Abstract:
A building toy component comprises a main body having opposing top and bottom surfaces and a thickness. The building toy component also comprises at least one slot that opens on a peripheral edge of the main body, wherein a nominal width of the slot is substantially equal to the thickness of the main body. The slot includes opposing sidewall having at least one engagement strip within each slot. In particular, each engagement strip extends traversely across a sidewall of the slot and tapers along a height of the sidewall.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part application of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/842,959, filed Mar. 15, 2013 and entitled “MINIATURE CUSTOMIZABLE ROOM BUILDING COMPONENTS,” which claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/675,299 filed Jul. 24, 2012 and entitled “MINIATURE CUSTOMIZABLE ROOM BUILDING COMPONENTS.” The foregoing applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present disclosure relates to miniature room building toy components. In particular, the present disclosure relates to miniature room building toy components having coupling elements, such as tabs and slots, which are compatible with each other. As such, miniature rooms may be customized to a user&#39;s preference, whether the rooms are created as a toy, a hobby, a craft, or a combination thereof. 
         [0004]    2. Background 
         [0005]    The use of toys to instruct children on integrating electronics into room-building toy components encourages the education of engineering concepts in a creative environment. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In accordance with an embodiment, a building toy component is provided. The building toy component includes a main body that has a generally circular geometry, the main body having a generally circular geometry. The main body has opposing top and bottom surfaces, a radius, and thickness. The building toy component also includes at least one of a slot that that opens on the top and bottom surfaces of the main body and a radially extending slot that opens on a peripheral edge of the main body, wherein a nominal width of the slot is substantially equal to the thickness of the main body. The building toy component also includes a hole in a center of the main body. 
         [0007]    In accordance with another embodiment, a building toy component is provided. The building toy component includes a main body that has a generally rectangular geometry, the main body having opposing top and bottom surfaces, a length, a width, and a thickness. The building toy component also includes at least one slot that opens on the top and bottom surfaces of the main body. The slot has a length, a width, and two opposing sidewalls and the width of the slot is substantially equal to the thickness of the main body. The building toy component also includes at least one protrusion extending from the top surface of the main body. The at least one protrusion has a length that is substantially equal to the length of the at least one slot. 
         [0008]    In accordance with an embodiment, a toy room-building kit is provided. The toy room-building kit includes a building toy component having a main body, at least one tab that extends from the main body, at least one slot that is compatible with the at least one tab, and at least one engagement strip within the at least one slot. Additionally, the toy room-building kit includes a connector component having a main body, at least one slot that is compatible with the building toy component, and at least one engagement strip within the at least one slot. The toy room-building kit also includes an electronic component having a feature that is compatible with at least one of a building toy component and a connector. 
         [0009]    These and other features of the present invention will be described in more details below in the detailed description of the invention and in conjunction with the following figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
           [0011]      FIGS. 1A-1D  illustrate views of a three-slot, centered-tab building toy component in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIGS. 2A-2C  illustrate views of a five-slot, centered-tab building toy component in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 3A-3C  illustrate views of a three-slot, skewed-tab building toy component in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIGS. 4A-4C  illustrate views of a five-slot, double-tab building toy component in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIGS. 5A-5C  illustrate views of a four-slot building toy component in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIGS. 6A-6I  illustrate views of substantially rectangular building toy components in accordance with different embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIGS. 7A-7F  illustrate views of circular connector components in accordance with different embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of a semi-circular connector component in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of a quarter-circular connector component in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  illustrates a top perspective view of a bench base formed from building toy components in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  illustrates a bottom perspective view of a bench formed from a bench base as shown in  FIG. 10  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  illustrates a top perspective view of a dishrack formed from building toy components in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  illustrates a side perspective view of a complex figure formed from building toy components in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  illustrates a side perspective view of a staircase formed from building toy components in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  illustrates a top perspective view of a first configuration of wall paneling in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  illustrates a top perspective view of a second configuration of wall paneling in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 17  illustrates a close-up perspective view of a third configuration of wall paneling as seen in  FIG. 16  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 18  illustrates a front view of a curved roof wall paneling in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 19  illustrates a top perspective view of a curved roof wall paneling in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 20  illustrates a side view of a hanging wall panel in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 21  illustrates a side view of an angled wall panel in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 22  illustrates a front view of a house-shaped wall configuration in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 23  illustrates a perspective view of a disconnected electronic lightbulb in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 24A  illustrates a perspective view of a connected electronic lightbulb in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 24B  illustrates a string of lights in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0036]      FIG. 25  illustrates a perspective view of complementary electronic components in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0037]      FIGS. 26A and 26B  illustrate two compatible configurations of electronic components in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 27A  illustrates a perspective view of a connected electronic motor in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 27B-27D  illustrate a motor having a housing that is capable of interlocking with other building components in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0040]      FIGS. 28A-28C  illustrates view of a housing component in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0041]      FIG. 29  illustrates a perspective view of a first configuration of a connector securing a wiring component in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0042]      FIG. 30  illustrates a perspective view of a second configuration of a connector securing a wiring component in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0043]      FIG. 31  illustrates a perspective view of connectors securing a switch component in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0044]      FIG. 32A  illustrates a perspective view of a wooden wall panel in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0045]      FIG. 32B  illustrates a close-up perspective view of the wooden wall panel of  FIG. 32A  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0046]      FIG. 33  illustrates a top perspective view of electronic components integrated in a built room environment in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0047]      FIG. 34  illustrates a back view of electronic components integrated in a built room environment in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0048]      FIG. 35  illustrates a first built house environment in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0049]      FIG. 36  illustrates a second built house environment in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0050]      FIG. 37  illustrates a built horse stable environment in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0051]      FIG. 38  illustrates a built cupcake shop environment in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0052]      FIG. 39  illustrates a built school room environment in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0053]      FIG. 40  illustrates a windmill in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0054]      FIG. 41  illustrates a complex configuration of building toy components in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0055]      FIG. 42  illustrates two sets of wiring components in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0056]    The present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to a few preferred embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps and/or structures have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention. 
         [0057]    This disclosure provides a toy room-building kit that includes building toy components, connector components, electrical components, and wall paneling. The building toy components, connector components, and wall paneling may be modular, meaning they may be designed with standardized dimensions for easy assembly and maximum flexibility of arrangements in use. In particular, the building toy components, connector components, and wall paneling may be modular both with each other as well as with the other building toy components, connector components, and wall paneling. However, while it is extremely beneficial to have modularity in the components of a toy room-building kit, alternative embodiments may include some components that are not modular, or that are only modular to a limited degree (for example, if some components are compatible with only a portion of other components, such as one side of a component but not another side of the same component) or, as another example, some component may only be modular with a portion of the total number of components. 
         [0058]    The wall paneling and connector components may be used to build an outer structure. Further, the building toy components may be used to build furniture pieces. Additionally, the building toy components may be used to decorate an outer structure constructed using the structural components. Further, the building toy components may also be used to build or augment structural components. For example, the building toy components may be used to construct beams, staircases, etc. The use of building toy components for creating and/or augmenting structural components is especially appropriate when all of the components are modular, such as when all of the components are the same thickness. 
