Abstract:
An imagination-rendering, organic design construction kit for a child permitting the recurrent, selective assembly and disassembly of imaginary scenes, situations, objects, creatures and personalities. Different ones of the assembly components provided in the kit of the invention are characterized variously by solid color, by translucency, by transparency and by surface ornamentation. Interconnect structures provided in the kit of the invention enables different assembly modalities, including interference interfitment, as well as tethering, banding, snaring, clinging, stitching and skewering.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    This invention relates generally to construction toy sets and particularly to the connecting elements used therein.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Construction toy sets are well known in the art and have been extremely popular with children of various ages for many years. Early construction toy sets were relatively primitive being fabricated of wooden elements in combinations of block, dowels, pins, pegs and panels. Through the years however, more modern and often more complex molded plastic construction toy sets have been developed. While the variety of construction toy sets produced by practitioners in the art is virtually endless, such construction toy sets all generally include a plurality of structural elements utilized in combination with various connecting mechanisms. The connecting mechanisms facilitate the assembly of the plural elements into a variety of generally larger structures, figures or other toys such as vehicles or the like.  
           [0003]    Construction toy sets are often endorsed and encouraged by child development experts due to the many developmental activities which they encourage. These developmental activities include the exercise of spatial relationships, geometric form recognition and manipulation, as well as structural analysis together with imagination and creativity. As will become apparent, the construction set, or kit, of the present invention introduces a very special advance in the field of providing young children with three-dimensional tools to render freely, flexibly and subtly, their developing real-life observations, and their exploratory imaginations.  
           [0004]    Not surprisingly, the long term popularity and developmental benefits provided by construction toy sets has prompted practitioners in the toy arts to develop a dizzying array of construction toy sets. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,827,177 issued to Wengel sets forth a CONSTRUCTION GAME having a plurality of generally planar elements defining reduced web sections about the edges thereof together with a plurality of somewhat resilient connectors formed to define multiple radial slots. The reduced web sections of the planar elements are receivable within the radial slots of the resilient connectors to provide interconnection and assembly of more complex structures.  
           [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,564,758 issued to Willis sets forth POLYGONAL BUILDING ELEMENTS WITH CONNECTORS THEREFOR FOR ASSEMBLING TOY STRUCTURES having variously shaped connectors such as triangles, rectangles or octagons each of which defines a plurality of inwardly extending slots for receiving inserted planar structural elements.  
           [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,855,748 issued to Thomas sets forth a PLAYGROUND ASSEMBLY SET consisting of a plurality of planar elements of at least two different sizes. One element is substantially larger than the other element and both elements define notches in strategic locations. The cooperating notches facilitate the connection between the elements to form more complex structures.  
           [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,789,370 issued to Ellefson sets forth an APPARATUS FOR INTERLOCKING STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS OF TOY DISKS having a relatively thin flat structural member defining inwardly extending notches for receiving cooperating thin flat elements. The notches define inwardly extending bosses on either side of the notches while the thin flat body defines voids on each side of the slots. The voids facilitate the expansion of the interior portion of the slots to facilitate element insertion.  
           [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,334,868 issued to Levinrad sets forth CONSTRUCTIONAL KITS having elongated connectors and cooperating panels. The elongated connectors are incapable of mutual joining but are structured to join to the panels. The elongated connectors comprise elongated bodies having longitudinal groves which receive the edge portions of the interconnecting panels in a tight fit.  
           [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,061,219 issued to Glickman sets forth a CONSTRUCTION TOY having a plurality of hub-like connectors together with a plurality of elongated structural elements. The hub-like connectors define one or more gripping sockets which cooperate with the end portions of the structural members to facilitate attachment therebetween which allows the structural members to rotate about its major axis.  
           [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,756 issued to Krog sets forth a TOY CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM having a plurality of elongated building elements each having a receiving notch at the end portion thereof. The construction set further includes a plurality of interconnecting elements each supporting a plurality of outwardly extending head structures. The head structures are fabricated to be receivable within the end notches in a snap-fit attachment.  
           [0011]    Additional examples of construction toy sets are found in US Pat. No. Des. 285,463 issued to Davis; U.S. Pat. No. 5,681,201 issued Choi; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,416B1 issued to Cleaver et al.  
           [0012]    In a somewhat related art, practitioners have endeavored to provide various structures and display enclosures formed of interconnecting combinations of panels. While the need and challenges of such structures and display enclosures is often substantially different than the corresponding needs and objectives of construction toy sets, surprisingly similar structural elements and combinations have been developed in this art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,124,958 issued to ChiChe sets forth a SPHERICAL JUNCTION ELEMENT FOR COMPOSABLE DISPLAY STRUCTURES having a body defining at least one partially spherical outside surface, at least one flat outside surface intersecting the partially spherical surface, at least one slot formed in the partially spherical surface which is perpendicular to the flat surface and which receives therein a plate-like component member.  
           [0013]    US Pat. No. Des. 277,727 issued to Klaric sets forth a CONSTRUCTION JOINT having a generally spherical body defining a plurality of inwardly extending radial slots. The body further defines an axial passage generally parallel to the slots and extending through a major diameter of the spherical body.  
           [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,687,500 issued to Silvius sets forth CONNECTING CONSTRUCTION FOR SHEET MEMBERS utilized in interconnecting mutually perpendicular materials. The connectors comprise small planar elements defining inwardly slots at ninety degree intervals. Each connector may be formed as a one piece plate of rigidly flexible and deformable material or may have one or more plates of flexible material between clamping plates of stiffer material.  
           [0015]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,365,454 issued to Davis sets forth a CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM consisting of a plurality of flat main bodies having recesses formed in the edges thereof together with a centrally hinged connecting member having opposed planar portions which fit into to recesses to provide interconnection between the flat main bodies.  
           [0016]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,004,182 issued to Pasin sets forth a TEMPORARY STRUCTURE formed of plurality of panels each having rod formations along certain edges thereof. A plurality of elongated joining devices define slots which receive the supporting rods for the panels. Connectors are utilized for receiving the respective end portions of the frame members in a interconnecting manner to form a combined structure of closure.  
           [0017]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,181 issued to Hunts and U.S. Pat. No. 5,470,139 issued to Hsiao, each set forth multiply slotted structural connectors utilized in forming combined structures having a plurality of planar elements therein.  
           [0018]    Additional structural elements for fabricating various structures such as enclosures or display cases are set forth in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,472,365 issued to Angle; 4,557,091 issued to Auer; 1,818,404 issued to Kaufman; 6,283,456B1 issued to Benz et al.; 5,222,902 issued to Piersch and 4,291,512 issued to Walton.  
           [0019]    Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 5,357,761 issued to Schauer and U.S. Pat. No. 6,176,953B1 issued to Landreth et al. each set forth methods for joining plastic material.  
           [0020]    Despite the substantial development of construction toy sets such as those described above and the related structures found in other arts also set forth above, construction toy sets remain limited by the need for balancing competing needs of simplicity and ease of assembly or disassembly on the one hand and strength and rigidity of the assembled structures on the other hand. For the most part, construction toy sets are designed to provide characteristics which are, in effect, designed compromise between these competing needs. The need for ease and simplicity of assembly or disassembly is particularly acute in construction toy sets intended for use with younger children.  
           [0021]    There arises therefore a continuing need in art for evermore improved construction toy sets, and especially such sets which couple intuitive ease of assembly and disassembly with special opportunities for subtle, yet powerful, three-dimension expression drawn from real-life experience and from roaming imagination.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0022]    One way of viewing the unique and quite special qualities and characteristics of the present invention involves, by way of analogy, thinking about what one observes in a young child&#39;s drawing that is intended to depict some person, creature, object, scene or situation. Very typically, what a young child will draw will be a very simple and non-representational sketch of the chosen subject matter. Adults typically refer to such a sketch as a child-like drawing.  
           [0023]    Importantly, such a drawing will usually contain a clear rendering of key core elements of the chosen subject matter, sketched very freely, and accurately reflecting what it is about the chosen drawing subject matter that most stands out in the child&#39;s mind. If one were to place the real-life subject matter next to such a sketch, one might readily see how the inquiring mind of the child has accurately rendered and expressed truly core features of the chosen subject matter.  
           [0024]    Very specially, the construction kit of the present invention provides such a child with a three-dimensional tool, and a capability, to do, in three-dimensional structures, essentially the same thing which one observes in a child&#39;s sketched view of creatures, personalities, objects, situations and scenes. Strongly contributing to this offered, three-dimensional capability, is the fact that a significant, varied number of the components of the invention have intentionally ambiguous and amorphous visual qualities which will allow a child to assemble a construction from his or her point of view, focusing quite naturally on the very simple but core-element recognition by the child of the modeled subject matter.  
           [0025]    Another important, contributing fact is that the componentry of the present invention does not tightly dictate and bound how things should (or need) to be brought together to produce a three-dimensional model. This condition offers a rich opportunity for a child to render, directly from his or her imagination and/or observation, a very large population of three-dimensional things. Especially enhancing this unbounding characteristic of the kit of this invention is the fact that the several joining structures proposed by the invention are very wide-ranging in operative nature, and offer a large degree of special flexibility in the rendering of personalities, creatures, objects, scenes and situations. These joining structures specifically offer joining modalities which include interference fitment between components, tethering, banding, snaring, clinging, stitching (threading) and skewering.  
           [0026]    These above-mentioned, very special qualities regarding the invention will become clearly evident from the description which now follows below when read in conjunction with the several drawings and photographs which form portions of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0027]    The features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in the several figures of which like reference numerals identify like elements. In these drawing figures, in addition to there being very clear depictions of the very wide range of special components constructed in accordance with the present invention, one will see images of constructed scenes, situations, objects, creatures and personalities that have clearly been assembled from different joined combinations of these individual kit components.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 1 sets forth a perspective view of a spherical connecting body constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 2 sets forth a top view of the spherical connecting body of FIG. 1.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 3 sets forth a side view of the spherical connecting body of FIG. 1.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 4 sets forth a section view of the spherical connecting body of FIG. 2 taken along  2 - 2  therein.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 5 sets forth a perspective view of an alternate spherical connecting body constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 6 sets forth a perspective view an elongated rod constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 7 sets forth a perspective view of a still further spherical connecting body constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 8 sets forth a top view of the spherical connecting body shown in FIG. 7.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 9 sets forth a side view of the spherical connecting body of FIG. 7.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 10 sets forth a section view of the spherical connecting body of FIG. 8 taken along section lines  10 - 10  therein.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 11 sets forth a top view of still further alternate spherical connecting body constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 12 sets forth a side view of the spherical connecting body of FIG. 11.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 13 sets forth a still further alternate spherical connecting body constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 14 sets forth a section view of the spherical connecting body of FIG. 13 taken along section lines  14 - 14  therein.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 15 sets forth a perspective view of a cubical connecting body constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 16 sets forth-a top view of the connecting body of FIG. 15.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 17 sets forth a side view of the connecting body of FIG. 15.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 18 sets forth a section view of the cubic body shown in FIG. 16 taken along section lines  18 - 18  therein.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 19 sets forth a perspective view of an alternate cubic connecting body constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 20 sets forth a top view of connecting body of FIG. 19.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 21 sets forth a side view of the connecting body of FIG. 19.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 22 sets forth a section view of the connecting body of FIG. 20 taken along section lines  22 - 22  therein.  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 23 sets forth a perspective view of a still further alternate connecting body constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 24 sets forth a top view of the connecting body shown in FIG. 23.  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 25 sets forth a section view of the connecting body shown in FIG. 24 taken along section lines  25 - 25  therein.  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 26 sets forth a perspective view of a cylindrical connecting body constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 27 sets forth a top view of the connecting body shown in FIG. 26.  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 28 sets forth a perspective view of a connecting body constructed in accordance with the present invention and having a generally nondescript shape.  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 29 sets forth a top view of an alternate generally cylindrical connecting body constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 30 sets forth a top view of a triangular connecting body constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 31 sets forth a top view of an octagonal connecting body constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 32 sets forth a perspective view of a generally rectangular planar plate constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 33 sets forth a partial section view of the plate shown in FIG. 32 taken along section lines  33 - 33  therein.  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 34 sets forth a generally circular planar plate constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 35 sets forth a partial section view of the circular plate of FIG. 34 taken along section lines  35 - 35  therein.  
