FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to products and methods in the field of interlocking building bricks. In particular, the present invention is directed to baseplates for use with interlocking building bricks, connector clips for connecting multiple such baseplates with one another, and kits comprising such baseplates and connector clips.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Interlocking building bricks are old and well known; perhaps the most well-known of which are LEGO bricks, as sold by The LEGO Group under the trademark LEGO ^® . The LEGO Group was founded in 1932 by Ole Kirk Kristiansen, and the LEGO brick is their most important product, having twice been names "Toy of the Century". The LEGO Group’s products have undergone extensive development over the years - but the foundation remains the traditional LEGO brick. The LEGO brick in its present form was launched in 1958, and granted U.S. Patent No. 3,005,282, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The interlocking principle of the LEGO brick, with projecting studs on one side and recessed tubes on the other, offers unlimited building possibilities. Any number of LEGO bricks may be joined with one another to construct increasingly complex structures. As a foundation support for LEGO brick constructions, there are what are known in the art as baseplates. Baseplates are relatively flat, planar sheets having a number of studs on one side for attaining an interlocking engagement with the tubes of LEGO bricks. Owing to their relatively flat, planar form, baseplates are able to provide increased stability to LEGO brick constructions that are engaged with the studs of the baseplate.

However, conventional baseplates are generally mass-produced in only limited sizes of fixed dimensions - such as, for example, plastic sheets of 8 inches by 8 inches, or 15 inches by 15 inches. The LEGO brick market has not been served by having building baseplates larger than 15 inches in size. This restricts the utility of conventional baseplates. For example, consumers wishing to assemble relatively large LEGO brick constructions are required to utilize multiple baseplates to achieve adequate support for the construction. Also, as conventional baseplates lack any structure for directly interlinking or combining separate baseplates with one another, the consumer is required to join the separate baseplates by use of an extra engagement structure - such as by placing one or more building blocks over a seam between two adjacent plates, or by adhering the separate baseplates to one another, or to a common backing, via nails, staples, or glue.

These practices are not convenient, however, as use of an additional building block atop the baseplates may interfere with the assembly intended for construction atop the baseplates. Likewise, the use of an additional means for adhering baseplates together is undesirable as this can complicate disassembly and transportation of the baseplates.

Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for a convenient means of joining multiple baseplates with one another to form a larger, composite baseplate, while still enabling easy disassembly the baseplates.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is inclusive of baseplates, connector clips, and kits comprising at least one baseplate and at least one connector clip. The baseplate comprises a planar sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface, with a plurality of nodes projecting from the top surface and a plurality of barrels projecting from the bottom surface. The connector clip comprises a first head and a second head, the first and second heads both comprising a plurality of prongs and a plurality of slots, with the prongs and slots arranged sequentially alongside one another in a prong- slot-prong sequence. The connector clip has a maximum thickness that substantially corresponds with a height to which a barrel projects from the bottom surface of the baseplate, and at least one of the first and second heads of the connector clip is configured to matingly engage with a number of barrels on the bottom surface of the baseplate in a press fit connection.

The connector clip is configured to matingly engage a number of barrels on the bottom surface of the baseplate with slots on a head of the connector clip received in a press fit connection against outer circumferences of the number of barrels and with prongs of the head positioned between adjacent barrels. Slots on at least one head of the connector clip are formed with a curvature of approximately 180° or less.

The connector clip further comprises a neck that joins the first and second heads to one another, the neck having a length that is less than the lengths of the first and second heads. The heads of the connector clip each comprise an outer edge and an inner edge, the slots and prongs being positioned at the outer edges of the heads and the neck being positioned to join the inner edges of the heads. The baseplate comprises an underside perimeter ridge that extends around a perimeter of the bottom surface of the planar sheet, with a number of connector recesses provided at discrete positions along the perimeter ridge to form openings in the perimeter ridge, with at least one connector recess having a length approximately equal to or greater than a length of the neck of the connector clip. The underside perimeter ridge extends to a height from the bottom surface of the planar sheet to substantially correspond with the height to which the barrels extend from the bottom surface of the planar sheet, as well as an overall thickness of the connector clip.

