CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of pending U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/704,159 filed April 24, 2020, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present invention relates generally to children's play structures. More specifically, the present invention is directed to rotationally molded play structures of a versatile nature which are capable of being adapted, configured, or transformed for a number of different scenarios, purposes or environments, such as differing play conditions and connecting multiple stand-alone play sets together.

[0003] Children’s play structures are generally made from metal, plastic, wood or a combination thereof. The play structure typically includes a variety of activity components such as swings, a slide, climbing ladders, and a playhouse. Play structures are assembled by interconnecting the multiple components to create a predetermined standalone design. Rotationally molded components (walls, surfaces, slides, ladders, etc.) are typically interconnected in a tongue and groove fashion or by snap fit configurations. These play structures can have complex designs and often require time- consuming assembly.

[0004] There are a variety of play structures that include elevated surfaces for children to climb. These elevated surfaces are reached by the incorporation of a climbing component, e.g., a ladder. Children can exit the elevated structure via the same or similar climbing component, or often by use of a slide component. Various components (walls, surfaces, slides, ladders, etc.) of a play structure formed from plastic are typically interconnected in a tongue and groove fashion or by snap fit configures and are connected together to form a fixed final play structure. [0005] U.S. Patent 5,816,980 entitled “Playground Assembly” discloses attachment of a slide component to a playground assembly. In one embodiment, the playground assembly includes a set of opposing sidewalls each having a lug with an inward sloping surface that terminates at a lower end lock surface. A slide is installed by tilting an end of the slide component between the opposing sidewalls and pushing downwardly the slide against a ramped surface of a lug until it snaps under the lock surface.

[0006] U.S. Patent 6,383,084 entitled “Collapsible Play Structure” discloses attachment of a slide component to a play structure. In one embodiment, the slide is taught as being removably connected to an elevated platform via projections that fit into holes of the platform. The slide projections project upward at the top of the slide in order to securely latch the slide onto platform.

[0007] The above-mentioned attachment designs for slides are substantially similar or identical to attachment designs for other attachable structure components, e.g., ladders. However, these designs suffer from drawbacks in that the slides and ladders connected in this manner are fixed to one position about an ingress/egress portion of the play structure. Furthermore, these play systems are single use play systems, and thus not readily capable of being used and/or combined with a variety of different play structures for different play experiences. Play from one play structure to another requires egress and ingress via slides and ladders.

[0008] U.S. Patent 6,001 ,020 entitled “Toddler Climb and Slide” discloses a modular climbing unit that can be used independently or combined with other units to vary the play experiences for children. The design suffers drawbacks in that when units are combined they are merely placed adjacent to one another with no secure connection provided therebetween.

[0009] The present disclosure provides certain improvements including but not limited to, secure modular connectability of multiple standalone play structures allowing for consumers to efficiently construct larger play units and easily vary the play experience. Another improvement is that the present disclosure describes attachable components that are capable of pivoting from a climbing state, for a use as a standalone unit, to a bridge state for use as a combined structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0010] Various details of the present disclosure are hereinafter summarized to provide a basic understanding. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure and is neither intended to identify certain elements of the disclosure, nor to delineate the scope thereof. Rather, the primary purpose of this summary is to present some concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form prior to the more detailed description that is presented hereinafter.

[0011] In accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure, described are modular connector components for play structures for connecting at least two standalone children’s play structures together. An exemplary modular connector component includes a body of a width, a length, a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the first end and second end are each configured to removably engage a first complementary shaped receiving location and a second complementary shaped receiving location, respectively, of an elevated platform. In a further embodiment, the first end further includes a first jutted portion extending from the body about the first end, the first jutted portion having a first side and second side spanning a distance along a portion of the width of the body, the first jutted portion configured to rotatably engage the first complementary shaped receiving location. In another further embodiment, the modular connector component includes a set of spindles, extending perpendicular from each of the first and second sides of the first jutted portion and configured for rotational engagement with the first complementary shaped receiving location of the elevated platform. In another further embodiment, the second end further includes a second jutted portion extending from the body about the second end, the second jutted portion configured to engage the second complementary shaped receiving location. In another further embodiment, the second jutted portion has a substantially hook shaped cross-section wherein a point of the hook is configured to engage a complementary shaped channel of the second complementary shaped receiving location. In another further embodiment, the second end includes a plurality of top surface apertures configured to receive a fastener for securing the second end to the elevated platform. In another further embodiment, the modular connector includes a plurality of transverse ribs extending along the width of the body. In another further embodiment, the modular connector further includes at least one of a hole, indented recess and/or protrusion, that provides a surface able to accommodate a human hand or foot to facilitate climbing.

