Three-dimensional magnetic amusement device

Abstract

An amusement device allowing a user to move magnetic members in three dimensions is presented. The method enables a group of magnetic members to be attracted and repelled along three dimensional paths defined by non-magnetic tracks ( 30 ). Relative alignment of the magnetic members to maintain the attractive and repulsive orientations is achieved by passing the non-magnetic tracks ( 30 ) through the magnetic members. A user manipulates a group of magnets ( 40 ) by interacting with one or more of them. For example, the user can repel a group of magnets ( 40 ) along the three-dimensional path by pushing only one of the magnets ( 45 ) in the group. The magnetic members can have many different shapes, colors, sizes, magnetic strengths, and textures. These devices can be found in the home and in many other settings such as waiting rooms, daycares, classrooms, and hospitals.

1 . A method of moving a plurality of magnetic members in as many as three dimensions utilizing the laws of magnetic attraction and repulsion comprising:
 (a) providing a track member which is sufficiently non-magnetic,   (b) providing a plurality of magnetic members with a hole in each of sufficient size to surround and permit free movement on said track member,   (c) arranging said magnetic members in predetermined orientations of magnetic attraction and repulsion,   (d) providing said track member passing through said magnetic members,   (e) providing said track member shaped in as many as three dimensions,   
       whereby a user can move said plurality of magnetic members according to the laws of magnetic attraction and repulsion by manipulating one or more of said magnetic members such that said magnetic members follow the path defined by said track member. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said track member is made of aluminum, plastic, copper or other non-magnetic material with a predetermined cross section. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said track member forms a continuous path. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said track member is constructed to be self supporting. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said magnetic members have predetermined magnetic strengths and predetermined sizes. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said magnetic members are decorative figures depicting a particular sport, hobby, shape or other interest. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the magnetic orientation and number of said magnetic members can be changed. 
     
     
         8 . A device allowing movement of a plurality of magnetic members in as many as three dimensions utilizing the laws of magnetic attraction and repulsion comprising:
 (a) a base member having sufficient size and material properties to support said device,   (b) a track member or plurality of track members being sufficiently non-magnetic,   (c) a plurality of magnetic members with a hole in each of sufficient size to surround and permit free movement on said track member,   (d) said track member each of which passes through its own said magnetic members,   (e) said magnetic members being arranged in predetermined orientations of magnetic attraction and repulsion,   (f) said track member shaped in as many as three dimensions,   (g) said track member having each end attached to said base member,   
       whereby a user can move said plurality of magnetic members according to the laws of magnetic attraction and repulsion by manipulating one or more of said magnetic members such that said magnetic members follow the path defined by said track member. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8  wherein said base member is made of wood, plastic, metal or other material of sufficient strength, weight, and durability. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 8  wherein said track member is made of aluminum, plastic, copper or other non-magnetic material with a predetermined cross section. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 8  wherein said track member is not permanently attached to said base allowing the user to change the magnetic orientation and number of said magnetic members. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 8  wherein said magnetic members have predetermined magnetic strengths and predetermined sizes. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 8  wherein said magnetic members are decorative figures depicting a particular sport, hobby, shape or other interest. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 8  wherein said track members are made of transparent material that transmits light and the device is further provided with circuitry associated with the power means to illuminate the light means as required. 
     
     
         15 . A device allowing movement of a plurality of magnetic members in as many as three dimensions utilizing the laws of magnetic attraction and repulsion comprising:
 (a) a track member or plurality of track members being sufficiently non-magnetic,   (b) a plurality of magnetic members with a hole in each of sufficient size to surround and permit free movement on said track members,   (c) said track members each of which passes through its own group of said magnetic members,   (d) said magnetic members being arranged in predetermined orientations of magnetic attraction and repulsion,   (e) said track member shaped in as many as three dimensions,   
       whereby a user can move said plurality of magnetic members according to the laws of magnetic attraction and repulsion by manipulating one or more of said magnetic members such that said magnetic members follow the path defined by said track member. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 15  wherein said track member is made of aluminum, plastic, copper or other non-magnetic material with a predetermined cross section. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 15  wherein said track member forms a continuous path. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 15  wherein said track member is constructed to be self supporting. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 15  wherein said magnetic members have predetermined magnetic strengths and predetermined sizes. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 15  wherein said magnetic members are decorative figures depicting a particular sport, hobby, shape or other interest.