Background of the invention

In general, connection elements of the above mentioned type are known in the art. In EP1068886, a modular toy construction is shown, wherein a connection element comprises a cylindrical intermediate body with intermediate spherical sections limited by transverse notches and opposing beads with a recess. The connecting device interacts with a ring comprising radial U-shaped connectors. The U-shaped connectors comprise a pair of straight members and an inner cylindrical section which is of a greater radius than the straight members. The opposing beads of the connecting device are made to be inserted into the U-shaped connectors by urging the opposing beads against the straight members until the opposing beads are interlocked in the inner cylindrical section, with the possibility of having the connecting device rotating or articulating or detaching in any position. The connecting device can also be connected to different parts of the modular toy constructions such as bars or radial connection members following the same principle of urging the opposing beads of the connecting device against the straight members of the bars or other connector elements, as to create the modular toy construction. The known connection element has a disadvantage that the connection possibilities are limited to have a building component that can be securely connected to the connecting device via the engagement of its end bead parts. Moreover, by introducing the end bead parts into the U-shaped connectors of the different connector elements, the operating state of the U-shaped connectors is compromised due to the fact that in order to have a strong and flexible connection, the outer diameter of the beads needs to be slightly larger than the entrance area of the U-shaped connectors. This may result in a breakage of the connector by the bending moments created in the U-shaped connectors, such that the U-shaped connectors will break or wear-off after a few connections and disconnections have been performed.

Moreover, the prior art connection elements are limited to a one type of connection in order to built up the desired modular toy construction.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least overcome one of the above mentioned disadvantages of the prior art. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a connection element for adjustably or detachably inter-connecting components in different positions in a (toy) building set that makes the connection of the building set parts easier, while its integrity is not comprised by the number of times that the connection element is used. It is a further aim to provide a connection element that provides multiple connection possibilities for assembling different building sets. It is moreover an object of the invention to provide a connection element with which the connection of different components becomes intuitive and does not need any expertise for connecting different components of the building set.

Summary of the Invention

This object is achieved by providing a connection element of the type described above wherein the first end part comprises a pair of resilient clamping members separated by a clamping groove extending substantially parallel to the main connector axis along a distance D allowing bending towards each other, each clamping member having a clamping surface provided with teeth for engaging a structural element, and a retainer region provided at an outer circumference of each clamping member, the retainer region being delimited in a direction along the main connector axis (X) by a first delimitation body and a second delimitation body such that an element can be slid over the outer circumference of the pair of clamping members in the direction of the main connector axis (X) to be retained in the retainer region between the first and second delimitation bodies.

Advantageously, according to the invention the connection element provides a very simple, flexible and secured connection point for a structural element, while it also provides the possibility to easily assemble and disassemble the structural element by a non-trained user. Moreover, this provides a versatile connector for securely and releasably connects a structural element having any shape or structure. This allows the non-trained user to learn and create multiple types of connections in an easy manner.

In an embodiment of the invention, the distance between the outermost part of opposing tooth is about 2 times the distance between the outer surface of the retainer region and the upper most part of the raised shoulder. Moreover, the distance D is about 1-2 times the distance between the first delimitation body and the second delimitation body. Furthermore, the clamping members are spring-biased in a direction away from each other.

In this manner, a sheet element can be retained in between the teeth by simply inserting the sheet element in between the clamping members. Moreover, by having a distance D of about 1-2 times the distance between the first delimitation body and the second delimitation body, the possibility is provided to have two structural interelements connected and to move them as to adjust their position, without the use of any specific tool, just by using the user hands In an embodiment of the invention, the second end part has a ring shape.

Advantageously, by providing a second end part having a ring shape the connection element can be used for rotary connections, such as hinged connections, in which different hinged and non-hinged parts can be connected together in a flexible manner.

In an embodiment of the invention, the second end part is substantially identical to the first end part. This provides the possibility to form symmetric connection between structural elements without the need of any using an extra connection element.

In an embodiment of the invention, the second end part comprises a clamping member having clamping surfaces which are each provided with a projection, the projection being directed towards each other.

Accordingly, the intermediate part may comprise a tubular cross-section. The intermediate part has a bent shape, wherein the bending angle is preferably about 30°, more preferably about 45° and most preferably about 90°.

This provides the possibility to connect different structural elements around the outer circumference of the intermediate part. Moreover, this permits articulation of different structural elements connected thereto, while different structural elements can be connected at an overlapping position in order to expand the building opportunities between different structural elements, enlarging the building possibilities to a 3D-type of structure.

In an embodiment of the invention, the first end part can be connected to a connection bead having a connection part being assembled to connect to the retainer region.

Advantageously, by connecting the connection part to the connection bead, the connection part extends its connection end to the connection part of the connection bead. The connection bead becomes the clamping element of the connection element and comprises a configuration that allows easy rotation of said bead, when connected, with respect to the main connection axis X. In this manner, the assembly possibilities of the connection element are increased, while the secured connection point for the structural element is not compromised. Moreover, the distance between the opposing teeth of each clamping member is preferably about 0.1 and 1 cm, more preferably about 0.1-0.5 cm and most preferably about 0.1-0.3 cm. In an embodiment of the invention, the connection element is made of resilient plastic material.

This provides the possibility to produce a cost-effective connection element, while allowing fine adjustability to possible different structural elements dimensions.

It should be noted that the connection element can also be made of any other suitable material such as wood, plastic composition material or metal. In an embodiment of the invention, the intermediate part is provided with a first substantially transverse connector element as defined by the first end part as in the embodiments described above. Moreover the intermediate part is provided with a second substantially transverse connector element at a circumferential distance from the first substantially transverse connector element on the outer periphery of the intermediate part formed by the first end part.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the connection element comprises a main connector axis (X), a first end part and a second end part spaced- apart from the first end part along the main connector axis, the first end part and the second end part being connected by an intermediate part, wherein the first end part comprises a pair of resilient clamping members separated by a clamping groove extending substantially parallel to the main connector axis along a distance D allowing bending towards each other, each clamping member having a clamping surface for engaging a structural element, and a retainer region provided at an outer circumference of each clamping member, the retainer region being delimited in a direction along the main connector axis (X) by a first delimitation body and a second delimitation body such that an element can be slid over the outer circumference of the pair of clamping members in the direction of the main connector axis (X) to be retained in the retainer region between the first and second delimitation bodies, and wherein the second end part of the connection element comprises a pair of clamping members that can be connected to a second element having a ring shape end part, such that the clamping members are spring-biased in a direction away from each other being the ring shape end part of the second element hingeably retained in between the each clamping member.

In this manner, beneficial liking means permitting multiple establishments of connections of practically elements having different shapes. Moreover, by using the connection element as described above, a large structural assembly may be formed utilizing structural elements of various different sizes for maximum strength and rigidity. A further aspect of the present invention of the present invention relates to an assembly of a connection element according to any one of the embodiments described above and a structural element, wherein the first end part of the connection element can be inserted into the structural element in such a way that the clamping members bend towards each other wherein the structural element is releasably retained in the retainer region of the connection element, and wherein the first end part partially extends towards the inserting direction in such a way that an element can be clamped in between each clamping member.

This enables an assembly wherein new elements can be easily added to and/or modified even after it has reached a stage of substantial rigidity.

Accordingly, the structural element comprises an opening in which the connection element is securely connected. Moreover, the outer circumferential diameter of the retainer region when in assembled state is slightly smaller than the inner circumferential diameter of the opening of the structural element.

The openings are provided to have the connection element being snap fitted into them to tightly secure the element in an easy manner. This provides for an additional dimension in construction possibilities.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an assembly in provided in which the assembly of a connection element according to any one of the embodiments described above and a structural element comprising an structural connecting part, wherein the second end part of the connection element can be connected to the structural element in such a way that the clamping members are spring-biased in a direction away from each other being the structural connecting part hingeably retained in between the each clamping member. Hereto, the structural element comprises connecting part having a ring shape.

Advantageously, this arrangement provides for an extraordinary degree of flexibility in the arrangement of structural parts in any assembly. Brief description of the drawings

Other aspects, features and details of the present invention can be more completely understood by reference to the following detailed description of a number of embodiments that have been described by every example in conjunction with the drawings. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of a connection element according to a first embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the connection element and a structural element in a disassembled state according to the invention,

Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the connection element and a sheet-like structural element in a disassembled state according to the invention,

Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the connection element and a tubular structural element in a disassembled state according to the invention,

Fig. 5 illustrates the connection element and the structural element in a disassembled state according to the invention,

Fig. 6 illustrates the connection element and a connection bead in a disassembled state according to the invention, Fig. 7 illustrates the connection bead and the sheet-like structural element in a disassembled state according to the invention,

Fig. 8 illustrates the connection element having a second end having a bead connection end part according to an embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 9 illustrates two connection elements in a disassembled state according to an embodiment of the invention, Fig. 10 illustrates the connection elements of Fig. 9 in an assembled state according to the invention,

Fig. 11 illustrates the a perspective view of the connection element and a structural element having a ring shape end in a disassembled state according to the invention,

Fig. 12 illustrates a connection element and a connection bead according to a further embodiment of the present invention,

Fig. 13 illustrates a the connection element, the connection bead of fig. 12 and an structural element in an assembled state,

Figs. 14a-d illustrates one end part of the connection element having different clamping surfaces according to the present invention. Fig. 15 illustrates a side view of an assembly of the connection element, a connection bead and structural elements according to the present invention,

Fig. 16 illustrates a perspective view of an assembly of the connection element, a connection bead and structural elements according to the present invention, and

Figs. 17 and 18 illustrate a perspective view of a toy construction embodying the connection element and the assemblies of the present invention, and Figs. 19 and 20 illustrate a perspective and a side view of the connection element and a connection bead in a disassembled state according to a further embodiment of the invention. Detailed description of the invention

Fig. 1 shows a side view of the connection element 1 according to the present invention. The connection element 1 as here illustrated comprises a first and a second end part 2, 3 being interconnected via an intermediate part 4, while the first and a second end parts 2, 3 as here illustrated are identical. The first and a second end parts 2, 3 comprise a pair of clamping members 5, 5' having a clamping groove 6 with a width corresponding to a distance E between the members 5, 5 'which is about 2 times the distance F of the outer surface of a first delimitation body 12 from retaining region 10. It should be noted that each of the clamping members 5, 5' comprises a raised shoulder adjacent the outer end thereof and also preferably comprises an outer tapered portion to ease insertion of the clamping members 5, 5' into an opening 23 of a structural element as best seen in figure 2.

As shown, the connection element 1 further comprises a clamping grove 6, having a clamping surface 7 comprising teeth 8. The shape of the teeth 8 as here illustrated is a wavy shape, but it can have may shape variations, but they all have the same clamping members 5, 5'. These clamping members 5, 5' have several basic functions which will be described in more detail below. The distance E as illustrated, corresponds to the distance between the outermost part or retaining surface of each of the opposing teeth 8.

As it can be appreciated, each of the first and second end parts 2, 3 comprises a retainer region 10 being delimited by the first delimitation body 12 and a second delimitation body 13, which is part of the intermediate part 4.

Figure 2 shows one of the first and the second end parts 2, 3 being directed towards a structural element 9. The structural element 9 as illustrated comprises an opening 23 having an inner circumference 24 with a width that is at least equal to the retainer region 10 of the connection element 1. By introducing one of the end parts 2, 3 into the opening 23, it can be chosen to either tight or loose have a click connection. By doing this, the connection element 1 and the structural element 9 can rotate with respect to each other having more or less friction depending on the type of connection established. By clicking the clamping members 5, 5' into the opening 23, a double function is provided, a temporary connection and it provides an axle wherein an object can rotate. It should be noted that the length of the retainer region 10 can determine the maximum extend of the structural element 9 and/or the width of the opening 23. Figure 3 shows the one of the first and the second end parts 2, 3 as being directed towards a structural element 9 in a form of a sheet-like material of about 0.3 mm of plastic material e.g. polypropylene before being introduced and clamped into the clamping members 5, 5'. The wavy shape of the teeth 8 allows clamping the structural element 9 and clicking the clamping members 5, 5' into an opening, as also illustrated in figure 4, wherein the clamping members 5, 5' can be introduced into the opening 23 of a flexible tube 9, and having the clamping members 5, 5' being secured by fitting of the raised shoulder portion with a raised rim shaped part of the tube 9.

Figure 5 shows a similar connection as the one shown in figure 2, wherein the connection is effected by tight fitting of the intermediate part 4 of the connection element 1 with the opening 23 of the structural element 9. In order to achieve this type of connection, the outer circumferential diameter of the intermediate part 4 fits tightly into the specific opening 23, having the opening 23 an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the intermediate part 4.

As illustrated in figure 6, the connection element 1 can be assembled with a connection bead 18 to create an assembly suitable to connect to different parts having a different thickness. The connection bead 8 comprises a connection part 19 in which the clamping members 5, 5' can be clamped by clicking the clamping members 5, 5' into an opening 23 of the connection bead 18. The connection bead 18 comprises a clamping part 20 having clamping surfaces 20' that are at a bigger distance from each other than the clamping surfaces 7 of the clamping members 5, 5'. The connection bead 18 can be rotated around the main connection axis X of the connection element 1 when assembled with the connection element 1 having little friction due to the fact that the inner circumference diameter 24 of the opening 23 is slightly bigger than the outer circumferential diameter of the retainer region 10. It should be noted that the connection bead 18 can be made of any suitable material; preferably the material of the connection bead 18 will be the same as the material of the connection element 1.

Figure 7 shows the connection bead 18 having the clamping part or groove 20, 20' slightly bigger than the thickness of the structural element 9. The structural element 9 as here illustrated is in a form of a sheet like material providing some friction when the structural element 9 is slide in or inserted into the clamping groove of the connection bead 18. Figure 8 shows the connection element 1 according to a further embodiment of the present invention, wherein the second end part 3 comprises clamping members 5, 5' and a clamping groove 6. This provides the possibility to connect the first end part 2 to the connection bead 18 as the one illustrated in figure 7 in order to allow multiple different connections. Moreover, the illustrated configuration of the connection element, allows two different types of connections with structural elements in the form of a sheet-like material that comprise different thicknesses.

Figures 9 and 10 show another embodiment of the present invention wherein two connection elements 1, are shown having two different second end parts 3 that can be interconnected to each other in order to create a hinge connection. The first connection element 1 comprises a second end part 3 comprising a pair of clamping members 5, 5' defining a clamping groove 6 there between and a pair of projections 16, 16' projecting towards each other. The second connection element comprises a ring- shaped end 15 that can be clamped into the clamping members 5, 5' of the first connection element 1 and be securely retained by insertion of the pair of projections 16, 16' between to the opening of the ring shaped end 15, when clamped. It should be noted that the projections 16, 16' in combination with the ring shaped end 15 act as bearings for the hinge connection. Moreover, the thickness of the ring 15 can be a fraction longer than width of the clamping groove 6, to provide the hinge with some friction when moving. It should be noted that the ring shaped end 15 can be also inserted into the first end part 2 of the first connection element 1 (not illustrated). Figure 11 shows the connection element 1 having the same hinge function as describe above, wherein instead of being connected to the a second connection element it is connected to a structural element 9. The structural element 9 comprises a connecting part 25 which can be clamped into the clamping members 6 of the connection element 1 and securely retained by insertion of the pair of projections 16 into the opening 23 of the structural element 9. As a result, a hinged structural element 9 is obtained. The thickness of the structural element 9 can be a fraction bigger than the clamping groove 6, as to provide the hinge with some friction when moving.

As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the connecting element 1 comprises an intermediate part 4 having two bent parts 17, 17', the first and second end parts 2, 3 have a pair of clamping members 5, 5', with a clamping groove 6 defined by opposing flat clamping surfaces 7, 7'. A connection bead 18 having a substantially round shape is also shown. The connection bead 18 comprises a connection part 19 being comprising a hollow longitudinal shaped connection that can fit into the clamping members 5, 5'. As illustrated, the connection part 19 is defined by parallel walls having curved ends. This enables the assembly to have a movement of about 90°. The intermediate part 4 of the connection element 1 comprises a straight part located in between the two bent parts 17 allowing the structural part 9, as best seen in figure 13, to have a limited movement of the structural element 9 between the bent parts 17. In this manner, the free movement of the structural element 9 along the main connection axis X is restricted, in case the opening 23 of the structural element 9 being bigger than the outer diameter of intermediate part 4. As illustrated in figure 12, the assembly of the connecting element 1, the connection bead 18 and the structural element 9 provide many possible combinations of all the parts and functions as mentioned above.

Figures 14a-14d show several embodiments of end parts of connection element 1 having a clamping groove 6 formed in between the opposed clamping members 5, 5'. As illustrated, the clamping members 5, 5' have clamping surfaces 7, 7' comprising flat surfaces, wavy surfaces defining curved teeth 8, straight angled teeth 8 or teeth 8 having a sharp ends. It should be noted that the distance E between the teeth 8 and the clamping surface 7 in each clamping groove 6 should be about the same distance in each possible configuration.

It should be noted that, the distance E as illustrated in each of the end parts of connection element 1 should be defined by the outermost teeth part of the teeth 8 and the clamping surface 7. In Figure 15 a view of the connection element 1 wherein the intermediate part 4 has a bent 17 of about 90° is shown. The first end part 2 of the connection element 1 is being connected by insertion of the clamping members 5, 5' into the opening 23 of the structural element 9. The second end part 3 has been assembled with a connection bead 18. The connection bead 18 which comprises the clamping groove 20, 20', as shown in drawing figures 6 and 7, slightly bigger than the thickness of the structural element 9', being the structural element 9' clamped into the clamping groove 20, 20' of the connection bead 18 by insertion of the structural element 9'into the clamping groove 20, 20'. By having this type of assembly, the structural element 9' can be rotated 360° by simply adjusting its position manually, as to achieve a desired angle or position.

Figure 16 illustrates an embodiment wherein the connection element 1 comprises a third transverse connector element 30 in a form of a third end part. As illustrated, each of the end parts 2, 3, 30 of the connection element 1 are spaced apart from each other, at an angle a of about 120°. These end parts are embodied as substantially transverse connectors 21, 22 for fastening different structural elements 9 together. As shown in figure 15, the second end part 3 of the connection element 1 has been assembled with a connection bead 18 and the connection element 9' clamped into the clamping groove of the connection bead 18. The first and third end parts 2, 30 comprise the clamping groove 6, having the clamping surface 7 provided with teeth 8 into which a sheet-like element 9 has been clamped into an assembled state.

It should be noted that the angle a between each of the end parts 2, 3, 30 or between the substantially transverse connectors 21, 22, should not be limited to the illustrated embodiment. The angle a can be determined by the type of connection and/or structure to be built, thus not limited to the embodied connection element 1.

Figures 17 and 18 show different view of a toy construction i.e. a toy butterfly, embodying the connection element 1 and the assemblies of the invention. As it can be appreciated, the toy butterfly 40 incorporates a number of different connection elements 1 according to the invention in all its connection points. As best shown in figure 17, the antennas of the toy butterfly 40 comprise the connection element 1 being in assembled state with a sheet-like shape structural element 9 which has been clamped into the clamping groove 6 of the end part 2, 3 and retained by the teeth 8. Moreover, as illustrated, the different connections that form the toy butterfly 40 have been made by using the connection elements 1 as described above.

As best seen in figure 18, the legs of the toy butterfly 40 comprise the hinge connection as shown in figure 11, wherein the first end part 2 of the connection element 1 has been assembled with a connection bead 18 as to add the possibility to clamp another structural element 9 (not illustrated) in-between the clamping surface 20, 20' of said connection bead 18. Figures 19 and 20 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention wherein the connection element 1 as shown, has the same configuration the connection element 1 of figure 9. In the embodied connection element 1, the first end part 2 of the can be connected to a connection bead 18' as to create an assembly suitable to connect to different structural elements 9 (not illustrated). The connection bead 18' comprises a connection part 19 in a form of a clamp, in which the clamping members of the first end part 2 can be inserted into an opening 23 of the connection bead 18' as to securely connect the connection bead 18' to the connection element 1. The connection bead 18' further comprises clamping elements 30 comprising opposing clamping surfaces 29 in the internal part of each of the clamping elements 30. The clamping elements 30 are connected to the connection part 19 by means of a pair of connection arms 27. Moreover, each of the opposing clamping surfaces 29 comprises a pair of outstanding elements 28 in a form of projections, projecting towards each other. In use, the clamping elements 30 can be clamped into the opening 23 of the structural element 9 (not illustrated). The connection arms 27 assist the clamping elements 30 when the clamping elements 30 are clamped into opening 23 of the structural element 9, as by being biased towards each other in a simple manner. In this way, the projections 28 will be securely retained when inserted into the opening 23 of the structural element 9, resulting in a hinged connection between the connection bead 18' and the structural element 9. It should be noted that the connecting elements 28 act as bearings for the hinge connection.

It should also be understood that the skilled person will recognize that the connection element and the different assemblies here illustrated could also be used in different toy constructions that the one illustrated.

Reference numerals:

1. Connection element

. Connection element

2. First end part

3. Second end part

4. Intermediate part

5. Clamping member

5' . Clamping member

6. Clamping groove

7. Clamping surface

8. Teeth

9. Structural element/Structural part

10. Retainer region

11. Outer circumference of clamping member

12. First delimitation body

13. Second delimitation body

14. Tooth

15. Ring shape end of the connection element

16. Projection

17. 17'Bent

18. Connection bead

19. Connection part of the connection bead

20. Clamping part of the connection bead

20. 20'. Clamping surfaces of the connection bead

21. First substantially transverse connector element

22. Second substantially transverse connector element

23. Opening of the structural element

24. Inner circumference of the opening

25. Ring shape connecting part of the structural element

26. Opening of the connection bead

27. Connection arms

28. Projection 29. Clamping surface

30. Clamping element

40. Toy assembly/toy butterfly

5