TOY CONNECTION SYSTEMS

Abstract

Toy connection systems comprise a plurality of planar wall panels and a plurality of clips each configured to connect one or more of the planar wall panels to each other. Each wall panel comprises at least one connecting edge and at least one slot. Each clip comprises at least one receiving channel configured to releasably receive the connecting edge of a respective one of the wall panels and a tab that is configured to be received within the slot of the wall panel to secure the wall panel to the clip. In some examples, the clips are configured to be biased against the wall panels that are connected using the clip, such that the tab of the clip is configured to be snapped into the slot of the wall panel that is received within the receiving channel of the clip.

Claims

1. A toy connection system comprising: a plurality of wall panels, each wall panel comprising a connecting edge and defining a slot extending through the wall panel proximate the connecting edge; and a plurality of clips, each clip comprising a body defining at least one receiving channel configured to receive the connecting edge of a respective wall panel of the plurality of wall panels, wherein the body comprises at least one tab configured to be received in the slot of the respective wall panel to couple the respective wall panel to the clip.

2. The toy connection system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of clips comprises at least one corner clip configured to connect a first wall panel and a second wall panel of the plurality of wall panels at an angle relative to each other, wherein the at least one corner clip comprises a corner-clip body defining a first corner-clip receiving channel configured to receive the connecting edge of the first wall panel and a second corner-clip receiving channel configured to receive the connecting edge of the second wall panel.

3. The toy connection system claim 2, wherein the corner-clip body further comprises: an outer portion forming a first outer wall and a second outer wall; and an inner portion extending inward from the outer portion, wherein the inner portion forms a first inner wall and a second inner wall; wherein the first outer wall and the first inner wall define the first corner-clip receiving channel, and wherein the second outer wall and the second inner wall define the second corner-clip receiving channel.

4. The toy connection system of claim 3, wherein the first outer wall is oriented at an acute angle relative to the second outer wall.

5. The toy connection system of claim 4, wherein the acute angle is at least 85 degrees.

6. The toy connection system of claim 5, wherein the outer portion comprises a resilient material, such that when the first wall panel is received in the first corner-clip receiving channel and the second wall panel is received in the second corner-clip receiving channel, the first outer wall and the second outer wall are forced outward and apply an inward force on the first wall panel and the second wall panel, respectively.

7. The toy connection system of claim 6, wherein the corner-clip body further comprises a first corner-clip tab disposed on the first outer wall and a second corner-clip tab disposed on the second outer wall, wherein the inward force is configured to snap the first corner-clip tab into the slot of the first wall panel and the second corner-clip tab into the slot of the second wall panel, when the first wall panel is received in the first corner-clip receiving channel and the second wall panel is received in the second corner-clip receiving channel.

8. The toy connection system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of clips comprises at least one flex clip, wherein the at least one flex clip comprises a flex-clip body having a first portion defining a first flex-clip receiving channel configured to receive the connecting edge of a first wall panel of the plurality of wall panels and a second portion defining a second flex-clip receiving channel configured to receive the connecting edge of a second wall panel of the plurality of wall panels.

9. The toy connection system of claim 8, wherein the flex-clip body comprises: a bridge portion connecting the first portion to the second portion.

10. The toy connection system of claim 9, wherein the bridge portion comprises a flexible material configured to be selectively bent by a user.

11. The toy connection system of claim 8, wherein the flex-clip body comprises a first flex-clip tab configured to be received within the slot of the first wall panel and a second flex-clip tab configured to be received within the slot of the second wall panel.

12. The toy connection system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of clips comprises a plurality of hinge clips, wherein each hinge clip of the plurality of hinge clips comprises a hinge-clip body comprising a base portion and a channel portion extending outward from the base portion, wherein the channel portion defines a hinge-clip receiving channel configured to receive the connecting edge of a respective wall panel of the plurality of wall panels, and wherein the base portion comprises a hinge-clip protrusion and a hinge-clip bore.

13. The toy connection system of claim 12, wherein the hinge-clip bore of a respective hinge clip is configured to receive the hinge-clip protrusion of another hinge clip, such that each hinge clip is configured to be pivotably coupled to one or more of the other hinge clips.

14. The toy connection system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of wall panels comprises one or more first-subset wall panels and one or more second-subset wall panels, wherein the connecting edge of each of the one or more first-subset wall panels has a first contour and the connecting edge of each of the one or more second-subset wall panels has a second contour that is different than the first contour, and wherein the one or more first-subset wall panels are configured to be connected to the one or more second-subset wall panels using a respective one of the plurality of clips.

15. The toy connection system of claim 14, wherein the first contour is configured to interlock with the second contour when a respective one of the one or more first-subset wall panels is coupled to a respective one of the one or more second-subset wall panels using the respective one of the plurality of clips.

16. The toy connection system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of slotted panels, each slotted panel comprising a slot-panel edge defining a connecting slot configured to mate with the connecting slot of another slotted panel of the plurality of slotted panels; and a plurality of slot clips, each slot clip comprising a slot-clip body defining at least one slot-clip channel configured to receive the slot-panel edge of a first slotted panel of the plurality of slotted panels to secure the slot clip to the first slotted panel, each slot clip further comprising at least one slot-clip tab configured to engage a second slotted panel of the plurality of slotted panels to secure the second slotted panel within the connecting slot of the first slotted panel.

17. A toy connection system comprising: a plurality of slotted panels, each slotted panel comprising a slot-panel edge defining a connecting slot configured to mate with the connecting slot of another slotted panel of the plurality of slotted panels; and a plurality of slot clips, each slot clip comprising a slot-clip body defining at least one slot-clip channel configured to receive the slot-panel edge of a first slotted panel of the plurality of slotted panels to secure the slot clip to the first slotted panel, each slot clip further comprising at least one slot-clip tab configured to engage a second slotted panel of the plurality of slotted panels to secure the second slotted panel within the connecting slot of the first slotted panel.

18. The toy connection system of claim 17, wherein the connecting slot of the first slotted panel comprises a panel-receiving portion configured to receive the second slotted panel and further comprises a slot-clip notch configured to receive the slot clip.

19. The toy connection system of claim 17, wherein the second slotted panel defines at least one slot-panel aperture configured to receive the at least one slot-clip tab.

20. The toy connection system of claim 17, wherein when the second slotted panel is secured within the connecting slot of the first slotted panel, the first slotted panel and the second slotted panel are rotated 90 degrees relative to each other.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating toy connection systems in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a schematic top plan view illustrating an example corner clip in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a schematic top plan view illustrating an example flex clip in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a schematic side elevation view illustrating an example hinge clip in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a top plan view illustrating an example corner clip in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the corner clip of FIG. 5.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a top plan view illustrating an example flex clip in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the flex clip of FIG. 7.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a side elevation view illustrating an example hinge clip in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 10 is a front elevation view illustrating the hinge clip of FIG. 9.

[0017] FIG. 11 is a second perspective view illustrating the hinge clip of FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0018] FIG. 12 is a top plan view illustrating an example first-subset wall panel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 13 is a top plan view illustrating an example second-subset wall panel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 14 is a top plan view illustrating an example transverse panel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating an example first-subset wall panel connected to an example second-subset wall panel by an example corner clip in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating an example first-subset wall panel connected to an example second-subset wall panel by an example corner clip and connected to an example transverse panel in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating a pair of wall panels connected to each other by two pairs of example hinge clips in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating toy connection systems in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example slot clip in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating the example slot clip of FIG. 19 connecting an example first slotted panel to an example second slotted panel in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating an example slot clip in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 22 is a perspective view illustrating the example slot clip of FIG. 21.

[0029] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an example first-subset slotted panel in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an example second-subset slotted panel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the example slot clip of FIGS. 21-22 connected to the example first-subset slotted panel of FIG. 23.

[0032] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the example slot clip of FIGS. 21-22 connecting the example first-subset slotted panel of FIG. 23 and the example second-subset slotted panel of FIG. 24.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] FIGS. 1-26 provide examples of toy connection systems 100 according to the present disclosure. Elements that serve a similar, or at least substantially similar, purpose are labeled with like reference numerals in FIGS. 1-26, and these elements may not be discussed in detail herein with reference to each of FIGS. 1-26. Similarly, all elements are not labeled in each of FIGS. 1-26, but reference numerals associated therewith may be utilized herein for consistency. Elements, components, and/or features that are discussed herein with reference to one or more of FIGS. 1-26 may be included in and/or utilized with any of FIGS. 1-26 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0034] Toy connections systems 100 according to the present disclosure may include elements from toy connection systems 101 and/or elements from toy connection systems 103. FIGS. 1-17 provide examples of toy connection systems 101 and FIG. 18 26 provide examples of toy connection systems 103. FIG. 1 schematically represents toy connection systems 101 according to the present disclosure. Generally, in FIG. 1, elements that are likely to be included in a given example are illustrated in solid lines, while elements that are optional to a given example or that correspond to a specific example are illustrated in dashed lines. However, elements that are illustrated in solid lines are not essential to all examples of the present disclosure, and an element shown in solid lines may be omitted from a particular example without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, toy connection systems 101 comprise a plurality of wall panels 102 and a plurality of clips 108 each configured to releasably connect a pair of the wall panels 102 to each other. Each wall panel 102 comprises a connecting edge 104 and defines a slot 106 extending through the wall panel 102 proximate the connecting edge 104. In such examples, proximate may refer to the slot 106 being within the nearest 10% of the wall panel 102 to the connecting edge 104. In some examples, the wall panels 102 are rigid and planar. Additionally or alternatively, some wall panels 102 may be flexible and/or contoured. In some examples, the wall panels 102 comprise and/or are constructed of wood, plastic, and/or any other suitable materials.

[0036] Each clip 108 is configured to releasably connect a pair of the wall panels 102 to each other. As schematically represented in FIG. 1, each clip 108 comprises a body 110 that defines at least one receiving channel 112. Each receiving channel 112 is configured to receive and hold a respective one of the wall panels 102. The body 110 of each clip 108 comprises at least one tab 114 that is configured to be received in the slot 106 of the respective wall panel 102. In some examples, a respective tab 114 is disposed in or proximate to each receiving channel 112 of a clip 108, such that each tab 114 is positioned to be received in the slot 106 of a wall panel 102 that is received in the receiving channel 112. The tab(s) 114 are configured to secure the wall panel(s) 102 to the clip 108. The wall panel(s) 102 are configured to be selectively inserted into and removed from the receiving channel(s) 112 by a user. That is, the clips 108 are configured to be selectively inserted into and removed from the wall panels 102 by causing the tab(s) 114 to engage and disengage with the slot(s) 106 of the wall panel 102.

[0037] In some examples, the plurality of wall panels 102 comprises one or more first-subset wall panels 200 and one or more second-subset wall panels 202. Each first-subset wall panel 200 is configured to be connected to one or more of the second-subset wall panels 202 by one or more of the clips 108. For example, the connecting edge 104 of each first-subset wall panel 200 may have a first contour 204 and the connecting edge 104 of each second-subset wall panel 202 may have a second contour 206 that is different than the first contour 204. The first contour 204 may be configured to mate with or interlock with the second contour 206 when the first-subset wall panel 200 is connected to the second-subset wall panel 202 using a one of the clips 108. In some examples, the interlocking first and second contours 204, 206 facilitates the connecting edge 104 of each of the first and second-subset wall panels 200, 202 to extend to the edge of the joint formed between the first and second-subset wall panels 200, 202. This ensures a strong and stable joint that will not easily fall apart during use.

[0038] In some examples, toy connection systems 101 comprise one or more transverse panels 300 which are configured to be connected to one or more of the wall panels 102. The transverse panels may be configured to extend generally horizontally relative to the wall panels 102, which may extend generally vertically when connected to each other. Each transverse panel 300 may comprise a generally rectangular or square-shaped structure that has four sides. The wall panels 102 may be releasably coupled to each side of the transverse panel 300 and the transverse panel 300 may extend between the wall panels 102. In some examples, the transverse panel 300 comprises one or more transverse-panel tabs 302 and the wall panels 102 may comprise one or more transverse-panel slots 107 that are configured to receive a respective transverse-panel tab 302 to secure the transverse panel 300 to the wall panel 102. In some examples, the transverse panel 300 comprises transverse-panel tabs 302 that extends outward from each side of the transverse panel 300. In some examples, the transverse-panel tabs 302 extend outward from the edges of the transverse panel 300 in plane with the other portions of the transverse panel 300.

[0039] In some examples, transverse panels may be described as or used as ceiling panels, floor panels, intermediate level panels, shelves, and/or any other suitable structures that are configured to be coupled to the wall panels 102.

[0040] As schematically represented in FIG. 2, in some examples, the plurality of clips 108 comprises at least one corner clip 116. The corner clip 116 is configured to connect a pair of the wall panels 102 to each other at an angle relative to each other, e.g., at a right angle relative to each other. Each corner clip 116 comprises a corner-clip body 118 which defines a first corner-clip receiving channel 120 and a second corner-clip receiving channel 122. The first corner-clip receiving channel 120 is configured to receive and hold the connecting edge 104 of a first wall panel 102 and the second corner-clip receiving channel 122 is configured to receive and hold the connecting edge 104 of a second wall panel 102.

[0041] In some examples, the corner-clip body 118 comprises one or more tabs 114 that are configured to engage the wall panels 102 received in the first corner-clip receiving channel 120 and the second corner-clip receiving channel 122 to secure the wall panels 102 to the corner clip 116. For example, the corner-clip body 118 may comprise a first corner-clip tab 124 that is configured to be received in the slot 106 of the first wall panel 102 received in the first corner-clip receiving channel 120 and/or a second corner-clip tab 126 that is configured to be received in the slot 106 of the second wall panel 102 received in the second corner-clip receiving channel 122. In some examples, the first corner-clip tab 124 is disposed proximate an entrance to the first corner-clip receiving channel 120 and the second corner-clip tab 126 is disposed proximate an entrance to the second corner-clip receiving channel 122. In some examples, the first corner-clip tab 124 and/or the second corner-clip tab 126 are configured to extend only partially through the slot 106 of the wall panel 102 when the wall panel is received in the first and/or the second corner-clip receiving channel 120, 122.

[0042] In some examples, the corner-clip body 118 comprises an outer portion 128 that forms a first outer wall 130 and a second outer wall 132 and an inner portion 134 that extends inward from the outer portion 128. The inner portion 134 may form a first inner wall 136 and a second inner wall 138. The first outer wall 130 and the first inner wall 136 collectively at least partially define the first corner-clip receiving channel 120. The second outer wall 132 and the second inner wall 138 collectively at least partially define the second corner-clip receiving channel 122. In some examples, the first and second outer walls 130, 132 and the first and second inner walls 136, 138 are each generally planar surfaces. The first corner-clip receiving channel 120 is configured to receive the first wall panel 102 between the first outer wall 130 and the first inner wall 136 and the second corner-clip receiving channel 122 is configured to receive the second wall panel 102 between the second outer wall 132 and the second inner wall 138. In some examples, the first corner-clip tab 124 is disposed on the first outer wall 130 and the second corner-clip tab 126 is disposed on the second outer wall 132.

[0043] In some examples, the first outer wall 130 is oriented at an acute angle relative to the second outer wall 132. Specifically, in some examples, the first outer wall 130 is oriented at an acute angle that is just under 90 degrees relative to the second outer wall 132, e.g., at least 85 degrees, at least 86 degrees, at least 87 degrees, at least 88 degrees, at least 89 degrees, and/or any other suitable acute angle. In other words, the outer portion 128 of the corner-clip body 118 may comprise a generally L-shaped member having arms that are formed at an acute angle relative to each other and the acute angle is just under 90 degrees.

[0044] In some examples, the corner-clip body 118 is configured to be biased against the first and second wall panels 102, such that the first and second corner-clip tabs 124, 126 snap into the respective slots 106 of the first and second wall panels 102, when the first and second wall panels 102 are received in the first and second corner-clip receiving channels 120, 122, respectively. In some examples, the corner-clip body 118 (e.g., the outer portion 128 and/or the inner portion 134) comprises a resilient material that is configured to facilitate the first and second outer walls 130, 132 applying an inward force on the first wall panel 102 and the second wall panel 102, when the first and second wall panels 102 are received in the first and second corner-clip receiving channels 120, 122. For example, before the first and second wall panels 102 are received in the first and second corner-clip receiving channels 120, 122, the first outer wall 130 and the second outer wall 132 are disposed in an inward position in which the first outer wall 130 is oriented at the acute angle relative to the second outer wall 132. When the first and second wall panels 102 are received in the first and second corner-clip receiving channels 120, 122, the first and second outer walls 130, 132 are forced outward by the first and second wall panels 102. The corner-clip body 118 comprises a resilient material and is biased toward the inward position, such that the first and second outer walls 130, 132 apply an inward force on the wall panels 102 in response to being forced outward. The inward force snaps the first and second corner-clip tabs 124, 126 into the respective slots 106 of the first and second wall panels 102 to secure the corner clip 116 to the wall panels 102.

[0045] In some examples, the corner-clip body 118 comprises one or more structures that are configured to abut the connecting edge 104 of the first and the second wall panels 102 that are received in the first corner-clip receiving channel 120 and the second corner-clip receiving channel 122. For example, the corner-clip body 118 may comprise a first-channel stopping protrusion 148 that is disposed within the first corner-clip receiving channel 120 and/or a second-channel stopping protrusion 150 that is disposed within the second corner-clip receiving channel 122. In some examples, the first-channel stopping protrusion 148 extends inward from the first outer wall 130 into the first corner-clip receiving channel 120 and the second-channel stopping protrusion 150 extends inward from the second outer wall 132 into the second corner-clip receiving channel 122. The first-channel stopping protrusion 148 and the second-channel stopping protrusion 150 are each configured to abut the connecting edge 104 of the first and second wall panels 102 that are received in the first and second corner-clip receiving channels 120, 122 to prevent the wall panels 102 from moving further into the respective corner-clip receiving channel 120, 122.

[0046] In some examples, the inner portion 134 of the corner-clip body 118 comprises a protrusion 140 that extends inward from the outer portion 128. The protrusion 140 may comprise a stem 142 that extends inward from the outer portion 128, a first arm 144 that extends outward from the stem 142 to form the first inner wall 136, and a second arm 146 that extends outward from the stem 142 to form the second inner wall 138. For example, the protrusion 140 may be generally Y-shaped having the stem 142 fixed to the outer portion 128 and the first and second arms 144, 146 that extend outward from the stem 142 in opposing directions. In some examples, the first arm 144 and the second arm 146 include ends 143 that flare inward and away from the outer portion 128 to facilitate receiving the first and second wall panels 102 into the first corner-clip receiving channel 120 and/or the second corner-clip receiving channel 122, respectively.

[0047] The corner-clip body 118, e.g., the outer portion 128 and the inner portion 134, may comprise any suitable materials that are configured to releasably connect a pair of wall panels 102 to each other. In some examples, the corner-clip body 118 comprises a resilient material that is configured to facilitate receiving the wall panels 102 into the first and second corner-clip receiving channels 120, 122. For example, the corner-clip body 118 may comprise any suitable resilient plastic material.

[0048] In some examples, when the first wall panel 102 is received in the first corner-clip receiving channel 120 and the second wall panel 102 is received in the second corner-clip receiving channel 122, the connecting edge 104 of the first wall panel 102 and the connecting edge 104 of the second wall panel 102 are configured to interlock with each other. For example, as described further below, the plurality of wall panels 102 may comprise one or more first-subset wall panels 200 and one or more second-subset wall panels 202. The corner clip 116 may be configured to connect a first-subset wall panel 200 to a second-subset wall panel 202, and the first-subset wall panels 200 may have the connecting edge 104 that is configured to interlock or mate with the connecting edge 104 of the second-subset wall panel 202, when the first and second-subset wall panels 200, 202 are connected by the corner clip 116.

[0049] As schematically represented in FIG. 3, in some examples, the plurality of clips 108 comprises at least one flex clip 152 that is configured to connect a first wall panel 102 to a second wall panel 102. Each flex clip 152 comprises a flex-clip body 154 that includes a first portion 155 that defines a first flex-clip receiving channel 156 and a second portion 157 that defines a second flex-clip receiving channel 158. The first flex-clip receiving channel 156 is configured to receive the connecting edge 104 of the first wall panel 102 and the second flex-clip receiving channel 158 is configured to receive the connecting edge 104 of the second wall panel 102. The first and second flex-clip receiving channels 156, 158 are configured to releasably receive the first and second wall panels 102, such that a user may selectively connect and disconnect the first and second wall panels 102 with the flex clip 152. In other words, the flex clip 152 is configured to be selectively connected to and removed from the wall panels 102 by inserting a respective wall panel 102 within the first and/or the second flex-clip receiving channel 156, 158.

[0050] In some examples, the flex-clip body 154 comprises a bridge portion 161 which connects the first portion 155 of the flex-clip body 154 to the second portion 157 of the flex-clip body 154. In some examples, the bridge portion 161 comprises a flexible material that is configured to be selectively bent by a user. In such examples, bending the bridge portion 161 moves the first portion 155 of the flex-clip body 154 relative to the second portion 157, and therefore changes an orientation of the first flex-clip receiving channel 156 relative to the second flex-clip receiving channel 158. In some examples, when the bridge portion 161 is in an unbent position, the first flex-clip receiving channel 156 extends along a first channel axis 163 and the second flex-clip receiving channel 158 extends along a second channel axis 165. In some examples, the first channel axis 163 is oriented at an obtuse angle relative to the second channel axis 165. In some examples, the bridge portion 161 is configured to automatically return to the unbent position when not acted on by an external force.

[0051] In some examples, the first portion 155 of the flex-clip body 154 comprises a first flex-clip inner wall 186 and a first flex-clip outer wall 188, which collectively at least partially define the first flex-clip receiving channel 156. The second portion 157 may comprise a second flex-clip inner wall 192 and a second flex-clip outer wall 194, which collectively at least partially define the second flex-clip receiving channel 158. In such examples, the first wall panel 102 is configured to be received within the first flex-clip receiving channel 156 between the first flex-clip outer wall 188 and the first flex-clip inner wall 186 and the second wall panel 102 is configured to be received within the second flex-clip receiving channel 158 between the second flex-clip outer wall 194 and the second flex-clip inner wall 192. In some examples, ends 190 of the first flex-clip inner wall 186 and/or the second flex-clip inner wall 192 are flared inward and away from the first flex-clip outer wall 188 and the second flex-clip outer wall 194. In some examples, the first portion 155 and/or the second portion 157 comprise a resilient material that is configured to facilitate releasably receiving the first and second wall panels 102 within the first and second flex-clip receiving channels 156, 158.

[0052] In some examples, the flex-clip body 154 comprises one or more tabs configured to be received within the slot 106 of the wall panels 102 that are received within the first and second flex-clip receiving channels 156, 158. For example, the flex-clip body 154 may comprise a first flex-clip tab 160 that is disposed proximate or within the first flex-clip receiving channel 156 and/or a second flex-clip tab 162 that is disposed proximate or within the second flex-clip receiving channel 158. In some examples, the first flex-clip tab 160 extends inward from the first flex-clip outer wall 188 into the first flex-clip receiving channel 156 and the second flex-clip tab 162 extends inward from the second flex-clip outer wall 194 into the second flex-clip receiving channel 158. The first flex-clip tab 160 and the second flex-clip tab 162 may be sized and shaped to extend into the slot 106 of the wall panel 102 without passing entirely through the slot 106. The first flex-clip tab 160 and the second flex-clip tab 162 are configured to secure the flex clip 152 to the first and second wall panels 102.

[0053] As schematically illustrated in FIG. 4, in some examples, the plurality of clips 108 comprises a plurality of hinge clips 164. Each hinge clip 164 comprises a hinge-clip body 166 that includes a base portion 168 and a channel portion 170. The channel portion 170 extends outward from the base portion 168 and may be formed integrally with the base portion 168. The channel portion 170 defines a hinge-clip receiving channel 172 configured to receive the connecting edge 104 of a wall panel 102, and the base portion 168 comprises a hinge-clip protrusion 174 and defines a hinge-clip bore 176.

[0054] Each hinge clip 164 is configured to be pivotably coupled to another hinge clip 164 such that the hinge clips 164 form a hinge with one another. For example, the hinge-clip bore 176 of each hinge clip 164 is configured to receive the hinge-clip protrusion 174 of another one of the hinge clips 164 to form a hinge. As such, a pair of hinge clips 164 may each receive and hold a respective wall panel 102 and be connected to each other to form the hinge. Pivoting the pair of hinge clips 164 relative to each other pivots the respective wall panels 102 that are held by the pair of hinge clips 164 relative to each other.

[0055] In some examples, the channel portion 170 comprises a first hinge-clip arm 178 and a second hinge-clip arm 180 each of which extend outward from the base portion 168. The first hinge-clip arm 178 and the second hinge-clip arm 180 collectively at least partially define the hinge-clip receiving channel 172. In some examples, the hinge-clip body 166 comprises a first hinge-clip tab 182 that extends inward from the first hinge-clip arm 178 into the hinge-clip receiving channel 172 and/or a second hinge-clip tab 184 that extends inward from the second hinge-clip arm 180 into the hinge-clip receiving channel 172.

[0056] In some examples, the first hinge-clip arm 178 and the second hinge-clip arm 180 each extend outward from the base portion 168 at an angle towards each other, such that distal ends 179 of the first hinge-clip arm 178 and the second hinge-clip arm 180 are disposed closer to each other than proximal ends 181 of the first hinge-clip arm 178 and the second hinge-clip arm 180, which are fixed to or integral with the base portion 168. As a result, the first hinge-clip arm 178 and the second hinge-clip arm 180 are configured to be forced outward and away from each other when the wall panel 102 is received within the hinge-clip receiving channel 172. The first hinge-clip arm 178 and the second hinge-clip arm 180 may comprise a resilient material and be biased toward the inward position, such that the first and second hinge-clip arms 178, 180 apply an inward force on the wall panel 102 when the wall panel 102 is received within the hinge-clip receiving channel 172. The inward force is configured to snap the first hinge-clip tab 182 and the second hinge-clip tab 184 into the slot 106 of the wall panel 102 to secure the hinge clip 164 to the wall panel 102.

[0057] In some examples, the hinge-clip body 166 comprises a hinge-clip stopper 185 that is disposed within the hinge-clip receiving channel 172. The hinge-clip stopper 185 may be configured to abut the connecting edge 104 of the wall panel 102 when the wall panel 102 is received within the hinge-clip receiving channel 172. The hinge-clip stopper 185 may comprise any suitable structures that project upward from the base portion 168 into the hinge-clip receiving channel 172. The hinge-clip stopper 185 is configured to prevent the connecting edge 104 of the wall panel 102 from extending further into the hinge-clip receiving channel 172.

[0058] In use, the hinge-clip receiving channel 172 of a first hinge clip 164 is configured to receive a first wall panel 102 and the hinge-clip receiving channel 172 of a second hinge clip 164 is configured to receive a second wall panel 102. The hinge-clip bore 176 of the first hinge clip 164 is configured to receive the hinge-clip protrusion 174 of the second hinge clip 164 such that the first hinge clip 164 and the second hinge clip 164 collectively form a hinge and may be selectively pivoted relative to each other. Pivoting the first hinge clip 164 and the second hinge clip 164 relative to each other moves the first wall panel 102 received by the first hinge clip 164 and the second wall panel 102 received by the second hinge clip 164 relative to each other. In some examples, another pair of hinge clips 164 form a second hinge in the same manner and are coupled to the first wall panel 102 and the second wall panel 102. This configuration facilitates selective adjustment of the positioning of the first wall panel 102 relative to the second wall panel 102.

[0059] Turning now to FIGS. 5-17, illustrative non-exclusive examples of toy connection systems 101 including non-exclusive examples of clips 108 and wall panels 102 are illustrated. Where appropriate, the reference numerals from the schematic illustrations of FIGS. 1-4 are used to designate corresponding parts of the examples of FIGS. 5-17; however, the examples of FIGS. 5-17 are non-exclusive and do not limit the toy connection systems 101 to the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 5-17. That is, toy connection systems 101 are not limited to the specific embodiments of FIGS. 5-17, and toy connection systems 101 may incorporate any number of the various aspects, configurations, characteristics, properties, etc. of the toy connection systems 101 that are illustrated in and discussed with reference to the schematic representations of FIGS. 1-4 and/or the embodiments of FIGS. 5-17, as well as variations thereof, without requiring the inclusion of all such aspects, configurations, characteristics, properties, etc. For the purpose of brevity, each previously discussed component, part, portion, aspect, region, etc. or variants thereof may not be discussed, illustrated, and/or labeled again with respect to the examples of FIGS. 5-17; however, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that the previously discussed features, variants, etc. may be utilized with the examples of FIGS. 5-17.

[0060] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate an example corner clip 116. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the corner clip 116 comprises a corner-clip body 118 that defines a first corner-clip receiving channel 120 and a second corner-clip receiving channel 122 each of which are configured to receive a respective wall panel 102. The corner-clip body 118 comprises a first corner-clip tab 124 that is disposed within the first corner-clip receiving channel 120 and configured to be received within the slot 106 of the wall panel 102 that is received in the first corner-clip receiving channel 120. The corner-clip body 118 further comprises a second corner-clip tab 126 that is configured to be received within the slot 106 of the wall panel 102 that is received in the second corner-clip receiving channel 122.

[0061] The corner-clip body 118 comprises an outer portion 128 and an inner portion 134 that extends inward from the outer portion 128. The outer portion 128 is a generally L-shaped structure that forms a first outer wall 130 and a second outer wall 132 that are oriented at an acute angle relative to each other. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the first outer wall 130 is oriented at an angle that is just under 90 degrees relative to the second outer wall 132, e.g., at least 85 degrees, at least 86 degrees, at least 87 degrees, at least 88 degrees, at least 89 degrees. When the wall panels 102 are received in the first corner-clip receiving channel 120 and the second corner-clip receiving channel 122, the first outer wall 130 and the second outer wall 132 are forced outward to a position in which the first outer wall 130 is generally perpendicular to the second outer wall 132. The outer portion 128 comprises a resilient material, such that the first outer wall 130 and the second outer wall 132 are biased towards the position in which the first outer wall 130 is oriented at the acute angle relative to the second outer wall 132. This causes the first outer wall 130 and the second outer wall 132 to apply an inward force on the wall panels 102 which snaps the first and second corner-clip tabs 124, 126 into the slots 106 of each wall panel 102.

[0062] The inner portion 134 comprises a Y-shaped protrusion 140 that extends inward from the outer portion 128. As shown in FIG. 6, the Y-shaped protrusion 140 has a vertical height that is less than the vertical height of the outer portion 128. The first and second corner-clip tabs 124, 126 each have a vertical height that is approximately the same as the vertical height of the Y-shaped protrusion.

[0063] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate an example flex clip 152. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the flex clip 152 comprises a flex-clip body 154 that includes a first portion 155 and a second portion 157. The first portion 155 is connected to the second portion 157 by a bridge portion 161. The first portion 155 defines a first flex-clip receiving channel 156 that is configured to receive a first wall panel 102 and the second portion 157 defines a second flex-clip receiving channel 158 that is configured to receive a second wall panel 102. The bridge portion 161 is configured to be selectively bent by a user. When bridge portion 161 is in an unbent position, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first flex-clip receiving channel 156 extends along a first channel axis 163 and the second flex-clip receiving channel 158 extends along a second channel axis 165 that is oriented at an obtuse angle relative to the first channel axis 163. Bending the bridge portion 161 moves the first portion 155 relative to the second portion 157 and adjusts the orientation of the first channel axis 163 relative to the second channel axis 165. In some examples, the bridge portion 161 is configured to automatically return to the unbent position when not acted on by an external force. In some examples, the bridge portion 161 is configured to maintain a selected bent position.

[0064] The first portion 155 of the flex-clip body 154 comprises a first flex-clip inner wall 186 and a first flex-clip outer wall 188, which collectively define the first flex-clip receiving channel 156. The second portion 157 of the flex-clip body 154 comprises a second flex-clip inner wall 192 and a second flex-clip outer wall 194, which collectively define the second flex-clip receiving channel 158. As shown in FIG. 8, the first and second flex-clip inner walls 186, 192 each have a vertical height that is less than a vertical height of the first and second flex-clip outer walls 188, 194. The first and second flex-clip outer walls 188, 194 are generally planar surfaces. The first and second flex-clip inner walls 186, 192 have a slight curvature configured to facilitate receiving the wall panels into the first and second flex-clip receiving channels 156, 158 and maintaining the wall panels 102 within the first and second flex-clip receiving channels 156, 158.

[0065] FIGS. 9-11 illustrate an example hinge clip 164. As shown in FIGS. 9-11, the hinge clip 164 comprises a channel portion 170 and a base portion 168. The channel portion 170 and the base portion 168 are integrally formed with one another. The channel portion 170 comprises a first hinge-clip arm 178 and a second hinge-clip arm 180, which collectively at least partially define a hinge-clip receiving channel 172 that is configured to receive the connecting edge 104 of a respective one of the wall panels 102. A first hinge-clip tab 182 extends inward from the first hinge-clip arm 178 into the hinge-clip receiving channel 172 and a second hinge-clip tab 184 extends inward from the second hinge-clip arm 180 into the hinge-clip receiving channel 172. The first and second hinge-clip tabs 182, 184 are each configured to be received within the slot 106 of the wall panel 102, when the wall panel 102 is received within the hinge-clip receiving channel 172.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 10, the first hinge-clip arm 178 and the second hinge-clip arm 180 each extend away from the base portion 168 at an acute angle relative to the base portion 168, such that the first hinge-clip arm 178 and the second hinge-clip arm 180 are angled towards each other. In other words, the distal ends 179 of the first hinge-clip arm 178 and the second hinge-clip arm 180 are disposed closer to each other than the proximal ends 181 of the first hinge-clip arm 178 and the second hinge-clip arm 180 which are fixed to the base portion 168.

[0067] In some examples, the channel portion 170 including the first hinge-clip arm 178 and the second hinge-clip arm 180 comprises a resilient material, such that when the respective one of the wall panels 102 is received in the hinge-clip receiving channel 172, the first hinge-clip arm 178 and the second hinge-clip arm 180 are configured to be forced outward by the wall panel 102. For example, the distance between the distal ends 179 of the first and second hinge-clip arms 178, 180 may be slightly less than a width of the wall panel 102 such that the first and second hinge-clip arms 178, 180 are configured to be forced outward by the wall panel 102 when the wall panel 102 is received in the hinge-clip receiving channel 172. In such examples, the first hinge-clip arm 178 and the second hinge-clip arm 180 are biased toward the inward position and are configured to apply an inward force on the wall panel 102 that is received in the hinge-clip receiving channel 172. In some examples, the inward force is configured to snap the first and/or the second hinge-clip tabs 182, 184 into the slot 106 of the wall panel 102 that is received in the hinge-clip receiving channel 172.

[0068] FIG. 12 illustrates an example first-subset wall panel 200 of the plurality of wall panels 102 and FIG. 13 illustrates an example second-subset wall panel 202 of the plurality of wall panels 102. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the first-subset wall panel 200 comprises a connecting edge 104 that has a first contour 204 and the second-subset wall panel 202 comprises a connecting edge 104 that has a second contour 206 that is different than the first contour 204. The first contour 204 is configured to mate with, or interlock with, the second contour 206 when the first-subset wall panel 200 is coupled to the second-subset wall panel using a one or more clips 108. Each of the first contour 204 and the second contour 206 has a central recess 208 configured to receive the one or more clips 108.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 15, the first-subset wall panel 200 is configured to be coupled to the second-subset wall panel 202 using the corner clip 116, such that the connecting edge 104 of the first-subset wall panel 200 is configured to interlock with the connecting edge 104 of the second-subset wall panel 202. As shown in FIG. 15, this results in the connecting edge 104 of the first-subset wall panel 200 and the connecting edge 104 of the second-subset wall panel 202 extending to the edge of the joint formed between the first-subset wall panel 200 and the second-subset wall panel 202. This results in a stronger and more stable connection between the first-subset wall panel 200 and the second-subset wall panel 202.

[0070] The first-subset wall panel 200 and the second-subset wall panel 202 each comprise a respective transverse-panel slot 107 that is configured to facilitate connecting a transverse panel 300 to the first-subset wall panel 200 and the second-subset wall panel 202. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the transverse-panel slot 106 comprises an elongate slot extending horizontally across a lower portion of the first and second-subset wall panels 200, 202. FIG. 14 illustrates an example transverse panel 300. As shown in FIG. 14, the transverse panel 300 comprises a generally planar, square-shaped structure having a respective transverse-panel tab 302 extending outward from each edge of the transverse panel 300. The respective transverse-panel slot 107 of each of the first-subset wall panel 200 and the second-subset wall panel 202 is configured to receive a respective transverse-panel tab 302 to couple the transverse panel 300 to the first-subset wall panel 200 and/or the second-subset wall panel 202.

[0071] In some examples, the first-subset wall panel 200 and/or the second-subset wall panel 202 may comprise one or more additional slots that are configured to facilitate connecting floor panels, ceiling panels, intermediate level panels, shelves, and/or any other suitable transverse panels 300 to the first and/or second-subset wall panels 200, 202. For example, the first-subset wall panel 200 and/or the second-subset wall panel 202 may comprise a substantially identical slot to the transverse-panel slot 107 that is formed proximate an upper portion (as oriented in FIGS. 15 and 16) of the panel that is configured to facilitate connecting a transverse panel 300 to the first and/or second-subset wall panels 200, 202 in a similar manner as the illustrated transverse panel 300. The first and second-subset wall panels 200, 202 may comprise any suitable number of such slots. Additionally, the first and second-subset wall panels 200, 202 may comprise one or more of the slots formed proximate a lower portion, a middle portion, an upper portion, and/or at any other suitable position of the panels.

[0072] FIG. 16 illustrates the first-subset wall panel 200 coupled to the second-subset wall panel 202 by the corner clip 116 and the transverse panel 300 coupled to each of the first-subset wall panel 200 and the second-subset wall panel 202. A second first-subset wall panel 200 and a second second-subset wall panel 202 can be connected to the transverse panel 300 on the opposite sides to a form a four-walled structure with the transverse panel 300. The corner clip 116 securely holds the first-subset wall panel 200 and the second-subset wall panel 202 at a right-angle relative to each other and compresses the first and second-subset wall panels 200, 202 against the edges of the transverse panel 300 which secures the transverse panel 300 to the first and second-subset wall panels 200, 202.

[0073] FIG. 17 illustrates two pairs of hinge clips 164 connecting a pair of the wall panels 102 to each other. As shown in FIG. 17, a first pair of the hinge clips 164 are pivotably connected to one another by a respective hinge-clip bore 176 of one of the hinge clips 164 receiving a hinge-clip protrusion 174 of the other one of the hinge clips 164 to form a first hinge 198. A second pair of hinge clips 164 are connected to each other in the same manner to form a second hinge 199. The first and second hinges 198, 199 formed by the two pairs of hinge clips 164 facilitate selectively pivoting the pair of wall panels 102 relative to each other.

[0074] FIGS. 18-26 illustrate examples of toy connection systems 103. Toy connection systems 100 according to the present disclosure may comprise elements of toy connection systems 103 and/or toy connections systems 101, described above. Generally, in FIGS. 18-26, elements that are likely to be included in a given example are illustrated in solid lines, while elements that are optional to a given example or that correspond to a specific example are illustrated in dashed lines. However, elements that are illustrated in solid lines are not essential to all examples of the present disclosure, and an element shown in solid lines may be omitted from a particular example without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0075] FIG. 18 schematically represents toy connection systems 103 according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 18, toy connections systems 103 may comprise a plurality of slotted panels 402 and a plurality of slot clips 408 each configured to connect a pair of the slotted panels 402 to each other. Each of the slotted panels 402 comprises a slot-panel edge 404 which defines a connecting slot 406. The connecting slot 406 of each of the slotted panels 402 is configured to mate with the connecting slot 406 of another slotted panel 402 of the plurality of slotted panels 402. For example, a pair of slotted panels 402 may be connected to each other by mating the respective connecting slots 406 of each of the slotted panels 402 with each other. When the connecting slots 406 of the pair of slotted panels 402 are mated with each other, the slotted panels 402 are rotated by 90 degrees relative to each other. In other words, the slotted panels 402 are configured to be connected orthogonally to each other. Each slotted panel 402 may have any suitable shape, size, and/or planform.

[0076] The slot clips 408 are configured to facilitate securely connecting the pair of slotted panels 402 to each other. For example, each slot clip 408 may be configured to be received in a portion of the connecting slot 406 of a first slotted panel 402 of the plurality of slotted panels 402 and to engage a second slotted panel 402 of the plurality of slotted panels 402 to secure the second slotted panel 402 within the connecting slot 406 of the first slotted panel 402. The slot clips 408 are configured to secure the first and second slotted panels 402 to each other in a releasable manner, such that a user can selectively disconnect the first and second slotted panels 402 from each other by disengaging the slot clip 408 from the second slotted panel 402. The slot clips 408 are configured to provide added security in the connection between the first and second slotted panels 402 in comparison to using only a friction-fit connection between the connecting slots 406 of the first and second slotted panels 402.

[0077] Each of the slot clips 408 comprises a slot-clip body 410. The slot-clip body 410 is configured to be received within the connecting slot 406 of the first slotted panel 402 and to secure the second slotted panel 402 within the connecting slot 406 of the first slotted panel 402. The slot-clip body 410 may comprise any suitable structure(s) that are configured to facilitate securing the first and second slotted panels 402 to each other. For example, the slot-clip body 410 may define at least one slot-clip channel 412 configured to receive a portion of the slot-panel edge 404 of the first slotted panel 402 to connect the slot clip 408 to the first slotted panel 402. In some examples, at least a portion of the slot-clip body 410 is configured to be disposed within the connecting slot 406 of the first slotted panel 402, when the at least one slot-clip channel 412 receives the slot-panel edge 404 of the first slotted panel 402. The slot-clip body 410 is configured to be positioned within the connecting slot 406 to engage the second slotted panel 402 that is received in the connecting slot 406. In some examples, each slot clip 408 comprises three slot-clip channels 412 configured to receive a respective portion of the slot-panel edge 404 of the first slotted panel 402 to secure the slot clip 408 to the first slotted panel 402.

[0078] The slot-clip body 410 comprises at least one slot-clip tab 414 configured to engage the second slotted panel 402 that is received in the connecting slot 406 of the first slotted panel 402. The slot-clip tab 414 may comprise any suitable structures configured to engage the second slotted panel 402 and to secure the second slotted panel 402 within the connecting slot 406 of the first slotted panel 402. In some examples, the second slotted panel 402 defines at least one slot-panel aperture 428 configured to receive a respective one of the slot-clip tabs 414 to couple the second slotted panel 402 to the slot clip 408.

[0079] In some examples, the plurality of slotted panels 402 comprises one or more first-subset slotted panels 416 and one or more second-subset slotted panels 418. The one or more first-subset slotted panels 416 are configured to be connected to a respective one of the one or more second-subset slotted panels 418. For example, the one or more first-subset slotted panels 416 may comprise a connecting slot 406 that is sized and shaped to be mated with the connecting slot 406 of the one or more second-subset slotted panels 418. The slot clips 408 are configured to secure a respective one of the first-subset slotted panels 416 to a respective one of the second-subset slotted panels 418, when the connecting slots 406 of the first and second-subset slotted panels 416, 418 are mated with each other.

[0080] In some examples, each of the first-subset slotted panels 416 comprises a connecting slot 406 that is configured to receive both a slot clip 408 and the slot-panel edge 404 of a respective second-subset slotted panel 418. For example, the connecting slot 406 of each of the first-subset slotted panels 416 may comprise a panel-receiving portion 420 that is configured to receive the slot-panel edge 404 of a respective one of the second-subset slotted panels 418 and may further comprise a slot-clip notch 422 which is configured to receive a respective one of the slot clips 408. In some examples, the slot-clip notch 422 extends perpendicular to the panel-receiving portion 420. In some examples, the slot-clip notch 422 and the panel-receiving portion collectively form an L-shaped receiving slot 426.

[0081] In some examples, the slot-clip notch 422 is defined by three notch edges 424 and the slot-clip body 410 defines three slot-clip channels 412 each configured to receive a respective one of the notch edges 424 to secure the slot clip 408 within the connecting slot 406 of the first-subset slotted panel 416. In such examples, when the three slot-clip channels 412 are mated with the three notch edges 424, the slot clip 408 is configured to be positioned adjacent to the panel-receiving portion 420 with the slot-clip tabs 414 extending towards the panel-receiving portion 420 to engage the second-subset slotted panel 418.

[0082] Each of the second-subset slotted panels 418 comprises a connecting slot 406 that is configured to be mated with the panel-receiving portion 420 of the first-subset slotted panels 416. In some examples, each of the second-subset slotted panels 418 comprises at least one slot-panel aperture 428 that is configured to receive a respective one of the slot-clip tabs 414 to connect the second-subset slotted panel 418 and the slot clip 408. In some examples, the second-subset slotted panel 418 comprises a corresponding slot-panel aperture 428 for each of the slot-clip tabs 414 of the slot clip 408. For example, the slot clip 408 may comprise a pair of the slot-clip tabs 414 and the second-subset slotted panel 418 may comprise a corresponding pair of slot-panel apertures 428. Each of the slot-panel apertures 428 may extend through an entirety of the second-subset slotted panel 418 or may extend only partially through the second-subset slotted panel 418.

[0083] FIG. 19 schematically illustrates a side view of an example slot clip 408 and FIG. 20 schematically illustrates an example slot clip 408 securing an example first-subset slotted panel 416 to an example second-subset slotted panel 418. As shown in FIG. 20, the connecting slot 406 of the first-subset slotted panel 416 comprises a panel-receiving portion 420 which receives the second-subset slotted panel 418 and the first-subset slotted panel 416 is oriented orthogonally to the second-subset slotted panel 418. The connecting slot 406 of the first-subset slotted panel 416 further comprises a slot-clip notch 422. The slot clip 408 comprises a slot-clip body 410 which defines three slot-clip channels 412 each of which receives a respective notch edge 424 which defines the slot-clip notch 422 of the first-subset slotted panel 416. The slot clip 408 further comprises at least one slot-clip tab 414 which is mated with the at least one slot-panel aperture 428 of the second-subset slotted panel 418 to secure the second-subset slotted panel 418 within the connecting slot 406 of the first-subset slotted panel 416.

[0084] FIGS. 21-26 illustrate non-exclusive examples of toy connection systems 103 including non-exclusive examples of slot clips 408 and slotted panels 402. Where appropriate, the reference numerals from the schematic illustrations of FIGS. 18-20 are used to designate corresponding parts of the examples of FIGS. 21-26; however, the examples of FIGS. 21-26 are non-exclusive and do not limit the toy connection systems 103 to the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 21-26. That is, toy connection systems 103 are not limited to the specific embodiments of FIGS. 21-26, and toy connection systems 103 may incorporate any number of the various aspects, configurations, characteristics, properties, etc. of the toy connection systems 103 that are illustrated in and discussed with reference to the schematic representations of FIGS. 18-20 and/or the embodiments of FIGS. 21-26, as well as variations thereof, without requiring the inclusion of all such aspects, configurations, characteristics, properties, etc. For the purpose of brevity, each previously discussed component, part, portion, aspect, region, etc. or variants thereof may not be discussed, illustrated, and/or labeled again with respect to the examples of FIGS. 21-26; however, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that the previously discussed features, variants, etc. may be utilized with the examples of FIGS. 21-26.

[0085] FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate an example slot clip 408 of toy connections systems 103 and 100. FIG. 23 illustrates an example first-subset slotted panel 416 of the plurality of slotted panels 402 and FIG. 24 illustrates an example second-subset slotted panel 418 of the plurality of slotted panels 402. As shown in FIGS. 21-24, the slot clip 408 comprises three slot-clip channels 412 configured to receive respective notch edges 424 of the first-subset slotted panel 416 to connect the slot clip 408 to the slot-clip notch 422 of the first-subset slotted panel 416. The slot clip 408 comprises a pair of slot-clip tabs 414 configured to be received within the slot-panel apertures 428 of the second-subset slotted panel 418 when the connecting slots 106 of the first and second-subset slotted panels 416, 418 are mated with each other.

[0086] FIG. 25 illustrates the slot clip 408 connected to the first-subset slotted panel 416 without a second-subset slotted panel 418 connected to the first-subset slotted panel 416. As shown in FIG. 25, the slot clip 408 is secured to the first-subset slotted panel 416 by the slot-clip channels 412 receiving the slot-panel edge 404 of the first-subset slotted panel 416. The slot clip 408 is positioned within the slot-clip notch 422 adjacent to the panel-receiving portion 420 of the connecting slot 406 with the slot-clip tabs 414 extending into or toward the panel-receiving portion 420. As such, the slot-clip tabs 414 are positioned to engage the second-subset slotted panel 418 and secure the second-subset slotted panel 418 to the first-subset slotted panel 416 when the second-subset slotted panel 418 is received in the panel-receiving portion 420 of the connecting slot 406.

[0087] FIG. 26 illustrates the slot clip 408 securing the second-subset slotted panel 418 within the connecting slot 406 of the first-subset slotted panel 416. The slot clip 408 is configured to secure the second-subset slotted panel 418 to the first-subset slotted panel 416 in a releasable manner. A user may disconnect the second-subset slotted panel 418 from the first-subset slotted panel 416 by disengaging the slot-clip tabs 414 from the second-subset slotted panel 418. For example, a user may push on a rear end 430 of the slot clip 408 to pivot a front end 432 of the slot clip 408 away from the second-subset slotted panel 418, such that the slot-clip tabs 414 are removed from the slot-panel apertures 428 of the second-subset slotted panel 418.

