Panels for connector and rod construction toy sets

Abstract

A panel device for use with a plurality of connectors and rods with the rods connectable to the connectors is provided. The panel device comprises a substantially planar panel member having a plurality of sides. A groove is formed along each side of the panel member. A first groove edge is positioned along one side of the groove. A second groove edge is positioned on the other side of the groove with the second groove edge extending beyond the first groove edge wherein each rod is adapted to be inserted into the groove, the first groove edge and the second groove edge releasably maintaining the rod within the groove.

1 . A panel device for use with a plurality of connectors and rods, the rods connectable to the connectors, the panel device comprising: 
 a substantially planar panel member having a plurality of sides;    a groove formed along each side of the panel member;    a first groove edge on one side of the groove; and    a second groove edge on the other side of the groove, the second groove edge extending beyond the first groove edge;    wherein each rod is adapted to be inserted into the groove, the first groove edge and the second groove edge releasably maintaining the rod within the groove.    
     
     
         2 . The panel device of  claim 1  wherein the planar panel member is constructed from a resilient material.  
     
     
         3 . The panel device of  claim 2  wherein the first groove edge compresses for receiving the rod into the groove and the second groove edge limits the extent of the rod within the groove.  
     
     
         4 . The panel device of  claim 1  wherein the planar panel member is curvable along a curved rod structure.  
     
     
         5 . The panel device of  claim 1  wherein each panel member is moldable about connectors positioned on the rods.  
     
     
         6 . The panel device of  claim 1  wherein comers of the panel member are contoured.  
     
     
         7 . The panel device of  claim 1  wherein the grooves have radius substantially equal to the radius of the rods.  
     
     
         8 . The panel device of claim I wherein the first edge is beveled.  
     
     
         9 . The panel device of  claim 1  wherein at least a portion of the panel member is substantially the same color as the associated rod.  
     
     
         10 . The panel device of  claim 1  wherein the rods are maintained within the grooves by friction.  
     
     
         11 . The panel device of  claim 1  wherein at least two panels are connectable to a single rod at an angle equal to or greater than ninety (90°) degrees.  
     
     
         12 . A method for constructing a toy set, the method comprising: 
 providing a plurality of rods;    providing a plurality of connectors;    connecting at least one rod to each connector forming a skeletal structure;    providing a panel member;    forming grooves on each edge of the panel member;    compressing the panel member between the rods and connectors within the skeletal structure; and    receiving a rod in each of the grooves.    
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  and further comprising: 
 bending the panel member to span an irregular plane.    
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12  and further comprising: 
 forming contours at comers of the panel members.    
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12  and further comprising: 
 forming a first groove edge along one side of the groove;    forming a second groove edge along the other side of the groove; and    extending the second groove edge beyond the first groove edge.    
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  and further comprising: 
 beveling the first groove edge.    
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12  and further comprising: 
 maintaining the rods within the grooves by friction.    
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 12  and further comprising: 
 connecting at least two panels to a single rod at an angle equal to or greater than ninety (90°) degrees.    
     
     
         19 . A toy set, the toy set comprising: 
 a plurality of rods;    a plurality of connectors, each rod being receivable within at least one of the connectors;    at least one compressible panel having edges; and    grooves formed along the edges;    wherein the panel members are compressible between the rods; and    wherein each rod is receivable within at least one of the grooves.    
     
     
         20 . The toy set of  claim 19  wherein at least two panels are connectable to a single rod at an angle equal to or greater than ninety (90°) degrees.