Toy construction system having a compound connector joint

Abstract

A toy construction system including a base member having a plurality of female twist-lock connectors formed in a surface thereof and a plurality of dowel members having female twist-lock connectors formed in the ends thereof. A compound connector joint is included that has a multiple axis extension from a central hub, and a female twist-lock connector is formed in ends of the multiple axis extensions. A plurality of male/male twist lock connectors are included for use in joining various members together to form a variety of structures. The toy construction system further includes blocks having formed in each end thereof female twist-lock connectors. The blocks include a multiplicity of female twist-lock connectors formed on the surfaces thereof.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This Patent Application relates to co-pending applications Ser. No. ______, entitled TOY CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM HAVING A VARIABLE ANGLE JOINT, filed the same date hereof, and Ser. No. ______, entitled TOY CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM HAVING A ROTATABLE CONNECTOR SPINNER DEVICE, filed the same date hereof, both by the same inventor hereof; and the disclosure in each of these co-pending applications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of toy building systems and more particularly to an improved system including a compound connector adaptable for joining a variety of components, thereby enabling the construction of a wide assortment of children's toys and projects.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of toy construction systems are available in the market today and described in numerous issued U.S. Patents. Such construction systems commonly have male and female interlocking joints for connecting the various elements together. Although a group of such construction elements can generally be interconnected in a variety of ways, such systems generally have a limitation of the connectors not readily locking in certain orientations, or becoming worn over time, thereby becoming incapable of holding a position at a desired angle.

Exemplary prior art includes U.S. Pat. No. 409,744, entitled TOY BUILDING BLOCKS, which issued Aug. 27, 1889, to A. F. C. Garben. The invention disclosed in this patent relates to building blocks designed for the amusement and instruction of children. The invention includes sphere-headed coupling blocks, which provide a universal joint between pairs of recessed blocks. The result is that any two recessed blocks may be connected in line on a curve or at any angle, and may be held together with sufficient rigidity to make any desired toy structure. A large problem with this invention is that over time the sphere-headed couplings become worn and the objects created will not hold their shape.

Another relevant prior art toy construction system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,915,835 and 1,916,634, both entitled TOY CONSTRUCTION BLOCK, both of which issued to C. H. PAJEAU on Jun. 27, 1933 and Jul. 4, 1933, respectively. These patents disclose the original “Tinker Toy” building block system, which includes an assortment of relatively inter-fitting elements of varying types that are adapted to be manually assembled into structures and mechanisms of widely varying sizes and types. This invention is somewhat limited in what may be built with the elements.

Still another example of the prior art is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,622,335, entitled SECTIONAL TOY FIGURE, which issued Dec. 15, 1953 to G. H. Calverley, The disclosed invention relates to sectional toy figures having inter-engagable construction pieces including bodies, heads, limbs, feet and connecting elements. The joints include a socket in the body piece for interconnection with similarly connecting elements. A key problem with this invention is the same as discussed above. Wear on the elements will cause the pieces not to hold their shape.

Yet another prior art example is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,286,391, entitled CONSTRUCTION TOY HAVING A VARIABLE ANGLE JOINT, which issued to M. Mengeringhausen on Nov. 22, 1966. This patent discloses another joint mechanism for use with toy construction. The invention includes a relatively small spherical connecting member of elastic material having a plurality of substantially cylindrical holes. Again, a key problem with this invention is the same as discussed above. Wear on the elements will cause the pieces not to hold their shape.

Another example of the prior art is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,458,949, entitled CONSTRUCTION SET, which issued to G. G. Young on Aug. 5, 1969. This patent discloses a terminal unit of spherical shape including a pair of like interlocking members, each having a plurality of circumferential grooves in it. The side walls of each groove, intermediate the ends of the groove, have transversely opposite cavities which form a ball receiving socket. The construction set disclosed in this patent is somewhat limited in what may be constructed.

