BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Conventional toy models are typically sold to the user in an unassembled condition. After purchase, the user assembles the model by gluing the pieces together.

Typically, the model is not intended to be disassembled. The model can only be assembled in one configuration and cannot be changed or manipulated to a different configuration. Often the user grows impatient with the assembly process and fails to fully assembly the model. Further, the user often loses interest in the resulting assembled model after a short time because of the model's static nature.

It would be desirable to provide a connector system that would allow a model and other toys to be easier to assemble and to remain interesting over a longer period of time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The system includes a plurality of parts which can be removably attached together using a connector system. The system can be used to construct a model truck, helicopter, personal water craft, personnel transport, motorcycle, airplane, sports car, or any other model which the user

desires to construct from the parts. In addition the system can include blocks, elements, a learning toy, a construction set, a toy elephant, a toy castle, or a toy log cabin. One example of a connector system uses a connector which engages an aperture.

The parts are assembled using connectors. Some of the parts may have two connectors and the spacings of the connectors and of the apertures are predetermined. Thus, a first part with connectors may be removed from a second part with apertures and a third part with connectors may be attached to the second part with apertures.

The connector system includes a connector, a first part and a second part. The connector includes a head, a shank and a tail. The first part has a head aperture. The second part has a tail aperture. The connector is permanently attached to the first part to form an assembly by inserting the connector through the head aperture. The first part is trapped between the head and the shoulders of the connector. The assembly can be removably attached to the second part by inserting the tail of the connector into the tail aperture of the second part.

The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of exemplified embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings herein and upon reading the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference should be made to the exemplified

embodiments illustrated in greater detail in the accompanying drawings and described below by way of examples of the invention.

In the drawings: FIG. 1 is a an exploded view of a model truck which uses the connector in FIG. 27; FIG. 2 depicts the model truck in FIG. 1 in an assembled condition; FIG. 3 depicts the assembled truck and components attachable by using the connector in FIG. 27; FIG. 4 depicts an assembled truck with removable components attached to the truck by using the connector in FIG. 27; FIG. 4A depicts another embodiment of a model truck; FIG. 5 depicts an assembled model helicopter that uses the connector in FIG. 27 and components attachable by using the connector in FIG. 27; FIG. 6 depicts an assembled model helicopter with removable components attached to the helicopter by using the connector in FIG. 27; FIG. 6A depicts another embodiment of a model helicopter; FIG. 6B depicts another embodiment of a model helicopter;

FIG. 7 depicts an assembled model personal water craft that uses the connector in FIG. 27 and components attachable by using the connector in FIG. 27; FIG. 8 depicts an assembled model personal water craft with removable components attached to the personal water craft by using the connector in FIG. 27 ; FIG. 8A depicts another embodiment of a model personal water craft; FIG. 8B depicts an assembled model personal water craft; FIG. 9 depicts an assembled model personnel transport that uses the connector in FIG. 27 and components attachable by using the connector in FIG. 27; FIG. 10 depicts an assembled model personnel transport with removable components attached to the personnel transport by using the connector in FIG. 27; FIG. 11 depicts an assembled model motorcycle that uses the connector in FIG. 27 and components attachable by using the connector in FIG. 27; FIG. 12 depicts an assembled model motorcycle with removable components attached to the motorcycle by using the connector in FIG. 27; FIG. 13 depicts an assembled model airplane that uses the connector in FIG. 27 and components attachable by using the connector in FIG. 27;

FIG. 14 depicts an assembled model sports car that uses the connector in FIG. 27 and components attachable by using the connector in FIG. 27; FIG. 15 depicts an assembled model sports car with removable components attached to the sports car by using the connector in FIG. 27; FIG. 15A depicts another embodiment of a model sports car; FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the wing and the chassis of the sports car model system in FIG. 15 that demonstrates the use of the connector in FIG. 27; FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the radar assembly of the sports car model system in FIG. 15 that demonstrates the use of the connector in FIG. 27; FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the first engine of the sports car model system in FIG. 15 that demonstrates a method of manufacture of a part that uses the connector in FIG. 27; FIG. 19 depicts blocks which use the connector in FIG.

27; FIG. 20 depicts elements which use the connector in FIG. 27; FIG. 21 depicts a learning toy which uses the connector in FIG. 27;

FIG. 22 depicts pieces of a construction set which uses the connector in FIG. 27; FIG. 23 depicts blocks which use the connector in FIG.

27; FIG. 24 depicts a toy elephant which uses the connector in FIG. 27; FIG. 25 depicts a toy castle which uses the connector in FIG. 27; and FIG. 26 depicts a toy log cabin which uses the connector in FIG. 27; FIG. 27 is a front perspective view of a connector according to the present invention; FIG. 28 is a rear perspective view of the connector in FIG. 27; FIG. 29 is a front perspective view of the connector in FIG. 27 which shows the tail end of the connector; FIG. 30 is a front view of the connector in FIG. 27; FIG. 31 is a rear view of the connector in FIG. 27; FIG. 32 is a side view of the connector in FIG. 27; FIG. 33 is a top view of the connector in FIG. 27; FIG. 34 is a bottom view of the connector in FIG. 27;

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional side view of the connector taken along line 35-35 in FIG. 30; FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional side view of the connector taken along line 36-36 in FIG. 30 ; FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional end view of the connector taken along line 37-37 in FIG. 30 ; FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional end view of the connector taken along line 38-38 in FIG. 30; FIG. 39 is a broken away side view of a first part which can be used with the connector shown in FIGS. 27-38; FIG. 40 is a top view of the first part in FIG. 39; FIG. 41 is a broken away side view of a second part which can be used with the connector shown in FIGS. 27-38; FIG. 42 is a top view of the second part in FIG. 41; FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of the first part taken along the line 43-43 in FIG. 40 and of the second part taken along the line 43-43 in FIG. 42; FIG. 44 is a front view of the connector in FIG. 27 and a cross-sectional side view of the first part in FIG. 43 and illustrates the connector directly above the first part just prior to permanent attachment; FIG. 45 is a front view of the connector. in FIG. 27, a cross-sectional side view of the first part and a cross- sectional side view of the second part in FIG. 43 and depicts

the connector and the first part as a permanent assembly and shows the permanent assembly directly above the second part just prior to removable attachment; FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional side view of the connector <BR> taken along the line 46-46 in FIG. 33, a cross-sectional side view of the first part and a cross-sectional side view of the second part in FIG. 43 and depicts the permanent assembly removably attached to the second part.

While the present invention will be described and disclosed in connection with certain embodiments and procedures, the intent is not to limit the present invention to these embodiments and procedures. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that fall within spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS In accordance with the present invention, FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a modeling system 120. The modeling system 120 includes a plurality of parts which can be removably attached together using a connector system. One example of a connector system uses a connector 122 which engages an aperture 123. One embodiment of a connector system is described with respect to FIGS. 27-46. The modeling system 120 may be used to construct the model truck 124 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 or the model truck 126 shown in FIG. 4 or any variation of the model truck.

Referring to FIG. 1, the modeling system 120 can include a first wheel assembly 130, a second wheel assembly 132, a frame 134, a first spacer 136, a second spacer 138, a

chassis 140, a first bed 142, a second bed 144, a seat assembly 146, a cab 148, a dashboard assembly 150, a steering wheel 152, a windshield assembly 154, a first body piece 156, a second body piece 158, a grill 160, a bumper 162, a tailgate 164, a first sidepipe 170, a second sidepipe 172, a bed cover 174, a cap 176, a hood scoop 178, and a blower 180.

To use the modeling system 120, the user attaches the pieces to create a truck which the user desires. For example, the user may attach the first bed 142 using the connectors 122 to create a truck with a traditional appearance. On the other hand, the user may remove the bed 142 and attach the second bed 144 and the bed cover 174 using the connectors 122 to create a truck with a custom appearance as shown in FIG. 2. As a third example, the bed cover 174 may be removed and the cap 176 may be attached using the connectors 122. Thus, the connectors 122 allow the user to create a unique appearance and to change the appearance as often as the user desires by removing and/or adding parts.

FIG. 3 shows additional parts for the modeling system 120. The parts include a posable action figure 202, a bumper 208, a studded bumper 210, a first rocket launcher 212, a second rocket launcher 214, a first canvas-style door 216, a second canvas-style door 218, a first wheel cover 220, a second wheel cover 222, a first missile assembly 228, a second missile assembly 230, a first wing assembly 232, a second wing assembly 234, a figure retaining hook 240, a machine gun 242, a roll bar 244, and a catapult 246 with a projectile 248.

