Magnetic toy block

Title: Magnetic toy block

The present invention relates to a magnetic toy block. The magnetic toy block may be used for example as a toy, as an educational device e.g. to develop cognitive skills, or as a presentation tool. More particularly, the invention relates to a magnetic toy block adapted to be connected to other such magnetic toy blocks using a combination of a magnet, and a set of projections and recessions.

In US5347253A an attracting body utilizing a magnet is disclosed having a spherical magnet arranged in a case body. The case body has a smooth outer wall surface. A magnetic force of the magnet allows for attraction between case bodies when two case bodies are placed close to each other. The magnet is freely spherically rotatable within the case body, such that when two or more attracting bodies are brought close to each other the magnets, which originally have a random orientation, will align themselves providing pairs of mutually arranged north and south poles.

In US20170197154 a magnetic block unit is disclosed having a magnet near a centre of each face of the block unit. The faces of the block unit comprise a plurality of connection face receivers which are radially oriented with respect to the magnet at the centre of the face. When two magnetic block units are placed on top of each other, the connection face receivers allow rotation in one radial direction while preventing rotation in the other radial direction around the magnet.

US2008139077A1 discloses element which has on each face either a plurality of ferrous protrusions providing an active face or a plurality of recesses providing a passive face. The recesses are provided with magnets recessed in their bottoms. An element's passive face can be joined to another element's active face, wherein said ferrous protrusions of said passive face are thereby joined by magnetic force to said magnets recessed in said active face.

The above blocks may be applied to build various forms. The possible forms are on the one hand limited by creativity, however on the other hand by the possible connections of one block and another block in respect of each other. A problem associated with the above blocks is that the blocks put restrictions on the connections between blocks.

The present invention aims to provide a magnetic toy block that allows versatile connections.

According to the invention, there is provided a magnetic toy block comprising:

- an outer body having outer surfaces, the outer body forming an inner cavity, the inner cavity being central in respect of the outer surfaces of the outer body,

- a magnet arranged in the inner cavity, the magnet being spherically rotatable in the inner cavity in respect of the outer body, at least one of the outer surfaces of the outer body being provided with at least one projection extending normally outwardly from the respective outer surface and at least one recession extending normally inwardly from the respective outer surface, the at least one of the outer surfaces being provided with at least as many recessions as projections, a location of the at least one projection results, for each of the at least one projection, in respect of mirroring through a mirroring axis on the respective outer surface, in a location of a respective one of the at least one recessions, wherein each outer surface is provided with an imaginary axis that runs along the outer surface, the imaginary axis extending perpendicular to at least a first edge of the outer surface dividing the outer surface into a first part and a second part, the first part having a third edge and the second part having a fourth edge, and wherein each of the at least one projection located in the first part, is associated with a corresponding recession located in the first part or the second part of the respective rectangular outer surface, one of the respective projection and the corresponding recession being located a distance from the imaginary axis, and the other one of the respective projection and the corresponding recession being located equidistantly from the respective third edge.

The toy block of the invention may be used as a toy but can also, for example, be used as an educational device e.g. to develop cognitive skills, or as a presentation tool. For example, the toy block of the invention can be used as a piece in a construction set aimed at children. Furthermore, the toy block, or plural toy blocks may be used to assemble and/or visualize structures, such as mechanical structures, biological structures such as DNA or RNA, chemical structures such as molecule structures, mechanical structures, or for any other purpose.

The toy block of the invention exhibits magnetic properties. An associated magnetic field is provided, which, according to an aspect of the invention, is induced by a magnet arranged in the outer body of the toy block.

The magnetic toy block comprises an outer body which is, preferably, constructed from a nonmagnetic material (i.e. a material that does not exhibit magnetic properties), such as a plastic or a wood. The nonmagnetic material is not attracted by the magnet that is arranged in the outer body, and as such the outer body will not hinder the magnetic interaction between two magnets comprised in two magnetic toy blocks.

The toy blocks may be manufactured out of e.g. three components, the magnet and two parts of the outer body. The two parts may be glued together. The two parts may also be constructed to have an interlocking mechanism, which will lock the two parts together. The outer body may be manufactured from a non-magnetic material such as a plastic, a wood or a fabric. Preferably, ABS plastic may be used. The spherical magnet may be a neodymium magnet.

The outer surfaces of the outer body may be formed by flat surfaces aside from the protrusions and intrusions.

The outer body of the magnetic toy block described herein may have different shapes such as the shape of a pyramid, the shape of a prism, or the shape of a rectangular cuboid. At least one of the outer surfaces of the outer body may have the shape of a circular section. The outer surfaces of the outer body may have rounded corners and the outer body may have rounded corners and edges. One or more of the outer surfaces of the outer body may be provided with projections and recessions according to the invention.

The outer body forms an inner cavity that is located central in respect of the outer surfaces of the outer body. The inner cavity can have any shape, such as a spherical shape or a cubical shape, or any other shape. The inner cavity may be fully enclosed by the outer body. Alternatively, one or more openings may be provided from the inner cavity to outside the outer body.

