Toy storage, vertical scaffold and interactive play stations

Abstract

A toy device and system includes a hollow core, segmented, vertical scaffolding or super structure adapted for manual or powered interactive manipulation of one or more multiple play stations supported on the surface of the vertical scaffolding. An integrated storage system for storing play station elements and other building and control items is mounted at the base of the vertical scaffolding. The hollow core segments of the vertical scaffolding provide a housing for selectively controllable electrical and other power sources which are subject to control by such means as a hand-held remote controller with signal receivers being mounted on the segmented super structure. The entire toy system may be disassembled and contained within the storage structures described and enclosed in a carrier device for easy transport.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/633,022 filed Feb. 3, 2012.

BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure relates to a toy device and a toy building system which includes a hollow core, segmented, vertical scaffolding or super structure adapted for manual or powered interactive manipulation of one or multiple play stations supported thereby. The device includes an integrated storage system for storing play station elements and other building and control items not in use. The segments of the vertical scaffolding are referred to herein as “poles” which, in the disclosed embodiments, include a hollow core for housing functional mechanical elements as well as selectively controllable electrical and other power sources. The vertical scaffolding provides a super structure for support of building platforms or other appendages as well as interactive functional devices which may be subject to remote control. In addition, the entire toy building system may be disassembled and neatly contained within the storage structures described and enclosed in a carrier device for easy transport.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The toy building system of the present disclosure provides a vertically extendable superstructure or scaffolding made up of interconnected scaffolding segments also hereinafter referred to as “poles”. The scaffolding segments form a superstructure which may be used to support an electrical power source or other power conduits for operation of interactive play station devices supported on the scaffolding. Control devices for appendages and projections mounted on the outside surface of the poles, such as platforms and/or movable devices and interactive play stations, may also be carried by the scaffolding. Exterior attachment points on the pole surfaces allow an operator to build from any direction or angle around the poles on xyz axes. In addition, a base support structure is adapted for storing unused scaffolding segments, building elements, controller devices, and/or accessories. One or more storage bins may be mounted on the superstructure for storing building blocks and the like used in construction of platforms and other devices on the outside surface of the poles. The various elements of the entire system assembly may be constructed and arranged so as to be disassembled to form a compact unit capable of being contained in a carrying envelope for totability. The expandability, versatility and capability of utilizing sophisticated building techniques with hand movable or powered apparatus promote enhanced enjoyment and learning levels as well as imaginative play. The unique concept of vertically stackable scaffolding segments allows for the adaptation of a myriad of sizes, shapes, surfaces, and cross sections for the purpose of erecting various structures, forms, platforms and projections on the basic superstructure or scaffolding.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the toy building system;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the disassembled toy building system arranged for storage or transport;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the FIG. 2 configuration;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a typical carrying case for transporting the disassembled building system shown in FIGS. 2 and 3;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a base unit, toy storage bin and vertical scaffolding section;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the toy building system of FIG. 1 in the assembled condition;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a storage unit and successive vertical interlocking “poles” or scaffolding sections with a terminal ceiling contact unit for the scaffolding;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating an interactive play station structure mounted on a vertical scaffolding segment; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a scaffolding segment mounting a play station building block platform or the like.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective of a second embodiment of a base unit, toy storage bin arrangement and vertical scaffolding sections;

FIG. 11 is an exploded cross sectional perspective view taken along lines 11-11 of FIG. 10, showing the storage bin units and base of the FIG. 10 embodiment including certain power connection details of the base unit;

FIG. 12 is an cross sectional perspective view taken along lines 12-12 of FIG. 10 showing the building system arranged for storage or transport;

FIG. 13 is an exploded cross sectional perspective view of the FIG. 10 embodiment illustrating the electrical and structural connective arrangement between the vertical scaffolding sections;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating the positioning of an additional embodiment of a typical interactive play station in the form of a toy lifting crane structure mounted on a vertical scaffolding segment;