[0012] In accordance with other aspects of the present disclosure, described are play structures with modular connector components and/or modular receiving portions for connecting at least two standalone children’s play structures together. In some exemplary embodiments, a play center includes a modular connector component as described above, a first elevated platform supported by a first set of supports, an a second elevated platform supported by a second set of supports. When in a bridge position, the first end of the modular connector component is configured to removably connect to the first elevated platform and the second end of the modular connector component is configured to removably connect to the second elevated platform. In a further embodiment, the first elevated platform comprises an elongated recess located about an edge of a platform configured to rotatably receive the first end of the modular connector component, the elongated recess of the first elevated platform having at least one notch having a U- shaped cross-section with an open end on a top surface of the elevated platform for rotatably receiving the spindles of the modular connector component. In another further embodiment, the second elevated platform comprises an elongated channel having a substantially U-shaped cross- section defined between an inner wall and an outer wall, wherein the hook of the modular connector engages the elongated channel between the inner and outer walls, while an open area of the hook receives and rests upon the outer wall. In another further embodiment, each elevated platform includes an elongated recess configured to receive the first end of a modular connector and an elongated channel configured to receive the second end of a modular connector. In another further embodiment, the play center further includes a third elevated platform by a third set of supports, having an elongated recess configured to receive the first end of a modular connector and an elongated channel configured to receive the second end of a modular connector.

[0013] In accordance with other aspects of the present disclosure, described are methods for connecting at least two play structures together with modular connector components. In an exemplary embodiment, the method for connecting two elevated platforms of a children’s play structure includes providing the modular connector component as described above. The method further includes directing the first end of the modular connector components into rotational engagement with a complementary shaped recess in a first elevated platform. The method further includes rotating the modular connector component about the rotational engagement from a climbing position to a substantially horizontal bridge position. The method also includes directing the second end of the modular connector component into engagement with a complementary shaped channel in the second elevated platform.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The following is a brief description of the drawings, which are presented for the purposes of illustrating the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein and not for the purposes of limiting the same.

[0015] FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary play structure in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0016] FIGURE 2A is a top view of an exemplary modular connector component in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0017] FIGURE 2B is a side view of the exemplary modular connector component of FIG. 2A. [0018] FIGURE 3 is side cross-sectional view of an exemplary modular connector component connecting two exemplary play structures in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0019] FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary play structure having a modular connector component and modular receiving portion in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0020] FIGURE 5 is a top view of a platform of the exemplary play structure of FIG. 4.

[0021] FIGURE 6A is a top view of modular connector components connecting three exemplary play structures in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0022] FIGURE 6B is a perspective view of modular connector components connecting three exemplary play structures in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0023] FIGURE 6C is a perspective view of another exemplary arrangement of the three play structures of FIG. 6A.

[0024] FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary modular connector components connecting exemplary play structures in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0025] FIGURE 8 is top view of an exemplary modular connector components connecting exemplary play structures in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0026] FIGURE 9A is a perspective view of an exemplary modular connector component in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0027] FIGURE 9B is a side view of an exemplary modular connector component of FIG. 9A. [0028] FIGURE 10 is a perspective view illustrating the connection of two play structures via the modular connector component of FIG. 9A.

[0029] FIGURE 11 is a close-up perspective view illustrating the connection of the modular connector component of FIG. 9A to an exemplary play structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] A more complete understanding of the components, processes, and apparatuses disclosed herein can be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings. These figures are merely schematic representations based on convenience and the ease of demonstrating the present disclosure, and are therefore, not intended to indicate relative size and dimensions of the devices or components thereof and/or to define or limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments.

