Interconnecting modular pathway apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides for a plurality of interconnectable modular members that may create a pathway system with multiple entrances into the upper portion of each member and at least one exit from the lower portion of each member, thereby providing for a variety of convergence and divergence possibilities. The pathway system is suitable for receiving and transporting marbles and other spherical objects from one member to another. The modular members may be interlinked via male/female connectors to create a variety of configurations.

1 . A first interlinkable modular member defining a coupling for securing the first interlinkable modular member to a dimensionally similar second interlinkable modular member, the coupling including a male component and a female component, wherein the female component of the first interlinkable member is configured to receive a male component of the second interlinkable modular member into a linked position such that the two modular members are vertically offset by ½ to ⅔ of the members' height. 
     
     
         2 . A first interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the two modular members in the linked position are vertically offset by ½ of the members' height. 
     
     
         3 . A first interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 1 , wherein an aggregate slope between the members is 1:2. 
     
     
         4 . A first interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the first member is one of a finite number of standardized and dimensionally similar members that are joinable in a plurality of arrangements. 
     
     
         5 . A first interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the finite number of standardized and dimensionally similar members are arranged to form a first vertically aligned column. 
     
     
         6 . A first interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 5 , wherein the finite number of standardized and dimensionally similar members are arranged to form a second vertically aligned column, wherein the first column is adjacently joined with the second column. 
     
     
         7 . A first interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 6 , wherein at least the first column or the second column is characterized by vertical discontinuity. 
     
     
         8 . A first interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the vertical discontinuity is established by projecting at least a first member of the finite number members over at least a second member of the finite number of members. 
     
     
         9 . A first interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the finite number of standardized and dimensionally similar members defines a system of descending pathways between interlinked members. 
     
     
         10 . A first interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the first column and the second column are vertically offset by ½ to ⅔ of the members' height. 
     
     
         11 . A first interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the first column and the second column are vertically offset by ½ of the members' height. 
     
     
         12 . A first interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the finite number of members are arranged to form, from a top view thereof, a rectilinear grid. 
     
     
         13 . A first interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the finite number of members are arranged to form, from a top view thereof, a triangular grid. 
     
     
         14 . A first interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the finite number of members are arranged to form, from a top view thereof, a hexagonal grid. 
     
     
         15 . A first interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the finite number of members are arranged to form, from a top view thereof, a mixed polygon tiling. 
     
     
         16 . A first interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the first member is one of a finite number of standardized members that are joinable in a plurality of arrangements, the finite number of standardized members being characterized by at least two dimensionally dissimilar shapes. 
     
     
         17 . A first interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 16 , wherein the finite number of standardized and dimensionally similar members are arranged to form a first vertically aligned column. 
     
     
         18 . A first interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 17 , wherein the finite number of standardized and dimensionally similar members are arranged to form a second vertically aligned column, wherein the first column is adjacently joined with the second column. 
     
     
         19 . A modular member defining at least three openings in side surfaces thereof, each of the three openings defining a horizontal entrance configured to allow entry of a sphere in substantially the upper half of the modular member and at least one of the three openings further defining a horizontal exit configured to allow exit of a sphere from the lower half of the member. 
     
     
         20 . A modular member as recited in  claim 19 , wherein a unified opening defines the horizontal exit and one of the horizontal entrances such that the one of the horizontal entrances is arranged above the horizontal exit. 
     
     
         21 - 109 . (canceled)