Abstract:
Provided herein is a set of card-like structure and connector toys for building; the set comprising one or more card-like structures and one or more end cap connectors, wherein the one or more end cap connectors comprise one or more slots for inserting the card-like structures. Also provided herein is a connector toy or a kit of connector toys; comprising one or more slots for inserting card-like structures for building.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to the field of card-like toy blocks, bricks, structures and/or connectors for building. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0002]    It is a popular activity for individuals, particularly children, to use toy elements and/or structures for constructing and/or erecting houses and/or buildings and/or villages and/or any desired object. There are, therefore, a wide variety of toy building sets readily available ranging from simple stacking elements to complex connecting and/or interlocking parts. Such sets often comprise a plurality of pieces with connection means used to form toy buildings and/or other miniature structures. 
         [0003]    Certain of these types of building sets employ card-like structures, including but not limited to cards and connector pieces, or flat structures with surface protrusions or holes or sheet elements with corresponding grooved coupling studs. 
         [0004]    While toy building sets having cards or card-like or flat structures or sheet or panel elements and corresponding connector parts are readily available and may be found, for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,761,609 B1; 2,883,764 A; 3,119,154 A; 2,204,319 A; 298,633 A; 2,131,349 A; 3,747,262 A; 5,215,490 A; 5,895,045 A; 5,015,149 A; 6,997,771 B1; 6,149,485 A; 6,443,798 B1; United States Application Numbers 2002/0090881 A1; 2003/0162374 A1; and 2007/0252332 A1; European Application Number 0761272 A2; and International Application Number WO 1997018875 A1; none of these references disclose the embodiments of the card-like structures and connectors disclosed herein. 
         [0005]    Therefore, a toy building set with card-like structures for slotting into corresponding connector pieces provides a simple yet unique and entertaining option for fulfilling an individual&#39;s desire to construct buildings and/or objects. Additionally, the toy building set disclosed herein may be advantageously used in conjunction with existing Lego® or other similar building bricks. 
         [0006]    All documents and references cited herein and in the referenced patent documents, are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present inventors have designed a toy building set with card-like structures for fitting and/or slotting into corresponding connector pieces providing a simple yet unique and entertaining option for fulfilling an individual&#39;s desire to construct miniature buildings and/or objects. 
         [0008]    Disclosed herein is a set of card-like structure and connector toys for building; the set comprising: one or more card-like structures and one or more end cap connectors, wherein the one or more end cap connectors comprise one or more slots for inserting the card-like structures. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment, the one or more slots are on the one or more end cap connectors in a configuration selected from the group consisting of bottom, top, side, sides, and a combination thereof. 
         [0010]    In another embodiment, the one or more card-like structures are flat. 
         [0011]    In another embodiment, the one or more end cap connectors comprise a connection pattern. 
         [0012]    Also disclosed herein is a connector toy for building with card-like structures; wherein the connector toy is an end cap connector comprising one or more slots for inserting card-like structures. 
         [0013]    In another embodiment, the one or more slots on the end cap connectors are in a configuration selected from the group consisting of bottom, top, side, sides, and a combination thereof. 
         [0014]    In another embodiment, the end cap connector comprises a connection pattern. 
         [0015]    Also disclosed herein is a kit of connector toys for building with card-like structures; the kit comprising one or more end cap connectors comprising one or more slots for inserting card-like structures. 
         [0016]    In another embodiment, the one or more slots on the one or more end cap connectors are in a configuration selected from the group consisting of bottom, top, side, sides, and a combination thereof. 
         [0017]    In another embodiment, the one or more end cap connectors comprise a connection pattern. 
         [0018]    In another embodiment, the kit comprises card-like structures. 
         [0019]    In other embodiments, the set of card-like structure and connector toys in the preceding paragraphs may additionally comprise Lego® building bricks and/or other similar building bricks. 
