Including Permanent Magnet Or Suction Cup To Secure Elements Patents (Class 446/92)
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Publication number: 20090181595Abstract: There is provided a block for building a toy, including a body, a case provided in the body, a holder with a sliding-prevention part, provided movably and rotatably within the case, and a magnet with south and north pole faces, installed in the holder. The blocks, each with this construction, can connect to each other to build a toy, without sliding off relative to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2009Publication date: July 16, 2009Inventors: Kyoung Woon SONG, Jong Sung KIM
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Patent number: 7559821Abstract: The present invention provides such a spherical block structure wherein each spherical block is made up of three intersecting rings corresponding to the three axes (x, y and z) of the sphere. Each ring comprises eight subunits with two of those subunits being shared with each of the other two rings. The spherical block structure created by the intersecting rings results in a hollow center with eight cavities radiating outward, the cavities providing a location for the disposition of a connection means whereby individual spherical blocks may be releasably connected to form larger structures.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2006Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Inventor: Francisco Pacheco
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Publication number: 20090170396Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2008Publication date: July 2, 2009Applicant: MEGA Brands International S.A.R.L.Inventors: Andree-Anne Tardif, Gustavo Castro
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Patent number: 7537506Abstract: Toy figures having a moveable appendage, an object associated with the toy figure at a first position, and a transfer mechanism configured to couple the moveable appendage with the object, and transfer the object to a second position on the figure.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2007Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventor: Gabriel de la Torre
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Patent number: 7520793Abstract: A manipulative toy is provided comprising a body and a plurality of interchangeable appendages, such as arms, legs, heads, tails and wings, removably attachable to the body at certain predefined coupling points using complementary magnetic elements disposed within both the appendages and the body. The appendages are retained in place by the interaction between two sets of complementary ribbed elements disposed on both the body and the appendages about the magnetic elements, which complementary ribbed elements are formed in a beveled configuration. The configuration of these ribbed elements, in combination with attractive force of the complementary magnetic elements and the frictional engagement of the complementary ribs, limits the appendages from moving rotationally about the point of attachment, and limits the movement of the appendage in the plane of the point of attachment, thereby allowing the manipulative toy to be posed by a user and retain its position.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2003Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Inventors: Gopala Pillai, Mark Yager, Mike Grasela, Jason Karecki
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Patent number: 7507136Abstract: A set of magnetic blocks by which connection is made between blocks through a force attracting multiple ferrous protrusions on one face to multiple recessed magnets on another face. The multiple points of magnetic connection provide alignment and rigidity to the assembled structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2006Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Inventor: Claire Jean Patton
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Publication number: 20080305708Abstract: A children's toy is disclosed, including a block, a casing affixed to the block, and a magnet housed within the casing, the magnet freely moveable within the casing. The freely moveable magnet allows for universal magnetic connections to be made with other similar blocks, as well as other fixed or moveable magnetic elements. Also disclosed are a variety of connectors that connect to the blocks in several different manners.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2008Publication date: December 11, 2008Inventors: Donald E. Toht, Gary E. Aigner
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Publication number: 20080264522Abstract: A magnetic stone device and assembly is provided. The magnetic stone device includes a magnetic stone and a metallic coating applied to at least part of the surface of the magnetic stone. The coating has a first color at a first portion of the magnetic stone and a second color different from said first color at a second portion of the magnetic stone. A method of manufacturing the magnetic stone device is also provided. A magnetic bead, assembly, and method of manufacture are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2008Publication date: October 30, 2008Inventor: W. Frederick Conway
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Publication number: 20080200090Abstract: The invention relates to a geometric construction toy for building geometrical structures and consists of a multiplicity of spherical magnetizable bodies which may be magnetically coupled to a connecting member. The connecting member has an upper boundary surface which is a concave surface of revolution and a lower boundary surface which is also a concave surface of revolution. The lower boundary surface is the mirror image of the upper boundary surface. A permanent magnet is captively carried by the connecting member and so disposed therein such that the poles of the magnet are located adjacent to or interiorly of the respective boundary surface thereby permitting a stable coupling of magnetizable bodies to each pole of the permanent magnet.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2007Publication date: August 21, 2008Inventor: Steven H. Balanchi
