KR0132210B1 - Construction toy system - Google Patents

Abstract

The prefabricated toy system uses, as its main component, a rod holder having one or more gripping sockets and an end portion configured to be received in the gripping socket. The socket consists of a pair of gripping arms formed of flexible plastic material. The outer portion of the gripping arm has a concave groove for fitting and fitting the strut with a supplemental cylindrical connector portion in the width direction. The gripping arm has a locking projection arranged to lock with an annular recess near the end of the strut. The strut has an end flange received in the cavity at the closed end of the gripping socket. The connector element is designed such that the sockets are provided in each of the two planes that are oriented at right angles to each other by assembling such connector elements to form a right angle corner structure or a T-shaped structure. The system consists of a variety of connector elements with one or more sockets arranged to engage a post to form a complex structural unit. Multiple single socket connector elements are connected to successive crisscross shaped posts to form an infinite or finite length of connection. When installing struts in several planar directions, the connector elements can be joined to form a connector assembly as well. Providing struts that vary in length gradually with a predetermined length increase is used as a hypotenuse of a right triangle in which one standard sized strut is formed into a smaller sized strut. Complex structures can be assembled using right triangle subunits. Parts can be produced in large quantities by injection molding techniques.

Description

Prefab toys

1 is a partial cross-sectional front view of a hub-shaped connector element assembled in accordance with the present invention, with the optional structural elements connected thereto;

FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway enlarged perspective view of a portion of the connector element of FIG. 1. FIG.

3 is a partially enlarged view of an end of a strut-shaped structural element assembled in accordance with the present invention.

4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG.

5, 6, and 7 are cross-sectional views taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 1, showing a series of steps in which the structural elements are snapped into the socket of the connector element of FIG.

8 and 9 are enlarged sectional views taken along lines 8-8 and 9-9 of FIG. 1, respectively.

10 is a front view of a strut-shaped structural element assembled in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a state in which the structural element of FIG. 10 is installed in a socket of a connector element at a right angle to a normal radial orientation.

12 is a sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG.

FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of an adapter block element for coupling a prefabricated toy to a prefabricated toy in the form of a block in common use; FIG.

14 is a partial cross-sectional front view of the adapter block of FIG.

15 is a plan view of the assembly of FIG.

16 is a perspective view of an assembly of a pair of modified connector elements.

FIG. 17 is an exploded view showing components of the assembly of FIG. 16. FIG.

18 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the connector element of FIG.

19 is a front view of the assembly of FIG.

FIG. 20 is a partially enlarged cross sectional view illustrating the manner in which the structural element of FIG. 19 is inserted into a socket of a connector element. FIG.

FIG. 21 is a side view of a single socket connector element containing a first support element axially oriented in the socket forming recess and a second support element disposed at right angles thereto within the hub bearing; FIG.

22 is a side view of a two element connector.

23-29 illustrate various other variations of connector elements.

30 shows the relationship between the length of a given series of struts for smaller struts coupled together coaxially by a series of progressively longer strut elements and connector elements.

Figure 31 is an enlarged view illustrating the socket portion of the connector element whose cross section engages the strut element.

32 is a front view of the assembly of connector elements and struts arranged in the form of triangular subunits of increasing size.

33 is a plan view of a connecting belt or tread structure consisting of a plurality of single unit connectors and a plurality of strut elements mounted crosswise thereto.

FIG. 34 is a cross sectional view taken along line 34-34 of FIG.

35 to 39 show various modifications of the connector element which can only assemble the preferred connector element.

40 and 41 illustrate a connector element of the type shown in FIGS. 35-39 assembled with a connector element of the type shown in FIGS. 16-20.

42 is a perspective view of a drive element in which a strut element acting as an axis is received in a crisscross shape and a drive lug is provided.

43 is a front view of the drive element of FIG. 42, showing that the strut element is fixed therein in a crisscross shape.

FIG. 44 is a view similar to FIG. 43, showing, in addition, a connector element received on the strut element and rotatably connected therewith.

45 is a front view of the combined pulley and wheel forming element.

FIG. 46 is a side view of the tire shaped element engaging the element of FIG. 45;

47 and 48 are cross-sectional views taken along lines 47-47 and 48-48 of FIGS. 45 and 46, respectively.

* Explanation of symbols for main parts of the drawings

10: connector element 11: hub cylinder

12: spoke 13: structural element

14 socket 15 base wall

16: gripping element 17: central axis

18 groove 19: radial axis

20: outer end 21: entrance area

22: edge 24: locking projection

25: flange recess 26: flange

27: annular groove 28: cylindrical gripping portion

31: rib 40: adapter block

41, 42: assembly element 55: tubular sleeve

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to prefabricated toys, and more particularly to a novel type of prefabricated toy consisting of a hub-shaped connector element and a strut-shaped structural element detachably coupled to the connector element to form a complete structure.

Many prefabricated toys are known and consist of a combination of connector and structural elements that can be combined in various forms to form a complete structure.

The toy of the present invention is of a known general form, but has various unique and excellent features that greatly improve its performance. At the same time, the toys of the present invention are designed to produce toys at low cost by introducing an injection molding technique.

The hub shaped connector element is provided with a plurality of radially oriented sockets that receive and lock the ends of typical strut-shaped structural elements. The connecting socket is designed to accommodate the snap and fastening parts of the structural elements. The distal end of the structural element is formed of an annular groove defining the flange end. The sockets on the connector elements are defined by paired gripping arms spaced apart, each arm comprising an inwardly locking protrusion arranged to be received in an annular groove of the structural element. Therefore, the structural element is clicked in the width direction so that the locking state is formed so that it cannot be retracted in the axial direction from the connector element.

A strut-shaped structural element whose cross section is shaped circularly at the end is generally constituted in the middle region of the end having an X-shaped cross section. The cross section of the X-shape is arranged to cooperate with the opposite locking projection of the gripping arm so that when the structural element is oriented at 90 degrees to the normal radial orientation of the connector element, the locking projection engages with the X-shaped top surface. By immobilizing the structural elements, they are squeezed in the width direction between the pair of gripping arms to fit in the locked position.

Finally, among the structures that can be realized by the features of the crisscross gripping of the structural elements mentioned above, there are connection belt-shaped structures that can be used for the fixed toys such as bulldozers, tanks, conveyor belts, and suspension elements.

One type of connector element makes it possible to connect one connector to another connector in terms of being arranged at right angles to each other. The pair of connector elements thus connected provides for assembly with the structural elements in two main aspects. In addition, each available socket may still receive a locked structural element oriented at right angles to the major face of the hub-shaped connector element. In one variant, an assembly of connector elements can be provided which coordinates the installation of the connector element extending in four planar directions from the central axis. Modified forms of such connector element assemblies are provided that extend in three planar directions (which form a T-shaped joint) or extend in two planar directions (which form a right corner joint).

The rib and groove means work together to drive the strut element axially to ensure end face contact with the end wall of the recess, on the one hand the socket-forming recess and the end of the strut element It is good to configure. This additionally provides excellent stability in the connection between the strut and the connector.

