A Magnetic Coupling Arrangement and a Building Module, Tool and

Pipe Element using said Magnetic Coupling Element

The present invention relates to a building set and toys comprising such building set. More specifically, it relates to a combined magnetic and non-magnetic building set.

There are numerous building sets on the market designed for playing and learning. Some building sets use different means for attaching the blocks of the set to each other, such as hooks, studs and holes or magnets. In building sets using magnets, there will be opposing demands in that the magnetic connection should be weak enough for a child to disassemble, yet strong enough to keep connected during playing.

A commonly known product is a set with pins having magnetic ends and metallic balls, where the balls form joints between the pins. The magnets used in this type of building sets must have magnets being strong enough to keep a construction together, while at the same time ensuring that a playing child can assemble and disassemble the parts without too much effort. However, as the complexity of the magnetic construction increases, there is an increased possibility that the joints are not sufficiently strong to keep the construction together.

There are also widely known train sets where magnets form the connection between the train wagons. Each wagon has one end with a positive magnet and one end with a negative magnet, and the user must combine one positive and one negative magnet to connect two wagons.

If too many magnetically connected wagons are joined to form a long train, it will often disassemble if the trai is pulled uphill, e.g. over a bridge. On the other hand, if the magnets are too strong, it would be difficult for a child to alternate the composition of a train, which is an important part of the game.

An object of the invention is to provide a magnetic coupling arrangement suitable for magnetic building sets providing a stronger connection between blocks or parts, while still enabling a child or other person with limited finger strength to disassemble connected parts.

This is obtained by the provision of a magnetic coupling arrangement comprising a socket device and a plug device, both being provided with a round coupling section, the coupling section of the socket device comprising a circular sidewall and a bottom wall, the bottom wall exhibiting a contact surface facing the circular side wall, the coupling section of the plug device comprising a circular sidewall and a top wall, the top wall exhibiting a contact surface facing away from the circular side wall, the socket device and the plug device being provided with a magnet compartment adjacent to the bottom or top wall, respectively, at least one magnet being arranged in the magnet compartment to provide a stationary positive pole area and a stationary negative pole area to the contact surface.

When a coupling section of a plug device is introduced in the coupling section of a socket device, the stationary positive pole area of the contact surface of the plug device will connect to the stationary negative pole area of the the socket device, while the stationary negative pole area of the plug device will connect to the stationary positive pole area of the socket device. The double magnetic coupling will provide a stronger connection compared to prior art magnetic solutions comprising a single pole. At the same time, the circular sidewalls of the plug and socket helps stabilize the connection. When the user wants to disconnect the socket and plug device, they are rotated in relation to each other, so that the two positive poles and the two negative poles meet and pushes the contact surfaces away from each other, thereb disassembling the two members.

In a preferred embodiment the magnet compartment comprises two magnets being arranged in parallel and with opposing poles pointing towards the contact surface. The two magnets will provide a strong magnetic connection, when the opposing poles of two contact surfaces are combined.

The invention also relates to a building module being provided with at least one of the plug or socket devices as described above. The magnetic coupling arrangement will provide stronger and more stable connections when the plug and socket devices of two or more building modules are combined, than the connection of prior art building modules. At the same time, the rotational disassembling of the connection devices, i.e. the plug and socket devices, makes it easy for everybody to disassemble a construction made with the building modules.

In one embodiment of the invention, the building module is provided with a magnetic coupling arrangement as described above, the socket device being arranged in another side of the module than the plug device. Building modules provided with more than one of the connection devices, will enable the user to combine a number of building modules to form a larger construction.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the building modules as described above, further comprises at least one plug hole suitable for introduction of a pin. The provision of plug holes enables the user to combine further equipment with the building modules, the further equipment being provided with plugs or pins for connection to the plug holes. An example of such further equipment can be e.g. wheels, windows, car or tractor compartments, shovels, flags, faces, decorational elements etc. in one embodi ment, the building module comprisi ng built-i n structures, such as decorational features.

In a preferred embodiment of the magnetic coupling arrangement as described above, the magnets comprise permanent magnets. The provision of permanent magnets enables a cost- efficient production of the connection devices and a simple magnetic connection with few parts.

However, it is also conceivable that the magnetic coupling arrangement comprises at least one magnet that is an electromagnet, thereby enabl ing disconnection also by turning off the electromagnet.

in one embodi ment of the invention, the building modules as described above are made of a plastic material . However, it is also possible to make the modules of wood or even compressed wood pulp or woody fibres.

