US20050202750A1

US20050202750A1 - Remote controlled structure for realising moving figures by magnetic and/or ferromagnetic and/or plastic material elements

Info

Publication number: US20050202750A1
Application number: US11/038,238
Authority: US
Inventors: Edoardo Tusacciu
Original assignee: Plast Wood Srl
Current assignee: Plast Wood Srl
Priority date: 2004-02-06
Filing date: 2005-01-21
Publication date: 2005-09-15
Also published as: EP1561499A3; EP1561499A2; AU2005200288A1; KR20060041776A; JP2005218870A; TW200534909A; CN1657814A; CA2496132A1

Abstract

The invention concerns a remote controlled structure for realising moving figures by magnetic and/or ferromagnetic and/or plastic material elements, characterised in that it comprises a base frame (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80), on which means for the remote control are provided, and means (17, 27, 37, 47, 57, 67, 77, 823, 824) for fixing magnetic and/or ferromagnetic (18, 28, 38, 68, 88) and/or plastic material elements, and in combination, a plurality of magnetic and/or ferromagnetic (18, 28, 38, 68, 88) and/or plastic material elements, necessary for realising the desired figure, and that can be assembled with said magnetic and/or ferromagnetic (18, 28, 38, 68, 88) and/or plastic material elements, or each other.