As a special advantage, the prefabricated toy system includes a series of struts that vary in length gradually according to a predetermined formula so that when two struts of a given length in a series of struts are combined with the connector to form a right angle structure In this case, the next longest strut in the series of struts has a length suitable for joining in the assembly along the hypotenuse of the triangular structure. In this way, structurally large assemblies may be formed by utilizing rigid triangular harmonic subassemblies of various sizes that provide maximum strength and stiffness.

In a new system in which a series of strut elements of varying lengths are provided according to the aforementioned principles, a series of strut elements consist of a pair of strut elements of a given length and are installed coaxially on opposite sides of the connector element. The structure has a length equal to the length of the two largest strut elements of the series of strut elements. This arrangement provides excellent flexibility in the arrangement of the structures in any assembly.

An important aspect of the above geometric relationship is that the strut element is assembled with the connector element by an assembly in which the strut element is clicked in the width direction so that the distance between the centers of the pair of connector elements does not need to be enlarged to accommodate the strut element. have. From this the structure can be easily added and / or modified even after reaching the stage of actual rigidity.

In many powered structures, a drive relationship between a strut element that functions as an axis and its associated connector element may be desirable. To this end, the prefabricated toy system uses a component consisting of a socket-forming recess for receiving a strut element in the form of a crisscross, which serves as the axis of the adjacent connector element. In order to lock the connector element in a drive relationship to the support strut, the drive element is formed with a widthwise extension drive pin arranged to be received between adjacent spoke-shaped webs of the connector element.

Hereinafter, the features and advantages of the present invention through the preferred embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings will be described in detail.

In FIG. 1, a hub shaped connector element is shown at 10. The connector element comprises a central hub cylinder 11 and a radial spoke 12. The illustrated form is a connection of eight radially arranged structural elements indicated by reference numeral 13.

The radial spokes 12 support an array of eight sockets 14 each composed of opposing gripping elements 16 spaced apart from the end wall 15. The socket 14 is arranged radially with respect to the central axis 17 of the connector, with each pair of gripping elements 16 on opposite sides of the radial axis of the socket, generally parallel to such a radial axis. It is preferable to arrange.

The gripping element 16 is arranged concentrically about the radial axis 19 of the socket at its outer part and at an appropriate distance towards the base wall 15 of the socket, typically about half the outside of the gripping element. Concave grooves 18 are provided that extend from the ends 20.

The strut-shaped structural element 13 has a cylindrical shape at its distal end. The structural element may, for example, consist of a nominal diameter of about 6.35 mm (0.250 inch) to cooperate with the concave groove 18 in the gripping element formed to the diameter of the same dimension.

As shown in detail in FIG. 5, the arc of the groove 18 serves to narrow the inlet area 21 to a dimension smaller than the 6.35 mm (0.250 inch) diameter of the structural element. The dimensions at the neck or opening 21 may be about 5.334 mm (0.210 inches). Therefore, it is preferable to form the widthwise edge 22 of the gripping arm so as to branch from the neck portion 21 to the widthwise outer surface of the gripping arm. It is appropriate that the branch angle is about 15 degrees. This facilitates the transverse insertion of the structural element 13 into the groove 18 by displacing and separating the gripping arm 16 in the width direction. Once the structural element is in groove 18, the gripping arm 16 is secured in place by closing it around the structural element.

Each gripping arm 16 is provided with a locking projection 24 which extends perpendicular to the radial axis of the socket defined by the gripping element and which preferably takes a semi-cylindrical configuration. In the illustrated configuration, the protrusions 24 are generally constant in cross section and extend from one side of the gripping arm 16 to the other. This is shown in detail in the enlarged perspective view of FIG.

The locking projections 24 are radially spaced outwardly by a short distance from the base wall 15 of the socket and define a flange receiving recess 25 at the inner or base end of the socket.

As shown in FIG. 3, the end of each structural element 13 has a longitudinal cross section of the socket 14 taken along a radial axis with a longitudinal cross section of the end portion parallel to the flat side of the connector element. Configured to be the same. The structural element 13 comprises a cylindrical end flange 26 of a size and shape that can be received in the flange recess 25 of the socket. An annular groove 27, which is formed in a semicircular cross section and accommodated in a narrow gap between the opposite locking projections 24, is disposed immediately adjacent to the cylindrical end flange 26. As shown in FIG. A cylindrical gripping portion 28 received in a concave groove and fixed as wrapped by an outer portion of the gripping arm 16 is disposed immediately adjacent to the annular groove 27. The axial length of the gripping portion 28 preferably corresponds to the effective length of the groove 18. The cylindrical flange may have an axial length of, for example, 1.575 mm (0.062 inch). The typical radius of the annular groove 27 and the locking projection 24 is about 1.575 mm (0.062 inch). For structural elements with a nominal diameter of 6.35 mm (1/4 inch), the appropriate length of the gripping socket 14 is about 8.89 mm (0.35 inch).

A typical form of the strut-shaped structural element 13 is shown in FIG. The elements may of course be of any length, and typical prefabricated toys to which the principles of the present invention are applied utilize a number of such elements of varying lengths. As a special advantage, the part of the structural element between each end portion 30 consists of ribs 31 and extends radially in particular at intervals of 90 degrees, the outer surface 32 of the ribs being defined by a cylindrical end portion. It takes the preferred X-shaped cross-sectional configuration to lie on the cylindrical envelope of the element to be.

By properly determining the thickness 33 of the rib 31 and slightly inclining its outer wall portion as shown at 34, the structural element is brought into the open end of the radial socket 14, as shown in FIGS. It is pushed in the width direction and inserted between the pair of opposing locking projections 24 to seat the projections in the recesses 39 between adjacent ribs.

The X-shaped cross section of the structural element is periodically interrupted by a pair or more pair of cylindrical portions 35 spaced apart by a distance approximately equal to the width dimension 36 of the gripping arm 16. As shown in Figs. 1 and 12, when the structural element is snapped into the locking position on the protrusion 24, the structural element is fixed in position in the axial direction, the width direction and the rotational direction. Otherwise, if the structural element is applied in the widthwise direction into the radial socket 14 in one of the regions 37 where the adjacent cylindrical portions 35 are widely spaced apart, the position of the structural element along its axis within its limits is determined. It is possible to adjust.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the width of the ribs 31 is about 2.36 mm (0.093 inches), and as shown in detail in FIG. 4, the outer portion is tapered to one point. The X configuration of the structural element 13 is basically not limited to using two pairs of ribs. For example, three pairs of ribs may be arranged at intervals of 60 degrees. Accordingly, the term X-type as used herein is to be understood to apply to all such variations.

