WO2006112679A1

WO2006112679A1 - Magnetic toy set

Info

Publication number: WO2006112679A1
Application number: PCT/KR2006/001492
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yong-Cheol Kim
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-04-20
Filing date: 2006-04-20
Publication date: 2006-10-26
Anticipated expiration: 2007-10-20

Abstract

The invention relates to a magnetic toy set, and more particularly, to a magnetic toy set which is capable of forming structures having various shapes by using a connecting rod having a magnet and a magnetic substance to be attached to the magnet, a panel and a metal ball, which are reduced in weight and has improved configurations. The invention provides a magnet toy set including a metal ball made of a magnetic material, a connecting rod having magnets at both ends thereof, and a panel coupled to an area formed by connecting the metal ball and the connecting rod. In this case, the connecting rod is includes a connecting rod body which is made of a ferromagnetic substance and has a shape of a pipe with a predetermined thickness, and has a simplified magnet mounting configuration. Further, the metal ball is formed in the shape of a shell that has a predetermined thickness and a cavity therein, and the panel has grip holes bored through both surfaces thereof so as to grip the panel with the grip holes by fingers or the like. In addition, a magnet receiving portion for mounting the magnet is provided at the center of the panel.

Description

MAGNETIC TOY SET

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a magnetic toy set. More particularly, the magnetic toy set can form structures having various shapes by using a connecting rod having a magnet and a magnetic substance to be attached to the magnet, a panel and a metal ball, which are reduced in weight and have improved constructions.

[2]

Background Art

[3] There are various kinds of toys that allow children to improve their creativity by assembling blocks having various shapes in many different ways so as to form structures having desired shapes. As a representative example of the toys, there is a block-type toy kit which allows children to stack or combine blocks of various shapes so as to form structures of desired shapes.

[4] However, the block-type toy kit has the following problems. That is, there is a limit to the number of blocks having each shape, and the shape of the structure formed by assembling the blocks perpendicular or horizontal to each other is simple. Further, when there is no block having a particular shape or the number thereof is not enough, children assemble cannot the form desired structures or only can form clumsy structures.

[5] Recently, a conventional magnetic toy set has been developed in order to solve the above-described problems. The conventional magnetic toy set includes a connecting rod, a metal ball and a panel such that structures are formed by connecting the connecting rod, the magnetic ball and the panel to each other. The connecting rod has magnets on both ends thereof, and is formed in a straight or curved shape by covering the outside thereof with resin so that the surfaces of the magnets are exposed. The metal ball is connected to the connecting rod by a magnetic force, and the panel is fitted between the connecting rod and the metal ball.

[6] The conventional magnetic toy set will be described below.

[7] Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the conventional magnetic toy set, and Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the connecting rod of the conventional magnetic toy set.

[8] As shown in Fig. 1, the conventional magnetic toy set includes a connecting rod 1 having magnets 2 on both ends thereof, a metal ball 5 that is attached to the magnet 2 of the connecting rod 1 by a magnetic force, and a panel 7 that is coupled to the inside of a structure formed by the connecting rod 1 and the metal ball 5. [9] As shown in Fig. 2, the connecting rod 1 is formed by attaching the respective magnets 2 to both ends of a metal rod 3 and then covering the outside of the metal rod 3 and the magnets 2 with a resin layer 4. Here, the magnets 2 attached to both ends of the connecting rod 1 are exposed to the outside. In general, the connecting rod 1 is formed to have a circular cross-section. If necessary, the connecting rod 1 may be formed to a polygonal cross-section.

[10] The panel 7 is formed to have a polygonal shape such as a triangle or quadrangle in plan view, and includes a groove 8 having a predetermined depth on the side surfaces thereof. Since the panel 7 includes grooves 8 and 9, the connecting rod 1 or the metal ball 5 is easily connected to the side surface of the panel 7.

[11] Since the conventional magnetic toy set has the above-mentioned configuration, a plurality of connecting rods 1 are connected in a radial direction on the metal ball 5 such that the connecting rods 1 are connected to each other at various angles in addition to connections in a perpendicular or horizontal direction. Therefore, it is possible to form structures of various shapes by combining the connecting rods and the metal balls.

[12] However, components of the conventional magnet toy set have the following problems.

