BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART Construction kits and connectors are well known. Such items have employed connectors and additional members having a wide range of shapes and sizes including blocks, pyramids, rods, gears, flat panels, discs and the like. Construction kits have been used to build a respective wide range of very crude to semi-realistic models of structures such as airplanes, trains, cars, rockets, buildings, animals and more.

Known construction kits for constructing semi-realistic models generally require either one or both a large number of like-shaped connectors or a wide range of uniquely-shaped connectors generally being connectable in only one or a limited number of ways. Such construction kits quickly lose a user's interest due to either the extreme effort required or the limited number of structures that can be made.

Known connectors employ a variety of interconnecting and interlocking means such as holes, bosses, notches, grooves, threads, and joints. Those connectors have also been made from a large variety of materials such as wood, plastic, foam and metal.

One widely available connector is the TAZOTM connector sold by Lulirama International, Inc. Such connectors are disc-shaped as shown in Figures la and if. Each TAZOTM has

six to eight notches on the outer periphery of the disc. The width of the notches approximates the thickness of a TAZOTM connector. TAZOTM connectors are formed into chains and other structures by detachably and perpendicularly interconnecting their notches so that adjacent TAZOTM connectors are perpendicular to each other as shown in Figure 2.

By interconnecting a varying number of TAZO connectors, some very simple geometric structures, such as a circle, sphere, rod, square, cube triangle, rectangle, block, pyramid and the like, can be formed. However, in order to form semi- realistic models of complicated structures such as airplanes, buildings, animals, automobiles, ships and spaceships, a large number of TAZOTM connectors is required, thus resulting in very large models.

There remains a need for a construction kit which can form a wide range of semi-realistic models while requiring a small number of connectors. There has been no teaching or suggestion in the art of disc-shaped connectors included in a construction kit comprising additional panel members which, when combined with a small number of the disc-shaped connectors, will form semi-realistic models.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of known construction kits and thus is generally directed to a versatile construction kit which can be used to easily form a wide variety of semi-realistic models while requiring only a minimal number of connectors and panel members. The construction kit is versatile and can be expanded by the addition of further connectors and panel members to permit construction of an even greater variety of semi-realistic models of buildings, people, animals, toys, weapons,

machinery, caricatures, fanciful figures, spaceships, and air, land or water borne vehicles, and the like.

In one aspect, the invention provides a construction kit having a variety of similarly or uniquely-shaped parts for building semi-realistic models. Thus, the present invention is a construction kit, for building semi-realistic models, comprising: a plurality of substantially planar perpendicularly and detachably interconnectable disc-shaped connectors having a plurality of radially spaced interconnectable notches on an outer periphery, the width of the notches approximating the thickness of said disc-shaped connectors; and a plurality of panel members, each having a notch or aperture, capable of being perpendicularly and detachably interconnected with said disc-shaped connectors; said connectors and panel members together forming semi- realistic models when interconnected.

It is contemplated that the number of notches on and their placement along the periphery of the disc-shaped connectors can vary to permit building a greater number of semi-realistic models. The width of the notches generally approximates the thickness, or a multiple thereof, of a disc- shaped connector. The panel members can have a plurality of notches and apertures to facilitate interconnection with the connectors.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an improved construction kit having a group of panel members which can be used with disc-shaped connectors to form a variety of semi-realistic models. Thus, the present invention also provides an improved construction kit of the

type having perpendicularly and detachably interconnectable disc-shaped connectors, each having a plurality of notches on its outer periphery, the width of the notches approximating the thickness of said disc-shaped connectors, wherein the improvement comprises: a plurality of panel members each having one or both of an edge defining a notch or an edge defining an aperture for perpendicular and detachable interconnection with said disc-shaped connectors, a portion of the notch or aperture having a width that approximates the thickness of said disc-shaped connectors, and each aperture being sufficiently wide and long to permit interconnection with at least a portion of said disc-shaped connectors; said disc-shaped connectors and panel members, when interconnected, being capable of forming semi-realistic models.

It should be understood that the panel members and connectors can be provided individually or in groups as pre- shaped pieces or as comprising punch-out cards. The panel members can be of any suitable shape and can be interconnectable with each other. The notch and/or aperture of the panel member should be sufficiently long to permit interconnection with the disc-shaped connectors and their length can be varied as desired to adjust the depth of interconnection between desired elements.