As shown in Figs. 13 to 15, the present invention, denoted by reference numeral 40, provides an adapter element for interfacing between a conventional block-shaped assembly element and the prefabricated toy element of the present invention. 14 and 15, for example, the elements 41 and 42 are in the form of blocks with open sidewalls provided with a top wall 44 and side walls 45-48 forming an open cavity 49. It is a block-shaped assembly element of known type to be assembled. The upper wall 44 is provided with a plurality of (eg eight) short circular protrusions 50. Three elongated tubular friction posts 51 also extend from the top wall 44 through the cavity 49. According to the known design of the block-shaped assembly elements 41 and 42, the inner dimension of the cavity 49 is set to fit around the outer projection 50. The friction post 51 is also dimensioned to tangentially contact the sides of the protrusion 50 when the prefabricated block is installed vertically. This allows, in a known manner, a plurality of building blocks to be frictionally bonded to form a complete structure.

The adapter block 40 includes an upper wall 52 and a side wall 53. In the illustrated form, the adapter block may take the form of a rectangle but may take other configurations. Four elongated circular protrusions 54 of diameter and spacing corresponding to the short circular protrusions 50 of the assembly blocks 41 and 42 are protruded from the upper wall 52. These cylindrical protrusions 54 may be inserted into the open cavity 49 of the assembly block, and generally have a length corresponding to the depth of the cavity 49.

The tubular adapter sleeve 55 extends through an open cavity 56 in the adapter block at the bottom of the top wall 52. As shown in FIG. 14, the inner diameter of the tubular sleeve is large enough to accommodate the end portion 30 of the structural element 13. The tubular sleeve 55 is recessed under the open edge 57 of the adapter block side wall so that the adapter block may be assembled with a conventional assembly block in another known manner.

The connector elements 70 shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 take the general snowflake configuration of the mechanism described above and have many structural features of the mechanism mentioned above, but in particular similarly constructed bearings at right angles thereto. It is deformed so that it can be assembled with the connector element of 2. Connector element 70 generally has a flat, open configuration, and is about 6.35 mm (1/4 inch) thick. At its center, the connector element 70 has a solid semicylindrical core 71. The guide walls 72 and 73 extend from opposite sides of the core 71 in a state where they are arranged parallel to each other at intervals. Since the spacing between the guide walls 72 and 73 is substantially the same as the thickness of the connector element, it forms the one side of the guide wall 72 and 73 and the core 71 where the second such elements are spaced apart and the connector element is formed. It may be accommodated in a recess 74 defined by a flat transverse wall 75 located on the penetrating axial plane.

At its outer end a number of spoke-shaped elements 76-78 that engage the outer circumferential walls 79, 80 extend radially outwardly in the core. In the illustrated embodiment, the walls 79 and 80 define seven sides of the octagonal structure and the eighth side is opened to receive the recess 74. As shown in FIG. 17, a number of walls 79 extend continuously from one spoke to another (or from spokes to guide walls 72,73). However, discontinuities 81 are formed in the wall 80 directly opposite the recess 74. This function will be described later.

Each of the walls 79 and 80 forms an end wall of the post holding socket 82 (for wall 79) or the post holding socket 83 (for blocking wall 80). Each socket is defined by a pair of opposing gripping elements 84 provided therein with a semi-cylindrical locking projection 85 extending perpendicular to the radial axis of the socket. The locking projection coupled with the base walls 79 and 80 defines a flange receiving recess 86. The outer portion of the gripping element 84 is formed with a concave groove 87 which is arranged concentrically with respect to the radial axis 88 of the socket.

As shown in FIG. 19, the post-shaped structural element 90 has a cylindrical end flange 91, an annular groove 92 adjacent thereto, and a cylindrical portion arranged to be received as wrapped in the concave groove 87 of the gripping element. 93 is provided. Structural member 90 (sometimes referred to as strut) is assembled with connector element 70 by pressing in widthwise direction in one of the recesses 82. The inlet in the width direction into the recess 82 is partially closed by a narrow neck defined by the upper and lower edges 94 of the cylindrical groove 87. The branch guide surface 95 is provided to facilitate the insertion of the structural elements in the width direction.

As a special advantage, the configuration of the socket and the support can be such that when the support end is used in the socket, the flat flange end wall 91a of the support can be elastically in surface contact with the flat base wall 79 or 80 of the socket. Is done. This arrangement adds stability and robustness to the assembly of the parts. The predetermined relationship is achieved by slightly displacing the locking flange 85 in the direction of the socket end wall 79 with respect to the normal position of the strut groove 92. Thus, when the strut snaps into the assembly position, the flat walls 91a and 79 are reliably face-contacted by being automatically squeezed toward the bottom of the socket.

In the exploded view of FIG. 17, reference numeral 70a denotes a second connector element which is the same as the connector element 70, but with its major face lying perpendicular to the major face of the element 70 and its recess side (17th). (Not shown in the figure) is oriented so that it faces the recess 74 of the element 70. When these two elements 70, 70a move together in the direction of the arrow 96, the portion of the connector 70 on the left side of the end surface 75 is received by the recess of the connector element 70a. Similarly, recess 74 of element 70 receives the right portion of element 70a. The complete assembly of the two connector elements 70, 70a is shown in perspective view in FIG. Assembled connectors provide a radially oriented radially retaining recess in both planes, greatly improving the structural possibilities of the system.

In order to secure the two connector elements 70, 70a in the assembled state, cooperating ribs and grooves are formed on each part. Guide walls 72 and 73 are provided with lateral gear grooves 97. They are arranged to receive gear ribs 98, which are properly positioned on opposing connector elements. As shown in FIG. 17, ribs 98 are formed on radial spokes 77. While assembling the pair of connector elements 70 and 70a, the projection ribs 98 reach the outer ends of the guide walls 72 and 73 so that the guide walls are burned outwards at a distance sufficient to accommodate the ribs. Displace sexually. This elastic displacement is promoted by providing a small gap 81 in the recess wall 80. Therefore, during the assembling process, the opposite half dividing walls 80 are displaced toward each other to promote the outer displacement of the guide walls 72 and 73. This process occurs simultaneously on both connector elements 70 and 70a.

The single-sided connector elements shown in Figs. 1 to 5 are formed with eight support accommodation sockets arranged symmetrically. On the individual connector elements 70, 70a, on the other hand, one small strut receiving socket is formed due to the recess 74 having the side open at one side of the connector. Nevertheless, when the two elements are assembled, for example as shown in FIG. 16, each connector element actually provides a holding housing socket to the other connector element so that there are four pairs of opposing sockets on each side. do. When the two connector elements are assembled in the manner shown in FIG. 16, three opposing pairs of sockets on each connector element are opened to enable the longitudinal insertion of the strut 90. However, in the case of one of the opposing pairs of sockets represented by 83, 83a, normal transverse insertion of the strut is ruled out by adjoining the outwardly extended gripping element 84 supported by the opposing connector element of the assembly.

Insertion of the strut element 90 into the partially inaccessible sockets 83 and 83a is facilitated by the slotted recess wall 80. The slot 81 allows limited outward displacement of the adjacent gripping arm 84 so that the strut element can be cammed through lever movement into the position schematically shown in FIGS. 19 and 20.

