Abstract:
A variety of connectors can be used to connect cylindrical or other shaped tubes to one another. The connectors incorporate features that may facilitate connecting the tubes at a wide range of angles to form a variety of multi-dimensional shapes, while obviating the need to use tape or glue. Such features can potentially improve the aesthetics and simplify the assembly of objects produced using the connectors disclosed herein. Further, structures produced using the connectors disclosed herein can be disassembled, facilitating reuse of, e.g., the paper-based tubes of exhausted household products.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This Application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/789,347, filed Mar. 15, 2013, and 61/865,445, filed on Aug. 13, 2013, the entire contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    This disclosure relates generally to connectors that can be employed in an amusement device or system. 
         [0003]    Certain household products, such as bathroom tissue, paper towels, and aluminum foil are often sold rolled on paper cylinders or tubes. After these household products are exhausted, an issue remains relating to disposition of the paper cylinder or tube. Many consumers opt to discard the tubes. This is a convenient option, but contributes to volume of waste, for example, in landfills. Other consumers opt to recycle the tubes. This option is more environmentally friendly, but still involves the use of energy and other resources in the recycling process. 
         [0004]    Still other consumers, particularly consumers with children, may repurpose the tubes for a variety of uses, including, for example, household and school projects. Many such projects may involve connecting paper tubes or cylinders together to form larger structures, such as, for example, simulated animals and buildings. Conventionally, paper tubes or cylinders may be connected to one another using tape or glue. This approach may present a number of challenges, such as, for example, connecting the tubes at uncommon angles, difficulty of assembly, and/or aesthetic challenges associated with excessive use of tape or glue. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    Examples according to this disclosure are directed to a variety of connectors, which can be used to connect cylindrical or other shaped tubes to one another. The connectors incorporate features that may facilitate connecting the tubes at a wide range of angles to form a variety of multi-dimensional shapes, while obviating the need to use tape or glue. Such features can potentially improve the aesthetics and simplify the assembly of objects produced using the connectors disclosed herein. Further, structures produced using the connectors disclosed herein can be disassembled, facilitating reuse of, e.g., the paper-based tubes of exhausted household products. 
         [0006]    In one example, a connector includes a flat connector body having a uniform thickness, the connector body including a central region and two or more arms extending distally from the central region. At least one of the arms includes a width configured to be press fit into a tubular element of a household product and at least one slotted notch extends proximally from a distal end of the arm. The at least one slotted notch includes a slot portion including a width that is less than or equal to the thickness of the connector body. 
         [0007]    In another example, a connector includes a flat connector body having a uniform thickness, the connector body including a central region and two or more arms extending distally from the central region. At least one of the arms includes a width configured to be press fit into a tubular element of a household product and at least one slotted notch extending proximally from a distal end of the arm. The at least one slotted notch includes a curved slot portion including a width that is greater than the thickness of the connector body. 
         [0008]    In another example, a connector includes a substantially toric connector body including a uniform thickness, at least one triangular notch, and an inner diameter sized to receive a tubular element of a household product. 
         [0009]    In another example, a system includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector includes a flat connector body having a uniform thickness, the connector body including a central region and two or more arms extending distally from the central region. At least one of the arms includes a width configured to be press fit into a tubular element of a household product, and at least one slotted notch extending proximally from a distal end of the arm. The at least one slotted notch includes a slot portion including a width that is less than or equal to the thickness of the connector body. The second connector includes a substantially toric connector body including a uniform thickness, at least one triangular notch, and an inner diameter sized to receive a tubular element of a household product. The width of the at least one slotted notch is less than or equal to the thickness of the toric connector body. 
         [0010]    In another example, a method includes adhering a plurality of layers of fiberboard to one another and cutting a connector from the adhered layers of fiberboard. The connector can include a flat connector body having a uniform thickness, the connector body including a central region and two or more arms extending distally from the central region. At least one of the arms can include a width configured to be press fit into a tubular element of a household product, and at least one slotted notch extending proximally from a distal end of the arm. The at least one slotted notch can include a slot portion including a width that is less than or equal to the thickness of the connector body. 
         [0011]    In another example, a connector includes a flat connector body having a uniform thickness, the connector body including a central region and two or more arms extending distally from the central region. At least one of the arms includes a width configured to be press fit into a tubular element of a household product, and at least one slotted notch extending proximally from a distal end of the arm. The at least one slotted notch includes a slot portion including a distal protrusion defining a first width of the slot portion, a proximal protrusion defining a third width of the slot portion, and an intermediate protrusion defining a second width of the slot portion. The intermediate protrusion is arranged between the distal and proximal protrusions. The third width is less than the thickness of the circular connector body. 
         [0012]    In another example, a connector includes a flat connector body having a uniform thickness, the connector body including a central region and two or more arms extending distally from the central region. At least one of the arms includes a width configured to be press fit into a tubular element of a household product, and at least one slot extending proximally from a distal end of the arm. The at least one slot includes a proximal protrusion defining a first width of the slot, and an intermediate protrusion arranged between the proximal protrusion and the distal end of the arm. The intermediate protrusion defines a second width of the slot, and the proximal and intermediate protrusions together define a third width of the slot. The first and second widths are each greater than or equal to the thickness of the connector body and the third width is less than the thickness of the connector body. 
         [0013]    In another example, a connector includes a flat connector body having a uniform thickness, the connector body including a central region and two or more arms extending distally from the central region. At least one of the arms includes a width configured to be press fit into a tubular element of a household product, and a slot extending proximally from a distal end of the arm. The slot including three successively opposing protrusions that define two reduced slot widths including a first width equal to a distance between one protrusion and an opposing side of the slot and a second width equal to a distance between two protrusions. The first width is greater than or approximately equal to the thickness of the connector body, and the second width is less than the thickness of the connector body. 