         [0063]    [0063]FIG. 36 sets forth a perspective view of an alternate generally rectangular plate constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 37 sets forth a partial section view of the plate shown in FIG. 36 taken along section lines  37 - 37  therein.  
         [0065]    [0065]FIG. 38 sets forth a perspective view of a generally square structural element constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0066]    [0066]FIG. 39 sets forth a perspective view of a generally circular structural element constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0067]    [0067]FIG. 40 sets forth a perspective view of a circular segment element constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0068]    [0068]FIG. 41 sets forth a top view of a flower-petal shaped element constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0069]    [0069]FIG. 42 sets forth a top view of a somewhat elliptical element constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0070]    [0070]FIG. 43 sets forth a top view of a tear-dropped shaped element constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0071]    [0071]FIG. 44 sets forth a top view of a triangular element constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0072]    [0072]FIG. 45 sets forth a top view of an arm-shaped element constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0073]    [0073]FIG. 46 sets forth a top view of a leg-shaped element constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0074]    [0074]FIG. 47 sets forth a partial section view of the element shown in FIG. 40 taken along section lines  47 - 47  therein.  
         [0075]    [0075]FIG. 48 sets forth a perspective view of an alternate plate member defining a generally semi-cylindrical shape and constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0076]    [0076]FIG. 49 sets forth a perspective view of a further alternate plate member constructed in accordance with the present invention and defining a generally one-quarter cylindrical shape.  
         [0077]    [0077]FIG. 50 sets forth a partial section view of a connecting body and plate member constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0078]    [0078]FIG. 51 sets forth the partial section view of the connecting body and plate member shown in FIG. 50 following a typical insertion of the plate member into the connecting body.  
         [0079]    [0079]FIG. 52 sets forth a partial section view of an alternate plate member inserted into a connected body constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0080]    [0080]FIG. 53 sets forth a partial section view of a still further alternate embodiment plate member inserted into a connecting body constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0081]    [0081]FIG. 54 sets forth a partial section view of a plate member and alternate embodiment connecting body of the present invention prior to insertion.  
         [0082]    [0082]FIG. 55 sets forth the partial section view of FIG. 54 following insertion of the plate member into the connecting body.  
         [0083]    [0083]FIG. 56 sets forth a perspective view of a typical complex structure fabricated utilizing the present invention construction toy set.  
         [0084]    [0084]FIG. 57 sets forth a perspective assembly view of a typical figure fabricated and constructed in accordance with the present invention construction toy set.  
         [0085]    [0085]FIG. 58 sets forth a partial section view of the head and connecting spherical body portion of the Figure formed in FIG. 57.  
         [0086]    [0086]FIG. 59 sets forth a perspective view of an assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention to form a mobile.  
         [0087]    [0087]FIG. 60 sets forth a perspective view of an assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention to form a jewelry article.  
         [0088]    [0088]FIGS. 100 and 101 are color photographs of two different sets of components in a pair of design craft kits constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0089]    FIGS.  102 - 109 , inclusive, are color photographs illustrating various sea form themes constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0090]    FIGS.  110 - 117 , inclusive, are color photographs illustrating various house-form scenes constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0091]    FIGS.  118 - 123 , inclusive, are color photographs illustrating various miscellaneous-form scenes constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0092]    FIGS.  124 - 131 , inclusive, are color photographs illustrating various personalities and creatures constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0093]    FIGS.  132 - 134 , inclusive, are color photographs illustrating personalities along with fragmentary scenes of locations and situations, all constructed from kit components made in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0094]    [0094]FIGS. 135 and 136 are color photographs illustrating personalities mounted on, and with respect to, a creature and an object, respectively, and all constructed from design kit components made in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0095]    FIGS.  137 - 146 , inclusive, are color photographs illustrating various forms, creatures, objects and partial scenes constructed from design kit components made in accordance with the present invention. These figures show the following: FIG. 137 (snared, hanging free-form creature); FIGS.  138 - 139  (fragmentary sea scenes); FIG. 140 (fragmentary flower and bumble bee scene); FIG. 141 (desk/chair set); FIG. 142 (stylized wheeled object); FIG. 143 (stylized picture-frame structure); FIG. 144 (snared, suspended free-form object and adjacent structure); FIG. 145 (key chain); and FIG. 146 (bracelet).  
         [0096]    [0096]FIG. 147 is a color photograph of a stylized hand bag made with a component look related to design kit components made in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0097]    FIGS.  148 - 151 , inclusive, are color photographs of packaging associated with the design construction kit components of the present invention.  
         [0098]    [0098]FIGS. 152 and 153 are side and end views, respectively, of an elongate wand form constructed in accordance with the invention.  
         [0099]    [0099]FIGS. 154 and 155 are, respectively, side and end views of a transparent/translucent, elongate wand form made in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0100]    [0100]FIG. 156 is a fragmentary, wide-side elevation of an elongate, flexible strand form made in accordance with the invention.  
         [0101]    [0101]FIG. 157 is a view taken generally from the bottom side of FIG. 156.  
         [0102]    [0102]FIG. 158 is an environmental-situation view, illustrating the strand form of FIGS. 156 and 157 deployed in a condition where in it possesses: (a) a tethering knot; (b) a snaring loop; and (c) a section which is shown threaded through a hole or aperture provided in a flat, blade-like component pictured in dashed lines.  
         [0103]    [0103]FIGS. 159 and 160 are perspective and plan views, respectively, of a tri-curve serpentine form constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0104]    [0104]FIGS. 161 and 162 are perspective and plan views, respectively, of an asymmetric, tri-curve form made in accordance with the invention.  
         [0105]    [0105]FIGS. 163 and 164 are, respectively, perspective and plan views of an elongate, serpentine worm form constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0106]    [0106]FIGS. 165 and 166 are perspective and plan views, respectively, of an elongate, transparent/translucent, serpentine worm form built in accordance with the invention.  
         [0107]    [0107]FIG. 167 is a perspective view of a single-axis-curved, rectangular, scoop form constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0108]    [0108]FIG. 168 is an edge view (somewhat rotated) taken generally from the top side of FIG. 167.  
         [0109]    [0109]FIG. 169 is a concave-side plan view of the structure of FIGS. 167 and 168.  
         [0110]    [0110]FIG. 170 is a perspective view of a transparent/translucent, single-axis-curved form, with serpentine edge constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0111]    [0111]FIG. 171 is an edge view (somewhat rotated) taken generally from the top side of FIG. 170.  
         [0112]    [0112]FIG. 172 is a concave side plan view of the component pictured in FIGS. 170 and 171.  
         [0113]    [0113]FIGS. 173 and 174 are, respectively, perspective and plan views of an asymmetric palate form built in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0114]    [0114]FIGS. 175 and 176 are perspective and plan views, respectively, of a transparent/translucent, stylized spool form with spaced through-holes constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0115]    [0115]FIGS. 177 and 178 are, respectively, perspective and plan views of a stylized spool form, with spaced through-holes, made in accordance with the invention.  
         [0116]    [0116]FIGS. 179 and 180 are perspective and plan views, respectively, of a rounded-corner, one-quarter circle form made in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0117]    [0117]FIGS. 181 and 182 are perspective and plan views, respectively, of a transparent/translucent, rounded-corner, one-quarter circle form built in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0118]    [0118]FIGS. 183 and 184 are, respectively, perspective and plan views of a rounded-corner, semi-circle form prepared in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0119]    [0119]FIGS. 185 and 186 are perspective and plan views, respectively, of a rounded-corner, square form with center through-hole made in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0120]    [0120]FIGS. 187 and 188 are perspective and plan views, respectively, of a rounded-corner, square form made in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0121]    [0121]FIGS. 189 and 190 are, respectively, perspective and plan views of a transparent/translucent, rounded-corner, square form constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0122]    [0122]FIGS. 191 and 192 are perspective and plan views, respectively, of a rounded-corner, rectangular form built in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0123]    [0123]FIGS. 193 and 194 are, respectively, perspective and plan views of a rounded-corner, right-triangle form made in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0124]    [0124]FIGS. 195 and 196 are perspective and plan views, respectively, of a four-petal, flower form with center through-hole built in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0125]    [0125]FIGS. 197 and 198 are, respectively, perspective and plan views of a five-petal, flower form with center through-hole made in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0126]    [0126]FIGS. 199 and 200 are perspective and plan views, respectively, of a sixteen-petal, flower form with center through-hole built in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0127]    [0127]FIGS. 201 and 202 are, respectively, perspective and plan views of a twenty-four-petal, flower form with center through-hole constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0128]    [0128]FIGS. 203 and 204 are, respectively, perspective and plan views of a quarter-circle, petal form made in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0129]    [0129]FIGS. 205 and 206 are perspective and plan views, respectively, of a four-bladed, grass form made in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0130]    [0130]FIGS. 207 and 208 illustrate, in perspective and plan views, respectively, a leaf form made in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0131]    [0131]FIGS. 209 and 210 show, respectively, in perspective and plan views, a leaf form with through-hole constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0132]    [0132]FIGS. 211 and 212 are perspective and plan views, respectively, of a transparent/translucent, tear-drop form built in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0133]    [0133]FIGS. 213 and 214 are perspective and plan views, respectively, of a tear-drop form made in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0134]    [0134]FIGS. 215 and 216 are, respectively, plan and perspective views of a tear-drop form with through-hole made in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0135]    [0135]FIGS. 217 and 218 are, respectively, perspective and plan views of a five-point, star form with center through-hole made in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0136]    [0136]FIGS. 219 and 220 illustrate, in perspective and plan views, respectively, an amorphous, five-point, star form with central through-hole built in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0137]    [0137]FIGS. 221 and 222 illustrate, respectively, in perspective and plan views, an amorphous, five-point, star form constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0138]    [0138]FIGS. 223 and 224 show, respectively, in perspective and plan views, a transparent/translucent, amorphous, five-point, star form built in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0139]    [0139]FIGS. 225 and 226 show, in perspective and plan views, respectively, an amorphous form I made in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0140]    [0140]FIGS. 227 and 228 show, in perspective and plan views, respectively, an amorphous form II made in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0141]    [0141]FIGS. 229 and 230 illustrate, respectively, in perspective and plan views, a rounded-point, cross form constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0142]    [0142]FIGS. 231 and 232 depict, in perspective and plan views, respectively, an asymmetric, fin form with single-side surface decoration constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0143]    [0143]FIGS. 233 and 234 show, in perspective and plan views, respectively, an amorphous, asymmetric fin-form, with single-side surface decoration built in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0144]    [0144]FIGS. 235 and 236 show, in perspective and plan views, respectively, an amorphous form with single-side surface decoration built in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0145]    [0145]FIGS. 237 and 238 show perspective and plan views, respectively, of an arm-and-hand form constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0146]    [0146]FIGS. 239 and 240 show, in perspective and plan views, respectively, an arm-and-hand form with central through-hole built in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0147]    [0147]FIGS. 241 and 242 illustrate, in perspective and plan views, a hand form with through-hole made in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0148]    [0148]FIGS. 243 and 244 show, respectively, in perspective and plan views, a leg form made in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0149]    [0149]FIGS. 245 and 246 present perspective and plan views, respectively, of a heart form with accentric through-hole constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0150]    [0150]FIGS. 247 and 248 picture, in perspective and plan views, respectively, a transparent/translucent, amorphous, heart form fabricated in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0151]    [0151]FIGS. 249 and 250 show, respectively, in perspective and plan views, an amorphous, asymmetric, fin form built in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0152]    FIGS.  251 - 254 , inclusive, illustrate a diving helmet form made in accordance with the present invention, with FIG. 251 presenting a perspective view, FIG. 252 a right-side elevation, FIG. 253 a front elevation, and FIG. 254 a bottom plan view, of that form.  
