WO2016120902A1

WO2016120902A1 - Magnetic assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2016120902A1
Application number: PCT/IT2016/000022
Authority: WO
Inventors: Italo Marziano Tonino SATTA
Original assignee: Studio24 S.R.L.
Priority date: 2015-01-28
Filing date: 2016-01-28
Publication date: 2016-08-04
Also published as: ES2738643T3; PL3250302T3; EP3250302B1; EP3250302A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a magnetic assembly comprising: at least a magnetic element (1, 16, 18, 21, 28, 21 ', 21 ", 21 "') having a body (4) comprising at least a tubular portion (5, 5', 5", 5"'), having an symmetry axis (y) and an outer radius (r5), and at least a magnetic end (6, 7) arranged on said body (4) substantially along said axis (y), at least a ferromagnetic element (2), able to be magnetically coupled to said at least one magnetic end (6, 7) of said at least a magnetic element (1, 16, 18, 21, 28, 21 ', 21", 21"'), said magnetic assembly being characterized in that it further comprises at least a decorative element (3, 3", 3", 14, 17, 19, 27, 26, 44, 45, 52) comprising at least a first decorative portion (8, 8', 8", 20, 47) and at least a ring or half-ring element (9, 43, 46, 53) having an symmetry axis (x) and an inner radius (r9, r48), in that said at least a first decorative portion (8, 8', 8", 20, 47) being able to be coupled, in a fixed or removable way, to said ring or half-ring element (9, 43, 46, 53), and in that said at least a ring or half-ring element (9, 43, 46, 53) of said at least a decorative element (3, 3', 3", 14, 17, 19, 27, 26, 44, 45, 52) being shaped so that it can be removably inserted on said at least a tubular portion (5, 5', 5", 5"') of said body (4) of said at least a magnetic element (1, 16, 18, 21, 28, 21 ', 21", 21 '") so that the symmetry axis (x) of said at least a ring or half-ring element (9, 43, 46, 53) corresponds with said axis (y) of said tubular portion (5, 5', 5", 5"').

Description

MAGNETIC ASSEMBLY

The present invention relates to a magnetic assembly to create three-dimensional structures.

More precisely, the present invention relates to a magnetic assembly comprising magnetic elements, ferromagnetic elements and decorative elements permitting creating geometric grid structures with a three-dimensional development.

At present, magnetic assemblies are known which provide for the use of decorative elements combined to magnetic and ferromagnetic elements.

A first example is described in European Patent EP 1349626 B1 , in which the decorative elements provide panels which have a polygonal shape and remain locked between magnetic elements of the tubular body, in particular bars, by means of the shaped sides capable of housing the tubular body of the magnetic element. However, in order to maintain the panel in a stable position, the panel must be held by at least two bars arranged on two opposite sides.

The problem of this first solution resides in the necessity that the shape of the panels should be adapt to the polygonal shape imposed by the other elements which combine each other, without the possibility of obtaining different three-dimensional shapes.

A second known solution is described in European Patent EP 2185260 B1 , in which the decorative elements provide the panels integrally fastened to each magnetic element of the base. However, in the combination of more magnetic elements with integrated panels it is not possible to create three-dimensional figures having more than two decorative elements in correspondence of the same side, considerably limiting the freedom to create structures of different shapes and released by the geometry of the other elements.

The object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art in order to obtain an assembly comprising magnetic, ferromagnetic and decorative elements that create structures having a variable geometry to create fantasy figures, not necessarily polygonal figures.

It is an object of the present invention a magnetic assembly comprising at least a magnetic element having a body comprising at least a tubular portion, having an symmetry axis y) and an outer radius, and at least a magnetic end, arranged on said body substantially along said axis, at least a ferromagnetic element, able to be magnetically coupled to said at least one magnetic end of said at least a magnetic element, said magnetic assembly further comprising at least a decorative element comprising at least a first decorative portion and at least a ring or half-ring element having an symmetry axis and an inner radius, in that said at least a first decorative portion being able to be coupled, in a fixed or removable way, to said ring or half-ring element, and in that said at least a ring or half-ring element of said at least a decorative element being shaped so that it can be removably inserted on said at least a tubular portion of said body of said at least a magnetic element so that the symmetry axis of said at least a ring or half-ring element corresponds with said axis of said tubular portion.

Further, according to the invention, said at least a first decorative portion of said at least a decorative element can be a panel having at least three perimetral sides able to circumscribe a polygonal surface, said at least a ring or half-ring element being coupled integrally or removably to at least a portion of a first side of said at least three sides of said at least a first panel.

Still according to the invention, said first side of said panel of said at least a decorative element is parallel to said axis of said at least a tubular portion of said body of said at least a magnetic element.

Always according to the invention, said at least a ring or half- ring element of said at least a decorative element can be integrally coupled to said panel all along said first side.

Further, according to the invention, said at least a ring or half- ring element of said at least a decorative element can be integrally coupled in correspondence of an end portion of said first side.

Preferably, according to the invention, said at least a ring or half-ring element of said at least a decorative element can be integrally coupled in correspondence of a central portion of said first side of said first panel of said at least a decorative element.

Particularly, according to the invention, said magnetic assembly can comprise at least a second magnetic element and said at least a decorative element can comprise a further ring or half-ring element having an symmetry axis, said further ring or half-ring element being coupled integrally or removably to said at least a first decorative portion, said further ring or half-ring element of said at least a decorative element being shaped in order to be able to be removably inserted on said at least a tubular portion of said body of said at least a second magnetic element so that the symmetry axis of said further ring or half-ring element corresponds to said axis of said tubular portion.

Always according to the invention, said at least a decorative element can comprise a second decorative portion, removably or integrally coupled to said at least a ring or half-ring element.

More particularly, according to the invention, said at least a first decorative portion and said second decorative portion are coplanar or are tilted between each other of an angle lower than 180° in relation to said symmetry axis of said ring or half-ring element.