The panel members are generally, although not necessarily, substantially planar and shaped as required.

When viewed from an angle normal to its plane, a panel member will resemble the profile of the entirety or at least a portion of an object for which the panel member will be used to make a semi-realistic model of. Their thickness generally approximates that of the disc-shaped connectors. The panel

members will interconnect substantially perpendicularly and detachably with the disc-shaped connectors.

As the present construction kit is intended to form semi-realistic models, the surfaces of the connectors and panel members can be adorned with any of wide range of graphic, textural and/or text features and ornamentation.

Other features, advantages and embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art by the following description, accompanying examples and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The following drawings are part of the present specification and are included to further demonstrate certain aspects of the invention. The invention may be better understood by reference to one or more of these drawings in combination with the detailed description of the specific embodiments presented herein.

Figs. la-lh - plan views of eight embodiments of disc- shaped connectors.

Fig. 2 - perspective view of two interconnected disc- shaped connectors.

Fig. 3a - perspective view of a first embodiment of a semi-realistic model which can be made using the present construction kit.

Fig. 3b - plan view of a punch-out card for panel members corresponding to the embodiment of Figure 3a.

Fig. 4a - perspective view of a second embodiment of a semi-realistic model which can be made using the present construction kit.

Fig. 4b - plan view of a punch-out card for panel members corresponding to the embodiment of Figure 4a.

Fig. 5a - perspective view of a third embodiment of a

semi-realistic model made using the present construction kit.

Fig. 5b - plan view of a punch-out card for panel members corresponding to the embodiment of Figure 5a.

Fig. 6a - perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a semi-realistic model made using the present construction kit.

Fig. 6b - plan view of a punch-out card for panel members corresponding to the embodiment of Figure 6a.

Fig. 7a - perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a semi-realistic model made using the present construction kit.

Fig. 7b - plan view of a punch-out card for panel members corresponding to the embodiment of Figure 7a.

Fig. 8a - perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a semi-realistic model made using the present construction kit.

Fig. 8b - plan view of a punch-out card for panel members corresponding to the embodiment of Figure 8a.

Fig. 9 - plan view of a punch-out card for panel members corresponding to a seventh embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 10 - plan view of a punch-out card for panel members corresponding to an eighth embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 11 - plan view of a punch-out card for panel members corresponding to a ninth embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 12 - perspective view of a tenth embodiment of a semi-realistic model made using the present construction kit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention is a construction kit comprising a number of substantially perpendicularly and detachably interconnectable disc-shaped connectors and panel members which, when interconnected, can form semi-realistic models of a variety of structures. By "semi-realistic" is meant appearing to a significant degree as it would in real life or as depicted by a space-filled three-dimensional model.

Figure la depicts one embodiment of the disc-shaped

connector (10) employed in the present invention wherein connector (10) is circular and a plurality of notches (11) are evenly distributed radially along an outer periphery (12) of the connector. The width of notch (11) generally approximates the thickness of connector (10) . The notches (11) can be radially spaced as desired along the outer periphery of connector (10). Although, Figures la-lh depict the notches (11) generally disposed on the flat edges of the polygons, they can also be disposed on the vertices.

Figures lb, lc, ld, le, lf, lg and (lh) depict other of the contemplated embodiments of shapes for connector (10) of the invention. Connector (10) can be any generally flat disc-shaped article. By "disc-shaped connection" is meant having a substantially planar connector that is circular (Figure la), approximately circular, elliptical (Figure lb), rectangular (not shown), triangular (Figure lc) or square (Figure ld) and has a thickness that is at least five fold smaller, preferably seven fold smaller, more preferably 10 fold smaller than its diameter. By "approximately circular" is meant a multi-sided geometric shape, or polygon, having five or more sides so that the shape will roughly or closely approximate that of a circle. An approximately circular connector can be shaped as a pentagon (Figure le), hexagon (Figure lf), heptagon (Figure lg), octagon (Figure lh) or any multi-sided polygon having nine or more sides.

Connector (10) is generally intended to be substantially planar as exemplified by flat, concave, convex, corrugated and the like configurations. Connector (10) can also have depressions, ridges, ribs, bosses, projections, indentation, dimples and the like on its surface.