In some examples, the baseplate comprises interlocking mechanisms extending along peripheral edges of the planar sheet, including a first interlocking mechanism along at least a first edge and a second interlocking mechanism along at least a second edge. The first interlocking mechanism is in the form of a two-tier annular ledge comprising a top ledge and a bottom ledge, the top ledge extending further horizontally from the planar sheet than the bottom ledge; and the second interlocking mechanism is in the form of a two-tier annular ledge comprising a top ledge and a bottom ledge, the bottom ledge extending further horizontally from the planar sheet than the top ledge. The first interlocking mechanism of the baseplate is configured to matingly engage with a second interlocking mechanism on a similarly constructed baseplate, and the second interlocking mechanism of the baseplate is configured to matingly engage with a first interlocking mechanism on a similarly constructed baseplate. The connector clip is configured such that, when an interlocking mechanism of the baseplate is matingly engaged with an interlocking mechanism of a second baseplate, the first head is adapted for a press fit mating engagement with barrels on the baseplate and the second head is adapted for a press fit mating engagement with barrels on the second baseplate, with the neck of the connector clip extending through aligned connector recesses in the baseplate and the second baseplate to thereby lock the baseplates to one another with the interlocking mechanisms in mating engagement.

In examples where the baseplate includes interlocking mechanisms, the connector clip may be formed with a region of reduced thickness at a portion of the neck, a portion of at least one head, or both. The reduced thickness of the one or more portions of the connector clip is made to substantially correspond with a region of increased thickness on the baseplate, with a sum of the reduced thickness on the connector clip and the increased thickness on the baseplate being substantially equal to the height to which barrels extend from the bottom surface of the planar sheet.

In use, the connector clip may be used to join first and second baseplates with one another by engaging the first head of the connector clip to the bottom surface of the first baseplate and engaging the second head of the connector clip to a bottom surface of the second baseplate. When joining the first and second baseplates with the connector clip, the baseplates are aligned to position a connector recess on the first baseplate with a connector recess on the second baseplate, and the connector clip is engaged with both the baseplates by positioning the connector clip with the neck extend through the connector recesses of the aligned baseplates.

When the baseplates include interlocking mechanisms, the baseplates are aligned to engage an interlocking mechanism on the first baseplate with an interlocking mechanism on the second baseplate, and the connector clip is engaged with the baseplates in a manner to secure the engaged interlocking mechanisms in place with one another. When engaging the connector clip to secure the engaged interlocking mechanisms, the connector clip is oriented such that a reduced thickness region of the connector clip is made to align with an increased thickness region of an interlocking mechanism on one of the baseplates.

Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention; are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification; illustrate embodiments of the invention; and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the invention can be ascertained from the following detailed description that is provided in connection with the drawings described below:

FIG. 1 shows a baseplate according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a top plan view of the baseplate in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3a shows a first bottom plan view of the baseplate in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3b shows a second bottom plan view of the baseplate in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a close-up view of the bottom plan view of the baseplate in FIGS. 3a-3b;

FIG. 5 shows a connector clip according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a side elevation view of the connector clip in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows a top plan view of the connector clip in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 shows a bottom plan view of the connector clip in FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 shows two baseplates according to FIG.1 connected by two connector clips according to FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 shows a close-up view of a connector clip in FIG. 9; FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional elevation view of the baseplate and connector assembly in FIG. 10, in a disassembled state; and

FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional elevation view of the baseplate and connector assembly in FIG. 10 in an assembled state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following disclosure discusses the present invention with reference to the examples shown in the accompanying drawings, though does not limit the invention to those examples.

The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language ( e.g ., “such as”) provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential or otherwise critical to the practice of the invention, unless otherwise made clear in context.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless indicated otherwise by context, the term “or” is to be understood as an inclusive “or.” Terms such as “first”, “second”, “third”, etc. when used to describe multiple devices or elements, are so used only to convey the relative actions, positioning and/or functions of the separate devices, and do not necessitate either a specific order for such devices or elements, or any specific quantity or ranking of such devices or elements.

The word “substantially”, as used herein with respect to any property or circumstance, refers to a degree of deviation that is sufficiently small so as to not appreciably detract from the identified property or circumstance. The exact degree of deviation allowable in a given circumstance will depend on the specific context, as would be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art.

Use of the terms “about” or “approximately” are intended to describe values above and/or below a stated value or range, as would be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art in the respective context. In some instances, this may encompass values in a range of approx. +/— 10%; in other instances, there may be encompassed values in a range of approx. +/-5%; in yet other instances values in a range of approx. +/-2% may be encompassed; and in yet further instances, this may encompass values in a range of approx. +/-1%.

It will be understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof, unless indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

The term “building bricks”, will be understood as including building elements that may be connected to a supporting baseplate and/or other building elements by the joining of nodes/stud with mating barrels/tubes for constructing a multi-element assembly of such building elements. Examples of building bricks include, though are not limited to building elements sold under the names LEGO ^® ; DUPLO ^® ; and Mega Bloks ^® .

Recitations of value ranges herein, unless indicated otherwise, serve as shorthand for referring individually to each separate value falling within the respective ranges, including the endpoints of the range, each separate value within the range, and all intermediate ranges subsumed by the overall range, with each incorporated into the specification as if individually recited herein.

Unless indicated otherwise, or clearly contradicted by context, methods described herein can be performed with the individual steps executed in any suitable order, including: the precise order disclosed, without any intermediate steps or with one or more further steps interposed between the disclosed steps; with the disclosed steps performed in an order other than the exact order disclosed; with one or more steps performed simultaneously; and with one or more disclosed steps omitted.

The present invention is inclusive of baseplates 100, connector clips 200 adapted for joining two baseplates 100 with one another, and kits comprising such baseplates 100 and connector clips 200. The connector clip 200 is adapted for joining two baseplates lOOa/lOOb with one another, side- by-side. Any number of connector clips 200 may be used to join baseplates 100 with one another, including two or more connector clips at each side of a baseplate 100.

FIGS. 1-4 show one example of a baseplate 100 according to the present invention. The baseplate 100 includes a planar sheet 101 having a top side 102 with a plurality of nodes 103 projecting therefrom and a bottom side 104 having a plurality of cavities 105 formed therein and a plurality of barrels 106 projecting therefrom. The bottom side 104 also includes an underside perimeter ridge 107 that extends around an entire underside perimeter of the planar sheet 101, with the exception that a number of connector recesses 108 are provided at discrete positions along the perimeter ridge 107.

The nodes 103 and barrels 106 of the baseplate 100 are sized and shaped for mating engagement with studs and tubes on building bricks (not shown) that are intended for use with the baseplate 100, with the baseplate nodes 103 adapted for a press fit mating reception with building brick tubes, and the baseplate barrels 106 adapted for a press fit mating reception with building brick studs. In this way, the baseplate 100 may itself be used as an interlocking building brick in assembling a multi-tiered construction, such as a construction simulating an office building, a parking garage, etc. The nodes 103 and barrels 106 of a baseplate 100 are also adapted for a press fit mating engagement with one another such that a first baseplate 100a may be matingly stacked atop a second baseplate 100b. Advantageously, inclusion of the barrels 106 also provides the baseplate 100 with increased rigidity and durability.

Baseplates 100 according to the present invention may be made with any number of nodes 103, cavities 105 and barrels 106. Each cavity 105 on the bottom side 104 of the baseplate 100 corresponds with a node 103 on the top side 102 of the baseplate 100. A number of the cavities 105 are encircled by a barrel 106. In the illustrated example, barrels 106 are provided at only select cavities 105 ( e.g ., presenting a cross pattern within a square pattern on the bottom side 104). However, other than explicit exceptions discussed hereafter, it will be understood that barrels 106 may be provided to any number of the cavities 105, including fewer or more than that shown in the illustrated example. An exception is made for either all or select cavities 105 in first rows 109 of the cavity matrix that follow along the underside perimeter ridge 107. In some examples, such as that illustrated in FIGS. 3a, 3b and 4, all cavities 105 in first rows 109 are provided without barrels 106. In other examples, barrels 106 may be provided to some cavities 105 in the first rows 109, provided that cavities 105 adjacent a connector recess 108 (e.g., within one to three cavity spaces thereof) are made to lack barrels 106. Cavities 105 in second rows 110 of the cavity matrix, which are spaced one cavity space from the underside perimeter ridge 107, are provided with barrels 106. In some examples, such as that illustrated in FIGS. 3a, 3b and 4, all cavities 105 in second rows 110 are provided with barrels 106, with the exception of cavities 105 in those second rows 110 that are immediately adjacent an underside perimeter ridge 107. In other examples, some cavities 105 in the second rows 110 may lack barrels 106, with the exception that cavities 105 proximate a connector recess 108 (e.g., within two to four cavity spaces thereof) are provided with barrels 106.

In addition to the underside perimeter ridge 107, the bottom side 104 may also include a number of interior ridges 111 arranged in a square grid and extending along interior regions of the bottom side 104. In other examples, the interior ridges 111 may take other shapes and/or include fewer or more ridges (e.g., diagonally oriented interior ridges arranged in truss-like formation within the illustrated square grid). Inclusion of the interior ridges 111 provides the baseplate 100 with increased rigidity and durability. The barrels 106, the perimeter ridge 107 and the interior ridges 111 project an equal height H2 from the bottom side 104 of the baseplate 100. In a preferred example, the barrels 106 and ridges 107/111 project 0.077 inches from the bottom side 104, and the baseplate 100 has an overall height HI, as measured from a bottom of a barrel 106 to a top of a node 103, of about 0.227 inches. By constructing the barrels 106 and ridges 107/111 with equal height, the baseplate 100 is provided with enhanced stability for supporting building brick constructions, as well as enhanced durability for withstanding increased applications of force, such as the weight of a grown adult walking and standing on the baseplate 100.

In some examples, the baseplate 100 includes an interlocking mechanism 112 in the form of a two-tiered annular ledge that extends around the perimeter of the baseplate 100. The two-tiered form of the interlocking mechanism 112 includes a bottom ledge 113 and a top ledge 114 that extend to different lengths in the horizontal direction of the baseplate 100.

In the example illustrated in the figures, the bottom ledge 113 extends further in the horizontal direction than the top ledge 114 along two peripheral edges 115a/l 15b of the baseplate 100; and the top ledge 114 extends further in the horizontal direction than the bottom ledge 113 along the other two peripheral edges 115c/l 15d. As shown in FIG. 11, both the bottom and top and ledges 113/114 have a height H3 of 0.076 inches; with the further extending ledge projecting, in both instances, a horizontal distance D1 of 0.1 inches beyond the other corresponding ledge in the two- tiered form at that respective peripheral edge. When speaking of the interlocking mechanism 112, the further projecting ledge (be it the bottom ledge edge 113 or the top ledge 114) may be referred to as a male member; and the recessed, or lesser projecting ledge (be it the bottom ledge edge 113 or the top ledge 114) may be referred to as a female member.

FIG. 9 shows an assembly of a first base plate 100a and a second baseplate 100b with two connector clips 200 joining the first and second baseplates lOOa/lOOb. FIG. 10 shows a close-up view of a connector clip 200 in FIG. 9, with a first head 201a of the connector clip 200 engaging a first baseplate 100a and a second head 201b of the connector clip 200 engaging the second baseplate 100b, with a neck 202 of the connector clip 200 extending through the aligned connector recesses 108 of the first and second baseplates lOOa/lOOb.

FIGS. 11-12 show a cross-sectional elevation view of the baseplate and connector clip assembly from FIGS. 9-10. As shown in FIGS. 11-12, the interlocking mechanism 112 facilitates alignment of two separate baseplates lOOa/lOOb in a manner that enhances stability and durability of the combined baseplates, while also reducing the appearance of a seam between the two baseplates. This may be achieved, as shown for example in FIGS. 11-12, by aligning a peripheral edge 115a/l 15b of the first baseplate 100, having a further projecting bottom ledge 113, to correspond with a mating peripheral edge 115c/115d of the second baseplate 100b, having a further projecting top ledge 114. Upon aligning the two baseplates in such a manner, the further extending bottom ledge 113 of the first baseplate 100a is positioned to provide structural support to the further extending top ledge 114 of the second baseplate 100b, while at the same time presenting a minimal appearance of a seam between the two baseplates.

With the interlocking mechanism 112, a user may align multiple baseplates 100 to provide a larger support area. For example, four separate baseplates 100, each measuring 12 x 12 inches, may be aligned with one another via the interlocking mechanisms 112 to yield a larger support area measuring 24 x 24 inches. The interlocking mechanisms 112 may be used to releasably align any number of baseplates 100 in this manner; such that multiple baseplates 100 may be aligned for use in unison, though remain individually storable.

