Abstract:
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a modular toy building kit is provided. The kit includes a plurality of building panels, each having a circumference with edges. A plurality of tabs are defined on each panel with one tab defined on each edge. The kit further includes a plurality of connectors, each connector having a length and having slots defined along the length. Each slot is sized to slidably receive and temporarily retain a tab of a building panel. Another embodiment of the present provides a self-contained toy panel and connector building set. The set includes a base having a rectangular support surface with four corners. The set includes at least four connectors, each having a height and four longitudinal sides with a longitudinal slot in each longitudinal side. Each of the connectors is positionable adjacent one of the support surface corners. The set further includes at least four panels, each panel having tabs, wherein each tab is sized to be received and selectively retained in one of the connector slots. The panels are engagable with the connectors to form walls to a storage compartment mounted on and enclosing the support surface on the base. The storage compartment is sized to store additional panels and connectors.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/453,252 filed on Mar. 7, 2003, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/442,610 filed on Jan. 24, 2003. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    This invention relates to children&#39;s building kits, and more specifically to a panel and connector set for children to temporarily construct structures.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    The present invention provides a construction set for children. Many children use construction sets to create temporary structures. Such kits are helpful to challenge a child&#39;s imagination, and additionally assist children in learning spatial, physical and interactional relationships.  
           [0004]    One style of prior construction kit, such as Legos® kits or blocks, uses hand or smaller sized pieces. These pieces can be used to create miniaturized assemblies which children can easily view and carry; however, such kits do not provide a child a larger sized assembly to manipulate, nor do they provide interactive play.  
           [0005]    An alternate style of prior kits involves bulky or oversized pieces that are used to create larger assemblies. Although larger structures can be created, in kits with larger pieces hard and/or heavy materials with potentially sharp edges can be unsafe for falling on or otherwise causing a danger to the child. Separately, manipulating larger heavy and/or awkward pieces can sometimes be difficult for smaller children.  
           [0006]    A different style of panel kits are not intended for assembly and dis-assembly by children, but are used to create structures which are intended to be semi-permanent for storage or space separation. Typically these kits require fasteners and tools for assembly, include larger and heavier components and may require instructions or training for assembly. These systems are not suitable for small children to play with.  
           [0007]    There is a need for a safe yet flexible children&#39;s construction kit. The present invention addresses this need.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a modular toy building kit is provided. The kit includes a plurality of building panels, each having a circumference with edges. A plurality of tabs are defined on each panel with one tab defined along each edge. The kit further includes a plurality of connectors, each connector having a length and having slots defined along the length. Each slot is sized to slidably receive and temporarily retain a tab of a building panel.  
           [0009]    Another embodiment of the present provides a self-contained toy panel and connector building set. The set includes a base having a rectangular support surface with four corners. The set includes at least four connectors, each having a height and four longitudinal sides with a longitudinal slot in each longitudinal side. Each of the connectors is positionable adjacent one of the support surface corners. The set further includes at least four panels, each panel having tabs, wherein each tab is sized to be received and selectively retained in one of the connector slots. The panels are engagable with the connectors to form walls to a storage compartment mounted on and enclosing the support surface on the base. The storage compartment is sized to store additional panels and connectors.  
           [0010]    In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a connector and panel set with a plurality of panels, each panel having edges with lengths, and a plurality of connectors, each connector having sides forming a standard height. Each edge of each panel is engagable to a side of any connector and the height of the connectors differs from the length and the width of each panel edge. Preferably, a stack of connectors forms a height with joints between the connectors and a stack of panels forms a height with joints between the panels, wherein the joints of the stack of connectors are not aligned with the joints of the stack of panels.  
           [0011]    In a still further preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a toy set, having a panel and connector kit; and one or more activity boards. The activity board is selectively mountable and removable to the panel and connector kit. Preferably the activity board comprises a hanging member configured to selectively mount the activity board to a panel of the panel and connector kit. The activity board provides a mounting area for a range of games, learning materials, and/or writing or drawing.  
           [0012]    It is an object of the invention to provide an improved panel and connector system for children.  
           [0013]    It is a further object of certain preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide a toy panel and connector system which is easy and safe for small children to assemble and disassemble.  