         [0059]    The building toy components, connector components, and wall paneling may be made out of wood, plastic, cardboard, paper, metal, or other materials. While initial prototypes of the present invention were constructed out of wood, subsequent embodiments have been made out of plastic so as to allow for durability, reapplication of decorative materials, and consistency of product. As such, while wooden building toy components and wall paneling are disclosed herein, and are within the scope of claimed embodiments of the present invention, it is understood that there are benefits of using plastic, such as polypropylene and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, or other materials instead of wood. 
         [0060]    The toy room-building kit may also include electronic components that may be integrated into the building toy components, connector components, and wall paneling. The electronic components may also be modular, both with each other as well as with the building toy components, connector components, and wall paneling. For example, the width of electronic wiring may be designed to fit between building toy components used for joining wall paneling of a miniature room. The electronic components may also be secured by connector components. For example, the wiring of the electronic components may be sandwiched between connector components. The wiring of the electronic components may also be secured to a connector component by passing through a slot of the connector component. Further, electronic components may be secured through an aperture in a building toy component or wall paneling by using a nut or washer lock. The electronic components may also be secured using connector components. As such, electronic components may be used to integrate electricity-based elements into the building toy components, connector components, and wall paneling. 
         [0061]    The building toy components, connector components, wall paneling, and electrical components may be combined to construct a fully customizable miniature toy room. Additionally, the miniature toy room may be decorated and redecorated by a user. For example, the miniature toy room may be decorated using stickers, markers, etc. that may be removed and reapplied in different configurations. 
         [0062]    Miniature toy rooms that are constructed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may be flexible, stackable, and attachable. In particular, a user can connect building toy components, connector components, and wall paneling in many ways. In particular, this compatibility is due to the dimensions of the building toy components, connector components, and wall paneling as being compatible with one another. Each piece is “universally” adaptable with each other piece, meaning that there is at least one way in which to engage any one piece with another. Additionally, the rooms that are constructive can be made to have varying dimensions (heights, widths, and lengths) by utilizing connective pieces to connect wall paneling, thus vastly expanding the size of a room. The wall paneling for the rooms can be connected side-by-side, one-on-top-of-another, and built with add-on features such as overhangs and slanted roofs. This can create any structure, such as a house, shopping mall, hotel, store, etc. Additionally, structures can be constructed to include balconies. Further, wall paneling may be flexible—for example, walls of a miniature room can be made out of flexible materials such that they can be bent to make curved walls. 
         [0063]    Building toy components may also be completely modular. In particular, each building toy component may be designed to be compatible with every other building toy component and connector component. While this maximizes the number of configurations that may be created, embodiments of the present disclosure also allow for pieces to be one or a discrete number of sizes so as to prevent potential infringers from copying the present disclosure. As such, while embodiments of the present disclosure may be completely compatible, with slots and tabs being within a universal range of thickness across building toy components, connector components and wall paneling, the scope of the present disclosure allows for variance on these aspects in further embodiments. 
         [0064]    Building toy components may be used to create items such as chairs, tables, beds, bookshelves, dog houses, stairways, sofas, nightstands, desks, coffee tables, a dish rack, etc. Additionally, electronic components may be integrated into the miniature toy room. For instance, electronic components may be held in place using connector components and/or building toy components. Additionally and/or alternatively, circuits may stand alone. Examples of these types of components are discussed herein in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         [0065]      FIGS. 1A-1D  illustrate views of a three-slot, centered-tab building toy component  100  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIGS. 1A-1D  show main body  105 , tab  125 , slots  145 , and engagement strips  165 . Main body  105  has a uniform length  110 , width  115 , and thickness  120 . Additionally, main body  105  has a tab  125  that extends from a side of main body  105 . Tab  125  has length  130 , width  135 , and thickness  140 . The tab length  130  and tab thickness  140  are both equal to the main body thickness  120 . Further, main body  105  has three slots  145 . Each slot  145  has a length  150 , width  155 , and thickness  160 . 
         [0066]    Accordingly,  FIG. 1A  illustrates a top perspective view of the three-slot, centered-tab building toy component  100  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 1A , main body  105  has a generally rectangular geometry. As such, main body  105  contains slots  145  that are able to engage tabs, such as tab  125 , from compatible building toy components. 
         [0067]    In order to engage tabs securely, slots  145  include engagement strips  165 . Accordingly,  FIG. 1A  shows that slots  145  within the main body  105  have sidewalls that contain engagement strips  165 . When manufactured using an injection molding process, the angle of the slots  145  may be less than 90 degrees so as to ease the removal of components from a mold. For example, the angle of slots  145  may be 88 degrees, as seen in  FIG. 1A . Accordingly, engagement strips  165  may be added so as to increase accommodate the 2 degree difference that is due to the formation process. As such, when a compatible tab, such as tab  125 , is inserted into slot  145 , engagement strips  165  secure the tab into slot  145 . Further, the engagement strips are spaced near enough such that at least one engagement strip  165  will engage a compatible tab that is fully inserted into a portion of a slot  145 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 1B  illustrates a bottom perspective view of the three-slot, centered-tab building toy component  100  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Again, in  FIG. 1B , engagement strips  165  on the sidewalls of the slots  145  are visible. Further, the base of the engagement strips  165  as seen in  FIG. 1B  are slightly larger than the tops of the engagement strips as seen in  FIG. 1A . As discussed above, this tapering of the engagement strips  165  compensates for the nature of an injection molding process, wherein portions of the injection molding process must be tapered so as to allow for the building toy components to be removed from the injection mold. 
         [0069]      FIG. 1C  illustrates a front view of the three-slot, centered-tab building toy component in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Further,  FIG. 1C  illustrates dimensions of main body  105  comprising a length  110  of 1.000+/−0.005 inches and a width  115  of 1.500+/−0.005 inches.  FIG. 1C  also illustrates the dimensions of tab  125  comprising a length  130  of 0.125+/−0.005 inches and a width  130  of 0.500+/−0.003 inches. Additionally, the dimensions of slots  145  comprise a length  150  of 0.125+/−0.003 inches and a width  155  of 1.250+/−0.005 inches. 
         [0070]      FIG. 1D  illustrates a side view of the three-slot, centered-tab building toy component  100  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 1D  illustrates that the thickness of the three-slot, centered-tab building toy component is 0.125+/−0.003 inches. Accordingly, this thickness is constant across main body thickness  120 , tab thickness  140 , and slot thickness  160 . Further, as seen in  FIG. 1D , the thickness of component  100  is seen as maintaining a constant thickness across the three-slot, centered-tab building toy component  100 . 
         [0071]      FIGS. 2A-2C  illustrate views of a five-slot, centered-tab building toy component  2002  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIGS. 2A-2C  show main body  205 , tab  225 , slots  245 , and engagement strips  265 . Main body  205  has a uniform length  210 , width  215 , and thickness  220 . Additionally, main body  205  has a tab  225  that extends from a side of main body  205 . Tab  225  has length  230 , width  235 , and thickness  240 . The tab length  230  and tab thickness  240  are both equal to the main body thickness  220 . Further, main body  205  has three slots  245 . Each slot  245  has a length  250 , width  255 , and thickness  260 . 
         [0072]    Accordingly,  FIG. 2A  illustrates a top perspective view of the five-slot, centered-tab building toy component  200  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 2A  also shows a main body  205  having a generally rectangular geometry. Additionally,  FIG. 2A  illustrates the use of five slots  245  having tab-engaging strips  265 . Accordingly,  FIG. 2A  shows that slots  245  within the main body  205  have sidewalls that contain engagement strips  265 . In particular, the engagement strips  265  are spaced near enough such that at least one engagement strip  265  will engage a compatible tab, such as tab  225 , that is fully inserted into a portion of the slot  245 . 
