Abstract: A toy construction system includes a block component and a connector component. The connector component has a connector-to-block coupling section for releasable coupling to the block component and a connector-to-connector coupling section for releasable coupling to a substantially similar connecting component. The connector-to-block coupling section defines a connector block contacting surface for contacting the block component. The coupling aperture defines a peripheral edge retaining section made out of a substantially resiliently deformable material.

Abstract: A novelty device and the associated method of fabricating component parts of the novelty device. The novelty device has at least one protrusion that is made from an elastomeric material. The protrusion has a distal end. A hole is disposed through the protrusion proximate its distal end. A secondary object is provided. The secondary object is made from a rigid material. The secondary object defines an interior space. Sounding elements are disposed within the interior space of at least some of the secondary objects. The sounding elements are free moving and produce noise within said secondary objects when said novelty device is manually shaken.

Abstract: A novelty device and the associated method of fabricating component parts of the novelty device. The novelty device has at least one protrusion that is made from an elastomeric gel. The protrusion has a distal end. A hole is disposed through the protrusion proximate its distal end. A secondary object is provided. The secondary object is made from a rigid material. The secondary object defines an interior space. The distal end of the elastomeric gel protrusion extends through the secondary object and into the interior space of the secondary object. The secondary object is comprised of an assembly of interconnecting parts. The parts of the secondary object are assembled around the elastomeric gel protrusion in the area of the hole. Once assembled, the secondary object engages the hole in the elastomeric gel protrusion. As a result, the secondary object becomes mechanically interconnected to the end of the elastomeric gel protrusion.

Abstract: A system of three-dimensional multipurpose elements is disclosed, consisting of single solid elements which can be computer-controlled to move, connect to one another, and disconnect from one another. A single element of the system consists of a casing made up of walls (6), linked with each other by means of an electroplastic actuator (3) which changes the reciprocal position of the walls of the casing of a single element. Changes in the reciprocal position of the walls occur according to the exciting signal transmitted from a programmable integrated circuit (1). Heat emitters (14) carry away excess heat from the system devices. Inside a single element there are provided interlocks (7) for connecting respective single elements, as well as magnetic coils (8) and a voltage source (5) supplying the integrated circuit (1), interlocks, magnetic coils and electroplastic actuator.

Abstract: A “construction set” consisting of active and passive parts connected by joints that can be manipulated to form an movable articulated assembly representing things like animals and skeletons. Each active part includes a position sensor for acquiring and storing position data specifying a sequence of positions assumed by the active part as the assembly is reshaped, and a controllable drive motor for moving the active part relative to a connected part in accordance with the position data.

Abstract: A construction system is described and which includes a construction element having at least one passageway extending therethrough; a fastener body telescopingly received in the passageway; and a locking member cooperating with the fastener body and which, in a first position, allows the fastener body to be received in the passageway, and in a second position, substantially impedes the removal of the fastener body from the passageway.

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: 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: In at least one embodiment, the invention includes a magnetic construction module having a body and at least one elastic limb extending from the body, the at least one limb having a first end portion including a first magnet disposed therein, the limb and the body comprising a gelatinous elastic material having sufficient stiffness to maintain its form under the force of gravity and having sufficient flexibility to easily bend such that the end portion is contiguous to the body.

Abstract: A toy building set with toy building elements with coupling means for releasably interconnecting the toy building elements, which further comprises outer and inner toy building elements with a longitudinal direction. The inner toy building elements are receivable in the outer toy building elements, and the inner toy building elements are slideable in the outer toy building elements along their parallel longitudinal directions. The outer toy building elements can be interconnected in their longitudinal directions to form a composite outer toy building element, and the inner toy building elements can be interconnected in their longitudinal directions to form a composite inner toy building element that can be slideably received in the composite outer toy building element.

