39-245

Carnegie Mellon University

Spring 2000

Carlos Moreno

This toy is based on the principle of trusses, structures and beam theory.

Children will interact with the toy by building and constructing oversized structures to use as fort frames. The toy is basically oversized tinker-toys made out of a foam similar in nature to what one might find in a pool noodle. Children will be able to construct various "fort frames" which they can cover with bed sheets to achieve an enclosed effect. The frames are variously colored and there will be many types of joint elements available to allow different structures.

Fort Frames are every introverted child's dream. Your child will truly be able to shut out the world and wile away his youth crawling through the tangled maze of his own imagination that reflects the inhuman rejection and segregation he is likely to suffer at the hands of those brutal animals, also known as other children. With Fort Frames, your child can reject the world and society that has rejected him.

Construction Costs should be extremely low, as it basically consists of forming foams in various molds. In particular, the beam elements, could be formed in continuous lengths and cut to differenct sizes. The foam should be quite durable and safe due to its inherent softness and flexibility.