Description

The present invention relates to a remote controlled structure for realising moving figures by magnetic and/or ferromagnetic and/or plastic material elements.
More specifically, the invention concerns a structure of the above kind allowing to realise each figure by combination of a frame, provided with a remote control, and means for coupling magnetic and/or ferromagnetic and/or plastic material elements with said magnetic and/or ferromagnetic and/or plastic material elements, the figure being reconstructable or modifiable by the user.
In the following, the specification will be mainly addressed to the realisation of cars and other 4-wheel vehicles, but it is clearly to be understood that the scope of the present patent application must not be unduly limited to this kind of application, the inventive structure allowing to realise each figure that can be then moved by a remote control.
As it is well known, in the recent years different assemblies have been realised, based on the interaction between magnetic elements and ferromagnetic elements, for assembling complex figures.
Substantially, they are comprised of a combination of bars with magnetic ends, or fully magnetic bars, combined in various ways with ferromagnetic elements, or spheres to realise complex figures.
In the first macro category providing bars with magnetic ends must be considered as included toys known on the market with the name Roger's Connection, providing bars, all having the same sizes, comprised of two magnets separated by an air gap, or those marketed under the trade name Geomag®, the bars of which are comprised of a combination of magnet—Ferro magnet—magnet. In both cases complex figures are realised by employing ferromagnetic spheres.
In the second macro-category it must be considered as included the product known on the market as Supermag®, patented and realised by the same Applicant, providing bars with different sizes, and completely comprised of magnetic material. Supermag® has realised a remarkable improvement with respect to the known solutions, both as far as the possibility of realising always more complex figures, as well as for sturdiness of the obtained figures.
A remarkable improvement in this field has been recently suggested by the Italian Patent Application N∘RM2004A000362, filed on Jul. 19, 2004, wherein a solution is described allowing to improve the possibility of playing with this kind of products.
They are also known radio- or tele-remote controlled toys, such as cars, boats, airplanes, robots, and like, that, beyond being realised by the means necessary for remote control, have a frame, or in any case a solid main structure that cannot be modified or reconstructed at will.
In this context is included the solution provided according to the present invention suggesting a structure, provided with all the means necessary for its remote control, and that allows to realise the structure employing the above mentioned magnetic, ferromagnetic and plastic material elements.
It is object of the present invention that of realising a structure of the above kind allowing realising a remote controllable object, having each shape and size.
Further object of the present invention is that of providing a structure of the above kind allowing to reconstruct or to modify the object every moment.
It is therefore specific object of the present invention a remote controlled structure for realising moving figures by magnetic and/or ferromagnetic and/or plastic material elements, characterised in that it comprises a base frame, on which means for the remote control are provided, and means for fixing magnetic and/or ferromagnetic and/or plastic material elements, and in combination, a plurality of magnetic and/or ferromagnetic and/or plastic material elements, necessary for realising the desired figure, and that can be assembled with said magnetic and/or ferromagnetic and/or plastic material elements, or each other.
Particularly, according to the invention, said base frame provides wheels, operated by said remote control, preferably two front steering wheels and two rear not steering wheels.
Always according to the invention, it is possible to provide two driving, front or rear, wheels are provided, or four driving wheels are provided.
Furthermore, according to the invention, said base frame can be comprised of a shaped frame, or of an assembly of a plurality of elements realising the frame suitable for the figure to be realised.
Still according to the invention, said means for fixing magnetic and/or ferromagnetic elements can be built in said base frame, or they can be simply applied to the same separately.
Always according to the invention, said base frame can be realised with a substantially honeycomb like structure for fixing said ferromagnetic elements.
Preferably, according to the invention, said magnetic and/or ferromagnetic and/or plastic material elements can be fixedly or removably coupled with said base frame.
Furthermore, according to the invention, said means for fixing magnetic and/or ferromagnetic elements can project from said base frame or the can be partially or completely built in said base frame.
In an embodiment of the structure according to the invention, said base frame can be comprised of one or more parts, articulated each other.
According to the invention, said base frame can be comprised of plastics, metal, light alloy.
Still according to the invention, it is possible to provide additional plates to be coupled with said base frame to obtain a shape of the same suitable for the figure to be realised.
Particularly, said additional plates can be provided or not with means for coupling magnetic and/or ferromagnetic and/or plastic material elements.
Coupling between said plates and said base frame can be on the side or on the upper part of the base frame.
Said coupling can be of the magnetic type, or it can be a pin-hole coupling, or a fixed joint coupling.
Traction system of the structure according to the invention can be comprised of a single DC electric motor, or of two DC electric motors.