Abstract: A method of constructing a virtual construction model, comprising: displaying a plurality of construction elements corresponding to respective types of construction elements, allowing a user to select one or more instances of each of the types of construction elements; maintaining a counter of available elements for each type of construction elements; decrementing said counter of available elements of a type of construction elements each time a user selects a construction element of said type; providing an indication to the user when the available number of construction elements of one of the types of construction elements has been used in the virtual construction model.

Abstract: An animal toy features the ability to connect two or more separate toys of varying shape, size, color, and/or texture, together to create larger and more complex toy systems. The animal toy allows an almost endless variety of toy systems to capture the interest as well as challenge and develop the animal's problem solving skills. The animal toys are either solid or include internal chambers for holding and ultimately dispensing food. When two or more toys with the internal chambers are combined the food may flow from the chamber of one toy into another toy several times before exiting the toy system. The increased problem of extracting the food challenges and develops the animal's skills. Moreover, by combining solid and food dispensing toys in random combinations further increases the problem solving skills required to completely extract the food from the toy system.

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: Toy-building elements including various combinations of the following features: a top having a broad surface and at least one projection or ball-shaped coupler extending above the broad surface; an interior having contact surfaces that are accessible through an open bottom and are adapted for effecting a releasable restraining engagement with an interconnectable projection or ball-shaped coupler on a second toy-building element; at least one sidewall including at least one groove for effecting a releasable restraining engagement with a tongue in a sidewall of another toy-building element; at least one sidewall including at least one tongue for effecting a releasable restraining engagement within a groove in a sidewall of still another toy-building element; and at least one sidewall including an axel-shaped or ball-shaped coupler for effecting a variably positional engagement with an interconnectable coupler in yet another toy-building element.

Abstract: A construction system is described and which includes a first construction element which has at least one passageway which extends therethrough; a fastener body having a first and a second portion, and wherein the first portion of the fastener body is received in the passageway defined by the first construction element; and a locking member having first and second portions which individually matingly cooperate with the respective first and second portions of the fastener body to secure the fastener body to the first construction element.

Abstract: A method for constructing three-dimensional structures with a multi-part construction toy comprised of connectable component parts. A flat construction plan is provided illustrating in full size a two-dimensional structure constituting all or a large part of the intended three-dimensional structure. The connectable component parts are placed directly over their respective illustrations on the flat plan, and joined to form the two-dimensional structure. The two-dimensional structure may include a pair of opposite side subassemblies joined by one or more reorientable bridging elements, for example a flexible panel. After completion, the two-dimensional structure is picked up and erected to three-dimensional form by bending or pivoting the bridging element to position the opposite side subassemblies in spaced apart, usually parallel relation. The free ends of the subassemblies are then joined, usually by a bridging element, which may form an end element of the two-dimensional structure.

Abstract: A set of large, hollow, lightweight, seamless, rigid wooden blocks provides a variety of shapes such as cubes, flat or elongated right-parallelepiped pieces, as well as pyramids, and round cylindrical blocks. The pieces are large compared to the size of a child, but being hollow they are not overly heavy. There are no openings in the pieces, so gripping the smooth surfaces to throw them is not a simple task for a small child; thus they are safer since they are more amenable to use on a plane surface and being gripped with both hands. Also, the construction of plywood provides an optimum degree of heft as opposed to large plastic or foam pieces. The size makes the blocks useful either for either single use or group play. The blocks are durable and sanitary.

Abstract: An inflatable construction set comprising a plurality of inflatable modular blocks in various shapes and sizes for easy construction of various structures is provided. Each inflatable modular block has substantially planar top and bottom surfaces and an attachment means on each of the top and bottom surfaces so that a plurality of inflatable modular blocks are capable of being stably stacked in any orientation. Preferably, each inflatable modular block has at least one interior rib inside the modular block to reinforce the structure of the substantially planar top and bottom surfaces of the modular block. An inflatable construction set in accordance with the present invention may further include various accessory modules such as inflatable doors, windows, turrets, roof system, and other construction components.

