Abstract:
A construction kit that is suitable for creating a variety of different structures includes a plurality of illuminated elements. Each illuminated element has a light source and is electrically conductive. Tin one embodiment, the kit includes a plurality of connectors for linking the plurality of illuminated elements mechanically and electrically to form an illuminated structure, each connector having at least two apertures and being electrically conductive. The kit can include a power supply for supplying power to one connector of the plurality of connectors, wherein the power is transferred from the one connector to each of the plurality of illuminated elements and each of the remaining plurality of connectors, thereby illuminating the structure.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/620,259, filed Oct. 19, 2004, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention is directed generally to puzzles and toys. More particularly, the present invention is directed to construction toys for building stable three-dimensional structures utilizing various construction elements, at least some of which have luminescent characteristics. 
     2. Background of the Invention 
     Individuals often find enjoyment in the challenge of building aesthetic structural designs and/or functional structural models. Frequently, the utility associated with constructing such structures is found in the creative and/or problem-solving process required to achieve a desired structural objective. Currently, construction assemblies that exploit magnetic properties to interlink various structural components and thereby form different three-dimensional structures are known and can provide an added dimension of sophistication to the construction process. Examples of such construction assemblies include the magnetic construction toy disclosed in Balanchi U.S. Pat. No. 6,626,727, the modular assemblies disclosed in Vicentielli U.S. Pat. No. 6,566,992, and the magnetic puzzle/toy disclosed in Smith U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,262. In particular, German Patent No. DE 202 02 183 U1 to Kretzschmar describes flat triangles, squares and rectangles used in conjunction with ferromagnetic balls to create a limited range of geometric constructions. The flat shapes disclosed in the Kretzschmar German Patent consist of magnets inserted in the corners of a triangular or square piece, or six magnets in a rectangular plate that can be attracted to steel balls to create a limited number of three-dimensional shapes. Thus, conventional construction kits are appealing to persons of all ages in that they allow for both aesthetic and geometric creativity. 
     The above-noted magnet construction assemblies each contain a certain number of component parts, which can sometimes limit geometries and stable or secure connections. Thus, a need remains for a magnetic construction assembly that provides more flexibility in both aesthetic and geometric design, and, moreover, that provides an additional degree of design/construction sophistication. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides new and improved construction modules that are three-dimensional in shape and have internal light-emitting attributes. In one embodiment of the invention, a construction kit includes a plurality of construction modules. The shapes of the construction modules are those of polyhedrons (e.g., cubes, cylinders, pyramids, prisms, and other shapes) and at least two sides, and in some cases all sides, of such construction modules are equipped with a low-profile coaxial connector for connecting to a complementary low-profile coaxial connector located on a side of a similar construction module. The connections provided by such coaxial connectors include a secure mechanical connection borne of magnetic attraction, as well as a strong electrical connection for DC power transmission to the internal LED light source. One or more of the magnets used for providing the mechanical connection is also employed as a planar electrical contact in the electrical connection. In the case of cube-shaped construction modules in accordance with the present invention, such connections can advantageously be made along all three axial directions and between any two adjacent sides of such construction modules. 
     The surface of the side on which each such coaxial connector is located features a series of protrusions and cavities arranged in a regular radial array around the periphery of the coaxial connector for mating with a complementary series of protrusions and cavities located on the side an adjacent construction module (i.e., one with which the above-mentioned mechanical and electrical connections have been made). These regular radial arrangements of protrusions and cavities deter lateral slippage between sides of the adjacent construction modules, while providing angular indexing with respect to the mechanical connection. In addition, these arrangements of protrusions and cavities substantially prevent accidental short-circuits from occurring in the electrical connection. 
     In an alternative embodiment, a construction kit includes a plurality of illuminating construction elements and a plurality of connectors. The construction elements connect to one another (or to construction members that do not illuminate) via connectors. A construction formed by the construction elements is illuminated by a single power supply. 
     Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent with reference to the following detailed description thereof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of various exemplary embodiments thereof, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a construction module in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the three-dimensional shape thereof is that of a cube; 
         FIG. 2  is an elevational view of the construction module of  FIG. 1 , showing one of the three side panels thereof, which is visible in the  FIG. 1  perspective view; 
         FIG. 3  is a cutaway cross-sectional view of the construction module of  FIG. 1 , taken along the section line  3 - 3  shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a cutaway cross-sectional view of the construction module of  FIG. 1 , taken along the section line  4 - 4  shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is an elevational view of the construction module of  FIG. 1 , showing one of the three side panels thereof, which is obscured in the  FIG. 1  perspective view; 
         FIG. 6  is a cutaway cross-sectional view of the construction module of  FIG. 1 , taken along the section line  6 - 6  shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic view illustrating the internal and external electrical components of the construction module of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of another construction module constructed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, wherein the three-dimensional shape thereof is that of a cube; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic view illustrating the internal and external electrical components of the construction module of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIGS. 10   a - 10   c  and  11   a - 11   b  illustrate steps in the process of mechanically and electrically mating two construction modules, each of which is constructed in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of construction formed by combining the construction module of  FIG. 8  with a plurality of modules constructed in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic view illustrating the interconnection between the electrical components of the construction modules comprising the construction of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of another construction formed by combining the construction module of  FIG. 8  with a plurality of modules constructed in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of yet another construction formed by combining the construction module of  FIG. 8  with a plurality of modules constructed in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 16  is an elevational view of a construction module constructed in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a structure formed by combining a plurality of construction elements and connectors in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  is a partial interior view of a connector of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a connector of  FIGS. 17 and 18 ; 
         FIG. 20  is an interior view of the connector of  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view and interior view of an element of  FIGS. 17 and 18 ; and 
         FIG. 22  is a view of various power sources for use with the elements and connectors of  FIG. 17 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, construction modules having three-dimensional shapes, such as that of cubes, cylinders, pyramids, prisms and other shapes, are provided with walls or side panels made of translucent or transparent material and forming an interior chamber, in which is disposed an externally-powered light source for illuminating such modules from within. Each such construction module is sized for easy manipulation and includes a number of externally-directed magnets for use in integrating multiple instances of such modules together. Sturdy, attention-getting constructions may thus be assembled, which can take on any number of forms and/or sizes, and wherein the internal illumination feature of the three-dimensional construction modules provides a wide variety of aesthetically appealing and entertaining lighting options. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, construction elements that illuminate are connected via connectors. Connectors link construction elements mechanically and electrically in a variety of configurations. An external power supply applied to a connector illuminates a structure having at least one connecting element and at least one connector. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a construction module  10  configured in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, featuring interior lighting and other features to facilitate the assembly of attractive, sturdy constructions. The construction module  10  is three-dimensional and includes six panels made of translucent material and is sized, shaped and configured so as to form a cube. In particular, the construction module  10  includes three panels  12  of a first type, which are shown in  FIG. 1  (see also  FIG. 2 ), and three panels  14  (obscured, see also  FIG. 5 ) of a second type. Each of the panels  12 ,  14  includes a side surface  16 , at which is formed a regular array  18  of eight protrusions  20  and eight cavities  22  provided in a circular pattern. The specific construction and function of the array  18  of protrusions and cavities will be described more fully hereinafter. Each of the panels  12  further includes a coaxial connector  24  embedded within the side surface  16 . The coaxial connectors  24  are of low profile with respect to their respective side surfaces  16 , and are adapted to perform both mechanical and electrical connection functions. The construction and function of the coaxial connectors  24  will be described in further detail hereinafter. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the protrusions  20  and cavities  22  on the panels  12  are arranged in a circular, alternating pattern, the function and significance of which will be discussed hereinafter. As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the coaxial connector  24  includes a first annular ring  26  of an electrically conductive material, preferably metallic, embedded in the side surface  16  of the panel  12  and attached thereto via a second annular ring  28  consisting of a flexible elastomeric material. The first annular ring  26  extends generally outward from within an interior chamber (not shown) of the construction module  10  formed by the panels  12 ,  14  of the construction module  10  ( FIG. 1 ), and includes a conductive surface  30  which is substantially flat. The first annular ring  26  is movable with respect to the panel  12  because of the flexible nature of the annular ring  28 . Ordinarily, however (i.e., when not subjected to significant external force), the conductive surface  30  is disposed slightly above the side surface  16  of the panel  12 . The structure and function of the first annular rings  26 ,  28  will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter. 