Steering system of the structure according to the invention can be controlled by a single motor or by a motor for each steering wheel, on the basis of the weight of the figure to be realised.
Remote control can be comprised of a radio-control system, particularly employing high frequencies with mean-long reception distances.
Supply system can be comprised of a battery pack, said pack comprising rechargeable batteries or not rechargeable batteries.
In a particularly preferred embodiment according to the invention, it is provided a shaped element, that can be coupled with said frame, and supporting the figure realised employing said magnetic and/or ferromagnetic and/or plastic material elements.
Preferably, according to the invention, said shaped element is comprised of transparent plastic material.
Always according to the invention seats are provided on said frame for housing magnetic elements, corresponding ferromagnetic elements of the figure realised being coupled with said seats, or vice versa, i.e. the frame provides the ferromagnetic elements coupling with magnetic elements of the figure.
Still according to the invention, said shaped element is fixedly coupled with said frame.
The present invention will be now described, for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, with particular reference to the figures of the enclosed drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a first embodiment of the structure according to the invention;
FIG. 2 is a lateral view of the structure of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a lateral view of a first particular of the structure of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a top view of the particular of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of a second embodiment of the structure according to the invention;
FIG. 6 is a lateral view of the structure of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a lateral view of a first particular of the structure of FIG. 5;
FIG. 8 is a top view of the particular of FIG. 5;
FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view of a third embodiment of the structure according to the invention;
FIG. 10 is a lateral view of the structure of FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a lateral view of a first particular of the structure of FIG. 9;
FIG. 12 is a top view of the particular of FIG. 9;
FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view of a fourth embodiment of the structure according to the invention;
FIG. 14 is a lateral view of the structure of FIG. 13;
FIGS. 15 a and 15 b are respectively a lateral view and a top view of a first particular of the structure of FIG. 13;
FIGS. 16 a-16 i show further particulars of the structure of FIG. 13;
FIG. 17 is a schematic plan view of a fifth embodiment of the structure according to the invention;
FIG. 18 is a lateral view of the structure of FIG. 17;
FIGS. 19 a and 19 b are respectively a lateral view and a top view of a first particular of the structure of FIG. 17;
FIGS. 20 a-20 i show further particulars of the structure of FIG. 17;
FIG. 21 is a schematic plan view of a sixth embodiment of the structure according to the invention;
FIG. 22 is a lateral view of the structure of FIG. 21;
FIG. 23 is a lateral view of a first particular of the structure of FIG. 21;
FIG. 24 is a top view of the particular of FIG. 21;
FIG. 25 is a schematic plan view of a seventh embodiment of the structure according to the invention;
FIG. 26 is a lateral view of the structure of FIG. 25;
FIG. 27 is a schematic plan view of a seventh embodiment of the structure according to the invention;
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the structure of FIG. 27;
FIG. 29 is a top view of the structure of FIG. 27;
FIG. 30 is a front view of the structure of FIG. 27;
FIG. 31 is a lateral view of the structure of FIG. 27; and
FIG. 32 is a rear view of the structure of FIG. 27.
As already mentioned, in the following solutions will be described particularly addressed to the realisation of motor vehicles, but it is well evident that the suggested solution according to present invention can be applied to every structure that can be operated by a remote control.
Observing first FIGS. 1-4, it is shown a first embodiment of the structure according to the invention, with the shape and dimensions useful for building different kind of vehicles, such as each kind of car or truck according to the fantasy of the user.
Particularly, structure provides a base frame 10, providing a battery supply group 11, with rechargeable or not rechargeable batteries, and a remote control group 12.
Furthermore, two front wheels 13′, 13″ are provided, with the steering group 14, and two rear wheels 15′, 15″, with the driving group 16. Obviously, solution could also provide front driving wheels.
A plurality of means 17 is provided on the base frame 10, for fixing ferromagnetic base elements or spheres 18, shown in greater detail in FIGS. 3 and 4. positioning of spheres 18 on the frame 10 permits positioning a plurality of magnetic elements or bars (not shown) and other spheres 18 to obtain the desired structure of the vehicle.
In case it is wished a different shape of the base frame 10, it will be possible coupling some appendices (not shown) to the same, said appendices being described in greater detail with reference to the following embodiments, and that can be coupled by the holes 19 provided laterally with respect to the base frame 10, or by other coupling systems, in case of the magnetic type.
Coming now to observe FIGS. 5-8, it is shown an embodiment that structurally is similar to the previous one shown in FIGS. 1-4, but the base frame 20 of which is directly shaped for realising a single kind of car or of truck. Single elements of this embodiment, indicated by the same reference numbers used for the previous embodiment, using number “2” in place of number “1”, will be not described in greater detail in the following.