         [0014]    The details of examples of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of examples according to this disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of an example connector in accordance with this disclosure. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a plan view of another example connector. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of another example connector. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of another example connector. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a plan view of another example connector. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a detail view of a slotted notch of a connector in accordance with this disclosure. 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a partial section view of an example connector. 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a plan view of another example connector. 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is a plan view of a system of example connectors that can be used together in accordance with examples of this disclosure. 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is a plan view of another example connector. 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of paper cylinders connected in one configuration using the connector of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of paper cylinders connected in another configuration using the connector of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of two interlocked connectors of the type shown in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a paper cylinder connected to the interlocked connectors of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 15  is another perspective view of the configuration shown in  FIG. 14 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of two paper cylinders connected to the interlocked connectors of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of two paper cylinders connected to the interlocked connectors of  FIG. 13  in another configuration. 
           [0032]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a number of paper cylinders connected to the interlocked connectors of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a connector of the type shown in  FIG. 4  connected to the interlocked connectors of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a connector of the type shown in  FIG. 1  connected to the interlocked connectors of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a number of connectors connected to the connector of the type shown in  FIG. 4 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of a number of connectors of the type shown in  FIG. 1  connected by the connector of the type shown in  FIG. 5 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 23  depicts one example of an amusement device that can be constructed using connectors in accordance with this disclosure. 
           [0038]      FIG. 24  is a plan view of a system of example connectors that can be used together in accordance with examples of this disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0039]    As noted above, examples according to this disclosure are directed to a variety of connectors, which can be used to connect cylindrical or other shaped tubes to one another. Connectors in accordance with this disclosure are configured to be connected to one another and to common exhausted household products to construct a large variety of multi-dimensional shapes/objects. 
         [0040]    In one example, connectors in accordance with this disclosure form the building blocks of an amusement device or system, e.g. such as a toy or a game that users can use repeatedly to create different shapes/objects out of the waste products of common household items. For example, paper-based cylindrical tubes from paper towels and/or bathroom tissue can be connected via one or more connectors in accordance with this disclosure to create vehicles, people, robots, buildings, and a variety of other objects. 
         [0041]    The connectors are configured to be universally connected to one another and to cylindrical tubes in virtually an infinite number of combinations. For example, the connector can include a flat connector body with a substantially uniform thickness. The connector body can include a central region and two or more arms extending distally from the central region. At least one of the arms has a width configured to be press fit into a tubular element of a household paper-based product, and includes at least one slotted notch extending proximally from a distal end of the arm. The slotted notch includes a slot portion including a width that is less than or equal to the thickness of the connector body. 
         [0042]    In this example, the connector can be connected to a second connector in accordance with this disclosure by press fitting a portion of the second connector into the linear portion of the slotted notch of the first connector. Additionally, multiple cylindrical tubes can be coupled to the connector by press fitting the arms of the connector into the inner diameter of the tubes. 
         [0043]    In another example, a connector includes a toric connector body. The connector body is flat and has a substantially uniform thickness. Additionally, the connector body includes at least one triangular notch extending radially inward from a periphery of the connector body. The inner diameter of the toric connector body is sized to receive a cylindrical tube of an exhausted household product. 
         [0044]    In this example, the toric connector can be connected to a second connector in accordance with this disclosure by press fitting the flat toric body into a slotted notch of the second connector. Additionally, a cylindrical tube can be coupled to the toric connector by press fitting the outer diameter of the tube into the inner diameter of toric connector. 
         [0045]    As used herein, “proximal” refers to a direction generally toward a central region of a connector in accordance with this disclosure, and “distal” refers to the opposite direction of proximal, i.e., away from the central region of the connector. 
         [0046]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of an example Y-type connector  100 . The Y-type connector  100  is generally “Y” shaped with a central region  101  and three arms  102 ,  104 ,  106  extending distally from central region  101 . Each of arms  102 ,  104 ,  106  includes a slotted notch  108  formed therein. The slotted notches  108  each have a substantially triangular portion  110  and a linear portion  112 . Another way of describing slotted notch  108  and other such slotted notches in accordance with this disclosure is that the slotted notch includes a distal notch at the outer periphery of the connector and a slot extending proximally from the distal notch. 
         [0047]    The linear portions  112  provide a friction or press-fit mechanism by which Y-type connector  100  can be interlocked with other connectors in accordance with this disclosure. For example, the linear portion  112  can include a width, W, that is less than the thickness of Y-type connector  100  and other connectors in accordance with this disclosure. Thus, two Y-type connectors or Y-type connector  100  and another connector in accordance with this disclosure can be interlocked with one another by pressing one connector into linear portion  112  of slotted notch  108 . The undersized width of linear portion  112  relative to the thickness of the connector received in linear portion  112  functions to interlock the two connectors. 
         [0048]    The triangular portion  110  of slotted notch  108  can also facilitate connecting Y-type connector  100  to other connectors in accordance with this disclosure. For example, the triangular portion  110  provides an opening to slotted notch  108  that is larger than linear portion  112 . As such, the triangular portion  110  can function to guide placement of another connector into linear portion  112  to connect the two connectors to one another. 
         [0049]    In one example, slotted notch  108 , including triangular portion  110  and linear portion  112 , is approximately 1.10 inches long. However, in other examples, slotted notch  108  can have a larger or smaller length. Thus, in some cases, the exact length of slotted notch  108  may be somewhat arbitrary. Additionally, the particular shape and sizing of triangular portion  110  or another notched opening of a slotted notch in accordance with this disclosure can differ from that shown in  FIG. 1 . Thus, in some cases, the exact size and shape of the notched opening of a slotted notch may be somewhat arbitrary. 