In FIG. 19, the position of the strut 90 indicated by the dotted line indicates a typical starting position for inserting the strut into the socket 83a of the connector element 70a. The end surface 100 of the strut is located on the outer surface of the adjacent gripping arm, which serves as a guide to some extent so that the strut is pushed in the width direction into the socket but generally maintains the angular orientation shown in FIG. do. During this operation, the opposing gripping arms received by the slots 81 opening wider than normal initially displace outwardly. Further, the recess guide wall 72 is deflected slightly outward, which is activated by the lever action of the strut 90 in the direction of the arrow 102 in FIG. This has the effect of lifting upward relative to the guide surface 101 so that the adjacent gripping arms 84 can be displaced in the direction of the arrow 103 in FIG. The lever action of the shore continues as shown by the solid line in FIG. 19 until the flange end of the shore clicks into position in the recess. Removal of the struts in one of the partially blocked recesses 83 and 83a is accomplished by a general reverse action.

As shown in FIG. 31, the socket forming recess 150 and the support 140 have a shaft 153 and a support having a center of the curved surface of the ribs 130 and 131 including a center of the curved surface of the annular groove 147. It is preferably configured to be located on the axis 151 offset from the surface 152 of the end wall 125 at a distance slightly less than the offset between the end surfaces 154 of the elements. As a result, when the strut element is pushed in the width direction between the gripping arms 126 and 127 into a fixed position in the recess 150, the ribs 130 and 131 are secured so that the strut end surface 154 is secure with the surface of the recess end wall. It is in pressure contact with the sides of the annular groove in a face-to-face engagement. By ensuring that these two surfaces are face-to-face coupled, the assembly of the strut and connector element adds some additional rigidity.

The connector element may be formed in various shapes and styles with one to multiple socket-forming recesses 150. While other configurations may be used within the scope of the present invention, it is desirable to configure the connector element having one or more recesses so that the recesses are separated at an angle of 45 degrees or at multiples thereof.

21, a single recess connector element 160 is illustrated. It includes a hub section 161 defined by the cylindrical wall 162. The inner diameter of the hub cylinder is approximately equal to the diameter of the cylindrical envelope formed by the strut element 140. The diameter of the cylindrical envelope corresponds to the diameter of the cylindrical end portions 146 and 148 of the strut element and also to the diameter of the rib 145. Thus, the strut element can be freely accommodated in the cylindrical opening 163 of the hub with some margin to allow free rotational and translational movement of the strut in the hub cylinder. The shaft 164 of the hub cylinder is disposed at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the recess 150. The wall 167 forming the end wall of the recess 150 is spaced apart from the hub shaft 164 by a pair of spatial web sections 166 formed integrally with the wall 167 and the hub cylinder 162. Is placed.

Typically, the connector element consists of a predetermined thickness predetermined in the direction of the hub axis 164. Preferably, the width is approximately equal to the diameter of the cylindrical envelope of the strut element. In most cases, it is preferred that the connector element be approximately 6.20 mm (0.244 inches) thick in that the connector element can be assembled side by side with the crisscross over the entire length of the central body of the strut without actually leaving space at each end. Was found. From this the structure can be formed with solid walls of elements which are in fact connected to struts arranged transversely across the entire width of the body portion of the struts.

The connector element shown in FIG. 22 is similar to the element shown in FIG. 21, but includes a pair of socket-forming recesses 150 separated by an angle of 180 degrees, the longitudinal axis of each socket-forming recess being a hub. Align coaxially with and intersect with axis 172. The connector element of FIG. 22 is particularly useful for end-to-end coupling of a pair of strut elements in a coaxially aligned state, as shown in FIG. For this and other reasons, the distance from the hub shaft 172 to the outer surface of the recess end wall (corresponding to surface 152 of FIG. 31) is equal to both recesses and 21 of connector element 170 of FIG. The same is true for the single connector element 160 of FIG. This difference is shown as the letter d in FIGS. 21 and 22. This geometric relationship can also be applied to the various connector elements illustrated herein, in which case the strut elements that are secured within the socket forming recesses of the connector element are at a predetermined fixed distance from the central hub axis of the connector element. Located.

In FIG. 23 a connector element 180 provided with two socketing recesses 15 is shown. They align along an axis 181 that intersects with the hub axis 182 disposed perpendicular to it. The configuration of the hub cylinder, recess 150 and the like is generally the same as described with respect to connector elements 160 and 170. However, in the case of the modification of FIG. 23, the post holding recess 150 is spaced at an angle of 45 degrees.

In the connector elements 190 and 200 of FIGS. 24 and 25, three or four struts are arranged in each case along the axes 191 and 201 intersecting with the hub axes 192 and 202 and spaced apart by 45 degrees apart. Each set 150 is provided in the connector element. As shown in FIGS. 23-25, the connector element defines a middle radially-spoke spoke wall 183, 193, 203 extending radially about the hub shafts 182, 192, 202 and integrally connected with the adjacent recess 150. FIG. Include. The outer walls 184, 194, 204, on the other hand, extend in contact with the respective hub cylinders 185, 195, 205.

As shown in FIGS. 26-28, the connector elements 210, 220, 230 are five, six and seven socket-forming recesses 15 arranged along an axis extending radially and intersecting from the hub axes 221, 222, 232, respectively. It is formed to have each. The plurality of recess shafts 211, 221, 231 are disposed at an angle of 45 degrees as in the case of the connectors of FIGS. 23 to 25. In each of the connector elements shown in FIGS. 26-28, the outer wall sections 214, 224, 234 are arranged in contact with the hub cylinders 215, 225, 235 to achieve aesthetic and functional purposes. For example, the wall 214 of the connector element 210, which is connected to the continuous wall of the socketing recess, provides a wide and flat surface for supporting the connector element and / or a flat surface for defining the outer edge of the structure. .

The connector element 240 of FIG. 29 takes in fact the configuration shown in FIG. 1, in which case it is formed as part of a series of connector elements of common dimensions. Here, the distance d from the hub axis 242 to the surface of the recess wall is the same as in the case of other types of connector elements.

In Figures 30 and 32, the system of the present invention provides a preset length increase such that the strut elements of various sizes in a set can be assembled with the connector elements mentioned above to form a series of right triangle units of the assembly. It is desirable to have strut elements of various lengths that gradually increase with time. In the various configurations of FIG. 30, the series of strut elements 140a-140f is shown to gradually increase in length. The length is increased so that when two strut elements of a given size combine with the connector element to form two sides of the right triangle, the next long strut is made long enough to form the hypotenuse of the right triangle. . For example, in FIG. 32, the three right angle connector element 190 is combined with two small strut elements 140a to form sides of a right triangle. In the illustrated example, the vertical orientation strut 140a engages with the four segment connector element 200 and the horizontal orientation strut element 140a engages with the five segment connector element 210. The strut element 140b longer in length than the strut element 140a is combined with the connector elements 200 and 210 to form a hypotenuse of a small right triangle.