Many other examples of the prior art are illustrated in issued such U.S. Patents as U.S. Pat. No. 3,510,979, entitled ASSEMBLY KIT, which issued May 12, 1970 to A. Fischer; U.S. Pat. No. 3,747,261, entitled BALL AND ROD LINKAGE FOR JOINING POLYHEDRAL MEMBERS, which issued Jul. 24, 1973 to Nast Salem; U.S. Pat. No. 4,037,978, entitled RESILIENT SWIVEL CONNECTOR, which issued Jul. 26, 1977 to Brian W. Connelly; U.S. Pat. No. 4,078,328, entitled CONSTRUCTION TOY SET, which issued Mar. 14, 1978 to Larry W. Rayment; U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,417, entitled CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM, which issued Apr. 27, 1999 to Michael J. Grey; and, U.S. Pat. No. 6,264,522 B1, entitled CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM, which issued Jul. 24, 2001 to Marilyn M. Dickson. Another prior art toy construction system of interest is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,648,404, entitled CONNECTOR UNIT HAVING RADIAL ARMS FOR STRAIGHT OR ANGULAR CONNECTIONS, which issued Mar. 14, 1972, to Charles Ogsbury and Don Witte.

What is needed is a toy construction system that allows the interconnection of a large variety of components in a large variety of structures or formations in order to foster child development of dexterity and creativity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

As will be amplified in greater detail hereinbelow, the present invention solves one of the prior art problems by providing a compound connector joint in order to connect a wide variety of components together.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a toy construction system that will foster child development of dexterity and creativity.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a toy construction system capable of assembling a wide variety of structures or formations.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a toy construction system with a compound connector joint element that connects to a wide variety of components.

These and other objects, which will become apparent as the invention is described in detail below, are provided by a toy construction system including a base member having a plurality of female twist-lock connectors formed in a surface thereof and a plurality of dowel members having female twist-lock connectors formed in the ends thereof. A compound connector joint is included that has a multiple axis extension from a central hub, and a female twist-lock connector is formed in ends of the multiple axis extensions. A plurality of male/male, female/male, and female/female twist lock connectors are included for use in joining various members together to form a variety of structures. The toy construction system further includes blocks having formed in each end thereof female twist-lock connectors. The blocks include a multiplicity of female twist-lock connectors formed on the surfaces thereof.

Still other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein is shown and described only the preferred embodiment of the invention, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated of carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive, and what is intended to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims. The present invention will become apparent when taken in conjunction with the following description and attached drawings, wherein like characters indicate like parts, and which the drawings form a part of this application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a child's imaginary space fantasy assembled with the novel elements of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a child's imaginary space station assembled with the novel elements of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another child's imaginary space fantasy assembled with the novel elements of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a child's imaginary helicopter assembled with the novel elements of the present invention.

FIGS. 4A through 4E illustrate details of the novel specialty connectors useful in assembling structures with elements of the present invention.

FIGS. 4F through 4I illustrate details of additional novel specialty connectors useful in assembling structures with elements of the present invention.

FIGS. 4J through 4M illustrate details of still further novel specialty connectors useful in assembling structures with elements of the present invention.

FIGS. 5A through 5C illustrate compound specialty connectors useful in assembling structures with elements of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A through 6D illustrate compound specialty ring connectors useful in assembling structures with elements of the present invention.

FIGS. 7A through 7D illustrate additional compound specialty band-head connectors useful in assembling structures with elements of the present invention.

FIGS. 8A through 8D illustrate still further compound specialty band-head connectors useful in assembling structures with elements of the present invention.

FIG. 8E illustrates details of an alternate specialty compound band connector.

FIG. 9A illustrates a circular band pivot head connector useful in assembling structures with elements of the present invention.

FIG. 9B illustrates a shaped band pivot head connector useful in assembling structures with elements of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a child's imaginary alligator assembled with elements of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a child's imaginary hammock suspended between imaginary palm trees assembled with elements of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a toddler's fantasy structure assembled with elements of the present invention.

FIG. 12A is a detailed view of a toddler's specialty head element useful in assembling the structure of FIG. 12.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate specialty stretch heads in stretched and collapsed positions, respectively, useful in assembling structures with elements of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a detailed view of a specialty cone shaped stretch head useful in assembling structures with elements of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a detailed view of a star element (i.e., thingy or part) having a ball connector attached thereto and useful in assembling structures with the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a detailed view of another star element (i.e., thingy) having a ball-receptacle attached thereto and useful in assembling structures with the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a detailed diagram of a complex ball connector showing optional connections thereto.

