Patent Publication Number: US-2022212117-A1

Title: Building toy

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the priority to U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 62/843,655 filed on May 6, 2019 and entitled “Toy Picks,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure relates generally to toy, game, and/or puzzle building pieces and, more particularly, to variously-shaped connectors and/or rods that are adaptable to connect in a multitude of configurations and angles. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following presents a summary of this disclosure to provide a basic understanding of some aspects. This summary is not intended to identify key or critical elements or define any limitations of embodiments or claims. Furthermore, this summary may provide a simplified overview of some aspects that may be described in greater detail in other portions of this disclosure. 
     Disclosed is a toy, game, and/or puzzle building system. The toy picks building system may comprise variously shaped connectors that are operatively attachable to other connectors or to rods. The connectors may include a receiving portion adapted to receive a rod and may connect two, three, four, five, etc. rods in various angles and orientations. For instance, two rods may be connected in a straight line, at a right angle, at an obtuse angle, at an acute angle, etc. The connectors may include a receiving portion adapted to receive another connector. Multiple rods may be connected in 2-D and 3-D configurations and orientations, for example, two rods at a right angle encompassing the x and y directions or three rods at right angles encompassing the x, y, and z directions. Both the rods and connectors may be provided in a variety of lengths, shapes, colors, and sizes. Additionally, the connectors may be used with any existing items, such as a plastic or wooden toothpick, straw, stirrer, and the like, that may fit within the receiving portions of the connectors. The toy picks building system may be built into a particular shape, item, vehicle, animal, person, building, scene, landscape or the like. The toy picks building system may also allow for freehand building. The various components and versatility between components allow for the creation of limitless configurations, shapes, and images. 
     Disclosed is a toy building system. The toy building system may comprise a connector. The connector may comprise at least one arm and the at least one arm may comprises a first end, a second end, a body, and an elongated channel. The elongated channel may extend from at least one of the first or second end and through a length, or portion thereof, of the body. The elongated channel may serve as a first mating portion. The elongated channel may be configured to operatively receive a first mating piece. 
     The toy building system may comprise a rod. The rod may include a first end, a second end, and a body. The at least the first end or the second end may be an elongated end. The elongated end may form the first mating piece. 
     In an embodiment, the first mating piece may be an end of a toothpick. 
     In an embodiment, the connector may include two arms and wherein the two arms may be positioned linearly at a 180° angle. In an embodiment, the connector may include two arms and wherein the two arms may be positioned at a 90° angle. In an embodiment, the connector may include two arms and wherein the two arms may be positioned at an obtuse angle. In an embodiment, the connector may include two arms and wherein the two arms may be positioned at an acute angle. In an embodiment, the connector may include three arms and wherein the three arms may be positioned in a planar T-shape. In an embodiment, the connector may include three or more arms and wherein the three or more arms may be positioned in the same plane. In an embodiment, the three or more arms may be positioned around a center point. In an embodiment, 7 arms may be positioned around a center point to form 7 spaces between adjacent arms and wherein 6 of the spaces may be equal angles. The 7 th  space may include a second mating portion. In an embodiment, the connector may include three or more arms, wherein at least one arm may be positioned in a different plane. 
     In any of the described embodiments herein, the arms may connect at a juncture. The juncture may further comprise a second mating portion. The second mating portion may be configured to receive a second mating piece. In an embodiment, a body of a rod or a juncture of a second connector may form the second mating piece. 
     In an embodiment, the toy building system may further comprise a wheel. The wheel may include a central hub. The central hub may include an aperture, a plurality of arms positioned planarly around the central hub, and an outer rim. Each of the plurality of arms may include a first end, a second end, a body, and an elongated channel. The elongated channel may extend from the first end and through a length, or portion thereof, of the body. The elongated channel may serve as a first mating portion. The elongated channel may be configured to operatively receive the first mating piece. 
     In an embodiment, the toy building system may further comprise an axle. The axle may be operatively engageable with the central hub of the wheel. The axle may include a channel configured to operatively receive the first mating piece. 
     Disclosed is a toy building system. The toy building system may comprise at least one connector and at least one rod. The connector may comprise at least two arms each having a first end, a second end, and a body. Each arm may include a first receiving cavity at the first end and through a length, or portion thereof, of the body. The second ends of each arm may connect at a juncture. The connector may include a second receiving cavity at the juncture. The rod may comprise a first end, a second end, and a body. The first end of the rod may comprise a first corresponding mating portion that may be configured to operatively engage the first receiving cavity of the connector. The body of the rod may comprise a second mating portion that may be configured to operatively engage the second receiving cavity of the connector. 
     In an embodiment, a second receiving cavity of a second connector may be configured to operatively engage a second receiving cavity of a first connector. 
     In any of the described embodiments herein, the toy building system, and any components thereof, may be formed from one or more of plastics, acrylics, polymers, or silicones. In any of the described embodiments herein, the toy building system, and any components thereof, may be 3-D printed, molded, stamped, or extruded. 
