Importance

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Abstract

A construction toy is disclosed, which includes as principle components a hub-like connector having one or more gripping sockets, and structural elements, typically of strut-like configuration, having end portions specially configured to be received in the gripping sockets. The gripping sockets are comprised of pairs of gripping arms, formed of deflectable plastic material. Outer portions of the gripping arms are provided with concave grooves adapted for lateral, snap-in assembly of a structural element having complimentary cylindrical connector portions. The gripping arms also are provided, near their inner ends, with locking projections arranged to interlockingly mate with annular recesses provided near the ends of the structural elements. The end extremities of the structural elements comprise end flanges, which are received in an end cavity formed at the closed end of the gripping socket, in part by an end wall of the socket and in part by the locking projections. The novel arrangement of gripping socket and structural element allows lateral snap-in assembly of the structural elements with the connector elements, with the assembled elements being secured against both lateral and axial disassembly. The structural elements are also provided with portions of 'X-shaped' cross section, enabling them to be snapped into the gripping recesses and retained therein in an orientation at 90.degree. to the normal orientation. An adapter arrangement is also disclosed, whereby the construction toy may be interfaced with other conventional construction toys.

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First Claim