WO2004088615A1

WO2004088615A1 - Three-dimensional modular structure for the assembly and display of graphic elements

Info

Publication number: WO2004088615A1
Application number: PCT/IT2003/000191
Authority: WO
Inventors: Luciano Tabanelli
Original assignee: Luciano Tabanelli
Priority date: 2003-03-31
Filing date: 2003-03-31
Publication date: 2004-10-14
Also published as: AU2003226475A1

Abstract

A three-dimensional modular structure (4) for the assembly and display of graphic elements comprises a plurality of modular units (8) which can be fitted together by magnetic attraction means (54) and which portray graphic elements. Each modular element (8) comprises a shaped sheet (12) which can be folded into a predetermined solid geometrical shape, carries the graphic elements, and is provided with the magnetic attraction means (54),and a foldable, shaped covering sheet (70) which can obtain and support the inner element in order to preserve its predetermined geometrical shape. The foldable, shaped covering sheet (70) which can contain and support the inner element in order to preserve its predetermined geometrical shape. The foldable, shaped covering sheet (70) allows the graphic elements applied to the foldable, shaped sheet (12) to be seen and allows the various modular units (8) to be connected by the magnetic attraction means (54). The modular structure il light and inexpensive to produce.

Description

DESCRIPTION

"THREE-DIMENSIONAL MODULAR STRUCTURE FOR THE ASSEMBLY AND DISPLAY OF GRAPHIC ELEMENTS"

The present invention relates to a three- dimensional modular structure for the assembly and display of graphic elements, comprising a plurality of modular units which can be fitted together, carry graphic elements, and can be connected to one another by magnetic attraction means .

In the prior art there are modular structures which can be fitted together and comprise modular units that can be connected to one another by magnetic attraction means. These structures are used, for example in games, for displaying images, signs, messages and the like.

Known modular units have the disadvantage of being quite heavy and expensive to produce; moreover the structure which results from the connection of such known modular units requires the use of bulky and heavy magnetic elements to ensure a stable assembly of the various units.

The problem of the present invention is that of providing a modular structure which overcomes the disadvantages mentioned with reference to the prior art. These disadvantages and limitations are overcome effectively by a modular structure according to Claim 1. Further embodiments of the modular structure according to the invention are described in the subsequent claims.

Further characteristics and the advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the following description of a preferred and non-limiting embodiment of the invention illustrated in the appended drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a modular structure according to the invention,

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a detail of Figure 1 with parts separated, Figure 3 is a plan view of a detail of Figure 2 from the side indicated by the arrow III of Figure 2,

Figure 4 is a plan view of a. detail of Figure 2 from the side indicated by the arrow IV of Figure 2,

Figure 5 is a plan view of a detail of Figure 4, according to one embodiment,

Figure 6 is a plan view .of a detail of Figure 4, according to a further embodiment,

Figure 7 is a plan view of a detail of Figure 4, according to a further embodiment, Figure 8 shows an example of a plan for the assembly of display levels,

Figure 9 shows an example of a plan for the association of images with the modular units, and Figure 10 shows an example of a plan for changing between different display levels of a modular structure according to the invention.

The elements or parts of elements that are common to the embodiments described below will be indicated by the same reference numerals.

It is pointed out that the term "graphic element" is intended to define herein any graphic representation of symbols or figures portraying any subject including numerals, letters, patterns, photographs and parts thereof .

With reference to the drawings, a three-dimensional modular structure for the assembly and display of graphic elements is generally indicated 4.

The modular structure 4 comprises a plurality of modular units 8 which can be fitted together and which are shown, for example, in Figure 1.

Each modular unit 8 comprises a foldable, shaped sheet 12 which can be folded so that, in a closed configuration, it adopts a predetermined solid geometrical shape in which a cavity is enclosed as shown, for example, in Figure 2.

In an extended or opened-out configuration, the foldable, shaped sheet 12 is substantially flat as shown, for example, in Figures 3 and 4.

The foldable, shaped sheet 12 is advantageously made of paper material and is produced, for example, as a punching. The foldable, shaped sheet 12 comprises a first surface 14 which faces the cavity directly in a closed configuration and which is defined below as the inner surface, and a second surface 16, remote from the inner surface and defined below as the outer surface .

According to an embodiment shown, for example, in Figures 3 and 4, the foldable, shaped sheet 12 is substantially symmetrical with respect to an axis of symmetry S .

The foldable, shaped sheet 12 comprises a main portion 13 and a closure tab or face 50. The main portion 13 has a generally quadrangular shape with rounded corners; two pairs of mutually perpendicular, longitudinal and transverse fold lines 20 and 24 extend across the entire main portion 13, constituting lines for aiding folding. The longitudinal fold lines 20 are spaced equally relative to one another and relative to opposite longitudinal edges 28 of the main portion 13 of the foldable, shaped sheet 12. In other words, the longitudinal fold lines 20 define three longitudinal portions of equal width or spacing.

The transverse fold lines 24 are spaced equally relative to one another and relative to opposite transverse edges 32 of the main portion 13 of the foldable, shaped sheet 12. In other words, the transverse fold lines. 24 define three . transverse portions of equal width or spacing. According to a preferred embodiment, the spacing of the longitudinal fold lines 20 is equal to the spacing of the transverse fold lines 24 so that the two pairs of longitudinal and transverse fold lines 20 and 24 define five faces 36 which, in the embodiment described, are square and are arranged as a cross in which pairs of faces have a common side.

For greater clarity, the ^"five faces 36 can be distinguished by the letters A, B, C, D, E, of which the face C represents the central element or face of the cross and the remaining faces A, B, D, E represent the side elements or faces of the. cross. These side faces A, B, D, E are connected to one another by four flaps 144, 244, 344, 444, each delimited by a portion of a transverse fold line 124, 224, 324, 424 and by a portion of a longitudinal fold line 120, 220, 320, 420, respectively; the said portions of a transverse fold line and of a longitudinal fold line extend for a length equal to one spacing, that is, equal to one third of a fold line. In other words, the flap 144 is delimited by a pair of portions of the transverse and longitudinal fold lines 124 and 120, the flap 244 is delimited by a pair of portions of the transverse and longitudinal fold lines 224 and 220, the flap 344 is delimited by a pairof portions of the transverse and longitudinal fold lines 324 and 320, and the flap 444 is delimited by a pair of portions of the transverse and longitudinal fold lines 424 and 420.

In the embodiment illustrated, the flaps 144, 244, 344, 444 are substantially gore-shaped. Preferably, each flap 144, 244, 344, 444 has an oblique fold line 48 which extends along the bisector of the angle defined by the respective pair of transverse and longitudinal fold lines 24 and 20 which delimit the respective flap 144, 244, 344, 444; in other words, each oblique fold line 48 divides a flap 144, 244, 344, 444 into two identical and symmetrical parts.

The closure tab or face 50, which is distinguished, for greater clarity, by the letter F, is disposed along the longitudinal arm of the cross in a symmetrical position with respect to the axis of symmetry S and adjacent a face 36; the closure face 50 preferably has the same dimensions as the faces 36.

The longitudinal and transverse fold lines 20 and 24 constitute aids to the folding of the foldable, shaped sheet 12 in a manner such that it adopts a predetermined solid geometrical shape. These lines may be formed, for example, as creases produced by a punch which also performs the punching of the shaped sheet. According to a further embodiment, the lines for aiding folding comprise portions of reduced thickness. In other words, the foldable, shaped sheet 12 is made thinner in the region of these lines so as to facilitate its folding. Alternatively, for example, pre-perforated fold lines, along which it is easier to fold the sheet, may be formed by known techniques .

Magnetic attraction means 54 are associated with the foldable, shaped sheet 12 and are advantageously disposed on the inner surface 14. The magnetic attraction means 54 are preferably magnets associated with the inner surface 14, for example, by means of adhesive . As shown in Figure 3 , one magnet is associated with each face 36, 50, preferably in a central position. According to one embodiment, the magnetic attraction means 54 comprise axial magnets such as, for example, tablet-shaped magnets. The magnetic attraction means 54 are advantageously associated with the inner surface 14 in a manner such that the magnetic polarities which face the faces A, C, D are the same as one another and are the opposite of the magnetic polarities which face the faces B, E, F.

The foldable, shaped sheet 12 comprises graphic elements on the outer surfaces 16 of the faces 36, 50. In other words, the graphic elements are applied to the faces 36, 50 of the outer surface 16. These elements may be printed directly onto the outer surface 16 of the foldable, shaped sheet 12 or may be applied to separate substrates such as, for example, slips of paper material which are subsequently superimposed on the sheet, for example, by gluing. The foldable, shaped sheet 12 advantageously comprises releasable fastening means, not shown, suitable for keeping the sheet in a closed or folded configuration. For example, these releasable fastening means may comprise tabs suitable for fitting in the folds of the sheet 12 so as to maintain its predetermined solid geometrical shape.

The foldable, shaped sheet 12 is folded, for example, by placing the sheet on a surface, with the inner surface 14 facing upwards, and folding the side faces A, B, D, E towards the central face C along the transverse and longitudinal fold lines 24 and 20. At the same time, the flaps 144, 244, 344, 444 are folded into two symmetrical parts along the corresponding oblique fold lines 48 so as to move the fold lines towards the centre of the predetermined solid geometrical shape. Finally, the solid is closed by folding the closure face F towards the side edges of the faces A, B, D, E.

As shown in Figure 2 , as a result of the folding of the foldable, shaped sheet 12, the flaps 144, 244, 344, 444, folded in symmetrical manner, adopt a radial configuration so as to stiffen the foldable, shaped sheet 12.

As a result of the folding, the foldable, shaped sheet 12 adopts the configuration of a solid figure which, in the embodiment shown, is a cube, and which encloses within it the magnetic attraction means 54 arranged in contact with the inner surface 14.

Owing to the arrangement of the polarities of the magnets which is shown, for example, in Figure 3, after the shaped sheet has been closed up into the cubic shape, the cube always has opposite magnetic polarities on opposite faces, for example, the faces A-E, B-D, C-F, that is, opposite magnetic polarities of the magnetic attraction means 54 correspond to opposite faces of the cube. In fact, when the shaped sheet of Figure 3 is folded to into a cubic shape, the faces A, C, D will be arranged opposite the faces E, F, B, respectively, and opposite polarities of the magnetic attraction means 54 thus correspond to opposite faces of the cube.

After the foldable, shaped sheet 12 has been folded, the graphic elements disposed on the faces 36, 50 of the outer surface 16 are in view. . For example, when the foldable, shaped sheet 12 is folded into a cube, each shaped sheet 12, and hence each modular unit 8, has six faces 36, 50 with each of which graphic elements of any type can be associated.

Each modular unit 8 further comprises a foldable, shaped covering sheet 70 which, in a closed configuration, can constitute a shell for housing the folded foldable, shaped sheet 12 so as to preserve its predetermined solid geometrical shape and to allow the graphic elements to be seen.

The foldable, shaped covering sheet 70 advantageously has a shape and dimensions such that, in a closed or folded configuration, it adopts the same solid geometrical shape as the foldable, shaped sheet 12 so as to form a type of covering for the sheet 12. In other words, in a closed configuration, the foldable, shaped covering sheet 70 has a shape complementary to that of the folded, shaped sheet. The foldable, shaped sheet 12 and the foldable, shaped covering sheet 70 are preferably folded into the same solid geometrical figure having a predetermined number of faces so that each face of the foldable, shaped covering sheet 70 is superimposed on a corresponding face of the foldable, shaped sheet 12.

In an opened-out or extended configuration, the foldable, shaped covering sheet 70 is substantially flat, as shown, for example in Figures 5, 6 and 7. The foldable, shaped covering sheet 70 is advantageously produced as a punching, for example, from a sheet of plastics material. The foldable, shaped covering sheet 70 advantageously has characteristics in common with the foldable, shaped sheet 12, and these characteristics are therefore indicated by the same numerical references with the addition of apostrophes.^'

The foldable, shaped covering sheet 70 in fact extends along an axis of symmetry S' and is generally cross-shaped.

Mutually perpendicular longitudinal and transverse fold lines 20' and 24' extend across the entire foldable, shaped covering sheet 70. The longitudinal fold lines 20' are spaced equally relative to one another and relative to opposite longitudinal edges 28' of the shaped covering sheet 70. The longitudinal fold lines 20' thus define three longitudinal portions of equal width or spacing.

The transverse fold lines 24 ' are spaced equally relative to one another and relative to opposite transverse edges 32' of the foldable, shaped covering sheet 70. In other words, the transverse fold lines 24' define three transverse portions of equal width or spacing. According to a preferred embodiment, the spacing of the longitudinal fold lines 20" is equal to the spacing of the transverse fold lines 24 ' so that the two pairs of longitudinal and transverse fold lines 20' and 24' define five faces 36' which, in the embodiment described, are square and are arranged in a cross in which pairs of faces have a common side or edge. The spacing of the longitudinal and transverse fold lines 20' and 24' of the foldable, shaped covering sheet 70 is preferably no less than the spacing of the longitudinal and transverse fold lines 20 and 24 of the shaped sheet. In other words, the area- of the faces 36' of the foldable, shaped covering sheet 70 is greater than or equal to the area of the faces 36 of the foldable, shaped sheet 12. A further closure face 50' is disposed along the longitudinal arm of the cross in a symmetrical position with respect to the axis of symmetry S ' ; the closure face 50' preferably has the same dimensions as the faces 36' .

The foldable, shaped covering sheet 70 advantageously comprises closure tabs 74 arranged suitably along the outer edges of the faces 36'._., 50' so as to constitute support and gluing surfaces for the folding of the foldable, shaped covering sheet 70 into the predetermined solid geometrical shape.

The longitudinal and transverse fold lines 20' and 24' constitute aids to the folding of the foldable, shaped covering sheet 70 so that the foldable, shaped covering sheet 70 adopts a predetermined solid geometrical shape. The lines may be formed, for example, as creases produced by a punch which also performs the punching of the foldable, shaped covering sheet. According to another embodiment, the lines for aiding folding comprise portions of reduced thickness . In other words, the foldable,. shaped covering sheet 70 is made thinner in the region of these lines so as to facilitate its folding. Alternatively, for example, pre-perforated fold lines, along which it is easier to fold the foldable, shaped covering sheet 70, may be formed.

The foldable, shaped covering sheet 70 is folded in a similar manner to the foldable, shaped sheet 12, that is, the faces 36' of the cross are folded along the longitudinal and transverse fold lines 20' and 24' and, finally, the predetermined solid figure is closed by folding the closure face 50' towards the edges of the faces 36 ' . In a fitted configuration of the foldable, shaped covering sheet 70 in which it covers the foldable, shaped sheet 12, the covering sheet 70 allows the graphic elements applied to the foldable, shaped sheet 12 to be seen. In one embodiment, the foldable, shaped covering sheet 70 is made of a transparent material, for example, from a sheet of plastics material. According to a further embodiment shown, for example, in Figure 6, the foldable, shaped covering sheet 70 comprises, in each face 36', 50', an opening 78 suitable for rendering visible at least a portion of a corresponding face of the foldable, shaped sheet 12. According to a further embodiment shown in Figure 7, the foldable, shaped covering sheet 70 comprises, in each face 36', 50', a plurality of substantially uniformly distributed openings 82 suitable for rendering visible at least a portion of a corresponding face of the foldable, shaped sheet 12.

Moreover, since the foldable, shaped covering sheet 70 covers the foldable, shaped sheet 12, it must be able to allow the magnetic attraction means 54 of two adjacent modular units 8 to exert a force of attraction to enable the units to be assembled securely. In other words, the magnetic permeability of the foldable, shaped covering sheets 70 of the two modular units 8 must be great enough in relation to the intensity of the magnetic fields produced by the magnetic attraction means 54 for the magnetic attraction means 54 of the faces of two modular units 8 that are in contact with one another to be able to affect one another magnetically.

As described, each modular unit 8 has . the same arrangement of the magnetic attraction means 54, based on three magnets which face the inner surface 14 with positive magnetic polarity and three magnets which face the inner surface 14 with negative magnetic polarity.

As a result, in order to assemble a three- dimensional structure 4, for example, a cubic structure as shown in Figure 1, each modular unit 8 must be fitted in the structure 4 in a precise spatial orientation so that, for each pair of faces of adjacent modular units 8 that are in contact with one another, there are two corresponding magnetic attraction means 54 which face one another with opposite magnetic polarities so as to attract one another.

In other words, there is a spatial position which ensures correct and stable fitting of the individual modular unit 8 within the structure 4 so that all of the faces of the individual unit 8 are magnetically attracted by the contacting faces of the adjacent modular units 8.

In one embodiment, this characteristic can be used to make up a game based on the display of a series of predefined images by means of the three-dimensional modular structure. For example, by assembling a cubic modular structure with twenty-seven modular units, it is possible to display up to eighteen predefined images. Each image preferably has the dimensions of a square equal to one of the six faces of the cubic modular structure; in other words each of the eighteen images is formed by nine square faces, belonging to the same number of modular units and arranged side by side.

Each image can be broken up, for example, by printing it on a sheet and then cutting it into nine square image portions or sub-images all having the same dimensions . .

The images can advantageously be broken up with the aid of a grid shown in Figure 8 which represents three opened-out cubes each having, in a closed configuration, the dimensions of the cubic modular structure to be produced. The cubes are divided into a plurality of squares marked with different numerals, for example, in progressive order. Each opened-out cube enables six images corresponding to the faces of the cube to be displayed, giving a total of eighteen images or graphic elements. In other words, Figure 8 shows the three possible combinations or image-display levels which can be achieved with a single cubic structure. The eighteen images to be assembled, which are grouped in three display levels each comprising six images, are superimposed on the plans of Figure 8 in a manner such that, for each square marked by a corresponding numeral, there is a corresponding sub-image. This operation associates each sub-image with a progressive numeral which distinguishes it .

The plans shown in Figure 9 can be used to associate all of the sub-images with the faces of the outer surfaces of the foldable, shaped sheets. Figure 9 in fact shows the plan for the assignment of the graphic elements to the twenty-seven shaped sheets which make up the cubic modular structure. Each plan relating to a foldable, shaped sheet marked with a progressive numeral from 1 to 27 in turn comprises six faces marked by the same numerals as the squares of Figure 8. The sub-images can thus be associated with the faces of each shaped sheet in accordance with the numerical match between the squares of Figure 8 and the faces of Figure 9.

The magnetic attraction means are then glued to the inner surfaces of the twenty-seven shaped sheets, following the above-described polarity schemes for all of the sheets. After all of the sub-images have been associated with the shaped sheets, the sheets are closed up so as to form twenty-seven cubes to be inserted in the same number of folded, shaped covering sheets.

After the twenty-seven modular units have been made up, they are assembled, reproducing the preselected images on the lateral surface of the cube.