         [0050]    In the example shown in  FIG. 1 , the angle between arms  102  and  104  is approximately 90 degree. The angles between arms  102  and  106  and between arms  104  and  106  are approximately 135 degree. This variation in angles allows paper tubes or cylinders to be connected at either 90 degree or 135 degree angles, as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12  respectively, by selecting the arms to which paper tubes are connected. It will be appreciated that other examples of the Y-type connector  100  may have arms at different angles than shown in  FIG. 1 , e.g., evenly spaced at substantially 120 degree apart. More generally, the particular length, angle between, and shape of distally extending arms of connectors in accordance with this disclosure may, in some cases, be somewhat arbitrarily selected and many different particular configurations are possible. 
         [0051]    In one example, the arms  102 ,  104 ,  106  are approximately 1.7 inches wide. This dimension is slightly larger than the inner diameter of a cylindrical tube of the type commonly used to package bathroom tissue or paper towels. Accordingly, when a cylindrical tube of an exhausted household product is connected to Y-type connector  100 , a arm ( 102 ,  104 ,  106 ) of connector  100  applies pressure to the inner surface of the tube, facilitating a friction fit between connector  100  and the tube. In another example, arms  102 ,  104 ,  106  can have different widths that are adapted to be press fit into different sized tubes, e.g., different sized paper-based tubes of exhausted household products. 
         [0052]    Arms  102 ,  104 ,  106  each include chamfers  114  on the distal end of each arm. Chamfers  114  can assist in press-fitting tubes onto arms  102 ,  104 ,  106  by providing a reduced width by which to initially insert the distal ends of arms  102 ,  104 ,  106  into the inner diameter of a tube. 
         [0053]    In the example of  FIG. 1 , arms  102  and  104  are approximately the same length and arm  106  is longer than arms  102  and  104 . For example, arms  102  and  104  extend distally from central region  101  of Y-type connector  100  by approximately the same distance, while arm  106  extends distally from central region  101  by a distance that is greater than arms  102  and  104 . However, in other examples, arms extending distally from a central region of a connector in accordance with this disclosure can have all the same lengths. 
         [0054]      FIG. 2  is a plan view of an example I-type connector  200  in accordance with this disclosure. I-type connector  200  is generally “I” shaped formed by a central region  201  and two arms  202 ,  204  extending distally from central region  201 . The I-type connector  200  may be used, for example, to connect cylindrical tubes of an exhausted household product in a straight-line fashion or to connect to other connectors in accordance with this disclosure. I-type connector  200  has two slotted notches  206  extending proximally from distal ends of arms  202 ,  204 . Slotted notches  206  can be shaped and function similarly to slotted notches  108  of Y-type connector  100 . 
         [0055]    In one example, slotted notches  206  are both approximately 1.10 inches long. However, in other examples, slotted notches  206  can have larger or smaller lengths. Additionally, slotted notches  206  have different lengths. 
         [0056]    I-type connector  200  also includes a triangular notch  208 . Triangular notch  208  can function as a guide for connecting I-type connector  200  to other connectors in accordance with this disclosure. In one example, triangular notch  208  can guide another connector in accordance with this disclosure to be connected to I-type connector  200  at a variety of angles relative to I-type connector  200 . For example, I-type connector  200  can be received in a slotted notch of a second connector at triangular notch  208 . After I-type connector  200  is pushed into the slotted notch of the second connector such that the proximal end of the notch is adjacent vertex  210  of triangular notch  208 , the two connectors are connected to one another and the second connector can be rotated relative to I-type connector  200  to a desired angle. In one example, triangular notch  208  is approximately 0.35 inches deep and approximately 3/32 inches wide. However, in other examples, the size of triangular notch could be larger or smaller. In some examples, the size and shape of notch  208  could be arbitrarily selected. 
         [0057]    In one example, the I-type connector  200  including arms  202 ,  204  is approximately 1.7 inches wide. This dimension is slightly larger than the inner diameter of a paper tube of the type commonly used to package bathroom tissue or paper towels. Accordingly, when such a tube is connected to connector  200 , connector  200  applies pressure to the inner surface of the tube, facilitating a friction fit between connector  200  and the tube. In another example, I-type connector  200  including arms  202 ,  204  can have different widths that are adapted to be press fit into different sized tubes, e.g., different sized paper-based tubes of exhausted household products. 
         [0058]    Arms  202 ,  204  each include chamfers  212  on the distal end of each arm. Chamfers  212  can assist in press-fitting tubes onto arms  202 ,  204  by providing a reduced width by which to initially insert the distal ends of arms  202 ,  204  into the inner diameter of a tube. 
         [0059]    In one example, I-type connector  200  is approximately 5.5 inches long, which allows I-type connector  200  to be received within a standard bathroom tissue tube such that the distal ends of arms  202  and  204  extend slightly beyond the ends of the tube. In such an arrangement, I-type connector  200  can be coupled to the tube and additional connectors can be connected to the distal ends of arms  202  and  204 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of an example X-type connector  300  in accordance with this disclosure. The X-type connector  300  is generally “X” shaped with a central region  301  and four arms  302 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308  extending distally from central region  301 . In one example, X-type connector  300  is approximately 4.5 inches from the distal end of arm  302  to the distal end of arm  306  and from the distal end of arm  304  to the distal end of arm  308 . In one example, each arm  302 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308  is approximately 1.7 inches wide, which is slightly larger than the inner diameter of a paper tube of the type commonly used to package bathroom tissue or paper towels. In such cases, when such a paper tube is connected to connector  300 , connector  300  applies pressure to the inner surface of the tube, facilitating a friction fit between connector  300  and the tube. 
         [0061]    The arms  302 ,  304 , and  308  may have slotted notches  310  that may be shaped similarly to the slotted notches  108  of  FIG. 1 . In the example of  FIG. 3 , arm  306  has a longer slotted notch  312 , which, in one example, can be approximately 2.25 inches long. This longer slotted notch  312  facilitates connecting two X-type connectors  300  in an interlocking fashion. 
