An aspect of the present invention provides a toy assembly system comprising a central compartment configured to house a plurality of toy bodies, each toy body having magnetic hubs arranged in an outer region of the body. The system can include outer compartments that house ferromagnetic outer components (e.g., ferromagnetic spheres) separate from the toy bodies and a release mechanism configured to release during a single operation a single toy body and a set of outer components, wherein the single toy body and the set of outer components self-assemble and automatically align. Another aspect provides a toy track system comprising a launch portion configured to magnetically retain the magnetic vehicle in a launch position, a release configured to release the vehicle from the launch position, and a track portion coupled to the launch portion and configured to guide the released vehicle along a predetermined path.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to movable toys, and more particularly to assembly and propulsion of toy vehicles.

2. Background of the Invention

Toys that include magnetic components can take advantage of the magnetic properties of the magnetic components. For example, known construction toys employ magnetic rods and/or spheres that can be permanent magnets or ferromagnetic elements for use in building toy structures.

Magnetic marbles can be used in toy vehicles to allow the vehicles to be propelled. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,970 discloses vehicles comprising pairs of magnetic marbles and a flat sheet of plastic. Each marble of a pair is placed on opposite sides of the flat sheet, positioned at a hole in the sheet that allows the magnetic marbles to directly contact each other. The pairs of marbles rotate when the sheet is propelled.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a toy assembly system comprises a central compartment configured to house one or more toy bodies in a predetermined orientation. Each toy body has a plurality of magnetic hubs that are each arranged in an outer region of the toy body (e.g., proximate to the four corners of a toy body shaped as a car chassis). The toy assembly system further includes a set of outer compartments that are each configured to house one or more ferromagnetic outer components separate from the one or more toy bodies. The toy components, such as the toy body and outer components, are held in a predetermined position with respect to one another that enables self-assembly upon release. The toy assembly system also includes a release mechanism configured to release during a single operation a single toy body and a set of outer components, wherein the single toy body and the set of outer components are arranged to self-assemble the toy into precise alignment so that the outer components are aligned along axes defined by the magnetic hubs of the toy body. The self assembly occurs such that the set of outer components are attached to the single toy body when in an assembly position of the toy assembly system.

Preferably, the set of outer components comprises either a set of spheres or a set of cylinders. In one embodiment of the present invention, the toy body comprises a vehicle, wherein the outer compartments comprise a set of chambers designed to house wheels for each wheel position of the vehicle. The wheels can be, for example, ferromagnetic spheres. The magnetic hubs of the toy body can comprise rotatable cylindrical bodies that each include a magnet and that each include an outer surface substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotatable cylindrical body, and configured to attach to a ferromagnetic sphere. The outer surface preferably includes a recess, wherein the recess is configured to accommodate a portion of a ferromagnetic sphere.

Preferably, the rotatable cylindrical bodies are each disposed on a rotatable shaft whose longitudinal axis is perpendicular to a direction of travel of the toy body.

The release mechanism preferably comprises one or more of a retractable holder that releases the set of outer components into an assembly position; a retractable holder that releases the toy body into an assembly position; and a retractable barrier between the toy body and the set of outer components.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the toy assembly system can further comprise an ejector that is configured to propel an assembled toy in a forward motion from the toy assembly system, wherein the ejector includes a set of adjustable or retractable barriers configured to permit the forward motion of the assembled toy when the ejector is engaged.

Preferably, the central compartment and outer compartments are contained in a common housing. In one embodiment of the present invention, at least portions of the central and outer compartments are transparent, such that, at a given time, at least one toy body and a set of outer components are substantially visible to an operator of the toy assembly system.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a toy system comprises one or more mobile parts that each includes a magnetic central body. The magnetic central body includes a set of magnetic hubs located in outer regions of the magnetic central body, and a plurality of ferromagnetic outer parts that are each configured to self assemble to the magnetic central body by attaching to one of the magnetic hubs. The toy system additionally includes an assembler that includes a central chamber to house one or more magnetic central bodies and a set of peripheral chambers that are each configured to house one or more ferromagnetic outer parts separate from the one or more magnetic central bodies. The toy system is configured such that in an assembly position, the magnetic central body and the plurality of ferromagnetic outer parts are brought into physical proximity such that a magnetic force extending therebetween is sufficient to cause attachment of the ferromagnetic outer parts to the magnetic central body. The toy system can also include an ejector configured to propel an assembled mobile part from the assembly position.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the toy system further comprises a release member that is mechanically coupled to both the assembler and the ejector, wherein, when moved in a first direction, the release member is configured to release a magnetic central body and a set of outer parts into the assembly position, wherein the central body and outer parts form an assembled toy. Furthermore, when moved in a second direction, different from the first direction, the release member is configured to eject the assembled toy.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a self assembling toy comprises a body and a set of rotatable components each having a central portion that is contained within the body and each including one or more magnetic hubs that extend at least in part outside the body. The self-assembling toy further comprises a set of reversibly attachable ferromagnetic outer components that are each configured to self-attach to a magnetic hub of a respective rotatable component when the respective outer component is separated by no more than a predefined distance from the rotatable component, wherein each outer component is configured in an operable state after self-attachment.

In an additional embodiment of the present invention, a toy assembly and launch system comprises a plurality of toy bodies, each toy body configured with outer regions having magnetic hubs that each comprises a permanent magnet. The system further includes a central compartment configured to house the plurality of toy bodies in a stacked configuration, wherein the plurality of toy bodies are arranged one on top of another. The system also includes a set of outer compartments that are each configured to house one or more ferromagnetic wheels separate from the plurality of toy bodies. The toy assembly and launch system also includes a release mechanism configured to release during a single operation a single toy body and a set of ferromagnetic wheels into an assembly position, wherein the single toy body and the set of ferromagnetic wheels are arranged to self-assemble into an assembled toy. In the assembled toy, each ferromagnetic wheel of the set of ferromagnetic wheels is attached to a respective magnetic hub of the single toy body. The toy assembly and launch system further includes a launching system configured to propel an assembled toy from the assembly position.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a track system for a magnetic vehicle comprises a launch portion configured to magnetically hold the magnetic vehicle at a launching position, and a track portion coupled to the launch portion and configured to magnetically attract the magnetic vehicle as the magnetic vehicle traverses over the track portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention are related to a self-assembling magnetic toy and a toy assembler. In embodiments of the present invention, the toy assembler is configured with a launcher that launches the assembled toy.