[0031] Although specific terms are used in the following description for the sake of clarity, these terms are intended to refer only to the particular structure of the embodiments selected for illustration in the drawings and are not intended to define or limit the scope of the disclosure. In the drawings and the following description below, it is to be understood that like numeric designations refer to components of like function.

[0032] The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0033] Numerical values in the specification and claims of this application should be understood to include numerical values which are the same when reduced to the same number of significant figures and numerical values which differ from the stated value by less than the experimental error of conventional measurement technique of the type described in the present application to determine the value.

[0034] All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the recited endpoint and independently combinable (for example, the range of “from 2 grams to 10 grams” is inclusive of the endpoints, 2 grams and 10 grams, and all the intermediate values).

[0035] The terms “about” and “approximately” can be used to include any numerical value that can vary without changing the basic function of that value. When used with a range, “about” and “approximately” also disclose the range defined by the absolute values of the two endpoints, e.g. “about 2 to about 4” also discloses the range “from 2 to 4.” Generally, the terms “about” and “approximately” may refer to plus or minus 10% of the indicated number.

[0036] As used in the specification and in the claims, the terms “comprise(s),” “include(s),” “having,” “has,” “can,” “contain(s),” and variants thereof, as used herein, are intended to be open-ended transitional phrases, terms, or words that require the presence of the named ingredients/components/steps and permit the presence of other ingredients/components/steps.

[0037] FIGURE 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary play structure 100 in accordance with the present disclosure. The play structure 100 can be molded of any suitable plastic and include components of similar construction attached thereto, including a slide 102. The exemplary play structure 100 is formed with at least three legs 103, 104, 105, each connected to an elevated platform 106. That is, the legs 103-105 connect to platform 106 such that the elevated platform 106 is supported at a height H above the ground. In the exemplary embodiment, the elevated platform 106 connects to and engages each of the legs 103-105 at a height H about half of the total height of each leg 103-105. This height level H, provides an elevated platform 106 that a child may access with a ladder and the like, and exit e.g., via a slide 102. The play structure 100 may also include interactive play components such as wheel 108, rotatably attached to any surface of the play structure 100. Here, the wheel 108 is illustrated as being rotatably attached to an arch portion 110. The play structure 100 may also include decorative and structural reinforcement components such as arch 112 connected to the top portions of at least two support legs 103 and 105. The reinforcement arch 112 provides stability to the at least 3 legs 103-105 such that movement of the legs 103-105 and any potential wobble of play structure 100 is minimized during use.

[0038] With reference to FIGS. 1-2B, the play structure 100 includes a modular connector component 120 including a main body 122, having a length L, width W, a first end 123 and a second end 124 opposite the first end 123. Each end, 123, 124 is configured to attach to a play structure platform, such as elevated platform 106 of play structure 100. In some embodiments and as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first end 123, is configured to rotatably attach to the elevated platform 106. The modular connector component 120 includes a first jutted portion 125 extending from the main body 122 from the first end 123. The first jutted portion 125 spans a distance D between a first side 119a and second side 119b, and along a portion of the width W of the modular connector 120. The first jutted portion 125 is configured to rotatably engage a complementary elongated recess 115 located about an edge 116 of a platform 106. That is, the elongated recess 115 is substantially the same length as the first jutted portion 125 distance D. Some details and features of the platform 106, may be best explained with relation to the platform 406 of FIG. 5, e.g., similar to elongated recess 415, described in greater detail below. In some embodiments, the first jutted portion 125 has a substantially rounded cross- section (See FIG. 2B) to facilitate rotation within the elongated recess 115. The first jutted portion 125 includes at least one structure to enable rotation of the modular connector component 120 while maintaining a connection to the associated platform, e.g., platform 106. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2A, the first jutted portion 125 includes spindles 126 extending substantially perpendicularly from each side 119a, 119b, configured to engage a complementary shaped structure (not pictured) on each side of the elongated recess 115. In some embodiments, the spindles 126 are each configured to engage complementary shaped apertures (occluded) in the end/boundary walls of the recess portion 115. In other embodiments, and as best illustrated and described with respect to FIG. 5, the spindles 126 are configured to engage complementary shaped notches on each end of the recess portion. The spindles 126 are co-axial with an axis of rotation 127 to allow for the modular connector 120 to rotate around axis 127 while remaining connected to the platform. That is, the spindles 126 of the first jutted portion 125 are directed into the corresponding apertures of similar size to the spindles while the first jutted portion 125 is directed into the recess 115. In some embodiments, the distance D of the first jutted portion 125 and length of the spindles 126 combine to substantially equal the width W of the modular connector 120.

