U.S. patent application number 15/043849 was filed with the patent office on 2017-01-12 for miniature electronic customizable room building toy components.
The applicant listed for this patent is PlayMonster, LLC. Invention is credited to Alice Pattaranee Brooks, Bettina Jade-Ming.
Application Number | 20170007938 15/043849 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56615778 |
Filed Date | 2017-01-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170007938 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brooks; Alice Pattaranee ;
et al. |
January 12, 2017 |
Miniature Electronic Customizable Room Building Toy Components
Abstract
An electronic building toy component having a main body having
opposing top and bottom surfaces and a thickness and having wiring
between the top and bottom surfaces and having a connecting feature
at a peripheral edge of the main body. The connecting feature, such
as a plug or receptacle that is compatible with other electronic
building toy components, allows the electronic building toy
component to be electrically coupled with other electronic building
toy components, such as batteries, Bluetooth enabled hubs, lights,
buzzers, motors, sensors, and other electrical connecting building
components. Some components also include slots and taps for
engagement with compatible features on other building toy
components for mechanical coupling. A Bluetooth enabled hub also
allows remote control of electronic building toy components using
Bluetooth enabled devices, including smartphones and tablets.
Inventors: |
Brooks; Alice Pattaranee;
(Beloit, WI) ; Jade-Ming; Bettina; (Beloit,
WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PlayMonster, LLC |
Beloit |
WI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56615778 |
Appl. No.: |
15/043849 |
Filed: |
February 15, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62116214 |
Feb 13, 2015 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/086 20130101;
A63H 33/088 20130101; A63H 33/084 20130101; A63H 33/044 20130101;
A63H 33/105 20130101; A63H 33/108 20130101; A63H 33/042 20130101;
A63H 33/42 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63H 33/04 20060101
A63H033/04; A63H 33/08 20060101 A63H033/08 |
Claims
1. An electronic building toy component, comprising: a main body
having opposing top and bottom surfaces, a length, a width, and a
thickness, wherein at least one of a tab and a slot is provided on
the main body for engagement with a compatible feature on another
building toy component; and electrical wiring between the top and
bottom surfaces, the wiring extending to at least one connector at
a surface of the main body.
2. The electronic building toy component of claim 1, wherein the
main body of the building toy component is formed from a semi-rigid
material.
3. The electronic building toy component of claim 1, wherein the
top and bottom surfaces are generally parallel.
4. The electronic building toy component of claim 1, wherein the at
least one tab is located on the bottom surface of the main
body.
5. The electronic building toy component of claim 1, wherein the at
least one slot is located along the perimeter of the main body.
6. The electronic building toy component of claim 1, wherein the at
least one slot is located near the central portion of the main
body.
7. The electronic building toy component of claim 1, wherein an
engagement strip is provided within said slot.
8. The electronic building toy component of claim 1, wherein the at
least one connector is compatible with a connector of a power
source.
9. The electronic building toy component of claim 1, wherein the at
least connector is compatible with a connector of an electronic
component.
10. The electronic building toy component of claim 1 comprising at
least two connectors that allow coupling an electronic component to
a power source.
11. The electronic building toy component of claim 10, wherein one
connector is a receptacle and the other connector is a plug.
12. The electronic building toy component of claim 11, wherein the
receptacle and the plug are in planes orthogonal to one
another.
13. A building toy component comprising: a housing having opposing
top and bottom surfaces, a length, a width, and a thickness, and
having at least one slot in the top surface with a depth suitable
for accommodating a tab of a building component, and a connector
compatible with connection to an electronic component; and a power
source between the top and bottom surfaces of said housing.
14. The building toy component of claim 13, further comprising a
tab on the bottom surface to engage slots of a building
component.
15. The building toy component of claim 13, wherein the power
source is a battery.
16. A toy room building kit, comprising: a building toy component
having a main body and at least one of a tab that extends from the
main body and a slot, wherein the building toy component has
electronic circuitry integrated within the main body, wherein
wiring extends to at least one connector at a surface of the main
body; a power source for supplying power the building toy
component, the power source having a connector at its housing,
wherein the at least one connector of the building toy component is
compatible with the connector of the power source.
17. The toy room building kit of claim 16, wherein the power source
is a battery component.
18. The toy room building kit of claim 16, wherein the power source
comprises a battery and a controller that allows a Bluetooth
enabled device to remotely control the building toy component when
the building toy component and the power source are operably
coupled.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a non-provisional application of and
claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) to provisional patent
application No. 62/116,214 filed Feb. 13, 2015.
FIELD
[0002] The disclosure relates to miniature room building toy
components. In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to miniature
room building toy components having coupling elements, such as tabs
and slots, which are compatible with each other. In one embodiment,
the miniature room building toy components have electrical wiring
that allows an electronic component to be coupled to a power
source. As such, miniature rooms may be customized to a user's
preference, whether the rooms are created as a toy, a hobby, a
craft, or a combination thereof.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The use of toys to instruct children on integrating
electronics into room-building toy components encourages the
education of engineering concepts in a creative environment.
SUMMARY
[0004] In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to an electronic
building toy component, comprising: a main body having opposing top
and bottom surfaces, a length, a width, and a thickness, wherein at
least one of a tab and a slot is provided on the main body for
engagement with a compatible feature on another building toy
component; an electrical wiring between the top and bottom
surfaces, the wiring extending to at least one connector at a
surface of the main body. In another embodiment, the connector is a
receptacle or a plug.
[0005] In one embodiment, the electronic building toy component
comprises at least two connectors. In another embodiment, one
connector is a receptacle and the second connector is a plug.
[0006] In yet another embodiment, the connector can be coupled,
either directly or indirectly to a power source. In still another
embodiment, the connector is designed or configured to be
compatible with a power source. In one embodiment, the connector is
compatible with a connector of a power source.
[0007] In yet another embodiment, the connector can be coupled,
either directly or indirectly to an electronic component, including
but not limited to a light source, a buzzer, a motor, or an
electronic sensor. In still another embodiment, the connector is
designed or configured to be compatible with an electronic
component. In one embodiment, the connector is compatible with a
connector of an electronic component.
[0008] In still another embodiment, the connector of the electronic
building toy component is compatible with a connector of a power
source. In another embodiment, the connector of the electronic
building toy component is compatible with a connector of an
electronic component.
[0009] In yet another embodiment, the disclosure relates to an
electronic building toy component, comprising: a main body having
opposing top and bottom surfaces, a length, a width, and a
thickness, wherein at least one of a tab and a slot is provided on
the main body for engagement with a compatible feature on another
building toy component; an electrical wiring between the top and
bottom surfaces, the wiring electrically and operably coupling at
least one electrical component, including but not limited to a
light component, a motor, a buzzer, and a sensor, with a power
source, such as a battery component and a hub.
[0010] In still another embodiment, the disclosure relates to an
electronic building toy component, comprising: a main body having
opposing top and bottom surfaces, a length, a width, and a
thickness, wherein at least one of a tab and a slot is provided on
the main body for engagement with a compatible feature on another
building toy component; an electrical wiring extending between a
plug and a receptacle. In one embodiment, the plug and receptacle
are used to electrically and operably couple an electrical
component, such as a light component, a motor, a buzzer, and a
sensor, with a power source, such as a battery component and a
hub.
[0011] In one embodiment, the electronic building toy component can
electrically connect components in different planes. In one
embodiment, two or more connectors can be in planes orthogonal to
one another. In one embodiment, a plug and a receptacle can be in
planes orthogonal to one another.
[0012] In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a building toy
component comprising: a housing having opposing top and bottom
surfaces, a length, a width, and a thickness, and having at least
one slot in the top surface with a depth suitable for accommodating
a tab of a building component, and a connector compatible with
connection to an electronic component; and a power source between
the top and bottom surfaces of said housing. In another embodiment,
the building toy component further comprises a tab on the bottom
surface to engage slots of a building component. In one embodiment,
the power source is a battery.
[0013] In yet another embodiment, the disclosure relates to a toy
room building kit, comprising a building toy component having a
main body and at least one of a tab that extends from the main body
and a slot, wherein the building toy component has electronic
circuitry integrated within the main body, wherein wiring extends
to at least one connector at a surface of the main body; and a
power source for supplying power the building toy component, the
power source having a connector at its housing, wherein the at
least one connector of the building toy component is compatible
with the connector of the power source.
[0014] In one embodiment, the power source is a battery component.
In still another embodiment, the power source comprises a battery
and a controller that allows a Bluetooth enabled device to remotely
control the building toy component when the building toy component
and the power source are operably coupled.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not by
way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and
in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in
which:
[0016] FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate views of a three-slot, centered-tab
building toy component in accordance with embodiments disclosed
herein.
[0017] FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate views of a five-slot, centered-tab
building toy component in accordance with embodiments disclosed
herein.
[0018] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate views of a three-slot, skewed-tab
building toy component in accordance with embodiments of the
present invention.
[0019] FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate views of a five-slot, double-tab
building toy component in accordance with embodiments disclosed
herein.
[0020] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate views of a four-slot building toy
component in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
[0021] FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate views of an eight-slot building toy
component in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
[0022] FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate views of a circular connector
component in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
[0023] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a semi-circular
connector component in accordance with embodiments disclosed
herein.
[0024] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a quarter-circular
connector component in accordance with embodiments disclosed
herein.
[0025] FIG. 10 illustrates a top perspective view of a bench base
formed from building toy components in accordance with embodiments
disclosed herein.
[0026] FIG. 11 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a bench
formed from a bench base as shown in FIG. 10 in accordance with
embodiments disclosed herein.
[0027] FIG. 12 illustrates a top perspective view of a dishrack
formed from building toy components in accordance with embodiments
disclosed herein.
[0028] FIG. 13 illustrates a side perspective view of a complex
figure formed from building toy components in accordance with
embodiments disclosed herein.
[0029] FIG. 14 illustrates a side perspective view of a staircase
formed from building toy components in accordance with embodiments
disclosed herein.
[0030] FIG. 15 illustrates a top perspective view of a first
configuration of wall paneling in accordance with embodiments
disclosed herein.