FIG. 18 is a detailed diagram of thingy or part coconuts) having a twist-lock connector useful in ling the imaginary hammock shown in FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ONE EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings and to FIG. 1A in particular, a perspective view of an imaginary child's space fantasy structure 10 is shown. The structure 10 may be assembled from a variety of elements of the toy construction system. First a base plate 11 is assembled from a variety of panels 12 that interlock by means of mating slots 13 and wedges 14. That is, one of the wedges 14 will mate up with a corresponding slot 13 of a neighboring panel 12 in order to lock the panels together.

A rotatable device 20, which is further described in detail in my co-pending application entitled TOY CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM HAVING A ROTATABLE CONNECTOR SPINNER DEVICE (Ser. No. ______), is attached to the base plate 12 with a twist-lock connector 21. The device 20 as amplified in the referenced co-pending application is fixable in a chosen position, which may be altered by a rotation force overcoming the bias between the top and bottom parts thereof. A flexible connector 22, as further described in my co-pending application entitled TOY CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM HAVING A VARIABLE ANGLE JOINT (Serial No. ______), is attached atop the spinner device 20 by means of a twist-lock connection (not shown). The other side of the connector 22 is coupled to one end of a dowel 24 also by means of a twist-lock connector. The other end of the dowel 24 is coupled to one leg of a triple axis compound connector 26 by means of another twist-lock connector.

Connecting to one (i.e., horizontal) axis of the connector 26 is another dowel 28 by means of yet another twist-lock connector. The second end of the dowel 28 is coupled to another spinner device 30 by means of still another twist-lock connector (not shown). The fantasy structure 10 may be enhanced by the addition of a sphere 32 to the opposite side of the device 30 by means of a flexible connector 34. It is pointed out that the flexible connector 34 is amplified in greater detail in my co-pending application entitled TOY CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM HAVING A VARIABLE ANGLE JOINT, and includes both a ball connector and a socket therefor. The connector 34 is coupled to the device 30 and the sphere 32 by means of twist-lock connectors (not shown).

In a similar manner, a dowel 36 is connected along another horizontal axis of the connector 26 (orthogonal to the first horizontal axis) by means of yet another twist-lock connector. The second end of the dowel 36 is coupled to yet another spinner device 38 by means of still another twist-lock connector (not shown). The fantasy structure 10 may be enhanced by the addition of a sphere 40 to the opposite side of the device 38 by means of a flexible connector 42. The connector 42 is coupled to the device 38 and the sphere 40 by means of twist-lock connectors (not shown).

Another dowel 44 is connected along yet another horizontal axis of the connector 26 (orthogonal to the second horizontal axis and coincidental with the first axis) by means of yet another twist-lock connector. The second end of the dowel 44 is coupled to still another spinner device 46 by means of another twist-lock connector (not shown). The fantasy structure 10 may be enhanced by the addition of a star-shaped thingy 48 coupled to the other side of the device 46 by means of a flexible connector 50, a dowel 54 and a compound connector 52 by means of twist-lock connectors (not shown). Additional star-shaped parts 47 and 49 may be connected to the compound connector 52 by means of dowels 51 and 53 connected through flexible connectors 55 and 57.

Still another dowel 56 is connected along yet another horizontal axis of the connector 26 (orthogonal to the first horizontal axis and coincidental with the second axis) by means of yet another twist-lock connector. The second end of the dowel 56 is coupled to still another spinner device 58 by means of another twist-lock connector (not shown). Coupled to the second side of the device 58 is a two-axis compound connector 60, which may be used to enhance the fantasy structure 10 by the addition of star-shaped parts 62, 64 and 66 by means of a flexible connectors 68, 70 and 72, respectively, and dowels 74, 76, and 78, respectively by means of twist-lock connectors (not shown).

Another dowel 80 may be coupled vertically from the compound connector 26 (opposite the dowel 24), which may then be coupled to another spinner device 82 by means of twist-lock connectors. On the opposite side of the spinner device 82 a pivot head device 84 may be coupled by means of a twist-lock connector. A flexible connector 86 may be coupled to the pivot head device 84 and to one end of a dowel 88. The second end of the dowel 88 may be coupled to a flexible connector 90 by means of a twist-lock connector, which in turn may be connected to a spherical compound block 92.

