Linkage for model-forming discs

Claim 1

Apparatus for constructing molecular models comprising a plurality of disc means for representing selected individual atoms, said disc means comprising a single disc for representing selected individual atoms, and multiple discs for representing other selected individual atoms, said multiple discs comprisiNg a second thin circular disc, a third thin circular disc identical to the second disc, and interengaging means formed on said second disc and said third disc for snap-fitting said second and third discs together, said interengaging means including a slot having planar parallel sides spaced-apart a distance equal to the thickness of the discs and extending outwardly from the center of each second disc and third disc to its periphery, said slot having a segment of increased width, a lug on each disc in longitudinal alignment with said slot and spaced outwardly from the center of the disc the same distance as said segment, wherein said first and second discs are rigidly interengaged in a mutually perpendicular relation when the lug of said second disc and the lug of said third disc are received in the enlarged slot segments of said third and second discs respectively, valencerepresenting means formed inwardly from the periphery of said disc means for representing a chemical bond, said valencerepresenting means comprising at least one radial tongue formed inwardly of the peripheral portion of each disc, and means connecting together the valence-representing means of selected disc means, said connecting means comprising a hollow, slender tube adapted for snug receipt at either end of said tongue.