Abstract: A modular protective pad system includes a plurality of modular pad units that can be secured to each other in a variety of configurations in two or three-dimensions using a set of removable patches that selectively engage with touch fasteners of the modular pad units. Example configurations include side-by-side, face-to-face, and folded/semi-folded configurations, as well as any suitable combination of these configurations.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are folded sheets of material for use as a structural member and assembly thereof. According to an aspect, a sheet of material defines one or more tabs, slots, and a plurality of fold lines. The fold lines are spaced such that folding the sheet along the fold lines places the slots in substantial alignment for receiving the at least one tab such that a structural member having a web formed in an interior thereof is formed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are folded sheets of material for use as a structural member and assembly thereof. According to an aspect, a sheet of material defines one or more tabs, slots, and a plurality of fold lines. The fold lines are spaced such that folding the sheet along the fold lines places the slots in substantial alignment for receiving the at least one tab such that a structural member having a web formed in an interior thereof is formed.

Abstract: A grooved supporting member for assisting in the construction of a card structure is provided. Specifically, the grooved supporting member provides support for the beginning foundational planar stackable members. The grooved supporting member includes a planar base member, top surface, bottom surface, at least one edge, and at least one groove. Preferably, the groove is cut completely through the planar base member and provides lateral support for a planar stackable member. In the preferred embodiment, the grooved supporting member has four edges and four grooves, thus providing support for four planar stackable members to create the cell of a card structure. The user may employ one or more of the grooved supporting members of the present invention in a card structure. Further disclosed is a kit including a grooved supporting member of the present invention and a plurality of stackable planar members.

Abstract: A modular building set having a plurality of interlocking members comprising a plurality of planks and a plurality of posts. The planks each comprise a central plank member having two pairs of opposing recesses and four pairs of opposing parallel bars with two pairs of bars located equidistant one another on either the recesses. The posts each comprise a central post member with a pair of opposing central recesses depending from the upper and lower edges. The posts each have two pairs of opposing bar members with one set of bar members between the opposing central recesses and a first end a post, and another set of bar members between the opposing central recesses and a second end opposite said first end. The plank and/or post members interlockably engage one another by joining a recess of a first member with the recess of the second member.

Abstract: Building sets including a plurality of blocks and a plurality of clips configured to engage a thickness of one or more of the blocks. Each clip includes a base and first and second substantially parallel extensions extending from the base and defining a channel therebetween into which a thickness of a block is receivable. The width of the channel is substantially equal to and slightly less than the thickness of the block receivable within the channel so that the thickness is frictionally retained therein. The clip may include a magnet enclosed within the base so that the base of a first clip may be magnetically coupled to the base of another clip, and each clip may in turn be frictionally coupled to a block received between the extensions of the respective clip. In one embodiment, the clip includes a plurality of channels.

Abstract: An interchangeable kit for scenery having: a first wall unit and a second wall unit, each wall unit having: a first face to simulate a first surface, a second face to simulate a second surface different than the first surface and a plurality of first connector elements; an aperture unit comprising: a first face to simulate a first door or window, or having an operable first door or window; a second face to simulate a second door or window, or having an operable second door or window different than the first door or window and a plurality of second connector elements; and wherein the first plurality of connector elements connect a given wall unit to at least one other wall unit or aperture unit, and the second plurality of connector elements connect a given aperture unit to at least one other aperture or wall unit.

Abstract: A children's self-contained toy fort building apparatus has a malleable rod terminated at both ends with a connector. In one embodiment, the connectors couple directly with like connectors to form a multi-point connection with one or a plurality of rods. In a different embodiment, each rod is terminated with spuds, and a separate connector is provided which is operative to couple with and secure the spuds thereto. A method of constructing a structure such as a fort includes engaging a plurality of like longitudinally extensive elements together at terminations thereof, and forming at least one of said plurality of like longitudinally extensive elements into a non-linear shape.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment is a construction kit for small structures that can be built without tools and used as a shelter for animals, or an amusement device for people. In one embodiment, the kit includes two sizes of wall pieces and two sizes of corner pieces that connect to create a solid structure capable of withstanding the elements of nature. The wall and corner pieces have cavities that are arranged on the top, bottom and sides of the pieces. The pieces connect to each other using common connectors that fit snugly into the cavities. The pieces can be used to create a variety of differently sized and shaped structures. The preferred embodiment further comprises pieces that are used to create a roof structure and a floor structure that connect to the wall and corner pieces using connectors and said cavities. In the preferred embodiment the pieces are made of plastic using plastic-injection manufacturing processes.