Accordingly, it may be seen that a fantasy space device may be constructed from a variety of disparate elements of the toy construction system of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1B, a perspective view of a child's imaginary space station 100 assembled with the novel elements of the present invention is shown. The structure 100 may be assembled from a variety of elements of the toy construction system. First a base plate 101 is assembled from a variety of panels 12 that interlock by means of mating slots 13 and wedges 14. That is, one of the wedges 14 will mate up with a corresponding slot 13 of a neighboring panel 12 in order to lock panels together.

Erection of the space station 100 begins with attaching a first end of a dowel 103 and cylindrical blocks 104 and 105 to the base plate 101 by means of male/male twist-lock connectors. A spinner device 106 is mounted on the second end of the dowel 103, where a pair of panels 12A and 12B are attached to opposite sides of the device 106 by means of flexible connectors 22A and 22B, respectively. Mounted atop the spinner device 106 is a rotator device 108, and mounted atop that are three flexible connectors 22, which are used to attach a variety of fanciful elements. For example, a pair of wing-shaped parts 109 and 110 are attached on opposite sides of the top of the rotator device 108. Attached to the center of the device 108 is a dowel 111, which is then connected to a specialty ring connector 112. A compound specialty band-head connector 113 is slipped onto the dowel 111, which provides a means for connection of a star-shaped part 114.

Additional compound specialty head devices are slipped onto the ring 112, which provides a means for connection of additional star-shaped parts 116 to the ring 112 by means of flexible connectors 22. The ring connector 112 may comprise a single element of the system as shown in FIG. 6B and amplified hereinafter.

Atop the cylindrical block 104 is attached another cylindrical block 120 by means of a simple male/male twist-lock connector, and atop that block is attached a spinner device 122. Another rotator device 124 is attached to the top of the spinner device 122. A multiplicity of dowels 125-130 are attached around the periphery of the rotator device 124 and to the second end of these dowels are attached blocks 132 through 137, respectively, all by means of male/male twist-lock connectors (not shown). Additional elements may be added to enhance the structure, such as a flag 140 attached to block 134 by means of a flexible connector 22, and a star-shaped part 142 attached to the top of the rotator device 124. A conical shaped block 144 may also be attached to the top of the device 124 for supporting a super structure comprising a flexible connector 22 securing a dowel 148 and conical-shaped elements 149, 150, 151 and 152 attached to a ring 154 by means of band-head connectors and flexible connectors 22 as described hereinabove. It is noted that the ring 154 and the ball connectors attached thereto may comprise a single element of the system of the present invention as amplified hereinafter in connection with the description of FIG. 6A.

Imaginary ray guns 175 and 176 may be fashioned out of a pair of simulated guns 177 and 178 for the ray gun 175 and guns 179 and 180 for the ray gun 176. Each of the guns 177 through 180 are attached to the end of a dowel 182 and 183, respectively, by means of compound specialty band-head connectors 184 and 185, respectively. Specifically, the guns 177 through 180 are attached to the compound specialty band-head connectors by means of flexible connectors 187, 188, 189 and 190, respectively. The dowels 182 and 183 are supported by holes in the block 120 and dowel 103 for the dowel 182 and by holes in the blocks 104 and 105 for dowel 183.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective view of another child's imaginary space fantasy 200 assembled with the novel elements of the present invention is shown. Again, the structure begins with a base plate 210 assembled from a plurality of panels 12, each having a slot 13 or a tongue 14 for interconnecting the various pieces together to form a single base plate. A cylindrical block 212 is attached at one end to the base plate 210 by means of a simple male/male twist-lock connector (not shown). A flexible connector 22 is attached to the other end of the block 212, and a conically-terminated head device 214 is connected to the other side of the flexible connector 22. Next, a dowel 216 is connected to the head device 214 and threaded through a cylindrical connector block 218 and a spherical connector block 220.

