| 摘要 |
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for engaging toothpicks to assemble a toy structure having different possible structural configurations. The toy structure is formed using toothpicks in conjunction with one or more support members, each support member including a plurality of support sleeves radiating outwardly therefrom. Each support sleeve has a conically shaped passageway therein for engaging one end of the toothpick wherein the support sleeve connects the toothpick to the support member. The toy structure is assembled by interconnecting the toothpicks with a plurality of support members. The support sleeves project outwardly in both the horizontal and vertical directions to provide support for toothpicks in the horizontal and vertical planes. The unattached end of a toothpick is "capped" with an additional support member having support sleeves thereon to act as sites for future expansion. The support sleeves may be angled to engage toothpicks between diagonally opposed support members which occupy the same plane. The diagonal support sleeves are sized to a predetermined length to allow the use of toothpicks having a uniform length within the structure. Toothpick locking means project into the sleeve passageway from the inner surface of the sleeve, the inward projection of the locking members terminating in a sharply defined ridge which penetrates into the surface of the toothpick when the toothpick is lodged within the sleeve.
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