INTERCONNECTING MODULAR PATHWAY APPARATUS
The present invention provides for a plurality of interconnectable modular members that may create a pathway system with multiple entrances into the upper portion of each member and at least one exit from the lower portion of each member, thereby providing for a variety of convergence and divergence possibilities. The pathway system is suitable for receiving and transporting marbles and other spherical objects from one member to another. The modular members may be interlinked via male/female connectors to create a variety of configurations.
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This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/672,286 filed Apr. 18, 2005, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/682,146, filed May 18, 2005, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/696,611, filed Jul. 5, 2005, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/748,684, filed Dec. 8, 2005, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention provides for a plurality of interconnectable modular members that may create a pathway system with multiple entrances into the upper portion of each member and at least one exit from the lower portion of each member, thereby providing for a variety of convergence and divergence possibilities. The system of the present invention is appropriate for receiving and transporting a spherical object such as a marble, and the drawings further illustrate various principles and embodiments in accordance with the present invention.
In one embodiment, the modular members have a generally cubical form, but a variety of other member shapes are possible. Each cubical member generally defines at least one exit. For example, a horizontal exit may be defined in a cubical member by an opening in a vertical face of the member. A cubical member may have anywhere from one to four horizontal exists, but as shown in the drawings, other member forms and shapes with varying numbers of exits are also possible. Another form of a cubical member is a vertical exit member, which defines a vertical exit in an underside of the member.
Any of the modular members may be interconnected with other like members via male/female connectors regardless of whether the members have one or more horizontal exits or a single vertical exit. In the case of the cubical members, because each member includes five entrances, every member allows for a convergence of up to five other members' exits. Additionally, each member may allow different levels of divergence, corresponding to the number of exits provided by the member.
A variety of joinery possibilities are suitable for use with the present invention. For example, horizontal exit cubical members may define a male horizontal connector or joint for each horizontal exit, typically comprising two vertically aligned members, optionally with a curved component connecting the vertically aligned members from below thereby creating a U-shape, and protruding outside a vertical face of the member and situated in the lower portion of the member and on either side of the horizontal exit. Each of the modular members, both the horizontal exit members and the vertical exit members, also typically define four female horizontal connectors or joints, situated in an upper portion of the member, for receiving and interconnecting with the male connector of another member. The interconnected members are thereby horizontally coupled.
Two horizontally coupled cubical members are vertically staggered, creating a half-step vertical shift between neighboring members. In other embodiments, this vertical offset may be more or less than a half-block offset. This shift aligns an elevated member's exits with the neighboring members' entrances. A solid mass of blocks can be assembled which automatically results in a checkerboard effect, in which adjacent vertical columns of blocks are staggered one half step. A three dimensional grid of “shifted Cartesian space” (the 3D checkerboard) describes the potential position of any block in a construction. Solid, lattice, linear, planar, intersecting planar and other constructions, are possible; the basic configurations that are used to build particular constructions are cascade, slalom, zig-zag, single helix, and double helix.
In the foregoing description, embodiments of the present invention, including preferred embodiments, have been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. For instance, the cubical member is only one embodiment of the present invention; modular members with a variety of other shapes and forms may be consistent with the principles described. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principals of the invention and its practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention.
I. Modular Members
The modular members of the present invention may take a variety of shapes and forms that are consistent with the principles disclosed throughout this description. Like-members are interconnectable and may form pathways through a series of exits and entrances from one member to another connected member. These pathways are suitable for receiving and transporting a spherical object, such as a marble, or other appropriate objects or liquids. When several like-members are connected, thereby creating several pathways, the convergence and divergence caused by the pattern of exits and entrances may provide an amount of randomness in determining which pathway will actually be traveled by a sphere set into the assembly.