         [0062]    Arms  302 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308  each include chamfers  314  on the distal end of each arm. Chamfers  314  can assist in press-fitting tubes onto arms  302 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308  by providing a reduced width by which to initially insert the distal ends of arms  302 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308  into the inner diameter of a tube. 
         [0063]    In the example shown in  FIG. 3 , the respective angles between arms  302 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308  is approximately 90 degree. However, other examples of the X-type connector  300  may have arms at different angles than shown in  FIG. 3 . Additionally, arms  302 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308  are approximately the same length in the example of  FIG. 3 . However, in other examples, arms extending distally from a central region of an X-type connector in accordance with this disclosure can have different lengths. 
         [0064]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of an example tonic connector  400  in accordance with this disclosure. Toric connector  400  is a generally circular, “O” shaped connector, which includes a number of triangle notches  402  formed around and extending proximally from the perimeter of the connector. In one example, toric connector  400  has an inner diameter of approximately 1.7 inches to allow a standard bathroom tissue or paper towel tube to be press fit into toric connector  400 . In one example, toric connector  400  has an outer diameter of approximately 4.5 inches, which can be selected to size toric connector  400  similarly to one example of an X-type connector in accordance with this disclosure. 
         [0065]    As noted, toric connector  400  includes a number of triangle notches  402  formed around the perimeter of the connector. The triangular notches  402  may be approximately 0.35 inches deep and approximately 3/32 inches wide. The triangular notches  402  may facilitate connection with other connector types disclosed herein at a variety of angles. For example, toric connector  400  can be received in a slotted notch of a second connector at triangular notch  402 . After toric connector  400  is pushed into the slotted notch of the second connector such that the proximal end of the notch is adjacent vertex  404  of triangular notch  402 , the two connectors are connected to one another and the second connector can be rotated relative to toric connector  400  to a desired angle. 
         [0066]      FIG. 5  is a plan view of an example chip connector  500  in accordance with this disclosure. Chip connector  500  is generally circular and includes a number of slots  502  formed around and extending proximally from the perimeter of the connector. In one example, chip connector  500  has an outer diameter of approximately 1.7 inches and slots have a length of approximately 0.30 inches. Chip connector  500  can be connected to and can be interposed between multiple connectors in accordance with this disclosure. Additionally, chip connector  500  can be used to add stability to other links by extending out from existing slots. In one example, slots  502  are offset slightly from the center of chip connector  500 , which can allow chip  500  it to connect to other connectors in particular orientations with respect to each other (see, e.g., the example of  FIG. 22 ). 
         [0067]    In one example the outer diameter of chip connector  500  is equal to the inner diameter of toric connector  400 . In one example, chip connector  500  is formed from the material removed from the inner diameter of toric connector  400 . For example, chip  500  may be removed from a stock material that has been or will be cut into toric connector  400 . In one example, tonic connector  400  is formed by punching or cutting the outer diameter of connector  400  from a stock sheet material. Before, at the same time, or after the outer diameter of toric connector  400  is punched/cut from the stock sheet, a circular chip is cut to form the inner diameter of toric connector  400  and which can then be used as chip connector  500 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 6  is a detail of a slotted notch  600  which may be included in a connector in accordance with this disclosure, including, e.g., in Y-type connector  100 , I-type connector  200 , and X-type connector  300 . Slotted notch  600  extends proximally from the distal end of an arm of a connector and includes triangular portion  602  and linear portion  604 . 
         [0069]    Linear portion  604  can provide a friction or press-fit mechanism by which the connector including slotted notch  600  can be interlocked with other connectors in accordance with this disclosure. In one example, linear portion  604  can include a width, W, that is less than the thickness of connectors in accordance with this disclosure. Thus, two connectors can be interlocked with one another by pressing one connector into linear portion  604  of slotted notch  600 . The undersized width of linear portion  604  relative to the thickness of the connector received in linear portion  604  functions to interlock the two connectors. 
         [0070]    To increase the strength of the friction fit between the two connectors, linear portion  604  of slotted notch  600  includes a plurality of ridges  606  protruding from the sides of linear portion  604 . Ridges  606  effectively reduce the width of linear portion to increase the strength of the friction fit between the connector including slotted notch  600  and a second connector. In one example, linear portion  604  can include the width, W, that is approximately equal to the thickness of connectors in accordance with this disclosure and the width, W′, between adjacent ridges  606  can be less than the thickness of the connectors to provide an intermittent friction fit. 
         [0071]    The number of ridges employed in slotted notch  600  can be important to the function of the connector. For example, if too many ridges are included in slotted notch  600  it can make connecting and disconnecting multiple connectors via slotted notch  600  difficult and not enjoyable. If too few ridges are included, on the other hand, the connection between connectors via slotted notch  600  may not as strong as desirable for constructing stable objects that can be used as amusement devices. 
         [0072]    In the example of  FIG. 6 , linear portion  604  includes six ridges  606 , including  3  ridges  606  on each side of linear portion  604 . Two of ridges  606  are arranged adjacent the distal end of linear portion  604 , two of ridges  606  are arranged adjacent the proximal end of linear portion  604 , and the last two ridges  606  are arranged between the distal and proximal ends of linear portion  604 . 
         [0073]    In other examples, a slotted notch or slot or other aperture that provides a mechanism for press-fitting multiple connectors in accordance with this disclosure can have more or fewer ridges than slotted notch  600 . For example, the longer slotted notch  312  of X-type connector  300  can include  10  ridges, including  5  ridges on each side of the linear portion of slotted notch  312 . In the case of chip connector  500 , slots  502  can each include two ridges, including one ridge on either side of slots  502 . 
         [0074]    Ridges  606  have a generally arcuate or curvilinear profile. However, in other examples, different shaped ridges can be used. For example, generally rectilinear ridges can be used that form a rectangular or square shaped protrusion that extends into a slot of a connector in accordance with this disclosure. 