A spinner device 222 is coupled to the other end of the dowel 216 by means of a twist-lock connector. A band pivot head device 224 is attached to the other side of the spinner device 222, and a flexible connector 226 is attached to the head device 224. A first end of a dowel 228 is then attached to the flexible connector 226. The second end of the dowel 228 is connected to another flexible connector 230, which is then attached to one leg of a multi-leg compound connector 232 in accordance with the present invention. A multiplicity of conical parts 234 through 240 are coupled to the remaining legs of the compound connector 232 by means of flexible connectors 242 through 248, respectively. Note that each of the flexible connectors are coupled to the multi-leg compound connector 232 by means of twist-lock connectors.

Other devices may be connected to the spherical connector 220, such as one end of a dowel 250. The second end of the dowel 250 is coupled to another rotating spinner device 252 by means of a twist-lock connector. A flexible connector 254 is coupled to the other side of the device 252, which in turn is connected to another spherical connector 256.

Another dowel 258 may be coupled to another area of the spherical connector 220 by means of a flexible connector 260. The second end of the dowel 258 is connected to yet another spinner device 262. Another spherical connector 264 may be connected to the other side of the device 262 by means of another flexible connector 266.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a child's imaginary helicopter 300 assembled with the novel elements of the present invention is shown. A spherical connector 302 forms the main cabin portion of the helicopter 300 and a conical block 304 forms the rotor shaft of the helicopter. A dowel 305 passes through an opening in the spherical connector 302 and through an opening in the conical block 304. The first end of the dowel 305 is coupled to one end of a conical end connector 306. Rotor blades 308A through 308D are connected to an end of the conical connector 304 by means of flexible connectors 310A through 310D, respectively. A conical end connector 312 is connected to the second end of the dowel 305. A user may rotate the blades by grasping and spinning any of the blades 308A through 308D. The blades spin around the dowel 305, which remains stationary.

Further enhancements to the imaginary helicopter 300 may be made by the addition of skids 314 on the bottom, which are formed of a series of dowels connected together in a “T” shape. The skids 314 may be attached to the spherical connector (or helicopter body) 302 by means of flexible connectors 316 and 317. A tail section may be made by the addition of a pair of conical connectors 318 and 319, which are coupled to the spherical connector 302 by means of a flexible connector 320. A dowel 321 is passed through a lateral opening in the conical connector 318 and through a longitudinal opening in the conical connector 319. A conical end connector 322 is coupled to an end of the dowel 321 by means of a twist-lock connector. A tail rotor 324 is attached to one end of the conical connector 319 by means of flexible connectors 325. The blades of the rotor 324 spin around the dowel 321, which remains stationary.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A through 4E, details of the novel specialty connectors of the present invention are shown. Starting with FIG. 4A, an exterior view of a male/female twist-lock connector 400 is shown. However, it is pointed out that the connector 400 could be fabricated with a male twist-lock connector on each end thereof, i.e., a male/male twist-lock connector. FIG. 4B illustrates a cross-section view of FIG. A wherein details of each of the male and female connector parts are shown. FIG. 4C illustrates a female/female connector 402. FIG. 4D illustrates an exterior view of a male/female elbow twist-lock connector 404, and FIG. 4E illustrates a cross-section view of the same connector wherein details of each of the male and female connector parts are shown.

Referring now to 4F through 4I, details of additional novel specialty connectors of the present invention are shown. Starting with FIG. 4F, a cross-sectional view illustrates a male/male elbow twist-lock connector 406, while FIG. 4G illustrates a female/female elbow twist-lock connector 408. FIG. 4H illustrates a male/male/male “Y” connector while FIG. 4I illustrates a female/female/female “Y” connector 410.

Referring now to 4J through 4M, details of still further novel specialty connectors of the present invention are shown. FIG. 4J, illustrates a cross-sectional view of a female/female/female “T” twist-lock specialty connector 412, while FIG. 4K illustrates a male/male/male “T” twist-lock specialty connector 414. FIG. 4L illustrates a four-way female cross specialty connector 416 while FIG. 4M illustrates a four-way male cross specialty connector 418.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C illustrate a variety of possible cross connectors useful in assembling structures with the system of the present invention. For example, FIG. 5A illustrates a three-axis cross connector wherein both ends of each axis are terminated with a female twist-lock connector 501. FIG. 5B illustrates a four-axis connector wherein both ends of each axis are terminated with a female twist-lock connector 503. FIG. 5C illustrates a three-axis cross connector wherein both ends of each axis are terminated with a male twist-lock connector 505. It is pointed out that any combination of male/female twist-lock connectors may be made in each of the cross connectors. It is pointed out that the connectors may be made with or without elbows.