         [0153]    FIGS.  255 - 258 , inclusive, illustrate a helmet form with upper facial features constructed in accordance with the present invention, and wherein FIG. 255 presents a perspective view, FIG. 256 a right-side elevation, FIG. 257 a front elevation, and FIG. 258 a bottom plan view, of that form.  
         [0154]    FIGS.  259 - 262 , inclusive, picture a helmet form with upper, frontal, head-facial features including ears fabricated in accordance with the present invention, and wherein FIG. 259 is a perspective view, FIG. 260 a right-side elevation, FIG. 261 a front elevation, and FIG. 262 a bottom plan view of that helmet form.  
         [0155]    [0155]FIGS. 263 and 264 are perspective and plan views, respectively, of the decorated side of a single-side-decorated, cling-appliqué, door form made in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0156]    [0156]FIGS. 265 and 266 are, respectively, perspective and plan views of the decorated side of a single-side-decorated, cling-appliqué, round-window form made in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0157]    [0157]FIGS. 267 and 268 illustrate, respectively, in perspective and plan views, the decorated side of a single-side-decorated, cling-appliqué, square-window form built in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0158]    [0158]FIGS. 269 and 270 are perspective and plan views, respectively, of the decorated side of a single-side-decorated, cling-appliqué, awning form constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0159]    [0159]FIGS. 271 and 272 picture, in perspective and plan views, respectively, the decorated side of a single-side-decorated, cling-appliqué, window-shade form made in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0160]    [0160]FIGS. 273 and 274 are, respectively, perspective and plan views of the decorated side of a single-side-decorated, cling-appliqué, window-drape form I constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0161]    [0161]FIGS. 275 and 276 show, in perspective and plan views, respectively, the decorated side of a single-side-decorated, cling-appliqué window-drape form II made in accordance with the invention.  
         [0162]    [0162]FIGS. 277 and 278 are perspective and plan views, respectively, of the decorated side of a single-side-decorated, cling-appliqué, four-petal, flower form fabricated in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0163]    [0163]FIGS. 279 and 280 are, respectively, perspective and plan illustrations of the decorated side of single-side-decorated, cling-appliqué, flower-pot form made in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0164]    FIGS.  281 - 283 , inclusive, present a perspective view, a side elevation taken from the lower side of FIG. 281, and a plan view taken from the top side of FIG. 282, of a waist-band form with central through-hole made in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0165]    [0165]FIGS. 284 and 285 are perspective and plan views, respectively, showing a joined, double-oval block form, with central through-hole, constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0166]    [0166]FIGS. 286 and 287 illustrate, in perspective and plan views, respectively, a peanut-cross-section, block form, with central through-hole, fabricated in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0167]    [0167]FIG. 288- 291 , inclusive, illustrate, respectively, a perspective view, a front elevation, a rear elevation, and a plan view taken from the bottom side of FIG. 289, of a side-wave-styled hair form made in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0168]    FIGS.  292 - 294  are, respectively, a perspective view, a side elevation, and a bottom plan views of a rising-curl-style, hair-wave form made in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0169]    FIGS.  295 - 297 , inclusive, are, respectively, perspective, side elevation, and bottom plan views of a double-rise, hair-wave form fabricated in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0170]    FIGS.  298 - 300 , inclusive, present, respectively, a perspective view, a side elevation and a bottom plan view, of a crown form made in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0171]    FIGS.  301 - 303 , inclusive, present in perspective, side elevation, and bottom plan views, respectively, a high-rise, bun-hair-style form built in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0172]    FIGS.  304 - 306 , inclusive, present a perspective view, a side elevation, and a bottom plan view, respectively, of a low-rise, bun-hair-style form made in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0173]    FIGS.  307 - 309 , inclusive, present, respectively, a perspective view, a side elevation, and a bottom plan view of a flame-and-bow, hair-style form fabricated in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0174]    FIGS.  310 - 313 , inclusive, show, respectively, a perspective view, a side elevation taken from the upper left portion of FIG. 310, a side elevation taken from the lower right side of FIG. 311, and a plan view taken from the bottom of FIG. 312, of a tri-wave, hair-style form constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0175]    FIGS.  314 - 317 , inclusive, present a perspective view, a side elevation taken from the upper left side of FIG. 314, a side elevation taken from the right side of FIG. 315, and a plan view taken from the bottom of FIG. 316, of a high-rise, single-wave hair-style form made in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0176]    FIGS.  318 - 320  present, respectively, in a perspective view, a side elevation, and a bottom plan view, a top-hat form made in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0177]    FIGS.  321 - 323 , inclusive, illustrate, in perspective view, in side elevation, and in a bottom plan view, a bonnet form made in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0178]    [0178]FIGS. 324 and 325 are, respectively, perspective and plan views of a slotted block cube form with central through-hole made in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0179]    [0179]FIGS. 326 and 327 show perspective and plan views, respectively, of a corner-slotted, block cube form with central through-hole formed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0180]    [0180]FIGS. 328 and 329 show, respectively, a perspective view and a plan view, of a complex, side-slotted, block cube form with central through-hole made in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0181]    [0181]FIGS. 330 and 331 show, respectively, in perspective and plan views, a twin-slotted sphere form, with central through-hole, built in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0182]    [0182]FIGS. 332 and 333 are perspective and plan views, respectively, of a four-slotted, sphere form with central through-hole constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0183]    [0183]FIGS. 334 and 335 are, respectively, perspective and plan views of a complex-twin-slotted, sphere form, with central through-hole, fabricated in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0184]    [0184]FIGS. 336 and 337 are, respectively, perspective and plan views, of a complex, four-slotted, sphere form, with central through-hole, made in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0185]    By way of overview, the descriptive material set forth below in conjunction with FIGS. 1 through 58 presents various elements of the invention construction toy set alone and in combination. The present invention includes a plurality of variously shaped, somewhat resilient connecting bodies each defining one or more slots, or other structural configurations, which receive generally planar elements and members. The connecting bodies may be fabricated in virtually any solid shape and are shown by way of example as defining spherical shapes in FIGS. 1 through 4 and  7  through  14 . Further example is found in rectangular and cubic shaped connecting bodies shown in FIGS. 15 through 25 while cylindrically shaped connecting bodies are illustrated in FIGS. 26, 27 and  29 . A generally nondescript shaped connecting body is shown by way of further example in FIG. 28. A connecting body defining a triangular prism is shown in FIG. 30 while a connecting body defining an octagonal prism is illustrated in FIG. 31. Various examples of differently shaped connecting plates and members are shown in FIGS. 32 through 47 while curved members and plates are shown in FIGS. 48 and 49.  
         [0186]    The plates and members may be joined to form more elaborate structures using the connecting bodies. Basic assembly is provided by insertion of the edges of the plates or members into the connecting body slots. The novel gripping mechanisms operable within the connecting body slots upon the edge portions of the plates and planar members provide simultaneous ease of insertion and reliable secure attachment in accordance with an important aspect of the present invention. Examples of the insertion and attachment mechanisms thus provided are shown in FIGS. 50 through 55. FIG. 56 sets forth an example of a somewhat elaborate fabricated constructed using the present invention construction toy set while a representative example of a toy figure structure also constructed utilizing the present invention construction toy set is shown in FIGS. 57 and 58.  
         [0187]    More specifically, FIG. 1 sets forth a perspective view of a spherically shaped connecting body constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numeral  10 . Connecting body  10  is preferably formed of a somewhat resilient material and defines an outer surface  11  together with a passage  12 . Passage  12  extends entirely through connecting body  10  and defines an axis  17  of spherically shaped connecting body  10 . Connecting body  10  further defines a slot  13  extending inwardly from surface  11  and terminating in an internal oversized undercut portion  15 . Connecting body  10  further defines a second slot  14  positioned oppositely from slot  13  and extending inwardly from surface  11 . An undercut  16  is formed at the interior portion of slot  14 . In accordance with the fabrication method set forth below, slots  13  and  14  are utilized in receiving the edge portions of connecting plates such as plate  310  shown in FIG. 32 in a secure insertion. Undercuts  15  and  16  cooperate during plate insertion to provide for flexing of connecting body  10  to accommodate the plate insertion. The fabrication method of the present invention construction set is set forth below in FIGS. 50 through 55 in greater detail. However, suffice it to note here, that the resilient material from which connecting body  10  is formed together with the structures of slots  13  and  14  and undercut portions  15  and  16  cooperate to facilitate secure attachment with ease of insertion and a minimum of insertion force. Additionally, passage  12  is utilized in receiving an elongated rod such as rod  30  shown in FIG. 6 to provide further structural fabrication accommodating elements such as fabricated toy FIG. 430 shown in FIG. 57.  
         [0188]    [0188]FIG. 2 sets forth a top view of connecting body  10  showing a spherical outer surface  11  having a passage  12  extending downwardly therethrough. Connecting body  10  further defines a pair of opposed inwardly extending slots  13  and  14  each terminating in interior undercut portions  15  and  16 .  
         [0189]    [0189]FIG. 3 sets forth a side elevation view of connecting body  10  showing spherical surface  11  and slot  13  having undercut  15  formed therein.  