Abstract: A tube assembling device consisting of hub-carriers and hubs for erecting three-dimensional structures. The hub-carriers consist of two pairs of half-rings, bearing tongues offset by 90° along an antero-posterior axis and linked by four connecting lugs, they support radial hook-shaped expansions. The hub-carriers can link two tubes in a fixed or balanced position, can be fixed at the tube end, can be fixed along a tube and support hubs. The hubs support tongues are positioned folded or unfolded inside the tubes used for the construction of the radial expansions into rings and catching teeth internal to the rings. The assembly enables the hubs and hub-carriers to be linked by tubes or elastic links and constitute by folding or combining the hubs and hub-carriers nodes for modelling structures of numerous types from a reduced number or elements.

Abstract: An animal toy features the ability to connect two or more separate toys of varying shape, size, color, and/or texture, together to create larger and more complex toy systems. The animal toy allows an almost endless variety of toy systems to capture the interest as well as challenge and develop the animal's problem solving skills. The animal toys are either solid or include internal chambers for holding and ultimately dispensing food. When two or more toys with the internal chambers are combined the food may flow from the chamber of one toy into another toy several times before exiting the toy system. The increased problem of extracting the food challenges and develops the animal's skills. Morever, by combining solid and food dispensing toys in random combinations further increases the problem solving skills required to completely extract the food from the toy system.

Abstract: A construction system includes an elongated connection stem with a central member having a uniform first transverse dimension and opposed integral end members, each having a uniform second transverse dimension greater than the first, each end member having a longitudinal slot extending from a tip end to the central member and an attachment member having a central through bore slightly smaller than the second transverse dimension. A cross section of each end member is similarly shaped to the central through bore and slightly larger than the central through bore and a cross section of the central member is similarly shaped to the central through bore but of smaller size than the central through bore. In one instance, the attachment member is fittingly received on either of the opposed end members and, in another instance, the attachment member is slidably received on the central member.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system for realizing complex constructions, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of basic elements, and a plurality of constructive and/or figurative elements, that can be coupled with said basic elements, each basic element being comprised of ferromagnetic material, to be coupled with a first type of constructive and/or figurative magnetic elements, said basic elements being further provided with not-magnetic coupling means, for coupling with at least a second type of plastic material elements, said plastic material elements being provided with coupling means corresponding to the coupling means provided on said plurality of basic elements.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved construction toy set having a number of different structural elements which are configured for snapping together. These elements having key connectors configured for mating together, where integral locking indentations in the key connectors are configured for locking onto locking ridges provided on the adjacent structural element.

Abstract: The invention describes a universal structural element (1) for the purpose of forming in particular, three-dimensional structures, which structural element can be manufactured in a convenient manner efficiently, cost-effectively from the most varied materials and can be recycled in an environmentally-friendly manner, can be used and applied universally, enables a monolithic type of construction using similar connectors (5) for connecting similar structural elements together and with other elements at low assembly cost and allows disassembly or reconstruction work to be conducted in a straightforward and non-destructive manner, meets high static requirements and can preferably be standardized in modular dimensions.

Abstract: An improved hoop assembly that may be alternately formed from a plurality of variously sized and shaped connectable components that are selectively interconnected by the user to form a simple or complex hoop configuration of a particular desired size and shape is disclosed. A plurality of hoop components may have opposing ends that are adapted for mating engagement with other components to form a hoop of a particular size and shape. In addition, the hoop components include connector components that enable hoop components to be connected in concentric configurations. The various components thus may be assembled into a wide variety of hoop configurations, whether annular or otherwise, thereby enhancing fun and enjoyment.

Abstract: A polyhedral array comprises a plurality of discrete polyhedrons and a connection network comprising connections that connect the polyhedrons. The discrete polyhedrons are spaced apart from each other at equilibrium in a predetermined generally regular pattern, and each polyhedron is comprised of edges, faces and vertices. The connection network at least partially constrains the discrete polyhedrons relative to each polyhedron's six degrees of freedom. In some embodiments, the connections extend along the bias of the array. In other embodiments, the connections extend along radial directions. All implementations can be constructed as regular arrays or in lattice networks.