         [0075]    As illustrated by the foregoing examples, connectors in accordance with this disclosure are configured to be friction fit to one another and to tubes of exhausted household products to form a variety of shapes and objects. The connectors can be used in a wide variety of combinations to create different shapes and objects for amusement. Additionally, the connectors and tubes can be deconstructed and then reused for different projects. 
         [0076]    The manner in which connectors are connected to one another is a slot in one connector that is undersized relative to the thickness of a second connector. Additionally, in some cases, the slot can include a number of ridges and slopes that extend into the slot and function to increase the strength of the friction fit between two connectors. A number of different connector thicknesses and slot widths can be employed. In one example, the thickness of connectors in accordance with this disclosure is in a range from approximately 0.125 to approximately 0.135 inches and the width of a slot varies from , e.g., approximately 0.125 inches to approximately 0.150 inches. In one example, the thickness of the connector is in a range from approximately 0.125 to approximately 0.135 inches, the overall width, W, of a slot is 0.135 inches, and the width, W′, between ridges extending into the slot is in a range from approximately 0.10 to approximately 0.120 inches. 
         [0077]    Connectors in accordance with this disclosure, including connectors  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 , and  500 , can be fabricated from a variety of materials. For example, the connectors can be fabricated from a variety of plastics, woods, metals, and composites. In one example, the connectors are fabricated in part or in whole from non-toxic, recycled materials. 
         [0078]    Connectors in accordance with this disclosure can be employed as part of or constitute an amusement device or system, including, e.g., a toy or game. The connectors can be used by people of a variety of ages, including young children. In the case of young children, it can be desirable to make the connectors both durable and non-toxic. Additionally, in an attempt to reduce the potential environmental impact of fabrication, the connectors can be made from recycled materials. 
         [0079]    In one example, connectors in accordance with this disclosure are fabricated from a fiberboard material. Fiberboard can be a type of engineered wood product, which may be constructed from recycled wood fibers. Examples of fiberboards that can be used include particle board, medium-density fiberboard, and hardboard. Some fiberboards appropriate for use in the construction of connectors in accordance with this disclosure may be classified as “green” materials, which may include bio-based, secondary raw materials (wood chip or sugarcane fibers) recovered from certain distance from the manufacturing facilities. The resin or other binding agent used in this type of fiberboard can be an all-natural product, consisting of vegetable starch containing no added formaldehydes. 
         [0080]      FIG. 7  depicts a partial cross-section of an example connector  700  constructed from fiberboard. In  FIG. 7 , connector  700  includes three fiberboard layers  702 , two paper layers  704 , and two seal layers  706 . Fiberboard layers  702  and paper layers  704  can be connected using a variety of adhesives. 
         [0081]    In one example, the combined thickness, t f , of fiberboard layers  702  is approximately 0.125 inches. The thickness, t, of connector  700  including fiberboard layers  702 , paper layers  704 , and seal layers  706  can be approximately 0.135 inches. The layered fiberboard connector  700  is configured to be strong and durable enough for repeated use by a variety of users, including users prone to subject connector  700  to a high degree of wear, e.g. young children. 
         [0082]    In some examples, connectors in accordance with this disclosure can be fabricated from a single layer of fiberboard. However, employing multiple layers, e.g., as in connector  700 , may increase the strength, rigidity, and tear resistance of the connector. Fibers in a single layer of fiberboard may tend to be aligned with one another. However, when multiple different layers of fiberboard are adhered to one another, the fibers in each layer may be partially and evenly substantially misaligned with one another. The misalignment between fibers in the successive fiberboard layers can function to increase the structural integrity of the connector. 
         [0083]    Paper layers  704  can be configured to provide a mechanism for providing connector  700  in a variety of colors and also for printing text and graphical content on the surfaces of connector  700 . In one example, paper layers  704  can be died in a variety of colors, including, e.g., with a variety of vegetable-based dies such as soy-based dies. Additionally, trademarks, logos, pictures, user instructions, and a variety of other content can be printed on paper layers  704 , including, e.g., by using lithography. 
         [0084]    Seal layers  706  can be configured to provide another layer of protection to connector  700  against wear. Seal layers  706  can include a variety of non-toxic sealants, including, e.g., a variety of aqueous seals. 
         [0085]    Connectors in accordance with this disclosure, including, e.g., connectors  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 , and  700 , can be manufactured using a variety of techniques. In one example, the connectors are manufactured using a laser cutting apparatus. In another example, the connectors are manufactured by using a die cutting apparatus. In the case of connectors manufactured from metals, such connectors could also be machined or cast. In the case of connectors manufactured from plastics, such connectors can be molded, including injection molded. 
         [0086]      FIG. 8  is a plan view of another example X-type connector  800  including alternative interlocking slotted notches  802  and  804  in accordance with this disclosure. The X-type connector  800  is generally “X” shaped with a central region  806  and four arms  808 ,  810 ,  812 ,  814  extending distally from central region  802 . 
         [0087]    The arms  808 ,  810 , and  812  have slotted notches  802  and arm  814  has a longer slotted notch  804 , which, in one example, can be approximately 2.25 inches long. This longer slotted notch  804  facilitates connecting two X-type connectors  800  in an interlocking fashion. 
         [0088]    Slotted notches  802  and  804  differ from both the slotted notches of the examples of  FIGS. 1-3  and with the notches with ridges of the example of  FIG. 7 . Slotted notches  802  and  804  include a generally triangular portion  816  and a curved portion  818 . Both sides of the curved portion  818  of slotted notches  802  and  804  curve in the same direction such that the gap defined by the notches forms a curve. In the case of slotted notches  802 , the curved portion  818  includes one inflection to form an arcuate curve, but, in the case of slotted notch  804 , the curved portion  818  includes multiple inflections to form an undulating, wave-like curve. 