         [0020]    In other embodiments, the set of card-like structure and connector toys in the preceding paragraphs may additionally comprise one or more character figures, one or more designs and/or graphics, and/or one or more character figures corresponding to a design or graphic on the one or more card-like structures and/or end cap connectors. 
         [0021]    In other embodiment, the set of card-like structure and connector toys in the preceding paragraphs may incorporate any of the preceding or subsequently disclosed embodiments. 
         [0022]    In other embodiments, the connector toy or connector toys in the preceding paragraphs may additionally incorporate any of the preceding or subsequently disclosed embodiments. 
         [0023]    The Summary of the Invention is not intended to define the claims nor is it intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. 
         [0024]    Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following Drawings, Detailed Description, and the Claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0025]      FIG. 1A-1D  illustrates perspective top and bottom views of embodiments of the end cap connectors disclosed herein. 
           [0026]      FIG. 2A-2B  illustrates perspective views of exemplary assembly of an embodiment of the end cap connectors and the card-like structures disclosed herein. 
           [0027]      FIG. 3A-3D  illustrates side perspective views of an embodiment of the end cap connectors and card-like structures disclosed herein. 
           [0028]      FIG. 4A-4C  illustrates perspective views of exemplary assembly of card-like structures and end cap connectors and a perspective view of an underside embodiment of an end cap connector disclosed herein. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0029]    The present invention is illustrated in the drawings and description in which like elements are assigned the same reference numerals. However, while particular embodiments are illustrated in the drawings, there is no intention to limit the present invention to the specific embodiment or embodiments disclosed. Rather, the present invention is intended to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, the drawings are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. 
         [0030]    Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this technology belongs. 
         [0031]    Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are depicted in  FIGS. 1-4 . 
         [0032]    The card-like structures and end cap connectors disclosed herein provide a unique yet simple means for building miniature objects in both horizontal and vertical configurations. 
         [0033]    For the purposes of the present invention, the terminology “corresponds to” means that there is a functional and/or mechanical relationship between objects which correspond to each other. For example, the card-like structures and end cap connectors disclosed herein correspond to each other or mechanically connect with each other when the card-like structure is inserted into the slot or elongated groove on the end cap connector designed to accommodate an end or edge of the card-like structure. 
         [0034]    For the purposes of the present invention, the terminology “card-like” means a geometrically shaped sheet or panel such as, without limitation, in the shape of a square or rectangle. The terminology “card-like structure” may be used interchangeably with the terms “card” or “plate” or “plate-like structure” or “sheet” or “sheet-like” or “panel”. In certain embodiments, card-like structures will have a flat surface or surfaces or face or faces and will be in a corresponding thickness to fit into a slot or elongated groove of an end cap connector designed for receiving the card-like structure. In an embodiment of the card-like structures disclosed herein, the card-like structures are made of 20 point card stock. As is well established knowledge in the art of paper products, a point is equal to 0.001 inches and is used to indicate a thickness of the paper. In general, the higher the point, the thicker and therefore firmer the paper product. 
         [0035]    For the purposes of the present invention, the term “slot” may be interchangeable with the terms “slit” or “groove”. In certain embodiments, the card slot is an elongated groove which corresponds to an end or edge of the card-like structure. In one embodiment of the invention disclosed herein, a card-like structure such as a 20 point card stock or the like fits snuggly into a corresponding card slot. 
         [0036]      FIGS. 1A-1B  show perspective top and bottom views of an embodiment of an  14  end cap connector disclosed herein having  24  slots on the top side (or upper side) only. In this embodiment, the  14  end cap connector additionally has a  18  concentric (protruding) connection pattern on the top side (upper side) of the  14  end cap connector. In other embodiments, such a concentric connection pattern is a Lego® connection pattern. The corresponding (receiving)  22  connection pattern is on the bottom side of the  14  end cap connector. The slots run parallel to the perimeter of the  14  connector and correspond in dimension and/or length to the  10  card-like structures which can be fitted into and/or inserted therein to provide a mechanical connection between the  14  connector and the  10  card-like structure. Upon connective assembly of the  14  end cap connector with another end cap connector ( 14  or  12  below) a  28  side slot is created. Such a  28  side slot accommodates the  10  card-like structure disclosed herein. 