A. Entrances and Exits
(i) General Attributes of Members
With reference to
For instance, in the embodiments where the modular members have a substantially cubical shape, shown in
The entrances and exits of the cubical members are shown in more detail in
In an alternative embodiment, the modular members have a triangular shape, shown in
With reference to
As described, in cubical embodiments the modular members 10 have five total entrances—four horizontal 310 and one vertical 320—and one to four exits, and in triangular embodiments the modular members 20 have four total entrances—three horizontal 310 and one vertical 320—and one to three exits. In either embodiment, a member with only one exit may include either a horizontal exit 330 or a vertical exit 240. Thus, for cubical, triangular, and other embodiments where the modular members have n sides, each member has n+1 entrances and 1 to n exits. This principle may also apply to other embodiments such as the cruciform, or “T-plan”, embodiment shown in
Other embodiments, consistent with the principles of the present invention, may include a number of entrances and exits that do not conform to these entrance/exit equations. For instance, spherical or truncated octahedron members may deviate. In a “cubical-spherical” member, a member 30 defines five entrances and one to four exits;
An aspect of the present invention is the variety of shapes and forms of the modular members that conform to the same entrance/exit principles. For instance, numerous distinct embodiments of the members may include similar or identical entrance and exit configurations without deviating from the present invention. A triangular member 20 and a triangular-spherical member 40 have unique physical characteristics, but as shown in
Similarly, the entrance/exit configuration of
In yet another example of this aspect of the present invention,
(ii) Pathways Created by Horizontal Members
As described, regardless of their shape or form, most of the modular members may be placed into two general categories: horizontal exit members and vertical exit members. Examples of the former are shown in
Horizontal exit members share the common characteristic of creating a generally horizontal pathway when connected to another adjacent member. The horizontal pathways may or may not be exactly horizontal; the pathways may include a downward slope, generally declining from proximate the center of a member to an exterior side of the member.
Again with reference to
As shown in each of these drawings (
As with the entrance/exit configuration of individual members, it is also true members of a variety of shapes and forms may be arranged that conform to the same entrance/exit system. For instance,
With reference to
With reference to
With respect to vertical-exit members, a concave-up floor in these members tends to induce some horizontal motion into falling spheres that contact the floor. As seen in
(iii) Pathways Created by Vertical Members
In contrast to the horizontal exit members, vertical exit members share the common characteristic of creating a vertical pathway when vertically stacked upon another member. With reference to
(iv) Randomness in Pathway
Where horizontal exit members with more than one horizontal exit are connected with other like-members, the pathway created thereby includes a certain degree of randomness. When an object such as a marble is introduced to the pathway of this pathway configuration, the marble will travel generally downward through the pathway as described in more detail below. Upon reaching a two-, three-, or four-exit member, the marble may exit through any of the exits.
For example, with reference to
B. Member Form
As already described, the modular members may take a variety of shapes and forms while still conforming to the principles of the present invention. Non-limiting exemplars of the possible embodiments of the present invention include cubical, triangular, rectangular, cylindrical, spherical, hexagonal, octagonal, truncated octahedral, bicupolar, and cruciform, or “T-plan”. Both the entrance/exit principles and the vertical offset principle described above are achievable regardless of the particular shape or form of the modular member. Additionally, as discussed above and described in more detail below, the numerous pathway configurations for assembly of like-modular members are also achievable regardless of the particular shape or form of the modular members.
C. Joiner
(i) General Attributes of Joinery
Like-members are generally assembled and coupled to each other through a joinery system. As described herein, a variety of joinery systems and embodiments may be suitable for achieving the desired assembly and coupling effect, each having unique characteristics.
For example, L-joints or U-joints, which are described in more detail below, generally provide for a sliding assembly where members are assembled by vertically sliding one member into its adjacent member. The members are thereby coupled together, at least in part, by the L-shaped portion of the joint. Alternatively, friction joints, which are also described in more detail below, provide for assembling members by vertically or horizontally sliding one member into its adjacent member. The friction joint members are thereby coupled together, at least in part, by the frictional force of the joints. These and other joint types are described further below.
Another aspect of the joinery is their configuration such that where two members are interconnected thereby, the joints ensure the 1/2 step vertical offset thereby providing for proper pathway alignment between adjacent members.
In the specific example of a first split joint type, described in more detail below,
Vertical exit cubical members generally do not have male joints on their sides. Each of these cubical members also includes four female joints, defined by interior sides 230 of vertical support members 40. These female joints are configured to receive and couple with the male joints.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the modular members do not include any joinery. In this embodiment, the members are assembled by placing modular members on a substantially flat surface in the desired location. A Y2 step vertical offset may still be achieved through a number of means, even without a joinery system. For example, a set of offset members (not shown) may be provided. The offset members may have dimensions substantially similar to that of the other modular members except for their height, which is approximately half the height of the other members. By stacking a regularly shaped member on top of an offset member, the regularly shaped member will be situated at an appropriate vertical offset relative to an adjacent member that is not stacked on an offset member. By configuring the offset members in a desired arrangement, such as a checkerboard, the remaining modular members may be positioned and configured to created the pathways described above.