[0031] FIG. 16 illustrates a top perspective view of a second
configuration of wall paneling in accordance with embodiments
disclosed herein.
[0032] FIG. 17 illustrates a close-up perspective view of a third
configuration of wall paneling as seen in FIG. 16 in accordance
with embodiments disclosed herein.
[0033] FIG. 18 illustrates a front view of a curved roof wall
paneling in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
[0034] FIG. 19 illustrates a top perspective view of a curved roof
wall paneling in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
[0035] FIG. 20 illustrates a side view of a hanging wall panel in
accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
[0036] FIG. 21 illustrates a side view of an angled wall panel in
accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
[0037] FIG. 22 illustrates a front view of a house-shaped wall
configuration in accordance with an embodiment disclosed
herein.
[0038] FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view 2300 of a
disconnected electronic lightbulb in accordance with embodiments of
the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view of an electronic
motor component in accordance with an embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 25 illustrates a perspective view of complementary
electronic components in accordance with an embodiment.
[0041] FIGS. 26A and 26B illustrate two compatible configurations
of electronic components in accordance with an embodiment.
[0042] FIG. 27 illustrates a perspective view of a connected
electronic motor in accordance with embodiments disclosed
herein.
[0043] FIGS. 28A-28C illustrates view of a housing component in
accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
[0044] FIG. 29 illustrates a perspective view of a first
configuration of a connector securing a wiring component in
accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
[0045] FIG. 30 illustrates a perspective view of a second
configuration of a connector securing a wiring component in
accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
[0046] FIG. 31 illustrates a perspective view of connectors
securing a switch component in accordance with embodiments
disclosed herein.
[0047] FIG. 32A illustrates a perspective view of a wooden wall
panel in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
[0048] FIG. 32B illustrates a close-up perspective view of the
wooden wall panel of FIG. 32A in accordance with embodiments
disclosed herein.
[0049] FIG. 33 illustrates a top perspective view of electronic
components integrated in a built room environment in accordance
with embodiments disclosed herein.
[0050] FIG. 34 illustrates a back view of electronic components
integrated in a built room environment in accordance with
embodiments disclosed herein.
[0051] FIG. 35 illustrates a first built house environment in
accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
[0052] FIG. 36 illustrates a second built house environment in
accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
[0053] FIG. 37 illustrates a built horse stable environment in
accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
[0054] FIG. 38 illustrates a built cupcake shop environment in
accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
[0055] FIG. 39 illustrates a built school room environment in
accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
[0056] FIG. 40 illustrates a windmill in accordance with
embodiments disclosed herein.
[0057] FIG. 41 illustrates a complex configuration of building toy
components in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
[0058] FIG. 42 illustrates two sets of wiring components in
accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
[0059] FIG. 43 is a perspective view an embodiment of a hub having
multiple receptacles for electrically coupling with a building
component having integrated electronics.
[0060] FIG. 44A is a top perspective view of a battery component in
accordance with an embodiment disclosed herein.
[0061] FIG. 44B is a bottom perspective view of the battery
component shown in FIG. 44A.
[0062] FIG. 45A is a top perspective view an electronic light
component in accordance with an embodiment disclosed herein.
[0063] FIG. 45B is a bottom perspective view of the electronic
light component shown in FIG. 45A.
[0064] FIG. 46A is a top perspective view an electronic motor
component in accordance with an embodiment disclosed herein.
[0065] FIG. 46B is a bottom perspective view of the electronic
motor component shown in FIG. 46A.
[0066] FIG. 47A is a top perspective view an electronic buzzer
component in accordance with an embodiment disclosed herein.
[0067] FIG. 47B is a bottom perspective view of the electronic
buzzer component shown in FIG. 47A.
[0068] FIG. 48A is a top perspective view an electronic sensor
component in accordance with an embodiment disclosed herein.
[0069] FIG. 48B is a bottom perspective view of the electronic
sensor component shown in FIG. 48A.
[0070] FIG. 49A is a perspective view of an embodiment of an
electrical connector.
[0071] FIG. 49B is a side view of the electrical connector shown in
FIG. 49A.
[0072] FIG. 50A is a top perspective view of another embodiment of
an electrical connector.
[0073] FIG. 50B is a bottom perspective view of the electrical
connector shown in FIG. 50A.
[0074] FIG. 50C is a side view of the electrical connector shown in
FIG. 50A.
[0075] FIG. 51 is a perspective view of an electrical connector in
accordance with yet another embodiment.
[0076] FIG. 52 is a perspective view of a cable harness
converter
[0077] FIG. 53 illustrates an exemplary configuration in which a
cable harness converter is used.
[0078] FIG. 54 illustrates an exemplary configuration of connected
electronic components.
[0079] FIG. 55 illustrates a second exemplary configuration of
connected electronic components.
[0080] FIG. 56 illustrates a third exemplary configuration of
connected electronic components.
[0081] FIG. 57 illustrates a fourth exemplary configuration of
connected electronic components.
[0082] FIG. 58 is a different view of the configuration shown in
FIG. 57.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0083] The numerical ranges in this disclosure are approximate, and
thus may include values outside of the range unless otherwise
indicated. Numerical ranges include all values from and including
the lower and the upper values, in increments of one unit, provided
that there is a separation of at least two units between any lower
value and any higher value. As an example, if a compositional,
physical or other property, such as, for example, molecular weight,
melt index, temperature etc., is from 100 to 1,000, it is intended
that all individual values, such as 100, 101, 102, etc., and sub
ranges, such as 100 to 144, 155 to 170, 197 to 200, etc., are
expressly enumerated. For ranges containing values that are less
than one or containing fractional numbers greater than one (e.g.,
1.1, 1.5, etc.), one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01
or 0.1, as appropriate. For ranges containing single digit numbers
less than ten (e.g., 1 to 5), one unit is typically considered to
be 0.1. These are only examples of what is specifically intended,
and all possible combinations of numerical values between the
lowest value and the highest value enumerated, are to be considered
to be expressly stated in this disclosure.
[0084] The disclosure will now be described in detail with
reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying
drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details
are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the
disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the
art, that the disclosure may be practiced without some or all of
these specific details. In other instances, well known process
steps and/or structures have not been described in detail in order
to not unnecessarily obscure the disclosure.
[0085] This disclosure provides a toy room-building kit that
includes building toy components, connector components, electrical
components, and wall paneling. The building toy components,
connector components, and wall paneling may be modular, meaning
they may be designed with standardized dimensions for easy assembly
and maximum flexibility of arrangements in use. In particular, the
building toy components, connector components, and wall paneling
may be modular both with each other as well as with the other
building toy components, connector components, and wall paneling.
However, while it is extremely beneficial to have modularity in the
components of a toy room-building kit, alternative embodiments may
include some components that are not modular, or that are only
modular to a limited degree (for example, if some components are
compatible with only a portion of other components, such as one
side of a component but not another side of the same component) or,
as another example, some component may only be modular with a
portion of the total number of components.
[0086] The wall paneling and connector components may be used to
build an outer structure. Further, the building toy components may
be used to build furniture pieces. Additionally, the building toy
components may be used to decorate an outer structure constructed
using the structural components. Further, the building toy
components may also be used to build or augment structural
components. For example, the building toy components may be used to
construct beams, staircases, etc. The use of building toy
components for creating and/or augmenting structural components is
especially appropriate when all of the components are modular, such
as when all of the components are the same thickness.
[0087] The building toy components, connector components, and wall
paneling may be made out of wood, plastic, cardboard, paper, metal,
or other materials. Embodiments formed of plastic, such as
polypropylene and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, allow for
durability, reapplication of decorative materials, and consistency
of product.
[0088] The toy room-building kit may also include electronic
components that may be integrated into the building toy components,
connector components, and wall paneling. The electronic components
may also be modular, both with each other as well as with the
building toy components, connector components, and wall paneling.
For example, electronic wiring may be designed to be encased within
building toy components used for joining wall paneling of a
miniature room. The electronic components may also be secured by
connector components. For example, the wiring of the electronic
components may be sandwiched between connector components. The
wiring of the electronic components may also be secured to a
connector component by passing through a slot of the connector
component or may be encased and integrated within a building
component. Further, electronic components may be secured through an
aperture in a building toy component or wall paneling by using a
nut or washer lock. The electronic components may also be secured
using connector components. As such, electronic components may be
used to integrate electricity-based elements into the building toy
components, connector components, and wall paneling.
[0089] The building toy components, connector components, wall
paneling, and electrical components may be combined to construct a
fully customizable miniature toy room. Additionally, the miniature
toy room may be decorated and redecorated by a user. For example,
the miniature toy room may be decorated using stickers, markers,
etc. that may be removed and reapplied in different
configurations.
[0090] Miniature toy rooms that are constructed in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention may be flexible, stackable,
and attachable. In particular, a user can connect building toy
components, connector components, and wall paneling in many ways.
In particular, this compatibility is due to the dimensions of the
building toy components, connector components, and wall paneling as
being compatible with one another. Each piece is "universally"
adaptable with each other piece, meaning that there is at least one
way in which to engage any one piece with another. Additionally,
the rooms that are constructive can be made to have varying
dimensions (heights, widths, and lengths) by utilizing connective
pieces to connect wall paneling, thus vastly expanding the size of
a room. The wall paneling for the rooms can be connected
side-by-side, one-on-top-of-another, and built with add-on features
such as overhangs and slanted roofs. This can create any structure,
such as a house, shopping mall, hotel, store, etc. Additionally,
structures can be constructed to include balconies. Further, wall
paneling may be flexible--for example, walls of a miniature room
can be made out of flexible materials such that they can be bent to
make curved walls.
[0091] Building toy components may also be completely modular. In
particular, each building toy component may be designed to be
compatible with every other building toy component and connector
component. While this maximizes the number of configurations that
may be created, embodiments of the present disclosure also allow
for pieces to be one or a discrete number of sizes so as to prevent
potential infringers from copying the present disclosure. As such,
while embodiments described herein may be completely compatible,
with slots and tabs being within a universal range of thickness
across building toy components, connector components and wall
paneling, the scope of the present disclosure allows for variance
on these aspects in further embodiments.