FIG. 1Adepicts in perspective view a system100for toy assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. System100includes an assembler/launcher110and a self-assembling toy120, which, in the embodiment shown, is a four wheeled vehicle (and is also referred to in the discussion to follow as vehicle120), but can in general be other types of toys that are built using magnetic components.

Vehicle120(also termed “magnetic vehicle”) comprises a body122, respective front and rear magnetic hubs124a,124b, and a set of reversibly detachable wheels126. The term “magnetic hubs,” as used herein, refers to regions of the vehicle that contain magnetic material, but need not comprise magnetic material in their entirety. Thus, as described in detail below, magnetic hubs124aand124bcan comprise cylindrically shaped regions that include magnetic and non-magnetic materials. The term “magnetic vehicle” as used herein refers to a vehicle that has one or more magnetic portions such as magnetic hubs.

As further depicted inFIGS. 2A and 2B, which are a top plan view and cross-sectional perspective view, respectively, of one configuration of a vehicle120, magnetic124aand124bcan comprise cylinder magnets130a,130bwhose axes are aligned along the direction of respective front and rear axles132aand132b, which can comprise a steel material. Magnets130a,130bcan be made of any magnetic material, such that magnets130a,130bretain a permanent magnetization without the presence of an external magnetic field. Magnets130a,130bcan thereby attract other magnets or ferromagnetic material when such objects are brought within proximity of magnets130.

Axles132aand132bare each attached at both ends to a respective pair of magnets130a,130b. Although the axles and magnets can be separate, the continuous connection between the axles and magnets shown inFIG. 2Acan provide beneficial flux characteristics and increase the magnetic force available to hold ferromagnetic or magnetic components. In one embodiment of the present invention, vehicle120is configured such that axles132aand132b, together with their respective cylinder magnets130a,130b, are fixed with respect to body122and do not rotate. In another embodiment of the present invention, vehicle120is configured such that axles132aand132b, together with their respective cylinder magnets130a,130b, can freely rotate along the axes of the axles with respect to body122. Unless otherwise indicated, in the discussion below, the magnetic hubs are configured to rotate with respect to a vehicle body122.

In the embodiment of the invention shown inFIG. 2A, magnetic hubs124aand124binclude an optional housing134, which can be a plastic material that encases magnets130a,130b.

Although axles132aand132bare each depicted as a single axle, in embodiments of the present invention, each magnet130could be configured to rotate on its own separate axle. Magnetic hubs124aand124bmay optionally include a welded cap136that is welded to housing134over the magnet130aor130b.

As depicted inFIGS. 1A,2A, and2B, magnetic hubs124aand124bare located in outer regions of vehicle body122, that is, the hubs form a part of the outer surface of vehicle120and can thereby contact components external to the vehicle.

In operation, rear axle132brotates in unison with respective magnets130band housing134. Similarly, front axle132arotates in unison with respective magnets130aand housing134. AlthoughFIG. 2Aillustrates a configuration in which rear and front axles are about the same length, in other configurations of the invention, the front and rear axles may have different lengths. In addition, in accordance with other configurations of the invention, the plan view shape of body122can be more rectangular such that the relative protrusion of the axles132a,132bfrom body122is the same.

Referring again toFIG. 1A, as well asFIG. 2A, vehicle120is configured to accommodate a set of wheels126that attach to magnetic hubs124aand124bat respective outer cylinder head surfaces138. As depicted inFIG. 2A, these surfaces138(also referred to as “cylinder tops”) are substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the magnets represented by the longitudinal direction of axles132a,132b. However, in embodiments of the present invention, surfaces138are provided with a central shallow recess (not shown).

Wheels126can comprise cylinders or other suitable shapes, but preferably comprise spheres, as depicted inFIG. 1A. Wheels126can be a ferromagnetic material. The term “ferromagnetic,” as used herein, refers to a material having a high positive magnetic susceptibility, that is, the ferromagnetic material generates a high internal magnetic field aligned in response to an external magnetic field, such as that induced by a strong magnet. Thus, a ferromagnetic material is capable of strong attraction to any permanent magnet. Accordingly, the magnetic field of the wheels becomes substantial and is aligned with an external magnetic field placed near spheres126.

Preferably, spheres126comprise soft ferromagnetic materials (or soft magnetic), wherein the term “soft ferromagnetic materials” refers to the fact that the materials have a low remnant magnetization and low coercive field. The term “remnant magnetization” refers to the net internal magnetic field present in the material when an external magnetic field is removed. Thus, soft ferromagnetic spheres when removed from the presence of a strong magnet have low magnetic polarization such that their ability to attract other soft magnetic materials is weak. For example, a soft magnet sphere126when attached to a strong magnetic hub124will strongly attract a paper clip because the sphere has a strong magnetic field aligned with that of the hub. When detached and removed from the presence of a hub124, a soft magnetic sphere126will only weakly attract a paper clip, because the internal remnant magnetic field in the sphere is weak. Many materials, such as many types of steel can be used as soft magnetic materials. Thus, although wheels126do not substantially attract each other, when wheels126are in the proximity of magnets130aor130b, the wheels are attracted to the magnets and vice versa.

The low coercive field associated with soft magnetic materials indicates that the direction of magnetic polarization of the soft magnetic material can be switched using a low external magnetic field directed opposite to the initial direction of polarization of the soft magnetic material. Thus, the direction of magnetization of a soft magnetic sphere can easily be switched when placed near a hard magnet. Thus, regardless of the direction of polarization of a soft magnetic sphere126, when it is brought near a magnet in the hub124, the magnetic polarization lines in the sphere126readily line up with that of the hub124, without the sphere having to physically rotate.

