Kit of parts for forming assembled toy connector and connector formed thereby

Abstract

In one aspect, a kit of parts includes a first connector portion, a second connector portion, and a trim element. Each connector portion has a connector-to-build element protrusion and at least one connector-in protrusion. The second end of the second connector portion is releasably engageable with at least one connector inner protrusion on the first connector portion to releasably connect the first connector portion and the second connector portion together, and the trim element retention surfaces of the first connector portion and the second connector portion face and are spaced apart from each other. A trim element may be positioned between the retaining surfaces of the first connector portion and the second connector portion. The trim element includes at least one connector inner through-hole to allow at least one inner connector to pass therethrough to connect with the second connector portion.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application No. 18 / 441,880, filed February 14, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, where permitted. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to building elements for building toys. More particularly, the present invention relates to improved connectors for connecting various building elements (e.g., blocks) to form figurines, vehicles, or other toys. Building toys are assembled by combining various building elements from a set of compatible toy building elements. Background Art

[0003] Building block toys have been a staple in children's toy boxes for generations. Not only do these toys provide hours of entertainment, but they also play a vital role in a child's development. Building block toys help children develop a variety of skills, including fine motor skills, spatial awareness, creativity, and problem-solving.

[0004] When children play with building blocks, they use their hands and fingers to grasp, stack, and manipulate the blocks, which helps develop their fine motor skills. Furthermore, building blocks provide opportunities for children to explore concepts such as balance, symmetry, and proportion, fostering spatial awareness and mathematical thinking. Furthermore, building block toys stimulate creativity and imagination as children construct their own unique creations, and also foster problem-solving skills as they figure out how to build structures that won't collapse.

[0005] Incorporating felt and other soft fabrics into building blocks for children can have a positive impact on children's cognitive and sensory development. Felt is a soft, tactile material that provides a unique sensory experience for young children. By incorporating felt into building blocks and other similar toys, children can engage in sensory exploration and tactile play, thereby strengthening their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

[0006] Furthermore, felt can be a versatile building block material, allowing children to practice creative thinking and problem-solving as they construct and manipulate blocks. The soft nature of felt also makes it safe for young children to handle and play with, reducing the risk of injury compared to traditional, hard building materials.

[0007] Toys assembled from various components may include connector parts that detachably couple the components together to form recognizable objects, such as animal figurines and vehicles. Known connector parts may include portions adapted to engage with portions of building blocks. Incorporating decorative and / or tactile elements as part of the connector parts would be an improvement over known connector parts. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present disclosure provides embodiments of a kit of parts that can be used to form a connector.

[0009] In one aspect, a kit of parts is provided, comprising a first connector portion, a second connector portion, and a decorative element. The first connector portion has a first end and a second end, the first end having a connector-to-building element protrusion and the second end having at least one connector inner protrusion. The connector-to-building element protrusion of the first connector portion is engageable with a building element hole on a first building element to connect the first connector portion thereto. The first connector portion also includes a decorative element retaining surface of the first connector portion. The second connector portion has a first end with the connector-to-building element protrusion and a second end. The second connector portion also includes a decorative element retaining surface of the second connector portion. The connector-to-building element protrusion of the second connector portion is engageable with a building element hole on a second building element to connect the second connector portion thereto. The second end of the second connector portion releasably engages with the at least one connector inner protrusion on the first connector portion to releasably connect the first and second connector portions together, with the decorative element retaining surface of the first connector portion and the decorative element retaining surface of the second connector portion facing each other and spaced apart from each other. The decorative element can be positioned between the decorative element retaining surfaces of the first connector part and the second connector part. The decorative element includes at least one connector inner through hole to allow at least one inner connector to pass therethrough to connect with the second connector part.

[0010] In another aspect, a kit of parts is provided, comprising a first connector portion, a second connector portion, and a third connector portion. The first connector portion has a first end and a second end, the first end having a connector-to-building element protrusion and the second end having at least one connector inner protrusion. The connector-to-building element protrusion of the first connector portion is engageable with a hole in a first building element to connect the first connector portion thereto. The first connector portion also includes a decorative element retaining surface of the first connector portion. The second connector portion has a first end with the connector-to-building element protrusion and a second end. The connector-to-building element protrusion of the second connector portion is engageable with a hole in a second building element to connect the second connector portion thereto. The second end of the second connector portion releasably engages with the at least one connector inner protrusion of the first connector portion to releasably connect the first and second connector portions together. The third connector portion has a first end and a second end, the first end having a functional element, the functional element being one of the connector-to-movable element protrusion or the connector-to-movable element hole. The functional element of the third connector portion is engageable with another functional element on the movable element (e.g., a vehicle trailer). The second end of the third connector portion is releasably engageable with at least one connector inner protrusion on the first connector portion to releasably connect the first connector portion and the third connector portion together.

[0011] In yet another aspect, a kit of parts is provided that includes a single connector portion and a decorative element. The single connector portion includes a first flange having a first side and a second side, the first side having a first connector-to-building element protrusion extending therefrom, and the second side having a first decorative element retaining surface. The single connector portion includes a second flange having a first side and a second side, the first side having a second connector-to-building element protrusion extending therefrom, and the second side having a second decorative element retaining surface facing the first decorative element retaining surface, and an intermediate member connecting the second side of the first flange with the second side of the second flange. The first flange has a first flange cross-sectional dimension, and the second flange has a second flange cross-sectional dimension. The decorative element has a connector inner through-hole extending therethrough for fitting around the intermediate member. The cross-sectional dimension of the connector inner through-hole is smaller than the first flange cross-sectional dimension and the second flange cross-sectional dimension. The decorative element is flexible to allow the connector inner through-hole to expand to fit onto at least one of the first flange and the second flange, so as to be positioned around the intermediate member between the first and second flanges.

[0012] In yet another aspect, the connector comprises two connector portions. Each connector portion comprises a flange having a first side and a second side. The first side of the flange comprises a connector-to-building element protrusion extending therefrom. In one embodiment, the connector-to-building element protrusion comprises a plurality of resilient arms having engagement members at the ends of respective extensions. In another embodiment, the connector-to-building element protrusion may be a connector-to-movable element protrusion, such as a rotatable connectable portion. The second side of the flange comprises at least one protrusion and at least one opening therethrough. According to one embodiment, the opening comprises a spacer extending from the second side of the flange, thereby lengthening the corresponding opening. According to one embodiment, the protrusion and the opening are shaped such that when the two connector portions are pressed together, the opening and the protrusion form an interference fit to form the connector.

[0013] In one embodiment, the connector includes a decorative element. The decorative element includes at least one through-hole. The hole is sized and positioned to accommodate a protrusion and / or spacer that extends through the decorative element and connects with a corresponding opening and protrusion of an opposing connector portion, such that the decorative element is captured between the two connector portions.

