Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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MAGNETIC BUILDING TILES
Technical Field
[00011 This disclosure relates generally to toy building elements.
Background
[00021 Kits to create models of buildings, vehicles, and other structures
are popular with
children, parents, and hobbyists. Such kits may engage and encourage a child's
imagination.
One type of kit provides a model or replica of a specific larger structure
such as, e.g., a castle or
a log cabin. Another type of kit includes pieces that may be used to build a
variety of different
structures.
[00031 Kits that create impressive and realistic replicas of specific
structures may limit or
inhibit a child's creative play by their inherent design. For example, the
materials in such kits
are typically printed and/or shaped to correspond closely to the original
structure (or a child's
typical interpretation of such a structure) such that these materials are not
easily repuiposed or
reconfigured into other structural elements. In addition, many of these kits
do not provide an
easily changeable, customizable, or adjustable structure.
[00041 Kits that can easily be used to create a variety of structures
include building
elements that can be repurposed or reimagined. These kits, however, do not
necessarily allow
the user the ability to customize the building elements to help the structure
resemble another
known structure, or even just to personalize the buildings or structures
created, which also may
limit imaginative play. For example, some building sets have pieces with only
a small number of
shapes and colors. Further, the colors of the individual pieces are somewhat
arbitrary and the
pieces are not typically designed to coordinate or replicate known structures
or provide children
the opportunity to develop imagined structures. Moreover, the individual
pieces are not readily
alterable or customizable by children.
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Summary
10051 A toy building kit or system comprised of magnetic building tiles
is provided.
The magnetic building tiles are magnetically connectable with one another and
are comprised of
a frame and a removable panel or insert. The frame, by one approach, is
comprised of at least
two connectable portions or elements having magnets embedded therein. The
frame elements
may be connectable to one another through one or more snaps, clips, or other
connection
mechanisms. In another approach, the frame is a single unit or one piece to
which a panel snaps
or is otherwise secured.
1.0006] By one approach, the tile panel has a channel around its edge in
which the first
and second frame elements, or portions thereof, are received to secure the
panel relative to the
frame. In another approach, the first and second frame elements are designed
to extend
externally around an edge of the tile panel, rather than being wholly or
partially within a channel
of the panel. In such a configuration, the frame elements may have channels in
which edges of
the panels are received. In another example, the tile panel may have openings
through which a
set of fasteners or extension pegs from the frame extend to secure the tile
panel and the frame to
one another.
[0007} In one configuration, the tile panel and frame generally form a
square when
viewed from the front. In other configurations, the building tiles may form
triangular,
rectangular, oval or other shapes.
100081 To provide a user with the ability to customize the kit, the kit
may permit the user
to easily insert and remove or attach and detach the panels from the frames
such that the panels
are interchangeable. The kit may include a plurality of such interchangeable
panels capable of
insertion and removal from a frame to create tiles of different appearances.
Further, a user can
color, paint, or otherwise decorate the panels, which may be connected to one
another to build a
structure, such as a play house, teepee, theater, castle, car, boat, farm
stand, kitchen, elephant,
floor pir771e, race track, ball run, maze or mural, to note a few of the
endless options. Further,
once a user is finished with the design of a particular panel, it can be
easily removed from the
frame and replaced with a different panel. Also, pre-decorated or designed
panels may be used
with the frames. For example, to enable a user to build a model of a brick
house, tile panels with
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a brick motif may be inserted into the tile frames. The panels may be
comprised of one or more
materials such as cardboard, paperboard, composite materials, plastic, metals
or other light and
rigid materials safe for handling by children.
[00091 The kit may include magnetic and/or magnetic and mechanical
connectors. In
one illustrative embodiment, the magnetic, mechanical connector (hereinafter
referred to as a
"mechanical connector") includes a frame element with magnets disposed
therein, a pair of
extension elements extending from the frame element in a substantially
parallel arrangement, and
a pair of wings flexibly connected to the pair of extension elements, arranged
between the
extension elements, extending from distal edges of the extension elements
toward the frame
element. By one approach, a plurality of friction elements is disposed on the
pair of wing
surfaces facing one another such that the friction elements may engage and
securely attach the
mechanical connector to a sheet of material such as a cardboard cutout. The
mechanical
connector may have a hinge disposed between the extension elements and the
frame element to
provide for relative movement, e.g., pivoting of the two pieces. In another
configuration, the
mechanical connector includes a frame element with a rounded face such that
the frame element
has a nearly semi-circular configuration. The rounded face of the frame
element permits the
entire mechanical connector to be rotated on the rounded face of the frame
element. A
mechanical connector with a hinge or rounded face can be used together with
another connector
or tile to provide for a portion of a structure that moves relative to another
portion of the
structure. For example, to enable a user to build a structure with structural
elements that move
relative to one another, such as a model of a house with a door, or an animal
with a sweeping
tail, or a fort with a drawbridge, one or more mechanical connector elements
with hinges may be
employed. Other mechanical connectors may include frame elements with magnets
disposed
therein and one or more pegs, protrusions, or fasteners disposed thereon such
that one or more
panels may attach thereto.
[00101 The kit also may include a plurality of three-dimensional
architectural, design, or
building elements or panels. For example, the tile panels may include
architectural elements
such as bay windows, tunnels, turrets, tent or tent supports, towers, bridges,
or castle sections,
among others. Other three-dimensional panels may include elements resembling
features of
animals, furniture, robots, food or kitchen-themed supplies, decorations, such
as holiday-themed
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supplies or home decorations, vehicles, such as cars, trucks, planes, busses,
and boats, and
superheroes, among many others. In another example, the tile panels including
the three-
dimensional panels may include connection elements that permit the user to
design a maze or
ball run with the panels. In another example, the three-dimensional
architectural panel may be
formed into a race track for use with racing vehicles, such as cars. By one
approach, such three-
dimensional panels may be used with the other kit elements such as the frame
or the mechanical
connectors.
Brief Description of the Drawings
100111 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a magnetic building tile;
100121 FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the magnetic building tile of Fig. 1;
100131 FIG. 3 is a front view of an open frame of the magnetic building
tile of Fig. 1;
100141 FIG. 4 is a front view of a closed frame of the magnetic building
tile of Fig. 1;
100151 FIG. 5 is a side view of a closed frame of the magnetic building
tile of Fig. 1;
100161 FIGS. 6-7 are front and side views of a panel in accordance with
one
embodiment;
100171 FIG. 8 is a front view of a frame being connected around the panel
of Figs. 6 and
7;
[00181 FIG. 9 is a side view of the frame and panel of Fig. 8;
100191 FIG. 10 is a front view of a tile in accordance with another
embodiment;
[00201 FIG. 11A is a cross sectional view of the tile of Fig. 10 with a
frame;
[00211 FIGS. 11.13-C are cross sectional views of tiles in accordance with
additional
embodiments;
[00221 FIGS. 12-13 illustrate a frame in accordance with another
embodiment;
[00231 FIG. 14 is a front view of the magnetic building tile of FIGS. 12-
13 with a panel
that covers the frame from. the front view;
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[0024] FIG. 15 is a front view of another magnetic budding tile with a
panel that exposes
the frame from the front view;
[0025] FIG. 16 is a front view of a magnetic connector;
[0026] FIGS. 17-19 are front views illustrating the magnetic connector of
FIG, 16 being
connected with the magnetic budding tile of FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 20 is a front view illustrating a plurality of magnetic
budding tiles connected
together;
[0028] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a mechanical connector in
accordance with
another embodiment;
[0029] FIGS. 22-25 are top, front and side views of the mechanical
connector of FIG. 21;
[0030] FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate mechanical connectors in accordance with
further
embodiments;
[0031] FIG. 28 is a front view illustrating the mechanical connectors of
FIG, 21 attached
to a cardboard cutout;
[0032] FIGS. 29 and 30 are top views illustrating the mechanical connector
of FIG. 21
attaching to a cardboard cutout;
[0033] FIG. 31 is a front view illustrating connected magnetic building
tiles, mechanical
connectors, and cardboard cutouts;
[0034] FIG. 32 is a top perspective view illustrating connected magnetic
building tiles,
mechanical connectors, and cardboard cutouts;
[0035] FIG. 33 is a front view illustrating connected magnetic building
tiles, mechanical
connectors, and cardboard cutouts;
[0036] FIGS. 34A-340 are front views illustrating various embodiments of
panels;
[0037] FIGS. 35A.-35E are front views illustrating various embodiments of
cardboard
cutouts;
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[00381 FIG. 36 is a cross section of a portion of FIG. 20 illustrating the
connection
between two magnetic building tiles;
[0039j FIG. 37 is a cross section of an alternative connection between the
two magnetic
building tiles in FIG. 36;
[0040j FIG. 38 is a cross section of an alternative connection between the
two magnetic
building tiles in FIG. 36
[00411 FIG. 39 is a front view of an alternative panel;
[0042] FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of the panel of FIG. 39 with a
frame engaged.
therewith;
l00431 FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view of the panel of FIG. 40 with
another frame
engaged therewith;
[0044] FIG. 42 is a side view of the panel of FIG. 39 without a tile
frame;
[0045] FIG. 43 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a frame engaging
different panels;
[0046] FIG. 44 is an. exploded view of an additional embodiment;
[0047] FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the magnetic building tile of FIG.