Abstract: A building toy block set consisting of base blocks and connection blocks is disclosed. Each base block has a connection notch located on each of multiple peripheral sides thereof and extending in direction toward the center thereof, and two pivot holes arranged at two opposite lateral sides of each connection notch. Each connection block has two pivot pins respectively located on two first opposing sides thereof and respectively pivotally connectable to the pivot holes at two opposite lateral sides of one connection notch of one base block, and a plug rod and a plughole respectively located on two second opposing sides thereof in such a manner that the plug rod of one connection block can be press-fitted into the plughole of another connection block.

Abstract: Inexpensively manufactured device permits the holding, typically for display purposes, of at least one item, but preferably multiple items such as trading cards or photographs, in a manner offering an unobstructed view of the items.

Abstract: An assembling block includes block plates having square and equilateral triangular plan shapes, respectively, and a joint for connecting the block plates together. Each of the block plates includes seat portions provided along the respective sides of the block plate, and retaining pieces extending from the center of the block plate to the outer edge thereof and spaced from the seat portions in the thickness direction. The joint comprises a plate member made of a flexible and bendable material, whereby when the joint is inserted between two of the seat portions and one of the retaining pieces of each block plate, the joint engages the seat portions with engaging protrusions formed on the seat portions fitted in engaging holes formed in the joint, thereby coupling the block plates together.

Abstract: A self-retaining structural support fastener that grips a portion of rigid tile material and aligns the tile material in a planar direction to form structures. The invention more specifically relates to a plastic, acrylic, rubber or polymeric clip that is formed in U, T, X, I or L shapes and provides for an attachment of one or more clips together to form fasteners of various shapes in various planar directions, the fasteners to be used to fabricate multi-dimensional representative environmental constructs that simulate modular, multilevel structures and man-made and natural environments.

Abstract: A modular system for forming without tools a variety of 3-dimensional structures comprises panels (10), and connectors (13, 14), and locking bridging members (30) for assembling the panels (10) together in a desired configuration. The panels can be disconnected so that the erected structure can be disassembled with ease for future reuse. The system can be used to erect children's playhouses made of polymer materials, as well as in a large variety of other applications to create 3-dimensional objects requiring rapid positive construction without tools.

Abstract: A panel device for use with a plurality of connectors and rods with the rods connectable to the connectors is provided. The panel device comprises a substantially planar panel member having a plurality of sides. A groove is formed along each side of the panel member. A first groove edge is positioned along one side of the groove. A second groove edge is positioned on the other side of the groove with the second groove edge extending beyond the first groove edge wherein each rod is adapted to be inserted into the groove, the first groove edge and the second groove edge releasably maintaining the rod within the groove.

Abstract: Inexpensively manufactured device and system permits the holding, typically for display purposes, of at least one, but preferrably multiple items such as a trading cards or photographs in a manner offering an unobstructed view of the items.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a toy brick structure, which comprises a box-shaped portion with a plurality of first holding elements formed thereon. The first holding element is composed of four elastic fins. The bottom of box-shaped portion is a hollow, open space with second holding element and third holding element formed therein. The second holding element is composed of four protruding pins, wherein the number and position of said second holding element correspond to the first holding element formed on the box-shaped portion. The third holding element is composed of two holding pins, wherein the third holding element is disposed between two second holding means.

Abstract: A modular system for forming without tools a variety of 3-dimensional structures comprises panels (10), and connectors (13, 14), and locking bridging members (30) for assembling the panels (10) together in a desired configuration. The panels can be disconnected so that the erected structure can be disassembled with ease for future reuse. The system can be used to erect children's playhouses made of polymer materials, as well as in a large variety of other applications to create 3-dimensional objects requiring rapid positive construction without tools.

Abstract: A joint system for joining polyhedric facet elements together. Polyhedrons have a plurality of facets. The polyhedric facet elements have facet planes that are generally congruent with the facets of the polyhedrons in which they are found. Various facet elements occupy angular relationships such that they can be joined in rigid stable joints by means of key elements where the planes of the key elements extend generally perpendicular to the planes of each of the facet elements. The joint system is suitable for inter-polyhedron joint systems where the joints include four joint elements, three of which are in the respective polyhedrons that are to be joined, and the fourth is a key element perpendicularly disposed between the other three joint elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, or kit, of injection molded panels having integrated connectors which combine to form an enclosure, commonly in the form of a utility shed. The panels are formed of injection molded plastic to interlock with one another without the need for separate I-beam connectors. The ends of the wall panels have cavities to accept both roof and floor outwardly projecting locking bosses for interlocking cooperative engagement which serve to rigidly connect the components together. The symmetry of the wall, roof, floor and door components also minimizes component shapes and simplifies enclosure construction.