         [0089]    Slotted notches  802  and  804  may function to interlock different connectors in accordance with this disclosure. However, slotted notches  802  and  804 , in some cases, may not be configured to couple multiple connectors via a press-fit connection that uses friction to removably fix two or more connectors to one another. Instead, curved portion  818  of slotted notches  802  and  804  may be sized with a width that is larger than the thickness of the connector. In one example in which connector  800  includes a thickness of approximately 0.135 inches, curved portion  818  includes a width of approximately 0.150 inches. The curved shape of curved portion  818  causes a second connector received in one of slotted notches  802  or  804  to bend to conform to the curved shape of slotted notches  802  or  804 , which removably couples the second connector to connector  800 . 
         [0090]    The curved slotted notches illustrated with reference to X-type connector  800  of  FIG. 8  can be employed in any connector in accordance with this disclosure, including, e.g., Y-type, I-type, toric, and chip connectors similar to the examples described with reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  4 , and  5 , respectively.  FIG. 9  is a plan view depicting a set of connectors in accordance with this disclosure including Y-type connector  900 , I-type connector  902 , and X-type connector  904 , each of which includes slotted notches with curved interlocking portions. 
         [0091]      FIG. 10  is a plan view of another example X-type connector  1000  including alternative interlocking slotted notches  1002  and  1004  in accordance with this disclosure. The X-type connector  1000  is generally “X” shaped with a central region  1006  and four arms  1008 ,  1010 ,  1012 ,  1014  extending distally from central region  1002 . 
         [0092]    The arms  1008 ,  1010 , and  1012  have slotted notches  1002  and arm  1014  has a longer slotted notch  1004 , which, in one example, can be approximately 2.25 inches long. This longer slotted notch  1004  facilitates connecting two X-type connectors  1000  in an interlocking fashion. 
         [0093]    Slotted notches  1002  and  1004  differ from both the slotted notches of the examples of  FIGS. 1-3 , the slotted notches with ridges of the example of  FIG. 7 , and the slotted notches with curved portions of  FIG. 8 . Slotted notches  1002  and  1004  include a generally triangular portion  1016  and a linear portion  1018 . Linear portion  1018  is sized such that the width varies along the length from triangular portion to the proximal end of slotted notches  1002  and  1004 . The variations in linear portion  1018  are defined by distal ridge  1020 , intermediate ridge(s)  1022 , and ramp  1024 . Linear portion  1018  includes a first width, W, between distal ridge  1020  and the side of linear portion  1018  opposite distal ridge  1020 . Linear portion  1018  includes a second width, W′, between intermediate ridge(s)  1022  and the side of linear portion  1018  opposite intermediate ridge(s)  1022 . Additionally, linear portion  1018  includes a third width, W″, at the proximal end of slotted notches  1002  and  1004 . The overall width, W′″, of linear portion is between opposite sides of the slot without any protrusion, e.g. ridge or ramp, that effectively reduces the width of the slot. 
         [0094]    Linear portion  1018  of slotted notch  1002  includes one intermediate ridge  1022  and linear portion  1018  of slotted notch  1004  includes two intermediate ridges  1004 . In other examples, slotted notches of connectors in accordance with this disclosure could include more than two intermediate ridges, depending on the length of the linear portion of the slotted notch. 
         [0095]    Slotted notches  1002  and  1004  may function to interlock different connectors in accordance with this disclosure. In one example, the first and second widths, W and W′, respectively, are substantially equal, the third width, W″, is less than the first and second widths, and the overall width, W′″, is greater than the first, second, and third widths. Slotted notches  1002  and  1004  may be configured to couple connector  1000  to a second connector in accordance with this disclosure by allowing the second connector to be loosely inserted into slotted notches  1002  and  1004  until the second connector is pushed to the proximal end of the slotted notch. 
         [0096]    For example, the first, second, and overall widths, W, W′, and W′″, respectively, of linear portion  1018  can be greater than the thickness of connector  1000 . Additionally, the third width, W″, of linear portion  1018  at the proximal end can be less than the thickness of connector  1000 . In this case, a second connector can be inserted into slotted notches  1002  and  1004  such that the second connector is uncoupled to connector  1000  until it is pushed to the proximal end of the slotted notch. When the second connector is pushed into the third width, W″, of the proximal end of linear portion  1018 , the second connector becomes locked to connector  1000  as the second connector is press-fit into the proximal end of the slot and compressed between distal ridge  1020  and intermediate ridge(s)  1022 . This is schematically illustrated in  FIG. 10 , with connector  1026  connected to connector  1000 . 
         [0097]    In one example in which connector  1000  has a thickness in a range from approximately 0.125 to approximately 0.135 inches, the first and second widths, W and W′, respectively, are approximately equal to 0.140 inches. In one example, the third width, W″, is approximately equal to 0.128 inches and the overall width of slotted notches  1002  and  1004  are approximately equal to 0.150 inches. 
         [0098]    One advantage of the slotted notches  1002  and  1004  of connector  1000  may be to provide a secure interlock between multiple connectors in accordance with this disclosure, while simultaneously reducing wear on the connector from repeatedly connecting and disconnecting them to one another. For example, as second connector  1026  can be loosely inserted into the slotted notches  1002  and  1004  until the proximal end, second connector  1026  may be less susceptible to portions of slotted notches  1002  and  1004  rubbing and abrading the faces of the connector during repeated connection and disconnection. 
         [0099]    The slotted notches illustrated with reference to X-type connector  1000  of  FIG. 10  can be employed in any connector in accordance with this disclosure, including, e.g., Y-type, I-type, toric, and chip connectors similar to the examples described with reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  4 , and  5 , respectively. 
         [0100]    Connectors in accordance with this disclosure can be connected to one another and to a variety of tubes to form a variety of shapes.  FIGS. 11-22  depict example connectors in connected to one another and to paper-based tubes of exhausted paper towels and bathroom tissues to form a number of example configurations. The examples of  FIGS. 11-22  are not exhaustive of the different configurations possible. Instead, these examples illustrate the wide variety of different shapes and configurations that can be constructed using connectors in accordance with this disclosure. 