     As also shown in the  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the coaxial connector  24  includes a projection  32  of a material that is both electrically conductive and magnetic. The projection  32  is centrally disposed within the annular ring  26 , and extends outwardly from within the interior chamber (not shown) of the construction module  10 . The projection  32  includes an outward-facing surface  34 , which is conductive, magnetic, and substantially flat. The position and orientation of the projection  32  with respect to the panel  12  is substantially fixed such that the outward-facing surface  34  remains substantially coplanar with the side surface  16  of the panel  12 . The structure and function of the projection  32  will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the protrusions  20  and cavities  22  on the panels  14  are also arranged in a circular, alternating pattern. As may be seen by comparing  FIG. 5  to  FIG. 2 , the pattern of the arrays  18  on the panels  14  is rotated slightly (e.g., by 22½ degrees) with respect to the side surfaces  16  so that, as compared to the arrays  18  on the panels  12 , the relative positions of the protrusions  20  and cavities  22  are interchanged. 
     As shown in the  FIG. 5 , the panels  14  include coaxial connectors  36  similar to the coaxial connectors  24  of the panels  12 , with the following difference. The polarity of the magnetic surface  34  of the projection  32  of the coaxial connectors  36  is the reverse of the polarity of the magnetic surface  34  of the projection  32  of the coaxial connectors  24 , such that the former and the latter are magnetically attracted to each other. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the construction module  10  includes interior conductors  38 ,  40 , by which the annular rings  26  and the projections  32 , respectively, of the coaxial connectors  24 ,  36  are made electrically common. Further included within the interior chamber (not shown) of the construction module  10  is an LED light source  42  electrically disposed between the annular rings  26  and the projections  32  for receiving power via one or more of the coaxial connectors  24 ,  36  and illuminating the construction module  10  from within. The electrical function of the construction module  10  will be explained further hereinafter. 
     Another example of a construction module in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . Referring to  FIG. 8 , a construction module  44  is illustrated, which is similar in all respects to the construction module  10  described hereinabove with reference to  FIGS. 1-7 , with the following differences. One of the first-type panels  12  of the construction module  44  lacks both an array  18  of protrusions and cavities formed along the side surface  16 , and a coaxial connector  24  embedded in the side surface  16 , and is equipped instead with a female receptacle  46  of conventional construction and having respective positive and negative contacts  48 ,  50  for receiving low-voltage DC power from an external source. The function of the construction module  44  will be explained further hereinafter. 