Abstract: A constructional system comprises a plurality of building blocks and one or more connectors. In order to propose an improved constructional system, the building block (1) is characterized by a square assembly opening (2) which is surrounded by an assembly funnel (3)(FIG. 1).

Abstract: The invention provides an igloo-shaped structure formed from a plurality of rectangular shaped blocks having a rim and a trough molded therein. The rim has pins adjacent the corners of the blocks that engage apertures or holes fastening plates. Each fastening plate has four holes to enable it to snap together four blocks. Subsequent rows of blocks may have smaller dimensions so that the assembly curves inward forming the familiar domed shape of an igloo. Curved trapezoidal shaped blocks, also held together with fastening plates, are used to cap off the dome.

Abstract: A building element (14, 16, 18, 20) is described which is securable to other similar building elements for creating model structures. Each element comprises a block having similarly proportioned side faces (15, 17) and two similarly proportioned end faces each of which includes at least one opening (28, 30, 32, 34) for receiving a peg (12) for joining it to another block. One of the side faces includes N spaced apart openings (36, 42, 44) and an adjoining side face (15, 17) includes (N+1) spaced apart similar openings (38, 40, 46, 48, 50), also for receiving pegs (12) for joining blocks together. Each block is of constant cross section from one end to the other, and is typically square, rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal or hexagonal. At least one of the side faces may be curved, and the or each end face may be inclined so that the block comprises a solid trapezium.

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 movable magnetic construction kit that is suitable for creating a variety of different construction profiles and including at least one primary connecting element that can be operatively associated with one or more secondary connecting elements via magnetic and/or mechanical connections. The primary connecting element has at least one aperture therein and a plurality of magnets operatively associated with an edge thereof. The primary connecting element in combination with the secondary connecting elements provides for a movable construction kit for enhanced construction and design capabilities.

Abstract: This application discloses parts for use in constructing a curved glass block wall using regular shaped glass blocks. The assembly parts include a vertical spacer, which provides for adjustable widths of spacing to be obtained between adjacent glass blocks, as well as a horizontal connector which provides for both lateral and transverse adjustments to be made.

Abstract: A toy element set for constructional toy includes square planar elements, each square planar element having a center through hole, coupling elements adapted to connect square planar elements on a plane or at right angles, and gears, each gear having a split shaft pivotally connectable to the through hole of one planar element, the diameter of the pitch circle of the gears being equal to the length of the diagonal of the planar elements, each gear having a spacer flange at the inner side around the shaft and adapted to space the gear face of the respective gear from the corresponding planar element upon installation of the respective gear in the planar element.

Abstract: A structural system is comprised of two components. The first component is an I-shaped bearing member having an upper flange and a lower flange connected by a web. The upper and lower flanges have undercuts formed therein. The second component is a connection member having a notch in each corner for engaging the undercuts in the upper and lower flanges. The components of this system may be used to construct a structural component comprising a plurality of I-shaped bearing members positioned parallel to one another. A plurality of connection members interconnect the bearing members; the two upper notches of the connection member engage the undercuts in the upper flanges of two adjacent bearing members while the two lower notches engage the undercuts in the lower flanges of two adjacent bearing members. A method of constructing a structural component is comprised of positioning a plurality of bearing members parallel to one another.

Abstract: A construction piece covered at least partially with display loop fabric and having one or more double sided hook-surfaced tabs removably affixed to said fabric so as to permit the attachment of one construction piece to another.

Abstract: A geometric construction system includes at least two substantially flat panels and at least a connecting rod. Each panel has a plurality of side edges, each of which has two opposite end sections and a basin section that extends between and inwardly relative to the end sections and that has two opposite end faces. The connecting rod has at least two interconnected connecting portions, each of which is complementary to and is received in the basin section. Each connecting portion has two opposite ends respectively pivoted on the end faces so as to permit each panel to be freely turnable about an axis.

Abstract: A storage unit assembly kit comprising only two types of rectangular panel pieces are repetitively interlocked to form a storage array for miniature toys. The first type of panel piece includes enlargements at each corner pierced by a first and second aperture extending completely across the plane of the panel. The second type of panel piece, in turn, includes a first and second set of posts extending laterally in the panel plane for insertion in the respective ones of the apertures. The second type of panel piece may also include a bounding barrier generally dimensioned to receive and confine the toy therebetween.