           [0014]    Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention shall become apparent from the detailed drawings and descriptions provided herein.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]    [0015]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 2 is an alternate perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 with one side panel and the lid removed.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 3A is a top view of pieces of one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 3B is a perspective view of pieces of one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 3C is one embodiment of the present invention in one configuration.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 3D is one embodiment of the present invention in an alternate configuration.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a panel used in one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 4B is a top view of the panel of FIG. 4A.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 4C is an end view of the panel of FIG. 4A.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a different panel used in one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 5B is a top view of the panel of FIG. 5A.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 5C is an end view of the panel of FIG. 5A.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a still further panel used in one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 6B is a top view of the panel of FIG. 6A.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 6C is an end view of the panel of FIG. 6A.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a connector used in one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 7B is a side view of the connector of FIG. 7A.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 7C is an end view of the connector of FIG. 7A.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 8A is a top view of an activity board used in one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 8B is a side view of the activity board of FIG. 8A.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a panel with an activity board used in one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 9B is a top view of the panel and activity board of FIG. 9A.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 9C is a cut-away side view of the panel and activity board of FIG. 9A.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 9D is a partial, cut-away side view of the panel and activity board of FIG. 9C.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a base used in one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 10B is a top view of the base of FIG. 10A.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 10C is a side view of the base of FIG. 10A.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 10D is a perspective bottom view of a base used in one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 10E is a bottom view of the base of FIG. 10D.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 10F is a side view of the base of FIG. 10A.  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0045]    For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations, modifications, and further applications of the principles of the invention being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.  
         [0046]    According to some preferred embodiments, the present invention provides an activity set for children, for example small children such as three year olds. In certain embodiments, the activity set is a kit that includes panels and connectors plus additional pieces. Children may assembly the panels and connectors in various configurations without tools, fasteners or training to create temporary structures designed by their imagination. In preferred embodiments the elements of the kit are lightweight and sized to be easily manipulated by children yet sturdy for long-term play. Preferably the kit is made from materials suitable for indoor and outdoor use. The kit elements are preferably modular to be substantially interchangeable and are designed to facilitate ease of assembly and dis-assembly.  
         [0047]    Illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is one preferred embodiment of the present invention included system or kit  10 . Kit  10  generally includes long panels  30 , short panels  40  and connectors  50 . As a preferred feature, kit  10  can be configured to form a self-containing storage compartment. In the embodiment illustrated, four connectors  50  form corners  26  arranged on a generally rectangular base  14 . Two panels  30  form the sides  22  and two panels  40  form the ends  24  and interconnect with corners  26  to form an interior storage compartment. A lid  20 , similar to base  14 , may be placed across the top of the storage compartment. Wheels  16  are optionally mounted to base  14  to facilitate the ability to move kit  10 .  
         [0048]    The interior of the storage compartment is arranged to receive the pieces of kit  10 . For example, FIG. 2 illustrates horizontal stacking of long panels  30 , short panels  40  and connectors  50  on base  14  within the sides  22 , ends  24  and corners  26 . Alternately, the panels may be arranged in a vertical stack.  
         [0049]    The elements of kit  10  are preferably interchangeable and connectable to form various configurations, such as walls, doors and/or windows. Non-limiting examples of arrangements are illustrated in FIGS.  3 A-D. Preferably the edge portions of the long panels  30 , short panels  40 , triangular panels  70 , base  14  and lid  20  are removably and slidably interlockable with connectors  50  to form structures. The panels and connectors can be arranged vertically, horizontally and/or stacked as desired. Non-limiting examples of potential configurations include a maze, a playhouse, a cave, a climbing structure, a loft, an airplane, a train, a chair and a table.  
         [0050]    Views of a preferred embodiment of a long panel  30  are illustrated in FIGS.  4 A-C. Panel  30  is preferably formed in a generally rectangular shape forming a length (l) and a width (w) with curved corners, although other geometric shapes with generally straight edges can be used, examples include triangles, trapezoids, pentagons, hexagons, and octagons. As illustrated, panel  30  includes four edges  32 . Extending from each edge is a web or thinner portion  34 . At the outer portion of each web  34  is a connector or tab, such as a T-shaped tab  36 . Each web and tab extends generally along the length of an edge, terminating adjacent the beginning of the arcuate corner curve. As a preferred feature, each tab  36  includes a changed cross-section which is a beveled or tapered portion  37  in both width and thickness adjacent one or preferably both ends. As a separate preferred feature, panel  30  defines mounting openings  39 . As an optional feature, panels may have circular openings or handles  38  assisting for grasping the panels, or portions formed or removed to form windows. Such windows will typically be open, with a frame formed by the surrounding panel.  