However, in other embodiments of the present invention, the wheels126can comprise hard ferromagnetic materials, wherein the term “hard ferromagnetic material” refers to a ferromagnetic material that has a relatively high remnant polarization and a high coercive field. Thus, a hard magnetic material acts as a “magnet” all by itself, that is, in the absence of an external magnetic field, the hard magnetic material can strongly attract other magnetic materials whether those other materials are soft or hard magnetic materials. In the discussion to follow, unless otherwise noted, wheels126are made from soft magnetic materials.

When a set of wheels126is attached to body122at magnetic hubs124a,124b, vehicle120becomes operational and can be propelled forward on a surface. Because wheels126are magnetized when in proximity or in direct contact with magnetic hubs124aand124b, wheels126remain attached to respective magnetic hubs and rotate generally in unison with respective axles124aand124b. Preferably, vehicle120includes four wheels in an operational state, although embodiments of the present invention are contemplated in which a vehicle is operable with fewer than four wheels.

The terms “self assembly” and “self-assembling” magnetic toy refer (used interchangeably with the term “auto-assembly”) to the property of a toy, such as vehicle120, wherein component parts of the toy can mutually join together without a user having to physically bring the components into contact and/or align the components precisely. Thus, unlike many known vehicles that are designed to be manually assembled and/or disassembled, wherein a user has to align wheels with an axle and perhaps snap the wheels into place, embodiments of the present invention provide a vehicle whose wheels self-assemble onto the vehicle by merely bringing the vehicle body and wheels within a predetermined distance of each other.

Advantageously, by providing protruding magnetic hubs124aand124bon the sides of vehicle120, and by employing ferromagnetic spheres that are preferably soft magnetic materials, embodiments of the present invention facilitate the self-assembly process. If placed on a common surface in proximity to each other, spheres126and body122can mutually move together, and come into contact. Because spheres126retain little or no permanent magnetic field in the absence of other magnets, the spheres are attracted substantially equally in any orientation to magnetic cylinders130aor130b.

In one embodiment of the present invention, magnets130aand130bare configured such that the strong magnetic direction is aligned with the cylindrical axis. Accordingly, spheres126tend to attach to outer surfaces138when in proximity to the magnets.

Preferably, magnets130a,130bare of sufficient strength, and spheres126are sufficiently ferromagnetic (that is, the positive magnetic susceptibility is sufficiently high) that spheres126are strongly held in contact to magnetic hubs124a,124b, even if magnets130a,130bare covered with a non-magnetic material.

One additional feature of assembled vehicle120provided by the embodiment of the invention depicted inFIG. 1Ais the auto-alignment capability of the wheels. Unlike the case of conventional tires having a flat cylindrical shape, because wheels126are spherical, after any slight perturbation of the placement of the wheels on their axles, the wheels automatically return to alignment with a respective axle. In other words, if any displacement or rotation of the wheel with respect to a respective axle takes place, for the example, if a wheel rotates on an axis orthogonal to the axle rather than along the direction of the axle, the wheel still appears to be the same. This auto-alignment feature results in the ability of an assembled vehicle to maintain a straight trajectory after repeated use.

In embodiments in which hubs124aand124bcomprise cylinder magnets and wheels126are soft magnetic materials, wheels126also tend to auto-align along the cylinder axis of a respective hub124aor124b. In other words, because the magnetic field along a cylindrical magnet tends to have circular symmetry with respect to the cylinder axis, a stable position results when the center of spheres126is along the axis of magnetic cylinder hub. Thus, the rotation axis of the spheres, which goes through the center of the spheres126, tends to lie along the rotation axis of the magnetic hubs, providing for a smooth axle and wheel rotation, and smooth vehicle travel.

FIG. 2Cis a top cross-sectional view that depicts details of an auto-aligning vehicle200, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Body201includes two axles202a,202b, which are substantially parallel to one another and housed within body201, such that axles202a,202bcan freely rotate therein. Front axle202arotates around front axis203, while rear axle202brotates around rear axis205. Wheel hubs204each include a cylindrical magnet206whose axis coincides with a respective axis203or205. When attached to body201, each wheel208is horizontally aligned with its center along the respective axis203or205. Thus, the rotation axis of each wheel tends to be horizontally aligned with a respective front or rear rotation axis.

As illustrated further inFIG. 2C, a circular or conical recess210can be provided on the outward face of each hub204, which is useful to retain a spherical wheel, wherein the spherical wheel208can contact the magnetic hub along an entire circular rim of the recess, as opposed to a single point P in the case of a completely flat outer surface of the hub. This recess210further helps seat each sphere208so that the rotation axis of the sphere remains aligned both vertically and horizontally with the rotation axis of the respective axle. For example, although for cylindrical magnet configurations, the magnetic field of the magnets206may tend to align the center of each respective wheel208to the rotation axis203of the magnetic cylinder, the weight of a vehicle body201tends to lower the height of a magnetic hub contained therein.

FIG. 2Dillustrates a perspective side view of a partially assembled embodiment of the vehicle200depicted inFIG. 2C, which indicates that the rotation axis of the hub204is maintained at a height H above the surface212upon which the vehicle200rests. Because the spheres208preferably have a larger diameter than the diameter of the magnetic hubs204to promote smooth operation of the vehicles, the bottom of hubs204are above the surface212. The force of gravity g tends to pull body201towards surface212. Accordingly, as the hubs204are attracted toward surface212, the outward surfaces214of the hubs204, if unconstrained, can slide down along the spheres208under the weight of vehicle body201. To counteract this tendency, the recesses210prevent relative slippage of the center of the hubs by seating the wheels208along the axis of the hubs.

Referring again toFIGS. 2C and 2D, in embodiments of the present invention, the diameter of wheels208can be tailored, such that the clearance of body201above plane212is sufficient to allow a user to depress the body201downwardly toward plane212, which causes a relative translation of body201with respect to wheels208, causing wheels208to release from magnetic hubs204. Accordingly, when a user “crushes” a vehicle body201in a rapid motion toward a plane212, wheels208can be violently ejected from the body, adding to the play experience of a user.