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Patent number: 7413493Abstract: A children's toy is disclosed, including a block, a casing affixed to the block, and a magnet housed within the casing, the magnet freely moveable within the casing. The freely moveable magnet allows for universal magnetic connections to be made with other similar blocks, as well as other fixed or moveable magnetic elements. Also disclosed are a variety of connectors that connect to the blocks in several different manners.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2005Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: RC2 Brands, Inc.Inventors: Donald E. Toht, Gary D. Aigner
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Publication number: 20080139077Abstract: A set of magnetic blocks by which connection is made between blocks through a force attracting multiple ferrous protrusions on one face to multiple recessed magnets on another face. The multiple points of magnetic connection provide alignment and rigidity to the assembled structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventor: Claire Jean Patton
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Patent number: 7371147Abstract: The invention concerns a system for realizing complex constructions, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of basic elements, and a plurality of constructive and/or figurative elements, that can be coupled with said basic elements, each basic element being comprised of ferromagnetic material, to be coupled with a first type of constructive and/or figurative magnetic elements, said basic elements being further provided with not-magnetic coupling means, for coupling with at least a second type of plastic material elements, said plastic material elements being provided with coupling means corresponding to the coupling means provided on said plurality of basic elements.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2005Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Inventor: Edoardo Tusacciu
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Patent number: 7322873Abstract: A construction kit that is suitable for creating a variety of different structures includes a plurality of illuminated elements. Each illuminated element has a light source and is electrically conductive. Tin one embodiment, the kit includes a plurality of connectors for linking the plurality of illuminated elements mechanically and electrically to form an illuminated structure, each connector having at least two apertures and being electrically conductive. The kit can include a power supply for supplying power to one connector of the plurality of connectors, wherein the power is transferred from the one connector to each of the plurality of illuminated elements and each of the remaining plurality of connectors, thereby illuminating the structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2005Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: MEGA Brands America, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence I. Rosen, Parvis Daftari
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Patent number: 7320633Abstract: Disclosed is a built-up type toy having plural parts 10a of polyhedron shape equipped with joining surfaces 11a that are joined with other joining surfaces 11b of other parts 10b. The built-up type toy of the present invention has the parts respectively having magnet portions 10a on the joining surfaces 11a thereof, wherein the magnet portion 100a of the part 10a and the magnet portion 100b on the joining surface 11b of the parts 10b are joined with each other by magnetic force thereof. The built-up type toy of the present invention provides the effects that it is easy to assemble and disassemble, the assemble state is not likely to be demolished easily, and it is helpful to develop the initiative of infant as it can be assemble to various shapes.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2004Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Orda Korea Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kyung-Hwa Park
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Patent number: 7276270Abstract: In an assembly of modules with magnetic anchorage for the construction of a grid structure, a joining element for connecting rigidly at least a first and a second elongated modules of the grid structure, characterised in that it comprises: a body of the joining element; at least a first and a second tubular projections of the body for axial attachment of the first and respectively second elongated modules; and a housing of the body for securing the body to a further module of the grid structure; the at least first and second tubular projections being in direct communication with the housing for contact of the further module to the at least first and second elongated modules.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2002Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Inventor: Claudio Vicentelli
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Patent number: 7273404Abstract: Magnetic structural components utilized to permit construction of a wide variety of structural profiles and to thereby increase design and/or construction flexibility and choice. The structural components each include a number of magnets operatively associated with a periphery thereof to provide a number of points of magnetic connection. In addition, each structural component has at least one mechanical connector operatively associated therewith to provide at least one point of mechanical connection. The structural components can be magnetically and/or mechanically interconnected to form a variety of different two or three-dimensional structural profiles of varying complexities.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2004Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: MEGA Brands America, Inc.Inventors: Charles J. Kowalski, Jeffrey H. Rosen, Lawrence I. Rosen
