Abstract:
A construction kit that is suitable for creating a variety of different structures includes a plurality of illuminated elements. In one embodiment, an illuminated element has a plurality of substantially transparent panels forming a three-dimensional shape, a self-powered light cartridge within the three-dimensional shape, and a plurality of externally directed magnets. The cartridge can include a housing disposed on a panel of the plurality of substantially transparent panels, a light located within the housing and positioned approximately in the center of the three-dimensional shape, circuitry within the housing for controlling an operation of the light, a battery within the housing for powering the light via the circuitry, and a removable cover for sealing the light, circuitry and battery within the housing. The illuminated elements can be directly connected to each other with the externally directed magnets or with connecting members (e.g., ferromagnetic spheres) between the magnets.

Description:
[0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/619,276, filed Oct. 15, 2004, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention is directed generally to puzzles and toys. More particularly, the present invention is directed to construction toys for building stable three-dimensional structures utilizing various construction elements, at least some of which have luminescent characteristics.  
         [0004]     2. Background of the Invention  
         [0005]     Individuals often find enjoyment in the challenge of building aesthetic structural designs and/or functional structural models. Frequently, the utility associated with constructing such structures is found in the creative and/or problem-solving process required to achieve a desired structural objective. Currently, construction assemblies that exploit magnetic properties to interlink various structural components and thereby form different three-dimensional structures are known and can provide an added dimension of sophistication to the construction process. Examples of such construction assemblies include the magnetic construction toy disclosed in Balanchi U.S. Pat. No. 6,626,727, the modular assemblies disclosed in Vicentielli U.S. Pat. No. 6,566,992, and the magnetic puzzle/toy disclosed in Smith U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,262. In particular, German Patent No. DE 202 02 183 U1 to Kretzschmar describes flat triangles, squares and rectangles used in conjunction with ferromagnetic balls to create a limited range of geometric constructions. The flat shapes disclosed in the Kretzschmar German Patent consist of magnets inserted in the corners of a triangular or square piece, or six magnets in a rectangular plate that can be attracted to steel balls to create three-dimensional shapes. Thus, conventional construction kits are appealing to persons of all ages in that they allow for both aesthetic and geometric creativity.  
         [0006]     The above-noted magnet construction assemblies each contain a certain number of component parts, which can sometimes limit geometries and stable or secure connections. Thus, a need remains for a magnetic construction assembly that provides more flexibility in both aesthetic and geometric design, and, moreover, that provides an additional degree of design/construction sophistication.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     The present invention provides new and improved construction modules that are three-dimensional in shape and have internal light-emitting attributes.  
         [0008]     In one embodiment of the invention, a construction kit includes a plurality of construction modules. Each construction module includes a plurality of externally directed magnets, and a self-powered light cartridge arranged within a three-dimensional of the construction module. The plurality of externally directed magnets allows the plurality of construction modules to connect to form a structure.  
         [0009]     Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent with reference to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]     For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of various exemplary embodiments thereof, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a construction module constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the three-dimensional shape thereof is that of a cube;  
         [0012]      FIG. 2  is a view of the construction module of  FIG. 1 , shown partially disassembled;  
         [0013]      FIG. 3  is a view of the construction module of  FIG. 1 , shown in a more fully disassembled state;  
         [0014]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a transparent version of the construction module of  FIGS. 1-3 ;  
         [0015]      FIG. 5  is a perspective exploded view of another version of the construction module of  FIGS. 1-3 ;  
         [0016]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an construction composed in part of multiple instances of the  FIG. 4  transparent version of the construction module of  FIGS. 1-3 ;  
         [0017]      FIG. 7  is another perspective view of the construction of  FIG. 6 , showing the construction modules to be internally illuminated;  
         [0018]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a construction module constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the three-dimensional shape thereof is that of a cylinder;  
         [0019]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a construction module constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, wherein the three-dimensional shape thereof is that of a pyramid;  
         [0020]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a construction module constructed in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the three-dimensional shape thereof is that of a prism;  
         [0021]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an construction composed in part of the flat bottom panel of the  FIG. 8  construction module; and  
         [0022]      FIG. 12  is a top plan view of the construction of  FIG. 11 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0023]     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, construction modules having three-dimensional shapes such as that of cubes, cylinders, pyramids, prisms and other shapes are provided having walls or side panels made of translucent or transparent material and forming an interior chamber, in which is disposed a self-powered light cartridge containing an LED light source for illuminating such modules from within. Each such construction module is sized for easy manipulation and includes a number of externally-directed magnets for use in integrating multiple instances of such modules together, via a construction system and method involving intervening steel balls and/or other compatible construction elements.  
         [0024]     In an alternative embodiment, self-illuminating construction elements, such as cylinders, cubes, pyramids, prisms and other shapes, formed of translucent or transparent material enclose a light source, such as an LED, miniature incandescent light bulb or electro-luminescent phosphor that is energized by an external power source. Connectors link the elements mechanically.  
         [0025]     In accordance with the preferred embodiments disclosed herein, sturdy, attention-getting constructions may thus be assembled which can take a wide variety of forms and/or sizes. Moreover, the internal illumination feature of the three-dimensional construction modules provides a wide variety of aesthetically appealing and entertaining lighting options.  