44;
[0048] FIG. 46 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of the magnetic
building tile of
FIG. 44;
[0049] FIG. 47 is an exploded view of an additional embodiment;
[0050] FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the magnetic building tile of FIG.
47;
[0051] FIG. 49 is a partial schematic view of the magnetic building tile
of FIG. 47;
[0052] FIG. 50 is a perspective view of an additional frame embodiment;
[0053] FIG. 51 is a front view of the frame of FIG. 50;
10054] FIG. 52 is a cross sectional view of the frame of Fila 50 taken
along line 52-52;
[0055] FIG. 53 is a perspective view of an additional panel embodiment;
100561 FIG. 54 is a front view of the panel of FIG. 53;
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[0057] FIG. 55 is a perspective view of another magnetic budding tile;
100581 FIG. 56 is a perspective view of an additional pan& embodiment;
[0059] FIG. 57 is a perspective view of an additional panel embodiment;
[00601 FIG. 58 is a perspective view of an additional frame embodiment;
100611 FIG. 59 is a perspective view of an additional panel embodiment;
[00621 FIG. 60 is a perspective view of an additional frame embodiment;
100631 FIG. 61 is a perspective view of an additional panel embodiment;
[00641 FIG. 62 is a perspective view of an additional mechanical
connector;
10065] FIG. 63 is a side view of the mechanical connector of FIG. 62;
[00661 FIG. 64 is a top view of the mechanical connector of FIG. 62;
100671 FIG. 65 is an end view of the mechanical connector of FIG. 62;
[0068] FIG. 66 is a perspective view of an additional mechanical
connector;
100691 FIG. 67 is an end view of the mechanical connector of FIG. 67;
[0070] FIG. 68 is a perspective view of another mechanical connector;
100711 FIG. 69 is a side view of the mechanical connector of FIG. 68;
[0072] FIG. 70 is a side view of a plurality of connected panels;
100731 FIG. 71 is a side view of another plurality of connected panels;
[0074] NG. 72 is perspective view of another mechanical connector;
100751 FIG. 73 is an end view of the mechanical connector of FIG. 72;
[0076] NG. 74 is a perspective view of another mechanical connector;
100771 FIG. 75 is an end view of the mechanical connector of FIG. 74;
[0078] NG. 76 is a perspective view of another panel;
100791 FIG. 77 is a perspective view of another panel;
[0080] FIG. 78 is a perspective view of another panel;
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[00811 FIG. 79 is a perspective view of another panel;
[0082] FIG. 80 is a perspective view of another panel;
[0083j FIG. 81 is a perspective view of another panel;
[00841 FIG 82 is a perspective view of another panel;
100851 FIG. 83 is a perspective view of another panel;
[00861 FIG. 84 is a perspective view illustrating magnetic building tiles,
frames, and
panels arranged together;
[00871 FIG. 85 is a perspective view illustrating magnetic building tiles,
frames, and
panels arranged together;
[00881 FIG. 86 is a perspective view illustrating magnetic building tiles,
frames, and
panels arranged together;
[00891 FIG. 87 is a perspective view illustrating magnetic building tiles,
frames, and
panels arranged together;
[00901 FIG. 88 is a perspective view illustrating magnetic building tiles,
frames, and
panels arranged together;
[00911 FIG. 89 is a perspective view of another panel;
100921 FIG. 90 is a perspective view of another panel;
[00931 FIG. 91 is a perspective view of another panel;
100941 FIG. 92 is a perspective view of another panel,
[00951 Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity
and have not
necessarily been drawn to scale. The terms and expressions used herein have
the ordinary
technical meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons
skilled in the
technical field as set forth above except where different specific meanings
have otherwise been
set forth herein.
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Detailed Description
[00961 FIG. 1 illustrates a single building tile 10 that is magnetically
connectable to other
building tiles. For example, a side edge 11 of the building tile 10 may be
magnetically
connected to a side edge 11 of an adjacent building tile 10 (see, e.g., FIGS.
31 and 36), or to the
front of an adjacent building tile 10 (see, e.g., FIG. 37), such that the
building tiles 10 require a
predetermined force to separate the magnetically connected building tiles 10.
FIGS. 31-33
illustrate a set or a portion of a set 50, 70, 80 of building tiles 10 and
other tile configurations and
building elements described below. The sets or kits 50, 70, 80 described
herein are illustrative
and a variety of magnetic tiles, frames, panels (including three-dimensional
panels), magnetic
connectors, mechanical connectors, and plastic and/or cardboard pieces,
cutouts, or boxes may
be employed therewith.
100971 As shown, a tile frame 12 and a tile panel 18 are configured to
mate together to
form the building tile 10. By one approach, the tile frame 12 has a first
frame portion 14 that
releasably connects with a second frame portion 16. In other configurations,
the tile frame 12
may be comprised of more than two portions or may be a single unitary
configuration. An
example of a one-piece frame with a single element is illustrated in FIGS. 50-
52, 58 and 60,
discussed further below. Each of the frame portions 14, 16 may have magnets 20
disposed
therein. FIG. 4 illustrates one exemplary arrangement of the magnetic poles of
the magnets 20.
A variety of magnets including a variety of types, shapes, and sizes may be
employed in the
frame 12. In one configuration, the tile frame includes a plurality of square
or rectangular
shaped magnets, though other shapes also may be included. The frame magnets or
magnetic
elements also may be configured to move, adjust, rotate, or spin within the
panel frame such that
their poles can adjust relative to the magnetic poles of nearby or adjacent
magnetic elements.
More particularly, the magnets may have a cylindrical, spherical, or similar
shape such that the
magnets may rotate, spin, or otherwise adjust their polarity in relation to
the nearby magnets to
facilitate their attachment to one another. In another configuration, the
magnets may not include
discrete magnets, but may include another magnetic material, such as magnetic
paint.
[00981 Further, the frame 12 may include only a few magnets or,
alternatively, may
include many magnets, and this may depend, in part, on the type, shape,
strength, and size of the
magnets used. By one approach, each side of the magnetic building tile 10 with
a similar length
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includes the same number of magnets 20. Thus, the magnets are generally evenly
distributed
through the length of the frame. In other configurations, the magnets may be
more heavily
concentrated near certain portions of the building tile, such as near the
corners.
(0099) In one configuration, the magnets 20 are injection molded into the
plastic frame
12 or the plastic frame 12 is injection molded around the magnets 20 such that
the magnets are
secured within the structure of the frame 12. Other alternative arrangements
are possible. For
example, the magnets 20 may be glued, snap fit or friction fit into the frame,
to note but a few
additional options. Further, even if the user or consumer receives a one-piece
frame with a
single unitary configuration with the magnets 20 therein (such as, for
example, the frames
illustrated in FIGS. 50, 58, and 60), the frame itself may have been
manufactured in a plurality of
components and assembled into the single element to which the panels may be
attached.
[001001 Once the panels are assembled or attached to the frame, the
building tiles may
have a height and width of between about 2 to about 50 centimeters (about 0.79
to about 19.7-
inches), though other dimensions are possible. In one illustrative embodiment,
the building tiles
may have a height of between about 7 to about 40 centimeters (about 2.75 to
about 15.75-inches)
and width of between about 7 to about 40 centimeters (about 2.75 to about
15.75-inches).