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Publication number: 20070190892Abstract: A geometric construction set for building a stable cubic structure, comprising a plurality of like-dimensioned connecting members, spherical magnetically sensitive bodies and anchoring members. Each connecting member has radial symmetry along its axis of elongation and includes permanent magnets at its first and second ends. The anchoring members have three mutually perpendicular and substantially semi-cylindrical arms, a partial spherical cavity at the intersection of the three arms, and a cavity within each of the arms created by its semi-cylindrical shape. The partial spherical cavity is adapted to receive the spherical magnetically sensitive bodies. The cavities in the arms are adapted to securely receive either the first end or the second end of the connecting members. After securely received in the arms, the first or second ends of the connecting member with the permanent magnets are magnetically coupled with the spherical magnetically sensitive bodies.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2006Publication date: August 16, 2007Inventor: Hovannes Manvelian
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Patent number: 7255624Abstract: A construction kit that is suitable for creating a variety of different structures includes a plurality of illuminated elements. In one embodiment, an illuminated element has a plurality of substantially transparent panels forming a three-dimensional shape, a self-powered light cartridge within the three-dimensional shape, and a plurality of externally directed magnets. The cartridge can include a housing disposed on a panel of the plurality of substantially transparent panels, a light located within the housing and positioned approximately in the center of the three-dimensional shape, circuitry within the housing for controlling an operation of the light, a battery within the housing for powering the light via the circuitry, and a removable cover for sealing the light, circuitry and battery within the housing. The illuminated elements can be directly connected to each other with the externally directed magnets or with connecting members (e.g., ferromagnetic spheres) between the magnets.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2005Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: MEGA Brands America, Inc.Inventor: Parvis Daftari
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Patent number: 7247075Abstract: This invention is a set of magnetic building blocks. Each block or piece in the set is in the shape of a right golden rhombic pyramid. There are two important fixed proportions that dictate each block's shape. The first is that the pyramid's base is a golden rhombus. That means the ratio of its long diagonal to its short diagonal is 1.618, otherwise known as ?, or the “golden ratio.” The other important proportion of each block's shape is the height of the pyramid. The height of the pyramid as measured from the rhombus base centroid (the point at which the two base diagonals intersect) to its apex is (?+1)/2 or approximately 1.309 times the length of the short diagonal in the rhombus base. Each building block has magnets embedded in its interior faces. This means that the pieces will stick together magnetically. The user can build various shapes and designs with the blocks. The set of building blocks can be used as a creativity tool, toy, puzzle, game, display device, creativity prop, and cognitive stimulant.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Inventor: Roger V. von Oech
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Patent number: 7234986Abstract: A movable magnetic construction kit that is suitable for creating a variety of different construction profiles and including at least one primary connecting element that can be operatively associated with one or more secondary connecting elements via magnetic and/or mechanical connections. The primary connecting element has at least one aperture therein and a plurality of magnets operatively associated with an edge thereof. The primary connecting element in combination with the secondary connecting elements provides for a movable construction kit for enhanced construction and design capabilities.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2004Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Mega Brands America, Inc.Inventors: Charles J. Kowalski, Jeffrey H. Rosen, Lawrence I. Rosen
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Patent number: 7160170Abstract: Disclosed herein is a panel-type magnetic toy having compartments where permanent magnets move. The magnetic toy includes a polygonal panel body having a space therein, a plurality of compartments defined in the space of the panel body, and separated from each other by at least one partition wall, and a permanent magnet movably provided in each of the compartments. According to this invention, as the magnets are rolled in the hollow compartments partitioned by the partition walls, attractive force is generated between the magnets of neighboring panels. Thereby, it is possible to connect the panels to each other at various positions. Since the magnets move according to the contact position of the panels, it is possible to manufacture variously shaped structures using a small number of panels, thus increasing creative potential.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2005Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Magnet 4 U Co., Ltd.Inventor: Bong-Seok Yoon