In the example of FIG. 32, the element 140b forming the hypotenuse of the rectangular triangle structural element denoted by reference numeral 250 and described first forms one side of the rectangular triangle structural element 260 having the largest size. . Here, the connector element 200 is coupled to the second strut element 146 of the same length as the strut element 140b to form two sides of the triangle 260. The second four-section connector element 200 is connected to the upper end of the upper strut element 146, and the third element of the strut element in length increase is combined with the upper connector 200 and the connector 210 mentioned above. Configure the hypotenuse of the triangular structural element 260. As shown in FIG. 32, the pair of strut elements 140c in turn constitute the sides of the large right triangle structural unit 270, and the hypotenuse is composed of the next largest strut element 140d. Gradually increasing right-angle triangular structural units may be assembled within the limits of the maximum length of strut elements provided in sets.

In the system of the present invention, the length increase of the strut element is in accordance with a predetermined formula. Therefore, in n different length systems, each strut length is determined according to the following formula.

Where L _x is the length of the xth strut of the series of struts from 1 to n, and D _min is the spacing between the hub axes of the two connector elements joined by the shortest strut element of the strut elements. The distance from the hub axis to the end wall of the socketing section.

It is known to assemble the structure of a right triangle unit, including a structure in which the hypotenuse of one triangle unit constitutes the side of the second largest right triangle. However, the toy system of the present invention has a unique advantage through the design of the connector element and the strut element that fits the strut element in the connector element and fits in the width direction. This allows the parts to be assembled or disassembled in the structure without changing the distance between the center of the connector element and the connection point. Therefore, it is possible to design and assemble a complex, robust and multidimensional structure very easily.

As shown in FIG. 30, there is also a good geometrical relationship between the strut elements 140a-140f, which gradually increase in length, and the connector element where the socket forming recesses are spaced apart at 180 degree intervals. This includes, in particular, connector element 170 (FIG. 22), which is a two-section connector element with a coaxially aligned and opposed recess 150. This connector element acts as a connecting connector to form a long length post assembly by joining two short strut elements. When one of the connector elements 170 (which may be conveniently referred to as a connection connector) engages a two column of a given size, a support assembly equal to the length of the strut of a size larger than the support element connected by the connection connector is present. Is formed. Thus, as shown in FIG. 30, the two shortest strut elements 140a are connected to form a strut assembly having the same length as the strut 140c. Next, the two long pillar elements 140b are connected to form a pillar assembly having the same length as the pillar 140d. Another corresponding assembly is shown in FIG. 30. Of course, different lengths of strut elements may be incorporated into the connection connector 170 to form strut assemblies of different lengths than the gradual strut lengths of the standard illustrated in FIG.

Regardless of the configuration, all connector elements employ a common spacing d from the hub axis to the end surface of the socket-forming recess, so the relationship shown in FIG. 30 shows that the strut element is assembled to the connector in a coaxial orientation. Will appear.

The assembly shown in FIGS. 33 and 34 includes a plurality of single recess connector elements 160 that engage a plurality of predetermined length elements of predetermined length, such as the element 140c shown in FIG. FIG. 21). A first plurality of (three illustrated) single unit connector elements 160 are arranged side by side at intervals of the width of the connector element, and rotatably connected to a strut element as indicated by reference numeral 280 in FIG. do. The strut element 280 passes through a hub opening 281 which can be freely received. To coincide, reference numeral 282 applies to the connector elements of the first group. Except for the connector element 282, similar elements are given the reference 283. The connector element 283 snaps into and fits into the strut element 280, and the rib portions 130 and 131 of the connector element are securely received in the groove 144 of the strut element to securely hold the strut element. Thus, as long as the individual connector element 282 is free to move relative to the strut element 280, another connector element 283 is securely secured thereto, making rotation and sliding motion impossible. Such continuous assemblies provide a connecting belt-like structure that can be continuous in shape, continue in finite length, and can be of any suitable width as desired. As shown in FIG. 33, the ends of the strut elements project slightly at each edge of the belt-like assembly.

The structures shown in FIGS. 33 and 34 are used in various ways. Some of them form tracks for track vehicles such as bulldozers, cranes, tanks, and the like. Panel-like structures may be assembled to perform walls or functions, such as floor surfaces, in a toy structure, for example. The narrow assembly may for example be used as a flexible cabled element.

35-41 show a particularly preferred form of connector element which provides a connector assembly having means for engaging a plurality of planarly extending strut elements arranged to be assembled with another connector element having similar characteristics. Is shown.

In the connector element 310 illustrated in FIG. 35, four reset switches 150 are formed at intervals of 45 degrees. The spatial recess 311 is located directly opposite one of the recess portions 150a of each element. The recess 311 is defined by sidewalls 312 and 313 and bottom wall 314 that are spaced apart. The side walls 312 and 313 are spaced apart by a distance equal to the standard thickness of the connector element and include a longitudinal axis of the post-receiving recess 150a which extends through the geometric center of the connector element 310 and is oriented in the opposite direction. It is arranged symmetrically in the virtual plane. The exposed surface of the end wall 314 lies in a plane perpendicular to the aforementioned plane and penetrating the major axis of the connector 315.

The connector elements 130 are arranged so that they can be assembled together in the manner shown in FIGS. 35 to 37, with each of the space recess portions 311 facing each other and the major surface of each connector being oriented at right angles. Have Each connector 310 is squeezed together until the end wall 314 of the recess 311 is surely in surface contact such that each central axis 315 of each element lies in substantially common plane.

Each recess wall 312 and 313 is preferably formed with a lateral groove 316 arranged to receive the rib 317 protruding at the opposite side of the spoke wall 319 in a cog-locked state. Thus, when the two elements are assembled together, they are relatively firmly locked unless they are intentionally separated.

As shown in FIG. 36, when the walls 312 and 313 first engage the protruding ribs 317, the walls are displaced outwardly. The small gap 318 is provided so that the gripping arms of the opposing shore receiving recesses 150a can be easily displaced toward each other while the walls 312 and 313 are displaced outwardly by the rib 317. When the end walls 314 are seated with respect to each other by the parts being squeezed together and placed in their final position, each set of ribs 317 is grooved in each set, as shown in FIG. It is located in 316.

The assembled connector elements of FIGS. 35-39 support strut elements in each of the two planar directions arranged at right angles. Thus, the arrangement of the connectors is particularly suitable for assembling the outer edges of the structure, as shown in FIGS. 38 and 39.

In the assembly view of FIG. 40, the connector element 310 shown in FIGS. 35-39 is arranged to engage with the second seven-section connector 410. The connector element 410 includes a space recess 411 disposed coaxially opposite the holding receiving recess 150a.

The connector elements 310 and 410 forming the multiplane assembly are assembled in the manner described with reference to FIGS. 35-39. The resulting assembly has a T-shaped configuration as seen from above as shown in FIG. 41, and installs strut elements in each of the three planar directions. In the T-shaped assemblies of FIGS. 40 and 41, the upper socket position 150a is not allowed to snap and fit in the normal width direction of the strut element due to the presence of the associated connector element. However, by providing a gap 318 in the recess end wall, as mentioned above, it is possible to initially insert the strut at an angle and install it in a torsional motion. The provision of the gap 318 allows the gripping arm to be more easily separated to facilitate torsional assembly of the strut.

However, depending on the application, it may be desirable to lock the connector elements together with a strut through the central hub opening by constantly rotating and / or fixing the position of the connector element axially along the strut element. To achieve this goal, the system includes a drive element for frictionally and non-rotatingly securing the strut element as shown in FIGS. 42-44. In the illustrated example, the drive element is composed of a drive block 510 which is injection molded from a suitable plastic material and which preferably cooperates with the socket forming recess 150 of the type previously described. This includes in particular opposing protrusion ribs 130 and 131 which define a narrow neck region between the gripping arms 16. Adjacent to the closed end of the recess 150, the block 510 is preferably provided with a drive lug 511 projecting in the width direction from the end 512, generally in parallel with the ribs (130, 131).

Looking at a typical application of the drive block 510, a connector element of a complete snowflake configuration with eight struts is installed on the strut 513. The drive block 510 is applied to the body of the strut 513 so that each rib 130, 131 is received in the opposing longitudinal groove 144 of the strut and engages in a locked state. Thus, block 510 is firmly secured to the strut, preventing it from rotating, and frictionally engaging prevents it from moving longitudinally along the strut (but can slide along the strut if proper force is applied).

The position of the drive lug 511 is located in the trapezoidal space between the pair of radially-positioned spoke walls 123 adjacent to each other when the connector element 240 and the drive block 510 are directly adjacent to each other. In fact, it is set to take up that space. Thus, the support 513 and the connector element 240 are locked to prevent relative rotation, so that a rotational drive applied to one of the elements is provided to the other element. By positioning the drive block 510 on the opposite side of the connector element, the connector element is fixed in position in the axial direction on the strut.

In many powered toy assemblies, drive pulleys and / or wheels are useful and desirable elements. The combined pulley / wheel element 610 is shown in FIG. 45. This is an injection molded article having an outer rim 611 and a central hub opening 612 that are received on a strut element. One or more drive recesses 613 are radially disposed outwardly from the central opening 612. These are arranged to accommodate the drive lug 511 of the drive block (Fig. 42). As shown in FIG. 47, the element 610 is provided with an external annular recess 614 which, when associated with a suitable drive belt (not shown), allows the element to function as a pulley. When element 610 functions as a pulley, it is optionally operably connected to the strut element using drive block 510 which functions as a driving pulley or driven pulley.

Element 610 is covered by applying the tire element of FIG. 46 to form a wheel. The tire element indicated by reference numeral 620 is formed of an elastic body such as neoprene. The inner portion 621 of the tire is of a width that can be closely received within the annular recess 614. The outer portion 622 of the tire is wider than the inner portion 621 and preferably has a width equal to the thickness of the outer rim portion 611 of the wheel element 610. The shoulder 623 is formed at each side of the tire. These are combined with the outer flange 624 of the wheel element 610 to position the tire coaxially on the support rim.

When used as a wheel, element 610 may or may not be driven as needed. If drive, drive block 510 is written as mentioned above.

The prefabricated toy system of the present invention provides a very simple and versatile structural medium for assembling various non-limiting fixed and powered structures. The system can be used to produce products by economical mass injection molding techniques of a wide variety of standard assembly elements, allowing the assembly of structures relatively quickly and simply.

Within the basic principle of the present invention, a simple and efficient form of a motorized structure such as an endless track or belt, a drive rotary system, and the like can be constructed. These are achieved by the consistent use of standard holding elements and standard connector elements. That is, the connector elements use standard socket-forming recesses despite their number, and such recesses are located at a standardized distance from the major axis of the connector element. Similarly, the strut element takes a standard end configuration that connects to bodies of various lengths. In addition, the combination of structures available in a relatively limited number of standardized strut lengths is doubled by providing a connection connector that joins the two strut elements end to end.

Elements of the prefabricated toy of the present invention can be easily manufactured by injection molding a component of a suitable plastic material. Depending on the purpose, such plastic material may be used in various ways, and if necessary, a material having an appropriate degree of strength and elasticity for performing the proper function of the gripping arm in a number of assembly and disassembly operations may be selected. A suitable material for this purpose is Celcon M270, an acetal copolymer manufactured by Cassam Feest Celanis, NJ.

By combining the hub-shaped connector element with the structural element by snapping and fitting in the width direction, a large and complex structure can be assembled more practically because the distance between the centers between the components does not need to be changed during the element coupling. In contrast, when the assembly of components requires the insertion of one into the other in the axial direction, the distance between the centers is temporarily enlarged, which is at best considered and, at worst, makes it impossible to assemble such a structure. I only do it.

The arrangement of the present invention provides two unique fixing actions between the hub-shaped connector element and the structural element, wherein the externally deflectable portion of the gripping arm provides a lateral containment, while the inner extreme portion of the gripping arm is in the width direction. It forms a relatively unbiased flange accommodating cavity that freely accepts the end flanges of the structural elements during assembly but provides positive restraint that prevents the axial movement of the structural elements.

Claims (36)