[0014] In one embodiment, a connector comprises two retaining elements, a decorative element captured between the two retaining elements, and a connector portion rotatably connected to the retaining elements and the decorative element. Each retaining element comprises a body having a first side and a second side. The second side of the body comprises at least one protrusion, at least one opening therethrough, and at least one central opening therethrough. The connector portion comprises a flange. The first side of the flange comprises a connector-to-building element protrusion extending therethrough, and the second side of the flange comprises a connector-to-movable element protrusion extending therethrough. The decorative element comprises at least one hole therethrough and a central opening. The protrusions of the retaining elements extend through corresponding holes in the decorative element and corresponding holes in the opposing retaining element, such that the decorative element is secured therebetween. The connector-to-movable element protrusions of the connector portion extend through the central openings of the retaining elements and the decorative element, thereby rotatably coupling the retaining elements and the decorative element to the connector portion.

[0015] In one embodiment, the connector includes two connector parts and a decorative element. The first connector part has a flange having a first side and a second side. The first side of the flange includes a connector-to-building element protrusion extending therefrom. In one embodiment, the connector-to-building element protrusion includes a plurality of resilient arms having engagement members at the ends of respective extensions. The second side of the flange includes a connector-to-movable element protrusion extending therefrom. The second connector part includes the connector-to-building element protrusion and a connector-to-movable element protrusion extending opposite the connector-to-building element protrusion. The decorative element is disposed between the two connector parts and includes a central opening therethrough. At least a portion of the connector-to-movable element protrusion of the first connector part and / or the second connector part extends through the central opening of the decorative element and is rotatably coupled to the opposing connector-to-movable element protrusion of the opposing connector part.

[0016] According to another embodiment, a connector includes a connector portion and a decorative element. The connector portion includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the connector portion includes a flange having connector-to-building element protrusions extending from a first side of the flange and a plurality of protrusions extending from a second side of the flange. The second portion of the connector portion includes a flange having connector-to-building element protrusions extending from the first side of the flange. The decorative element includes a plurality of holes and is disposed between the first connector-to-building element protrusions and the second connector-to-building element protrusions. The protrusions of the first portion extend through corresponding holes in the decorative element. The second side of the flange of the second portion presses against the second side of the flange of the first portion, causing the protrusions to engage with the outer edge of the flange of the second portion, thereby capturing the decorative element between the first and second portions of the connector portion.

[0017] The present disclosure provides embodiments of a building block toy. In one exemplary embodiment, the building block toy includes at least one building element and at least one connector that releasably couples the building elements to each other to form a figurine. Each building element includes at least one hole that engages the connector, allowing the building elements to be releasably coupled together. In one exemplary embodiment, the building block toy has three building elements: a first building element (e.g., a first block), a second building element (e.g., a second block), and a third building element (e.g., a third block).

[0018] The first block can be releasably attached to the second block via two connectors. In one exemplary embodiment, the connector connecting the first block to the second block consists of two connector parts connected together without decorative elements. In another embodiment, the connector connecting the first block to the second block includes at least one decorative element. The second block can be releasably coupled to the third block via a single connector having a decorative element.

[0019] The present disclosure provides embodiments of a building block toy. In one exemplary embodiment, the building block toy includes at least one building element and at least one connector that releasably connects the building elements to each other to form a vehicle. Each building element includes at least one hole that engages the connector, allowing the building elements to releasably connect together. In one exemplary embodiment, the building block toy has seven building elements: a main block, two front wheels, two rear wheels, a figurine, and a windshield. The two front wheels of this embodiment are releasably connected to the main block via a connector that consists of two distinct connector parts forming an axle. The two rear wheels are releasably connected to the main block via a rear axle element. The rear axle element includes a first side flange and a second side flange, and a body connecting the first and second side flanges. The first and second side flanges include connector-to-building element protrusions extending away from the first and second side flanges. The body of the rear axle element has a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface includes the connector-to-building element protrusion extending therefrom. Similarly, the bottom surface includes the connector-to-building element protrusion extending therefrom. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] A more complete appreciation of the present disclosure and its attendant advantages will be readily obtained as the present disclosure and its attendant advantages become better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0021] Figure 1 is a front perspective view showing a connector attaching two building elements together according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 2A According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a Figure 1 a perspective view of a parts kit of a connector;

[0023] Figure 2B yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the connector;

[0024] Figure 3A is formed Figure 1 a front perspective view of a first connector portion of components of the connector;

[0025] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A a rear perspective view of the first connector portion;

[0026] Figure 4A shows other exemplary embodiments of connector portion elements according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 4BA diagram showing a connector formed of two connector parts according to one embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 4A Assembly of one of the connector part elements;

[0028] Figure 4C A diagram showing a connector formed of two connector parts according to one embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 4A assembly of a connector part element to another;

[0029] Figure 5 is a front perspective view of the decorative member shown in Figure 2;

[0030] Figure 6 is an exploded view of a kit of parts according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A perspective view of the connector;

[0032] Figure 8 is an exploded view of a connector according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A perspective view of the connector;

[0034] Figure 10 is a side view of a kit of parts according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 11 is a side view of a connector according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a kit of parts according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 a side perspective view of the connector;

[0038] Figure 14 is a side view of a toy assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 Front view of toy components

[0040] Figure 16 yes Figure 14 Exploded views of toy components;

[0041] Figure 17 is a perspective view of another toy assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 Partial exploded views of toy components;

[0043] Figure 19 yes Figure 17 Partial exploded views of toy components;

[0044] Figure 20 yes Figure 17 a front view of the rear axle element of the toy assembly; and

[0045] Figure 21 is a top view of a vehicle and trailer, which can be formed from building elements and by Figure 4A The connecting members shown in FIG are movably connected to each other. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] To make the description concise and clear, the figure numerals in the various drawings may be repeated to represent corresponding or similar elements, where deemed appropriate. In addition, many specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments described herein. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the embodiments described herein can be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, well-known methods, processes, and components are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the embodiments described herein. It should first be understood that although exemplary embodiments are shown in the drawings and described below, any number of currently known or unknown technologies may be used to implement the principles of the present disclosure. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary embodiments and technologies shown in the drawings and described below.

[0047] The terms "comprising" and "including" and their variations (e.g., "comprises") are to be understood as inclusive and open-ended, rather than exclusive. This means that if element A includes or comprises element B, it is understood that element A may include or comprise other elements in addition to element B. The term "having" and its variations are also to be understood as open-ended, like "comprising" and "including." These terms should not be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps, or components.

[0048] As used herein, the terms "about" and "approximately" are intended to encompass possible variations in the upper and lower limits of a numerical range, such as variations in properties, parameters, and dimensions.

[0049] Unless the context indicates otherwise, the various terms used throughout this specification should be read and understood as follows: "or" as used herein is inclusive, as if written as "and / or"; singular articles and pronouns used herein include their plural forms and vice versa; similarly, gender pronouns include their corresponding pronouns, and thus the pronouns should not be understood as limiting anything described herein to use, implementation, performance, etc. by a single gender; "exemplary" should be understood as "illustrative" or "example", and not necessarily "preferred" over other embodiments. Further definitions of terms may be listed herein; as will be understood by reading this specification, these definitions may apply to prior and subsequent instances of these terms. It should also be noted that the use of the term "a" or "an" will be understood to mean "at least one" in all instances unless expressly stated otherwise or unless it will be understood that it is obvious that it must mean "one".

