety reasons and to provide a smoother action for the user.

Other shapes having rotational symmetry of at least 3 include the Reuleaux triangle: a shape formed from the intersection of three circular disks, each having its centre on the boundary of the other two. Its boundary is a curve of constant width.

The projection and the complementary hole have the same cross-section, e.g. both the projection and the hole may have cross-section of a regular «-sided polygon, where n is at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6 or at least 7 and/or n is 20 or fewer, 16 or fewer, 12 or fewer, 10 or fewer or 8 or fewer. For example, n may be 4 to 10, such as 5 to 8.

The use of a projection and complementary hole having a cross-section of a regular polygon or another shape having an order of rotational symmetry of at least 3 is beneficial. The rotational symmetry allows the first part to be attached to the second part in n different positions. It is very satisfying for the user to rotate the first part relative to second part. The user can rotate one part relative to other, just enough to overcome the magnetic attachment between the parts, and then allow the parts to attach again in the new position. This can be described as a “twist and click” effect.

The cross-section may have rotational symmetry of an order of at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, at least 7 or at least 8; and/or the cross-section may have rotational symmetry of an order of 12 or less, 10 or less, 8 or less, 6 or less or 5 or less. The cross-section may have rotational symmetry of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12.

In one embodiment, the length L of the projection is greater than the depth D of the hole i.e. L > D. The length L may be 110% or more, 120% or more, 125% or more, 150% or more, 175% or more or 200% or more of the depth D and/or the length L may be 300% or less, 250% or less, 200% or less, 150% or less or 125% or less of the depth D.

In one embodiment the depth D of the hole is less than the length L of the projection i.e. D < L. The depth D may be 99% or less, 95% of less, 90% or less, 85% or less, 80% or less, 75% or less or 70% of less of the length L and/or the depth D may be 20% or more, 30% or more, 40% or more, 50% or more or 60% or more of the length L.

The inventor has determined that a depth D of 50 to 90% of the length L (equivalent to L = 200% to 111% D), such as D = 55 to 75% L (equivalent to L = 181% to 133% D), is particularly beneficial for achieving an effective tilting mechanism. If the projection is too long (relative to the depth) then the toy parts can lack stability (it wobbles) but if the projection is too close to the depth, then there is less room for tilting.

The projection is partly received in the hole (i.e. only a portion of the projection is received in the hole), such that there is a gap between the first and second parts, i.e. the rear surface of the first part is spaced from the front surface of the second part by a distance X. The gap between the first and second parts (or between subsequent parts, where present) may be 10mm or less, 7mm or less, 5mm or less, 3mm or less, 2mm or less or 1mm or less and/or the gap between the first and second parts (or subsequent parts where present) may be at least 0.5mm, at least 1mm, at least 2mm or at least 3mm.

In one embodiment the length L of the projection is equal to, or less than, the depth D of the hole, i.e. L<D. The length L may be 100% or less, 99% or less, 95% of less, 90% or less, 85% or less, 80% or less, or 75% or less of the depth D and/or the length L may be 60% or more, 70% or more, 80% or more, 90% or more or 95% or more of the depth D.

In one embodiment the depth D of the hole is equal to, or greater than, the length L of the projection, i.e. D>L. The depth D may be 100% or more, 105% or more, 110% or more , or 120% or more of the length L and/or the depth D may be 150% or less, 120% or less, 110% or less, or 105% or less of the length L.

The diameter of the projection may be uniform, i.e. the same at each point along its length. Typically, the projection tapers (narrows) away from the rear surface. This helps the projection move within the hole. The diameter of the projection and the diameter of the hole are complementary so that the projection fits within the hole. Each of the projection and the hole may taper to provide a snug fit.

The projection may extend from the centre point of the rear surface.

The diameter of the projection may be compared to the diameter of the rear surface from which it extends. The maximum diameter of the rear surface is at least as great as, and usually greater than the maximum diameter of the projection. The maximum diameter of the rear surface may be at least 2, at least 3, at least 4 or at least 5 times the maximum diameter of the projection and/or the maximum diameter of the rear surface may be no more than 10 times, no more than 8 times or no more than 5 times the maximum diameter of the projection. It will be appreciated that the relative sizes of the rear surface and the projection will affect how the puzzle piece tilts in use.