FIG. 4 shows the assembled truck 126 that was constructed from the parts in FIGS. 1 and 3. The parts are assembled using the connectors 122. Some of the parts may

have two connectors 122 and the spacing of the connectors 122 and the apertures 123 are predetermined. Thus, a first part with connectors 122 may be removed from a second part with apertures 123 and a third part with connectors 122 may be attached to the second part with apertures 123. In other embodiments, the parts may have three, four or more connectors 122 and/or apertures 123.

FIG. 4A shows another embodiment of a model truck. The model truck 260 uses connectors 122 and apertures 123. In addition, the model truck 260 also uses tabs 272 and slots 273. The tabs 272 include protrusions 274 which snap onto one of the edges of the slots 273. The tabs 272 are integrally molded with the part. The tabs 272 and slots 273 may be used on parts when a finished appearance is desired on the exterior of the part. For example, the fender 276 uses the tabs 272 so that the exterior of the fender 276 would not show the end 277 of the connector 122 as shown on fender 278.

If the ends 277 of the connectors are exposed, the model has a less finished appearance. In another embodiment, the parts which require a finished exterior use pins which are inserted into the apertures 123. For example, fender 280 has pins 282. The pins 282 are integrally molded with the fender 280.

The pins 282 may be tapered or may have a small protrusion so that the pins 282 may be removably held in the apertures 123.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a modeling system 320. The modeling system 320 includes a plurality of parts which can be removably attached together using a connector system. One example of a connector system uses a connector 322 which engages an aperture 323. One embodiment of a connector system is described with respect to FIGS. 27- 46. The modeling system 320 may be used to construct the model helicopter 324 shown in FIG. 5 with a traditional

appearance or the model submarine 326 shown in FIG. 6 or the model helicopter shown in FIG. 6A with a custom appearance, the model helicopter shown in FIG. 6B with a custom appearance or any variation of the model helicopter or model submarine desired.

Referring to FIG. 5, the modeling system 320 can include the following parts: a first turbine 330, a second turbine 332, a first blade assembly 334, a posable lamp and jaws assembly 336, a bomb pod 340, a scanner 342, a submarine nose 344, a submarine tower 346, a cannon turret 348, a posable action figure 350, a gun 360, a first propulsion engine 362, a second propulsion engine 364, a first torpedo 366, a second torpedo 368, and a missile assembly 370.

To use the modeling system 320, the user attaches the pieces to create a helicopter, a submarine or any other vehicle as desired. The parts are assembled using the connectors 322. Some of the parts may have two connectors 322 and the spacing of the connectors 322 and the apertures 323 are predetermined.

For example, FIG. 6 shows a second configuration as model submarine 326 that was constructed from the parts in FIG. 5. The user may remove a first engine 380 and a second engine 382 and attach the first propulsion engine 362 and the second propulsion engine 364. The lamp and jaws assembly 336, the first torpedo 366 and the second torpedo 368 can be attached. After other parts are removed from the helicopter 324 in FIG. 5, the submarine tower 346 and the submarine nose 344 can be attached. Thus, the connectors 322 allow the user to create a unique appearance and to change the appearance as often as the user desires by removing and/or adding parts.

FIG. 6A shows a third configuration as model helicopter 380 which was constructed from the parts. FIG. 6B shows a fourth configuration as a model helicopter which was constructed from the parts.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a modeling system 420. The modeling system 420 includes a plurality of parts which can be removably attached together using a connector system. One example of a connector system uses a connector 422 which engages an aperture 423. One embodiment of a connector system is described with respect to FIGS. 27- 46. The modeling system 420 may be used to construct the model personal water craft 424 shown in FIG. 7 or the model vehicle 426 shown in FIG. 8 or any variation of the model as desired.

Referring to FIG. 7, the modeling system 420 can include the following parts: a gun 430, a wing assembly 432, a rocket 434, a first engine 436, a second engine 438, a lift assembly 440, and a posable action figure 450.

To use the modeling system 420, the user attaches the pieces to create a model which the user desires. The parts are assembled using the connectors 422. Some of the parts may have two connectors 422 and the spacing of the connectors 422 and the apertures 423 are predetermined.

For example, FIG. 8 shows the assembled model 426 that was constructed from the parts in FIG. 7. The user may attach the wing assembly 432 to a sled 470. The gun 430 which has a connector 422 and the lift assembly 440 which also has a connector 422 can be attached to the wing assembly 432 which has apertures 423. The rocket 434, the first engine 436, and the second engine 438 can similarly be

attached to the sled 470. Thus, the connectors 322 allow the user to create a unique appearance and to change the appearance as often as the user desires by removing and/or adding parts.

FIG. 8A shows another embodiment of a model water craft 480 which includes a plurality of parts. FIG. 8B shows a second configuration of a model water craft 490 which was constructed from the parts.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate another embodiment of a modeling system 520. The modeling system 520 includes a plurality of parts which can be removably attached together using a connector system. One example of a connector system uses a connector 522 which engages an aperture 523. One embodiment of a connector system is described with respect to FIGS. 27-46. Some of the parts may have two connectors 522 and the spacing of the connectors 522 and the apertures 523 are predetermined. The modeling system 520 may be used to construct the model personnel carrier 524 shown in FIG. 9 or the model personnel carrier 526 shown in FIG. 10 or any variation of the model as desired.

. Referring to FIG. 9, the modeling system 520 can include the following parts: a first wheel assembly 530, a second wheel assembly 532, a chassis 534, a body 536, a first door 540, a second door 542, a third door 544, a fourth door 546, a first seat assembly 550, a second seat assembly 552, a hood 554, and a roll top-style canopy 556.

FIG. 10 shows additional parts for the modeling system 520. The parts include: a winch assembly 570, a first battering ram 572, a second battering ram 574, a first sidepipe 576, a second sidepipe 578, a blower 590, a cannon

turret 592, and a hydraulic wrecking ball assembly 594. These parts can be attached to each other using the connectors 522 to create the personnel carrier 526.

To use the modeling system 520, the user attaches the pieces to create a personnel carrier or other vehicle. The parts are assembled using the connectors 522. For example, FIG. 9 shows the personnel carrier 524 that was constructed from the modeling system 520. FIG. 10 shows another example where the winch assembly 570 has connectors 522 and can be attached to the body 536. Likewise, the wrecking ball assembly 594 has connectors 522 and can be attached to the body 536.

FIG. and 12 illustrate another embodiment of a modeling system 620. The modeling system 620 includes a plurality of parts which can be removably attached together using a connector system. One example of a connector system uses a connector 622 which engages an aperture 623. One embodiment of a connector system is described with respect to FIGS. 27-46. Some of the parts may have two connectors 622, and the spacing of the connectors 622 and the apertures 623 are predetermined. The modeling system 620 may be used to construct the model motorcycle 624 shown in FIG. 11 or the model motorcycle 626 shown in FIG. 12 or any variation of the model as desired.

Referring to FIG. 11, the modeling system 620 can include the following parts: a tail gun 630, a first motor and wide wheel assembly 632, a second motor and wide wheel assembly 634, a first scoop 636, a second scoop 638, a first land torpedo 640, a second land torpedo 642, a wing assembly 644, a posable action figure 650, and a helmet 652.

To use the modeling system 620, the user attaches the pieces to create a personnel carrier or other vehicle. The parts are assembled using the connectors 622. Some of the parts may have two connectors 622 and the spacing of the connectors 622 and the apertures 623 are predetermined.

For example, FIG. 12 shows the assembled motorcycle 626 that was constructed from the parts in FIG. 11. The user may attach the second scoop 638 to a windshield assembly 670. The tail gun 630, the second assembly 634, and the wing assembly 644 which have connectors 622 can be attached to a frame 672 which has apertures 623. The second land torpedo 642 is snap fitted to the wing assembly 644. The helmet 652 is snap fitted to the figure 650. Thus, the connectors 622 allow the user to create a unique appearance and to change the appearance as often as the user desires by removing and/or adding parts.

FIG. 13 illustrates another embodiment of a modeling system 720. The modeling system 720 includes a plurality of parts which can be removably attached together using a connector system. One example of a connector system uses a connector 722 which engages an aperture 723. One embodiment of a connector system is described with respect to FIGS. 27- 46. Some of the parts may have two connectors 722, and the spacing of the connectors 722 and the apertures 723 are predetermined. The modeling system 720 may be used to construct the model airplane 724 shown in FIG. 13, a dragster, or any variation of the model vehicle desired.

The modeling system 720 can include the following parts: a nose 730, a canopy 732, a body 734, a first wing 736, a second wing 738, a first rudder 744, a second rudder 746, a dragster engine 750, a dragster nose 752, a first gun

754, a second gun 756, a machine gun 758, a first launcher 770 with a projectile 772, a second launcher 774 with a projectile 776, a posable action figure 778, a first engine 782, a second engine 784, a first rocket 786, a second rocket 788, a first wheel assembly 790, a second wheel assembly 792, and a third wheel assembly 794.