         [0073]      FIG. 2B  illustrates a front view of the five-slot, centered-tab building toy component  200  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Further,  FIG. 2B  illustrates dimensions of main body  205  comprising a length  210  of 1.500+/−0.005 inches, and a width  215  of 1.500+/−0.005 inches.  FIG. 2B  also shows dimensions of tab  225  comprising a length  230  of 0.125+/−0.005 inches and a width  235  of 0.500+/−0.003 inches. The dimensions of slots  245  comprise a length  250  of 0.125+/−0.003 inches and a width  255  of 1.250+/−0.005 inches. 
         [0074]    Further,  FIG. 2C  illustrates a side view of the five-slot, centered-tab building toy component  220  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 2C  demonstrates dimensions of the five-slot, centered-tab building toy component  200 . In particular,  FIG. 2C  illustrates that the thickness of the five-slot, centered-tab building toy component is 0.125+/−0.003 inches. Accordingly, this thickness is constant across main body thickness  220 , tab thickness  240 , and slot thickness  260 . Further, as seen in  FIG. 2C , the thickness of component  200  is seen as maintaining a constant thickness across the five-slot, centered-tab building toy component  200 . 
         [0075]      FIGS. 3A-3C  illustrate views of a three-slot, skewed-tab building toy component  300  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIGS. 3A-3C  show main body  305 , tab  325 , slots  345 , and engagement strips  365 . Main body  305  has a uniform length  310 , width  315 , and thickness  320 . Additionally, main body  305  has a tab  325  that extends from a side of main body  305 . Tab  325  has length  330 , width  335 , and thickness  340 . The tab length  330  and tab thickness  340  are both equal to the main body thickness  320 . Further, main body  305  has three slots  345 . Each slot  345  has a length  350 , width  355 , and thickness  360 . 
         [0076]    As such,  FIG. 3A  illustrates a top perspective view of a three-slot, skewed-tab building toy component  300  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular, the three-slot skewed-tab building toy component  300  is similar to component  100  as shown in  FIG. 1 . In both cases, a tab extends through the bottom edge of a main body, and in both cases there are three slots available to receive engaging portions from other components. However, component  300  has a tab that is off-center, while the tab in component  100  is centered. Component  300  also includes engagement strips.  FIG. 3A  shows the engagement strips within the slots of component  300 . 
         [0077]      FIG. 3B  illustrates a front view of the five-slot, centered-tab building toy component  300  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Further,  FIG. 3B  illustrates dimensions of main body  305  comprising a length  310  of 1.000+/−0.01 inches, and a width  315  of 1.250+/−0.005 inches. The additional dimensions of tab  325  comprise a length  330  of 0.125+/−0.003 inches and a width  335  of 0.500+/−0.003 inches. Further, tab  325  is off-set along the width  315  of main body  305 . In particular, the width  335  of tab  325  is adjacent to a width of 0.500+/−0.003 inches and a width of 0.250+/−0.003 inches on either side. As such, tab  325  is askew with respect to the center of width  335  of main body  305 . Further, the dimensions of slots  345  comprise a length  350  of 0.125+/−0.003 inches and a width  355  of 1.000+/−0.003 inches. 
         [0078]    Further,  FIG. 3C  illustrates a side view of the three-slot, skewed-tab building toy component  300  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular, the side view shows additional dimensional aspects of component  300 . In particular,  FIG. 3C  illustrates that the thickness of the three-slot, skewed-tab building toy component is 0.125+/−0.003 inches. Accordingly, this thickness is constant across main body thickness  320 , tab thickness  340 , and slot thickness  360 . Further, as seen in  FIG. 3C , the thickness of component  300  is seen as maintaining a constant thickness across the three-slot, centered-tab building toy component  300 . 
         [0079]      FIGS. 4A-4C  illustrate views of a five-slot, double-tab building toy component  400  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIGS. 4A-4C  show main body  405 , tabs  425 , slots  445 , and engagement strips  465 . Main body  405  has a uniform length  410 , width  415 , and thickness  420 . Tabs  425  have length  430 , width  435 , and thickness  440 . The dimension of tabs length  430  and tabs thickness  440  are both equal to the main body thickness  420 . Further, main body  405  has five slots  445 . Each slot  445  has a length  450 , width  455 , and thickness  460 . 
         [0080]    Accordingly,  FIG. 4A  illustrates a top perspective view of the five-slot, double-tab building toy component  400  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Component  400  includes a main body  405  that has a generally rectangular geometry. Further, component  400  shows tabs extending through a top edge and a bottom edge of the main body, respectively. The tabs extending from the top edge and bottom edge of the main body  405  are centered, though alternative embodiments may have one or more of the tabs off-center. Component  400  also include engagement strips  465 . In particular, each slot  445  has at least one engagement strip  465 , which allows the slot to securely interact with compatible tabs or other compatible portions of other building toy components. 
         [0081]      FIG. 4B  illustrates a front view of the five-slot, double-tab building toy component in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Further,  FIG. 4B  illustrates dimensions of main body  405  comprising a length  410  of 1.500+/−0.01 inches, and a width  415  of 1.500+/−0.01 inches. The additional dimensions of tab  425  comprise a length  430  of 0.125+/−0.005 inches and a width  435  of 0.500+/−0.003 inches. Further, the dimensions of slots  445  comprise a length  350  of 0.125+/−0.003 inches and a width  455  of 1.250+/−0.01 inches. 
         [0082]    Further,  FIG. 4C  illustrates a side view of the five-slot, double-tab building toy component in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular, the side view of  FIG. 4C  shows additional dimensional aspects of component  400 . In particular,  FIG. 4C  illustrates that the thickness of the three-slot, skewed-tab building toy component is 0.125+/−0.003 inches. Accordingly, this thickness is constant across main body thickness  420 , tab thickness  440 , and slot thickness  460 . Further, as seen in  FIG. 4C , the thickness of component  400  is seen as maintaining a constant thickness across the three-slot, centered-tab building toy component  400 . 
         [0083]      FIGS. 5A-5C  illustrate views of a four-slot building toy component in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As seen in  FIGS. 5A-5C , the four-slot building toy component  500  consists of a main body  505  having a generally square geometry. In particular,  FIGS. 5A-5C  show main body  505  and slots  525 . Main body  505  has a uniform length  510 , width  515 , and thickness  520 . Further, main body  505  has four slots  525 . Each slot  525  has a length  530 , width  535 , thickness  540 , and engagement strips  565 . 
         [0084]    As such,  FIG. 5A  illustrates a top perspective view of a four-slot building toy component  500  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Further, component  500  includes a slot  525  that extends along each side of the main body  505 . This allows component  500  to engage tabs, such as tab  425  from  FIG. 4 , from any or all of four orientations. As shown, each slot  525  of component  500  is generally perpendicular to its adjacent slots. 
         [0085]      FIG. 5B  illustrates a front view of the four-slot building toy component in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Further,  FIG. 5B  illustrates dimensions of main body  505  comprising a length  510  of 1.500+/−0.005 inches, and a width  515  of 1.500+/−0.005 inches. Further, the dimensions of slots  525  comprise a length  530  of 0.125+/−0.005 inches and a width  535  of 0.575+/−0.005 inches. 