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Patent number: 7154363Abstract: A magnetic connector apparatus provides a plurality of magnetic connector bodies in various different forms for magnetic connection of two or more bodies together along mutually-confronting, longitudinally-elongated, linear peripheral border edges, each linear peripheral border edge having at least one particularly-configured longitudinally elongated, cylindrical magnet supported adjacent thereto for rotation of the magnet adjacent said peripheral edge of each connector body for orientation of the magnetic polarity of magnets of confronting connector bodies for mutual magnetic attraction along, mutually confronting, linear peripheral border edges of magnetic connector bodies.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2005Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Inventor: Larry Dean Hunts
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Patent number: 7066778Abstract: Construction kit with two- and/or three-dimensional construction elements (1, 9) with magnetic elements (4) in the corners and/or sides and ferromagnetic spheres (11), which can be placed between the magnetic elements (4) of adjacent construction elements (1, 9) to connect the construction elements (1, 9) together using a magnetic bond so that they can be detached.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2002Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Mega Bloks International S.A.R.L.Inventor: Michael Kretzschmar
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Patent number: 7038567Abstract: A module (1, 16, 19, 28, 50, 52, 54, 100) for the creation of assemblies comprising at least one active magnetic element of attraction (2, 3, 17, 20, 33, 34, 42, 47, 48) and at least one ferromagnetic element (6, 21, 22, 30, 40, 44) suitable for defining areas (13, 14, 35, 36, 88, 90, 80, 82, 110, 10, 250, 260, 92, 94) for connection to other modules, with which it is possible to create an assembly of modules (1, 16, 19, 28, 50, 52, 54, 100, 37, 15) which provides a magnetic circuit which closes totally or at least partially via the ferromagnetic elements present (6, 21, 22, 30, 40, 44, 55, 104, 37, 15).Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2003Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Inventor: Claudio Vicentelli
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Patent number: 6969294Abstract: In an assembly of modules with magnetic anchorage for the construction of grid structures, one or more elements for stabilization of the grid structure are inserted in the form of panels (6, 12, 6?) which can be removably slotted in corresponding polygonal areas circumscribed by the modules of the grid structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2001Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Inventor: Claudio Vicentelli
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Patent number: 6945841Abstract: A doll having the likeness of a person or animal, wherein the doll form includes a body and head in the general shape of a human or animal is provided. The head includes a facial portion comprised of a first support having a receiving surface for receiving a face member. The face member is made of a second support having a transfer surface for transfer of facial features having the likeness of a particular person or animal. The first and second supports are compatible such that the face member is attached and secured to the receiving surface. The face member can be easily removed and changed with another face member having different facial features. Other exchangeable accessories, including hair and clothing, are used to customize the doll to become anyone so desired. The doll may also contain a voice recording mechanism to correlate to the voice of the individual whose facial features are on the face member. In an alternate embodiment the doll form is a hand or finger puppet.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2003Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Inventors: Rose Marie Becker, Regina Marie Morris, Frederick Walter Becker, Jr., Edmund Joseph Powers Becker, Frederick Walter Becker, III
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Patent number: 6896577Abstract: A toy assembly and its method of manufacture. The toy assembly is a spherical object that can be temporarily compressed into a disc. A short time after compression, the toy pops back into its original ball-like shape. The toy assembly has arcuate sections that join form a generally spherical body. The arcuate sections are symmetrically disposed around a central axis. The spherical body is bisected by an imaginary equatorial plane that is perpendicular to the central axis. A leaf spring is provided behind each of the arcuate sections that bias the arcuate sections into a spherical shape. A connector mechanism is provided that temporarily connect opposite sides of the spherical body when the spherical body is compressed. The leaf springs provide a spring bias that resists any compression and causes the arcuate sections to return to a spherical shape when the connector mechanism release.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2004Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Inventor: Jung Chung Feng
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Patent number: 6893315Abstract: In one embodiment, a magnetized joint for a toy figure. The magnetized joint may include a peg, and a socket for receiving and magnetically engaging the peg. In another embodiment, an appendage may be removably attached to a member of a toy figure by a magnetized joint, including a peg and a socket that engage coaxially. The joint may allow pivotal movement by allowing the peg to rotate within the socket.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2003Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventor: Darin Barri