         [0190]    [0190]FIG. 4 sets forth a section view of connecting body  10  taken along  4 - 4  in FIG. 2. As described above, connecting body  10  defines a generally spherical outer surface and a passage  12  extending along major axis  17  of the connecting body. In the preferred fabrication of the present invention, connecting body  10  is shown of a single molded solid body of material. The material selected for connecting body  10  is chosen to provide sufficient rigidity and strength to support a portion of a combined structure of which connecting body  10  might form a portion such as the fabricated structure shown in FIG. 56. Additionally, the material from which connecting body  10  is fabricated is also preferably sufficiently resilient to provide the above described deformation necessary to receive an inserted plate member within the connecting body slots.  
         [0191]    [0191]FIG. 5 sets forth a perspective view of an alternative spherical connecting body generally referenced by numeral  20 . Connecting body  20  differs from connecting body  10  in that it omits slots  13  and  14 . Thus, connecting body  20  provides a generally continuous outer surface  21  together with a defined axially passage  22  extending through major axis  23 . The functionally operation of a connecting body such as connecting body  20  is limited to the insertion of a suitable element such as rod  30  (seen in FIG. 6) into or through passage  22 .  
         [0192]    [0192]FIG. 6 sets forth a perspective view of an elongated generally cylindrical rod  30  having end portions  31  and  32 . Rod  30  may be utilized in the present invention construction toy set to fabricate portions of structures in the manner set forth below in FIG. 57.  
         [0193]    [0193]FIG. 7 sets forth a perspective view of a still further alternate fabrication of a connecting body constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numeral  40 . Connecting body  40  is generally similar to connecting body  10  with the primary difference being found in the provision of four radially extending slots rather than the two opposed slots shown in connecting body  10 . Thus, connecting body  40  defines a generally spherical outer surface  41  and a passage  42  extending through the connecting body. A plurality of radially extending slots  43  and  44 ,  45  and  46  extend inwardly from spherical surface  41  and terminate in respective enlarged undercut portions  47 ,  48 ,  49  and  50 . The fabrication of connecting body  40  is again preferably formed of a somewhat resilient material such as molded plastic or the like. The operation of slots  43  through  46  is also utilized in receiving one or more planar members or plates in the fabrication of more complex structures. Passage  42  serves the purpose of receiving all or a portion of a cylindrical member such as rod  30  (seen in FIG. 6).  
         [0194]    [0194]FIG. 8 sets forth a top view of connecting body  40  showing spherical surface  41  together with inwardly extending slots  43  through  46  each of which defines respective enlarged undercut portions  47  through  50 . A passage  42  extends through connecting body  40 .  
         [0195]    [0195]FIG. 9 sets forth a side elevation view of connecting body  40  showing spherical outer shape  41  and inwardly extending slot  43 . Slot  43  terminates in an enlarged undercut portion  47 .  
         [0196]    [0196]FIG. 10 sets forth a section view of body  40  taken along section lines  10 - 10  in FIG. 8. As described above, connecting body  40  defines a generally spherical outer surface  41  together with a passage  42  extending through the entirety of the connecting body. Connecting body  40  further defines a plurality of inwardly extending slots such as slots  44  and  46  which in turn terminate in enlarged undercut portions  48  and  50 .  
         [0197]    It will be apparent by comparison of connecting body  40  and connecting body  10  (seen in FIG. 1) that the substantial difference found between the connecting bodies is the ability of connecting body  40  to accommodate a total of four inserted plate members while connecting body  10  is suitable for receiving a pair of plate members. In each case however, it will be apparent that the coupling mechanism is virtually the same and is found in the combination of the material resilience and strength characteristics together with the physical structure of the slot and undercut portions.  
         [0198]    [0198]FIG. 11 sets forth a top view of a still further alternate fabrication of a connecting body generally referenced by numeral  60 . Connecting body  60  is similar to connecting bodies  10  and  40  (seen in FIGS. 1 and 7) in that it provides a generally spherical surface  61  and an axially passage  62  extending through the entirety of the connecting body. Connecting body  60  differs from connecting bodies  10  and  40  described above however in the provision of a further improved slot structure. The slot structure provided in body  60  utilizes a novel undercut and rib combination to enhance the gripping and strength characteristics of the connecting body. Once again, connecting body  60  is preferably formed of a somewhat rigid and somewhat resilient material such as molded plastic or the like.  
         [0199]    Connecting body  60  includes a pair of opposed inwardly extending slots  63  and  69  which terminate in respective enlarged undercuts  64  and  70 . Additionally, slot  63  defines a pair of relief slots  65  and  66  on either side of slot  63  which combined with slot  63  to form a pair of ribs  67  and  68 . Ribs  67  and  68  together with undercut  64  cooperate with relief slots  65  and  66  to provide flexible attachment for the edge portion of a connecting plate in the manner set forth below in FIGS. 54 and 55. Suffice it to note here, that ribs  67  and  68  are able to flex outwardly due to the provision of relief slots  65  and  66  without deformation of the remainder of connecting body  60 .  
         [0200]    Similarly, slot  69  terminates an enlarged undercut  70  and includes relief slots  71  and  72  on each side of slot  69 . A pair of flexible connecting ribs  73  and  74  is thereby formed. Once again ribs  73  and  74  are capable of flexing due to the presence of relief slots  71  and  72  without causing substantial deformation of the remainder of connecting body  60 . Once again, this connecting mechanism is set forth below in FIGS. 54 and 55 in greater detail. However, suffice it to note here, that the edge portion of a plate member may be inserted into either slot  63  or slot  69  without deforming the remainder of connecting body  60 . Stated otherwise, this means that the insertion of a plate member edge within slot  63  is not influenced in its insertion force by the presence or absence of a corresponding edge portion of a plate member within slot  69 . In this manner, the insertion force for slots  63  and  69  remains substantially uniform regardless of the presence of other plate members within the connecting body. This is particularly important in connecting bodies such as connecting body  80  shown in FIG. 13 which utilize a greater plurality of connecting slots and thereby accommodate a greater number of plate members.  
         [0201]    [0201]FIG. 12 sets forth a side view of connecting body  60 . To ease the fabrication of connecting body  60 , the connecting body is fabricated of a pair of hemispherical half portion  75  and  76  which are separately formed and thereafter joined along a seam  77 . Hemispherical portion  75  and  76  may be joined utilizing various known manufacturing methods. One example of one such attachment is set forth below in FIG. 14, which is illustrative of a fabrication method which utilizes sonic welding to secure the half portions. Alternatively, half portions  75  and  76  may be joined utilizing other fabrication method such as adhesive attachment or the like. The important aspect with respect to the present invention is the resulting formation of the generally spherical connecting body. As described above, connecting body  60  defines a slot  63  terminating an enlarged undercut  64 . As is also described above, a pair of relief slots  65  and  66  are formed on either side of slot  63  to produce flexible ribs  67  and  68 .  
         [0202]    [0202]FIG. 13 sets forth a top view of a still further alternate connecting body constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numeral  80 . Connecting body  80  defines a generally spherical outer surface  81  together with a passage  85  extending downwardly through the entirety of connecting body  80 . Connecting body  80  further defines a plurality of inwardly extending slots  86 ,  87 ,  88  and  89 . Slots  86  through  89  terminate in respective enlarged undercuts  90  through  93 . A pair of relief slots  94  and  95  are formed on either side of slot  86  to form a pair of flexible ribs  96  and  97 . Similarly, a pair of relief slots  98  and  99  are formed on each side of slot  87  to form a pair of flexible ribs  100  and  101 . A pair of relief slots  102  and  103  are formed on each side of slot  88  to form flexible ribs  104  and  105  while a pair of relief slots  106  and  107  are formed on each side of slot  89  to form flexible ribs  108  and  109 .  
         [0203]    As mentioned above, the connecting mechanism provided by the combination of inwardly extending slots, relief slots, and flexible ribs shown in connecting bodies such as connecting body  80  is set forth below in FIGS. 54 and 55 in greater detail. However, suffice it to note here that as is also mentioned above, the provision of flexible ribs on each side of the connecting slot allows the flexing of the slot to accommodate insertion of the edge portion of a plate member without causing the deformation of the remainder of the connecting body. Thus, connecting body  80  generally retains its spherical shape regardless of whether one or more plate members are inserted into one or more connecting slots in fabricating a more complex structure. This in turn yields a very important advantage of the present invention structure by which the insertion force necessary to insert the edge portion of a plate member into a given slot remains relatively constant regardless of whether the remaining slots are empty or have already received an inserted plate member. This in turn provides a more reliable insertion force which accommodates younger children and allows the fabricator of the present invention construction toy set to more accurately and consistently provide the desired insertion force characteristics for the connecting body and plate members.  
         [0204]    [0204]FIG. 14 sets forth a section view of connecting body  80  taken along section lines  14 - 14  in FIG. 13. As described above, connecting body  80  is generally spherical in shape and thus defines a generally spherical outer surface  81 . In similarity to connecting body  60  set forth above in FIG. 12, connecting body  80  is formed of a pair of generally symmetrical hemispherical portions  82  and  83 . Hemispherical portions  82  and  83  meet along a seam  84  and are secured utilizing ultrasonic welding or other fabrication techniques. Hemispherical portion  82  defines a recess  110  while hemispherical portion  83  defines a correspondingly shaped boss  111 . Boss  111  and recess  110  are configured and shaped to provide the nesting attachment shown in FIG. 14. Because ultrasonic welding is used in securing half portions  82  and  83 , an energy concentrator  112  fabricated in accordance with conventional fabrication techniques is formed upon boss  111  to facilitate this attachment. The remainder of connecting body  80  includes a passage  85  extending through the entire connecting body together with inwardly extending slots  87  and  89  terminating in respective undercut portions  91  and  93 .  
         [0205]    [0205]FIG. 15 sets forth a perspective view of a still further alternate connecting body constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numeral  120 . Connecting body  120  defines a generally cubical body  121  having a passage  122  extending downwardly through the entirety of body  121 . Body  121  further defines a plurality of inwardly extending slots  123 ,  124 ,  125  and  126  terminating in respective enlarged undercuts  127 ,  128 ,  129  and  130 . Slots  123  through  126  correspond generally to slots  43  through  46  of connecting body  40  (seen in FIG. 8). Thus, slots  123  through  126  may be utilized in receiving the edge portions of plate members in the manner set forth below in FIGS. 50 through 53. In addition, passage  122  is utilized in receiving an elongated cylindrical member such as rod  30  seen in FIG. 6. In its preferred fabrication, body  121  is formed of a somewhat resilient rigid material such as molded plastic or the like. It will be noted that apart from the cubic shape of body  121 , connecting body  120  functions in substantially the same manner as the spherically shaped body set forth above in greater detail. In addition, illustration of the use of connecting bodies such as connecting body  120  is set forth below in FIGS. 56 and 57.  
         [0206]    [0206]FIG. 16 sets forth a top view of connecting body  120 . As described above, connecting body  120  defines a generally cubic body  121  formed of a suitable molded plastic material or the like. In addition, as is also described above, body  121  defines inwardly extending slots  123  through  126  each terminating in enlarged undercut portions  127  through  130 . As described above, enlarged undercuts such as undercuts  127  through  130  facilitate the insertion of the edge portions of plate members into slots  123  through  126 . Basically, the enlarged dimension of enlarged undercuts  127  through  130  facilitates the flexing of body  121  as the surfaces of notches  123  through  126  are forced outwardly by plate member insertion. In addition, and as is better set forth below in FIGS.  50  through  53 , the enlarged dimensions of the undercut portions facilitate additional attachment security in cooperation with various edge structures of the plate members.  
         [0207]    [0207]FIG. 17 sets forth a side elevation view of connecting body  120 . As described above, connecting body  120  includes a cubic body  121  preferably formed of a molded plastic material or the like which defines a plurality of inwardly extending slots such as slot  123  shown in FIG. 17.  
         [0208]    [0208]FIG. 18 sets forth a section view of connecting body  120  taken along section lines  18 - 18  in FIG. 16. Connecting body  120  describes a generally cubic shape and thus includes a cubic body  121  preferably formed of a molded plastic material or the like. Connecting body  120  includes inwardly extending slots  124  and  126  terminating in respective enlarged undercut portions  128  and  130 . In addition, connecting body  120  includes a passage  122  extending through cubic body  121 . It will be recalled that passage  122  is preferably sized to receive a portion of an elongated rod such as rod  30  seen in FIG. 6.  
         [0209]    [0209]FIG. 19 sets forth a perspective view of a still further alternate connecting body constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numeral  140 . Connecting body  140  is generally cubic in shape and differs from connecting body  120  (seen in FIG. 15) in that the plurality of inwardly extending slots formed therein is oriented to correspond to the diagonal of the cubic body. More specifically, connecting body  140  includes a cubic body  141  preferably formed of a molded plastic material or the like which defines a downwardly extending passage  142  therein. At the corner portions of cubic body  141 , a corresponding plurality of inwardly extending slots  143 ,  144 ,  145  and  146  are formed. Slots  143  through  146  terminate in enlarged undercut portions  147 ,  148 ,  149  and  150  respectively.  
         [0210]    [0210]FIG. 20 sets forth a top view of connecting body  140 . As described above, connecting body  140  includes a molded plastic cubic body  141  having a downwardly extending passage  142  formed therein. Extending inwardly from each of the corners of cubic body  141  is a plurality of slots  143 ,  144 ,  145  and  146 . Slots  143  through  146  terminate in enlarged undercut portions  147  through  150  respectively. As mentioned above, cubic body  141  is preferably formed of a somewhat resilient molded plastic material or the like.  
         [0211]    [0211]FIG. 21 sets forth a side elevation view of connecting body  140 , having a cubic body  141  defining a slot  143  therein. Slot  143  terminates in an enlarged undercut portion  147 .  
         [0212]    [0212]FIG. 22 sets forth a section view of connecting body  140  taken along section lines  22 - 22  in FIG. 20. As described above, connecting body  140  defines a cubic body  141  preferably formed of a molded plastic resilient material or the like. Cubic body  141  defines a passage  142  extending therethrough together with a plurality of inwardly extending slots such as slots  144  and  146 . Slots  144  and  146  terminate in enlarged undercut portions  148  and  150 . The attachment of the edge portions of plate members within the slots of connecting body  140  is illustrated in FIGS. 50 through 53. Suffice it to note here that the resilience of cubic body  141  together with the structure of inwardly extending slots and enlarged undercut portions facilitates this insertion and provides a securing force upon an inserted plate member.  
         [0213]    [0213]FIG. 23 sets forth a perspective view of a still further alternate connecting body constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numeral  160 . Connecting body  160  is similar in its cubic shape to connecting body  120  (seen in FIG. 15) with the addition of an improved slot structure. Connecting body  160  includes a cubic body  161  formed of half portions  162  and  163 . A plurality of inwardly extending slots  165 ,  166 ,  167  and  168  are formed in cubic body  161 . The structure of slots  165  through  168  is set forth below in FIG. 24 in greater detail. However, suffice it to note here, that slots  165  through  168  utilize an improved slot structure similar and analogous to the structure of slots  86  through  89  in the spherical embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 13. This improved structure facilitates insertion of the edge portions of plate members into each slot without causing deformation of the remainder of cubic body  161 .  
         [0214]    [0214]FIG. 24 sets forth a top view of connecting body  160 . Connecting body  160  is formed of half portions  162  and  163  (seen in FIG. 23) secured in the manner set forth below in FIG. 25. Connecting body  160  defines a passage  164  extending downwardly through half portions  162  and  163 . In addition, connecting body  160  defines a plurality of inwardly extending slots  165 ,  166 ,  167  and  168 . Slots  165  through  168  terminate in enlarged undercut portions  170  through  173  respectively. A pair of relief slots  175  and  176  are formed on each side of slot  165  to define flexible ribs  185  and  186 . Similarly, a pair of relief slots  177  and  178  are formed on each side of slot  166  to form flexible ribs  187  and  188 . In a similar fashion, a pair of relief slots  179  and  180  are formed on each side of slot  167  to form flexible ribs  221  and  222  while a pair of relief slots  181  and  182  are formed on each side of slot  168  to form flexible ribs  223  and  224 . The resulting structure of connecting body  160  functions in substantially the same manner as connecting body  80  set forth above in FIG. 13 in that a plurality of edge portions of plate members such as plate member  310  seen in FIG. 32 may be inserted into any or all of slots  165  through  168  without causing significant deformation of the remainder of connecting body  160 . The operation of the flexible ribs adjacent each slot is set forth below in FIGS. 54 and 55 in greater detail. However, suffice it to note here that in each slot the flexible rib pairs are capable of flexing outwardly to receive the edge portions of inserted plate members and to provide a maintaining force thereupon. It is important to note that this flexing the flexible rib pair adjacent each slot does not deform the remainder of connecting body  160 .  
         [0215]    [0215]FIG. 25 sets forth a section view of connecting body  160  taken along section lines  25 - 25  of FIG. 24. Connecting body  160  is formed of half portions  162  and  163  joined along a common seam  169  to form a cubic body. Half portion  162  defines a recess  183  while half portions  163  defines a correspondingly shaped and sized boss  184  received therein. Attachment between half portions  162  and  163  may be secured utilizing ultrasonic welding or other well known attachment apparatus such as adhesive or chemical bonding or the like. Connecting body  160  defines a passage  164  extending therethrough together with a plurality of inwardly extending slots such as slots  166  and  168 . Slots  166  and  168  terminate in enlarged undercut portions  171  and  173  respectively. In the preferred fabrication of connecting body  160 , half portions  162  and  163  are fabricated of a resilient material such as molded plastic or the like.  
         [0216]    [0216]FIG. 26 sets forth a perspective view of a still further alternate connecting body constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numeral  190 . Connecting body  190  includes a generally cylindrical body  191  defining a passage  192  extending downwardly through the entirety of body  191 : In addition, cylindrical body  191  defines a plurality of inwardly extending slots  193 ,  194 ,  195  and  196 . Slots  193  through  196  terminate in enlarged undercut portions  197  through  200  respectively. In the preferred fabrication of connecting body  190  cylindrical body  191  is fabricated of a resilient molded plastic material or the like.  
         [0217]    [0217]FIG. 27 sets forth a top view of connecting body  190 . As described above, connecting body  190  includes a generally cylindrical body  191  defining a center passage  192  extending therethrough. Cylindrical body  191  further defines a plurality of inwardly extending slots  193 ,  194 ,  195  and  196 . Slots  193  through  196  terminate in enlarged undercut portions  197  though  200  respectively. In operation, one or more edge portions of plate members such as plate member  310  shown in FIG. 32 may be inserted into slots  193  through  196 . During this insertion, body  191  deforms slightly in cooperation with the enlarged undercut portions  197  through  200  to facilitate secure attachment of connecting body  190  to the plate member.  
         [0218]    [0218]FIG. 28 sets forth a perspective view of a still further alternate fabrication of a connecting body constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numeral  210 . Connecting body  210  includes a body  211  having an illustrative and generally nondescript shape which defines a passage  212  extending downwardly therethrough. Body  211  further defines a plurality of inwardly extending slots  213 ,  214 ,  215  and  216  each defining respective enlarged undercut portions  217 ,  218 ,  219  and  220 . Connecting body  210  functions in substantially the same manner as the above described connecting bodies and is provided to illustrate the present invention ability to accommodate virtually any shape of connecting body.  
         [0219]    [0219]FIG. 29 sets forth a top view of still further alternate connecting body fabrication constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numeral  230 . Connecting body  230  defines a cylindrical body  231  having a passage  232  extending downwardly therethrough. Connecting body  230  is similar to connecting body  190  (seen in FIG. 26) with the primary difference being found in the use of flexible rib slot structures for accommodating the edge portions of plate members or the like. More specifically, connecting body  230  includes a plurality of inwardly extending slots  233 ,  234 ,  235  and  236  each of which terminates in a respective enlarged undercut portion  237 ,  238 ,  239  and  240 . A pair of relief slots  241  and  242  are formed on each side of slot  233  to form flexible ribs  265  and  266 . Similarly, connecting body  230  defines relief slots  243  and  244  on either side of slot  234  to form flexible ribs  267  and  268 . Similarly, a pair of relief slots  245  and  246  are formed on each side of slot  235  to form flexible ribs  306  and  307  while a pair of relief slots  247  and  248  are formed on each side of slot  236  to form flexible ribs  308  and  309 . Slots  233  through  236  together with their corresponding flexible ribs and relief slots function in the manner set forth below in FIGS. 54 and 55 to receive and secure the edge portion of one or more plate members. As described above, the importance of the flexible rib and relief slot structures in connecting block  230  is the provision of slot expansion during insertion of the edge portion of a plate member without deforming the remainder of connecting block  230 .  
         [0220]    [0220]FIG. 30 sets forth a top view of a still further alternate connecting block fabrication constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numeral  250 . Connecting block  250  includes a body  251  defining a triangular prism shape and having a passage  252  extending downwardly therethrough. Connecting block  250  includes inwardly extending slots  253 ,  254  and  255  each terminating in an enlarged undercut portion  256 ,  257  and  258  respectively. A pair of relief slots  259  and  260  are formed on each side of slot  253  to form a pair of flexible ribs. Correspondingly, a pair of relief slots  261  and  262  are formed on each side of each slot  254  to provide a pair of flexible ribs. Finally, a pair of relief slots  263  and  264  are formed on each side of slot  255  to provide a pair of flexible ribs. The operation of slots  253  through  255  is substantially identical to the operation of slot  168  shown in FIGS. 54 and 55.  