         [0086]    Further,  FIG. 5C  illustrates a side view of the four-slot building toy component in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 5C  illustrates that the thickness of four-slot building toy component  500  is 0.125+/−0.003 inches. Accordingly, this thickness is constant across main body thickness  520  and slot thickness  540 . Further, as seen in  FIG. 5C , the thickness of four-slot building toy component  500  is seen as maintaining a constant thickness across four-slot building toy component  500 . 
         [0087]      FIGS. 6A-6I  illustrate embodiments of eight-slot and ten-slot building toy components in accordance with different embodiments. In particular,  FIGS. 6A-6D  show main body  605  and slots  625 . Main body  605  has a uniform length  610 , width  615 , and thickness  620 . Further, main body  605  can have a plurality of slots  625 . Each slot  625  has a length  630 , width  635 , thickness  640 , and engagement strips  645 . 
         [0088]      FIG. 6A  illustrates a top perspective view of a flat, eight-slot building toy component  600  in accordance with an embodiment. As such,  FIG. 6A  is similar to that of  FIG. 5A  except that component  600  of  FIG. 6A  is essentially twice the length of component  500  of  FIG. 5A . Both components  500  and  600  consist of main bodies  505  and  605 , respectively, having generally right angles as corner and are without tabs that extend from the edge of their main body. Additionally,  FIG. 6A  also illustrates engagement strips  645  within slots  625 . The engagement strips  645  within the slots  625  are able to secure tabs and other interactive parts of other components. 
         [0089]      FIG. 6B  illustrates a front view of the eight-slot building toy component  600  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Further,  FIG. 6B  illustrates dimensions of main body  605  comprising a length  610  of 1.500+/−0.005 inches, and a width  615  of 3.00+/−0.01 inches. Further, the dimensions of slots  625  comprise a length  630  of 0.125+/−0.005 inches and a width  635  of 0.575+/−0.005 inches. 
         [0090]    Further,  FIG. 6C  illustrates a side view of an eight- or ten-slot building toy component  600  or  650  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 6C  illustrates that the thickness of eight- or ten-slot building toy component  600  or  650  is 0.125+/−0.003 inches. Accordingly, this thickness is constant across main body thickness  620  and slot thickness  640 . Further, as seen in  FIG. 6C , the thickness of eight- or ten-slot building toy component  600  or  650  is seen as maintaining a constant thickness across eight- or ten-slot building toy component  600  or  650 . 
         [0091]    Additionally,  FIG. 6D  illustrates a front view of a flat, ten-slot building toy component  650  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 6D  is similar to  FIG. 6A , given that the only differences between  FIG. 6D  and  FIG. 6A  are due to the increased number of slots. In other dimensional aspects,  FIG. 6D  matches  FIG. 6A , and is compatible with similar building toy components as  FIG. 6A . Further,  FIG. 6D  illustrates dimensions of main body  605  comprising a length  610  of 1.500+/−0.005 inches, and a width  615  of 3.00+/−0.01 inches. Further, the dimensions of slots  625  comprise a length  630  of 0.125+/−0.005 inches and a width  635  of 0.575+/−0.005 inches. 
         [0092]      FIGS. 6E and 6F  illustrate yet another embodiment of a flat, rectangular building toy component  680 . The building toy component  680  shown in  FIGS. 6E and 6F  is similar to the ten-slot building toy component shown in  FIG. 6D , except that in this embodiment, the building toy component  680  has eight slots  682 , as shown in  FIGS. 6E and 6F . Building toy component  680  also has a main body having a length of 1.500+/−0.005 inches, and a width of 3.00+/−0.01 inches. Further, the dimensions of slots  680  are like slots  625 , having a length of 0.125+/−0.005 inches and a width  635  of 0.575+/−0.005 inches. 
         [0093]      FIG. 6E  is a bottom perspective view of the building toy component and  FIG. 6F  is a top perspective view of the building toy component. Where the building toy component  650  of  FIG. 6D  has two end slots, the building toy component  680  instead has an indentation  684  on the top surface and a corresponding protrusion  686  on the opposite bottom surface at each end instead of a slot. 
         [0094]    Each protrusion  686  is sized and shaped and configured, similar to a tab, to engage a slot or an indentation of another building toy component. As shown in  FIG. 6E , the protrusions  686  are on the same surface (both on bottom surface in  FIG. 6E ) of the building toy component  680 . That is, the protrusions  686  are either both on the top surface or both on the bottom surface. It will be understood that, in other embodiments, a protrusion  686  at one end could be on the top surface of the building toy component  680  with a corresponding indentation  684  on the bottom surface and another protrusion  686  at the other end could be on the bottom surface of the building toy component  680  with a corresponding indentation  684  on the top surface. 
         [0095]      FIGS. 6G-6I  illustrate an embodiment of an arched building toy component  690 . As shown in  FIGS. 6G-6I , the arched building toy component  690  is configured similarly to the building toy component  680  shown in  FIGS. 6E and 6F , except that the arched building toy component  690  is arcuate. As shown in  FIG. 6G , the arched building toy component  690  has eight slots  692  and a protrusion  694  at one end on the top surface with a corresponding indentation  696  on the bottom surface and a protrusion  694  at the other end on the bottom surface with a corresponding indentation  696  on the top surface. Multiple arched building toy components  690  can be connected to one another by snapping a protrusion  694  on one end of an arched building toy component  690  into the indentation  696  on an end of another arched building toy component  690 . For example, two arched building toy components  690  can be connected together to form a semi-circle and four arched building toy components  690  can be connected to form a full circle. 
         [0096]    As discussed above, building toy components may interact with one another through the use of slots and tabs. Additionally, building toy components may be connected through the use of connector components. As such,  FIGS. 7A-7F  illustrate views of embodiments of circular connector components. In particular,  FIGS. 7A-7D  show main body  705  and slots  725 . Main body  705  has a uniform radius  710 , and thickness  720 . Further, main body  705  has multiple slots  725 . Each slot  725  has a length  730 , width  735 , thickness  740 , and engagement strips  745 . 
         [0097]      FIG. 7A  illustrates a top perspective view of a circular connector component  700  in accordance with an embodiment. In particular, connector component  700  is formed from a main body  705  that has a generally circular geometry. Further, connector component  700  includes slots  725  that open onto the edge of the circular component  705 . These slots  725  may be used to connect building toy components, such as building toy components  100 - 600 . Additionally, connector component  700  also includes engagement strips  745 . As with engagement strips of building toy components, the engagement strips  745  of the connector component  700  are tapered generally perpendicularly to the length of each slot  725 . 
         [0098]      FIG. 7B  illustrates a front view of a circular connector component  700 . Further,  FIG. 7B  illustrates dimensions of main body  705  comprising a length of approximately 1.250+/−0.005 inches, and a width of 1.250+/−0.005 inches. In particular, the radius  710  of circular connector component  700  is 0.562+/−0.005 inches. Further, the dimensions of slots  725  comprise a length  730  of 0.375+/−0.005 inches and a width  635  of 0.125+/−0.005 inches. 
         [0099]    Further,  FIG. 7C  illustrates a side view of circular connector component  700 . In particular,  FIG. 7C  illustrates that the thickness of circular connector component  700  is 0.125+/−0.003 inches. Accordingly, this thickness is constant across main body thickness  720  and slot thickness  740 . Further, as seen in  FIG. 7C , the thickness of circular connector component  700  is seen as maintaining a constant thickness across circular connector component  700 . 