The magnetic toy block further comprises a magnet, for example a permanent magnet or a spherical permanent magnet. The magnet is arranged within the inner cavity of the outer body where it is freely spherically rotatable in respect to the outer body. The inner cavity is formed such that the magnet is not obstructed from rotating under the effects of, for example, another magnet held close to the magnetic toy block. The term freely rotatable is to be understood as the magnet being able to rotate when subjected to a magnetic interaction with a magnet of a neighbouring toy block. In order to promote rotatability, a dimension of the inner cavity is at least equal to a dimension of the magnet. The cavity may be spherical so as to enable a spherical rotation of the magnet. Alternatively, the cavity may exhibit a cubical shape, whereby a dimension of a rib of the cubical shape matches a diameter of the (spherical) magnet. Thereby, a contact surface between the magnet and walls of the inner cavity may be held small, hence minimizing friction between the magnet and the walls of the cavity, thereby promoting a rotatability of the magnet in respect of the outer body.

When two magnetic toy blocks are placed close to each other, the spherically rotatable magnets in both magnetic toy blocks will interact with each other by their respective magnetic fields. As the magnets are spherically rotatable in the respective inner cavities, the spherically rotatable magnets will align themselves to form a north/south pair, causing the blocks to be subjected to a mutual magnetic attracting force.

Similarly, when three or more magnetic toy blocks are placed close to each other, the three or more magnets will interact with each other, and, as the magnets are spherically rotatable in the respective cavities, align themselves resulting in a magnetic attraction force between the three or more magnetic toy blocks.

Preferably, the magnetic interaction between two or more magnets comprised in two or more magnetic toy blocks is in an order of magnitude for a child to be able to separate the two or more magnetic toy blocks that are placed close to each other. For example, for a cubical magnetic toy block with a size of about 12 millimetres and a 8mm Neodymium magnet the attracting strength on the outside of the cubical magnetic toy block may be 350 grams to allow separation. In another example, for a cubical magnetic toy block with a size of about 24 millimetres and a 12.7mm Neodymium magnet the attracting strength on the outside of the cubical magnetic toy block may be 500 grams to allow separation. Where the attracting strength is understood to be the force needed to lift, for instance, 350 grams from the floor, i.e. it is related to force via Newton’s constant.

The at least one outer surfaces of the outer body may be provided with at least one projection extending normally outwardly from the respective outer surface. In embodiments, the at least one projection may be a small deviation from the overall smooth surface of the outer surface.

Every outer surface that is provided with at least one projection may also be provided with at least one recession extending normally inwardly from the respective outer surface. Similarly, to the at least one projection, in embodiments, the at least one recession may be a small deviation from the overall smooth surface of the outer surface.

Each outer surface that is provided with at least one projection and at least one recession may be provided with at least as many recessions as projections. On each outer surface that is provided with at least one projection and at least one recession the at least one projection and the at least one recession may be separated spatially on the outer surface.

The projections may be for instance cylindrical in shape, extending outwardly a certain height above the outer surface. In another embodiment, the projections have an (e.g. half) spherical shape extending outwardly from the outer surface. In yet another embodiment, the projections have a cubical shape extending outwardly from the outer surface.

The recessions may have a shape that enables them to receive the projections that are located on the same outer surface as the respective recessions. For example, the projections on an outer surface are cylindrical in shape and the recessions can extend inwardly in a cylindrical fashion. Thus, when placing a surface of one toy block adjacent to a surface of another toy block, a projection of the one toy block may fit into a recession of a neighbouring toy block and/or vice versa.

A mirroring axis of an outer surface may be an imaginary mirroring axis, on the outer surface. The outer surface may be invariant when the outer surface is mirrored through said mirroring axis. For example, a square is provided with four mirroring axes: Two axes that run diagonally over the surface from a corner of the square to the opposing corner and two that run orthogonally from an edge through the centre to the opposing edge.

On an outer surface, the locations of each of the at least one projection may correspond to locations of the at least one recession when the respective outer surface is mirrored through a mirroring axis. In embodiments, the locations of each of the at least one projection correspond to locations of the at least one recession when mirrored through at least one mirroring axis. As a result, the toy blocks may be placed against each other with the projections received by recessions. The toy blocks may be placed against each other using various orientations depending on the number of mirroring axes.

Each outer surface may have a first edge, an opposing second edge and a third edge and opposing fourth edge that are different from the first edge and the second edge. Depending on the shape of the outer surface it may have another number of edges, for example an outer surface having a shape of a spherical section may have a first edge, a third edge and a fourth edge. Depending on the shape of each outer surface, edges may be intersect at different angles, for instance at angles of 45°, 90°, or 180°.

Each outer surface that is provided with at least one projection and at least one recession may have an imaginary axis that runs along the outer surface, extending perpendicular to at least the first edge. Said imaginary axis may divide the outer surface in a first part and a second part. The first part comprises the third edge and the second part comprises the fourth edge. The imaginary axis may extend from the first edge to a second edge of the respective surface, the second edge opposite the first edge.

Furthermore, each projection that is located on the first part of an outer surface may have a corresponding recession located on the first part or second part of the outer surface. For example, a respective imaginary line may extend parallel to at least one edge of the outer surface, and through the respective projection and recession.