Embodiment of the structure according to the invention shown in FIGS. 9-12 is substantially identical to the previous one shown in FIGS. 5-8, with a different type of means 37 for fixing the spheres 38. In fact, in this case, means 37 permanently fix spheres 38, and not as in the previous embodiment, where means 17 and 27 provide elastic lugs allowing to removably couple spheres 18, 28.
Embodiment shown in FIGS. 13-16 provides a base frame 40, suitably created with shape and dimension allowing modifying the same in function of the structure to be realised.
Adaptation of the shape of the base frame 40 to the specific structure to be realised is obtained by plates 401, coupled by pins 402 inserted within holes 49. obviously, coupling of plates 401 with the base frame could also be realised by magnetic or fixed joint coupling.
Some of the possible shapes of plates 401 that can be used in combination with the base frame 40 to obtain the desired shape are shown in FIG. 15 and 16.
Means 47 for fixing the spheres (not shown in these figures) are provided also on plates 401.
All the other features are the same of the structure of the previous embodiments.
An embodiment similar to the previous one is shown in FIGS. 17-20, the main difference with respect to the previous ones mainly is the fact that plates 501 are coupled to the base frame 50 above and not laterally, as described in the above. In this case too, coupling can occur by insertion of pins 502 within holes 59, or by magnetic or fixed joint coupling.
All the other features are the same of the structure of the previous embodiments.
Coming now to observe FIGS. 21-24, it is shown a sixth embodiment of the structure according to the invention, providing a base frame 60, comprised of two parts 60′ and 60″, joined by a snood 603 and springs 604.
All the other features are the same of the structure of the previous embodiments.
Embodiment shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 provides a base frame 70, provided with a series holes 704 and grooves 705, allowing to introduce spheres (not shown) and to hidden them within the frame for ¾ of their volume, and then joining them with the magnetic bars (not shown as well), having various dimensions.
The same bar is hidden within grooves 705, allowing creating a self-blocking network, thanks to the weight of the same structure.
Grooves 705′, 705″ can have different dimensions to be possible using different dimensions of the bars, as those commercialised under the Trademark SUPERMAG®.
Furthermore, this structure allows making the bar projecting outside the base frame 70 thus realising a wider or higher structure.
Obviously, this system can also be provided on the expansion plates.
As it is well clear from the above, structure according to the present invention provides a base frame 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, on which it is possible to apply, or there are already partially applied, ferromagnetic elements or spheres and bar elements, having different dimensions and structure.
By this solution, it is offered to the user the possibility of creating each type of remote controlled structures, structures that can be modified afterwards, or reconstructed after their disruption.
It is further possible realising the base frame with a honeycomb like structure, with cells sized in such a way to be able to introduce the ferromagnetic elements in every position, in order to be able to realise every structure.
To be able to use structures providing insertion plates 401, 501, it is necessary that base frame be laterally provided with holes 19, 29, 39, 49, 59, 69, along the outer perimeter and/or along the upper perimeter to permit that plates are introduced both laterally and from the above. Coupling of plates can be in any case realised in a different manner, e.g. by magnetic coupling, or by fixed joint.
Plates 401, 501 can be comprised of plastics, metal or light alloy, and can be provided with mean for fixed or removable coupling of the ferromagnetic elements. As it can be noted from the figures, said plates 401, 501 can have different dimensions and shapes for allowing, also in function of the shape of the base frame, creating many different structures.
As it will be noted from the figures, said plates 401, 501 can have the upper side housing the means for the fixed or removable coupling of the spheres, and the longer perimeter side stamped with end rounded cylindrical extrusions, having specific distance and proportional length allowing, by a light pressure, to fixedly joint within the holes provided on the perimeter or surface base of the frame. Perimeter side opposed with respect to the extrusions is obviously pierced for allowing that two or more plates can be coupled each other.
Finally observing FIGS. 27-32 of the enclosed drawings, it is shown the presently most preferred embodiment of the structure according to the invention.
Particularly, a shaped element 820 is mounted on the base frame 80, said element 820 being preferably made up of transparent material, and having a thickness of about 1.5-2 mm. Said shape element 820, also named “skin”, allows realising a machine having the desired shape, on the frame 80, employing, as generically shown in all the FIGS. 28-32, magnetic elements, plastic material elements and spheres comprised of ferromagnetic material 88.
Said shaped element 820 is coupled with the frame 80 by fixed joint between pins 821 and seats 822, even if it is evident that coupling can be obtained by different means.
Further, seats 823 are provided on said frame 80, for housing magnetic bars 824, on which one of the spheres 88, or other ferromagnetic element, is coupled.
Structure shown in FIGS. 28-32 can be realised employing every magnetic, ferromagnetic or plastic element mentioned in the above, allowing an easy reconstruction in case of breakage.
The present invention has been described for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, but it is to be understood that modifications and/or changes can be introduced by those skilled in the art without departing from the relevant scope as defined in the enclosed claims.

Claims

1. Remote controlled structure for realising moving figures by magnetic and/or ferromagnetic and/or plastic material elements, characterised in that it comprises a base frame, on which means for the remote control are provided, and means for fixing magnetic and/or ferromagnetic and/or plastic material elements, and in combination, a plurality of magnetic and/or ferromagnetic and/or plastic material elements, necessary for realising the desired figure, and that can be assembled with said magnetic and/or ferromagnetic and/or plastic material elements, or each other.

2. Remote controlled structure according to claim 1, characterised in that said base frame provides wheels, operated by said remote control, preferably two front steering wheels and two rear not steering wheels.

3. Remote controlled structure according to claim 1, characterised in that two driving, front or rear, wheels are provided, or four driving wheels are provided.

4. Remote controlled structure according to claim 1, characterised in that said base frame is comprised of a shaped frame.

5. Remote controlled structure according to claim 1, characterised in that said base frame is comprised of an assembly of a plurality of elements realising the frame suitable for the figure to be realised.

6. Remote controlled structure according to claim 1, characterised in that said means for fixing magnetic and/or ferromagnetic elements are built in said base frame.

7. Remote controlled structure according to claim 1, characterised in that said means for fixing magnetic and/or ferromagnetic elements are simply applied to the same separately.

8. Remote controlled structure according to claim 1, characterised in that said base frame is realised with a substantially honeycomb like structure for fixing said ferromagnetic elements.

9. Remote controlled structure according to claim 1, characterised in that said magnetic and/or ferromagnetic and/or plastic material elements are fixedly or removably coupled with said base frame.

10. Remote controlled structure according to claim 1, characterised in that said means for fixing magnetic and/or ferromagnetic elements project from said base frame.

11. Remote controlled structure according to claim 1, characterised in that said means for fixing magnetic and/or ferromagnetic elements are partially or completely built in said base frame.

12. Remote controlled structure according to claim 1, characterised in that said base frame is comprised of one or more parts, articulated each other.

13. Remote controlled structure according to claim 1, characterised in that said base frame is comprised of plastics, metal, light alloy.

14. Remote controlled structure according to claim 1, characterised in that additional plates are provided to be coupled with said base frame to obtain a shape of the same suitable for the figure to be realised.

15. Remote controlled structure according to claim 14, characterised in that said additional plates are provided or not with means for coupling magnetic and/or ferromagnetic and/or plastic material elements.

16. Remote controlled structure according to claim 14, characterised in that coupling between said plates and said base frame occurs on the side or on the upper part of the base frame.

17. Remote controlled structure according to claim 16, characterised in that said coupling is of the magnetic type, or it is a pin-hole coupling, or a fixed joint coupling.

18. Remote controlled structure according to claim 1, characterised in that traction system of the structure according to the invention can be comprised of a single DC electric motor, or of two DC electric motors.

19. Remote controlled structure according to claim 1, characterised in that steering system of the structure is controlled by a single motor or by a motor for each steering wheel, on the basis of the weight of the figure to be realised.

20. Remote controlled structure according to claim 1, characterised in that remote control is comprised of a radio-control system, particularly employing high frequencies with mean long reception distances.

21. Remote controlled structure according to claim 1, characterised in that supply system is comprised of a battery pack, said pack comprising rechargeable batteries or not rechargeable batteries.

22. Remote controlled structure according to claim 1, characterised in that it is provided a shaped element, that can be coupled with said frame, and supporting the figure realised employing said magnetic and/or ferromagnetic and/or plastic material elements.

23. Remote controlled structure according to claim 22, characterised in that said shaped element is comprised of transparent plastic material.

24. Remote controlled structure according to claim 22, characterised in that seats are provided on said frame for housing magnetic elements, corresponding ferromagnetic elements of the figure realised being coupled with said seats, or vice versa, i.e. the frame provides the ferromagnetic elements coupling with magnetic elements of the figure.

25. Remote controlled structure according to claim 22, characterised in that said shaped element is fixedly coupled with said frame.

26. Remote controlled structure according to claim 1, substantially as illustrated and described.

27. Remote controlled structure according to claim 15, characterised in that coupling between said plates and said base frame occurs on the side or on the upper part of the base frame.

28. Remote controlled structure according to claim 23, characterised in that seats are provided on said frame for housing magnetic elements, corresponding ferromagnetic elements of the figure realised being coupled with said seats, or vice versa, i.e. the frame provides the ferromagnetic elements coupling with magnetic elements of the figure.

29. Remote controlled structure according to claim 23, characterised in that said shaped element is fixedly coupled with said frame.

30. Remote controlled structure according to claim 24, characterised in that said shaped element is fixedly coupled with said frame.