WO2020146872A1

WO2020146872A1 - Card clips

Info

Publication number: WO2020146872A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/013308
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dale ATWOOD
Original assignee: Atwood Rope Mfg
Priority date: 2019-01-11
Filing date: 2020-01-13
Publication date: 2020-07-16
Also published as: US20220111301A1

Abstract

Provided is a toy, game, or puzzle building system. The building system may comprise variously shaped clips that are operatively attachable to cards, paper, or the like. The clips may have a receiving portion adapted to receive the edge of a card or another clip and may connect two, three, four, five, etc. cards or clips in various angles and orientations. For instance, two cards or clips may be connected in a straight line, at a right angle, at an obtuse angle, at an acute angle, etc. Multiple cards may be inserted into each receiving portion of the clips and the cards may be folded, cut, or otherwise manipulated to create a myriad of shapes. Cards may be provided as a part of the building system and may have various shapes, sizes, and images thereon that may be built into a particular item, vehicle, animal, person, building, scene, or landscape.

Description

CARD CLIPS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the priority to U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 62/909,362 filed on October 2, 2019 and entitled“Card Clips,” and U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 62/791,187 filed on January 11, 2019 and entitled “Card Clips,” each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to toy, game, and/or puzzle building pieces and, more particularly, to variously-shaped clips and/or cards that are adaptable to connect in a multitude of configurations and angles.

SUMMARY

[0003] The following presents a summary of this disclosure to provide a basic understanding of some aspects. This summary is not intended to identify key or critical elements or define any limitations of embodiments or claims. Furthermore, this summary may provide a simplified overview of some aspects that may be described in greater detail in other portions of this disclosure.

[0004] Disclosed is a toy, game, and/or puzzle building system. The building system may comprise variously shaped clips or members that are operatively attachable to cards, paper, cardboard, or the like. For the sake of brevity, it is understood that the term“card” may include any card, paper, stock, cardboard, plastic sheet, and the like, including playing cards, baseball cards, collector cards, greeting cards, photographs, notecards, etc. as well as card, paper, stock, cardboard, plastic sheet, and the like, that include specific visual elements, images, or shapes that may be adapted to form or build a 3-dimensional puzzle or image. Moreover, while the description generally refers to a clip, it is noted that a clip is not limiting and can refer to and include more than one member capable of receiving an edge of a card.

[0005] The clips may have a receiving portion adapted to receive the edge of a card, paper, cardboard, or clip or member and may connect two, three, four, five, etc. cards, papers, cardboard or clips or members in various angles and orientations. For instance, two cards or clips may be connected in a straight line, at a right angle, at an obtuse angle, at an acute angle, etc. Multiple cards may be inserted into a single receiving portion of the clip and the receiving portions of the clips may be flexible to accommodate various thicknesses of cards. The receiving portions of the clips may further include an engagement feature, such as a plurality of teeth. The cards may be folded, cut, or otherwise manipulated to create a myriad of shapes. Cards may be provided as a part of the building system and may be various shapes and sizes, and have various images thereon that may be built into a particular shape, item, vehicle, animal, person, building, scene, or landscape. The building system may also allow for freehand building and can incorporate any existing card or paper, such as playing cards, baseball cards, collector cards, greeting cards, photographs, notecards, etc. The various components and versatility between components allow for the creation of limitless configurations, shapes, and images.

[0006] In an embodiment, disclosed is a toy building system. The toy building system may comprise at least one clip. The at least one clip may comprise a first receiving portion adapted to receive an edge of a card. The receiving portion may include a first arm and a second arm extending from an attachment point and defining a slot. In an embodiment, the at least one clip may include an engagement member. In an embodiment, the at least one clip may include a plurality of teeth. The at least one clip may be made of a polymer material. The at least one clip may further include a hole through the attachment point, wherein the hole is adapted to receive a string. The first receiving portion may be adapted to receive a receiving portion of a second clip. In an embodiment, a plurality of clips and cards may be assembled to form a three dimensional structure or image.

[0007] In an embodiment, the at least one may include a second receiving portion that is aligned about 180° from the first receiving portion on the attachment point. In an embodiment, the at least one clip may include a second receiving portion that is aligned about 90° from the first receiving portion on the attachment point. In an embodiment, the at least one clip may include a second receiving portion that is aligned at an angle greater than 90° from the first receiving portion on the attachment point. In an embodiment, the second receiving portion may be aligned about 135° from the first receiving portion on the attachment point. In an embodiment, the at least one clip may include a second receiving portion that is aligned at an angle less than 90° from the first receiving portion on the attachment point. In an embodiment, the second receiving portion may be aligned about 45° from the first receiving portion on the attachment point.

[0008] In an embodiment, the at least one clip may include three receiving portions at about 120° from each other on the attachment point. In an embodiment, the at least one clip may include three receiving portions, wherein a second receiving portion is aligned about 90° from the first receiving portion on the attachment point and a third receiving portion is aligned about 90° from the second receiving portion on the attachment point. In an embodiment, the at least one clip may include four receiving portions at about 90° from each other on the attachment point.