To use the modeling system 720, the user attaches the pieces to create an airplane, a dragster, or other vehicle.

The parts are assembled using the connectors 722. For example, FIG. 13 shows the airplane 724. In another example, the dragster nose 752, the dragster engine 750, and the wheel assemblies 790,792,794 can be attached to the body 734 to form a dragster. To form a third example, the engines 782, 784 can be attached to the wings 736,738, respectively.

FIGS. 14-18 illustrate another embodiment of a modeling system 820. The modeling system 820 includes a plurality of parts which can be removably attached together using a connector system. Referring to FIG. 14, one example of a connector system uses a connector 822 which engages an aperture 823. One embodiment of a connector system is described with respect to FIGS. 27-46. The modeling system 820 may be used to construct the model sports car 824 shown in FIG. 14 or the model sports car 826 shown in FIG. 15 or any variation of the model vehicle desired.

Referring to FIG. 14, the modeling system 820 can include the following parts: a first wheel assembly 830, a second wheel assembly 832, a chassis 834, a body 836, a bumper and lamp assembly 840, an engine assembly 842, a first fender 844, a second fender 846, a first door 850, a second door 852, a dashboard assembly 854, a steering wheel 856, a seat assembly 858, a hood 860, and a canopy 862.

FIG. 15 shows additional parts for the modeling system 120. The parts include: a hood gun 870, a first launcher 872 with a projectile 874, a second launcher 876 with a projectile 878, a wing assembly 880, a first engine 882, a second engine 884, a first rocket base 886 with a rocket 888, a second rocket base 890 with a rocket 892, and a pivotable radar assembly 894.

To use the modeling system 820, the user attaches the pieces to create a sports car or other vehicle. The parts are assembled using the connectors 822. For example, FIG. 14 shows the sports car 824 which has a traditional appearance. FIG. 15 shows the sports car 826 which has attached: the canopy 862, the radar assembly 594, the rocket bases 886, 890, and the wing assembly 880.

FIG. 15A shows another configuration as model sports car 896 which includes a plurality of parts.

FIG. 16 shows in more detail how the connector systems found in FIGS. 1-15 work by way of example using the chassis 834 and the wing assembly 830. The chassis 834 is shown with the seat assembly 858 attached. The chassis has apertures 823. The wing assembly has apertures 898. The connectors 822 are permanently attached to the wing assembly 898 by being inserted into the apertures 898. The wing assembly 880 with connectors 822 can then be attached to the chassis 834 through the use of the apertures 823.

FIG. 17 provides an example of the manufacturing method to construct an assembly used in the modeling systems described in FIGS. 1-16. FIG. 17 shows an exploded view of the radar assembly 894. The assembly 894 includes a base

900, an arm 902, a radar dish 904 and connectors 822. The base 900 includes apertures 898, a first cradle 910, and a second cradle 912. The arm 902 has a first finger 914, a second finger 916 and apertures 823. The radar dish 904 has an aperture 898.

To construct the assembly 894, the connectors 822 are inserted into the apertures 898 on the base 900. To attach the arm 902 to the base 900, the first finger 914 fits into the first cradle 910 and the second finger 916 fits into the second cradle 912. The connector 822 is inserted into the aperture 898 on the dish 904. The dish 904 is connected to the arm 902 by the connector 822 through the use of any one of the apertures 823 on the arm 902. The assembly 894 can be attached to another component by the use of the connectors 822 attached to the base 900.

FIG. 18 provides an example of how a part used in the modeling systems shown in FIGS. 1-17 may be manufactured.

FIG. 18 shows the first engine 882. The first engine 882 includes a first engine shell portion 920, a second engine shell portion 922 and connectors 822. The engine portions 920,922 are hollow halves of the first engine 882. The portions 920,922 are mirror images of each other and are constructed so that when the portions 920,922 are aligned and mated together, they form two apertures 898.

To construct the first engine 882, the connectors 822 are placed in semi-circular hollows 924 of the shell portion 920 so that the connectors project partially out from the shell portion 920. The hollows 924 of the shell portion 920 are aligned and mated with mating semi-circular hollows 930 of the shell portion 922 to form the apertures 898 so that the connectors 822 are trapped in the apertures 898. The

shell portions 920,922 are then attached together either by gluing, ultra-sonically welding, snap together, friction fit, or some other known technique.

Referring to FIGS. 1-18, the parts shown in one modeling system can be used in another modeling system because the connectors and the apertures used in each modeling system are interchangeable and because the spacings of the connectors and apertures are predetermined. For example, the machine gun 242 of model system 120 in FIG. 3 may be used in model system 320 in FIG. 5. Thus, the user can purchase two model systems and may be able to use the parts from the first system on the second system. In addition, some of the parts may be sold separately for use on one or more of the model systems.

FIG. 19 illustrates an embodiment of a toy system 1120.

The toy system 1120 includes a plurality of parts which can be removably attached together using a connector system. One example of a connector system uses a connector 1122 which engages an aperture 1123. One embodiment of a connector system is described with respect to FIGS. 27-46. The toy system 1120 includes blocks which use the connectors 1122 and apertures 1123. A block can be attached to another block by use of the connector system. FIG. 19 shows blocks 1130, 1132,1134,1136,1138,1140. The blocks are rectangular in shape. The connectors 1122 on block 1138 can be used to engage apertures 1123 on block 1140 to attach block 1138 to block 1140.

The blocks can have indicia on them. The indicia can be such that each block has marked on it a letter, such as "A,"or a number, such as"4."The indicia could also be a portion of a picture larger than any one block. The indicia

could be configured on a plurality of blocks such that the blocks could be configured in only one way to form the picture. The indicia on a block could also be a word, and a plurality of blocks could be attached together to form a sentence, such as"THE COW JUMPED OVER THE MOON."The indicia on a block could also be a mathematical symbol, and the blocks could be arranged to form a mathematical expression, such as"2 + 2 = 4." FIG. 20 illustrates an embodiment of a toy system 1220.

The toy system 1220 includes a plurality of parts which can be removably attached together using a connector system. One example of a connector system uses a connector 1222 which engages an aperture 1223. One embodiment of a connector system is described with respect to FIGS. 27-46. The toy system 1220 includes elements which use the connectors 1222 and apertures 1223. A first element can be attached to another element by use of the connector system.

FIG. 20 shows elements 1230,1232,1234,1236,1238, 1240. The elements 1230,1232,1240 have a polygonal cross- section. The elements 1234,1236 are spherical. The element 1238 is cylindrical. Each element has a connector 1222 and an aperture 1223.

The element can have an indicia on it, such as a letter or a number. The connector 1222 and the aperture 1223 on the element can be located along the central axis of the element. The elements can be attached to form a chain as shown in FIG. 20. The element 1232 in the chain of elements can be rotated about the axis of the element 1232 which passes through the connector 1222 and the aperture 1223.

FIG. 21 illustrates an embodiment of a learning toy system 1320. The system 1320 includes a plurality of parts which can be removably attached together using a connector system. The connector system uses a connector 1322 which engages an aperture 1323. One embodiment of the connector system is shown at FIGS. 27-46. The toy system 1320 includes discs which use the connectors 1322 and apertures 1323. A disc can be attached to another disc by use of the connector system.

FIG. 21 shows the discs 1330,1332,1334,1336,1338, 1340,1342,1344,1350,1352,1354,1356,1358,1370,1372, 1374,1376. The discs can be cylindrical. Each disc has a connector 1322 and an aperture 1323. The connector 1322 and the aperture 1323 on a disc can be located on opposite sides of the disc on the central axis of the disc.

The disc can have an indicia on it. For example, the discs 1330,1332,1334,1336,1338,1340,1342,1344 each have the number"100"marked on the disc. The discs 1350, 1352,1354,1356,1358 each have the number"10"marked on the disc. The discs 1370,1372,1374,1376,1378 each have the number"1"marked on the disc. The discs can be different colors. Thus, the discs can be used as a counting system.

For example, the discs 1330,1332,1334,1336,1338, 1340,1342,1344 form a"100s"assembly 1390. Each disc in the assembly 1390 represents the number 100, and the discs in the assembly 1390 are summed together to reach a number. Therefore the assembly 1390 represents the number"800."The discs 1350,1352,1354,1356,1358 form a"10s"assembly 1392. Each disc in the assembly 1392 represents the number 10, and the discs in the assembly 1392 are summed together to

reach a number. Therefore the assembly 1392 represents the number"50."The discs 1370,1372,1374,1376 form a"Is" assembly 1394. Each disc in the assembly 1394 represents the number 1, and the discs in the assembly 1394 are summed together to reach a number. Therefore the assembly 1394 represents the number"4."The assemblies 1390,1392,1394 can be arranged to formulate a number by summing the value of the assemblies 1390,1392,1394 together. For example, the assemblies 1390,1392,1394 taken together represent the number"854" (i. e., 800 + 50 + 4 = 854). Therefore, the discs can be formed into assemblies which represent any number.

The discs can be connected into an assembly where the discs have the same color. In this way, a color could represent a number, for example, green could represent"100," red could represent"10,"and blue could represent"1." Therefore, the colored discs could be used as a counting system.

FIG. 22 illustrates an embodiment of a toy construction system 1420. The system 1420 includes a plurality of parts which can be removably attached together using a connector system. The connector system uses a connector 1422 which engages an aperture 1423. One embodiment of the connector system is shown at FIGS. 27-46. The toy system 1420 includes pieces which use the connectors 1422 and apertures 1423. A first piece can be attached to another piece by use of the connector system.

FIG. 22 shows the pieces 1430,1432,1434,1436,1438, 1440 and base plate 1450. The pieces 1430,1434,1438 are rectangular and each has a connector 1422 and an aperture 1423. The pieces 1430,1434,1438 are sized so that the

longer leg of the rectangle is equal to twice the length of the shorter leg of the rectangle. The connectors 1422 and the apertures 1423 on the pieces 1430,1434,1438 are located on opposite sides of each piece. Specifically, a connector 1422 is located on one side and an aperture 1423 is located on the other side along the central axis of the piece.

The pieces 1432,1436,1440 are square and each has two connectors 1422 and two apertures 1423. The pieces 1430, 1434,1438 are sized so that the length of a side of the square is equal to the longer length of the rectangular shape found on pieces 1430,1434,1438. The connectors 1422 and the apertures 1423 on the pieces 1432,1436,1440 are located on opposite sides of the pieces 1432,1436,1440.

Specifically, two connectors 1422 are located on one side and two apertures 1423 are located on the other side of each piece so that the two connectors 1422 are aligned with the two apertures 1423.

Therefore, the connectors 1422 on piece 1432 can be used to attach the piece 1432 to the pieces 1430,1434. In another configuration, the connectors 1422 on the pieces 1430,1434 could be used to attach the pieces 1430,1434 to the piece 1432.

The base plate 1450 contains an array of connectors 1422 that are spaced to allow the pieces 1430,1432,1434, 1436,1438,1440 to be attached to the base plate 1450 from the aperture 1423 side of the pieces 1430,1432,1434,1436, 1438,1440.

FIG. 23 illustrates an embodiment of a toy construction system 1520. The system 1520 includes a plurality of parts which can be removably attached together using a connector

system. The connector system uses a connector 1522 which engages an aperture 1523. One embodiment of the connector system is shown at FIGS. 27-46. The system 1520 includes parts which use the connectors 1522 and apertures 1523. A first part can be attached to another part by use of the connector system.

FIG. 23 shows the parts 1530,1532,1534,1536,1538.

The parts 1530,1532,1534 are rectangular. The parts 1536, 1538 are circular. Each part has a plurality of connection assemblies 1550 where each assembly 1550 includes a connector 1522 and an aperture 1523. The assembly 1550 can rotate about a longitudinal axis to reveal either the connector 1522 or the aperture 1523.

To use the system 1520, the user rotates the assembly 1550 on a first part to reveal either the connector 1522 or the aperture 1523. The user rotates the assembly 1550 on a second part to reveal the alternate of the first choice. The parts can then be attached by engaging the connector 1522 into the aperture 1523. For example, the parts 1532,1534 are attached. The connector 1522 on the part 1532 is engaged with the aperture 1523 on the part 1534. As another example, the part 1538 could be attached to the part 1530 by using the connector 1522 in the assembly 1550 of the part 1538 and the aperture 1523 on the face of the part 1530.

FIG. 23 shows the parts 1530,1532,1534 attached with the part 1532 between the parts 1530,1534. So attached, the part 1532 can rotate about the axis formed by the two connection points 1560,1562. In addition, the parts 1534, 1536,1538 are attached. The parts 1536,1538 can rotate about the connection point 1564 between the parts 1534,1536.

FIG. 24 illustrates an embodiment of a toy animal system 1620. The system 1620 includes a plurality of parts which can be removably attached together using a connector system. The connector system uses a connector 1622 which engages an aperture 1623. One embodiment of the connector system is shown at FIGS. 27-46. The system 1620 includes parts which use the connectors 1622 and apertures 1623. A first part can be attached to another part by use of the connector system. The system 1620 can be used to construct a model elephant 1624. Other systems include lion, gorilla, tiger, rhinoceros, horse, dinosaurs (t-rex, brontosauraus, stegosaur),. shark, butterfly, spider and ant.

The system 1620 can include a trunk 1630, a head 1632, a first ear 1634, a second ear 1636, a first leg 1638, a second leg 1640, a body 1640, a third leg 1644, and a fourth leg 1646. The trunk 1630, the ears 1636,1638, and the legs 1638,1640,1644,1646 each has a connector 1622 and each can rotate about the longitudinal axis of the connector 1622 when attached to another part as shown by arrows 1650,1652,1654, 1656.

FIG. 25 illustrates an embodiment of a toy construction system 1720. The system 1720 includes a plurality of parts which can be removably attached together using a connector system. The connector system uses a connector 1722 which engages an aperture 1723. One embodiment of the connector system is shown at FIGS. 27-46. The system 1720 includes parts which use the connectors 1622 and apertures 1723. A first part can be attached to another part by use of the connector system. The system 1720 can be used to construct a model castle. Other structures include sky scrapers, space station, race track, football stadium, baseball stadium,

space shuttle/rocket launch pad, Statue of Liberty, Eiffel Tower, pyramid, sphinx, bridge, and fort.

The system includes parts such as the pieces 1730, 1732,1734,1736,1738,1740. The pieces 1730,1732,1734 are shaped as a segment of a ring. The pieces 1736,1738, 1740 are rectangular. The piece 1742 is wedge-shaped. The pieces have the connectors 1722 and the apertures 1723. The connectors 1722 and the apertures 1723 are spaced so that the pieces can be assembled to form a structure.

For example, pieces such as the pieces 1730,1732, 1734,1742 can be used to form a tower 1750. Also pieces such as the pieces 1736,1738,1740 can be used to form a wall 1752.

FIG. 26 illustrates an embodiment of a toy construction system 1820. The system 1820 includes a plurality of parts which can be removably attached together using a connector system. The connector system uses a connector 1822 which engages an aperture 1823. One embodiment of the connector system is shown at FIGS. 27-46. The system 1820 includes parts which use the connectors 1822 and apertures 1823. A first part can be attached to another part by use of the connector system. The system 1820 can be used to construct a model log cabin 1824.

The system includes parts such as a railing 1830, the posts 1832,1834, a roof 1840, the bricks 1850,1852,1854, and the logs 1870,1872,1874,1876,1880. The bricks may include the connector 1822 and the aperture 1823. The bricks can be attached to form a chimney 1890. A log may include the connector 1822 and the aperture 1823 at one end of the

log, such as the log 1870, or at both ends of the log, such as the log 1880.

The logs can be attached to form a first wall 1892 and a second wall 1894. The logs 1870,1872,1874,1876 demonstrate how the logs should be attached to form the walls 1892,1894. The log 1872 is attached between the logs 1870, 1874 and is oriented perpendicular to the log 1870 and to the log 1874. The log 1876 is attached to the log 1874 and is aligned with the log 1872. Thus the logs 1870,1872,1874, 1876 are attached together and are oriented in alternating perpendicular lines to form two walls 1892,1894.

FIGS. 27 and 28 illustrate an embodiment of a connector 2100. The connector has a X axis 2102, a transverse Y axis 2104 which is perpendicular to the X axis 2102, and a vertical Z axis 2106 which is perpendicular to the longitudinal X axis 2102 and to the transverse Y axis 2104.

The connector 2100 includes a head 2120, a shank 2122 and a tail 2124.

The head 2120 is adjacent to and integral with the shank 2122. The shank 2122 includes a first leg 2130, a second leg 2132, an upper web 2134, a central radial web 2136 and a rib 2138. The webs 2134,2136 and the rib 2138 and are integral with the legs 2130,2132. The head 2120 is integral with the first leg 2130, the head web 2134, and the second leg 2132 of the shank 2122. The tail 2124 has a first tip 2140 and a second tip 2142. The first tip 2140 is integral with the first leg 2130. The second tip 2142 is integral with the second leg 2132.

Referring to FIGS. 27-29, the head 2120 is cylindrical in shape and acts as a flange. The head 2120 has an end

surface 2150, a bearing surface 2152, a wall surface 2154, and a radial slot surface 2156. Referring to FIG. 30, the end surface 2150 and the bearing surface 2152 are aligned with each other and are parallel to each other and to the X axis 2102 and the Y axis 2104. Referring to FIG. 33, the wall surface 2154 and the radial slot surface 2156 are parallel to each other and to the Z axis 2106.

