CARD CONNECTOR

Abstract

A card-connector is provide for the construction 3-dimensions objects with cards, such as playing cards. The card connector can include a card receiving portion and an interconnection portion. The card receiving portion can be bifurcated to define a first side portion, a second side portion, and a slot. The interconnecting portion can have at least one of a ball portion or socket portion of a ball and socket joint, where two interconnecting portion can be connected to form a ball and socket joint. Multiple card connectors can be joined together with the interconnecting portions to create 3-dimensional objects with the cards.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to card connectors, and more particularly, to card connectors which can be used to build three dimensional objects with cards.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Playing cards can be used to construct 3-dimensional objects. Connectors may be used to hold adjacent playing cards together, where multiply playing cards and connectors can be used to create the 3-dimension objects.

Such prior art connector can include interlocking discs having slots for receiving and gripping a playing card. Such interlocking discs are disclosed in U.S. Publication No. 2002/0090881 entitled Construction Toy, U.S. Publication No. 2012/0000059 entitled Object Connector; and U.S. Publication No. 2013/0230353 entitled Construction Toy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a card-connector used to construction 3-dimensions objects with cards, such as paper or plastic cards in differing shapes and sized. For example, rectangular cards such as playing cards. Multiple card connectors and cards can be joint together to construct the 3-Dimensional objects. The card connector can include a card receiving portion and an interconnection portion. The card receiving portion can be bifurcated to define a first side portion, a second side portion, and a slot. The interconnecting portion can have at least one of a ball portion or socket portion of a ball and socket joint, where two card connectors can be connected together with the interconnecting portion to form an articulating ball and socket joint.

The first and second portions of the card receiving portion can each include a plurality of segmented elements, where a gap is interposed between adjacent segmented elements. The segmented elements can be arranged on the first and second side portions in an alternating pattern

Each of the plurality of segmented elements has a tip thickness and a midpoint point thickness, wherein the tip thickness is less than the mid-point thickness. The differing thickness create a differential slot height, where the slot height at the tip is greater than the slot height at mid-point of the segmented elements.

The card connector can include a plurality of card receiving portions, where the interconnector portion is interposed between the cards receiving portion. In an example, the card connector includes a first card receiving portion and a second card receiving portion.

The first and second card receiving portions are affixed together at an 180° angle. Alternatively, the first and second card receiving portions are affixed together at a 90° angle. It is further envisioned that the first and second card receiving portions can be affixed to together at any angle, including 30°, 45°, 66°, 90°, and 180°.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of a card connector of the present disclosure including a ball portion;

FIG. 2 depicts an isometric view of a card connector of the present disclosure including a socket portion;

FIG. 3 depicts a front view of the card connector of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 depicts a front view of the cards connector of FIG. 1, include nub elements;

FIG. 5 depicts a cross sectional view of the cards connector of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 depicts a cross sectional view of the card connector of FIG. 2, including raised ridge lines;

FIG. 7 depicts a top view of a rectangular card connector of the present invention;

FIG. 8 depicts a front view of the card connector of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 depicts a side view of the cards connector of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 depicts a curved card connector of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 depicts an isometric view of a card connector having an alternative card gripping means;

FIG. 12 depicts a front view of the card connector of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 depicts an isometric view of an alternative card connector of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 depicts a front view of the card connector of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 depicts a top view of the card connector of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 depicts a top sectional view of the card connector of FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 depicts an isometric view of an alternative card connector of the present disclosure with a ball portion of a ball and socket joint;

FIG. 18 depicts a front view of the card connector of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 depicts a side view of the card connector of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 depicts a top view of the card connector of FIG. 17;

FIG. 21 depicts an isometric view of an alternative card connector of the present disclosure with a socket portion of a ball and socket joint;

FIG. 22 depicts a front view of the card connector of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 depicts a side view of the card connector of FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 depicts a top view of the card connector of FIG. 21;