Still according to the invention, said at least a ring element or half-ring like element of said at least a decorative element can be integrally coupled to said at least a portion of said first decorative portion by means of a wing so to form at least a gap between said first panel and said ring or semi element for allowing the insertion of the ring or half-ring like element of a further decorative element.

Furthermore according to the invention, said magnetic assembly can comprise at least two decorative elements, wherein a first decorative element is integrally coupled to said at least a magnetic element in order to form one only magnetic element.

Further, according to the invention, said magnetic assembly can comprise at least two decorative elements, said at least a first decorative portion of each of said at least two decorative elements can comprise two faces, one opposite to the other, in that at least one or both of said faces comprises at least a joint male/female element, and in that said at least a joint male/female element of a first decorative element is able to removably engage with the joint female/male element of a second decorative element.

Preferably, according to the invention, at least a portion of the perimetral edge of said at least a first decorative portion is tapered from the first face towards the second face in order to allow the disengagement of said two decorative elements.

Further according to the invention, said body of said at least a magnetic element can be tubular and can have an outer radius corresponding with said outer radius of said at least a tubular portion and an symmetry axis corresponding with said symmetry axis of said at least a tubular portion.

More particularly, according to the invention, said outer radius of said at least a tubular portion can be lower than said outer radius of said tubular portion of said at least a magnetic element.

Still according to the invention, said at least a tubular portion of said at least a magnetic element and said at least a ring or half-ring element of said at least a decorative element can be shaped in order to have a cross-section in order to allow the free and at least partial rotation of said at least a decorative element in relation to said axis.

Always according to the invention, said at least a tubular portion of said at least a magnetic element and said at least a ring or half-ring element of said at least a decorative element can be shaped in order to have a cross-section for preventing the rotation of said at least a decorative element in relation to said axis in at least an angle of rotation.

Further according to the invention, said at least a magnetic element can comprise two magnetic ends arranged on said body substantially along said axis of said at least a tubular portion.

Particularly, according to the invention, said at least a magnetic element can comprise only one magnet arranged with the ends corresponding with said magnetic ends of said body.

Further, according to the invention, said at least a magnetic element can comprise a magnet in correspondence with said at least a magnetic end of said body.

Preferably, according to the invention, said magnetic assembly can further comprise at least an additional element having a shaped portion in order to removably engage with said at least one ferromagnetic element.

Still according to the invention, said at least a ferromagnetic element is a sphere.

Furthermore, according to the invention, said at least a decorative element can comprise at least a first decorative portion having a slide portion, and at least a ring or half-ring element, having a ring portion, having said axis and said inner radius, and at least a guide, integrally coupled to said ring portion, for removably housing said slide of said at least a first decorative portion. More particularly, according to the invention, said at least a decorative element can comprise at least two decorative portions, and said at least a ring or half-ring element can comprise at least two guides, integral to said ring portion, for removably housing a slide of one of said two decorative portions.

Finally, according to the invention, said magnetic assembly can comprise at least a further magnetic element having at least a socket or a pin obtained from said body, said at least a first decorative portion of said at least a decorative element can comprise at least a pin or a socket obtained in correspondence of its side edge, and said at least a first decorative portion and said further magnetic element can be mechanically coupled between each other by means of the respective pins and sockets.

The invention will be described, for illustrative, but not limitative, purposes, with particular reference to the drawings of the enclosed figures, wherein:

figures 1a and 1b show a perspective view and an exploded front view of a first magnetic assembly according to the invention comprising a decorative element according a first arrangement, a magnetic element according to a first arrangement and a spherical ferromagnetic element;

figure 2 shows a front view of a second magnetic assembly according to the invention comprising a magnetic element according to a first arrangement, a decorative element according to a second arrangement and a spherical ferromagnetic element;

figure 3 shows an exploded front view of a third magnetic assembly according to the invention comprising a magnetic element in a second arrangement, a decorative element in a third arrangement, and a spherical ferromagnetic element;

figure 4a shows a front view of a fourth magnetic assembly according to the invention comprising three decorative elements in said third arrangement, three magnetic elements in said second arrangement and three spherical ferromagnetic elements;

figure 4b shows a front view of a fifth magnetic assembly according to the invention comprising a magnetic element in said second arrangement, two magnetic elements in said first arrangement, a decorative element in a fourth arrangement and three spherical ferromagnetic elements; figure 4c shows a front view of a sixth magnetic assembly according to the invention comprising two magnetic elements in said second arrangement, a magnetic element in said first arrangement, a decorative element in said third arrangement, a decorative element in a fifth arrangement and three spherical ferromagnetic elements;

figure 5 shows a perspective view of the magnetic assembly of figure 4b;

figure 6a shows a front view of a seventh magnetic assembly according to the invention comprising a magnetic element in a third arrangement, and a decorative element in a sixth arrangement and a spherical ferromagnetic element;

figure 6b shows a front view of an eighth magnetic assembly according to the invention comprising three magnetic elements in said third arrangement, and a decorative element in a seventh arrangement and a spherical ferromagnetic element;

figure 7a shows a front view of a ninth magnetic assembly according to the invention comprising two magnetic elements in said second arrangement, a decorative element in an eighth arrangement and a spherical ferromagnetic element;

figure 7b shows a front view of a tenth magnetic assembly according to the invention comprising two magnetic elements in said second arrangement and a decorative element in a ninth arrangement and a spherical ferromagnetic element;

figure 7c shows a front view of an eleventh magnetic assembly according to the invention comprising two magnetic elements in said second arrangement, a decorative element in a tenth arrangement and a spherical ferromagnetic element;

figure 8 shows a front view of a twelfth magnetic assembly according to the invention comprising a magnetic element in a fourth arrangement, a decorative element in an eleventh arrangement and a spherical ferromagnetic element;