(ii) Joinery Examples
As described, a variety of joints may be used in accordance with the present invention. Non-limiting examples of such suitable joints are shown in
The joinery types shown in
An advantage to the vertical assembly joints described below is the increased strength and support provided thereby. Members with vertical assembly joints are easily and securely coupled to each other, with the proper pathway alignment and vertical offset ensured. An advantage of the horizontal assembly joints described below is the ability to add and remove members from an array of assembled members; because horizontal/vertical assembly joint members can be coupled and de-coupled horizontally, no disassembly is necessary to remove a member that would otherwise be vertically pinned by adjacent members.
Split Joint Type 1: Examples of the first split joint type are shown in
Split Joint Type 2: Examples of the second split joint type are shown in
Double joints: Examples of the double joint type are shown in
Magnetic Joint:
U-Joint: One embodiment of the U-shaped joint, or “U-joint”, is shown on a cubical member 10 in
“Hook and Loop” Joint: The “hook and loop” joint (not shown) implements a hook and loop fastener material, such as Velcro, on opposing sides of the modular members to be coupled. The material may be situated similarly to the magnets in the magnetic joint described above or in any other location appropriate for coupling the members.
Adhesive Joint: The adhesive joint (not shown) may also be implemented by applying an amount of adhesive at appropriate locations to couple adjacent modular members. A variety of adhesives are suitable for this purpose, including permanent adhesive, semi-adhesive, and impermanent adhesive, such as soluble glue. Additionally, where the modular members are formed of ice, as described in more detail below, the joint may be a slushy substance capable of being manipulated and frozen, thereby adhering two members together.
(iii) Vertical Joints
The above description of joinery systems relates to “horizontal joints” that couple like-members horizontally. Additionally, members may also include vertical joints for coupling like-members vertically, where one member is stacked on top of another member is seen in
In an embodiment shown in
In another embodiment shown in
In yet another embodiment shown in
In other embodiments, such as that shown in
(iv) Assembly
With reference to
With reference the embodiment shown
As is seen in
The taper provided in the vertical joinery systems, particularly the L-joint, is a further advantage to the particular placement of the parting line. The vertical female members in the upper half of each block have exterior faces which taper inward (¼ to ½ degrees) and interior faces which taper outward (also ¼ to 1 ½ degrees). The parting line, when it meets a male joint, continues around the edge of the top of the male joint until it reaches the tip of the L, as seen in
The terms male and female begin to meld because the two parts of the male joint, vertically aligned members 200, act together as a male insertion into a female opening, but when considering just one part of the male joint, it functions also like a female joint which is receiving a tapered male from below. In another aspect of a cubical member, the bottom four corners are tapered and rounded; therefore, the entirety of such a cubical member being vertically assembled into four other cubical members—such as the center topmost member in the structure shown in
In U-joint embodiment shown in
Because the U-joint is effectively a unified joint relative to the split joints, a number of advantageous features are achieved with the U-joint. For example, the curvature at the exit and the entrance create a stronger block by better distributing (rather than concentrating) stresses in the approximately 90 degree juncture of a vertical side element with a flat floor (as shown in
The cylindrical male joints on the bottom of the blocks also match the curvature of the corners of the blocks. The matching curves of corner and joint increase the frictional surface area. The curvature of the corners of the blocks assists flow of the plastic through the mold and thus decreases cycle time during manufacturing. The curvature on the corners is ergonomic. Further, the accentuated curvatures of the U-shaped entrance and exit openings in the outside wall of the block bring added strength by spreading tearing stresses more widely than would be the case with squarer openings.
In another aspect, part of the underside of the male joint has an accentuated curvature which allows for inexact initial left-right alignment and guides the lower block into position as two members are interlinked.
D. Member Examples
In one embodiment of the present invention, shown in
The curvature of the pathway 910 seen in the section cut line of
Vertical male joint 410 allows for the vertical interconnection of the blocks.
In another embodiment of the present invention, shown in
Buttresses 720 stiffen and support the corners of the blocks, as seen in
Vertical tubes 410 run through each of the four corners, which allows lines, wires, rods, strings, or the like to pass through multiple blocks to assist in packaging or use of the product (e.g., making mobiles suspended from the ceiling).
The ejection pins are aligned with the intersections of the internal walls 1000 and thus the ejection force is evenly distributed across the geometry of the part. The exit pathway is also cantilevered out past the edges of the overall cubic form.
II. Marble Flow
Once multiple like modular members are assembled and appropriately aligned, either with or without a joinery system, pathways are defined wherever one member's exit(s) aligns with another member's entrance. This alignment creates either planned or unplanned pathway configurations, dependent upon whether the user is building in a strategic or haphazard manner. Because there is an exit from every block, there is never a dead end; haphazard or intuitive construction processes lead to pathways that may work as well as those in more carefully planned structures. Examples of basic pathway configurations are shown in
Because the exterior shape and dimensions of each modular member as well as each member's internal chamber, including floor and wall shapes, may vary greatly, the behavior of a sphere or other object traveling through a pathway system created by assembled members may differ substantially. Depending on the desired effect, appropriate shapes and dimensions of the member's internal chamber may be selected.
In one embodiment, shown in
In the cascade configuration of
Another aspect of the present invention that controls the speed of the marble is the pathway configuration. For example, in the slalom configuration using the cubical member shown in
In the “thick shell/thin interior” embodiments described above, the members' floor are substantially concave-up with at least one exit pathway formed in the floor. The concave up floor creates a rocking effect on a sphere traveling through these members, which serves as yet another device for slowing the flow of the marble through the pathway. For example, a marble entering into the internal chamber will fall to the floor, at which point the concave up floor directs the marble towards the center of the floor. In an opposing two-exit member, as seen in
The exit pathway in the 1-exit member, seen in
The hourglass shape in the two-exit block, seen in
A. Array principles
As described above, a plurality of like-modular members (e.g., cubical, triangular, rectangular, spherical, cruciform, etc.) may be assembled into various configurations such as those shown in
For instance, a ½ height vertical offset or stagger will exist between any two adjacent members. This achieves the high-low-high effect, which represents a three dimensional grid of “shifted Cartesian space.” As seen in
The “shifted Cartesian space” can be appreciated by comparing cubes arranged in Cartesian space, shown in
A similar effect may be seen for triangular members (
Where the modular members of a particular embodiment contain an underlying grid geometry—as with the cubical embodiment seen in
As is apparent, the alignment of geometric centers shown in
Again with reference to
B. Basic Configurations
As previously described, basic configurations of like members include a tower (
C. Non-limiting construction exemplars
A variety of array types may be assembled from a plurality of like-modular members. These different arrays may generally be categorized into four types: solid constructions, shell constructions, lattice constructions, and planar/intersecting planar constructions.
By way of example, the solid constructions may include assemblies in the shape of a block, pyramid, or inverted pyramid. This construction type is characterized by an assembly of members without any voids on the interior of the construction; each member—except for members on the exterior of the construction—has a neighbor at each available position. The configuration shown in
Again by way of example, the lattice constructions may include assemblies in the shape of a helix or a double helix. This construction type is characterized by an open framework or pattern. As previously noted, the configuration shown in
The planar and intersecting planar constructions may include assemblies in the shape of a plane or interesting planes. As seen in
With reference to
With reference to
Because modular members of different shapes may have matching joineries, these differently shaped members may be joined, nonetheless, thereby allowing for mixed polygon tiling. With reference to
Accordingly, “dimensionally similar” members refers to members that substantially share external dimensions (discounting joinery, which may vary from “dimensionally similar” member to “dimensionally similar” member, and discounting internal shapes, such as the floor, walls, and other features of the internal chamber); e.g., two cubes with substantially the same height, width and depth, or two triangles with similar height and side dimensions. In contrast, “dimensionally dissimilar shapes” refers to any two members that do not substantially share external dimensions; e.g., the cube members and triangle members shown in
The above constructions and construction types are merely illustrative of the sorts of assemblies that are possible. Other means for creating and building arrays are also available. For instance, arrays may be generated using a variety of algorithms, including constructions generated by computer-executed algorithms, whereby structures made with Cartesian shapes (e.g., cubes) in “shifted Cartesian space” are generated from a computer algorithm. Alternatively, a user may randomly create constructions that are solid, lattice, planar/intersecting planar, or some combination thereof. Alternatively, a user may create representational constructions fashioned to represent the likeness of other objects or animals, such as chair, a robot, a horse, etc.
Any lattice construction can be embedded within a solid construction by filling in the voids of the lattice. In this way, a solid mass of blocks may contain a set of interlocking helical or other types of pathways.
IV. Specialty Blocks
A variety of “specialty blocks” may be provided in accordance with the present invention. These blocks are generally configurable and useable with the members described above, and may conform to some but not all of the previously described principles.
One such specialty block includes a four-exit member, similar to the four-exit member described above. This block differs, however, by providing for removable stoppers or “blocking units” that may be inserted into the member thereby blocking any of the exits. Anywhere from zero to three stoppers may be inserted in the desired locations to block the desired exits. This allows for the creation of multiple block-exit configurations from a single base block design.