[0039] The engagement of the spindles 126 into the apertures of recess 115 locks the modular connector component 120 into engagement with a platform, such as platform 106. The locking engagement ensures that the modular component 120 will not disconnect from the connected platform 106 while in use. In some embodiments, the connection between the modular connector component 120 and a recess 115 in a platform 106 is facilitated by each component’s ability to flex, as the platform 106 and/or modular connector component 120 are each made of a plastic material. In some embodiments, the first jutted portion 125 and spindles 126 are formed together doing a molding process, e.g., rotational molding.

[0040] The rotational engagement between the modular connector component 120 and platform 106, allows the modular connector component 120 to rotate from an angled vertical climbing position 128 to a substantially horizontal bridge position 129. In the climbing position 128, the play structure 100 may be used as a standalone unit for play with respect to that modular connector component 120. For example, in the climbing position 128, the modular connector component 120 has a first end connected to the elevated platform 106, while the second end is on contact with the ground allowing a user to ascend to the elevated platform 106 by use of the modular connector component 120. In the bridge position 129, the play structure 100 as a unit, is able to connect other play structure units together for allowing one to enlarge or vary a play experience for the user.

[0041] The modular connector component 120 also includes a second jutted portion 130 extending from the main body 122 from the second end 124. The second jutted portion spans a distance along a portion of the width W of the modular connector 120. The second jutted portion 130 is configured to securably engage a complementary elongated channel 117 located about an edge 116 of a platform, such as platform 106. In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 2A-B the second jutted portion 130 has a substantially hook shaped cross section wherein the point 131 of the hook 133 is configured to engage the elongated channel 117. In some embodiments and as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the second end 124 includes a plurality of top surface apertures (occluded by fasteners 135) configured to receive a fastener 135 for securing the second jutted portion 130 of the modular connector component 120 to a platform, e.g., platform 106. The fastener 135 may be variously embodied as for example and without limitation, a screw, or bolt. As noted briefly above, in the climbing position 128, the second end 124, and more particularly the second jutted portion 130 is in contact with the ground allowing a user to ascend to the elevated platform 106 by use of the modular connector component 120. In the bridge position 129, the modular connector component is rotated around the axis 127 along the first jutted portion 125, while the user directs the hook 133 of the second jutted portion 130 into the channel 117 of a play structure platform.

[0042] In some embodiments, the modular connector component 120 is composed of a plastic material. In some embodiments, the modular connector component 120 is a hollow plastic body. In some preferred embodiments, the modular connector component 120 is a hollow plastic body fabricated by a rotational molding process. The modular connector component 120 is structurally sound such that it would support the body weight of a user in both climbing and bridge positions (128, 129). In some embodiments, the modular connector component 120 also has the ability to flex in a way that it can be manipulated to bend and snap into engagement with a platform.

[0043] In some embodiments, it may be desirable to have a modular connector 120 with increased stiffness and structural integrity. As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 2A-2B, the modular connector component 120 includes a plurality of transverse ribs 132. The addition of transverse ribs 132 allows for the modular connector component 120 to exhibit increased strength and stiffness in its bridge position due to the weight of a child acting substantially normal to the surface of the modular connector component 120. The ribs 132 may also prevent the component from warping and other deformations. In some embodiments, the ribs 132 are parallel to the rotational axis 127 and may vary in length. The ribs 132 span the entire width W of the modular connector component 120 and/or the ribs may span a portion of the width W. It is to be appreciated that while the exemplary embodiment shows ribs 132 that are elongated indented channels within the top surface, the form of the ribs 132 is not limiting and that ribs may also be embodied as elongated raised ribs extending along the width W.

