Foam construction toy

Abstract

A foam construction toy may utilize a plurality of nodes, studs, and structural elements to construct a toy or an object. For example, the toy may include at least one node having a plurality of holes and at least one structural element configured to connect to the at least one node. The toy may also include at least one stud configured to connect the at least one structural element with the at least one node to form the toy.

1 . An apparatus, comprising:
 at least one node comprising a plurality of holes;   at least one structural element configured to connect to the at least one node; and   at least one stud configured to connect the at least one structural element with the at least one node to form the apparatus.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one structural element comprises a hollow section configured to receive an elongated portion of the at least one stud. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the hollow section comprises a partial stiffening tube configured to increase structural stiffness of the at least one structural element. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the hollow section comprises a stiffening tube throughout the hollow section of the at least one structural element, and gripping material affixed to the stiffening tube, the gripping material configured to secure the elongated portion of the at least one stud. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the hollow portion comprises a solid material near an opening of the at least one structural element, the solid material comprising an annular groove configured to secure the elongated portion of the at least one stud. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one stud comprises an elongated portion configured to slide into a hollow section of the at least one structural element. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the elongated section comprises a set of locking mechanisms configured to slide into an annular groove within the hollow section of the at least one structural element to secure the elongated portion within the hollow section of the at least one structural element. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the at least one stud comprises a set of tabs configured to release the set of locking mechanisms from the annular groove when pressure is applied to the set of tabs. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one stud comprises a threaded interface configured to operably connect to one of the plurality of holes on the at least one node. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one stud comprises an interface comprising a set of locking mechanisms configured to secure the at least one stud when the interface is inserted in one of the plurality of holes. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the at least one stud comprises another set of tabs configured to compress the set of locking mechanisms and release the at least one stud from the at least one apparatus. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one stud comprises a bearing ring configured to stabilize the at least one node when attached to the at least one stud. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one stud comprises a recessed groove located between an interface and collar, the recessed groove configured to allow accessories to be attached to the apparatus. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one stake configured to be inserted into a medium. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 an adapter configured to be connected to the at least one stake via a stake interface, and to connect to the at least one stud or the at least one node.   
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 at least one connector unit configured to connect two structural elements together.   
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the at least one connector unit comprises a first elongated member and a second elongated member, the first elongated member configured to be inserted into a hollow section of one of the at least one structural elements and the second elongated member configured to be inserted a hollow section of another of the at least one structural elements. 
     
     
         18 . An apparatus, comprising:
 a plurality of structural elements, each of the plurality of structural elements are configured to connect to each other using a node-stud assembly or a connector unit, wherein   the node-stud assembly comprises a node having a plurality of holes and a stud configured to connect a structural element with the node, and   the connector unit configured to connect a first structural element with a second structural element.