The hole may be located about a centre point of the front surface that defines the hole.

The diameter of the hole may be compared to the diameter of the front surface that defines the hole. The maximum diameter of the front surface is greater than the maximum diameter of the hole. The maximum diameter of the front surface may be at least 2, at least 3, at least 4 or at least 5 times the maximum diameter of the hole and/or the maximum diameter of the front surface may be no more than 10 times, no more than 8 times or no more than 5 times the maximum diameter of the hole.

Front and back surfaces

Each of the toy kit (the kit) and the assembled toy (the toy) comprises at least two parts, each part having a front surface and an opposite rear surface and a thickness defined between the front and rear surfaces.

The at least two parts form a three-dimensional shape when combined. The shape of the toy is independent of the shape of the cross-section of the projection and complementary hole. Together, the first part and the second part may form a sphere, for example. In one such embodiment the first and second parts form a sphere and each of the projection and the complementary hole has a hexagonal cross-section.

The projection extends from the rear surface of the first part and is at least partly received in a hole defined by the front surface of the second part. Typically, the rear surface of the first part is planar (flat) and the front surface of the second part is planar.

The first part may have a curved front surface and a planar rear surface.

Alternatively, the first part may have a planar front surface and a planar rear surface.

The second part may have a planar first surface and a curved rear surface.

Alternatively, the second part may have a planar front surface and a planar rear surface.

A (maximum) thickness is measured between the front and rear surfaces of each part. At least one part may have a maximum thickness of no more than 100mm, no more than 50mm, or no more than 30mm and/or at least one part may have a (maximum) thickness of at least 5mm, at least 10mm, at least 20mm, at least 25mm or at least 30mm. The invention is primarily concerned with handheld toys, so the thickness may be selected so that the resulting toy fits comfortably in the palm.

The first part may be described with reference to the diameter of the rear surface (from which the projection extends). The rear surface of the first part may have a (maximum) diameter of 10cm or less, 7cm or less, 5cm, 4.5cm or less, 4cm or less, 3.5cm or less or 3cm or less and/or 1cm or more, 2cm or more or 3cm or more. The rear surface of the first part may have a maximum diameter of from 1 to 7cm, such as 2 to 4.5 cm to allow it to be comfortably held in the hand, and easily stored, e.g. in a pocket.

The second part may be described with reference to the diameter of the front surface (which defines the hole). The front surface of the second part may have a (maximum) diameter of 10cm or less, 7cm or less, 5cm or less, 4.5cm or less, 4cm or less or 3cm or less and/or 1cm or more, 2cm or more or 3cm or more. The front surface of the second part may have a maximum diameter of from 1 to 7cm, such as 2 to 4.5cm to allow it to be comfortably held in the hand, and easily stored, e.g. in a pocket.

The second part may be described with reference to the surface area of the front surface (which defines the hole). The surface area may be 45cm² or less, 40cm² or less, 30cm² or less, 20cm² or less or 15cm² or less and/or the surface area may be 5cm² or more, 8cm² or more, 10cm² or more or 15cm² or more.

The second part may be described with reference to its surface area. The surface area may be 100cm or less, 60cm or less, 45cm or less, 40cm or less, 30cm or less or 20cm² or less or 15cm² or less and/or the surface area may be 5cm² or more, 8cm² or more, 10cm² or more, 20cm² or more or 25cm² or more.

Magnet

A magnet may be present in the first part and/or the second part. The magnet may be located within the projection and/or adjacent the hole. The magnet or magnets may comprise neodymium magnets.

First second and optional subsequent parts

Each of the kit and the toy may comprise at least three (3), at least five (5), at least eight (8), or at least ten (10) parts and/or each of the kit and the toy may comprise 50 or fewer, 30 or fewer, 20 or fewer, 10 or fewer, 5 or fewer or 3 or fewer parts.

Two part toy and two part kit

The toy kit (or assembled toy) may comprise exactly two parts: the first part and the second part. The first part may comprise a single projection (and no hole). The second part may comprise a single hole to at least partly receive the projection (and no projection).