         [0026]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a construction module  10  configured in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, featuring interior lighting and other features to facilitate the assembly of attractive, sturdy constructions of the type described hereinabove. The construction module  10  is three-dimensional, including multiple panels  12  made of translucent material. The panels  12  are sized, shaped, and configured so as to form a cube having six substantially flat side surfaces  14  adjoined along adjacent edges  16  and at eight corners  18 . Each of the eight corners  18  of the cube consists of a generally flat beveled surface  20  that forms a 45-degree angle with respect to each of the adjacent side surfaces  14 . A magnet  22  is embedded within the beveled surface  20  of each corner  18  and supported by other structure (e.g., an internal pocket or finger-type support such as are discussed more fully hereinafter) such that a generally flat end surface  24  of each magnet  22  is substantially coplanar with the adjacent beveled surface  20 . The construction and function of the magnet  22  will be described more fully hereinafter.  
         [0027]     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the construction module  10  is formed from two substantially equivalent halves  26 , each half  26  being of unitary construction (e.g., via molded construction) and including three panels  12 . In the assembled state, the two halves  26  define an interior chamber  28  ( FIG. 2 ). Each half  26  includes various magnet support elements  30  disposed in the interior chamber  28  and positioned adjacent the beveled surface  20  of each corner  18 . Each magnet support element  30  includes a finger  32  extending beneath an associated beveled surface  20  for supporting the corresponding magnet  22 . The positions and dimensions of the fingers  32  and the lengths of the magnets  22  are coordinated so as to keep the externally facing magnet end surfaces  24  coplanar with the associated beveled surfaces  20  in which the magnets  22  are embedded. Each half  26  further includes grooves  34  formed along the periphery of the constituent panels  12 . These grooves  34  are precisely formed such that when the halves  26  are joined (e.g., via ultrasonic welding), superior fit and alignment is achieved along the edges  16  ( FIG. 1 ), and sharp corners are avoided in the assembly.  
         [0028]     As best shown in  FIG. 3 , the construction module  10  is further equipped with a light cartridge  36  affixed to one of the panels  12 . The light cartridge  36  includes a housing  38  containing an LED light  40 , one or more batteries (not shown) to provide electrical power to the LED light  40 , and circuitry (not shown) to control the operation of the LED light  40 . The circuitry can provide, for example, motion-activated or sound-activated lights. The housing  38  extends from the side surface  14  ( FIG. 2 ) of the panel  12  to which it is affixed, through such panel  12 , and into the interior chamber  28 , such that the LED light  40  is positioned approximately in the center of the interior chamber  28 . The LED light  40  is thereby optimally positioned with respect to the interior chamber  28  for providing the construction module  10  with pleasant and attractive interior lighting, the nature and function of which will be described in greater detail hereinafter.  
         [0029]     The light cartridge  36  is further equipped with a removable cover  42  ( FIG. 2 ) for sealing the lighting, power, and control components of the light cartridge  36  within the housing  38 . The cover  42  is positioned within the panel  12  to which the light cartridge  36  is affixed. To prevent the structure of the light cartridge  36  and/or the cover  42  from interfering with later assembly/construction steps (to be discussed in more detail hereinafter), the cover  42  is recessed slightly with respect to the side surface  14  of the panel  12 .  
         [0030]      FIGS. 4 and 5  illustrate two variations of the construction module  10  described hereinabove with reference to  FIGS. 1-3 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , if desired, the panels  12  of the construction module  10 , rather than being merely translucent, can be substantially transparent. As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the corners  18  of the cube formed by the panels  12  of the construction module  10  can include a concave surface or socket  44  rather than including flat beveled surfaces. Referring to  FIG. 5 , cylindrical cups  46  can be provided under the sockets  44  to receive and support the magnets  22  rather than the finger-equipped magnet support elements  30  of  FIGS. 2-3 .  
         [0031]     As also shown in  FIG. 5 , the magnets  22  can be substantially cylindrical in shape to fit within the cylindrical cups  46 , and the cover  42  of the light cartridge  36  can include a slot  48  and exterior threads (not shown) so as to facilitate the use of a screwdriver to gain access to the contents of the housing  38  (e.g., to replace the lighting, control, and/or power components therein), and to secure the cover  42  to the housing  38  via internal threads (not shown) formed therein.  
         [0032]     In use, multiple instances of the construction module  10  can be combined with other construction elements in an attractive construction featuring internal lighting and sturdy construction for aesthetic pleasure and/or as a leisure time recreational activity that fosters creativity and stimulates mental development. For example, and as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , multiple construction modules  10  having transparent panels  12  as discussed above with reference to  FIG. 4 , can be assembled with each other and with several planar construction elements  50  of constructions (e.g., embedded magnets, transparent in color, approximately the same size as the panels  12  of the construction modules  10 , embedded ferromagnetic disks, or connecting rods with embedded magnets or ferromagnetic components) compatible with those of the construction modules  10  (see, for example, applicant&#39;s co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/966,011 filed Oct. 15, 2004 and entitled “Magnetic Construction Modules For Creating Three-Dimensional Assemblies,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), to form an construction  52 . Construction elements  50  also may magnetically couple to one another. Such a construction  52  can be illuminated attractively via light  54  (e.g., red light, blue light, etc.) generated by the LED lights  40  and/or controlled by the circuitry (not shown) in any desired manner (e.g., in multiple colors, with flashing lights, using motion-activated, voice-activated, or sound-activated lights).  
