The invention relates to a building block linkage element comprising at least one stud and at least one link, where the at least one link has at least one pivot, and where the stud has at least one slot.

The invention also relates to a building block comprising one or more of such building block linkage elements, and to a wall comprising, at least partly, a plurality of such building blocks. Furthermore, buildings comprising walls made of such building blocks having building block linkage elements are contemplated by the present invention.

PRIOR ART

Using building blocks for buildings is known in the art. Often, such building blocks have side panels made of an insulating material. In-between the side panels, concrete or other material is present providing stiffness and solidity to the building.

Collapsible and expandable building blocks are known, making storage and transportation of the building blocks easier since the space needed is more limited, both at the site of manufacturing of the building blocks and at the site of making the building.

Collapsible and expandable building blocks with linkage elements between the side panels of the building blocks are known. The linkage elements have "knuckle and pin" joints for providing a hinge-like structure of the linkage element for attaching the side panels.

The "knuckle and pin" joints are made of at least three different parts, i.e. two knuckle parts and at least one pin part. The "knuckle and pin joints" are attached to the side panels by means of screws, bolts or other fastening means, inducing the risk of loosening from the side panels over time.

E.g. structures as the described above are known from US 2011/265414 Al. The building block described in US 2011/265414 Al comprises two longitudinal and vertical walls connected by hinges including to elements hinged about vertical axes. The blocks are assembled using buttonhole slots which are able to receive complementary catching means as well as hinges. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a building block linkage element having improved properties when used for constructing walls and buildings. These properties depend e.g. on the type of building, on the physical properties of the walls of the building, and on the materials of which the walls of the building are made.

In a first aspect, the objects of the present invention are achieved by a building block linkage element comprising at least a first stud having a longitudinal axis and a second stud having a longitudinal axis, wherein the first stud and the second stud comprises at least one slot, wherein at least one link extends between the first stud and the second stud and is rotatably attached to the first stud by means of at least one pivot and to the second stud by means of at least one pivot. Thereby, a compact and flexible building block linkage element can be made.

The building block linkage element of the present invention, thus, is suitably such, wherein at least one link has at least one pivot, and the stud has at least one slot, wherein

the pivot is an integrate part and a monolithic part of the link,

the pivot is made of the same material as the link, and

the pivot extends in extension of the link,

the slot is an integrate part and forms a cavity in the stud,

the slot is a recess in the stud, and

the pivot of the link extends into the slot of the stud.

The pivot of the link, when inserted into the slot of the stud, functions as a hingelike structure, thus, enabling the link to be pivoted. Thereby, the building linkage element can be folded (collapsed) or unfolded (expanded). Accordingly, a building block linkage element for providing a collapsible and expandable building block is obtained. The features mentioned result in a building block linkage element having few parts, thereby reducing the cost of the building block linkage element and of building blocks in general, while providing increased robustness of the building block linkage element. The building block linkage element may be custom made, optionally reduced in overall size, thereby reducing the size of the resulting building block, when in a collapsed state. The building block linkage element may suitably be made of a plate-like material such as e.g. plate-like plywood. In some embodiments, the first stud, the second stud and the link are made of the plate-like material. It is to be understood that both the first stud and the second stud are made of the plate-like material. The link may further be made of the same plate-like material as the studs. Thereby, an easy, cheap and fast manufacturing of the building block linkage element is possible.

The pivots of the link may suitably be integrated parts and monolithic parts of the link and made of the same material as the link. The slots of the first stud and the slots of the second stud may suitably be provided as cut-outs of the material, of which the first stud and the second stud, respectively, are made.

Providing the pivots of the link as integrate parts and monolithic parts of the link increases the structural rigidity of the building block linkage element. Also, providing the pivots of the link as integrate parts and monolithic parts of the link reduces the number of parts necessary for providing the building block linkage element. Furthermore, the assembly of various parts of the building block linkage element may thereby be eased.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the building block linkage element, at least one of the first stud and the second stud, preferably both the first stud and the second stud, is made of a plate-like material, and the at least one stud is made by mutually attaching a plurality of plate-like materials, thus, forming the at least one stud. The plate-like materials may be attached to each other by gluing or by other fastening means such as screws or bolts.

Manufacturing the studs from a plate-like material provides a wide range of suitable various materials. Furthermore, the plate-like material may be cut by saw, by laser or by water in the desired form. In some cases, the studs may be moulded or casted, and may be of a plastic material or composite.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the building block linkage element is such be where both the first stud, and the second stud and the link are made of the plate-like material.

Each of the studs of the building block linkage element may suitably be provided with one, two, three or more stots having a corresponding number of pivots. Each slot may be through-going along the axis of the stud, thereby fitting the link. Alternatively, each of the slots may be cut so as to fit the pivot of the link.

The building block linkage element may be such wherein the link extends between the first stud and the second stud, and wherein the link at a first end has a first set of pivots extending into the slots of the first stud, and wherein the link has a second set of pivots extending into the slots of the second stud, and wherein the first stud is capable of pivoting relative to the link about the first set of pivots, and wherein the second stud is capable of pivoting relative to the link about the second set of pivots.

By the term "pivoting" is meant that the parts capable of pivoting can be moved or turned about an axis, thereby allowing the parts to be collapsed or expanded. The building block linkage element may suitably be such, wherein the link has at least one lock, in some embodiments two locks or more locks. In case of more than one lock, the locks may suitable be located on each side of the link, so as the locks are opposed to each other. The link may further have pins and stops for the locks, wherein the locks may be pivotable about pins and the stops for the locks. In particular, the locks may be fastened to the link using the pin, preferably using one pin for each lock, however, it is to be understood that two or more pins may be used to fasten the locks to the link. In some embodiments, the fastening pin of one lock may function as a stop for another lock. The locks may have any shape and form suitable for engaging with the stops. The locks may be made of any suitable material, such as e.g. the same material as the link and the studs. When the locks are pivoted about the pin or pins, the lock engages with the stop, thereby fastening or fixing the building block linkage element, i.e. the building block linkage element is prevented from being in the collapsible state. It may be an advantage that the stud, at the top, is provided with a tenon, and the stud, at the bottom, is provided with a mortise fitting the dimensions and geometry of the tenon. Thereby, the placing of one building block linkage element on top of another building block linkage element is eased. The tenon and the mortise may have any suitable form and geometry. In some embodiments, said tenon may be a tongue, and said mortise may be a groove. In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a building block suitable for walls of buildings comprising at least one building block linkage element, and further comprising

- a first side panel and a second side panel opposing each other, each of the first and the second side panels being a plate-like element,

wherein

- at least one building block linkage element extends between the first side panel and the second side panel, thereby connecting the opposed side panels,

- the building block linkage element is linked to the first side panel and the second side panel by the studs of the building block linkage element,

- the building block has a fully collapsed state, wherein the first side panel is close to the second side panel, when the building block linkage element is in its collapsed state, whereby the building block linkage element is oriented substantially parallel to the side panels, and,

- the building block has a fully expanded state, wherein the first side panel is distant from the second side panel, when the building block linkage element is in its expanded state and is oriented substantially perpendicular to the side panels.

In a particular embodiment, the building block comprises at least one building block linkage element, and further comprises

- a first side panel and a second side panel opposing each other, each of the first and the second side panels being a plate-like element,

wherein

- at least one building block linkage element extends between the first side panel and the second side panel, thereby connecting the opposed side panels,

- the building block linkage element is linked to the first side panel and the second side panel by the studs of the building block linkage element,

- the building block has a fully collapsed state and a fully expanded state, depending on the pivoting of the pivots of the link.

Thereby, the storage and transportation of the building blocks can be eased as the building blocks can be collapsed (volume kept to a minimum) and expanded at the construction site. In one embodiment, the building block is such, where the building block comprises a building block linkage element, wherein the first stud of the building block linkage element extends along an inner surface of a side panel of the building block, and wherein the second stud of the building block linkage element extends along an inner surface of a further side panel of the building block. The term "inner" is defined as being observed from the link of the building block linkage element.

A building block comprising one, two or three building block linkage elements with corresponding side panels minimises the complexity of the building block, and further reduces the difficulty in collapsing and expanding the building block.

In another embodiment, the building block comprises a lock, wherein

- the lock of the building block linkage element is in a released state, when the building block is in the fully collapsed state,

- the lock of the building block linkage element, when being in the released state, allows the building block to be collapsed, and

- the lock of the building block linkage element is in a locked state, when the building block is in the fully expanded state,

- the lock of the building block, when being in the locked state, prevents the building block from being collapsed, and

wherein the lock is capable of being turned off from the locked state only by manually operating the lock itself,

thereby preventing the building block from collapsing, if the lock itself is not manually turned off from the locked state.

The manually turning off of the lock minimises the risk of the building block collapsing unintentionally, e.g. during construction of a wall or a building, or following construction of a building.

The building block may in some embodiments comprise a plurality of building block linkage elements. In a particular embodiment, the building block comprises two or three building block linkage elements. It may be an advantage that the building block linkage element is linked to the side panels by means of a mounting plate arranged on the stud. The mounting plate may suitably have a part protruding from the stud, thereby providing more space for fastening the side panel. This may further add to the stability of the building block linkage element and the building blocks made with the building block linkage element(s).

Furthermore, it may be an advantage the side panels are shifted relative to each other. One of the side panels may extend beyond the top of the studs, and the other of the side panels may be mounted below the top of the studs. Thereby, the correct placing of another building block on top of a building block will be eased, and the risk of errors and instability is minimised as the side panel shift "guides" the building block.

The side panel (top side panel) of the building block may optionally be provided with a drainage. The side panel may further, at the bottom, be provided with a sill to finish the side panel in a proper manner. Furthermore, when side panels of the building block are connected to other side panel, this may be accomplished using a suitable connection member. The connection member may have any suitable shape and be made of any suitable material such as e.g. wood, plastic materials, composite materials or rubber materials, as long as said connection member is suited for joining and fastening the side panels.

Also encompassed by the present invention is a wall for a building, wherein the wall is made at least partly using a plurality of building blocks as described herein. The walls are easy to construct and are suited both for interior walls as well as exterior walls. The so constructed walls may further be painted, be provided with bricks or other finishing.

Thus, buildings constructed with building blocks comprising building block linkage elements as described herein is contemplated by the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1A-1D show perspective views of a building block linkage element according to the invention in four different stages from a collapsed state to an expanded state;

Fig. 2A-2D show a perspective view of and partly an X-ray view of the hinge-like structure between the studs and the link of the building block linkage element according to the invention;

Fig. 2E-2H show cross-sectional views of the hinge-like structure between the studs and the link of the building block linkage element according to the invention;

Fig. 3A-3D show a perspective view of the building block according to the invention in four different stages from a collapsed state to an expanded state; Fig. 3E-3H show a plane view (top or bottom) of the building block according to the invention during the four different stages from collapsed state to expanded state;

Fig. 4A-4B show a perspective view of a plurality of building blocks according to the invention when used for constructing a wall of a building;

Fig. 5A shows a perspective exploded view of the building block linkage element;

Fig. 5B shows another perspective exploded view of the building block linkage element shown in Fig. 5A;

Fig. 5C shows a close-up view of a first stud and another stud being joint by means of a tenon and a corresponding mortise;

Fig. 5D shows an exploded side view of the building block linkage element shown in Fig. 5A and

Fig. 5E shows a cross-sectional view of a building block linkage element in an assembled configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is further described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1A shows a building block linkage element 40 in its fully collapsed state. The building block linkage element 40 comprises a first stud 1 and a second stud 2, each having a beam-like structure and being arranged parallel to each other. The studs 1, 2 have a longitudinal axis X, a frontal axis Y and a transversal axis Z. The building block linkage element 40 a link 3 extending along the frontal axis Y between the first stud 1 and the second stud 2. The link 3 is attached to each of the first stud 1 and the second stud 2 along a hinge-like structure or hinge-like mechanism formed by the combination of slots 21, 22 provided in the studs 1, 2 and the pivots 19, 20. The hinge-like structure is further described with reference to Fig. 2A-2E. The studs 1, 2 comprise tongues 13, 14 and grooves 15, 16 provided in opposing end of the studs 1, 2. Accordingly, the studs 1, 2 are configured to be stacked in extension of each other in a manner in which the tongues 13, 14 are received by the grooves 15, 16 of adjacent studs 1, 2.

In the embodiment shown, the building block linkage element has two locks 4 formed as elongated members rotatably attached to the link 3 by beans of pins 5. Each lock 4 comprises a stop portion configured to be stopped upon being brought into contact with a stop 6 protruding from the link 3. The function of the locks 4 and the stops 6 is described with reference to Fig. ID. In one embodiment, the first stud 1 and the second stud 2 are both made of a plate-like material 7, 8, attached to each other by glue, by screws or by other means for attachment. In one embodiment, the link 3 is made of a plate-like material 9, and the locks 4 are made of a plate-like material 10.

In the embodiment shown, the plate-like material 7, 8 making up the first stud 1 and the second stud 2 have the same thickness as the plate-like material 9 making up the link 3. In addition, the plate-like material 10 making up the locks 4 also has the same thickness as the plate-like material 9 making up the link 3.

Thereby, both the first stud 1 and the second stud 2, the link 3 and the locks 4, respectively, may be made from the same plate (material). Cutting the various elements for making up the first stud 1, the second stud 2, the link 3 and the locks 4 may be performed by any easy, fast and reliable way of cutting a plate. Thereby, the cost of producing the building block linkage element 40 may be reduced markedly.

In another embodiment, the first stud 1 and the second stud 2 are both made of a solid material (not glued material), shaped by cutting or by another method. Optionally, the first stud 1 and the second stud 2 are shaped by casting or by another similar method.

A plate to be cut for the first stud 1, the second stud 2, the link 3 and the locks 4 may be made of wood, of steel, of metal or alloy, of a plastic material or of another material depending on the desired physical properties of the elements, e.g. the rigidity of the building block, the desired maximum weight of the building block, and/or the desired maximum size of the building block. In other embodiments, a plate to be cut for the first stud 1 and the second stud 2 may be made of only one material, for example wood, and the plate to be cut for the link 3 and the stops 4 may be made of another material, for example steel. In another embodiment, each of the various parts of the building block linkage element 40 may be made of any material suitable for the desired physical properties needed.

E.g., the building block linkage element 40 may be made entirely from a ply-wood plate with a thickness of between 2 mm and 10 mm, preferably a thickness of between 2 mm and 5 mm. The first stud 1 and the second stud 2 are made from five pieces of plate, glued together. The link 3 is made from one piece of the same plate. The lock 4 is also made from one piece of the same plate. The structural rigidity of the first stud 1 and the second stud 2 should be chosen so as to support studs of other building blocks possibly being placed on top of the studs. The structural rigidity of the link 3 is only needed to keep the first stud 1 and the second stud 2 in the expanded state. The structural rigidity of the locks 4 needs only to prevent the first stud 1 and the second stud 2 from pivoting to a position, where the building block linkage element 40 is in its collapsed state, after the first stud 1 and the second stud 2 have been pivoted to a position, where the building block linkage element is in its expanded state.

When the first stud 1 and the second stud 2 have been pivoted to the position where the building block linkage element 40 as part of a building block (see Fig. 3A-3D) is in the expanded state, either concrete, insulation material or another material providing additional structural rigidity or providing other structural advantages of the wall of the building may be filled into the space between the side panels 23, 24 (see Fig. 3A-3D) of the building blocks.

In the fully collapsed state of the building block linkage element, as shown in Fig 1A, a support surface (mounting plate) 11, 12 of each of the first stud 1 and the second stud 2 is facing sideways, parallel to a plane P spanned by the longitudinal axis X and the frontal axis Y (the link 3 extends along the plane P). The support surfaces 11, 12 are intended for supporting the side panels 23, 24 (see Fig. 3A- 3D). In the embodiment shown, the support surfaces 11, 12 are made from the same plate-like material as the side panels the first stud 1, the second stud 2, the link 3 and the locks 4. The tongue 11 and the support surface 12 are each shaped to fit in a congruent and safe manner into recesses (not shown) made in the five plate-like materials 7, 8 of the first stud 1 and the second stud 2.

However, depending on the material from which the first stud 1 and the second stud 2 are made, and further depending on the type of side panels 23, 24 (see Fig. 3A-3D) the support surfaces 11, 12 are to support, the material of which the support surfaces 11, 12 are made may be different from the material of which the first stud 1 and the second stud 2 are made. Each of the first stud 1 and the second stud 2 have a top with a tongue 13, 14 and a bottom with a groove 15, 16. When building blocks comprising building block linkage elements 40 are stacked upon each other (see Fig. 4A-4B), tongues 13, 14 of one building block will engage corresponding grooves 15, 16 of another building block placed on top of another building block. Thereby, when constructing a wall of expanded building blocks (see Fig. 4A-4B and Fig. 3D), the building blocks are prevented from sliding sideways, along a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal extension of the wall.

In another embodiment, each of the first stud 1 and the second stud 2 have a top with at least one tenon (not shown) and a bottom with at least one mortise (see Fig. 5C). When building blocks comprising building block linkage elements are stacked upon each other (see Fig. 4A-4B), tenons of one building block will engage corresponding mortises of another building block placed on top of another building block.

Thereby, building blocks making up a wall (see Fig. 4A-4B) of a building are prevented both from sliding sideways, along a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal extension of the wall, and further from sliding transverse, along a direction parallel to a longitudinal extension of the wall. The stud 2 is provided with a wing member 42 protruding from the mounting plate 12 of the stud 2 along the frontal axis Y. The wing member 42 is configured to receive one or more screws when a plate or panel is attached to the stud 2. Hereby, it is possible to avoid screwing into the end portion of a plate or panel when the end portion (or edge of the plate or panel) extends along the longitudinal axis X along the midline of the stud 2.

Fig. IB shows the building block linkage element 40 in a partly expanded state. Both the first stud 1 and the second stud 2 are rotated relative to the link 3. The first stud 1 and the second stud 2 may be rotated (pivoted) between 0 degrees and 90 degrees, such as 45 degrees. The pivot position of the first stud 1 and the second stud 2 shown in Fig. IB is obtained during rotation of the building block linkage element 40 from the fully collapsed state shown in Fig. 1A to a fully expanded state shown in Fig. 1C and ID.

Fig. 1C shows the building block linkage element in its fully expanded state. Both the first stud 1 and the second stud 2 are pivoted relative to the link 3. The first stud 1 and the second stud 2 are pivoted 90 degrees. The pivot position of the first stud 1 and the second stud 2 shown in Fig. 1C is obtained after rotation of the building block linkage element 40 from its fully collapsed state shown in Fig. 1A to its fully expanded state. In the position shown in Fig. 1C, the locks 4 are still not brought into engagement with the studs 1, 2.

Fig. ID shows the building block linkage element 40 in its fully expanded state. Both the first stud 1 and the second stud 2 are pivoted relative to the link 3. The first stud 1 and the second stud 2 are pivoted 90 degrees relative to the link 3. The pivot position of the first stud 1 and the second stud 2 shown in Fig. ID is obtained after rotation of the building block linkage element 40 from its fully collapsed state shown in Fig. 1A to its fully expanded state. In the position shown in Fig. ID, the locks 4 are now brought into engagement with the stud 2. The first stud 1 and the second stud 2 are both pivoted 90 degrees around the hinge-like structure (see description to Fig. 2A-2B) between the link 3 and the first stud 1 and the second stud 2.

The support surfaces 11, 12 of the first stud 1 and the second stud 2 are facing away from the link 3. Also, the support surface 11 of the first stud 1 is facing away from and in a direction opposite to the support surface 12 of the second stud 2. In the expanded state of the building block linkage element 40, the support surfaces 11, 12 extend perpendicular to the plane P along which the plate-like structure of the link 3 extends.

The locks 4 (only one lock is shown, the other lock is on the opposite side of the plate-like structure of the link 3) are both pivoted around the pins 5 to a position, where the locks 4 are stopped from pivoting by the stops 6. In the shown position of the locks, an end 17 (only shown for the one lock visible) of the locks 4 engages corresponding recesses 18 (only shown for the one recess visible) of the first stud 1 and the second stud 2. The end 17 of the locks 4 engaging the recess 18 of stud 1, 2 prevents the stud 1, 2 from pivoting to its fully collapsed state shown in Fig. 1A, or from pivoting to any other position between the fully collapsed state and the fully expanded state shown in Fig. ID.

Fig. 2A and Fig. 2D show the building block linkage element 40 in its fully collapsed state and in its fully expanded state, respectively. Fig. 2A-2D show, in a transparent manner, the building block linkage element with one of the plate-like materials 7, 8 of the first stud 1 and the second stud 2, and outlined by a dotted line, in order to envisage the hinge-like structure between the link 3 and the first stud 1 and the second stud 2, respectively. The link 3 has pins 19, 20 extending upwards and downwards as shown in the figures. The pins 19, 20 are an integrate part the remainder of link 3. In the embodiment shown, the pivots 19, 20 are part of the plate-like material of the link 3. The pivots 19, 20 are also made from the same material as the remainder of the link 3 is made of.

The first stud 1 and the second stud 2 each has a set of slots 21, 22 corresponding to the set of pivots 19, 20. A first set of pivots 19, 20 of the link 3 extends into a corresponding first set of slots 21, 22 of the first stud 1. A second set of pivots 19, 20 of the link 3 extends into a second set of slots 21, 22 of the second stud 2.

The first stud 1 and the second stud 2 are capable of pivoting around the pivots 19, 20 between the fully collapsed state shown in Fig. 2A and the fully expanded state shown in Fig. 2C and Fig. 2D. Fig. 2B shows the building block linkage element 40 in a partly expanded state. Both the first stud 1 and the second stud 2 are pivoted relative to the link 3. The first stud 1 and the second stud 2 are suitably pivoted between 0 degrees and 90 degrees, such as 45 degrees. The pivot position of the first stud 1 and the second stud 2 shown in Fig. 2B is obtained during rotation of the building block linkage element 40 from its fully collapsed state shown in Fig. 2A to its fully expanded state shown in Fig. 2C and Fig. 2D.

Fig. 2C shows the building linkage element in its fully expanded state. Both the first stud 1 and the second stud 2 are pivoted relative to the link 3. The first stud 1 and the second stud 2 are pivoted 90 degrees. The pivot position of the first stud 1 and the second stud 2 shown in Fig. 2C is obtained after rotation of the building block linkage element 40 from the fully collapsed state shown in Fig. 2A to the fully expanded state. In the position shown in Fig. 2C, the locks 4 are not yet brought into engagement with the studs 1, 2.

Fig. 2D shows the building block linkage element 40 in the fully expanded state. Both the first stud 1 and the second stud 2 are pivoted relative to the link 3. The first stud 1 and the second stud 2 are pivoted 90 degrees. The pivot position of the first stud 1 and the second stud 2 shown in Fig. 2D is obtained after rotation of the building block linkage element 40 from its fully collapsed state shown in Fig. 2A to its fully expanded state. In the position shown in Fig. 2D, the locks 4 are now brought into a locking position (engagement with the studs 1, 2).

Fig. 2E-2H show cross-sectional views of the building block linkage element 40 in the different states as seen in Fig. 2A-2D, respectively. Thus, Fig. 2E is the fully collapsed state of the building block linkage element as shown in Fig. 2A. Fig. 2F is the partly expanded state of the building block linkage element as shown in Fig. 2B. Fig. 2G is the fully expanded state of the building block linkage element 40, with the locks 4 not yet engaged, as shown in Fig. 2C. Fig. 2H is the fully expanded state of the building block linkage element, with the locks 4 now engaged, as shown in Fig. 2D. Fig. 3A-3D show, in perspective, a building block linkage element with side panels 23, 24, the combination of the building block linkage element and the side panels 23,24, thus, forming a building block 25 suitable for constructing a wall of a building (see Fig. 4A-4B). Fig 3A shows the building block 25 in its fully collapsed state. The first stud 1 and the second stud 2 are pivoted to a position, where the building panels are parallel to the plane along which the link 3 extends. The space, that the building block 25 takes up, is thereby reduced to a minimum. When the building block 25 is in its fully collapsed state, the building block 25 is easy to store and to transport, taking up very little space compared to when the building block 25 is in its fully expanded state (see Fig. 3D). By way of example, if the dimensions of a building block 25 in its fully collapsed state are: height 400 mm, width 860 mm, thickness 80 mm, the volume of the building block in its fully collapsed state is 27.520 cubic-centimetre (cm ³ ) or 0.0275 cubic-metre (m ³ ).

The support surfaces 11, 12 of the building block linkage element support side panels of any kind and of any material, to suit the needs for wall construction (see Fig 4A and 4B). The side panels 23, 24 may be wooden panels, or prefabricated concrete panels, or prefabricated brick panels, or prefabricated insulation panels or other prefabricated panels of any size and of any material. In the embodiment shown, the building block 25 comprises two building block linkage elements, one building block linkage element at one end of the building block 25 and one building block linkage element at a middle position of the building block 25.

Fig 3D shows the building block 25 in its fully expanded state. The first stud 1 and the second stud 2 are pivoted to a position, where the side panels 23, 24 are perpendicular to the plane along which the link 3 extends. The space, that the building block 25 takes up is thereby increased to a maximum. When the building block 25 is in its fully expanded state, the building block 25 can accommodate building material such as concrete or insulation material, poured into or in any other way provided between the side panels 23, 24. By way of example, the volume of a building block 25 in its fully expanded state having a height of 400 mm, a width of 632 mm, and a thickness of 343 mm is 86.710 cubic-centimetre (cm ³ ) or 0.0867 cubic-metre (m ³ ).

The difference between the volume of the building block 25 in the fully expanded state and in the fully collapsed state is approximately a ratio of 1 : 3.1. The difference between the thickness of the building block 25 in the fully expanded state and in the fully collapsed state is approximately a ratio of 1 :4.3.

All of the parts of the building block 25, i.e. the first stud 1, the second stud 2, the link 3, the locks 4 and the side panels 23, 24 may be made of wood, preferably plywood . However, in other embodiments of the building block 25, one or both of the side panels 23, 24 may be made from other materials than wood, cf. examples described hereinafter.

E.g., the one side panel 23, intended for constructing an outer wall of a building, may be made of a more weather-resistant material than wood, as example, a concrete side panel, a metal side panel, a mortar side panel, a slate side panel, a wood and plastic composite side panel, an insulating mineral wool side panel or foamed plastic side panel or any another material capable of being shaped as a plate and having suitable for suitable weather-resisting properties. The other side panel 24, intended for constructing an inner wall of a building, may be made of a suitable material, such as a plastic side panel, a wooden side panel, an insulating foamed plastic side panel, a mortar side panel or any another material capable of being shaped as a plate and suitable for inner wall construction. The mass of a building block 25 made completely of ply-wood and having the dimensions previously mentioned is approximately 6 kg. The dimensions of the building block 25 may be chosen to suit the desired properties the walls (see Fig. 4A-4B) of a building, further depending on whether the building is built by hand or by use of construction machines such as cranes. If, for example, the building to be made is a shed, possibly made by hand by a do-it- yourself person, the building blocks 25 should not be too large and not too heavy. Even domestic buildings and possibly smaller office buildings may be made by hand.

An office building or a domestic building may be constructed using construction machines, in which case the building blocks 25 may be, and preferably are, relatively larger sized and relatively heavier. Relatively larger sized building blocks 25 may limit the time needed for constructing the building and may, in some cases, increase the structural integrity of the building.

A possible, advantageous use of the building block 25 is when making buildings in areas having limited access to construction machinery. Such areas could e.g. be refugee camps, areas afflicted by natural disasters or other areas where fast construction of buildings is needed and/or where construction machines cannot access the construction site. Furthermore, buildings for temporary use may also be a suited application of the building blocks as there may be limited need for additional strengthening and/or insulation of the space between the side panels 23, 24.

Fig. 3B shows the building block in a partly expanded state. Both the first stud 1 and the second stud 2 are pivoted relative to the link 3. The first stud 1 and the second stud 2 are pivoted between 0 degrees and 90 degrees, such as 45 degrees. The pivot position of the first stud 1 and the second stud 2 shown in Fig. 3B is obtained by rotation of the building block from its fully collapsed state shown in Fig. 3A to its fully expanded state shown in Fig. 3D. Fig. 3C shows the building block 25 in the fully expanded state. Both the first stud 1 and the second stud 2 are pivoted 90 degrees relative to the link 3. The pivot position of the first stud 1 and the second stud 2 shown in Fig. 3C is obtained by rotation of the building block 25 from its fully collapsed state shown in Fig. 3A to its fully expanded state. In the position shown in Fig. 3C, the locks 4 are still not brought into engagement with the studs 1, 2.

Fig. 3D shows the building block 25 in the fully expanded state. Both the first stud 1 and the second stud 2 are pivoted relative to the link 3. The first stud 1 and the second stud 2 are pivoted 90 degrees. The pivot position of the first stud 1 and the second stud 2 shown in Fig. 3D is obtained by rotating of the building block 25 from its fully collapsed state shown in Fig. 3A to its fully expanded state. In the position shown in Fig. 3D, the locks 4 are brought into engagement with the studs 1, 2. Accordingly, the studs 1, 2 cannot be further rotated relative to the link 3 and the building block linkage element 40 cannot be collapsed. It can be seen that the top portion of the side panel 24 is provided in a distance Hi above the top portion of the stud 2. On the other hand, the top portion of the other stud 1 is provided in a distance H2 above the side panel 23.

Fig. 3A-3D all show, that one of the side panels, denoted 23, is provided with a drainage 26. The side panel 23 provided with the drainage 26 is the one of the two building panels intended for being part of an outer building surface. The drainage 26 is attached to the side panel 23 before or after the side panel 23 is attached to the stud 1. The drainage 26 ensure, that an upper edge underneath the drainage 26, of the side panel 23 is not exposed to humidity or rainwater, when the side panel 23 is part of the outer wall of the building.

Fig. 3A-3D show, that one of the side panels, denoted 23, may be provided with a connection member 27. The side panel 23 provided with the connection member 27 is the one of the two building panels intended for an outer surface of the building. The connection member 27 is attached to the side panel 23 before or after the side panel 23 is attached to the stud 1. The connection member 27 forms a connection between the side panel 23 and a neighbouring side panel (not shown, see Fig. 4A and 4B) of a neighbouring building block (not shown). The connection member 27 further ensures, that side edges (not shown) beneath the connection member 27, of the side panel 23 shown, and of the neighbouring side panel (not shown), is not exposed to humidity or rainwater, when the side panels form part of the outer wall of the building. As can be seen from the figure, the side panels 23, 24 may be shifted relative to each other. If the one side panel 24 extends beyond the top of the studs 1, 2, and the other side panel 23 is mounted below the top of the studs 1, 2, then guidance of a building block placed on top of one building is achieved. Thus, the wall of building blocks can easily be constructed minimising errors and instability.

Fig. 3A-3D show, that both side panels 23, 24 are provided with holes 28, into which screws (not shown) may be inserted and screwed into the studs 1, 2, so that the one side panel 23 is fastened to the first stud 1, and the other side panel 24 is fastened to the second stud 2. One or both of the side panels 23, 24 may be fastened to the studs 1, 2 by other elements or by other methods than by screws, as example, by gluing. Thereby, one or both of the side panels 23, 24 do not have any ingress points and are weather-resistant.

Fig. 3E-3H show the building block 25 in the configurations shown in Fig. 3A-3D, respectively. Thus, Fig. 3E shows the fully collapsed configuration of the building block 25 as shown in Fig. 3A. Fig. 3F is the partly expanded configuration of the building block 25 shown in Fig. 3B. Fig. 3G is the fully expanded configuration of the building block 25, wherein the locks 4 are not brought into engagement with the studs 1, 2, shown in Fig. 3C. Fig. 3H is the fully expanded configuration of the building block 25, wherein the locks 4 are brought into engagement with the studs 1, 2, shown in Fig. 3D. It can be seen that the width Li of the building block 25 in Fig. 3E is smaller than the width l_2 of the building block 25 in Fig. 3F. The width l_2 of the building block 25 in Fig. 3F is smaller than the width l_3 of the building block 25 in Fig. 3G and the width l_3 of the building block 25 in Fig. 3G is smaller than the width l_4 of the building block 25 in Fig. 3H. Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B show part of a wall made by a plurality of building blocks 25. Fig. 4A shows the wall in perspective, Fig. 4B shows the wall in a plane view, viewed perpendicular to a sideways extension of the wall.

The building blocks 25 are stacked one upon another. Because of the tongues 13, 14 (see Fig. 1A-1D) and the grooves 15, 16 (see Fig. 1A-1D) of the first stud 1 and the second stud 2, the building blocks 25 are prevented from displacement relative to each other sideways along the plane of the wall. In addition, as the first stud 1 and the second stud 2 extend upwards along an upper edge of the side panels 23, 24, the building blocks are also prevented from displacement relative to each other sideways, transversally to the plane of the wall.

Thereby, the side panels 23, 24 themselves need not have any means for mutually engaging with other side panels 23, 24 and mutually aligning with other side panels 23, 24 to form the wall. The shape and position of the building block linkage elements relative to the side panels 23, 24 ensure correct and proper alignment of the side panels 23, 24 during construction of the wall. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3A-3D, each of the building blocks 25 are provided with two building block linkage elements 40. The side panels 23, 24 configure half panel course. If the building block linkage elements of the building blocks are positioned differently relative to the side panels 23, 24, or if the number of building block linkage elements 40 per building block 25 is three or more, other courses than half panel course may be obtained. However, making a wall of a building using a plurality of building blocks 25 as shown in Fig. 3A-3D will reduce the costs of the building block 25 itself, and thereby the costs of wall construction, and thereby also the overall costs of the resulting building.