[0092] Building toy components may be used to create items, such as
chairs, tables, beds, bookshelves, dog houses, stairways, sofas,
nightstands, desks, coffee tables, a dish rack, etc. Additionally,
electronic components may be integrated into the miniature toy room
to provide light, sound, noise, and the like. Examples of these
types of components are discussed herein in accordance with
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0093] FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate views of a three-slot, centered-tab
building toy component 100 in accordance with embodiments of the
present invention. In particular, FIGS. 1A-1D show main body 105,
tab 125, slots 145, and engagement strips 165. Main body 105 has a
uniform length 110, width 115, and thickness 120. Additionally,
main body 105 has a tab 125 that extends from a side of main body
105. Tab 125 has length 130, width 135, and thickness 140. The tab
length 130 and tab thickness 140 are both equal to the main body
thickness 120. Further, main body 105 has three slots 145. Each
slot 145 has a length 150, width 155, and thickness 160.
[0094] Accordingly, FIG. 1A illustrates a top perspective view of
the three-slot, centered-tab building toy component 100 in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As shown in
FIG. 1A, main body 105 has a generally rectangular geometry. As
such, main body 105 contains slots 145 that are able to engage
tabs, such as tab 125, from compatible building toy components.
[0095] In order to engage tabs securely, slots 145 include
engagement strips 165. Accordingly, FIG. 1A shows that slots 145
within the main body 105 have sidewalls that contain engagement
strips 165. When manufactured using an injection molding process,
the angle of the slots 145 may be less than 90 degrees so as to
ease the removal of components from a mold. For example, the angle
of slots 145 may be 88 degrees, as seen in FIG. 1A. Accordingly,
engagement strips 165 may be added so as to increase accommodate
the 2 degree difference that is due to the formation process. As
such, when a compatible tab, such as tab 125, is inserted into slot
145, engagement strips 165 secure the tab into slot 145. Further,
the engagement strips are spaced near enough such that at least one
engagement strip 165 will engage a compatible tab that is fully
inserted into a portion of a slot 145.
[0096] FIG. 1B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the
three-slot, centered-tab building toy component 100 in accordance
with embodiments of the present invention. Again, in FIG. 1B,
engagement strips 165 on the sidewalls of the slots 145 are
visible. Further, the base of the engagement strips 165 as seen in
FIG. 1B are slightly larger than the tops of the engagement strips
as seen in FIG. 1A. As discussed above, this tapering of the
engagement strips 165 compensates for the nature of an injection
molding process, wherein portions of the injection molding process
must be tapered so as to allow for the building toy components to
be removed from the injection mold.
[0097] FIG. 1C illustrates a front view of the three-slot,
centered-tab building toy component in accordance with embodiments
of the present invention. Further, FIG. 1C illustrates dimensions
of main body 105 comprising a length 110 of 1.000+/-0.005 inches
and a width 115 of 1.500+/-0.005 inches. FIG. 1C also illustrates
the dimensions of tab 125 comprising a length 130 of 0.125+/-0.005
inches and a width 130 of 0.500+/-0.003 inches. Additionally, the
dimensions of slots 145 comprise a length 150 of 0.125+/-0.003
inches and a width 155 of 1.250+/-0.005 inches.
[0098] FIG. 1D illustrates a side view of the three-slot,
centered-tab building toy component 100 in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 1D
illustrates that the thickness of the three-slot, centered-tab
building toy component is 0.125+/-0.003 inches. Accordingly, this
thickness is constant across main body thickness 120, tab thickness
140, and slot thickness 160. Further, as seen in FIG. 1D, the
thickness of component 100 is seen as maintaining a constant
thickness across the three-slot, centered-tab building toy
component 100.
[0099] FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate views of a five-slot, centered-tab
building toy component 2002 in accordance with embodiments of the
present invention. In particular, FIGS. 2A-2C show main body 205,
tab 225, slots 245, and engagement strips 265. Main body 205 has a
uniform length 210, width 215, and thickness 220. Additionally,
main body 205 has a tab 225 that extends from a side of main body
205. Tab 225 has length 230, width 235, and thickness 240. The tab
length 230 and tab thickness 240 are both equal to the main body
thickness 220. Further, main body 205 has three slots 245. Each
slot 245 has a length 250, width 255, and thickness 260.
[0100] Accordingly, FIG. 2A illustrates a top perspective view of
the five-slot, centered-tab building toy component 200 in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In
particular, FIG. 2A also shows a main body 205 having a generally
rectangular geometry. Additionally, FIG. 2A illustrates the use of
five slots 245 having tab-engaging strips 265. Accordingly, FIG. 2A
shows that slots 245 within the main body 205 have sidewalls that
contain engagement strips 265. In particular, the engagement strips
265 are spaced near enough such that at least one engagement strip
265 will engage a compatible tab, such as tab 225, that is fully
inserted into a portion of the slot 245.
[0101] FIG. 2B illustrates a front view of the five-slot,
centered-tab building toy component 200 in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention. Further, FIG. 2B illustrates
dimensions of main body 205 comprising a length 210 of
1.500+/-0.005 inches, and a width 215 of 1.500+/-0.005 inches. FIG.
2B also shows dimensions of tab 225 comprising a length 230 of
0.125+/-0.005 inches and a width 235 of 0.500+/-0.003 inches. The
dimensions of slots 245 comprise a length 250 of 0.125+/-0.003
inches and a width 255 of 1.250+/-0.005 inches.
[0102] Further, FIG. 2C illustrates a side view of the five-slot,
centered-tab building toy component 220 in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 2C
demonstrates dimensions of the five-slot, centered-tab building toy
component 200. In particular, FIG. 2C illustrates that the
thickness of the five-slot, centered-tab building toy component is
0.125+/-0.003 inches. Accordingly, this thickness is constant
across main body thickness 220, tab thickness 240, and slot
thickness 260. Further, as seen in FIG. 2C, the thickness of
component 200 is seen as maintaining a constant thickness across
the five-slot, centered-tab building toy component 200.
[0103] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate views of a three-slot, skewed-tab
building toy component 300 in accordance with embodiments of the
present invention. In particular, FIGS. 3A-3C show main body 305,
tab 325, slots 345, and engagement strips 365. Main body 305 has a
uniform length 310, width 315, and thickness 320. Additionally,
main body 305 has a tab 325 that extends from a side of main body
305. Tab 325 has length 330, width 335, and thickness 340. The tab
length 330 and tab thickness 340 are both equal to the main body
thickness 320. Further, main body 305 has three slots 345. Each
slot 345 has a length 350, width 355, and thickness 360.
[0104] As such, FIG. 3A illustrates a top perspective view of a
three-slot, skewed-tab building toy component 300 in accordance
with embodiments of the present invention. In particular, the
three-slot skewed-tab building toy component 300 is similar to
component 100 as shown in FIG. 1. In both cases, a tab extends
through the bottom edge of a main body, and in both cases there are
three slots available to receive engaging portions from other
components. However, component 300 has a tab that is off-center,
while the tab in component 100 is centered. Component 300 also
includes engagement strips. FIG. 3A shows the engagement strips
within the slots of component 300.
[0105] FIG. 3B illustrates a front view of the five-slot,
centered-tab building toy component 300 in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention. Further, FIG. 3B illustrates
dimensions of main body 305 comprising a length 310 of 1.000+/-0.01
inches, and a width 315 of 1.250+/-0.005 inches. The additional
dimensions of tab 325 comprise a length 330 of 0.125+/-0.003 inches
and a width 335 of 0.500+/-0.003 inches. Further, tab 325 is
off-set along the width 315 of main body 305. In particular, the
width 335 of tab 325 is adjacent to a width of 0.500+/-0.003 inches
and a width of 0.250+/-0.003 inches on either side. As such, tab
325 is askew with respect to the center of width 335 of main body
305. Further, the dimensions of slots 345 comprise a length 350 of
0.125+/-0.003 inches and a width 355 of 1.000+/-0.003 inches.
[0106] Further, FIG. 3C illustrates a side view of the three-slot,
skewed-tab building toy component 300 in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention. In particular, the side view
shows additional dimensional aspects of component 300. In
particular, FIG. 3C illustrates that the thickness of the
three-slot, skewed-tab building toy component is 0.125+/-0.003
inches. Accordingly, this thickness is constant across main body
thickness 320, tab thickness 340, and slot thickness 360. Further,
as seen in FIG. 3C, the thickness of component 300 is seen as
maintaining a constant thickness across the three-slot,
centered-tab building toy component 300.
[0107] FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate views of a five-slot, double-tab
building toy component 400 in accordance with embodiments of the
present invention. In particular, FIGS. 4A-4C show main body 405,
tabs 425, slots 445, and engagement strips 465. Main body 405 has a
uniform length 410, width 415, and thickness 420. Tabs 425 have
length 430, width 435, and thickness 440. The dimension of tabs
length 430 and tabs thickness 440 are both equal to the main body
thickness 420. Further, main body 405 has five slots 445. Each slot
445 has a length 450, width 455, and thickness 460.
[0108] Accordingly, FIG. 4A illustrates a top perspective view of
the five-slot, double-tab building toy component 400 in accordance
with embodiments of the present invention. Component 400 includes a
main body 405 that has a generally rectangular geometry. Further,
component 400 shows tabs extending through a top edge and a bottom
edge of the main body, respectively. The tabs extending from the
top edge and bottom edge of the main body 405 are centered, though
alternative embodiments may have one or more of the tabs
off-center. Component 400 also include engagement strips 465. In
particular, each slot 445 has at least one engagement strip 465,
which allows the slot to securely interact with compatible tabs or
other compatible portions of other building toy components.