The respective projection may be located a distance from the imaginary axis of the outer surface and the corresponding recession may be located equidistantly from the third edge. For example, if the projection is located one unit distance from the imaginary axis, then the corresponding recession may be located one unit distance (i.e. a same distance) from the third edge.

The magnetic toy block disclosed herein may achieve a number of effects. The freely rotatable magnet may be freely rotatable in the inner cavity and may allow for the formation of north/south pairs between different magnets in different magnetic toy blocks independent of the relative position of the magnetic toy blocks. Hence, the orientation of the permanent magnet in the magnetic toy block does not need to be considered when placing two magnetic toy blocks against each other. The magnets may align themselves by interaction with the magnets of two or more neighbouring magnetic toy blocks, thereby providing for an orientation of the magnets that results in attracting forces between the magnets. As the magnets are arranged in the respective cavities of the respective outer bodies, the attracting forces between the magnets may result in attracting forces between two or more neighbouring magnetic toy blocks.

Magnetic toy blocks according may have at least two distinct ways of being placed on top of each other with some projections received by some recessions. Two magnetic toy blocks can be placed with outer surfaces fully overlapping, i.e. without a relative lateral displacement. This may be achieved by rotating one of the toy blocks around the mirroring axis of the claim.

Rotating the toy block around the mirroring axis may effectively mirror the locations, as seen in plain view of the outer surfaces, of the projections and recessions in the mirroring axis. The projections on the two outer surfaces will be received by recessions when placing the two magnetic toy blocks on top of each other with fully overlapping outer faces since the locations of the projections when mirrored correspond to locations of recessions.

Two magnetic toy blocks can also be placed on top of each other with only parts of the respective outer surfaces overlapping causing the blocks to be offset in respect of each other. In such offset configuration, plural blocks may be connected to each other, in that the imaginary axis that extends along the respective outer surface, divides the outer surface in a first part, extending from the imaginary axis to the third edge, and a second part, extending from the imaginary axis to the fourth edge. The first part of one toy block may connect to the first part or the second part of another toy block. As the distance between the one of the respective projection and recession to the imaginary axis equals the distance between the other one of the respective projection and recession to the third edge, the protrusion and intrusion may fit in the offset configuration. For example, rotating one of the magnetic toy blocks around the imaginary axis may effectively interchange, as seen in plain view of the outer surfaces, the locations of the projections and recessions in the first part. The respective first parts may be placed on top of each other with the projections being received by the respective recessions.

When two magnetic toy blocks are placed on top of each other with recessions receiving the projections, the projections and recessions may give mechanical fitting between the two magnetic toy blocks. The freely spherically rotatable magnets in the magnetic toy blocks may form a north south pair irrespective of if the magnetic toy blocks are placed on top of each other with outer surfaces fully overlapping or only with the first parts overlapping. As a result of the position of the cavity being central in the outer body, the spherically rotatable magnets will adapt to any orientation of the toy blocks in respect of each other. Furthermore, in particular in case of a partly overlapping arrangement of toy blocks, the magnetic forces may result in magnetic attracting forces having a force component in lateral direction (i.e. in the direction along the surfaces where the toy blocks contact each other. Due to the interaction of the projections and recessions on the contacting surfaces of the two blocks, an interlocking may be provided, which may provide for a counter force to compensate for the lateral component of the magnetic attracting force between the toy blocks, hence keeping the toy blocks in their mutual positions. Thus, the combination of the projections and recessions on the surfaces of the outer bodies, that allow for mechanical fitting of blocks to each other in overlapping as well as partly overlapping positions, while the freely rotatable magnets in the centre of the toy blocks arrange themselves to provide for magnetic attraction forces between the blocks in any arrangement, a variety of interconnections of two or more toy blocks may be provided.

In particular, the magnetic force between the two magnetic toy blocks may ensure that the magnetic toy blocks are bound together, and the mechanical interlocking created by the projections and recessions gives a certain amount of rigidity may prevent the magnetic toy blocks to move relative to each other under the influence of e.g. the magnetic force of a third magnetic toy block.

In an embodiment, a respective imaginary line extends parallel to the first edge, through the respective projection and the corresponding recession. A projection and recession may be placed along the direction of magnetic force between two connected magnetic toy blocks. This may increase the strength of mechanical interlocking created by the projections and recessions. Further, the imaginary axis of a first magnetic toy block may be adjacent the third edge of a second magnetic toy block when the first and second magnetic toy block are placed on top of each other with the first parts overlapping.

In an embodiment, each projection that is located on the second part of the outer surface is associated with a corresponding recession located on the second part of the outer surface. One of the respective projection and the corresponding recession is located a distance from the imaginary axis of the outer surface and the other one of the respective projection and the corresponding recession is located equidistantly from the fourth edge. For example, if the projection is located a distance from the imaginary axis, then the corresponding recession is located a same distance from the fourth edge.