figure 9 shows a front view of a thirteenth magnetic assembly according to the invention comprising a magnetic element in said second arrangement and a decorative element in a twelfth arrangement;

figures 10a and 10b respectively show perspective exploded and assembled views of a fourteenth magnetic assembly according to the invention comprising a magnetic element in a fifth arrangement, two decorative elements in said first arrangement and two spherical ferromagnetic elements;

figure 10c shows a partial section front view of the assembly of figure 10b;

figure 10d shows a detail Xd of figure 10c;

figures 11a - 11 d show perspective views of four additional magnetic assemblies according to the invention;

figures 12a and 12b show two perspective views of additional elements in two different arrangements that can be coupled to the spherical ferromagnetic magnetic assembly according to the invention;

figures 13a and 13b show perspective exploded views of two additional magnetic assemblies according to the invention comprising, respectively, the additional elements of figures 12a and 12b;

figure 14a shows an exploded perspective view of a twenty-first magnetic assembly according to the invention comprising a decorative element in a thirteenth embodiment, a magnetic element in a sixth arrangement and a spherical ferromagnetic element;

figure 14b shows a side view of the magnetic assembly of figure

14a;

figure 14c shows a sectional side view of the magnetic assembly of figure 14a;

figures 15a - 15b show two perspective views, respectively one exploded view one assembled, of a twenty-second magnetic assembly according to the invention comprising a decorative element in a fourteenth embodiment, a magnetic element in a seventh arrangement and a spherical ferromagnetic element;

figures 16a and 16b show two perspective views, respectively one exploded view one assembled, of a twenty-third magnetic assembly according to the invention comprising two magnetic elements in said sixth arrangement and a spherical ferromagnetic element;

figure 17 shows a perspective view of a twenty-fourth magnetic assembly comprising two magnetic elements in said sixth arrangement, a decorative element in said fourteenth arrangement, a magnetic element in said seventh arrangement, and a spherical ferromagnetic element;

figure 18a shows a perspective view of a twenty-fifth magnetic assembly according to the invention comprising a magnetic element in said first arrangement, a decorative element in a fifteenth embodiment, and a ferromagnetic element spherical;

figure 18b shows a first exploded perspective view of the magnetic assembly of figure 18a;

figure 18c shows a second exploded perspective view of the magnetic assembly of figure 18a;

figure 19a shows a perspective view of a twenty-sixth magnetic assembly according to the invention comprising a magnetic element in said first arrangement, a decorative element in said fifteenth arrangement, an ring element and a ferromagnetic element spherical;

figure 19b shows an exploded perspective view of the magnetic assembly of figure 19a;

figure 20a shows a perspective view of a twenty-seventh magnetic assembly according to the invention comprising a magnetic element in said first arrangement, a decorative element in a sixteenth embodiment, and a ferromagnetic element spherical;

figure 20b shows an exploded perspective view of the magnetic assembly of figure 20a;

figure 21a shows a perspective view of the ring element of the decorative element of figures 18a - 18c;

figure 21b shows a front view of the ring element of figure 21a; figure 21c shows a top view of the ring element of figure 21a; figure 21 d shows a side view of the ring element of figure 21a; figure 22a shows a perspective view of a ring element of the decorative element of figures 20a - 20b;

figure 22b shows a front view of the ring element of figure 22a; figure 22c shows a top view of the ring element of figure 22a; figure 22d shows a side view of the ring element of figure 22a; figure 23a shows a perspective view of a twenty-eighth magnetic assembly according to the invention; and

figure 23b shows an exploded perspective view of the magnetic assembly of figure 23a.

Referring to figures 1 - 23, different embodiments of the magnetic assembly according to the invention are observed, each assembly comprising at least one magnetic element or magnet module having at least one magnetic end, at least one element or ferromagnetic module magnetically coupled to said magnetic end of the magnetic element and at least one decorative element or module comprising a decorative portion and at least one ring or semi-ring element that can be coupled in a fixed or removable manner with said decorative portion and that can be removably coupled to said magnetic element.

By the composition of a plurality of modular elements of the magnetic assembly according to the invention, it is possible to obtain structures of different forms, having an alternation of full and empty zones thanks to the panels employed and that can be developed with different dimensions besides those permitted by the geometrical couplings between the magnetic elements and ferromagnetic base.

The magnetic assembly according to the invention was developed in particular for recreational, entertainment or educational purposes, to enable to freely create structures of various forms developed in space. It cannot however be ruled out that such a magnetic assembly can also be used in other sectors, providing for the creation of magnetic structures through magnetic components of the assembly according to the present invention.

With specific reference to figures 1a and 1b, it is observed a first magnetic assembly according to the invention comprising an element or magnetic module 1 , a ferromagnetic element 2, and a decorative element 3.

Said magnetic element 1 has a tubular body 4, in particular in the form of a bar, having a symmetry axis y, an outer radius r₄ and two magnetic ends 6 and 7, arranged along said y-axis.

In addition, the tubular body 4 comprises two tubular portions 5, each arranged in correspondence with a respective end 6 and 7 of the tubular body 4, and having their symmetry axis coinciding with said symmetry axis y of the tubular body 4 and an outer radius r₅ minor than the radius r₄ of the tubular body 4, thus forming recessed surfaces in the outer surface of the tubular body 4 of the magnetic element 1.

In the specific embodiment, the magnetic element 1 has the shape of a tubular magnetic bar, in further embodiments shown and not shown, the shape of the magnetic element can vary, provided that it has at least one tubular portion.

In the present invention, by body or tubular portion it is meant that tubular elements having a mainly linear symmetry axis, a hollow or solid or partially hollow body, and circular, polygonal or asymmetric, not necessarily uniform section, for example, said section could be tapered or conical, or could have reliefs or recesses.