[0009] In an embodiment, toy building system may comprise at least one clip, wherein the at least one clip may comprise a first arm and a second arm, the first arm and the second arm defining a slot; at least one card; wherein an edge of the card may be insertable into the slot. The at least one clip may include a plurality of teeth. The at least one clip may be made of a polymer material. In an embodiment, the at least one clip may comprise a third arm and a fourth arm, the third arm and the fourth arm defining a second slot, wherein a second edge of the card is insertable into the second slot.

[0010] In an embodiment, a toy building system comprises a straight clip. The straight clip has two receiving portions that are adapted to receive an edge of a card or clip. In an embodiment, the straight clip may connect two cards or clips in a straight orientation, where the cards or clips are in the same plane. In an embodiment, the straight clip may connect two edges of the same card, one edge inserted into each receiving portion to form a circular shape. The straight clip may also connect two edges of the same card, wherein both edges are inserted into a single receiving portion. Each receiving portion of the straight clip may independently attach to any of the length, width, comer, or other edge of at least one card.

[0011] In an embodiment, a toy building system comprises a right-angle clip. The right-angle clip has two receiving portions that are adapted to receive an edge of a card or clip. In an embodiment, the right-angle clip may connect two cards or clips at a right angle. In an embodiment, the right-angle clip may connect two edges of the same card, one edge inserted into each receiving portion to form a circular shape. The right-angle clip may also connect two edges of the same card, wherein both edges are inserted into a single receiving portion. Each receiving portion of the right-angle clip may independently attach to any of the length, width, comer, or other edge of at least one card.

[0012] In an embodiment, a toy building system comprises a three-way clip. The three-way clip has three receiving portions that are adapted to receive an edge of a card or clip. In an embodiment, the three-way clip may connect three cards or clips. In an embodiment, the three-way clip may connect two edges of the same card, one edge inserted into any of two receiving portions, to form a circular shape. The three-way clip may also connect two edges of the same card, wherein both edges are inserted into a single receiving portion. Each receiving portion of the three-way clip may independently attach to any of the length, width, comer, or other edge of at least one card.

[0013] In an embodiment, a toy building system comprises a four-way clip. The four-way clip has four receiving portions that are adapted to receive an edge of a card or clip. In an embodiment, the four-way clip may connect four cards or clips. In an embodiment, the four way clip may connect two edges of the same card, one edge inserted into any of two receiving portions, to form a circular shape. The four-way clip may also connect two edges of the same card, wherein both edges are inserted into a single receiving portion. Each receiving portion of the four-way clip may independently attach to any of the length, width, comer, or other edge of at least one card.

[0014] In an embodiment, a toy building system comprises an obtuse-angle clip. The obtuse- angle clip has two receiving portions that are adapted to receive an edge of a card or clip. In an embodiment, the obtuse-angle clip may connect two cards or clips at an obtuse angle. In an embodiment, the obtuse-angle clip may connect two edges of the same card, one edge inserted into each receiving portion to form a circular shape. The obtuse-angle clip may also connect two edges of the same card, wherein both edges are inserted into a single receiving portion. Each receiving portion of the obtuse-angle clip may independently attach to any of the length, width, comer, or other edge of at least one card.

[0015] In an embodiment, a toy building system comprises an acute-angle clip. The acute- angle clip has two receiving portions that are adapted to receive an edge of a card or clip. In an embodiment, the acute-angle clip may connect two cards or clips at an acute angle. In an embodiment, the acute-angle clip may connect two edges of the same card, one edge inserted into each receiving portion to form a circular shape. The acute-angle clip may also connect two edges of the same card, wherein both edges are inserted into a single receiving portion. Each receiving portion of the acute-angle clip may independently attach to any of the length, width, comer, or other edge of at least one card.

[0016] The following description and the drawings disclose various illustrative aspects. Some improvements and novel aspects may be expressly identified, while others may be apparent from the description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The present teachings may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations, wherein:

[0018] Figures 1A-E show various views and embodiments of a straight clip operatively engageable with at least one card or clips in accordance with aspects disclosed herein; [0019] Figures 2A-B are perspective views of an embodiment of a toy building system including a straight clip and at least one card in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

[0020] Figures 3A-E show various views and embodiments of a right-angle clip operatively engageable with at least one card or clip in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

[0021] Figures 4A-B are perspective views of an embodiment of a toy building system including a right-angle clip and at least one card in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

[0022] Figures 5A-E show various views and embodiments of a three-way clip operatively engageable with at least one card or clip in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

[0023] Figures 6A-B are perspective views of an embodiment of a toy building system including a three-way clip and at least one card in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

[0024] Figures 7A-E show various views and embodiments of a four-way clip operatively engageable with at least one card or clip in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

[0025] Figures 8A-B are perspective views of an embodiment of a toy building system including a four-way clip and at least one card, clip, or string in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

[0026] Figures 9A-E show various views and embodiments of an obtuse clip operatively engageable with at least one card or clip in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

[0027] Figures 10A-E show various views and embodiments of an acute clip operatively engageable with at least one card or clip in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

[0028] Figures 11-18 show various embodiments of clips, cards, and connections between clips and cards in accordance with aspects disclosed herein, including variously shaped cards, images imprinted on cards, and shapes that may be made based on the disclosed system; and

[0029] Figures 19A-C are perspective views of an embodiment of showing the interconnection between two clips in accordance with aspects disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present teachings, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the respective scope of the present teachings. Moreover, features of the various embodiments may be combined or altered without departing from the scope of the present teachings. As such, the following description is presented by way of illustration only and should not limit in any way the various alternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments and still be within the spirit and scope of the present teachings. In this disclosure, numerous specific details provide a thorough understanding of the subject disclosure. It should be understood that aspects of this disclosure may be practiced with other embodiments not necessarily including all aspects described herein, etc.