[0044] In some embodiments and with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2A, the modular connector component 120 further includes at least one step feature 134. The step feature 134 may be an elongated hole extending through the body of the modular connector component 120, an indented recess, or protrusion, that provides a surface for a user to climb on the modular connector component 120, i.e., in the climber position 128, to the elevated platform 106. That is, the step feature 134 is able to accommodate a hand or foot of a person to facilitate climbing. The step features 134, may also provide stiffness to the plastic portion similar to that of the transverse ribs 132 described above.

[0045] Reference is now made to FIGS. 2-3 with FIG. 3 illustrating a cross-sectional view of a first play structure 100 connected to a second play structure 300 via a modular connector component 120. The modular connector component 120 is rotated to its bridge position 129 such that the body 122 of the modular connector component 120 is substantially parallel with a floor/ground surface. The hook 133 second jutted portion 130 of the second end 124 is illustrated as engaged with a complementary elongated channel 317 located about an edge 316 of platform 306 of the second play structure 300. In this embodiment, the modular component 120, forms a bridge between the platform 106 of the first play structure and the platform 306 of the second play structure 300. Said another way, the elongated channel 317 is substantially U-shaped in cross-section defined between an inner wall (occluded) and an outer wall 318. The point of the hook 133 engages the elongated channel 317 between the walls, while an open area of the hook 133 receives and rests upon the outer wall 318.

[0046] Reference is now made to FIGS. 2A-B, 4 and 5 with FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrating another play structure 400. The play structure 400 includes a platform 406 having an elongated channel 417 similar in many aspects to channel 117 and best understood with reference thereto, and an elongated recess 415 similar in many aspects to elongated recess 115 and best understood with reference thereto. Each feature, recess 415 and channel 417 are configured to receive the first and second jutted portions 125, 130, respectively, of a modular connector component. The modular connector component 120 is illustrated as being rotatably attached to an elevated platform 406 in the elongated recess 415, as best described with respect to FIG. 1 above. The platform 406 is supported by two support walls 403 and 404 secured together with bottom cross members 401 and 405. With the multiple connection points capable of receiving a first or second jutted portions, the play structure 400 is capable of multiple connections, wherein the play structure 400 is configured to engage another play structure, such as play structure 100. More specifically, the platform 406 of play structure 400 may connect to the platform 106 of play structure 100 via the modular connector component 120, wherein the modular connector component 120 is rotatably attached to the platform 106 and the hook 133 engaged the modular connector receiving channel 417.

[0047] FIG. 5 illustrates the platform 406 of play structure 400. The platform 406 includes a modular connector receiving channel 417 configured to receive a hook portion 133 of a modular connector component 120. The platform 406 includes an elongated recess 415 located about an edge 416 of a platform 406. The elongated recess 415 may be substantially complementary in shape to the first jutted portion 125 of the modular connector component 120 such that the elongated recesses may receive the first jutted portion 125 for rotational connection. The elongated recess 415, is defined between boundary walls 418a, b. In some embodiments and as described above the elongated recess 415 may include apertures (not illustrated) within the boundary walls 418a, b to receive spindles 126. In other embodiments and as illustrated in FIG. 5, the platform 406 may include at least one notch 419, having a U-shaped cross-section (open on the top surface 405 of the elevated platform 406) for receiving the spindles 126 of the modular connector component 120. That is, the spindles 126 may be directed into engagement with the notches 419 (supported from the bottom of the U-shaped notch 419) for locked rotational connection. Here, locked rotational connection means that the modular connector component 120 may rotate, but removal of the modular connector component 120 from the recesses 415 and notches 419 requires significant force. The notches 419 are rotational mounting locations configured to receive spindles 126 of a modular connector component 120 and provide a point of rotation for the modular connector component to rotate from a climber position 128 to a bridge position 129.

