Abstract: An offset matrix adapter for integrating existing components of K'nex construction toys with existing components of Lego-style brick systems, notwithstanding that the spacing matrices of the systems are incompatible. Adapter bricks or bases are provided, having adapter sockets with the same spacing matrix as the studs of the Lego-style bricks. Special K'nex offset matrix adapters are provided, consisting of a pair of spaced-apart mounting stems for reception in a pair of spaced-apart adapter sockets. An offset rod is rigidly supported at the tops of the mounting stems but is offset laterally from the axes of the mounting stems by a distance which is preferably about one-third of the spacing between adapter sockets. By orienting a pair of matrix adapters with the rods offset alternatively inward or outward, the spacing differences between K'nex and Lego-style systems can be reduced to insignificance, allowing the two systems to be easily integrated.

Abstract: An assembly of two elements including a first element that has a cavity with an external opening connected to a first region defined by a sidewall that is a spherical segment and the diameter of the external opening is smaller than the diameter of the sidewall in the first region. Adjacent to the first region is a second region also defined by a second spheroid segment that is separated from the first region by an annular ring extending from the sidewalls towards a central axis of the cavity. The annular ring forms a passage having a diameter approximately the same as the external opening. An extension member on the second element is inserted into the cavity which has a first rod section terminating in a second spherically-shaped section.

Abstract: A modular construction system that utilizes versatile construction components releasably attachable to one another, in virtually any desired direction, by use of one or more interconnect components positioned therebetween. Each construction component includes at least two inventive connective surfaces with a receiving region therein, while each interconnect component includes at least one coupling surface comprising multiple coupling elements capable of releasable frictional engagement with at least a portion of one or more receiving regions.

Abstract: This application discloses a toy construction apparatus that can be used to make posable toy figures. The apparatus includes structural pieces, called “bones,” which can be connected to a plurality of other bones by joints that can be formed by a marble or similar device and connecting structures on the ends of each bone. These joints can either be movable or rigid depending on the type of connecting structures on the end of each bone being connected by the joint. Additionally, specialized structures, such as heads, feet, and torsos, can be used with the toy construction apparatus that allow the user to create more complex and life-like toy figures.

Abstract: A 3-dimensional assembly is constructed from three 2-dimensional pieces. Each piece is formed with two slots such that the pieces are operatively identical and are interchangeable, and such that the pieces may be formed into a structure without bending of the pieces, and such that the pieces do not all share a common line of intersection. The resulting 3-dimensional structure may be used as a toy, puzzle, ornament, engineering structure, etc.

Abstract: A multi-part construction toy incorporating rod and connector elements, as well as block elements, modified in a way to accommodate the building of hybrid structures utilizing both types of building components. Specialized adapter blocks are provided with openings for receiving special adapter rods. A connector element may be attached in the usual manner to an adapter rod projecting from a block element. For existing rod and connector construction toy sets, the adapter blocks are specially dimensioned to enable multiple attachment points to be established such that complex hybrid structures can be formed. For the large existing base of block type sets, the invention provides a specially dimensioned rod and connector set, compatible with existing toy construction blocks, such that the complex hybrid structures described above can also be executed utilizing existing block elements of standard dimensions.

Abstract: A toy building set that contains a plurality of building members. At least one of the building members includes a connector attached to a flexible linkage. The connector can snap onto the linkage of another building member. Allowing the connector to be snapped onto the linkage of another member provides flexibility in the location of the attachment and the design of the structure created from the building set. The flexible nature of the linkages also provides greater artistic freedom in creating a structure with the building set.

Abstract: A house-building toy comprises element blocks that include floor foundation blocks (2) functioning as the foundation of a house model and structuring a floor portion of the house model, wall blocks (3) structuring a wall portion of the house model, roof blocks (4) structuring a roof portion of the house model, and floor panel blocks (5) structuring on the floor foundation blocks (2) the ground and a floor surface in the house. Hole portions communicating with the element blocks are formed at joints between the floor foundation blocks (2) and the wall blocks (3) and at joints between the floor foundation blocks (2) and the roof blocks (4). Wires (W) for supplying electricity, for example, for lighting are laid from the outside to the inside of the house model.

Abstract: Disclosed are improvements to a construction system based on genderless connectors. The improvements consist of chamfered entries to permit greater ease of connection and a suite of female connectors that extend the capabilities of the basic genderless connectors on which the construction system is based.