[0031] As used herein, the words “example” and “exemplary” means an instance, or illustration. The words“example” or“exemplary” do not indicate a key or preferred aspect or embodiment. The word“or” is intended to be inclusive rather than exclusive, unless context suggests otherwise. As an example, the phrase“A employs B or C,” includes any inclusive permutation (e.g., A employs B; A employs C; or A employs both B and C). As another matter, the articles“a” and“an” are generally intended to mean“one or more” unless context suggest otherwise.

[0032] Further, unless context suggest otherwise, descriptions of shapes and angles (e.g., circular, rectangular, triangular, right, obtuse, acute etc.) refer to shapes and angles meeting the definition of such shapes or angles and general representation of such shapes or angles. For instance, a triangular shape or generally triangular shape may include a shape that has three sides and three vertices or a shape that generally represents a triangle, such as a shape having three major sides that may or may not have straight edges, triangular like shapes with rounded vertices, etc. Additionally, referring to a right angle might include angles similar to or about 90°.

[0033] While embodiments may refer to a particular example of the described clips, cards, and toy building system as having a particular attachment between clips and cards it is noted that many other orientations and attachments may be possible as all the pieces are interchangeable. For example, while a description might include interaction between a card and a clip, it is noted that two clips may have a similar interaction and attachment. While the embodiments may refer to a particular toy application, it is noted that disclosed embodiments may be suitable for users of any age and may be applicable to various other uses, products, and industries. Generally, described embodiments may be utilized for any application that incorporates cards, papers, tiles, building, crafting, etc. As an example, the building systems may be utilized as 3-D puzzles, as a board game, to build specific instructed shapes or images, as well as freehand building.

[0034] Disclosed are various clips operatively attachable to cards, paper, or the like in a multitude of configurations and angles to build innumerable shapes, images, and forms. The clips may have a receiving portion adapted to receive the edge of a card or clip and may connect two, three, four, five, etc. cards or clips in various angles and orientations. For instance, two cards and/or clips may be connected in a straight line, at a right angle, at an obtuse angle, at an acute angle, etc. Multiple cards may be inserted into a single receiving portion of the clip and the receiving portions of the clips may be flexible to accommodate various thicknesses of cards. The receiving portions of the clips may further include an engagement feature, such as a plurality of teeth. The cards may be folded, cut, or otherwise manipulated to create a myriad of shapes. Cards may be provided as a part of the building system and may be various shapes and sizes, and have various images thereon that may be built into a particular shape, item, vehicle, animal, person, building, scene, or landscape. The building system may also allow for freehand building and can incorporate any existing card or paper, such as playing cards, baseball cards, collector cards, greeting cards, photographs, notecards, etc. The various components and versatility between components allow for the creation of limitless configurations, shapes, and images.

[0035] The clips may comprise any suitable material including, but not limited to, plastics and polymers such as polycarbonate; acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) (C8H8C4H6C3H3N); polycarbonate or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene alloys (PC-ABS); polybutylene terephthalate (PBT); polyethylene terephthalate (PET); polyphenylene oxide (PPO); polyphenylene sulfide (PPS); polyphenylene ether; modified polyphenylene ether containing polystyrene; liquid crystal polymers; polystyrene; styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer; rubber-reinforced polystyrene; poly ether ketone (PEEK); acrylic resins such as polymers and copolymers of alkyl esters of acrylic and methacrylic acid styrene-methyl methacrylate copolymer; styrene-methyl methacrylate-butadiene copolymer; polymethyl methacrylate; methyl methacrylate-styrene copolymer; polyvinyl acetate; polysulfone; polyether sulfone; polyether imide; polyarylate; polyamideimide; polyvinyl chloride; vinyl chloride-ethylene copolymer; vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer; polyimides, polyamides; polyolefins such as polyethylene; ultra high molecular weight polyethylene; high density polyethylene; linear low density polyethylene; polyethylene napthalate; polyethylene terephthalate; polypropylene; chlorinated polyethylene; ethylene acrylic acid copolymers; polyamides, for example, nylon 6, nylon 6,6, and the like; phenylene oxide resins; phenylene sulfide resins; polyoxymethylenes; polyesters; polyvinyl chloride; vinylidene chloride/vinyl chloride resins; and vinyl aromatic resins such as poly(vinylnaphthalene); polystyrene; poly(vinyltoluene); polyimides; polyaryletheretherketone; polyphthalamide; polyetheretherketones; polyaryletherketone, and combinations of two or more thereof.

[0001] Other examples of suitable materials may include, but are not limited to, rubber-like polymers including, polyisoprene, butadiene rubbers, styrene-butadiene copolymers, such as Buna S and SBR, cis -polybutadiene, cis -polyisoprene, nitrile elastomers or NBR rubbers (also known as acrylonitrile and butadiene copolymers) such as Buna N, butyl rubbers including copolymers of isobutylene and isoprene, ethylene-propylene monomer (EDM), ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM), neoprene (polychloroprene), polysulfide rubbers (thiokols), ethylene-propylene rubbers (RPDM), urethane elastomers, and silicone rubbers such as dimethysilanediol polymers and polydimethyl siloxane, fluoroelastomer, polyacrylate elastomer, polyethylene (chlorinated, chlorosulfonated), styrene-isoprene- styrene (SIS), styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), EPDM-polypropylene blend, and combinations of two or more thereof.

[0036] In an embodiment, a clip (e.g. straight, right-angle, three-way, four- way, obtuse- angle, acute-angle, and the like) may comprise at least one receiving portion. For example, a straight clip 100 may comprise at least one receiving portion 110. The at least one receiving portion 110 may include a first arm 112 and a second arm 114 extending from an attachment point 160 and defining a slot 116. The slot 116 may include an engagement feature 150 such as a plurality of teeth, tabs, fingers, or any such similar structures and may include a card engagement feature 152 that directs and/or engages a card into the slot 116. In an embodiment, the card engagement feature 152 may be the first point of contact in the slot 116 or the first engagement feature 150 in the slot 116. The engagement features 150 on the first arm 112 may be offset by a certain distance from the engagement features 150 on the second arm 114, as shown in FIG. 1A, or the engagements features 150 on the first arm 112 may align with the engagement features 150 on the second arm 116, as shown in FIG. IB. The attachment point 160 may be a point, as shown in FIGs. 1 A-E, for example, or the attachment point 160 may be an elongated member connecting one or more clips. The receiving portion 110 may be adapted to receive an edge of a card, wherein the first 112 and the second arms 114 of the receiving portion 110 may be biased towards each other so that the edge of the card is held in place by a pressure or friction fit. Although reference herein is made to FIGs. 1A-E and the straight clip 100, it is noted that these structural features may apply to each clip as disclosed and described herein, including straight 100, right-angle 200, three-way 300, four-way 400, obtuse-angle 500, acute-angle 600 clips, and the like.

[0037] For example, a right angle-clip 200 may include at least one receiving portion 210 that includes a first arm 212 and a second arm 214 extending from an attachment point 260 and defining a slot 216, as shown in FIGs. 3 A-E. The slot 216 may include an engagement feature 250 such as a plurality of teeth, tabs, fingers, or any such similar structures and may include a card engagement feature 252 that directs or engages a card into the slot 216. The engagement features 250 on the first arm 212 may be offset by a certain distance from the engagement features 250 on the second arm 214, as shown in FIG. 3A, or the engagements features 250 on the first arm 212 may align with the engagement features 250 on the second arm 216, as shown in FIG. 3B. The receiving portion 210 may be adapted to receive an edge of a card, wherein the first 212 and the second arms 214 of the receiving portion 210 may be biased towards each other so that the edge of the card is held in place by a pressure or friction fit.

[0038] A three-way clip 300 may include at least one receiving portion 310 that includes a first arm 312 and a second arm 314 extending from an attachment point 360 and defining a slot 316 ,as shown in FIGs. 5A-E. The slot 316 may include an engagement feature 350 such as a plurality of teeth tabs, fingers, or any such similar structures and may include a card engagement feature 352 that directs or engages a card into the slot 316. The engagement features 350 on the first arm 312 may be offset by a certain distance from the engagement features 350 on the second arm 314, as shown in FIG. 5A, or the engagements features 350 on the first arm 312 may align with the engagement features 350 on the second arm 316, as shown in FIG. 5B. The receiving portion 310 may be adapted to receive an edge of a card, wherein the first 312 and the second arms 314 of the receiving portion 310 may be biased towards each other so that the edge of the card is held in place by a pressure or friction fit.

[0039] A four- way clip 400 may include at least one receiving portion 410 that includes a first arm 412 and a second arm 414 extending from an attachment point 460 and defining a slot 416, as shown in FIGs. 7A-E. The slot 416 may include an engagement feature 450 such as a plurality of teeth and may include a card engagement feature 452 that directs or engages a card into the slot 416. The engagement features 450 on the first arm 412 may be offset by a certain distance from the engagement features 450 on the second arm 414, as shown in FIG. 7A, or the engagements features 450 on the first arm 412 may align with the engagement features 450 on the second arm 416, as shown in FIG. 7B. The receiving portion 410 may be adapted to receive an edge of a card, wherein the first 412 and the second arms 414 of the receiving portion 410 may be biased towards each other so that the edge of the card is held in place by a pressure or friction fit.