The first and second parts can be viewed as two halves, which together form a single toy. If desired, a symmetrical toy can be obtained by employing first and second parts which are mirror images of one another (save for the attachment means). The two part toy may be formed from a first part having a curved front surface and a planar rear surface and a second part having a planar front surface and a curved rear surface.

Two part toy and kit comprising three or more parts

The toy kit may comprise three or more parts: the first part, the second part, and one or more subsequent (third, fourth etc.) parts. Each subsequent part may be configured to attach to the first part and/or the second part, i.e. to be interchangeable with the first and/or second part. Each subsequent part may comprise either a single projection or a single hole to at least partly receive the projection.

This kit has the advantage that the parts can be assembled in different combinations to provide a range of two-part toys.

Three part toy and three part kit

The toy kit (or assembled toy) may comprise exactly three parts: the first part, the second part and a third part, where the first, second and third parts are configured to magnetically attach the first part to the second part and the third part to either the first part or to the second part.

The third part comprises a projection (that extends from its front or rear surface) or a hole (that is defined by its front or rear surface), the projection or hole being configured to be at least partly received in a complementary hole or to receive at least a portion of a complementary projection.

The three part toy may be formed from a first part having a curved front surface and a planar rear surface; a second part having a planar front surface and a planar rear surface; and a third part having a planar front surface and a curved rear surface.

The three part toy may be formed from a first part having a planar front surface and a planar rear surface; a second part having a planar front surface and a curved rear surface; and a third part having a planar front surface and a curved rear surface. Three part toy and kit comprising four or more parts

The toy kit may comprise four or more parts: the first part, the second part, the third part (as described above) and one or more subsequent (fourth, fifth etc.) parts. Each subsequent part may be configured to attach to the first part and/or the second part and/or the third part, i.e. to be interchangeable with the first part and/or the second part and/or the third part. Each subsequent part may comprise a projection or a hole to at least partly receive the projection, i.e. to receive a portion of the projection or the entire projection.

The at least two parts may be made from any suitable material. For example, the at least two parts may comprise plastics (e.g. polypropylene), plant material (e.g. wood, bamboo, coconut husk, rice husk etc.) or metal. The at least two parts may comprise plastics, which may be injection moulded or 3D printed for example. The use of plant material is beneficial, since it is a sustainable resource.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a kit for forming a two part toy;

Figure 2 shows a toy assembled from the kit of figure 1 (right), together with another two part toy (left); Figure 3 shows three assembled two part toys;

Figure 4 shows a kit for forming another two part toy (football shirt and shorts); Figure 5 is a schematic drawing of the mechanism for a two part toy;

Figure 6 shows schematic drawings for a three part toy;

Figure 7 shows a kit for forming another two part toy (sphere); and Figure 8 shows examples of shapes having rotational symmetry of an order of at least 3.

Figures 1A and IB there show perspective views of a kit for forming a two part toy in the shape of a motorcycle helmet. The kit has two parts, a first part 10 comprising a projection 12 (also known as a peg) and a second part 14 having a complementary hole 16 (also known as a mating hole). Magnets (not shown) are located in a cavity in the projection 12 and in the base of the hole 16.

The first part 10 has a front surface 18, which is curved and an opposite rear surface 20, which is planar, and from which the projection 12 extends. The second part 14 has a front surface 22, which is planar and defines the hole 16 and an opposite rear surface 24, which is curved. The projection 12 is slightly longer than the hole 16 is deep, so that the projection is only partly received in hole 16. When the toy is assembled there is a small gap between the rear surface 20 of the first part and the front surface 22 of the second part. This gap provides a tilting mechanism and allows the user to easily separate the parts. The length of the projection and/or the depth of the hole can be modified to allow the first and second parts to sit flush together, in which case there is no tilting mechanism. This can be beneficial since it provides more challenge to a user. In addition, the smooth connection between the parts can be more appealing visually, and to the touch.

Both the projection 12 and the hole 16 have a hexagonal cross-section, i.e. an n-sided polygon where n=6. This means that the first part 10 and the second part 14 can be combined in 6 different orientations. In this example, the first and second parts 10, 14 are mirror images of one another.

