US20120302127A1

US20120302127A1 - Toy with releasably engageable conical modules

Info

Publication number: US20120302127A1
Application number: US13/199,998
Authority: US
Inventors: Gary Doskas
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-05-25
Filing date: 2011-09-15
Publication date: 2012-11-29

Abstract

A toy designed to stimulate multi-dimensional spatial awareness includes a set of individual modules that can be magnetically joined together to form a variety of complex structures. Each module includes a cone and a plurality of magnets coupled to the cone in an equidistantly spaced apart arrangement. The cone is preferably a right angle cone that includes a circular base and a inwardly tapering sidewall that together define an interior cavity that is externally accessible through the circular base. Six modules can magnetically joined together in a cube-like structure with the base circle for each module lying in the plane defined by a corresponding face of the structure. By providing each module with unique indicia, such a particular color, pattern, symbol or alphanumeric marking, the resulting structure can serve as the foundation for numerous varieties of game-like puzzles.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/489,773, which was filed on May 25, 2011 in the name of Gary Doskas, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to mental stimulation devices, such as toys, puzzles, games and the like, and more particularly to construction and building toys that include a plurality of individual modules, or building blocks, that can be arranged in a variety of different configurations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Construction and building toys are well known in the art and commonly used by children to stimulate creative design and multi-dimensional cognition. Construction and building toys (also referred to in the art simply as construction sets) traditionally include a plurality of individual standardized modules, or building blocks, that can be randomly arranged to form models, buildings or other unique structures.
The individual modules used in conventional construction sets are constructed out of a variety of different materials, such as wood, plastic, metals and composites thereof. In addition, it should be noted that individual modules are typically constructed in a variety of different shapes that include, but are not limited to, blocks, sticks, logs, strips, panels and pyramids.
Traditional construction sets rely on various means to temporarily join, or assemble, a plurality of individual modules together to form a larger structure. Stacking is one basic connection means that relies principally on gravitational forces to couple multiple modules together. To facilitate stacking, construction set modules are often provided with grooves or notches that fittingly receive at least a portion of other modules and thereby retain stacked components relatively fixed in place in relation to one another.
To strengthen the structural integrity of the model being designed, certain construction sets rely upon the press-fit or snap engagement of complementary fasteners to join multiple modules together. However, it has been found that the use of complementary fasteners not only complicates the manufacturing process but also requires a considerable degree of user dexterity that is often unattainable for younger and/or physically challenged individuals.
Accordingly, magnetic-based construction sets are well known in the art and are commonly used to facilitate and, in fact, promote the releasable engagement of multiple modules. Specifically, as opposing magnets on separate modules are disposed in close proximity to one another, magnetic forces serve to a draw the modules together with a suitable retentive force, which is highly desirable.
As an example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,247,075 to R. V. von Oech, there is disclosed a set of magnetic building blocks. Each block or piece in the set is in the shape of a right golden rhombic pyramid that has magnets embedded in its interior faces. Because the pieces are able to stick together magnetically, the user can build various shapes and designs with the blocks.
Although well known in the art and relatively easy to use, magnetic building block sets of the type described above have been found to suffer from a few notable shortcomings.
As a first drawback, magnetic building block sets of the type described above utilize individual pyramid-shaped modules that are solid in construction. As a result, each solid module requires a relatively significant amount of material, thereby substantially increasing construction costs, which is highly undesirable. In addition, the lack of any external indentations or depressions in its outer surface that could be used for gripping purposes renders each module relatively difficult to handle.
As a second drawback, the complex, angular shape of the individual modules for the magnetic building block sets described above offer the user little flexibility in repositioning modules relative to one another when magnetically coupled. For example, when a 30-sided polyhedron, or rhombic triacontahedron, is formed using modules of the type disclosed in the '075 patent (as shown in FIG. 10), the particular fitted arrangement of each module within the polyhedron precludes manipulation of its orientation. Rather, the user is only capable of removing and reinserting each module in the exact same orientation within the polyhedron, thereby limiting its use, which is highly undesirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved toy with a plurality of individual modules, or building blocks, that can be randomly arranged in a variety of different configurations.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a toy as described above that utilizes magnetic coupling means to join together two or more of the individual modules.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a toy as described above wherein each of the individual modules is designed to facilitate handling.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a toy as described above wherein each of the individual modules is optimally designed to allow for enhanced manipulative capabilities when coupled to other modules.
It is yet still another object of the present invention to provide a toy as described above which is inexpensive to manufacture and easy to use.
Accordingly, as one feature of the present invention, there is provided a toy comprising a plurality of releasably engageable modules, each module comprising (a) a cone, the cone having a circular base and a sidewall that extends out from the circular base, and (b) at least one magnet coupled to the cone.
Additional objects, as well as features and advantages, of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description or may be learned by practice of the invention. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part thereof and in which is shown by way of illustration various embodiments for practicing the invention. The embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are hereby incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like parts:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of a toy with six releasably engageable modules, the toy being constructed according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 2( a) is an enlarged, top perspective view of one of the modules shown in FIG. 1, the embedded magnets being represented in dashed form;

FIG. 2( b) is a top view of the module shown in FIG. 2( a), the embedded magnets being represented in dashed form;

FIG. 2( c) is a section view of the module shown in FIG. 2( b), taken along lines 2C-2C;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged bottom perspective view of a structure that can be formed using a pair of the releasably engageable modules shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged top perspective view of a structure that can be formed using three of the releasably engageable modules shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged top perspective view of a structure that can be formed using five of the releasably engageable modules shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 6( a) and 6(b) are first and second perspective views of a structure that can be formed using all six of the releasably engageable modules shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a modified version of the module shown in FIG. 2( a); and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a puzzle-type game that is implemented using the structure shown in FIG. 6( a).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Toy 11

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a toy with releasably engageable conical modules, the toy being constructed according to the teachings of the present invention and identified generally by reference number 11. As will be described in detail below, toy 11 is designed as a construction and building toy that stimulates creative design and multi-dimensional spatial awareness.
As defined herein, use of the term “toy” denotes any novelty item that is used in a recreational manner, such as construction sets, puzzles, games, display devices, creativity tools, creativity props, cognitive stimulants and the like.
Toy 11 (also referred to herein interchangeably as kit 11 or set 11) includes six individual modules 13-1 thru 13-6 that are adapted to be releasably joined, or assembled, in a variety of different configurations to form a multitude of creative structures. The individual modules 13 are preferably identical in construction, thereby limiting manufacturing costs, which is highly desirable.
As seen most clearly in FIGS. 2( a)-(c), each module 13 comprises a cone 15 and a plurality of magnets 17-1 thru 17-4 that are permanently coupled to cone 15. As will be described further below, manipulating separate cones 15 so that opposite polarity magnets 17 are drawn in close proximity to one another creates a significant magnetic attraction that joins together the pair of modules 13.
Cone 15 is preferably constructed as a unitary member that is formed from a rigid and durable plastic material using known injection molding techniques. As can be seen, each cone 15 comprises a circular base, or base circle, 19 and a continuous sidewall 21 that extends out from base circle 19. Sidewall 21 tapers uniformly inward to form a pointed tip, or apex, 23. As seen most clearly in FIG. 2(c), base 19, sidewall 21 and apex 23 together define a substantially open interior cavity 25 that is externally accessible through open base circle 19.
As defined herein, use of the term “cone” denotes any element with a circular base and an outer surface that uniformly tapers inward from the circular base and extends, at least partially, towards a common apex, or point. As such, use of the term “cone” herein is meant to encompass hollow nozzle cones, partially or fully solid cones, and truncated, or apex-free, cones (i.e., conical rings).
It should be noted that hollowed interior cavity 25 reduces the overall amount of material that is required to construct cone 15. In addition, hollowed interior cavity 25 serves as an enlarged gripping surface that facilitates handling and manipulation of cone 15 and therefore serves as notable feature of the present invention. However, it is to be understood that cone 15 could be alternatively constructed as a solid (i.e., without an externally accessible interior cavity) without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
In the present embodiment, cone 15 is a right angle circle cone. Accordingly, as seen most clearly in FIG. 2( c), the aperture A (i.e., the interior angle defined by cone 15 at apex 23) is 90 degrees. As a result, the radius R of base circle 19 is √2/2 (or 0.7071) times the length of the generatrix, or slant height, G. Similarly, the height H of cone 15 is √2/2 (or 0.7071) times the length of generatrix G. In the preferred embodiment, a slant height G of 2.0 inches is utilized which, in turn, results a height H and radius R that is approximately 1.4142 inches.
It should be noted that each identically constructed cone 15 is not limited to any particular set of dimensions. Rather, it is to be understood that the relative dimensions of each cone 15 could be modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. However, it has been found that an aperture A of approximately 90 degrees (and the aforementioned scaling factors set forth in detail above) is optimal for cone 15 when using set 11 to construct a hexaconical cube-like structure, as will be described in detail below.
As seen most clearly in FIG. 2( b), four equidistantly spaced magnets 17-1 thru 17-4 are coupled to cone 15 and, as referenced briefly above, serve as means for releasably joining together two or more modules 13 in set 11. Preferably, magnets 17 are permanently embedded into sidewall 21 for enhanced safety and durability purposes. However, it is to be understood that magnets 17 could be alternatively coupled to cone 15 (e.g., by adhesively mounting magnets 17 to either surface of sidewall 21) without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
Magnets 17 are preferably arranged 90 degrees apart from one another and are located a fixed distance in from both base circle 19 and apex 23. As can be appreciated, the uniform, equidistant arrangement of magnets 17 facilitates construction of set 11 into a hexaconical cube-like structure, as will be described further below.
Each magnet 17 is represented herein as being in the form of a flat, 0.25 inch diameter circular magnet. Preferably, magnets 17 are arranged with alternating polarities (i.e., with magnets 17-1 and 17-3 being of a first polarity and magnets 17-2 and 17-4 being of a second polarity that is the opposite of the first polarity). However, it is to be understood that the size, shape and polar arrangement of magnets 17 could be modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
As noted above, magnets 17 serve as means for releasably joining together two or more modules 13. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, there are shown first and second modules 13-1 and 13-2 that are arranged in a side-by-side relationship with apexes 23-1 and 23-2 and base circles 19-1 and 19-2 in direct contact with one another. By rotating either of modules 13-1 and 13-2 about its corresponding longitudinal axis L_A1and L_A2, respectively, opposite polarity magnets 17-1 and 17-2 on first and second modules 13-1 and 13-2, respectively, are eventually drawn into close proximity to one another. The close proximity of magnets 17-1 and 17-2 creates a tactile magnetic force that suitably joins modules 13-1 and 13-2, with magnets 17-1 and 17-2 extending within the linear region of contact established between modules 13-1 and 13-2 (i.e., magnets 17-1 and 17-2 lying along a common generatrix). Modules 13-1 and 13-2 remain coupled together until a significant separation force is applied thereto.
It should be noted that each module 13 is not limited to a particular number of coupling magnets 17. Rather, it is to be understood that an alternative number of magnets 17 could be utilized without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In particular, it should be noted that additional magnets 17 could be utilized to (i) increase the magnetic force established between modules 13 and (ii) enable the user to construct more complex shapes using kit 11, which is highly desirable.
For example, four secondary magnets could be embedded into sidewall 21, each secondary magnet being positioned along the same generatrix on which a corresponding primary magnet 17 is situated (i.e., so that four radial pairs of similar polarity magnets 17 are embedded in sidewall 21). As another example, four secondary magnets could be embedded into sidewall 21 at the approximate midpoint between each adjacent pair of primary magnets 17 (i.e., so that eight magnets 17 are embedded in sidewall 21 at 45 degree intervals and are therefore equidistantly spaced apart).
As noted briefly above, modules 13 are designed to be releasably joined together in a wide variety of possible configurations. For example, in FIG. 4, there are shown first and second downwardly pointing conical modules 13-1 and 13-2 (i.e., apex 23 of each module 13 pointing downward) that are magnetically joined to a third upwardly pointing conical module 13-3 in an equidistantly spaced apart relationship. Similarly, in FIG. 5, there are shown first, second, third and fourth downwardly pointing conical modules 13-1 thru 13-4 that are magnetically joined to a fifth upwardly pointing conical module 13-5 in an equidistantly spaced apart relationship. As can be appreciated, the unique construction of each module 13 allows for a considerable amount of design flexibility, which is a principal object of the present invention.
Referring now to FIGS. 6( a) and 6(b), there is shown a structure 31 that can be formed using set 11 of six releasably engageable modules 13-1 thru 13-6 shown in FIG. 1. As can be seen, by directing the apex 23 of each module 13 inward towards a common point and, in turn, rotating each module 13 about its longitudinal axis until each adjacent pair of modules 13 is magnetically coupled, modules 13 together form a fully magnetically coupled structure 31. It should be noted that structure 31 has a six-sided cubical configuration that is referred to herein simply as a conical hexahedron, or hexaconix.
Because each module 13 has a circular base 19 and is symmetrical 360 degrees about its longitudinal axis, individual modules 13 are capable of rotation about its own longitudinal axis without removal from hexaconix 31. As noted briefly above, magnetic coupling of each module 13 within hexaconix 31 can then be achieved by rotating each module 13 about its longitudinal axis until magnetic engagement is achieved. When all directly opposing magnets 17 are of opposite polarities, and accordingly, fully engaged, hexaconix 31 is considered fully magnetically coupled. Accordingly, it is to be understood that toy 11 relies upon a sense of feel (i.e., the physical sensation of opposite polarity magnets being attracted to each other) and three-dimensional spacial awareness from the user in order to form hexaconix 31 as well as other similar structures.
As will be described further in detail below, the unique properties associated with hexaconix 31 that are directly related to the construction of each module 13 enable toy 11 to be also used as a puzzle-type game, which is highly desirable.

Sets with Alternate Numbers of Modules

As noted briefly above, toy 11 is not limited to any particular number of modules 13. Rather, it is to be understood that set 11 may alternatively include a greater or fewer number of modules 13 without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
To enable modified sets of modules 13 to be formed into a fully magnetically coupled cube-like (or polyhedron-like) base shape with similar characteristics to hexaconix 31 (i.e., with each module apex 23 directed inward to a common point), it is to be understood that the geometric properties of each cone 15 and the particular number and arrangement of magnets 17 for each module 13 needs to be optimized.
As an example, set 11 could be modified to include four modules. In this situation, it is to be understood that each module in the set would preferably be modified by (i) increasing the aperture of each cone to approximately 120 degrees, thereby rendering its base circle radius approximately √2/√3 (or 0.8165) times the length of the generatrix, or slant height, and (ii) reducing the number of magnets to three, with the three magnets being equidistantly coupled to said cone at 120 degree intervals (e.g., with two cones having two north pole magnets and one south pole magnet and the other two cones having two south pole magnets and one north pole magnet). Based on the aforementioned construction of each modified module, it is to be understood that a fully magnetically coupled conical tetrahedron, or tetraconix, could be created that has characteristics similar to the characteristics of hexaconix 31.
As another example, set 11 could be modified to include eight modules. In this situation, it is to be understood that each module in the set would preferably be modified by (i) decreasing the aperture of each cone to approximately 70.529 degrees, thereby rendering its base circle radius approximately 1/√3 (or 0.5754) times the length of the generatrix, or slant height, and (ii) reducing the number of magnets to three, with the three magnets being equidistantly coupled to said cone at 120 degree intervals (e.g., with four cones having two north pole magnets and one south pole magnet and the other four cones having two south pole magnets and one north pole magnet). Based on the aforementioned construction of each modified module, it is to be understood that a fully magnetically coupled conical octahedron, or octaconix, could be created that has characteristics similar to the characteristics of hexaconix 31.
As another example, set 11 could be modified to include twelve modules. In one twelve module version, each module in the set would preferably be modified by (i) decreasing the aperture of each cone to approximately 63.431 degrees, thereby rendering its base circle radius approximately (2 tan(3π/10))/(3+/√5), or 0.5257, times the length of the generatrix, or slant height, and (ii) increasing the number of magnets to five, with the five magnets being equidistantly coupled to said cone at 72 degree intervals (e.g., with six cones having three north pole magnets and two south pole magnet and the other six cones having three south pole magnets and two north pole magnets). Based on the aforementioned construction of each modified module, it is to be understood that a fully magnetically coupled conical dodecahedron, or dodecaconix, could be created that has characteristics similar to the characteristics of hexaconix 31. In another twelve module version, each module in the set would preferably be modified by (i) decreasing the aperture of each cone to approximately 60 degrees, thereby rendering its base circle radius approximately ½ the length of the generatrix, or slant height, and (ii) maintaining the number of magnets at four, with the four magnets being arranged in alternating polarities and located at the 0 degree, 72 degree, 180 degree and 252 degree positions about each sidewall. Based on the aforementioned construction of each modified module, it is to be understood that a fully magnetically coupled conical predodecahedron, or predodecaconix, could be created that has characteristics similar to the characteristics of hexaconix 31.
As another example, set 11 could be modified to include twenty modules. In this situation, it is to be understood that each module in the set would preferably be modified by (i) decreasing the aperture of each cone to approximately 41.808 degrees, thereby rendering its base circle radius approximately (2√3)(1+/√5), or 0.3568, times the length of the generatrix, or slant height, and (ii) reducing the number of magnets to three, with the three magnets being equidistantly coupled to said cone at 120 degree intervals (e.g., with ten cones having two north pole magnets and one south pole magnet and the ten cones having two south pole magnets and one north pole magnet). Based on the aforementioned construction of each modified module, it is to be understood that a fully magnetically coupled conical isosahedron, or isosaconix, could be created that has characteristics similar to the characteristics of hexaconix 31.
As another example, set 11 could be modified to include thirty modules. In this situation, it is to be understood that each module in the set would preferably be modified by (i) decreasing the aperture of each cone to approximately 36 degrees, thereby rendering its base circle radius approximately 1/(1+/√5), or 0.3090, times the length of the generatrix, or slant height, and (ii) maintaining the number of magnets at four, with the four magnets being arranged in alternating polarities and located at the 0 degree, 63.43 degree, 180 degree and 243.43 degree positions about each sidewall. Based on the aforementioned construction of each modified module, it is to be understood that a fully magnetically coupled conical tricontahedron, or tricontaconix, could be created that has characteristics similar to the characteristics of hexaconix 31.

Sets with Alternate Shapes of Modules

As noted briefly above, each module 13 is not limited to a particular conical shape. Rather, cone 15 for each module 13 could be constructed in other conical designs without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
For example, referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a top perspective view of a modified module that is constructed according to the teachings of the present invention and identified generally by reference numeral 113. As can be appreciated, module 113 is similar to module 13 in that module 113 comprises a cone 115 and a plurality of magnets 17 coupled to cone 115.
As can be seen, cone 115 is in the form of a truncated hollow cone, or conical ring, that is preferably constructed from a rigid and durable plastic material using known injection molding techniques. Each cone 115 is similar to cone 15 in that each cone 115 comprises a circular base 119 and a continuous sidewall 121 that uniformly tapers inward from base circle 19, base 119 and sidewall 121 together defining a substantially open interior cavity 125. Cone 115 differs from cone 15 in that sidewall 121 extends only partially towards a common apex, thereby rendering cone 115 truncated, or apex-free.
In the present embodiment, eight magnets 17 are embedded or otherwise secured to cone 115 in an equidistant arrangement (i.e., with adjacent magnets 17 spaced 45 degrees apart). However, it is to be understood that a greater or fewer number of magnets 17 could be utilized in module 113 without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
It should be noted that the use of truncated cone, or conical ring, 115 provides module 113 with significant ease of handling. In particular, the absence of an apex on each conical ring 115 enables modules 113 to be coupled together with less inter-module interference, thereby providing modules 113 with greater versatility in creating multiple module structures, which is highly desirable.

Puzzle-Type Applications for Set 11

As noted above, the unique conical design of each module 13 enables set 11 to be used to construct a fully magnetically coupled conical hexahedron, or hexaconix 31. Because each module 13 has a circular base 19 and is symmetrical 360 degrees about its longitudinal axis, it is to be understood each individual module 13 is capable of rotation about its longitudinal axis without being removed from hexaconix 31. Accordingly, in this capacity, each module 13 can be magnetically engaged or disengaged from the remainder of hexaconix 31 by rotation about its longitudinal axis. As a result of its unique properties, hexaconix 31 can serve as the base structure for numerous varieties of puzzle-type games.
As an example, the six modules 13 in set 11 are uniquely marked or otherwise visibly identified as designated pairs. For instance, each designated pair of modules 13 is preferably constructed out of a uniquely colored plastic (e.g., two modules are colored red, two modules are colored yellow and two modules are colored blue). After the six marked modules 13 are arranged into hexaconix base structure 31, the user is required to rearrange modules 13 into a particular fully magnetized pattern (e.g., with similarly colored modules 13 arranged on opposite faces of hexaconix 31 so as not to directly touch). Rules may restrict how modules 13 can be manipulated to render the puzzle solving process more challenging. For example, it may be required that the user only separate hexaconix 31 into two separate sections of three joined modules 13 that must be retained intact during manipulation (i.e., rotation of the three module section in 120 degree increments) before subsequent rejoinder.
As another example, the interior sidewall 21 of each module 13 is preferably provided with a plurality of unique markings, such as colors, numbers, letters, patterns, symbols or the like. With modules 13 arranged into hexaconix base structure 31, the user is required to rearrange modules 13, either individually or in specified intact groups, so that the unique markings on each module 13 match the closest markings on adjacent modules 13. For instance, referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown a puzzle-type game 211 that includes six modules 213-1 thru 213-6 that are arranged into a conical hexahedron. Each module 213 differs from module 13 in that the inner surface of sidewall 221 for each module 213 is printed or otherwise provided with a particular pattern of unique markings. Specifically, four uniquely identified markings (represented herein as Roman numeral sections) are provided on the inner surface of each sidewall 221. In all, twelve different markings are provided on modules 213, with each marking being used on only two modules 213. As part of the game, the user is required to match all of the directly adjacent, or facing, markings on neighboring modules 213.
As another example, sidewall 21 of each module 13 is printed or otherwise marked with a unique picture or pattern. With modules 13 arranged into hexaconix base structure 31, the user is required to rearrange modules 13 so that the various patterns on the joined modules 13 together form a larger identifiable image.
The embodiments of the present invention described above are intended to be merely exemplary and those skilled in the art shall be able to make numerous variations and modifications to it without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A toy comprising a plurality of releasably engageable modules, each module comprising:

(a) a cone, the cone having a circular base and a sidewall that extends out from the circular base, and

(b) at least one magnet coupled to the cone.

2. The toy as claimed in claim 1 wherein the plurality of modules is adapted to be magnetically joined together in different configurations to form a variety of distinct structures.

3. The toy as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sidewall for the cone extends out from the circular base and tapers uniformly inward.

4. The toy as claimed in claim 3 wherein the sidewall uniformly tapers inward from the circular base and extends at least partially towards a common point.

5. The toy as claimed in claim 4 wherein the cone is truncated so as to form an apex-free conical ring.

6. The toy as claimed in claim 4 wherein the sidewall tapers uniformly inward from the circular base so as to form an apex.

7. The toy as claimed in claim 6 wherein the aperture of the apex is approximately 90 degrees.

8. The toy as claimed in claim 6 wherein the aperture of the apex is approximately 60 degrees.

9. The toy as claimed in claim 6 wherein the aperture of the apex is approximately 36 degrees.

10. The toy as claimed in claim 4 wherein the cone is at least partially hollowed, the sidewall being shaped to define an interior cavity that is externally accessible through the circular base.

11. The toy as claimed in claim 1 wherein each module comprises a plurality of magnets coupled to the sidewall of the cone.

12. The toy as claimed in claim 11 wherein the plurality of magnets is mounted on the sidewall of the cone.

13. The toy as claimed in claim 12 wherein the plurality of magnets is embedded within the sidewall of the cone.

14. The toy as claimed in claim 11 wherein the plurality of magnets is equidistantly arranged on the sidewall of the cone.

15. The toy as claimed in claim 14 wherein the plurality of magnets is arranged on the sidewall of the cone in alternating polarity.

16. The toy as claimed in claim 1 wherein designated pairs of the releasably engageable modules are provided with a unique marking.

17. The toy as claimed in claim 16 wherein designated pairs of the releasably engageable modules are similarly uniquely marked at least partially by color.

18. The toy as claimed in claim 1 wherein the inner surface of the sidewall for each module is provided with multiple unique markings.

19. The toy as claimed in claim 18 wherein the multiple unique markings are equidistantly arranged on the inner surface of the sidewall in four separate regions.

20. The toy as claimed in claim 19 wherein the unique markings are from the group consisting of colors, numbers, letters, patterns, symbols and combinations thereof.

21. The toy as claimed in claim 1 wherein six of the modules are magnetically joined together in a cube-like structure with the base circle for each module lying in the plane defined by a corresponding face of the structure.

22. The toy as claimed in claim 20 wherein each module within the structure is rotatable about its longitudinal axis.