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Patent number: 6846216Abstract: The invention relates to an improved geometric construction toy for building geometrical sculptures and consists of a multiplicity of magnetizable bodies and a multiplicity of construction members. The construction members have a plurality of connecting arms that have a first cantilevered end and a second portion that is integral with a hub portion and a permanent magnet in the first end for magnetically coupling with a magnetizable body. The hub portion has a geometrical center and the connecting arms have an axis of symmetry that passes through the geometrical center where the axes of symmetry are in the same plane and where the peripheral surface of a connecting arm intermediate the first end and second portion is symmetrical to the axis of symmetry in planes orthogonal to the axis.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2003Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Inventor: Steve H. Balanchi
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Patent number: 6790117Abstract: Composition toy including at least one main template, e.g. a body shape and at least one secondary template, e.g. clothing. The main template is provided with first magnetic attraction elements and the secondary template is provided with second attraction elements. The first and the second attraction elements are configured in order to determine a magnetic attraction between the main and secondary templates. The attraction elements are placed at specific points on the templates which orient the templates to each other.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2003Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Inventor: María Teresa Ruiz Gonzalez
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Publication number: 20040116038Abstract: The devise described herein relates to connecting plural multi-shaped non metallic bodies utilizing disc shaped permanent magnets. The invention consists of disc magnets with axial orientation. The disc magnets are adhered within the center of a plastic bearing. The shape of the plastic bearing consists of a spherical segment relative to the height of the disc magnet creating a pivot point in the center of the disc magnet. Magnet and bearing combinations are placed into the spherical segment cavities reset into the plural bodies. When plural bodies containing the magnet bearing combination are placed close enough to over lap the flux field of each magnet the reaction will be instantaneous rotation of the opposing magnets to there position of attraction and subsequently connecting the bodies together.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2002Publication date: June 17, 2004Inventor: Larry Dean Hunts
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Patent number: 6749480Abstract: The devise described herein relates to connecting plural multi-shaped non metallic bodies utilizing disc shaped permanent magnets. The invention consists of disc magnets with axial orientation. The disc magnets are adhered within the center of a plastic bearing. The shape of the plastic bearing consists of a spherical segment relative to the height of the disc magnet creating a pivot point in the center of the disc magnet. Magnet and bearing combinations are placed into the spherical segment cavities reset into the plural bodies. When plural bodies containing the magnet bearing combination are placed close enough to over lap the flux field of each magnet reaction will be instantaneous rotation of the opposing magnets to there position of attraction and subsequently connecting the bodies together.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Inventor: Larry Dean Hunts
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Publication number: 20040077259Abstract: In one embodiment, a magnetized joint for a toy figure. The magnetized joint may include a peg, and a socket for receiving and magnetically engaging the peg. In another embodiment, an appendage may be removably attached to a member of a toy figure by a magnetized joint, including a peg and a socket that engage coaxially. The joint may allow pivotal movement by allowing the peg to rotate within the socket.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2003Publication date: April 22, 2004Inventor: Darin Barri
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Patent number: 6712667Abstract: The invention is a character object comprising an artistic layer formed of a sheet material. The artistic layer includes a torso having a plurality of articulation points and a plurality of appendages. Each appendage is pivotally connected to the torso at one of the torso articulation points such that each appendage may be pivoted with respect to the torso. At least one magnet is fixed to the artistic layer.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2001Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Inventors: Eric R. Melzer, Craig Williamson
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Patent number: 6702641Abstract: A set of toy building blocks has several different basic block shapes with multiple numbers of each shape. Each block has a magnetic base at one end that enables the block to be attached magnetically to the base end of another block. Further, each block has one-half of a mechanical connection at its other end that is complemental to certain of the connectors on other blocks in the set. The mechanical connectors at one end of the blocks and the magnetic couplings at the other, together with a variety of different shapes, preferably of abstract form, permit a wide variety of toy structures to be created and erected in accordance with the child's imagination and creativity.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2001Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: OliblockInventor: Daniel R. Oakley