FIG. 25 depicts a side sectional view of the card connector of FIG. 21;

FIG. 26 depicts an isometric view of a rectangular card connector of the present invention;

FIG. 27 depicts a front view of the card connector of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 depicts an isometric view of a pair of card connector affixed together;

FIG. 29 depicts a side view of the pair of card connectors of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 depicts an isometric view of a pair of card connector affixed together;

FIG. 31 depicts a side view of the pair of card connectors of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 depicts an isometric view of an intermediate connector element of the present disclosure;

FIG. 33 depicts a side sectional view of the intermediate element of FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 depicts an isometric view of an alternative intermediate connector element; and

FIG. 35 depicts a side sectional view of an alternative intermediate connector element of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a device(s) used to connect playing cards and methods for using the device(s). The device can be used in many applications including but not limited to the assembly of artistic structures, construction of toys, storage, and organization.

Referring now to the drawing figures in which like reference designators refer to like elements, there is shown in FIGS. 1-3 a card connector 10 of the present disclosure. The card connector 10 includes a card receiving portion 12 and interconnecting portion 14. The card receiving portion 12 is bifurcated having a first side portion 16 and a second side portion 18, with a center slot 20 interposed therebetween. A slot height “H” of the center slot 20 is sized to compressively fit a thickness of a card to be positioned therein to compressively and frictionally hold the card.

The interconnecting portion 14 can include one of a ball or socket portions 22, 24 of a ball and socket joint. To form a card connector assembly, the ball 22 of a first card connector 10 is inserted into the socket 24 of the second card connector 10, forming an articulating ball/socket joint 26. The ball/socket joint 26 provides a frictional connections, such that upon movement of one card connector 10 with respect to another card connector 10 the relative position of the card connectors 10 are maintained.

The ball/socket 22, 24 can be connected directly to the card receiving portion 12. Alternatively, the ball/socket 22, 24 can be attached in a spaced apart fashion, where an extension element 28 is interposed between the ball/socket 22, 24 and the card receiving portion 12.

Referring to FIGS. 4-5, in the card receiving portion 12, inner surfaces 30, 32 of the first and second side portions 16, 18 can include a plurality of nubs 34 which extend into the center slot 20. The nubs 34 can be positioned on the inner surfaces 30, 32 of the first and second side portions 16, 18 in an alternating pattern, along the length and or width of the inner surfaces 30, 32. The plurality of nubs 34 act to increase the gripping force on an inserted playing card.

Referring to FIG. 6, in the card receiving portion 12, inner surfaces 30, 32 of the first and second side portions 16, 18 can include a plurality of raised ridge lines 36 which extend into the center slot 20. The raised ridge lines 36 can be positioned on the inner surfaces 30, 32 of the first and second side portions 16, 18 in an alternating pattern, along the length and or width of the inner surfaces 30, 32. The plurality of raised ridge lines 36 act to increase the gripping force on an inserted playing card.

It is also envisioned that the inner surfaces 30, 32 of the first and second side portions 16, 18 can include any texture element which act to increase the gripping force on an inserted playing card.

A circumferential edge 40 of the card receiving portion 12 can be arcuate in shape, for example, being substantially semi-circular in shape, though different arcuate circumferential shapes 40 are contemplated.

Referring to FIGS. 7-9, in another embodiment, the card receiving portion 12 can be rectangular is shape having a length “L” and width “W,” where the length “L” is greater than the width “W.” Alternatively, the length “L” can be less than the width “W”, or equal to the width “W.”

Referring to FIG. 10, in another embodiment, the card receiving portion 12 can be curved along its length “L.” Alternatively, the card receiving portion 12 can be curved along it width “W” (not shown).

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the inner surfaces 30, 32 of the first and second side portions 16, 18 of the card receiving portion 12 can include a plurality of alternating and opposing raised ridge lines 42 and troughs 44, where the opposing raised ridge lines 42 and troughs 44 are aligned. The raised ridge lines 42 and troughs 44 can be positioned on the inner surfaces 30, 32 of the first and second side portions 16, 18 in an alternating pattern, along the length and or width of the inner surfaces 30, 32. The plurality of raised ridge lines 42 and troughs 44 act to increase the gripping force on an inserted playing card.

Referring again FIGS. 1 and 2, in the interconnecting portion 14, the ball 22 can be substantially, spherical in shape. The socket 24 can take the form of a substantially, hemi-spherical socket, where the ball 22 is removably positionable into the socket 24. The socket 24 is seized to frictionally secure the position of the ball 22 with respect to the socket 24. Alternatively, the socket 24 can be substantially hemispherical in shapes defining a side wall 50, where the side wall 50 include alternating gaps 52 and legs 54 arranged about the side wall 50. The socket 24 can be made of elastic material, such as plastic, such that the legs 54 can provide a spring force against an inserted ball 22.

The gaps 52 can be sized to receive the extension element 28 element therein. In this manner, the angular range of motion between a pair of interconnects card connectors can be increase past 90°. Additionally, the gaps 52 can be sized such that the extension element 28 can be snap fitted into the gap 52, locking the position of the pair of interconnecting card connectors.

Referring to FIGS. 13-16 a card connector 60 of the present disclosure includes a card receiving portion 62 and interconnecting portion 64. The card receiving portion 62 is bifurcated having a first side portion 66 and a second side portion 68, with a center slot 70 interposed therebetween. A slot height “H” of the center slot 70 is sized to compressively fit a thickness of a card to be positioned therein to compressively and frictionally hold the card.

The first and second side portions 66, 68 can each include a plurality of segmented elements 72, where on each of the first and second side portions 66, 68 a gap 74 is interposed between adjacent segmented elements 72. The segmented elements 72 can be arranged on the first and second side portions 66, 68 in an alternating manner, such that no two opposing segments 72 on the first and second side portions 66, 68 are aligned with each other.

The segmented elements 72 can be cantilevered such that the center slot 70 is sized to compressively fit a width of a card therein. Similar to card connected 10, the side portions 66, 68 can include nubs or raised ridge lines on the inner surfaces.

The interconnecting portion 64 can include one of a ball or socket 82, 84, where two card connectors 60 can be connected together by interconnecting the ball 82 and socket 84 to form a ball/socket joint 86. The ball/socket joint 86 provides a frictional connections, such that upon movement of one card connector 60 with respect to another card connector 60 the relative position of the card connectors 60 are maintained.

The ball/socket 82, 84 can be connected directly to the card receiving portion 62. Alternatively, the ball/socket 82, 84 can be attached in a spaced apart fashion, where an extension element 88 is interposed between the ball/socket 82, 84 and the card receiving portion 62.

Referring to FIGS. 17-20, a first card connector 90 of the present disclosure includes a card receiving portion 92 and interconnecting portion 94. The card receiving portion 92 is bifurcated having a first side portion 96 and a second side portion 98, with a center slot 100 interposed therebetween. A slot height of the center slot 100 is sized to compressingly fit a width of a card to be positioned therein to compressively and frictionally hold the card.

The first and second side portions 96, 98 can each include a plurality of segmented elements 102, where on each of the first and second side portions 96, 98 a gap 104 is interposed between adjacent segmented elements 102. The segmented elements 102 can be arranged on the first and second side portions 96, 98 in an alternating manner, such that no two opposing segments 102 on the first and second side portions 96, 98 are aligned with each other.

A tip portion 108 of the segmented elements 102 can be blunted, having a tip thickness less than a thickness at a mid-point of the segmented element 102. In this manner a slot height H₁ at the tip is greater than a slot height H₂ at the mid-point of the segmented elements 102. The increased slot height H₁ at the tip 108 can allow for an easier insertion of the playing card.

The segmented elements 102 can be cantilevered such that the center slot 100 is s sized to compressingly fit a width of a card therein. Similar to card connected 10, the side portions 96, 98 can include nubs or raises ridge lines on the inner surfaces.

The interconnecting portion 94 can include a ball 106 portion of a ball/socket joint. The ball 106 can be a solid spherical ball, or in the alternative a segmented ball.”

Referring to FIGS. 21-25, similar to first card connector 90, a second card connector 110 of the present disclosure includes a card receiving portion 112 and interconnecting portion 114. The card receiving portion 112 is bifurcated having a first side portion 116 and a second side portion 118, with a center slot 120 interposed therebetween. A slot height of the center slot 120 is sized to compressingly fit a width of a card to be positioned therein to compressively and frictionally hold the card.

The first and second side portions 116, 118 can each include a plurality of segmented elements 122, where on each of the first and second side portions 116, 118 a gap 124 is interposed between adjacent segmented elements 122. The segmented elements 122 can be arranges on the first and second side portions 116, 118 in an alternating manner, such that no two opposing segments 122 on the first and second side portions 116, 118 are aligned with each other.

A tip portion 130 of the segmented elements 122 can be blunted, having a tip thickness less than a thickness at a mid-point of the segmented element 122. In this manner a slot height H₁ at the tip 130 is greater than a slot height H₂ at the mid-point of the segmented elements 122. The increased slot height H₁ at the tip 130 can allow for an easier insertion of the playing card.

The segmented elements 122 can be cantilevered such that the center slot 120 is sized to compressingly fit a width of a card therein. Similar to card connected 10, the side portions 116, 118 can include nubs or raises ridge lines on the inner surfaces.

The interconnecting portion 114 can include a socket 124 portion of a ball/socket joint. The socket 124 can take the form of a substantially, hemi-spherical socket, where the ball 106 is removably positionable into the socket 124. The socket 124 is sized to frictionally secure the position of the ball 106 with respect to the socket 124. Alternatively, the socket 124 can be substantially hemispherical in shape, defining a side wall 125, where the side wall 125 include alternating gaps 126 and legs 128 arranged about the side wall 125. The socket 124 can be made of elastic material, such as plastic, such that the legs 128 can provide a spring force against an inserted ball 106.

The first and second card connectors 90, 110 can be connected together by interconnecting the ball 106 and socket 124 to form a ball/socket joint. The ball/socket joint provides a frictional connections, such that upon movement of the first card connector 90 with respect to the second card connector 110 the relative position of the card connectors 90, 110 are maintained.

The ball/socket 104, 124 can be connected directly to the card receiving portions 92, 112. Alternatively, the ball/socket 104, 124 can be attached in a spaced apart fashion, where an extension element 106, 136 is interposed between the ball/socket 104, 124 and the card receiving portion 92, 112.

A circumferential edge of the card receiving portions 92, 112 can be arcuate in shape, for example, being substantially semi-circular in shape, though different arcuate circumferential shapes are contemplated.

Referring to FIGS. 26 and 27, in another embodiment, the card receiving portions 92, 112 can be rectangular is shape have a length “L” and width “W,” where the length “L” is greater than the width “W.” Alternatively, the length “L” can be less than the width “W,” or equal to the width “W.”

In an embodiment, a pair of card receiving portions 140 can be connected together in a fixed relationship. Referring to FIGS. 28 and 29, a pair of card receiving portions 140 are fixed together at an 180° angle with respect to each other. An interconnecting portion 142 can be interposed between the pair of card receiving portions 140. The interconnecting portion 142 can take the form of a ball or socket portion of a ball and socket joint as had been previously described.

Referring to FIGS. 30 and 31, the pair of card receiving portions 140 are fixed together at a 900 angel with respect to each other. An interconnecting portion 142 can be interposed between the pair of card receiving portions 140. The interconnecting portion 142 can take the form of a ball or socket portion of a ball and socket joint as had been previously described. It is further contemplated that the card receiving portions can be fixed together at any specific angle α, including but not limited to, 180°, 90°, 60°, 45°, 30°, and the like.