It is also conceivable to provide a tool or utensil with at least one of the connection devices of the magnetic coupli ng arrangement, e.g . tools or utensils comprising a shaft or handle and a working part, where it is beneficial to use one shaft or handle with multiple different working parts. This could be practical with for example gardening tools, where a handle can be used with shovels of different sizes, rakes, cutting devices or even fruit collecting baskets or with cleaning tools, so that one handle can be used with swobs of different sizes, mops, brushes etc.

The invention will now be further explained by means of non-limiting examples in the attached drawings where:

Fig. 1 shows perspective views of two embodiments of toys made with a building set according to the invention.

Figs. 2a and 2b show an embodiment of an exemplary building module of the building set in fig. 1.

Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of the building module in fig. 2a.

Figs. 4a and 4b show a first side and sectional view of an embodiment of the building module, respectively.

Figs. 5a and 5b show a second side and sectional view of an embodiment of the building module.

Figs. 6a and 6b show a perspective view of an embodiment of a magnet plug and magnet socket, respectively.

Figs. 7a-7d show a first and second side view and sectional view of an embodiment of the magnet plug in fig. 6a.

Figs. 8a-8d show a first and second side view and sectional view of an embodiment of the magnet socket in fig. 6b.

Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of two building modules. Fig . 10 shows a perspective view of three building modules according to an embodiment of the present invention about to be combined.

Fig . 11 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a toy constructed with an embodiment of building elements according to the invention .

Fig . 12 shows an exploded view of the toy in fig. 11.

Fig . 13 shows another view of the tractor in fig. 1.

Fig. 14 shows an exploded view of the tractor in fig. 13.

Fig . 1 shows perspective views of two embodiments of toys 1, 2 made with an embodiment of a building set including construction elements according to the invention, a tractor 1 and a crane machine 2. The toys are built up by means of a number of different building modules, also called construction elements, such as module or construction blocks 3, wheels 4, driver's cabin 5, shovel 6, crane 7, connecting element 8, grille 9, etc., that can be combined in a large number of ways.

The central module blocks 3, 13 comprise in one embodiment holes 10, see Fig. 2a, 2b, provided with mounting sleeves, and magnetic coupling arrangement, that will be further explained below. All other building modules than the module blocks, are either provided with paired securing elements such as pins and holes, studs and sockets, hooks and rings, Velcro, magnets etc. fitting with their securing partner, preferably mechanical securing elements, in the depicted embodiment the holes 10, a magnetic coupling element, or both .

The module block or element 3 may be made of any suitable material such as wood (birch, pine, fir, rose-wood, ebony, etc.) or plastic or non-magnetic metal, e.g. aluminium, or crystal or semi-crystal material, or other natural or synthetic material such as ivory or rubber, plastic being the preferred substance including any rigid or semi-rigid polymer or composition of polymers and copolymers, optionally included colouring substances. Examples of suitable polymers are PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PE (polyethylene), PS (polystyrene), PU (polyurethane) , etc. The preferred material of the module block or element 3 is plastic. The module block or element may also be made of any combination of such materials, optionally for providing particular structure, look, feel or other property to the relevant module block or element.

Fig . 2a shows a more detailed drawing of an embodiment of a module block 3 as shown in the building set of fig . 1. The module block 3 is in the depicted embodiment formed as a cube 13 provided with coupling holes 10 and a magnetic coupling arrangement 11, 12. The dimensions of the cube 13 can be altered, so that a building set can comprise module blocks of different sizes and forms, such as equal-sided or rectangular cubes, pyramidal or conical blocks. The blocks may also have other and more elaborate forms such as hexahedral, octahedral, decahedral, dodecahedral etc. The shape of the module or building block may be regular or irregular, e.g. with mainly perpendicular corners (90°) or with corners of a scewed angle, e.g. 60°, 45°, etc. It is also possible to shape the module or building block 3 as a cylinder, cone, sphere or other rounded shape, or as a combination of such shapes, optionally as separate sections of the module block or element. Fig. 2b shows an embodiment of a rectangular shaped cube, whereas Fig. 2a shows an embodiment of the building block or element 3 of a regular cubic shape.

The size of each building block or element 3 is arbitrary, but if the building blocks 3 are to be used in a toy or construction or assembly set, their size will normally lie within an interval so that each element may be gripped comfortably by a child. Such sizes may lie in the interval 0,5 cm - 10 cm for each side of the element, i.e. a regular cubic element 3 will have a volume within the interval of 0,125 cm ³ to 1000 cm ³ .

Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of the parts of a module block with a regular cubic shape. The coupling holes 10 can advantageously be provided with mounting sleeves 14. These are fixed in holes 10 in the cube 13. In the depicted example the holes 10 and corresponding sleeves 14 are depicted as being circular/cylindrical, whereas the holes also may be made in other shapes, but they will normally be structured to fit the accessory elements that may be secured in the holes 10, see the disclosure below. The mounting sleeves 14 are in the depicted embodiment provided with longitudinal notches on at least a part of the inside of the sleeve, to enable it to be slip-free or a gripping step, depending on the component the user wants to attach into the hole 10. The mounting sleeves 14 can also be provided with longitudinal grooves on at least a part of the outside surface to improve the engagement between the cube 3 and the mounting sleeve 14.

Alternatively, the building block or element 3 may in one embodiment be provided with attachments or special parts such as antennae, wheels, wheel arches, projections, etc. being cast or embedded into the block permanently or being provided as add-on parts to be introduced into the holes 10 optionally including securing sleeves 14.

The cube 13 can be made in wood to provide a good aesthetical impression and a light weight. A wooden cube will also be pleasant to touch and hold in the hands, which is a desirable quality for children. However, other materials are also conceivable, such as a polymer or plastic material, a fibre reinforced polymer or a light metal. The mounting sleeves 14 can be made in a metal or in a polymer material or rubber or any other material giving a good engagement between the inner surface of the holes 10 and the outer surface of the mounting sleeves 14. it is also conceivable to add an adhesive to the interfaces between the mounting sleeves 14 and the cube 3.

As shown in Fig. 14 the holes 14 are in one embodiment also meant to accommodate external parts of an assembly kit, e.g. wheels, wheel rims, wheel arches, securing pins for a grab, etc.

The cube 3 is also provided with a coupling arrangement 11, 12 comprising at least one of a magnet socket 11 and a magnet plug 12. Each of the socket 11 and plug 12 are provided with an equal (2,4,6, etc.) or unequal (1,3,5, etc.) number of magnets, e.g. two magnets or magnet pairs being arranged with opposite directions. The magnets are arranged in closed cavities, preferably separated from each other and maintained in a permanent position or at least in a permanent direction. The coupling arrangement will be further explained below. It should be noted that even if the depicted embodiments show a coupling

arrangement where the magnets are provide in pairs, it is also conceivable to provide one magnet with a positive pole section and a negative pole section, in the cavity, where the magnet is arranged in relation to the contact surface 27, 28 so that the positive pole and the negative pole of the single magnet will provide stationary or at least mainly stationary positive and negative pole areas in the contact surface 27, 28.

The socket 11 and plug 12, can be provided with threads fitting with threads in the associated holes in the cube 3, so that the coupling arrangement parts 11,12 can be threaded to the cube. The parts 11, 12 can also be pressfit to the cube or permanently fixed by means of e.g. an adhesive. The direction of the magnets in the sleeve 11 and/or stud 12 with respect to the module or building block 3 will determine the ultimate position of the relative placement of the building elements or blocks with respect to each other.

Figs. 4a-5b show different views of a building module provided with a magnetic coupling arrangement. The cube is provided with inner space suitable for holding the coupling arrangement 11, 12. In the shown embodiment, the cube is provided with a socket 11 on one side of the cube, and a plug 12 on the opposite side of the cube.

Fig. 6a shows a perspective view of an isolated magnet socket 11, while fig. 6b shows a perspective view of an isolated magnet plug 12. The plug 12 and socket 11 comprises a magnet compartment 15, 16 and a coupling section 17, 18 to be secured into at least one surface of the building block or element 3. The magnet compartment 15, 16 comprises two preferable separated spaces suitable for holding a magnet. The space should have approximately the size and shape of the magnet to prevent the magnet from changing direction, but can provide a small gap between the compartment wall and the magnet, to allow the magnet to rotate on its own axis.

The holding section 17, 18 comprises a ring 19 being externally ribbed or grooved or corrugated to improve attachment of the magnetic coupling element 11, 12 to the cube (see fig. 3). The ring 19 is aiso provided with a transversal guide bar 20. The guide bar 20 ensures that the coupling element 11, 12 is introduced in the cube with a correct direction of the magnets, so that the magnets of a plug and a socket can be matched creating a meaningful positioning of two building elements in relation to each other.

