Constructional element

Abstract

Constructional element A hollow constructional element 100, such as a block, suitable for construction of structures from a plurality of such constructional elements, is provided. The constructional element 100 has a part 101 having a plurality of side walls 111 that taper towards an end wall 21. The plurality of side walls 111 define a male part 115 and a female part 117, arranged to receive another such male part of another such constructional element. In this way, a plurality of such constructional elements may be nested for storage, for example. The end wall 121 has 10 a plurality of male coupling members 123, that define a channel 125 arranged to receive two edges of side walls of two other such constructional elements. In this way, a plurality of such constructional elements may be releasably coupled in a stacked structure. Applications include construction and toys.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to constructional elements, such as blocks, suitable for construction of structures from such constructional elements.BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION[0002]Known constructional elements, such as blocks, are typically coupleable such that various structures may be constructed, such as walls, shelters, abstract structures, etc. However, transportation and / or storage of the constructional elements may be problematic, due to a size and / or shape and / or configuration and / or density of the constructional elements.[0003]Constructional elements have been developed as constructional toys, particularly constructional toys for children, for example.[0004]Known constructional toys or building bricks or blocks are typically composed of plastics material and coupleable such that various structures may be constructed, usually by children. However, the size of the toys may be such that a scale of a structure is relatively limited and / or a relative...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016]In this way, a constructional element may, for example, be held or fit across two adjacent constructional elements in a lower layer, thereby permitting a plurality of layers of constructional elements, each layer comprising a plurality of layers of constructional elements, to be constructed, with constructional elements in a layer releasably coupled to constructional elements in upper and lower layers.

[0018]In this way, a first toy may be inserted into a second toy, for example, to minimize volume for storage and / or transportation and / or disposal. In this way, a plurality of toys may be nested by inserting a toy into an adjacent toy.

[0051]In this way, the constructional element may be formed, for example moulded or pressed, from recycled waste paper. This reduces an environmental footprint of the constructional element. Furthermore, the constructional element may be recycled. Additionally, the constructional element may be biodegradable.

[0052]Since paper pulp has a relatively low density, the constructional element may be of relatively low mass or weight for easy transportation. Furthermore, a plurality of constructional elements may also be of a relatively low mass or weight, facilitating handling of, for example, a nested stack of the plurality of constructional elements or a structure assembled from the plurality of interconnected constructional elements. In addition, such a relatively low mass or weight structure minimises a risk of injury to, for example, a user if the structure is knocked over. In addition, such a relatively low mass or weight structure minimises a risk of injury to, for example, a child if a toy structure comprising a plurality of toys as described is knocked over.

[0057]In this way, the constructional element may be more cost effectively manufactured. Furthermore, the manufacturing process is more environmentally friendly.

[0058]In an example embodiment, the constructional element comprises a smooth outer surface. In this way, aesthetics of the constructional element may be improved. Further, a decorative surface area of the constructional element may be maximised.

Problems solved by technology

However, transportation and / or storage of the constructional elements may be problematic, due to a size and / or shape and / or configuration and / or density of the constructional elements.

However, the size of the toys may be such that a scale of a structure is relatively limited and / or a relatively large number of the toys are required.

Further, transportation and / or storage of the toys may be problematic, due to a size and / or shape and / or configuration and / or density of the toys.

In addition, the size of the toys may present a choking hazard to younger children.

Furthermore, coupling and / or uncoupling the toys may require relatively large forces.

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