As has been seen, the modular units can be fitted together in a manner such as to display each group of six images belonging to the same display level simultaneously on the six outer faces or walls of the cubic structure .

The particular arrangement of the magnetic attraction means and of the sub-images makes it possible, after any one of the three display levels has been displayed, to change to the display of the other two by performing a suitable series of movements of layers, as shown in .Figure- 10. The term "layer" means a set of nine cubes arranged side by side to form a wall of the lateral surface of the structure, the wall comprising nine faces of the same number of adjacent modular units, arranged side by side. In particular, each layer always comprises an outer wall, that is, a wall which faces towards an observer and is thus in view, and an inner wall which faces directly towards the structure and is therefore not visible. In particular, as shown in Figure 10, in order to change between two different display levels, it suffices to perform three translations of layers in the directions identified by the axes X, Y and Z, respectively. The term "translation" means a movement of a layer as a block so as to associate it with an opposite wall of the cube, with respect to one of the axes X, Y, Z. As a result of any translation, the inner wall of a plane is thus exposed to an external observer, and the outer wall is concealed since it is bearing against the modular structure; each translation thus has the effect of concealing an outer wall and showing an inner wall.

As can easily be understood, there are many. possibilities for individualizing the modular structure, since the images to be displayed can always be changed by following the plans shown in Figures 8 and 9.

For example, it is possible to combine a group of six images relating to a common theme for each, display level and then to arrange the cube so as to display the display level most suitable for the area in which the modular structure is arranged.

As can be appreciated form the foregoing description, the modular structure according to the invention overcomes the disadvantages discussed with reference to the prior art .

In fact the modular units described, are extremely light and manoeuvrable and can therefore easily be fitted together to produce modular structures. Moreover, the modular units are inexpensive to produce since they have geometrical shapes which are easy to produce by means of punches and they use inexpensive materials, for example, such as paper and plastics materials. The modular structure described may advantageously constitute a furnishing element, for example, for interiors. In fact, a single modular structure comprises different graphic elements which can be positioned on the outer faces of the structure. Each modular unit of the structure in turn comprises different graphic elements positioned on the outer faces, of each individual ..unit . By suitably fitting the modular units together, that is, by suitably arranging the faces of the individual units by placing them side by side so as to assemble further graphic elements, it is thus possible to display various images which can be changed, for example, according to the surroundings and to the furnishing of the room in which the modular structure is placed.

Moreover, the modular structure according to the invention affords many possibilities for individualization since, by following the image-assembly plans shown in the drawings, the user can change the graphic elements to be associated with the shaped sheets at will, always with the use of the same covering sheets. For example, with graphic elements featuring letters or parts thereof, the structure can be used to display signs, messages, and the like. In order to satisfy contingent and specific requirements, a person skilled in the art will be able to apply to the above-described modular structure many modifications and variations, all of which, however, are included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A three-dimensional modular structure (4) for the assembly and display of graphic elements, comprising a plurality of modular units (8) which can be fitted together and can be connected to one another by magnetic attraction means (54) , characterized in that each modular unit (8) comprises: a foldable, shaped sheet (12) folded into a predetermined solid geometrical shape so as to enclose a cavity, the magnetic attraction means (54) and the graphic elements being associated with the shaped sheet (12), and a foldable, shaped covering sheet (70) which, in a closed configuration, can constitute a shell for containing the folded foldable, shaped sheet (12) so as to preserve its predetermined solid geometrical shape and to allow the graphic elements to be seen.

2. A modular structure according to Claim 1 in which the foldable, shaped sheet (12) comprises, in a closed configuration, an inner surface (14) comprising the magnetic attraction means (54) and an outer surface (16) , remote from the inner surface (14) and comprising the graphic elements.

3. A modular structure according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 in which the foldable, shaped sheet (12) comprises releasable fastening means which can keep the foldable, shaped sheet (12) in a closed configuration in accordance with the predetermined solid geometrical shape .

4. A modular structure according to any one of the preceding claims in which the foldable, shaped sheet

(12) comprises lines for aiding folding, suitable for forming an aid to the folding of the foldable, shaped sheet (12) so that it adopts the predetermined solid geometric shape.

5. A modular structure according to Claim 4 in which the lines for aiding folding comprise portions of reduced thickness. . A modular structure according to Claim 4 in which the lines for aiding folding comprise pre- perforated portions which extend in at least one preferential direction. 7. A modular structure according to any one of the preceding claims in which the foldable, shaped sheet (12) is made of a paper material.

8. A modular structure according to any one of the preceding claims in which, in a closed configuration, the foldable, shaped covering sheet (70) is folded so as to have a shape complementary to that of the foldable, shaped sheet (12) folded in accordance with the solid geometrical shape .

9. A modular structure according to any one of the preceding claims in which the foldable, shaped covering sheet (70) comprises releasable fastening means which can keep the foldable, shaped covering sheet (70) folded in a_. closed configuration in accordance with the predetermined solid geometrical shape. 10. A modular structure according to any one of the preceding claims in which the foldable, shaped covering sheet (70) comprises portions of reduced thickness suitable for forming an aid to the folding of the foldable, shaped covering sheet (70) so that it adopts the predetermined solid geometrical shape.

11. A modular structure according to any one of the preceding claims in which the foldable, shaped covering sheet (70) is made of a plastics material.

12. A modular structure according to any one of the preceding claims in which the foldable, shaped sheet

(12) and the foldable, shaped covering sheet (70) are folded in accordance with the same solid geometrical figure having a predetermined number of faces so that a corresponding face (36', 50') of the folded foldable, shaped covering sheet (70) is superimposed on each face (36, 50) of the folded foldable, shaped sheet (12) .

13. A modular structure according to Claim 12 in which each face (36', 50') of the foldable, shaped covering sheet (70) comprises an opening (78) suitable for rendering visible at least a portion of a corresponding face (36, 50) of the foldable, shaped sheet (12) .

14. A modular structure according to Claim 12 or Claim 13 in which each face (36', 50') of the foldable, shaped covering sheet (70) comprises a plurality of substantially uniformly distributed openings (82) suitable for rendering visible at least a portion of a corresponding" face (36, 50) of the foldable, shaped sheet (12) .

15. A modular structure according to any one of the preceding claims in which the foldable, shaped covering sheet (70) is made of a transparent material.

16. A modular structure according to any one of the preceding claims in which the modular units (8) take the form of parallelepipeds shape in . a closed configuration.

17. A modular structure according to any one of the preceding claims in which the modular units (8) take the form of cubes in a closed configuration.

18. A modular structure according to Claim 17 in which the structure (4) comprises twenty-seven modular units (8) of cubic shape with the same dimensions, fitted together to form a modular structure having an overall parallelepipedal shape .

19. A modular structure according to any one of the preceding claims in which the magnetic attraction means

(54) are associated with the foldable, shaped sheet (12) in a manner such that, after the foldable, shaped sheet (12) has been folded in accordance with a predetermined solid geometrical shape having a plurality of faces (36, 50) , opposite magnetic polarities of the magnetic attraction means (54) correspond to opposite faces of the predetermined solid geometrical shape. 20. A kit for the construction of a modular structure according to any one of the preceding claims, the kit comprising: at least one foldable, shaped sheet (12) suitable for constructing a predetermined solid geometrical shape, a plurality of magnetic attraction means (54) suitable for being associated with the at least one foldable, shaped sheet (12) in accordance with a predetermined scheme, at least one foldable, shaped covering sheet (70) suitable for constructing a predetermined solid geometrical shape.

21. A kit according to Claim 20 in which the foldable, shaped sheet (12) comprises graphic elements to be displayed.

22. A kit according to Claim 20, comprising graphic elements suitable for being associated with the foldable, shaped sheet (12) .