FIGS. 6A through 6D illustrate compound specialty ring connectors useful in assembling structures with elements of the present invention. Each illustrated ring connector includes a slidable member 601 having a ball 603 adaptable for receipt by a socket (not shown), which forms the flexible connector 22, described hereinabove and in my co-pending applications. It is pointed out that the ball and sockets may be reversed. That is, the slidable members may have a socket attached thereto for receipt of a mating ball of other elements of the invention. Note also, the ring connector shown in FIG. 6A includes a male stem connector 604, which enables attachment of the ring connector to other elements of the system of the present invention. The ring connector shown in FIG. 6B is basically the same as the one shown in FIG. 6A, but without the stem connector 604 in the center.

FIG. 6C illustrates a compound specialty ring connector 605 having attached thereto a male twist-lock connector 607 adaptable for connection to other members of the system of the present invention. FIG. 6D illustrates yet another possible shape of a ring 606 for slidably coupling connector members 601. It is pointed out that the ring itself may be smooth (as shown) or fluted. It is noted that each of the above-described ring connectors may be of any shape or configuration.

FIGS. 7A through 7D illustrate additional compound specialty band-head connectors 701 useful in assembling structures with elements of the present invention. Each such band-head connector includes a sleeve part 703 and one or more balls 705 adaptable for receipt by a socket for forming the flexible connector 22. However, the balls may be substituted with sockets. As illustrated in the drawings, one, two, three or four balls 705 may be attached to a single sleeve 703. FIGS. 8A through 8D illustrate still further compound specialty band-head connectors 801 useful in assembling structures with elements of the present invention. The band-head connectors 801 are similar to the band-head connectors 701, except that the sleeve is adapted for receipt by dowels with faceted sides thereof (similar to that of many wooden pencils).

FIG. 5E illustrates details of an alternate specialty compound band connector 802 wherein female connectors 805 are coupled to a faceted sleeve part 803 as shown. However, a smooth sleeve may be used as well. FIG. 9A illustrates a circular band pivot head connector 901 useful in assembling structures with elements of the present invention. Arrows 903 illustrate directions of movement possible for the head portion 905 of the connector 901. Note that the illustrated connector 901 includes an extension with a twist-lock connector 910, which enables connection to other members of the system of the present invention. FIG. 9B illustrates a shaped band pivot head connector 907 useful in assembling structures with elements of the present invention. In this example, the sleeve portion 908 is adapted for being received by a facet sided dowel (such as that of many wooden pencils). Note that the illustrated connector 907 includes an extension with a twist-lock connector 911, which enables connection to other members of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a child's imaginary alligator 1001 assembled with elements of the present invention. The alligator 1001 is constructed from a variety of parts, such as a pair of faceted dowels 1002 and 1003 coupled together by a flexible connector 22 therebetween, thereby forming the main trunk of the alligator. A triple-pronged compound specialty band-head connector 1005 (similar to that shown in FIG. 8C) is slid onto the dowel 1002, wherein a fin 1006 is attached to one of the three ball connectors by means of a flexible connector 22. A pair of feet 1007 (made from thingys) are coupled to the connector 1005 by means of flexible connectors 22. A specialty stretch head 1008 is coupled to the end of the dowel 1002 by means of a twist-lock connection (not shown); and, a tail part 1009 is coupled to the other end of the head 1008 by means of a flexible connector 22.