Moreover, in further embodiments of the magnetic element 1 , it may also include only a magnetic end, provided that it is arranged substantially along the symmetry axis y of the tubular body or of the tubular portion of said at least one tubular portion provided.

The magnetic end can be, for example, obtained both housing a magnet for one or each end of the tubular body, or a single magnet housed inside a cavity of the tubular body, so that its ends coincide with the ends of the magnetic element.

The ferromagnetic element 2 of the magnetic assembly according to the invention is a ferromagnetic sphere 2 that can be magnetically coupled to one of the two magnetic ends 6 or 7 of said magnetic element 1. In further embodiments not shown, the ferromagnetic element may have different form geometric, for example cubic, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The decorative element 3 of the magnetic assembly according to the invention of figures 1a and 1 b comprises a decorative portion 8, in particular a triangular panel 8, having three sides 1 1 , 12, and an ring element 9 having an symmetry axis x and an inner radius r₉. The ring element 9 is integrally coupled to a portion 10 of a first side 11 of the triangular panel 8.

In the present invention, by ring element it is meant an element having a mainly linear symmetry axis, a hollow body, and a circular, polygonal uniform or non-uniform cross section, which will also present reliefs or recesses or may be tapered or conical. Moreover, in other embodiments, the same element may be a half-ring (as shown in Figures 6a and 6b).

In other embodiments, the decorative portion 8 of the decorative element 3 may have different shapes, for example square (as shown in Figure 2), although it must not be necessarily polygonal. Still, the decorative portion can have a flat and uniform surface or may have an uneven surface or a partially perforated or embossed surface.

The ring element 9 has the inner radius rg greater than the outer radius r₅ of a first tubular portion 5 of the tubular body 4 of the magnetic element 1 and a circular shape so as to be able to be removably inserted in said first tubular portion 5, so that the symmetry axis x of the ring element 9 coincides with the symmetry axis y of the first tubular portion 5.

In particular, the ring element 9 is coupled in correspondence of an apex of the triangle, leaving a free portion 13 of the first side 11 of the panel 8. This would allow, in correspondence of the second tubular portion 5, to also insert a second decorative element 3.

By the mechanical fastening between the decorative element 3 and the magnetic element 1 and the magnetic coupling between the ferromagnetic sphere 2 and the magnetic element 1 , it is then possible to create different types of three-dimensional figures in which the shape of the decorative portion must not necessarily be linked to the polygonal shape created by the magnetic coupling between multiple magnetic bars 1 and magnetic spheres 2. In addition, it is possible orienting the decorative portion or panel 8 in a co-planar position with respect to the polygon comprised of a plurality of magnetic bars (at least three) and ferromagnetic spheres (at least three) magnetically connected each other, but also inclined with respect to the plane created by these elements.

In addition, the panel of the decorative element may have a polygonal shape so as to be perfectly inserted between at least three magnetic elements of the tubular body.

Still, the decorative elements 3 may be configured so as to freely rotate with respect to the symmetry axis y of the tubular portion 5 of the magnetic element 1 , or so as to be locked according to one or more positions or angulations.

The decorative element may be locked in place even only by the friction created between the ring element, for example having a conical or polygonal shape, and the tubular portion, for example a conical shape or polygonal shape corresponding to the ring element shape, of the magnetic element body, without the need for additional supports to support it in the constructive schemes.

Further, the decorative element - magnetic element assembly when constructing a structure, it locks into position thanks to the friction between the magnetic element and the ferromagnetic element, which is enough to keep them locked.

In figures 3 - 5 there are shown further embodiments of the magnetic assembly according to the invention, wherein different arrangements of the magnetic element 16 and of the decorative element 14 are shown, which may in each case be combined at will with the magnetic assembly described in the above.

As shown in Figure 3, a second arrangement of the magnetic element 16 provides a tubular body 4 having an outer radius r₄ with a mainly uniform length coincident with the tubular portion 5, further having a polygonal section, and the ends 6 and 7 slightly tapered.

Therefore, the decorative elements, such as those described above, can fit into any portion of the tubular body 4 of the magnetic element 16.

In the specific embodiment of figure 3, it is provided a third arrangement of the decorative element 14 in which the ring element 9 has a length, in a direction parallel to its symmetry axis x, substantially equal to the length of the first side 11 of the panel 8 to which it is integrally coupled. The portion of the coupling 10 in common with the first side 11 of the panel 8 is central with respect to it, so as to leave two free portions 13 at the two apexes of the triangular base of the panel 8 forming two gaps 15 between the end portions 23 of the ring element 9 and the ends of the first side 11 of the panel 8. These end portions 23 of the ring element 9 are shaped so that it can removably hold the ring element 9 of the decorative element 3 in said first arrangement of figures 1 - 2 or in other arrangements.

Furthermore, the ring element 9 of the decorative element 14 in the third arrangement of figure 3 is able to removably fit on the tubular body 4 of the magnetic element 16, allowing forming different geometric structures. In figures 4a - 4c and 5 there are shown arrangements of these types of magnetic elements and decorative elements having different dimensions and shape of the panel.

Additionally, as shown in figure 5, the free sides 12 of panel 8 of the decorative element 14 may be provided with pins 24 able to mate with sockets 25 formed in the tubular body 4 of the other magnetic elements 1 magnetic assembly according to the invention allowing a press-fit mating between the panel 8 and the magnetic elements 1 by providing greater stability to the structure. Alternatively, or in addition, it may be also provided a magnetic pin in the element and a recess in the sides of the panel the decorative element obtaining the same result. This solution may also be provided for other types of decorative elements.