         [0221]    [0221]FIG. 31 sets forth a top view of a still further alternate connecting body fabrication constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numeral  270 . Connecting body  270  includes an octagonal body  271  having a center passage  272  extending therethrough. Each of the eight facets of octagonal body  271  supports a flexible rib slot structure substantially identical to the structures set forth above such as those shown in FIGS. 29 and 30. Thus, connecting body  270  includes a plurality of inwardly extending slots  273 ,  274 ,  275 ,  276 ,  277 ,  278 ,  279  and  280  each terminating in respective enlarged undercut portions  281  through  288 . A pair of relief slots  290  and  291  are formed on each side of slot  273  to form flexible ribs  335  and  336  while a pair of relief slots  292  and  293  are formed on each side of slot  274  to form flexible ribs  337  and  338 . Similarly, a pair of relief slots  294  and  295  are formed on each side of slot  275  to form a pair of flexible ribs  339  and  349  while a pair of relief slots  296  and  297  are formed on each side of slot  276  to form a pair of flexible ribs  353  and  354 . A pair of relief slots  298  and  299  are formed on each side of slot  277  to form flexible ribs  363  and  364  while a pair of relief slots  300  and  301  are formed on each side of slot  278  to form flexible ribs  379  and  380 . A pair of relief slots  302  and  303  are formed on each side of slot  279  to form a pair of flexible ribs  381  and  382  while a pair of relief slots  304  and  305  are formed on each side of slot  280  to form a pair of flexible ribs  383  and  384 .  
         [0222]    [0222]FIGS. 32, 34 and  36  set forth perspective views of illustrative plate members  310 ,  320  and  330 . Plate members  310  and  330  define generally square shapes while plate member  320  defines a substantially circular shape. In addition, plate members  310 ,  320  and  330  provide examples of alternative edge structures each illustrative of edge structures which may readily be used in the present invention construction toy set in combination with the above described connecting bodies. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that each of the edge structures shown may be utilized in combination with plate members of differing shapes such as the variously shaped plate members shown in FIGS. 38 through 46 as well as those shown in FIGS. 48 and 49 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, the variously shaped plate member shown in FIGS. 32, 34 and  36  as well as FIGS. 38 through 46 and FIGS. 48 and 49 should be understood to be in no manner limiting as to the possible shapes of plate members which may be utilized within the present invention construction toy set.  
         [0223]    More specifically, FIG. 32 sets forth a perspective view of a plate member constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numeral  310 . Plate member  310  is generally square in shape and planar in character and defines a plurality of edges  311 ,  312 ,  313  and  314 .  
         [0224]    [0224]FIG. 33 sets forth a partial section view of plate member  310  taken along section lines  33 - 33  in FIG. 32. Plate member  310  includes an edge portion  313  having angled facets  314  and  316  on either side thereof. In addition, a bead portion  315  is formed at the intersection of angled facet  314  and the remainder of plate member  310 . Facet  316  defines an angle  317  with the planar portion plate member  310 . Angled facets  314  and  316  facilitate insertion of edge  313  into a connecting body slot in the manner set forth below in FIGS. 50 through 55. Particularly FIG. 52 illustrates the particular characteristics of a plate member fabricated in the manner shown for plate member  310 .  
         [0225]    [0225]FIG. 34 sets forth a generally circular plate member generally referenced by numeral  320 . Plate member  320  is generally planar in character and defines an outer edge  321 .  
         [0226]    [0226]FIG. 35 sets forth a partial section view of plate member  320  taken along section lines  35 - 35  in FIG. 34. Plate member  320  defines an edge portion  321  supporting an upwardly extending bead portion  323  and an angled facet  322 . Angled facet  322  facilitates insertion of edge  321  into a connecting body slot while bead  323  aides in securing edge  321  within such as connecting body slot. FIG. 53 below sets forth an illustration of the insertion of a plate member such as plate member  320  into a connecting body slot.  
         [0227]    [0227]FIG. 36 sets forth a perspective view of a plate member constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numeral  330 . Plate member  330  is generally square in shape and defines a plurality of edges  331 ,  332 ,  333  and  334 .  
         [0228]    [0228]FIG. 37 sets forth a partial section view of plate member  330  taken along section lines  37 - 37  in FIG. 36. Plate member  330  defines a generally cylindrical edge  334  which provides ease of insertion and positive retention into and within a connecting body slot. FIGS. 50 and 51 set forth below illustrate the insertion of a plate member such as plate member  330  into a connecting body slot.  
         [0229]    [0229]FIGS. 38, 39 and  40  set forth further examples of variously shaped and configured plate members for use in the present invention construction toy set. FIG. 38 shows a generally square plate member generally referenced by numeral  340  which defines an outer edge  343  and an aperture  341 . FIG. 39 shows a generally circular plate member generally referenced by numeral  344  having a center aperture  345  and an outer edge  346 . FIG. 40 shows a circular segment plate member generally referenced by numeral  347  defining an outer edge  348 . While edges  343 ,  346  and  348  of plate members  340 ,  344  and  347  respectively may be shaped in accordance with any of the above described shapes shown for plate members, it has been found convenient to shape edges  343 ,  346  and  348  in the manner shown in FIG. 47. In the anticipated use of plate members  340 ,  344  and  347 , the overall size thereof is generally selected to be substantially smaller than the plate members set forth and described above within a given construction toy set to provide variety of structure.  
         [0230]    [0230]FIGS. 41, 42 and  43  set forth further alternate shapes for plate members constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numerals  350 ,  355  and  360  respectively. Plate members  350 ,  355  and  360  are generally shaped to provide a floral shape, a leaf-like shape and a tear-drop shape for use in various aesthetic themes within a construction toy set of the type utilizing the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that differently shaped plate members may be utilized to obtain differently theme play sets without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. More specifically, plate member  350  defines a floral shaped outer edge  352  and an aperture  351 . Plate member  355  defines a leaf-like outer edge  356  while plate member  360  defines an aperture  361  and an outer edge  362  generally resembling a tear-drop shape.  
         [0231]    [0231]FIG. 44 sets forth a triangular shaped plate member generally referenced by numeral  365  having an outer edge  366 . Outer edge  366  may be fabricated using any of the edge structures set forth herein.  
         [0232]    To add further flexibility to the present invention construction toy set, additionally shaped members are utilized to facilitate forming toy figures such as the illustrative toy figure set forth in FIG. 57. Thus, FIG. 45 sets forth a plate member generally referenced by numeral  370  having an outer edge  371  which is multiply curved to form an arm portion  373  and a hand portion  374 . An aperture  372  is formed in hand portion  374 . Similarly, FIG. 46 sets forth a plate member  375  having an outer edge  376  which is multiply curved to form a leg portion  377  and a foot portion  378 .  
         [0233]    [0233]FIG. 47 sets forth a partial section view of plate member  347  taken along section lines  47 - 47  in FIG. 40. Plate member  347  defines a tapered edge portion  348 . The tapered character of edge portion  348  facilitates the insertion of edge  348  into a connecting slot. This insertion is illustrated in FIGS. 54 and 55.  
         [0234]    [0234]FIG. 48 sets forth a perspective view of a curved plate member constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numeral  480 . Plate  480  is generally cylindrical and defines a pair of parallel straight edges  481  and  483 . Plate  480  further defines a pair of generally curved circular edges  482  and  484 . In accordance with the present invention, edges  481  through  484  of curved plate  480  remain capable of insertion into the slots of a connecting body in the manner described above. In such case, the curvature of plate member  480  is sufficiently large in radius of curvature to maintain attachment within a connecting body slot.  
         [0235]    [0235]FIG. 49 sets forth a perspective view of a curved plate member generally referenced by numeral  490  and constructed in accordance with the present invention. Plate member  490  is generally cylindrical in shape and corresponds generally to a quarter cylinder. Thus, curved plate member  490  defines a pair of parallel straight edges  491  and  493  together with a pair of cylindrically curved edges  492  and  494 . As mentioned above, in the description of plate member  480 , plate member  490  defines a radius of curvature which is sufficiently large to facilitate the insertion of its edge portions into the connecting slots of a connecting body in much the same manner as described above for generally planar members.  
         [0236]    [0236]FIG. 50 sets forth a partial section view showing a typical insertion of a plate member into a typical slot in a connecting body. In the position shown in FIG. 50, the plate member is positioned such that its edge is aligned with the entrance to the slot formed in the connecting body.  
         [0237]    More specifically, a connecting body  120  having a generally cubic body  121  defines a slot  126  terminating in an enlarged undercut  130 . Connecting body  120  further defines slots  123  and  125  having enlarged undercut portions  127  and  129 . A passage  122  is formed at the approximate center of connecting body  120 . A plate member  330  defines a generally cylindrical edge portion  334 .  
         [0238]    With edge  334  positioned as shown at the entrance to slot  126 , the user then forces plate  330  and edge  334  into slot  126  in the direction indicated by arrow  325 . The resilient character of the material from which body  121  is formed, allows body  121  to flex outwardly as indicated by arrows  326  and  327  to the expanded position shown in phantom line drawing in FIG. 50. Thereafter, the user continues to force edge  34  into slot  126  until it is received within enlarged undercut  130 . It will be noted that the outward flexing of slot  126  to receive the enlarged size of edge  334  of plate member  330  is facilitated by undercut  130 . The user continues to drive edge  334  of plate member  330  into slot  126  until cylindrical edge  334  is received within undercut  130 .  
         [0239]    [0239]FIG. 51 sets forth the partial section view shown in FIG. 50 of connecting body  120  and plate member  330  following the completion of the edge insertion described above. At the point shown in FIG. 51, edge  334  of plate member  330  is seated within the connecting body slot and is maintained securely.  
         [0240]    More specifically, a connecting body  120  having a generally cubic body  121  defines a slot  126  terminating in an enlarged undercut  130 . Connecting body  120  further defines slots  123  and  125  having enlarged undercut portions  127  and  129 . A passage  122  is formed at the approximate center of connecting body  120 . A plate member  330  defines a generally cylindrical edge portion  334 .  
         [0241]    It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the resilient character of the material from which connecting body is fabricated, causes the side portions of slot  126  to provide positive pressure against the surfaces of plate member  330 . It will be further apparent to those skilled in the art that the enlarged size of cylindrical edge  334  cooperates with the enlarged size of undercut  130  to further secure plate member  330  within connecting body  120 .  
         [0242]    The removal process for plate member  330  is substantially the reverse as the above described insertion process in that the user simply applies a drawing force upon plate member  330  with respect to connecting body  120  to overcome the resilient retaining force thereof and withdraw plate member  330 .  
         [0243]    [0243]FIG. 52 sets forth a partial section view of an alternative combination of connecting block slot and plate member edge attachment. Connecting body  120  includes a cubic body  121  defining a slot  126  therein. Slot  126  terminates in an enlarged undercut portion  127 . A plate member  357  defines an edge portion  358  having tapered facets and a bead portion  359 . In the inserted position shown in FIG. 52, edge  358  has been forced through  126  causing cubic body  121  to flex outwardly in a similar manner to that set forth above in FIG. 50 to facilitate the passage of bead  359  into undercut portion  127 . Once bead  359  enters enlarged undercut portion  127 , the resilience of the material forming cubic body  121  forces slot  126  against plate member  357  securing edge  35 X. It will be understood that a reverse action of withdrawing plate member  357  causes a corresponding outward flex of cubic body  121  as bead  359  passes through slot  126 .  
