Molded pulp tiles and structures

Abstract

A simplified form of toy construction set, in which individual tile sections of molded pulp material are joined flexibly and reversibly. Molded tile elements are fabricated with a plurality of grooves, pockets and holes that act as receiving surfaces for assembly with elements that simulate roads and other features and permit the integration of other three-dimensional structural elements. The tile design permits representation of many different three-dimensional environments at different effective scales, with the ability to readily switch between these environments as desired during play.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A modular construction toy system comprising
 a plurality of tile elements, made from molded pulp material, each said element comprising side walls, a top having an upper surface that extends from the side walls, the top surface of each said element comprising a plurality of planar receiving surfaces, and an open bottom;   a plurality of interlocking connecting elements forming a substantially planar surface; and   a plurality of elements that can be assembled to form three dimensional geometrical structures.   
     
     
         2 . The tile element of  claim 1 , in which the base of the side walls terminates in a continuous molded lip, wherein said lip extends between 0.01 mm and 100 mm from the base of the side walls. 
     
     
         3 . The tile element of  claim 2  with a plurality of tabs and pocket to permit temporary joining of two or more tile elements. 
     
     
         4 . The tile element of  claim 2  with a plurality of mortises and molded tenons to permit temporary joining of two or more tile elements. 
     
     
         5 . The tile element of  claim 1 , in which the base of the side walls terminates in a discontinuous molded lip, wherein said lip extends between 0.01 mm and 100 mm from the base of each side walls. 
     
     
         6 . The tile element of  claim 5  in which the lip comprises a plurality of tabs and pocket to permit temporary joining of two or more tile elements. 
     
     
         7 . The tile element of  claim 5  in which the lip comprises a plurality of mortises and molded tenons to permit temporary joining of two or more tile elements. 
     
     
         8 . The tile element of  claim 1 , in which the base of the side walls are joined temporarily by a separate frame comprising a plurality of tabs and pocket to permit temporary joining of two or more tile elements.