         [0100]    Additionally, a circular connector component may be used to attach to a motor. In this case, a holed circular connector component  750  includes a support hole  755  to attach to a motor. As such,  FIG. 7D  illustrates a front view  750  of a holed circular connector component  750 . While the holed circular connector component  750  is shown as having a circular hole  755 , alternative embodiments may disclose another form of attachment. In the illustrated embodiment shown in  FIG. 7D , the support hole  755  has a diameter sized to engage the drive shaft of a motor where the drive shaft has a corresponding diameter such that the circular connector component  750  rotates with the drive shaft. According to another embodiment, the support hole  755  has a larger diameter, preferably about such that the circular connector component can rotate freely about the drive shaft having a diameter smaller than that of the support hole  755 . 
         [0101]      FIGS. 7E and 7F  illustrate yet another embodiment of a circular connector component  780 .  FIG. 7E  is a bottom perspective view of the circular connector component  780  and  FIG. 7F  is a top perspective view of the circular connector component  780 . As shown in  FIGS. 7E and 7F , in the illustrated embodiment, the circular connector  780  has a central hole  782  and four slots  784 . Unlike the circular connector components  700 ,  750  shown in  FIGS. 7A-7D , the circular connector component  780  has slots  784  that are not open to the edge of the connector component  780 . The slots  784  are sized and shaped to receive and engage tabs or protrusions of other building components. 
         [0102]    The circular connector component  780  also has a number of protrusions  786  to allow the circular connector component  780  to be fitted together with the circular connector component  700  and/or  750 . The protrusions  786  are sized and shaped to engage slots of other building components, including, for example, slots  725  of circular connector components  700 ,  750  and slots  625  of other building toy components described above. For example, circular connector components  750  and  780  can be fitted together such that central holes  755 ,  782  are aligned by snapping in protrusions  786  into two of the slots  725 . It will be understood that, in other embodiments, any number of slots  784  can be provided in the circular connector component  780 , which can also be provided without a central hole  782 . According to an embodiment, the central hole  782  is sized to have a larger diameter than that of an axle such that the circular connector component  780  can rotate freely about the axle. As the circular component  750  can have a support hole  750  that can be sized to engage an axle/drive shaft, the circular connector component  750  can be fitted or snapped together with circular connector component  780  so that circular connector components  780  and  750  rotate together with the axle as the axle rotates. Alternatively, the circular connector components  780  and  750  do not need to be fitted together, as circular connector component  780  can rotate freely about the axle and circular connector component  750  can be fitted on the axle to act as a stopper to keep the circular connector component  780  on the axle. 
         [0103]      FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of a semi-circular connector component  800  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 8  shows that semi-circular component  800  is generally a portion of a circular connector component such as component  700 . However, semi-circular connector component  800  has three slots  810  that are generally perpendicular to at least one adjacent slot, as well as a base component  820  to provide structure to the peripheral slots. 
         [0104]      FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of a quarter-circular connector component  900  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 9  shows that quarter-circular component  900  is generally a portion of a circular connector component such as component  700 . However, quarter-circular connector component  900  has two slots  910  that are generally perpendicular to its adjacent slot, as well as a base component  920  to provide structure to the peripheral slots. 
         [0105]      FIG. 10  illustrates a top perspective view of a bench base  1000  formed from building toy components in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Bench base  1000  is formed by connecting three-slot, centered-tab building toy components into a ten-slot building toy component  1005 . Ten-slot building toy component  1005  includes slots  1007 . In particular, two three-slot, centered-tab building toy components  1010  are connected at the ends of ten-slot building toy component  1005  and an additional three-slot, centered-tab building toy component  1015  is attached to a center slot of ten-slot building toy component  1005 . Further, each of three-slot centered-tab building toy components  1010  and  1015  are oriented below the ten-slot building toy component  1005 . 
         [0106]    As shown in  FIG. 10 , tab  1020  of three-slot centered-tab building toy component  1010  is inserted into slot  1007  of ten-slot building toy component  1005 . In particular, the top of tab  1020  is in the same plane as the top of ten-slot building toy component  1005 . As such, the length of tab  1020  equals the thickness of ten-slot building toy component  1005 . 
         [0107]      FIG. 11  illustrates a bottom perspective view of a bench  1000  formed from bench base  1000  as shown in  FIG. 10  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular, two three-slot, centered-tab building toy components  1025  are inserted into slots  1007  of bench base  1000  as shown in  FIG. 10 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , the tops of tabs  1030  of three-slot centered-tab building toy components  1025  are inserted into slots  1007 . Further, the tops of tabs  1030  are flush with the bottom of ten-slot building toy component  1005 , so that the body of three-slot building toy component  1015  is not obstructed by the insertion of three-slot centered-tab building toy components  1025  into slots  1007 . 
         [0108]      FIG. 12  illustrates a top perspective view of a dish rack  1200  formed from building toy components in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 12 , circular connector components  1205  are engaging with slots  1225  of five-slot, centered-tab building toy component  1215 . In particular, portions of components  1205  are placed within slots  1225  of five-slot, centered-tab building toy component  1215 . Further, the engagement strips (not shown) of five-slot, centered-tab building toy component  1215  engages the portions of components  1205  that extend into the slots  1225  of five-slot, centered-tab building toy component  1215 . 
         [0109]    Further, three-slot centered-tab building toy components  1210  are also engaged in slots  1225  of five-slot centered-tab building toy component  1215 . In particular, tab  1220  of three-slot, centered-tab building toy component  1210  is inserted into slot  1225  of five-slot, centered-tab building toy component  1215 . 
         [0110]      FIG. 13  illustrates a side perspective view of a complex  FIG. 1300  formed from building toy components in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 13  shows the use of corner tabs engaging with slots. As such,  FIG. 13  includes a two-slot component  1305 , a four-slot component  1310  that has corner  1315 , four-slot component  1320 , and ten-slot component  1325  that has slots  1330 . As seen in  FIG. 13 , corner  1315  of four-slot component  1310  has passed through a slot (not shown) of four-slot component  1320  as well as slot  1330  of ten-slot component  1325 . 
         [0111]    Accordingly,  FIG. 13  demonstrates that non-tab portions of a building toy component may pass through and engage slots. In particular, the non-tab components may be securely inserted into slots of building toy components when the thickness of building toy components is compatible with the thickness of the slots. This is shown in  FIG. 13  as corner  1315  of four-slot building toy component  1310  is secured to two building toy component through slots. 
         [0112]      FIG. 14  illustrates a side perspective view of a staircase  1400  formed from building toy components in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular, staircase  1400  is formed by connecting four-slot building toy components  1405  to five-slot double-tab building toy components  1410 . In particular, tabs  1415  of five-slot double-tab building toy components are inserted into slots  1407  of four-slot building toy components  1405 . 
         [0113]      FIG. 15  illustrates a top perspective view of a first configuration  1500  of wall paneling in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 15  shows wall panels  1505 ,  1510 , and half-circle connectors  1515 . In particular, as seen in  FIG. 15 , wall panels  1505  run generally parallel to each other and wall panels  1510  run generally perpendicular to wall panels  1505 . Further, wall panels  1505  and  1510  are connected using half-circle connectors  1515 . In particular, wall panels  1505  and  1510  are fitted into the slots of half-circle connectors  1515 . As such, the dimensions of the slots of half-connectors  1515  may be compatible with the thickness of wall panels  1505  and  1510 . 