Abstract: A construction set has a plurality of first planar components, a plurality of first planar joist components, a plurality of second planar components, a plurality of second planar joist components, a plurality of third planar components, a plurality of third planar joist components, a plurality of plank components and a plurality of gable pieces. Each first planar component has a pair of planar sidewall surfaces, first and second end walls parallel to one another, a top surface having a first vertical groove formed therein, and a bottom surface parallel to the top surface, with the bottom surface having a second vertical groove formed therein, and with the first and second vertical grooves having the same vertical axis.

Abstract: A yoga block system which includes a first block and a second block which can either be rectangularly shaped or triangularly shaped. These blocks are capable of joining with one another, releaseably, along either a common face when the blocks are rectangular or along the hypotenuses when the blocks are triangularly shaped. At least one of these blocks is preferably hollow enabling a user to gain access to its interior. Notwithstanding the elements used to join them, each block presents to a user faces which remain substantially planar.

Abstract: This invention relates to a construction toy for building an edifice by utilizing magnetic coupling between a superstructure and the sidewall panels and roof members to form the exterior surface of the edifice. The superstructure is formed by a plurality a horizontal frame members and vertical frame members coupled to each other by two, three, four, five, and six-way couplings. Each horizontal frame member carries intermediate its ends, a magnetizable member. Each sidewall panel carries a magnet adjacent an upper or lower edge for magnetically coupling with the magnetizable member. The roof members consist of planar panels, outside and inside corner members, truncated prism members, regular pyramid shaped members, and comparable shapes to form the exterior surface of the roof. Each of the roof members is so dimensioned and proportioned to permit a magnet to be carried by an interior surface for magnetically coupling with a magnetizable member to form at least a part of the roof.

Abstract: A toy construction set including a plurality of elongated tubular elements each including first and second ends having identical outside diameters. A plurality of differently configured connectors each include a plurality of connecting legs having ends with identical inside diameters sized to closely mate and providing releasable engagement with the tubular elements. The connectors are individually configured to have preferably up to eight (8) connecting legs variously oriented one to another and radially extending from a focal point wherein the toy construction set is used to assemble a three-dimensional structure including a plurality of tubular elements releasably connected to a plurality of connectors.

Abstract: Magnetic structural components utilized to permit construction of a wide variety of structural profiles and to thereby increase design and/or construction flexibility and choice. The structural components each include a number of magnets operatively associated with a periphery thereof to provide a number of points of magnetic connection. In addition, each structural component has at least one mechanical connector operatively associated therewith to provide at least one point of mechanical connection. The structural components can be magnetically and/or mechanically interconnected to form a variety of different two or three-dimensional structural profiles of varying complexities.

Abstract: Building block toy sets having pieces with similar shape can be segregated into proper toy sets by providing each building block toy set with a distinctive dye code material responsive to optical radiation of a specific wave length. When block pieces of diverse building block toy sets are mixed together, optical radiation of wavelengths corresponding to different toy sets is directed onto the mixed toy pieces at different time intervals to stimulate different luminescent colors. Toy pieces of a common luminescent color are segregated into a proper toy set and then removed. The illumination process is repeated until block toys of the diverse toy sets have been segregated.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a panel-type magnetic toy having compartments where permanent magnets move. The magnetic toy includes a polygonal panel body having a space therein, a plurality of compartments defined in the space of the panel body, and separated from each other by at least one partition wall, and a permanent magnet movably provided in each of the compartments. According to this invention, as the magnets are rolled in the hollow compartments partitioned by the partition walls, attractive force is generated between the magnets of neighboring panels. Thereby, it is possible to connect the panels to each other at various positions. Since the magnets move according to the contact position of the panels, it is possible to manufacture variously shaped structures using a small number of panels, thus increasing creative potential.