Figure 2 shows assembled two part toys. The toy 24 on the right is in the shape of a motorcycle helmet, and is formed from the kit shown in figure 1. The toy 26 on the left is made in the same way, with two mirror image parts, but is in the shape of a full face superhero helmet. Each half of the superhero helmet has approximate dimensions of 45mm tall, 50mm deep and 15mm thick. The projection (peg) is approximately 5mm in length and the depth of the hole is slightly less than 5mm.

Figure 3 shows three variations of a two-part superhero toy: the assembled superhero toy 26 from figure 2 (middle), together with two variations (left and right). The toy 26 is formed from a first part 28 having a projection (not shown) and a second part 30 having a complementary hole (not shown), which are magnetically attached. It will be understood that the location of the projection and the hole can be reversed if desired. There is a small gap 32 between the first and second parts due to the projection being slightly longer than the hole is deep. This gap allows the user to separate the first and second parts, and also makes it easier to rotate them relative to one another. Another toy 34 is shown on the left of figure 3. The toy 34 is formed from two magnetically attached parts, one of which has a projection and the other a hole (not visible). In this variation the parts are not mirror images; instead one part 36 corresponds to the face of the helmet and the other part 38 to the back of the helmet. Another toy 40 is shown on the right of figure 3. The toy 40 is formed from magnetically attached parts, one of which has a projection and the other a hole (not visible). In this variation the parts are not mirror images; instead one part 42 corresponds to the top of the helmet and the other part 43 to the bottom of the helmet. Figure 4 shows a kit for forming a two-part toy having the shape of sports clothing

(a.k.a. football strip): a shirt and shorts. The kit has two magnetically attached parts, one of which has a projection and the other a hole (not visible). One part 44 corresponds to the front of the football strip and other part 46 to the rear of the football strip. The toy can be decorated in colours which correspond to specific teams.

Figure 5 is a schematic drawing of a kit for forming a two part toy. The kit comprises a first part 50 having a projection 52 and a second part 54 having a complementary hole 56 to partly receive the projection.

The first part 50 has a front surface 58 and an opposite rear surface 60, from which the projection extends. A thickness T1 is measured between the front and rear surfaces 58, 60. The second part 54 has a front surface 62, which defines the hole and a rear surface

64. A thickness T2 is measured between the front and rear surfaces 62, 64.

Figure 6 demonstrates that the two part toy concept can be extended to include three part toys. Figure 6A shows a kit for a three part toy. The kit contains a first part 50, which is identical to that shown in figure 5. The kit also contains a second part 66 that is magnetically attached to the first part 50 and a third part 68.

The second part 66 has a hole 70, which is defined by a front surface 72, which partly receives the projection 52 from the first part 50. In addition, the second part 66 also has a projection 74, which extends from its rear surface 76.

The third part 68 has a hole 78, defined by its front surface 80, which partly receives the projection 74 from the second part 66.

Figure 6B shows another kit for a three part toy. The kit contains a first part 50, which is identical to that shown in figure 5. The kit also contains a second part 82 that is magnetically attached to the first part 50 and a third part 84 that is magnetically attached to the second part 82.

The second part 82 has two holes 86, 88, one defined by its front surface and one defined by its rear surface. The third part 84 comprises a projection 90, which is partly received by the second part. The third part could be identical to the first part in this embodiment.

Figure 6C shows another kit for a three part toy. The kit contains a first part 92, which is magnetically attached to the second part 54, which is identical to that shown in figure 5, and a third part 94. The first part comprises two projections 96, 98, one extending from its front surface and one extending from its rear surface. The third part 94 has a hole 100 to partly receive the projection 98 and the second part has a hole 56 to partly receive the projection 96.

The parts from the kits can be interchanged to make different combinations, so long as the projections and complementary holes match one another. For example, a four or five part toy could be created.

Figure 7 shows another kit for a two part toy. The kit comprises a first part 110 having a projection 112 and a second part 114 having a complementary hole 116 to receive the projection. Each of the first and second parts 110, 114 is a hemisphere and they make contact to form a sphere. In this embodiment there is no gap between the first and second parts, so a smooth spherical shape is provided.