A bottom sill 29 is provided, attached to a building foundation (not shown). A lowermost row of building blocks 25 are fastened to the bottom sill 29. A top sill 30 is fastened to a topmost row of building blocks 25. The top sill 30 is provided with holes 31, which may be used for adding any filling material to the space between the outer side panels 23 and the inner side panels 24. Suitable filling materials include insulation material, probably filament of pulp or other insulation material. The filling material may be added by blowing the filling material into the space between the outer side panels 23 and the inner side panels 24. Fig. 4A and 4B also show the drainage 26 and the connection member 27 for connecting neighbouring side panels 23.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4A and 4B, the side panels 23, 24 have the same size. However, in order to provide window openings and/or door openings, side panels having varying lengths may be used for inserting windows or doors. Also, corners of the building require side panels with other dimensions than the lengths shown, in order to provide a straight vertical ending.

The present invention may be used not only for making a building for permanent use, but may also be used for making buildings for temporary use. Temporary use may be buildings in areas afflicted it by natural disasters, may be refugee camps, may be camping sites, or may be military camps. Temporary use is especially easy to provide, if the space between the outer side panel and the inner side panel is not filled, but is maintained void after construction of the building. The possibility of collapsing the building blocks 25, after having been in temporary use, is thereby eased. The building blocks 25, after having been in temporary use, may be transported to a storage facility for possible later temporary or permanent use, or may be transported directly to a new site for a new temporary use. Fig. 5A illustrates a first perspective exploded view of a building block linkage element 40 according to the invention. Fig. 5B illustrates another perspective exploded view of the building block linkage element 40 shown in Fig. 5A, whereas Fig. 5D illustrates an exploded side view of the building block linkage element 40 shown in Fig. 5A. The building block linkage element 40 comprises a first stud 1 provided with a centrally arranged slot 21 extending along the longitudinal axis of the stud 1. A tenon 32 (configured to be received by a corresponding mortise as shown in Fig. 5C) is provided in the end of the stud 1. The building block linkage element 40 comprises a second stud 2 provided with a centrally arranged slot (not shown) extending along the longitudinal axis of the stud 2 and a tenon 33 adapted for being received by a corresponding mortise as shown in Fig. 5C. The building block linkage element 40 comprises a plate-shaped link 3 provided with a central portion and pivots 19, 20 extending therefrom. A lock 4 is rotatably attached to the link 3 by means of a pin 5. A stop 6 is arranged to allow the lock 4 to be fixed in a "locking position", in which the lock 4 is brought into engagement with the stud 2 hereby preventing the link 3 to be rotated relative to the stud 2.

Since the slot 21 is shorter than the distance between the pivots 19, 20 in the side of the link 3, it is not possible to insert the link 3 into the studs 1, 2, when the studs 1,2 are in a "closed" configuration. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, the studs 1, 2 are made in several pieces (e.g. layers) allowing the pivots 19, 20 to be arranged inside the hollow space provided in the studs 1, 2, before the studs 1, 2 are assembled/closed.

Fig. 5C illustrates a close-up view of a first stud 1 and another stud 2 being joint by means of a tenon 33 provided in the end portion of the second stud 2 and being adapted to be lockingly inserted into a corresponding mortise 35 provided in the end portion of the first stud 1.

Fig. 5E illustrates a cross-sectional view of a building block linkage element 40 in an assembled configuration. It can be seen that the building block linkage element 40 comprises a plate-shaped link 3 provided with a central portion and pivots 19, 20 extending therefrom. The pivots 19, 20 are received in groove portions of the slots 21, 22 in the studs 1, 2. Accordingly, the first stud 1 can be rotated (with respect to the axis of rotation a) relative to the link 3, whereas the second stud 2 can be rotated (with respect to the axis of rotation β) relative to the link 3. The ink 3 comprises a lock 4 rotatably attached to the link 3 by means of a pivot 5.

List of reference numerals

1, 2 Stud

3 Link

4 Lock

5 Pin

6 Stop

7, 8 Elements

9 Plate-like material

10 Plate-like material

11 Tongue

12 Mounting plate

13, 14 Tongue

15, 16 Groove

17 End

18 Recess

19, 20 Pivot

21, 22 Slot

23, 24 Side panel

25 Building block

26 Drainage

27 Connection member

28 Hole

29 Sill

30 Structure

31 Hole

32, 33 Tenon

34, 35 Mortise

40 Building block linkage element

42 Wing member

X, Y, Z Axis

P Plane

Hi, H2 Distance

Li, L ₂ , L ₃ , L ₄ Width

, β Axis of rotation