Geometric toy construction system

Abstract

A geometric model construction system comprised of a variety of shape elements. These shape elements are connected to each other along edges by connector strip parts in a hinged, sliding union. This union allows a full continuous range of angular positions between adjacent shape elements. Polyhedra and other geometric forms may be easily built up by joining connector strips onto multiple shape elements. These shape elements may be flat or curved polygons of a sheet material (10) or may be skeletal wire frame elements (12). Hinged sliding joints between shape elements and connector strips are accomplished with hinge-leaf (30) and hinge-pivot features (42). Female features of c-shaped cross-section are designed to admit and grip male features of circular cross-section along shape element edges (14). Finished models may be easily disassembled and parts reused. They are also suitable for long term display, and will not degrade over time.

Description

[0001] Not applicable.[0002] 1. Field of Invention[0003] This system relates to educational toy geometric models, specifically to an improved method of construction.[0004] 2. Description of Related Art[0005] There are numerous prior art construction systems intended to enable the formation of two and three-dimensional geometric models. These use a variety of uniquely shaped and configured building elements. Many systems have been created and marketed as toys for amusement and educational purposes. They make use of basic principles of construction and geometry to teach in a diverting and amusing fashion. The principles behind geometric relationships occur repeatedly in nature. Their use in an educational setting helps develop a deeper understanding of naturally occurring structures. These toys create a sense of how geometric shapes and spaces interact. The groundwork is laid to a more meaningful understanding of diverse subjects. How atoms arrange themselves in molecules and crystals...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

These systems generally lack the flexibility to create new geometric forms such as polyhedra from a core set of construction elements.

The systems comprised of model forms that are complete to begin with provide limited opportunity to learn through interaction.

These systems generally limit the variety of models that can be created.

However, the resulting models are extremely susceptible to physical damage, and degradation over time.

Also, the successful construction of a paper model often requires a level of precision and dexterity beyond the abilities of many individuals.

These systems have the disadvantage of requiring faces to be at specified fixed angles to each other (typically 90 degrees).

This severely restrict the number and variety of geometric forms that may be constructed.

These systems produce models that are susceptible to sagging under their own weight, and to falling apart over time as the elastics stiffen or break.

This precludes their use for the construction of permanent display models.

This may not always be possible due to the configuration of the model being built.

In practice this method is tedious, and only practical for permanent models.

These designs suffer from the same disadvantages as above; specific orientation is required for parts to mate properly.

This may not always be possible due to the configuration of the model being built.

Additionally small tolerance errors accumulate as a model takes shape.

These can cause failure or breakage of finger projections

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