A double pronged compound specialty band-head connector 1010 and a single-pronged compound specialty band-head connector 1012 are slid onto the dowel 1003. Another pair of feet 1004 are attached to the two balls of the connector 1010 by means of flexible connectors 22. A fin part 1013 is attached to the single ball of the connector 1012 by means of the flexible connector 22. Another specialty stretch head 1016 is coupled to the other end of the dowel 1003, which forms the neck of the alligator 1001. A head part 1018 is attached to the second end of the stretch head 1016 by means of a flexible connector 22.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a child's imaginary hammock 1100 suspended between two imaginary palm trees 1101 and 1102 assembled with elements of the present invention. The palm trees 1101 and 1102 are formed of specially shaped blocks 1103 and 1104 constructed in the same manner as described hereinabove, which simulate the tree trunks. For example, the palm tree trunks may be attached to a base plate (not shown) by means of flexible connectors 22 coupled to the bottoms thereof. Palm fronds 1005 are specially shaped parts that are attached to spherical compound connector blocks 1106 and 1107 by means of flexible connectors 22, each are coupled to the top ends of the palm tree trunks 1103 and 1104, respectively. Additional ball-shaped parts 1108 may be attached to the sphere connectors 1106 and 1107 to simulate coconuts (as illustrated in FIG. 18 hereof).

Openings 1110 and 1111 are formed in the blocks 1103 and 1104 for receiving a dowel 1112, which forms a structure for suspending the hammock 1100. The hammock 1100 is constructed of a center part 1114 forming the hammock bed, and each end of the part 1114 is coupled to a specialty band head connectors 701 by means of a flexible connector 22. The head connectors 701 are slidably mounted onto the dowel 1112, which allows the hammock 1100 to swing.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a toddler's fantasy structure 1200 assembled with elements of the present invention. Specialty head connectors 1202 and 1203 are connected to either end of a dowel 1204 by twist-lock connectors, and the dowel 1204 has a pair of openings 1205 and 1206 formed therein. A second dowel 1208 is slipped through the opening 1205 in the dowel 1204 and another pair of specialty head connectors 1209 and 1210 are attached to either end of the dowel 1204 by twist-lock connectors. A heart-shaped spindle 1211 may also be slipped onto the dowel 1208. A third dowel 1212 may be slipped through the opening 1206 in the dowel 1204, which supports a loose specialty head connector 1213.

FIG. 12A illustrates a specialty head connector, like connector 1213. Note that the illustrated connector 1213 is torrid shaped, but it may comprise any shape desired. A male twist-lock connector stem 1215 extends from one side of the connector 1213 and a ball connector 1216 extends from the opposite (diametrically-opposed) side of the connector 1213. Note that the ball may be replaced with a ball receptacle (i.e., a socket). This affords many options for connecting other objects of the present invention.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate a specialty stretch head 1301 in stretched and collapsed positions, respectively, useful in assembling structures with elements of the present invention. The specialty stretch head includes a male twist-lock connector 1303 at a first end thereof and a ball connector 1304 at the second end thereof. The male twist lock connector 1303 is adapted and sized for connection to any of the female twist-lock connectors on components of the system of the present invention. In a similar manner, the ball connector 1304 is adapted and sized for connection to any of the flexible connectors on components of the system of the present invention. The specialty stretch head 1301 is made of flexible plastic material having memory for returning a distance “d” back to a shortened size when collapsed (FIG. 13B). It is noted that the stretch head 1301 may include connectors 1304 at each end, or twist-lock connectors (either male or female) at either end thereof.

FIG. 14 is a detailed view of a tapered specialty cone shaped stretch head 1401 useful in assembling structures with elements of the present invention. In a similar manner as described above regarding head 1301 a male twist-lock connector is attached to one end of the head 1401 and a ball connector is attached to the other end thereof.

FIG. 15 is a detailed view of a star element (i.e., thingy) 1501 having a ball connector 1503 attached thereto and useful in assembling structures with the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a detailed view of a stylized star element (i.e., a part) 1601 having a ball-receptacle 1603 attached thereto and useful in assembling structures with the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a detailed diagram of a complex ball connector 1701 showing optional connections of a ball 1703 by means of a twist-lock connector 1705 insertable into a female twist-lock connection 1706 formed inside the ball. The ball 1706 is insertable into a female flexible connector 1708 having a male twist-lock connector 1709 affixed thereto, which allows connection to other members of the toy construction system. The female flexible connector 1708 includes openings 1710 in the sides thereof, which allows connection of the ball 1703 after the ball 1706 is inserted into the flexible connector 1708. The ball connector 1701 may also include a male twist-lock connector 1711 attached thereto, which enables coupling of other elements having a female twist-lock connection, such as an elbow 1712.