A complete structure consisting of a plurality of connector elements each having an open socket at least one end for receiving and fixing a strut-shaped structural element by an end thereof, and a plurality of strut-shaped structural elements removably connected to the connector element. In the prefabricated toy system for forming a (1), each socket has a gripping arm disposed at a pair of intervals defining an axis extending between the inner end wall and the gripping arm, (2) integrally At least one locking projection means being formed extending inwardly from the two gripping arms, and (3) the locking projection means being disposed away from the inner end wall and having a first locking with the end wall. (4) the gripping arm is formed with a concave groove extending from the locking projection part toward the open end of the socket. (5) the concave grooves are arranged coaxially with the axis, the opposing pair of grooves defining a second lock chamber, and (6) an end portion of at least one of the structural elements is generally cylindrical. (7) the end portion defines an axis of the structural element and is locked in a widthwise direction within the first lock chamber and prevented from moving in the axial direction of the structural element. (8) the end portion further comprises a circumferential groove adjacent to and partially defining the locking flange, and (9) the annular groove has the end portion in the width direction of the annular groove. When inserted into an open socket, the locking projection means receives (10) the concave grooves to closely receive a portion of the cylindrical envelope of the structural element. And (11) the gripping arm can flex elastically such that the structural element is easily inserted into the socket in the width direction. 2. The structural element according to claim 1, wherein the structural element has a circular cross section at its distal region, and (2) the distance between the pair of gripping arms is smaller than the diameter of the circular cross section. 16. A prefabricated toy system according to claim 1, wherein the contour of the concave recess of the ripping arm generally corresponds to the circular contour of the structural element. 3. The U-shaped profile according to claim 2, wherein (1) the inner end wall of each socket-forming section extends between each pair of gripping arms at the inner end thereof and U-shaped together with the gripping arm to receive the end portion of the structural element in the width direction. And (2) the cross-sectional configuration of the socket along its longitudinal side and in the plane shifting the gripping arm substantially coincides with the cross-sectional configuration of one end portion of the structural element. Prefabricated toy system. 2. The locking projection according to claim 1, wherein (1) the locking projection means has an arcuate convex shape and generally extends from one edge of the gripping arm to the other, and (2) the annular groove in the structural element is the locking projection. Prefabricated toy system, characterized in that the structural element is fixed so as not to be separated from the connector element in the axial direction of the structural element by taking a close configuration. 2. The structural element of claim 1, wherein (1) the structural element has a circular cross-sectional configuration at least in part of its length, and (2) the structural element is at least "X" in an envelope of said circular cross section at least in part of its length. &Quot; cross section, (3) the portion of the " X " cross section is receivable in the space of the pair of gripping arms while the structural elements are arranged at right angles to the axis defined by the gripping arms, (4 And said structural element is fitted in the width direction between a pair of opposing locking projections on said gripping arm and secured in a locked state by said projections. 2. A support according to claim 1, wherein (1) an opposing locking projection on the gripping arm extends laterally therein and into the space between the gripping arms, and (2) the strut-shaped structural element is defined by the annular groove. (3) the annular groove, the locking projection, and the end wall and the flat end surface form a geometric relationship, having a partially defined end flange and a flat end surface spaced from the groove. And when the element is assembled in the recess, the flat end face of the structural element is firmly and elastically squeezed axially into face-to-face contact with the end wall. 2. A connector according to claim 1, wherein (1) said connector element comprising a first connector element has a central core defining a central axis of said connector element, and (2) said connector element comprising said first connector element is a structural element. A plurality of sockets arranged radially about the core for receiving a core, wherein (3) the core and the socket form the first connector element having a flat shape and having a predetermined thickness, and (4) the A connector element consisting of a first connector element is provided in the first connector element and has a recess in which the side is opened extending in the central axis and having a width equal to the thickness of the connector element, and (5) the side is opened. And a recess for receiving the second connector element to form a complete connector element with a socket disposed radially about two planes. 8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein (1) the first connector has a socket for receiving a strut-shaped structural element opposite the recess in which the side is opened, thereby providing a second in the assembly in which the first and second connector elements are coupled. And the connector element has a socket for receiving the strut-shaped structural element at the position of the recess in which the side in the first connector element is opened. 8. A recess according to claim 7, wherein (1) the side-opened recess is defined by a pair of guide walls arranged side by side at a distance to receive a second connector element, said guide wall being positioned over the second connector element. And a cogwheel means for holding a pair of first and second connector elements assembled in coordination with the cogwheel means. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein (1) the first connector element comprises a plurality of sockets each comprised of a pair of gripping arms and end walls, and (2) at least one of the adjacent sockets is grooved to close the gap. And biasing the guide wall outward upon assembly of the first and second connector elements prior to engagement of the gear means. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein (1) the first connector element has a socket for receiving a structural element located opposite the recess in which the side is opened, and (2) the last mentioned socket is the groove. Prefabricated toy system characterized in that it has a broken end wall 12. The gripping arm of claim 11, wherein (1) the socket is configured to click and receive an end portion of the structural element in a width direction, and (2) the gripping arm of the last mentioned socket A prefabricated toy system characterized in that it is detachable according to the displacement of the part of the buttress, and the structural elements are easily assembled in a manner different from that received in the width direction. 8. The first connector according to claim 7, wherein (1) the recess in which the side is opened is provided with a gear means of the first form, and (2) the first connector is located radially opposite to the recess in which the side is open. And a second type of gear means engageable with the first type of gear means for engaging the pair of connector elements in a locked state in an assembled state. 8. The connector of claim 7, wherein (1) the first connector element has a plurality of sockets each comprised of a pair of gripping arms and end walls, and (2) end walls of adjacent sockets are adjacent and integrally coupled. (3) at least one of the sockets is arranged directly opposite the recess in which the side is opened, and (4) the balance of the socket is the same in planar direction including the recess in which the side is open and the one socket. Arranged on the side, whereby when the first connector element engages with the second connector element, the second connector element has a plane comprising the axis of the socket and the socket of the first connector element 2. A prefabricated toy system characterized in that it projects in the plane of the connector element and / or on one side of the plane. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein (1) the first connector element is in a state in which one socket faces a recess in which the side is open and all other sockets are on one side of the plane including the one socket and the recess. And a right angle to the plane that includes the open recess and the at least one socket of the first connector element. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein (1) the second connector element is configured identically to the first connector element, and (2) whereby the pair of connected connector elements define a right angled edge structure. Prefabricated toy system. The method of claim 15, wherein (1) the second connector element is configured with the socket extending in an array larger than 180 degrees, and (2) the pair of first and second connector elements connected by it are T-shaped. Prefabricated toy system characterized in that the connection structure of the. A strut-shaped structural element formed of an injection-molded plastic material and releasably combined with other elements to form a complete structure, and at least a portion of which comprises a plurality of socket-forming sections generally radially outwardly extending from the cavity and the common part. In a prefabricated toy system composed of a plurality of connector elements configured, (1) each socket-forming section is disposed on a predetermined socket shaft that extends generally radially from the common portion, and (2) each socket-forming The section consists of a pair of gripping arms which are cantilevered in parallel and spaced apart and arranged symmetrically with respect to the socket axis, and (3) the gripping arm releases a strut-like structural element aligned with the socket axis. A first phase which is interlocked with the strut element in order to secure it firmly but firmly Locking means and (4) said struts simultaneously acted by said first interlocking means for releasably but firmly securing said strut-shaped structural element at a predetermined axial position along said socket axis within said socket-forming section; A second mutual locking means interlocked with the shaped structural element, (5) at least a portion of the strut shaped structural element is formed with an opposite end portion and an intermediate portion integrally coupled with the end portion, and (6) The opposite end portion is provided with first and second mutual locking means which engage in simultaneous cooperation with the first and second mutual locking means of the socket-forming section of the connector element so that each first locking means is selected. While fixing the structural element to be coaxially aligned with each of the second interlocking means, the structure at a predetermined axial position on the selected socket axis. (7) each pair of gripping arms defines a socket between which the sides are open and axially arranged, and (8) the arms are elastically separable, with respect to the socket axis. Prefabricated, characterized in that the strut-shaped structural elements are firmly spaced and fixed relative to the socket-forming section by allowing the end portions of the strut-shaped structural elements to be received in the transverse direction in a width direction; Toy system. 