         [0037]      FIGS. 1C-1D  show perspective top and bottom views of an embodiment of an  12  end cap connector of the present invention having  26  slots on the bottom side (or underside) only. In this embodiment, the  12  end cap connector has a  18  concentric connection pattern (or nodes) on the top side (upper side) of the  12  end cap connector. The corresponding  22  connection pattern is on the bottom (underside) of a  14  end cap connector disclosed herein. The  26  slots run parallel to the perimeter of the  12  end cap connector and correspond in dimension and/or length to the dimension and/or length of the  10  card-like structures which can be fitted into and/or inserted therein to provide a mechanical connection between the  12  connector and the  10  card-like structure. Upon connective assembly of the  12  end cap connector with an  14  end cap connector a  28  side slot is created. Such a  28  side slot accommodates the  10  card-like structure disclosed herein. 
         [0038]      FIG. 2A  shows perspective views of exemplary assembly of both  12  and  14  end cap connectors with the  10  card-like structures disclosed herein.  FIG. 2B  shows a  28  side slot created by the connection between the  12  and  14  end cap connectors. Such a  28  side slot accommodates the card-like structure disclosed herein. 
         [0039]      FIG. 3A  shows a perspective side view of  12  and  14  end cap connectors combined in such a manner where the top side of  12  end cap connector connects with the bottom side of  14  end cap connector. In this embodiment, the combined configuration of  12  and  14 , each having  30  radiused (or rounded) edges, creates a  28  card slot corresponding in dimension and/or length to the dimension and/or length of the  10  card-like structures disclosed herein.  FIGS. 3B-3C  show perspective side views of  12  and  14  and  16  (shown below) end cap connectors combined in such a manner where the top side connects with the corresponding bottom side of the  12  and  14  and  16  end cap connectors. In these embodiments, the combined configuration, having  30  radiused edges creates  24 ,  26 , and/or  28  card slots corresponding in dimension and/or length to the dimension and/or length of the  10  card-like structures disclosed herein. 
         [0040]      FIGS. 4A-4B  show perspective side, top and bottom (underside) views of an embodiment of an  16  end cap connector of the present invention having  24  slots on the top side (upper side) and  26  bottom side (under side) and additional  28  slots on the sides of the  16  end cap connector. In one embodiment, the one or more sides of the  16  end cap connector comprise female and male connective features or connection patterns such as, without limitation,  32  dual concentric protrusions (or nodes) which fit or snap into a corresponding  34  receiving rectangular space providing for connectivity between  16  end cap connectors. Embodiments of end cap connectors such as the  16  end cap connector shown illustrate a wide variety of construction possibilities in both vertical and horizontal configurations. The  10  card-like structures are slotted into and/or fitted therein the  24 ,  26 , and/or  28  slots or elongated grooves on the  16  end cap connectors to provide a mechanical connection between the parts of the building set. In one embodiment, the underside of the end cap connector comprises a triangular configuration of friction points utilizing an  22  open concentric friction point and  36  miniature bar-type friction points to engage with (receive)  18  a (protruding) concentric connection pattern (or node) on the top side (upper side) of another  16  end cap connector. In one embodiment, there is a 7 by 7 pattern of  18  (protruding) concentric connections or nodes on the top side (upper side) of an  16  end cap connector. In another embodiment, there is a 9 by 9 pattern of  18  (protruding) concentric connections or nodes on the top side (upper side) of an  16  end cap connector. In other embodiments, the  10  card-like structure and connector building sets disclosed herein are compatible with existing Lego® or other connection bricks. Exemplary construction is shown in  FIG. 4C . 