Two magnetic toy blocks may be placed on top of each other with the second parts of the outer surfaces overlapping. In this case, rotating one of the magnetic toy blocks around an imaginary axis of the outer surface will enable the second parts to overlap similarly to how the first parts overlap. The imaginary axes of the outer surfaces of each one of the magnetic toy blocks may be adjacent to the fourth edge of the other block. Since each projection at a distance from the imaginary axis is associated with a recession equidistantly from the fourth edge, every projection may be received by a recession when placing two magnetic toy blocks on top of each other with only their second parts overlapping.

It may be possible to connect a third magnetic toy block to a pair of toy blocks connected without an offset. The first part of the third magnetic toy block may overlap with the first part of the first magnetic toy block and the second part of the third magnetic toy block may overlap with the second part of the second magnetic toy block.

The projections and the recessions may give mechanical rigidity between the magnetic toy blocks against lateral force which may be induced by the magnetic force between the magnetic toy blocks.

in an embodiment every outer surface of the outer body is rectangular and the outer surfaces are arranged in the shape of a rectangular cuboid. Accordingly, the overall shape of the outer body comprises six outer surfaces that are connected under right angles, however deviations from this well-defined shape are possible. For example, the outer surfaces do not have to be perfect rectangles and can have smooth corners, in such an embodiment the corners of the outer body will not have right angles. In another example, the outer surfaces are connected along a smooth edge, instead of a sharp edge, as is the case in a rectangular cuboid. Thus, the term rectangular cuboid is to be interpreted as comprising a cuboid, a cuboid having rounded edges, a cuboid having rounded corners where the edges meet, etc. In such embodiment, the first and second edge may be perpendicular to the third and fourth edge respectively. The imaginary axis may extend from the first edge to the second edge. Furthermore, the imaginary axis may be perpendicular to the first and second edge and parallel to the third and fourth edge.

In an embodiment the outer surfaces are arranged in a shape of a cube, in these embodiments the overall shape of the outer body is cubical but there can be small deviations. For example, the corners of the cube can be made smooth so as not to be too sharp. This may have as a particular advantage that all the outer surfaces have the magnetic toy block have the same size and may be more easily combined with other magnetic toy blocks.

In an embodiment, the imaginary axis extends through a centre of the (e.g. rectangular or square) respective outer surface, which may divide the outer surface in two equal sized parts. The centre may be a point on the outer surface that is central on the outer surface. In these embodiments, placing two magnetic toy blocks with their first parts overlapping may result in that half of the outer surfaces overlap. This may make placing two blocks that partly overlap simpler.

In an embodiment, an outer surface that is provided with at least one projection and at least one recession is provided with a second imaginary axis that extends perpendicular to the first imaginary axis. The second imaginary axis divides the outer surface in a third part and a fourth part, wherein the third part is provided with the first edge and the fourth part is provided with the second edge. Each of the at least one projection located in the third part is associated with a corresponding recession that is also located in the third part. Wherein a respective imaginary line extends parallel to at least one edge, through the respective projection and respective recession. Wherein the respective projection is located a distance from the second imaginary axis, and the corresponding recession is located equidistantly from the respective first edge.

In addition to be possible to place two magnetic toy blocks with their first parts overlapping, it is possible to place two magnetic toy blocks with their third parts overlapping. In this case, rotating one of the magnetic toy blocks around its second imaginary axis may enable the third parts to overlap where the second imaginary axis of each one of the magnetic toy blocks may be adjacent to the first edge of the other block. Since every projection at a distance from the second imaginary axis may be associated with a recession equidistantly from the first edge, every projection may be received by a recession when placing two magnetic toy blocks on top of each other with only their third parts overlapping.

In an embodiment, each projection that is located on the fourth part of an outer surface is associated with a corresponding recession located on the fourth part of the outer surface, wherein a respective imaginary line extends parallel to at least one edge, and through the respective projection and recession. The respective projection is located a distance from the second imaginary axis of the outer surface and the corresponding recession is located equidistantly from the second edge.

In this embodiments, two magnetic toy blocks may be placed on top of each other with the fourth parts overlapping. In this case, rotating one of the magnetic toy blocks around its second imaginary axis may enable the fourth parts to overlap where the second imaginary axis of each one of the magnetic toy blocks may be adjacent to the second edge of the other block. Since every projection at a distance from the second imaginary axis may be associated with a recession equidistantly from the second edge, every projection may be received by a recession when placing two magnetic toy blocks on top of each other with only their fourth parts overlapping.

It may be possible to place a third magnetic toy block on top of a connected pair of magnetic toy blocks. The third part of the third magnetic toy block may overlap with the third part of the first magnetic toy block and the fourth part of the fourth magnetic toy block may overlap with the second part of the second magnetic toy block. The projections and recessions may give mechanical rigidity to the resulting structure.

In an embodiment, the second imaginary axis extends through the centre of the respective outer surface. In these embodiments, the third part and the fourth part have the same size. Placing two magnetic toy blocks with their third or fourth parts overlapping may mean that half of the outer surfaces overlap. This may make placing two blocks that partly overlap simpler.

In an embodiment, the magnetic toy block comprises two mirroring axes per outer surface through which mirroring of a location of each one of the projections may result, mirrored in the mirroring axis, in a location of a respective one of the recessions, as seen in plain view of the outer surfaces.

