Patent ID: 6068533
Filing Date: 2000-05-30
Classification: A63H

Abstract:
A panel for a multi-part construction toy, wherein the construction toy comprises a plurality of rods of different standard lengths and a plurality of connector elements, the rod elements having generally cylindrical end portions and annular grooves in said end portions defining an end flange, and the connector elements comprising a plurality of radially disposed and angularly spaced pairs of opposed and laterally spaced gripping arms joined at inner ends thereof and defining a connector plane, outer portions of said gripping arms having axial grooves for the snug reception and axial alignment of a rod element, inner portions of said gripping arms having lateral projections for cooperation with said annular grooves for axial positioning of said rod elements, the panel comprising(a) a flat body portion having side edges and corners and defining a panel plane,(b) a recess in one side edge of said body portion,(c) said recess being of a size and shape to receive a portion of a connector element including at least two pairs of gripping arms thereof,(d) said recess having a radial center point positioned substantially coincident with said one side edge,(e) a plurality of rod end elements integrally formed with said body portion and extending into said recess along radius lines intersecting with said radial center point,(f) said rod end elements being configured in the form of ends of said rod elements and being spaced apart on said radius lines according to the same spacing as gripping arms of a connector element,(g) said rod end elements being adapted to be engaged by pairs of gripping arms of a connector element to firmly lock said connector element to said panel with the plane of said connector element being parallel to the plane of said panel.