Technical field

The present invention relates to a device for releasably and temporarily gripping plank-shaped construction elements. The invention also relates to a miniature construction kit comprising a plurality of plank- shaped construction elements and one or more devices according to the invention. The present invention further relates to a miniature construction comprising a plurality of construction elements and gripping devices according to the invention.

Background of the invention

Construction kits using construction elements that are stacked onto and in each other for creating different types of constructions are well known. Such construction kits are used as toys, in scalable models or miniature construction, or the like. It has been demonstrated that the use of construction kits is a challenge that feeds and stimulates the imagination, trains the skills, the logic mind and the intellect. Such construction kits may therefore also be used for mental training, in teambuilding programs, in (group) therapies, and the like. The use of construction kits stimulates among others the eye- hand coordination and the hand- hand coordination, and may be used as such in both development- stimulating and therapeutic situations.

In certain embodiments of such construction kits, use is made of construction elements that are stackable in or onto each other. To this end these construction elements as such are provided with coupling means. As an example the known Lego® concept may be cited. The present invention relates to plank- shaped construction elements that are not as such provided without any coupling element. Examples of such construction elements are the known KAPLA® ("kabouterplankjes"). These kind of planks can be stacked loosely on each other and are very successful, also because of their instructional value.

One solution to couple such planks to each other is by gluing them together. How- ever, this would mean that such a construction is not recyclable without damaging the recycled planks.

Another solution would be to provide devices suitable for gripping such planks. Gripping devices for gripping plank-shaped elements have been described in the prior art. CH

357 535 for instance discloses a gripping device comprising a hollow central portion from which one or more pairs of lips extend radially. Different gripping devices can be connected to each other by means of a rod or pin or the like, which is introduced in the hollow central portion. Also FR 1 604 334 discloses a gripping device comprising one or more pairs of gripping lips.

GB 524 300 describes a constructional kit comprising different plate elements and gripping devices which are used for connecting plates to one another. The gripping devices are provided with locking claws. These claws fit into complementary grooves provided on the plate elements. In one embodiment, the gripping devices comprise a set of two hinge ele- ments, which are both provided with a hollow body in which a pin may be fitted or glued for interconnecting the hinge elements. A problem associated with such gripping devices is that plate elements, for use with these elements, have to be individually "milled", which is not only difficult but also very expensive. Another problem is that, because the gripping devices are provided with claws, a construction made using the plate elements and the gripping devices is not easily recyclable without damaging the recycled plate elements. The elements can not be easily released from the plank-shaped elements without damaging the planks and/or the devices.

Another type of gripping devices is disclosed in GB 2 261 382. Herein, male and female devices can be coupled to one another in a hingable way. Both male and female de- vices comprise a pair or gripping lips for gripping plank-like elements. However, a problem associated with these gripping devices, is that the devices generally provide poor frictional engagement of plank-like elements, such that the planks may easily become loose. Another problem is that two types of devices, a male and female type, are to be provided in order to enable the devices to pivot towards each other. Yet another major problem associated with prior art gripping devices is that the devices are not stackable as such, i.e. they can not be stacked onto a second similar device without using any further element or structure such as e.g. a pin or the like.

In view of the above, it is clear that there remains in need in the art for improved gripping devices. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a gripping device which overcomes at least some of the above-mentioned problems of prior art devices. Summary

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a gripping device for releasably gripping a rectangular plank-shaped element adapted to build miniature constructions, which de-

vice is stackable onto a second corresponding device, such that the devices are frictionally engaged and pivotally positioned with respect to one another, which device comprises a substantially cylindrical top end and a substantially cylindrical open bottom end along a longitudinal axis, whereby the inner diameter of the bottom end is larger than the outer diameter of the top end and whereby said device is provided with at least one radially extending lip for re- leasable gripping said rectangular plank-shaped construction element. According to a further embodiment, the present device is characterized in that it the depth of the open end is larger than the height of the top end.

In a preferred embodiment, the present device comprises a member that is provided with a body and a head, and wherein said body is provided with a bore having dimensions adapted to releasably and pivotally receive the head of said second device. Preferably, the dimensions of said bore are adapted to pivotally engage the head of a second device with a friction enabling the second device to rotate with a force F comprised between 2g and 20 g, wherein g is the weight of said plank-shaped construction element. In one embodiment, the present device is characterized in that it comprises a member which is provided with least one radially extending lip for releasable gripping said rectangular plank-shaped construction element. In another embodiment, the present device is provided with a member that comprises at least one pair of essentially parallel and radially extending lips, whereby said lipss define a gap having a length and width adapted for releasably grip- ping said plank-shaped construction element. In yet another preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the lips of a pair of lips at least partly converge in order to define a gap, which is larger in the proximity of the member than at the end of the lips.

In a preferred embodiment the invention relates to a device, wherein one, two, three or four lips or pairs of lips are provided on one member. In one embodiment, the at least one lip and/or at least one pair of lips are permanently fixed to the member. In an alternative embodiment, the at least one lip and/or at least one pair of lips are pivotally connected to the member. The pivot axis may extend radially or axially. According to still another embodiment, the lip or lips of a gripping device according to the present invention are flexible or elastic. Preferably the invention provides a device, wherein the lips are provided with friction- enhancing means. These means improve the gripping of plank-shaped construction elements in the present gripping devices.

The present invention advantageously provides a device which is stackable as such on another similar device. The present device can be stacked onto a second similar device

without using any further element or structure such as e.g. a pin or the like. In addition, two devices according to the present invention can be stacked and frictionally engaged into each other, without however loosing a certain freedom of movement and the possibility to pivotally position one device with respect to another. Although two devices according to the invention are frictionally engaged, the devices remain movable and hingable with respect to one another. Only one type of gripping device is provided. No male and female type of devices, are to be provided in order to enable the elements to pivot with respect to each other. The invention thus provides a gripping device that is stackable with a corresponding gripping device in such a way that they can pivot to one another. Providing two or more gripping devices ac- cording to the present invention that can be rotated or hinged towards one another has the advantage that the individual devices, and thus that the plank-shaped construction elements releasably attached thereto, can be positioned towards each other under a larger number of different angles.

In addition, the present device is adapted to adequately grip plank-like elements, such that the planks are relatively firmly attached to the device and do not easily become loose. On the other hand, however, the present devices have the advantage that they are not permanently attached to the plank-like elements but that they can be easily released from the plank- shaped construction elements without damaging the devices or the plank elements.

In a second aspect the invention relates to a composition comprising at least two de- vices according to the invention, wherein a first device may be releasably and pivotally stacked onto a second device, and wherein each device comprises a member that is provided with a body and a head, and wherein said body is provided with a bore having dimensions adapted to releasably and pivotally receive the head of the other device. Preferably, the devices are axially pivotable. In a third aspect, the invention provides a miniature construction kit provided with a plurality construction elements, and preferably a plurality of essentially plank-shaped, and one or more devices according to the present invention. Preferably, the invention provides a construction kit comprising different construction elements which exhibit equal or different geometrical shapes and/or dimensions, both in length, width, as well as in thickness. The con- struction kit also provides different embodiments and/or dimensions of gripping devices according to the present invention. The construction kit may be a construction kit that allows to construct a plurality of different constructions such as houses, bridges, objects, animals,

etc architectural building profiles such as windows, doors, arches, walls, roofs, etc and architectural styles such as Romanesque, Gothic, etc...

In a fourth aspect, the invention also provides a miniature construction comprising a plurality of construction elements, and preferably a plurality of essentially plank-shaped con- struction elements, of which at least two construction elements are coupled by means of a device according to the present invention. Different plank-shaped construction elements that exhibit equal or different geometrical shapes and/or dimensions, both in length, width, as well as in thickness, and different embodiments and/or dimensions of gripping devices according to the present invention may be incorporated in such a miniature construction. Again, there are no limitations with respect to architectural building profiles, architectural styles, types of construction, etc....

The present invention provides a novel gripping device that may be used rapidly and without the use of extra tools to grip construction elements and thereby to produce different building constructions. Further, a gripping device is provided with which another gripping de- vice that is coupled thereto may be moved and rotated in different positions relative to the first element, adaptable to the preference and the need of a user. Use of the present gripping device in construction kits allows the user to reproduce a number of attractive configurations, such that the use of this device is very instructive, attractive and highly imaginative.

In order to better show the characteristics of the invention, a number of preferred em- bodiments of the gripping devices are described hereunder as an example without being limitative, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Description of the figures

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a gripping device according to the present invention.

Figures 2a and 2e represent a top view of an embodiment of a gripping device according to the present invention. Figures 2b-2d show side-views of an embodiment of a gripping device according to the present invention.

Figure 3 shows a longitudinal cross-section along the line Ill-Ill in figure 2a. Figure 4a-d illustrate top views of several embodiments of a gripping device according to the present invention, provided with more than one pair of radially extending lips.

Figure 5a-c illustrate side-views of an embodiment of a gripping device according to the present invention provided with lips are that are pivotally coupled to a member of the present device.

Figure 6a-b shows side-views of another embodiment of a gripping device according to the present invention.

Figure 7 illustrates a top view of a gripping device according to the present invention, in which the lips of the device converge.

Figure 8 represents a side view of a composition of two gripping devices according to the present invention which are stacked into each other. Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a composition of two gripping devices according to the present invention, whereby planar plank- shaped construction elements are engaged in the devices according to the invention.

Figure 10 illustrates a miniature construction which has been constructed using a plurality of planar plank-shaped construction elements, connected to each other by means of several gripping devices according to the present invention.

Figure 11 represents a perspective view of another embodiment of a gripping device according to the present invention, showing one radially extending lip.

Figures 12a and 12e show a top view of the embodiment of a gripping device according to figure 11. Figures 12b-12d show side-views of the embodiment of a gripping device accord- ing to figure 11.

Figure 13a-d illustrate top views of several embodiments of a gripping device according to the present invention, provided with two or more radially extending lips. " Figure 14 shows a perspective view of a composition of two gripping devices according to the present invention, whereby planar plank- shaped construction elements are engaged in the devices according to the invention.

Figure 15 illustrates another miniature construction which has been constructed using a plurality of planar plank-shaped construction elements, connected to each other by means of several gripping devices according to the present invention.

Detailed description

The present invention provides a device for releasably gripping a rectangular plank- shaped construction element adapted to build miniature constructions. The device, herein also referred to as to a gripping device, is stackable onto a second corresponding device,

such that the devices are frictionally engaged and pivotally positioned with respect to one another, as illustrated on FIG. 8, 9 or 14.

The terms "pivotally and "hingably" are used herein as synonyms and refer to a capability to rotate or hinge. The term "corresponding devices" refers to the devices which are as defined herein and adapted to be stacked onto each other.

The present device is provided with at least one lip for releasably gripping a rectangular plank-shaped element, which lip radially extends from the device member. The device may be provided with one of more individual lips, or with one or more pair of lips which lips radially extend from the device member. The term "individual lip" as used herein refers to a lip which does not form a pair with another lip. The term "pair of lips" refers to two lips which extend in an essentially parallel way besides one another. The term "essentially parallel lips" as used herein refers to lips that extend radially from the device and that may optionally slightly converge towards their distal end in order to define a gap, which is equal or larger in the proximity of the device than at the distal end of the lips. Preferably the gap is 1.00; 1.02; 1.05; 1.10, 1.12; 1.15; 1.20; 1.22; 1.25, 1.27 or 1.30 times larger in proximity of the member than at the distal end of the lips.

On one hand, a gripping device according to the present invention exerts sufficient gripping force to be able to sufficiently grip a plank-shaped element. On the other hand, this gripping force is not too high, as this element is usually used in construction kits meant as toys for kids, and a kid needs to be able to clamp or release the gripped elements quickly and easily. The present gripping device permits easy release of a gripped plank element by using a force which is slightly higher than the force exerted on the plank element to retain it in the gripping device. Release of plank elements from gripping devices, and the breaking down of miniature constructions is not unfeasible using the present gripping devices for gripping the planks or for building constructions.

The device comprises a top end and an open bottom end along a longitudinal axis. The inner diameter of the bottom end is larger than the outer diameter of the top end. Preferably, the depth of the open end is larger than the height of the top end.

In another preferred embodiment, the device comprises a substantially cylindrical top end and a substantially cylindrical open bottom end along a longitudinal axis, whereby the inner diameter of the bottom end is larger than the outer diameter of the top end. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the device comprises a cylindrical top end and a cylindrical open bottom end along a longitudinal axis, whereby the inner diameter of the bottom end is larger

than the outer diameter of the top end. It is however not excluded, that top end and/or bottom end have other geometrical corresponding shapes.

The present invention provides devices which can be frictionally engaged and pivotally positioned with respect to one another. The structure and dimensions of the present devices, and in particular the structure and dimensions of the top and bottom end and the characteristic that the inner diameter of the bottom end is larger than the outer diameter of the top end permits to obtain devices which can be staked onto each other, but also easily released from one another. Stacked devices can be easily released by applying a force which is slightly higher than the force exerted to stack the devices onto each other. Release of two or more stacked devices is not unfeasible and may be easily done without extreme efforts. On the other hand, the frictional engagement of two devices according to the present invention is sufficient to provide stabile constructions.

More preferably, the device comprises a member that is provided with a body and a head, and wherein said body is provided with a bore having dimensions adapted to releasably and pivotally receive the head of said second device. More in particular, the dimensions of the bore are adapted to pivotally engage the head of a second device with a friction enabling the second device to rotate with a force F comprised between 2g and 20 g, wherein g is the weight of the plank-shaped construction element. The force F may for instance comprise 3g, 5g, 7.5g, 9g, 1Og, 12.5g, 15g, 17.5g or 19g. In a preferred embodiment, the depth of the bore corresponds to the length of the head. The bore may extend to at most the half of the length of the body, and for instance extend to 0.15; 0.2; 0.3; 0.4; or 0.5 of the length of the body.

FIG, 1 shows an embodiment of a device 1 for releasably gripping a rectangular plank-shaped construction element. The illustrated device consists of a member 2 that is pro- vided with one pair of lips 3. These lips extend parallelly and radially, whereby said lips define a gap 4 having a length and width adapted for releasably gripping said plank-shaped construction element. For improving gripping and engagement of plank-like elements in the gap formed by the lips, the lips 3 are preferably provided with rounded edges (see below).

More than one pair of lips 3 may be provided on the member of the present device. The lips 3 may extend parallelly and radially as depicted in FIG. 2a and 4a-d. According to yet another embodiment, the gripping lips 3 may be implemented in a slightly elastic or flexible manner, and may thus be flexible. A particular preferred embodiment is depicted in FIG. 7. According to this embodiment, the gripping lips run partly towards each other, such that the

width of the gap 4 is slightly larger near the member 2 than the width of the gap 4 near the end of the lips 3. The purpose is both to provide a grip that is as good as possible, and that is durable. The illustrated embodiment provides optimal contact of the device with a gripped plank-shaped construction element. When clamping a plank-shaped construction element in the gap, the lips will be slightly pushed apart, such that these lips, after a plank-shaped construction element has been clamped in between them, will extend essentially parallelly and radially, with respect to each other, and also essentially parallelly and radially with respect to the longitudinal direction of the plank-shaped construction element. In such embodiments, it is also important that the lips are elastic or flexible, such that the lips give way more easily and may be pushed apart when receiving a plank or construction element in the gap. Furthermore, the lips will not leave an opening after gripping of a construction element, and will not - preferably not even partially- be open, such that an uniform distribution of the gripping force on the plank-shaped construction element is obtained. When gripped, the broad side of the plank-shaped element preferably also fully rests against the member (see for example FIG. 10), which assures optimal gripping.

FIG. 11 represents another embodiment of a device according to the present invention, wherein the member 2 of the device is provided with a single, individual radially extended lip 3. The lip has dimensions which are adapted for releasably gripping a plank- shaped construction element that has been provided with a slit having suitable dimensions to receive the lip. More in particular, the lip has a radial and axial length and a thickness adapted for releasably gripping a plank-shaped construction element that has been provided with a slit having suitable dimensions to receive the lip, as for instance illustrated on FIG. 14. For improving engagement of the device in the slit of the plank-like element, the lip 3 is preferably provided with rounded edges (see below). As represented on FIG. 13a-d, more than one lip 3 may be provided on the member 2 of the present device.

Referring to FIG. 1 and 11 , the device comprises a member 2 which consist of a body 7 and a head 8. In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a bottom end or body 7, and a top end or head 8. Preferably, the body 7 and/or the head 8 are cylindrical. It is however not excluded, that body 7 and/or head 8 have other geometrical corresponding shapes. Preferably, the present device 1 has an axial length ranging between 0.6 cm and 5 cm, and for of example 1.5 cm or 1.0 cm. FIG. 2b-2c and FIG. 6a-6b depict for example two gripping devices having members 2 of a different length. Preferably, the axial length of the body 7 is equal to or larger than half of the axial length of the member 2. Preferably, the body

7 also has an axial length that is equal to or larger than the axial length of the head 8. In FIG. 2b- d and FIG. 12b-d, the body 7 has a length that is larger than half of the length of the member 2. In FIG. 6a-b, the body 7 has a length that is half of the length of the member 2.

The member 2 has an outer diameter ranging between 0.6 cm and 2 cm, and for ex- ample of 1 cm. The outer diameter of the head is generally smaller than the outer diameter of the body, such that the body is provided with an extending rim. Typically, the body 7 of the member 2 has an outer diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the head 8. The outer diameter of the body 7 may be for example 1.05 times to 2 times, and for example 1.10, 1.15, 1.20, 1.25, 1.30, 1.35, 1.40, 1.45 or 1.50 times larger than the outer diameter of the head 8. The member 2 is therefore, provided with an extending rim 15 on the body 7. This rim 15 is particularly adapted for the delimitation and support of a second gripping device stacked upon the first gripping device and of which the head 8 rests on the rim of the first device.

Advantageously, the extending rim 15 of the body 7 is provided with rounded edges. In another preferred embodiment, the head 8 is also provided with rounded edges. The rounded edges on the rim 15 and on the head 8 facilitate engagement and stacking of one gripping device into another, whereby the head 8 of a first device is introduced onto the open bottom end or body 7 of a second device. The rounded edges act as a kind of hinge and enable easy "rolling" (engagement) of one device into another when stacking two devices without having to apply too much force. In addition, the rounded edges may act as a kind of hinge allowing easy removal of one device that has been stacked onto another device.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a device, wherein the body 7 of a device according to the present invention is provided with an opening or hole, preferably a circular bore 9, as illustrated on FIG. 3, adapted to receive a corresponding head 8 of the second gripping device, as shown in FIG. 8-9 or 14. The body thus preferably has an inner diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the head, such that the head can easily and frictionally be engaged in the bore 9 of the body. Typically, the body 7 of the member 2 has an inner diameter that may be for example 1.05 times to 1.20 times, and for example 1.06, 1.08, 1.10, 1.12, 1.15, 1.18 or 1.19 times larger than the outer diameter of the head 8. During the production of the present device, it needs to be assured that the dimensions of the inner diameter of the body and the outer diameter of the head are carefully coordinated, since it is important to obtain closely related values for both diameters in order to provide easily stack- able devices having sufficient engagement friction. The process of fabricating devices having

such closely related diametric dimensions of body and head is therefore very difficult and requires substantial inventive skill.

The opening 9 is most preferably implemented as a blind hole, such that the body 7 is closed on its top side and open on its bottom side. The member 2 may thus also be described as a blind hole, as it is preferably closed at one (top) side and it shows a bore at the opposite (bottom) side. It shall be clear that other embodiments may be provided with other geometrical shapes of openings 9, for example the shape of a polygon, which corresponds with the geometrical shapes of the corresponding head.

In another embodiment, the bore 9 may extend into the body 7, but also further into the gripping member head 8. For example, the bore may be provided in the gripping member over a depth corresponding to 5 to 100 % of the length of the member 2.

In a preferred embodiment, the depth of the open bottom end or body 7 is larger than the length (i.e. the height) of the top end or head 8. Preferably, the bore 9 extends over a depth at least equal to the length of the head 8, in order to be able to receive therein a corre- sponding head 8 of a second gripping device in a coupled state, as depicted in FIG. 8. Preferably, the head 8 and the bore 9 are cylindrical such that an axial coupling is effected by pushing the head 8 of one device into the bore 9 of another device. It is not excluded, however, that head 8 and bore 9 have other geometrical corresponding shapes. By this, a stable coupling is achieved between two gripping devices. The stacking of two devices according to the present invention is on one hand sufficiently permanent, but on the other hand allows a pivoting movement of the devices with respect to each other. In this way two planks gripped by a device according to the invention may be hingable coupled and thus enclose an angle as desired. Such stackable gripping devices allow to construct complex building constructions because two neighboring plank-shaped construction elements may be positioned with respect to each other under different desired angles.

As illustrated on Fig. 1 and 11 , the body 7 of the member 2 is provided with one or more radially extending lips 3 and/or pair of lips 3. The lips may extend over a number of radial lengths, measured starting from the central axis of the member 2 or body 7, and ranging from 1 to 5 cm and for example over a length of 1.5 cm. The lips may also be defined by an axial length, i.e. the length of the lips in the longitudinal direction of the device. The lips may show an axial length which is equal to or smaller than the axial length of the body 7.

As depicted on FIG. 4 and 13, the lips of a pair of lips or the individual lips provided on one single device may have a same radial length. Alternatively, individual lips on one device according to the present invention may have different radial lengths, and the lips of a pair of lips on one device may have different radial lengths. Similarly, the lips of a pair of lips or the individual lips provided on one single device may have a same axial length. Alternatively, individual lips on one device according to the present invention may have different axial lengths, and the lips of a pair of lips on one device may have different axial lengths.

Preferably, the lips have a thickness ranging from between 0.8 and 2.0 mm, and for example 1 mm. The individual lips or the lips of a pair of lips provided on one single device may have a same thickness. Alternatively, individual lips on one device according to the present invention may have different thicknesses, and the lips of a pair of lips on one device may have different thicknesses. The invention thus provides a gripping device, in which lips or the lips of a pair may have a same or a different (radial and/or axial) length and/or thickness.

In embodiments, wherein the present device is provided with one or more pairs of lips, the length and width of the gaps 4 defined by these lips are essentially determined by the dimensions of the lips 3. In one embodiment, the invention provides a gripping device, in which different pairs of lips on one single device may provide gaps 4 having a same or different lengths and/or widths.

Each individual lip 3 may have a smooth inner and/or outer surface or may be pro- vided with one or more friction-engaging means. As illustrated on FIG. 3, the inner surface of the lips may be provided with friction-enhancing means 5, adapted to enhance the gripping of a plank-shaped construction element. In an alternative embodiment, one or both (see FIG. 11) outer surface or surfaces of the lips may be provided with friction- enhancing means 5, adapted to enhance the gripping of a plank-shaped construction element. These means may comprise for example recesses, teeth, scales, ribs, ridges, projections, fins or the like or combinations thereof. In FIG. 3 and 11, these means are depicted as ridges. However, it is obvious that also other types of friction-enhancing means may be provided on the lips. Each individual lip may be provided with one or more friction-engaging means which may be different or the same. These means may be provided over a part or over the whole inner and/or outer surface of the lips.

In embodiments wherein one or more pairs of lips are provided, each lip is provided with rounded edges, preferably at the upper side, as well as on the bottom side of the lips. Furthermore, in embodiments wherein pairs of lips are provided, the lips are rounded at the

distal end of the lips, preferably towards the inner side, i.e. towards the space that defines the gap. These rounded edges allow to insert and clamp a construction element in the gap in an easy way via three different directions (namely from above, from under and sideways). The rounded edges act as a kind of hinge and enable easy "rolling" (engagement) of a plank ele- ment in the gap formed by the lips without having to apply too much force. In addition, the rounded edges of the lips may act as a kind of hinge allowing easy removal of the plank from the device. In addition, rounded edges also advantageously prevent harming of the plank elements upon introduction thereof in the gap formed by the lips of the present device.

Alternatively, or in combination therewith, in embodiments wherein individual lips are provided (e.g. FIG. 11), the lips may be provided with rounded edges, preferably at the upper side, as well as on the bottom side of the lips. The lips are also preferably rounded at the distal end of the lips towards the outer sides. The rounded edges act as a kind of hinge and enable easy "rolling" (engagement) of the lip(s) in a slit of a construction element via three different directions (namely from above, from under and sideways) without having to apply too much force. In addition, the rounded edges of the lips may act as a kind of hinge allowing easy removal of one device from the slit of the construction element.

One or more individual lips and one or more pairs of lips may be combined on one device. Alternatively devices may be provide with only one or more individual lips and devices may be provided with only one or more pairs of lips. According to embodiments depicted in FIG. 4a- d, gripping devices 1 are illustrated that show more than one pair of lips 3 on the member 2. These different pairs of lips may have the same or different dimensions, with lips equal or different in size, i.e. axial and/or radial length, thickness, as defined herein. As depicted, each lip exhibits friction-enhancing elements on its inner surface. The different pairs of lips may extent away from the member and define angles of 30°, 45°, 60°, 90° (FIG. 4b-c), 120° (FIG. 4d) or 180° (FIG. 4a), and thus define different gripping devices. It will be clear that the pairs of lips may also define different angles.

According to embodiments depicted in FIG. 13a-d, gripping devices 1 are illustrated that show more than one individual lip 3 on the member 2. These different individual lips may have the same of different dimensions, with lips equal or different in size, i.e. axial and/or radial length, thickness, as defined herein. As depicted, each lip exhibits friction- enhancing elements on its outer surfaces. The different lips may extent away from the member and define angles of 30°, 45°, 60°, 90° (FIG. 13b-c), 120° (FIG. 13d) or 180° (FIG. 13a), and thus

define different gripping devices. It will be clear that the pairs of lips may also define different angles.

In a further embodiment, the invention provides a device wherein at least one lip 3 and/or at least one pair of lips 3 are/is fixed to the member 2. In an alternative embodiment the invention provides a device wherein at least one lip 3 and/or at least one pair of lips 3 are/is pivotally connected to the member 2. In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a device wherein permanently fixed and pivotable lips and/or pairs of lips are combined on one device. More in particular, the lips 3 may be permanently fixed to the member 2, and preferably fixed on the body 7 of the member. Alternatively, lips 3 may also be hingably cou- pled to the member 2, and preferably to the body 7 of the member 2. Combinations hereof are also possible; such as for example in gripping devices wherein one pair of lips is provided that is permanently fixed and a second pair of lips is provided that is pivotable, or one lip is provided that is permanently fixed and a second lip is provided that is pivotable, or one pair of lips is provided that is permanently fixed and one individual lip is provided that is pivotable, or one pair of lips is provided that is pivotable and one individual lip is provided that is permanently fixed, etc... Lips that are pivotally provided on the member 2, may be provided such that they are able to rotate radially or axially. For example, referring to FIG. 5, a gripping device 1 is illustrated that shows a member 2 with a head 8 and a body 7. This embodiment is in particularly characterized in that the lips 3, which are provided on the body 7, may rotate in axial direction (arrows 11).

According to another embodiment, the invention provides a gripping device that consists of two separate parts. Such gripping device may consist of a base member comprising a top end and a open bottom end along a longitudinal axis, wherein the inner diameter of the bottom end is preferably larger than the outer diameter of the top end, and

- and at least one radially extending lip and/or at least one radially extending pair of lips. More in particular, the base member comprises a body 7 and a head 8, as defined herein, but of which no lips extend. The body of such a base member preferably exhibits also a (blind) hole or bore, as defined herein and adapted to receive a corresponding head of a second gripping device. The lips may be provided as a separate lip or a separate pair of lips that is adapted to be releasably clipped onto the base member. The lip may be clipped onto the base member under a fixed angle and/or be able to rotate with regard to the base member. Further, the lips may also be provided with a coupling element (for example a pin or the like)

which fits in and may be received by a recess in the base member, for fixing the lip onto the base member. It shall be clear that the base member may be used per se in construction kits, or in combination with on or more matching lips. It is noted that a base member as such and a Hp or pair of lips as such, as described above, may also be provided in a construction kit ac- cording to the invention, and may be used as such.