Abstract: A game apparatus of education and entertainment purposes comprises a number of building pieces and a number of connector pieces. The building pieces have peripheral edges that employ slots to receive complementary sized portions of the connector pieces. The connector pieces have a number of different configurations to permit creation of a variety of three dimensional shapes, including arranging building pieces at right angles, and oblique angles. The building pieces can have indicia thereon to create text, images, or combinations thereof when put together. The building pieces are modularly sized so that differently shaped and sized pieces can easily fit together.

Abstract: A geometric construction system includes at least two substantially flat panels and at least a connecting rod. Each panel has a frame piece and a pair of cover sheets. The frame piece has side walls with side edges, each of which has a basin section, and further has an inner face defining a central opening. The inner face is formed with a flange that cooperates with the inner face to define a pair of retaining grooves. The connecting rod has at least two interconnected connecting portions, each of which is complementary to and is received in the basin section. The cover sheets are respectively and fittingly received in the retaining grooves.

Abstract: A geometric construction system includes at least two panels which are sidewisely and pivotally coupled together. Each of the panels has a plurality of side edges, a central opening confined by the side edges, a supporting plate received in the central opening, and a plurality of retaining plates laterally protruding from inner walls of the side edges into the central opening and cooperating with the supporting plate so as to form a plurality of retaining slots. Flexible patterned sheets are received in the central openings in the two panels. Each sheet has engaging portions respectively extending into and engaging releasably the retaining slots so as to be detachably retained in the central opening in the respective one of the panels.

Abstract: A suite of construction toy systems in which mechanical connection is provided by hermaphroditic and functionally identical (genderless) connectors. Both hub-and-rod and building-block construction toy systems are disclosed. In the hub-and-rod construction systems, the use of genderless connectors allows: rods to connect directly to rods by the same means rods connect to hubs (longer rods can be directly formed out of shorter rods); hubs to connect to hubs by the same means that rods connect to hubs; and, in some assemblies hubs to be substituted for rods. An additional useful feature of the genderless connectors used and of the overall design of these toy systems is that many of the different construction toy systems disclosed herein will inter-connect. By the application of this invention, a very wide range of very different and independent toy systems can be designed that freely inter-connect.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toy construction kit comprising a plurality of elongated rod members of different lengths; and a plurality of joining members. Each joining member is configured and dimensioned to be capable of connecting at least three rod members together around a common vertex point in a weave pattern such that the rods do not pass through the vertex point but are oriented about it in a clockwise or counter-clockwise arrangement. At least some and preferably all rod members are formed with a zig-zag configuration to avoid bending the rod members at vertex points. After making a structure by weaving the rod members and temporarily or permanently connecting them with the joining members, unique and original space frames are obtained. These objects form another embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: The polyhedron globe puzzle system of this invention comprises a plurality of scalene triangles with attachment means so as to form a generally spherical body on which is inscribed a world map such that the position of the scalene triangles contains latent and patent information and intelligence about the geography of the world map including but not limited to longitudinal and latitudinal information. The 360 edges of the 240'dron form themselves into 21 circumscribing polygons which, when projected on to a concentric true sphere, become Great Circles.

Abstract: Disclosed are improvements to a construction system based on genderless connectors. The improvements consist of elements that allow connection at an arbitrary angle in the same plane as a hub assembly. Additionally are disclosed elements that allow for the construction of spheres from planar circular hubs.

Abstract: A toy building, such as a doll's house with associated fittings (8), said toy building comprising a bracing structure (1) and a number of substantially planar wall elements (5), and wherein the bracing structure (1) and the wall elements (5) are provided with coupling means (6,7) for releasably receiving the wall elements (5) in the bracing structure (1) of the toy building, and wherein the wall elements (5) and the fittings (8) are provided with complementary coupling means (9,10) intended for mounting of the fittings (8) on the wall elements (5).

Abstract: A suite of construction toy systems in which mechanical connection is provided by hermaphroditic and functionally identical (genderless) connectors. Both hub-and-rod and building-block construction toy systems are disclosed. In the hub-and-rod construction systems, the use of genderless connectors allows: rods to connect directly to rods by the same means rods connect to hubs (longer rods can be directly formed out of shorter rods); hubs to connect to hubs by the same means that rods connect to hubs; and, in some assemblies hubs to be substituted for rods. An additional useful feature of the genderless connectors used and of the overall design of these toy systems is that many of the different construction toy systems disclosed herein will inter-connect. By the application of this invention, a very wide range of very different and independent toy systems can be designed that freely inter-connect.

Abstract: The invention discloses a toy brick game having at least two toy bricks and at least one connector for connecting the above at least two toy bricks together. The toy bricks can be one of a variety of geometrical shapes but have at least three side edges. Each side edge has a notch and two cylindrical stubs formed on the surface defining the notch. The connector can connect two or more toy bricks together by engaging a slit defined in a pole thereof with the cylindrical stub. The engagement is not only easily achieved and strong enough to allow robust models to be constructed, it also allows one toy brick to be able to rotate in two directions with respect to another toy brick connected thereto by the connector thus providing the user interest and pleasure.

Abstract: An expandable and changeable playset building system with at least one retained playset member, which may comprise a resiliently compressible panel, and at least one squeeze connector, which may be formed from a pair of opposed gripping surfaces, for selectively retaining the retained playset member by frictional engagement. An interactive base connector unit can be provided that simulates a structure, such as a bridge, a tree, a fence, a merry-go-round, or a parking gate, in miniature and in three dimensions. A plurality of squeeze connectors can be coupled to the interactive base connector unit for retaining a plurality of retained playset members. Also, first and second squeeze connectors could be rotatably coupled together. Further, a plurality of squeeze connectors with a plurality of different orientations could be fixedly joined to form a fixed universal connector.

Abstract: Building block systems that can utilize either commonly available containers locked and spaced together by locking members or a pre-molded one piece container and locking member system. Either system can utilize two or four spaced containers in the locking member. Also, both systems may use commonly available material, such as sand or dirt, to fill the top opened containers to provide insulation and strength to the vertically formed structure. Interior and exterior facing materials, such as sheet rock, lattice for applied stucco, precast rock or brick may be attached to the joined containers. Locking members may have internal parallel raceway holes in which backing strips may be inserted to permit the attachment of the the exterior and interior panels to the blocks. Either vertical or horizontal cut out portions may extends along the interior side of the locking members to permit utility conduits (pipes, wires, etc.) to be inserted before the interior panel is fastened.

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 panel for a multi-part construction toy characterized by having recesses along some or all of its side edges for the locking reception of connector elements of the type incorporated into standard K'NEX multi-part construction sets. The panels are designed for snap-in assembly of the connectors, enabling panels to be joined edge-to-edge to form a substantially continuous wall structure. With right angle connectors, panels can be joined edge-to-edge at right angles. The panels are also provided with central half slots, enabling two panels to be joined with each other in an X-shaped configuration.

Abstract: A card game in which cards can be readily assembled and disassembled from a wide variety of three dimensional structures. The game includes card holders which enable cards to be assembled into a structure with card extending along several axes normal to one another and with a plurality of cards extending vertically upward from a support surface.

Abstract: A kit for building objects from block-like construction pieces comprising a plurality of construction pieces, each having a core made of resilient flexible foam material and having a plurality of planar faces, an outer cover snugly fitting over and completely covering the outer peripheral surface of the foam core made of a looped fabric and a plurality of double-sided hooked surface tabs for lockingly engaging with the loop fabric so that the construction pieces may be releasably assembled to one another and reinforcing strips adapted to be removably connected to tabs for bridging adjacent blocks.

Abstract: A building set for a toy building comprising a number of building module frames (1,1a,1b,2) and a plurality of fittings (10,17,18), and wherein each of the building module frames (1,1a,1b,2) comprises a bottom plate (3,4,19) with a superstructure that defines the walls and ceiling of the building module frame (1,1a,1b,2), and wherein each bottom plate (3,4,19) is provided with coupling means (12) for interconnecting adjoining building module frames (1,1a,1b,2). By arranging the coupling means (12) on the top surface of the bottom plate (3,4,19) and by arranging the coupling means (12) to be releasably interconnected with complementary coupling means (11) on the underside of the fittings (10,17,18), a stable and secure coupling is obtained that possesses much holding force without much force being required to interconnect the building module frames.

Abstract: A three dimensional geometric structural framework made up of subassemblies of cross members connected by end connectors. The subassemblies are then interconnected with clip members. The cross members have a cross section providing protruding triangular arrowhead corners and the clip members are shaped for engaging and retaining the arrowhead corners of juxtaposed cross members together in fixed relationship.

Abstract: In a modular-design toy system for preparing buildings, vehicle and landscape structures etc., comprising building elements of plastic material, which are releasably attachable to each other by snap-fastener connecting elements, provision is made, with a view to obtaining a true-to-nature appearance at a reasonable cost and durable and constant snap-fastening properties, for connecting elements having first snap-in elements on one side for the easily releasable attachment to corresponding first locking recesses on the building elements and having second snap-in devices on the other side for the hard-to-release attachment to corresponding second locking recesses of the building elements.