         [0114]      FIG. 16  illustrates a top perspective view of a second configuration  1600  of wall paneling in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 16  shows wall panels  1605 ,  1610 ,  1615 , and half-circle connectors  1620 . In particular, as seen in  FIG. 16 , wall panels  1605  and  1610 , respectively, run generally parallel to each other, and wall panels  1615  run generally perpendicular to wall panels  1605  and  1610 . In particular, wall panel  1615  is oriented at approximately a 45 degree angle to a portion of wall panel  1605  and a portion of wall panel  1610 . 
         [0115]    Further, wall panels  1605 ,  1610 , and  1615  are connected using half-circle connectors  1620 . In particular, wall panels  1605  and  1610  are fitted perpendicularly into the slots of half-circle connectors  1620 . Further, a portion of the corners of wall panel  1615  are positioned within circle connectors  1625  so as to angle wall panel  1615  at an angle to a wall panel  1605  and  1610 . As such, the dimensions of the slots of half-connectors  1620  and circle connectors  1625  may be compatible with the thickness of wall panels  1605 ,  1610 , and  1615 . 
         [0116]      FIG. 17  illustrates a close-up perspective view of a third configuration  1700  of wall paneling in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 17  illustrates wall panels  1702 ,  1705 , and  1708  as connected by circular connectors  1710 . As seen in  FIG. 17 , panels  1702 ,  1705 , and  1708  are fitted into the slots of circular connectors  1710 . 
         [0117]    Additionally, wall panels may be flexible enough to curve. As such,  FIG. 18  illustrates a front view  1800  of a curved roof wall paneling in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular, wall panel  1805  is curved such that two sides of wall panel  1805  are secured with notches  1815  of circle connectors  1810 . The thickness of wall panel  1805  is compatible with the thickness of circle connector  1810 . Further, wall panels  1830  are also secured using circle connectors  1810 . In particular, wall panels  1820  extend downward from the sides of wall panel  1805 . Wall panels  1820  are also connected to one another through wall panel  1825  that serves as a floor. Wall panels  1820  are secured to wall panel  1825  using circle connectors  1810 . 
         [0118]    In alternative embodiments, semicircular connectors may be used to connect wall panel  1805  to wall panels  1820 . Further, quarter-circular connectors may alternatively be used to connect wall panels  1820  to wall panel  1825 . In a further embodiment of a curved wall panel,  FIG. 19  illustrates a top perspective view of a curved roof wall paneling  1900  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 19  illustrates a curved wall panel  1905  that is connected to a floor paneling  1910  using connectors  1915 . Wall panels, such as wall panels  1805  and  1905 , may be curved enough so as to form circles or cones that are secured using connectors. For example, tubes maybe formed by securing sides of wall panels into opposing slots of a circular or semi-circular connector. Alternatively, wall panels maybe curved in wave patterns, such as sine wave patterns. Accordingly, flexible wall panels may be used to form many configurations in accordance with embodiments of configurations constructed using building toy components, connectors, wall panels, etc. 
         [0119]    The secure fit of wall panels within slots of connectors may be sufficient enough to support the weight of the wall panel. Accordingly,  FIG. 20  illustrates a side view of a hanging wall panel  2000  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular, hanging wall panel  2000  is secured to connector  2010 , which is also connected to wall panel  2020 . In particular, hanging wall panel  2000  is fit within slot  2005  of connector  2010 . Further, the weight of hanging wall panel  2000  is supported by the press fit of wall panel  2000  within slot  2005  of connector  2010 . The amount of weight that may be supported is determined by the degree of fit between wall panel  2000  and connector  2010 . In particular, the amount of weight that may be supported is based on the tightness of the press fit between hanging wall panel  2000  and connector  2010 . Additionally, this would apply to fit in other components described herein, such as building toy components, connector components, wall panels, etc. 
         [0120]    In addition to having perpendicular connections between wall components, an angled fit may also be achieved by using connectors that have varied angles. Accordingly,  FIG. 21  illustrates a side view of an angled wall panel  2100  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular, wall panel  2100  is secured to wall panels  2105  using connectors  2110  having slots  2115 . Slots  2115  of connectors  2110  have acute angles so as to secure wall panel  2100  in an angled position. 
         [0121]    Angled wall panels may also be used to create angled roofs. In particular,  FIG. 22  illustrates a front view of a house-shaped wall configuration  2200  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular, wall panels  2210  are connected using four-slot circular connectors  2220  and three-slot circular connectors  2230 . In particular, four-slot circular connectors  2220  connect wall panels  2210  at right-angles, while three-slot circular connectors  2230  are able to angle some wall panels  2210  at an obtuse angle so as to provide an angled roof. 
         [0122]      FIG. 23  illustrates a perspective view  2300  of a disconnected electronic lightbulb in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 23  includes battery  2310  and lightbulb  2320 . The wires of the complementary electronic components are coupled using connectors. The connectors have a plug (the male side) and a receptacle (the female side). In  FIG. 23 , battery  2310  has two plugs  2312  and  2314  and light  2320  has two receptacles  2322  and  2324 . As such, battery  2310  may be plugged directly into lightbulb  2320 . In alternative embodiments, battery  2310  may have two receptacles, such as receptacles  2322  and  2324 , while lightbulb  2320  may have two plugs, such as plugs  2312  and  2314 . As such, battery  2310  and lightbulb  2320  will have complementary plugs and receptacles. As shown in  FIG. 23 , however, lightbulb  2320  is unlit as it is not yet plugged in. In order to increase the ease of use, the connectors are easy to connect and unconnect. In particular, the connectors can be easily plugged and unplugged. While industry standard connectors have a locking mechanism, and while the use of a locking mechanism is enabled in the discussion herein, embodiments discussed are also enabling of connectors without locking mechanism so as to allow children to more easily plug and unplug the connectors. 
         [0123]    Accordingly,  FIG. 24A  illustrates a perspective view  2400  of a connected electronic lightbulb in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 24A  shows a battery  2410  having two plugs  2412  and  2414  that are connected to two receptacles  2422  and  2424  of lightbulb  2420 . Further, lightbulb  2420  is lit, meaning battery  2410  is in an “on” position. Additionally, the wires of the electronic components are covered with heat shrink. This keeps the wires from being exposed. The heat shrink-covered wires are then attached to connectors that are then covered with a second layer of heat shrink. This second layer of heat shrink allows for more stress/strain surrounding the wire-and-connector attachment, so that the wire-and-connector attachment doesn&#39;t pop off. Further, the connectors have a plastic guard that keeps the wires from being exposed to users of the electronic components. 
         [0124]      FIG. 24B  illustrates an embodiment of a string of lights  2450  that can be connected to a battery, such as the battery  2410  shown in  FIG. 2400 . The battery  2410  has two plugs  2412  and  2414 , which can be connected to receptacles  2452  and  2454  extending from one end of the string of lights  2450 . As shown in  FIG. 24B , the string of lights  2450  has multiple LED light bulbs  2456  encased in a transparent flexible plastic tube  2458 . The receptacles  2452  and  2454  extend from one end of the string of lights  2450 . The tube  2458  has a diameter that is sized to fit within (and therefore be held by) slots  725  of circular connector components  700 ,  750 . 
         [0125]    The wires of the complementary electronic components are coupled using connectors. The connectors have a plug (the male side) and a receptacle (the female side). In  FIG. 23 , battery  2310  has two plugs  2312  and  2314  and light  2320  has two receptacles  2322  and  2324 . As such, battery  2310  may be plugged directly into lightbulb  2320 . In alternative embodiments, battery  2310  may have two receptacles, such as receptacles  2322  and  2324 , while lightbulb  2320  may have two plugs, such as plugs  2312  and  2314 . As such, battery  2310  and lightbulb  2320  will have complementary plugs and receptacles. As shown in  FIG. 23 , however, lightbulb  2320  is unlit as it is not yet plugged in. In order to increase the ease of use, the connectors are easy to connect and unconnect. In particular, the connectors can be easily plugged and unplugged. While industry standard connectors have a locking mechanism, and while the use of a locking mechanism is enabled in the discussion herein, embodiments discussed are also enabling of connectors without locking mechanism so as to allow children to more easily plug and unplug the connectors. 
         [0126]    Further, additional components may also be added. Accordingly,  FIG. 25  illustrates a perspective view of complementary electronic components in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 23  includes battery  2310 , motor  2320 , and switch  2330 . Switch  2330  may be a pressure-based switch, where the switch is only engaged when the pressure is placed on the switch. Alternatively, switch  2330  may be a binary switch that stays on when it is engaged until it is turned off again. 
         [0127]    As seen in  FIGS. 23 and 24 , the wires of the complementary electronic components are coupled using connectors. The connectors have a plug (the male side) and a receptacle (the female side). In  FIG. 25 , battery  2510  has two plugs  2512  and  2514  and motor  2520  has two receptacles  2522  and  2524 . In alternative embodiments, battery  2510  may have two receptacles, such as receptacles  2522  and  2524 , while motor  2520  may have two plugs, such as plugs  2512  and  2514 . As such, battery  2510  and motor  2520  will have complementary plugs and receptacles. As such, battery  2510  may be plugged directly into motor  2520 . Additionally, motor  2520  also comprises a rotating axle  2526  such that motor  2526  may be used to rotate objects attached to rotating axle  2526 . For example, a holed circular connector component, such as that seen in  FIG. 7D , may be used to attach objects to rotating axle  2526 . Further, switch  2530  has one plug  2532  and one receptacle  2534  so that it may be attached to battery  2510  as well as motor  2520 . 
         [0128]    Further, so long as plugs are matched with receptacles, circuits will be completed and electronic components will be operable. Accordingly,  FIGS. 26A and 26B  illustrate two compatible configurations of electronic components in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIGS. 26A and 26B  includes battery  2610  having two plugs  2612  and  2614 , motor  2620  having two receptacles  2622  and  2624 , and switch  2630  having one plug  2632  and one receptacle  2634  so that it may be attached to batter  2610  as well as motor  2620 . 
         [0129]    As such,  FIG. 26A  illustrates a perspective view of a first configuration  2600  of connected electronic components in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As seen in  FIG. 26A , plug  2612  is connected to receptacle  2622 ; plug  2614  is connected to receptacle  2634 ; and plug  2634  is connected to receptacle  2624 . As discussed above, complementary electronic components may be connected together, independent of which component contains which connecting plug or receptacle, such that electronic components may be compatible even when the source of a plug or receptacle is opposite from embodiments discussed herein. Further,  FIG. 26B  illustrates a perspective view of a second configuration  2605  of connected electronic components in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As seen in  FIG. 26B , plug  2612  is connected to receptacle  2624 ; plug  2614  is connected to receptacle  2634 ; and plug  2632  is connected to receptacle  2622 . In both configurations  2600  and  2605 , each component is operable, though under first configuration  2600  the motor will run in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) while under second configuration  2605  the motor will run in a second, opposite direction (e.g. counterclockwise). 
         [0130]      FIG. 27A  illustrates a perspective view of a motor  2700  having an electronics cover  2710  in accordance with an embodiment. In particular, electronics cover  2710  is designed to allow receptacles  2712  and  2714  as coming straight out of the back of motor cover  2710 . This is distinct from a motor cover see covering motor  2520  in  FIG. 25 , where the output receptacles are wired against an edge of motor  2520 . 
         [0131]      FIGS. 27B-27D  illustrate another embodiment of a motor  2750  having a housing  2752  that is capable of interlocking with other building components. As shown in FIGS.  27 B- 27 D, the housing  2752  has multiple protrusions  2754  that are each sized and shaped to engage slots or indentations of other building components described herein so that the motor  2750  can be attached to another building component. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing  2752  is formed with five protrusions for engaging slots or indentations of other building components. In the illustrated embodiment, one of the protrusions  2754  is positioned on the rear face of the housing  2752  and four protrusions  2754  are positioned around the housing  2752  in different orientations. The motor  2750  also has plugs  2756 ,  2758  (or receptacles) extending from the housing  2752  for operably connecting with receptacles (or plugs) of another component, such as a battery or switch. The motor  2750  has a rotating axle  2760  such that motor  2750  may be used to rotate objects attached to rotating axle  2760 . For example, a holed circular connector component, such as that seen in  FIG. 7D , may be used to attach objects to rotating axle  2760 . 
         [0132]      FIGS. 28A-28C  illustrates view of a spinning connector component  2800  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular, spinning connector component  2800  is designed to attach compatible components, allowing them to be rotated. In particular, compatible components are connected to slots  2805 . In particular, slots  2810  within main body  2805 . Slots  2810  have a thickness  2815  that matches the thickness of compatible components such as building toy components, connectors, and wall panels discussed herein. Further, slots  2810  have a sufficient width and length to hold compatible components securely. In additional embodiments, engagement strips may also be added to slots  2810  in order to more securely attached components. 
         [0133]    As such,  FIG. 28A  illustrates a back perspective view of a housing component  2800  building toy component in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Housing component  2800  protects the LED and resistor in the building toy component. In particular,  FIG. 28A  includes a main body  2805  having slots  2810  and wire covers  2820 . In particular, wire covers  2820  are used to house wires that are attached to a resistor. Further,  FIG. 28B  illustrates a top perspective view of the housing component  2800  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 28B  includes the elements of  28 A, including wire opening  2825 . Further,  FIG. 28C  illustrates a front perspective view of the housing component  2800  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 28C  includes a resistor  2830  having wires that descend through wire opening  2825 , passing through wire covers  2820  to engage electronic components. 
         [0134]      FIG. 29  illustrates a perspective view of a first configuration  2900  of a connector  2905  securing a wiring component  2910  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular, a slot within connector  2905  has a thickness that is compatible with the thickness of wiring component  2910 . This compatibility is designed so that electronic components, include wiring such as wiring component  2910  of motor  2920 , may be integrated into the designs of rooms and buildings, particular when wall panels are connected using connectors such as  2905 . Further, the depth of slots in connector  2905  is such that wiring component  2910  may pass through and still leave sufficient depth of the slot of connectors  2905  so as to allow connector  2905  engage a wall panel with sufficient depth to as to secure connector  2905  to wall panel  2915 . Accordingly, when these conditions are met, connectors may serve dual and simultaneous roles: integrating wiring components as well as connecting wall panels to other building toy components (such as other wall panels, building toy components, other connectors, etc.). 