     In use, several construction modules  10  can be combined with a construction module  44  in an attractive construction featuring internal lighting and sturdy construction for aesthetic pleasure and/or as a leisure time recreational activity that fosters creativity and stimulates mental development. As shown in  FIGS. 10   a - 10   c , to combine two construction modules  10  (and/or to combine a construction module  10  and a construction module  44 ), the coaxial connector  24  of a panel  12  of one construction module  10  is attached to the coaxial connector  36  of a panel  14  of the other construction module  10 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10   a , this module mating process begins by vertically aligning the coaxial connectors  24 ,  36  so that the conductive surfaces  30  of the respective first annular rings  26  face each other, and the conductive, magnetic surfaces  34  of the respective projections  32  face each other. Next, the construction modules  10  are brought together so that mechanical and electrical contact is established between the first annular rings  26  at their respective conductive surfaces  30 , as shown in  FIG. 10   b . Next, because the conductive, magnetic surfaces  34  are now in close enough proximity to exert force on the respective conductive blocks  10 , the first annular rings  26  are urged toward their respective panels  12 ,  14 . The force applied thereby against the first annular rings  26  causes the second annular rings  28 , already in contact, to deflect. This causes the first annular rings  26  to move into their respective panels  12 ,  14  enough to permit mechanical and electrical contact to be established between the respective magnetic, conductive surfaces  34  of the projections  32 . Further, the side surfaces  16  of the panels  12 ,  14  are also thereby brought into substantial planar contact, since the side surfaces  16  and the magnetic conductive surfaces  34  are substantially coplanar. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11   a - 11   b , the module mating process also includes the step of aligning respective projections  20  and cavities  22  of the panels  12 ,  14  (see  FIG. 11   a ) so that corresponding instances of the former pass into the latter (see  FIG. 11   b ) to permit the aforementioned electrical connections to be established. As may be seen with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 5 , the respective arrays  18  of projections and cavities  22  provide flexibility with respect to the existence of and degree of relative rotation between two construction modules  10  being assembled together. For example, two construction modules can be assembled so that the angle between adjacent sides is zero degrees, 22.5 degrees, 45 degrees, or any other number of degrees appropriate, via an angular indexing function inherent in the complementary arrays of “satellite”-type features that “orbit” around the respective coaxial connectors  24 ,  36 . It should be noted that the protrusions  20  of the panels  12  and  14  form a fail-safe connection, which essentially prevents short-circuits from occurring between surfaces of the first annular rings  26  and the projections  32  not intended to be brought into electrical contact with each other. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , a construction  52  may be assembled using the above-described process by combining a construction module  44  with a plurality of construction modules  10 . In the particular construction  52  shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , two construction modules  10  are assembled in a straight line from the construction module  44 , and a power cord  54  connected to a low-voltage DC power source (not shown) is mated with female connector  46  of the construction module  44  to provide power for illuminating the LED light sources  42  ( FIGS. 7 and 9 ) of the modules. Although shown herein as an LED light source, the skilled artisan will appreciate that any type of light source can be used, including, but not limited to, an electro luminescent, LED or miniature incandescent light source. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , a similar construction  54  may be assembled using the above-described process by combining a construction module  44  with a plurality of construction modules  10  assembled in all three axial directions from the construction module  44 , and a power cord  54  connected to a low-voltage DC power source (not shown). Referring to  FIG. 15 , a similar construction  56  may be assembled using the above-described process by combining a construction module  44  with a plurality of construction modules  10  arranged in the form of a block or cluster, and a power cord  54  connected to a low-voltage DC power source. 
     Numerous benefits are provided by the three-dimensional construction modules  10 ,  44  and/or by constructions containing such construction modules and built in accordance with the foregoing description. The combination of transparent or translucent panels  12 ,  14  with interior lighting in a conveniently-sized construction module  10  naturally sparks the imagination to produce constructions (e.g., constructions  52 ,  54 ,  56 ) having one or more of a multiplicity of shapes, lighting colors and/or patterns. Disassembly and reassembly can be accomplished with great speed. 
     It should also be noted that the present invention comprehends embodiments in addition to the construction modules  10 ,  44  of  FIGS. 1-8 . One such exemplary embodiment is illustrated in the construction module  58  of  FIG. 16 , which is the same as the construction module  10  of  FIG. 1 , with the following differences. The regular array  18  of hemispherical protrusions  20  and cavities  22  is replaced with a regular array  60  of radially-extending ridges  62  and channels  64  having semicircular shapes in tangential cross-section. The ridges  62  and channels  64  appear at the same respective radial stations as the protrusions  20  and cavities  22  of the regular array  18  of the construction module  10 , and the panels  14  of the construction module  58  feature a similar regular array  60  (not shown) of ridges  62  and channels  64 , similarly offset (e.g., by 22½ degrees) for proper mating and alignment. Other complementary shapes and configurations for such protrusions and cavities are possible. 
       FIG. 17  shows a construction system  1700  constructed in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The three-dimensional shape of construction system  1700  includes self-illuminated elements  1710 , connectors  1720  and a power source (not shown). Elements  1710  are self-illuminating during assembly and/or after assembly by the use of an electric power supply. The electric power supply is attached to any one of connectors  1720 . 