Further, an assembled building tile may have a thickness of between about 0.25
to about 2.0
centimeters (about 0.098 to about 0.79-inches). In one illustrative
embodiment, an assembled
building tile has a thickness of about 0.5 to about 1 centimeter (about 0.2 to
about 0.39-inches),
though other thickness may be employed.
[001011 As mentioned above, the frame 12 may have a first and second frame
portion 14,
16 that are connectable to one another around at least portions of the panel
18 such that the frame
12 is securely mated to the tile panel 18, as shown in FIG. 1. To secure the
first and second
frame portions 14, 16 together, the frame 12 may include a flume connection
mechanism 22 that
permits a user to releasably connect the frame portions 14, 16 together. By
one approach, the
first and second frame portions 14, 16 are snap fit together. For example, the
;frame connection
mechanism 22 may include a cantilever beam snap fit, a cylindrical snap fit,
or a spherical snap
fit. In one configuration, the snap fit connection is magnetic, such that the
first and second frame
portions 14, 16 have a magnetic snap fit. Such a releasable connection permits
the frame 12 to
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be releasably connected to the tile panel 18, which is then removable and
interchangeable. When
a user wants to remove the panel 18 from the building tile 10, the user pulls
the portions of the
frame 14, 16 away from one another such that the two portions disengage with
one another. In
this manner, the tile panel 18 may then be removed from the tile frame 12.
[00102] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the connection mechanism 22 may include
a first
joint portion 32 and a second joint portion 34 that mate together. The first
and second portions
32, 34 are disposed at ends of the first and second frame portions 14, 16
where the frame
portions 14, 16 meet together when disposed around portions of the tile panel
18. The
connection mechanism 22 of FIG. 2 is a mechanical joint between the first and
second frame
portions 14, 16. The flexible locking feature of the connection mechanism 22
includes a catch
35 of the second portion 34 and a recess 38 that mates with the second portion
34. FIG. 3
illustrates how the first and second frame portions 14, 16 may be pushed
together to secure the
frame portions together via the connection mechanism 22. FIG. 4 illustrates
how the connected
frame 12 will appear, without the tile panel 18. To separate the first and
second frame portions
14, 16, the user will pull the frame portions apart in a direction opposite to
that illustrated in FIG.
3.
[001031 The tile panel 18, shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, has a first and a second
tile wall 26,
28. In between the two panel walls 26, 28, the tile panel 18 has a core or
connecting member 30
(see, e.g., FIG. 7) that may take a variety of configurations. In one
approach, the connecting
member 30 is a wavy sheet of material, similar to the material found inside of
corrugated
cardboard or paperboard. In other configurations, the connecting member may be
foam or a
block of material attached to both panel walls 26, 28. In yet other
configurations, the connecting
member 30 may be another structure capable of keeping the first and second
tile walls 26, 28
secured relative to one another. In other configurations, as discussed below,
the tile panel may
not include a connecting member, but instead the panel walls rnay be merely
opposing sides of
the same member or single sheet. The panels described herein may be comprised
of a number of
materials, such as, for example, cardboard, paperboard, composite materials,
plastics, and metals,
among others.
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[00104]
FIG. 7 also illustrates a panel channel 36 formed adjacent a panel edge 38 of
the
tile panel 18. In one illustrative embodiment, the panel channel 36 extends
around the entire
edge of the tile panel 18. The tile frame 12 may extend within the channel 36,
and the first and
second frame portions 14, 16 may snap together within the panel channel 36 to
form the building
tile 10. In one configuration, the panel channel 36 is deep enough such that a
frame edge 40 is
disposed near the panel edge 38. In this manner the magnets 20 are disposed
relatively near the
side edge 11 of the building tiles 10 to permit adjacent building tiles 10 to
magnetically connect
with one another. Further, having the frame edge 40 disposed near the panel
edge 38 allows a
user to manually grasp the frame 12 to pull apart the frame portions 14, 16
and push the frame
portions 14, 16 together (see, e.g., FIG. 8). FIG. 9 illustrates a side view
of the building tile 10
with the tile frame 12 mated together with the tile panel 18.
1001051 in
other configurations, the tile panel may not include a channel 36. For panels
that do not include a panel channel, the frame will not be secured therein and
the frame and panel
will be associated to one another in another fashion, such as by having the
frame secured around
an edge or another portion of the panel or having an attachment element such
as a set of fasteners
or extension pegs that secure the panel to the frame.
1001061
When magnetically connecting the tiles together, adjacent tiles may connect in
an
edge-to-edge connection (FIG. 36), an edge-to-face connection (FIG. 37), or a
face-to-face
connection (Fig. 38). In each of these connection configurations, the portions
of the building
tiles that connect to one another are proximate to the frame, which has the
magnets disposed
therein. As shown in FIG. 36 (which illustrates a cross section of a portion
of FIG. 20), two tiles
that connect edge-to-edge generally have an edge abutting the other tile.
Though the tiles 10 and
10a are illustrated as disposed 180 from one another, other configurations
and angles are
anticipated. By one approach, the edges of the tiles are rounded. In
the edge-to-face
configuration, shown in FIG. 37, one tile may be disposed at any angle from
the other tile (tiles
and 10a are illustrated at a 90' configuration for merely illustrative
purposes) and the edge of
one tile 10a is disposed adjacent the face of another tile 10 at or near the
location of the magnets.
As suggested above, if an edge-to-face connection is desired with a non-
perpendicular
configuration, a user may orient the tiles in such a configuration. In another
configuration,
shown in FIG. 38, a face-to-face connection is arranged by disposing the faces
of two tiles, at or
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near the location of the magnets, adjacent to one another. Any of these
connections may be
employed when configuring the tiles into structures, and the preferred
connection may depend on
the desired structure.
[001071 FIGS. 10 and 11A illustrate an alternative building tile 100. The
building tile 100
is similar to the building tile 10 discussed above, except the tile frame 112
is generally disposed
around and outside the edge of the tile panel 118, as opposed to within a
channel 38 of the tile
panel 18. FIG. 11B illustrates a building tile 101 that incorporates both a
frame disposed around
the edge of the panel and within the channel, and FIG. 11C illustrates a frame
disposed within
the channel and along the edge of the panel. As shown in FIGS. 11A-C, the tile
panel 118 does
not necessarily have the same channel as described above with respect to panel
18. In yet
another embodiment, shown in FIG. 43, a single type of frame 712 may cooperate
with a number
of different panels 718a, 718b, 718c. Further, for some panels, such as panel
718c, the frame
712 and panel 718 can be engaged in more than one engaged configuration.
[001081 FIG. 10 illustrates a panel 118 having a panel perimeter or edge
119 disposed
within the frame 112. in one embodiment, the frame 112 includes a pair of arms
117 that each
extend on either side of the panel 118, as shown in the illustrative
embodiment of FIG. 11A.
Further, the tile frame 112 has a channel 121 into which an edge of the tile
panel 118 is secured.
In this configuration, the tile frame 112 is disposed around the edge of the
tile panel 118 and the
frame 112 generally does not extend in between the two panel walls 126, 128.
1001091 Another embodiment, shown in FIG. 11B, includes a building tile 101
having a
tile frame 312 that is disposed around the edges of the panel 118 and is
partially disposed in
between the two panel walls 126, 128. Such a configuration may be desirable to
ensure a very
secure fit between the tile panel 118 and the tile frame 312.
1001101 In yet another configuration, the building tile 103 has a tile
frame 412 that extends
in between the walls 126, 128 of the panel 118 and along the edge of the
panel, but not along the
outside surfaces of the walls 126, 128. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11C
is similar to the
embodiment of FIG. 1, though in FIG. 11C the frame 412 extends outwardly from
the perimeter
of the panel 118 and covers the end surfaces of the side walls 126, 128 such
that the magnets are
disposed outwardly of the panel perimeter as well. As discussed above, the
panels may have a
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channel into which the frame extends (see, e.g., FIGS. 7-9) and/or the frame
may have a channel
into which a panel can extend (see, e.g., FIGS. 10-11 C), among others. Though
the panel 118
may be engaged by three different frames 112, 312, 412, it may be desirable to
have a panel that
also can be engaged by the frame 12 illustrated in FIG 3. FIGS. 39-41
illustrate a convertible tile
panel 618 that is adjustable for use with many of the tile frame
configurations described herein.