The contact sidewalls of the socket and plug are smooth so that the plug can be rotated inside the socket to guide the opposing magnetic fields towards each other for assemble and away from each other when disassembling two building blocks.

Figs. 7a-7d show two perpendicular views of the magnet socket 11 in fig. 6a.

The magnet compartment 15 of the socket 11 is arranged behind and interfacing with a bottom surface 21 in the holding cup 22 formed by the ring 19.

Figs. 8a-8d show perpendicular views of the magnet plug 12 in fig. 6b.

The magnet compartment 16 of the plug is enveloped by a plug part fitting the cup of the socket. Thereby, even if the magnet arrangement is non-circular, the user interface will be a round cup wherein a round plug is pressed. The plug is free to rotate inside the cup, to match the magnets for coupling and to free the magnetic coupling be turning the two similar poles towards each. Consequently, when the magnets of the plug and cup are aligned with different magnetic poles facing each other, the connection between the plug and the cup will be at its strongest, whereas when the plug is rotated in the cup the magnets will align with equal magnetic poles facing each other, thereby providing a separating force between the plug and cup, forcing the building blocks or relevant construction element or modules 3 apart.

Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of two building modules showing the plug and socket parts of the cube, while fig. 10 shows a perspective view of three building modules about to be combined. Each cube can be provided with a number of plugs or sockets. However, it is essential that the plug and socket are able to rotate in relation to each other when being coupled to each other, for subsequent disassembling.

In the shown embodiments, the cubes are provided with a socket on one side of the cube and a plug on the opposing side of the cube. Thereby, an unlimited amount of cubes can be combined in a row, to form a body suitable for attaching further limbs or parts, to form a vehicle, person, house or any other toy or abstract shape.

In the depicted embodiment of Fig. 9 the assembly of the elements or building modules will occur linearly, e.g. making a snake, a train or other elongated structures. However, if the building elements or construction modules also are equipped with a socket and plug on adjacent surfaces of the cube, such linear structures or assemblies may be combined to form two-dimensional structures, e.g. a wall, floor or roof, and if the connecting faces of the cubes, i.e. the faces with the plugs and corresponding sockets, are provided with connecting structures on all six faces, it will be possible to combine the two-dimensional assemblies into three- dimensional assemblies, e.g. buildings, vehicles, ships etc. However, once a building or construction element is locked into a two-or three-dimensional structure, it will not be possible to rotate the elements inside the two- or three- dimensional structure to free them by aligning opposing magnetic poles facing each other which gives a natural limitation to the use of the inventive magnetic coupling in such structures. However, it is conceivable to combine the inventive magnetic couplings with pin-and-hole couplings to create more complex structures.

Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of a further example of a toy vehicle made with a building set according to the invention. Even if the cube described above and shown in the figures, is equal-sided, it is obvious that it is also conceivable to provide oblong or rectangular shaped cubes 23, or building blocks 24 with recesses or notches. Fig. 12 shows an exploded view of the vehicle in fig. 11.

Fig. 13. shows another example of a toy vehicle, i.e. a tractor, made with a building set according to the invention, and fig. 14 shows an exploded view of the tractor.

In the exemplary embodiment disclosed above, the construction elements are provided with permanent and mainly stationary magnets for obtaining the attracting forces between the plugs and sockets or cups of separate construction elements. For disassembling the construction, the separate building blocks or construction elements have to be turned or rotated for aligning the magnets with their equal poles facing each other.

In an alternative embodiment, though, one or more or all of the permanent magnets may be replaced with electromagnets. Such electromagnets may be powered by a battery. If electromagnets are used the construction elements may be freed from each other simply by reversing the polarity of the electromagnets or simply by switching off the electric current thereby deactivating the

electromagnets. Using electromagnets in the construction elements is not preferred, though, since this will make the assembly non -waterproof and more complicated.

The connecting system according to the invention has been explained above in connection with the assembly of a toy or toy construction set, However, the connecting system may also be used for instance in tools or utensils where a locking and unlocking system is wanted or desirable. Such tools or utensils may be household equipment such as brooms with handles, where the handle is to be connected to the broom head for easy replacement of the broom handle or head. With a securing system according to the present invention it will be possible to change the broom head easily with a different broom head, thereby providing a replacement system for the parts in the assembly. Other examples where it will be advantageous to provide replacement handles or heads are painting brushes, cooking utensils, gardening utensils etc.