In figure 6a it is shown a seventh magnetic assembly according to the invention in which the magnetic element 28, unlike the variant 3 of figures 1 - 2, has three tubular portions 5 ', 5 "and 5'" having an outer radius r₅ of the lower outer radius r₄ of the tubular body 4 and wherein the third tubular portion 5 '" is disposed substantially on the centre of said tubular body 4. In addition, this magnetic assembly comprises a decorative element 26 in a sixth arrangement in which the element 43 for coupling with the magnetic element is of semi-ring shape, so that you can insert/fit it removably in correspondence of said third tubular portion 5'" of the magnetic element 28.

In figure 6b there is shown a seventh arrangement of the decorative element 27 which, unlike the arrangement of figure 6a, further has three semi-ring elements 43 integrally coupled with three sides 11 , 12 of the panel 8 of the decorative element 27.

Also in figures 7a - 7c there are shown further embodiments of the decorative element 17 of the magnetic assembly according to the invention, which provide a further ring element 9 integrally coupled to a portion 10 of a second side 12 of the panel 8, either in case in which the panel 8 has a triangular (figure 7a), octagonal (figure 7b) or square (figure 7c) shape, or other forms not shown. Obviously, it is also possible providing a plurality of ring elements, each integrally coupled to different sides of the panel 8 (for example three sides out of four as in the case of the square panel of figure 6b).

The annular elements 9 can be integrally coupled along one side 11 (as shown, for example, in figures 7b and 7c) of the panel 8, or along a portion 10 of the sides 11 , 12 (as shown, for example, in figures 6a, 6b and 7a).

In figure 8 there is shown a fourth arrangement of the magnetic element 18 which has only one magnetic end 6 which can be coupled with a ferromagnetic element 2.

The magnetic assembly of figure 9 shows a twelfth arrangement of the decorative element 19 comprising a further panel 20 integrally coupled to the annular element 9 in correspondence of a portion 22 of a first side 29 of the second panel 20, comprising other two sides 30. In the decorative element 19 of figure 9, panels 8 and 20 are substantially coplanar; in other embodiments not shown they can be inclined each other with respect to the symmetry axis x of the annular element 9 by an angle of less than 180°. Further, the two panels 8 and 20 can be of identical or different size and shape, for example octagonal shape and triangular shape and not necessarily polygonal.

As shown in figures 6 - 9, to enable the magnetic coupling between the magnetic element 16 or 18 and the ferromagnetic element 2 it may be necessary cutting the corner of the polygon of the panel 8, 20, as shown in figures 7c, 8, and 9, to avoid interfering with the magnetic coupling of one of the two ends 6, 7 of two adjacent magnetic elements 16 and/or 18 with a ferromagnetic element 2 or, as shown in figures 6a, 6b and 7a, the panel 8 can have wings 31 in correspondence of the coupling portion 10 with the annular 9 or semi-ring 43 element that allow to distance side 11 or 12 of the panel 8 from tubular body 4 of the magnetic element 16 or 18 to facilitate the insertion of additional decorative elements in correspondence of the free tubular portions of the tubular body 4.

Decorative elements described in the above, and others that fall within the scope of the present invention, can also be integrally coupled or obtained by using a single mold with the magnetic element to which they are coupled, forming a single magnetic element comprising at least a decorative portion and always including at least one tubular portion in order to accommodate the ring or semi-ring element of an additional decorative element.

For example, in figures 10a - 10c it is shown a fourteenth magnetic assembly according to the invention, in which the magnetic element 21 is comprised of the integral coupling of the magnetic element 16 and of the decorative element 14 of figure 3.

In particular, the ring element 9 is fully integrated in the tubular body 4 of the magnetic element 16 so that the magnetic element 21 in the fifth arrangement comprises the decorative portion 8 or panel 8 integrally coupled in correspondence of the central portion 10 of the tubular body 4 in such a way as to leave free two gaps 15 in correspondence of the tubular portions 5 arranged at the ends 6, 7 to allow the insertion of two decorative elements 3 'and 3 ", such as those shown in the figures.

This advantageously allows to obtain three-dimensional structures in which there are provided at least three panels 8 on the same side of the composite structure, constituted by the tubular body 4 of the magnetic element 21. By the magnetic elements, decorative elements and ferromagnetic elements of the magnetic assembly according to the invention, is therefore possible creating three-dimensional structures of shape and different varieties, such as a rooster (figure 1a), a fish (figure 11 b) , a dog (figure 11c) or a dinosaur (figure 11 d).

The magnetic assembly according to the invention, in combination with the elements described in the above, can also comprise an additional element 32, comprising a panel or decorative portion 33 having a shaped portion 34 so as to be removably coupled to the ferromagnetic 2. Specifically, the shaped portion 34 is semi-circular and can be coupled to the spherical body 2 of the ferromagnetic element 2 so that it can be positioned at different inclinations with respect to its centre.

The panel 33 of the additional element 32 may be of different shapes and allows greater versatility in the creation of fantasy shape structures, such as a person (figures 12a and 13a) or a horse (figures 12b and 13b).

In figures 14 - 17 there are shown further embodiments of the magnetic assembly according to the invention, in which the decorative portion of the decorative elements and/or of the magnetic elements has at least one face having a surface shaped so as to allow the mechanical interlocking with the face of another decorative portion.

Such solution allows to increase the possible number of combinations and couplings between more elements, and, in some cases, to be able to make the structure more stable.

This solution may be applied to each of the arrangements of the decorative elements and the of the magnetic elements described in the above.

In figures 14a - 14c and 15a - 15b, there are shown two magnetic assemblies according to the invention differing solely by the shape of the decorative portion or panel, but that are functionally very similar reach other. Each magnetic assembly comprises a decorative element 3 respectively in a thirteenth and fourteenth arrangement, similar to the decorative element 3 described for figures 1a and 1b, and a magnetic element 21 in a sixth and seventh arrangement, similar to the magnetic element 21 described with respect to figures 10a - 10c.