In addition to embodiments in which wheels126are soft magnetic materials that retain little or negligible macroscopic magnetic polarization outside of an applied magnetic field, embodiments in which wheels126are permanent magnets are also possible. Although wheels that comprise permanent magnets generally have to align their own magnetic fields in accordance with the fields of the cylindrical magnets, this auto-alignment can take place so long as the wheels126can rotate freely to allow for magnetic alignment. Typically, such spherical permanent magnets will engage in greater rotation than for spherical soft magnetic materials, since the magnetic pole of a magnetic sphere randomly physically oriented and placed near a magnetic cylinder will not in general initially have the proper magnetic alignment. In addition, the magnetic field of the magnetic cylinder will typically not be sufficient to reorient the magnetic field of a permanent magnet sphere, so that a sphere that is not properly magnetically aligned with the hub will not be attracted to the hub. Accordingly, in order to perform attachment of wheel to the hub, the sphere, hub, or both may have to physically move and/or rotate. Thus, the process of alignment of sphere to hub may involve more movement and/or more time in the case of a spherical permanent magnet as compared to a soft magnetic sphere. As another embodiment, however, to avoid the need for alignment, wheels comprising permanent magnets could be used with ferromagnetic (instead of magnetic) hubs.

In any case, whether permanent magnets are provided for wheels or not, the auto-assembly and auto-alignment processes may be accompanied by sound as the wheels attach to the respective magnetic hubs (e.g., a snapping sound).

Accordingly, vehicle120can provide a user with added enjoyment when the wheels “snap onto” the body when brought nearby without the user taking any special effort to align the wheels or vehicle body. It will be apparent that the predetermined distance over which the wheel self-alignment process can take place can vary according to the strength of the permanent magnets130a,130band the magnetic susceptibility of the wheels, as well as the friction of the surfaces on which the vehicle components are resting. However, in preferred embodiments of the present invention, this distance can be in the range of several millimeters to several centimeters.

In addition, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the self-assembly process can be modified by choice of the configuration of the magnetic poles of the magnetic hubs124a,124b. In one embodiment of the present invention, vehicle120is configured with like poles facing outwardly for all hubs124a,124b. It is to be noted that when two ferromagnetic spheres are introduced in proximity of each other and in proximity but not precise alignment with adjacent cylindrical magnetic hubs, the magnetic interaction is such that the tendency of the spheres to each properly attach to respective magnetic hubs can depend on the local magnetic field, especially that between the adjacent hubs. This local magnetic field depends both on the relative polarity of the adjacent hubs, and the relative distance between the hubs, as well as the diameter of the spheres, and size of the cylindrical magnets.

For assembly of vehicles120without use of an assembler110(see discussion below), to facilitate self-assembly, for a given separation between axles, it may therefore be preferable to configure the polarity of the magnetic hubs in a predetermined manner, based upon empirical observation or simulation as to that configuration where auto-assembly occurs the most often.

Additionally, for assembly of vehicles120with the aid of assembler110, configuration of the polarity of the hubs of a vehicle according to a designed pattern can aid in assembly of vehicles. In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of vehicle bodies122is configured such that all magnetic hubs have the same polarity in a given vehicle body, and such that the polarity of the hubs in each vehicle is the same as that of all of the other vehicles to be stacked in assembler110. Accordingly, vehicle bodies122tend to repel each other when stacked in assembler/launcher110. Thus, the hubs in a vehicle body122located in an assembly position in assembler110tend to magnetically repel those in the vehicle body immediately above, instead of attracting hubs of another vehicle in the case where the polarity of hubs in one vehicle was opposite that of the vehicle above. The magnetic repulsion may be sufficient to counteract the force of gravity, such that one vehicle body122floats above a body122in the assembly position immediately below. This leads to a more facile self-assembly process of wheels to a vehicle body, one vehicle at a time and without sticking to each other, since the vehicle bodies are not attracted to each other, and a separation by magnetic repulsion can be maintained between adjacent vehicle bodies122.

In other embodiments of the present invention, the polarity of the magnetic hubs of toy bodies can be arranged to vary the manner in which a plurality of magnetic toys interact with each other. For example, a first and second toy body could be arranged such that all the hubs have the north pole (arbitrarily defined, and not defined with respect to the magnetic north pole of the earth, whose magnetic field is negligible in comparison to magnets of the toys in the present invention) facing outwardly. Accordingly, such toys, for two-axle automobiles, tend to repel each other when the hubs with attached wheels come into proximity with one another. Alternatively, a first vehicle could be arranged with all north poles facing outwardly in the axle hubs, while a second vehicle is arranged with all south poles facing outwardly in the axle hubs. When two such vehicles are brought into physical proximity, they will tend to attract each other. Accordingly, the tendency to crash cars and the intensity of crashes can be varied in accordance with configurations of the present invention.

Other combinations of hub polarity are also possible according to other embodiments of the present invention. For example, a first vehicle could be configured with the left side hubs having south poles outwardly facing, while the right side hubs have north poles facing outwardly; the front axle of a first car could be configured with north poles facing outwardly while the rear axle is configured with the south poles facing outwardly; etc.

In accordance with still other embodiments of the invention, the interactions between separate magnetic vehicles can be further varied by providing permanent magnet spheres as wheels, in which case the intensity of repulsion or attraction between wheels in separate vehicles can be enhanced.

In one embodiment of the present invention, two or more magnetic vehicles can be used in conjunction with one or more tracks that guide the vehicle travel. For example, two magnetic vehicles can be placed facing each other in a single track designed to restrict the motion of a vehicle to be either forward or backward along the track. When sent towards a head-on collision, the severity of the collision could either be increased or decreased in accordance with the design of the polarity of the magnetic hubs in the front axles of the respective vehicles, as well as the proximity of the front axles to the front of the vehicle.