[0050] The systems, devices, and methods described herein may be modified, added to, or omitted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the components of the systems and devices may be integrated or separated. Furthermore, the operations of the systems and devices disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components, and the methods described may include more, fewer, or other steps. Furthermore, the steps may be performed in any suitable order. As used herein, "each" refers to each component of a set or each component of a subset of a set.

[0051] As used in this document, when describing the relationship between two connected parts, "attached" includes the case where the two connected parts are "directly attached" and the two connected parts are in contact with each other, and the case where the connected parts are "indirectly attached" and are not in contact with each other but are connected via one or more other parts in between.

[0052] As used in this document, terms describing the relative position of elements, such as "top," "upper," "bottom," "lower," or other similar terms will be understood to refer to the placement of the element during use of the device to which it belongs, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be understood that, for example, the aforementioned placement of an element can still be considered to be its placement even if the object to which the element belongs is in a position other than the position in which it will be used. As an example, if a device is referred to as having an upper member, it will be understood that when the device to which the upper member belongs is in use or in the use position, the upper member is described as having the upper position unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Outside of this example, it will be understood that the aforementioned upper member of an object can still be considered to be its upper member even when the object is placed on its side, for storage, for transport, or for some other reason.

[0053] The embodiments disclosed herein are exemplary (e.g., in terms of materials, shapes, sizes, and structural details) and are not limited by the appended claims and any amendments thereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many more possible alternative embodiments and modifications, and the following examples are merely illustrations of one or more embodiments. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the appended claims and any amendments thereto.

[0054] refer to Figure 1 , shows an exemplary embodiment of a coupling element 10 (also referred to as a coupling member 10) according to the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the coupling member 10 includes a decorative element 40 disposed between a first coupling member 220a (also referred to as a first coupling member portion 220a) and a second coupling member 220b (also referred to as a second coupling member portion 220b), such as Figure 2A As shown. The decorative element 40 can be made of any suitable material, such as plastic, wood, ceramic, cloth or any combination thereof. According to a preferred embodiment, the decorative element 40 is formed of a soft fabric (such as felt).

[0055] like Figure 1 As shown, connector 10 can be used to releasably connect two building elements 12. Alternatively, connector 10 can connect building element 12 to other structures, as will be discussed below. According to one embodiment, building element 12 is shaped as a rectangular prism. The shape of building element 12 is not limited to a rectangular prism, but can be a flat rectangle, a flat triangle, a triangular prism, a pyramid, a sphere, or any other shape of a polyhedron, a non-polyhedron, or a combination of polygons and curved surfaces or any other suitable shape. Building element 12 has one or more outer surfaces 13. According to one embodiment, building element hole 14 is centrally located on at least one outer surface 13, such as Figure 1 As shown, but the component holes do not need to be like this (also as shown Figure 1 Building element 12 may be colored by screen printing, heat transfer printing, painting, engraving or any other suitable coloring technique.

[0056] Now refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3B , the first connector part 220a and the second connector part 220b each have a body 223, and have a first end 223a and a second end 223b. At the first end 23a may be a coupling portion 24 (also referred to as a connector-to-building element protrusion 24), which allows the first connector part 220a or the second connector part 220b (as the case may be) to be connected to the building element 12. At the second end 223b is a connector inner structure 221, which allows each of the first connector part 220a and the second connector part 220b to be connected to each other. Figure 3A and Figure 3B An example of a suitable connector inner structure 221 is shown.

[0057] The body 223 may optionally have a flange 22 thereon, the flange 22 having a first side 22a and a second side 22b. In embodiments where a flange 22 is provided, the connector-to-building element protrusion 24 may extend from the first side 22a of the flange 22, and the connector inner structure 221 may extend from the second side 22b of the flange 22.

[0058] The connector to building element protrusion 24 comprises a plurality of flexible extensions 25 (also referred to as spring arms 25). In the example shown, the spring arms 25 extend from the first side 22a of the flange 22. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the connector to building element protrusion 24 comprises three spring arms 25 extending from the first side 22a of the flange 22. However, it is contemplated that more or fewer spring arms 25 may be used. The spring arms 25 may be inserted into the building element holes 14 and bend resiliently to releasably secure the connector inner structure 221 to the building element 12 by a press fit. Alternatively, each spring arm 25 may comprise a locking protrusion 26 ( Figure 6 ), the locking projection 26 engages a shoulder (not shown) in the building element hole 14 to releasably secure the first connector part 220 to the building element 12 by a snap fit. Any other suitable way of connecting the first connector part 220 to the building element 12 may alternatively be used.

[0059] Advantageously, the connectors 10 employ connector-to-building element protrusions 24, and the building elements employ building element holes 14, so that the surface of the building elements 12, or more specifically the surface of the structure formed by the building elements 12, does not have connector protrusions extending therefrom which could detract from the appearance and realism of the structure. Figure 14-16 One example of a structure formed using building elements is shown, namely a building toy 1000 .

[0060] refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3B The second side surface 22b of the flange 22 of at least one of the first connector portion 220a and the second connector portion 220b includes at least one protrusion 28. The protrusion 28 may also be referred to as a connector inner protrusion 28. The connector inner protrusion 28 is sized to engage with the other of the first connector portion 220a and the second connector portion 220b to connect the first connector portion 220a and the second connector portion 220b together.

[0061] In one embodiment, the second side 22b of the flange 22 of the other of the first connector portion 220a and the second connector portion 220b can optionally include at least one hole 27 for receiving a connector inner protrusion 28. The opening 27 can be referred to as a connector inner bore 27. The connector inner protrusion 28 is sized to fit within the connector inner bore 27 so as to connect the first connector portion 220a and the second connector portion 220b together. The connector inner protrusion 28 can be fitted into the connector inner bore 27 in any suitable manner, such as by a press fit or by incorporating a plurality of resilient arms into the connector inner protrusion 28 (wherein the resilient arms have protrusions at their free ends), and the connector inner bore 27 has a shoulder to provide a snap fit. Figure 6 and Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 and Figure 9 The illustrated embodiment shows a snap fit wherein each connector inner protrusion 28 itself comprises a plurality of resilient arms 290, each resilient arm 290 having a locking protrusion 291 on its free end, and wherein each connector inner hole 27 has a locking shoulder 292, with the locking protrusion 291 engaging the locking shoulder 292 after passing through the connector inner hole 27.

[0062] exist Figure 3B In the exemplary embodiment shown, the second side 22b of the flange 22 of each of the first connector portion 220a and the second connector portion 220b includes two connector inner protrusions 28 and two connector inner holes 27 thereon.