Abstract: A building uses three or more triangular facades arranged in a serial array formed by one triangular facade jutting from side face boundaries of each of the abutted and side-by-side triangular facades. The triangular facades configured similarly are in a dispersed serial arrangement about an elongated central axis. One triangular façade is the larger of triangular facades and all facades have a triangularly shaped outer facing wall bounded by an endless succession of perimeter walls in a right triangle relation. The arrangement permits multiple triangular façades configured to harmonize with level or undulating terrain.

Abstract: The invention provides an educational globe-like structure for teaching colors and the relationship between different colors, the globe-like structure being arranged to display the interrelationship between colors simultaneously in both longitudinal and latitudinal directions, characterized in that the globe is constructed of at least 15 different colored interlocking toy building blocks, wherein blocks of at least 3 basic colors are disposed around the equator of the globe, and the poles of the globe-like structure are formed, respectively, of 2 further basic colors and the remaining blocks intermediate between the blocks of basic colors represent interim colors between the basic colors.

Abstract: A construction member, comprising an elongated body having a longitudinal dimension with a first end and a second end. Complementary end rotational joint portions are provided at the first end and at the second end of the elongated body, for interconnecting first end to second end a plurality of the construction member so as to form a polygon with construction members. A longitudinal rotational joint portion is provided in the longitudinal dimension of the elongated body for interconnecting two longitudinally adjacent ones of the construction member so as to interconnect polygons of the construction member at a common edge of the polygons to form a polyhedron.

Abstract: A construction system and method of constructing is disclosed. The construction system includes a substantially spherical hub and linear member attached to the substantially spherical hub to construct a variety of structures. The method of constructing a structure utilizing a plurality of substantially spherical hubs and linear members includes inserting the linear members into the substantially spherical hubs and rotating them to lock them securely in place.

Abstract: A system of interconnectable construction elements created from molded plastic, wood or metal, and which include four basic construction elements, wherein a first and second construction element include a hemispherical segment and a planar connecting segment and complementary male and female connectors, and third and fourth construction elements that include a hemispherical segment with complementary male and female connectors, wherein the first and second construction elements can be coupled together, the third and fourth construction elements can be coupled together, or one of the first and second construction elements can be coupled to a complementary one of the third or fourth construction elements.

Abstract: The invention is a system and set of intercleaving (interfitting and adhering/clinging) toy or real polyhedral construction elements which may be implemented either directly in physical form or indirectly in a virtual reality via the hardware of a computer system. These construction elements may be used as structural elements, building blocks, modeling elements, or the like. Each element of the invention has the ability to be interfitted with other complimentary elements in a mutually intercleaving manner along the coincident edges (edgesets) of sets of edge-aligned diagonally adjacent pyramidal/polyhedral members which, while connected along an innermost portion of those edgesets for structural stability, have been separated/difurcated along an outermost portion of those same edgesets in order to facilitate, along with resulting pyramidal/polyhedral recesses, their interfitting.

Abstract: A programmable toy comprising a microprocessor which can execute instructions in the form of program stored in a memory; a display integrated in the toy. The microprocessor is adapted to control electrical and/or electro-mechanical units in response to the instructions, said microprocessor being adapted to receive signals from electrical and/or electro-mechanical units. The display comprises a plurality of icons which each represent instructions for the microprocessor, and which can be activated by a user for programming of the microprocessor. The toy can hereby be programmed by means of a visual user interface.

Abstract: The invention describes a universal structural element (1) for the purpose of forming in particular, three-dimensional structures, which structural element can be manufactured in a convenient manner efficiently, cost-effectively from the most varied materials and can be recycled in an environmentally-friendly manner, can be used and applied universally, enables a monolithic type of construction using similar connectors (5) for connecting similar structural elements together and with other elements at low assembly cost and allows disassembly or reconstruction work to be conducted in a straightforward and non-destructive manner, meets high static requirements and can preferably be standardised in modular dimensions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved geometric construction toy for building geometrical sculptures and consists of a multiplicity of magnetizable bodies and a multiplicity of construction members. The construction members have a plurality of connecting arms that have a first cantilevered end and a second portion that is integral with a hub portion and a permanent magnet in the first end for magnetically coupling with a magnetizable body. The hub portion has a geometrical center and the connecting arms have an axis of symmetry that passes through the geometrical center where the axes of symmetry are in the same plane and where the peripheral surface of a connecting arm intermediate the first end and second portion is symmetrical to the axis of symmetry in planes orthogonal to the axis.

Abstract: A construction system and method of constructing is disclosed. The construction system includes a substantially spherical hub and linear member attached to the substantially spherical hub to construct a variety of structures. The method of constructing a structure utilizing a plurality of substantially spherical hubs and linear members includes inserting the linear members into the substantially spherical hubs and rotating them to lock them securely in place.

Abstract: A plurality of elongated beams is provided having central bodies and a plurality of terminal ends. A plurality of connectors is provided, each of the connectors adapted to removeably connect to at least two of the plurality of terminal ends. At least one panel is provided having at least two faces and at least one edge, the panel shaped to be removeably and engageably received by at least two of the elongated beams.

Abstract: An automotive toy (1) constructed from a number of toy building elements, of which a plurality are configured as functionality modules (2, 3, 4, 5), each of which being configured with technical means for performing a specific functionality in the automotive toy (1). In the automotive toy at least one flexible toy building element (18) is provided that is located between two functionality modules (2, 3, 4, 5), whereby this flexible toy building element (18) is caused to form a flexible interconnection between the functionality modules (2, 3, 4, 5).

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 system of interconnectable construction elements created from molded plastic, wood or metal, and which include four basic construction elements, wherein a first and second construction element include a hemispherical segment and a planar connecting segment and complementary male and female connectors, and third and fourth construction elements that include a hemispherical segment with complementary male and female connectors, wherein the first and second construction elements can be coupled together, the third and fourth construction elements can be coupled together, or one of the first and second construction elements can be coupled to a complementary one of the third or fourth construction elements.

Abstract: The first thing noticeable about the Pantry Puzzle (Toy) is its very likeness to the foods in the supermarkets. It shares complete information from calorie contents of fats vitamins, and the health pyramid, which are all included in every packaged Pantry Puzzle (Toy) food item. The Pantry food includes the ability to pull apart its colorful matching food items, by learning where each piece goes gives it its name Puzzle. The Pantry (shelf) is used as a pantry, play supermarket, toy storage, or pretend food cabinet. The shopping cart is included in the Pantry Puzzle (Toy) gives the real supermarket shopping experience.

Abstract: A geometric plate having a flexible coupling frame, comprises at least two geometric plate elements, wherein said geometric plate element is a planar plate of a geometric shape having at least three sides, and a latch recession disposed on each side of such geometric plate element; wherein both sidewalls in the latch recession have a protruding hinge pip; a connecting bar having a length slightly longer than the recession and a pair of connecting sections respectively disposed on both ends; a latch recession disposed at a position corresponding to the connecting section on both ends of the connecting bar; the recession and both ends of the connecting bar use the protruding hinge pip and latch recession to define a pivotal motion relation. The geometric plate comprises a through hole at each corner such that each corner forms a flexible frame, and such flexible frame can adapt various changes and provide a space for the latch recession to extended flexibly outward.

Abstract: A toy building construction set has a plurality of molded support components. The three main types of support components include a column, a beam and a base. Each column includes a protrusion on one end to be accepted into a corresponding aperture in a base or underlying column. Each beam includes protrusions on each end adapted to be releasably received into corresponding slots located atop the columns. Each beam also includes panel-receiving prongs along the length of the beam to accommodate building panels. The building panels may have printing on one or both sides so as to appear as the exterior of a building, the interior of a building, or a combination thereof.