[0109] FIG. 4B illustrates a front view of the five-slot,
double-tab building toy component in accordance with embodiments of
the present invention. Further, FIG. 4B illustrates dimensions of
main body 405 comprising a length 410 of 1.500+/-0.01 inches, and a
width 415 of 1.500+/-0.01 inches. The additional dimensions of tab
425 comprise a length 430 of 0.125+/-0.005 inches and a width 435
of 0.500+/-0.003 inches. Further, the dimensions of slots 445
comprise a length 350 of 0.125+/-0.003 inches and a width 455 of
1.250+/-0.01 inches.
[0110] Further, FIG. 4C illustrates a side view of the five-slot,
double-tab building toy component in accordance with embodiments of
the present invention. In particular, the side view of FIG. 4C
shows additional dimensional aspects of component 400. In
particular, FIG. 4C illustrates that the thickness of the
three-slot, skewed-tab building toy component is 0.125+/-0.003
inches. Accordingly, this thickness is constant across main body
thickness 420, tab thickness 440, and slot thickness 460. Further,
as seen in FIG. 4C, the thickness of component 400 is seen as
maintaining a constant thickness across the three-slot,
centered-tab building toy component 400.
[0111] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate views of a four-slot building toy
component in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
As seen in FIGS. 5A-5C, the four-slot building toy component 500
consists of a main body 505 having a generally square geometry. In
particular, FIGS. 5A-5C show main body 505 and slots 525. Main body
505 has a uniform length 510, width 515, and thickness 520.
Further, main body 505 has four slots 525. Each slot 525 has a
length 530, width 535, thickness 540, and engagement strips
565.
[0112] As such, FIG. 5A illustrates a top perspective view of a
four-slot building toy component 500 in accordance with embodiments
of the present invention. Further, component 500 includes a slot
525 that extends along each side of the main body 505. This allows
component 500 to engage tabs, such as tab 425 from FIG. 4, from any
or all of four orientations. As shown, each slot 525 of component
500 is generally perpendicular to its adjacent slots.
[0113] FIG. 5B illustrates a front view of the four-slot building
toy component in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention. Further, FIG. 5B illustrates dimensions of main body 505
comprising a length 510 of 1.500+/-0.005 inches, and a width 515 of
1.500+/-0.005 inches. Further, the dimensions of slots 525 comprise
a length 530 of 0.125+/-0.005 inches and a width 535 of
0.575+/-0.005 inches.
[0114] Further, FIG. 5C illustrates a side view of the four-slot
building toy component in accordance with embodiments of the
present invention. In particular, FIG. 5C illustrates that the
thickness of four-slot building toy component 500 is 0.125+/-0.003
inches. Accordingly, this thickness is constant across main body
thickness 520 and slot thickness 540. Further, as seen in FIG. 5C,
the thickness of four-slot building toy component 500 is seen as
maintaining a constant thickness across four-slot building toy
component 500.
[0115] FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate views of an eight-slot and ten-slot
building toy component in accordance with embodiments of the
present invention. In particular, FIGS. 6A-6D show main body 605
and slots 625. Main body 605 has a uniform length 610, width 615,
and thickness 620. Further, main body 605 has eight or ten slots
625. Each slot 625 has a length 630, width 635, thickness 640, and
engagement strips 645.
[0116] FIG. 6A illustrates a top perspective view of an eight-slot
building toy component 600 in accordance with embodiments of the
present invention. As such, FIG. 6A is similar to that of FIG. 5A
except that component 600 of FIG. 6A is essentially twice the
length of component 500 of FIG. 5A. Both components 500 and 600
consist of main bodies 505 and 605, respectively, having generally
right angles as corner and are without tabs that extend from the
edge of their main body. Additionally, FIG. 6A also illustrates
engagement strips 645 within slots 625. The engagement strips 645
within the slots 625 are able to secure tabs and other interactive
parts of other components.
[0117] FIG. 6B illustrates a front view of the eight-slot building
toy component 600 in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention. Further, FIG. 6B illustrates dimensions of main body 605
comprising a length 610 of 1.500+/-0.005 inches, and a width 615 of
3.00+/-0.01 inches. Further, the dimensions of slots 625 comprise a
length 630 of 0.125+/-0.005 inches and a width 635 of 0.575+/-0.005
inches.
[0118] Further, FIG. 6C illustrates a side view of the eight- or
ten-slot building toy component 600 or 650 in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 6C
illustrates that the thickness of eight- or ten-slot building toy
component 600 or 650 is 0.125+/-0.003 inches. Accordingly, this
thickness is constant across main body thickness 620 and slot
thickness 640. Further, as seen in FIG. 6C, the thickness of eight-
or ten-slot building toy component 600 or 650 is seen as
maintaining a constant thickness across eight- or ten-slot building
toy component 600 or 650.
[0119] Additionally, FIG. 6D illustrates a front view of the
ten-slot building toy component 650 in accordance with embodiments
of the present invention. FIG. 6D is similar to FIG. 6A, given that
the only differences between FIG. 6D and FIG. 6A are due to the
increased number of slots. In other dimensional aspects, FIG. 6D
matches FIG. 6A, and is compatible with similar building toy
components as FIG. 6A. Further, FIG. 6D illustrates dimensions of
main body 605 comprising a length 610 of 1.500+/-0.005 inches, and
a width 615 of 3.00+/-0.01 inches. Further, the dimensions of slots
625 comprise a length 630 of 0.125+/-0.005 inches and a width 635
of 0.575+/-0.005 inches.
[0120] As discussed above, building toy components may interact
with one another through the use of slots and tabs. Additionally,
building toy components may be connected through the use of
connector components. As such, FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate views of a
circular connector component in accordance with embodiments of the
present invention. In particular, FIGS. 7A-7D show main body 705
and slots 725. Main body 705 has a uniform radius 710, and
thickness 720. Further, main body 705 has eight or ten slots 725.
Each slot 725 has a length 730, width 735, thickness 740, and
engagement strips 745.
[0121] FIG. 7A illustrates a top perspective view of a circular
connector component 700 in accordance with embodiments of the
present invention. In particular, connector component 700 is formed
from a main body 705 that has a generally circular geometry.
Further, connector component 700 includes slots 725 that open onto
the edge of the circular component 705. These slots may be used to
connect building toy components, such as building toy components
100-600. Additionally, connector component 700 also includes
engagement strips 745. As with engagement strips of building toy
components, the engagement strips 745 of the connector component
700 are tapered generally perpendicularly to the length of each
slot.
[0122] FIG. 7B illustrates a front view of a circular connector
component 700 in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention. Further, FIG. 7B illustrates dimensions of main body 705
comprising a length of approximately 1.250+/-0.005 inches, and a
width of 1.250+/-0.005 inches. In particular, the radius 710 of
circular connector component 700 is 0.562+/-0.005 inches. Further,
the dimensions of slots 725 comprise a length 730 of 0.375+/-0.005
inches and a width 635 of 0.125+/-0.005 inches.
[0123] Further, FIG. 7C illustrates a side view of circular
connector component 700 in accordance with embodiments of the
present invention. In particular, FIG. 7C illustrates that the
thickness of circular connector component 700 is 0.125+/-0.003
inches. Accordingly, this thickness is constant across main body
thickness 720 and slot thickness 740. Further, as seen in FIG. 7C,
the thickness of circular connector component 700 is seen as
maintaining a constant thickness across circular connector
component 700.
[0124] Additionally, a circular connector component may be used to
attach to a motor. In this case, a holed circular connector
component 750 includes a support hole 755 to attach to a motor. As
such, FIG. 7D illustrates a front view 750 of a holed circular
connector component 750. While the holed circular connector
component 750 is shown as having a circular hole 755, alternative
embodiments may disclose another form of attachment.
[0125] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a semi-circular
connector component 800 in accordance with embodiments of the
present invention. In particular, FIG. 8 shows that semi-circular
component 800 is generally a portion of a circular connector
component such as component 700. However, semi-circular connector
component 800 has three slots 810 that are generally perpendicular
to at least one adjacent slot, as well as a base component 820 to
provide structure to the peripheral slots.
[0126] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a quarter-circular
connector component 900 in accordance with embodiments of the
present invention. In particular, FIG. 9 shows that
quarter-circular component 900 is generally a portion of a circular
connector component such as component 700. However,
quarter-circular connector component 900 has two slots 910that are
generally perpendicular to its adjacent slot, as well as a base
component 920 to provide structure to the peripheral slots.
[0127] FIG. 10 illustrates a top perspective view of a bench base
1000 formed from building toy components in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention. Bench base 1000 is formed by
connecting three-slot, centered-tab building toy components into a
ten-slot building toy component 1005. Ten-slot building toy
component 1005 includes slots 1007. In particular, two three-slot,
centered-tab building toy components 1010 are connected at the ends
of ten-slot building toy component 1005 and an additional
three-slot, centered-tab building toy component 1015 is attached to
a center slot of ten-slot building toy component 1005. Further,
each of three-slot centered-tab building toy components 1010 and
1015 are oriented below the ten-slot building toy component
1005.
[0128] As shown in FIG. 10, tab 1020 of three-slot centered-tab
building toy component 1010 is inserted into slot 1007 of ten-slot
building toy component 1005. In particular, the top of tab 1020 is
in the same plane as the top of ten-slot building toy component
1005. As such, the length of tab 1020 equals the thickness of
ten-slot building toy component 1005.
[0129] FIG. 11 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a bench
1000 formed from bench base 1000 as shown in FIG. 10 in accordance
with embodiments of the present invention. In particular, two
three-slot, centered-tab building toy components 1025 are inserted
into slots 1007 of bench base 1000 as shown in FIG. 10. As shown in
FIG. 11, the tops of tabs 1030 of three-slot centered-tab building
toy components 1025 are inserted into slots 1007. Further, the tops
of tabs 1030 are flush with the bottom of ten-slot building toy
component 1005, so that the body of three-slot building toy
component 1015 is not obstructed by the insertion of three-slot
centered-tab building toy components 1025 into slots 1007.
[0130] FIG. 12 illustrates a top perspective view of a dish rack
1200 formed from building toy components in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 12, circular
connector components 1205 are engaging with slots 1225 of
five-slot, centered-tab building toy component 1215. In particular,
portions of components 1205 are placed within slots 1225 of
five-slot, centered-tab building toy component 1215. Further, the
engagement strips (not shown) of five-slot, centered-tab building
toy component 1215 engages the portions of components 1205 that
extend into the slots 1225 of five-slot, centered-tab building toy
component 1215.