Said magnetic element 21 and said decorative element 3 have each a decorative portion or panel 8' and 8", comprising a first face 35', 35" and a second face 36 ', 36 ", opposite each other. The first face 35 ' of the panel 8' of the decorative element 3 includes at least two male and/or female couplings, specifically in the arrangement of figure 14a a male coupling 37' and two female couplings 38', and in the arrangement of figure 15a a male coupling 37' and a female coupling 38', each male coupling 37' and female coupling 38' configured as two reliefs 39' and 40' suitably spaced from projecting edge 41' of the first face 35' of the panel 8'.

Similarly, the first face 35" of the panel 8' of the magnetic element 21 comprises at least two male and/or female couplings, complementary to the couplings of the respective decorative element 3, specifically in the arrangement of figure 14a two male couplings 37' and a female coupling 38", and in the arrangement of figure 15a a male coupling 37" and a female coupling 38", configured as two reliefs 39" and 40", suitably spaced from the projecting edge 41" of the first face 35" of panel 8".

When coupling the two first faces 35' and 35" of panels 8' and 8" of the decorative element 3 and of the magnetic element 21 , the male coupling 37' or 37"of one element 3 or 21 , is provided on the respective face 35' or 35" of the other element 21 or 3, thus blocking two elements 3 and 21 each other in correspondence of the two first faces 35' and 35" so that they are located in correspondence of a coupling plane a.

In the specific case, said coupling occurs when the annular element 9 of the decorative element 3 is inserted into the tubular portion 5 of the body 4 of the magnetic element 21 , however in other embodiments such coupling can also occur between two or more decorative elements and/or between two or more magnetic elements (as shown in figures 16a, 16b, in which it is shown the mechanical coupling between two magnetic elements 21' and 21" and in figure 17, in which it is shown the mechanical coupling between three magnetic elements 21', 21" and 21"' and a decorative element 3).

This allows to create more stable structures, compared to a simple mechanical coupling between the ring or semi-ring of the decorative element and the tubular portion of the magnetic element.

Moreover, an advantage of this solution is to allow the coupling between two magnetic elements and/or decorative elements even without using the magnetic junction between the sphere and the bar, and thus without the magnetic coupling.

The structures are thus more solid and stable because there is an locking connection besides the magnetic connection.

In complex structures this allows to couple in more elements each other by fixed coupling eliminating degrees of freedom, and then increasing the stability and rigidity of the structure itself.

Also, preferably, the side edge 42' and 42" of at least a second side 12' or 12" of each panel 8' and 8" of the decorative element 3 and of the magnetic element 21 is slightly inclined or tapered from the outer face 36', 36" towards the inner face 35", 35" of each panel 8' and 8".

Such a tapered side edge, which can be at least in correspondence with a second side, allows to easily separate the two panels after they have been coupled by means of the coupling elements.

In addition, according to the invention, for convenience of production and to increase the possible combinations of assemblies, said at least one annular element of said at least one decorative element can be removably coupled to the decorative portion. This allows to have a plurality of decorative portions having different forms and characterizations universally coupled to the annular elements of the base.

Said embodiments of the magnetic assembly according to the invention are shown, for example, in figures 18 - 23.

In figures 18a - 18b, it is shown a twenty-fifth magnetic assembly according to the invention comprising a magnetic element 1 in said first arrangement of figures 1a - 1b, a ferromagnetic element 2, preferably a spherical element, and a decorative element 45 in a fifteenth arrangement comprising a ring element 46 and a decorative portion 47 removably coupled to the ting element 46.

In particular, the annular element 46 comprises an annular portion 48 having an inside radius r₄₈ and a symmetry axis x. The inner radius r₄₈ is greater than the outer radius r₅ of a first tubular portion 5 of the tubular body 4 of the magnetic element 1 and has a circular shape in such a way as to be able to be removably insertable on said first tubular portion 5, so that the symmetry axis x of the tubular portion 48 coincides with the symmetry axis y of the first tubular portion 5.

As mentioned in the above, in the present invention by the annular portion it is meant a portion having a mainly linear symmetry axis, a hollow body, and a circular, polygonal uniform or non-uniform cross section, which could also present the reliefs or recesses or that can be tapered or conical. Moreover, in other embodiments, the same portion may be a semi-ring.

Furthermore, as also shown in figures 21a - 21 d, the annular element 46 comprises a guide 49, integrally coupled to the outer surface of the annular portion 48. This guide 49 extends along the longitudinal direction parallel to the axis x of the annular portion 48. Furthermore, the longitudinal length of the guide 49, when the annular element 46 is coupled with the magnetic element 1 , it is preferably less than the overall longitudinal length of the body 4 so as not to interfere, in the realisation of a magnetic assembly, with the magnetic coupling of the magnetic elements 1 with the ferromagnetic elements 2.

The decorative portion 47, which can be configured as a panel 47, has a slide portion 50 so shaped to removably engage in the guide 49 of the annular element 46.

The slide 50 is capable of sliding within the guide 49 of the annular element 46, stopping by friction at a given position chosen by the user.

Preferably the slide may have one abutment end able to prevent the sliding of the slide within the guide.

Furthermore, preferably and as shown in the figures, the guide 49 of the annular element 46 can have an inclined portion 51 at one end of the guide 49, to facilitate the sliding at the inlet and the outlet of the slide 50 of the decorative portion 47 along the guide 49.

Therefore, it is possible using interchangeable decorative portions 47 shaped in a different manner on said annular element 46.

The magnetic assembly of Figures 19a and 19b differs from the assembly by magnetic previously described in that it further comprises a second annular element 46 of an additional decorative element (which is not shown the decorative portion) coupled to the second tubular portion of the 5 ' magnetic element 1.

In figures 20a - 20b there is shown a further embodiment of the magnetic assembly according to the invention, comprising, as in figures 18a - 18c, a magnetic element 1 in said first arrangement, a preferably spherical ferromagnetic element 2, and a decorative element 52 in a sixteenth arrangement, comprising an annular element 53 and two decorative portions 47, such as those described above, removably coupled to the annular element 53.