         [0033]     The construction  52  can be produced by introducing several stainless steel balls  56  and placing them between the magnets  22  (see  FIG. 1 ) of the construction modules  10  and the magnets of the planar construction elements  50 , thereby linking such construction modules and elements via their common magnetic attraction to the steel material. A surprisingly sturdy structure can be created quickly and easily by means of the localized tension forces arising at these precise magnetic interfaces. In at least one advantageous embodiment of the present invention, stainless steel balls  56  having a diameter of 15 mm are used, wherein the construction modules and elements  10 ,  50  are formed with precise control over their shape and size such that the center-to-center distance of 40.01 mm is produced and maintained between adjacent stainless steel balls  56  in the construction  52 . Other ball sizes and center-to-center distances are possible.  
         [0034]     Many benefits are provided by the three-dimensional construction modules  10 , and/or by a construction  52  containing such construction modules  10  and built in accordance with the foregoing description. The combination of transparent or translucent panels with interior lighting in a conveniently-sized construction module  10  equipped with corner magnets  22  naturally sparks the imagination to produce constructions  52  having one or more of a multiplicity of shapes, lighting colors and/or patterns. The presence of the several stainless steel balls  56  adjacent every corner  18  ( FIG. 4 ) provides numerous surfaces by which the internally generated light may be reflected and/or scattered according to the immediate whims of the user. Disassembly and reassembly can be accomplished with great speed, and replacement of consumable lighting components is similarly easy to perform.  
         [0035]     It should also be noted that the present invention encompasses numerous embodiments in addition to the construction module  10  of  FIGS. 1-7 . Some such additional exemplary embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in  FIGS. 8-12 . Elements illustrated in  FIGS. 8-12 , which correspond substantially to the elements described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-7 , have been designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by one or more increments of one thousand. The embodiments of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 8-12  operate and are constructed in manners consistent with the foregoing description of the construction module  10 , unless stated otherwise.  
         [0036]      FIG. 8  shows a construction module  1010  constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The three-dimensional shape of the construction module  1010  is that of a cylinder. The panel  1012  forming the sides of the cylindrical shape of the construction module  1010  is arcuate, and the panels  1012  forming the top and bottom of the cylindrical shape are flat. The construction module  1010  includes an internal light cartridge  1036  mounted to a panel  1012  and magnets  1022  mounted at the cylinder&#39;s edges  1016 . For purposes of further discussion hereinafter (i.e., with reference to  FIGS. 11 and 12 ), the construction module  1010  is shown with the panel  1012  forming the bottom of the cylindrical shape facing upward, exposing an annular beveled surface  1058  at one of the edges  1016  into which four magnets  1022  are embedded.  
         [0037]      FIG. 9  shows a construction module  2010  constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. The three-dimensional shape of the construction module  2010  is that of a pyramid. The construction module  2010  includes an internal light cartridge  2036  mounted to a panel  2012  and magnets  2022  mounted at the pyramid&#39;s corners  2018 .  
         [0038]      FIG. 10  shows a construction module  3010  constructed in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The three-dimensional shape of the construction module  3010  is that of a prism. The construction module  3010  includes an internal light cartridge  3036  mounted to a panel  3012  and magnets  3022  mounted at the prism&#39;s corners  3018 .  
         [0039]      FIGS. 11 and 12  are respective perspective and top plan views of an construction  1052  composed in part of the above-discussed panel  1012  which forms the flat bottom of the cylindrical shape of the construction module  1010  of  FIG. 8 . As shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the construction  1052  contains further construction elements, i.e., numerous stainless steel balls  1056  and two planar construction elements  1050 . The annular beveled surface  1058  in which the magnets  1022  are embedded faces downward and outward and is oriented at a  45  degree angle to the downward-facing surface  1014  ( FIG. 8 ) of the panel  1012 . As such, the panel  1012  is somewhat elevated with respect to the stainless steel balls  1056  and the planar construction elements  1050 . In addition, and as best shown in the top view of  FIG. 12 , there exists ample horizontal clearance between the planar construction elements  1050  and the panel  1012 , enabling the cylindrically-shaped construction module  1010  ( FIG. 8 ) to be integrated smoothly into the construction  1052 .  
         [0040]     It will be understood that the embodiments of the present invention described herein are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such variations and modifications, including those discussed above, are therefore intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0041]     The foregoing disclosure of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations and modifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above disclosure. The scope of the invention is to be defined only by the claims appended hereto, and by their equivalents.  
         [0042]     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. Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth in the specification should not be construed as limitations on the claims. In addition, the claims directed to the method and/or process of the present invention should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention.