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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         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 % 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 . A modular member as recited in  claim 20 , wherein the unified opening defines the horizontal exit and the one of the one of the horizontal entrance contiguously. 
     
     
         22 . A modular member as recited in  claim 19 , wherein the modular member defines two horizontal exits, the two horizontal exits being configured on opposing sides of modular member. 
     
     
         23 . A modular member as recited in  claim 19 , wherein the modular member defines two horizontal exits, the two horizontal exits being configured on adjacent sides of modular member. 
     
     
         24 . A modular member as recited in  claim 19 , wherein the modular member defines three horizontal exits. 
     
     
         25 . A modular member as recited in  claim 19 , wherein the modular member defines four horizontal exits. 
     
     
         26 . A modular member as recited in  claim 19 , wherein the modular member defines an internal floor surface. 
     
     
         27 . A modular member as recited in  claim 26 , wherein for each horizontal entrance the modular member defines an opening to the floor surface. 
     
     
         28 . A modular member as recited in  claim 26 , wherein the modular member defines a pathway along the floor surface to the horizontal exit. 
     
     
         29 . A modular member as recited in  claim 27 , wherein the modular member defines an internal chamber whereby a rolling object entering one of the horizontal entrances drops down to the floor surface, rolls to the horizontal exit, and drops out the horizontal exit thereby exiting the internal chamber. 
     
     
         30 . A modular member as recited in  claim 19 , wherein the modular member defines a vertical entrance. 
     
     
         31 . A modular member as recited in  claim 26 , wherein the modular member is substantially cubical. 
     
     
         32 . A modular member as recited in  claim 31 , wherein the modular member defines at least four horizontal entrances. 
     
     
         33 . A modular member as recited in  claim 31 , wherein the modular member defines two horizontal exits, the two horizontal exits being configured on opposing sides of modular member. 
     
     
         34 . A modular member as recited in  claim 31 , wherein the modular member defines two horizontal exits, the two horizontal exits being configured on adjacent sides of modular member. 
     
     
         35 . A modular member as recited in  claim 31 , wherein the modular member defines three horizontal exits. 
     
     
         36 . A modular member as recited in  claim 31 , wherein the modular member defines four horizontal exits. 
     
     
         37 . A modular member as recited in  claim 19 , wherein the modular member further defines a coupling system for securing the modular member to a dimensionally similar second modular member. 
     
     
         38 . A modular member as recited in  claim 37 , wherein the coupling system includes a male component and a female component. 
     
     
         39 . A modular member as recited in  claim 37 , wherein each horizontal entrance defines a female joint component of the coupling system and the horizontal exit defines a male joint component of the coupling system. 
     
     
         40 . A modular member as recited in  claim 39 , wherein the female joint components are defined in substantially the upper half of the member and the male joint component is defined in the lower half of the member. 
     
     
         41 . A modular member as recited in  claim 39 , wherein the male joint component is characterized by a U-shape with a lip thereon, the lip defining two vertical sides and wrapping around the bottom of the male joint component. 
     
     
         42 . A modular member as recited in  claim 41 , wherein the U-shaped male joint component is a stop encountered by a dimensionally complimentary U-shaped female joint component of the second modular member when the modular members are being linked. 
     
     
         43 . A modular member as recited in  claim 41 , wherein a bottom side of the modular member is a stop encountered by a male joint component of the second modular member when the modular members are being linked. 
     
     
         44 . A plurality of dimensionally similar interlinkable modular members arranged for assembly and disassembly, each modular member comprising:
 a coupling system for inter-securing the modular members such that a first modular member and a second modular member are thereby arranged in a secured position defining a substantially horizontal pathway from the first modular member into the second modular member wherein the horizontal pathway passes through the coupling system of the first modular member and the second modular member, and wherein the horizontal pathway forms a downward outward sloping surface.   
     
     
         45 . A plurality of dimensionally similar interlinkable modular members as recited in  claim 44 , wherein a top of each modular member is substantially open. 
     
     
         46 . A plurality of dimensionally similar interlinkable modular members as recited in  claim 44 , wherein the horizontal pathway is suitable for a sphere to pass therethrough. 
     
     
         47 . A plurality of dimensionally similar interlinkable modular members as recited in  claim 46 , wherein the horizontal pathway is suitable for a marble to pass therethrough. 
     
     
         48 . A plurality of dimensionally similar interlinkable modular members as recited in  claim 44 , wherein the horizontal pathway is suitable for a liquid to pass therethrough. 
     