Another specialty block is the ramp rectangular block 550, shown in
A tube link is made using a compatible female entrance and a compatible male exit connected to one another by a rigid or flexible tube, with appropriate joinery, through which a sphere travels. A rigid tube may be a telescoping tube to allow for use in a wider range of configurations.
V. Materials, Manufacturing, and Scale
The modular members of the present invention may be constructed from a variety of suitable materials. In one embodiment the members are formed from a crystal clear polycarbonate, resin, or other plastic. The members may also be formed from a glass or metal material. Alternatively, the members may be made of foam to form larger shapes, such as 4-5″ cubes, usable with larger spheres. This embodiment provides for modular members usable by children who are too young to have access to marbles without risk of choking. In yet another embodiment, the modular members may comprise inflatable plastic (i.e., filled with air), such that the pathways created are sufficiently wide to transport an even larger sphere, such as beach ball or volleyball. Other embodiments provide for constructing the modular members from wood, bamboo, or other carved materials. Alternatively, the modular members are formed of ice. In this embodiment, the joints may be a slushy substance capable of being manipulated and frozen, thereby adhering two members together. Accordingly, the example of ice members shown in
A variety of manufacturing methods are also available for the modular members of the present invention. For modular members made of plastic, glass, or metal materials, injection molding, casting, or other known methods may be implemented. For modular members made of wood, bamboo, and similar materials, carving, routing, or other known methods may be implemented.
The modular members of the present invention may be created with a variety of sizes. For instance, cubical members of the present invention may have a length of 1 ½″-2″, which may transport a ½″-1″ sphere such as a marble or steel ball bearing. A reduced scale may entail cubical modular member with a length of ¾″, which transports a ⅛″-½″ sphere such as marble or bearing ball and is suitable for a travel set. A larger scale may entail cubical modular members with a length of >2″, which may be suitable to transport larger spheres such as tennis balls, playground balls, or beach balls.
The materials, manufacturing methods, and scales described are merely illustrative. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other suitable materials, manufacturing methods, and sizes may be implemented without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.
VI. Game Board
A game board may be used in conjunction with the modular members of the present invention to create a solitaire or group game. The game board may include an array of joints that align with the geometry of the particular members used for the game. For instance, the game board may provide a five by five grid of female joints constructed on a planar surface that forms the base for structures following the grid arrangement of geometric centers.
With reference to
The game board shown in
The rules for the game may be “open-source.” The game board and the blocks, spheres, or other member types serve as the starting point and the players can determine their own rules. Games may be devised that are cooperative, competitive, or a combination of the two. Game boards, modular members, and marbles act as an “armature” for the creation of a plurality of future games. Part of the game play may include developing rule systems. Other variations and rules of game boards and game play may be implemented within the scope and spirit of the present invention.
The levelness of the game board is important for players who are particularly interested in the randomness of marble movement through constructed pathways. A bubble level (not shown) may be built into the game board together with adjustable feet so that the game board may be leveled before commencement of the game itself. Alternately a separate level may be placed on the game board for set-up and then removed prior to commencement of the game.
Although various representative embodiments of this invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventive subject matter set forth in the specification and claims.
Claims
1. A first interlinkable modular member defining a coupling for securing the first interlinkable modular member to a dimensionally similar second interlinkable modular member, the coupling including a male component and a female component, wherein the female component of the first interlinkable member is configured to receive a male component of the second interlinkable modular member into a linked position such that the two modular members are vertically offset by ½ to ⅔ of the members' height.
2. A first interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 1, wherein the two modular members in the linked position are vertically offset by ½ of the members' height.
3. A first interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 1, wherein an aggregate slope between the members is 1:2.
4. A first interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 1, wherein the first member is one of a finite number of standardized and dimensionally similar members that are joinable in a plurality of arrangements.
5. A first interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 4, wherein the finite number of standardized and dimensionally similar members are arranged to form a first vertically aligned column.
6. A first interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 5, wherein the finite number of standardized and dimensionally similar members are arranged to form a second vertically aligned column, wherein the first column is adjacently joined with the second column.
7. A first interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 6, wherein at least the first column or the second column is characterized by vertical discontinuity.
8. A first interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 7, wherein the vertical discontinuity is established by projecting at least a first member of the finite number members over at least a second member of the finite number of members.
9. A first interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 6, wherein the finite number of standardized and dimensionally similar members defines a system of descending pathways between interlinked members.
10. A first interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 6, wherein the first column and the second column are vertically offset by ½ to ⅔ of the members' height.