[13] The connecting rod 1 is heavy because the metal rod 3 and the magnets 2 provided on both ends thereof are covered with the resin layer 4. The resin layer 4, covering the side of the metal rod 3, has a predetermined thickness on the surface of the metal rod 3 in order to provide durability enough to prevent deformation of the connecting rod 1. The thickness of the resin layer 4 causes low magnetic flux density in response to magnets of another connecting rod 1. As a result, the connecting rods are not securely attached to each other, and it is also difficult to maintain the shape formed by the connecting rods. In addition, a magnetic force is not generated at the side of the connecting rod 1, and the panel 7 is made of resin or the like. Therefore, the connecting rod 1 and the panel 7 are not securely coupled to each other. Further, since the conventional connecting rod 1 is formed through insert injection molding, molding costs are increased to manufacture connecting rods 1 of various shapes.

[14] Moreover, in order to extend the structure formed by the connecting rods 1, multiple connecting rods 1 are joined together by a magnetic force. However, since the connecting rods 1 joined at the middle position of the structure are provided with no support, it is difficult to maintain the shape thereof against an external force. As a result, the connecting rods 1 are likely to be separated from each other.

[15] Further, since each of the magnets 2 provided on both ends of the connecting rod 1 has one of polarities, the magnets 2 are affected by a repulsive force generated between the same polarity and an attractive force generated between different polarities. Therefore, in order to connect the connecting rods 1 to each other, the magnet 2 of one connecting rod 1 must be disposed to have an opposite polarity to that of another connecting rod 1, which causes inconvenience. In addition, it is difficult to form desired structures of various shapes. Specifically, when at least two structures are individually formed and connected to each other, if portions of the two structures to be directly connected to each other have the same polarity, one structure should be formed again so that the portions to be directly connected to the other structure have opposite polarity.

[16] Since the conventional metal ball 5 has a solid structure, the conventional metal ball

5 is heavy. Accordingly, the size of the metal ball 5 is limited, and it is difficult to form a large-sized structure due to the total weight of the connecting rods 1 and the metal balls 5.

[17] The conventional panel 7 is simply fitted in the structure formed of the connecting rods 1 and the metal balls 5. As a result, despite the small impact, the panel 7 is separated from the structure. In addition, since a gripping portion is not additionally formed on the panel 7, it is difficult to detach the panel 7 from the structure of the connecting rods 1 and the metal balls 5 once the panel 7 is coupled to the inside thereof.

[18] Further, the panel 7 does not have a separate coupling force with respect to the connecting rods 1 or the metal balls 5. Accordingly, when the structure is tall, the structure falls down due to instability of the lower part of the structure. Accordingly, sub-structures such as lower structures should be coupled to one another by an adhesive or the like in order to form a structure having a large size. For this reason, it is difficult to reuse the magnetic toy set due to the adhesive.

[19]

Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[20] It is an object of the invention to provide a magnetic toy set which is capable of reducing the weight of components thereof, forming a strong structure by connecting the components to one another, and forming structures of various shapes.

[21] It is another object of the invention to provide a magnetic toy set which is capable of reducing inconveniences and obtaining the diversification of the shape by coupling connecting rods to each other irrespective of polarities of magnets.

[22] It is another object of the invention to provide a magnetic toy set which is capable of forming connecting rods, which has magnets, of various lengths and connecting a panel as well as a connecting rod by the magnets.

[23] It is another object of the invention to provide a magnetic toy set which is capable of forming structures of various shapes by reducing a weight of a panel, forming grip holes on the panel so as to facilitate the coupling and detaching of the panel, and providing a magnet at the center of the panel. Technical Solution

[24] According to an embodiment the invention, a magnet toy set includes a metal ball that is made of a magnetic material, a connecting rod that has magnets at both ends thereof, and a panel that is coupled to an area formed by connecting the metal ball and the connecting rod. In this case, the connecting rod includes a connecting rod body that is made of a ferromagnetic substance and has a shape of a pipe with a predetermined thickness, and a mounting cap that has one end forming a rod-shaped protrusion to be inserted into an end portion of the connecting rod body and the other end forming a head provided with a magnet receiving portion for receiving the magnet.

[25] In addition, according to another embodiment of the invention, a magnet toy set includes a metal ball that is made of a magnetic material, a connecting rod that has magnets at both ends thereof, and a panel that is coupled to an area formed by connecting the metal ball and the connecting rod. In this case, the connecting rod includes a connecting rod body that is made of a ferromagnetic substance and has a shape of a pipe with a predetermined thickness, the magnets that are provided at both ends of the connecting rod body and each have a diameter greater than an inner diameter of the connecting rod body, and magnet fixing caps that are formed in the shape of a cylinder having a mounting protrusion curved inwards at one side thereof and are coupled to the connecting rod body so as to prevent separation of the magnets.

[26] In the above-mentioned structure, the metal ball is formed in the shape of a shell that has a predetermined thickness and a cavity therein.

[27] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned structure, the panel has grip holes bored through both surfaces thereof so as to grip the panel with the grip holes by fingers or the like, and a magnet receiving portion is provided at the central portion of the panel so as to mount a magnet therein.

Advantageous Effects

[28] According to the invention, it is possible to reduce the weight of a connecting rod having magnets, a metal ball and a panel, and form structures of various shapes. It is also possible to form a strong and secure structure because a coupling force caused by a magnetic force can be increased. Brief Description of the Drawings

[29] Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a conventional magnetic toy set;

[30] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a connecting rod of the conventional magnetic toy set; [31] Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a connecting rod and a metal ball of a magnet toy set according to an embodiment of the invention; [32] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the connecting rod of the magnetic toy set according to the embodiment of the invention; [33] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a connecting rod using magnetic fixing caps of a magnetic toy set according to another embodiment of the invention; [34] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a spring connecting body coupled to mounting caps of a magnetic toy set according to another embodiment of the invention; [35] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the spring connecting body coupled to magnetic fixing caps of a magnetic toy set according to another embodiment of the invention; [36] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a connecting rod, which includes a connecting rod body having an additional magnet at a central portion thereof, of a magnetic toy set according to another embodiment of the invention; [37] Fig. 9 is an exploded cross-sectional view illustrating a variable connecting rod of a magnetic toy set according to another embodiment of the invention; [38] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the variable connecting rods of a magnetic toy set according to another embodiment of the invention; [39] Fig. 11 is a view illustrating partial sticks connected to each other by using a connecting member in a magnetic toy set according to another embodiment of the invention; [40] Fig. 12 is a view illustrating partial sticks, having another configuration, connected to each other by using a connecting member in a magnetic toy set according to another embodiment of the invention; [41] Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration in which a polarity of a magnet can be changed by using a mounting cap having a hemispheric magnet receiving portion according to the invention; [42] Fig. 14 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration in which a polarity of a magnet can be changed by providing rotary shafts to the magnet according to the invention; [43] Fig. 15 is a view illustrating a state where a polarity of a magnet is changed in the invention; [44] Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a panel of a magnetic toy set according to another embodiment of the invention; [45] Fig. 17 is a perspective view illustrating the panel according to the embodiment of the invention; [46] Fig. 18 is a perspective view illustrating a panel having insert magnetic pieces inserted into the side thereof in a magnetic toy set according to another embodiment of the invention;

[47] Fig. 19 is a perspective view illustrating a panel having attachable magnetic pieces attached to the side thereof in the magnetic toy set according to the embodiment of the invention;

[48] Fig. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a panel having magnets provided at the side thereof in a magnet toy set according to another embodiment of the invention;

[49] Fig. 21 is a perspective view illustrating a panel having magnets provided at corners thereof in the magnet toy set according to the embodiment of the invention;

[50] Fig. 22 is an exemplary view illustrating a structure formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape by using the magnetic toy set according to the invention; and

[51] Fig. 23 is an exemplary view illustrating a vertically stacked structure formed by using the magnetic toy set according to the embodiment of the invention. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[52] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, when reference numerals are given to elements in each drawing, even though the reference numerals are shown in different drawings, like reference numerals refer to like numerals through the specification. In addition, when the invention is described, if it is determined that a related configuration or function, which is well known, may depart the scope of the invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[53] Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a connecting rod and a metal ball of a magnetic toy set according to one embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 4 is a cross- sectional view illustrating the connecting rod of the magnetic toy set according to the embodiment of the invention.

[54] In the magnetic toy set according to one embodiment of the invention, a connecting rod 10 includes a connecting rod body 12 that is made of a ferromagnetic material susceptible to a magnetic force and has a cylindrical shape with a predetermined thickness t, that is, a hollow cylindrical shape, and mounting caps 14 that are coupled to both ends of the connecting rod body 12 and have magnets 22 therein, respectively. The mounting cap 14 includes a protrusion 16 formed in a rod shape so as to be inserted into the connecting rod body 12, and a head 18 connected to and extending from the protrusion 16. The head 18 has a magnet receiving portion 20 in which the magnet 22 is received.

[55] In addition to the above configuration, the metal ball 24 of the invention is made of a ferromagnetic material, and is formed to have a shell type structure which has a cavity C and is formed by a layer with a predetermined thickness t'. Accordingly, it is possible to minimize the weight of the metal ball 24. In this case, it is preferable that the thicknesses t and t' of the above-described connecting rod body 12 and the metal ball 24 be in the range of 0.1 to 1 mm.

[56] The protrusions 16 of the mounting caps 14 are inserted into and fitted to the both ends of the connecting rod body 12. Here, the fitting operation may be performed by means of an interference fit, and an adhesive for metal may be used for the secure fitting operation. In addition, screw threads may be formed on an outer circumferential surface of each of the protrusions 16, and screw threads may be correspondingly formed on inner circumferential surfaces of both ends of the connecting rod body 12, such that the mounting caps 14 are screw-coupled to the connecting rod body 12. Since the protrusion 16 is formed to have a hollow structure, the weight of the mounting cap 14 can be reduced or another member can be inserted into the protrusion 16.

[57] A connecting rod 10 according to another embodiment of the invention will be described below.

[58] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a connecting rod using magnetic fixing caps of a magnetic toy set according to another embodiment of the invention.

[59] According to the connecting rod 10 of another embodiment, magnets 22, each having a diameter greater than an inner diameter of a connecting rod body 12, are positioned at both ends of the connecting rod body 12 having a hollow cylindrical structure. Further, the magnets 22 are fixed to the connecting rod body 12 by using magnetic fixing caps 30. The magnetic fixing cap 30 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and has a mounting protrusion 32 curved inwards at one side thereof so as to prevent the magnet 22 from being separated from the connecting rod body 12. Preferably, an outer surface of the mounting protrusion 32 is formed to correspond to the curvature of the metal ball 24, such that the metal ball 24 is stably coupled to the magnet 22. In addition, the magnetic fixing cap 30 may be coupled to the connecting rod body 12 by means of an interference fit or an adhesive. Also, a female screw is formed on an inner circumferential surface of the magnetic fixing cap 30 and a male screw is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the connecting rod body 12, such that the magnetic fixing cap 30 can be screw-coupled to the connecting rod body 12.

[60] However, the shape of the connecting rod body 12 is not limited to the linear shape as shown in Fig. 4 or 5. In addition to a basic configuration such as the connecting rod body 12 having the mounting caps 14 or the fixing caps 30 at both ends thereof, the connecting rod body 12 may have a cross-section formed in the shape of an arc, a polygon, a semicircle, a letter "S", or the like.

[61] In a connecting rod 10 according to another embodiment, the connecting rod body

12 may be replaced with a spring.

[62] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a spring connecting body coupled to mounting caps of a magnetic toy set according to another embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the spring connecting body coupled to magnetic fixing caps of a magnetic toy set according to the embodiment of the invention.

[63] As shown in Fig. 6, a protrusion 16 of each mounting cap 14 has a hollow structure, and a spring connecting rod body 34 is inserted into and fixed to the protrusions 16, thereby completing the connecting rod 10. Here, the spring connecting rod body 34 refers to a connecting rod body made of a spring. In addition, as shown in Fig. 7, after magnets 22 are positioned at both ends of the spring connecting rod body 34, magnetic fixing caps 30 are coupled to both ends of the spring connecting rod body 34. In this way, the connecting rod 10 is completed. The mounting cap 14 or the fixing cap 30 may be made of a magnetic substance such as iron or a non-magnetic substance such as plastic.

[64] However, a magnetic force is not transferred to an outer circumferential surface of the connecting rod body 12 even though it is possible to attach parts, made of magnetic substances such as iron, to both ends of the connecting rod 10 having the magnets 22, as shown in Fig. 4 or 5. That is, after a triangular or rectangular structure is formed by using the connecting rods 10 and the metal balls 24, when a panel made of a magnetic substance is coupled to the inside of the structure, the panel and the connecting rods 10 are easily separated from each other because a magnetic force is not generated on the outer circumferential surface of the connecting rod body 12. In order to solve this problem, a configuration capable of transferring a magnetic force to the side of the connecting rod 10 will be described.

[65] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a connecting rod, which includes a connecting rod body having an additional magnet at a central portion thereof, of a magnetic toy set according to another embodiment of the invention.

[66] A connecting rod 10, which generates a magnetic force even at the side thereof, includes caps 14 or 30 used to fix magnets 22 and 22 to both ends of a connecting rod body 12. In addition, a central magnet 36 is internally provided at the center of the connecting rod body 12. Here, in order to transfer a magnetic force to the side of the connecting rod body 12, the central magnet 36 should be disposed so as to have the same polarity as each of the magnets 22 provided at both ends. Accordingly, a repulsive force is generated between each of the magnets 22 provided at both ends and the central magnet 36. For this reason, the central magnet 36 is naturally positioned at the central portion of the connecting rod body 12 without a separate support member.

[67] In addition to the above descriptions, a configuration in which a connecting rod can be extended will be described.

[68] Fig. 9 is an exploded cross-sectional view illustrating a variable connecting rod of a magnetic toy set according to another embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the variable connecting rods of a magnetic toy set according to another embodiment of the invention.

[69] A variable connecting rod 40 includes a connecting stick 42 positioned at the center thereof, and a pair of partial sticks 38 that is coupled to the outside of the connecting stick 42 and slidably moves outside of the connecting stick 42.

[70] The connecting stick 42 includes coupling caps 46 coupled to both ends of a connecting stick body 44 having a pipe shape, and each of the coupling caps 46 has a step 48 protruding in a circumferential direction. The connecting stick 42 is inserted into the partial sticks 38. A magnet 22 and a magnet fixing cap 30 are coupled to each partial stick body 50 having a stopping projection 52 formed in a taper shape at one side thereof, such that each partial stick 38 is formed. A mounting cap 14 may be used instead of the magnet fixing cap 30. The stopping projection 52 formed on the partial stick body 50 is stopped by the step 48 of the coupling cap 46 of the connecting stick 42. Therefore, when the connecting stick 42 is inserted into the partial sticks 38, each partial stick 38 is not separated from the connecting stick 42. Since the partial sticks 38 provided at both ends of the connecting stick 42 can slide along an outer circumferential surface of the connecting stick 42, it is possible to change the total length of the variable connecting rod 40.

[71] A connecting rod having another configuration formed by using the above- described partial sticks 38 will be described.

[72] Fig. 11 is a view illustrating partial sticks connected to each other by using a connecting member in a magnetic toy set according to another embodiment of the invention.

[73] A pair of partial sticks 38 is connected to each other by using a connecting member

54. A stopping projection 52 of each partial stick 38 includes a coupling member 56, which has a passage therethrough at the center thereof and is fixed to the stopping projection 52. The connecting member 54 is inserted into the central portion of the coupling member 56, and a fixing portion 58 is formed on an end portion of the connecting member 54, such that the connecting member 54 is not separated from the coupling member 56. The connecting member 56 may be made of various materials such as a rope, a chain, a wire, a spring, a rubber band, a plastic pipe, and the like.

[74] In addition to the configuration of the partial stick shown in Fig. 11, it is possible to connect partial sticks having another configuration to each other by using a connecting member.

[75] Fig. 12 is a view illustrating partial sticks, having another configuration, connected to each other by using a connecting member in a magnetic toy set according to another embodiment of the invention. [76] A partial stick 38' having another configuration includes a connecting rod body 12, a magnet 22 and a magnet fixing cap 30. The magnet 12 and the magnet fixing cap 30 for fixing the magnet 22 are provided at one end of the connecting rod body 12, and the magnet fixing cap 30 is provided at the other end of the connecting rod body 12. Therefore, a portion where only the magnet fixing cap 30 is mounted without the magnet 22 of the partial stick 38' is provided with an opening. A connecting member 54 is inserted into the opening, and a fixing portion 58 is provided at the end of the connecting member 54. When the fixing portion 58 is stopped by a mounting protrusion 32 of the magnet fixing cap 30, the connecting member 54 is coupled to the partial stick 38'.

[77] By coupling the partial stick 38' having another configuration to the connecting member 54, unlike Fig. 11, it is possible to obtain the connecting rod 10 having a new configuration by using a basically provided material of the connecting rod 10.

[78] In addition, a configuration allowing more useful invention will be described below.

[79] Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration in which a polarity of a magnet can be changed by using a mounting cap having a hemispheric magnet receiving portion according to the invention, Fig. 14 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration in which a polarity of a magnet can be changed by providing rotary shafts to the magnet according to the invention, and Fig. 15 is a view illustrating a state where a polarity of a magnet is changed in the invention.

[80] A configuration of a mounting cap 14', shown in Figs. 13 to 15, allows a magnet

22' to be rotated in a magnet receiving portion 20' of the mounting cap 14'.

[81] First, according to the configuration in Fig. 13, the magnet 22' forms a hemisphere shape whose upper and lower portions are cut off. While a side wall of the magnet 22' forms a hemispherical shape, an inner wall of the magnet receiving portion 20' of the mounting cap 14' forms a hemispherical shape. Here, the magnet 22 may be formed in a disc shape with a predetermined thickness, and have an outer surface formed in the shape of a sphere, through insert injection molding by resin. Preferably, a protective guard 60 is provided on the upper side of the mounting cap 14' so as to allow smooth rotation of the magnet 22' and prevent separation thereof.

[82] According to the configuration in Fig. 14, a support ring 66 is provided on the outer side of a magnet 22. The support ring 66 has rotary shafts 64 protruding from the outer side of a magnet 22 in two radial directions from the center of gravity. Guide recesses 62 are formed on two portions, in the depth direction, of an inner wall of a receiving area 20" for receiving the magnet 22 in a mounting cap 14". The support ring 66 is supported such that the rotary shafts 64, each of which protrudes from both sides of the support ring 66 while the magnet 22 is fixed to the supporting ring 66, can be rotated and slide in the depth direction on the guide recesses 62.

[83] According to the above configuration, Fig. 15 illustrates a process in which the magnet 22 in the mounting cap 14" is rotated when a magnet approaches another magnet 22, such that an attractive force is generated between the magnet 22 and another magnet. Therefore, mutual connections can be facilitated.

[84] A panel configuration of a magnetic toy set according to another embodiment of the invention will be described.

[85] Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a panel of a magnetic toy set according to another embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 17 is a perspective view illustrating the panel according to the embodiment of the invention.

[86] A magnet receiving portion 74 for receiving a magnet 22 is provided at a central portion of a panel 70, and grip holes 72 bored through the panel 70 are provided at an outer portion of the magnetic receiving portion 74. Preferably, the magnet receiving portion 74 has a groove for receiving the magnet 22 therein, and a passage formed through the groove so that one surface of the magnet 22 is exposed to the outside when the magnet 22 is installed in the groove. Each of side portions 71 of the panel 70 is formed to correspond to the curvature of an outer surface of the cylindrical connecting rod body 12 so that the cylindrical connecting rod body 12 easily comes in contact with each side portion 71. Preferably, each of corners 73 of the panel 70 is formed to correspond to an outer curvature of the metal ball 24 so that the metal ball 24 easily comes in contact with each corner 73.

[87] Meanwhile, the magnet receiving portion 74 may be positioned at the central portion of the panel 70, and the grip holes 72 may be bored through the panel 70 except for the central portion. Preferably, as shown in Fig. 17, an outer side of the panel 70 forms a panel frame 76, and connecting ribs 78 for connecting the panel frame 76 to the magnet receiving portion 74 positioned at the central portion are provided, such that spaces formed by the panel frame 76 and the connecting ribs 78 serve the grip holes 72. For aesthetic harmony of the panel 70, the grip holes 72 may be geometrically formed to be symmetrical to each other. However, the shapes of the grip holes 72 of the embodiment of the invention are not limited thereto. The grip holes 72 may have any configuration, which allows a hand or a finger to be put into the grip holes 72, having the magnet receiving portion 74 formed at the center of the panel 70.

[88] It is preferable that a first panel 70a and a second panel 70b be coupled to each other so as to form the panel 70, as shown in Fig. 16, such that the magnet 22 can be mounted in the magnet receiving portion 74. The panel 70 is made of resin, such as plastic, in order to reduce the weight thereof. The first panel 70a and the second panel 70b are coupled to each other by means of a bolt, an adhesive, ultrasonic welding, an interference fit, or the like. [89] In addition to the rectangular shape of the panel 70 as shown in Fig. 16 or 17, the panel 70 may have various shapes such as a triangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, a circle, or the like, while the panel 70 has the magnet receiving portion 74 at the center thereof and the grip holes 72.

[90] An auxiliary structure which allows the panel 70 to be coupled with the connecting rod 10 by a magnetic force will be described below.

[91] Fig. 18 is a perspective view illustrating a panel having insert magnetic pieces inserted into the side thereof in a magnetic toy set according to another embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 19 is a perspective view illustrating a panel having attachable magnetic pieces attached to the side thereof in the magnetic toy set according to the embodiment of the invention.

[92] As shown in Fig. 8, when the central magnet 36 is provided at the central portion of the connecting rod 10, a magnetic force is transferred to the side of the connecting rod body 12. When a structure is completed by using each connecting rod 10 having the central magnet 36 as shown in Fig. 18 or 19, a magnetic substance is coupled to the side of the panel 70 made of a plastic material, such that the panel 70 is attached to the connecting rod 10 by the magnetic force.