         [0051]    Views of a preferred embodiment of a short panel  40  are illustrated in FIGS.  5 A-C. Panel  40  is preferably formed in the rectangular shape of a square forming a length (l) and a width (w), although other geometric shapes can be used. Panel  40  includes four edges  42 . Extending from each edge is a web or thinner portion  44 . At the outer portion of each web  44  is a connector or tab, such as a T-shaped tab  46 . As a preferred feature, each tab  46  includes a changed cross-section which is a beveled or tapered portion  47  adjacent one or both ends. As a separate preferred feature, panel  40  defines mounting openings  49 .  
         [0052]    Views of a preferred embodiment of a triangular panel  70  are illustrated in FIGS.  6 A-C. Panel  70  includes three edges  72 , two of which form a base and height of equal length (w). Extending from each edge is a web or thinner portion  74 . At the outer portion of each web  74  is a connector or tab, such as a T-shaped tab  76 . As a preferred feature, each tab  76  includes a changed cross-section which is a beveled or tapered portion  77  adjacent one or both ends. As a separate preferred feature, panel  70  defines mounting openings or handles  79 .  
         [0053]    Views of a preferred embodiment of a connector  50  are illustrated in FIGS.  7 A-C. Connector  50  has two ends and four longitudinal sides defining a height (h). Each longitudinal side defines a longitudinal slot or groove  56  between corner edges  52 . Preferably slot  56  is configured to slidingly receive a tab  36 ,  46  or  76  of any kit panel  30 ,  40  or  70 . In a preferred feature, corner edges  52  include slight bevels or tapers  57  at one or both ends to facilitate the introduction of tabs into slots  56 . In a further preferred feature, the corner edges  52  include feet  53  defined at each end of connector  50 . Feet  53  assist in stabilizing and stacking each connector  50 .  
         [0054]    Illustrated in FIGS. 8A &amp; B is one preferred embodiment of an activity board  60  usable in certain embodiments of kit  10 . Activity board  60  is selectively mountable to panels of kit  10 . As illustrated, board  60  is formed in a generally rectangular shape sized to fit approximately within the edges  32  of a long panel  30 . This is for illustration only and alternate sizes and geometric shapes can be used as desired. Various children&#39;s activities such as posters, chalkboards, marker boards, and/or educational activities or games can be mounted on activity board  60 . Preferably extending from activity board  60  is an offset member or hanger  62 . Hanger  62  is configured to selectively mount activity board  60  to a chosen panel.  
         [0055]    In a preferred embodiment, hanger  62  includes a handle portion  64 . Handle portion  64  is illustrated as a spherical portion or ball, but alternate shapes such as hooks, cross-members, springs or clamps can be used. In one embodiment, hanger  62  is a short-cylindrical member connected at a proximal end to board  60  and connected at a distal end to handle portion  64 . Handle portion  64  can be connected to hanger  62  by a screw-on connection, welding, rivets, integrally molded or similar well-known connection methods. Preferably, hanger  62 , including handle portion  64 , is sized to fit through openings in panels  30 ,  40  or  70 . In a preferred embodiment, activity board  60  includes two hangers  62  with handle portions spaced at a sufficient distance to engage two opening in the same or separate panels.  
         [0056]    Illustrated in FIGS.  9 A-D are views of an activity board  60  mounted to a panel, for example panel  30 . When placing board  60  in position, hanger  62  with handle  64  is guided through an opening  39  in a selected panel  30 . Board  60  is then released slightly downward to rest hanger  62  on the lower portion (as oriented) of opening  39  to prevent downward movement of board  60  relative to panel  30  (FIG. 9D). Further, preferably a portion of handle  64  extends slightly beyond the inner edge of opening  39  when hanger  62  is resting on the lower portion of the opening. The portion of handle  64  which overlaps panel  30  prevents hanger  62  from unintentionally withdrawing from opening  39 . Preferably with two such hanger and handle connections to panel  30 , activity board  60  is prevented from unintended separation.  
         [0057]    As a preferred safety feature, jostling or accidental movement of activity board  60  relative to panel  30  typically moves hanger  62  around the periphery of the inner edge of opening  39 . Such movement around the periphery maintains the overlap of a portion of handle  64  over the panel, minimizing the risk of accidental separation. Activity board  60  is removed by lifting the board and guiding handles  64  through the center of openings  39 . It will be understood that the hangers and activity board can be mounted in both horizontal and vertical orientations to long or short panels of kit  10  with appropriate sizing and arrangements.  
         [0058]    Views of a preferred embodiment of base  14  are shown in FIGS.  10 A-F. In one embodiment, base  14  is slightly thicker than a standard panel, and the lower side (FIG. 10D) optionally includes recesses  17  for castors or wheels  16 . During shipment or storage, wheels  16  can be stored in recesses  17  to conserve space, and are removed and mounted to base  14  when desired.  
         [0059]    Base  14  is preferably slightly larger than a standard panel of kit  10  to provide a sturdy base when kit  10  is in a self-containing storage arrangement. Extending from the edges of base  14  around a support surface are side supports  18  and end supports  19 . Side supports  18  and end supports  19  include tabs similar to the tabs on panels  30  or  40  which are slidably connectable to connectors  50 . Side supports  18  and end supports  19  further include wider webs or support portions  34 ′ and  44 ′ extending between the edges of base  14  and the tabs. Preferably the wider webs  34 ′ and  44 ′ are dimensioned so that the profile of tabs  34  or  44  on panels  30  or  40  is receivable between the base edges and the support tabs. When kit  10  is in a stored configuration, sides  22  and ends  24  rest upon side supports  18  and  19 , preferably on webs  34 ′ and  44 ′, to enclose the support surface.  
         [0060]    In one embodiment, a slight protrusion or lobe  21  extends from each corner of the base and supports at least one foot  53  of each corner connector  26  to prevent the corner connector from sliding below the level of the support surface. Preferably the storage compartment volume over the support surface is sized to contain and store panels and connectors. Lid  20  is preferably similar to base  14 . In a preferred feature (not shown), base  14  and lid  20  include partial impressions to provide a similar look to openings  38  in long panels  30 .  
         [0061]    In preferred features, the components of kit  10  are lightweight materials without sharp edges or sharp corners. For example, the kit can be made with hollow, blow-molded, polyethylene panels and injection molded ABS connectors. Alternately, the panels can be made from a transparent material, such as polycarbonate, which may be clear or tinted.  
         [0062]    In a preferred embodiment, the panels and connectors are based on the largest practical size which a small child, such as a three year old, can manipulate and assemble with two hands. As a non-limiting example, in one embodiment short panels  40  have a length and width of eighteen (18) inches, large panels have a length of thirty-six (36) inches and a width of eighteen (18) inches and connectors  50  have height of thirteen and a half (13 ½) inches, and triangular panels  70  have a base and height of eighteen (18) inches. In this embodiment, the panels are approximately one and half (1 ½) inches thick. Base  14  has a length of forty-one (41) inches and a width of twenty-three (23) inches. Typically in this sizing, the child will only have a limited vertical reach, limiting the overall height of the assembled structure. According to this example, the typical maximum assembly height by a three-year old would be fifty-four inches.  
         [0063]    In one aspect of kit  10 , preferably the connector height differs from the length and width measurements of the panels. This ensures that one connector will be shorter (or longer) than any panel while a stack of connectors will span any joints between panel stacks within a typical child&#39;s reach without the connector joints and panel joints being aligned or having equal heights. For example, if the panel dimensions are in eighteen inch multiples and the connectors are thirteen and half inches in height, two short panels can be stacked, forming a height of thirty-six inches and a joint at eighteen inches. A stack of three connectors will have a height of forty and a half inches with joints at thirteen and half inches and twenty-seven inches. A long panel would have the same geometry without one joint. Examples of this concept are illustrated in FIGS.  3 A-C.  
         [0064]    The system of the present invention is usable by a small child without using tools or fasteners or the need for training. Typically for shipment or storage, kit  10  is placed in a self-containing arrangement with or without the wheels attached. When used by a child, the child can choose components of the system to assemble a structure as desired. Access to components can be facilitated by removing one side (FIG. 2). When assembling components, the edge portions or tabs of a panel are slidably engaged with a slot on a connector (FIGS.  3 A-B). The beveled or tapered end portions on the panel tabs and the connector slot edges facilitate the introduction of the tab into the slot and ease the sliding engagement. This creates a temporary interlocking engagement where the panel and connector cannot be disengaged except by sliding. Preferably the interlocking engagement includes sufficient “wiggle” room in the connection that the sliding engagement and dis-engagement is easily done without binding and allows the angle of the panel to the connector to be slightly adjusted as desired.  
         [0065]    For continued assembly, multiple connectors and combinations of short and long panels may be combined in vertical and horizontal arrangements to create temporary structures, examples are shown in FIGS.  3 C-D. When play activity with the kit is complete, the pieces can be efficiently dis-assembled and returned to a storage configuration.  
         [0066]    While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.