Magnetic construction set

Abstract

A geometric construction set for building a stable cubic structure, comprising a plurality of like-dimensioned connecting members, spherical magnetically sensitive bodies and anchoring members. Each connecting member has radial symmetry along its axis of elongation and includes permanent magnets at its first and second ends. The anchoring members have three mutually perpendicular and substantially semi-cylindrical arms, a partial spherical cavity at the intersection of the three arms, and a cavity within each of the arms created by its semi-cylindrical shape. The partial spherical cavity is adapted to receive the spherical magnetically sensitive bodies. The cavities in the arms are adapted to securely receive either the first end or the second end of the connecting members. After securely received in the arms, the first or second ends of the connecting member with the permanent magnets are magnetically coupled with the spherical magnetically sensitive bodies.

1 . A geometric constructing set, comprising;
 (a) a plurality of connecting members having a first end, a second end, and an axis of elongation, the connecting members being of circular cross-section and having radial symmetry along the axis of elongation, wherein permanent magnets are fixed adjacent to the first and second ends of the connecting member;   (b) a plurality of spherical magnetically sensitive bodies; and   (c) an anchoring member having three mutually perpendicular and substantially semi-cylindrical arms, a partial spherical cavity at the intersection of the three arms, and a cavity within each of the arms, wherein the partial spherical cavity is adapted to receive the spherical magnetically sensitive bodies, the cavities in the arms are adapted to securely receive either the first end or the second end of the connecting members; and the first or second ends of the connecting members with the permanent magnets are adapted to magnetically couple with the spherical magnetically sensitive bodies after being securely received in the arms of the anchoring members.   
   
   
       2 . The geometric construction set of  claim 1 , wherein the anchoring member is a unitary piece and is made of plastic or other suitable material that is lightweight, strong and resilient. 
   
   
       3 . The geometric construction set of  claim 2 , wherein the anchoring member with the three arms and the partial spherical member forms a continuous contour surface. 
   
   
       4 . The geometric construction set of  claim 1 , wherein the arms of the anchoring members are of a dimension suitable to securely receive the first or second ends of the connecting members. 
   
   
       5 . The geometric construction set of  claim 1 , wherein inner surfaces of the first and second ends of the connecting members are tapered to form a gapless interface with the spherical magnetically sensitive bodies. 
   
   
       6 . The geometric construction set of  claim 1 , wherein the connecting members are made of plastic or other lightweight material that is strong and resilient. 
   
   
       7 . The geometric construction set of  claim 1 , wherein the connecting member comprises different shapes being circular in cross-section and have radial symmetry about their axis of elongation, and the arms of the anchoring member are suitably dimensioned to securely receive the first or second ends of the connecting member. 
   
   
       8 . The geometric construction set of  claim 1 , wherein all or a portion of the spherical magnetically sensitive bodies are constructed of magnetic materials, such as a plastic or nickel coated iron sphere.