In another example, a pair of vehicles could be placed upon separate tracks that run parallel to each other and/or come into close proximity to one another at predetermined points, such that a pair of vehicles could be guided to closely approach one another in separate tracks. By choice of polarity of the magnetic hubs in the respective vehicles, the tendency of the vehicles to attract or repulse one another upon close approach could be varied, such that one or more of the vehicles could be forced to “jump” a track.

In another example, two vehicles traveling in the same direction on a single track could have adjacent axles (e.g., the rear axle of the front vehicle and the front axle of the rear vehicle) with like polarities, such that the rear vehicle could push the front vehicle along the track by magnetic repulsion, without actually contacting the front vehicle. In this manner, the rear vehicle would appear to magically push the front vehicle along the track.

Referring again toFIG. 2C, in another configuration of the present invention, an axle202aor202band its corresponding hubs204can be configured as a removable unit, such that the magnetic polarity of the hubs in vehicle200can be rapidly changed by swapping axles having different hubs with different magnetic configurations. Alternatively, hubs204themselves could be removable, reversible, and/or interchangeable to provide different polarities.

Referring again toFIG. 1A, in the embodiment of the present invention depicted therein, assembler110is configured to facilitate assembly of a magnetic toy that has the shape of a vehicle, such as vehicle120. Assembler110includes central, or “main,” chamber112that is configured to receive a vehicle body from the top of assembler110and house one or more vehicle bodies122. As used herein, the term “chamber” generally refers to the walls as well as the region contained within the walls of the chamber. Assembler110also includes a set of outer chambers114that are each configured to receive and house one or more wheels, such as spheres126. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, main chamber112can house up to three vehicle bodies122at a given time. Similarly, in one embodiment, each chamber114can house up to three spheres126at the same time. Accordingly, assembler110can house vehicle parts from which a plurality of vehicles can be assembled.

In one aspect of the invention, a user can place an assembled vehicle120at the top of assembler110, and dislodge wheels126, such that the separate vehicle components126and122are received in respective outer compartments114and central compartment112, respectively. Alternatively, a user can simply separately place vehicle components in the respective chambers. Assembler110can be configured such that vehicles are assembled at an assembly position115located, for example, in an assembly chamber near the bottom of assembler110. Accordingly, assembled vehicles exit assembler110at ramp117provided at the bottom of assembler110. Preferably, when more than one vehicle body is stacked within compartment112, and sufficient wheels are stacked within outer compartments114, each time a vehicle is assembled and exits assembler110, a vehicle body and set of wheels immediately on top of the respective vehicle body and wheels just assembled take the place of their assembled counterparts.

In embodiments of the present invention, the exit of an assembled vehicle120from assembler110can be facilitated by different means. For example, one embodiment of the present invention involves provision of a ramp at the assembly position of a vehicle120, that causes the assembled vehicle to roll forward out of the assembler110due to the force of gravity. Other means for facilitating vehicle exit include, for example, an ejector that strikes, pushes, or flings an assembled vehicle. Other means for facilitating vehicle exit that can be used in conjunction with gravity of an ejector include moving a movable barrier that is configured to block vehicle movement in a first position, which barrier, when moved or retracted, allows the vehicle to move forward under the action of gravity or an ejector.

FIG. 1Adepicts an embodiment of the present invention in which assembler110further includes optional launcher116, described in detail further below. Launcher116is configured to propel assembled vehicles120from the body of assembler110, wherein the assembled vehicles exit through ramp117.

As described in detail below, in embodiments of the present invention, assembler110, which is also termed an assembler/launcher, or just launcher, is configured to facilitate self assembly of a vehicle having magnetic components. In one embodiment of the present invention, chambers112and114comprise at least in part, transparent walls that allow a user to view at least portions of vehicle bodies122and wheels126being housed, lowered, assembled, and ejected from assembler/launcher110. Thus, a user is provided with a view of a vehicle assembly and launch process while operating the assembler/launcher110.

FIGS. 10A-10Cdepict the positioning of vehicle parts in assembler/launcher110before assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. At least an upper portion of each wheel chamber114is physically isolated from vehicle body chamber112, such that wheels126do not directly contact a vehicle body122placed in the chamber above the assembly position (not shown), which lies toward the lower portion of assembler/launcher110. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, each wheel chamber114can comprise a transparent or translucent cylinder having walls that completely surround a wheel126, at least in an upper portion of the cylinder. Accordingly, a user can place a set of four magnetic wheels, one in each wheel chamber114, that come to rest at the same level in assembler/launcher110.

For assembly of an additional magnetic vehicle120, a set of an additional four wheels, one in each wheel chamber114, can be placed to rest upon a corresponding first magnetic wheel in each wheel chamber114. Each set of four wheels is consequently arranged at a given level of assembler/launcher110. One or more vehicle bodies122(2 bodies are depicted inFIGS. 10A-10C) can be placed in a stack formation within vehicle body chamber112. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the arrangement of magnetic hubs of vehicle bodies122and the placement of magnetic wheels126in chambers114can be used to promote the appearance of levitation of vehicle bodies122.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the polarity of the hubs124is arranged to be the same for vehicle bodies122loaded into chamber114. Because of this arrangement, a vehicle body122that is lowered upon a lower vehicle body122tends to be repelled by the lower vehicle body122when the hubs of the upper vehicle body122approach the hubs of the lower vehicle body. This can cause the upper vehicle body122to be repelled by the lower vehicle body122to the extent that the vehicle bodies when stacked in chamber112do not contact one another.

In addition, the dimensions of chamber112can be arranged to allow the wheels hubs124to come into close proximity with magnetic wheels126in chambers114. By arranging the width of the vehicle axles to be close to the width of vehicle body chamber112, the hubs124extend close to the inner side of wheel chambers114and can exert a strong attraction to wheels126that are disposed within adjacent wheel chambers114, as depicted inFIG. 10B. However, the walls of wheel chambers114prevent the wheels126from contacting vehicle bodies122. Accordingly, as depicted inFIGS. 10B and 10C, to a user viewing assembler/launcher110, a stacked vehicle chassis (body)122can be seen to float inside the launcher body chamber112at approximately the same level as a corresponding set of wheels126that are housed in separate chambers114.