1001111 in one approach, the convertible tile panel 618 has two panel walls
626, 628 with
a connecting member 630 therebetween and a crease, score, or line of weakness
641 on the walls
626, 628 disposed proximate the edge of the walls. This line of weakness 641
permits the panel
618 to be folded or bent into another configuration. For example, a margin 645
of the panel 618,
which is disposed outside of the line of weakness 641, can be manipulated or
folded in between
the two panel walls 626, 628 as shown in FIG. 42. To assist with the
manipulation of the tile
panel 618, in one exemplary embodiment, the tile panel 618 may include corner
portions 644
that can be removed from the remainder of the panel 618 to facilitate
configuration of the
remainder of the panel 618 into the folded configuration. Further, it is
possible that the margins
645 also may be removed from the panel 618 prior to use with any of the frames
described
herein.
[001121 FIG. 40 illustrates an unfolded convertible panel 618 having one
end of the panel
618 engaged with a tile frame 312. In this configuration, the tile panel 618
remains unfolded.
Alternatively, a portion of the tile panel 618 beyond the line of weakness 641
may be folded
over, as shown in FIGS. 41 and 42. In this manner, the tile panel 618 can
receive a tile frame 12
in the channel 636 formed in between the two portions or margins 645 that are
folded in between
the panel walls 626, 628. It is also anticipated that the margin 645 might be
entirely removed
from the panel 618, depending on the design of the frame that is to be
disposed within the
channel 636.
[001131 In one exemplary embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 43, a tile frame
712 may be
engaged with a number of different panels. The building tile configuration of
751 (which is
similar to the building tile 10 shown in FIG. 1) includes frame 712 that is
disposed in a channel
736 of panel 718a. The building tile configuration of 753 has panel 718b
engaging channels 737
disposed in frame 712. As illustrated in FIG. 43, the panels 718a, 718b,
though similar, have
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different widths. The building tile configurations 755 and 757 include a
convertible panel 718c,
similar to panel 618 discussed above, and illustrate how the frame 712 and the
panel 718c can be
used in two different arrangements. The building tile configuration 755 has
the frame 712
disposed within the margins 745 of the convertible panel 718c, whereas in
building tile
configuration 757, the panel margins 745 are folded inward and the frame 712
engages the
margins 745 disposed in the channel 736
[00114} FIGS. 1-11 depict building tiles 10, 100 with a generally square
configuration
when viewed from the front. As shown in FIG. 31, additional configurations are
possible, such
as, a rectangular-shaped building tile 13, triangular-shaped building tiles
25, 125, and an oval-
shaped building tile 17, among others. Indeed, the shapes illustrated are
merely exemplary and
many other shapes and configurations are possible within the scope of these
teachings. A variety
of shapes can be employed with building tiles, e.g., building tiles 10, having
a channel in the tile
panel or with building tiles, e.g., building tiles 100, having a channel in
the tile frame. In yet
another configuration, the building tiles may not include a channel on the
frame or panel such
that the frame and panel are associated with one another in another fashion,
such as by fasteners.
Further, the variety of shapes (rectangular, triangular, oval, circular, etc.)
and configurations
(channels on the tile panel, channels on the tile frame, or no channel) may be
used together to
form a myriad of building structures.
[00115] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate one exemplary embodiment of a triangular
frame
element 212 with a first frame portion 214 and a second frame portion 216 that
may connect via
connection mechanism 222 that is similar to those discussed above. FIGS. 14
and 15 illustrate
two formed building tiles 25, 207. Triangular building tile 25 has a panel 218
with a channel
into which the tile frame extends. Triangular building panel 207 has a
triangular tile frame 213
that has a channel into which the panel 219 extends.
[00116] FIGS. 44-46 illustrate an alternative building tile 810. The
building tile 810
includes a tile frame 812 and a tile panel 818 that are configured to mate
together. The frame
812 may have a first frame portion 814 and a second flume portion 816 that are
connectable to
one another around at least portions of the panel 818 such that the frame 812
is securely mated to
the tile panel 818, as shown in FIGS. 45 and 46. In one configuration, the
tile frame 812 is
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disposed around the edge of the tile panel 818. More specifically, the first
frame portion 814
may be snap-fit together with the second frame portion 816 around the edge of
the tile panel 818.
FIG. 46 illustrates the first frame portion 814 having a flange 817 disposed
near an edge of the
tile panel 818 along a face of the tile panel 818 and the second frame portion
816 having a flange
819 disposed near an edge of the tile panel 818 along an opposing face of the
tile panel 818. In
this manner the tile panel 818 is tightly and securely captured between the
two frame portions
814, 816. In one embodiment, an edge portion of the tile panel may be pinched
or compressed
between the frame portions such that the edge portion has a slightly reduced
thickness where it is
gripped by the frame portions. To secure the two frame portions 814, 816
relative to one
another, the first and second frame portions 814, 816 have respective first
and second walls 815,
821 that tightly snap-fit together. In other embodiments, the two frame
portions 814, 186 may be
secured together by other fastening elements. Further, the wall 815 may help
retain the tile panel
812 securely between the first and second frame portions 814, 816, as shown in
FIG. 46.
1001171 Similar to previous embodiments, the building tile 810 may include
a magnet, or a
plurality of magnets 820, in the tile frame 812. The magnets 820 may be
disposed in both the
first and second frame portions 814, 816 and the magnets also may be limited
to one or the other
of the first and second frame portions 814, 816.
1001181 FIGS. 47-49 illustrate an alternative building tile 910. The
building tile 910
includes a tile frame 912 and a tile panel 918 that are configured to mate
together. The frame
912 may have a first frame portion 914 and a second frame portion 916 that are
connectable to
one another around at least portions of the panel 918 such that the frame 912
is securely mated to
the tile panel 918, as shown in FIGS. 48 and 49. In one configuration, the
tile frame 912 is
disposed around the edge of the tile panel 918. More specifically, the first
frame portion 914
may be snap-fit together with the second frame portion 916 around the edge of
the tile panel 918.
FIG. 49 illustrates the first ;frame portion 914 having a flange 917 disposed
near an edge of the
tile panel 918 along a face of the tile panel 918 and the second frame portion
916 having a flange
919 disposed near an edge of the tile panel 918 along an opposing face of the
tile panel 918. One
of the first and second panels 914, 916 also may have a wall, such as a wall
915 or 921 to help
retain the panel 918. In this manner, the tile panel 918 is securely captured
between the two
frame portions 914, 916.
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1001191 To secure the two frame portions 914, 916 relative to one another,
the first and
second frame portions 914, 916 may have respective first and second walls 915,
921 that tightly
snap-fit together. In addition to the first and second walls 915, 921, or
instead of the walls, the
first and second frame portions 914, 916 may include a connection mechanism
922 having a first
joint portion 932 and a second joint portion 934 (FIG. 47) that mate together.
The first joint
portion 932 may include a recess, and the second joint portion 934 may include
a protrusion,
extension, or catch. The first and second joint portions 932, 934 are disposed
along the faces of
the first and second frame portions 914, 916 that are coextensive with or abut
one another when
the tile frame 912 and tile panel 914 are securely mated together. Though FiG.
47 illustrates a
segment or side of the tile panel 912 having three connection mechanisms 922
disposed thereon,
a greater or lesser number may be employed.
1001201 Similar to previous embodiments, the building tile 910 may include
a magnet, or a
plurality of magnets 920, in the tile frame 912. The magnets 920 may be
disposed in both the
first and second frame portions 914, 916 and the magnets also may be limited
to one or the other
of the first and second frame portions 914, 916.
[001211 FIG. 55 illustrates another exemplary magnetic building tile. The
building tile
1010 has a magnetic tile frame 1012 that mates with a tile panel 1018. The
magnetic tile frame
1012 is connected to the tile panel 1018 by a connection mechanism, such as a
peg, protrusion,
extension, catch, friction fit or snap-fit element 1000 (see, e.g., FIG. 50).