[0063] Optionally, at least one spacer 29 is disposed on the second side 22b of the flange 22 of at least one of the first connector portion 220a and the second connector portion 220b to provide at least a selected spacing between the second side 22b of the flange 22 of the first connector portion 220a and the second connector portion 220b when the first connector portion 220a and the second connector portion 220b are connected together. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one spacer 29 extends from the second side 22b of the flange 22 and surrounds the connector inner aperture 27 of each of the first connector portion 220a and the second connector portion 220b. The spacer 29 can be integrally formed with the flange 22 or welded or otherwise secured to the second side 22b of the flange 22. The selected spacing provided between the second side 22b of the flange 22 of the first connector portion 220a and the second connector portion 220b can be sized to receive the decorative element 40. Alternatively, the at least one spacer 29 can be disposed on the proximal end of one or more connector inner protrusions 28. Alternatively, at least one of the spacers 29 may be omitted, and the first connector portion 220a and the second connector portion 220b may be connected while taking care not to crush the decorative element 40 therebetween.

[0064] The decorative element 40 includes at least one through hole 47 therethrough (also referred to as the connector inner through hole 47). Figure 5 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the decorative element includes four connector through-holes 47. The connector through-holes 47 are sized to accommodate structures that allow the first connector portion 220a and the second connector portion 220b to be connected to each other and the decorative element to be captured therebetween. Figure 2B As shown in the cross-sectional view.

[0065] To assemble Figures 1-3B In the illustrated connector 10, the first connector portion 220a and the second connector portion 220b are pressed together so that the connector inner protrusion 28 and the spacer 29 on each of the first connector portion 220a and the second connector portion 220b are pushed through the connector inner through hole 47 in the decorative element 40 so that the connector inner protrusion 28 is received in the connector inner hole 27 of each of the first connector portion 220a and the second connector portion 220b.

[0066] In an alternative embodiment, at least one connector inner protrusion 28 may engage the outer peripheral surface 59 of the second connector portion 220b to connect the first connector portion 220a and the second connector portion 220b together, as shown in FIG. Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown. Optionally, the engagement between the at least one connector inner protrusion 28 and the outer peripheral surface 59 can be achieved by a press fit. Alternatively, each of the at least one connector inner protrusion 28 can be resilient and can include a protrusion at its free end to engage a shoulder on the second connector portion 220b (e.g., which can be formed by the first side 22a of the flange 22).

[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, the first connector portion 220a includes four connector inner protrusions 28 at the second end 223b of the first connector portion 220a. In some embodiments, a single connector inner protrusion 28 can be provided that extends more than 180 degrees around the outer peripheral surface 59 of the second connector portion 220b. In other embodiments, two connector inner protrusions 28 can be provided that are opposite to each other and can be arcuately shaped to fully capture the outer peripheral surface 59 of the second connector portion 220b. In other embodiments, three or more connector inner protrusions 28 can be provided that can capture the connector inner protrusions 28 if they are spaced apart to cover the outer peripheral surface 59 of the second connector portion 220b more than 180 degrees. Any suitable number of connector inner protrusions 28 can be used, including more than four. In the illustrated embodiment, the first connector portion 220a includes a flange 22, and one or more connector inner protrusions 28 are provided on the second side 22b of the flange 22.

[0068] The one or more connector inner protrusions 28 constitute a first connector inner structure shown at 222 at the second end 223b of the first connector portion 220a, and the outer peripheral surface 59 of the second connector portion 220b may constitute a second connector inner structure shown at 224 at the second end 223b of the second connector portion 220b. Figure 12 and Figure 13 The flange 22 of the second connector portion 220b is smaller than Figure 12 and Figure 13 The flange 22 of the first connector portion 220a.

[0069] A connector-to-building element protrusion 24 may be provided at a first end 223a of each of the first and second connector parts 220a, 220b, for example on a first side 22a of the flange 22 of the first and second connector parts 220a, 220b.

[0070] exist Figure 12 and Figure 13 In the illustrated embodiment, at least one spacer (not shown) may optionally be provided on the connector inner protrusion 28 to maintain at least a selected spacing between the second side 22b of the flange 22 of the first connector portion 220a and the second connector portion 220b to prevent the decorative element 40 from being crushed.

[0071] To assemble Figure 12 and Figure 13 In the depicted connector 10 , the connector inner protrusion 28 of the first connector portion 220 a passes through the connector inner through-hole 47 of the decorative element 40 and is inserted onto the outer peripheral surface 59 of the second connector portion 220 b .

[0072] In another exemplary embodiment, the first side 22a is substantially planar, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 The connector portion 20d is shown.

[0073] exist Figures 1-3B In the embodiment shown, the first connector portion 220a and the second connector portion 220b are identical to one another, thereby allowing for the manufacture of a single type of component that can be assembled with itself to form the connector 10 rather than requiring the manufacture of two distinct parts.

[0074] Figures 1-3B The first connector portion 220a and the second connector portion 220b shown in FIG. Figure 12-13 The first connector part 220a and the second connector part 220b shown in FIG. 2 each comprise a connector-to-building element protrusion 24 at a first end 223a of their body 223 for connecting the first and second building elements 12, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 、 14 and 16. It is worth noting that Figure 12 and Figure 13 The connection shown in FIG. 2 to the building element protrusion 24 is intended to simply represent Figures 1-9 to the building element protrusion 24. In other words, Figure 12 and Figure 13 The connection piece to the building element protrusion 24 shown in FIG can be connected with Figures 1-9 However, alternatively, the first connector part 220a and the second connector part 220b may comprise some other features at the first end 223a. For example, referring to Figures 4A-4C , the connector 10 may include Figures 1-3B A first connector part 220a similar to the first connector part 220a shown in FIG, and a second connector part 220b comprising a functional element 230 (e.g. a connector-to-movable element protrusion 231) instead of a connector-to-building element protrusion 24, as shown in FIG. Figure 4B In yet another embodiment, the connector 10 may include Figures 1-3B A first connector part 220a similar to the first connector part 220a shown in FIG, and a second connector part 220b which comprises a functional element 230 (e.g. a connector to a movable element hole 232) rather than a connector to a building element protrusion 24, as shown in FIG. Figure 4C shown.

[0075] The connector to movable element protrusion 230 allows the connector 10 to be connected to an element that is intended to be moved relative to the building element 12 to which the connector 10 is connected. For example, Figures 4A-4CIn the embodiment shown, the connector to movable element protrusion 231 is connected to the connector to movable element hole 232 to form a ball joint which can be used as a trailer hitch between, for example, a vehicle 296 and a trailer 298, both of which are formed from building elements 12. Figure 21 In this embodiment, the connector to movable element aperture 232 may be the movable element to which the connector to movable element protrusion 231 is movably connected. Similarly, the connector to movable element protrusion 231 may be the movable element to which the connector to movable element aperture 232 is connected.

[0076] Thus, one of the first connector part 220a and the second connector part 220b may comprise a connector-to-movable element protrusion 231 or a connector-to-movable element hole 232 thereon instead of a connector-to-building element protrusion 24. It should also be noted that Figures 4A-4C The first connecting member 220a and the second connecting member 220b may alternatively have Figure 12 and Figure 13 The first connecting inner structure 222 and the second connecting inner structure 224 shown in FIG. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The connecting inner structure 221 shown in FIG.