         [0101]    For example,  FIG. 11  is a perspective view of paper cylinders  1100 ,  1102  connected at a substantially 90 degree angle via one Y-type connector  100  and two I-type connectors  200 . As another example,  FIG. 12  shows paper cylinders  1200 ,  1202  connected at a substantially 125 degree angle via one Y-type connector  100  and two I-type connectors  200 . 
         [0102]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of two interlocked X-type connectors  300 . The X-type connectors  300  may interlock with one another along their respective slotted notches  312 . Narrow portions of the slotted notches  312  may cooperate with each other to provide a friction fit to prevent the X-type connectors  300  from disengaging from one another. In another example, two X-type connectors  800  could be connected via curved slotted notches  804  in a similar manner as shown in  FIG. 13 . 
         [0103]    With the X-type connectors  300  interlocked as shown in  FIG. 13  (or two X-type, a three-dimensional connector may be formed that can receive paper tubes or cylinders at a number of connection points, e.g., six connection points.  FIGS. 14 and 15 , for example, illustrate a paper cylinder  1400  connected at one such connection point  1500  of a three-dimensional connector formed by interlocking two X-type connectors  300 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , the connection point  1500  exerts a force at the inner diameter of the paper cylinder  1400 , facilitating a friction fit between the X-type connectors  300  and the paper cylinder  1400  and preventing the paper cylinder  1400  from disengaging from the X-type connectors  300 . 
         [0104]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of two paper cylinders  1600 ,  1602  connected to interlocked X-type connectors  300 . The paper cylinders  1600 ,  1602  are substantially orthogonal to one another.  FIG. 17  shows two paper cylinders  1700 ,  1702  connected to interlocked X-type connectors  300  in a substantially linear fashion. 
         [0105]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a number of paper cylinders  1800 ,  1802 ,  1804 ,  1806 ,  1808 ,  1810  connected to interlocked X-type connectors  300 . I-type connectors  200  may be connected to one or more of the paper cylinders, e.g., paper cylinders  1800  and  1808 , as shown in  FIG. 18 . 
         [0106]    Besides paper cylinders or tubes, other connectors can be connected to the three-dimensional connector formed by interlocking two X-type connectors  300 . For example,  FIG. 19  illustrates toric connector  400  connected to interlocked X-type connectors  300  at a connection point  1900 . This configuration may be useful, for example, in providing other connection points around the perimeter of the  0 -shaped connector  400  to which paper cylinders or other connectors can be attached. As another example,  FIG. 20  illustrates a Y-type connector  100  connected to interlocked X-type connectors  300  at a connection point  2000 . 
         [0107]    As another example of connectors cooperating with one another to form larger structures to which paper cylinders or tubes can be attached,  FIG. 21  depicts a number of I-type connectors  200  connected to toric connector  400 . Although I-type connectors  200  are used in the example of  FIG. 20 , the connectors may be any combination Y-type connectors  100 , X-type connectors  300 , or any other connectors in accordance with this disclosure. The slotted notches and/or triangular notches on these connectors can then form connection points to which other connectors and/or paper tubes or cylinders can be attached. In this way, structures can be constructed with a wider variety of shapes than is feasible with some conventional implementations. 
         [0108]    As another example of connectors cooperating with one another to form larger structures to which paper cylinders or tubes can be attached,  FIG. 22  depicts two Y-type connectors  100  connected by chip connector  500 . In this arrangement, the two Y-type connectors  100  lie generally in parallel planes and chip connector  500  is generally perpendicular to connectors  100 . Chip connector  500  can be employed to couple other connectors in accordance with this disclosure in a similar fashion as shown in  FIG. 22 . For example, chip connector  500  could connect two I-type, X-type, or toric connectors in accordance with this disclosure such that the connectors lie generally in parallel planes and chip connector  500  is generally perpendicular to the coupled connectors. Additionally, chip connector  500  could connect different combinations of different connectors, e.g., I-type to X-type or X-type to Y-type. 
         [0109]      FIG. 23  depicts one example of a larger and more complex structure that can be constructed using connectors in accordance with this disclosure.  FIG. 23  illustrates an example toy robot  2300 , which has been constructed from a combination of Y-type connectors  100 , X-type connectors  300 , toric connectors  400 , chips  500 , and paper tubes  2302  and sheets  2304 . 
         [0110]      FIG. 24  is a plan view depicting another example set of connectors in accordance with this disclosure including X -type connector  2400 , Y-type connector  2402 , and I-type connector  2404 . Connectors  2400 ,  2402 , and  2404  include interlocking slotted notches  2410  and  2412  in accordance with this disclosure. Slotted notches  2410  and  2412  are similar to slotted notches  1002  and  1004  from connector  1000  of  FIG. 10 . Additionally, the set of connectors  2400 ,  2402 , and  2404  of  FIG. 24  could also be employed in conjunction with toric connectors and chip connectors as described above with reference to various examples. 
         [0111]    Slotted notch  2410  is shorter than slotted notch  2412 . In one example, shorter slotted notch  2410  can be approximately 1.10 inches long and longer slotted notch  2412  can be approximately 2.25 inches long. The longer slotted notch  2412  can facilitate connecting two X-type connectors  2400  in an interlocking fashion. 
         [0112]    Slotted notches  2410  and  2412  include a generally triangular portion  2414  and a linear portion  2416 . Linear portion  2416  is sized such that the width varies along the length from triangular portion  2414  to the proximal end of slotted notches  2410  and  2412 . The variations in linear portion  2416  of slotted notches  2410  and  2412  are defined by a number of protrusions extending into linear portion  2416 . The variations in linear portion  2416  of shorter notch  2410  are defined by distal ridge  2418 , intermediate ridges  2420 , and ramp  2422 . The variations in linear portion  2416  of longer notch  2412  are defined by two intermediate ridges  2420  and ramp  2422 . 