19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein (1) said second interlocking means comprises opposing rib-like elements on the gripping arm disposed at said intervals and groove means of the same shape on opposite end portions of said strut-shaped structural elements; (2) the rib-shaped element is oriented transversely with respect to the socket axis to receive groove means of the same shape while receiving the end portion in the width direction between the pair of gripping arms; Prefabricated toy system. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein (1) the socket-forming section includes end walls integrally formed with the gripping arm and spaced apart from the ribbed element, and (2) the strut-like structural element is (3) the spacing between the rib-shaped element and the end wall is equal to the spacing between the groove means and the end surface of the same shape. Prefabricated toy system characterized in that said end wall and end surface are brought into soft contact when received within said socket-forming section. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein (1) said second interlocking means comprises rib-like interlocking means on one of said socket-forming section or said strut-shaped structural element and groove-like groove means on the other side of said section or element. Prefabricated toy system, characterized in that consisting of. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein (1) said socket-forming section has a closed end defined by an end wall, (2) said structural element has an end surface, and (3) said second interlocking means comprises: 16. A prefabricated toy system according to claim 1, wherein the end surface is yieldably pushed to make smooth contact with the end wall. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein (1) the common portion of the connector element includes a hub forming section defining a hub axis and having a transverse opening of a size and shape capable of axially receiving the strut-shaped structural element, 2) the hubshaft is arranged at right angles to and substantially intersects the socketshaft, and (3) the connector element is comprised of a single socketing section integrally coupled with a single hubping section. 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein (1) the connector element comprises a pair of socket forming sections integrally coupled with a single hub forming section, and (2) the socket forming sections are arranged opposite and aligned along a common socket axis. Prefabricated toy system. 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein (1) the connector element comprises a plurality of n socket forming sections, and (2) each of the socket forming sections defines a respective socket disposed at an angle of about 45 degrees relative to a neighboring socket axis. And wherein the axes all substantially intersect each other in the hub axis, and (3) n is an integer between 2 and 8. 26. A socket according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein (1) each of said socket-forming sections is disposed apart by a predetermined fixed distance from said hub axis, and (2) whereby said strut-shaped structural element is formed. When retained therein, the distal end of the structural element is arranged at a fixed distance from the hub axis. 27. The system of claim 26, wherein (1) the system comprises a series of strut-like structural elements that gradually increase in length, and (2) in n different length systems of the structural element, each length of Is determined by Where L _x is the length of the xth strut of the series of structural elements from 1 to n, and D _min is the spacing between the hub axes of the two connector elements joined by the shortest strut element of the series of structural elements, d Is the distance from the hub axis to the end wall of the socketing section. (3) A prefabricated toy system, characterized in that the plurality of connector elements and the strut-shaped structural elements of the system are assembled in one or a plurality of right triangles. 28. The assembly of claim 27 wherein (1) the assembly consisting of the connector element of claim 24 and engaging with two structural elements of series length L _{x is connected} to the structural elements of length L _{(x + 2)} and the length thereof. Prefabricated toy system characterized by the same. 19. The gripping arm according to claim 18, wherein (1) the gripping arm is provided with a rib-shaped protrusion extending laterally with respect to the socket axis and protruding inward toward the socket axis, and (2) the strut-shaped structural element is formed between the ends between the ends. A groove extending in the longitudinal direction is formed in the set area, and (3) the strut-shaped structural element is receivably received in the socket at an orientation disposed at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the socket axis, and the rib-shaped protrusion is (4) wherein the strut-shaped structural element is fixedly rotatably fixed by the connector element by the structural element perpendicular to the socket axis. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein (1) the common portion of the connector element includes a hub forming section that defines a hub axis and has a transverse opening in a size and shape capable of axially receiving the strut-shaped structural element, (2) the hubshaft is disposed at right angles to and intersects with the socketshaft, (3) such a number of connector elements are connected to form a belt-like structure, and (4) such connector elements of the first group are connector elements (5) the hub axes of each element of the first group are coaxially aligned, and (6) the first columnar structural elements are each of the first group. Extending through the hub of the connector element of (7) such connector elements of the second group are arranged side by side and interspersed within the spacing between the connector elements of the first group, and (8) the connector elements of the second group are ribs of the connector element. Mold turning Securing the first columnar structural element by engagement of an opposing pair of longitudinal grooves of the first structural element, and (9) another group of such connector elements and strut structural elements extending in series Prefabricated toy system, characterized in that to form an arched belt structure. 31. The strut-shaped structural element according to claim 30, wherein (1) the strut-shaped structural element protrudes in the width direction at each side of the assembly with respect to the combined width of the connector elements of the first and second groups. Prefabricated toy system, characterized in that the length is made to be. 30. A connector according to claim 29, wherein (1) the connector element is integrally formed with a driving lug extending in the width direction, and (2) the connector element is fixed on the strut-like structural element and the rib-shaped protrusion of the connector element is formed. Received in an opposing longitudinal groove of a structural element such that the connector element has a structural element at right angles to the socket axis and is locked to the structural element, and (3) a separate element is mounted on the structural element (4) the separate element is disposed adjacent to the connector element, and (5) the drive lug is driven in connection with an adjacent portion of the separate element so that the separate element is driven or driven by the strut-shaped structural element. Prefabricated toy system, characterized in that can be. 33. The method according to claim 32, wherein (1) said separate element is comprised of a circular wheel-shaped element having a rim portion and a hub portion, and (2) said hub portion has a hub opening for receiving said strut element; 3) the wheel-shaped element has a drive opening positioned radially outwardly away from the hub portion to receive the drive lug of the connector element, and (4) the wheel-shaped element in the rim portion A prefabricated toy system comprising an outwardly circumferential groove. 34. A prefabricated toy system according to claim 33, further comprising: (1) an annular tire-shaped element made of an elastic material and removably received in the annular groove. The prefabricated toy according to claim 1 is used to interface with an assembly block set consisting of a hollow molded assembly block element having a rectangular configuration, and is arranged at regular intervals extending upwardly from an upper wall and four side walls and an upper wall defining an open cavity. In the adapter element provided with a plurality of circular protrusions and a plurality of inner protrusions extending into the cavity from the top wall and towards the open side thereof, the adapter element comprises (1) a hollow hollow with a single open side; A molded adapter block, (2) said blow molded adapter block having an upper wall and four side walls, and (3) an inner surface of said side wall is occupied by a plurality of predetermined circular protrusions of said assembly block element. By limiting the area the side walls can be smoothly joined inwardly by the circular projections, and (4) the hollowness The adapter block has a plurality of elongated cylindrical projections extending from its closed end, (5) said cylindrical projection having a length substantially larger than its diameter, and (6) said elongated pair of pairs arranged at intervals. The protrusions are separated from each other by a distance equal to twice the thickness of the side wall of the assembly block element, so that the pair of elements, when inserted into the open side of the two adjacent assembly block elements, secure the elements together, adhere to the adapter element, and attach to the adapter element. And (7) said adapter element having a hollow tubular inner projection extending from its upper wall to its open side and having an inner diameter capable of closely receiving one end of said structural element. 36. The assembly block according to claim 35, wherein (1) the adapter block has a width corresponding to the width of at least a portion of the assembly block element, and (2) the elongated protrusion can be received inside the assembly block element and the Adapter element, characterized in that can be fixed in.