[0077] Now refer to Figure 8-Figure 9 According to other embodiments, the connector 10 includes a decorative element 40 disposed between a first connector portion 220a and a second connector portion 220b. In this embodiment, the first connector portion 220a itself includes a first portion 240 and a second portion 242. The first portion 240 of the first connector portion 220a includes a flange 22 and a connector-to-building element protrusion 24 at a first end 223a (e.g., on a first side 22a of the flange 22). The first portion 240 also includes a shaft 241 extending from a second side 22b of the flange 22. The second portion 242 of the first connector portion 220a is rotatably mounted on the shaft 241. The second portion 242 of the first connector portion 220a is connected to the second connector portion 220b at a second end 223b by any suitable connector inner structure (e.g., connector inner structure 221). As described above, the connector inner structure 221 includes at least one connector inner protrusion 28 and at least one connector inner hole 27. Alternatively, Figure 12 and Figure 13 The connector inner structure shown at 222 and 224 shown in FIG may alternatively be used to connect the second portion 242 of the first connector portion 220a to the second connector portion 220b.

[0078] In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft 241 can be passed through a shaft receiving hole 246 provided in the second portion 242 of the first connector portion 220a, the decorative member 40, and a shaft receiving hole 248 provided in the second connector portion 220b. The shaft 241 can be loosely fitted in the shaft receiving holes 246 and 248 to allow the assembly (shown at 250) formed by the second portion 242 of the first connector portion 220a, the decorative member 40, and the second connector portion 220b on the shaft 241 to rotate. The decorative member 40 in this embodiment can be shaped like a propeller on an airplane or a ship and can rotate about the shaft 241.

[0079] To prevent the second portion 242 of the first connector portion 220a, the decorative member 40, and the second connector portion 220b from being inadvertently removed from the shaft 241, the shaft 241 can optionally include a plurality of resilient arms 252, each having a locking protrusion 254 at a free end that can engage a shoulder 256 on the second connector portion 220b. The shoulder 256 can itself be part of the first side 22a of the flange 22 of the second connector portion 220b.

[0080] It is noteworthy that the second connector portion 220b has no connector-to-building element protrusions, connector-to-movable element protrusions or connector-to-movable element holes.

[0081] like Figure 8 As shown, at least one spacer 29 may be provided on the connector inner protrusion 28 and / or the connector inner hole 27 to maintain at least a selected spacing between the second side surfaces 22 b of the flanges 22 .

[0082] It is worth noting that each of the first connector portion 220a and the second connector portion 220b does not strictly need to include the flange 22. In the case where the flange 22 is provided, the second side 22b of the flange 22 serves as the decorative element retaining surface 258 to engage the decorative element 40, thereby preventing the decorative element 40 from falling off the first connector portion 220a or the second connector portion 220b (as the case may be). However, it is alternatively possible that one or both of the first connector portion 220a or the second connector portion 220b is not provided with the flange 22, and the decorative element retaining surface 258 is provided directly on the body 223, Figure 10 An example thereof is shown.

[0083] like Figure 10As shown, a first connector inner structure 260 can be provided at the second end 223b of the first connector portion 220a, and a second connector inner structure 262 can be provided at the second end 223b of the body of the second connector portion 264. The first connector structure 260 can include a single connector inner protrusion 28 extending from the second side 22a of the flange 22. The second connector structure 262 includes a single connector inner hole 27 that extends from the decorative element retaining surface 258 on the body 223 and is positioned to cooperate with the decorative element retaining surface 258 on the second side 22b of the flange 22 on the first connector portion 220a to capture the decorative element 40.

[0084] Figure 10 The decorative element 40 in the illustrated embodiment includes only a single connector inner through-hole 47 to allow the connector inner protrusion 28 and the connector inner hole 27 to pass through.

[0085] The first connector part 220a may have a connector-to-building element protrusion 24, a connector-to-movable element protrusion 230, or a connector-to-movable element hole 232 at a first end 223a (e.g., extending from the first side 22a of the flange 22). Similarly, the second connector part 220b may have a connector-to-building element protrusion 24, a connector-to-movable element protrusion 230, or a connector-to-movable element hole 232 at a first end 223a. Notably, Figure 10 The connection piece to the building element protrusion 24 shown is intended to simply represent Figures 1-9 The connecting piece shown is connected to the building element protrusion 24. In other words, Figure 10 The connector to building element protrusion 24 shown can be connected to Figures 1-9 The connection pieces shown to the building element protrusions 24 are identical.

[0086] To assemble Figure 10 In the illustrated connector 10, one of the first connector inner structure 260 and the second connector inner structure 262 is inserted through the connector inner through-hole 47 of the decorative element 40 and then inserted into the other of the first connector inner structure 260 and the second connector inner structure 262, thereby capturing the decorative element 40 between the decorative element retaining surfaces 258 on the first connector inner structure 260 and the second connector inner structure 262.

[0087] refer to Figure 11 , which shows another embodiment of the connecting member 10. Figure 11The connector 10 in the embodiment includes a decorative element 40 and a single connector portion 270 including a first flange 267 and a second flange 269 fixed to the body 223 at a selected distance from each other, and an intermediate member 271 connecting the second side 267b of the first flange 267 with the second side 269b of the second flange 269. The decorative element 40 can be connected to Figure 10 The decorative element 40 shown is substantially similar except that Figure 11 The decorative element 40 includes a single connector inner through hole 47 and at least one slit 272 extending outwardly from the edge of the connector inner through hole 47 to allow the connector inner through hole 47 to be flexible to allow one of the flanges 22 of the single connector portion 270 to pass through, thereby allowing the decorative element 40 to be positioned in the space between the two flanges 22. Although Figure 11 272 are shown, but there may be a single slit 272 or three or more slits 272. Both ends of a single connector part 270 may be connectors to building element protrusions 24. Alternatively, a connector to movable element protrusion 231 or a connector to movable element hole 232 may be provided instead of one of the connector to building element protrusions 24. Alternatively, one of the ends of a single connector part 270 may be free of any structure for connecting to a building element 12 or movable element. It is worth noting that Figure 11 The connection piece to the building element protrusion 24 shown is intended to simply represent Figures 1-9 The connecting piece shown is connected to the building element protrusion 24. In other words, Figure 11 The connector to building element protrusion 24 shown can be connected to Figures 1-9 The connection pieces shown to the building element protrusions 24 are identical.

[0088] The present disclosure provides embodiments of construction toys. Construction toys are assembled by connecting various building elements (e.g., blocks) together using various connectors. Construction toys can use more or fewer building elements, building elements of different sizes, dimensions, and colors, and different types of connectors to assemble the building elements to form a variety of different toys. For illustrative purposes, Figure 14-16 The illustrated building block toy resembles a lion. However, the building block toy can be assembled into a variety of toy types, including but not limited to figurines or vehicles. Non-limiting examples of figurines can include a monkey, a zebra, a crocodile, an elephant, a giraffe, a lion, a person, a dinosaur, a dragon, or any other type of character. Non-limiting examples of vehicles can include a truck, a train, a tractor ( Figure 17 ), sailboat, airplane or car.