     
         49 . A plurality of dimensionally similar interlinkable modular members as recited in  claim 44 , wherein the coupling system includes a male component and a female component. 
     
     
         50 . A plurality of dimensionally similar interlinkable modular members as recited in  claim 49 , wherein the male component of the first modular member defines a pathway exit therefrom. 
     
     
         51 . A plurality of dimensionally similar interlinkable modular members as recited in  claim 50 , wherein the female component of the second modular member defines an opening into the second modular member. 
     
     
         52 . A plurality of dimensionally similar interlinkable modular members as recited in  claim 51 , wherein the secured position is achieved whereby substantially vertical outer segments of the male component of the first modular member are wedged between substantially vertical inner segments of the female component of the second modular member and substantially vertical rib structures of the second modular member. 
     
     
         53 . A plurality of dimensionally similar interlinkable modular members as recited in  claim 52 , wherein the substantially vertical outer segments of the male component of the first modular member and the substantially vertical segments of the female component of the second modular member have complimentary draft angles. 
     
     
         54 . A plurality of dimensionally similar interlinkable modular members as recited in  claim 51 , wherein the secured position is achieved whereby a U-shaped segment of the male component of the first modular member is encountered by a dimensionally complimentary U-shaped segment of the female component of the second modular member. 
     
     
         55 . A plurality of dimensionally similar interlinkable modular members as recited in  claim 51 , wherein the secured position is achieved whereby a bottom side of the first modular member is encountered by a male joint component of the second modular member. 
     
     
         56 . A plurality of dimensionally similar interlinkable modular members as recited in  claim 44 , wherein the first modular member and the second modular member are vertically offset by ½ of the members' height when arranged in the secured position. 
     
     
         57 . An interlinkable modular member comprising:
 a coupling for securing the interlinkable modular member to a dimensionally similar second interlinkable modular member;   at least three horizontal entrances;   at least one horizontal exit; and   an internal chamber having a floor surface arranged therein, the floor surface being situated at a lower portion of the internal chamber, wherein the horizontal entrances lead to the internal chamber and the floor surface leads to the exit.   
     
     
         58 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 57 , wherein a unified opening defines the at least one horizontal exit and a fourth horizontal entrance such that the fourth horizontal entrance is arranged above the at least one horizontal exit. 
     
     
         59 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 58 , wherein the unified opening defines the at least one horizontal exit and the fourth horizontal entrance contiguously. 
     
     
         60 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 57 , wherein a unified opening defines the at least one horizontal exit and one of the horizontal entrances. 
     
     
         61 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 60 , wherein the unified opening defines the at least one horizontal exit arranged below one of the horizontal entrances. 
     
     
         62 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 61 , wherein the unified opening defines the at least one horizontal exit and one of the horizontal entrances contiguously. 
     
     
         63 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 57 , wherein the modular member is substantially cubical. 
     
     
         64 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 63 , wherein the floor surface forms a concave-up shape with a sloped pathway formed therein leading to the horizontal exit. 
     
     
         65 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 64 , wherein the coupling includes a U-shaped component formed about the horizontal exit. 
     
     
         66 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 64 , wherein the coupling includes a first vertical component and a second vertical component, the first and second vertical components being formed about the horizontal exit. 
     
     
         67 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 63 , wherein the modular member comprises two horizontal exits formed on opposing sides thereof. 
     
     
         68 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 67 , wherein the floor surface forms a concave-up shape with sloped pathways formed therein leading to each of the horizontal exits. 
     
     
         69 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 68 , wherein the coupling includes U-shaped components formed about each of the horizontal exits. 
     
     
         70 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 67 , wherein the floor surface is an opposingly pitched shape that forms a pathway leading to each of the horizontal exits. 
     
     
         71 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 63 , wherein the modular member comprises two horizontal exits formed on adjacent sides thereof. 
     
     
         72 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 71 , wherein the floor surface forms a concave-up shape with sloped pathways formed therein leading to each of the horizontal exits. 
     
     
         73 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 72 , wherein the coupling includes U-shaped components formed about each of the horizontal exits. 
     
     
         74 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 63 , wherein the modular member comprises three horizontal exits. 
     
     
         75 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 74 , wherein the floor surface forms a concave-up shape with sloped pathways formed therein leading to each of the horizontal exits. 
     
     
         76 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 75 , wherein the coupling includes U-shaped components formed about each of the horizontal exits. 
     
     
         77 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 63 , wherein the modular member comprises four horizontal exits. 
     
     
         78 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 77 , wherein the floor surface forms a concave-up shape with sloped pathways formed therein leading to each of the horizontal exits. 
     