FIGS. 5-8 show an example of a connector clip 200 for use in joining baseplates 100. The connector clip 200 has two heads 201 a/20 lb connected by a neck 202. The heads 201 a/20 lb are adapted for a fit press reception in a space between a number of barrels 106 and an underside perimeter ridge 107 on the bottom side 104 of a baseplate 100, and the neck 202 is adapted to extend through two connector recesses 108 that are aligned side-by-side on two separate baseplates 100a/ 100b.

Each head 201 of the connector clip 200 is formed with a quadrilateral shape having an outer edge 203, an inner edge 204 and two side edges 205 joining the outer and inner edges. The outer edge 203 is provided with four prongs 206 and three semicircular slots 207, while the inner edge 204 is provided as a straight surface. On each head 201, the semicircular slots 207 are each dimensioned for reception of a barrel 106 on the bottom side 104 of a baseplate 100, with the prongs 206 dimensioned for insertion between adjacent barrels 106, and the straight surface at the inner edge 204 aligned for abutting an underside perimeter ridge 107. Though the illustrated example shows the connector clip 200 formed with semicircular slots 207 of approximately 180°, it will be understood that the semicircular slots 207 may be referred to generally as slots 207, and that the slots 207 may be provided in the shape of minor arcs with a curvature of less than 180°.

In the illustrated example, the connector clip 200 is provided with two heads 201 a/20 lb and a neck 202. In this example, the connector clip has a maximum length LI, as defined by the lengths of the heads 201. The neck 202 has a second length L2 that is less than the maximum length LI. The second length L2 of the neck is made to substantially equal to or less than a length of the connector recesses 108 provided in the baseplates 100, thereby enabling the neck 202 to pass though a connector recess 108 so that the connector clip 200 may be used to join two separate baseplates 100 via engagement of the separate heads 201a/201b.

In the illustrated example, the heads 201 a/20 lb of the connector clip 200 are asymmetrical, with one head 201a having a larger width Wa relative to a shorter width Wb of the other head 201b (Wa > Wb). The connector clip 200 is provided with this asymmetrical configuration for corresponding with the dimensions of a baseplate 100 having the interlocking mechanism 112. When using baseplates 100 with the interlocking mechanism 112, the alignment of two baseplates lOOa/lOOb, side-by-side, is achieved by positioning a peripheral edge 115a/l 15b of a first baseplate 100a having a further projecting bottom ledge 113 to mate with a peripheral edge 115c/115d of a second baseplate 100b having a further projecting top ledge 114. At a peripheral edge 115a/l 15b having a further projecting lower ledge 113, the underside perimeter ridge 107 is positioned at a first distance Da from barrels 106 in a second row 110, with the underside perimeter ridge 107 positioned to align with an outer edge of the projecting bottom ledge 113. Meanwhile, on the peripheral edge 115c/l 15d having a further projecting top ledge 114, the underside perimeter ridge 107 is positioned at a second distance Db from barrels 106 in a second row 110, with the underside perimeter ridge 107 inset from the outer edge of the projecting top ledge 114. The first distance Da, between barrels

106 in a second row 110 and the underside perimeter ridge 107 proximate the projecting bottom ledge 113, is greater than the second distance Db, between barrels 106 in a second row 110 and the underside perimeter ridge 107 proximate the projecting top ledge 114 (Da > Db). The heads 201 a/20 lb of the connector clip 200 are dimensioned for a fit press mating reception between the barrels 106 and underside perimeter edge 107 on the respective baseplates lOla/lOlb, and are therefore made with different widths Wa/Wb to correspond with the different distances Da/Db.

The neck 202 of the connector clip 200 joins the inner edges 204a/204b of the two heads 201 a/20 lb, and is dimensioned to extend through a pair of aligned connector recesses 108 on first and second baseplates lOOa/lOOb that are positioned adjacent one another for mating engagement.

In the illustrated example, the connector clip 200 is made with a first overall thickness T1 that corresponds with the height H2 (e.g., 0.077 inches) that the barrels 106 and ridges 107/111 extend from the bottom side 104 of a baseplate 100. In this way, the connector clip 200 is sized to fit within a space on the bottom side 104 of a baseplate 100, between barrels 106 and a perimeter ridge

107 without interfering with the overall height HI of the baseplate 100, such that the baseplate 100 may rest flush atop another support surface (e.g., the ground; a table top; another baseplate; etc.) while the connector clip 200 is secured therebelow.

As seen in FIGS. 5-7 and 11, a portion of the head 201a with the greater width Wa, as well as a portion of the neck 202 extending therefrom, are provided with a reduced thickness T2. These portions of the connector clip 200 are provided with the reduced thickness T2 for accommodating an increased thickness of a baseplate 100 at corresponding regions. Specifically, peripheral edges 115a/l 15b of a baseplate 100 that have a further projecting bottom ledge 113 will have an increased thickness due to the presence of the bottom ledge 113, and the connector clip 200 is therefore provided with a reduced thickness at those regions that are adapted to align with the regions of increased thickness on such a baseplate 100, such that the connector clip 200 continues to fit within the bottom side 104 of the baseplate 100 without interfering with the overall height HI of the baseplate 100. It will be understood that, in some examples, the connector clip 200 may be used with baseplates 100 having connector recesses 108, though lacking an interlocking mechanism 112 such as that disclosed herein, and in such examples the connector clip 200 may be provided with a uniform thickness T1 throughout, without any regions of reduced thickness T2.

In use, two baseplates lOOa/lOOb, both having an underside perimeter ridge 107 with connector recesses 108 formed therein, are placed side-by-side with corresponding connector recesses 108 aligned, and a connector clip 200 is inserted with a first head 201a positioned in a space on the underside of the first baseplate 100a and the second head 201b positioned in a space on the underside of the second baseplate 100b, with the neck 202 extending through the aligned connector recesses 108 to thereby connect the two baseplates with one another. It is preferable that two or more connector clips 200 be used to join the two baseplates lOOa/lOOb with one another in this way. In the illustrate example, as shown in FIGS. 3a/3b, each baseplate 100 is provided with eight connector recesses 108, with two connector recesses 108 at each peripheral edge 115. With this arrangement, each baseplate 100 may be directly joined with four other baseplates 100, with any number of baseplates 100 joined together in total.

In the illustrated example, the connector clip 200 cooperates with the interlocking mechanism 112 to achieve and maintain a seamless alignment of two baseplates lOOa/lOOb, with the two-tiered annular ledge construction of the interlocking mechanism 112 forming a seamless alignment between the baseplates lOOa/lOOb and the connector clip 200 locking the baseplates lOOa/lOOb in place with such seamless alignment. In this way, a user may connect multiple baseplates 100 with a seamless alignment to effectively create a larger composite baseplate for supporting larger building block assemblies.

Although the present invention is described with reference to particular embodiments, it will be understood to those skilled in the art that the foregoing disclosure addresses exemplary embodiments only; that the scope of the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments; and that the scope of the invention may encompass additional embodiments embracing various changes and modifications relative to the examples disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims and equivalents thereto.

For example, though the foregoing examples illustrate the baseplate with equally sized circular barrels and the connector clip with corresponding arcuate slots (e.g., semicircle slots), it will be understood that the baseplate may be made with barrels having any chosen shape, and optionally with varying sizes, and that the connector clip may likewise be made with arcuate slots shaped and sized to correspond with the barrels of the baseplate.

While the disclosed methods may be performed by executing all of the disclosed steps in the precise order disclosed, without any intermediate steps therebetween, those skilled in the art will appreciate the methods may also be performed: with further steps interposed between the disclosed steps; with the disclosed steps performed in an order other than the exact order disclosed; with one or more disclosed steps performed simultaneously; and with one or more disclosed steps omitted.

To the extent necessary to understand or complete the disclosure of the present invention, all publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned herein are expressly incorporated by reference herein to the same extent as though each were individually so incorporated. No license, express or implied, is granted to any patent incorporated herein. Ranges expressed in the disclosure include the endpoints of each range, all values in between the endpoints, and all intermediate ranges subsumed by the endpoints.

The present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments illustrated herein, but is instead characterized by the appended claims, which in no way limit the scope of the disclosure.