Two outer surfaces with two mirroring axes may be placed on top of each other when one of the outer blocks is either rotated around the first mirroring axis or the second mirroring axis. This may make placement of such magnetic toy blocks simpler. Having more mirroring axes may also make the distribution of projections and recessions more regular on the outer surface.

In an embodiment, the at least one projection and the at least one recession that extend normally from an outer surface have a circular circumference seen along the outer surface of the magnetic toy block.

Magnetic toy block with projections and recessions that have a circular circumference seen along the outer surface may have as particular advantage that the shapes of the projections and the recessions form less of an obstruction to the placement of two magnetic toy blocks on top of each other. For two magnetic toy blocks with projections and recessions the orientation of the two magnetic toy blocks may have to be considered relative to the orientation of the circumference of the projections and recessions. This need may not be present if the circumference is a circular circumference.

In an embodiment, the projections and the recessions are complementary in shape. For example, in an embodiment the at least one projection has a spherical shape and the at least one recession has a hollow complementary shape. In this embodiment the projection may be received by the recession, plugging the recession.

The mechanical rigidity obtained from the projections and recessions as two magnetic toy blocks connect may be strong. Furthermore, a resistance against lateral components of the magnetic force (i.e. components of the magnetic force in a direction parallel to the surfaces where the toy blocks contact each other), may be counteracted by the interaction of projection and recession.

In an embodiment, the number of projections on each outer surface is equal to the number of recessions on the respective outer face. Recessions may not obstruct the connection of two magnetic toy blocks, however, having too few recessions may do so. The minimal number of recessions that may still allow two magnetic toy blocks to be placed on top of each other is the number of projections. This may have as a particular advantage that every recession receives a projection as two magnetic toy blocks are placed on top of each other.

In an embodiment, each outer surface that is provided with at least one projection and at least one recession is symmetrical under rotations around its centre of 180 degrees. This may have as a particular advantage that the outer surfaces are more regular and that the magnetic toy blocks can be placed on top of each other in more ways.

In another embodiment, each outer surface that is provided with at least one projection and at least one recession is symmetrical under rotations around its centre of 90 degrees. This may have as a particular advantage that the outer surfaces are more regular and that the magnetic toy blocks can be placed on top of each other in more ways.

A magnetic toy block with outer surfaces that are more symmetrical, i.e. can be rotated around the centre a certain number of degrees while leaving the outer surfaces and the set of projections and recessions invariant, may have a higher degree of flexibility than magnetic toy blocks that do not have this symmetry. Potentially, for a magnetic toy block with no rotational symmetry the orientation between two magnetic toy blocks may be important when placing them on top of each other. If the orientation is wrong, the projections may not be received by the recessions and there will be no mechanical rigidity.

When the outer surface is more symmetrical two magnetic toy blocks may be placed on top of each other without having to explicitly check if the various projections will be received by the recessions.

In an embodiment, the outer body forms a cubical inner cavity. A length of a rib of the cubical cavity may correspond to or slightly exceed a diameter of the spherical magnet. Hence, on the one hand an accurate positioning of the spherical magnet may be provided, while on the other hand, minimum contact surfaces between the spherical magnet and walls of the inner cavity may result, hence providing for a low friction resistance between the spherical magnet and the cavity, thereby promoting a spherical rotatability of the spherical magnet.

In an embodiment, at least two outer surfaces are provided with projections and recessions. These may be for instance located on opposing sides of the outer body. A magnetic toy block with projections and recessions on opposing outer surfaces may be used to construct a long chain or high tower with a single magnetic toy block in each layer and a smooth outer surface.

In an embodiment, the projections and recessions are provided on at least four outer surfaces of the magnetic toy block. A magnetic toy block with projections and recessions on four of its outer surfaces may be used as a comer piece in a construction with several magnetic toy blocks. Having the outer surfaces without projections and recessions facing outward may give a smooth outward surface of the structure.

In an embodiment, the projections and recessions are provided on all of the outer surfaces of the magnetic toy block. This allows the magnetic toy block to be rigidly connected to other magnetic toy blocks on all sides, which may make the magnetic toy block suitable to be used as a piece in the centre of a structure.

In an embodiment, the locations of the at least one projection and the at least one recessions are the same for all outer surfaces of a magnetic toy block that are provided with projections and recessions. A magnetic toy block of which all outer surfaces are provided with projections and recessions in a same arrangement may allow for simple construction of structures since the connecting outer surfaces do not have to be compared for compatibility.

In an embodiment, at least one of the square outer surfaces of the outer body being provided with four projections extending normally outwardly from the respective outer surface and at least four recessions extending normally inwardly from the respective outer surface, where projections and recessions are located alternately on an imaginary circle centred around the centre of the respective outer surface with radius r given by d

r = —----V8 cos 22,5° where d is the length of a side of the square outer surface, where the projections and recessions are separated by 45° on the circle, and where a location of the each of the four projections results in respect of mirroring through a mirroring axis on the respective square outer surface, in a location of a respective one of the recessions.