[0040] An obtuse-angle clip 500 may include at least one receiving portion 510 that includes a first arm 512 and a second arm 514 extending from an attachment point 560 and defining a slot 516, as shown in FIGs.9A-E. The slot 516 may include an engagement feature 550 such as a plurality of teeth, tabs, fingers, or any such similar structures and may include a card engagement feature 552 that directs or engages a card into the slot 516. The engagement features 550 on the first arm 512 may be offset by a certain distance from the engagement features 550 on the second arm 514, as shown in FIG. 9A, or the engagements features 550 on the first arm 512 may align with the engagement features 550 on the second arm 516, as shown in FIG. 9B. The receiving portion 510 may be adapted to receive an edge of a card, wherein the first 512 and the second arms 514 of the receiving portion 510 may be biased towards each other so that the edge of the card is held in place by a pressure or friction fit.

[0041] An acute-angle clip 600 may include at least one receiving portion 610 that includes a first arm 612 and a second arm 614 extending from an attachment point 660 and defining a slot 616, as shown in FIGs. 10A-E. The slot 616 may include an engagement feature 650 such as a plurality of teeth, tabs, fingers, or any such similar structures and may include a card engagement feature 652 that directs or engages a card into the slot 616. The engagement features 650 on the first arm 612 may be offset by a certain distance from the engagement features 650 on the second arm 614, as shown in FIG. 10A, or the engagements features 650 on the first arm 612 may align with the engagement features 650 on the second arm 616, as shown in FIG. 10B. The receiving portion 610 may be adapted to receive an edge of a card, wherein the first 612 and the second arms 614 of the receiving portion 610 may be biased towards each other so that the edge of the card is held in place by a pressure or friction fit.

[0042] The same aspects may be included for various clips having more receiving portions, such as 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, etc. receiving portions in an orientation, angle, and location from an attachment point.

[0043] Further, in an embodiment, the straight clip 100, right-angle clip 200, obtuse-angle clip 500, and acute-angle clip 600 have at least two receiving portions (e.g. 110, 120 for the straight clip 100; 210, 220 for the right-angle clip 200; 510, 520 for the obtuse-angle clip; and 610, 620 for the acute-angle clip 600). As indicated above, each receiving portion includes a first arm and a second arm extending from an attachment point and defining a slot. In an embodiment, the three way clip 300 includes at least three receiving portions 310, 320, 330, each receiving portion 310, 320, 330 including a first arm and a second arm extending from an attachment point and defining a slot. In an embodiment, the four-way clip 400 includes at least four receiving portions 410, 420, 430, 440, each receiving portion 410, 420, 430, 440 including a first arm and a second arm extending from an attachment point and defining a slot.

[0044] For the sake of brevity, not every arm and slot is enumerated in the figures for every receiving portion shown and described. It is noted that the same or similar elements of a first arm and a second arm extending from an attachment point, defining a slot, and including an engagement feature and a card engagement feature may be present in any receiving portion shown and described, such as five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, and so on.

[0045] Additionally, although multiple receiving portions may be generally shown as located and oriented in the same plane, it is noted that multiple receiving portions may be arranged around the attachment point in any manner. For example, for a clip comprising two receiving portions, the two receiving portions may be oriented so that two attached cards would he in the same plane, see FIG. 2A. Alternatively, one of the two receiving portions may be oriented about 90° clockwise from the other receiving portion so that two attached cards would like perpendicularly to one another. Similar configurations may apply to clips having three, four, five, etc. receiving portions. In an embodiment, a receiving portion may be rotatable about the attachment point so as to vary the angle of the receiving portions as desired. In another example, for a clip comprising three or more receiving portions, the receiving portions may be located in the same plane, see FIG. 5A. Alternatively, the receiving portions may be located in three planes, such as the x, y, and z planes (or two may be in the same plane and one in a different plane, etc.). For example, six receiving portions may be located around an attachment point in the positive and negative x, y, and z directions. Similar configurations may apply to clips having three, four, five, etc. receiving portions.

[0046] Turning to Figures 1A-E, an embodiment of a straight clip 100 is shown. The straight clip 100 comprises two receiving portions 110, 120 wherein each of the receiving portions 110, 120 may include an engagement feature 150, such as a plurality of teeth, and a card engagement feature 152. As shown in Figures 2A and B, the receiving portions 110, 120 are adapted to receive an edge or edges of at least one card, paper, or the like 1100. In an example, the plurality of teeth may align to interact with one another, see Figures 1B-E or the plurality of teeth may stagger to interact with the space in between corresponding teeth, see Figure 1A. It is noted that while Figures 1A and 1B-E depict slightly different variations of a straight clip, these embodiments are non-limiting and the shape of the clip as well as the length, width, and structure of the engagement features may be modified as desired. Similar variations are shown for other clips, such as the right-angle clip shown in Figures 3A and 3B- E. These embodiments are also non-limiting. In an embodiment, the receiving portion 110 of a straight clip 100 may interact with and engage the receiving portion of another clip, see Figure 19A-C showing connection with a three-way clip 300 or another straight clip, for example.