         [0244]    [0244]FIG. 53 sets forth a partial section view similar to the section view shown in FIG. 52 which illustrates a still further alternative combination of connecting body fabrication and plate member. More specifically, connecting body  120  includes a cubic body  121  defining a slot  126  terminating in an enlarged undercut portion  127 . A plate member  320  includes an edge  321  having an angled facet  322  and an upwardly extending bead  323 . In a similar process to the above described operation shown in FIG. 50, plate member  320  is forced into slot  126  causing slot  126  to flex outwardly as bead  323  passes through slot  126  into undercut  127 . Thereafter, the resilient character of connecting body  120  causes the closure of slot  126  against plate member  320 . As a result, the frictional force upon plate member  320  by the surfaces of slot  126  together with the extension of bead  323  into undercut  127  maintains the secure attachment of plate member  320  to connecting body  120 .  
         [0245]    [0245]FIGS. 54 and 55 set forth partial section views of an illustrative attachment between a plate member and a connecting body having the improved slot structure utilizing relief slots and flexible ribs such as that shown in FIGS. 11 through 13,  23  and  24 , and  29  through  31 . FIG. 54 a shows a plate member positioned for insertion into the slot of a connecting body while FIG. 55 shows the plate member inserted into and secured to a connecting body.  
         [0246]    More specifically, a connecting body  160  defines a slot  168  having an enlarged undercut portion  173 . Connecting body further includes a pair of relief slots  181  and  182  on each side of slot  168 . The presence of relief slots  182  and  183  on each side of slot  168  forms a pair of flexible ribs  223  and  224 . A plate member  347  defines a tapered edge  348 .  
         [0247]    In the position shown, edge  348  of plate member  347  is positioned at the entrance of slot  168 . Thereafter, the user forces plate member  347  into slot  168  in the direction indicated by arrow  225 . The insertion of edge  248  into slot  168  forces flexible ribs  223  and  224  outwardly in the directions indicated by arrows  226  and  227 . It will be noted that the outward flexing of flexible ribs  223  and  224  is accommodated by relief slots  182  and  181  respectively. As a result, the remainder of connecting body  160  is not deformed by the insertion of plate member  347 . Thereafter, as the user continues to force plate member  347  into slot  168  and as flexible ribs  223  and  224  flex outwardly to accommodate the insertion of edge  348 , edge  348  eventually bottoms out against enlarged undercut portion  173 . At this point (shown in FIG. 55) plate member  347  is fully inserted into connecting body  160 .  
         [0248]    [0248]FIG. 55 sets forth the partial section view of FIG. 54 in which edge  348  of plate member  347  is fully inserted into connecting body  160 .  
         [0249]    More specifically, a connecting body  160  defines a slot  168  having an enlarged undercut portion  173 . Connecting body further includes a pair of relief slots  181  and  182  on each side of slot  168 . The presence of relief slots  182  and  183  on each side of slot  168  forms a pair of flexible ribs  223  and  224 . A plate member  347  defines a tapered edge  348 .  
         [0250]    In the fully inserted position shown in FIG. 55, flexible ribs  223  and  224  provide a grasping force against plate member  347  which aides in retaining plate member  347  in a secure attachment. For purposes of illustration, an alternative edge structure for edge  348  is shown in dash-line representation  369  to demonstrate the use of an enlarged bead within the structure of edge  348 . In such case, enlarged bead  369  cooperates with undercut portion  173  to further secure plate member  347  within slot  168 .  
         [0251]    [0251]FIG. 55 also provides illustration of the present invention construction toy set fabrication which allows the residence of substantial loads upon the various structures fabricated utilizing the present invention connecting bodies and plate members. For example, in the event plate member  347  is subjected to a significant load in the direction indicated by arrow  367 , a torch or rotational force is imparted to plate member  347  which is also directed as indicated by arrow  367 . In such case, the flexible character of flexible ribs  223  and  224  cause rib  224  to flex downwardly in the direction indicated by arrow  368 . As flexible rib  224  flexes downwardly in the direction indicated by arrow  368 , relief slot  181  narrows until, under significant load, the outer end of flexible rib  224  touches the lower surface of relief slot  181 . At this point, further flexing of rib  224  is resisted by the underlying portion of connecting body  160  providing a substantially greater resistance to the load force. In this manner, the structural attachment between plate member and connecting body facilitates relative small adjustments under load while resisting the tendency to yield substantially under significant loads. This provides substantial advantage when the present invention construction toy set is utilized in fabricating various complex and load-bearing structures.  
         [0252]    [0252]FIG. 56 sets forth a perspective view of an illustrative complex structure produced utilizing the present invention construction toy set. It will be understood that the structure shown in FIG. 56 is utilized for illustration and that various other structures of differing shapes and configurations may be fabricated utilizing the present invention construction toy set without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, the combined structure generally referenced by numeral  390  shown in FIG. 56, may be seen to be fabricated of a plurality of generally planar plate members mutually secured by interlocking connecting bodies of the type set forth and described above. Structure  390  includes a pair of plate members  391  and  393  secured at right angles by a connecting body for ten. The attachment between plate members  391  and  393  is facilitated by inserting the edge portions thereof into the appropriate slots of connecting body  410 . In addition, a plate member  392  is secured to the upper edges of plate members  391  and  393  by a plurality of generally spherical connecting bodies for  413 ,  414  and  422 . Once again, the attachment between connecting bodies and plate members is accomplished utilizing the above described edge insertion into slot portions of the connecting bodies. In addition, structure  390  includes a plate member  310  having edges  311 ,  312 ,  313  and  314  which is further secured to the combination of plate members  391  and  392  by connecting bodies  413  and  414 . A triangular shape plate member  365  having an outer edge  366  is secured to edge  314  of plate member  310  by connecting bodies  415  and  416 .  
         [0253]    Structure  390  further includes a pair of plate members  396  and  397  secured at right angles by a connecting body  412 . In addition, plate member  397  is stabilized in its vertical position by attachment of a connecting body  411 . While not seen in FIG. 56 due to the perspective view thereof, it will be understood that plate member  396  is also secured to connecting body  410  to further stabilize structure  390 . A plate member  417  is mutually secure to the upper edges of plate members  396  and  397  by connecting bodies  423  and  424  and connecting bodies  427  and  428  respectively. In addition, a triangular plate member  398  is further secured to plate members  417  and  397  by connecting bodies  427  and  428 .  
         [0254]    A plate member  394  is secured to plate members  396  and  417  by connecting bodies  423  and  424 . Plate member  394  further supports a triangular plate member  395  utilizing connecting bodies  425  and  426 .  
         [0255]    A fancifully curved plate member  399  is secured to plate members  392  and  393  by connecting body  422 . In addition, a pair of smaller plate members  400  and  401  are secured to plate member  399  by connecting bodies  420  and  421  respectively.  
         [0256]    The various connecting bodies shown in FIG. 56 are illustrative of the various connecting bodies set forth above and may be interchangeable utilized within a structure such as structure  390  in accordance with the present invention. The entire structure may be further modified and revised by the child user either by adding additional connecting bodies and plate members or by removing and repositioning selected ones of the connecting bodies and plate members. The important aspect with respect to the present invention to be realized in FIG. 56, is that the variously shaped connecting bodies set forth above may be interchangeable utilized in forming a more complex structure of plate members in which assembly is a simple plate insertion operation.  
         [0257]    [0257]FIG. 57 sets forth a perspective assembly view of a toy figure constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numeral  430 . Toy FIG. 430 will be understood to be illustrative of the various toy figures which may be fabricated using different combinations of connecting bodies and plate members. It will be understood that the plate members and connecting bodies of the present invention are capable of fabricating a virtually endless variety of toy figures all of which fall within the spirit and scope of present invention.  
         [0258]    More specifically, toy FIG. 430 includes a connecting body  140  having a plurality of inwardly extending slots  143 ,  144 ,  145  and  146 . Each connecting slot terminates in an enlarged undercut  147 ,  148 ,  149  and  150  respectively. Connecting body  140  further defines a passage  142  extending therethrough. In further accordance with the present invention, an elongated rod  30  having a lower end  31  is inserted into passage  142  to provide a vertical support. In addition, a pair of plate members  460  and  462  are inserted into slots  144  and  146  respectively to provide further support for toy FIG. 430. A generally cylindrical member  446  defining a passage  447  therethrough is received upon rod  30  and rests upon the upper surface of connecting body  140 . Thereafter, a connecting body  440  having a generally spherical shape and defining a passage  441  therethrough is further received upon rod  430  and rests upon member  446 . Connecting body  440  defines a pair of inwardly extending slots  442  and  443 . Toy FIG. 430 further includes a pair of arm members  450  and  453 . Arm member  450  includes an arm portion  451  and a hand portion  452 . Arm portion  451  is inserted into slot  442  of connecting body  440 . Similarly, arm member  453  includes an arm portion  454  and a hand portion  456 . Arm portion  454  is inserted into slot  443 .  
         [0259]    A cylindrical member  444  defines an aperture  445  and is assembled upon rod  30  and rests upon the upper portion of connecting body  440 . A connecting body  431  defines a center passage  434  and a pair of inwardly extending slots  432  and  433 . Connecting body  431  is assembled to end portion  32  of rod  30 . End  32  extends into but not entirely through connecting body  431 .  
         [0260]    A head unit  470  defines a generally semi-spherical member defining an interior cavity  472  (better seen in FIG. 58). Head member  470  further defines a fanciful face indicia  473 . Head member  470  further defines an aperture  471  in the upper portion thereof. The internal structure of head member  470  is set forth below in FIG. 58 in greater detail. However, suffice it to note here that interior cavity  472  of head member  470  is sized and configured to allow head member  470  to rest upon and partially cover the upper surface of a spherical member such as connecting body  431 . The combination of head member  470  and spherical connecting body  431  provides a fanciful simulation of a figures head and face. Toy FIG. 430 is completed by a crown member  496  having a downwardly extending post  497 . With head member positioned upon connecting body  431  such that aperture  471  is aligned with passage  434  thereof, post  497  may be passed through aperture  471  into the upper portion of passage  434  to secure crown member  496  in place. The resulting toy figure is thereafter useable in virtually any play pattern designed by the child user. However, in the preferred fabrication of the present invention, a plurality of toy figures assembled in a similar manner to toy FIG. 430 may be utilized in combination with a structure such as structure  390  shown in FIG. 56.  