[93] In order to couple the magnetic substance to the side of the panel 70, as shown in

Fig. 18, insert holes 84 are provided at the side of the panel 70, and insert magnetic pieces 80, each having male protrusions 82 to be insertedly coupled to the insert holes 84, are inserted into the insert holes 84, respectively. Since each of the insert magnetic pieces 80 is made of a ferromagnetic substance susceptible to an attractive force by a magnetic force, the panel 70 having the insert magnetic pieces 80 is attached to the side of the connecting rod 10 having the central magnet 36. In Fig. 19, magnet piece receiving portions 88 formed in a groove shape are provided at the sides of the panel 70, respectively, and attachable magnetic pieces 86 are attached to the magnetic piece receiving portions 88, respectively, by an adhesive or the like.

[94] The panel 70 may have another auxiliary structure in which another magnets are additionally provided to the sides of the panel 70, respectively.

[95] Fig. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a panel having magnets provided at the side thereof in a magnet toy set according to another embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 21 is a perspective view illustrating a panel having magnets provided at corners thereof in the magnet toy set according to the embodiment of the invention.

[96] Fig. 20 or 21 illustrates a configuration in which magnets are mounted at the sides or corners 73 of a panel 70. While auxiliary magnets 80 are mounted at the sides or the corners of the panel 70 to expose a portion of each of the auxiliary magnets 80 to the outside, side magnet receiving portions 82 for fixing the auxiliary magnet 80 to the panel 70 are provided at the sides or the corners of the panel 70. [97] An example in which a structure is formed by using the magnetic toy set according to the invention will be described below.

[98] Fig. 22 is an exemplary view illustrating a structure formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape by using the magnetic toy set according to the invention, and Fig. 23 is an exemplary view illustrating a vertically stacked structure formed by using the magnetic toy set according to the embodiment of the invention.

[99] As shown in Fig. 22, since each member is light, it is possible to form a secure and light structure when a structure is formed by using the connecting rods 10, the metal balls 24 and the panels 70. In addition, since a magnet is provided at the magnet receiving portion 74 positioned at the center of the panel 70, the connecting rod 10 or the metal ball 24 can be attached to the center of the panel 70. As a result, it is possible to form various types of structures. Further, the grip holes 72 are provided at the panel 70, thereby facilitating the coupling or detaching of the panel 70.

[100] As shown in Fig. 23, it is possible to form a tall and secure structure by using the panels 70, the connecting rods 10 and the metal balls 24. Particularly, it is possible to form a stronger structure when a longer connecting rod 10' is provided to connect the magnet receiving portions 74 of the panels 70 with one another. In this case, it is preferable that an auxiliary block 84 be provided at a central portion of the lowermost panel 70 so as to support the load of the structure. Furthermore, in the invention, since a magnetic force can be applied to the side of the connecting rod 10 or the side of the panel 70, it is possible to form a more secure structure and various types of structures.

[101] Although the invention has been described in connection with the exemplary embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are not limitative, but illustrative in all aspects. The invention should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The invention will only be defined by the appended claims, and it is to be understood that the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[102]

Industrial Applicability

[103] As described above, the invention provides a magnetic toy set which is capable of not only reducing the weight of the connecting rod and the metal ball and simplifying configurations thereof, but also forming various types of structures. In addition, since the connecting rod according to the invention is manufactured by cutting a connecting rod body having a pipe shape with a predetermined thickness to desired length, it is possible to remarkably improve productivity.

[104] In addition, since the panel having the magnet is mounted by a magnetic force in the structure formed by connecting the connecting rod and the metal ball to each other, the structure is stable. Further, since the panel is rotated about the central axis in a state that the connection therebetween is made, it is possible to form structures having various shapes. Therefore, children can be expected to learn changes in shape according to the rotation and understand the concept of three dimensions.

[105] Moreover, since the magnet is rotated at a mounting position thereof and the connecting rod can be connected irrespective of a repulsive magnetic field. Therefore, children can learn characteristics of the magnet in relation to the changes in shape, and can easily connect respective structures to each other.

[106] In addition, since the panel is coupled to the inside of the structure formed by the connecting rod and the metal ball using a magnetic force, the panel, the connecting rod, and the metal ball are securely coupled to one another. Further, since the grip holes are formed on the panel, the panel can be easily attached to or detached from the structure that is formed by coupling the connecting rod and the metal ball to each other. Moreover, since the magnet is provided at the central portion of the panel, the connecting rod or the metal ball is attached to the central portion of the panel, thereby forming structures of various shapes.

[107]

Claims

[1] A magnet toy set comprising: a metal ball that is made of a magnetic material; a connecting rod that has magnets at both ends thereof; and a panel that is coupled to an area formed by connecting the metal ball and the connecting rod, wherein the connecting rod includes a connecting rod body that is made of a ferromagnetic substance and has a shape of a pipe with a predetermined thickness, and a mounting cap that has one end forming a rod- shaped protrusion to be inserted into an end portion of the connecting rod body and the other end forming a head provided with a magnet receiving portion for receiving the magnet.

[2] A magnet toy set comprising: a metal ball that is made of a magnetic material; a connecting rod that has magnets at both ends thereof; and a panel that is coupled to an area formed by connecting the metal ball and the connecting rod, wherein the connecting rod includes a connecting rod body that is made of a ferromagnetic substance and has a shape of a pipe with a predetermined thickness, the magnets that are provided at both ends of the connecting rod body and each have a diameter greater than an inner diameter of the connecting rod body, and magnet fixing caps that are formed in the shape of a cylinder having a mounting protrusion curved inwards at one side thereof and are coupled to the connecting rod body so as to prevent separation of the magnets.

[3] The magnet toy set of claim 1 or 2, wherein the metal ball is formed in the shape of a shell that has a predetermined thickness and a cavity therein.

[4] The magnet toy set of claim 1 or 2, wherein a central magnet is provided at a central portion of the connecting rod body such that a repulsive force is applied to the central magnet from the magnets provided at both ends of the connecting rod body.

[5] The magnet toy set of claim 1, wherein an inner wall of the magnet receiving portion of the mounting cap is formed in a hemispheric shape, and the magnet inserted into the magnet receiving portion is formed in the shape of a hemisphere or a disc so as to be rotated in the magnet receiving portion.

[6] The magnet toy set of claim 1, wherein the magnet receiving portion of the mounting cap is provided with guide recesses that are formed in the depth direction on the surfaces an inner wall facing each other, and a support ring that has a pair of rotary shafts to be inserted into the guide recesses and fixes the magnet so that the magnet is rotated in the magnet receiving portion.

[7] The magnet toy set of claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a variable connecting rod that includes a connecting stick including coupling caps and a pair of partial sticks each having a mounting cap or a magnet fixing cap, the coupling caps being provided with steps protruding from both ends of a hollow cylindrical pipe-shaped connecting stick body in a circumferential direction, and the mounting cap or the magnet fixing cap coupling a magnet to a hollow cylindrical pipe-shaped partial stick body, which includes a taper-shaped stopping protrusion at one side thereof, the pair of partial sticks being coupled to both sides of the connecting stick so as to slide on an outer side of the connecting stick.

[8] The magnet toy set of claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a variable connecting rod in which a pair of partial sticks each including a mounting cap or a magnet fixing cap is connected to each other by a connecting member such as a rope, a chain, a wire or a rubber band, the mounting cap or the magnet fixing cap coupling a magnet to a hollow cylindrical pipe-shaped partial stick body, which includes a taper-shaped stopping protrusion at one side thereof.

[9] The magnet toy set of claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a variable connecting rod in which a pair of partial sticks is connected to each other by a connecting member such as a rope, a chain, a wire or a rubber band, a magnet and one magnet fixing cap for fixing the magnet being provided at one side of each partial stick and only a magnet fixing cap being provided at the other side of each partial stick.

[10] The magnet toy set of claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a connecting rod that has a connecting rod body made of a spring.

[11] The magnet toy set of claim 1 or 2, wherein the panel has grip holes bored through both surfaces thereof so as to grip the panel with the grip holes by fingers or the like.

[12] The magnet toy set of claim 11 , wherein a magnet receiving portion is provided at the central portion of the panel so as to mount a magnet therein.

[13] The magnet toy set of claim 12, wherein the panel is formed by coupling a first panel and a second panel to each other, and the magnet receiving portions are formed at the central portions of the first panel and the second panel, respectively.

[14] The magnet toy set of claim 12, wherein the panel includes a panel frame forming an external shape of the panel, and connecting ribs that connect the panel frame to the magnet receiving portion to each other so that spaces formed by the connecting ribs and the magnet receiving portion serves as the grip holes.

[15] The magnet toy set of claim 12, wherein magnet pieces made of magnetic materials are provided at the sides of the panel, respectively.

[16] The magnet toy set of claim 12, wherein side magnet receiving portions are provided at the sides or corners of the panel, and auxiliary magnets are provided at the sides or corners of the panel, respectively.