[0131] Further, three-slot centered-tab building toy components
1210 are also engaged in slots 1225 of five-slot centered-tab
building toy component 1215. In particular, tab 1220 of three-slot,
centered-tab building toy component 1210 is inserted into slot 1225
of five-slot, centered-tab building toy component 1215.
[0132] FIG. 13 illustrates a side perspective view of a complex
FIG. 1300 formed from building toy components in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 13 shows
the use of corner tabs engaging with slots. As such, FIG. 13
includes a two-slot component 1305, a four-slot component 1310 that
has corner 1315, four-slot component 1320, and ten-slot component
1325 that has slots 1330. As seen in FIG. 13, corner 1315 of
four-slot component 1310 has passed through a slot (not shown) of
four-slot component 1320 as well as slot 1330 of ten-slot component
1325.
[0133] Accordingly, FIG. 13 demonstrates that non-tab portions of a
building toy component may pass through and engage slots. In
particular, the non-tab components may be securely inserted into
slots of building toy components when the thickness of building toy
components is compatible with the thickness of the slots. This is
shown in FIG. 13 as corner 1315 of four-slot building toy component
1310 is secured to two building toy component through slots.
[0134] FIG. 14 illustrates a side perspective view of a staircase
1400 formed from building toy components in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention. In particular, staircase 1400
is formed by connecting four-slot building toy components 1405 to
five-slot double-tab building toy components 1410. In particular,
tabs 1415 of five-slot double-tab building toy components are
inserted into slots 1407 of four-slot building toy components
1405.
[0135] FIG. 15 illustrates a top perspective view of a first
configuration 1500 of wall paneling in accordance with embodiments
of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 15 shows wall panels
1505, 1510, and half-circle connectors 1515. In particular, as seen
in FIG. 15, wall panels 1505 run generally parallel to each other
and wall panels 1510 run generally perpendicular to wall panels
1505. Further, wall panels 1505 and 1510 are connected using
half-circle connectors 1515. In particular, wall panels 1505 and
1510 are fitted into the slots of half-circle connectors 1515. As
such, the dimensions of the slots of half-connectors 1515 may be
compatible with the thickness of wall panels 1505 and 1510.
[0136] FIG. 16 illustrates a top perspective view of a second
configuration 1600 of wall paneling in accordance with embodiments
of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 16 shows wall panels
1605, 1610, 1615, and half-circle connectors 1620. In particular,
as seen in FIG. 16, wall panels 1605 and 1610, respectively, run
generally parallel to each other, and wall panels 1615 run
generally perpendicular to wall panels 1605 and 1610. In
particular, wall panel 1615 is oriented at approximately a 45
degree angle to a portion of wall panel 1605 and a portion of wall
panel 1610.
[0137] Further, wall panels 1605, 1610, and 1615 are connected
using half-circle connectors 1620. In particular, wall panels 1605
and 1610 are fitted perpendicularly into the slots of half-circle
connectors 1620. Further, a portion of the corners of wall panel
1615 are positioned within circle connectors 1625 so as to angle
wall panel 1615 at an angle to a wall panel 1605 and 1610. As such,
the dimensions of the slots of half-connectors 1620 and circle
connectors 1625 may be compatible with the thickness of wall panels
1605, 1610, and 1615.
[0138] FIG. 17 illustrates a close-up perspective view of a third
configuration 1700 of wall paneling in accordance with embodiments
of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 17 illustrates wall
panels 1702, 1705, and 1708 as connected by circular connectors
1710. As seen in FIG. 17, panels 1702, 1705, and 1708 are fitted
into the slots of circular connectors 1710.
[0139] Additionally, wall panels may be flexible enough to curve.
As such, FIG. 18 illustrates a front view 1800 of a curved roof
wall paneling in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention. In particular, wall panel 1805 is curved such that two
sides of wall panel 1805 are secured with notches 1815 of circle
connectors 1810. The thickness of wall panel 1805 is compatible
with the thickness of circle connector 1810. Further, wall panels
1830 are also secured using circle connectors 1810. In particular,
wall panels 1820 extend downward from the sides of wall panel 1805.
Wall panels 1820 are also connected to one another through wall
panel 1825 that serves as a floor. Wall panels 1820 are secured to
wall panel 1825 using circle connectors 1810.
[0140] In alternative embodiments, semicircular connectors may be
used to connect wall panel 1805 to wall panels 1820. Further,
quarter-circular connectors may alternatively be used to connect
wall panels 1820 to wall panel 1825. In a further embodiment of a
curved wall panel, FIG. 19 illustrates a top perspective view of a
curved roof wall paneling 1900 in accordance with embodiments of
the present invention. In particular, FIG. 19 illustrates a curved
wall panel 1905 that is connected to a floor paneling 1910 using
connectors 1915. Wall panels, such as wall panels 1805 and 1905,
may be curved enough so as to form circles or cones that are
secured using connectors. For example, tubes maybe formed by
securing sides of wall panels into opposing slots of a circular or
semi-circular connector. Alternatively, wall panels maybe curved in
wave patterns, such as sine wave patterns. Accordingly, flexible
wall panels may be used to form many configurations in accordance
with embodiments of configurations constructed using building toy
components, connectors, wall panels, etc.
[0141] The secure fit of wall panels within slots of connectors may
be sufficient enough to support the weight of the wall panel.
Accordingly, FIG. 20 illustrates a side view of a hanging wall
panel 2000 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
In particular, hanging wall panel 2000 is secured to connector
2010, which is also connected to wall panel 2020. In particular,
hanging wall panel 2000 is fit within slot 2005 of connector 2010.
Further, the weight of hanging wall panel 2000 is supported by the
press fit of wall panel 2000 within slot 2005 of connector 2010.
The amount of weight that may be supported is determined by the
degree of fit between wall panel 2000 and connector 2010. In
particular, the amount of weight that may be supported is based on
the tightness of the press fit between hanging wall panel 2000 and
connector 2010. Additionally, this would apply to fit in other
components described herein, such as building toy components,
connector components, wall panels, etc.
[0142] In addition to having perpendicular connections between wall
components, an angled fit may also be achieved by using connectors
that have varied angles. Accordingly, FIG. 21 illustrates a side
view of an angled wall panel 2100 in accordance with embodiments of
the present invention. In particular, wall panel 2100 is secured to
wall panels 2105 using connectors 2110 having slots 2115. Slots
2115 of connectors 2110 have acute angles so as to secure wall
panel 2100 in an angled position.
[0143] Angled wall panels may also be used to create angled roofs.
In particular, FIG. 22 illustrates a front view of a house-shaped
wall configuration 2200 in accordance with embodiments of the
present invention. In particular, wall panels 2210 are connected
using four-slot circular connectors 2220 and three-slot circular
connectors 2230. In particular, four-slot circular connectors 2220
connect wall panels 2210 at right-angles, while three-slot circular
connectors 2230 are able to angle some wall panels 2210 at an
obtuse angle so as to provide an angled roof.
[0144] FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view 2300 of a
disconnected electronic lightbulb in accordance with embodiments of
the present invention. In particular, FIG. 23 includes battery 2310
and lightbulb 2320. The wires of the complementary electronic
components are coupled using connectors. The connectors have a plug
(the male side) and a receptacle (the female side). In FIG. 23,
battery 2310 has two plugs 2312 and 2314 and light 2320 has two
receptacles 2322 and 2324. As such, battery 2310 may be plugged
directly into lightbulb 2320. In alternative embodiments, battery
2310 may have two receptacles, such as receptacles 2322 and 2324,
while lightbulb 2320 may have two plugs, such as plugs 2312 and
2314. As such, battery 2310 and lightbulb 2320 will have
complementary plugs and receptacles. As shown in FIG. 23, however,
lightbulb 2320 is unlit as it is not yet plugged in. In order to
increase the ease of use, the connectors are easy to connect and
disconnect. In particular, the connectors can be easily plugged and
unplugged. While industry standard connectors have a locking
mechanism, and while the use of a locking mechanism is enabled in
the discussion herein, embodiments discussed are also enabling of
connectors without locking mechanism so as to allow children to
more easily plug and unplug the connectors.
[0145] Accordingly, FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view 2400 of
a connected electronic lightbulb in accordance with embodiments of
the present invention. In particular, FIG. 24 shows a battery 2410
having two plugs 2412 and 2414 that are connected to two
receptacles 2422 and 2424 of lightbulb 2420. Further, lightbulb
2420 is lit, meaning battery 2410 is in an "on" position.
Additionally, the wires of the electronic components are covered
with heat shrink. This keeps the wires from being exposed. The heat
shrink-covered wires are then attached to connectors that are then
covered with a second layer of heat shrink. This second layer of
heat shrink allows for more stress/strain surrounding the
wire-and-connector attachment, so that the wire-and-connector
attachment doesn't pop off. Further, the connectors have a plastic
guard that keeps the wires from being exposed to users of the
electronic components.
[0146] Further, additional components may also be added.
Accordingly, FIG. 25 illustrates a perspective view of
complementary electronic components in accordance with embodiments
of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 23 includes battery
2310, motor 2320, and switch 2330. Switch 2330 may be a
pressure-based switch, where the switch is only engaged when the
pressure is placed on the switch. Alternatively, switch 2330 may be
a binary switch that stays on when it is engaged until it is turned
off again.
[0147] As seen in FIGS. 23 and 24, the wires of the complementary
electronic components are coupled using connectors. The connectors
have a plug (the male side) and a receptacle (the female side). In
FIG. 25, battery 2510 has two plugs 2512 and 2514 and motor 2520
has two receptacles 2522 and 2524. In alternative embodiments,
battery 2510 may have two receptacles, such as receptacles 2522 and
2524, while motor 2520 may have two plugs, such as plugs 2512 and
2514. As such, battery 2510 and motor 2520 will have complementary
plugs and receptacles. As such, battery 2510 may be plugged
directly into motor 2520. Additionally, motor 2520 also comprises a
rotating axle 2526 such that motor 2526 may be used to rotate
objects attached to rotating axle 2526. For example, a holed
circular connector component, such as that seen in FIG. 7D, may be
used to attach objects to rotating axle 2526. Further, switch 2530
has one plug 2532 and one receptacle 2534 so that it may be
attached to battery 2510 as well as motor 2520.