In FIG. 33, the wall surface 2154 is arc-shaped and the radial slot surface 2156 is U-shaped. The wall surface 2154 and the radial slot surface 2156 define the shape of the end surface 2150 and the bearing surface 2152 (see FIG. 34). The radial slot surface 2156 defines a radial slot 2158.

Referring to FIG. 27, the first leg 2130 has a head spacer surface 2170, a shoulder 2172, a tail spacer surface 2174, a longitudinal head slot surface 2176 (see FIG. 35), a longitudinal tail slot surface 2178 (see FIG. 35), a head end 2180 and a tail end 2182. The second leg 2132 has a head spacer surface 2190, a shoulder 2192, a tail spacer surface 2194, a longitudinal head slot surface 2196, a longitudinal tail slot surface 2198, a head end 2200 and a tail end 2202.

Referring to FIG. 29, the spacer surfaces 2170,2190 are mirror images of each other and act to properly orient the head 2120 and the shoulders 2172,2192 so that the head 2120 is parallel to the shoulders 2172,2192 and so that the shoulders 2172,2192 are aligned with each other. Further, the head spacer surfaces 2170,2190 act to setoff the head 2120 from the shoulders 2172,2192. The spacer surfaces 2170,2190 are adjacent to and integral with the head 2120 and the web 2134. The spacer surface 2170 is adjacent to and integral with the shoulder 2172. The spacer surface 2190 is adjacent to and integral with the shoulder 2192.

Referring to FIG. 37, the head spacer surfaces 2170, 2190 are mirror images of each other about the Z axis 2106. The spacer surfaces 2170,2190 are defined by arcs that share approximately the same radius and center point and are located directly across from each other as if the spacer surfaces 2170,2190 were arcs taken from a complete circle.

The longitudinal centerline of the connector 2100 intervenes between the spacer surfaces 2170,2190.

As shown in FIG. 28, the head spacer surface 2170 is convex and is integral with the longitudinal head slot surface 2176 (see FIG. 37). As shown in FIGS. 27,28,35, and 37, the spacer surface 2170 abuts the slot surface 2176 at a first edge 2210 (see FIG. 27) and a second edge 2212 (see FIG. 28) of the slot surface 2176 (see FIG. 35).

Referring to FIG. 27, the head spacer surface 2190 is similarly convex and is integral with the longitudinal head slot surface 2196. The spacer surface 2190 abuts the slot surface 2196 at a first edge 2214 and a second edge 2216 of the slot surface 2196.

Referring to FIG. 27, the shoulders 2172,2192 act in concert with the head 2120 as a snap retainer mechanism. The shoulder 2172 is adjacent to the spacer surface 2170, the slot surface 2176 (see FIG. 35), and the spacer surface 2174. The shoulder 2192 is adjacent to the spacer surface 2190, the slot surface 2196 and the spacer surface 2194.

Referring to FIG. 27, the shoulder 2172 of the first leg has a bearing surface 2220, a wall surface 2222, a sloped guide surface 2224, a first chamfer surface 2226, and a second chamfer surface 2228 (see FIG. 28). Referring to FIG.

37, the bearing surface 2220 is defined by a head spacer- bearing edge 2230, a wall-bearing edge 2232, a first chamfer- bearing edge 2234, a second chamfer-bearing edge 2236, a first longitudinal head slot-bearing edge 2238, and a second longitudinal head slot-bearing edge 2240. Referring to FIG.

27, the bearing surface 2220 is opposed to and faces the bearing surface 2152 of the head 2120, with the spacer surface 2170 intervening. As shown in FIG. 28, the spacer- bearing edge 2230 conforms to the arc described by the spacer surface 2170, and the wall-bearing edge 2232 follows a generally concentric but radially larger arc. As shown in FIG. 30, the wall-bearing edge 2232 projects radially less than the wall surface 2154 of the head 2120. Referring to FIG. 37, the wall-bearing edge 2232 abuts the chamfer-bearing edges 2234,2236. The chamfer-bearing edges 2234,2236 are generally parallel to each other and to the Y axis 2104. The first chamfer-bearing edge 2234 abuts the first slot-bearing edge 2238, and the second chamfer-bearing edge 2236 abuts the second slot-bearing edge 2240. The slot-bearing edges 2238, 2240 are generally parallel to each other and to the X axis 2102.

Referring to FIG. 32, the wall surface 2222 is defined by the wall-bearing edge 2232, a sloped guide-wall edge 2246, a first chamfer-wall edge 2248, and a second chamfer-wall edge 2250. The guide-wall edge 2246 conforms to the same arc as described by the wall-bearing edge 2232. The wall surface 2222 terminates at the chamfer-wall edges 2248,2250. The wall surface 2222 is generally parallel to the Z axis 2106.

Referring to FIG. 30, the sloped guide surface 2224 is defined by the guide-wall edge 2246, a tail spacer-sloped guide edge 2260, a first chamfer-sloped guide edge 2262, a second chamfer-sloped guide edge 2264 (see FIG. 31), a first

longitudinal head slot-sloped guide edge 2266, and a second longitudinal head slot-sloped guide edge 2268 (see FIG. 31).

The guide-wall edge 2246 corresponds to the arc of the wall surface 2222. The spacer-guide edge 2260 corresponds to the arc of the spacer surface 2170. Accordingly, the guide surface 2224 tapers inwardly as it moves from the guide-wall edge 2246 towards the spacer-guide edge 2260. The guide surface 2224 is generally uniformly sloped.

Referring to FIG. 29, the first chamfer surface 2226 is defined by the chamfer-bearing edge 2234, the chamfer-wall edge 2248, the chamfer-guide edge 2262, and a longitudinal head slot-first chamfer edge 2270. Referring to FIG. 28, the second chamfer surface 2228 is defined by the chamfer-bearing edge 2236, the chamfer-wall edge 2250, the chamfer-guide edge 2264, and a longitudinal head slot-second chamfer edge 2272.

Referring to FIG. 37, the chamfer surfaces 2226,2228 are generally planar and are generally parallel to each other, to the Y axis 2104 and to the Z axis 2106.

Referring to FIG. 27, the shoulder 2192 of the second leg 2132 has a bearing surface 2320, a wall surface 2322, a sloped guide surface 2324, a first chamfer surface 2326, and a second chamfer surface 2328 (see FIG. 31). Referring to FIG. 37, the bearing surface 2320 is defined by a head spacer-bearing edge 2330, a wall-bearing edge 2332, a first chamfer-bearing edge 2334, a second chamfer-bearing edge 2336, a first longitudinal head slot-bearing edge 2338, and a second longitudinal head slot-bearing edge 2340.

Referring to FIG. 27, the bearing surface 2320 is opposed to and faces the bearing surface 2152 of the head 2120, with the spacer surface 2190 intervening. As shown in FIG. 37, the spacer-bearing edge 2330 conforms to the arc

described by the spacer surface 2190, and the wall-bearing edge 2332 follows a generally concentric but radially larger arc. The wall-bearing edge 2332 abuts the chamfer-bearing edges 2334,2336. The chamfer-bearing edges 2334,2336 are generally parallel to each other and to the Y axis 2104. The first chamfer-bearing edge 2334 abuts the slot-bearing edge 2338, and the second chamfer-bearing edge 2336 abuts the second slot-bearing edge 2340. The slot-bearing edges 2338, 2340 are generally parallel to each other and to the X axis 2102. As shown in FIG. 30, the wall-bearing edge 2332 of the shoulder 2192 projects radially less than the wall surface 2154 of the head 2120.

Referring to FIG. 29, the wall surface 2322 is defined by the wall-bearing edge 2332, a sloped guide-wall edge 2346, a first chamfer-wall edge 2348, and a second chamfer-wall edge 2350 (see FIG. 31). The guide-wall edge 2346 conforms to the same arc as described by the a wall- bearing edge 2332. The wall surface 2322 terminates at the first chamfer-wall edge 2348 and the second chamfer-wall edge 2350 (see FIG. 31). The wall surface 2322 is generally parallel to the Z axis 2106.

Referring to FIG. 30, the sloped guide surface 2324 is defined by the guide-wall edge 2346, a tail spacer-sloped guide edge 2360, a first chamfer-sloped guide edge 2362, a second chamfer-sloped guide edge 2364 (see FIG. 31), a first longitudinal head slot-sloped guide edge 2366, and a second longitudinal head slot-sloped guide edge 2368 (see FIG. 31). The guide-wall edge 2346 corresponds to the arc of the wall surface 2322. The spacer guide edge 2360 corresponds to the arc of the spacer surface 2190. Accordingly, the guide surface 2324 tapers inwardly as it moves from the guide-wall

edge 2346 towards the spacer guide edge 2360. The guide surface 2324 is generally uniformly sloped.