     
         79 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 78 , wherein the coupling includes U-shaped components formed about each of the horizontal exits. 
     
     
         80 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 57 , wherein the horizontal entrances are defined in substantially the upper half of the modular member and the horizontal exit is defined substantially in the lower half of the modular member. 
     
     
         81 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 57 , wherein the coupling includes a male joint component and a female joint component. 
     
     
         82 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 57 , wherein each horizontal entrance defines a female joint component and the horizontal exit defines a male joint component. 
     
     
         83 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 82 , wherein the male joint component is characterized by a U-shape with a lip thereon. 
     
     
         84 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 83 , wherein the U-shaped male joint component is a stop encountered by the dimensionally complimentary U-shaped female joint component of the second modular member when the modular members are being linked. 
     
     
         85 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 83 , wherein a bottom side of the modular member is a stop encountered by a male joint component of the second modular member when the modular members are being linked. 
     
     
         86 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 57 , wherein the interlinkable modular member further comprises a vertical joinery system for securing the interlinkable modular member to a dimensionally similar third interlinkable modular member therebelow. 
     
     
         87 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 86 , wherein the vertical joinery system includes a male joint component and a female joint component. 
     
     
         88 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 87 , wherein male joint component is arranged at a bottom portion of the modular member and the female joint component is arranged at a top portion of the modular member. 
     
     
         89 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 87 , wherein the male joint component is characterized by a concentric curvature. 
     
     
         90 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 87 , wherein the male joint component defines a hole therethrough. 
     
     
         91 . An interlinkable modular member comprising:
 an internal chamber having a floor arranged therein;   at least three horizontal entrances, each horizontal entrance defining an opening leading to the internal chamber; and   at least one horizontal exit, the horizontal exit defining an exit pathway leading along the floor to an exterior side of the modular member, wherein the exit pathway forms a downward outward sloping surface within the floor.   
     
     
         92 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 91 , wherein the floor defines a substantially pitched shape about the exit pathway. 
     
     
         93 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 91 , wherein the floor defines a substantially concave up shape about the exit pathway. 
     
     
         94 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 93 , wherein the exit pathway creates an unstable equilibrium for a sphere-shaped object entering one of the horizontal entrances of the modular member. 
     
     
         95 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 93 , wherein a back-and-forth rocking motion in a sphere-shaped object entering one of the horizontal entrances is induced by the substantially concave up shape of the floor. 
     
     
         96 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 95 , wherein the back-and-forth rocking motion is perpendicular to the exit pathway. 
     
     
         97 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 91 , wherein the floor forms a bias about the exit pathway towards a center of the modular member. 
     
     
         98 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 97 , wherein the exit pathway forms a bias towards the exterior side of the modular member. 
     
     
         99 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 91 , wherein a surface of the floor deflects objects moving thereover towards a center of the modular member. 
     
     
         100 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 91 , wherein the modular member defines two horizontal exits, each of the two horizontal exits defining an exit pathway leading from the floor to an exterior side of the modular member, wherein each exit pathway forms a downward outward sloping surface within the floor. 
     
     
         101 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 91 , wherein the modular member defines two horizontal exits, each of the two horizontal exits defining an exit pathway leading from an interior of the modular member to an exterior of the modular member. 
     
     
         102 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 91 , wherein the modular member defines three horizontal exits, each of the three horizontal exits defining an exit pathway leading along the floor to an exterior side of the modular member, wherein each exit pathway forms a downward outward sloping surface within the floor. 
     
     
         103 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 91 , wherein the modular member defines four horizontal exits, each of the four horizontal exits defining an exit pathway leading from the floor to an exterior side of the modular member, wherein each exit pathway forms a downward outward sloping surface within the floor. 
     
     
         104 . An interlinkable modular member comprising:
 a coupling for securing the interlinkable modular member to a dimensionally similar second interlinkable modular member;   at least three horizontal entrances; and   a vertical exit, wherein the horizontal entrances lead to the vertical exit.   
     
     
         105 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 104 , wherein the vertical exit is situated at a lower portion of the modular member. 
     
     
         106 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 104 , wherein the vertical exit defines a hole in a bottom portion of the modular member. 
     
     
         107 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 106 , wherein the hole is a circle. 
     
     
         108 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 104 , wherein the modular member is substantially cubical. 
     
     
         109 . An interlinkable modular member as recited in  claim 104 , wherein the modular member defines an internal floor surface, wherein the internal floor surface is concave up and the vertical exit is formed therein.