A rod of variable length for construction toys

Abstract

The present invention relates to different rod configurations ( 20 ) for construction toys, wherein the length of the rod ( 20 ) is variable. The rod ( 20 ) extends in a longitudinal axis and comprises two opposite ends, each end provided with a magnetic element ( 22 ). The two ends are spaced from one another by a rod length, wherein the length is variable. The rod ( 20 ) has a rod width, wherein the width varies periodically between a first width (W 1 ) and a second width (W 2 ), wherein the ratio between the first and second widths (W 1 , W 2 ) changes when varying the rod length.

1 . A rod for a construction toy comprising two opposite ends spaced from one another by a rod length, wherein each end is provided with a magnetic element, wherein the rod extends in a longitudinal axis, characterized in that the rod has a rod width, wherein the width varies periodically between a first width (W 1 ) and a second width (W 2 ), wherein the ratio between the first and second widths (W 1 , W 2 ) changes when varying the rod length. 
     
     
         2 . The rod according to  claim 1 , wherein each rod end comprises a fixing element, wherein the fixing element is adapted to removably keep the magnetic element in place. 
     
     
         3 . The rod according to  claim 1 , wherein the rod has a rod width, wherein the rod having a first width (W 1 ) has a first cross-section, and the rod having a second width (W 2 ) has a second cross-section, wherein the shortest distance between the first and the second cross-sections is variable between a third length (xl) and a fourth length (x 2 ). 
     
     
         4 . The rod according to  claim 1 , wherein the rod is deformable, wherein the shortest line passing through the rod and the two rod ends is not a straight line. 
     
     
         5 . The rod according to  claim 1 , wherein the rod is adapted so as to obtain foldable periodic structures. 
     
     
         6 . The rod according to  claim 5 , wherein a folding angle is formed between two consecutive folds in the foldable periodic structure. 
     
     
         7 . The rod according to  claim 6 , wherein the folding angle ranges between 0° and 180° degrees. 
     
     
         8 . The construction toy, comprising:
 at least two rods according to  claim 1 .   
     
     
         9 . The construction toy according to  claim 8 , further comprising:
 at least one magnetic connecting element,   wherein the connecting element is adapted to be attached magnetically to at least one rod end, wherein the connecting element comprises partially or fully a north or a south pole or a combination thereof.   
     
     
         10 . The construction toy according to  claim 8 , wherein the fixing element is adapted to complement in shape the connecting element. 
     
     
         11 . The construction toy according to  claim 8 , wherein the connecting element has an ellipsoid configuration. 
     
     
         12 . A method for producing a rod according to  claim 1 , comprising the steps of:
 providing a rod comprising two opposite ends,   configuring the rod to be of a variable length,   providing a plurality of magnetic elements of different polarities, configuring each end to removably receive one magnetic element.   
     
     
         13 . The method for producing a construction toy, comprising the steps of:
 the method steps according to  claim 12 ,   providing a magnetic connecting element, wherein the connecting element is adapted to be attached magnetically to at least one rod end.   
     
     
         14 . A kit for constructing a rod according to  claim 1 , comprising:
 at least one rod,   a plurality of magnetic elements,   a plurality of fixing elements, wherein each fixing element is configured to fix one magnetic element on one rod end.   
     
     
         15 . The kit for constructing a construction toy, comprising:
 the kit according to  claim 14 ,   at least one magnetic connecting element, wherein the connecting element is adapted to be attached magnetically to at least one rod end.