Referring to FIG. 29, the first chamfer surface 2326 is defined by the chamfer-bearing edge 2334, the chamfer-wall edge 2348, the chamfer guide edge 2362, and a longitudinal head slot-first chamfer edge 2370. Referring to FIG. 31, the second chamfer surface 2328 is defined by the chamfer-bearing edge 2336, the chamfer-wall edge 2350, the chamfer guide edge 2364, and a longitudinal head slot-second chamfer edge 2372.

Referring to FIG. 37, the chamfer surfaces 2326,2328 are generally planar and are generally parallel to each other, to the Y axis 2104 and to the Z axis 2106.

Referring to FIG. 37, the shoulder 2172 of the first leg 2130 and the shoulder 2192 of the second leg 2132 are mirror images of each about the Z axis 2106. The first chamfer surfaces 2226,2326 are generally parallel to and aligned with each other. Further, the second chamfer surfaces 2228,2328 are generally parallel to and aligned with each other. Accordingly the chamfers 2226,2326,2228, 2328 are generally parallel to each other.

Referring to FIG. 29, the tail spacer surface 2174 of the first leg 2130 and the tail spacer surface 2194 of the second leg 2132 are mirror images of each other and act to properly orient the tail 2124 and the shoulders 2172,2192 so that the tail 2124 is setoff from the shoulders 2172,2192 a desired distance. The tail spacer surfaces 2174,2194 are adjacent to and integral with the central radial web 2136 and the rib 2138. The spacer surface 2174 is adjacent to and integral with the shoulder 2172 and the first tip 2140. The spacer surface 2194 is adjacent to and integral with the shoulder 2192 and the second tip 2142.

Referring to FIG. 38, the tail spacer surfaces 2174, 2194 are mirror images of each other about the Z-axis 2106. The spacer surfaces 2174,2194 are defined by arcs that share approximately the same radius and center point and are located directly across from each other as if the spacer surfaces 2174,2194 were arcs taken from a complete circle.

The longitudinal centerline of the connector 2100 intervenes between the spacer surfaces 2174,2194.

As shown in FIG. 27, the tail spacer surface 2174 is convex and is integral with the longitudinal tail slot surface 2178 (see FIG. 37). As shown in FIGS. 27,28 and 35, the spacer surface 2174 abuts the slot surface 2178 at a first edge 2380 (see FIG. 27) and a second edge 2382 (see FIG. 28) of the slot surface 2178 (see FIG. 35).

Referring to FIG. 27, the tail spacer surface 2194 is convex and is integral with the longitudinal tail slot surface 2198. The spacer surface 2194 abuts the slot surface 2198 at a first edge 2214 and a second edge 2216 of the slot surface 2198.

Referring to FIG. 29, the head web 2134 has a radial slot head surface 2387, a longitudinal head slot surface 2388, and a bridging surface 2389 (see FIG. 31).

Referring to FIG. 29, the central radial web 2136 acts to increase the rigidity of the legs 2130,2132. Referring to FIG. 37, the central radial web 2136 runs parallel to the X axis 2102 from the edges 2210,2214 of the longitudinal head slot surfaces 2176,2196, respectively to the edges 2212,2216 of the slot surfaces 2176,2196, respectively.

The central radial web 2136 has a longitudinal head slot

surface 2390 (see FIG. 38), a first tail spacer surface 2392 (see FIG. 29), a second tail spacer surface 2394 (see FIG.

31), and a longitudinal tail slot surface 396 (see FIG. 29). As shown in FIG. 38, the spacer surfaces 2392,2394 conform to the arcs described by the spacer surfaces 2174,2194.

Referring to FIGS. 27 and 28, the rib 2138 is adjacent to and integral with the central radial web 2136, the first leg 2130 and the second leg 2132. The rib 2138 is used as a knock-out surface during the molding process. The rib 2138 has a first longitudinal head slot surface 2400 (see FIG.

27), a second longitudinal head slot surface 2402 (see FIG.

37), and a tail spacer surface 2404 (see FIG. 31). Referring to FIG. 31, the spacer surface 2404 conforms to the arcs described by the spacer surfaces 2174,2194.

As shown in FIGS. 27,35 and 37, the slot surface 2176 of the first leg 2130, the slot surface 2196 of the second leg 2132, the head web 2134, the slot surface 2390 of the central radial web 2136, and the slot surfaces 2400,2402 of the rib 2138 define a longitudinal slot 2406.

Referring to FIG. 27, the tail 2124 acts to removably attach the first part to the second part. The tail 2124 is bifurcated into a first tip 2140 and a second tip 2142. The tips 2140,2142 are mirror images of each other, with the mirror image taken about the Z axis 2106. The tips 2140, 2142 are resiliently flexible and inwardly displaceable.

Referring to FIG. 29, the first tip 2140 has a sloped engaging surface 2410, a sloped guide surface 2412, an end surface 2414, a first chamfer surface 2416, and a second chamfer surface 2418 (see FIG. 31).

Referring to FIG. 38, the sloped engaging surface 2410 of the tip 2140 is defined by a tail spacer-sloped engaging edge 2430, a bearing edge 2432, a first chamfer-sloped engaging edge 2434, a second chamfer-sloped engaging edge 2436, a first longitudinal tail slot-sloped engaging edge 2438, and a second longitudinal tail slot-sloped engaging edge 2440.

Referring to FIG. 32, the sloped guide surface 2412 is defined by the bearing edge 2432, an end-sloped guide edge 2442, a first chamfer-sloped guide edge 2444, a second chamfer-sloped guide edge 2446, a first longitudinal tail slot-sloped guide edge 2448, and a second longitudinal tail slot-sloped guide edge 2450.

The end surface 2414 and the chamfer surfaces 2416, 2418 act to facilitate insertion of the connector 2100 into and through the first part and the second part. The end surface 2414 acts to guide the tip 2140 into the first part and the second part. The chamfer surfaces 2416,2418 act to provide stress relief and to facilitate deflection of the tip 2140 during insertion of the connector 2100 into the first part and second part.

Referring to FIG. 34, the end surface 2414 is defined by the end guide edge 2442 and a longitudinal tail slot-end edge 2454.

Referring to FIG. 30, the first chamfer surface 2416 is defined by the chamfer engaging edge 2434, the chamfer guide edge 2444, and a longitudinal tail slot-first chamfer edge 2456. Referring to FIG. 31, the second chamfer surface 2418 is defined by the chamfer engaging edge 2436, the chamfer guide edge 2446, and a longitudinal tail slot-second chamfer

edge 2458. Referring to FIG. 38, the chamfer surfaces 2416, 2418 are generally parallel to each other and to the Z axis 2106.

Referring to FIG. 29, the second tip 2142 has a sloped engaging surface 2510, a sloped guide surface 2512, an end surface 2514, a first chamfer surface 2516, and a second chamfer surface 2518 (see FIG. 31).

Referring to FIG. 38, the sloped engaging surface 2510 of the tip 2142 is defined by a tail spacer-sloped engaging edge 253. 0, a bearing edge 2532, a first chamfer-sloped engaging edge 2534, a second chamfer-sloped engaging edge 2536, a first longitudinal tail slot-sloped engaging edge 2538, and a second longitudinal tail slot-sloped engaging edge 2540.

Referring to FIG. 29, the sloped guide surface 2512 is defined by the bearing edge 2532, an end-sloped guide edge 2542, a first chamfer-sloped guide edge 2544, a second chamfer-sloped guide edge 2546 (see FIG. 31), a first longitudinal tail slot-sloped guide edge 2548, and a second longitudinal tail slot-sloped guide edge 2550 (see FIG. 31).

The end surface 2514 and the chamfer surfaces 2516, 2518 act to facilitate insertion of the connector 2100 into and through the first part and the second part. The end surface 2514 acts to guide the tip 2142 into the first part and the second part. The chamfer surfaces 2516,2518 act to provide stress relief and to facilitate deflection of the tip 2142 during insertion of the connector 2100 into the first part and second part.

Referring to FIG. 34, the end surface 2514 is defined by the end guide edge 2542 and a longitudinal tail slot-end edge 2554.

Referring to FIG. 30, the first chamfer surface 2516 is defined by the chamfer engaging edge 2534, the chamfer guide edge 2544, and a longitudinal tail slot-first chamfer edge 2556. Referring to FIG. 31, the second chamfer surface 2518 is defined by the chamfer engaging edge 2536, the chamfer guide edge 2546, and a longitudinal tail slot-second chamfer edge 2558. Referring to FIG. 38, the chamfer surfaces 2516, 2518 are generall. parallel to each other and to the Z axis 2106.