[0048] FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate a top view and perspective view, respectively, of three play structures: play structure 100; play structure 400; and, play structure 500 in modular connection via modular connector components 120A,B. Play structure 100 includes modular connector component 120A in a bridge position 129 that is configured to connect to the modular connector receiving channel 417. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, play structure 100 is connected to the modular receiving channel 417 of platform 406 of play structure 400. Play structure 400 also includes modular connector component 120B rotatably engaged with the recess 415. The modular connector component 120B is in a bridge position 129 that is configured to connect to a modular receiving channel of play structure 500. As illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6B, play structure 400 is also connected to the modular receiving portion 517 of platform 506 of play structure 500.

[0049] FIG. 6C illustrates a perspective view of another modular combination of play structures 100, 400, and 500, illustrating the creative assembly and varying play experiences that can be obtained by having modular connections. Here, play structures 400 and 500 are connected together through play structure 100, via modular connector components 120. It is also to be appreciated, that other components, such as a slide 402, may include a top engagement portion configured to engage the recess 415 and or channel 417 of a platform 406.

[0050] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of yet another combination of play structures 400 and 500. Here, play structure 500 is connected to the modular receiving portion 417 of platform 406. That is, play structure 500, includes a recess 515 in elevated platform 506, similar in some aspects to recess 415 and best understood with respect thereto, for rotationally receiving a first jutted portion 125 of a modular connector component 120.

[0051] FIG. 8 illustrates various combinations in which play structure 100, play structure 400, and play structure 500, can connect via modular connector components 120 and or include additional play components, such as slide 402. In this way, customers may start out buying one structure, e.g., play structure 100, and instead of replacing the structure 100 with another, e.g., 400 as the user grows, the original play structure 100 is supplemented with the second play structure 400.

[0052] With reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B, illustrated is another exemplary embodiment modular connector component 920 for connecting to elevated platforms (e.g., 106, 406, 506) of separate play structures (100, 400, 500). The modular connector component 920 includes a connector body 922 with identical ends 924. Each end of the modular connector component 920 includes an elongated hook portion 926 extending along a portion of a width X of the modular connector 920 that is configured to securably engage a complementary elongated channel (modular receiving portion) of a platform, such as platforms 106, 406, 506, respectively. In some embodiments and as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the second end 124 includes a plurality of apertures configured to receive a fastener 135 for securing the second end 124 of the modular connector component 120 to the platform. The fastener 135 may be variously embodied as for example and without limitation, a screw, or bolt. Unlike modular connector component 120, modular connector component 920 is not configured for rotation between a bridge position and climbing position, rather, modular connector component 920 is a bridge component for connecting two elevated platforms 506a, 506b.

[0053] In some embodiments, a modular connector component 920 includes at least one modular connector receiving portion 917, embodied as a channel complementary in shape to an elongated hook portion 926 configured to securably engage a hook portion of a play structure component, for example and without limitation, another modular connector component (120) and/or a slide component 1002 (FIG. 10). The modular connector receiving portion may be similar in some aspects to modular receiving channel 417 and best understood with respect thereto.

[0054] Reference is now made to FIGS. 9-10 with FIG. 10 illustrating the connection of two play structures 500A and 500B via modular connector component 920. The each hook portion 926 of each end 924 of the modular connector component 920 securely engages a modular connector receiving portion 517A, 517B, of each play structures, bridging each elevated platform 506A, 506B

[0055] In some embodiments, and with reference to FIGS. 9-11 the modular connector component 920 includes a set of locking knobs 921 located on the edge 924 on opposing sides of the elongated hook 924. The locking knobs 921 are illustrated as block-like in structure and are configured to abut opposing sidewalls 503, 504 of a play structure 500, each sidewall having a lug 521 with an inward sloping surface that terminates at a lower end lock surface 527. The modular connector component 920 is installed to a platform, such as platform 506, by tilting an end of the modular connector component 920 between the opposing sidewalls 503, 504 and pushing downwardly on the modular connector component 920 against a ramped surface of a lug 521 until it snaps under the lock surface 527.

[0056] It will be appreciated that variants of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art, which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

[0057] To aid the Patent Office and any readers of this application and any resulting patent in interpreting the claims appended hereto, applicants do not intend any of the appended claims or claim elements to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the words “means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim.