Themed building toy

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention provide both a new type of building set which, while particularly attractive to girls, is suitable for use with a wide variety of themes and is fun for boys as well. A building set teaches engineering and biology concepts. The set comprises interlocking pieces that users can manipulate and use to build structures. In some embodiments, the elements use two different types of connector, one type requiring a specific orientation of the connected elements and a second type allowing the connection to be made in any orientation. In some embodiments, one connection type, preferably the fixed orientation connector, uses one or more springy element that spring out to interlock with a mating component, and the other type of connection uses a friction fit. In one embodiment, the toy components are suited for forming a tree with interlocking branches and leaf-disks. The elements appeal to girls through use of color and story line. Users can build play scapes that are coordinated through plot, and are interchangeable to inspire creativity. The current invention also employs inventive locking techniques and structural elements.

1 . A toy construction set comprising:
 at least one trunk element including at opposite ends a male connector and a female connector of a first type, the male connector of the first type including multiple spring arms constructed and the female connector having a bore to receive the spring arms and an opening allowing a portion of the spring arms to move outward and engage the female connector, the trunk element further including a connector of a second type; and   at least one branch element including a connector for mating with the second type of connector on the trunk element, the connector of the second type including a male pin connector and a female connector comprising a hole for accepting the pin connector, the hole interior having a portion composed of a material softer than the pin for gripping the pin.   
     
     
         2 . The toy construction set of  claim 1  in which the female connector includes a tapered shaft having a shaft length such that the springs arms from a connecting element extend through the shaft, the tips of the spring arms extending out of the shaft and moving outward to secure the two elements to each other. 
     
     
         3 . The toy construction set of  claim 1  in which the at least one trunk element is stackable with additional trunk elements. 
     
     
         4 . The toy construction set of  claim 1  in which the inner diameter of the female connector of the second type comprises a material softer than the material of the mating pin. 
     
     
         5 . The toy construction set of  claim 3  in which the inner diameter of the female connector of the second type comprises teeth composed of the material softer than the pin for gripping the pin. 
     
     
         6 . The toy construction set of  claim 1  further comprising at least one leaf element, the leaf element including a connector of the second type. 
     
     
         7 . The toy construction set of  claim 1  further comprising at least one ornamental element including a mating connector of the second type for attaching to a mating connector of the second type on the trunk element or on the branch elements. 
     
     
         8 . The toy construction set of  claim 1  in which the toy construction set is tree-themed and in which at least one trunk element appears to be a portion of a tree truck and the branch element appears to be a tree branch. 
     
     
         9 . The toy construction set of  claim 1  further comprising at least two character figures, each character figure composed of multiple parts, the parts of each character figure being capable of being disassembled and exchanged between the figures. 
     
     
         10 . The toy construction set of  claim 1  in which the elements of the play scape follow a theme and in which the character figures dressed in accordance with the theme of the structure. 
     
     
         11 . The toy construction set of  claim 1  in which the trunk element is cylindrically shaped. 
     
     
         12 . The toy construction set of  claim 1  in which the pin on the connectors of the second type is at least twice as long and the depth of the connectors of the female type, allowing more than one element to be positioned on each pin. 
     
     
         13 . The toy construction set of  claim 1  in which the elements connected by connectors of the second type are rotatable without detaching. 
     
     
         14 . The toy construction set of  claim 1  further comprising adaptor pieces that can re-orient the direction of a connection. 
     
     
         15 . The toy construction set of  claim 1  further a book including themed designs. 
     
     
         16 . A construction constructed from elements of the toy construction set of  claim 1  comprising multiple trunk elements stacked to provide a central stacked structure and multiple branch elements extending from the central structure. 
     
     
         17 . The construction of  claim 16  further including a second a second stack of trunk elements to produce a second central structure, the second central structure connected to the first central structure by one or more branch elements. 
     
     
         18 . The construction of  claim 16  in which the construction is tree-themed and the and the at least one branch element comprise a tree portion and a tree branch trunk element 
     
     
         19 . The invention as described in the application above. 
     
     
         20 . The designs of the elements of the construction set as described in the accompanying drawings.