As shown in FIGS. 29,35 and 36, the slot surface 2178 of the leg 2130, the tail slot surface 2198 of the leg 2132, and the slot surface 2390 of the central radial web 2136 define a longitudinal tail slot 2570.

Referring to FIGS. 39-46, the connector 2100 removably couples a first part 2600 to a second part 2602. FIGS. 39, 40 and 43 show the first part 2600. Referring to FIG. 39, the first part 2600 includes a plate 2606 and a collar 2608.

As shown in FIG. 40, the plate 2606 is a portion of first part 2600 and includes a mating surface 2607. The collar 2608 is integral to the plate 2606. As shown in FIG. 43, the collar 2608 is hollow through the longitudinal axis of the first part 2600 (i. e., the Z axis 2106).

Accordingly, referring to FIGS. 39 and 40, the collar 2608 includes a plate surface 2610, a rim surface 2612, and a connector surface 2614. The plate surface 2610 and the connector surface 2614 define the thickness of the collar 2608. The plate surface 2610 is generally uniform and

cylindrical. The rim surface 2612 is generally uniform and ring-shaped. Referring to FIG. 43, the rim surface 2612 is defined by a head counter bore 2616. Referring to FIGS. 40 and 43, the connector surface 2614 is non-uniform but generally cylindrical.

Referring to FIG. 43, the connector surface 2614 is defined by the head counter bore 2. 616, a counter sink 2618, a bore 2620, and a shoulder counter bore 2622. The connector surface 2614 includes a head surface 2626, a head retaining surface 2628, a sloped surface 2630, a head spacer surface 2632, a shoulder retaining surface 2634, and a shoulder surface 2636.

Referring to FIG. 43, the head counter bore 2616 is a cylindrical hole and is adjacent to the countersink 2618.

The radial center point of the head counter bore 2616 is aligned with the radial center point of the collar-2608. The radius and a longitudinal length of the head counter bore 2616 conform to the radius and longitudinal length of the wall surface 2154 of the head 2120 of the connector 2100.

The countersink 2618 is a frustoconical hole and is adjacent to and between the head counter bore 2616 and the bore 2620. The radial center point of the countersink 2618 is aligned with the radial center point of the collar 2608. The countersink 2618 is flared radially outward where it is adjacent to the head counter bore 2616 and tapers radially inward as it progresses longitudinally away from the head counter bore 2616 towards the bore 2620 until it abuts the bore 2620 where it reaches its smallest radius.

The bore 2620 is a cylindrical hole and is adjacent to and between the countersink 2618 and the shoulder counter

bore 2622. The radial center point of the bore 2620 is aligned with the radial center point of the collar 2608. The radius of the bore 2620 is the same as the smallest radius of the countersink 2618. The longitudinal length of the countersink 2618 taken together with the longitudinal length of the bore 2620 is constructed to be less than the longitudinal length either of the spacer surfaces 2170,2190, taken separately, to enable the spacer surfaces 2170,2190 of the connector 2100 to be placed in the collar 2608 without the head 2120 or the shoulders 2172,2192 interfering with the placement of the connector 2100.

The shoulder counter bore 2622 is a cylindrical hole and is adjacent to the bore 2620. The radial center point of the shoulder counter bore 2622 is aligned with the radial center point of the collar 2608. The shoulder counter bore 2622 has a radius which generally conforms to the radius of the wall surfaces 2222,2322 of the connector 2100.

Referring to FIGS. 40 and 43, the head surface 2626 and the head retaining surface 2628 are perpendicular and adjacent to each other. The head surface 2626 is defined by the head counter bore 2616. The head surface 2626 is cylindrical and has a radius and a longitudinal length which conform to the radius and longitudinal length of the wall surface 2154. The head retaining surface 2628 is located adjacent to and between the head surface 2626 and the sloped surface 2630. The head retaining surface 2628 is defined by the head counter bore 2616 and the counter sink 2618. The head retaining surface 2628 is ring-shaped.

The sloped surface 2630 is located adjacent to and between the retainer surface 2628 and the spacer surface 2632. The sloped surface 2630 is defined by the counter sink

2618. The sloped surface 2630 is frustoconical and tapers inwardly as it moves from the retainer surface 2628 towards the spacer surface 2632. The angle of the taper of the sloped surface 2630 of the first part 2600 conforms to the angle of the taper of the guide surfaces 2412,2512,2224, 2324 of the connector 2100.

The head spacer surface 2632 and the head surface 2626 are parallel to each other. Accordingly, the spacer surface 2632 is perpendicular to the retaining surface 2628. The spacer surface 2632 is located adjacent to and between the sloped surface 2630 and the shoulder retaining surface 2634.

The spacer surface 2632 is defined by the countersink 2618, the bore 2620, and the counter bore 2622. The spacer surface 2632 is cylindrical and has a radius which conforms to the radius of the spacer surfaces 2170,2190 of the connector 2100. The radius of the spacer surface 2632 could be larger than the radius of the spacer surfaces 2170,2190 as long as it is smaller than the radius of the wall surfaces 2222, 2322.

The shoulder retaining surface 2634 and the shoulder surface 2636 are perpendicular and adjacent to each other.

The retaining surface 2634 is also perpendicular and adjacent to the spacer surface 2632 and is between the shoulder surface 2636 and the spacer surface 2632. Accordingly, the retaining surface 2634 is parallel to the retaining surface 2628, and the shoulder surface 2636 is parallel to the spacer surface 2632 and the head surface 2626.

The retaining surface 2634 is defined by the shoulder counter bore 2622 and the bore 2620. The retaining surface 2634 is ring-shaped. The shoulder surface 2636 is defined by the counter bore 2622. The shoulder surface 2636 is

cylindrical and has a radius which generally conforms to the radius of the wall surface 2154 of the connector 2100. The radius of the shoulder surface 2636 can be smaller than the radius of the wall surface 2154 as long as the radius of the shoulder surface 2636 is greater than the radius of the wall surfaces 2222,2322.

Referring to FIG. 41, the second part 2602 includes a plate 2646 and a collar 2648. As shown in FIG. 42, the plate 2646 is a portion of the second part 2602 and includes a mating surface 2647. The collar 2648 is integral to the plate 2646. As shown in FIG. 43, the collar 2648 is hollow through the longitudinal axis of the second part 2602 (i. e., the Z axis 2106).

Accordingly, referring to FIGS. 41 and 42, the collar 2648 includes a plate surface 2650, a rim surface 2652, and a connector surface 2654. The plate surface 2650 and the connector surface 2654 define the thickness of the collar 2648. The plate surface 2650 is generally uniform and cylindrical. The rim surface 2652 is generally uniform and ring-shaped. Referring to FIG. 43, the rim surface 2652 is defined by a bore 2660. Referring to FIGS. 42 and 43, the connector surface 2654 is non-uniform but generally cylindrical.

The connector surface 2654 is defined by a countersink 2658 and the bore 2660. The connector surface 2654 includes a sloped surface 2670 and a tail spacer surface 2672.

Referring to FIGS. 42 and 43, the countersink 2658 is a frustoconical hole and is adjacent to the bore 2660. The mating surface 2647 of the plate 2646 and the bore 2660 define the countersink 2658. The radial center point of the

countersink 2658 is aligned with the radial center point of the collar 2648. The countersink 2658 is flared radially outward where it is flush with the mating surface 2647 of the plate 2646 and tapers radially inward as it progresses longitudinally away from the mating surface 2647 towards the bore 2660 until it abuts the bore 2660 where it reaches its smallest radius.

The bore 2660 is a cylindrical hole and is adjacent to the countersink 2658. The rim surface 2652 and the countersink 2658 define the bore 2660. The radial center point. of the bore 2660 is aligned with the radial center point of the collar 2648. The radius of the bore 2660 is the same as the smallest radius of the countersink 2658.

The sloped surface 2670 is located adjacent to the tail spacer surface 2672. The sloped surface 2670 is defined by the counter sink 2658. The sloped surface 2670 is frustoconical and tapers inwardly as it moves from the mating surface 2547 towards the spacer surface 2672. The angle of the taper of the sloped surface 2670 of the second part 2602 conforms to the angle of the taper of the guide surfaces 2412,2512,2224,2324 of the connector 2100.

The tail spacer surface 2672 is located adjacent to the sloped surface 2670. The spacer surface 2672 is defined by the bore 2660. The spacer surface 2672 is cylindrical and has a radius which generally conforms to the radius of the spacer surfaces 2174,2194 of the connector 2100. The radius of the spacer surface 2672 can be larger than the radius of the spacer surfaces 2174,2194 as long as the radius of the spacer surface 2672 is less than the radius of the bearing edges 2432,2532 of the connector 2100.

FIG. 44 shows the connector 2100 positioned above the first part 2600 with the tail 2124 of the connector 2100 aligned with and directly above the collar 2608 of the first part 2600. The connector 2100 is permanently attached to the first part 2600 to form a permanent assembly 2675 by inserting the connector 2100 through the collar 2608 of the first part 2600 (see FIG. 45). The tail 2124 leads and the head 2120 follows as the connector 2100 moves through a permanent attaching direction 2680. The tail 2124 can pass through the head counter bore 2616 without touching the connector surface 2614.

As the connector 2100 continues to move in the attaching direction 2680, the guide surfaces 2412,2512 contact the sloped surface 2630. Further movement of the connector 2100 in the attaching direction 2680 requires more insertion force.

Upon further movement of the connector 2100 in the attaching direction 2680, the guide surfaces 2412,2512 bear against and slip past the sloped surface 2630. Consequently, the tips 2140,2142 displace inwardly. The first chamfer surfaces 2416,2516 and the second chamfer surfaces 2418, 2518 (not shown in FIG. 44) act to provide stress relief and to allow the tips 2140,2142 to displace towards each other during insertion of the connector 2100 into the first part 2600.

The displacement of the tips 2140,2142 reduces the effective circumference formed by the bearing edges 2432, 2532. The tips 2140,2142 and the second tip 2142 continue to displace inwardly as the connector 2100 moves in the attaching direction 2680 until the bearing edges 2432,2532 reach the bore 2618. When the bearing edges 2432,2532 reach

the bore 2618, the tips 2140,2142 reach their maximum inward displacement and remain in a flexed state.

Upon further movement of the connector 2100 in the attaching direction 2680, the bearing edges 2432,2532 bear against the spacer surface 2632 until the bearing edges 2432, 2532 enter the counter bore 2622. When the bearing edges 2432,2532 enter the counter bore 2622, the tips 2140,2142 outwardly displace and return to a relaxed position.

At this point, the insertion force required to move the connector 2100 in the attaching direction 2680 is reduced. The connector 2100 can continue to move in the attaching direction 2680 with the application of steady insertion force until the guide surfaces 2224,2324 contact the sloped surface 2630. Further movement of the connector 2100 in the attaching direction 2680 requires more insertion force.

Upon further movement of the connector 2100 in the attaching direction 2680, the guide surfaces 2224,2324 bear against the sloped surface 2630 and flex in order to displace inwardly. The first chamfer surfaces 2226,2326 and the second chamfer surfaces 2228,2328 (not shown in FIG. 44) act to provide stress relief and to allow the shoulders 2172, 2192 to displace towards each other during insertion of the connector 2100 into the first part 2600.

Because the shoulders 2172,2192 are located next to the rib 2138 and central radial web 2136, the shoulders 2172, 2192 can not displace inwardly as easily as the tips 2140, 2142. The rib 2138 and central radial web 2136 provide rigidity to the legs 2130,2132 and consequently impart rigidity to the shoulders 2172,2192. Accordingly, a greater

insertion force is required to inwardly displace the shoulders 2172,2192.

As a consequence of the rigidity of the shoulders 2172, 2192, when the requisite insertion force is applied, the connector 2100 moves in the attaching direction 2680 and the shoulders 2172,2192 displace inwardly and"snap"through the bore 2620. The shoulders 2172,2192 return to the relaxed position once the wall-bearing edges 2232,2332 enter the counter bore 2622.

At this point the connector 2100 is permanently attached to the first part 2600 and the permanent assembly 2675 is formed (see FIG. 45). The head 2120 of the connector 2100 may be slightly larger than the counter bore 2616. In that case, more insertion force may be needed to move the connector 2100 in the attaching direction 2680 to fully insert the connector 2100 into the first part 2600 so that the end surface 2150 is flush with the rim surface 2612 of the first part 2600. With this applied insertion force, the head 2120 will flex axially inwardly, reducing the width of the radial slot 2158. The connector 2100 will move in the attaching direction 2680 until the bearing surface 2152 is fully seated on the retaining surface 2628. In another embodiment, the counter bore 2616 can be eliminated and the head 2120 can extend above the surface.

Referring to FIG. 45, the connector 2100 is permanently attached to the first part 2600 and a permanent assembly 2675 is formed. The assembly 2675 is located in relation to the second part 2602 so that the tail 2124 of the connector 2100 is closest to the second part 2602 and longitudinally aligned with the collar 2648. To attach the assembly 2675 to the second part 2602, the tail 2124 is inserted into the

countersink 2658 and moved in a removable attaching direction 2682.

The assembly 2675 first contacts the connector surface 2654 as the assembly 2675 moves in the attaching direction 2682. The guide surfaces 2412,2512 contact the sloped surface 2670. Further movement of the assembly 2675 in the attaching direction 2582 requires more insertion force. Upon further movement of the assembly 2675 in the attaching direction 2682, the bearing surfaces 2220,2320 of the connector 2100 bear against the retainer surface 2634 of the first part 2600. The bearing surfaces 2220,2320 and the retainer surface 2634 allow insertion forces to transfer between the connector 2100 and the first part 2600.

Upon further movement of the assembly 2675 in the attaching direction 2682, the tips 2140,2142 bear against the sloped surface 2670 and flex in order to displace inwardly. The displacement of the tips 2140,2142 and the second tip 2142 reduces the effective circumference formed by the bearing edges 2432,2532. The tips 2140,2142 continue to displace inwardly as the assembly 2675 moves in the attaching direction 2682. The guide surfaces 2412,2512 bear against and slide past the sloped surface 2670 until the bearing edges 2432,2532 reach the bore 2660. When the bearing edges 2432,2532 reach the bore 2660, the tips 2140, 2142 reach their maximum inward displacement and remain in a flexed state.

Upon further movement of the assembly 2675 in the attaching direction 2682 the bearing edges 2432,2532 bear against the tail spacer surface 2672 until the bearing edges 2432,2532 exit the bore 2660. When the bearing edges 2432,

2532 exit the bore 2660, the tips 2140,2142 outwardly displace.

As shown in FIG. 46, the assembly 2675 is removably attached to the second part 2602. In this position, the engaging surfaces 2410,2510 can be in contact with and bear against the rim surface 2652.

To remove the assembly 2675 from the second part 2602, the assembly 2675 is moved in a removing direction 2684. As removal force is applied to the assembly 2675 in the removing direction 2684, the engaging surfaces 2410, 2510 come into contact with and bear against the rim surface 2652 at a rim surface edge 2690.

Upon further movement of the assembly 2675 in the removing direction 2682, the engaging surfaces 2410,2510 bear against and slip past the rim surface edge 2690. The tips 2140,2142 displace inwardly. The displacement of the tips 2140,2142 reduces the effective circumference formed by the bearing edges 2432,2532. The tips 2140,2142 continue to displace inwardly as the assembly 2675 moves in the removing direction 2584 until the bearing edges 2432,2532 contact the rim surface edge 2690 and reach the bore 2660. The first tip 2140 and the second tip 2142 reach their maximum inward displacement and remain in a flexed state.

Upon further movement of the assembly 2675 in the removing direction 2684, the bearing edges 2432,2532 reach the countersink 2658. When the bearing edges 2432,2532 reach the countersink 2658, further movement of the assembly 2675 in the removing direction 2684 can be accomplished through increasingly less force.

Upon further movement of the assembly 2675 in the removing direction 2684, the tips 2140,2142 outwardly displace and the guide surfaces 2412,2512 contact the sloped surface 2670. Further movement of the assembly 2675 in the removing direction 2684 completely separates the assembly 2675 from the second part 2602 and the tips 2140,2142 return to a relaxed position.

At this point, the permanent assembly 2675 and the second part 2602 are in the condition shown in FIG. 45.

During insertion and withdrawal of the assembly 2675, the rigidity imparted by the upper web 2134, the radial web 2260 and the rib 2138 to the legs 2130,2132 allows the tail 2124 to flex inwardly but prevents the head 2120 and the shoulders 2172,2192 of the connector 2100, which are trapped by the first part 2600, from displacing inwardly such that the head 120 or the shoulders 2172,2192 would no longer bear against the first part 2600 when insertion or removal force was applied.

The connector 2100 can be made of the following materials: polyacetal (Delrin), ABS (acrylonitrile- butadiene-styrene), polypropylene, or polystyrene. The first part 2600 can be made of the following materials: polyacetal (DelrinTM), ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene), polypropylene, or polystyrene. The second part 2602 can be made of the following materials: polyacetal (DelrinTM), ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene), polypropylene, or polystyrene.

From the foregoing it will be understood that modifications and variations may be effectuated to the disclosed structures-particularly in light of the foregoing

teachings-without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. As such, no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments described and illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. Indeed, the following claims are intended to cover all modifications and variations that fall within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

In addition, all references and copending applications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.