Abstract: A housing structure includes a first plurality of wall panels which form a lower course and a second plurality of wall panels which form an upper course. Each of the wall portions is generally rectangular and includes integrally formed interlocking portions which facilitate attachment of adjacent lateral edges of the wall portions of the first plurality to each other. Integrally formed interlocking portions facilitate attachment of the panels in the lower course to the panels in the upper course. In addition, rectangular roof panels are provided to enclose the housing structure. The interlocking portions enable the panels to slide into an interlocked engagement configuration thereby forming a rigid structure without the need for tools.

Abstract: Yoga grip blocks having one or more block sections and a grip section that provide support and comfort in the practice of yoga exercises. The invention includes preferred materials to fabricate yoga grip blocks and describes methods of using yoga grip blocks.

Abstract: A toy includes a base member and coupling member. In one embodiment, the base member has, for example, three attachment posts. The coupling member is configured to be removably coupled to any one of the attachment posts. The coupling member is also configured to be removably coupled among the three attachment posts. In one embodiment, the coupling member includes three projections that define a receiving portion. The receiving portion is configured to receive at least a portion of any one of the attachment posts. The projections of the coupling member are configured to be coupled among the three attachment posts. In another embodiment, the base member includes a prearranged play area that has a spherical portion, a cylindrical portion, and a wall portion. The coupling member is configured to be removably coupled to the spherical portion, the cylindrical portion, and the wall portion of the base member.

Abstract: A building block includes two perpendicularly connected square frames, and a hypotenuse frame extended between outer edges of the two square frames. Each of the square and hypotenuse frames has an outer frame portion and an inner cross-shaped rib portion having a thickness twice as large as that of the outer frame portion. The cross-shaped rib portion divides a space enclosed in each frame into four equal divisions, which are four cavities on one of the two square frames; two diagonally opposite round connecting posts and two diagonally opposite cavities on the other square frame; and two diagonally opposite connecting protrusions and two diagonally opposite rectangular cavities on the hypotenuse frame, so that a plurality of the building blocks could be assembled together in different manners to form changeful shapes via engagement of the cavities with corresponding connecting posts or protrusions.

Abstract: Jewelry items such as rings, bracelets and necklaces are made of pop beads of novel construction. The structure includes a spherical body from which extends an elongate, flexible neck having a ball formed on its distal free end. The neck is sufficiently long to enable it to be formed into a loop so that it can be press fit into a socket formed on the opposite side of the same spherical body, and the neck is adapted to receive a plurality of strung beads. In a second embodiment, the neck is not long enough to enable it to be formed into a loop, but is sufficiently long to receive at least on strung bead so that Jewelry items are made by connecting a plurality of the pop beads together with strung beads being positioned between the respective spherical of the pop beads.

Abstract: An interlockable element for a structure assembly set includes an at least partially planar body and a connector edge having associated therewith a first A-type and B-type connector pair disposed about a first axis of rotation and a second A-type and B-type connector pair disposed about a second axis of rotation. The first and second axes of rotation are disposed on opposing sides of a generally rectangular quadrilateral of a specified dimension. Each of one pair of diagonally opposite vertices of the quadrilateral are situated internally to each of the A-type connectors and each of the other pair of diagonally opposite vertices of the quadrilateral are situated internally to each of the B-type connectors; and the quadrilateral is generally disposed in a plane that is generally perpendicular to the plane of the body of the interlockable element.

Abstract: Disclosed are improvements to a construction system based on genderless connectors. The improvements consist of chamfered entries to permit greater ease of connection and a suite of female connectors that extend the capabilities of the basic genderless connectors on which the construction system is based.

Abstract: A rod and connector toy construction set, especially for use by young children. Connector elements, are formed with one or more rod-gripping sockets arranged radially with respect to a hub. The sockets are open at opposite sides, enabling lateral insertion and removal of rods. The connector elements, which are relatively large for easy handling by small children, are formed of a soft and pliant plastic material, to facilitate assembly and disassembly of rods with the connector elements by small hands. The rods generally are formed of a plastic material harder and stiffer than the connector material to accommodate easy handling of the rods during assembly and disassembly and to provide adequate strength in an assembled structure. The rods include enlarged, generally cylindrical end portions and adjacent neck portions of reduced diameter.

