Magnetic joints and toy figurines made therefrom

Abstract

Magnetic joints for toy figurines are provided. In one embodiment, the magnetic joint comprises a socket which is formed in a first figurine component and includes a ring magnet, and a ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion attached to a second figurine component, wherein the ring magnet receives and is magnetically coupled to the ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion. In another embodiment, the magnetic joint comprises a socket which is formed in a first figurine component and includes a magnet having a recess, a ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion attached to a second figurine component, and an O-ring positioned between the magnet and the ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion. In another embodiment, the magnetic joint comprises a flexible socket attached to a first figurine component and having a magnet positioned therein, and a ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion attached to a second figurine component and magnetically coupled with the flexible socket. In another embodiment, the magnetic joint comprises a socket attached to a first figurine component, a ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion attached to a second figurine component and magnetically coupled with the socket, and a switch extending through an aperture formed in the ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion, wherein the switch is activated when the first figurine component is coupled to or uncoupled from the second figurine component.

1 . A magnetically-coupled joint for a toy figurine, comprising a ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion attached to a first figurine component; a socket attached to a second figurine component, said socket including a magnet coupled to said ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion to thereby couple said first figurine component to said second figurine component; and means for frictional engagement positioned between said ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion and said socket, said means for frictional engagement retaining said first figurine component in a desired position with respect to said second figurine component.  
   
   
       2 . The magnetically-coupled joint of  claim 1 , wherein said magnet further includes a recess formed therein.  
   
   
       3 . The magnetically-coupled joint of  claim 2 , wherein a portion of said ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion extends into said recess when said ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion is coupled to said magnet.  
   
   
       4 . The magnetically-coupled joint of  claim 3 , wherein said means for frictional engagement includes an O-ring.  
   
   
       5 . The magnetically-coupled joint of  claim 4 , wherein said magnet further includes an annular channel and said O-ring is positioned in said annular channel.  
   
   
       6 . The magnetically-coupled joint of  claim 1 , wherein said socket is flexible.  
   
   
       7 . The magnetically-coupled joint of  claim 6 , wherein said means for frictional engagement further includes an inner surface of said socket which bears against said ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion.  
   
   
       8 . The magnetically-coupled joint of  claim 6 , wherein said means for frictional engagement further includes a coating formed on said ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion, said coating positioned between said ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion and said socket.  
   
   
       9 . The magnetically-coupled joint of  claim 1 , wherein said ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion further includes an annular lip extending about an end of said ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion.  
   
   
       10 . The magnetically-coupled joint of  claim 9 , wherein said second figurine component is molded about said annular lip and a portion of said ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion.  
   
   
       11 . The magnetically-coupled joint of  claim 1 , wherein said magnet includes a ring magnet.  
   
   
       12 . The magnetically-coupled joint of  claim 11 , wherein said ring magnet further includes an aperture for receiving a portion of said ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion when said ring magnet contacts said ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion.  
   
   
       13 . The magnetically-coupled joint of  claim 1 , wherein said ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion includes a switch extending through an aperture formed in said ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion.  
   
   
       14 . The magnetically-coupled joint of  claim 13 , wherein said switch is activated when said first figurine component is coupled to or removed from said second figurine component.  
   
   
       15 . The magnetically-coupled joint of  claim 13 , further comprising an electrical circuit connected to said switch.  
   
   
       16 . The magnetically-coupled joint of  claim 15 , wherein said electrical circuit further includes a light-emitting diode and an associated flasher circuit, said light-emitting diode being flashed by said flasher circuit when said switch is activated.  
   
   
       17 . The magnetically-coupled joint of  claim 13 , wherein said electrical circuit is positioned within said first figurine component.