         [0135]      FIG. 30  illustrates a perspective view of a second configuration  3000  of a connector  3005  securing a wiring component  3010  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Connector  3005  is a quarter-connector. A slot  3007  within connector  3005  has a thickness that is compatible with the thickness of wiring component  3010 . Additionally, a thickness between wall panels  3015 ,  3020 , and  3025  is also compatible with the thickness of wiring component  3010 . As such, the opening that is created between wall panels  3015 ,  3020 , and  3025  is sufficient so as to allow wiring component  3010  to pass through the opening. The thickness of this opening is based on the design of circular connector  3030  which is used to connect wall panels  3015 ,  3020 , and  3025 . In particular, the slots  3035  of circular connector  3030  are deep enough to secure wall panels, but are shallow enough so as to allow sufficient clearance for wiring component  3010  to pass through the opening between wall panels  3015 ,  3020 , and  3025 . 
         [0136]      FIG. 31  illustrates a perspective view  3100  of connectors  3105  securing a switch component  3110  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular, switch component  3110  is sandwiched between connector components  3105 . Connector components  3105  are circular connector components that are secured to wall panels  3115 ,  3120 , and  3125 . Additionally,  FIG. 31  also illustrates a quarter-circular connector  3130  securing a wire  3135  to wall panel  3125 . 
         [0137]      FIG. 32A  illustrates a perspective view of a wooden wall panel  3200  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular, the slotted wood-based panel  3200  includes tabs  3210 , slots  3220 , and apertures  3230 . Wood panels are not as durable as plastic panels. In particular, wood panels are susceptible to change dimensions due to weather conditions. As such, if a wood panel is sent to a location with high humidity, the notches and tabs may change dimensions and/or warp. 
         [0138]    Tabs  3210  are aligned to be connected at a 90-degree angle with other wood-based panels by placing tables  3210  of a first wood-based panel  3200  into slots, such as slots  3220 , of a second panel. Further, the orientation of tabs  3210  allows for the first wood-based panel to be placed as a wall of a first-story section of a building having a ceiling of the second panel, while a third panel may be placed as a wall of a second-story section of the building having the second panel as flooring. Further, apertures  3230  within the wood-based panel  3200  may be used to display decorations, pass through wiring for the integration of electronic components, or both. 
         [0139]      FIG. 32B  illustrates a close-up perspective view of the wooden wall panel  3200  of  FIG. 32A  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 32B  illustrates slots  3220  that are formed so as to be compatible with tabs, such as tabs  3210 . As seen in  FIG. 32B , slots  3220  include corner cuts along the inner portion of slot  3220 , and are also adjacent to stress relief cuts that lie above and below slot  3220 . This allows wood panel  3200  to adapt to different sizes of tabs. It also allows slot  3220  to be flexible as the wooden base material of panel  3200  may change in dimensions due to humidity or other weather conditions. 
         [0140]      FIG. 33  illustrates a top perspective view of electronic components integrated in a built room environment  3300  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 33  includes slots  3305 , tabs  3307 , panels  3310 , tables  3315 , coffee table  3320 , chair  3325 , desk  3330 , televisions  3335 , bookcase  3340 , switch  3345 , battery  3350 , wires  3355 , motor  3360 , fan blade  3365 , and aperture  3370 . Furniture is formed using wooden building toy components such as those seen in  FIG. 33 . In particular, wooden building toy components are connected by inserting tabs into slots  3305 . Further, a fan is created using motor  3360  and fan blade  3365 . In particular, the fan is integrated into the structure of the room by passing the wiring of the fan through aperture  3370  in panel  3310 . 
         [0141]      FIG. 34  illustrates a back view of electronic components integrated in a built room environment  3400  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 34  illustrates a two-story structure that is formed using slotted wood-based panels having apertures. Electrical components integrated through the apertures of the wood-based panels. As such,  FIG. 34  includes panels  3405 , tabs  3410 , slots  3420 , apertures  3430 , wires  3440 , and battery  3450 . Accordingly,  FIG. 34  illustrates an example of a first wood-based panel being secured to a second wood-based panel that acts as a ceiling. The second wood-based panel also acts as a floor to a second-story room that has a third wood-based panel secured to the second wood-based panel. As such, the tabs at the top of the first wood-based panel are complementary to the tabs of the bottom of the third wood-based panel such that either the first wood-based panel or the third wood-based panel occupies the outer four slots on the edge of the second wood-based panel. 
         [0142]    Additionally,  FIG. 34  also illustrates an example of the third wood-based panel being secured to a dividing wall comprising a fourth wood-based panel. The fourth wood-based panel acts as an adjoining wall to the third wood-based panel as well as the fourth wood-based panel. As such, the tabs at the side of the third wood-based panel are complementary to the tabs at the opposite side of the fifth wood-based panel such that either the third wood-based panel or the fifth wood-based panel occupies the edge four slots of the fourth wood-based panel. Further,  FIG. 34  illustrates the integration of electronic components into the panels of the two-story building. In particular, wires of the electronic components are passed through apertures that are part of the wood-based panels. Apertures  3430  as shown in  FIG. 34  are circles, but in alternative embodiments, apertures  3430  may be a number of other shapes, such as triangles, squares, etc, so long as the shaped apertures are able to pass through wires used to integrate electrical components to panels  3410 . 
         [0143]      FIG. 35  illustrates a first built house environment  3500  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 35  comprises elevator motor  3505 , elevator car  3510 , switch  3515 , desks  3520 , chairs  3525 , umbrellas  3530 , floor panels  3535 , shade panels  3540 , connectors  3545 , and refrigerator  3550 . 
         [0144]      FIG. 36  illustrates a second built house environment  3600  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 36  comprises roof panels  3605 , connectors  3610 , bed  3615 , attic floor  3620 , staircase  3625 , fireplace  3630 , porch swing  3635 , and dog house  3640 . 
         [0145]      FIG. 37  illustrates a built horse stable environment  3700  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 37  comprises car  3705 , animal pen  3710 , stable  3715 , and windmill  3720 . 
         [0146]      FIG. 38  illustrates a built cupcake shop environment  3800  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 38  comprises wall panels  3805 , floor panel  3810 , sign  3815 , desk  3820 , and turntable  3825 . 
         [0147]      FIG. 39  illustrates a built school room environment  3900  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 39  comprises floor panels  3905  and  3910 , side panels  3915 , desk  3920 , chair  3925 , bookcase  3930 , elevator  3935 , switch  3940 , and connectors  3945 . As illustrated in  FIG. 39 , floor panel  3910  may be placed midway along side panels  3915 . In particular, floor panel  3910  may be supported using connectors  3945 . 
         [0148]      FIG. 40  illustrates a windmill in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 40  comprises motor  4005 , connectors  4010 , and panels  4015 . 
         [0149]      FIG. 41  illustrates a complex configuration of building toy components in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 41  comprises four slot building toy component  4105 , five-slot, centered tab building toy component  4110 , and three-slot, skewed-tab building toy component  4115 . As seen in  FIG. 41 , an entire building toy component, seen here as three-slot, skewed-tab building toy component  4115 , may pass through and be securely held within a slot of another building toy component, seen here as five-slot centered tab building toy component  4110 . 
         [0150]      FIG. 42  illustrates two sets of wiring components in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 42  comprises a first set of wiring components  4210  and a second set of wiring components  4220 . 
         [0151]    While this invention has been described in terms of several preferred embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and substitute equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and substitute equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.