[0047] The engagement feature 150 and card engagement feature 152 may assist in operatively securing the card 1100 or another clip within the receiving portions 110, 120 as well as directing or engaging the card into a slot 116. In an embodiment, the straight clip 100 may connect two cards 1100, 1200 in a straight orientation, where the cards 1100, 1200 are in the same plane as illustrated in Figures 2A and B. In an embodiment, the straight clip 100 may connect two edges of the same card 1100, one edge inserted into each receiving portion 110, 120, to form a circular, arcuate or oval shape (or the card 1100 may be folded, such as at a pre-determined fold line or just folded by the user to create different shapes - such as a polygon). The straight clip 100 may also connect two edges of the same card 1100, wherein both edges are inserted into a single receiving portion 110. Each receiving portion 110, 120 of the straight clip 100 may independently attach to any of the length, width, comer, or other edge of at least one card 1100. In an embodiment, multiple cards may be inserted into a single receiving portion 110, 120 of the straight clip 100. The receiving portions of the straight clip 100 may be flexible to accommodate various thicknesses of cards 1100. Further, the at least one card 1100 may be folded (such as a pre-determined fold line or just folded by the user) to create different shapes - such as a polygon.

[0048] Figures 3A-E depict a right-angle clip 200. The right-angle clip 200 comprises two receiving portions 210, 220 wherein each of the receiving portions 210, 220 may include an engagement feature 250, such as a plurality of teeth, and a card engagement feature 252. As shown in Figures 4A and B, the receiving portions 210, 220 are adapted to receive an edge or edges of at least one card, paper, or the like 1100. It is noted that the receiving portions 210, 220 may also interact with and engage the receiving portion of another clip. The engagement feature 250 and card engagement feature 252 may assist in operatively securing the card 1100 or another clip within the receiving portions 210, 220 as well as directing or engaging the card into a slot 216. In an embodiment, the right-angle clip 200 may connect two cards 1100, 1200 at a right angle, as illustrated in Figure 4A. As shown in Figure 4B, in an embodiment, the right-angle clip 200 may connect two edges of the same card 1100, one edge inserted into each receiving portion 210, 220, to form a circular shape. The right-angle clip 200 may also connect two edges of the same card 1100, wherein both edges are inserted into a single receiving portion 210. Each receiving portion 210, 220 of the right-angle clip 200 may independently attach to any of the length, width, comer, or other edge of at least one card 1100. In an embodiment, multiple cards may be inserted into a single receiving portion 210, 220 of the right-angle clip 200. The receiving portions of the right-angle clip 200 may be flexible to accommodate various thicknesses of cards 1100.

[0049] Figures 5A-E depict a three-way clip 300. The three-way clip 300 comprises three receiving portions 310, 320, 330 wherein each of the receiving portions 310, 320, 330 may include an engagement feature 350, such as a plurality of teeth, and a card engagement feature 352. As shown in Figures 6A and B, the receiving portions 310, 320, 330 are adapted to receive an edge or edges of at least one card, paper, or the like 1100. In an embodiment, the receiving portion 310 of a three-way clip 300 may interact with and engage the receiving portion of another clip, see Figure 19A and B showing connection with a straight clip 100 for example. The engagement feature 350 and card engagement feature 352 may assist in operatively securing the card 1100 or another clip within the receiving portions 310, 320, 330 as well as directing or engaging the card into a slot 316. In an embodiment, the three-way clip 300 may connect three cards 1100, 1200, 1300, as illustrated in Figure 6A. As shown in Figure 6B, in an embodiment, the three-way clip 300 may connect two edges of the same card 1100, one edge inserted into any of two receiving portions 310, 320, 330, to form a circular shape. The three-way clip 300 may also connect two edges of the same card 1100, wherein both edges are inserted into a single receiving portion 310, which may form a circle or a portion of a circle (or the card 1100 may be folded - such as at predetermined fold lines - to form a shape such as a polygon). Each receiving portion 310, 320, 330 of the three-way clip 300 may independently attach to any of the length, width, comer, or other edge of at least one card 1100. In an embodiment, multiple cards may be inserted into a single receiving portion 310, 320, 330 of the three-way clip 300 to form a variety of shapes. The receiving portions of the three-way clip 300 may be flexible to accommodate various thicknesses of cards 1100.

[0050] Figures 7A-E depict a four-way clip 400. The four-way clip 400 comprises four receiving portions 410, 420, 430, 440 wherein each of the receiving portions 410, 420, 430, 440 may include an engagement feature 450, such as a plurality of teeth, and a card engagement feature 452. As shown in Figures 8A, the receiving portions 410, 420, 430, 440 adapted to receive an edge or edges of at least one card, paper, or the like 1100. It is noted that the receiving portions 410, 420, 430, 440 may also interact with and engage the receiving portion of another clip. As shown in Figure 8C, in an embodiment, the four-way clip 400 may also include a hole 470 that is adapted to operatively receive a string, straw, or the like therethrough 2100. Although not show in the figures, any of the clips described herein may also include one or more holes. The engagement feature 450 and card engagement feature 452 may assist in operatively securing the card 1100 or another clip within the receiving portions 410, 420, 430, 440 as well as directing or engaging the card into a slot 416. In an embodiment, the four-way clip 400 may connect four cards 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400 as illustrated in Figure 8A. As shown in Figure 8B, in an embodiment, the four-way clip 400 may connect two edges of the same card 1100 or 1200 one edge inserted into any of two receiving portions 410, 420, 430, 440 to form a circular shape. The four-way clip 400 may also connect two edges of the same card 1100, wherein both edges are inserted into a single receiving portion 410. Each receiving portion 410, 420, 430, 440 of the four-way clip 400 may independently attach to any of the length, width, comer, or other edge of at least one card 1100. In an embodiment, multiple cards may be inserted into a single receiving portion 410, 420, 430, 440 of the four-way clip 400. The receiving portions of the four-way clip 400 may be flexible to accommodate various thicknesses of cards 1100.

[0051] Figures 9A-E depict an obtuse-angle clip 500. The obtuse-angle clip 500 comprises two receiving portions 510, 520 wherein each of the receiving portions 510, 520 may include an engagement feature 550, such as a plurality of teeth, and a card engagement feature 552. The receiving portions 510, 520 are adapted to receive an edge or edges of at least one card, paper, or the like 1100. It is noted that the receiving portions 510, 520 may also interact with and engage the receiving portion of another clip. The engagement feature 550 and card engagement feature 552 may assist in operatively securing the card 1100 or another clip within the receiving portions 510, 520 as well as directing or engaging the card into a slot 516. In an embodiment, the obtuse-angle clip 500 may connect two cards 1100, 1200 at an obtuse angle. In an embodiment, the obtuse-angle clip 500 may connect two edges of the same card 1100, one edge inserted into each receiving portion 510, 520, to form a circular shape. The obtuse-angle clip 500 may also connect two edges of the same card 1100, wherein both edges are inserted into a single receiving portion 510. Each receiving portion 510, 520 of the obtuse-angle clip 500 may independently attach to any of the length, width, comer, or other edge of at least one card 1100. In an embodiment, multiple cards may be inserted into a single receiving portion 510, 520 of the obtuse-angle clip 500. The receiving portions of the obtuse-angle clip 500 may be flexible to accommodate various thicknesses of cards 1100.

[0052] Figures 10A-E depict an acute-angle clip 600. The acute-angle clip 600 comprises two receiving portions 610, 620 wherein each of the receiving portions 610, 620 may include an engagement feature 650, such as a plurality of teeth, and a card engagement feature 652. The receiving portions 610, 620 are adapted to receive an edge or edges of at least one card, paper, or the like 1100. It is noted that the receiving portions 610, 620 may also interact with and engage the receiving portion of another clip. The engagement feature 650 and card engagement feature 652 may assist in operatively securing the card 1100 or another clip within the receiving portions 610, 620 as well as directing or engaging the card into a slot 616. In an embodiment, the acute-angle clip 600 may connect two cards 1100, 1200 at an acute angle. In an embodiment, the acute-angle clip 600 may connect two edges of the same card 1100, one edge inserted into each receiving portion 610, 620, to form a circular shape. The acute-angle clip may also connect two edges of the same card 1100, wherein both edges are inserted into a single receiving portion 610. Each receiving portion 610, 620 of the acute- angle clip 600 may independently attach to any of the length, width, comer, or other edge of at least one card 1100. In an embodiment, multiple cards may be inserted into a single receiving portion 610, 620 of the acute-angle clip 600. The receiving portions of the acute- angle clip 600 may be flexible to accommodate various thicknesses of cards 1100.

[0053] Figures 19A-C show examples of connections between clips. Figures 19A and B show a receiving portion 110 of a straight clip 100 interacting with and engaging a receiving portion 310 of another clip 300. Figure 19C shows a receiving portion 110 of a straight clip 100 interacting with and engaging a receiving portion of another straight clip. It is noted that any receiving portion of a clip 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 as disclosed herein may interact with and engage any receiving portion of any other clip 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600. It is further noted that“card” and“clip” may be used interchangeably when describing possible orientations and connections. In an embodiment, a toy building system comprises a plurality of clips 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 as disclosed herein.

[0054] Figure 11 shows non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples of connections that are possible between various clips and cards as disclosed herein to make cylindrical or circular shapes. Cards may be provided as a part of the building system and may have various shapes, sizes, and images thereon. Existing cards or papers, such playing cards, baseball cards, collector cards, greeting cards, photographs, notecards, etc. may also be used in accordance with the clips as disclosed herein. As illustrated in Figure 12, the cards may be cut, folded, and drawn on to allow for additional shapes and images to be created with the building system. The cards may also be provided in a number of shapes and sizes, and may be triangular as shown in Figure 13, circular, rectangular, square, or of any shape including one or more edges such as a diamond, parallelogram, pentagon, hexagon, etc. The cards may be provided in any size, such as an 8 x 11 piece of paper or a 5 x 7 photograph, and can be cut down to any desired shape or size.