As a result of the mentioned radius of the imaginary circle, when four toy blocks having such a surface are attached to each other, whereby said surfaces form a square surface, the projections and recessions of the four surfaces, as a result, in turn form an imaginary circle centred at a centre of the four surfaces of the toy blocks, hence enabling to attach a fifth toy block having such surface, centred at the centre of the four surfaces and e.g. rotated under 45 degrees in respect of an axis perpendicular to said surface.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a magnetic toy block comprising:

- an outer body having at least one square outer surface, the outer body forming an inner cavity, the inner cavity being central in respect of the outer surfaces of the outer body,

- a magnet arranged in the inner cavity, the magnet being spherically rotatable in the inner cavity in respect of the outer body, at least one of the square outer surfaces of the outer body being provided with four projections extending normally outwardly from the respective outer surface and at least four recessions extending normally inwardly from the respective outer surface, where projections and recessions are located alternately on an imaginary circle centred around the centre of the respective outer surface with radius r given by d

r = —----V8 cos 22,5° where d is the length of a side of the square outer surface, where the projections and recessions are separated by 45° on the circle, and where a location of the each of the four projections results in respect of mirroring through a mirroring axis on the respective square outer surface, in a location of a respective one of the recessions.

A magnetic toy block according to the second aspect of the invention may be used as a toy but may also, for example, be used as an educational device, or as a presentation tool.

The magnetic toy block according to the second aspect of the invention exhibits the same magnetic properties as the magnetic toy block according to the first aspect. In particular the behaviour of the magnet when it is influenced by a magnet of a second magnetic toy block is the same.

The outer body of the magnetic toy block according to the second aspect of the invention may be constructed from the same material as the magnetic toy block according to the first aspect of the invention. The magnetic toy block according to the second aspect of the invention may also have the same dimensions as the magnetic toy block according to the first aspect of the invention.

The particular arrangement of projections and recessions allows two magnetic two blocks to be placed on top of each other with square outer surfaces fully overlapping. It also allows for two magnetic toy blocks to be placed on top of each other with square outer surfaces partially overlapping, i.e. with a lateral displacement, under an angle of 45 degrees. The projections are received by the recessions when two magnetic toy blocks are placed on top of each other. As a result of the mentioned radius of the imaginary circle, when four of such toy blocks are attached to each other to form a square surface, the projections and recessions of the four surfaces, as a result, in turn form an imaginary circle centred at a centre of the four surfaces of the toy blocks, hence enabling to attach a fifth toy block centred at the centre of the four surfaces and e.g. rotated under 45 degrees in respect of an axis perpendicular to said surface.

The magnetic force between the two magnetic toy blocks may ensure that the toy blocks are bound together, and the mechanical interlocking created by the projections and recessions gives a certain amount of rigidity may prevent the magnetic toy blocks to move relative to each other under the influence of e.g. the magnetic force of a third magnetic toy block.

When two magnetic toy blocks are placed under an angle of 45 degrees the mechanical interlocking created by the projections and recessions may prevent the magnetic toy blocks to move relative to each other under the influence of magnetic force.

In embodiments a magnetic toy block may have one or more outer surfaces according to the first aspect of the invention and one of more outer surfaces according to the second aspect of the invention.

The invention also relates to a toy set comprising magnetic toy blocks according to the invention. The toy set may comprise magnetic toy blocks according to different aspects of the invention, for example, it may contain magnetic toy blocks of different shapes and with different patterns of projections and recessions. The toy set may also comprise magnetic toy blocks with outer bodies having the shape of wheels, cogs, or other shapes.

Magnetic toy blocks with shapes of wheels and cogs may be suitably formed to be connectable with magnetic toy blocks of the invention. For example a wheel may have a circular recession, centred around a rotation axis of the wheel, that may receive suitably placed projections on the magnetic toy block. In this way the wheel may be connected to the magnetic toy block of the invention by the magnetic force and it may be prevented from lateral movement by the projections. However it may still be able to rotate around the rotation axis. The wheels may be provided with a magnet or a magnetisable material, e.g. centred at an axis of rotation of the wheel.

Adding wheels and cogs may allow for the construction of structures with wheels and cogs. For example, adding wheels to a set of magnetic toy blocks may allow for the construction of a toy car using the toy set.

Further features, advantages and effects of the invention are explained in relation to the appended drawing, and the associated, below description, wherein non-limiting embodiments of the invention are disclosed in which:

Fig. 1 shows a perspective, partially cut out view of a magnetic toy block;

Fig. 2 shows a top view of an outer surface of a magnetic toy block;

Fig. 3 shows a top view of another possible outer surface of a magnetic toy block;

Fig. 4 shows a side view of two magnetic toy blocks that are placed on top of each other;

Fig. 5 shows a side view of three magnetic toy blocks that are placed on top of each other; Fig. 6 shows a top view of another possible outer surface of a magnetic toy block;

Fig. 7 shows a top view of an outer surface of a magnetic toy block according to a second aspect of the invention;

Fig. 8 shows a top view of two magnetic toy blocks according to a second aspect of the invention placed on top of each other under an angle of 45 degrees.

It is noted that, throughout the figures, the same reference numbers refer to the same or similar elements.