     The following description and the drawings disclose various illustrative aspects. Some improvements and novel aspects may be expressly identified, while others may be apparent from the description and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present teachings may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations, wherein: 
         FIGS. 1A-D  show various views of an embodiment of a single-arm connector including one arm, wherein the single-arm connector is operatively engageable with another connector or a rod in accordance with aspects disclosed herein; 
         FIGS. 2A-D  show various views of an embodiment of a straight connector including two arms, wherein the straight connector is operatively engageable with another connector or a rod in accordance with aspects disclosed herein; 
         FIGS. 3A-D  show various views of an embodiment of a right-angle connector including two arms, wherein the right-angle connector is operatively engageable with another connector or a rod in accordance with aspects disclosed herein; 
         FIGS. 4A-D  show various views of an embodiment of an obtuse connector including two arms, wherein the obtuse connector is operatively engageable with another connector or a rod in accordance with aspects disclosed herein; 
         FIGS. 5A-D  show various views of an embodiment of an acute connector including two arms, wherein the acute connector is operatively engageable with another connector or a rod in accordance with aspects disclosed herein; 
         FIGS. 6A-D  show various views of an embodiment of a three-arm (or T) connector including three arms, wherein the three-arm connector is operatively engageable with another connector or a rod in accordance with aspects disclosed herein; 
         FIGS. 7A-D  show various views of an embodiment of a four-arm connector including four arms, wherein the four-arm connector is operatively engageable with another connector or a rod in accordance with aspects disclosed herein; 
         FIGS. 8A-C  show various views of an embodiment of a seven-arm connector including seven arms, wherein the seven-arm connector is operatively engageable with another connector or a rod in accordance with aspects disclosed herein; 
         FIGS. 9A-C  show various views of an embodiment of a wheel connector including eight arms, wherein the wheel connector is operatively engageable with another connector or a rod in accordance with aspects disclosed herein; 
         FIGS. 10A-D  show various views of an embodiment of a second wheel connector, wherein the second wheel connector is operatively engageable with another connector or a rod in accordance with aspects disclosed herein; 
         FIGS. 11A-D  various views of an embodiment of an axle, wherein the second wheel connector is operatively engageable with the first or second wheel connector or other connector in accordance with aspects disclosed herein. 
         FIGS. 12A-D  show various views of an embodiment of a short rod operatively engageable with a connector or another rod in accordance with aspects disclosed herein; 
         FIGS. 13A-D  show various views of an embodiment of a medium rod operatively engageable with a connector or another rod in accordance with aspects disclosed herein; 
         FIGS. 14A-D  show various views of an embodiment of a long rod operatively engageable with a connector or another rod in accordance with aspects disclosed herein; 
         FIG. 15  shows embodiments of the short, medium, and long rods of  FIGS. 10-11  in accordance with aspects disclosed herein; 
         FIG. 16  shows an embodiment of a connection between a rod and a connector in accordance with aspects disclosed herein; 
         FIG. 17  shows an embodiment of a connection between a rod and a connector in accordance with aspects disclosed herein; and, 
         FIG. 18  shows an embodiment of a connection between two connectors in accordance with aspects disclosed herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present teachings, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the respective scope of the present teachings. Moreover, features of the various embodiments may be combined or altered without departing from the scope of the present teachings. As such, the following description is presented by way of illustration only and should not limit in any way the various alternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments and still be within the spirit and scope of the present teachings. In this disclosure, numerous specific details provide a thorough understanding of the subject disclosure. It should be understood that aspects of this disclosure may be practiced with other embodiments not necessarily including all aspects described herein, etc. 
     As used herein, the words “example” and “exemplary” means an instance, or illustration. The words “example” or “exemplary” do not indicate a key or preferred aspect or embodiment. The word “or” is intended to be inclusive rather than exclusive, unless context suggests otherwise. As an example, the phrase “A employs B or C,” includes any inclusive permutation (e.g., A employs B; A employs C; or A employs both B and C). As another matter, the articles “a” and “an” are generally intended to mean “one or more” unless context suggest otherwise. 
     Further, unless context suggest otherwise, descriptions of shapes and angles (e.g., circular, rectangular, triangular, right, obtuse, acute etc.) refer to shapes and angles meeting the definition of such shapes or angles and general representation of such shapes or angles. For instance, a triangular shape or generally triangular shape may include a shape that has three sides and three vertices or a shape that generally represents a triangle, such as a shape having three major sides that may or may not have straight edges, triangular like shapes with rounded vertices, etc. Additionally, referring to a right angle might include angles similar to or about 90°, which may include deviations from such by about one to fifteen degrees. Similarly, comparative lengths (e.g. short, medium, long) may comprise any suitable base length. 
     While embodiments may refer to a particular example of the described connectors, rods, and building system as having a particular attachment between the connectors and/or rods it is noted that many other orientations and attachments may be possible as all the pieces are interchangeable. While the embodiments may refer to a particular toy application, it is noted that disclosed embodiments may be suitable for users of any age and may be applicable to various other uses, products, and industries. Generally, described embodiments may be utilized for any application that incorporates connectors, rods, tiles, building, crafting, etc. As an example, the building systems may be utilized as 3-D puzzles, as a board game, to build specific instructed shapes or images, as well as freehand building. It is further noted that the connectors, rods, and building system may incorporate or be combined with existing items. For example, the connectors may be adapted to receive plastic or wooden toothpicks, straws, stirrers, and the like. 
     Components, such as the connectors and rods, may be made of any suitable material including plastics, acrylics, polymers, silicones, and the like. The components may be flexible and malleable, or hard and fixed. In an embodiment, the components may be monolithically formed or formed as separate pieces that are assembled. The components may be 3-D printed utilizing additive manufacturing technics or may be molded, stamped, extruded or manufactured in any known method. The components may include hinges, joints, or pivots that allow rotation or bending. For example, a rod may include a hinge at its center to enable up to a 90° or greater rotation. In another example, a connector may include a hinge at or near its joint to enable rotation between the connectors from an acute to an obtuse angular position. In an embodiment, the components may be rotatable when connected. For example, a mating portion of a rod may be rotatable within a receiving portion of a connector or an axle may be rotatable when operatively connected to a wheel. In an embodiment, the components may be motorized and include a battery, controls, and the like, to build motorized systems. The toy picks building system may be built into a particular shape, item, vehicle, animal, person, building, scene, or landscape. The toy picks building system may also allow for freehand building. 
       FIGS. 1A-D  depict a single-arm connector  100  including a single arm  120 . In an embodiment, the single-arm connector  100  may include a first receiving or mating portion   110 . In an embodiment, the first receiving portion  110  may be located toward the end of the single-arm connector  100 . The first receiving portion  110  may be configured to receive and attach to another connector, such as a second single-arm connector or other connector as disclosed herein (or any other such similar connector not disclosed, but contemplated hereby), including a straight, right angle, acute angle, or obtuse angle connector, or a connector having 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 etc. arms. See, for example,  FIG. 18  showing a connection between a four-arm connector and a seven-arm connector—this is representative of how any of the connectors may be connected. The first receiving portion  110  may be configured to receive and attach to a rod, such as short, medium, or long rod, or rod of any desired length or plastic or wooden toothpicks, straws, stirrers, and the like. See, for example,  FIG. 16  showing a connection between a four-arm connector and a body of a rod. It is noted that numerous connections between connectors and/or rods (toothpicks, etc.) may also be utilized. For the sake of brevity not every possible combination will be described herein. However, exemplary embodiments are described. These exemplary embodiments are not exhaustive, but are intended to be examples of the present teachings. 
     In an embodiment, the first receiving portion  110  of the single-arm connector  100  may generally be defined by a recess  112 , securing walls  114 , and one or more stop points  116 . The recess  112  and securing walls  114  of the single-arm connector  100  may attach to or connect to a corresponding mating portion, such as a first receiving portion on a second connector or to a body of a rod as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the corresponding mating portion of another connector or a rod (and/or toothpick) may first insert into the recess  112 , engage a portion of the securing walls  114 , and secure a fit with the single-arm connector  100  upon contact with the stop point  116 . The recess  112  may include various engagement features such as grooves, ridges, channels, tracks, protrusions, projections, or the like, that correspond to a mating portion of the other connector or rod (and/or toothpick) to create a secure fit. The fit may be a pressure fit, a snap fit, a twist fit, a screw fit, or the like, to enable the operative attachment, detachment, and reattachment of any two pieces of the toy picks building system, which can be utilized to build the final assembly. 
     The single arm  120  of the single-arm connector  100  may include a second receiving or mating portion  122 . In an embodiment, the single arm  120  may be positioned adjacent the first mating portion  110  described above. In an embodiment, the recess  112  of the first receiving portion  110  may be generally perpendicular (e.g., within 1-15 degrees of perpendicular) to the second receiving portion  122  of the single arm  120 . The second receiving portion  122  may be configured to receive and attach to a corresponding second mating portion of a rod, see  FIG. 17 , for example, showing a connection between a three-arm connector and an end of a rod. In an embodiment, the second receiving portion  122  may be configured to receive and attach to an existing item with an elongated portion, such as plastic or wooden toothpicks, straws, stirrers, and the like. For example, the second receiving portion  122  of a connector may attach to either a second mating portion of a rod or an elongated portion of an existing item. The second receiving portion  122  of the single arm  120  may include an opening  124  and generally be defined by an elongated cavity  126  that traverses all or a portion of the length of the single arm  120 . The single arm  120  may include a stop point  128  within or at the end of the cavity  126  to prevent further insertion of a rod into the receiving portion  130 . The second receiving portion  122  may include various grooves, ridges, channels, tracks, protrusions, projections, or the like, that correspond to a second mating portion of the rod to create a secure fit. The fit may be a pressure fit, a snap fit, a twist fit, a screw fit, or the like, to enable the operative attachment, detachment, and reattachment of a connector and a rod. In an embodiment, the rod is rotatable within the second receiving portion  122  of the connector. 
       FIGS. 2A-D  depict a straight connector  200  including two arms  220 ,  230 . In an embodiment, the straight connector  200  may include a first receiving or mating portion  210 . In an embodiment, the first receiving portion  210  may be located in the middle of the straight connector  200 , between the two arms  220 ,  230 . As with the other connectors, the first receiving portion  210  may be configured to receive and attach to a corresponding mating portion, such as a first receiving portion on a second connector or to a body of a rod (and/or toothpick) as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the first receiving portion  210  of the straight connector  200  may generally be defined by a recess  212 , securing walls  214 , and one or more stop points  216 . In an embodiment, the corresponding mating portion of another connector or a rod (and/or toothpick) may first insert into the recess  212 , engage a portion of the securing walls  214 , and secure a fit with the straight connector  200  upon contact with the stop point  216 . The recess  212  may include various engagement features as described herein to create a desired fit and to enable the operative attachment, detachment, and reattachment of any two pieces of the toy picks building system. 
     The two arms  220 ,  230  of the straight connector  200  may include second receiving or mating portions  222 ,  232 . In an embodiment, the recess  212  of the first receiving portion  210  may be generally perpendicular (e.g., within  1  to  15  degrees of perpendicular) to the second receiving portions  222 ,  232  of the two arms  220 ,  230 . The second receiving portions  222 ,  232  may be configured to receive and attach to a corresponding second mating portion of a rod (and/or toothpick). The second receiving portions  222 ,  232  of the arms  220 ,  230  may each include an opening  224 ,  234  and generally be defined by an elongated cavity  226 ,  236  that traverses all or a portion of the length of each arm  220 ,  230 . Each arm  220 ,  230  may include a stop point  228 ,  238  within or at the end of the cavity  226 ,  236  to prevent further insertion of a rod (and/or toothpick) into the receiving portion  222 ,  232 . The second receiving portions  222 ,  232  may include various engagement features as described herein to create a desired fit and to enable the operative attachment, detachment, and reattachment of a connector and a rod (and/or toothpick) to build the assembly desired. 
       FIGS. 3A-D  depict a right-angle connector  300  including two arms  320 ,  330  at a generally right angle (e.g., within 1 to 15 degrees of 90 degrees). In an embodiment, the right-angle connector  300  may include a first receiving or mating portion  310 . In an embodiment, the first receiving portion  310  may be located in the middle (or generally in the middle, e.g., slightly skewed to each side thereof) of the right-angle connector  300 , between the two arms  320 ,  330 . As with the other connectors, the first receiving portion  310  may be configured to receive and attach to a corresponding mating portion, such as a first receiving portion on a second connector or to a body of a rod (and/or toothpick) as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the first receiving portion  310  of the right-angle connector  300  may generally be defined by a recess  312 , securing walls  314 , and one or more stop points  316 . In an embodiment, the corresponding mating portion of another connector or a rod (and/or toothpick) may first insert into the recess  312 , engage a portion of the securing walls  314 , and secure a fit with the right-angle connector  300  upon contact with the stop point  316 . The recess  312  may include various engagement features as described herein to create a desired fit and to enable the operative attachment, detachment, and reattachment of any two pieces of the toy picks building system. 
     The two arms  320 ,  330  of the right-angle connector  300  may include second receiving or mating portions  322 ,  332 . In an embodiment, the recess  312  of the first receiving portion  310  may be perpendicular to the second receiving portions  332  of one arm  330 , and in line with the receiving portion  322  of the other arm  320 . The second receiving portions  322 ,  332  may be configured to receive and attach to a corresponding second mating portion of a rod (and/or toothpick). The second receiving portions  322 ,  332  of the arms  320 ,  330  may each include an opening  324 ,  334  and generally be defined by an elongated cavity  326 ,  336  that traverses all or a portion of the length of each arm  320 ,  330 . Each arm  320 ,  330  may include a stop point  328 ,  338  within or at the end of the cavity  326 ,  336  to prevent further insertion of a rod (and/or toothpick) into the receiving portion  322 ,  332 . The second receiving portions  322 ,  332  may include various engagement features as described herein to create a desired fit and to enable the operative attachment, detachment, and reattachment of a connector and a rod (and/or toothpick). 
       FIGS. 4A-D  depict an obtuse-angle connector  400  including two arms  420 ,  430  at an obtuse angle relative to one another (e.g., the angle between the two arms  420 ,  430  is greater than  90  degrees and may be for example  135  degrees). In an embodiment, the obtuse-angle connector  400  may include a first receiving or mating portion  410 . In an embodiment, the first receiving portion  410  may be located in the middle or generally near the middle of the obtuse-angle connector  400 , between the two arms  420 ,  430 . As with the other connectors, the first receiving portion  410  may be configured to receive and attach to a corresponding mating portion, such as a first receiving portion on a second connector or to a body of a rod (and/or toothpick) as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the first receiving portion  410  of the obtuse-angle connector  400  may generally be defined by a recess  412 , securing walls  414 , and one or more stop points  416 . In an embodiment, the corresponding mating portion of another connector or a rod (and/or toothpick) may first insert into the recess  412 , engage a portion of the securing walls  414 , and secure a fit with the obtuse-angle connector  400  upon contact with the stop point  416 . The recess  412  may include various engagement features as described herein to create a desired fit and to enable the operative attachment, detachment, and reattachment of any two pieces of the toy picks building system. 
     The two arms  420 ,  430  of the obtuse-angle connector  400  may include second receiving or mating portions  422 ,  432 . The second receiving portions  422 ,  432  may be configured to receive and attach to a corresponding second mating portion of a rod (and/or toothpick). The second receiving portions  422 ,  432  of the arms  420 ,  430  may each include an opening  424 ,  434  and generally be defined by an elongated cavity  426 ,  436  that traverses all or a portion of the length of each arm  420 ,  430 . Each arm  420 ,  430  may include a stop point  428 ,  438  within or at the end of the cavity  426 ,  436  to prevent further insertion of a rod into the receiving portion  422 ,  432 . The second receiving portions  422 ,  432  may include various engagement features as described herein to create a desired fit and to enable the operative attachment, detachment, and reattachment of a connector and a rod (and/or toothpick). 
       FIGS. 5A-D  depict an acute-angle connector  500  including two arms  520 ,  530  at an acute angle relative to each other (e.g., the angle between the arms  520 ,  530  is less than  90  degrees, for example  45  degrees). In an embodiment, the acute-angle connector  500  may include a first receiving or mating portion  510 . In an embodiment, the first receiving portion  510  may be located in the middle of the acute-angle connector  500 , between the two arms  520 ,  530 . As with the other connectors, the first receiving portion  510  may be configured to receive and attach to a corresponding mating portion, such as a first receiving portion on a second connector or to a body of a rod (and/or toothpick) as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the first receiving portion  510  of the acute-angle connector  500  may generally be defined by a recess  512 , securing walls  514 , and one or more stop points  516 . In an embodiment, the corresponding mating portion of another connector or a rod may first insert into the recess  512 , engage a portion of the securing walls  514 , and secure a fit with the acute-angle connector  500  upon contact with the stop point  516 . The recess  512  may include various engagement features as described herein to create a desired fit and to enable the operative attachment, detachment, and reattachment of any two pieces of the toy picks building system. 
     The two arms  520 ,  530  of the acute-angle connector  500  may include second receiving or mating portions  522 ,  532 . The second receiving portions  522 ,  532  may be configured to receive and attach to a corresponding second mating portion of a rod (and/or toothpick). The second receiving portions  522 ,  532  of the arms  520 ,  530  may each include an opening  524 ,  534  and generally be defined by an elongated cavity  526 ,  536  that traverses all or a portion of the length of each arm  520 ,  530 . Each arm  520 ,  530  may include a stop point  528 ,  538  within or at the end of the cavity  526 ,  536  to prevent further insertion of a rod (and/or toothpick) into the receiving portion  522 ,  532 . The second receiving portions  522 ,  532  may include various engagement features as described herein to create a desired fit and to enable the operative attachment, detachment, and reattachment of a connector and a rod (and/or toothpick). 
       FIGS. 6A-D  depict a three-arm connector  600  including three arms  620 ,  630 ,  640  in the same  2 -D plane, in an x, y, and −x directions (which may form a generally T-shape). It is noted, however, that the three arms  620 ,  630 ,  640  may also be oriented in a 3-D configuration in the x, y, and z directions. In an embodiment, the three-arm connector  600  may include a first receiving or mating portion  610 . In an embodiment, the first receiving portion  610  may be located at the joint of the three-arm connector  600 , where the three arms  620 ,  630 ,  640  join. As with the other connectors, the first receiving portion  610  may be configured to receive and attach to a corresponding mating portion, such as a first receiving portion on a second connector or to a body of a rod (and/or toothpick) as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the first receiving portion  610  of the three-arm connector  600  may generally be defined by a recess  612 , securing walls  614 , and one or more stop points  616 . In an embodiment, the corresponding mating portion of another connector or a rod (and/or toothpick) may first insert into the recess  612 , engage a portion of the securing walls  614 , and secure a fit with the three-arm connector  600  upon contact with the stop point  616 . The recess  612  may include various engagement features as described herein to create a desired fit and to enable the operative attachment, detachment, and reattachment of any two pieces of the toy picks building system. 
     The three arms  620 ,  630 ,  640  of the three-arm connector  600  may include second receiving or mating portions  622 ,  632 ,  642 . In an embodiment, the recess  612  of the first receiving portion  610  may be generally perpendicular (e.g., 1 to 15 degrees of perpendicular) to the second receiving portions  622 ,  642  of two arms  620 ,  640 , and in line with the receiving portion  633  of the other arm  630 . The second receiving portions  622 ,  632 ,  642  may be configured to receive and attach to a corresponding second mating portion of a rod (and/or toothpick). The second receiving portions  622 ,  632 ,  642  of the arms  620 ,  630 ,  640  may each include an opening  624 ,  634 ,  644  and generally be defined by an elongated cavity  626 ,  636 ,  646  that traverses all or a portion of the length of each arm  620 ,  630 ,  640 . Each arm  620 ,  630 ,  640  may include a stop point  628 ,  638 ,  648  within or at the end of the cavity  626 ,  636 ,  646  to prevent further insertion of a rod (and/or toothpick) into the receiving portion  622 ,  632 ,  642 . The second receiving portions  622 ,  632 ,  642  may include various engagement features as described herein to create a desired fit and to enable the operative attachment, detachment, and reattachment of a connector and a rod (and/or toothpick). 
       FIGS. 7A-D  depict a four-arm connector  700  including four arms  720 ,  730 ,  740 ,  750  in the same 2-D plane. It is noted, however, that the four arms  720 ,  730 ,  740 ,  750  may also be oriented in a 3-D configuration in any of the x, y, and z directions. In an embodiment, the four-arm connector  700  may include a first receiving or mating portion  710 . In an embodiment, the first receiving portion  710  may be located at the joint of the four-arm connector  700 , where the four arms  720 ,  730 ,  740 ,  750  join. As with the other connectors, the first receiving portion  710  may be configured to receive and attach to a corresponding mating portion, such as a first receiving portion on a second connector or to a body of a rod (and/or toothpick) as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the first receiving portion  710  of the four-arm connector  700  may generally be defined by a recess  712 , securing walls  714 , and one or more stop points  716 . In an embodiment, the corresponding mating portion of another connector or a rod may first insert into the recess  712 , engage a portion of the securing walls  714 , and secure a fit with the four-arm connector  700  upon contact with the stop point  716 . The recess  712  may include various engagement features as described herein to create a desired fit and to enable the operative attachment, detachment, and reattachment of any two pieces of the toy picks building system. 
     The four arms  720 ,  730 ,  740 ,  750  of the three-arm connector  600  may include second receiving or mating portions  722 ,  732 ,  742 ,  752 . The second receiving portions  722 ,  732 ,  742 ,  752  may be configured to receive and attach to a corresponding second mating portion of a rod (and/or toothpick). The second receiving portions  722 ,  732 ,  742 ,  752  of the four arms  720 ,  730 ,  740 ,  750  may each include an opening  724 ,  734 ,  744 ,  754  and generally be defined by an elongated cavity  726 ,  736 ,  746 ,  756  that traverses all or a portion of the length of each arm  720 ,  730 ,  740 ,  750 . Each arm  720 ,  730 ,  740 ,  750  may include a stop point  728 ,  738 ,  748 ,  758  within or at the end of the cavity  726 ,  736 ,  746 ,  756  to prevent further insertion of a rod (and/or toothpick) into the receiving portion  722 ,  732 ,  742 ,  752 . The second receiving portions  722 ,  732 ,  742 ,  752  may include various engagement features as described herein to create a desired fit and to enable the operative attachment, detachment, and reattachment of a connector and a rod (and/or toothpick). 
       FIG. 8A-C  depict a seven-arm connector  800  including seven arms  820 ,  830 ,  840 ,  850 ,  860 ,  870 ,  880  in the same 2-D plane. It is noted, however, that the four arms  720 ,  730 ,  740 ,  750  may also be oriented in a 3-D configuration in any of the x, y, and z directions. It is further noted that connectors may include 5 arms, or other numbers of arms including 8, 9, 10, etc. The seven-arm connector  800 , and others having varying number and orientations of arms, may generally include similar aspects including a first receiving portion adapted to receive a first receiving portion on a second connector, as shown in  FIG. 16 , or a body of a rod (and/or toothpick), as shown in  FIG. 14 . The seven-arm connector  800 , and others, may further include x number of arms where x is an integer. In the seven-arm connector  800 , seven arms may be included. These arms may include second receiving portions that are adapted to receive the end of a rod (and/or toothpick), for example, as shown in  FIG. 15 . The internal structures of the first receiving portions and each of the second receiving portions may be similar or different, but, in an embodiment, may include engagement features to secure various pieces of the toy picks building system together and enable the operative attachment, detachment, and reattachment of the pieces. 
       FIGS. 9A-C  depict an embodiment of a wheel connector  900 . The wheel connector  900  may include a hub or first receiving portion  910 , a rim,  915 , and a plurality of arms, such as eight arms  920 ,  930 ,  940 ,  950 ,  960 ,  970 ,  980 ,  990 . As shown in  FIG. 9C , the wheel connector  900  may generally form a planar shape where the plurality of arms may be positioned in the same 2-D plane and at a substantially similar angle from one another to generally comprise a circle. It is noted, however, that the eight arms may also be oriented in a 3-D configuration in any of the x, y, and z directions, in which case the arms may not generally form a circle or a wheel. In an embodiment, a multitude of arms may be oriented so as to comprise a sphere with arms projecting in all directions not just the eight shown. For example, the wheel connector  900  may include x number of arms where x is an integer, e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, nine, ten, etc. The wheel connector  900  may include a first receiving portion  910  that, in an embodiment, may include a circular projection. The first receiving portion  910  may be located on a first face  912  of the wheel connector  900 . The first receiving portion  910  may correspond to a mating portion located on the second face  914  of the wheel connector  900  so that two wheels may be connected together. It is noted that similar mating portions may be included on any of the connectors to serve as an attachment point between the wheel and a rod (and/or toothpick) or other connector. In an embodiment, the wheel connector  900  may further include a rim piece  915  that circumscribes the circular shape of the arms. 
     The arms  920 ,  930 ,  940 ,  950 ,  960 ,  970 ,  980 ,  990  of the wheel connector  900  may each include similar second receiving portions  922 ,  932 ,  942 ,  952 ,  962 ,  972 ,  982 ,  992  as have been described herein. The second receiving portions  922 ,  932 ,  942 ,  952 ,  962 ,  972 ,  982 ,  992  may be adapted to receive the end of a rod (and/or toothpick), for example, and may generally comprise engagement features within to operatively enable attachment between the wheel connector  900  and other components of the toy picks building system. 
       FIGS. 10A-D  depict an embodiment of a second wheel connector  1000 . The second wheel connector  1000  may include a hub  1010 , a rim  1020 , and a plurality of spokes  1030 ,  1040 ,  1050 ,  1060 ,  1070  etc. As shown in  FIGS. 10C-D , the second wheel connector  1000  may generally form a planar shape where the plurality of spokes may be positioned in the same 2-D plane and at a substantially similar angle from one another to generally comprise a circle. In an embodiment, the plurality of spokes may generally connect the hub  1010 , located generally in the center of the second wheel connector  1000 , to the rim  1020 , wherein the rim  1020  may circumscribe an area defined by the plurality of spokes. While the specific illustrated embodiment may include 5 spokes, it is noted that any number of one or more spokes may be suitable, including 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 8, 10, or more spokes. In an example, the plurality of spokes may be thick or wide, so as to cover greater area between the hub  1010  and the rim  1020 . In this embodiment, the second wheel connector  1000  may comprise fewer spokes, such as 2-8 spokes. In an example, the plurality of spokes may be thin and the second wheel connector may comprise more spokes, such as 9 or more spokes. It is also noted that the second wheel connector  1000  may include no spokes, and instead comprise a continuous face that generally connects the hub  1010  and the rim  1020 . Similarly, the wheel connector  1000  may include a generally continuous face with one or more apertures that generally connects the hub  1010  and the rim  1020 . 
     In an embodiment, the hub  1010  may generally comprise an aperture and serve as a receiving portion for an axle, such as the axle  1100  shown in  FIGS. 11A-D . The axle  1100  may include a base  1110  having a first end and mating portion  1120  and a second end and mating portion  1130 . In an example, the first end and mating portion  1120  may be operatively coupled with the hub  910 ,  1010  of the first  900  or second  1000  wheel connector. For examples, the first end and mating portion  1120  may fit into the aperture or hole that is the hub  910 ,  1010 . In an embodiment, the first end and mating portion  1120  may comprise a first arm  1122  and a second arm  1124 . The first arm  1122  and second arm  1224  may be slightly displaced from each other and may comprise a clip front that is narrow or tapered to facilitate insertion of the first mating portion  1120  into the hub  910 ,  1010 , wherein the arms may be pressed closer together during insertion of the first mating portion  1120  into the hub  910 ,  1010 . The clip front may also protrude from the remaining length of the first mating portion  1120  to operatively lock or secure the first mating portion  1120  into the hub  910 ,  1010 . In an example, the connection or attachment between the first mating portion  1120  of the axle  1100  to the hub  910 ,  1010  of the first  900  or second  1000  wheel connector may be friction fit, snap fit, pressure fit. In order to release the axle  1100  from the wheel  900 ,  1000 , the clip front or first arm  1122  and second arm  1224  may be pressed together so as to allow the protruding clip front to go back through the hub  1010 . In another embodiment, the axle  1100  may be permanently connected or attached to the wheel connector  900 ,  1000  by mechanism attachment like a screw or adhesive. 
     The second end and mating portion  1130  may be the same as or similar to the first end and mating potion  1120 , or the second end and mating portion  1130  may be different. In an embodiment, the second end and mating portion  1130  may include a first arm  1132  and a second arm  1134  slightly displaced from each other. The first arm  1132  and a second arm  1134  may form an aperture  1140  therebetween. In an embodiment, the aperture  1140  may continue through the base  1110  and, in some cases through the first end and mating portion  1120 . The aperture  1140  may be configured to receive another component of the toy picks system including a body or first mating portion  1312  or a first or second end or second mating portions  1322 ,  1332  of a rod  1300  (or toothpick) as described below. The aperture  1140  may be configured to receive another component of the toy picks building system, including, without limitation any of the other components described herein, including without limitation any of the rods, any of the connectors, plastic or wooden toothpick, straw, stirrer, and the like. 
       FIGS. 12-15  depict various embodiments of a rod  1300 . In an embodiment, the rod may vary in length. As shown in  FIG. 15 , the rod may be a short rod  1300 , a medium rod  1400 , or a long rod  1500 . It is noted, however, that the rods may be provided in any length and may include 10, 20, 30, etc. different lengths as is desired in the toy picks building system. The rod  1300  may generally include a body  1310 . The body  1310  may serve as a first mating portion  1312  configured to attach or connect to the first receiving portion of any of the connectors disclosed herein. In an example,  FIG. 16  shows the first mating portion  1312  being inserted into the first receiving portion  710  of a four-arm connector  700 . The body  1310  of the rod  1300  may include various engagement features such as grooves, ridges, channels, tracks, protrusions, projections, or the like, that correspond to the first receiving portion of a connector. The fit may be a pressure fit, a snap fit, a twist fit, a screw fit, or the like, to enable the operative attachment, detachment, and reattachment of any two pieces of the toy picks building system. 
     The rod  1300  may further include a first end  1320  and a second end  1330 . The first end  1320  and the second end  1330  may be different or the same as one another. In an embodiment, the first end  1320  and the second end  1330  each comprise a second mating portion  1322 ,  1332  that is configured to attach or connect to any of the second receiving portions of the arms of the connectors disclosed herein. In an example,  FIG. 17  shows the second mating portion  1322  of the first end  1320  of the rod  1300  being inserted into the second receiving portion  622  of a three-arm connector  600 . The first end  1320  and/or second end  1330  of the rod  1300  may include various engagement features such as grooves, ridges, channels, tracks, protrusions, projections, or the like, that correspond to the second receiving portions of a connector. The fit may be a pressure fit, a snap fit, a twist fit, a screw fit, or the like, to enable the operative attachment, detachment, and reattachment of any two pieces of the toy picks building system. In an embodiment, the first end  1320  and/or second end  1330  of the rod  1300  is rotatable within the second receiving portion of the connector. Further, the first end  1320  and/or second end  1330  may be configured with a generally blunt end to prevent the rod  1300  from poking the user. Some users may prefer to utilize the blunt ends  1320  and  1330  of the rod  1300  as opposed to a toothpick. Although, as shown in  FIG. 17 , the rod  1300  may be replaced with a toothpick such that where the rod  1300  is shown, it may be replaced with a plastic or wooden toothpick, straw, stirrer, and the like. 
     In an embodiment, the short rod  1300 , medium rod  1400 , and long rod  1500  each have corresponding bodies, ends, and first and second mating portions as described above and illustrated in  FIGS. 12-14 . 
     Further, each of the embodiments of the connectors,  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800 ,  900 ,  1000 ,  1100  and the rods  1300 ,  1400 ,  1500  and the toothpicks described above and similar such existing materials utilized to operatively attach the connectors may be used with a motorizing device. The motorizing device may allow a user to build a design and then motorize the design so that it may move in some capacity. The present teachings are not limited to any specific type of motorized device. By way of a non-limiting example, the motorizing device may comprise small electric motors, permanent magnet motor, hobby motor, a solar motor, or the like. The motorizing device may include one of the connectors, e.g.,  100 . The connector  100  may be utilized to operatively connect any of the other connectors  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800 ,  900 ,  1000 ,  1100  and the rods  1300 ,  1400 ,  1500  and the toothpicks to form the desired end product. The foregoing may be utilized to create any kind of end product. The present disclosure is not limited to any specific end product. The examples of such end products are so exhaustive that for the sake of efficiency not all end products can be described. The motorized device may help bring animation to the end product so that it moves. Further still, the motorized device may include an electronic communication portion so that it may operatively communicate with a computing device, e.g., a smartphone, tablet, computer, dedicated remote control or the like. The electronic communication portion may be a wired or wireless communication device. Examples of a wireless communication may include, without limitation, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy and WiMAX. The present teachings, however, are not limited to these wireless communication systems. Any appropriate wireless communication system may be utilized without departing from the present teachings. 
     Although the embodiments of the present teachings have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it is to be understood that the present teachings are not to be limited to just the embodiments disclosed, but that the present teachings described herein are capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the claims hereafter. The claims as follows are intended to include all modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the claims or the equivalent thereof