Said annular element 53, also visible in figures 22a - 22d, differs from the annular element 46 of figures 18a - 18c in that it further comprises a second guide 49 for housing the second decorative portion or panel 47.

All the elements described in the present invention can be combined each other so as to realize magnetic assemblies of various kinds and different shapes. An example is shown in figures 23a - 23b, in which it was comprised of a shark shaped magnetic assembly comprising five spherical ferromagnetic elements, two magnetically coupled to seven magnetic elements 1 , 21 , five decorative elements 3, 45, 52, and an additional element 32.

In the foregoing it was described the preferred embodiments and have been suggested different arrangements of the present invention, but it is to be understood that those skilled in the art can introduce other variations and changes, without departing from the related scope of protection, as defined by the enclosed claims.

Claims

1. Magnetic assembly comprising:

at least a magnetic element (1 , 16, 18, 21 , 28, 21 ', 21 ", 21 "') having a body (4) comprising at least a tubular portion (5, 5', 5", 5"'), having an symmetry axis (y) and an outer radius (r₅), and at least a magnetic end (6, 7) arranged on said body (4) substantially along said axis

(y),

at least a ferromagnetic element (2), able to be magnetically coupled to said at least one magnetic end (6, 7) of said at least a magnetic element (1 , 16, 18, 21 , 28, 21 ', 21 ", 21 '"),

said magnetic assembly being characterized in that it further comprises at least a decorative element (3, 3', 3", 14, 17, 19, 27, 26, 44, 45, 52) comprising at least a first decorative portion (8, 8', 8", 20, 47) and at least a ring or half-ring element (9, 43, 46, 53) having an symmetry axis (x) and an inner radius (rg, r₄8),

in that said at least a first decorative portion (8, 8', 8", 20, 47) is able to be coupled, in a fixed or removable way, to said ring or half-ring element (9, 43, 46, 53), and

in that said at least a ring or half-ring element (9, 43, 46, 53) of said at least a decorative element (3, 3', 3", 14, 17, 19, 27, 26, 44, 45, 52) is shaped so that it can be removably inserted on said at least a tubular portion (5, 5', 5", 5"') of said body (4) of said at least a magnetic element (1 , 16, 18, 21 , 28, 21', 21 ", 21 "') so that the symmetry axis (x) of said at least a ring or half-ring element (9, 43, 46, 53) corresponds with said axis (y) of said tubular portion (5, 5', 5", 5"').

2. Magnetic assembly according to the previous claim, characterized in that said at least a first decorative portion of said at least a decorative element (3, 3', 3", 14, 17, 19, 27, 26, 44, 45, 52) is a panel (8, 8', 8", 20, 47) having at least three perimetral sides (11 , 12; 1 1 ', 12'; 1 1 ", 12"; 29, 30) able to circumscribe a polygonal surface, said at least a ring or half-ring element (9, 43, 46, 53) being coupled integrally or removably to at least a portion (10; 21) of a first side (1 1 ; 12; 1 1 '; 12'; 1 1 "; 12"; 29; 30) of said at least three sides (1 1 , 12; 1 1 ', 12'; 1 1", 12"; 29, 30) of said at least a first panel (8, 8", 8", 20, 47).

3. Magnetic assembly according to the previous claim, characterized in that said first side (1 1 ; 12; 1 1 '; 12'; 1 1 "; 12"; 29; 30) of said panel (8, 8", 8", 20, 47) of said at least a decorative element (3, 3', 3", 14, 17, 19, 27, 26, 44, 45, 52) is parallel to said axis (y) of said at least a tubular portion (5, 5', 5", 5'") of said body (4) of said at least a magnetic element (1 , 16, 18, 21 , 28, 21', 21", 21'").

4. Magnetic assembly according to the previous claim, characterized in that said at least a ring or half-ring element (9) of said at least a decorative element (17) is integrally coupled to said panel (8) all along said first side (11 ; 12).

5. Magnetic assembly according to any one of the claims 2 - 4, characterized in that said at least a ring or half-ring element (9, 9', 9") of said at least a decorative element (3, 3', 3") is integrally coupled in correspondence of an end portion (10; 10'; 10") of said first side ( 1 ; 11'; 11").

6. Magnetic assembly according to any one of the claims 2 - 5, characterized in that said at least a ring or half-ring element (9, 43) of said at least a decorative element (14, 17, 19, 26, 28, 44) is integrally coupled in correspondence of a central portion (10, 22) of said first side (11 ; 12; 29; 30) of said first panel (8, 20) of said at least a decorative element (14, 17, 19, 26, 27, 44).

7. Magnetic assembly according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in comprising at least a second magnetic element (1 , 16, 18, 21 , 28, 21', 21", 21'") and in that said at least a decorative element (17, 27) comprises a further ring or half-ring element (9, 43) having an symmetry axis (x), said further ring or half-ring element (9, 43) being coupled integrally or removably to said at least a first decorative portion (8), said further ring or half-ring element (9, 43) of said at least a decorative element (17, 27) being shaped in order to be able to be removably inserted on said at least a tubular portion (5) of said body (4) of said at least a second magnetic element (1 , 16, 18, 21 , 28, 21', 21", 21'") so that the symmetry axis (x) of said further ring or half-ring element (9, 43) corresponds to said axis (y) of said tubular portion (5).

8. Magnetic assembly according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that said at least a decorative element (19, 52) comprises a second decorative portion (20, 8, 47) removably or integrally coupled to said at least a ring or half-ring element (9, 53).

9. Magnetic assembly according to the previous claim, characterized in that said at least a first decorative portion (8, 20, 47) and said second decorative portion (20, 8, 47) are coplanar or are tilted between each other of an angle lower than 180° in relation to said symmetry axis (x) of said ring or half-ring element (9, 53).