         [0261]    In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, a plurality and virtually endless variety of toy figures may be fabricated utilizing the various connecting bodies and plate members provided in the present invention construction toy set. For example, an alternative crown member  498  having a downwardly extending post  499  may be utilized in place of crown member  496  in the above described assembly. Further, an alternative head member  500  having an aperture  501  and an interior cavity  505  may be substituted in place of head member  470  and assembled to connecting body  431  to further vary toy FIG. 430. By way of further example, fanciful plate members  460  and  462  may be replaced by a pair of leg members  502  and  503  which are similarly inserted into slots  144  and  146  of connecting body  140 . The foregoing variations of FIG. 430 are provided for purposes of illustration. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a plurality of substantially different and varied toy figures may be fabricated utilizing the interchangeable members and connecting bodies of the present invention construction toy set without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
         [0262]    [0262]FIG. 58 sets forth a partial section perspective view of the interior structure of head member  470 . It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the structure of head member  470  is illustrative of the corresponding structures found in alternative head members such as head member  500  shown in FIG. 57. Head member  470  is generally semi-spherical in structure and defines a spherical internal cavity  472 . Head member  470  further defines an aperture  471  and a face portion  473 . The frontal portion including face portion  473  of head member  470  is shown in dash-line depiction to facilitate illustration of the interior structure of head member  470 . In its preferred fabrication, head member  470  further includes a pair of inwardly extending flange portions  475  and  476 . The size and configuration of flanges  475  and  476  is selected to correspond with and properly fit within slots  432  and  433  of connecting body  431 . Thus, as head member  470  is assembled upon the upper portion of connecting body  431  such that aperture  471  is aligned with passage  434  of connecting body  431 , flanges  475  and  476  are received within slots  432  and  433  of the connecting body. This cooperation of flanges  475  and  476  with slots  432  and  433  facilitates the proper alignment of head member  470  with respect to the remainder of the toy figure and provides a secure attachment between head member  470  and connecting body  431 .  
         [0263]    [0263]FIG. 59 sets forth a perspective view of a mobile constructed in accordance with the present invention construction toy set and generally referenced by numeral  510 . Mobile  510  is fabricated utilizing a plurality of connecting bodies and plate members of different sizes, shapes and structures such as those set forth above together with an elongated flexible element  511 . In its preferred form, flexible element  511  comprises a string or relatively thin cord. However, element  511  may also be provided by a monofilament type material such as fishing line or the like. By way of further alternative, flexible element  511  may comprise a ribbon or other material.  
         [0264]    Structure  510  includes a connecting body  512  having a plurality of plate members  513 ,  514 ,  515  and  516  joined by inserting portions of each plate member into slots formed in connecting body  512  in the manner described above. In addition, flexible element  511  is passed through one of the slots of connecting body  512 . Structure  510  further includes a connecting body  520  secured to flexible element  511  together with a connecting body  521 . Connecting bodies  520  and  521  are spherical in shape and fabricated in accordance with any of the various structures set forth above. An elongated curving plate member  522  is secured within a selected slot formed in connecting body  521 . The lower end of flexible element  511  is joined to plate member  522  and connecting body  521  using a simple tied knot or alternatively, passing the lower end of element  511  through the slot formed in connecting body  521  which receives plate member  522 . Plate member  522  defines a general center of gravity indicated by indicia  538 . In accordance with the desire to fabricate a mobile which hangs conveniently, and in a relatively stable horizontal orientation from flexible element  511 , the remaining elements of structure  510  secured to plate member  522  are evenly distributed on each side of center of gravity  538 . It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a virtually endless variety of combinations of connecting bodies and plate members may be attached to plate member  522  to provide differing appearances while satisfying this general balancing criteria.  
         [0265]    In the structure of  510 , a cubic connecting body  523  is secured to one end of plate member  522  by insertion into a slot thereof. A pair of plate member  524  and  538  are received within additional slots formed in connecting body  523  for secure attachment. A pair of spherical connecting bodies  525  and  526  are secured to the lower portion plate member  538 . Connecting body  525  further supports a plate member  527  while connecting body  526  further supports a plate member  528 .  
         [0266]    On the opposite side of plate member  522 , a generally cubic connecting body  529  is secured to the lower edge of plate member  522  by insertion into a slot thereof. In addition, a trio of plate members  530 ,  533  and  536  are secured within additional slots formed in connecting body  529 . Plate member  536  further supports a spherical connecting body  537  while plate member  530  further supports a connecting body  531  which in turn supports a downwardly extending plate member  532 . Structure  510  is completed by a connecting body  534  secured to plate member  533  which in turn supports a plate member  535 .  
         [0267]    It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the convenient edge insertion attachment between the various plate member edges and slots formed in the various connecting bodies facilitates a simple, convenient and interesting method of assembling a complex structure such as structure  510 . It will be further apparent to those skilled in the art that this convenient attachment allows further modification on an ongoing basis to provide increased developmental activity for the child user.  
         [0268]    [0268]FIG. 60 sets forth a perspective view of a jewelry article constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numeral  540 . In the assembly of jewelry article  540  the various plate members and connecting bodies selected for assembly are chosen from the above described connecting bodies and plate members which define apertures therethrough. In addition, an elongated flexible element  511  which, as described above in FIG. 59, preferably comprises a flexible cord or string or alternative flexible elements is used to secure the various plate members and connecting bodies chosen for inclusion of the article  40  by simply stringing the flexible element through the passages and apertures formed therein.  
         [0269]    More specifically, jewelry article  540  which may for example, be a necklace or bracelet, includes a plurality of connecting bodies  543 ,  548  and  551  each having a passage formed therein as described above. Correspondingly, a plurality of plate members  541 ,  544 ,  546  and  550  are also chosen from the above described plate members which define an aperture therethrough. For example, plate member  550  defines an aperture  553  therein. In addition, jewelry article  540  includes a plurality of conventional beads  542 ,  545 ,  547 ,  549  and  552  to further enhance the general attractiveness of jewelry article  540 . It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a virtually endless variety of plate members and connecting bodies may be strung upon flexible element  511  as desired to provide the chosen combination for the desired appearance of jewelry article  540 . In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, in fabricating article  540 , a plurality of plate members may be secured to one or more of the connecting bodies strung upon flexible element  511 . This attachment is carried forward by the insertion of an edge portion of the plate members into a convenient slot within the selected connecting body. This attachment is amply described above, and is shown in FIG. 60 as the attachment between additional plate members  554  and  555  to connecting body  548 . Similarly, a plate member  556  is inserted partially into connecting body  543  at a convenient slot (not seen) to secure plate member  556 . It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the utilization of additional connecting bodies may also be secured to the various plate members strung upon flexible element  511  to further enhance the resulting jewelry article structure. By way of example, a connecting body  557  is shown secured to plate member  544  by edge insertion into a connecting body slot.  
         [0270]    The description of the invention and of its operative components which has just been given above offers a very detailed glimpse into the construction and utility of the large family of components which make up the design construction kit of this invention. Drawing FIGS.  100 - 337 , inclusive, some of which are color photographic in nature, help to illustrate vividly the imagination-rendering, organic design capabilities of the present invention. Variously illustrated in these drawing figures, in addition to images which depict the contents of a pair of grouped kits made in accordance with the invention, are numerous scenes, situations, personalities, objects, and creatures which have been constructed in accordance with the invention. For example, photographic drawings  103  and  106  picture imaginary underwater scenes and situations in which various creatures and personalities and objects have been assembled utilizing a wide range of the full number of components contemplated for the kit of the invention. Specifically pictured in these photographic scenes, in terms of how next-adjacent components are fit together, are modalities of interconnection including interference frictional interfitment, skewering of objects on elongate wands, tethering of structures by way of an elongate strand which threads through through-holes provided in various components, with an enlargement such as a knot preventing inadvertent withdrawal of the strand element, and what is referred to herein as stitching which also involves the threading of an elongate strand through component through-holes.  
         [0271]    Photographic FIGS. 112 and 116 illustrate imaginary-house-form scenes including rooms and walls and floors, in relation to which there are pictured numerous objects and personalities. Joinery modalities illustrated in these photographic drawings include skewering, tethering, stitching, and what is referred to herein as cling-appliqué effected by surface-force, removable bonding of flat decorative elements (having decorative sides) applied to the surfaces of other panel-like components in the kit of the invention.  
         [0272]    Photographic FIGS. 120 and 123 represent two different, miscellaneous, imagination fantasy scenes showing various objects, personalities and creatures, and here also illustrating component joinery through modalities including skewering, interference interfitment, stitching, and cling appliqué.  
         [0273]    [0273]FIGS. 124 and 127 dramatically illustrate unique, imaginary personalities that have been created by components in the kit of this invention. FIG. 129 illustrates a creature so constructed. FIG. 130 illustrates subtleties of expression which can be achieved by various freely-formed arm and hand gestures.  
         [0274]    Photographic FIG. 132 illustrates personality construction in the setting of a situation and a created scene, and specifically illustrates component joinery through modalities including skewering, tethering, and stitching. Here, one will note, that the flexible strand which is employed for tethering and stitching is itself a component part of the assembled scene. Also, photographic FIG. 132 illustrates interference interfitment between components.  
         [0275]    Photographic FIG. 133 illustrates creature construction in an imaginary situation and scene, and displays joinery modalities including skewering, interference interfitment, and stitching.  
         [0276]    Photographic drawing  135  provides another illustration of the joinder structure (here a strand) being an intentionally created visual component in the rendering pictured in this photograph.  
         [0277]    Photographic drawing  144  illustrates the construction of a free-form object which has been put together employing joinery modalities including tethering, snaring and interference interfitment.  
         [0278]    [0278]FIGS. 152 and 153 illustrate a wand structure which plays a role herein in enabling skewering interconnection between components.  
         [0279]    FIGS.  156 - 158 , inclusive, illustrate an elongate flexible strand which is employed, among other things, to achieve tethering and stitching, both of which interconnection modalities are pictured in FIG. 158. Also shown in FIG. 158, in the loop formed in the strand there pictured is a suggestion of how this strand can be used for the joinery modality of snaring.  
         [0280]    [0280]FIGS. 161, 162,  170 - 174 , inclusive,  205 - 208 , inclusive,  221 ,  222 ,  225  and  226 , provide clear illustrations of organic-form components furnished in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0281]    [0281]FIGS. 263 and 264 illustrate a thin-door structure, the non-decorated side in which possesses surface-energy characteristics (static force, for example) that cause it to cling to another surface when it is applied to that surface.  
         [0282]    FIGS.  281 - 283 , inclusive, illustrate an amorphous, free-form component which can be assembled by a child&#39;s imagination into a host of different settings to represent something in the child&#39;s mind.  
         [0283]    [0283]FIGS. 324 and 325 illustrate building components having slots which promote interference interconnection between components.  
         [0284]    The invention thus provides a unique and very special imagination-rendering construction kit containing a large plurality of different components, many of which are truly amorphous and organic in visual nature. From this kit complement of components, a child is enabled quite freely to render into three-dimensional scenes, situations, personalities, creatures and objects, core elements of things and people engaged by a child during his or her early years of development. The fact that interconnections are not rigidly designed and bounded, and can include interconnections which allow for free relative translational and rotational adjustment of positions between created structures, offers a child a large opportunity to develop a three-dimensional manner in which to present things drawn both from reality and imagination. Slight changes in the relative positions of components, accommodated by the joinery modalities offered by the present invention, are possible and can be employed by the child to convey subtle visual concepts in a kind of nuanced manner.  
         [0285]    While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. Therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.