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Patent number: 6626727Abstract: The invention relates to a geometric construction toy for building cubic and square profiles and consists of a multiplicity of like dimensioned magnetizable bodies and interconnecting members. The interconnecting members have an axis of elongation and magnetic ends which magnetize and couple with a respective magnetizable body along a mutually perpendicular axis of the magnetizable body. After coupling, the axis of elongation is axially coincident with one of the mutually perpendicular axis of the magnetizable body and at an angle of 90° to each of the other axes. The magnetic ends of the interconnecting members are tapered for insertion into cylindrical recesses extending axially into the outer surface of the magnetizable body to permit stable magnetic coupling along a mutually perpendicular axis of the magnetizable body.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2002Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Inventor: Steven H. Balanchi
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Publication number: 20030176143Abstract: Composition toy comprising at least one first template (1) and at least one second template (2).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2003Publication date: September 18, 2003Inventor: Maria Teresa Ruiz Gonzalez
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Publication number: 20030171062Abstract: Composition toy including at least one main template (1) and at least one secondary template (2).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2003Publication date: September 11, 2003Inventor: Maria Teresa Ruiz Gonzalez
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Publication number: 20020119726Abstract: A self-propelled toy. Capable of climbing at least some kinds of walls. Suction cups are provided on leg-like appendages which are movable relative to a frame or body member.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2002Publication date: August 29, 2002Inventor: Peter J. Wilk
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Patent number: 6431936Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an invention comprising the connective means for connecting the blocks in which at least two or more permanent magnets are arranged on each side of said blocks in a manner such that a magnetic polarity thereof is opposite to neighboring magnets, and the invention that can easily be built into the solid from the developed plane so as to produce the educational effect by appealing to the eye by constructing said permanent magnets in a biaxially anisotropic fashion whereby each other's edge faces or surfaces are attracted.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2000Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: People Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chizuko Kiribuchi
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Patent number: 6325692Abstract: A toy and storage play set for providing a wrestling ring and storage area. The toy and storage play set includes a container device and wrestling ring device. The container device has a housing having a top side which is open. A covering member covers the housing. The wrestling ring device has a stage portion. The stage portion is generally planar, having a facing side and a back side. The back side is releasably securable to the covering member. Four elongate members each have a first end and a second end. Each of the elongate members has central portion having two spaced bores therein such that a top bore and a bottom bore is defined. A first cord forms a closed hoop and extends through each of the top bores. A second cord also forms a closed hoop and extends through each of the bottom bores. A plurality of fastening means fasten the elongate members to the facing side of the stage portion. Each of the fastening means is coupled to one of the second ends of the elongate members.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2000Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Inventor: John Webb
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Patent number: 6183332Abstract: An intellectual training toy has a large freedom of arrangement and enables connection between the driven ember and the rotary driving member even while the rotary driving member is rotating. The toy includes a base member which has a driving mechanism built-in and a field portion having a smooth surface. A rotary member is engaged with the driving mechanism and is rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the smooth surface of the field portion. A driving body having a rotary portion is attachable to the field portion of the base member so that the rotary portion is connected to the rotary member to rotate according to a rotation of the rotary member. A first driven body can be held at a desired position on the field portion of the base member by magnetic attraction force and can engage with the rotary portion of the driving body while being held on the field portion of the base member by a magnetic attraction force.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1998Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Assignee: Tomy Company, LimitedInventor: Tomohiro Yamazaki
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Patent number: 6116979Abstract: The present invention relates to assemblable symmetrical bodies consisting of a regular central body (1-5, 6-8, 26) and a multitude of partly congruent covering pieces (9, 23). Fasteners (18, 19) are firmly fixed to the central body (1-5, 6-8, 26), or to the basic surface (10) of each of the covering pieces (9, 23) respectively, providing a relatively firm connection between the regular central body (1-5, 6-8, 26) and the covering pieces (9, 23) which can be broken and re-established as often as desired using relatively little force. The covering pieces (9, 23) may be shaped like jigsaw puzzle pieces (27, 28) containing projections (34) and matching cut-outs (31).Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 1999Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Inventor: Jean-Marc Weber
