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US 9,713,777 B2Granted
Magnetic construction toy
AssigneeBuild & Imagine, LLC
InventorLaura E. Peterson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A construction toy is provided, with illustrated panels that connect together magnetically to assemble two- and three-dimensional structures and background scenery, optionally with accessory items that bind magnetically or mechanically to the panels to embellish the structures or scenes that are created.
Claims18
A construction toy, comprising:
- a plurality of panels, wherein each panel comprises an interior subpanel structure and an exterior frame that surrounds the interior subpanel structure,
- wherein each panel comprises two faces and at least three edges, and comprises corners between adjacent edges,
- wherein the subpanel structure of each panel comprises the two faces, and wherein the subpanel structure and the surrounding exterior frame comprise the same number of edges and corners as the panel,
- wherein at least one panel comprises an illustration on at least one face of the interior subpanel structure,
- wherein each panel comprises at least three magnetic edges,
- wherein each magnetic edge comprises at least one magnet embedded within said panel exterior frame in proximity to said edge, and
- wherein the magnets are configured such that panels may be connected by magnetic attraction at their magnetic edges to form illustrated three-dimensional structures and/or scenes,
- wherein the exterior frame comprises:
- (i) first and second frame pieces that are configured and of dimensions such that when they are joined together they form a frame that surrounds the edges of the subpanel structure, wherein the first frame piece overlaps a portion of one face of the subpanel structure and the second frame piece overlaps a portion of the other face of the subpanel structure, wherein the first and second frame pieces are fastened together, thereby forming a seam between the first and second frame pieces and providing slots for insertion of magnets;
- and (ii) a plurality of frame edge pieces, wherein each frame edge piece surrounds the first and second frame pieces along the length of a single edge of the fastened first and second frame pieces and covers the seam formed between the first and second frame pieces, encasing at least one magnet positioned in a slot formed by the fastened first and second frame pieces, wherein the frame edge pieces are tightly sealed to the first and second frame pieces, thereby sealing the edges of the panel,
- wherein the number of frame edge pieces is equal to the number of edges of the panel,
- and wherein adjacent frame edge pieces meet at an angle, forming a miter joint at each corner of the panel.
9 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.