In a further embodiment, intermediate connectors are provided to connect a plurality of card connectors together. Referring to FIGS. 32 and 33, an intermediate connector 150 includes a pair of opposing connector elements 152, 154. The connector elements 152, 154 are depicted as socket portions of a ball and socket joint. However, it is envisioned that the connector elements 152, 154 can be either ball portions, socket portions, or one of each. Referring to FIG. 34, an intermediate connector having a ball connector element 156 and a socket connector element 158 is shown.

Referring to FIG. 35, an intermediate connector 160 is provided having four connector elements 162, 164, 166, 168. The connector elements 162, 164, 166, 168 are depict as socket portions of a ball and socket joint. However, it is envisioned that the connector elements 162, 164, 166, 168 can be either ball portions, socket portions, or combinations thereof. Additionally, the intermediate connector are depicted as having 2 and 4 connector elements, however it is contemplated that the intermediate connector can include any plurality of connector elements, include 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, . . . connector elements.

All references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A card-connector comprising:

a card receiving portion bifurcated to define a first side portion, a second side portion, and a slot, wherein the slot is sized to receive and hold a card; and

an interconnecting portion having at least one of a ball portion or socket portion of a ball and socket joint.

2. The card connector as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first and second side portions each include a plurality of segmented elements, wherein a gap is interposed between adjacent segmented elements.

3. The card connector as set forth in claim 2, where the segmented elements are arranged on the first and second side portions in an alternating pattern.

4. The card connector as set forth in claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of segmented elements has a tip thickness less than a midpoint point thickness.

5. The card connector as set forth in claim 1, wherein the slot has a slight height selected to compressively fit a thickness of a card.

6. The card connector as set forth in claim 5, wherein the slot has a tip slot height and a mid-point slot height, wherein the tip slot height is greater than the mid-point slot height.

7. The card connector as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first and second side portions each define an inner surface, the inner surface including a plurality of nubs.

8. The card connector as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first and second side portions each define an inner surface, the inner surface including a plurality of raised ridge lines.

9. The card connector as set forth in claim 1, wherein the card receiving portion is arcuate in shape.

10. The card connector as set forth in claim 9, wherein the card receiving portion is rectangular in shape.

11. A card-connector comprising:

a card receiving portion bifurcated to define a first side portion, a second side portion, and a slot, wherein the first and second portion each include a plurality of segmented elements and a gap is interposed between adjacent segmented elements; and

an interconnecting portion having at least one of a ball portion or socket portion of a ball and socket joint.

12. The card connector as set forth in claim 11, where the segmented elements are arranged on the first and second side portions in an alternating pattern.

13. The card connector as set forth in claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of segmented elements has a tip thickness less than a midpoint point thickness.

14. The card connector as set forth in claim 11, wherein the slot has a tip slot height and a mid-point slot height, wherein the tip slot height is greater than the mid-point slot height.

15. The card connector as set forth in claim 11, wherein each of plurality of line segments each define an inner surface, the inner surface including a plurality of raised ridge lines.

16. A card-connector comprising:

a plurality card receiving portions, each card receiving portion is bifurcated to define a first side portion, a second side portion, and a slot, wherein the slot is sized to receive and hold a card; and

an interconnecting portion having at least one of a ball portion or socket portion of a ball and socket joint, where in the interconnecting portion is interposed between the plurality of card receiving portions.

17. The card connector as set forth in claim 16, where the plurality of card receiving portions include a first card receiving portion and a second card receiving portion.

18. The card connector as set forth in claim 17, wherein the first and second card receiving portions are affixed together at an 180° angle.

19. The card connector as set forth in claim 17, wherein the first and second card receiving portions are affixed together at a 90° angle.

20. The card connector as set forth in claim 17, wherein the first and second card receiving portions are affixed to together at an angle selected from the group consisting of 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°, and 180°.