         [0041]    The  10  card-like structures can be inserted into corresponding  24 ,  26 , and/or  28  slots of the  12  and  14  and/or  16  end cap connectors. The  24 ,  26 , and/or  28  card slots correspond in dimension and/or length to the dimension and/or length of the  10  card-like structure. The  10  card-like structures fit snugly into the corresponding  24 ,  26 , and/or  28  card slots. The frictional force resulting from placement of the  10  card-like structure into a corresponding  24 ,  26 , and/or  28  card slot of an  12  and  14  and/or  16  end cap connector provides stabilized positioning of the building set components for constructing objects. 
         [0042]    The  10  card-like structures and/or  12  and  14  and/or  16  end cap connectors may be provided in a variety of shapes and sizes. In one embodiment, the card slots have a depth of about 2.8 millimeters. In another embodiment,  24 ,  26 , and/or  28  card slots are about 2.52 inches wide, the  10  card-like structures are about 2.5 inches wide so that there is about 0.2 inches of clearance to fit a  10  card-like structure into a corresponding  24 ,  26 , and/or  28  card slot. In another embodiment,  12  and  14  and/or  16  end cap connector width (not including the protruding nodes or concentric connection pattern) is about 2.8125 inches. In another embodiment, the  24 ,  26 , and/or  28  card slots on the  12  and  14  and/or  16  end cap connectors have a depth of about 3/16 inches. In another embodiment,  12  and  14  and/or  16  end cap connectors are provided in a square shape and measure about 3 inches by 3 inches. In another embodiment, the width of an  12  and  14  and/or  16  end cap connector is about ¼ of an inch. In another embodiment, the length of a  24 ,  26 , and/or  28  card slot on the  12  and  14  and/or  16  end cap connector is about 2 and 9/16 inches and the distance between one  24 ,  26 , and/or  28  card slot to its opposite  24 ,  26 , and/or  28  card slot on the  12  and  14  and/or  16  end cap connector is about 2 and ½ inches. In another embodiment, the width of an  12  and  14  and/or  16  end cap connector is about ½ of an inch. In another embodiment, the  10  card-like structures are provided in a rectangular or square shape and have ends or edges which correspond to the  24 ,  26 , and/or  28  card slots on the  12  and  14  and/or  16  end cap connectors in dimension and/or length and/or width. 
         [0043]    The  10  card-like structures and/or  12  and  14  and/or  16  connectors may comprise graphics, designs, and/or accompanying character figures. Such character figures may correspond to the provided graphics and/or designs. Graphics, designs and/or characters may include any desired graphic, design, or character whether already known or newly created. Many graphics, designs, and/or characters are well known and may include and/or be inspired from, without limitation, anime, Disney animations, Pixar animations, sports teams, brand names and/or combinations thereof. 
         [0044]    The  10  card-like structures and/or  12  and  14  and/or  16  connectors are made of materials well known and readily available to the toy-making industry. Materials may range from a wide variety of available materials such as, without limitation, plastics, laminates, molded plastics, pasteboard or layered pasteboard, paperboard, cardstock, cover stock board stock, paper substrate, foil board, Sintra® PVC foam board, acrylonitrile-butadien-styrene-copolymer (ABS), phlalate-free polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG), and/or combinations thereof. 
         [0045]    The  10  card-like structures and/or  12  and  14  and/or  16  connectors disclosed herein may additionally incorporate Lego® bricks or other similar compatible building bricks for use in conjunction therewith. 
         [0046]    The  10  card-like structures and/or  12  and  14  and/or  16  connectors of the present invention may incorporate reasonable design parameters, features, modifications, advantages, and variations that are readily apparent to those skilled in the art in the field of toy building sets. 
         [0047]    Without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention, reasonable features, modifications, advantages, and design variations of the claimed invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art by following the guidelines set forth in the preceding detailed description and embodiments.