[0089] Now refer to Figure 14-16, shows an exemplary embodiment of a construction toy 1000 according to the present disclosure. The construction toy 1000 includes at least one building element 12 and at least one connector 10 that releasably couples the building elements 12 to each other to form a figurine, such as a lion. The building elements 12 may be wooden blocks having various shapes. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the building elements 12 may be composed of a variety of materials. Each building element 12 includes at least one building element hole 14 that engages with the connector 10 so that the building elements 12 may be releasably coupled together. Figure 14-15 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the building block 1000 has three building elements 12: a first block shown at 1010, a second block shown at 1020, and a third block shown at 1030. The three building elements 12 are connected together by three connectors, including a connector 10 between the second block 1020 and the third block 1030, and two connectors 99 ( Figure 16 ).

[0090] See also Figure 16 , first block 1010 is releasably attached to second block 1020 via two connectors 99. Connectors 99 used to connect first block 1010 and second block 1020 together may be a unitary element comprising first and second connectors to building element protrusions 24 and optional flange 22. Although these connectors 99 may hold decorative elements, this is not shown. It will be appreciated that more or fewer connectors 99 may be used to releasably attach first block 1010 to second block 1020.

[0091] The second piece 1020 is releasably attached to the third piece 1030 by a single connector 10 having a decorative element 40. The connector 10 used to connect the second piece 1020 to the third piece 1030 is composed of two connector parts 220a connected together, with the decorative element 40 captured between the two connector parts 220a. The decorative element 40 resembles a lion's mane.

[0092] Now refer to Figures 17-20, shows an exemplary embodiment of a building block toy 2000 according to the present disclosure. The building block toy 2000 includes a plurality of building elements 12, including blocks 2010 and accessories 2030. Two connectors 97 releasably couple the building element 1010 to first and second front wheels, shown at 2020a, and a connector 95 connects the building element 1010 to first and second rear wheels, shown at 2020b. Connectors 99 connect the blocks 2010 to accessories 2030. Connector accessories 2040 connect directly to the blocks 2010 to form a vehicle, such as a tractor. Each building element includes at least one building element hole 14 that engages with a connector, allowing the building elements to be releasably coupled together.

[0093] See also Figure 18 Block 2010 is in the shape of a rectangular prism and has a plurality of holes 14. In the exemplary embodiment shown, block 2010 is made of wood or a wood derivative. In other embodiments, block 2010 can be made of any other suitable material, such as plastic, metal, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the size and dimensions of holes 14 are uniform. In another embodiment, the size of holes 14 can vary, such that there are a plurality of holes 14 of different sizes.

[0094] The two connectors 97 each include a connector-to-movable element protrusion, shown at 280, which forms an axle to releasably and rotatably retain one of the front wheels 2020a. Similarly, the two rear wheels 2020b are releasably and rotatably coupled to the main block 2010 via two connector-to-movable element protrusions 2052a and 2054a on the connector 95. Figure 20 As shown, connector 95 includes a first side flange 2052 and a second side flange 2054, and a body 2053 that connects first and second side flanges 2052, 2054 together and connects the first and second connector-to-building element protrusions 24. In one embodiment, side flanges 2052, 2054 may be integrally formed from body 2053. In another embodiment, side flanges 2052, 2054 may be connected to body 2053 by adhesive or welding. First and second side flanges 2052, 2054 each include connector-to-building element protrusions 2052a, 2054a that extend away from first and second side flanges 2052, 2054.

[0095] It should be noted that Figure 4B or Figure 4C The connector 10 shown can be inserted into the rear hole 14 on the block 2010 of the building toy 2000 to act as a trailer hitch to connect to a vehicle mounted on another wheeled vehicle building toy. Figure 4B and Figure 4C Another connecting member 10 is shown.

[0096] exist Figures 17-20 In the embodiment shown, it should be noted that connectors 99, 97, and 95 do not include a first connector portion 220a and a second connector portion 220b. Therefore, such connectors are not assembled but pre-formed.

[0097] Figure 2A 、 10 The elements shown in Figures 1 and 2 can all be considered a kit of parts 300 that can be used to form a connector (e.g., connector 10). The kit of parts 300 includes a first connector part (e.g., first connector part 220a) having a first end 223a and a second end 223b, the first end 223a having a connector-to-construction element protrusion (e.g., connector-to-construction element protrusion 24) and the second end 223b having at least one connector inner protrusion (e.g., at least one connector inner protrusion 28). The connector-to-construction element protrusion 220a of the first connector part 220a can engage with a construction element hole 14 on a first construction element (e.g., construction element 1020 or construction element 1030) to connect the first connector part 220a thereto. The kit of parts 300 includes a second connector part (e.g., second connector part 220b) having a first end 223a and a second end 223b, the first end 223a having a connector-to-construction element protrusion (e.g., connector-to-construction element protrusion 24). The connector-to-construction element protrusion 24 of the second connector part 220b is engageable with a building element hole 14 on a second building element (e.g., building element 1020 or building element 1030) to connect the second connector part 220b thereto. The second end 223b of the second connector part 220b is releasably engageable with at least one connector inner protrusion 28 on the first connector part 220b to releasably connect the first and second connector parts 220a, 220b together, with the decorative element retaining surface 258 of the first connector part 220a and the decorative element retaining surface 258 of the second connector part 220b facing each other and spaced apart from each other.

[0098] Optionally, the first connector portion 220a further includes a decorative element retaining surface 258 of the first connector portion 220a, and the second connector portion 220b further includes a decorative element retaining surface 258 of the second connector portion 220b. The second end 223b of the second connector portion 220b is shaped so as to releasably engage with at least one connector inner protrusion 28 on the first connector portion 220b to releasably connect the first and second connector portions 220a, 220b together, such that the decorative element retaining surface 258 of the first and second connector portions 220a, 220b face each other and are spaced apart from each other. The kit of parts 300 may also include a decorative element 40 positionable between the decorative element retaining surfaces 258 of the first and second connector portions 220a, 220b. The decorative element includes at least one connector inner through-hole 47 to allow the at least one connector inner protrusion 28 to pass therethrough for connection with the second connector portion 220b.

[0099] Optionally, at least one of the first and second connector parts 220a, 220b includes a flange 22 separating a first end 223a and a second end 223b and having a first side 22a and a second side 22b, the first side 22a being positioned to engage with the outer surface 13 of an associated one of the first and second building elements 1020, 1030, and the second side 22b being a decorative element retaining surface 258. Such engagement with the outer surface 13 may help ensure that at least one of the first and second connector parts 220a, 220b is correctly oriented in the building element hole 14.

[0100] Optionally, the connector-to-building element protrusions 24 on the first connector part 220a are identical to the connector-to-building element protrusions 24 on the second connector part 220b. As a first option, the first connector part 220a and the second connector part 220b may be identical, thereby facilitating the manufacture of the first connector part 220a and the second connector part 220b, as a single type of component can be used as both the first connector part 220a and the second connector part 220b.