10. Magnetic assembly according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that said at least a ring element or half-ring like element (9, 43) of said at least a decorative element (14, 17, 26, 27) is integrally coupled to said at least a portion (10) of said first decorative portion (8) by means of a wing (31) so to form at least a gap (15) between said first panel (8) and said ring or semi element (9, 43) for allowing the insertion of the ring or half-ring like element (9, 43) of a further decorative element (3, 3', 3", 14, 17, 19, 27, 26, 44, 45, 52).

11. Magnetic assembly according to any one previous claims, characterized in comprising at least two decorative elements (3, 3', 3", 14, 17, 19, 27, 26, 44, 45, 52), wherein a first decorative element (14) is integrally coupled to said at least a magnetic element (16) in order to form one only magnetic element (21 , 21', 21", 21"').

12. Magnetic assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in comprising at least two decorative elements (3, 14, 14', 14", 14"'), in that said at least a first decorative portion (8, 8', 8", 8"') of each of said at least two decorative elements (3, 14, 14-, 14", 14'-) comprises two faces (35, 36; 35', 36'; 35", 36"; 35"', 36"') one opposite to the other, in that at least one or both of said faces (35, 36; 35', 36'; 35", 36"; 35"', 36"') comprises at least a joint male/female element (37, 37', 37"; 38, 38', 38"), and in that said at least a joint male/female element (37, 37', 37"; 38, 38', 38") of a first decorative element (3, 14, 14', 14", 14"') is able to removably engage with the joint female/male element (38, 38', 38"; 37, 37', 37";) of a second decorative element (3, 14, 14', 14", 14"').

13. Magnetic assembly according to the previous claim, characterized in that at least a portion (42, 42', 42", 42"') of the perimetral edge of said at least a first decorative portion (8, 8', 8", 8"') is tapered from the first face (35, 36; 35', 36'; 35", 36"; 35"', 36'") towards the second face (36, 35; 36', 35'; 36", 35"; 36'", 35"') in order to allow the disengagement of said two decorative elements (3, 14, 14', 14", 14"').

14. Magnetic assembly according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that said body (4) of said at least a magnetic element (1 , 16, 18, 28) is tubular and has an outer radius (r₄) corresponding with said outer radius (r₅) of said at least a tubular portion (5) and an symmetry axis corresponding with said symmetry axis (y) of said at least a tubular portion (5).

15. Magnetic assembly according to the previous claim, characterized in that said outer radius (r₅) of said at least a tubular portion

(5) is lower than said outer radius (r₄) of said tubular portion (4) of said at least a magnetic element (1 , 28).

16. Magnetic assembly according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that said at least a tubular portion (5, 5', 5", 5"') of said at least a magnetic element (1 , 16, 18, 21 , 28, 21', 21", 21'") and said at least a ring or half-ring element (9, 43, 46, 53) of said at least a decorative element (3, 3', 3", 14, 17, 19, 27, 26, 44, 45, 52) are shaped in order to have a cross-section in order to allow the free and at least partial rotation of said at least a decorative element (3, 3', 3", 14, 17, 19, 27, 26, 44, 45, 52) in relation to said axis (y).

17. Magnetic assembly according to any one of the claims 1 - 15, characterized in that said at least a tubular portion (4) of said at least a magnetic element (1 , 16, 18, 21 , 28, 21', 21", 21'") and said at least a ring or half-ring element (9, 43, 46, 53) of said at least a decorative element (3, 3', 3", 14, 17, 19, 27, 26, 44, 45, 53) are shaped in order to have a cross- section for preventing the rotation of said at least a decorative element (3, 3', 3", 14, 17, 19, 27, 26, 44, 45, 52) in relation to said axis (y) in at least an angle of rotation.

18. Magnetic assembly according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that said at least a magnetic element (1 , 16, 21 ,

28, 21', 21", 21"') comprises two magnetic ends (6, 7) arranged on said body (4) substantially along said axis (y) of said at least a tubular portion (5, 5', 5", 5"').

19. Magnetic assembly according to the previous claim, characterized in that said at least a magnetic element (1 , 16, 21 , 28, 21',

21", 21 "') comprises only one magnet arranged with the ends corresponding with said magnetic ends (6, 7) of said body (4).

20. Magnetic assembly according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that said at least a magnetic element (1 , 16, 21 , 28, 21', 21", 21"') comprises a magnet in correspondence with said at least a magnetic end (6, 7) of said body (4).

21. Magnetic assembly according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in further comprising at least an additional element (32) having a shaped portion (34) in order to removably engage with said at least one ferromagnetic element (2).

22. Magnetic assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least a ferromagnetic element (2) is a sphere.

23. Magnetic assembly according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that said at least a decorative element (45, 52) comprises at least a first decorative portion (47) having a slide portion (50), and at least a ring or half-ring element (46, 53) having a ring portion

(48) , having said axis (x) and said inner radius (r₄8), and at least a guide

(49) , integrally coupled to said ring portion (48), for removably housing said slide (50) of said at least a first decorative portion (47).

24. Magnetic assembly according to the previous claim, characterized in that said at least a decorative element (52) comprises at least two decorative portions (47), and in that said at least a ring or half- ring element (53) comprises at least two guides (49), integral to said ring portion (48), for removably housing a slide (50) of one of said two decorative portions (47).

25. Magnetic assembly according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in comprising at least a further magnetic element (1) having at least a socket (25) or a pin obtained from said body (4), in that said at least a first decorative portion (8) of said at least a decorative element (14) comprises at least a pin (24) or a socket obtained in correspondence of its side edge (12), and in that said at least a first decorative portion (8) and said further magnetic element (1) can be mechanically coupled between each other by means of the respective pins and sockets (24, 25).