[0148] Further, so long as plugs are matched with receptacles,
circuits will be completed and electronic components will be
operable. Accordingly, FIGS. 26A and 26B illustrate two compatible
configurations of electronic components in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention. In particular, FIGS. 26A and
26B includes battery 2610 having two plugs 2612 and 2614, motor
2620 having two receptacles 2622 and 2624, and switch 2630 having
one plug 2632 and one receptacle 2634 so that it may be attached to
batter 2610 as well as motor 2620.
[0149] As such, FIG. 26A illustrates a perspective view of a first
configuration 2600 of connected electronic components in accordance
with embodiments of the present invention. As seen in FIG. 26A,
plug 2612 is connected to receptacle 2622; plug 2614 is connected
to receptacle 2634; and plug 2634 is connected to receptacle 2624.
As discussed above, complementary electronic components may be
connected together, independent of which component contains which
connecting plug or receptacle, such that electronic components may
be compatible even when the source of a plug or receptacle is
opposite from embodiments discussed herein. Further, FIG. 26B
illustrates a perspective view of a second configuration 2605 of
connected electronic components in accordance with embodiments of
the present invention. As seen in FIG. 26B, plug 2612 is connected
to receptacle 2624; plug 2614 is connected to receptacle 2634; and
plug 2632 is connected to receptacle 2622. In both configurations
2600 and 2605, each component is operable, though under first
configuration 2600 the motor will run in a first direction (e.g.,
clockwise) while under second configuration 2605 the motor will run
in a second, opposite direction (e.g. counterclockwise).
[0150] FIG. 27 illustrates a perspective view of a motor 2700
having an electronics cover 2710 in accordance with embodiments of
the present invention. In particular, electronics cover 2710 is
designed to allow receptacles 2712 and 2714 as coming straight out
of the back of motor 2710. This is distinct from a motor cover see
covering motor 2520 in FIG. 25, where the output receptacles are
wired against an edge of motor 2520.
[0151] FIGS. 28A-28C illustrates a spinning connector component
2800 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In
particular, spinning connector component 2800 is designed to attach
compatible components, allowing them to be rotated. In particular,
compatible components are connected to slots 2805. In particular,
slots 2810 within main body 2805. Slots 2810 have a thickness 2815
that matches the thickness of compatible components such as
building toy components, connectors, and wall panels discussed
herein. Further, slots 2810 have a sufficient width and length to
hold compatible components securely. In additional embodiments,
engagement strips may also be added to slots 2810 in order to more
securely attached components.
[0152] FIG. 28A illustrates a back perspective view of a housing
component 2800 building toy component in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention. Housing component 2800
protects the LED and resistor in the building toy component. In
particular, FIG. 28A includes a main body 2805 having slots 2810
and wire covers 2820. In particular, wire covers 2820 are used to
house wires that are attached to a resistor. Further, FIG. 28B
illustrates a top perspective view of the housing component 2800 in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 28B
includes the elements of 28A, including wire opening 2825. Further,
FIG. 28C illustrates a front perspective view of the housing
component 2800 in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention. In particular, FIG. 28C includes a resistor 2830 having
wires that descend through wire opening 2825, passing through wire
covers 2820 to engage electronic components.
[0153] FIG. 29 illustrates a perspective view of a first
configuration 2900 of a connector 2905 securing a wiring component
2910 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In
particular, a slot within connector 2905 has a thickness that is
compatible with the thickness of wiring component 2910. This
compatibility is designed so that electronic components, include
wiring such as wiring component 2910 of motor 2920, may be
integrated into the designs of rooms and buildings, particular when
wall panels are connected using connectors such as 2905. Further,
the depth of slots in connector 2905 is such that wiring component
2910 may pass through and still leave sufficient depth of the slot
of connectors 2905 so as to allow connector 2905 engage a wall
panel with sufficient depth to as to secure connector 2905 to wall
panel 2915. Accordingly, when these conditions are met, connectors
may serve dual and simultaneous roles: integrating wiring
components as well as connecting wall panels to other building toy
components (such as other wall panels, building toy components,
other connectors, etc.).
[0154] FIG. 30 illustrates a perspective view of a second
configuration 3000 of a connector 3005 securing a wiring component
3010 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
Connector 3005 is a quarter-connector. A slot 3007 within connector
3005 has a thickness that is compatible with the thickness of
wiring component 3010. Additionally, a thickness between wall
panels 3015, 3020, and 3025 is also compatible with the thickness
of wiring component 3010. As such, the opening that is created
between wall panels 3015, 3020, and 3025 is sufficient so as to
allow wiring component 3010 to pass through the opening. The
thickness of this opening is based on the design of circular
connector 3030 which is used to connect wall panels 3015, 3020, and
3025. In particular, the slots 3035 of circular connector 3030 are
deep enough to secure wall panels, but are shallow enough so as to
allow sufficient clearance for wiring component 3010 to pass
through the opening between wall panels 3015, 3020, and 3025.
[0155] FIG. 31 illustrates a perspective view 3100 of connectors
3105 securing a switch component 3110 in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention. In particular, switch
component 3110 is sandwiched between connector components 3105.
Connector components 3105 are circular connector components that
are secured to wall panels 3115, 3120, and 3125. Additionally, FIG.
31 also illustrates a quarter-circular connector 3130 securing a
wire 3135 to wall panel 3125.
[0156] FIG. 32A illustrates a perspective view of a wooden wall
panel 3200 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
In particular, the slotted wood-based panel 3200 includes tabs
3210, slots 3220, and apertures 3230. Wood panels are not as
durable as plastic panels. In particular, wood panels are
susceptible to change dimensions due to weather conditions. As
such, if a wood panel is sent to a location with high humidity, the
notches and tabs may change dimensions and/or warp.
[0157] Tabs 3210 are aligned to be connected at a 90-degree angle
with other wood-based panels by placing tables 3210 of a first
wood-based panel 3200 into slots, such as slots 3220, of a second
panel. Further, the orientation of tabs 3210 allows for the first
wood-based panel to be placed as a wall of a first-story section of
a building having a ceiling of the second panel, while a third
panel may be placed as a wall of a second-story section of the
building having the second panel as flooring. Further, apertures
3230 within the wood-based panel 3200 may be used to display
decorations, pass through wiring for the integration of electronic
components, or both.
[0158] FIG. 32B illustrates a close-up perspective view of the
wooden wall panel 3200 of FIG. 32A in accordance with embodiments
of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 32B illustrates slots
3220 that are formed so as to be compatible with tabs, such as tabs
3210. As seen in FIG. 32B, slots 3220 include corner cuts along the
inner portion of slot 3220, and are also adjacent to stress relief
cuts that lie above and below slot 3220. This allows wood panel
3200 to adapt to different sizes of tabs. It also allows slot 3220
to be flexible as the wooden base material of panel 3200 may change
in dimensions due to humidity or other weather conditions.
[0159] FIG. 33 illustrates a top perspective view of electronic
components integrated in a built room environment 3300 in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In
particular, FIG. 33 includes slots 3305, tabs 3307, panels 3310,
tables 3315, coffee table 3320, chair 3325, desk 3330, televisions
3335, bookcase 3340, switch 3345, battery 3350, wires 3355, motor
3360, fan blade 3365, and aperture 3370. Furniture is formed using
wooden building toy components such as those seen in FIG. 33. In
particular, wooden building toy components are connected by
inserting tabs into slots 3305. Further, a fan is created using
motor 3360 and fan blade 3365. In particular, the fan is integrated
into the structure of the room by passing the wiring of the fan
through aperture 3370 in panel 3310.
[0160] FIG. 34 illustrates a back view of electronic components
integrated in a built room environment 3400 in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 34
illustrates a two-story structure that is formed using slotted
wood-based panels having apertures. Electrical components
integrated through the apertures of the wood-based panels. As such,
FIG. 34 includes panels 3405, tabs 3410, slots 3420, apertures
3430, wires 3440, and battery 3450. Accordingly, FIG. 34
illustrates an example of a first wood-based panel being secured to
a second wood-based panel that acts as a ceiling. The second
wood-based panel also acts as a floor to a second-story room that
has a third wood-based panel secured to the second wood-based
panel. As such, the tabs at the top of the first wood-based panel
are complementary to the tabs of the bottom of the third wood-based
panel such that either the first wood-based panel or the third
wood-based panel occupies the outer four slots on the edge of the
second wood-based panel.
[0161] Additionally, FIG. 34 also illustrates an example of the
third wood-based panel being secured to a dividing wall comprising
a fourth wood-based panel. The fourth wood-based panel acts as an
adjoining wall to the third wood-based panel as well as the fourth
wood-based panel. As such, the tabs at the side of the third
wood-based panel are complementary to the tabs at the opposite side
of the fifth wood-based panel such that either the third wood-based
panel or the fifth wood-based panel occupies the edge four slots of
the fourth wood-based panel. Further, FIG. 34 illustrates the
integration of electronic components into the panels of the
two-story building. In particular, wires of the electronic
components are passed through apertures that are part of the
wood-based panels. Apertures 3430 as shown in FIG. 34 are circles,
but in alternative embodiments, apertures 3430 may be a number of
other shapes, such as triangles, squares, etc, so long as the
shaped apertures are able to pass through wires used to integrate
electrical components to panels 3410.
[0162] FIG. 35 illustrates a first built house environment 3500 in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In
particular, FIG. 35 comprises elevator motor 3505, elevator car
3510, switch 3515, desks 3520, chairs 3525, umbrellas 3530, floor
panels 3535, shade panels 3540, connectors 3545, and refrigerator
3550.
[0163] FIG. 36 illustrates a second built house environment 3600 in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In
particular, FIG. 36 comprises roof panels 3605, connectors 3610,
bed 3615, attic floor 3620, staircase 3625, fireplace 3630, porch
swing 3635, and dog house 3640.
[0164] FIG. 37 illustrates a built horse stable environment 3700 in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In
particular, FIG. 37 comprises car 3705, animal pen 3710, stable
3715, and windmill 3720.
[0165] FIG. 38 illustrates a built cupcake shop environment 3800 in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In
particular, FIG. 38 comprises wall panels 3805, floor panel 3810,
sign 3815, desk 3820, and turntable 3825.
[0166] FIG. 39 illustrates a built school room environment 3900 in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In
particular, FIG. 39 comprises floor panels 3905 and 3910, side
panels 3915, desk 3920, chair 3925, bookcase 3930, elevator 3935,
switch 3940, and connectors 3945. As illustrated in FIG. 39, floor
panel 3910 may be placed midway along side panels 3915. In
particular, floor panel 3910 may be supported using connectors
3945.
[0167] FIG. 40 illustrates a windmill in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 40
comprises motor 4005, connectors 4010, and panels 4015.
[0168] FIG. 41 illustrates a complex configuration of building toy
components in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
In particular, FIG. 41 comprises four slot building toy component
4105, five-slot, centered tab building toy component 4110, and
three-slot, skewed-tab building toy component 4115. As seen in FIG.
41, an entire building toy component, seen here as three-slot,
skewed-tab building toy component 4115, may pass through and be
securely held within a slot of another building toy component, seen
here as five-slot centered tab building toy component 4110.
[0169] FIG. 42 illustrates two sets of wiring components in
accordance with an embodiment. In particular, FIG. 42 comprises a
first set of wiring components 4210 and a second set of wiring
components 4220.
[0170] In one embodiment, the electronic components can be
controlled via a hub 4300 that is operably connected to a
Bluetooth-enabled electronic device, such as a smartphone or
tablet, via Bluetooth. Building components with integrated
electronics and sensors can be activated and controlled remotely
using a Bluetooth-enabled electronic device. The Bluetooth-enabled
electronic device can have a user interface (e.g., app) that allows
the user to control her creations remotely by regulating motors,
lights, buzzers, etc. For example, the user can turn motors, lights
and buzzers on and off, adjust the speed and direction of motors,
and set lights to blink at varying intervals.
[0171] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hub 4300
that has multiple receptacles 4330 for electrically coupling the
hub 4300 with a building component having integrated electronics.
The building components with integrated electronics, such as light
bulbs, buzzers, sensors, motors, and the like, are also
mechanically compatible with the building components described
above. According to an embodiment, the hub 4300 contains a power
source, such as a battery, for powering electrically coupled
components. In an alternative embodiment, the hub can be plugged
into an electrical source, such as a socket, to provide power to
electrically coupled components.
[0172] A battery component 4400 can also be provided to power
electronic building components instead of the hub 4300. At least
one battery is enclosed within the housing 4410 to supply power to
connected electronic components. At least one receptacle 4430 is
provided on the housing to electrically connect the battery with an
electronic component (either directly or indirectly via a
connector). The receptacle 4430 is a female component that can
accept a plug (male component) on an electronic component or a
connector, as will be described in more detail below. The battery
component 4400 can also be provided with a switch 4460 for turning
the power on and off. According to another embodiment, the switch
is a pressure-based switch, where the switch is only engaged when
the pressure is placed on the switch. Alternatively, the switch may
be a binary switch that stays on when it is engaged until it is
turned off again.
[0173] FIGS. 44A and 44B are top and bottom perspective views of a
battery component in accordance with an embodiment. As shown in
FIGS. 44A and 44B, the battery component 4400 is also mechanically
compatible with the other building components described herein, as
the housing 4410 of the battery component 4400 has multiple slots
4440 in its top surface. These slots 4440 have a depth for
accommodating tabs of another component. Tabs of other components
can engage the slots 4440 to mechanically couple the battery
component 4440 to another building component. Thus, the battery
component 4440 can also be used as a building component. In
addition to the slots, tabs 4450 are also provided on the underside
of the battery component 4400 to engage slots of other building
components.
[0174] FIGS. 45A and 45B illustrate an electronic light component
4500 in accordance with an embodiment. The light component 4500 can
also serve as a connector to a non-electronic building component.
As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 45B, tabs 4550 can
be provided on the light component 4500 for engaging with slots of
other components. Slots are not shown in the illustrated
embodiment, but could be provided in the light component 4500 to
engage tabs of other components.
[0175] The light component 4500 can be operated by coupling it to
either a battery component 4400 or a hub 4300 to supply power to
the light bulb 4530, which can be a LED light bulb that remains
relatively cool. The light component 4500 can be either coupled
directly to a battery component 4400 or hub 4300, or can be coupled
via one or more wired electrical connector devices 4900, 5000, 5100
(FIGS. 49-51). Within the housing 4510 is a printed circuit board
(PCB) with the circuitry necessary to electrically couple the light
bulb 4530 with the power source.
[0176] As shown in FIG. 45A, in the illustrated embodiment, the
electronic light component 4500 has a plug 4520 for electrically
coupling the light component 4500 either directly or indirectly
(via one or more electrical connector devices 4900, 5000, 5100)
with a power source, such as a battery component 4400 or hub 4300.
The hub 4300, battery component 4400, light component 4500, other
electronic components, and electrical connector devices such as
4900, 5000, 5100 can have complementary connectors, such as plugs
and receptacles, such that they may be interconnected in a variety
of different ways. The connectors can be easily plugged and
unplugged. While industry standard connectors have a locking
mechanism, and while the use of a locking mechanism can be enabled,
embodiments can also be provided without locking mechanisms to
allow children to more easily plug and unplug the connectors.
[0177] FIGS. 46A and 46B illustrate an electronic motor component
4600 in accordance with an embodiment. The motor component 4600 can
also serve as a connector to a non-electronic building component.
As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 46B, tabs 4650 can
be provided on the motor component 4600 for engaging with slots of
other components. Slots are not shown in the illustrated
embodiment, but could be provided in the base 4610 of the motor
component 4600 to engage tabs of other components.
[0178] The motor component 4600 can be operated by coupling it to
either a battery component 4400 or a hub 4300 to supply power to a
motor contained within a motor housing 4630 to rotate a drive shaft
4635. A component, such as a circular component with a hole in its
center, can be mounted on the drive shaft 4635 and spun when power
is supplied to the motor. The motor component 4600 can be either
coupled directly to a battery component 4400 or hub 4300, or can be
coupled via one or more wired electrical connector devices such as
4900, 5000, 5100 (FIGS. 49-51). Within the base 4610 is a printed
circuit board (PCB) with the circuitry necessary to electrically
couple the motor with the power source.
[0179] As shown in FIGS. 46A and 46B, in the illustrated
embodiment, the electronic motor component 4600 has a plug 4620 for
electrically coupling the motor component 4600 either directly or
indirectly (via one or more electronic connector devices such as
4900, 5000, 5100) with a power source, such as a battery component
4400 or hub 4300.
[0180] FIGS. 47A and 47B illustrate an electronic buzzer component
4700 in accordance with an embodiment. The buzzer component 4700
can also serve as a connector to a non-electronic building
component. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 47B, tabs
4750 can be provided on the buzzer component 4700 for engaging with
slots of other components. Slots are not shown in the illustrated
embodiment, but could be provided in the buzzer component 4700 to
engage tabs of other components.
[0181] The buzzer component 4700 can be operated by coupling it to
either a battery component 4400 or a hub 4300 to supply power to
the buzzer 4730. The buzzer component 4700 can be either coupled
directly to a battery component 4400 or hub 4300, or can be coupled
via one or more wired electrical connector devices 4900, 5000, 5100
(FIGS. 49-51). Within the housing 4710 is a printed circuit board
(PCB) with the circuitry necessary to electrically couple the
buzzer 4530 with the power source.
[0182] As shown in FIGS. 47A and 47B, in the illustrated
embodiment, the electronic buzzer component 4700 has a plug 4720
for electrically coupling the buzzer component 4700 either directly
or indirectly (via one or more electrical connector devices 4900,
5000, 5100) with a power source, such as a battery component 4400
or hub 4300.
[0183] FIGS. 48A and 48 illustrate an electronic sensor component
4800 in accordance with an embodiment. The sensor component 4800
can also serve as a connector to a non-electronic building
component. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 48B, tabs
4850 can be provided on the sensor component 4800 for engaging with
slots of other components. Slots are not shown in the illustrated
embodiment, but could be provided in the sensor component 4800 to
engage tabs of other components.
[0184] The sensor component 4800 can be operated by coupling it to
either a battery component 4400 or a hub 4300 to supply power to
the sensor 4830. The sensor component 4800 can be either coupled
directly to a battery component 4400 or hub 4300, or can be coupled
via one or more wired electrical connector devices such as 4900,
5000, 5100 (FIGS. 49-51). Within the housing 4810 is a printed
circuit board (PCB) with the circuitry necessary to electrically
couple the sensor 4830 with the power source.
[0185] As shown in FIG. 48, in the illustrated embodiment, the
electronic sensor component 4800 has a plug 4820 for electrically
coupling the sensor component 4800 either directly or indirectly
(via one or more electronic connector devices 4900, 5000, 5100)
with a power source, such as a battery component 4400 or hub 4300.
The hub 4300, battery component 4400, sensor component 4800, other
electronic components, and electrical connector devices such as
4900, 5000, 5100 can have complementary connectors, such as plugs
and receptacles, such that they may be interconnected in a variety
of different ways. The connectors can be easily plugged and
unplugged. While industry standard connectors have a locking
mechanism, and while the use of a locking mechanism can be enabled,
embodiments can also be provided without locking mechanisms to
allow children to more easily plug and unplug the connectors.
[0186] FIG. 49A is a perspective view and FIG. 49B is a side view
of an embodiment of an electrical connector device 4900. The
electrical connector device 4900 can be used to electrically and
operably couple an electrical component, such as a light component
4500, a motor 4600, a buzzer 4700, and a sensor 4800, with a power
source, such as a battery component 4400 and a hub 4300. In some
cases, multiple electrical connector devices 4900 can be used in
serial, including but not limited to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and
more than 10 electrical connector devices.
[0187] As shown in FIGS. 49A and 49B, the electrical connector
device 4900 can have a plug (the male side) 4920 and a receptacle
(the female side) 4930. In one embodiment, the electrical connector
device can have more than one plug 4920, including but not limited
to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and more than 10 plugs 4920. In
another embodiment, the electrical connector device can have more
than one receptacle 4930, including but not limited to 2, 3, 4, 5,
6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and more than 10 receptacles 4930. In another
embodiment, the electrical connector device 4900 can have one or
more connectors including but not limited to one or more
receptacles and one or more plugs.
[0188] Electrical wiring extends between the plug 4920 and the
receptacle 4930, and is encased within the main body 4910 of the
electrical connector device 4900. The electrical connector device
4900 can also be provided with multiple slots 4940 as well as tabs
4950 for engagement with the tabs and slots, respectively, of other
components. For example, a tab of one component can be snapped into
a slot of another component to interlock the two components.
Engagement strips within slots may be provided to provide better
engagement between the tabs and slots. As shown in FIG. 49A, the
slots 4940, which can extend through the thickness of the main body
from the top surface to the bottom surface, can be provided along
the perimeter of the electrical connector device 4900 as well as in
the central portion of the electrical connector device 4900. The
tabs 4950 can protrude from the bottom surface of the electrical
connector device 4900, as shown in FIG. 49B, such that they can
engage slots of another component.
[0189] FIGS. 50A-C show an electrical connector device 5000, in
accordance with another embodiment, that can electrically couple
components in different directions. The electrical connector device
5000 can be used to electrically and operably couple an electrical
component, such as a light component 4500, a motor 4600, a buzzer
4700, and a sensor 4800, with a power source, such as a battery
component 4400 and a hub 4300. A plug 5020 and receptacle 5030 are
provided on the connector 5000 to allow electrical connections to
other components. Electrical wiring extends between the plug 5020
and the receptacle 5030, and is encased within the main body 5010
of the connector 5000. As shown in FIGS. 50B and 50C, the
electrical connector device 5000 can be provided with tabs 5050
that protrude from the main body 5010 for engagement with slots of
other components. Although not shown in the illustrated embodiment,
the electrical connector device 5000 can also be provided with
multiple slots for engagement with the tabs of other
components.
[0190] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 50A, the plug 5020 can be
orthogonal to the receptacle 5030. Thus, the electrical connector
device 5000 can connect a building or electrical component
extending in one direction from the electrical connector device
5000, and the electrical connector device 5000 can also connect a
different building or electrical component in a different
direction. Although the electrical connector device 5000 shown in
FIGS. 50A-C illustrate a plug 5020 and receptacle 5030 that are
orthogonal to one another, it will be understood that other angles
between the plug and receptacle are possible and that the main body
5010, which is substantially square in the illustrated embodiment,
of the electrical connector device 5000 can have different shapes.
For example, the main body could have a triangular, rectangular,
hexagonal, or octagonal shape.
[0191] Another embodiment of an electrical connector device 5100 is
shown in FIG. 51. The electrical connector device 5100 can be used
to electrically and operably couple an electrical component, such
as a light component 4500, a motor 4600, a buzzer 4700, and a
sensor 4800, with a power source, such as a battery component 4400
and a hub 4300. Electrical wiring extends between the plug 5120 and
the receptacle 5130, and is encased within the main body 5110 of
the connector 5100. As shown in FIG. 51, the electrical connector
device 5100 can also be provided with multiple slots 5140 for
engagement with of other components. Although not shown in FIG. 51,
the electrical connector device 5100 can also be provided with tabs
for engagement with slots of another component.
[0192] As shown in FIG. 51, the electrical connector device 5100
can electrically connect components in different planes, as the
plug 5120 and the receptacle 5130 are in planes orthogonal to one
another. In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle 5130 is
oriented in a plane orthogonal to the plane of the main body 5110
of the connector 5100. It will be understood that, in other
embodiments, the positions of the plug 5120 and the receptacle 5130
can be reversed. As shown in FIG. 51, the main body 5110 of the
connector can also be provided with slots 5140 for engaging tabs of
other components. In other embodiments, the angle between the
planes of the plug 5120 and receptacle 5130 can also be different
and the main body 5110 can also have a different shape. In one
embodiment, the receptacle 5130 and the plug 5120 can both be in a
plane orthogonal to the plane of the main body 5110 of the
electrical connector device 5100.
[0193] Wires of complementary electronic components can be
electrically coupled directly or using electrical connector devices
4900, 5000, 5100. In one embodiment, each of the electrical
connector devices 4900, 5000, 5100 has one or more connectors, such
as a receptacle or a plug. In one embodiment, each of the
electrical connector devices 4900, 5000, 5100 has a plug and a
receptacle. In alternative embodiments, the electrical connector
devices 4900, 5000, 5100 may have more than receptacles and/or more
than one plug. So long as plugs are matched with receptacles and
power is supplied, circuits will be completed and electronic
components will be operable.
[0194] FIG. 52 is a perspective view of a cable harness converter
5200 for connecting the hub 4300, battery 4400, light component
4500, motor component 4600, buzzer 4700, sensor 4800, and/or
electrical connector devices 4900, 5000, 5100 with electronic
components, such as an electronic lightbulb 2300 and motor 2500
having two substantially circular plugs or receptacles. Even though
some electronic components, such as electronic lightbulb 2300 and
motor 2500 are not, by themselves compatible with described
embodiments of the hub 4300, battery 4400, light component 4500,
motor component 4600, buzzer 4700, sensor 4800, and/or electrical
connector devices 4900, 5000, 5100, the converter 5200 allows such
electronic components as the lightbulb 2300 and motor 2500 to be
controlled by a Bluetooth enabled device if a hub 4300 is operably
coupled to the converter 5200 or powered by a battery component
4400 that is operably coupled to the converter 5200.
[0195] The other end 5230 of the converter 5300 may be either two
receptacles or two plugs. The receptacles are configured to accept
two plugs of an electronic device, such as a lightbulb 2300 or
motor 2500, if the electronic device has two receptacles for
electrical connection. The plugs are configured to mate with
receptacles of an electronic device, such as a lightbulb 2300 or
motor 2500, if the electronic device has two plugs for electrical
connection. As the receptacles/plugs of the lightbulb 2300 and
motor 2500 are substantially circular, the plug 5220 and the
receptacles or plugs on the other end 5230 are shaped and
configured differently. As noted above, the converter 5200 makes
electrical components having different receptacles/plugs compatible
with described embodiments of the hub 4300, battery 4400, light
component 4500, motor component 4600, buzzer 4700, sensor 4800,
and/or electrical connector devices 4900, 5000, 5100.
[0196] In the illustrated embodiment, the converter 5200 is
substantially elongated and has a substantially rectangular plug
5220 at one end. Wiring extends between the plug 5220 and the other
end 5230 for providing electrical connection between two electronic
building components. The plug 5220 is sized and shaped such that
can be plugged into a compatible receptacle, such as, for example,
a receptacle on a hub 4300, battery component 4400, or electrical
connector devices 4900, 5000, 5100. Thus, for example, if the plug
5220 of the converter 5200 is plugged into a hub 4300 and the other
end 5230 is coupled with a lightbulb 2300, for example, the
lightbulb 2300 can then be controlled by a Bluetooth enabled
device, such as a smartphone or tablet, via the hub 4300.
[0197] FIG. 53 illustrates an exemplary configuration in which a
cable harness converter 5200 is used to make electrically
compatible two previously electrically incompatible components. As
shown in FIG. 53, the plug end 5220 of a cable harness converter
5200 is inserted in another receptacle 4430 of a battery component
4400 to electrically couple and supply power to a LED light strip
5800. As shown in FIG. 53, the LED light strip 5800 has two
circular plugs, which are plugged into complementary receptacles on
the end 5230 opposite the plug end 5220 of the converter 5200. The
converter 5200 makes the LED light strip 5800 compatible with the
battery component 4400.
[0198] FIG. 54 illustrates an exemplary configuration of connected
electronic components. As shown in FIG. 54, a battery component
4400 is electrically coupled with and therefore supplying power to
a light component 4500. In this embodiment, the plug 4520 of the
light component 4500 is connected to a receptacle 4430 of the
battery component 4400. As shown in FIG. 54, with the switch 4460
turned to the "ON" position, power is supplied to the light
component 4500 and the light bulb 4530 is on.
[0199] FIG. 55 illustrates a second exemplary configuration of
connected electronic components. As shown in FIG. 55, a light
component 4500 is connected directly to a receptacle in the top
surface of a hub 4300. A second light component 4500 is connected
to the hub 4300 via multiple serially connected electrical
connector devices 4900, 5000.
[0200] FIG. 56 illustrates a perspective view of a third exemplary
configuration of connected electronic components. As shown in FIG.
56, a light component 4500 is connected directly to a receptacle in
the top surface of a hub 4300. A second light component 4500 is
connected to the hub 4300 via multiple serially connected
electrical connector devices 4900, 5000, 5100. As shown in FIG. 56,
a connector 5100 can be used to electrically couple components in
different planes. Unlike the configuration shown in FIG. 54 in
which the electrical connectors 4900, 5000 and the light component
4500 coupled to them are all within the same plane, the
configuration shown in FIG. 55 has electrically coupled components
in different planes.
[0201] FIG. 57 illustrates a fourth exemplary configuration of
connected electronic components. FIG. 58 is a different view of the
configuration shown in FIG. 57. As shown in FIGS. 57 and 58, a hub
4300 is electrically coupled to various electronic components,
including lightbulb components 4500, motor component 4600, buzzer
components 4700, different electrical connector devices 4900, 5000,
5100, and converters 5200.
[0202] While this invention has been described in terms of several
embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and substitute
equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. It
should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of
implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention.
It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be
interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and
substitute equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of
the present invention.
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