[0101] Optionally, the second end 223b of the second connector portion 220b includes at least one connector inner hole (e.g., at least one connector inner hole 27) positioned to receive the at least one connector inner protrusion 28. Alternatively, the at least one connector inner protrusion 28 is the at least one connector inner protrusion 28 of the first connector portion 220a, the at least one connector inner hole 27 is the at least one connector inner hole 27 of the second connector portion 220b, the second end 223b of the second connector portion 220b further includes the at least one connector inner protrusion 28 of the second connector portion 220b, and the second end 223b of the first connector portion 220a includes the at least one connector inner hole 27 of the first connector portion 220a positioned to receive the at least one connector inner protrusion 28 of the second connector portion 220b.

[0102] Optionally, the decorative element 40 is made of a different material (e.g., felt) than the material of the first connector portion 220a and the second connector portion 220b (e.g., plastic, or metal, or any other suitably strong material). Alternatively, the decorative element 40 is made of a softer material than the material of the first connector portion and the second connector portion. This helps to more realistically represent the characteristics of the character depicted by the assembled structure (in embodiments using the decorative element 40). For example, the decorative element 40 may represent a lion's mane ( Figure 15 ), the mane is relatively flexible compared to the lion's body. Building elements 1010, 1020 and 1030 can be made of any suitable material, such as wood, plastic or any other suitable material.

[0103] Optionally, the kit of parts 300 further includes at least one spacer (eg, spacer 29 ) extending from at least one of the decorative element retaining surface 258 of the first connector portion 220a and the decorative element retaining surface 258 of the second connector portion 220b .

[0104] Optionally, kit of parts 300 may also include a plurality of building elements (eg, building elements 1010 , 1020 , and 1030 ).

[0105] Alternatively, the first connector portion 220a may be one of a plurality of first connector portions 220a, each having a different color, and the second connector portion 220b may be one of a plurality of second connector portions 220b, each having a different color.

[0106] In another aspect, the above-described kit of parts 300 may further include a third connector portion (e.g., Figure 4B or Figure 4CThe third connector portion 220b is shown in FIG. 2 . The third connector portion 220b has a first end 223a and a second end 223b, the first end 223a having a functional element, which is one of the connector-to-movable element protrusion 230 or the connector-to-movable element hole 232. The functional element of the third connector portion can be engaged with another functional element on the movable element (e.g., a vehicle trailer). The third connector portion 220b ( Figure 4B or Figure 4C ) is releasably engaged with at least one connector inner protrusion 28 on the first connector portion 220a to releasably connect the first connector portion and the third connector portion (220a, 220b) together.

[0107] Optionally, the third connector portion further comprises a decorative element retaining surface of the third connector portion. The second end portion 223b ( Figure 4B or Figure 4C ) is formed so as to releasably engage with at least one connector inner protrusion 28 on the first connector portion 220a to releasably connect the first connector portion and the third connector portion (220a, 220b) together, so that the decorative element retaining surface 258 of the first connector portion 220a and the decorative element retaining surface 258 of the third connector portion 220b face each other and are spaced apart from each other.

[0108] Optionally, the functional element of the second connector portion 220b forms a ball joint with another functional element on the movable element.

[0109] Figure 11 The components shown in FIG can be viewed as a kit of parts 310 that can be used to form a connector, such as the connector 10 shown in the figure. The kit of parts 310 includes a single connector part (e.g., Figure 11 The single connector portion 270 shown) and the decorative element (e.g. Figure 114. The decorative element 40 shown. A single connector portion 270 includes a first flange (e.g., first flange 267) having a first side 267a with a first connector-to-building element protrusion 24 extending therefrom and a second side 267b with a first decorative element retaining surface 258 thereon. The single connector portion 270 includes a second flange (e.g., second flange 269) having a first side 269a with a second connector-to-building element protrusion 24 extending therefrom and a second side 269b with a second decorative element retaining surface 258 thereon that faces the first decorative element retaining surface 258, and an intermediate member 271 connecting the second side 267b of the first flange 267 with the second side 269b of the second flange 269. The first flange 267 has a first flange cross-sectional dimension DIM1, and the second flange 269 has a second flange cross-sectional dimension DIM2. First flange cross-sectional dimension DIM1 is the minimum cross-sectional dimension of first flange 267. In embodiments where first flange 267 is circular, first flange cross-sectional dimension DIM1 is constant in all directions. Second flange cross-sectional dimension DIM2 is the minimum cross-sectional dimension of second flange 269. In embodiments where second flange 269 is circular, second flange cross-sectional dimension DIM2 is constant in all directions. However, first and second flanges 267, 269 may have any other suitable shape, such as a polygonal, non-circular, or irregular shape. Decorative element 40 includes a connector through-hole 47 therethrough for fitting around an intermediate member. The connector through-hole has a hole cross-sectional dimension DIM3, which is smaller than first and second flange cross-sectional dimensions DIM1, DIM2. Decorative element 40 is flexible to allow connector through-hole 47 to expand to fit over at least one of first and second flanges 267, 269, allowing it to be positioned between first and second flanges 267, 269 around intermediate member 271.

[0110] Optionally, the decorative element 40 includes at least one slot 272 extending outwardly from the connector inner through hole 47 to allow the connector inner through hole 47 to be assembled onto at least one of the first flange 267 and the second flange 269 to be positioned between the first flange 267 and the second flange 269 around the intermediate member 271.

[0111] It has been described that the first connector portion 220a and the second connector portion 220b can be releasably connected together. If they are connected by a press fit of the connector inner protrusion 28 in the connector inner bore 27, they can be removed by pulling the first connector portion 220a and the second connector portion 220b apart. If the connector inner protrusion 28 includes a locking protrusion 291, the user can push the arms 290 toward each other to allow the locking protrusion 291 to disengage from the shoulder 292 and be withdrawn through the connector inner bore 27 to remove the connector 10.

[0112] In all embodiments described herein, it is noted that at least one connector inner protrusion 28 may be positioned on the second connector portion 220b. Additionally, in embodiments where there is a third connector portion 220b having a functional element thereon (e.g., Figure 4B or Figure 4C ), at least one connector inner protrusion 28 can be positioned on the third connector portion 220b. Thus, the first connector portion 220a can engage with the at least one connector inner protrusion to connect the first connector portion 220a to the second or third connector portion 220b, as appropriate. In some embodiments, the first connector portion can have at least one connector inner hole 27 thereon to receive the at least one connector inner protrusion.

[0113] As shown in all the drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same or corresponding parts. Although the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure have been described and illustrated above, it should be understood that these are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be considered as limiting. Additions, deletions, substitutions and other modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be considered as being limited by the foregoing description.