FIG. 15 is a cross sectional perspective view of a building segment illustrating schematically the placement of a cable pulley mechanism for the toy crane structure of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a cross sectional perspective view schematically showing the cable winding drum mounting of the FIG. 15 crane structure;

FIG. 17 is a cross sectional perspective view schematically illustrating the placement of a pneumatic pressure tank and pump assembly in a vertical scaffolding segment; and

FIG. 18 is a schematic of the pneumatic pressure tank and pump assembly shown in FIG. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, the system of the present disclosure includes a circular base 1, one or a plurality of circular bins 2, and a vertically extending superstructure or scaffolding 3. The bins 2 are mounted on the scaffolding 3 which comprises a series of vertically stacked interlocking segments or poles, the bottom end of the lower most pole being securely received within the base 1. Although the present embodiments are illustrated in the form of right circular cylindrical tubing sections, it will be understood that other cross sectional forms may be adapted for use in forming the superstructure. As seen most clearly in FIG. 5, the base 1 may be formed from molded plastic or any other suitable material, providing sufficient weight and footprint to insure stability for the vertically extending superstructure and storage bins. Although the base 1 is illustrated in flat surfaced circular configuration, other configurations may be used. The base is formed with a top surface 4 and an annular side surface 6. The top and side surfaces of the base unit will be fitted with various openings and recesses for storing different elements of the system when not in use, presently to be described.

As aforementioned, the vertically extending scaffolding 3 is made up of interfitting and interlocking segments which may be identical or may be configured to provide different modes of functionality. As viewed in FIGS. 1 and 6, the lower most pole or segment 7 is designed to interfit and interlock with the base 1 by means of a central opening 8 sized to receive the lower end portion 9 of the lowermost pole. The end portion 9 may be inserted in the opening 8 with a snug fit with the channels 11 positioned to receive the ribs 12 on the end portion 9 of the associated poles. The channels 11 and ribs 12 may be used to provide electrical transmission between segments. Each successive segment 7 is provided with channels 11 A and ribs 12 on the opposite ends thereof to achieve the mechanical interlocking feature and electrical transmission throughout the scaffolding. With this arrangement, and with the segments of the scaffolding being provided with a snug fit, relative rotation is prevented between the segments themselves as well as with the base 1. It will be understood that the base 1 will be of sufficient foot print and weight to provide a stable support for the vertical segments and any attachments thereto.

The storage bins 2 in the illustrated embodiments are generally bowl shaped containers or other ergonomic configurations that may be mounted for rotation on an associated pole member and may be separated or spaced by the means such as the ring spacers 13 which also separate the bottom bin from the base as shown in FIG. 5. This structure permits successive bins to be spaced and to be freely rotatable on the associated pole(s) 7. The bowl shaped bins 2 may be constructed from plastic or other formable material and provide sufficient room for storage of toy building blocks or the like used in constructing various platforms and projections on the successive poles 7. The bins 2 are provided with multiple radially-extending surfaces 14 which may be provided with a myriad of holes, depressions, or other nubs or points 16 as indicated in FIG. 1, which may be configured and appropriately spaced to receive various building block projections as an additional play surface. The spaces between the radial projections 14 may be closed by the twist doors or panels 17, rotatable about the associated pole in the direction shown by the arrows in the drawings. The bins may thus be completely closed for storage or transport as will be presently understood.

As previously described, each vertically extending segment or pole of the scaffolding 3 may be provided with AC electrical power from an external source via the electrical plug 18 and standard household outlet receptacle 19. As an alternative, DC electrical power may be provided by an internal battery compartment under base 1. Electrical current is thus supplied to the base 1 through a battery source or the cord 20. This electrical power source is connected to the channels 11 which in turn contact the ribs 12 to transfer electrical current. In this manner, each one of the poles 7 is connected to the next successive pole by means of the electrical conductor ribs and channels 12 and 11 respectively. The ribs and channel may themselves be made of suitable conductive material or have such material applied on appropriate surfaces or imbedded in the material thereof in any manner well known in the art. The same, of course applies to the inner surfaces of the hollow segments of the superstructure. The electrical power source may then be used to energize an interactive play function or various interactive elements such as motors, lights, pumps or the like.

A pole spinner feature may be utilized if desired by the provision of a pole spinner segment 7B. The spinner segment may be utilized to rotate the pole segments about a vertical central axis with the spinner segment 7B being motor driven and controlled by the remote 38 and the signal receiver 37. Suitable means such as wiper contacts may be utilized in order to maintain electrical contact between adjacent pole , segments.

As shown in FIGS. 1, and 6, a representative pole 7 may have a plain smooth surface for interconnecting with the base 1 and mounting the storage bins 2 as described or may comprise an upper terminal segment 7B as shown in FIG. 7. The upper or top terminal section 7D may be provided with a terminal attachment for engagement with an overhead structure such as a ceiling surface. The scaffolding or superstructure may thus be designed to extend from a table or the like, using the top cap 26A to complete the circuit for power flow if the cap will be used to plug in other interactive features, or from a floor surface using compression on terminal segment 7F to engage a ceiling or other overhead structure. The upper end or terminal segment 7F, as shown in FIG. 7, may contain a compression spring 23 suitably connected to a plunger device 24 for contacting and adhering to a ceiling surface. The segment 7F is connected to successive poles such as typical pole section 7D, shown in FIGS. 1, 6 and 7.

The pole segment 7A is representative of the placement of an array of attachment points such as circular receptors 21 and multi-surfaced receptors 22, shown most clearly in FIG. 9, on the surface of the pole segments 7A, 7B, 7D and 7E, arranged in various predetermined patterns. As shown in FIG. 9, the receptors 21 and 22 are designed to receive various forms of snap-in connectors 27 of a circular design and multi-surfaced connectors 28 which match the configuration of the receptors 21 and 22 respectively. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the individual connectors may be varied in length and/or designed to be equipped with both circular and multi-surfaced extents so as to be readily interconnected and interchanged on the pole surface. As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, many forms of arms and extensions may be built, using the constructed platform 29, as a base, as an example.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of the type of interactive play stations which may be constructed utilizing a specially adapted pole 7E as the scaffold or superstructure. In this embodiment, a toy crane 31 comprises parallel main booms 30 pivoted to the pole segment 7E on a horizontal axis and is controlled by means of a pneumatic ram assembly 32, both of which are mounted within the hollow core pole 7E. A cable and hook rigging 34 is manipulated by operating the powered spool 36 mounted within the hollow core of the segment 7E. Both the pump 33 and winding spool 36 will be powered from the electrical power source described. For control purposes, a signal receiver such as the receivers indicated at 37 FIGS. 1, 5 and 7 of the drawings will be provided for the reception of signals from a remote control device such as the hand-held controller 38, shown in FIG. 1 in a manner well known to those skilled in the toy art. The receiver and signaling device may be either electronic, photosensitive or voice recognition devices. With the hand-held remote controller 38, the operator is able to actuate devices such as the motor driven spool 36 and the pneumatic ram 33.

Referring to FIG. 1, the base 1 may be used to store different elements or complements of the system when not in use or during storage or transport. Suitable tubular recesses 39, extending inwardly from the peripheral side surface 6 of the base. The tubular recesses are configured to receive the various pole segments 7 when not in use. Hand-held remotes 38 and ring spacers 13 not in use may also be set into suitable recesses in the surface 4 of the base 1.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the manner in which the entire system may be disassembled with the toy blocks and the system pieces being stored in the bins 2 and the base 1 as described. The bins 2 are inverted and sandwiched against the base 1 with suitable latch means (not shown) being provided to hold the assembly together as a unit. With this arrangement, the assembled transport unit may then be placed in a suitable carrier such as the carrier 42.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of the toy building system which includes a rotary locking and power transmission structure for the vertically telescoping segments as previously described and which is adaptable for powering with either AC or DC electrical current sources. In the FIG. 10 embodiment, the base 50 is adapted to receive the bottom segment of the vertical super structure and serves to support one or more of the circular storage bins 51 mounted on the bottom segment. Intervening ring spacers 52 allow for free rotation of the bins on the lowermost segment(s) as viewed in FIGS. 6 and 10. The base 50 is shown as a generally flat circular structure but it will be understood that the footprint of the base 50 may be formed in other configurations. The base 50 will include receptors for receiving and storing different elements of the system such as the poles or segments 53 in suitable radially extending tubular openings 54 in the annular surface of the base. Other items such as the hand held controllers 55 and the ring spacers 52 may also be received for storage in the base as previously described. In the FIG. 10 embodiment, the opposite ends of the segments 53 and the lower segment 56 have telescoping end portions with associated external locking lugs 57 and matching internal lugs 58. The segments are engaged by mating the opposite ends and then rotating in a fashion which serves to lock the segments in position and which provides a means for transmitting electrical current to power the various functioning mechanisms, examples of which are presently to be described in detail. The base 50 will be provided with an AC current hookup 59 at a position on the annular surface of the base.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate the positioning and sandwiching of the bins 51 and the base 50 ready for storage or transport. FIGS. 11 and 12 also illustrate the utilization of the tubular openings 54 for storage of segments 53 when not in use as well as a DC battery power source for alternate use with an AC power source. Referring to FIG. 11, batteries 61 are housed within diametrically opposed tubular openings 54. It will be understood that the batteries will be positioned to contact appropriate power transmission contacts on the bottom end of the lower segment 56 when it is inserted into the base 50 as described. The exact placement of the batteries 61 in predetermined tubular openings 54 about the center of the base may be chosen according to the positioning of the segment 56 within the base. The location of the AC power connection for operation of the system is shown schematically in FIG. 10 at 62 which will be connected to an AC source via the hookup 59.

Referring to FIG. 13, successive vertical poles or segments have their upper and lower telescoping end portions configured for mechanically interlocking and electrical connection with a twisting motion. As aforementioned, the segments may be varied in cross section as a matter of design, the illustrated embodiment being cylindrical and including attachment ports such as the holes 63 and 64 which may also be varied in cross section and in placement along the body of the segments. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the lower or bottom section 53A is shown with a female coupling upper end 66 and the succeeding segment 53B is illustrated with a lower male coupling end 67 for reception or telescoping into the upper end of the segment 53A. The connection illustrated provides both a mechanical locking of the successive segments for strength and stability and for electrical power transmission between the segments. In this regard, the upper or female coupling end of the segment 53A, in this embodiment, includes four lugs or projections 68 spaced on the inner annular surface of the coupling end 66. In this embodiment, it will be understood that such lugs 68 are evenly spaced around the inner surface of the end 66 of the segment 53A. The coupling end 67 of the segment 53B is provided with a plurality of mating lugs or protrusions 69 on the outside annular thereof. The lugs 69 are four in number and are spaced so as to engage beneath the protrusions or lugs 68 on the end 66 of the lower segment. When the upper segment 53B is inserted into the upper end 66 of the segment 53A the lugs 69 will pass between the lugs 68 on the lower section and when the upper section 53 is twisted in the direction of the arrow, each of the lugs 69 will pass beneath and contact an associate lug 68. Appropriate stop means (not shown) will be located so as to limit the rotation of the section 53 to mechanically lock the two segments together. The section 53B is releasably engaged by means of the ball detents located in each of the lugs 69 as illustrated in FIG. 13. The detents 71 may be spring loaded ball structures well known in the art. The ball detents 71 will engage the notches or depressions 72 in each of the lugs 68 in the end 66 of the lower segment 53A.

In order to provide electrical current, conductors such as wires or the like may be placed in vertical conductor grooves 70 running the length of the particular segment. Although two vertical grooves conductor for each lug are illustrated in the present embodiment, it will be understood that other means for power transmission along the inside surfaces of the successive segments may be utilized. Further, although the illustrated embodiment contemplates two parallel grooves and conductors for each connection, in some instances a single conductor would suffice. The conductors at each end of the segments may be provided with transfer plates or conductor surfaces such as the surfaces 73 on a ledge surface of the end 66 and mating electrical contact surfaces 76 on the bottom surfaces of the lugs 69 of the segment 53B. With this arrangement, electrical power is transferred between segments when they are mechanically locked into position. In the present embodiment, there will be two sets of conductors for the power or hot side of the line and two for the neutral for the purpose of increasing the availability of power in any particular segment. These conductors will be appropriately connected to an AC source through the AC hookup 62. With appropriate connections, these electrical conductors may be connected to a DC power source.

FIGS. 14-18 illustrate another embodiment of interactive play stations which may be mounted on the superstructure provided by the interfitting, interlocking segments and accompanying electrical power source. As shown in FIG. 14, a crane boom structure indicated generally at 77, which may be varied in structural detail, includes a boom 78 having its base pivoted as at 79 at diametrically opposite points on the segment 53C via the circular openings 63. An articulated linkage such as a linkage 81-82 provides pivotal connections for the identical pneumatic cylinders 83 pivotally connected to opposite sides of the segment. The lift cylinders are pivoted to the boom structure as at 84 and to the segment by pivot pins at 86. The pneumatic cylinders 83 are characteristically double acting cylinders connected to a source of air pressure by means of suitable conduits 87 and 88 in a manner presently to be described.

Referring to FIGS. 14-16, a winding drum or pulley 89 is fixedly mounted on a drive axle 91 which, in the present embodiment, is rotatably mounted in one of the openings 63 and extends diametrically across the segment. The winding drum 89 will be wound with a suitable cable 92 which is payed out and passes over the pulley 93 rotatably mounted on the outward end of the boom 78. Thus, with operation of the cable drum 89, the hook 85 in this example may be raised or lowered. Likewise, the boom 78 may be raised and lowered by operation of the double acting cylinders 83.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are schematic representations of a structure for mounting the winding drum 89 within the associated segment. In this example, the winding drum is suitably mounted within an enclosure or housing 94 and is fixed and supported on the drive axle 91. Suitable elongated access openings 96 will be provided in the segment wall for passage of the cable 92 and access to the drum 89. Additional vertically spaced platforms 97 are provided for supporting a drive motor 98 which may be connected to selectively rotate the rod 91 by such means as a worm drive or equivalent (not shown). In practice, the support platforms 97 could also be attached to the cable drum housing 94 and to the interior surface of the segment if needed. The electric motor 98, of course, would be powered by the hookup with the electrical conduits carried on the inner surface of the segment as previously described. It is contemplated that the motor 98 would be a reversible drive motor which could be under remote control, utilizing such well known remote controller apparatus as the controller 55 as shown in FIG. 10. In the alternative, hand crank means could be provided on the end of shaft 91 for manual operation of the winding drum 89 well within the skill of an artisan.

FIGS. 17 and 18 are schematic illustrations of an example of a pneumatic pressure system suitable for mounting within a pole segment 53 for powering the pneumatic cylinders, such as those shown at 83 in FIG. 14, for raising and lowering the illustrated crane boom assembly. Referring to FIG. 17, an air tank 99, which may be constructed from plastic or any other suitable material, is housed within the hollow segment 53. The system will include a pump mechanism, such as diaphragm pump 101 operably connected to be driven by a suitable electric motor 102, both of which are supported by any suitable attachment means to the interior wall of the segment. The motor 102, of course, will be powered by means of the electrical conductors, such as previously described, within the interior of the segment. Suitable air pressure conduits 103 are provided for connecting the diaphragm pump to the tank 99 with appropriate valving controls well known in the art (not shown). Air pressure conduits 104, shown in FIG. 18, extend from the pressure tank 99 and are connected to the outside surface of the associate segment by means of the fittings 105, shown in FIGS. 14, available for hookups to the pressure lines 88 of the pneumatic cylinders 83. The details of the motor and pump control, as well as the valving for operation of the pneumatic pressure system, are well within the skill of an artisan and are omitted from this description for the sake of clarity and simplicity. It will also be understood that, in the alternative, a hand crank mechanism could be utilized to manually raise and lower the boom 78 if desired.

Although the present embodiments have been described in considerable detail with reference to certain structural details and configurations, other embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the inventive concepts disclosed. For instance, the pole segments of the vertical scaffolding may be varied in size, shape and cross-section and the details of the surface mounting structures on the pole segments may be arranged in various patterns and variations may be made in the structural details of the base and bin structures. Likewise modifications may be made to the specific details of electrical power source connections and transmissions within the pole segments without departing the scope and intent of the inventive concepts. Additionally, various motorized mechanisms which function to push, pull, spin, twist, raise, lower, sound, light, vibrate, may be integrated into the core of the pole scaffolding.

Claims

1. An interactive toy building system comprising;

a support base,

a vertical superstructure comprising a plurality of interfitting pole segments,

said superstructure having upper and lower terminal end segments, selected ones of said pole segments providing scaffolding comprising first attachment fittings for mounting first interactive play stations,

said base including attachment means for receiving the lower terminal pole segment of said superstructure for rigid vertical support thereof, and

second interactive play stations mounted on selective other pole segments adapted for interaction with selected ones of said first play stations,

whereby the user may choose a variety of selected first and second interactive play stations and combinations thereof.

2. The interactive toy building system of claim 1, including:

at least one storage bin rotatably mounted on said lower terminal pole segment above the top surface of said base.

3. An interactive toy building system comprising, in combination;

a base structure including a top surface and a bottom surface for engaging a supporting surface,

a hollow vertical rigid superstructure comprising a plurality of end-to-end interfitting elongated pole segments,

each said segments including selectively engageable and disengageable interlocking connector structure providing rigid connections between successive pole segments when vertically stacked to form said rigid superstructure,

said superstructure having upper and lower terminal end segments,

selected ones of said pole segments being provided with a plurality of vertically and circumferentially spaced attachment fittings for supporting external interactive play stations on the exterior surface of said superstructure,

a receiver structure in the central portion of the top surface of said base for receiving the lower terminal segment of said superstructure for rigid vertical support thereof, and

internal interactive play stations mounted on the interior surface of selected ones of said pole segments,

whereby, the user may choose a variety of selected external and internal play station activities and combinations thereof.

4. An interactive toy building system comprising, in combination;

a base structure including a top surface and a bottom surface for engaging a supporting surface,

a hollow tubular vertical rigid superstructure comprising a plurality of end-to-end interfitting elongated pole segments,

each said segments including selectively engageable and disengageable interlocking connector structure providing rigid connections between successive pole segments when vertically stacked to form said rigid superstructure,

said superstructure having upper and lower terminal end segments,

selected ones of said pole segments being provided with a plurality of vertically and circumferentially spaced attachment fittings for supporting external interactive play stations on the exterior surface of said tubular superstructure, said external play stations being constructed from discrete building elements,

a receiver structure in the central portion of the top surface of said base for receiving the lower terminal segment of said superstructure for rigid vertical support thereof,

at least one storage bin rotatably mounted on said lower terminal pole segment above the top surface of said base, and

internal interactive play stations mounted on the interior surfaces of selected ones of said pole segments,

whereby, the user may choose a variety of selected external and internal play station activities and combinations thereof, said storage bin being adapted to store said building elements when not in use.

5. The interactive toy building system of claim 4 wherein;

said external play stations are constructed from discrete building elements, said building system further including;

a plurality of said storage bins rotatably mounted on the pole segments of for storing said discrete building elements when not in use, and

spacer elements mounted on said pole segments for holding said bins in vertically spaced relation.

6. The interactive toy building system of claim 5, wherein;

said base includes a peripheral side wall attached to the top and bottom surfaces thereof, forming a base storage compartment,

said base storage compartment including a first plurality of storage cavities opening into the top surface of the base for storing selected parts of the building system, and

a second plurality of storage cavities opening into said peripheral side wall for storage of pole segments when not in use.

7. The interactive toy building system of claim 6, wherein;

the top and bottom surfaces of said base are substantially planar circular surfaces, and

said system includes at least two said bins, each bin having at least one substantially planar circular surface conforming to the top and bottom surfaces of said base,

whereby, said base structure may be sandwiched and clamped between the planar surfaces of said two bins to form a portable carrying assembly.

8. The interactive toy building system of claim 5, wherein;

said storage bin has a closed bottom wall and a top opening, and

cover means for said top opening including at least one door panel therein mounted for movement between open and closed position for selective access to said bin.

9. The interactive toy building system of claim 4 wherein said attachment fittings comprise;

openings in the tubular walls of said pole segments,

certain ones of said openings being circular in shape and certain others of said openings including non circular and multi faceted surfaces, and

connector elements configured for reception into selected ones of said openings to provide attachment surfaces for said discrete building elements,

whereby external interactive play stations may be constructed at selected positions on the outside surfaces of said pole segments.

10. The interactive toy building system of claim 4, wherein said interlocking connector structure comprises;

each said pole segments includes a reduced diameter terminal end portion on one end thereof, the opposite terminal end portion having an internal diameter sized to receive the reduced diameter terminal end of a successive pole segment, whereby successive pole segments are vertically connected to form said superstructure, and

a longitudinal rib and channel lock connection acting between successive pole segments to prevent rotational movement therebetween,

said rib and channel lock connection being provided with electrical power transmission means providing electrical power to each said pole segments.

11. The interactive toy building system of claim 4, wherein said interlocking connector structure comprises;

each said pole segments having a first terminal end portion provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced lugs on the outside surface thereof and a second terminal end portion having a plurality of circumferentially spaced protrusions on the inside surface thereof,

said lugs and said protrusions being so spaced and so positioned so as to permit telescoping engagement between successive pole segments and to form a locking engagement upon relative rotation between the pole segments,

spring biased detent means acting between said lugs and said protrusions to retain the locking engagement, and

electrical power transmission means mounted on the interior surface of each pole segment, said power transmission means being in contact between successive pole segments when in the locking engagement position.

12. The interactive toy building system of claim 10 further including;

AC electrical current source connector means mounted in the receiver structure of said base for providing electrical current to said pole segments, and

batteries located in said base structure for providing alternative DC electrical current to said pole segments, said batteries being mounted in the base structure for connection to said pole receiver structure of the base.

13. The interactive toy building system of claim 11 further including;

AC electrical current source connector means mounted in the receiver structure of said base for providing electrical current to said pole segments, and

batteries located in said base structure for providing alternative DC electrical current to said pole segments, said batteries being mounted in the base structure for connection to said pole receiver structure of the base.

14. The interactive toy building system of claim 12, wherein;

said external play station includes a toy crane boom structure and pneumatic power cylinders connected thereto mounted for vertical pivotal movement on the external surface of a pole segment,

said internal play station including an electrical powered winding drum and a lifting cable wound thereon and operatively connected to pully means on said crane boom.

15. The interactive toy building system of claim 13, wherein;

said external play station includes a toy crane boom structure and pneumatic power cylinders connected thereto mounted for vertical pivotal movement on the external surface of a pole segment,

said internal play station including an electrical powered winding drum and a lifting cable wound thereon and operatively connected to pulley means on said crane boom.