         [0113]    Linear portion  2416  includes a first width, W 1 , between distal ridge  2418  and the side of linear portion  2416  opposite distal ridge  2418 . Linear portion  2416  includes a second width, W 2 , between intermediate ridge(s)  2420  and the side of linear portion  2416  opposite intermediate ridge(s)  2420 . Linear portion  2416  includes a third width, W 3 , at the proximal end of slotted notches  2410  and  2412 . Linear portion  2416  includes a fourth width, W 4 , between two ridges protruding from opposite sides of linear portion  2416 . The overall width, W, of linear portion  2416  is between opposite sides of the slot without any protrusion, e.g. ridge or ramp, that effectively reduces the width of the slot. 
         [0114]    As noted above, linear portion  2416  of slotted notch  2410  includes one intermediate ridge  2420  and linear portion  2416  of slotted notch  2412  includes two intermediate ridges  2420 . Linear portion  2416  of slotted notch  2410  includes distal ridge  2418 , while linear portion  2416  of slotted notch  2412  does not include a distal ridge. In other examples, however, slotted notches of connectors in accordance with this disclosure could include different ridge and ramp configurations, e.g., more than two intermediate ridges, depending on the length of the linear portion of the slotted notch. 
         [0115]    Slotted notches  2410  and  2412  may function to interlock different connectors in accordance with this disclosure. In one example, the first, second, and third widths, W 1 , W 2 , and W 3 , respectively, are substantially equal, and the overall width, W, is greater than the first, second, and third widths. Additionally, the fourth width, W 4 , is less than the first, second, third, and overall widths of linear portion  2416  of slotted notches  2410  and  2412 . Slotted notches  2410  and  2412  may be configured to couple X-type connector  2400  to a second connector, e.g. another X-type, Y-type, I-type, toric, chip, or other connector in accordance with this disclosure by allowing the second connector to be loosely inserted into slotted notches  2410  and  2412  until the second connector is pushed to the proximal end of the slotted notch. 
         [0116]    For example, the first, second, third, and overall widths, W 1 , W 2 , W 3  and W, respectively, of linear portion  2416  can be greater than the thickness of connectors  2400 ,  2402 , and  2404 . Additionally, the fourth width, W 4 , of linear portion  2416  between two opposing protrusions, e.g., between distal ridge  2418  and intermediate ridge  2420  or between intermediate ridge  2420  and ramp  2422 , can be less than the thickness of connectors  2400 ,  2402 , and  2404 . In this case, a second connector can be inserted into slotted notches  2410  and  2412  such that the second connector is uncoupled to one of connectors  2400 ,  2402 , and  2404  until it is pushed to the proximal end of the slotted notch. When the second connector is pushed to the proximal end, ramp  2422  pushes the second connector against intermediate ridge  2420 , which, in turn, pushes the second connector back against distal ridge  2418  or, in the case of longer slotted notch  2412 , back against the more distally disposed intermediate ridge  2420 . In this manner, when the second connector is pushed into the fourth width, W 4 , of the proximal end of linear portion  2416 , the second connector becomes locked to the first connector as the second connector is press-fit into the proximal end of the slot and compressed between distal ridge  2418  and intermediate ridge  2420 , in the case of shorter slotted notch  2410 , or compressed between multiple intermediate ridges  2420 , in the case of the longer slotted notch  2412 . 
         [0117]    The interlocking mechanism between connectors in accordance with this disclosure generally includes a slot with a variable width. In some examples, the variation of the width of the slot can be generally characterized as a series of three successively opposing protrusions that define two reduced slot widths, including the distance between one protrusion and the other side of the slot and the distance between two protrusions. The distance between one protrusion and the other side of the slot can be greater than or approximately equal to the thickness of the connector. The distance between two protrusions is less than the thickness of the connector. One example series of three successively opposing protrusions that define two reduced slot widths is distal ridge  2418 , intermediate ridge  2420 , and ramp  2422  of slotted notch  2410 . Another example series of three successively opposing protrusions that define two reduced slot widths is the two opposing intermediate ridges  2420  and ramp  2422  of slotted notch  2412 . 
         [0118]    In one example in which connectors  2400 ,  2402 , and  2404  each have a thickness in a range from approximately 0.125 to approximately 0.135 inches, the first, second, and third widths, W 1 , W 2 , and W 3 , respectively, are approximately equal to 0.160 inches. In one example, the fourth width, W 4 , is approximately equal to 0.115 inches and the overall width, W, of slotted notches  2410  and  2412  are approximately equal to 0.20 inches. In the example of  FIG. 24 , triangular portion  2414  of notches  2410  and  2412  may be larger than, e.g., the triangular portion of slotted notches described above with reference to the examples of  FIGS. 1-3 ,  6 , and  8 - 10 . The other dimensions of connectors  2400 ,  2402 , and  2404  may be, in some examples, the same as the dimensions described above with reference to the examples of  FIGS. 1-3 ,  6 , and  8 - 10 . 
         [0119]    I-type connector  2404  includes a semi-circular notch  2424 . Semi-circular notch  2424  can function as a guide for connecting I-type connector  2404  to other connectors in accordance with this disclosure. In one example, semi-circular notch  2424  can guide another connector in accordance with this disclosure to be connected to I-type connector  2404  at a variety of angles relative to I-type connector  2404 . For example, I-type connector  2404  can be received in a slotted notch of a second connector at semi-circular notch  2424 . After I-type connector  2404  is pushed into the slotted notch of the second connector such that the proximal end of the notch is adjacent a portion of the edge of semi-circular notch  2424 , the two connectors are connected to one another and the second connector can be rotated relative to I-type connector  2404  to a desired angle. In other examples, the size of semi-circular notch  2424  could be changed, e.g., the diameter of notch  2424  could be smaller or larger. 
         [0120]    Various examples have been described. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.