11. A first interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 10, wherein the first column and the second column are vertically offset by % of the members' height.
12. A first interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 6, wherein the finite number of members are arranged to form, from a top view thereof, a rectilinear grid.
13. A first interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 6, wherein the finite number of members are arranged to form, from a top view thereof, a triangular grid.
14. A first interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 6, wherein the finite number of members are arranged to form, from a top view thereof, a hexagonal grid.
15. A first interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 6, wherein the finite number of members are arranged to form, from a top view thereof, a mixed polygon tiling.
16. A first interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 1, wherein the first member is one of a finite number of standardized members that are joinable in a plurality of arrangements, the finite number of standardized members being characterized by at least two dimensionally dissimilar shapes.
17. A first interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 16, wherein the finite number of standardized and dimensionally similar members are arranged to form a first vertically aligned column.
18. A first interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 17, wherein the finite number of standardized and dimensionally similar members are arranged to form a second vertically aligned column, wherein the first column is adjacently joined with the second column.
19. A modular member defining at least three openings in side surfaces thereof, each of the three openings defining a horizontal entrance configured to allow entry of a sphere in substantially the upper half of the modular member and at least one of the three openings further defining a horizontal exit configured to allow exit of a sphere from the lower half of the member.
20. A modular member as recited in claim 19, wherein a unified opening defines the horizontal exit and one of the horizontal entrances such that the one of the horizontal entrances is arranged above the horizontal exit.
21. A modular member as recited in claim 20, wherein the unified opening defines the horizontal exit and the one of the one of the horizontal entrance contiguously.
22. A modular member as recited in claim 19, wherein the modular member defines two horizontal exits, the two horizontal exits being configured on opposing sides of modular member.
23. A modular member as recited in claim 19, wherein the modular member defines two horizontal exits, the two horizontal exits being configured on adjacent sides of modular member.
24. A modular member as recited in claim 19, wherein the modular member defines three horizontal exits.
25. A modular member as recited in claim 19, wherein the modular member defines four horizontal exits.
26. A modular member as recited in claim 19, wherein the modular member defines an internal floor surface.
27. A modular member as recited in claim 26, wherein for each horizontal entrance the modular member defines an opening to the floor surface.
28. A modular member as recited in claim 26, wherein the modular member defines a pathway along the floor surface to the horizontal exit.
29. A modular member as recited in claim 27, wherein the modular member defines an internal chamber whereby a rolling object entering one of the horizontal entrances drops down to the floor surface, rolls to the horizontal exit, and drops out the horizontal exit thereby exiting the internal chamber.
30. A modular member as recited in claim 19, wherein the modular member defines a vertical entrance.
31. A modular member as recited in claim 26, wherein the modular member is substantially cubical.
32. A modular member as recited in claim 31, wherein the modular member defines at least four horizontal entrances.
33. A modular member as recited in claim 31, wherein the modular member defines two horizontal exits, the two horizontal exits being configured on opposing sides of modular member.
34. A modular member as recited in claim 31, wherein the modular member defines two horizontal exits, the two horizontal exits being configured on adjacent sides of modular member.
35. A modular member as recited in claim 31, wherein the modular member defines three horizontal exits.
36. A modular member as recited in claim 31, wherein the modular member defines four horizontal exits.
37. A modular member as recited in claim 19, wherein the modular member further defines a coupling system for securing the modular member to a dimensionally similar second modular member.
38. A modular member as recited in claim 37, wherein the coupling system includes a male component and a female component.
39. A modular member as recited in claim 37, wherein each horizontal entrance defines a female joint component of the coupling system and the horizontal exit defines a male joint component of the coupling system.
40. A modular member as recited in claim 39, wherein the female joint components are defined in substantially the upper half of the member and the male joint component is defined in the lower half of the member.
41. A modular member as recited in claim 39, wherein the male joint component is characterized by a U-shape with a lip thereon, the lip defining two vertical sides and wrapping around the bottom of the male joint component.
42. A modular member as recited in claim 41, wherein the U-shaped male joint component is a stop encountered by a dimensionally complimentary U-shaped female joint component of the second modular member when the modular members are being linked.
43. A modular member as recited in claim 41, wherein a bottom side of the modular member is a stop encountered by a male joint component of the second modular member when the modular members are being linked.