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Patent number: 6074214Abstract: A soft organ demonstration aid, such as a heart demonstration aid, is provided for demonstrating ultrasound or surgical techniques. The aid comprises a plurality of facsimile soft organ portions having joining surfaces and connected together in correct anatomical positions along a plurality of dividing planes by means of interengaging connecting members, such as magnets for example, on the joining surfaces. When all the portions are joined together, the aid mimics a whole soft organ, such as a human heart. Furthermore the portions are capable of being dismantled relative to one another along each of the dividing planes, in order to demonstrate a respective internal view of the organ corresponding to each plane. Thus the aid may be used to demonstrate the relative positions of internal features of the organ such as may be observed in ultrasonic scanning along different cross-sections of an actual organ, the views simulating the corresponding views obtained during actual scanning.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1998Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Inventor: Oliver Browne-Wilkinson
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Patent number: 6062937Abstract: An assembly block for a teaching material and a plaything ensures connection of wire lines at all possible link positions at which the assembly block is linked and in all possible link directions in which the assembly block is linked. Four link recess portions 12 are formed in a link surface 11a of an assembly block 10, and a round connector 13 is disposed at the center of the link surface 11a. Bottom plates of steel are disposed at the bottom of the link recess portions 12. Magnets are inserted inside the link recess portions 12 with the link recess portions 12 opposed with each other, whereby two assembly blocks are linked to each other. The connector 13, disposed for electrical connection with the connector 13 of another assembly block, comprises connection terminals which are disposed in a concentric arrangement on an insulation plate.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1998Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: System Watt Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hideo Kikuchi
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Patent number: 6056620Abstract: A marble track construction toy for assembly on a vertically-oriented planar surface. The construction toy includes chutes down which the marble can roll, pivot elements and bumpers for altering the direction of the motion of the marble, and a catch basket for retaining the marble at the terminus of the track. Each chute includes a mounting means so the chute can be mounted on the vertically-oriented planar surface with both ends of the chute oriented parallel to the planar surface. Similarly, each bumper includes a mounting means so the bumper can be mounted on the vertically-oriented planar surface with an impact surface oriented perpendicular to the mounting surface. And each pivot element has a bucket and a pivoting bucket arm, and includes a mounting means so the pivot element can be mounted on the vertically-oriented planar surface such that the bucket pivots in the plane of the mounting surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1998Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: Think of it, Inc.Inventor: Adam Zev Tobin
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Patent number: 6024626Abstract: A magnetic block including an upper face and a lower face and side faces therebetween and a plurality of magnets located within the blocks.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1998Date of Patent: February 15, 2000Inventor: Hillary Singer Mendelsohn
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Patent number: 6017220Abstract: A construction kit comprising a plurality of connectable magnetic members having north and south magnetic poles on their opposite faces.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1997Date of Patent: January 25, 2000Inventor: Kenneth D. Snelson
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Patent number: 5746638Abstract: A block toy is composed of a plurality of blocks magnetically connectable to each other. At least one of the blocks comprises a block main body having plural flat surface portions, magnet holding portions formed on inner sides of the respective flat surface portions, and permanent magnets accommodated within the respective magnet holding portions for rotation about imaginary axes extending at right angles relative to the flat surface portions corresponding to the magnet holding portions. The magnet holding portions may be in the form of magnet holders arranged on the inner sides of the respective flat surface portions. The magnet holders may preferably be connected together so that the resulting connected magnet holder has a cross-sectional shape substantially similar to the corresponding cross-sectional shape of the block main body formed by the corresponding plural flat surface portions.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1996Date of Patent: May 5, 1998Assignee: Stuff Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masami Shiraishi
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Patent number: 5380233Abstract: A toy figure includes a hollow body having coupling openings formed in its upper side walls and bottom wall, the openings having inwardly tapered conical faces with peripherally spaced longitudinal channels. A magnet slab housed in the body is sandwiched by yoke plates which closely confront each opening. A coupling member having a circular base section with a ribbed conical face engages each opening and includes an inner portion of magnetic material engaged by the yoke plates to releasably retain the coupling members in the openings. An arm is attached to each coupling member for angular movement about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the coupling member base section.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1993Date of Patent: January 10, 1995Inventor: Kiyomi Numoto