Figure 8 provides examples of cross-sections that have rotational symmetry of at least 3: a cross, a 5 point star, a pentagon, an 8 point star and a 4 point star, These shapes could be employed as the cross-section of the projection and complementary hole to provide a “twist and click” effect.

Claims

1. A toy kit comprising at least two parts, each part having a front surface and an opposite rear surface and a thickness defined between the front and rear surfaces; the at least two parts comprising a first part having a first attachment means and a second part having a second attachment means, the first and second attachment means being configured to magnetically attach the first part to the second part, the first attachment means comprising a projection that extends from a rear surface of the first part and the second attachment means comprising a hole defined by a front surface of the second part, the projection having a length (L) and the hole having a depth (D); wherein

(i) the length (L) is equal to the depth (D) or less than the depth (D), such that the entire projection is received in the hole; or

(ii) the length (L) is greater than the depth (D), such that a portion of the projection can be received in the hole.

2. The kit of claim 1, wherein each of the projection and the hole has a cross- section that is a regular polygon or another shape having rotational symmetry of an order of at least 3.

3. The kit of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein

(i) the projection has a cross-section that is a regular «-sided polygon, the cross- section being determined in a plane perpendicular to the length; and

(ii) the hole has a cross-section that is a regular «-sided polygon, the cross-section being determined in a plane perpendicular to the depth.

4. The kit of claim 3, wherein each of the projection and the hole has a cross- section that is a regular «-sided polygon where n is from 4 to 12.

5. The kit of claim 1, wherein

(i) the projection has a cross-section that is a regular star polygon, the cross-section being determined in a plane perpendicular to the length; and

(ii) the hole has a cross-section that is a regular star polygon, the cross-section being determined in a plane perpendicular to the depth.

6. The kit of claim 5, wherein each of the projection and the hole has a cross- section that is a regular pentagram or a regular hexagram.

7. The kit of claim 1, wherein

(i) the projection has a cross-section that is a shape other than a regular polygon, having rotational symmetry of an order of at least 3, the cross-section being determined in a plane perpendicular to the length; and

(ii) the hole has a cross-section that is a shape other than a regular polygon, having rotational symmetry of an order of at least 3, the cross-section being determined in a plane perpendicular to the depth.

8. The kit of claim 7, wherein each of the projection and the hole has a cross- section that is a Reuleaux triangle or a cross.

9. The kit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the projection and the hole has a cross-section that has rotational symmetry of an order of 3, 4 or 5.

10. The kit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second part comprises a single hole; and/or the first part is a mirror image of the second part.

11. The kit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein

(i) the first part has a curved front surface and a planar rear surface; and/or

(ii) the second part has a planar front surface and a curved rear surface.

12. The kit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the kit consists of the first part and the second part.

13. The kit of any one of claims 1 to 11, which comprises at least three parts.

14. The kit of claim 13, wherein the kit comprises a third part that is interchangeable with the second part.

15. The kit of claim 13, wherein the kit comprises a third part and the first, second and third parts are configured to form a toy where the first part is attached to the second part and the third part is attached to either the first part or to the second part.

16. The kit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the depth of the hole (D) is

(i) from 30 to 90% of the length of the projection (L); or

(ii) from 100% to 120% of the length of the projection.

17. The kit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front surface of the second part has a maximum diameter of 4.5cm or less.

18. The kit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front surface of the second part has a surface area of 45cm² or less.

19. The kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rear surface of the first part has a maximum diameter and the projection has a maximum diameter and the maximum diameter of the rear surface is at least 2 times the diameter of the projection.

20. The kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front surface of the second part has a maximum diameter and the hole has a maximum diameter and the maximum diameter of the front surface is from 2 to 5 times the diameter of the hole.

21. A toy formed from the kit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second parts are attached to one another.

22. The toy of claim 21, wherein

(i) the rear surface of the first part is spaced from the front surface of the second part by a distance of from 1 to 10mm; or

(ii) the rear surface of the first part is in contact with the front surface of the second part.

23. The toy of claim 21 or 22, which is a two part toy.

24. The toy of any one of claims 21 to 23, having a three dimensional shape which conforms to a sphere; sports equipment; clothing; or an animal or human figure.

25. The toy or kit according to any one of the preceding claims, which is contained within opaque packaging.