When multiple vehicle bodies122and multiple sets of magnetic wheels124are stacked in assembler110, the effect of the attraction exerted between magnetic wheels126in chambers114and hubs124of a first vehicle chassis122in chamber112on the one hand, and the mutual repulsion of the first vehicle chassis122and a second vehicle chassis122on the other hand, may be additive or may be in competition with each other depending on the relative strength of the magnets in the hubs, the size of the wheels126, and the number of vehicles stacked in assembler110, among other factors. For example, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the relative size of wheels126and height of vehicle bodies122can be increased to enhance the separation distance in which one vehicle body122floats over another vehicle body122. For example, the diameter of spherical wheels126can be arranged to be greater than the height of vehicle bodies122. Thereby the hubs124of the upper vehicle body122may tend to align close to the plane of the set of upper wheels so that the upper vehicle body122does not directly contact the lower vehicle body122. However, depending on the magnitude of the repulsive force exerted between the upper and lower vehicle bodies, when no wheels are present in chambers114, the vertical distance between adjacent vehicle bodies122in chamber112may be greater or lesser than the size of the wheels. Accordingly, when wheels126are stacked in chambers114, the attraction between vehicle hubs124in an upper chassis122and upper wheels126may tend to increase or decrease the distance between the upper and lower bodies122.

In addition, stacking of a third vehicle body122on top of a second vehicle body122may decrease the distance between the second vehicle body122and the first vehicle body122, due to the mutual repulsion between second and third bodies122, which tends to force the second vehicle body122in a downward direction.

As described further below, once an ejector mechanism is engaged, the vehicle chassis122and wheels appear to magically assemble and launch out of assembler/launcher110.

FIGS. 3A-3Hdepict in a cutout perspective view various stages of operation of toy assembler110, wherein toy assembler110acts to assemble and launch vehicle120.

FIG. 3Adepicts an early stage in which a vehicle body122and wheels126are housed in separate chambers (not shown for clarity) above an assembly position. For example, wheels126could be housed in chambers similar to chambers114while body122is housed in a chamber similar to chamber112. In addition, one or more bodies122can be stacked above body122and one or more sets of wheels126can be stacked above wheels126.

Referring also toFIG. 3C, wheels126are retained by holders142, while vehicle body122is retained by holder144.

As depicted in the series of sequential views ofFIGS. 3B-3F, when lever140is rotated upwardly, a series of motions is initiated in assembler110. Holder142is moved along a direction parallel to the long direction of the vehicle, to retract holder142and release wheels126, which fall into an assembly position at the bottom of the assembler110. Subsequently, further upward rotation of lever140causes holder144to retract by rotating along an axis parallel to the long direction of the vehicle, thereby releasing the vehicle body122, which falls to an assembly position, as depicted inFIG. 3F.

In the assembly position, vehicle body122and wheels126are brought into proximity to each other, without any barriers in between, wherein the self assembly process described above can take place. The relative lateral distance between the wheels and body can vary in different embodiments, such that the wheels travel a relatively greater or lesser lateral distance before attaching to the vehicle body, thereby creating a relatively greater or lesser sound, for example. To ensure that the vehicle wheels assemble to the body, the bottom surface below chambers114can be configured to slant toward a central region containing a vehicle body.

FIGS. 3G and 3Hdepict subsequent steps in which the lever140is rotated downwardly, causing barriers146to lower, and an ejector means (not shown) to launch the assembled vehicle forward along ramp117.

Accordingly, a single lever114acts to facilitate assembly and ejection of a vehicle. Because the wheels126are configured to self assemble to body122, as discussed above, the assembler/launcher110provides a robust means to repeatedly assemble and propel vehicle using a simple to and fro motion of a lever, without the user having to meticulously arrange vehicle parts, thus providing a unique interaction with toy vehicles.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention depicted inFIG. 11A, a multiple assembler/launcher500is configured to assemble and launch a vehicle120(not shown) in a two step motion of lever502. When lever502is in a fully upward position, a first vehicle chassis122and set of wheels126placed in assembler500are held by holder506in a holding position in respective vehicle body chamber512and wheel chambers514. When lever502is moved fully downwardly, wheels126and vehicle chassis122in the holding position are released by movement of holder506(described further below) into an assembly chamber515in which self-assembly of the first vehicle chassis122to magnetic wheels126takes place generally as described above with respect toFIGS. 3A-3H. At the same time, a launch/release device (not shown) is set in the assembly chamber. When lever502is moved upwardly, the launch/release device is triggered (not shown), which causes the assembled vehicle120to launch out of assembler500. At the same time, holder506is returned to the holding position, which allows a second vehicle chassis122and wheels126(if any) that were previously stacked above the first vehicle chassis122and wheels126to fall into the holding position in respective vehicle body chamber512and wheel chambers514. This two step process can be repeated for as many sets of vehicle parts as are loaded into assembler500.

FIGS. 11B and 11Cdepict details of holder506in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, each of two sides of assembler500is configured with a similar holder506. As discussed further below, each holder acts upon vehicle body122and upon two wheel chambers514. A drive member508in each holder506is configured to move up and down in a generally vertical direction when lever502is rotated upwardly and downwardly, respectively. Outer and inner lateral members518and520, respectively, are configured to be slidably moveable with respect to one another in a horizontal direction. As depicted inFIG. 11B, each of the lateral members518and520is generally shaped as a dog leg, and each includes a shallow V-shaped slot522that faces in a different direction to its counterpart. Drive member508includes pin509that extends within each V-shaped slot522. Lateral members518and520include lower distal portions524and526, respectively, and upper distal portions528and530, respectively, each of which is configured to extend into a wheel chamber114.

As depicted inFIG. 11A, upward vertical movement of pin509causes the lower portion of V-shaped slots522to be moved away from one another, placing the lower distal portions524and526away from one another, and causing each to substantially extend into a respective wheel chamber514. In this “holding” position, upper distal portions of528and530are retracted from extending into chambers514, thereby allowing any wheels stacked above to enter the holding position and rest against lower distal portions524and526.

When pin509is fully extended downwardly, the lower portions of each slot522are lined up one on top of the other, and the lower distal portions524and526are brought into closest proximity to one another. In this “release” position (not shown), the holding position is empty, since lower distal portions of524and526are retracted from extending into chambers514, thereby releasing any wheels to the assembly position below. In addition, the upper distal portions528and530extend substantially into a respective wheel chamber514, preventing any wheels stacked above from entering the holding position.

Referring toFIG. 11Cand again toFIGS. 3C-3E, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, holder506further comprises a vehicle holder532having a similar shape and action to that depicted for holder144inFIGS. 3C-3E. When drive member508moves fully upward as inFIGS. 11A and 11C, a lower portion534of the vehicle holder532extends inwardly into vehicle chamber512, preventing vehicles from falling into the assembly position below, as generally depicted by the position of member144inFIG. 3C. When drive member508moves fully downwardly, the lower part of the vehicle holder rotates outwardly away from chamber512, as generally depicted by the position of member144inFIG. 3E. Thus, any wheels126in chambers514and vehicle chassis122in chamber512are released to the assembly position when drive member508moves fully downwardly. One notable difference between the action of embodiments of the present invention depicted inFIGS. 3A-3Hand those depicted inFIGS. 11A-11Cis that the release lever moves upwardly to release components from the holding position in the embodiments shown inFIGS. 3A-3H, and moves downwardly to release components in the embodiments ofFIGS. 11A-11C.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of launchers110can be employed simultaneously by a plurality of users to launch a plurality of vehicles towards one another. As described above, the interaction between separate magnetic vehicles can be varied by choice of polarity of magnetic hubs on a vehicle. Thus, two separate vehicles could be launched from separate launchers toward one another with the severity of the collision varied according to the magnetic polarity of the front axle hubs, for example. Users could each launch a series of vehicles of varying magnetic hub polarity, such that the collision results between successive pairs of vehicles varies in a rapid fashion as the vehicles are launched at each other.

FIG. 1Billustrates a vehicle assembler/launcher160, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Launcher160is configured such that the body of a vehicle122is fed into a chamber in launcher160horizontally from an entry161in the back. Wheels are fed in through wheel chambers162provided on the top of launcher160, such that the vehicle body122is surrounded by the wheels in chambers162. A launch pump163is provided on the top of launcher160, such that, when depressed, the vehicle120is assembled and an assembled vehicle120is launched out of exit ramp164provided in the front of launcher160. As with assembler/launcher110, launcher160takes advantage of the magnetic self-assembling properties of wheels126and vehicle bodies122, as described above.

FIGS. 1C-1Ddepict details of assembling and launching features of launcher160.FIG. 1Cdepicts a perspective view of wheel chambers162and their relationship to upper wheel plates172and lower wheel plates174, in a retracted position.FIG. 1Ddepicts a top view of launcher160showing both upper and lower wheel plates. In the retracted position, the wheel apertures176of upper wheel plates172, which are substantially concentric with chambers162are arranged with their central portions substantially directly above corresponding wheel apertures178of lower wheel plates. In this position, wheels placed in chambers162stack one on top of the other. The lowest set of wheels can fall through chambers162and apertures176to come to rest on lower wheel plates172. The lower portions of the lowest set of wheels are configured to rest within apertures178after loading through chambers162. In addition, launch member180is held behind retainer182.

In the launch position (not shown), retainer182is pressed downwardly, releasing launch member180in the direction shown by the arrow, and the horizontal portion of lower wheel plates174is lowered, releasing wheels126of an assembled vehicle. Accordingly, an assembled vehicle120is thrust toward the front of launcher160. In addition, in the launch position, upper wheel plates172are moved forwardly with respect to lower wheel plates174, such that their central portions are displaced from the corresponding wheel apertures178of lower wheel plates. Accordingly, any wheels (not shown) positioned in wheel chambers162are prevented from falling by the solid horizontal portions185of upper wheel plates172, which extend substantially under the bottom of chambers162in the launch position. Only when the launch pump163is released and the launcher returns to a retracted position can wheels fall into lower wheel plates174.

FIG. 9illustrates a magnetic vehicle launcher system900arranged in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. As depicted, launcher900is a gravity launcher that comprises a holder portion902and short curved track portion, which is a simple exit ramp904in the embodiment depicted inFIG. 9. Holder portion902can be configured to reversibly detach from exit ramp904. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, holder902is configured to magnetically hold a vehicle120at a substantial angle with respect to horizontal, for example, at an angle of about sixty to ninety degrees. When released, gravity causes vehicle120to rapidly descend and exit from curved ramp904. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, exit ramp904can connect to a longer track portion, such as tracks described below with respect toFIGS. 4 and 8.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle track300as shown inFIG. 4may be used in conjunction with a magnetic vehicle, such as vehicle120described herein. The track300may include a magnetic hanging starter302, a vertical drop track306, boosters310, a figure-8 track312, gates318, and an elevator tower320.

The track300can be used in the playing of a game, for example, wherein players attempt to capture or trap opponents vehicles120with gates318. Alternatively, the gates318can be used by a player to gather his or her own vehicles.

The hanging starter302may be used as both a start and a finish. Vehicle120magnetically hangs by the hanger while waiting to be launched. The vehicle120may be launched when a player presses down on a remote, which can de-activate the magnet holding the vehicle120. Depending on the play pattern, this game can be defensive or offensive. In both cases, a goal may be to gather vehicles120back to the hanging starter302. In a defensive game, players would protect and gather their own cars. In the case of an offensive game, the goal would be to trap the opponent's cars.

Gates318may be activated by players to allow the vehicles to be attached to the hanging starter302. If it is not timed correctly, the vehicle120will go back down the elevator320and back on the figure-8 track312.

The elevator tower320magnetically carries the vehicle120upwards at 90 degrees. In this manner, the vehicle may be brought up to the hanging starter302. If the player does not open their gates318at the right time, the vehicle120will be forced down the drop and back in the figure-8 track312. The elevator tower320can be constructed similar to the magnetic lift track assembly described in pending U.S. Pub. No. 2007/0209543, application Ser. No. 11/648,577, filed Jan. 3, 2007, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The figure-8 track312provides for a dynamic racing track and may be equipped with elevated banked curves. The boosters310propel the vehicle120to give it momentum and speed to race up the banked curves. A booster310can be, for example, a spinning wheel that contacts a surface of the vehicle and propels it forward. The boosters310may be activated by buttons314or316, or any other activation device. The extra speed boosts add excitement to a competitive race between players. Players can keep track of their scores by manually adding spheres to their respective vaults (which is basically a depression that holds spheres). The track300can include a jump for added player enjoyment.

The track300enables at least two play patterns: an offensive play pattern and a defensive play pattern. In the offensives play pattern, the goal is to trap opponents' vehicles while, in the defensive play pattern, the goal is for a player to gather his or her own vehicles.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, in one set of play patterns, cars120are released from the cartridges318(each player has a separate cartridge) by depressing a release button316. Up to three cars can be stacked in each cartridge318. Once the cars are released, they travel through tower306and are propelled on figure-8 shaped track312with the aid of electric spinning-wheel propellers (not shown) that could be contained in boosters310. If the cars do not crash in the intersection of the track, each player can activate the tower's gate by pressing button314. When opened, this gate instantly grabs a car and lifts the car to the top of tower306. At the top of tower, a magnetic grabber lifts the car by the rear wheels and drops it randomly either in the player1cartridge, the player2cartridge, or on a “death drop” that eliminates the given car from the race and drops the car outside of track. In a play pattern1, a player catches all his own cars in his own cartridge, while in a play pattern2, a player catches all her opponent's cars in her cartridge.

FIG. 5shows a further track400that may be used in conjunction with magnetic vehicles such as the vehicles120described herein. The track400may be made of a ferromagnetic material or, alternatively, the track400may be made of plastic and contain a ferromagnetic metal embedded in or beneath the plastic. The track400may include a launcher402, which may be remotely activated to release a magnetic vehicle120. The track400may be secured to a vertical wall by, for example, a suction cup mechanism406or other suitable attachment device. The launcher402may also be attached to a wall by a suction cup mechanism or other suitable device.

In the portion404of the track400that accommodates the wall attachment device406, the track may angle away from the wall and then back toward the wall. Covered portions405may be placed over that portion404of the track400in order to mechanically maintain a vehicle120within the magnetic attraction field of the track400.

As depicted inFIG. 5, track400is a double track that can accommodate two vehicles racing side-by-side in adjacent tracks.

At a portion of the track400at which a vehicle has maintained a high speed, a loop portion408may be provided, as shown in greater detail inFIG. 6. The loop may include an exposed ferromagnetic portion409in order to increase the magnetic force while the vehicle120is upside down. Accordingly, referring again also toFIG. 1A, the magnetic wheels126of an upside down vehicle traversing the loop portion having exposed magnetic tracks409have a stronger magnetic attraction to the exposed magnetic tracks when the magnetic wheels are adjacent to the exposed magnetic tracks409as opposed to the magnetic attraction of the magnetic wheels126to portions of the tracks that are covered by a non-magnetic material when the magnetic wheels126are adjacent to the covered track portions. This helps overcome the gravitational force acting upon the vehicle that would tend to dislodge the vehicle120from track400when upside down.

FIG. 7shows a detail view of a finish hanger portion414. The finish hanger portion414may be configured as a loop, as shown inFIG. 7, and may include a magnetic hanger416at the end of the loop to catch a vehicle after the vehicle makes the jump412from the merged portion410of the track400. In one example, the vehicle speed at the merged portion is such that the vehicle lands on the hanger414at the bottom of the loop portion, continues around the loop, arriving upside down to encounter magnetic hanger416, which stops the vehicle and holds the vehicle by a set of two wheels as shown. In another example, the magnetic hanger416could be positioned to catch a vehicle in the air after exiting the merged portion410.

The starting launcher402may by similar to the launchers previously described herein, in which the vehicle120may be self-assembled after inserting the vehicle body and the ferromagnetic sphere wheels separately. In one embodiment of the present invention depicted inFIG. 8, the starting launcher402is a gravity fed launcher. The launcher may hold a magnetic vehicle magnetically, or by other means. As also described above, the launcher may be activated by a switch on the launcher402or by remote control, such as hand held remote control devices403, to release the vehicles120.

For example, in the present invention, embodiments are contemplated in which the vehicle hubs comprise soft magnetic materials, and the wheels comprise permanent magnets. In addition, the present invention includes embodiments in which the permanent magnets, including any magnets located in the hubs or the spherical wheels, are made from ferrimagnetic materials, which are well known materials that can be used as magnets.

Additionally, as noted previously, the present invention includes embodiments in which magnetic hubs are fixed within a vehicle, such that the hubs do not rotate. In these embodiments, during vehicle motion, the wheels undergo rotation with respect to the fixed hubs. For example, in the case of spherical wheels against a magnetic hub having a flat magnetic face, the point contact between the spherical wheel and the flat face can enable the spherical wheel to rotate freely.

Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention are contemplated in which the assembled toy is a humanoid, robotic, or animal form. For example, the central toy portion could be an animal body, and four outer spheres or cylinders could represent the limbs of the animal.

Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention are contemplated in which a toy vehicle or other toy comprises three or more axles.

Furthermore, iii accordance with other embodiments of the present invention, the components of track systems described above can be used in any combination with a magnetic vehicle. For example, the magnetic hanger system depicted inFIG. 7could be used to terminate a track portion that can be non-magnetic, such as the tracks depicted inFIG. 4.

Further, in describing representative embodiments of the present invention, the specification may have presented the method and/or process of the present invention as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences of steps may be possible.