       FIG. 18  shows a partial interior view of a connector  1720 . Connector  1720  allows the expansion and construction of a construction system  1700 . In a preferred embodiment, connector  1720  is a 14-way unit that allows the elements  1710  to connect in any direction. However, simpler connectors can be made for specific applications. For example, a two-dimensional connector may be used to connect elements within two dimensions, such as a straight line, elbows in any angle or “T,” and “Y” connectors in any given angle. Similar simple connectors may be used to connect elements within three dimensions, such as a three-dimensional elbow connector at any angle, any three-dimensional “T” or “Y” connectors at any angle, or any three-dimensional crossing connector at any angle. 
     Connector  1720  links elements  1710  to each other mechanically and electrically. A coaxial connector or plug  1840  of element  1710  is inserted into a complementary coaxial connector at connector  1720 , thereby connecting element  1710  mechanically and electrically to connector  1720 . As shown herein, connector  1720  comprises female coaxial connectors only, whereas element  1710  comprises male coaxial connectors. However, the skilled artisan will recognize that various configurations of male/female connections are feasible. The axial connectors  1840  have the same functionality described above with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 5 . 
     Connector  1720  contains a center conductor  1820  and a perimeter conductor  1830  separated by an insulator  1825 . Center conductor  1820  is a conductor, such as a metal, having a surface with a positive magnetic polarity. Similarly, perimeter conductor  1830  is a conductor, such as a metal, having a surface with a negative magnetic polarity. Center conductor  1820  and perimeter conductor  1830  serve to connect to the inner and outer coaxial rings of the coaxial connector plug  1840 , respectively. Namely, center conductor  1820  serves as the inner channel of a coaxial cable, which serves as a signal carrier of the signal or current from element  1710 , and perimeter conductor  1830  serves as the outer channel of a coaxial cable. In one embodiment, perimeter conductor  1830  is connected to ground. In yet another embodiment, perimeter conductor  1830  is connected to a negative terminal of a DC or an AC power source. 
     Thus, a charged element  1710  mechanically connected to connector  1720  transfers current via center conductor  1820  to any other element  1710  connected to connector  1720 . In this manner, connector  1720  allows element  1710  to share power with other elements linked to connector  1720 . 
       FIGS. 19 and 20  show a perspective view and an interior view of connector  1720 , respectively. Connector  1720  contains a plastic outer shell  1905  covering a metal shell  1930  (e.g., perimeter conductor  1830 ), which is separated from center pin system  1920  (e.g., center conductor  1820 ) by insulating shell  1940 . Connecting holes  1910  are aligned holes in plastic outer shell  1905 , metal insulating inner shell  1930 , and insulating inner shell  1940  that expose center pin system  1920 . 
     Connecting holes  1910  may be arranged in various configurations around connector  1720  as described above with respect to  FIG. 18 . In addition, although depicted in the figures as being circular, holes  1910  may be formed into various shapes to receive an end of element  1710 . For example, an end of an element may be formed in the shape of a rectangle to be received by a rectangular connecting hole. 
     Center pin system  1920  is used to receive the coaxial connector or plug  1840  of element  1710 . In particular, center pin system  1920  contains two or more center pin elements  2020 , each pin  2020  exposed by connecting hole  1910  to receive an element  1710 . Center pin system  1920  is not limited to a particular arrangement of pin elements  2020  or to a particular number of pin elements  2020 . 
       FIG. 21  shows a perspective view  2110  and interior view  2120  of element  1710  using an electro luminescent light source. Element  1710  is the building block of construction system  1700 . Although an electro luminescent light source is shown in  FIG. 21 , the light source is not limited to any particular technology and could include LEDs, miniature incandescent light bulbs or any other electrically activated light source. 
