Structure building toy

Abstract

A structure building toy is disclosed. The structure building toy is formed of one or more panels having interlocking panel connectors and a unique design. A plurality of panels may be connected to form a structure or wall system. The interlocking panel connectors form hinges between adjacent panels, allowing for swivel of adjacent attached panels. Panel sections are interchangeable, providing for various configurations, different designs, and the ability to continuously change the structure. A kit is also disclosed.

1 . A structure building toy comprising:
 a light-weight panel having a design arranged for play having first and second non-opposing faces and a thickness providing rigidity to the panel so as to resist bending, the panel having a play feature arranged on at least one of the first and second non-opposing faces;   a panel connector joined to a surface of the panel for removably coupling to an adjacent panel, the panel connector having a cross section permitting free rotation about an axis.   
     
     
         2 . The structure building toy of  claim 1 , wherein the light-weight panel is a first panel and the panel connector is a first panel connector, further comprising a second panel, the second panel having a unique panel design and a second panel connector which interlocks with the first panel connector such that the panel can be interchangeable with and removable from the first panel. 
     
     
         3 . The structure building toy of  claim 2 , wherein the first panel connector and second panel connector have a breakaway mechanism arranged to separate upon the application of a load against one of the panels or one of the panel connectors. 
     
     
         4 . The structure building toy of  claim 2 , wherein the interlocking panel connectors form a hinge allowing for swivel and angle variation of connected panels. 
     
     
         5 . The structure building toy of  claim 4 , wherein the angle can be varied in a range from 0 degrees to 180 degrees. 
     
     
         6 . The structure building toy of  claim 2 , wherein the first and second panel connectors are male and female panel connectors. 
     
     
         7 . The structure building toy of  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of panels are provided in a kit. 
     
     
         8 . The structure building toy of  claim 1 , wherein the panel has a base including a width greater than a width of the panel. 
     
     
         9 . The structure building toy of  claim 1 , wherein the panel has a weighted base. 
     
     
         10 . The structure building toy of  claim 1 , wherein the panel includes a play feature from the group consisting of a port, a portal, an opening, a hatch, a sliding hatch, and a window. 
     
     
         11 . The structure building toy of  claim 1 , wherein the panel includes a handle. 
     
     
         12 . The structure building toy of  claim 1 , wherein the panel is formed of a material that glows. 
     
     
         13 . The structure building toy of  claim 1 , wherein the panel includes a light. 
     
     
         14 . The structure building toy of  claim 1 , wherein the panel includes a device for creating sound. 
     
     
         15 . The structure building toy of  claim 1 , wherein the panel has a rounded edge which permits pivoting of an adjacent panel. 
     
     
         16 . The structure building toy of  claim 1 , wherein the panel connector comprises a base and a tip, the base having a tapered shape. 
     
     
         17 . The structure building toy of  claim 1 , wherein the panel connector comprises an aperture. 
     
     
         18 . The structure building toy of  claim 17 , wherein the panel connector is a tapered aperture. 
     
     
         19 . A foam shield panel for building a fort structure comprising:
 a high density foam structure having a design arranged for play with first and second non-opposing faces and a thickness providing rigidity to the panel so as to resist bending, the panel having a play feature arranged on at least one of the first and second non-opposing faces;   a panel connector joined to a surface of the panel for removably coupling to an adjacent panel, the panel connector having a cross section permitting free rotation about an axis.   
     
     
         20 . A kit for building a toy structure comprising:
 a plurality of light-weight panels comprising closed cell foam structure having a design arranged for play with first and second non-opposing faces and a thickness providing rigidity to the panel so as to resist bending, the panels having a play feature arranged on at least one of the first and second non-opposing faces and a panel connector joined to a surface of each panel which removably couples to a second panel in the kit in an interlocking, but removable manner, the panel connector having a cross section permitting free rotation about an axis, wherein one or more panels in the kit are interchangeable.