44. A plurality of dimensionally similar interlinkable modular members arranged for assembly and disassembly, each modular member comprising:
- a coupling system for inter-securing the modular members such that a first modular member and a second modular member are thereby arranged in a secured position defining a substantially horizontal pathway from the first modular member into the second modular member wherein the horizontal pathway passes through the coupling system of the first modular member and the second modular member, and wherein the horizontal pathway forms a downward outward sloping surface.
45. A plurality of dimensionally similar interlinkable modular members as recited in claim 44, wherein a top of each modular member is substantially open.
46. A plurality of dimensionally similar interlinkable modular members as recited in claim 44, wherein the horizontal pathway is suitable for a sphere to pass therethrough.
47. A plurality of dimensionally similar interlinkable modular members as recited in claim 46, wherein the horizontal pathway is suitable for a marble to pass therethrough.
48. A plurality of dimensionally similar interlinkable modular members as recited in claim 44, wherein the horizontal pathway is suitable for a liquid to pass therethrough.
49. A plurality of dimensionally similar interlinkable modular members as recited in claim 44, wherein the coupling system includes a male component and a female component.
50. A plurality of dimensionally similar interlinkable modular members as recited in claim 49, wherein the male component of the first modular member defines a pathway exit therefrom.
51. A plurality of dimensionally similar interlinkable modular members as recited in claim 50, wherein the female component of the second modular member defines an opening into the second modular member.
52. A plurality of dimensionally similar interlinkable modular members as recited in claim 51, wherein the secured position is achieved whereby substantially vertical outer segments of the male component of the first modular member are wedged between substantially vertical inner segments of the female component of the second modular member and substantially vertical rib structures of the second modular member.
53. A plurality of dimensionally similar interlinkable modular members as recited in claim 52, wherein the substantially vertical outer segments of the male component of the first modular member and the substantially vertical segments of the female component of the second modular member have complimentary draft angles.
54. A plurality of dimensionally similar interlinkable modular members as recited in claim 51, wherein the secured position is achieved whereby a U-shaped segment of the male component of the first modular member is encountered by a dimensionally complimentary U-shaped segment of the female component of the second modular member.
55. A plurality of dimensionally similar interlinkable modular members as recited in claim 51, wherein the secured position is achieved whereby a bottom side of the first modular member is encountered by a male joint component of the second modular member.
56. A plurality of dimensionally similar interlinkable modular members as recited in claim 44, wherein the first modular member and the second modular member are vertically offset by ½ of the members' height when arranged in the secured position.
57. An interlinkable modular member comprising:
- a coupling for securing the interlinkable modular member to a dimensionally similar second interlinkable modular member;
- at least three horizontal entrances;
- at least one horizontal exit; and
- an internal chamber having a floor surface arranged therein, the floor surface being situated at a lower portion of the internal chamber, wherein the horizontal entrances lead to the internal chamber and the floor surface leads to the exit.
58. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 57, wherein a unified opening defines the at least one horizontal exit and a fourth horizontal entrance such that the fourth horizontal entrance is arranged above the at least one horizontal exit.
59. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 58, wherein the unified opening defines the at least one horizontal exit and the fourth horizontal entrance contiguously.
60. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 57, wherein a unified opening defines the at least one horizontal exit and one of the horizontal entrances.
61. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 60, wherein the unified opening defines the at least one horizontal exit arranged below one of the horizontal entrances.
62. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 61, wherein the unified opening defines the at least one horizontal exit and one of the horizontal entrances contiguously.
63. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 57, wherein the modular member is substantially cubical.
64. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 63, wherein the floor surface forms a concave-up shape with a sloped pathway formed therein leading to the horizontal exit.
65. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 64, wherein the coupling includes a U-shaped component formed about the horizontal exit.
66. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 64, wherein the coupling includes a first vertical component and a second vertical component, the first and second vertical components being formed about the horizontal exit.
67. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 63, wherein the modular member comprises two horizontal exits formed on opposing sides thereof.
68. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 67, wherein the floor surface forms a concave-up shape with sloped pathways formed therein leading to each of the horizontal exits.
69. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 68, wherein the coupling includes U-shaped components formed about each of the horizontal exits.
70. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 67, wherein the floor surface is an opposingly pitched shape that forms a pathway leading to each of the horizontal exits.
71. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 63, wherein the modular member comprises two horizontal exits formed on adjacent sides thereof.
72. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 71, wherein the floor surface forms a concave-up shape with sloped pathways formed therein leading to each of the horizontal exits.
73. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 72, wherein the coupling includes U-shaped components formed about each of the horizontal exits.
74. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 63, wherein the modular member comprises three horizontal exits.
75. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 74, wherein the floor surface forms a concave-up shape with sloped pathways formed therein leading to each of the horizontal exits.
76. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 75, wherein the coupling includes U-shaped components formed about each of the horizontal exits.
77. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 63, wherein the modular member comprises four horizontal exits.
78. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 77, wherein the floor surface forms a concave-up shape with sloped pathways formed therein leading to each of the horizontal exits.
79. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 78, wherein the coupling includes U-shaped components formed about each of the horizontal exits.
80. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 57, wherein the horizontal entrances are defined in substantially the upper half of the modular member and the horizontal exit is defined substantially in the lower half of the modular member.
81. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 57, wherein the coupling includes a male joint component and a female joint component.
82. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 57, wherein each horizontal entrance defines a female joint component and the horizontal exit defines a male joint component.
83. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 82, wherein the male joint component is characterized by a U-shape with a lip thereon.
84. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 83, wherein the U-shaped male joint component is a stop encountered by the dimensionally complimentary U-shaped female joint component of the second modular member when the modular members are being linked.
85. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 83, wherein a bottom side of the modular member is a stop encountered by a male joint component of the second modular member when the modular members are being linked.
86. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 57, wherein the interlinkable modular member further comprises a vertical joinery system for securing the interlinkable modular member to a dimensionally similar third interlinkable modular member therebelow.
87. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 86, wherein the vertical joinery system includes a male joint component and a female joint component.
88. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 87, wherein male joint component is arranged at a bottom portion of the modular member and the female joint component is arranged at a top portion of the modular member.
89. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 87, wherein the male joint component is characterized by a concentric curvature.
90. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 87, wherein the male joint component defines a hole therethrough.
91. An interlinkable modular member comprising:
- an internal chamber having a floor arranged therein;
- at least three horizontal entrances, each horizontal entrance defining an opening leading to the internal chamber; and
- at least one horizontal exit, the horizontal exit defining an exit pathway leading along the floor to an exterior side of the modular member, wherein the exit pathway forms a downward outward sloping surface within the floor.
92. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 91, wherein the floor defines a substantially pitched shape about the exit pathway.
93. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 91, wherein the floor defines a substantially concave up shape about the exit pathway.
94. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 93, wherein the exit pathway creates an unstable equilibrium for a sphere-shaped object entering one of the horizontal entrances of the modular member.
95. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 93, wherein a back-and-forth rocking motion in a sphere-shaped object entering one of the horizontal entrances is induced by the substantially concave up shape of the floor.
96. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 95, wherein the back-and-forth rocking motion is perpendicular to the exit pathway.
97. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 91, wherein the floor forms a bias about the exit pathway towards a center of the modular member.
98. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 97, wherein the exit pathway forms a bias towards the exterior side of the modular member.
99. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 91, wherein a surface of the floor deflects objects moving thereover towards a center of the modular member.
100. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 91, wherein the modular member defines two horizontal exits, each of the two horizontal exits defining an exit pathway leading from the floor to an exterior side of the modular member, wherein each exit pathway forms a downward outward sloping surface within the floor.
101. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 91, wherein the modular member defines two horizontal exits, each of the two horizontal exits defining an exit pathway leading from an interior of the modular member to an exterior of the modular member.
102. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 91, wherein the modular member defines three horizontal exits, each of the three horizontal exits defining an exit pathway leading along the floor to an exterior side of the modular member, wherein each exit pathway forms a downward outward sloping surface within the floor.
103. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 91, wherein the modular member defines four horizontal exits, each of the four horizontal exits defining an exit pathway leading from the floor to an exterior side of the modular member, wherein each exit pathway forms a downward outward sloping surface within the floor.
104. An interlinkable modular member comprising:
- a coupling for securing the interlinkable modular member to a dimensionally similar second interlinkable modular member;
- at least three horizontal entrances; and
- a vertical exit, wherein the horizontal entrances lead to the vertical exit.
105. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 104, wherein the vertical exit is situated at a lower portion of the modular member.
106. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 104, wherein the vertical exit defines a hole in a bottom portion of the modular member.
107. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 106, wherein the hole is a circle.
108. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 104, wherein the modular member is substantially cubical.
109. An interlinkable modular member as recited in claim 104, wherein the modular member defines an internal floor surface, wherein the internal floor surface is concave up and the vertical exit is formed therein.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 29, 2021
Publication Date: Nov 25, 2021
Applicant: Q-BA-MAZE Inc. (Minneapolis, MN)
Inventor: Andrew Comfort (Minneapolis, MN)
Application Number: 17/388,485