In fig. 1 a magnetic toy block (1) is shown. The magnetic toy block (1) comprises six outer surfaces (3), of which only three are visible, that form a rectangular cuboid. The outer body (1) is drawn partially transparent to be able to view the inner cavity (4) and the magnet (5).

The inner cavity (4) is partially shown at a cut out portion of the toy block (1), and in this embodiment, forms a rectangular shape inside the outer body (2). Inside the inner cavity (4) the freely spherical rotatable magnet (5) is shown. The freely spherical rotatable magnet (5) has some space to move inside the inner cavity (4) as can be seen in fig. 1.

In this embodiment of the invention the outer surfaces (3) are rectangular and only one member of every parallel pair of outer surfaces (3) is visible. One of the outer surfaces (3) is provided with two projections (6) and two recessions (7), arranged according to the invention.

The outer surface (3) that is provided with the projections (6) and recessions (7) has a single mirroring axis (8). The mirroring axis (8) divides the outer surface (3) into two halves where the locations of the projections (6) and the recessions (7) are interchanged under a mirroring. In other words, the locations of the projections (6) correspond to locations of recessions (7) when the outer surface (3) is mirrored through the mirroring axis (8).

An imaginary line (15) extends through a projection (6) and a recession (7) parallel to an edge according to the invention. Similarly, another imaginary line is drawn through the second projection (6) and second recession (7), however this line is not labelled. The imaginary line (15) that is labelled extends parallel to the first edge (11) of the outer surface (3) and through a projection (6) and a recession (7).

Perpendicular to the imaginary line (15) and parallel to the third edge (13) extends an imaginary axis (9), that divides the outer surface (3) into a first part (16) and a second part (17). In fig. 1 the first part (16) is to the right of the imaginary axis (9) and the second part (17) is to the left of the imaginary axis (9).

All of the projections (6) and recessions (7) of this example are located in the first part (16). The projection (6) on the labelled imaginary line (15) is located a distance (20) from the imaginary axis (9). The corresponding recession is located the same distance (21) from the third edge (13). The double arrows are added to indicate the distances, they are imaginary.

In fig. 2 an outer surface (3) according to the invention is shown. The outer surface (3) has a square shape and may be combined with similar outer surfaces to form a cubical magnetic toy block (1).

The outer surface (3) has a first edge (11), a second edge (12), a third edge (13), and a fourth edge (14). A first imaginary axis (9) extends perpendicular from the first edge (11) through the centre (22) to the second edge (12) and a second imaginary axis (10) extends from the third edge (13) through the centre (22) to the fourth edge (14).

The two imaginary axes (9,10) divide the outer surface (3) in two different ways. The first imaginary axis (9) divides the outer surface (3) in two parts and the second imaginary axis (10) divides the outer surface (3) in two different parts.

The first part (16) of the outer surface (3) is located above the first imaginary axis (9) in fig. 2 and the second part (17) is located below the first imaginary axis (9) in fig. 2.

The third part (18) is located to the left of the second imaginary axis (10) in fig. 2 and the fourth part (19) is located to the right of the second imaginary axis (10) in fig. 2. It should be understood that the denomination left, right, above, below are used in accordance with the orientation of fig. 2 and are not intended to be limiting.

Four projections (6) are provided on the outer surface (3) of which only one (6a) is labelled. It should be understood that like elements are drawn the same, the four projections (6) are depicted as filled circles. Similarly, twelve recessions (7) are provided of which two (7a, 7b) are labelled. The recessions (7) are depicted as unfilled circles. The recessions and the four projections are arranged as an equidistant 4 by 4 grid , i.e. with equal distances between grid points. The four projections are provided on grid lines that run parallel and adjacent to the edges of the outer surface, i.e. the projections are arranged on the grid lines facing the edges of the outer surface, whereby each one of the projections is arranged to face a respective one of the edges, thus each of the projections facing, being adjacent to a respective one of the edges. Each edge has a single projection adjacent to it. Seen along the edges in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction the projections are located on a second grid position of the 4 grid positions that extend along the respective edge of the 4 by 4 grid positions.

The imaginary lines that extend parallel to edges and through a respective projection and corresponding recession are not drawn for clarity.

The outer surface (3) has two mirroring axes (8) that coincide with the first and second imaginary axis (9,10) in this example and that cross each other perpendicularly in the centre of the outer surface. When the outer surface (3) is mirrored through either of the mirroring axes (8) the location of every projection (6) corresponds with a location of a recession (7) in accordance with claim 1.

The outer surface (3) can be rotated around its centre under integer multiples of 90 degrees and the outer surface (3) remains invariant.

The projection (6a) is located a distance (20) from the secondary imaginary axis (10). The corresponding recession (7a) is located the same distance (21) from the second edge (12). Similarly, the projection (6a) is located a distance (23) from the first imaginary axis (9). The corresponding recession (7b) is located the same distance (24) from the fourth edge (14).

In fig. 2 every projection (6) has corresponding recessions (7) that are located equidistantly from respective edges in the same way as illustrated for the projection (6a) and the corresponding recessions (7a, 7b). This is indicated by the double arrows in each quadrant of the square.