[0088] Examples of toy connection systems according to the present disclosure are described in the following enumerated paragraphs: [0089] A. A toy connection system (100, 101) comprising: [0090] a plurality of wall panels (102), each wall panel (102) comprising a connecting edge (104) and defining a slot (106) extending through the wall panel (102) proximate the connecting edge (104); [0091] a plurality of clips (108), each clip (108) comprising a body (110) defining at least one receiving channel (112) configured to receive a connecting edge (104) of a respective wall panel (102) of the plurality of wall panels (102), wherein the body (110) comprises at least one tab (114) configured to be received in a slot (106) of the respective wall panel (102) to couple the respective wall panel (102) to the clip (108). [0092] A1. The toy connection system (100, 101) of paragraph A, wherein the plurality of clips (108) comprises at least one corner clip (116) configured to connect a first wall panel (102) and a second wall panel (102) of the plurality of wall panels (102) at an angle relative to each other, wherein the at least one corner clip (116) comprises a corner-clip body (118) defining a first corner-clip receiving channel (120) configured to receive the connecting edge (104) of the first wall panel (102) and a second corner-clip receiving channel (122) configured to receive the connecting edge (104) of the second wall panel (102). [0093] A1.1. The toy connection system (100, 101) of paragraph A1, wherein the corner-clip body (118) comprises a first corner-clip tab (124) configured to be received in the slot (106) of the first wall panel (102) and a second corner-clip tab (126) configured to be received in the slot (106) of the second wall panel (102). [0094] A1.1.1. The toy connection system (100, 101) of paragraph A1.1, wherein the first corner-clip tab (124) is disposed proximate the first corner-clip receiving channel (120) and the second corner-clip tab (126) is disposed proximate the second corner-clip receiving channel (122). [0095] A1.2. The toy connection system (100, 101) of any one of paragraphs A1-A1.1.1, wherein the corner-clip body (118) further comprises: [0096] an outer portion (128) forming a first outer wall (130) and a second outer wall (132); and [0097] an inner portion (134) extending inward from the outer portion (128), wherein the inner portion (134) forms a first inner wall (136) and a second inner wall (138);

[0098] wherein the first outer wall (130) and the first inner wall (136) define the first corner-clip receiving channel (120), and wherein the second outer wall (132) and the second inner wall (138) define the second corner-clip receiving channel (122). [0099] A1.2.1. The toy connection system (100, 101) of paragraph A1.2, wherein the first outer wall (130) is oriented at an acute angle relative to the second outer wall (132). [0100] A1.2.1.1. the toy connection system (100, 101) of paragraph A1.2.1, wherein the acute angle is at least 85 degrees. [0101] A1.2.1.2. The toy connection system (100, 101) of paragraph A1.2.1 or A1.2.1.1, wherein the outer portion (128) comprises a resilient material, such that when the first wall panel (102) is received in the first corner-clip receiving channel (120) and the second wall panel (102) is received in the second corner-clip receiving channel (122), the first outer wall (130) and the second outer wall (132) are forced outward and apply an inward force on the first wall panel (102) and the second wall panel (102), respectively. [0102] A1.2.1.2.1. The toy connection system (100, 101) of paragraph A1.2.1.2, wherein the corner-clip body (118) further comprises a/the first corner-clip tab (124) disposed on the first outer wall (130) and a/the second corner-clip tab (126) disposed on the second outer wall (132), wherein the inward force is configured to snap the first corner-clip tab (124) into the slot (106) of the first wall panel (102) and the second corner-clip tab (126) into the slot (106) of the second wall panel (102) when the first wall panel (102) is received in the first corner-clip receiving channel (120) and the second wall panel (102) is received in the second corner-clip receiving channel (122). [0103] A1.2.2. The toy connection system (100, 101) of any of paragraphs A1.2-A1.2.1.2.1, wherein the inner portion (134) comprises a protrusion (140) extending inward from the outer portion (128), wherein the protrusion comprises a stem (142) extending from the outer portion (128), a first arm (144) extending from the stem (142) that forms the first inner wall (136), and a second arm (146) extending from the stem (142) that forms the second inner wall (138). [0104] A1.2.2.1. The toy connection system (100, 101) of paragraph A1.2.2, wherein ends (143) of the first arm (144) and the second arm (146) are flared inward and away from the outer portion (128). [0105] A1.3. The toy connection system (100, 101) of any one of paragraphs A1-A1.2.2.1, wherein the corner-clip body (118) further comprises a first-channel stopping protrusion (148) disposed within the first corner-clip receiving channel (120) and a second-channel stopping protrusion (150) disposed within the second corner-clip receiving channel (122), wherein the first-channel stopping protrusion (148) is configured to abut the connecting edge (104) of the first wall panel (102) received within the first corner-clip receiving channel (120), and the second-channel stopping protrusion (150) is configured to abut the connecting edge (104) of the second wall panel (102) received in the second corner-clip receiving channel (122). [0106] A1.4. The toy connection system (100, 101) of any one of paragraphs A1-A1.3, wherein when the first wall panel (102) is received in the first corner-clip receiving channel (120) and the second wall panel (102) is received in the second corner-clip receiving channel (122), the connecting edge (104) of the first wall panel (102) and the connecting edge (104) of the second wall panel (102) are configured to interlock with each other. [0107] A1.5. The toy connection system (100, 101) of any one of paragraphs A1-A1.4, wherein the corner-clip body (118) comprises a/the resilient material. [0108] A1.6. The toy connection system (100, 101) of any one of paragraphs A1-A1.5, wherein the at least one corner clip (116) is configured to connect the first wall panel (102) and the second wall panel (102) at a right angle relative to each other. [0109] A2. The toy connection system (100, 101) of any one of paragraphs A-A1.6, wherein the plurality of clips (108) comprises at least one flex clip (152), wherein the at least one flex clip (152) comprises a flex-clip body (154) having a first portion (155) defining a first flex-clip receiving channel (156) configured to receive the connecting edge (104) of a/the first wall panel (102) of the plurality of wall panels (102) and a second portion (157) defining a second flex-clip receiving channel (158) configured to receive the connecting edge (104) of a/the second wall panel (102) of the plurality of wall panels (102). [0110] A2.1. The toy connection system (100, 101) of paragraph A2, wherein the flex-clip body (154) comprises: [0111] a bridge portion (161) connecting the first portion (155) to the second portion (157). [0112] A2.1.1. The toy connection system (100, 101) of paragraph A2.1, wherein the bridge portion (161) comprises a flexible material configured to be selectively bent by a user. [0113] A2.2. The toy connection system (100, 101) of any one of paragraphs A2-A2.1.1, wherein the flex-clip body (154) comprises a first flex-clip tab (160) configured to be received within the slot (106) of the first wall panel (102) and a second flex-clip tab (162) configured to be received within the slot (106) of the second wall panel (102). [0114] A2.2.1. The toy connection system (100, 101) of paragraph A2.2, wherein the first flex-clip tab (160) is disposed within the first flex-clip receiving channel (156) and the second flex-clip tab (162) is disposed within the second flex-clip receiving channel (158). [0115] A2.3. The toy connection system (100, 101) of any one of paragraphs A2-A2.2.1, wherein the first portion (155) comprises a first flex-clip inner wall (186) and a first flex-clip outer wall (188), wherein the first flex-clip inner wall (186) and the first flex-clip outer wall (188) at least partially define the first flex-clip receiving channel (156). [0116] A2.3.1. The toy connection system (100, 101) of paragraph A2.3, wherein an end (190) of the first-flex clip inner wall (186) is flared inward and away from the first flex-clip outer wall (188). [0117] A2.3.2. The toy connection system (100, 101) of paragraph A2.3 or A2.3.1, wherein a/the first flex-clip tab (160) is disposed on the first flex-clip outer wall (188). [0118] A2.4. The toy connection system (100, 101) of any one of paragraphs A2-A2.3, wherein the second portion (157) comprises a second flex-clip inner wall (192) and a second flex-clip outer wall (194), wherein the second flex-clip inner wall (192) and the second flex-clip outer wall (194) at least partially define the second flex-clip receiving channel (158). [0119] A2.4.1. The toy connection system (100, 101) of paragraph A2.4, wherein an end (190) of the second flex-clip inner wall (192) is flared inward and away from the second flex-clip outer wall (194). [0120] A2.4.2. The toy connection system (100, 101) of paragraph A2.4 or A2.4.1, wherein a/the second flex-clip tab (162) is disposed on the second flex-clip outer wall (194) [0121] A3. The toy connection system (100, 101) of any one of paragraphs A-A2.2.1, wherein the plurality of clips (108) comprises a plurality of hinge clips (164), wherein each hinge clip (164) of the plurality of hinge clips (164) comprises a hinge-clip body (166) comprising a base portion (168) and a channel portion (170) extending outward from the base portion (168), wherein the channel portion (170) defines a hinge-clip receiving channel (172) configured to receive the connecting edge (104) of a respective wall panel (102) of the plurality of wall panels (102), and wherein the base portion (168) comprises a hinge-clip protrusion (174) and a hinge-clip bore (176).

[0122] A3.1. The toy connection system (100, 101) of paragraph A3, wherein the hinge-clip bore (176) of a respective hinge clip (164) is configured to receive the hinge-clip protrusion (174) of another hinge clip (164), such that each hinge clip (164) is configured to be pivotably coupled to one or more of the other hinge clips (164). [0123] A3.2. The toy connection system (100, 101) of paragraph A3 or A3.1, wherein the channel portion (170) comprises a first hinge-clip arm (178) and a second hinge-clip arm (180) extending outward from the base portion (168), and wherein the first hinge-clip arm (178) and the second hinge-clip arm (180) at least partially define the hinge-clip receiving channel (172). [0124] A3.2.1. The toy connection system (100, 101) of paragraph A3.2, wherein the first hinge-clip arm (178) and the second hinge-clip arm (180) are angled towards each other extending outward from the base portion (168). [0125] A3.2.1.1. The toy connection system (100, 101) of paragraph A3.2.1, wherein the channel portion (170) comprises a resilient material, such that when the respective wall panel (102) is received in the hinge-clip receiving channel (172), the first hinge-clip arm (178) and the second hinge-clip arm (180) are configured to be forced outward and to apply an inward force on the respective wall panel (102). [0126] A3.2.1.1.1. The toy connection system (100, 101) of paragraph A3.2.1.1, wherein each hinge clip (164) comprises a first hinge-clip tab (182) disposed on the first hinge-clip arm (178) and a second hinge-clip tab (184) disposed on the second hinge-clip arm (180), and wherein the inward force is configured to snap the first hinge-clip tab (182) and the second hinge-clip tab (184) into the slot (106) of the respective wall panel (102) when the respective wall panel (102) is received in the hinge-clip receiving channel (172). [0127] A3.3. The toy connection system (100, 101) of any one of paragraphs A3-A3.2.1.1.1, further comprising a hinge-clip stopper (185) extending upward from the base portion (168) into the hinge-clip receiving channel (172), wherein the hinge-clip stopper (185) is configured to abut the connecting edge (104) of the respective wall panel (102), when the respective wall panel (102) is received in the hinge-clip receiving channel (172). [0128] A3.4. The toy connection system (100, 101) of any one of paragraphs A3-A3.3, wherein a first hinge clip (164) is configured to receive a first wall panel (102) of the plurality of wall panels (102) and a second hinge clip (164) is configured to receive a second wall panel (102) of the plurality of wall panels (102), and wherein the hinge-clip bore (176) of the first hinge clip (164) is configured to receive the hinge-clip protrusion (174) of the second hinge clip (164), such that an orientation of the first wall panel (102) and the second wall panel (102) is configured to be selectively adjustable by pivoting the first hinge clip (164) relative to the second hinge clip (164). [0129] A4. The toy connection system (100, 101) of any one of paragraphs A-A3.4, wherein the plurality of wall panels (102) comprise one or more first-subset wall panels (200) and one or more second-subset wall panels (202), wherein the connecting edge (104) of each of the one or more first-subset wall panels (200) has a first contour (204) and the connecting edge (104) of each of the one or more second-subset wall panels (202) has a second contour (206) different than the first contour (204), and wherein the one or more first-subset wall panels (200) are configured to be connected to the one or more second-subset wall panels (202) using a respective one of the plurality of clips (108). [0130] A4.1. The toy connection system (100, 101) of paragraph A4, wherein the first contour (204) is configured to interlock with the second contour (206) when the respective first-subset wall panel (200) is coupled to the respective second-subset wall panel (202) by the clips (108). [0131] A5. The toy connection system (100, 101) of any one of paragraphs A-A4.1, further comprising: [0132] a plurality of transverse panels (300), wherein each transverse panel (300) of the plurality of transverse panels (300) is configured to be connected to one or more wall panels (102) of the plurality of wall panels (102). [0133] A5.1. The toy connection system (100, 101) of paragraph A5, wherein each transverse panel (300) comprises one or more transverse-panel tabs (302) and the one or more wall panels (102) comprises one or more transverse-panel slots (107) configured to receive a respective one of the one or more transverse-panel tabs (302) to couple the transverse panel (300) to the one or more wall panels (102). [0134] A6. The toy connection system (100, 101) of any one of paragraphs A-A5.1, further comprising the toy connection system (100, 103) of any one of paragraphs B-B4.2.1. [0135] B. A toy connection system (100, 103) comprising: [0136] a plurality of slotted panels (402), each slotted panel (402) comprising a slot-panel edge (404) defining a connecting slot (406) configured to mate with the connecting slot (406) of another slotted panel (402) of the plurality of slotted panels (402); and [0137] a plurality of slot clips (408), each slot clip (408) comprising a slot-clip body (410) defining at least one slot-clip channel (412) configured to receive the slot-panel edge (404) of a first slotted panel (402) of the plurality of slotted panels (402) to secure the slot clip (408) to the first slotted panel (402), each slot clip (402) further comprising at least one slot-clip tab (414) configured to engage a second slotted panel (402) of the plurality of slotted panels (402) to secure the second slotted panel (402) within the connecting slot (406) of the first slotted panel (402). [0138] B1. The toy connection system (100, 103) of paragraph B, wherein the connecting slot (406) of the first slotted panel (402) comprises a panel-receiving portion (420) configured to receive the slot-panel edge (404) of the second slotted panel (402), and wherein the connecting slot (406) further comprises a slot-clip notch (422) configured to be coupled to a respective slot clip (408). [0139] B1.1. The toy connection system (100, 103) of paragraph B1, wherein the slot-clip notch (422) extends perpendicular to the panel-receiving portion (420). [0140] B1.2. The toy connection system (103) of paragraph B1 or B1.1, wherein the slot-clip notch (422) is defined by three notch edges (424), and wherein the at least one slot-clip channel (412) comprises three slot-clip channels (412) configured to receive a respective one of the three notch edges (424). [0141] B1.3. The toy connection system (100, 103) of any one of paragraphs B1-B1.2, wherein the panel-receiving portion (420) and the slot-clip notch (422) collectively form an L-shaped receiving slot (426). [0142] B2. The toy connection system (100, 103) of any one of paragraphs B-B1.3, wherein the second slotted panel (402) defines at least one slot-panel aperture (428) configured to receive the at least one slot-clip tab (414). [0143] B2.1. The toy connection system (100, 103) of paragraph B2, wherein the at least one slot-clip tab (414) comprises a pair of slot-clip tabs (414), and wherein the at least one slot-panel aperture (428) comprises a pair of slot-panel apertures (428) configured to receive a respective one of the pair of slot-clip tabs (414). [0144] B3. The toy connection system (100, 103) of any one of paragraphs B-B2.1, wherein when the second slotted panel (402) is secured within the connecting slot (406) of the first slotted panel (402), the first slotted panel (402) and the second slotted panel (402) are rotated 90 degrees relative to each other. [0145] B4. The toy connection system (100, 103) of any one of paragraphs B-B3, wherein the plurality of slotted panels (402) comprises one or more first-subset slotted panels (416) and one or more second-subset slotted panels (418), and wherein the first slotted panel (402) is one of the one or more first-subset slotted panels (416) and the second slotted panel (402) is one of the one or more second-subset slotted panels (418). [0146] B4.1. The toy connection system (100, 103) of paragraph B4, wherein the connecting slot (406) of each of the one or more first-subset slotted panels (416) comprises a/the panel-receiving portion (420) configured to receive the slot-panel edge (404) of a respective one of the second-subset slotted panels (418), and the connecting slot (406) further comprises a/the slot-clip notch (422) configured to be coupled to a respective slot clip (408). [0147] B4.1.1. The toy connection system (100, 103) of paragraph B4.1, wherein the slot-clip notch (422) extends perpendicular to the panel-receiving portion (420). [0148] B4.1.2. The toy connection system (103) of paragraph B4 or B4.1, wherein the slot-clip notch (422) is defined by three notch edges (424), and wherein the at least one slot-clip channel (412) comprises three slot-clip channels (412) configured to receive a respective one of the three notch edges (424). [0149] B4.1.3. The toy connection system (100, 103) of any one of paragraphs B4.1-B4.1.2, wherein the panel-receiving portion (420) and the slot-clip notch (422) collectively form an L-shaped receiving slot (426). [0150] B4.2. The toy connection system (103) of any one of paragraphs B4-B4.1.3, wherein the second-subset slotted panel (402) defines at least one slot-panel aperture (428) configured to receive the at least one slot-clip tab (414). [0151] B4.2.1. The toy connection system (100, 103) of paragraph B4.2, wherein the at least one slot-clip tab (414) comprises a pair of slot-clip tabs (414), and wherein the at least one slot-panel aperture (428) comprises a pair of slot-panel apertures (428) configured to receive a respective slot-clip tab of the pair of slot-clip tabs (414). [0152] C. A toy connection system (100) comprising the toy connection system (101) of any one of paragraphs A-A5.1 and the toy connection system (103) of any one of paragraphs B-B4.2.1.

CONCLUSION

[0153] The disclosure set forth above may encompass multiple distinct examples with independent utility. Although each of these has been disclosed in its preferred form(s), the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense, because numerous variations are possible. To the extent that section headings are used within this disclosure, such headings are for organizational purposes only. The subject matter of the disclosure includes all novel and nonobvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions, and/or properties disclosed herein. The following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations regarded as novel and nonobvious. Other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements, and/or properties may be claimed in applications claiming priority from this or a related application. Such claims, whether broader, narrower, equal, or different in scope to the original claims, also are regarded as included within the subject matter of the present disclosure.