The peg 1000 disposed
on the tile frame 1012 mates with corresponding holes or openings 1001 in the
tile panel 1018.
The peg 1000 and the openings 1001 are friction or snap-fit together to ensure
that the two
elements are securely connected to one another when assembled as a building
tile 1010.
1001221 As noted, a number of connection mechanisms between the frame 1012
and the
panel 1018 may be employed. In addition, to improve the connection between the
tile frame
1012 and the tile panel 1018 additional elements may be incorporated therein.
For example, the
panel 3018, shown in FIG. 92, may include a fitting within or around the
openings 3001 to
improve or strengthen the interference or friction fit between the two
elements. The fitting 4000
may be an inset fitting, retainer, grommet, eyelet, or lining of the opening
3001. By one
approach, the fitting 4000 is comprised of a material having an increased
coefficient of friction
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as compared to the material comprising the remainder of the panel 3118. By
another approach,
the fitting 4000 may help retain the shape or configuration of the opening
3001 to permit the
panel 3118 to be detached and reattached to frames many number of times. In
yet another
approach, the fitting 3001 may be external to the panel.
[00i.23] Similar to the frame previously discussed, the frame 1012 has
magnets 1020
disposed therein such that the frame can be magnetically attracted and
attached to another
magnetic frame, tile, or connector. Like the frames previously discussed, a
plurality of
interchangeable panels can be releasably and stably supported therewith to
form a building tile.
One of the panels can be easily inserted into and removed from the frame to
create tiles of
different appearances by changing panels.
[00124} The frame 1012 also may be a single or one-piece construction to
which the user
may simply secure a removable tile panel. In this manner, the removable panel
1018 can be
releasably and stably supported in the frame 1012 to form a building tile 1010
without
disassembling the frame 1012. More particularly, each of the panels 1018 can
be placed in a
position of stable equilibrium within the frame 1012 or removed therefrom
simply by manually
applying pressure to the panels 1018 and frame 1012 without disassembling or
permanently
deforming any part of either the frame or the panel. In addition, this
attachment and detachment
can be accomplished without the use of tools. Though the user may manipulate a
one-piece
frame 1012, the frame itself may nonetheless have been manufactured in a
plurality of
components and assembled into the single element to which the tile panels 1018
are attached.
[00125] Though illustrative frame 1012 has a one-piece configuration when
in use, the
pegs 1000 or similar fasteners also may be incorporated into a frame that has
a plurality of
releasable and connectable frame elements or portions with a connecting member
and/or a
channel, such as those described above.
[001261 By one approach, the pegs 1000 are disposed on a brace,
strengthening rib,
bracket, or support member 1002. In one embodiment, the support members 1002
are disposed
near the corners of the frame 1012. One illustrative frame 1012, shown in FIG.
50, has four legs
forming four corners, which may be spanned by the support members 1002. As
shown in FIG.
50, the support members 1002 are disposed near the corners of the frame 1012.
The support
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member 1002 may have a variety of shapes including the wedge or triangle
illustrated in FIG. 51,
though in other configurations, the support member 1002 is merely a strip
member that spans the
distance between two of the legs of the frame. By one approach, the support
member 1002 is
disposed about halfway through the thickness of the frame 1012. As shown in
FIG. 52, the
support member 1002 has two sides and a first side from which the peg 1000
extends is disposed
approximately in the middle of the thickness of the frame 1012.
[00127} As shown, the pegs 1000 extend from a first side of the support
member 1002 and
may extend such that they are approximately the same height as an edge or
first side 1003 of the
frame 1012. In this manner, when the panels 1018 are secured to the frame 1012
the resulting
panel wall 1026 is flush with the top of the peg 1000 and an edge 1003 of the
frame 1012. By
one approach, if the frame 1012 is about 0.25-inches (about 6.35 mm) in
height, the first side
surface of the support member 1002 may be disposed about 0.125-inch (about
3.175 mm) from
the outer surface or first side 1003 of the frame 1012.
1001281 Unlike some of the panels previously discussed, tile panel 1018
lacks a
connecting element and a channel. Instead, the panel 1018 is a single element
with opposing
sides. Like previous panels described, the panels 1018 may be formed of a
variety of materials,
such as, for example, cardboard, paperboard, plastic, composites, metal, or
wood. In some
embodiments, the panels 1018 may have a coating of material that enables the
user to easily
decorate and redecorate the surface of the panel 1018. As suggested above, the
panel 1018 is
approximately the same thickness as the peg 1000 such that the peg 1000, a
side surface 1026 of
the panel 1018, and the first side 1003 of the frame 1012 are flush with one
another when the
panel 1018 and the frame 1012 are assembled together.
100129i As discussed above, the building tiles, such as tiles 1010 may have
a height or a
width of between about 2 to about 50 centimeters (about 0.79 to about 19.7-
inches) and a
thickness of between about 0.25 to about 2.0 centimeters (about 0.098 to about
0.79-inches),
among other ranges. In one illustrative embodiment, the square building frame
1012 has a height
or width of about 10.16 to about 16.51 centimeters (about 4.0 to about 6.5-
inches). In yet
another configuration, the height, h, or width is about 10.8 centimeters
(about 4.25-inches), as
shown in FIG. 51. In this manner, the square building frame is about 4.25-
inches by 4.25-inches
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in dimension. In another illustrative configuration, the height may be about
15.24 cm (about 6.0-
inches) such that the frame is about 6-inches by 6-inches. In one
configuration, the building
frame 1012 may have a thickness, t, of about 0.5 to about 0.8 centimeters
(about 0.2 to about 0.3-
inch). By another approach, the building frame 1012 may have a thickness, t,
of about 0.65
centimeters (about 0.25-inch), as shown in FIG. 52.
1001301 Furthermore, each of the legs or lengthwise sections of the
building frame 1012
may be about 0.64 centimeters (about 0.25-inch) in width, w, such that the
central opening of the
building tile 1012 is between about 8.9 cm (3.5-inch) to about 15.2 cm (6.0-
inch) if the height is
between about 10.2 cm (4.0-inch) to about 16.5 cm (6.5-inch). In one
illustrative configuration,
the central opening is about 9.5 centimeters (about 3.75-inch). In this
manner, the square panel
1018 that mates with the frame 1012 is about 9.5 centimeters by 9.5
centimeters (about 3.75-inch
by 3.750inch). Further, the panel 1018 may have a thickness of about 0.32
centimeters (about
0.125-inch). As the first surface of the support member 1002 is disposed about
halfway through
the height of the building frame 1012, the panel 1018 is flush or nearly flush
with the top edge of
the building frame 1012 when the two are mated together.
1001311 The square magnetic frames 1012 (shown in FIGS. 50-52) mate with
the
corresponding square panel 1018 illustrated in FIGS. 53 and 54. The openings
1001 are
disposed proximate the corners such that they easily mate with the pegs 1000
when the tile 1012
is assembled, as shown in FIG. 55. The magnetic frames and associated panels
also may have a
number of different shapes or sides, such as, for example, a pentagonal shape,
a hexagonal shape,
and a triangular shape, such as an equilateral or an isosceles shape, among
others. These
alternative shapes may have a range of dimensions similar to those described
above. By another
approach, the magnetic tiles, frames, and panels may have a circular or oval
shape, among
others.
[001321 Further, one illustrative triangular frame 1025, shown in FIG. 58,
has an
equilateral shape and can be mated with the triangular panel 1019. By one
approach, the
triangular frame 1025 may have legs with a length of about 15.24 centimeters
(about 6.0-inches)
and the triangular panel 1019 may have sides with a length of about 12.5
centimeters (about
4.96-inches). Another triangular frame 1007 shown in FIG. 60 has an isosceles
shape and can be
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mated with the triangular panel 1015. By one approach, the triangular frame
1007 has one leg
with a length of about 15.16 centimeters (about 5.97-inches) and two other
legs with a length of
about 30 centimeters (about 11.81-inches). Accordingly, the triangular panel
1015 may have one
side with a length of about 13.3 centimeters (about 5.23-inches) and two other
sides with a length
of about 26.54 centimeters (about 10.45-inches). In yet another approach, the
triangular frame
1025 may have legs with a length of about 10.5 centimeters (about 4.25-inches)
and the
triangular panel 1019 may have sides with a length of about 8.9 centimeters
(about 3.51-inches).
Another triangular frame 1007 shown in FIG. 60 has an isosceles shape and can
be mated with
the triangular panel 1015. By one approach, the triangular frame 1007 has one
leg with a length
of about 10.7 centimeters (about 4.23-inches) and two other legs with a length
of about 21.2
centimeters (about 8.36-inches). Accordingly, the triangular panel 1015 may
have one side with
a length of about 9.4 centimeters (about 3.7-inches) and two other sides with
a length of about
18.8 centimeters (about 7.4-inches).
1001331 In addition to the panels discussed above, the frames disclosed
herein (e.g.,
frames 10, 110, 1012) also can be mated with alternative panels, such as
window panels
illustrated in FIGS. 56 and 57. FIG. 56 illustrates an arched window panel
1099, and FIG. 57
illustrates a window panel with windowpanes. These window panels 1099 and 1199
are similar
to the panels 1018 previously discussed, but include a cut out portion that
permits the user to see
through the panel. Further, the window panels 1099 and 1199 may include
plurality of holes or
openings 1001 that allow the panels to mate with the pegs 1000 on the frames
1012. In addition
to the window panels, the user also may incorporate three-dimensional panels
as described
below. Further, the window panel, other architectural panels, and/or three-
dimensional panels
may be used with the kits described below to permit a child or other user to
build a variety of
structures.
[001341 The building tiles described herein can be manipulated and
configured in a
number of ways. For example, as discussed above, the edges and faces of the
tile adjacent the
edges may be magnetically connected together. Further, the building tiles may
be connected to
other structures, such as a plastic and/or cardboard box or piece. In addition
to using the
building tiles discussed above, connectors, such as a magnetic connector
and/or mechanical
connector may be employed to secure the building tiles to other structures or
pieces.
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[00135] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the magnetic connector element 42
(hereinafter
referred to as the "magnetic connector") may include a frame element 44 and
magnets 46
disposed therein. The magnets 46 may be disposed within the frame 44 in any of
the manners
discussed above. In one approach, the frame element 44 is a single, linear
frame element having
at least one surface that is generally flat and that can be disposed flush
against a flat surface. As
shown in FIG. 17, the magnetic connector 42 may be disposed on the inside
surface of a
cardboard piece 48. In this manner, magnetic building tiles 10, 100, or any
other
shape/configuration of magnetic tile or other connectors, including those
described below, may
be attached to the cardboard piece 48 by placing one or more magnetic
connectors 42 on the
inside surface and another magnetic element (i.e., building tiles or
connectors) adjacent the
internal magnetic connector 42, but on the outside surface of the cardboard
piece 48.
1001361 FIGS. 18-20 depict magnetic building tiles 10, 10a being attached
to the plastic
and/or cardboard piece 48. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the magnetic connector
42 may be
disposed on an inside surface of the cardboard piece 48 near an upper corner
thereof. A
magnetic building tile 10 is then advanced to a position on the outside of the
cardboard piece 48
that is adjacent the magnetic connector 42, but on the opposing surface of the
wall of the
cardboard piece 48. Depending on the materials of the building tiles 10, more
than one magnetic
connector 42 may be disposed on the inside surface of the cardboard piece 48
to secure the
building tile 10 to the outside surface of the box. For example, two, three,
or even four magnetic
connectors 42 may be disposed on the inside surface of the cardboard piece 48
in an arrangement
that corresponds to the first and second frame portions 14, 16 of the building
tile 10. See, e.g.,
FIGS. 36-38 illustrating two magnetic connectors 42 disposed on the inside
surface of the
cardboard piece 48 to provide additional stability for the building tile 10.
Other magnetic
elements also may be disposed on the inside surface of the cardboard piece 48,
i.e., another
magnetic tile or another connector, such as those described below.
[001371 Once the magnetic building tile 10 is in position on the outside of
the cardboard
piece 48, such that it remains attached to the cardboard piece 48 via the
magnetic connection,
additional magnetic building tiles 10a may be attached to the first magnetic
building tile 10. In
this manner, plastic, paperboard, or cardboard, including a typical cardboard
box, may be used
with building tiles and connectors described herein. In addition, the building
tiles 10, 10a and
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magnetic connectors 42 may be connected to another connector, such as
mechanical connector
142 that has a pair of wings, as described below. In the example of FIG. 20,
the mechanical
connector 142 attaches a cutout 92. Though the cutout 92 is illustrated as a
railroad crossing
sign, numerous alternative cutouts may engage with mechanical connectors 142.
[00138] FIGS. 21-25 illustrate another exemplary magnetic and mechanical
connector
142. The mechanical connector 142 has a frame element 144 with magnets 146
disposed therein.
The magnets 146 may be disposed within the frame 144 in any of the manners
discussed above.
The mechanical connector 142 has a pair of extension elements 152, 154 that
are attached to and
extend from the frame 144 in a substantially parallel arrangement. As shown,
each of the
extension elements 152, 154 has a connector wing 156, 158 flexibly connected
to the extension
element 152, 154. In one approach, the end of the connector wing 156, 158 is
attached to an end
of the extension element 152, 154 disposed a distance from the frame element
144. Further, the
flexibly connected wings 156, 158 extend between the parallel extension
elements 152,154, and
a plurality of friction elements 160 may be disposed on the pair of flexibly
connected wings 156,
158 on a surface thereof that faces the other of the connector wings 156, 158.
1001391 In this manner, a sheet, such as a cardboard panel (or panel made
of another
material), may extend between the connector wings 156, 158 and engage the
friction elements
160 disposed therein (see, e.g., FIG. 30). This permits the mechanical
connector 142 to attach
magnets, such as magnets 146, to a cardboard (or other) piece or a cardboard
box such that the
building tiles, or other connectors, can thereafter be attached to such piece
or box.
[001401 Another exemplary magnetic, mechanical connector 242 is shown in
FIG. 26.
The mechanical connector 242 includes a frame 244 with parallel extension
elements 252
connected thereto. The mechanical connector 242 also includes wings and
friction elements
similar to those discussed above with respect to mechanical connector 142.
Further, the
mechanical connector 242 includes a hinge 262 that permits the extension
elements 252 to move
or rotate relative to the frame element 244 and the magnets 220. Also, when a
cardboard piece
or box, or other panel type, is disposed within the extension elements 252 of
the mechanical
connector 242, the cardboard piece or box, or other panel type, may move
relative to the frame
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element 244 and any magnetic building tiles or connectors attached thereto. In
short, arrow 264
depicts the movement of the parallel extension elements 252 relative to the
frame 244.
100141i FIG. 27 depicts another magnetic, mechanical connector 342, which
is similar to
mechanical connector 242, but lacks a hinge element. The mechanical connector
342, instead,
has a frame 344 with a rounded configuration about its face disposed away from
the side of the
mechanical connector 342 with the parallel extension elements 352 extending
therefrom.
Previous connectors had rounded ends as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 (though
squared edges also
may be incorporated) and at least a partially flat face, whereas mechanical
connector 342 also
has a rounded face and also has a cross section of the frame 344 that is
similar to a semi-circle.
In this manner, the mechanical connector 342 may rotate around the side of the
frame 344 or a
portion thereof disposed away from the extension elements 352. As shown in
FIG. 27 with
arrow 364, this provides for a larger range of motion than that resulting from
the hinge 262 of the
mechanical connector 242 illustrated in FIG. 26. Thus, a building kit or
system may include
either or both of the mechanical connectors 242, 342 to permit the user to
create structures with
portions that rotate relative to one another. In addition, it is anticipated
that a mechanical
connector with both a hinge and a rounded configuration about its face may be
employed.
[001421 Another magnetic, mechanical connector 2042 is illustrated in FIG.
72. The
mechanical connector 2042 is nearly identical to the mechanical connector 142
described above,
expect for the friction elements 2066. The mechanical connector 2042 has a
frame 2044 with
magnets disposed therein that permit it to be attached to other frame elements
described herein.
Further, the mechanical connector 2042 includes a pair of extension elements
2052, 2054 that are
attached to and extend from the frame 2044. The extension elements 2052, 2054
have flexible
connector wings 2056, 2058 attached thereto upon which the friction elements
2066 are
disposed. As compared to the previously illustrated rounded friction elements
160, the friction
elements 2066 are disposed in a jagged fashion.
[00143] FIG. 74 illustrates mechanical connector 3042 that is similar to
those previously
described and includes a magnetic frame 3044, extension elements 3052, 3054
with flexible
wings 3056, 3058 having friction elements 3066 formed thereon. The mechanical
connector
3042 has a rounded face similar to that in the mechanical connector 3042 shown
in FIG. 27.
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Despite the different shape of the friction elements 2066, 3066, they function
similarly to the
others described herein.
[00144] FIG. 28 depicts a large plastic and/or cardboard piece 348 with one
mechanical
connector 142 attached thereto and another mechanical connector 142 being
pushed into
engagement with the cardboard piece 348. Once the mechanical connectors 142
are attached to
the cardboard piece 348, additional building tiles or connectors can be joined
thereto. Further,
the piece could be any of a variety of shapes, sizes, designs, or materials.
If the cardboard piece
348 is to operate as a door, or other rotating element, of a structure, the
mechanical connectors
142 may be exchanged for other mechanical connectors such as connectors 242,
342, or 3042.
1001451 FIG. 29 illustrates the cardboard piece 348 as it is being pushed
into contact with
the mechanical connector 142. Once the cardboard piece 348 is in position
between the
extension elements 152, 154 and their respective flexible wings 156, 158, the
friction elements
160 disposed on the wings 156, 158 will secure the cardboard piece 348 to the
mechanical
connector 142 by the friction generated between the wings 156, 158 and the
cardboard piece 348.
In this manner, the mechanical connector 142 is secured to the cardboard piece
348 by friction
and additional magnetic tiles or connectors can be attached to the mechanical
connector 142 via
magnetism. The mechanical connector 142 and plastic or cardboard piece may be
separated by
pulling the cardboard piece out of the connector with sufficient force to
overcome the friction.
1001461 Two additional mechanical connectors 4042, 5042 are illustrated in
FIGS. 62-65
and 66-67, respectively. Like previously described mechanical connectors 142,
the mechanical
connectors 4042, 5042 include one or a plurality of magnets disposed therein
and another
mechanical element that permits the mechanical connectors 4042, 5042 to attach
to a panel. In
the embodiment of FIGS. 62-67, the mechanical connectors 4042, 5042 include a
frame element
4044, 5044 and pegs 4000, 5000, respectively, to which panels or other
cardboard or plastic
pieces with holes or openings therein can attach. Whereas the previously
described mechanical
connectors could attach or grip a plurality of different cutouts, panels, or
sheets of material, the
mechanical panel connectors 4042, 5042 are formed to mate with panels having
specific
openings 1001 therein to accommodate the fasteners or pegs 4000, 5000.
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[00147] The mechanical connectors 4042, 5052 are similar to one another,
except that one
side of the mechanical connector 5042 has a rounded face or edge that permits
the mechanical
connector 5042 to rotate or move around the rounded face of the frame 5044 as
previously
described. The mechanical connectors 4042, 5042 can attach to the tile panels
through the pegs
4000, 5000 and openings 1001 in the panels. Further, the mechanical connectors
4042, 5042 can
be combined or magnetically attached to the other mechanical connectors and
tiles described
herein. To mate with the previously described panels having a length of about
9.5 centimeters
(about 3.75-inch) in one configuration, the mechanical connectors 4042, 5042
may have a length
of 10.8 centimeters (4.25-inches), a height of 0.635 centimeters (about 0.25-
inches), and the pegs
4000, 5000 may be disposed a distance from the ends of the mechanical
connectors and in a
position corresponding to the openings in the panels. In another
configuration, to mate with the
previously described panels having a dimension of about 13.97 centimeters
(about 5.5-inch), the
mechanical connectors 4042, 5042 may have a length of 15.24 centimeters (about
6.0-inches), a
height of 0.635 centimeters (about 0.25-inches) and the pegs 4000, 5000 may be
disposed a
distance from the ends of the mechanical connectors 4042, 5042 and in a
position corresponding
to the openings in the panels.
[001481 FIGS. 68 and 69 illustrate another mechanical connector 6042 having
a frame
6044 with pegs 6000 disposed thereon. The mechanical connector 6042 operates
similarly to the
mechanical connectors 4042, 5042 previously discussed. Specifically, the
mechanical connector
6042 is configured to have panels attach thereto with the pegs 6000 extending
through panel
openings. In one illustrative embodiment, the mechanical connector 6042
includes four pegs
6000 disposed along the frame 6044 (as opposed to the previously illustrated
two) such that the
mechanical connector 6042 can attach two panels 1018. Further, the mechanical
connector 6042
also could incorporate a rounded face (not illustrated), if desired.
[001491 By one approach, the mechanical connector 6042 may have a length of
about
21.59 centimeters (about 8.5-inches) or about 30.48 centimeters (about 12-
inches), possibly
depending on the size of the other building tiles and frames. The mechanical
connector 6042
also may include four pegs 6000 that are disposed in a configuration that
permits the mechanical
connector 6042 to attach to two panels, such as, for example panels 1018,
1099, or 1199, among
others. In other configurations, a single panel may have openings that
correspond to the pegs
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6000 disposed along the frame 6044, as illustrated in FIGS. 68 and 69. As
illustrated in FIGS.
70 and 71, the panels 1048, 1148, which may be comprised of cardboard or
plastic, may have a
plurality of openings 7001 that correlate with the location of the pegs 6000
from the mechanical
connector 6042. Further, the panels 1048, 1148 may include creases or lines of
weakness 1041,
1141 that permit the panels 1048, 1148 to be easily manipulated into a variety
of shapes. For
example, the panel 1048 can be manipulated into a square shaped box and the
panel 1148 can be
manipulated into a square box with a lid. Each of the panel sections of the
square or box may be
approximately 21.59 centimeters (about 8.5-inches) or about 30.48 centimeters
(about 12-inches)
such that the mechanical connector 6042 may easily mate therewith.
1001501 As mentioned above, the tile frames also may be associated or
attached to three-
dimensional panels, such as those having a first planar portion and a second
portion protruding or
otherwise extending from the first planar portion. For example, the panels may
incorporate
architectural or other design elements that give the panels additional
dimension. Such three-
dimensional panels may be readily formed into a castle, fort, bridge, and
tent, among others. The
three-dimensional panels also may be formed to resembled a race track, maze,
ball run, or
features of animals, vehicles, or superheroes, among many others. FIGS. 76-78
illustrate a few
of the myriad of different three-dimensional panels that may be employed with
the frames
described herein. FIG. 76 illustrates a tunnel panel 1218 with a window
opening that may be
connected to two frames with one frame at the top of the tunnel panel 1218 and
another frame
disposed at the bottom of the tunnel panel 1218. The tunnel panel 1218 also
may be designed to
connect only to a single frame. FIG. 77 illustrates a castle panel that may be
mated to a frame
1012 at its lower end. FIG. 78 illustrates a bay window panel 1418 that may be
mated with a
frame along its sides, similar to the previously described window panels 1099,
1199, but having
additional thickness or dimension. As mentioned above, the tile panels,
including the three-
dimensional panels, can be made of a variety of materials.
[001511 Though FIGS. 76-78 illustrate various architectural panels, other
three-
dimensional panels may be employed herewith. FIGS. 79-81 illustrate a
plurality of panels
1518, 1618, 1718 that may be incorporated into a maze or ball run. These
panels 1518, 1618,
1718 may be combined with frames 1012 and one another to create a path through
which a small
object can advance or be advanced. FIG. 79 illustrates a panel 1518 having a
cylindrical tube
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shape through which a ball or other smaller object can advance. FIG. 80
illustrates a panel 1618
having a cylindrical tube that is bent such that the ball or smaller object
would advance
therethrough, but be moved laterally and longitudinally. Finally, FIG. 81
illustrates a panel 1718
that illustrates an X-shape through which a ball or small object could move in
a variety of
manners. These may be used with a number of other panels such as, for example,
a funnel or
stepped ball-drop to create a path through which a ball or another small
object could be
advanced.
1001521 Another set of panels that may be used to create a ball run or maze
can be found
in FIGS. 89-91. These panels 2118, 2218, 2318 generally have a first panel or
panel section
2118a, 2218a, 2318a, and a second panel or panel section 2118b, 2218b, 2318b.
Each of the
panel sections has four openings 2101, 2201, 2301 therein. These openings can
mate with the
plurality of connecting pegs discussed above such that these panels 2118,
2218, 2318 can
connect with two of the frames or a number of the mechanical connectors
discussed above.
Whereas the three-dimensional maze panels illustrated in FIGS. 76-78 may form
a ball run or
maze adjacent to the frames 1012, the panels in FIGS. 89-91 form a ball run or
maze that
advances through the panels 2118, 2218, 2318.
[001531 In this manner, the three-dimensional panels 2118, 2218, 2318 may
be used to
form a maze or ball run such that the ball or other object can advance through
the maze or ball
run and through the frames. To that end, in between the first and second panel
sections 2118a,
2218a, 2318a, 2118b, 2218b, 2318b, a center section 2131, 2231, 2331 guides or
moves the ball
or other object moving through the maze or ball run. For example, in FIG. 89,
the panel 2118
includes a straight tunnel section 2131. The center section 2231 of the three-
dimensional panel
2218 is a tunnel with a bend. FIG. 91 illustrates a three-dimensional panel
2318 with a funnel
section 2331. These three-dimensional panels, and others, can be used with the
frames described
herein to form a number of maze or ball run configurations. Though these three-
dimensional
panels have been illustrated with openings to connect to the frame with the
connecting pegs,
these three-dimensional panels also may have channels or other elements that
permit them to
easily mate with the other frames described herein.
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[00154]
Other three-dimensional panels may be used to build structures, such as, for
example, a race track for vehicles. A number of different panels may be
incorporated into a race
track including, for example, a ramp panel 1818, as shown in FIG. 82 or a half-
pipe panel 1918,
shown in FIG. 83. These and other panels, such as an arcuate or bridge panel
2018, may be used
together to provide a road, course, or race track for users to move toy
vehicles, such as cars or
trucks.
[00155}
FIGS. 84 to 88 illustrate a few illustrative track formations. FIG. 84
illustrates a
ramp 2418 attached to a plurality of tile panels 1012. FIG. 85 illustrates
loop panel 2518 and an
exit ramp 2618. FIG. 86 illustrates a bridge panel 2018 that may be used to
connect two distinct
groups of tiles 1010 or frames 1012. FIGS. 87 and 88 illustrate two additional
three-dimensional
panel 2718, 2818, respectively. Each of the panels 2718, 2818 has a curved
section around
which a plurality of vehicles may travel.
Each of the three-dimensional panels includes
openings through which the panel may be mated with the pegs of the frames
described herein.
The panels may have a number of different openings and opening configurations.
In one
illustrative embodiment, the three-dimensional panels include four openings
therein (see, e.g.,
panel 2618 of FIG. 85) to permit the panels to attach to a frame with four
fasteners. Further,
such panels may include a variable thickness to help secure the panel to the
fasteners of the
frame. In another approach, the three-dimensional panels may include two
openings therein (see,
e.g., panel 3218 that attaches to the mechanical connector 4042 in FIGS. 86
and 88). The three-
dimensional panels with two openings may easily connect with the mechanical
connectors
described herein, which themselves may attach other magnetic frames and tiles.
[001561 The
three-dimensional race track panels described herein also may include a lip,
flange, ledge, or guardrail to assist a user with keeping the vehicles on the
track. As illustrated in
FIGS. 84 and 86, the guard rail 3000 may merely be one-piece raised rim. In
other
configurations, the guardrail may include a number of pieces such as posts and
rails.
[001571 As
mentioned above, a building set or kit 50 may be comprised of a number of
different magnetic building tiles, frames, panels, and/or connectors. The
building set 50, shown
in FIG. 31, may include a number of building tiles, e.g., 10, 13, 25, that
have a frame disposed in
the channel of the panel and/or building tiles, e.g., 100, 207, that have a
frame disposed around
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and outward of the edges of the panel. Whether a channel is disposed on the
frame or the panel
or whether another connection mechanism such as peg fasteners are employed,
the building tiles
are all magnetically connectable to one another along their edges and faces.
In addition, the
building tiles can be magnetically connected to connectors, for example, as
shown in FIG. 31. In
addition, two mechanical connectors (such as connectors 142, 242, 342, 2042,
6042, 4042, 5042,
6042) may be magnetically connected to one another such that two cardboard
pieces 348 and 349
may be secured adjacent to one another.
1001581 Additional illustrative building kits 70, 80 are illustrated in
FIGS. 32 and 33, and
these kits also may include a number of magnetic tiles, frames, panels,
connectors, and panel
pieces, which may be arranged to form a variety of structures, such as a fort
or vehicle. With a
variety of building elements, a user can assemble or arrange the elements in a
myriad of different
configurations. For example, the structure created with the kit 70 shown in
FIG. 32 employs a
variety of building tiles 10, 25, and a variety of mechanical connectors 142,
242. In addition, a
number of differently shaped panel pieces 448, 449, 450, which may be
comprised of cardboard,
may interface with the mechanical connectors and building tiles. FIG. 33
illustrates a kit 80 used
to create a structure with a variety of building tiles including square
building tiles 10, 100,
rectangular building tiles 13, 113, and triangular building tiles 25, 125. In
the illustrative
structure of FIG. 33, pieces 548, 590 have been incorporated into the
structure with mechanical
connectors 142.
1001591 To provide the user with a variety of building tiles usable to
create different
structures, the kits may include panels and frames of different shapes and
configurations. FIGS.
34A-34G illustrate a few of the numerous options for the panel shape. FIG. 34A
illustrates a
square panel and FIGS. 34B-D illustrate different triangular panels. FIG. 34E
illustrates a
rectangular panel and FIG. 34F illustrates a circular panel. FIG. 34G
illustrates an oval panel.
These panels are illustrated for exemplary purposes and different panel shapes
are anticipated.
Further, these panels can be incorporated into any of the tile or frame
configurations discussed
above, i.e., a panel with a channel or a frame with a channel. Furthermore, as
noted above,
three-dimensional panels such as panels 1218, 1318, 1418, 1518, 1618, and 1718
may be
incorporated into the kits or tiles.
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[00160! A kit also may include a plurality of panel pieces, such as
cardboard or plastic
cutouts, that may be assembled together with one another and with tiles, such
as with the use of
the mechanical connectors 142, 242, 342, 2042, 6042, 4042, 5042, 6042. By one
approach, these
cardboards or plastic pieces may be formed from a sheet of cardboard or
plastic having lines of
weakness formed therein, wherein the lines of weakness create a plurality of
discrete tiles
resembling building elements. Once separated from the sheet of cardboard or
plastic these
discrete cardboard or plastic pieces may be secured to one another to form a
variety of structures.
These cardboard pieces may have a variety of details that correspond to known
architectural
features. For example, FIG. 35A shows a cutout piece 90 having a notched
configuration that
could be used to depict portions of a castle or an element of a car, or
various other elements of a
structure. Panel or cutout pieces 92, 94, 96, 98 of FIGS. 35B-E depict various
window
configurations, though these may be repurposed into many alternative elements.
Indeed, cutout
piece 92 was rotated in FIG. 20 to depict a railroad crossing sign. These
pieces may include a
plastic portion in the center of the open portion, or may not have any
material disposed in the
openings. These configurations are not an exhaustive representation, but are
merely examples of
the various optional pieces that may be used herewith. Also, some of these
cutout pieces may be
formed into magnetic tiles with a corresponding frame. For example, the cutout
90 may be
engaged with a frame such as tile frame 112 to create a magnetic tile having
openings therein.
Other panels that may be incorporated into the kit includes panels 1048, 1148
that can be
employed to build various shapes.
[001611 A wide variety of modifications, alterations, and combinations can
be made with
respect to the above described embodiments without departing from the scope of
the invention,
and are within the ambit of the inventive concept. For example, there are
numerous variations on
the size and shape of the building tiles disclosed herein.
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