Magnetic toy blocks comprising the outer surface of figure 2 may be placed on top of each other in plural distinct ways, e.g. up to 21 distinct ways, with the outer surfaces of figure 2 facing each other. This may provide a wide variety of mechanically stable configurations. The outer surfaces, and hence the magnetic toy blocks, are symmetrical under rotations of angles of 90°, 180°, and 270°, adding to the variety of possibly configurations and making the connection of two magnetic toy blocks simpler.

Fig. 3 shows another outer surface (3) according to the invention. Similar to fig. 2, the outer surface (3) has a square shape and can be combined with similar outer surfaces to form a cubical magnetic toy block (1).

The outer surface (3) of fig. 3 has a first edge (11), a second edge (12), a third edge (13), and a fourth edge (14). A first imaginary axis (9) that overlaps with a mirroring axis (8) extends from the first edge (11) to the second edge (12) and a second imaginary axis (10) extends from the third edge (13) to the fourth edge (14).

Eight projections (6) and eight recessions (7) are provided on the other surface (3), again one of each is marked. This outer surface (3) has as many projections (6) as recessions (7). Through every projection (6) and corresponding recession (7) extends a respective imaginary line (15), only one is marked. It is understood that the other dashed lines that extend through projections (6) and recessions (7) are also imaginary lines (15).

Every projection (6) is located a distance (20) from the first imaginary axis (9) and there is a corresponding recession (7) that is located the same distance (21) from a respective edge.

Similarly, every projection (6) is located a distance (22) from the second imaginary axis (10) and there is a corresponding recession (7) that is located the same distance (23) from a respective edge. The distances are not shown in the figure.

The second imaginary axis (10) does not extend through the centre (22) of the outer surface (3) and as such the third part (18) is bigger than the fourth part (19).

Fig. 4 and fig. 5 illustrate the effect on the freely spherical rotatable magnet (5) of placing magnetic toy blocks (1) on top of each other.

Fig. 4 shows two magnetic toy blocks (1a, 1 b) according to the first aspect of the invention that are at first far apart from each other so that the freely spherical rotatable magnets (5a, 5b) have a random orientation. The north pole (N) and the south pole (Z) of the rotatable magnets (5a, 5b) are indicated in the figure.

The magnetic toy blocks (1a, 1b) are provided with projections (6) and recessions (7) which are shown in side view.

When the magnetic toy blocks (1a, 1b) are placed on top of each other the projections (6) are received by the recessions (7) of the respective magnetic toy blocks (1a, 1b) and the respective magnets (5a, 5b) align to form a north (N) south (Z) pair.

Fig. 5 shows two magnetic toy blocks (1a, 1b) according to the first aspect of the invention which are placed next to each other, with their respective magnets (5a, 5b) forming a north (N) south (Z) pair. A third magnetic toy block (1c) is located some distance from the other two magnetic toy blocks (1a, 1b) and the respective magnet (5c) has a random orientation.

When the third magnetic toy block (1c) is placed on the first two magnetic toy blocks (1a, 1b) the recessions (7) receive the projections (6) and the orientation of the magnets (5a, 5b, 5c) is changed. The orientation of the respective magnets (5a, 5b) in the first two magnetic toy blocks (1a, 1b) is influenced by the presence of the third magnet (5c). The third magnet (5c) forms a north (N) south (Z) pair with the first magnet (5a) and with the second magnet (5b) while the first magnet (5a) also forms a north (N) south (Z) pair with the second magnet (5b). The resulting orientation of the magnets (5a, 5b, 5c) is depicted in figure 5.

Fig. 6 shows a top view of an outer surface (3) according to the invention. The outer surface (3) has a shape of a circular sector where the mirroring axis (8) and the imaginary axis (9) overlap. A projection (6) and a recessions (7) are drawn on an imaginary line (15) that runs parallel to the first edge (11). A mirror pair of a projection and a recession is also drawn. The projection (6) is located a distance from the imaginary axis (9) and the recession (7) is located equidistantly from the third edge (13).

Fig. 7 shows a top view of an outer surface (3) of a magnetic toy block according to the second aspect of the invention. The outer surface (3) comprises four projections (6) and four recessions (7) that are placed on a circle of radius d

r = —------,

V8 cos 22,5° where d is the length of a side of the outer surface (1).

Fig. 8 shows a top view of two magnetic toy blocks (1a, 1b) according to the second aspect of the invention placed on top of each other under an angle of 45°. The second magnetic toy block (1b) is placed on top of the first magnetic toy block (1a) under an angle of 45°. A projection (6) of the first magnetic toy block (1a) is received by a recession (7) of the second magnetic toy block (1b). Both the projection (6) and recession (7) are hidden from view by the second magnetic toy block (1b). Similarly, a recession (7) of the first magnetic toy block (1a) receives a projection (6) from the second magnetic toy block (1b). Both the projection (6) and recession (7) are hidden from view by the second magnetic toy block (1b).

The circle of projections (6) and recessions (7) visible on the top side of the second magnetic toy block (1b) is located on the top of the magnetic toy block and plays no part in receiving projections (6) and recessions (7) from the first magnetic toy block (1a) in fig. 8.