The interconnecting mechanism employed by the various connectors and panel members of the invention is depicted in

Figure 2 wherein disc-shaped connectors (10a and 10b) are substantially perpendicularly and detachably interconnected by way of notches (lla and llb). (The lower case letters "a" and "b" indicate the two connectors.) By "substantially perpendicular" is meant that the planes which define respective connectors (10a) and (10b) will be substantially normal to each other when said respective connectors (10a) are interconnected. By "interconnecting" is meant employs two snugly fitting parts to form a connection. For example, notches (lla and llb) are approximately the same width as the thickness of connectors (10a and 10b). Notch (lla) is defined by edge portions (31a), (32a) and (33a). Notch (llb) is defined by edge portions (31b), (32b) and (33b) . The distance between edge portions (31a) and (33a) approximates the thickness of connector (lOb) which is defined by the distance between top surface (34a) and bottom surface (35a).

Likewise, the distance between edge portions (31b) and (33b) approximates the thickness of connector (lOa) which is defined by the distance between top surface (34b) and bottom surface (35b) . Thus, when connectors (l0a) and (lOb) are interconnected, edge portions (31a) and (33a) of connector (l0a) contact surfaces (35b) and (34b), respectively, of connector (lOb). Likewise edge portions (31b) and (33b) of connector (lOb) contact surfaces (35a) and (34a), respectively, of connector (l0a) to form a snug fitting perpendicular and detachable interconnection.

The connectors and panel members employed herein are not intended to be interlocking. By "interlocking" is meant employs cooperating projections and recesses within or adjacent the notches to form a snap-in or snap-together connection.

The connectors and panel members of the invention are generally intended to be flexible and thus will comprise

materials such as, by way of example and without limitation, wood, plastic, rubber, cardboard, paperboard, paper, film or combinations thereof and the like.

Figure 3a depicts one embodiment of the invention where a small number of disc-shaped connectors (lOa), (lOb), (10c), (lOd) and (1Oe) (not shown) and panel members (la), (lb), (lc) and (lid) are substantially perpendicularly and detachably interconnected by way of notches (11) to form semi-realistic model (20) of a TIE FIGHTER spaceship from the SI'AR WARS movie series. As depicted in this particular embodiment, aperture (2) has portions (3a) and (3b) which widths approximate the thickness of and which closely fit connector (1Oa) . Also, the length of aperture (2) approximates the diameter of connector (1ova) Figure 3b depicts punch-out card (30) having panel members (la) - (ld) corresponding to those employed in constructing semi-realistic model (20) of Figure 3a. Panel member (la) has one approximately centrally located aperture (2) wherein connector (1Oa) fits. Generally the panel members of the invention can be any suitable shape which, when interconnected with a connector of the invention, will form a whole or portion of a semi-realistic model. A wide variety of panel member shapes are contemplated by the invention. Thus, the panel member embodiments detailed herein should not be considered to unduly restrict the scope of the invention.

Although aperture (2) can generally be of any desired shape, it must be so shaped to permit interconnection of panel member (la) and connector (lOa), respectively, in a substantially perpendicular and detachable fashion. Length (4) of aperture (2) need not approximate the diameter of any particular connector. Width (5) of aperture (2) can be

selected as desired. As shown in Figure 3b, the width can be variable. In this particular embodiment, the width (5) of portions (3a) and (3b) of aperture (2) approximate the thickness of connector (lox). Portions (3a) and (3b) can be viewed as notches on edge (3d) which defines aperture (2).

Thus, panel members of the invention can have an edge further defining a notch within said aperture.

Aperture (2) need only be sufficiently long or wide to permit detachable and perpendicular interconnection between a portion of or the entire connector (lOa) and panel member (la). It is generally required that either the length or width of aperture (2), when present, will be sized to permit interconnection between panel member (la) and connector 10a).

Although not required, generally all panel members will have at least one notch or aperture.

When aperture (2) is present, it can have portion (3c) which is sufficiently wide to permit flexure of connector (lOa) when said connector is disposed within the aperture.

By permitting flexure of connector (1Oa), length (4) of aperture (2) can be shortened to permit more resilient interconnection between panel member (la) and connector (10a).