According to another embodiment, the invention provides gripping devices that are stackable as such. To this end, the invention provides gripping devices that are provided with corresponding connection means, such that a first gripping device may be detachably provided onto a second gripping device. For example, FIG. 8, 9 and 14 illustrate a composition of two gripping devices 1 , 101 according to the present invention which have been stacked onto or into each other. When coupling the devices 1 , 101 to each other, the head 8 of the first device 1 is received in the bore 9 of the body 7 of the second device 101. The upper device 1 may be positioned hingably on top of, and partly in the lower device 101 , as depicted in FIG. 9 and 14. FIG. 8, 9, 14 illustrate the stacking of only two devices according to the present in- vention. It will be clear that more than two gripping devices may be stacked on top of each other. The stacked devices may have identical or different dimensions, and may exhibit an equal or a different number of lips, in particular individual lips and/or pair of lips, that are permanently fixed and/or pivotally provided on the members.

The present gripping device is preferably made of a synthetic material, e.g. of PP, PE, HDPE, MDPE, LDPE.

A gripping device according to the present invention is adapted for detachably gripping a construction element 10, as depicted in FIG. 9 and 14 and for example a construction element that is used in miniature constructions. According to a preferred embodiment, such construction elements are rectangular planks. The planks may exhibit any shape, however, they are preferably uniform. Preferably, these elements are elongated and thin, ideal for making creative, nearly organically grown, but also mathematically tight constructions. The rectangular construction elements have a length ranging between 2 and 24 cm, and preferably between 10 and 15 cm. Preferably, the rectangular construction elements have a width ranging between 1 and 5 cm, and preferably between 2 and 4 cm. Preferably, the rectangular construction elements have a thickness ranging between 0.3 and 0.8 cm, and preferably between 0.4 and 0.6 cm. In one example the rectangular planks have a length of 12 cm, a width of 2.4 cm and a thickness of 0.4 cm. The ratio thickness:width:length of the rectangular construction elements preferably equals 1:3:15, or a multiple thereof, such as for example 1:6:30.

In one embodiment, as illustrated on FIG. 9, the thickness of a plank-shaped construction elements corresponds to the width of the gap defined by the lips of present device. FIG. 9 illustrates how a plank-shaped element 10 is gripped in the gap, defined and formed by the lips 3. Preferably, the width of the gap defined by the pair of lips is proportional to the width of a plank-shaped element. In addition, according to another preferred embodiment, the ratio of the axial length of the lips relative to the width of a plank-shaped construction element ranges between 1 :10 and 10:1 , and preferably is 6:1, 5:1 , 4:1 , 3:1 , 2:1 , 1 :1 , 1 :2, 1 :3, 1:4, 1:5 or 1 :6. During the production of the present device, it needs to be assured that the dimensions of the gap defined by the pair of lips and the dimensions of the construction elements, e.g. planks, are carefully coordinated, since it is important to obtain corresponding values for dimensions of gap and construction elements, in order to provide devices in which gap the construction elements can be easily engaged with sufficient engagement friction. The process of fabricating devices and construction elements having such corresponding dimensions is therefore very difficult and requires substantial inventive skill. In another embodiment the planks are provided with a slit having dimensions that are adapted for receiving an individual lip of a device according to the present invention. In another embodiment, as illustrated on FIG. 14, the planks 10 may be provided with a slit 102, having dimensions that are adapted to receive an individual lip 3 of a device 1 according to the present invention. Preferably, the radial length and thickness of the lips is proportional to respectively the depth and width of the slit provided in the plank-shaped element. According to a preferred embodiment, the slit has a depth which is greater than the radial length of the lips. In addition the slit preferably has a width which is larger than the thickness of the lip. During the production of the present device, it needs to be assured that the dimensions of the individual lip and the dimensions of the slit are carefully coordinated, since it is important to obtain corresponding values for dimensions of lip and slit in order to provide devices which can be easily engaged in the slits of the construction elements and which provide engagement friction. The process of fabricating devices and construction elements having such corresponding dimensions of respectively lip and slit is therefore very difficult and requires substantial inventive skill. It will however be clear that construction elements with other dimensions and geometrical shapes, such as for example triangular, square, or other polygonal planks, optionally provided with slits having a dimension that is adapted for receiving the lip of a device accord-

ing to the present invention, may also be used in combination with the gripping device according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 and 15 illustrate a miniature construction that has been produced by means of gripping devices 1 according to the present invention in combination with planar construction elements 10.

It will be clear that the description of the present invention within its scope may also relate to alternative embodiments of the invention and that the dimensions are exemplary.