FIG. 18 is a detailed diagram of specialty ball cluster 1801 having a twist-lock connector 1803. This ball cluster may be used for simulation of coconuts 1108 on the palm trees 1103 and 1104 (FIG. 11). It is noted that parts or thingys may have connectors that comprise balls, ball sockets or twist-locks.

Although the invention has been described with reference to a specific embodiment, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiment as well as alternative embodiments of the invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover any such modifications of embodiments that fall within the true scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A toy construction system comprising in combination:

a. a base member having a plurality of female twist-lock connectors formed in a surface thereof;

b. a plurality of dowel members having female twist-lock connectors formed in the ends thereof;

c. a compound connector joint having a multiple axis extension from a central hub, and a female twist-lock connector formed in ends of said multiple axis extensions;

d. a plurality of male/male twist lock connectors for use in joining various members together to form a variety of structures.

2. The toy construction system as in claim 1 further comprising blocks having formed in each end thereof female twist-lock connectors.

3. The toy construction system as in claim 2 wherein said blocks include a multiplicity of twist-lock connectors formed on the surfaces thereof.

4. The toy construction system as in claim 2 wherein said blocks are cylindrical in shape.

5. The toy construction system as in claim 2 wherein said blocks are spherical in shape.

6. The toy construction system as in claim 2 wherein said blocks are rectangular in shape.

7. The toy construction system as in claim 1 wherein said twist-lock connectors include 90° elbow-shaped connectors.

8. The toy construction system as in claim 1 wherein said twist-lock connectors include Y-shaped connectors.

9. The toy construction system as in claim 1 wherein said twist-lock connectors include T-shaped connectors.

10. The toy construction system as in claim 1 wherein said twist-lock connectors include cross-shaped connectors.

11. The toy construction system as in claim 1 further including compound specialty ring connectors, each having a slidable member mounted to said ring and having attached thereto a ball connector disposed for attaching other members of said toy construction system.

12. The toy construction system as in claim 1 further including specialty head connectors, each having a male twist-lock connector attached thereto for attaching said specialty head connectors to other members of said toy construction system.

13. The toy construction system as in claim 1 further including specialty stretch heads, which may be stretched or collapsed, and including a male twist-lock connector disposed thereon for attaching said stretch heads to other members of the toy construction system.

14. In a toy construction system having a multiplicity of interconnecting members, a complex ball connector comprising:

a. a ball connector having a male twist-lock connector extending therefrom for attaching said ball connector to other members of said toy construction system, and including a female twist-lock connector formed on the surface of said ball connector; and,

b. a female socket flexible connector including openings disposed in the sides thereof for connection of other members of said toy construction system to said female twist-lock connector formed in the surface of said ball connector.

15. A toy construction system comprising in combination:

a. a base member having a plurality of female twist-lock connectors formed in a surface thereof;

b. a plurality of dowel members having female twist-lock connectors formed in the ends thereof;

c. a compound connector joint having a multiple axis extension from a central hub, and a female twist-lock connector formed in ends of said multiple axis extensions;

d. a plurality of male/male twist lock connectors for use in joining various members together to form a variety of structures;

e. a plurality of blocks having formed in each end thereof female twist-lock connectors; and,

16. The toy construction system as in claim 15 wherein said blocks include a multiplicity of twist-lock connectors formed on the surfaces thereof.

17. The toy construction system as in claim 15 further including compound specialty ring connectors, each having a slidable member mounted to said ring and having attached thereto a ball connector disposed for attaching other members of said toy construction system.

18. The toy construction system as in claim 15 further including specialty head connectors, each having a male twist-lock connector attached thereto for attaching said specialty head connectors to other members of said toy construction system.

19. The toy construction system as in claim 1 further including specialty stretch heads, which may be stretched or collapsed.

20. The toy construction system as in claim 19 further including a male twist-lock connector disposed thereon for attaching said stretch heads to other members of the toy construction system.