Abstract: An element of an erection set has a body provided with a rigid projection and a flexible plate spaced from one another so as to form a gap therebetween such that a width of the gap between ends of the projection and the plate is greater than a width of the gap between tops of the rigid projection and the flexible plate is greater than a width of the gap between bottoms of the rigid projection and the flexible plate, and the plates of at least two of such elements are engageable with one another and displaceable relative to one another due to equalization of stresses formed by deformation of the flexible plate during displacement of the flexible plates over the rigid projections of two elements relative to one another and bending of the flexible plates over a surface of the rigid projections during connection of two elements with one another.

Abstract: A toy building set comprising a plurality of toy building elements (1, 3) provided with complementary coupling means. At least one of the toy building elements (3) is/are provided with at least one groove (4) provided in an outwardly facing face of the toy building element (3), said groove (4) being able to receive and frictionally secure the edge of a toy building sheet element (5, 5a). The toy building sheet element (5, 5a) is planar with an even thickness that slightly exceeds the narrowest width of the groove (4) in the second toy building element (3), and it is made of a self-supporting, soft, elastically deformable, and form-stable material.

Abstract: A toy building construction set includes a plurality of building units, each building unit including an integral panel, an elongate column, and a connection member. The panel has a first and a second connection structure. One of four sides of the elongate column is a generally U-shaped channel. The column channel receives and is engaged with the second connection structure. The other three sides of the elongate column each have female connection structures so as to provide a female connection side to the building unit. The connection member is engaged with the first connection structure. At least part of the connection member projects outwardly from the panel so as to provide a male connection side to the building unit The male connection side is configured to removably engage with the female connection side of a second building unit of the plurality of building units.

Abstract: A toy building set comprising box-shaped building elements that have, in the horizontal plane, dimensions that are integer multiples of a horizontal module (L), and, in the vertical direction, a height (H) which exceeds the horizontal module. The building elements have a tubular opening at a first face. Elements are provided that have a tenon that can be introduced into the tubular opening. At its free end, the tenon is flexible and has protruding edges (23) for snap-effect with the second end of the tubular opening, and the tenon has a protruding portion (21) that serves to ensure that the tenon can be introduced only so deeply into the tubular as corresponds to the horizontal module (L). The building set comprises building elements (30) with coupling studs (31) on the top face and a cavity (32) with a tubular coupling means (33), whereby two such elements are able to interconnect with coupling studs (31) in contact with the sides of the cavity (32) and the tubular member (33).

Abstract: A light-weight, portable display system which includes plural, hollow, plastic panels having uniquely contoured corners. The panels may be of flat or curved configuration. Most of the plastic panels are fabricated to present smooth front and rear faces. However, some panels are made with at least one slotted face for supporting shelves therein. Straight plastic connector components are designed to accept the corners of the panels, thereby connecting the panels in a manner to form a display area. Hinged plastic connectors are provided so that adjacent panels may be arranged at angles ranging from ninety to one hundred eighty degrees.

Abstract: A set of toy building blocks has several different basic block shapes with multiple numbers of each shape. Each block has a magnetic base at one end that enables the block to be attached magnetically to the base end of another block. Further, each block has one-half of a mechanical connection at its other end that is complemental to certain of the connectors on other blocks in the set. The mechanical connectors at one end of the blocks and the magnetic couplings at the other, together with a variety of different shapes, preferably of abstract form, permit a wide variety of toy structures to be created and erected in accordance with the child's imagination and creativity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toy set comprising at least a first, second, third and fourth body provided to be mated adjacent each other and on top of each other, enabling to build a construction wherein a number of configurations of bodies with respect to each other is rendered possible. The present invention further relates to a body for use in a toy set and use of the body as a cap of a recipient or as a recipient.

Abstract: A rod and connector toy construction set, especially for use by young children. Connector elements, are formed with one or more rod-gripping sockets arranged radially with respect to a hub. The sockets are open at opposite sides, enabling lateral insertion and removal of rods. The connector elements are formed of a soft and pliant plastic material, to facilitate assembly and disassembly of rods with the connector elements by small hands. The rods generally are formed of a plastic material harder and stiffer than the connector material. The rods include enlarged, generally cylindrical end portions and adjacent neck portions of reduced diameter. The connector sockets include inner portions, configured to receive and closely confine the rod end portions, and outer portions arranged to receive and snuggly grip the rod necks, such that rods are held in axial alignment with the connector sockets.

Abstract: A system of interconnectable construction elements created from molded plastic, and which include planar and cylindrical strut members of varying lengths and thicknesses which can be coupled together and to various construction elements of varying geometries, wherein the construction elements are capable of movement such as pivoting relative to an attached construction element, wherein cylindrical struts include regularly spaced ball structures and regularly spaced gaps therebetween, and wherein the planar and cylindrical struts include a variety of attaching means disposed on the ends thereof that are capable of coupling with complementary structures to thereby form a variety of models, shapes, patterns or designs.

Abstract: An interlockable element for a structure assembly set includes an at least partially planar body and a connector edge having associated therewith a first A-type and B-type connector pair disposed about a first axis of rotation and a second A-type and B-type connector pair disposed about a second axis of rotation. The first and second axes of rotation are disposed on opposing sides of a generally rectangular quadrilateral of a specified dimension. Each of one pair of diagonally opposite vertices of the quadrilateral are situated internally to each of the A-type connectors and each of the other pair of diagonally opposite vertices of the quadrilateral are situated internally to each of the B-type connectors; and the quadrilateral is generally disposed in a plane that is generally perpendicular to the plane of the body of the interlockable element. The A-type connectors are interlockable with the B-type connectors.

Abstract: Each of first vehicles has an individual address dependent upon an insertion of a selective one of different keys into a socket in the vehicle. Each vehicle is movable in any desired direction on a first support structure formed by intercoupling male detents on first beams and female detents on other beams and on blocks. The first support structure may be, but does not have to be, intercoupled with a second support structure. The second structure may define a track on which an additional vehicle (e.g., a monorail) is movable in first and second opposite directions. Each of a plurality of manually operated pads generates signals for addressing any unaddressed vehicle and for providing movements of, and the performance of functions in, the vehicle when addressed. Each pad communicates the pad-generated signals to a connected central station. The central station communicates these signals by wireless to the vehicles.

Abstract: A toy brick includes a plastic main body, and a soft and elastic subsidiary part different color from the main body; the main body has a middle connecting through channel, first holding trenches on a front side thereof, and second holding trenches formed on surfaces of comers located between every adjacent two of upper, lower, left, and rear sides thereof; the subsidiary part has a middle sleeve portion closely fitted in the connecting channel of the main body, first covering portions adhered to corresponding ones of the first holding trenches of the main body, and second covering portions adhered to corresponding ones of the second holding trenches; thus, toy bricks of the kind will produce less noise when hitting each other or the floor, and are less hard at the corners.

Abstract: A building element for a toy building set comprising a plurality of such building elements, said building elements comprising a box-shaped body part having a surface with a top side and an underside, and a plurality of side faces extending downwards from the underside of the surface, a plurality of coupling flanges being arranged between the side faces, said coupling flanges extending downwards from the surface at a distance which is smaller than the distance at which the side faces extend from the surface, a plurality of coupling studs being arranged on the top side of the surface, each of said coupling studs having a top face positioned at a height above the top side of the surface which is greater than the difference between the distance at which the coupling flanges and the side faces extend from the surface, said coupling studs, coupling flanges and side faces being shaped such that the coupling studs of a building element engage, face-to-face, both the coupling flanges and the side faces of another buil

Abstract: Disclosed are improvements to a construction system based on genderless connectors. The improvements include a totipotent hub that by itself can accomplish the three basic requirements of a hub-and-rod construction system: construct a one-one-square-root-of-two right triangle, construct a logarithmic spiral based on same, and tile the plan with triangles. Other inventions are disclosed including a genderless two-piece rivet system.

Abstract: A toy model building set that includes pluralities of generally circular daisy elements, wedge elements, and straight and curved rod elements. The rod elements may be equipped on their ends with various types of connectors, and the rods may be either curved, angled, or straight. The daisy elements can be joined to each other in at least four distinct ways, and can be used as connectors for different elements in a variety of ways. A large plurality of the daisies can be connected together to form a generally planar element. A through hole in the central hub allows the daisy element to receive rod elements in addition to other daisy elements. The wedge elements are pie-shaped elements including two adjoining straight sides and a third curved side. One of the straight sides is equipped with a ball connector, and the other straight side is equipped with a compatible socket connector. Using these connectors, multiple wedge elements can be joined to form circular components such as wheels.

Abstract: Spaced-apart blocks are interconnected by planar sheets. Thus, different configurations for the toy building blocks can be obtained. A simple geometric shape can be provided which is capable of interlocking in different directions and is capable of a choice of framing pieces. Retrofit interconnecting elements can be provided which facilitate the addition of planar members to the construction.

Abstract: A modular construction system featuring an improved snap-fit connection element that can be incorporated into a wide variety of construction elements. These construction elements may be made in a range of sizes and used in a variety of fields such as, construction, toys, educational, machinery, products, jigs, two and three dimensional art, and signs. Various shapes disclosed are blocks, beams, radial-hubs, struts, rods, wires, panels, plates, rotators, adaptors, and locks. The preferred connection element comprises of a bendable pair of male ribs containing ridges that snap-fit into a pair of grooves of a mating female connection element. The grooves contain projections at roughly their midpoint and locate into mating indentations in the ridges. This connection element is more exotic than typically used, but can be snap-fit together or taken apart easily in a variety of directions while still allowing it to be molded inexpensively.

Abstract: A gravity-deformable toy is formed by interlocking a plurality of flexible struts with a plurality of nodes. Each strut has a truncated sphere on at least one end thereof and each node has a plurality of spherical cavities defined therein. A truncated sphere of a strut is received in a spherical cavity to lock the strut to the node. Each of the struts has a center uniform cylinder having an outer diameter, and a diameter of the truncated sphere. The diameter of the truncated sphere is larger than the diameter of the center uniform cylinder. Each of the cavities has a circular entrance which has a diameter equal to the diameter of the central uniform cylinder and each of the cavities has a diameter equal to the diameter of the truncated sphere. When assembled, the toy is deformed by gravity when pendently supported.

Abstract: A color-coded ornamental article worn by a person having a plurality of interconnected pieces. Each piece has a colored face representing a digit according to a given code. The pieces are arranged in a sequence to form a number or date. Each piece has openings in the sides and a connector cap is received in the opening so that adjoining pieces may be interconnected. The connector cap may be a locking or a manually removable type. An end cap closes the openings which are not immediately adjacent to another piece.

Abstract: A toy building set comprising a plurality of building elements which each are provided with hinge parts, a first type of hinge parts comprising a substantially cylindrical rod-shaped shaft part of a building element, a second type of hinge parts comprising a claw device consisting of two elastic fingers extending outwards from a building element at a distance from each other, so that the two elastic fingers between them form a track which is narrowed at the distal end of the fingers with respect to the building element, so that the rod-shaped shaft part may be pressed into the track through the narrowed part of the track, said hinge parts additionally comprising a third type of hinge parts being provided with a shaft stud which has an external diameter corresponding to the thickness of the rod-shaped shaft part.

Abstract: A building element for a set of toy building elements that are capable of being interconnected in a releasable engagement includes side walls having grooves and tongues, a top having a broad surface that extends toward the side walls and a primarily cylindrical projection extending above the broad surface; a open bottom; and an interior having a plurality of ribs with contact surfaces that are accessible through the open bottom and disposed for interconnecting with the projection on the top of another such building element. At least some of the contact surfaces of the interior ribs include lateral indentations; and the projection includes a circular lateral ridge disposed above the broad surface for being interconnected in a releasable restaining engagement within the indentations in the interior contact surfaces of the ribs of another such building element.

Abstract: A transmission chain includes a plurality of unitary chain links, each of which has parallel first and second side plates, first and second connecting pins, first and second pivot pins, and first and second pivot seats. The first and second pivot pins of one of the chain links are connected pivotally, removably and respectively to the first and second pivot seats of an adjacent one of the chain links, so as to enable the transmission chain to possess the characteristics of an adjustable chain length.

Abstract: Jewelry items such as rings, bracelets and necklaces are made of pop beads of novel construction. The structure includes a spherical body from which extends in a radial direction an elongate, flexible neck having a ball formed on its distal free end. The neck is sufficiently long to enable it to be formed into a loop so that it can be press fit into a socket formed on the opposite side of the same spherical body, and the neck is adapted to receive a plurality of strung beads to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the item. In a second embodiment, the neck is not long enough to enable it to be formed into a loop, but is sufficiently long to receive at least one strung bead so that bracelets and similar items are made by connecting a plurality of the pop beads together with strung beads being positioned between the respective spherical bodies of the pop beads. Additional embodiments include pop beads that depend from barrettes, eyeglass holders, lanyard hooks, and similar articles.

Abstract: A ball comprising a plurality of interwoven rings, preferably each of generally polygonal shape.

Abstract: A hinge connection including a male member applied on a base plate. The male member has protrusions provided to be hingedly and resiliently fitted between a pair of female members applied on a further base plate. The male member is formed by two parallel male legs. Each leg includes one of the protrusions and each of the female members includes a through hole for engaging one of the protrusions.

Abstract: A toy capsule for containing toys and for constructing structures has an upper portion and a lower portion with wherein the upper and lower portions are detachably connected at their respective open ends thereby defining a closed container when the open ends are connected. A tapered thickened wall portion on each of the upper and lower portions extends concentrically from an intermediate location of an external surface of each of the cylindrical wall portions of the upper and lower portions and tapers to a thicker portion at the respective closed ends. One of the upper and lower portion closed ends has a rounded projection and the remaining upper and lower closed end has a projecting ridge defining a recess capable of receiving the rounded projection to form a releasable frictional tight fit connection.

Abstract: A construction system includes one or more body members each having one or more apertures extending through a body wall to a cavity forming a socket. Each body member further has one or more balls spaced-apart from the body and attached to the body by an arm. The body wall and/or ball is formed of a flexible and resilient material, and the ball is sized slightly larger than the aperture to connect two body members together by inserting the ball of one member through the aperture of another. The system may include rod members having opposite ends and spherical-shaped balls formed on each end; disk members having an annular groove and open in a radially-facing direction to receive balls; a base member; and/or decorative members.

Abstract: A toy construction building set includes first and second building elements, which are releaseably interconnectable. The first building elements have a side with a coupling surface, which has coupling studs, and the second building elements have a side with a coupling surface, which has a skirt. Defined within the skirt is a cavity for receiving the coupling studs on the first building element. When the first and second building elements are interconnected, a first abutment portion of the first building element is outside the skirt and a second abutment portion of the second building element abuts the first abutment portion.

Abstract: A series of open dumbbell shaped connectors, each with a male end and each with a female end, sized so that a male end may be snapped into a female end to form a series that may be connected at each to a handle, with the series having sufficient resistance to movement of the handles that forearms and wrists may be reasonably exercised to develop and maintain muscle tone by a user twisting and coiling the series.

Abstract: The four elements are each provided with protrusions constituted by forks the branches of which are resilient, which are each provided with a recess and with an embossment. These protrusions engage with each other, their embossments and their recesses hooking each other, and are thus articulated to each other around rotation axes. The series of protrusions and of the free spaces which separate them are determined in such a way that the four plates can be articulated to each other two by two, that has for consequence they can be articulated all the four to each other. With respect to a central axis, the half-series of each element are not symmetrical but they can be identical.

Abstract: Four elements are each provided with protrusions constituted by forks, the branches of which are resilient. Each fork is provided with a recess and with an embossment. The protrusions engage with each other, their embossments and their recesses hooking each other, and are thus assembled to each other around rotation axes. The series of protrusions and of the free spaces which separate them are arranged in such a way that the four elements can be articulated to each other two by two, that has for consequence they can be assembled together by engagement of the protrusions of any one element with those of another element. The protrusions on respective halves of each element are not arranged symmetrically, but they can be identical.

Abstract: A panel, formed of molded plastic material in a variety of polygonal geometric configurations, for incorporation into structures built with K'NEX construction toy sets. The panels include elements, typically formed at corners thereof, corresponding in size and shape to rod elements of the construction set and adapted for lateral snap-in assembly with connector elements of the toy set. At least one pair of corner elements is aligned along a common axis and the end-to-end distance between the elements of such pair corresponds with the length of a standard rod element in the construction set so as to be capable of substitution for a rod element in a structure of K'NEX components. The panels serve both aesthetic and structural functions in the assembly.

Abstract: A building block for a construction toy is characterized by having one or more studs projecting from one side and a corresponding number of recesses formed in the opposite side. The studs and recesses are of an equilateral polygonal configuration, preferably having an even number of sides, preferably eight. At least some of the surfaces of the studs are formed to have a negative taper, making the studs slightly larger at the top than at the base. The recesses also are formed such that the walls have a slight negative taper, making the recesses slightly narrower at the open end than farther down in the recess. When a pair of blocks is assembled by inserting one or more studs of one block into one or more recesses of an adjacent block, the negatively tapered configuration of the studs and recesses provides for a tactilly sensible snap action, which is pleasing to the user and also provides a secure assembly.