Abstract: A snap-lock toy system has a receiving member with a thru-hole and a rod member having an engagement portion. The engagement portion selectively mates with the thru-hole and has a pair of cantilever members separated by a gap, each having a hole engagement rib to resiliently compress the first cantilever members to resiliently move the cantilever members concurrent with entering and exiting opposing ends of the thru-hole and selectively coupling the rod member to the receiving member by a friction interface. A locking member has an interface portion with a locking rib configured to selectively mate with the cantilever members. The locking rib resiliently compresses upon insertion of the locking rib between the cantilever members and decompresses when the locking rib engages an internal groove of the cantilever members to selectively prevent decoupling of the rod member from the receiving member.

Abstract: A snap-lock toy system has a receiving member with a thru-hole and a rod member having an engagement portion. The engagement portion selectively mates with the thru-hole and has a pair of cantilever members separated by a gap, each having a hole engagement rib to resiliently compress the first cantilever members to resiliently move the cantilever members concurrent with entering and exiting opposing ends of the thru-hole and selectively coupling the rod member to the receiving member by a friction interface. A locking member has an interface portion with a locking rib configured to selectively mate with the cantilever members. The locking rib resiliently compresses upon insertion of the locking rib between the cantilever members and decompresses when the locking rib engages an internal groove of the cantilever members to selectively prevent decoupling of the rod member from the receiving member.

Abstract: A system and method for teaching computer programming contains software for providing a reference to a device and providing multiple views of a programming of the device. A textual view has programming code for controlling the device, a graphical view has icons to be placed, interconnected, and modified in a flow diagram in a programming area, and a simulation view displays a configuration of the device and a response of the device to the programming code. A configuration of the icons, when placed in the programming area, represent blocks of the programming code, where each block corresponds to a behavior of a respective programming object. The blocks behave in a specific manner based on the configuration of the icons. An input device modifies the programming code in the textual view, icons and interconnection in the graphical view, and configuration of the device in the simulation view, thus modifying the programming.

Abstract: A snap-lock toy has a body having at least a first end disposed along an axis. A female snap-lock connector has a generally hollow interior extending into the first end of the body. The female snap-lock connector has a bifurcated engagement member that receives a male snap-lock connector having a head, a neck, and a shoulder along the axis. The bifurcated engagement member has first and second female engagement members separated by a slit. Each of the first and second female engagement members respectively have a wall having head, neck, and shoulder engagement regions. The first and second female engagement members elastically deflect from original states upon receiving the male snap-lock connector and return their original states once the head of male snap-lock connector is lodged within the head engagement region.

Abstract: A snap-lock toy has a body and a pair of cantilevered receptor wings extending between the first and second ends of the body. The cantilevered receptor wings are cantilevered from a leverage point near the first end and extend toward the second end. A first female receptor associated with the first end has a first snap diameter defined between the pair of cantilevered wings. A second female receptor has a second snap diameter defined between the pair of cantilevered wings, where the second diameter differs from the first diameter. First and second predetermined moments associated with the first and second female receptors are defined based on a predetermined insertion force associated with an insertion of a male snap-lock connector into the respective first and second female receptors. An octagonal male feature extend from the first end of the body, and a generally square feature extending into the second end of the body.

Abstract: A system and method for teaching computer programming contains software for providing a reference to a device and providing multiple views of a programming of the device. A textual view has programming code for controlling the device, a graphical view has icons to be placed, interconnected, and modified in a flow diagram in a programming area, and a simulation view displays a configuration of the device and a response of the device to the programming code. A configuration of the icons, when placed in the programming area, represent blocks of the programming code, where each block corresponds to a behavior of a respective programming object. The blocks behave in a specific manner based on the configuration of the icons. An input device modifies the programming code in the textual view, icons and interconnection in the graphical view, and configuration of the device in the simulation view, thus modifying the programming.

Abstract: A construction toy is disclosed which includes a set of construction components. The construction toy includes components that may be assembled by connecting male and female snap-lock connectors. A female snap-lock connector is disclosed that includes a deflectable channel opening into a wider cavity. A male snap-lock connector is disclosed with a cylindrical head, a neck, and seat. The construction components are connected by pressing a male head through a female deflectable channel and into the wider cavity allowing the deflectable channel to return to its non-deflected position surrounding the male connector neck and secure the construction component in position.

Abstract: A construction toy is disclosed which includes a set of construction components. The construction toy includes components that may be assembled by connecting male and female snap-lock connectors. A female snap-lock connector is disclosed that includes a deflectable channel opening into a wider cavity. A male snap-lock connector is disclosed with a cylindrical head, a neck, and seat. The construction components are connected by pressing a male head through a female deflectable channel and into the wider cavity allowing the deflectable channel to return to its non-deflected position surrounding the male connector neck and secure the construction component in position.