[0055] As shown in Figures 14-18, the cards may be built into a particular item, vehicle, animal, person, building, scene, or landscape. For example, the cards may be rolled and connected by the clips to form propellers and the landing rails of a helicopter, bent cards may form the nose of the helicopter and variously shaped flat cards may be attached with the clips to form the body and tail of the helicopter as shown in FIG. 14A. As shown in FIG. 14 B, a butterfly may be formed where a rolled card forms the body and cards are overlaid and oriented on top of one another to form the pattern and shape of a ring, while two clips attached to one another may form the antennas. Various structures, buildings, wildlife, trees, people, vehicles and the like may be formed as shown in FIG. 15, including horses and carriages, tanks, racecars, houses, trees, fires, dragonflies, spiders, flowers such as tulips, rockets, spaceships, airplanes, dogs, and the like. FIG. 16 shows a myriad of additional possibilities including a cabin, horses, teepees, rocks, cliff, trucks, fences, people, trees, flowers, and other building cubes.

[0056] The cards may also include images printed thereon, such as pixel-, city-, or castle- scapes, as shown in FIG. 17 and 18, and may be used as a sort of puzzle piece or board game. FIG. 17 shows a brick building facade and scenery made from numerous cards, wherein, for example, a card may include a window and another card may include a brick facing or a door in order to build a custom building having any desired number and locations of windows, doors, awnings, and brick facing, as well as trees, pets, signs, roads, sidewalks, sky, and the like. In embodiment, four cards may also each illustrate a quarter of an image of a window and may be placed together to show that image (as in a puzzle). FIG. 18 shows a castle and scenery, including stone front facing, moats, bridges, stone pathways, towers, watchtowers, drawbridges, and the like. The building system may also allow for freehand building. The various components and versatility between components allow for the creation of limitless configurations, shapes, and images. The foregoing are merely exemplary and are not intended to be exhaustive examples of the configurations, shapes, and images that can be built using the present system. Further, while many of the shapes are formed by rolling or curving the card, the card may also be folded such as by free-hand or with predetermined fold lines or images indicating where the fold line is to be made by the user.

[0057] Further still, the cards may include instructions on them to help a user build a predetermined shape or configuration. In such embodiments, the cards may include pre printed material to help create a specific design. In such examples, the back of a card may include the applicable instruction for the specific card and the front side may include a portion or all of an image to crate such object. In these embodiments, the cards may be numbered to help a user build the predetermined object. A set may include a plurality of objects that can be built to create a scene or a larger object.

[0058] Although the embodiments of the present teachings have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it is to be understood that the present teachings are not to be limited to just the embodiments disclosed, but that the present teachings described herein are capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the claims hereafter. The claims as follows are intended to include all modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the claims or the equivalent thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A toy building system, comprising:

at least one clip, wherein the at least one clip comprises a first receiving portion adapted to receive an edge of a card, wherein the receiving portion includes a first arm and a second arm extending from an attachment point and defining a slot.

2. The toy building system of claim 1, wherein the at least one clip includes an engagement member.

3. The toy building system of claim 2, wherein the at least one clip includes a plurality of teeth.

4. The toy building system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one clip includes a second receiving portion that is aligned about 180° from the first receiving portion on the attachment point.

5. The toy building system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one clip includes a second receiving portion that is aligned about 90° from the first receiving portion on the attachment point.

6. The toy building system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one clip includes a second receiving portion that is aligned at an angle greater than 90° from the first receiving portion on the attachment point.

7. The toy building system of claim 6, wherein the second receiving portion is aligned about 135° from the first receiving portion on the attachment point.

8. The toy building system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one clip includes a second receiving portion that is aligned at an angle less than 90° from the first receiving portion on the attachment point.

9. The toy building system of claim 8, wherein the second receiving portion is aligned about 45° from the first receiving portion on the attachment point.

10. The toy building system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one clip includes three receiving portions at about 120° from each other on the attachment point.

11. The toy building system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one clip includes three receiving portions, wherein a second receiving portion is aligned about 90° from the first receiving portion on the attachment point and a third receiving portion is aligned about 90° from the second receiving portion on the attachment point.

12. The toy building system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one clip includes four receiving portions at about 90° from each other on the attachment point.

13. The toy building system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one clip is made of a polymer material.

14. The toy building system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one clip further includes a hole through the attachment point, wherein the hole is adapted to receive a string.

15. The toy building system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the first receiving portion is adapted to receive a receiving portion of a second clip.

16. The toy building system of any of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of clips and cards are assembled to form a three dimensional structure or image.

17. A toy building system, comprising:

at least one clip, wherein the at least one clip comprises a first arm and a second arm, the first arm and the second arm defining a slot;

at least one card;

wherein an edge of the card is insertable into the slot.

18. The toy building system of claim 17, wherein the at least one clip includes a plurality of teeth.

19. The toy building system of and of claims 17 or 18, wherein the at least one clip is made of a polymer material.

20. The toy building system of any of claims 17, 18 or 19, wherein the at least one clip comprise a third arm and a fourth arm , the third arm and the fourth arm defining a second slot, wherein a second edge of the card is insertable into the second slot.