Claims

1. A parts kit comprising: a first connector part having a first end with a connector-to-building element protrusion and a second end with at least one connector-in protrusion, wherein the connector-to-building element protrusion of the first connector part is engageable with a building element hole in a first building element to connect the first connector part thereto, wherein the first connector part further comprises a decorative element retaining surface of the first connector part; a second connector part having a first end and a second end, the first end having a connector-to-building element protrusion and a second end, wherein the second connector part further comprises a decorative element retaining surface of the second connector part, wherein the connector-to-building element protrusion of the second connector part is engageable with a building element hole on a second building element to connect the second connector part thereto, wherein the second end of the second connector part is releasably engageable with at least one connector-in protrusion on the first connector part to releasably connect the first and second connector parts together, wherein the decorative element retaining surface of the first connector part and the decorative element retaining surface of the second connector part face each other and are spaced apart from each other; and A decorative element is positionable between the decorative element retaining surfaces of the first connector portion and the second connector portion, wherein the decorative element includes at least one connector inner through-hole to allow the at least one connector inner protrusion to pass therethrough for connection with the second connector portion.

2. The parts kit according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the first and second connector parts comprises a flange separating the first and second ends and having a first side positioned to engage an outer surface of an associated one of the first and second building elements and having a second side serving as a retaining surface for the decorative element.

3. The parts kit according to claim 1, wherein: The connector to construction element protrusions on the first connector part are identical to the connector to construction element protrusions on the second connector part.

4. The parts kit according to claim 1, wherein: The second end of the second connector portion includes at least one connector inner hole positioned to receive the at least one connector inner protrusion.

5. The parts kit according to claim 4, wherein: The at least one connector inner protrusion is at least one connector inner protrusion of the first connector part, and the at least one connector inner hole is at least one connector inner hole of the second connector part, and wherein the second end of the second connector part also includes at least one connector inner protrusion of the second connector part, and the second end of the first connector part includes at least one connector inner hole of the first connector part, which is positioned to receive the at least one connector inner protrusion of the second connector part.

6. The parts kit according to claim 1, wherein: The decorative element is made of a material that is different from the material of the first connector part and the second connector part.

7. The parts kit according to claim 6, wherein: The material of the decorative element is softer than the material of the first connector part and the second connector part.

8. The kit of parts of claim 1 further comprising at least one spacer extending from at least one of the decorative element retaining surface of the first connector portion and the decorative element retaining surface of the second connector portion.

9. A parts kit comprising: a first connector part having a first end with a connector-to-building element protrusion and a second end with at least one connector-in protrusion, wherein the connector-to-building element protrusion of the first connector part is engageable with a hole in a first building element to connect the first connector part thereto; a second connector part having a first end and a second end, the first end carrying a connector-to-building element protrusion, wherein the connector-to-building element protrusion of the second connector part is engageable with a hole in a second building element to connect the second connector part thereto, wherein the second end of the second connector part is releasably engageable with at least one connector inner protrusion on the first connector part to releasably connect the first and second connector parts together; and a third connector portion having a first end and a second end, the first end having a functional element thereon, the functional element being one of a connector-to-movable element protrusion and a connector-to-movable element hole, wherein the functional element of the third connector portion is engageable with another functional element on the movable element, wherein the second end of the third connector portion is releasably engageable with at least one connector-inner protrusion on the first connector portion to releasably connect the first and third connector portions together.

10. The kit of parts according to claim 9, wherein: The connector to construction element protrusions on the first connector part are identical to the connector to construction element protrusions on the second connector part.

11. The kit of parts according to claim 9, wherein: The second end of the second connector portion includes at least one connector inner hole positioned to receive the at least one connector inner protrusion.

12. The parts kit according to claim 11, wherein: The at least one connector inner protrusion is at least one connector inner protrusion of the first connector part, and the at least one connector inner hole is at least one connector inner hole of the second connector part, and wherein the second end of the second connector part also includes at least one connector inner protrusion of the second connector part, and the second end of the first connector part includes at least one connector inner hole of the first connector part, which is positioned to receive the at least one connector inner protrusion of the second connector part.

13. The kit of parts according to claim 9, wherein: The first connector part further comprises a decorative element retaining surface of the first connector part, wherein the second connector part further comprises a decorative element retaining surface of the second connector part, wherein the third connector part further comprises a decorative element retaining surface of the third connector part, wherein the second end portion of the second connector portion is shaped so as to releasably engage with at least one connector inner protrusion on the first connector portion to releasably connect the first connector portion and the second connector portion together such that the decorative element retaining surface of the first connector portion and the decorative element retaining surface of the second connector portion face each other and are spaced apart from each other, wherein the second end of the third connector portion is shaped so that it releasably engages at least one connector inner protrusion on the first connector portion to releasably connect the first connector portion and the third connector portion together so that the decorative element retaining surface of the first connector portion and the decorative element retaining surface of the second connector portion face each other and are spaced apart from each other, and wherein the parts kit further comprises a decorative element positionable between the decorative element retaining surfaces of the first connector portion and the second connector portion, wherein the decorative element comprises at least one connector inner through hole to allow the at least one inner connector to pass therethrough for connection with the second connector portion.

14. The kit of parts according to claim 13, wherein: At least one of the first and second connecting members comprises a flange separating the first and second end portions and having a first side positioned to engage an outer surface of an associated one of the first and second building elements and having a second side serving as a retaining surface for the decorative element.

15. The kit of parts according to claim 13, wherein: The decorative element is made of a material that is different from the material of the first connector part and the second connector part.

16. The kit of parts according to claim 14, wherein: The material of the decorative element is softer than the material of the first connector part and the second connector part.

17. The kit of parts of claim 13, further comprising at least one spacer extending from at least one of the decorative element retaining surface of the first connector portion and the decorative element retaining surface of the second connector portion.

18. The kit of parts according to claim 9, wherein: The functional element of the second connector part forms a ball joint with another functional element on the movable element.

19. A kit of parts comprising: a single connector part comprising a first flange, the first flange having a first side and a second side, the first side of the first flange having a first connector-to-building element protrusion extending therefrom, the second side of the first flange having a first decorative element retaining surface thereon, the single connector part comprising a second flange, the second flange having a first side, a second side, and an intermediate member, the first side of the second flange having a second connector-to-building element protrusion extending therefrom, the second side of the second flange having a second decorative element retaining surface thereon facing the first decorative element retaining surface, the intermediate member connecting the second side of the first flange with the second side of the second flange, wherein the first flange has a first flange cross-sectional size and the second flange has a second flange cross-sectional size; and a decorative element having a connector inner through hole therethrough for fitting around the intermediate member, the connector inner through hole having a hole cross-sectional dimension that is smaller than the first flange cross-sectional dimension and the second flange cross-sectional dimension, wherein the decorative element is flexible to allow the connector inner through hole to expand to fit over at least one of the first flange and the second flange so as to be positioned around the intermediate member between the first flange and the second flange.

20. The kit of parts according to claim 19, wherein: The decorative element includes at least one slot extending outwardly from the connector inner through hole to allow the connector inner through hole to be assembled to at least one of the first flange and the second flange to be positioned between the first flange and the second flange around the intermediate member.

Images