Figure 4a depicts yet another embodiment of the invention wherein a plurality of connectors (lOf), (lOg), (lOb), (1Oj) and (10k), panel members (12a) and (12b) and panel member (14) are detachably and substantially perpendicularly interconnected to form semi-realistic model (21) of a Y-WING STAR FIGHTER spaceship from the STAR WARS movie series. Panel members (12a) and (12b) are similarly- shaped polygons and have a plurality of notches (19) along an edge. Panel member (14) also has a plurality of notches (18) along an edge. The notches of panel members (12a), (12b) and

(14) are similarly spaced (S). Panel members (12a), (12b) and (14) are each detachably and substantially perpendicularly interconnected to the same of a plurality of disc-shaped connectors (lOf), (lOg), (lOh), (1Oj) and (10k) to form the engines of the Y-WING STAR FIGHTER spaceship.

Panel member (14) resembles the profile of the fuselage of the actual spaceship. It is intended that a plane which defines panel member (12a) will be substantially normal to a plane which defines a connector (10f-k) which is interconnected with it.

Figure 4b depicts a punch-out card comprising panel members corresponding to those employed in constructing semi- realistic model (21) of Figure 4a. It should be noted that notches (11), (18) and (19) can have different dispositions.

Notch (11) is generally disposed radially perpendicular to the outer periphery of connector (1ova) . Notch (18), as depicted in Figure 4b, is generally disposed perpendicular to the periphery of a respective panel member; however, its angle of incidence (0) relative to the outer periphery of connector (lOa) can be made as desired.

It should also be noted that notches (11), (18) and (19) can have different lengths. For example, notch (11) of connector (10) is generally as long as it is wide, i.e. its length approximates its width. However, notch (18) of panel member (14) is longer than it is wide. In addition, notch (19) is longer than notches (11) and (18).

In some embodiments, the width of notches on a panel member will vary. As depicted in Figure 4b, open end (40) of notch (19) is wider than respective closed end (41). It is generally necessary that at least a portion (42) of a given notch on any given panel member will approximate the thickness of a connector intended to be interconnected with

it. It is not necessary that all the notches of a given panel member be the same width or length. Neither is it necessary that all the notches of a given connector be the same length. As with the connectors, the angle of incidence (+) of notch (19) relative to the outer periphery of panel member (12a) can be varied.

Figure 5a depicts yet another embodiment of the invention which includes a plurality of disc-shaped connectors (lOm), (lOn), (lOp), (lOq) and (lOr), a plurality of similar polygon-shaped panel members (15a), (15b), (15c), (15d) and single panel member (16) all being detachably and substantially perpendicularly interconnected to form semi- realistic model (22) of an X-WING STAR FIGHTER spaceship from the STAR WARS movie series. As shown in Figure 5a, panel member (16) has a plurality of apertures (17a), (17b), (17c) and (17d) which edges detachably interconnect with notches (11) on connectors (lox), (lox), (lOp), (lOq) and (lOr).

Portion (42) of apertures (17a-d) approximates the thickness of connectors (lOm-r), respectively. The panel members of the present invention are not limited solely to flat panel members.

Since the connectors of the invention have a plurality of radially spaced notches on their periphery, models employing them can advantageously be constructed in a variety of different forms without detracting from their semi- realistic appearance. For example, the connectors and panel members of Figure 3a can be assembled in a different fashion to form a TIE FIGHTER of a different configuration having elevated wings (not shown). The connectors and panel members of Figure 5a can be rearranged to form a spaceship not resembling the X-WING STAR FIGHTER (not shown).

All of the connectors and panel members of the invention are interchangeable and interconnectable, and a wide variety of semi-realistic models can be made with any given kit. For example, some of the connectors and panel members of Figures 3a, 4a and 5a can be interconnected in such a manner as to form a space station (not shown) or different spaceship. In general, a combination of less than 30, preferably less than 20 and more preferably less than 15, disc-shaped connectors and panel members are required to form a semi-realistic model.

The individual construction kits contemplated by the invention can be provided with connectors and panel members for constructing a group of semi-realistic models, such as a group of cars, or for constructing a range of different semi- realistic models of objects, such as of people, vehicles, animals, buildings, toys, weapons, machinery, caricatures, fanciful figures and the like.

The connectors and panel members of the invention can be provided individually, in groups comprising connectors and/or panel members, or generally as punch-outs from a punch-out card. In a punch-out card, outlines of panel members and/or connectors are cut, die cut, etched, pressed, lasered, printed or the like onto a suitable base sheet made of the desired material. When desired, the precut panel members and/or connectors are punched-out (or pressed or pushed out) from the base sheet and used. For example, Figures 3b, 4b, 5b, 6b, 7b, 8b, and 9b depict the panel members used to construct a group of different spaceships. The connectors and panel members can also be provided unassembled or pre- assembled (interconnected).

Thus, one embodiment of the invention provides an improved construction kit comprising panel members which are

detachably and substantially perpendicularly interconnectable with the disc-shaped connectors contemplated herein. The panel members generally resemble the profile or contour of the entirety or at least a portion of an object for which the panel member will be used to construct a semi-realistic model (23) . For example, Figure 6b depicts punch-out card (60) comprising paired panel members (61a), (61b) and (62a), (62b) and panel member (63). Panel member (63) resembles the profile of the fuselage of the BOBA FETT SLAVE 1 spaceship, a semi-realistic model (23) of which is depicted in perspective view in Figure 6a, from the STAR WARS movie series. Paired panel members (61a),(61b) resemble the profiles of the wings of the same spaceship.

In another embodiment of the invention, Figure 7b depicts punch-out card (70) comprising paired panel members (72a),(72b) and (74a),(74b) and single panel member (71) Panel member (71) resembles the fuselage of the TYDIRIUM spaceship, a semi-realistic model (24) of which is depicted in perspective view in Figure 7a, from the STAR WARS movie series. Paired panel members (72a),(72b) resemble the profiles of the wings of the same spaceship. Paired panel members (74a),(74b) are used to add dimension to the fuselage and to enhance the semi-realistic appearance of model (24).

In yet another embodiment of the invention, Figure 8b depicts punch-out card (80) comprising paired panel members (81a),(81b), single panel member (82) and single panel member (83). Panel member (82) resembles the fuselage of the SNOW SPEEDER spaceship, of which a semi-realistic model (25) is depicted in perspective view in Figure 8a, from the STAR WARS movie series. Paired panel members (81a),(81b) resemble the profiles of the wings of the same spaceship. Surface ornamentation, plurality of connectors (26) and panel members

(81a), (81b), (82) and (83) cooperate to form semi-realistic model (25).

Figure 9 depicts another embodiment wherein panel members (91, 92a, and 92b), of punch-out card (90), resemble various parts of the MOTHER SHIP spaceship used in the SPACE JAM movie. Panel member (91) resembles the profile of the fuselage of the spaceship; whereas, panel members (92a) and (92b) resemble the profiles of its wings. When interconnected with six to eight disc-shaped connectors (not shown), a semi- realistic model (not shown) of the spaceship is formed.

Figure 10 depicts another embodiment wherein similarly- shaped panel members (102a) and (102b) and single panel member (101) comprise punch-out card (100). When interconnected with five disc-shaped connectors (not shown), a semi-realistic model (not shown) of the PISTOL from the SPACE JAM movie is formed.

Figure 11 depicts another embodiment wherein panel member (111) and panel member (112) comprise punch-out card (110) . When interconnected with six to eight disc-shaped connectors (not shown), a semi-realistic model (not shown) of the LANDING CRAFT from the SPACE JAM movie is formed.

As shown in Figure 11, panel member (111) has a plurality of apertures (112a) and (112b) and opposing paired notches (114a),(114b), (115a),(115b), (116a),(116b) and (117a),(117b). Each notch in an opposing pair cooperates with its mate to interconnect with a disc-shaped connector of the invention.

Semi-realistic models of many different structures can be constructed with the disc-shaped connectors and panel members of the invention. Figure 12 depicts semi-realistic

model (27) of a sky-scraper building. Panel members (120a-d), each having no notches on its outer periphery, are interconnected with disc-shaped connectors (121-122) to form the core of the building. Flat panel member (120a) has adjacent apertures (123a) and (123b) separated by divider (124) which width approximates the width of notch (125) and the thickness of connectors (121,122).

It should be noted that adjacent apertures can be disposed anywhere on a panel member. A divider can also be formed by cooperation of an aperture and outer periphery of panel member such that the edge which defines aperture is disposed adjacent to and cooperates with the outer periphery to form a divider having a width which approximates the thickness of a connector.

The above is a detailed description of particular embodiments of the invention. It is recognized that departures from the disclosed embodiments may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. Those of skill in the art should, in light of the present disclosure, appreciate that many changes can be made in the specific embodiments which are disclosed herein and still obtain a like or similar result without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All of the embodiments disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure.

Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms "a" and "an" mean "one or more" when used in this specification.