Magnetic construction kit with wheel-like components
View Patent ↗A movable magnetic construction kit that is suitable for creating a variety of different construction profiles and including at least one primary connecting element that can be operatively associated with one or more secondary connecting elements via magnetic and/or mechanical connections. The primary connecting element has at least one aperture therein and a plurality of magnets operatively associated with an edge thereof. The primary connecting element in combination with the secondary connecting elements provides for a movable construction kit for enhanced construction and design capabilities.
1. A movable magnetic construction kit comprising:
at least one first connecting element having at least one aperture therein and a number of first magnets equally distributed about an edge thereof;
one or more second connecting elements having an elongated body and at least one second magnet operatively associated therewith; and
at least one additional connecting element for connecting two or more of said second connecting elements,
wherein said first connecting element is operatively associated with at least one support element so as to be rotatable thereabout.
2. The construction kit of claim 1 , wherein said first connecting element has a body defining an annular disc.
3. The construction kit of claim 1 , wherein said number of magnets of said first connecting element are arranged so that adjacent magnets have different polarity relative to each other.
4. The construction kit of claim 1 , wherein said number of magnets are recessed with respect to said edge of said first connecting element.
5. The construction kit of claim 1 , wherein said number of magnets project outwardly with respect to said edge of said first connecting element.
6. The construction kit of claim 5 , wherein said second connecting elements include at least one magnet retaining element having a pocket for securely retaining said at least one second magnet in a recessed manner.
7. The construction kit of claim 6 , wherein said magnet retaining elements are separable with respect to said elongated body.
8. The construction kit of claim 1 , wherein said second magnet of said one or more second connecting elements is magnetically connected to one of said first magnets of said first connecting element.
9. The construction kit of claim 8 , wherein said additional connecting elements are spherical and magnetizable.
10. The construction kit of claim 9 , wherein said additional connecting elements flexibly connect two or more second connecting elements so that such second connecting elements can be adjustably oriented in a variety of different directions with respect to each other.
11. The construction kit of claim 10 , wherein said first connecting element cooperates with said second connecting elements and said additional connecting elements to form a first structural profile.
12. The construction kit of claim 11 , wherein said first structural profile cooperates with said support element via said aperture of said first connecting element so as to be movable thereabout.
13. The construction kit of claim 12 , wherein said first structural profile cooperates with a second structural profile via at least one of said second connecting elements, said additional connecting elements, and said support element.
14. The construction kit of claim 13 , wherein said first structural profile and said second structural profile are simultaneously movable via said support member.
15. The construction kit of claim 13 , wherein said first structural profile and said second structural profile are separably movable via said support member.
16. A connecting element for use in a movable magnetic construction kit, said connecting element comprising:
a substantially flat body having at least one aperture therethrough and a number of magnets operatively associated with an edge thereof, said magnets being equally distributed with respect to each other and oriented so that adjacent magnets have different exposed polarities,
wherein said flat body is operatively associated with at least one support element so as to be rotatable thereabout, and
wherein said number of magnets are recessed with respect to said edge of said flat body.
17. The connecting element of claim 16 , further comprising one or more mechanical connectors located about said edge of said flat body.
18. The connecting element of claim 16 , wherein said flat body defines an annular disc.
19. A connecting element for use in a movable magnetic construction kit, said connecting element comprising:
a substantially flat body having at least one aperture therethrough and a number of magnets operatively associated with an edge thereof, said magnets being equally distributed with respect to each other and oriented so that adjacent magnets have different exposed polarities,
wherein said flat body is operatively associated with at least one support element so as to be rotatable thereabout, and
wherein said number of magnets project outwardly with respect to said edge of said flat body.
20. The connecting element of claim 19 , further comprising one or more mechanical connectors located about said edge of said flat body.