     Element  1710  is depicted herein as a cylindrical tube enclosing a light source. However, element  1710  can be designed and built in any desired shape, depending on the nature of the model. Some examples of elements include components of a robot, organs of an insect and segments of abstract construction. Elements also may be designed in any one of the shapes described above with respect to the first through fourth embodiments. In a basic model set, elements are cylindrical tubes or any extruded shape with a constant or variable section. In yet another model set, elements include a variety of different shapes, colors and sizes. 
     Element  1710  includes a light source  2150  and coaxial connector or plug  1840 . In a construction kit, various different colors may be used for light source  2150 . Coaxial connector or plug  1840  is inserted into connector  1720 . Power supplied at a first end  2142  is transmitted by element  1710  to a second end  2144 . When linked to connector  1720 , second end  2144  transfers power to connector  1720 , which in turn conducts power to any other element linked to the connector. 
     Coaxial connector or plug  1840  contains a constant-positive coaxial center pin  2130  that addresses any potential polarity issues. 
     Because  FIG. 21  depicts an electro-luminescent (EL) light source, light source  2150  includes a conductive core  2160  (in this case an extension of the coaxial center pin  2130 ), an exterior coil  2165 , an EL coating  2170 , a coaxial sleeve  2175  and a clear shell  2180 . In this embodiment, power excites phosphors in the EL coating  2170  to produce light, as recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     If a condensed light source is used, a deflecting, reflecting or diffusing surface or surfaces will spread the light over the entire element. In some cases, the material of the element itself could be diffusing, such as a frosted translucent surface illuminated from within. 
       FIG. 22  shows a view of exemplary power source configurations for use with the elements and connectors of  FIG. 17 . In one embodiment, power source  2210  is plugged into device  2220 , and device  2220  is plugged into connector  1720 . In another embodiment, power source  2210  is plugged into device  2230 , and device  2230  is plugged into connector  1720 . In yet another embodiment (not shown), power source  2210  is plugged directly into connector  1720 . In the latter embodiment, plug  2215  would be formed to fit into connector  1720 , rather than a device  2220  or  2230 . 
     Power source  2210  can include a DC source, an AC source or a high frequency source. Further, power source  2210  is selected based upon the requirements of the light source selected for element  1710 . A DC source can include a DC regulated source using a wall plug and an AC/DC transformer. Alternatively, the DC source may include a battery pack. An AC source can include a transformer or a battery pack with oscillator. A high frequency source includes a battery pack with transformer and oscillator or a wall plug with a transformer and oscillator. 
     Each power source  2210  could be connected via plug  2215  to a device  2220  or  2230  to provide a power signal to activate a light source in a particular fashion. For example, the power signal could turn the light source on and off to achieve blinking, strobe or chase effects. Device  2220  includes a controller  2222  for adjusting the speed or frequency of the lights; whereas, device  2230  does not include such a controller. Device  2220  or  2230  connects to controller  1720  via plug  2225 . In an alternative embodiment, device  2220  or  2230  could be integrated in the power supply  2220 , rather than provided as an attachment to the system. In yet another embodiment, the power supply  2210  can connect directly to connector  1720  without an integrated or attached device  2220  or  2230 . 
     In another embodiment of the invention, construction elements  1710  are connected also via connectors  1720  to construction members (not shown). Like construction elements  1710 , construction members can be in any shape. However, unlike construction elements  1710 , the construction members are not illuminated. Nonetheless, the construction members are conductive and transfer power from one end to another end, allowing a structure containing construction elements  1710  to remain illuminated when a power source is applied. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, construction elements  1710  and connectors  1720  can include a ring of protrusions and cavities or ridges and grooves, as described in the above embodiments. 
     It will be understood that the embodiments of the present invention described herein are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such variations and modifications, including those discussed above, are therefore intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. 
     The foregoing disclosure of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations and modifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above disclosure. The scope of the invention is to be defined only by the claims appended hereto, and by their equivalents. 
     Further, in describing representative embodiments of the present invention, the specification may have presented the method and/or process of the present invention as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth in the specification should not be construed as limitations on the claims. In addition, the claims directed to the method and/or process of the present invention should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention.