Connectors for modular toy construction system

Abstract

A modular toy construction system (10) comprising a first construction element (11) and a second construction element (12), the first construction element (11) comprising a first connector (41) and the second construction element (12) comprising a second connector (42), the first and second connectors (41, 42) being configured for connecting the first and second construction elements (11, 12) to each other, wherein the first connector (41) comprises one or more connector surfaces (60); wherein the second connector (42) comprises a receiving part (50) configured for receiving and connecting to the first connector in a pressure fit with at least a portion of the one or more connector surfaces (60) of the first connector (41) by coupling one of the first and second connectors (41, 42) to the other along a coupling direction (Di), wherein the receiving part (50) of the second connector (42) comprises a carrier surface (51) and one or more functional surfaces (100) elevated from the carrier surface (51), wherein, when the first and second connectors (41, 42) are connected, the one or more connector surfaces (60) of the first connector (41) contacts the second connector (42) at least at one of the one or more functional surfaces (100), and the functional surface (100) comprises a pressure surface (200), and two inlet surfaces (400, 401, 402) arranged on opposite sides of the pressure surface (200) in the coupling direction (Di), and each being connected to the pressure surface via a respective transition (600), wherein the pressure surface (200) is configured to provide a local deformation of a connector surface (60) of the first connector (41), wherein the pressure surface (200) is formed as a top surface of an island (101), and wherein at least one of the inlet surfaces (400, 401, 402) is configured for, during the act of coupling the first connector (41) to the second connector (42), guiding one of the one or more connector surfaces (60) of the first connector (41) onto the pressure surface (200).

Description

[0001] CONNECTORS FOR MODULAR TOY CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM

[0002] The present invention relates to a connector for connecting items, such as elements or construction elements of a modular toy construction system.

[0003] More specifically, the invention relates to a modular toy construction system comprising a first construction element and a second construction element, the first construction element comprising a first connector, and the second construction element comprising a second connector: The first and second connectors are configured for connecting the first and second construction elements to each other. The first connector comprises one or more connector surfaces, and the second connector comprises a receiving part configured for receiving and connecting to the first connector in a pressure fit (press fit connection) with at least a portion of the one or more connector surfaces of the first connector. In such modular toy construction systems, at least the first connector is made of plastic / a polymer material, but often also the second connector.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] Connectors for modular toy construction systems are known in the art. These may take the shape of for example tube connectors or C-shaped / C-snap connectors, cross-shaped connectors and other types of connectors.

[0006] Tube connectors are configured for connecting a first construction element having a cylindrical connector and a second construction element having a tube connector in a press fit connection. The cylindrical connector on the first construction element comprises a cylindrical outer surface. The tube connector comprises a tubular wall surrounding a cylindrical opening for receiving the cylindrical connector, and further has a cylindrical inner surface formed to fit over the cylindrical outer surface of the cylindrical connector.

[0007] C-shaped connectors are configured for connecting one construction element having at least a cylindrical or rod-shaped connector portion, and another construction element, having a C-shaped connector in a snap fit connection. The C- shaped connector type has two “arms” partly encircling a cylindrical recipient space, the arms being at least slightly resilient so that they will deflect and allow insertion or removal of the cylindrical connector portion. The cylindrical connector portion comprises a cylindrical outer surface. The C-shaped connector comprises a partly tubular wall surrounding the generally cylindrical recipient space for receiving the cylindrical or rod-shaped connector portion, where the partly tubular wall comprises a partly cylindrical inner surface formed to engage and press over the cylindrical outer surface of the cylindrical connector portion. The C-shaped connector further comprises an inlet opening between the ends of the arms, into the generally cylindrical recipient space.

[0008] Another way of connecting construction elements of a modular construction toy is using cross-shaped connectors. One construction element has an elongate connector having a cross shaped cross-sectional shape. Another construction element may have a corresponding recipient space having a likewise cross-shaped cross-sectional shape, where the walls of the cross-shaped recipient space are configured to press on the cross shaped elongate connector of the first construction element, such that a press-fit / pressure fit is provided.

[0009] For example, such exemplary prior art tube connectors or C-shaped / C-snap connectors, or cross-shaped connectors may be made in a polymer material. Such a polymer material may be ABS plastic. Such connectors, and / or the construction elements on which they are formed may for example be formed in an injection molding process, or alternatively in an additive manufacturing process.

[0010] Examples of such modular toy construction systems and connectors therefore are know from e.g. US2003082986A1, W02010145660A1 and US2013252504A1.

[0011] It has shown, that in the prior connections, the function and quality of the connections between the various connector types of connectors is very sensitive to the type of material used for making the connection, and to the dimensions, such as material elasticity, material thickness, the overlap and friction properties of the construction elements of which they form part, etc., and that this induce a demand for extreme tolerances in making of the connectors for the modular toy construction systems. In particular the prior art connectors need to be made with a very small overlap. There is thus a need for connectors for modular toy construction systems, which lowers the requirements on the tolerances in production of the construction element with connectors.

[0012] Thus, in order to produce a constant quality, for example the clutch power, of the connection between the two complementary connector parts of the connection, for each new construction element (e.g. block) design, a specifically dimensioned connector needs to be designed. Designing connections / connectors for each element for hundreds or thousands of types of elements is time consuming and costly. Further, the invention provides a modular solution, where the quality of connections may be achieved for thousands of types of elements.

[0013] Summary of the invention

[0014] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide connectors, which can more easily be adapted to be formed in various plastics, and for variously shaped and dimensioned construction elements of modular construction systems.

[0015] In first aspect of the invention, the objects are achieved by a modular toy construction system comprising a first construction element and a second construction element, the first construction element comprising a first connector and the second construction element comprising a second connector, the first and second connectors being configured for connecting the first and second construction elements to each other, wherein the first connector comprises one or more connector surfaces; wherein the second connector comprises a receiving part configured for receiving and connecting to the first connector in a pressure fit with at least a portion of the one or more connector surfaces of the first connector by coupling one of the first and second connectors to the other along a coupling direction, wherein the receiving part of the second connector comprises a carrier surface and one or more functional surfaces elevated from the carrier surface, wherein, when the first and second connectors are connected, the one or more connector surfaces of the first connector contacts the second connector at least at one of the one or more functional surfaces, wherein the functional surface comprises a pressure surface, and two inlet surfaces arranged on opposite sides of the pressure surface in the coupling direction, and each being connected to the pressure surface via a respective transition, wherein the pressure surface is configured to provide a deformation of at least a portion of the first connector, wherein the pressure surface is formed as a top surface of an island, and wherein at least one of the inlet surfaces is configured for, during the act of coupling the first connector to the second connector, guiding one of the one or more connector surfaces of the first connector onto the pressure surface.

[0016] The inlet surfaces form surfaces of the island as well.

[0017] The pressure surface provided on an island allows to control the interference or pressure fit between the first connector and the second connector more precisely, and to create a larger and more well defined pressure, and / or a larger and more well defined overlap between the first connector and the second connector. Further, the friction in the connection may be precisely controlled, whereby the clutch force or holding force of the connection may be designed constant for all connection types. This also allows producing new second connectors on new second construction elements, which are backwards compatible with existing first construction elements. Thereby, a new type of second connectors may be designed for new and old construction elements, which are connectable to the entire host of existing first connectors. Further, the new type of second connector may be designed more rapidly and simply for each new construction element, and for existing type construction elements which has a larger and more well defined pressure, and / or a larger and more well defined overlap. The possibility of increasing the and provide a more well defined pressure, and / or a larger and more well defined overlap, and the better controlled friction, results in an easy way of obtaining a constant clutch force (clutch feeling), for multiple types of construction elements. Further, the new connector type allows for reduced tolerances in production, making production in e.g. an injection molding process less costly, and reduces time in switching between molding different construction elements.

[0018] The inlet surface configuration prevents or at least reduces damage to the functional surface (pressure surface).

[0019] In an embodiment, the pressure surface is configured to provide a local deformation of a connector surface of the first connector.

[0020] By local deformation of a connector surface is meant a deformation which only occurs in the immediate vicinity of the location, where the pressure surface on the island contacts and presses on and / or into the connector surface.

[0021] Local deformation may provide an interference or pressure fit without any substantial deformation of the rest - or major part - of the connector surface of the first connector. Local deformation may further provide an interference or pressure fit without any substantial deformation of the carrier surface of the second connector.

[0022] In an embodiment, at least the transition connecting the pressure surface with the inlet surface that is configured for guiding one of the connector surfaces of the first connector onto the pressure surface has a radius of curvature about an axis perpendicular to the coupling direction, where said radius of curvature of the transition is smaller than a corresponding radius of curvature of the pressure surface.

[0023] It will be appreciated that in some embodiment both inlet surfaces may be configured for guiding a connector surfaces of the first connector onto the pressure surface.

[0024] In an embodiment, a distance between the transitions in the coupling direction is larger than the corresponding length of the transition connecting the pressure surface with the inlet surface that is configured for guiding one of the connector surfaces of the first connector onto the pressure surface. It will be appreciated that in some embodiment both inlet surfaces may be configured for guiding a connector surface of the first connector onto the pressure surface.

[0025] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the transitions have substantially the same elevation above the carrier surface.

[0026] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, one or both transitions forms an edge. By this is meant that in real life connectors and toy construction elements, any “edge” will be provided as a (narrow) surface between the two surfaces meeting in the edge. Thus, such a real life edge will have or constitute a transition or transition surface as mentioned above.

[0027] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, a curvature of the inlet surface is different from a curvature of the pressure surface.

[0028] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the island may further comprise a side surface formed adjacent to the pressure surface in a direction perpendicular to the coupling direction, and between the pressure surface and the carrier surface, wherein the side surface is connected to the pressure surface via a transition, and wherein the transition is tangential from the pressure surface to the side surface in the direction perpendicular to the coupling direction.

[0029] It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, a side surface as defined in the previous paragraph may be provided adjacent to the pressure surface on both sides of the pressure surface, in a direction perpendicular to the coupling direction.

[0030] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, when the first and second connectors are connected, a clearance between the first and second connectors complete surrounds the pressure surface. In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the transition from the inlet surface into the pressure surface is smooth. This applies at least the transition connecting the pressure surface with the inlet surface that is configured for guiding one of the connector surfaces of the first connector onto the pressure surface. However, in further embodiments, it may also apply the opposite inlet surface.

[0031] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, at least the inlet surface facing the coupling direction, is formed such that during the act of connecting the first and second connectors, the shear on the inlet surface provided by the first connector on the inlet surface is constant over the travel of the first connector on the inlet surface from an inlet of the inlet surface to the transition to the pressure surface.

[0032] The inlet surface facing the coupling direction is the inlet surface that is configured for guiding one of the connector surfaces of the first connector onto the pressure surface. However, in further embodiments, the feature of the previous paragraph may also apply the opposite inlet surface.

[0033] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, at least the inlet surface facing the coupling direction is formed as a curved or segmented surface, and is shaped to obtain a substantially constant shear curve for the shear force on the inlet surface caused by the first connector, when coupling the first and second connectors

[0034] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the first connector is made of a plastic / polymer material. As the first connector may, in some embodiments, be formed integral with, and, in other embodiments, constitute the first toy construction element, the first toy construction element including the first connector may in some embodiments be made of a plastic / polymer material.

[0035] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the second connector is made of a plastic / polymer material. As the second connector may, in some embodiments, be formed integral with, and, in other embodiments, constitute the second toy construction element, the second toy construction element including the second connector may in some embodiments be made of a plastic / polymer material.

[0036] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the second connector is part of a second molded article, preferably a second injection molded article, more preferably a second injection molded plastic / polymer article.

[0037] In an embodiment thereof, the second molded is formed in a molding process in a mold having several parts, preferably an injection molding process, in which molding process a mold part is retracted in a molding retraction direction, which is opposite to the coupling direction, wherein at least the inlet surface facing the molding retraction direction is a curved or segmented surface, and is shaped to obtain a substantially constant shear curve for the shear force on the first transition surface caused by retraction of the mold part.

[0038] Thereby, the inlet surface facing away from the coupling direction may serve as an undercut in the injection molding process.

[0039] The second molded article may be the second construction element.

[0040] Also, the first connector may be a part of a first molded article, preferably a first injection molded article, more preferably a first injection molded plastic / polymer article

[0041] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the second construction element is manufactured with a production tolerance of a magnitude, and wherein the height of the at island on which the pressure surface is formed over the carrier surface is at least twice, such a three times, the magnitude.

[0042] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the rigidity of the island on which the pressure surface is formed, to withstand a force on the pressure surface in a direction perpendicularly to the pressure surface, is substantially higher than the rigidity of the corresponding connector surface of the first connector to withstand a force perpendicular to the second surface connector surface.

[0043] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the pressure surface has a surface area with a size that is a smidgen surface area of the carrier surface.

[0044] In an embodiment thereof, the size of the pressure surface is less than 20% of the size of the carrier surface. In an embodiment thereof, the size of the pressure surface is less than 10% of the size of the carrier surface. In an embodiment thereof, the size of the pressure surface is less than 5% of the size of the carrier surface. In an embodiment thereof, the size of the pressure surface is less than 2% of the size of the carrier surface.

[0045] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the island is configured to deform to accommodate the pressure between the pressure surface and the corresponding connector surface of the first connector, without any substantial deformation of the rest of the second connector, and preferably without any substantial deformation of the first connector, when the first connector and the second first connector are coupled to each other.

[0046] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, at least the inlet surface formed facing the coupling direction is formed between a catch surface formed at an inlet to the receiving part of the second connector and the pressure surface. In an embodiment thereof, a transition from the catch surface to the inlet surface is smooth.

[0047] Alternatively, wherein at least the inlet surface, formed facing the coupling direction, is formed between the carrier surface and the pressure surface. In an embodiment thereof, a transition from the carrier surface to the inlet surface is smooth. In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, at least the inlet surface formed facing the coupling direction is formed as ramp. In further embodiments, also the opposite inlet surface may be formed as a ramp.

[0048] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the island is a protrusion extending at least from the carrier surface of the receiving part of the second connector.

[0049] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the carrier surface of the receiving part of the second connector surrounds the pressure surface.

[0050] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the carrier surface of the receiving part of the second connector completely surrounds the pressure surface.

[0051] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, an inlet surface completely surrounds the pressure surface. Thus, in such embodiments, the two inlet surfaces defined above form portions of one integrated inlet surface. In such embodiments, the island would not comprise any side surfaces, or it could be said that the surround inlet surface is also constitute the side surface(s).

[0052] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the island is elongate in shape, and has a first main longitudinal extent, the first main longitudinal extent preferably being parallel with the coupling direction.

[0053] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, when the first connector and the second connector are coupled to each other, no pressure is provided by the first connector or the second connector on the opposite of the two, except for at the at least one pressure surface.

[0054] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the second connector comprises two or more functional surfaces elevated from the carrier surface. In an embodiment thereof, when the first and second connectors are connected, the one or more connector surfaces of the first connector contacts the second connector at the two or more functional surfaces only.

[0055] In an embodiment thereof, the two or more functional surfaces (100) comprises a pressure surface.

[0056] In an embodiment thereof, the pressure surface is configured to provide a local deformation of a connector surface of the first connector when connected.

[0057] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the pressure surface is either

[0058] - flat and preferably substantially parallel with the surrounding area of the carrier surface, or

[0059] - concave in one or two directions and preferably substantially parallel with the surrounding area of the carrier surface, or

[0060] - convex in one or two directions and preferably substantially parallel with the surrounding area of the carrier surface, or

[0061] - convex in one direction and concave in another direction and preferably substantially parallel with the surrounding area of the carrier surface.

[0062] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, a crosssection of the receiving part or carrier surface is shaped as a circle, a sector, a rectangle, or a cruciform. By cross-section here is meant a cross-section perpendicular to the coupling direction.

[0063] The embodiments described in the following seven paragraphs at least relates to second connectors as shown in Figs. 14A-C.

[0064] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the second connector is a female connector, and the receiving part of the second connector comprises at least a primary carrier surface and a secondary carrier surface arranged within an indentation of the toy construction element. In an embodiment thereof, a cross-section, in a plane orthogonal to the coupling direction, of the primary carrier surface, is shaped as a rectangle, a cross-section, in a plane orthogonal to the coupling direction, of the secondary carrier surface is shaped as a circle.

[0065] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the second connector is a female connector, and the receiving part of the second connector comprises at least two primary carrier surface portions arranged perpendicularly to each other, and a secondary carrier surface arranged within the receiving part of the second connector, the receiving part being delimited by the primary carrier surface portions and a portion of the secondary carrier surface.

[0066] In an embodiment thereof, a cross-section, in a plane orthogonal to the coupling direction, of the primary carrier surface, is shaped as a rectangle, and a cross-section, in a plane orthogonal to the coupling direction, of the secondary carrier surface is shaped as a circle.

[0067] In a further embodiment, one of the at least one pressure surface is located on the secondary carrier surface, and facing the primary carrier surface, such as the primary carrier surface portions.

[0068] In a further embodiment, one of the at least one pressure surface is located on the primary carrier surface, such as on one of primary carrier surface portions, and facing the secondary carrier surface.

[0069] In a further embodiment, a pressure surface is arranged on each of two orthogonally arranged primary carrier surface portions, and facing the secondary carrier surface.

[0070] The embodiments described in the following 22 paragraphs at least relates to the possible application of one or more datum surfaces in addition to the one or more pressure surfaces. In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the second connector further comprise a functional surface in the form of a datum surface, which is configured to mate with a connector surface of the first connector without applying a deformation in the connector surfaces of the first connector.

[0071] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the second connector further comprise a functional surface in the form of a datum surface, wherein the datum surface is raised relative to a carrier surface, and wherein the datum surface is configured to mate with a connector surface of the first connector to achieve minimal clearance, or neither clearance nor deformation of the mating connector surface of the first connector.

[0072] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the second connector further comprise a functional surface in the form of a datum surface, and two inlet surfaces arranged on opposite sides of the datum surface in the coupling direction, and each being connected to the datum surface via a respective transition, wherein the datum surface is configured to mate with a connector surface of the first connector without applying a deformation in the connector surfaces of the first connector, wherein the datum surface is formed as a top surface of an island, and wherein at least one of the inlet surfaces is configured for, during the act of coupling the first connector to the second connector, guiding one of the one or more connector surfaces of the first connector onto the datum surface.

[0073] The inlet surfaces may form surface of the island as well.

[0074] In an embodiment thereof, at least the transition connecting the datum surface with the inlet surface that is configured for guiding one of the connector surfaces of the first connector onto the datum surface has a radius of curvature about an axis perpendicular to the coupling direction, and said radius of curvature of the transition is smaller than a corresponding radius of curvature of the datum surface. In an embodiment, a distance between the transitions between the inlet surface and the datum surface in the coupling direction is larger than the corresponding length of the transition connecting the datum surface with the inlet surface that is configured for guiding one of the connector surfaces of the first connector onto the datum surface.

[0075] In an embodiment, the transitions between the inlet surface and the datum surface have substantially the same elevation above the carrier surface.

[0076] In an embodiment, one or both transitions between the inlet surfaces and the datum surface forms an edge.

[0077] In an embodiment, a curvature of the inlet surface is different from a curvature of the datum surface.

[0078] In an embodiment, further comprising a side surface formed adjacent to the datum surface in a direction perpendicular to the coupling direction and between the datum surface and the carrier surface, wherein the side surface is being connected to the datum surface via a transition, and wherein the transition is tangential from the datum surface to the side surface in the direction perpendicular to the coupling direction.

[0079] It will be appreciated that in some embodiment, a side surface as defined in the previous paragraph may be provided adjacent to the pressure surface on both sides of the datum surface, in a direction perpendicular to the coupling direction.

[0080] In an embodiment, the datum surface is formed on an island such that, when the first and second connectors are connected, a clearance between the first and second connectors completely surrounds the datum surface.

[0081] In an embodiment, at least in a direction parallel to the coupling direction, the inlet surface smoothly transitions into the datum surface. In an embodiment, at least the inlet surface facing the coupling direction is formed between a catch surface at an inlet to the receiving part of the second connector and the datum surface. In an embodiment thereof, a transition from the catch surface to the inlet surface is smooth.

[0082] In a further embodiment, at least the inlet surface facing the coupling direction, is formed between the carrier surface and the datum surface. In an embodiment thereof, a transition from the inlet surface to the inlet surface is smooth.

[0083] The inlet surface facing the coupling direction is the inlet surface that is configured for guiding one of the connector surfaces of the first connector onto the datum surface. However, in further embodiments, the feature of the previous paragraph may also apply the opposite inlet surface.

[0084] In a further embodiment, at least the inlet surface facing the coupling direction, adjacent to the datum surface, is formed as ramp. In further embodiments, also the opposite inlet surface may be formed as a ramp.

[0085] In a further embodiment, the island is a protrusion extending at least from the carrier surface of the receiving part of the second connector.

[0086] In a further embodiment, the carrier surface of the receiving part of the second connector surrounds the datum surface.

[0087] In a further embodiment, the carrier surface of the receiving part of the second connector completely surrounds the datum surface.

[0088] In a further embodiment, the island is elongate in shape, and has a first main longitudinal extent, the first main longitudinal extent preferably being parallel with the coupling direction.

[0089] In a further embodiment, an inlet surface completely surrounds the datum surface.

[0090] Thus, in such embodiments, the two inlet surfaces defined above form portions of one integrated inlet surface. In such embodiments, the island would not comprise any side surfaces, or it could be said that the surround inlet surface is also constitute the side surface(s).

[0091] The embodiments described in the following 19 paragraphs, exemplifies various second connectors in which one or more islands comprising one pressure surface each, and possibly one or more islands comprising one datum surface each, as described above, may be formed.

[0092] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, a crosssection, in a plane orthogonal to the coupling direction, of the first connector is complementary to the cross-section, in a plane orthogonal to the coupling direction, of the second connector.

[0093] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the first connector fits in the second connector with at least a clearance everywhere between the first connector and the second connector, preferably with a small clearance, except where a pressure surface is present to provide a pressure providing a deformation in the corresponding connector surface of the first connector.

[0094] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the one or more carrier surfaces of the second connector are smooth and uniform, except for where the islands provided with functional surfaces are located.

[0095] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the one or more connector surfaces of the first connector is / are smooth and uniform.

[0096] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the first connector is configured as a male part, and the second connector is configured as a female part, and where the receiving part is a cavity configured for receiving first connector.

[0097] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, except for the embodiment of the last paragraph, the first connector may be configured as a female part, where the one or more connector surfaces are configured to surround a cavity, and where the second connector is configured as a male part, and where the receiving part is configured for inserting into the cavity formed in the first connector

[0098] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the first connector has a consistent diameter or width along its length, and wherein the receiving part second connector has a consistent diameter or width along its length.

[0099] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the first connector has a length or depth in the coupling direction, wherein all cross-sections taken perpendicular to the coupling direction along the length or depth of the first connector are congruent, wherein the second connector has a corresponding depth or length in the coupling direction, and wherein all cross-sections of the receiving part of the second connector taken perpendicular to the coupling direction along the depth or length of the second connector are congruent except for where a cross-section comprises an island.

[0100] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the second connector comprises two islands, each island provided with one pressure surface, the two islands being arranged in line along the coupling direction.

[0101] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the second connector comprises two islands, each island provided with one datum surface, the two islands being arranged in line along the coupling direction.

[0102] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the at least one carrier surface is provided with two islands, each island comprising one pressure surface, the two pressure surfaces preferably being arranged to face against one another.

[0103] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, wherein the at least one carrier surface is provided with two islands, each island comprising one datum surface, the two datum surfaces preferably being arranged to face against one another. In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the first connector and the second connector both comprises an end surface formed perpendicular to the coupling direction, and where the end surfaces together prevent relative movement between the first connector and the second connector in the coupling direction, upon abutment there between or between the end surface and an additional stop surface of the first or second connector.

[0104] The end surface of the first connector does not form part of the one or more connector surfaces.

[0105] The end surface of the second connector does not form part of the one or more carrier surfaces.

[0106] The stop surfaces do not form part of the one or more connector surfaces of the first connector.

[0107] The stop surfaces do not form part of the one or more carrier surfaces of the second connector.

[0108] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, except for the embodiments described in the previous five paragraphs, the receiving part of the second connector comprises a cavity extending through the second connector, the first connector is insertable into the cavity of the receiving part of the second connector, and the second connector allows for the coupling direction and an oppositely directed second coupling direction.

[0109] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, except for the embodiments described in the previous six paragraphs, the first connector comprises a cavity defined by the one or more connector surfaces and extending through the first connector, wherein the receiving part of the second connector is insertable into the cavity of the first connector, and wherein the first connector allows for the coupling direction and an oppositely directed second coupling direction. In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments, the functional surfaces are formed in pairs facing each other on a carrier surface of the receiving part of the second connector.

[0110] In a second aspect of the invention, the objects are achieved by a toy construction element configured for being connected by a pressure fit with a first construction element forming part of a modular toy construction system, the toy construction element forming a second construction element of the modular toy construction system, the first construction element comprising a first connector and the second construction element comprising a second connector, the second connector comprising a receiving part being configured for connecting with the first connector to connect the first and second construction elements to each other, wherein the first connector comprises one or more connector surfaces; wherein the receiving part of the second connector is configured for receiving and connecting to the first connector in a pressure fit with at least a portion of the first connector by coupling one of the first and second connectors to the other along a coupling direction, wherein the receiving part of the second connector comprises a carrier surface and one or more functional surfaces elevated from the carrier surface, wherein, when the first and second connectors are connected, the first connector contacts the second connector at least at one of the one or more functional surfaces, and the functional surface comprises a pressure surface, and two inlet surfaces arranged on opposite sides of the pressure surface in the coupling direction, and each being connected to the pressure surface via a respective transition, and wherein the pressure surface of at least a portion of the first connector is configured to provide a deformation of at least a portion of the first connector, wherein the pressure surface is formed as a top surface of an island, and wherein at least one of the inlet surfaces is configured for, during the act of coupling the first connector to the second connector, guiding one of the first connector onto the pressure surface.

[0111] The inlet surfaces may form surface of the island as well. The pressure surface provided on an island allows to control the interference or pressure fit between the first connector and the second connector more precisely, and to create a larger and more well defined pressure, and / or a larger and more well defined overlap between the first connector and the second connector. Further, the friction in the connection may be precisely controlled, whereby the clutch force or holding force of the connection may be designed constant for all connection types. This also allows producing new second connectors on new second construction elements, which are backwards compatible with existing first construction elements. Thereby, a new type of second connectors may be designed for new and old construction elements, which are connectable to the entire host of existing first connectors. Further, the new type of second connector may be designed more rapidly and simply for each new construction element, and for existing type construction elements which has a larger and more well defined pressure, and / or a larger and more well defined overlap. The possibility of increasing the and provide a more well defined pressure, and / or a larger and more well defined overlap, and the better controlled friction, results in an easy way of obtaining a constant clutch force (clutch feeling), for multiple types of construction elements. Further, the new connector type allows for reduced tolerances in production, making production in e.g. an injection molding process less costly, and reduces time in switching between molding different construction elements.

[0112] The inlet surface configuration prevents or at least reduces damage to the functional surface (pressure surface).

[0113] In an embodiment of the second aspect, the pressure surface is configured to provide a local deformation of a connector surface of the first connector.

[0114] By local deformation of a connector surface is meant a deformation which only occurs in the immediate vicinity of the location, where the pressure surface on the island contacts and presses on and / or into the connector surface.

[0115] Local deformation may provide an interference or pressure fit without any substantial deformation of the rest - or major part - of the connector surface of the first connector. Local deformation may further provide an interference or pressure fit without any substantial deformation of the carrier surface of the second connector.

[0116] In an embodiment of the second aspect, at least the transition connecting the pressure surface with the inlet surface that is configured for guiding one of the connector surfaces of the first connector onto the pressure surface has a radius of curvature about an axis perpendicular to the coupling direction, where said radius of curvature of the transition is smaller than a corresponding radius of curvature of the pressure surface.

[0117] It will be appreciated that in some embodiment both inlet surfaces may be configured for guiding a connector surfaces of the first connector onto the pressure surface.

[0118] In an embodiment of the second aspect, a distance between the transitions in the coupling direction is larger than the corresponding length of the transition connecting the pressure surface with the inlet surface that is configured for guiding one of the connector surfaces of the first connector onto the pressure surface.

[0119] It will be appreciated that in some embodiment both inlet surfaces may be configured for guiding a connector surfaces of the first connector onto the pressure surface.

[0120] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments of the second aspect, the transitions have substantially the same elevation above the carrier surface.

[0121] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments of the second aspect, one or both transitions forms an edge. By this is meant that in real life connectors and toy construction elements, any “edge” will be provided as a (narrow) surface between the two surfaces meeting in the edge. Thus, such a real life edge will have or constitute a transition or transition surface as mentioned above. In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments of the second aspect, a curvature of the inlet surface is different from a curvature of the pressure surface.

[0122] In a further embodiment of any of the previously mentioned embodiments of the second aspect, the island may further comprise a side surface formed adjacent to the pressure surface in a direction perpendicular to the coupling direction, and between the pressure surface and the carrier surface, wherein the side surface is connected to the pressure surface via a transition, and wherein the transition is tangential from the pressure surface to the side surface in the direction perpendicular to the coupling direction.

[0123] It will be appreciated that in some embodiment of the second aspect, a side surface as defined in the previous paragraph may be provided adjacent to the pressure surface on both sides of the pressure surface, in a direction perpendicular to the coupling direction.

[0124] Further embodiments of the second aspect of the invention are provided in the attached claims nos. 82-148. These claims 82-148 corresponds to the claims 8-74 relating to the first aspect of the invention, described above. Any comments provided to claims 1-74 (related to the first aspect of the invention) above also applies to the corresponding claim 75-148 and the corresponding embodiments relating to the second aspect of the invention.

[0125] In a third aspect, the objects of the invention is achieved by a modular toy construction system comprising a first construction element and a second construction element, the first construction element comprising a first connector and the second construction element comprising a second connector, the first and second connectors being configured for connecting the first and second construction elements to each other, wherein the first connector comprises one or more connector surfaces; wherein the second connector comprises a receiving part configured for receiving and connecting to the first connector in a pressure fit with at least a portion of the one or more connector surfaces of the first connector, wherein the receiving part of the second connector comprises a carrier surface and two or more functional surfaces elevated from the carrier surface, and wherein, when the first and second connectors are connected, the one or more connector surfaces of the first connector contacts the second connector at the two or more functional surfaces only, wherein the two or more functional surfaces comprises a pressure surface, wherein the pressure surface is configured to provide a local deformation of a connector surface of the first connector when connected, wherein the pressure surface (200) is formed as a top surface of an island (101), wherein the island further comprises an inlet surface formed adjacent to the pressure surface; and wherein the inlet surface is configured for, during connection of the first and second connectors, guiding one of the one or more connector surfaces of the first connector onto the pressure surface

[0126] The pressure surface provided on an island allows to control the interference or pressure fit between the first connector and the second connector more precisely, and to create a larger and more well defined pressure, and / or a larger and more well defined overlap between the first connector and the second connector. Further, the friction in the connection may be precisely controlled, whereby the clutch force or holding force of the connection may be designed constant for all connection types. This also allows producing new second connectors on new second construction elements, which are backwards compatible with existing first construction elements. Thereby, a new type of second connectors may be designed for new and old construction elements, which are connectable to the entire host of existing first connectors. Further, the new type of second connector may be designed more rapidly and simply for each new construction element, and for existing type construction elements which has a larger and more well defined pressure, and / or a larger and more well defined overlap. The possibility of increasing the and provide a more well defined pressure, and / or a larger and more well defined overlap, and the better controlled friction, results in an easy way of obtaining a constant clutch force (clutch feeling), for multiple types of construction elements. Further, the new connector type allows for reduced tolerances in production, making production in e.g. an injection molding process less costly, and reduces time in switching between molding different construction elements.

[0127] The inlet surface configuration prevents or at least reduces damage to the functional surface (pressure surface).

[0128] In an embodiment, the pressure surface is configured to provide a local deformation of a connector surface of the first connector.

[0129] By local deformation of a connector surface is meant a deformation which only occurs in the immediate vicinity of the location, where the pressure surface on the island contacts and presses on and / or into the connector surface.

[0130] Local deformation may provide an interference or pressure fit without any substantial deformation of the rest - or major part - of the connector surface of the first connector. Local deformation may further provide an interference or pressure fit without any substantial deformation of the carrier surface of the second connector.

[0131] In an embodiment, each island provided with a pressure surface is configured such that, when the first and second connectors are connected, a clearance between the first and second connectors complete surrounds the pressure surface.

[0132] In an embodiment, the inlet surface is formed adjacent to the pressure surface at least in a direction parallel to a coupling direction for connecting the first connector to the receiving part of the second connector.

[0133] In an embodiment, the pressure surface smoothly transitions into the inlet surface.

[0134] In an embodiment, the inlet surface smoothly transitions into the carrier surface. In preferred embodiments, the inlet surface is formed such that during the act of connecting the first and second connectors, the shear on the inlet surface provided by first connector on the inlet surface is constant over the travel of the first connector on an inlet surface from the inlet of the inlet surface to the transition to the pressure surface.

[0135] This may be provided by curving the inlet surface such that the force induced by first connector on the inlet surface is kept constant in the direction parallel to the coupling direction for connecting the first connector to the receiving part of the second connector towards the pressure surface.

[0136] Thus, the inlet surface is inclined relative to the coupling direction, where an angle of inclination varies along the coupling direction. In one embodiment, the inclination angle initially gradually increases along the coupling direction towards the pressure surface and subsequently gradually decreases along the coupling direction.

[0137] Preferably, the angle of the inlet surface relative to a plane defined in the coupling direction varies continuously from the end of the inlet surface opposite to the pressure surface in the coupling direction to the pressure surface.

[0138] The curve may be defined by the following formula where:

[0139] • x and y is the coordinates of the curve, where (0,0) is at the surface of the undercut, i.e. at the carrier surface 51,

[0140] • a is the end angle of the curve in radians,

[0141] • h is the height of the curve, i.e. the elevation or height of the inlet surface 400 over the carrier surface, where it transcends into the functional surface 100, and

[0142] • the curve ends at (h,y(h)).

[0143] SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) It is noted that the curved inlet surface defined by the above formula, may be applied to the inlet surfaces described above in respect of the first aspect and the second aspect of the invention.

[0144] In any of the previously mentioned embodiments of the invention, the first connector is made of a plastic / polymer material.

[0145] In further embodiments of the invention, the second connector is made of plastic / polymer material.

[0146] In some embodiments of the invention, the inlet surface completely surrounds the pressure surface. This allow multiple coupling directions for a first connector. Such an inlet surface may be defined by the same curve as described above.

[0147] Alternatively, to the previous embodiment, a further inlet surface may be located adjacent to the pressure surface, and across from the first inlet surface relative to the pressure surface in a direction parallel to the coupling direction.

[0148] In such embodiments, the pressure surface preferably smoothly transitions into the further inlet surface.

[0149] Further, the further inlet surface may smoothly transition into the carrier surface.

[0150] In any of the previous embodiments, the functional surfaces may further comprise a datum surface, which is configured to mate with a connector surfaces of the first connector without applying a pressure on the connector surfaces of the first connector.

[0151] Thus, the second connector may comprise both pressure surfaces and datum surfaces. The datum surfaces may be shaped like the pressure surface, but do not apply pressure on the connector surface of the first connector with which is mates. Thus, in an embodiment thereof the datum surface is formed on an island elevated from the carrier surface of the receiving part. In an embodiment, the second connector is configured such that, when the first and second connectors are connected, a clearance between the first and second connector completely surrounds the datum surface.

[0152] In embodiments, the island further comprises an inlet surface formed adjacent to the datum surface; and the inlet surface is configured for, during the act of connecting the first and second connectors, guiding one of the one or more connector surfaces of the first connector onto the datum surface.

[0153] In a further embodiment thereof, inlet surface is configured such that the guiding of the one of the one or more connector surfaces of the first connector onto the datum surface, does not induce material strain in the inlet surface.

[0154] In a further embodiment, at least in a direction parallel to the coupling direction for the first connector into the receiving part of the second connector, the datum surface smoothly transitions into an inlet surface.

[0155] In a further embodiment, at least in a direction parallel to the coupling direction for the first connector into the receiving part of the second connector, the inlet surface smoothly transitions into the carrier surface.

[0156] In an embodiment, the inlet surface completely surrounds the datum surface.

[0157] Alternatively, in other embodiments, a further inlet surface may be located adjacent thereto to the datum surface, and across from the first inlet surface relative to the datum surface, in a direction parallel to the coupling direction.

[0158] Preferably, the datum surface smoothly transitions into the further inlet surface.

[0159] Preferably, also, the further inlet surface smoothly transitions into the carrier surface.

[0160] In any previously described embodiment, the islands, carrying the functional surfaces, are formed as protrusions extending from the carrier surface of the receiving part of the second connector. In any previously described embodiment, the pressure surfaces has a curvature, a length and a width, as well as a height h above the carrier surface, and where the curvature, the length, the width and the height are dimensioned to provide a predetermined pressure on the connector surfaces of the first connector at a predetermined location of the connector surface of the first connector.

[0161] Further, in any previously described embodiment, the datum surfaces has a curvature, a length a width, as well as a height above the carrier surface.

[0162] The length and width of the pressure surfaces are non-zero. The length and width of the datum surfaces are non-zero.

[0163] The length and width of the pressure surfaces and the datum surfaces is not necessarily the same, i.e. pressure surfaces 200 and datum surfaces 300 does not necessarily need to have the same area.

[0164] The curvature of the pressure surfaces may be defined as a radius.

[0165] The curvature of the datum surfaces may be defined as a radius.

[0166] In any previously described embodiment, the inlet surface formed facing the coupling direction, and adjacent to a datum surface comprises a curve in the direction parallel to the coupling direction.

[0167] In any previously described embodiment, the functional surfaces may be formed in groups dependent on each other on the carrier surface of the receiving part of the second connector.

[0168] In a further embodiment of any previously described embodiment In a further embodiment thereof, the first and second connectors are configured for, when connected with each other, to lock a predetermined number of rotational and / or translational degrees of freedom, and wherein the receiving part of the second connector comprises, for each of said predetermined number of degrees of freedom, a pair of functional surfaces.

[0169] In any previously described embodiment, the functional surfaces may formed in pairs across from each other on carrier surface of the receiving part of the second connector.

[0170] In a further embodiment thereof, for each degree of rotational and translation freedom, the connection between the first connector and the second connector, is supposed to lock, a group such as a pair of functional surfaces is provided on the receiving part of the second connector.

[0171] The division of the contact and pressure between the first and second connectors into discrete “islands” of datum and pressure surfaces allows for optimal material usage in order to obtain the desired strain / stiffness and friction of the press fit connection and increased interface robustness. This is with optimal dimensioning obtained over a wide range of plastics.

[0172] The described shape of the pressure surface smoothly transcending into an inlet surface, which inlet surface smoothly transcends into the carrier surface, allows for a providing a constant quality of the connection between the two complementary connector parts of the connection.

[0173] In the context of the present invention, the term “smoothly transitioning” or “transitioning smooth” or “smooth transition” should be understood such that the transition between two surfaces, for example the pressure surface and the inlet surface, has a well-defined tangent in all locations in a direction parallel to the coupling direction. The transition is tangential. This means that there are no separating edges between the surfaces.

[0174] It should be emphasized that the term "comprises / comprising / comprised of" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. Brief description of the drawings

[0175] In the following, the invention will be described in greater detail with reference to embodiments shown by the enclosed figures. It should be emphasized that the embodiments shown are used for example purposes only and should not be used to limit the scope of the invention.

[0176] Fig. 1A, in a perspective view, shows a set of prior art modular construction elements of a modular construction system, the construction elements having complementary coupling means in the form of cylindrical connectors and recesses;

[0177] Fig 1 B shows the construction elements of Fig. 1A in an end view;

[0178] Fig. 1C, in a bottom view, shows a prior art construction element with recesses for receiving and coupling to the cylindrical connectors;

[0179] Fig. 1 D shows a section, A-A, through the set of construction elements of Fig. 1 C,

[0180] Fig. 2A shows a set of prior art modular construction elements, a first element, and a second element, where the first and second construction elements are disassembled from each other, the construction elements having complementary coupling means in the form of cylindrical connector and a prior art tube connector;

[0181] Fig. 2B shows a bottom view of the second construction element of Fig 2A, including a prior art tube connector configured for connecting to a cylindrical connector provided on the first construction element shown in Fig. 2A;

[0182] Fig. 3, in a partly see-through perspective view, shows a set of modular construction elements, a first element, and a second element, the construction elements having complementary coupling means in the form of cylindrical connector and a new tube connector according to the invention, and where the cylindrical connecter is a closed knob;

[0183] Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the modular construction elements of Fig. 3, indicating sections which are shown in Fig. 5A and 5B;

[0184] Fig. 5A, in a sectional side view, shows a connection of a closed knob and a tube connector according to the invention;

[0185] Fig. 5B shows another section through the closed knob and the tube connector of Fig. 5A;

[0186] Fig. 6, in a partly see-through perspective view, shows modular construction elements similar to the construction elements of Fig. 3, but where the cylindrical connector is an open knob;

[0187] Fig. 7 is a bottom view of the modular construction elements of Fig. 6, indicating sections which are shown in Fig. 8A and 8B, and where the elements are connected to each other;

[0188] Fig. 8A, in a sectional side view, shows a connection of an open knob and a tube connector according to the invention;

[0189] Fig. 8B shows another section through the open knob and the tube connector of Fig. 8A;

[0190] Fig. 9, in a perspective view, shows a second construction element, with a tubeshaped second connector according to the invention;

[0191] Fig. 10 shows a top view of the second construction element 12 and tube shaped second connector of Fig. 9, and indicates

[0192] - in circle a detail A, which is shown in Fig. 11 A,

[0193] - a section A-A which is shown in Fig.11B, and

[0194] - a section B-B which is shown in Fig.11D; Fig. 11A shows detail A of the second connector encircled in Fig. 10;

[0195] Fig.11 B shows a section - section A-A in Fig. 10A - through the second connector of Figs. 9 and 10 and indicates in circle a detail B, which detail B is shown in Fig. 11C;

[0196] Fig. 11 C show detail B of the second connector indicated in Fig. 11 B;

[0197] Fig.11 D shows a section - section B-B in Fig. 10 - through the second connector of Figs. 9 and 10;

[0198] Fig. 12A, in a perspective view, shows a prior art second toy construction element having a cross shaped second connector for connecting to e.g. a crossshaped first toy construction element as shown in Fig. 12C;

[0199] Fig. 12B, in a perspective view, shows a prior art second toy construction element having a cross shaped second connector for connecting to e.g. a crossshaped first toy construction element as shown in Fig. 12C;

[0200] Fig. 12C, in a perspective view shows a prior art cross-shaped first toy construction element;

[0201] Fig. 13A, in a front view, shows a second toy construction element having a cross shaped second connector with functional surfaces according to the invention, the second connector being configured for connecting to e.g. a cross-shaped first toy construction element as shown in Fig. 12C;

[0202] Fig. 13B is a sectional view of the second construction element shown in Fig 13A, along A-A in Fig 13A;

[0203] Fig. 13C is a sectional view of the second construction element shown in Fig 13A, along B-B in Fig 13A; Fig. 14A, in a bottom view, shows a second toy construction element, similar to the construction elements of Figs- 1A-D, but with functional surfaces according to an embodiment of the invention applied in the second connectors of the construction element, and a circle indicating a knob (first connector) of a first construction element attached in one of the second connectors (knob receiving opening) of the second construction element;

[0204] Fig. 14B is the same figure as Fig. 14A, indicating

[0205] - a section A-A, which is shown in Fig. 14C, and

[0206] - in a circle a detail C, which is shown in Fig. 14E;

[0207] Fig. 14C, in a sectional view, shows the second construction element of Figs 14A-B, and indicating, encircled, a detail D, which is shown in Fig. 14D;

[0208] Fig. 14D is a detailed view of the detail D encircled in Fig. 14C;

[0209] Fig. 14E is a detailed view of the detail B encircled in Fig. 14B;

[0210] Fig. 15A is a front view of an island with a functional surface according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0211] Fig. 15B, is a sectional side view of the island with the functional surface, shown in Fig. 15A;

[0212] Fig. 15C is another sectional view of the island with the functional surface, shown in Fig. 15A, the section taken perpendicular to the section shown in Fig. 15B

[0213] Fig. 16 is a sectional side view of an island with a functional surface according to embodiments of the invention, and shown in a distorted form to show details of the functional surface, the inlet surfaces and transition there between.

[0214] Detailed description of the embodiments Figs. 1A-D shows an example of prior art construction elements or construction elements of a modular construction system 10. Such construction elements of a modular construction system 10 are often formed in plastic, and typically in an injection moulding process. The plastic materials used in for such construction elements of a modular construction systems 10 typically has a certain strength and elasticity depending on the geometrical inertia and the local deformation zone, material thickness and form as well as other parameters.

[0215] Figs. 1A shows two essentially identical construction elements 2A, 2B in the shape of building blocks. Each of these construction elements 2A, 2B comprises a body part 3 with a top face 4 on which eight cylindrical connectors are configured. The cylindrical connectors could also be called coupling studs or coupling knobs, or simply knobs 901. The knobs 901 are formed on the construction elements 2A, 2B in a regular two dimensional lattice or grid. The knobs 901 comprises a body 905 having an outer cylindrical surface 910.

[0216] The body part 3 of the construction elements 2A, 2B comprises sidewalls 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D. Each of the sidewalls 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D are configured with a lowermost edge 7 that forms a resting surface for the construction elements 2A, 2B.

[0217] Construction elements 2A, 2B of the type shown in Fig. 1A-D further comprises a set of cylinders 911 extending downward from a lower surface 912 of a wall 913 connecting all of the sidewalls 6A-D. Between the inner surfaces 916 of the sidewalls 6A-D and outer surfaces of the one or more cylinder 911 , a set of knob receiving openings 902 are formed.

[0218] The knobs 901 and the knob receiving openings 902 are configured for cooperating to releasably attach to each other in an interference fit / pressure fit. They are examples of complimentary connectors 900.

[0219] Construction elements 2A, 2B of the type shown in Figs. 1A-D are connected to each other by the sidewalls 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D on the uppermost construction element 2A being pressed outwards, when the sidewalls 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D are pressed down on the coupling studs 901 on the lowermost construction element 2B, following which, the sidewalls 6A-D, and outer surfaces 914 of the cylinders 911 press against the cylindrical outer surfaces 910 of the coupling studs 901 on the lowermost construction element 2B.

[0220] Elongate ribs 915 extending outward from an inner surface 916 of the sidewalls 6A- D. and being formed from the lower surface 912 of the wall 913 all the way to the lower edge 7, may constitute the contact between the knob 901 and the sidewalls 6A-D.

[0221] The complimentary connectors 900, i.e. the knobs 901 , formed on the upper surface 4 of the construction elements 2A, 2B, and the knob receiving opening 902, formed between the sidewalls 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D and the cylinders 911 , are provide in a regular two dimensional lattice, such as shown in Figs. 1A-D. Such complimentary connectors 100, 101 , 102 forms the basis of a plurality of modular toy construction systems known in the art.

[0222] Such complimentary connectors 100 are also known to be connectable to another type of connectors, than the one shown in Fig. 1C.

[0223] For example, the knobs 901 may connect to a tube connecter 20. Other types of cylindrical connectors 900, similar to for example knobs 901 , are examples of a first connector 41 , connectable to a second connector 42, to which functional surfaces 100, 200, 300 formed on islands according to the invention may be applied. This will be described below.

[0224] An example of a prior art tube connector 20 is shown in Fig.2B. A tube connector 20 is an example of a second connector in which functional surfaces 100, 200, 300 formed as islands according to the invention and described below may be applied.

[0225] In Fig. 2B, the tube connector 20 is formed on a second construction element 12. The second construction element 12 is shaped as hair piece or a wig of toy figurine (not shown). The second construction element 12 resembling hair may connect to another construction element, first construction element 11 shaped as a head of a toy figurine, which head has a single cylindrical connector, for example formed on top of the first construction element 11 resembling a head. In the example of Fig. 2A, the single cylindrical connector is formed in the same way as a knob 901 , described in connection with Figs. 1A-D, above.

[0226] The first construction element 11 resembling a head and the second construction element 12 resembling hair are shown in Fig. 2A, where the toy constructions elements 11 , 12 are disassembled from each other, but aligned such that the second construction element 12 with the tube connector 20 may be coupled to the first construction element 11 with the cylindrical connector, knob 901 , if the first and second connectors 11 , 12 where pressed against each other. Thereby, the first and second construction elements 11 , 12, resembling head and hair, respectively, may be coupled in a press fit / pressure / interference fit between the cylindrical connector, knob 901 and the tube connector 20.

[0227] For this purpose, the tube connector 20 has a tubular wall 30 surrounding a cylindrical opening 31 having a cylindrical inner surface 32, which is formed to fit over the cylindrical outer surface 910 of (cylindrical) first connector 41 , knob 901 . Further, the cylindrical inner surface 32 comprises four planar prior art pressure surfaces 200’. The planar pressure surfaces 200’ are equidistantly located along the perimeter of the cylindrical inner surface 32 of the tubular wall 30. The planar prior art pressure surfaces 200’extend from a bottom surface 25 of the tube connector 20 to a circumferential edge at the front end surface 35 of the tubular wall of the tube connector. The cylindrical inner surface 32 and the planar prior art pressure surfaces 200’ are dimensioned such that they provide the pressure fit on the cylindrical connector 900, when the tube connector 20 is pressed over the cylindrical connector 900, the tubular wall 30 of the tube connector 20 and / or the material of the cylindrical connector 900 deforming where the four planar pressure surfaces press against the outer cylindrical surface 910 of the cylindrical connector 900.

[0228] For example such connectors may be made in ABS plastic.

[0229] It has shown that the function and quality of the connections between connectors in toy construction systems in general, such as tube connectors 20, knobs 901 , and knob receiving openings 902, as described above, are very sensitive to the type of material used for the making the connection, and to the overlap dimensions, as well as the geometrical inertia of the construction element 12 of which they form part. Thus, producing such connectors for toy construction element provides for extreme tolerances in the manufacturing process.

[0230] Thus, in order to produce a constant quality of e.g. the clutch power of a connection between first connectors 41 and second connectors 42, of a modular toy constructions system, for each new construction element design, a specifically dimensioned tube connector or other type of connector needs to be designed. Designing each time such a connection is time consuming.

[0231] It has shown that the design time and cost can be considerably reduced by a combination that the production tolerances may be reduced, and that the precision in the interference / pressure fit of connecters may be increased by providing at least second toy construction element 12 with second connectors 42, having functional surfaces 100 according to the invention, and as described with reference to Figs. 3- 15C in the following.

[0232] Turning now to Figs. 15A-C showing the general constitution of a functional surface 100 according to embodiments of the invention. Such a functional surface 100 forms part of a modular toy construction system 10 according to the invention, where it may replace the prior art contact surfaces (such as outer surface 914 on cylinder 911 and the ribs 915 or inner surfaces 916 of the sidewalls 6A-D in construction element 2A in Fig. 1C) on second connectors 42 of second construction elements for a modular toy construction system 10 according to the invention.

[0233] The modular toy construction system 10 generally comprises a first construction element 11 and a second construction element 12, for example as described above, and in the exemplary applications shown in Figs. 3-11 , Figs 12A-C, and Figs. 14A-E.

[0234] In general, the first construction element 11 comprises a first connector 41 , and the second construction element 12 comprises a second connector 42. In Figs. 15A-C, only a portion of the second connector 42 and the second construction element 12 is visible. However, it will be appreciated that it may be part of modular toy construction system 10 as mentioned above.

[0235] The first and second connectors 41, 22 are configured for connecting the first and second construction elements 11, 12 to each other, in the sense that they are shaped and sized to be complimentary to each other.

[0236] In general, the first connector 41 may preferably be formed as an integral part of the first construction element 11. An example of this is shown in e.g. Fig. 3, where the first connector 41 is a knob 902 formed integrally with cylindrically shaped first construction element 11 , and in e.g. Fig. 6, where the first connector 41 is an open tubular knob 902’ formed integrally with a likewise cylindrical construction element 11.

[0237] However, in principle the first connector 41 may alternatively be a separate component attachable to the first construction element 11, preferably such that the first connector 41 is unreleasbly attached to the first construction element 11.

[0238] In yet other embodiments, first connector 41 may be construed as a first construction element in it own right. An example of the latter is shown in Fig. 12C.

[0239] In general, the second connector 42 may preferably be formed as an integral part of the second construction element.12. However, in principle the second connector 42 may alternatively be a separate component attachable to the second construction element 12, preferably such that the second connector 42 is unreleasbly attached to the second construction element 12.

[0240] The first connector 41 comprises one or more connector surfaces 60, which is not shown in Figs. 15A-C, but may be exemplified by the outer cylindrical surface 910 of the body 105 of the cylindrical connectors 900 as shown in Figs. 3 and 6, where there is only one cylindrically shaped connector surface 60. Fig. 12C shows another example, where the first connector is a rod or shaft having a cross-shaped cross- section, and therefore has eight connector surfaces 60. In other embodiments another number of connector surfaces 60 may be envisaged.

[0241] The second connector 42 comprises a receiving part 50, which is configured for receiving and connecting to the first connector 42 in a pressure fit or press fit, between the receiving part 50 and at least a portion of the one or more connector surfaces 60 of the first connector 41. In the embodiments shown, the receiving part 50 of the second connector 42 in, for example, Fig. 11 D is a cylindrical cavity. The receiving part 50 of the second connector in Fig. 13A is a cross-shaped cavity.

[0242] It will be appreciated that other shapes of cavities may form the receiving part. Further, in the shown examples, the receiving part 50 is a cavity, why the receiving part may be considered a female part. Correspondingly, the first connector 41 is a male part fitting into the cavity.

[0243] However, in other (not shown) embodiments, the receiving part may instead be a male part having functional surfaces 100 - to be described further below - formed on an outwardly facing surface, and the first connector 42 be formed with a cavity fitting the receiving part, such as it may be considered to be a female part.

[0244] In general, the receiving part 50 of the second connector 42 comprises a carrier surface 51 and at least one functional surfaces 100 raised over the carrier surface 51. In the embodiments mentioned in e.g. Figs. 3-11, Figs. 13A-C, and Figs. 14A-E, the carrier surface 51 is an inner surface, but as mentioned above, in conceivable embodiments, the carrier surface 51 may be an outwardly facing surface.

[0245] The functional surfaces 100 may be either pressure surfaces 200 or datum surfaces 300.

[0246] Pressure surfaces 200 are arranged and dimensioned on the second connector 42 in such a way that the pressure surface 50 will provide a pressure on a connector surface 60 of a connected first connector 41. Preferably, the one or more pressure surfaces 200 are arranged and dimensioned on the second connector 42, such that the one or more pressure surface 200 will provide a deformation of at least a portion of the first connector 41 , when the first and second connectors 41 , 42 are connected to each other. Preferably, the pressure surface 200 is configured such that it will provide a local deformation of the connector surface 60 of a connected first connector 41. This deformation will only occur in the immediate vicinity of the pressure surface 200.

[0247] Datum surfaces 300 are arranged on the second connector 42, and dimensioned in such a way, that the datum surfaces 300 do not provide a pressure on the corresponding connector surface 60 of a connected first connector 41 (when connected), but only provide a snug fit, such that datum surfaces 300 may provide guide surfaces for locating the first connector correctly relative to the pressure surfaces 200.

[0248] In the embodiments shown in Figs. 3-11 , the functional surfaces 100 comprises two pressure surfaces, and two datum surfaces 300. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 13A-C the second connector 42 comprises four pressure surfaces and eight datum surfaces 300. In the embodiments shown in Figs. 14A-E, there are two pressure surfaces 200 for each knob receiving opening 902, each knob receiving opening constituting a second connector 42. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 14A-E, the outer surface 914 of the cylinders 911 are plain cylinders, where the first connector 41 (knob 901) will contact along a straight line. It will however be appreciated that cylinders 911 may as well be equipped with functional surfaces 100, either datum surfaces 300 or pressure surfaces.

[0249] It will be appreciated that the number of functional surfaces 100, and their type, pressure surfaces 200 and datum surfaces300 may vary according to the connector. However, there must be least one functional surfaces 100, 200, 300, and then it is a pressure surface 200.

[0250] According to the invention, the one or more connector surfaces 60 of the first connector 41 only contacts the second connector 42 at the one or more functional surfaces 100, when the first connector 41 and the second connector have been connected to each other, at least on those part of the carrier surface 51 of the second connector being equipped with functional surfaces 100. It will further be appreciated that the carrier surface 51, from which the functional surfaces 100, 200, 300 are elevated above, may be one continuous surface as in the embodiments shown in Figs. 3-11 and in Figs, 13A-C or be divided on several structures, such as on the inner surfaces of the walls 6A-D and the outer surface 914 of the cylinders 911 in the embodiment shown in Figs. 14A-E.

[0251] In any case, each of the functional surfaces 100 are formed on an island 101 raised from - or extending away from - the carrier surface 51 of the receiving part 50. The island 101 forms a protrusion, protruding from at least the carrier surface 51.

[0252] Turning now to Figs. 15A-C and Fig. 16, Fig. 15A and Fig. 16 also indicates a coupling direction, Di, in which the first connector 41 is to be inserted into the second connector 42, or in which the second connector 42 is inserted into first connector 41 for bringing the one or more functional surfaces 100 into contact with the one or more connector surfaces 60.

[0253] As mentioned, the functional surface 100 is formed as a top surface of an island 101. Also formed on the island 101 are two inlet surfaces 400, 401, 402 arranged on opposite sides of the functional surface 100 relative to the coupling direction Di. Each of the two inlet surfaces 400, 401, 402 are connected to the pressure surface via a respective transition 600. At least one of the inlet surfaces 400, 401, 402 is configured for, during the act of coupling the first connector 41 to the second connector 42, guiding one of the one or more connector surfaces 60 of the first connector 41 onto the functional surface 100. In some embodiments, both inlet surfaces 401 , 402 are configured for guiding one of the one or more connector surfaces 60 of the first connector 41 onto the functional surface 100.

[0254] The island 101 with a functional surface 100 is shown in section in Figs. 15B and Fig.16. In Fig. 16 the island 101 is shown in a view in order to show the transitions 600 between the inlet surfaces 400, 401, 402 and the functional surface 100 in more detail. Thus, in Fig. 16 the inclination of the inlet surface 400, 401 , 402 appear steeper than they would in real islands. Further the length and height proportions are not representative. At least the transition 600 connecting the functional surface 100 with the inlet surface 400 that is configured for guiding one of the connector surfaces 60 of the first connector 41 onto the functional surface 100 has a radius of curvature, RT, about an axis perpendicular to the coupling direction Di. The functional surface 100 may further has radius of curvature, Rp. In embodiments, where the functional surface 100 is planar, the radius of curvature, RP of the functional surface 100 is infinite, «, but in other embodiments, the functional surface 100 may be curved thus having a finite radius of curvature, RP. In any case the radius of curvature, RT, of the transition 600 is smaller than a corresponding radius of curvature, RP, of the functional surface 100. As shown in Fig. 16, preferably both transitions 600 has a radius of curvature, RT. The radius of curvature, RT, of the two transitions 600 need not be the same.

[0255] The functional surface 100 in any case has a length, L3, defined in a direction parallel to the coupling direction, Dj. The length, L3 of the functional surface 100 may be defined between the transitions 600 to each of the inlet surfaces 400. The distance, L3, of the functional surface 100, between the transitions 600 in the coupling direction Dj is larger than the corresponding length of each of the transitions 600, and at least larger than the corresponding length of the transition 600 connecting the functional surface 100 with the inlet surface 400 that is configured for guiding one of the connector surfaces 60 of the first connector 41 onto the functional surface 100.

[0256] Preferably, the height, h, or elevation above the carrier surface 51 , of the transitions 600 at either side of the functional surface 100 is substantially the same.

[0257] The transitions 600 may form an edge. By this is meant that in real life connectors and toy construction elements, any “edge” will be provided as a (narrow) surface between the two surfaces meeting in the edge. Thus, such a “real life” edge will have or constitute a transition 600 or transition surface as mentioned above.

[0258] As may be appreciated from Fig. 15B and 16, the inlet surfaces 400 preferably forms an angle relative to the functional surface 100, i.e. they are inclined relative to the functional surface 100, such that the inlet surfaces 400 may form ramps leading onto the functional surface 100.

[0259] As shown, in e.g. Fig. 15A, the island 100 may further comprise a side surface 700 formed adjacent to the pressure surface in a direction perpendicular to the coupling direction, and between the functional surface 100 and the carrier surface 51. Preferably, the side surface 700 is connected to the functional surface 100 via a transition. Preferably, this transition between the functional surface 100 and the side surface 700 is smooth. Preferably, the transition between the functional surface 100 and the side surface 700 is tangential from the functional surface 100 to the side surface 700 in the direction perpendicular to the coupling direction.

[0260] As shown in e.g. Fig. 15A, in some embodiments, a side surface 700 as described may be provided adjacent to the functional surface 7000 on both sides of the functional surface 100, in a direction perpendicular to the coupling direction Dj.

[0261] The configuration of the inlet surfaces 400 prevents or at least reduces damage to the functional surface 100 formed on the island 101. Thus, the inlet surface 400 serves to guide the first connector 41 towards the functional surface 100, with minimum introduced material strain, during the attachment of the first and second connectors 41, 42, such that the functional surface 100 is not damaged during repeated attachments and detachments.

[0262] Therefore, at least the inlet surface 400, 401 facing the coupling direction, is formed such that during the act of connecting the first and second connectors 41 , 42, the shear on the inlet surface 400, 410 provided by the first connector 41 on the inlet surface 400, 401 is constant over the travel of the first connector 41 on the inlet surface 400, 401 from an inlet 405 of the inlet surface 400, 401 to the transition 600 to the functional surface 100.

[0263] The inlet surface 400, 401 facing the coupling direction Dj is the inlet surface that is configured for guiding one of the connector surfaces 60 of the first connector 41 onto the functional surface 100. However, in further embodiments, the feature of constant shear may also apply the opposite inlet surface 400, 402, especially if this inlet surface is also configured for guiding one of the connector surfaces 60 of the first connector 41 onto the functional surface 100, but also if it is not.

[0264] At least the inlet surface 400, 401 facing the coupling direction, Di, may be curved, e.g. as described above.

[0265] At least the inlet surface 400, 401 facing the coupling direction, Di, may be formed as a segmented surface 400, 401, 40T, 401”. Each segment 401, 40T, 401” of the inlet surface 400, 401 may have it’s own inclination relative to the functional surface 100 and to the carrier surface 51 on which it is formed. A transition is formed between the segments 40T, 401”. Preferably such transition is smooth. Further, each of such segments 40T, 401” of the inlet surface 400, 401 may be curved (have a curvature and a radius of curvature).

[0266] The constant shear may be provided by curving the inlet surface 400, 401 (at least the inlet surface facing the coupling direction, Di) such that the force induced by first connector 41 on the inlet surface 400, 401 is kept constant in the coupling direction Di towards the functional surface 100.

[0267] Thus, the inlet surface 400, 401 is inclined relative to the coupling direction, Di, where an angle of inclination varies along the coupling direction, Di. In one embodiment, the inclination angle initially gradually increases along the coupling direction towards the functional surface 100, and subsequently gradually decreases along the coupling direction, Di, approaching the functional surface 100.

[0268] Preferably, the angle of the inlet surface relative to a plane defined in the coupling direction varies continuously from the end of the inlet surface opposite to the pressure surface in the coupling direction to the pressure surface.

[0269] The curve may be defined by the following formula

[0270] SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) where:

[0271] • x and y is the coordinates of the curve, where (0,0) is at the surface of the undercut, i.e. at the carrier surface 51 ,

[0272] • a is the end angle of the curve in radians,

[0273] • h is the height of the curve, i.e. the elevation or height of the inlet surface 400 over the carrier surface, where it transcends into the functional surface 100, and

[0274] • the curve ends at (h,y(h)).

[0275] In some embodiments, and as shown in Figs. 11 C, 15A-B, a catch surface 500 may be formed adjacent to the inlet surface 400 distally relative to the functional surface 100. The catch surface 500 serves to direct the first connector towards the inlet surface 400 at the beginning of attaching a first connector 41 to a second connector 42.

[0276] In embodiments, where a catch surface 500 is provided, the smooth transition of the inlet surface 400 into the carrier surface 51 is made such that the inlet surface smoothly transcends into the catch surface 500 which again smoothly transcends into the carrier surface 51.

[0277] As mentioned, the islands 100 comprising a functional surface 100, may comprise an inlet surface 400 on two opposite sides of the functional surface 100 in the coupling direction, Dj. In some embodiments, attachment or insertion may be desirable from two opposite ends of a second connector 42, for example in a second connector 42 as shown Fig. 12A and 13A-C. In such embodiments, an inlet surface 400, 401 , 402 at both ends of the functional surface 100 may serve to guide the first connector 41 towards the functional surface 100 during the attachment of the first and second connectors 41 , 42, from two opposite directions, such that the functional surface 100 is not damaged during repeated attachments and detachments. In such embodiments a catch surface 500 may be provided also at the opposite inlet surface. In any case, a further inlet surface 400, 401, 402 opposite to a first inlet surface seen in the direction of insertion, Di, may form an undercut 402. An undercut 402 allows to control the surface area of the functional surfaces 100, particularly pressure surfaces 200, together with the width, W1, of the functional surfaces 100, and serves the function of reducing or eliminating a spring-back effect of the connection between the first connector 41 and the second connector 42.

[0278] Spring-back effect is understood as an angled reaction force pushing the interfaces apart. This phenomenon is very sensitive to geometrical misalignment and has a significant impact on experienced functionality and the maximum overlap of the pressure surfaces 200.

[0279] In some embodiments (not shown) a single continuous inlet surface 400 may entirely surround a functional surface 100. This allows multiple coupling directions of the first connector 41 and the second connector 42. In this case - depending on the coupling direction, Dj - the first met portion of the inlet surface serves to guide the first connector 41 towards the functional surface 100 during the attachment of the first and second connectors 41, 42, and the portion of the inlet surface 400 opposite to the direction in which the first connecter 41 is pushed (the coupling direction Dj) serves as an undercut 402 as described above.

[0280] In some embodiments, the carrier surface 51 may extends completely, i.e. 360°, around the functional surface 100, such as the island 101 shown in the right hands side of Fig. 13B. In other embodiments, the carrier surface 51 may extends partly around the functional surface 100. Examples of this is shown in Figs. 11C and 14D, where the islands 101 communicate with a catch surface 500 formed at an inlet 405 to the inlet surface 400, 401 or to receiving part 50 of the second connector42. Another example is shown in the left and side of Fig. 13B, where two islands 101 are formed in line with each other in a coupling direction Dj, and where the two islands 101 are interconnected by an intermediary raised surface 800, which has a height smaller than an elevation height of the functional surfaces 100 of the two islands 101. The intermediary raised surface 800, formed between islands that are formed in line in the coupling direction. The intermediary raised surface 800 is elevated above the carrier surface 50 of the second connector 20. The intermediary raised surface 800 has a height above the carrier surface 50, which is smaller than the height of the functional surface 100, 200, 300 and larger than or equal to the smallest height of the neighbouring inlet surface 400, 402.

[0281] In some embodiments, e.g. the embodiments shown in Figs. 3-11, Figs. 13A-C and Figs. 14A-E, moving the first connector 41 in the coupling direction, Di relative to the second connector 42 will bring the first connector 41 into and inside the receiving part 50 of the second connector 42. In other embodiments, moving the first connector 41 in the coupling direction, Di relative to the second connector part 42 will bring the first connector 41 over and encapsulating the receiving part 50 of the second connector 42.

[0282] According to the invention, the shape of the islands 101 - on which the one or more functional surfaces 100 are located - are formed such that the functional surface 100 is elevated over the carrier surface 51 of the receiving part 50 of the second connector 50 in such a way that the pressure surface 200 or the datum surface 300 smoothly transition into an inlet surface 400. As described above, the inlet surface 400 may transition into the carrier surface 51, or another surface, such as the catch surface 500. In such cases, the transition between the inlet surface 400 and the other surface (for example the carrier surface 51 or the catch surface 500, is also smooth.

[0283] The connection between a first connector 41 and a second connector 42 having functional surfaces 100 provided on islands 101 as described herein, allow an interference fit / press fit / pressure fit connection with a first connector 41, and provides a desired, predictable, and reliable functionality, measured in drawing force, with low sensitivity towards geometrical misalignment. The geometrical principles applied in the interface are generic and, therefore, not limited by geometrical sizes or material selection. Dimensioning for target functionality is more easily obtained than for the prior art pressure surfaces by faster dimensioning of functional surfaces 100, in particular pressure surfaces 200, ensuring a deformation, such as a local deformation, relative to the stiffness of the first and second connectors 41 , 42 depending on material properties and material thickness.

[0284] The desired functionality (measured in drawing force) is created by the press fit connection with overlap on the protruding pressure surfaces 200 (local deformation control), and through friction between the interfacing surfaces - protruding pressure surfaces 200 and the connector surfaces 60 of the first connector 41 , and the spring-back effect is eliminated with the implemented undercut 402. The datum surfaces 50 ensure desired positioning and grid compatibility without affecting functionality.

[0285] As mentioned above, the number of pressure surfaces 200 and the number of datum surfaces 300 may vary depending on the connector. The number of pressure surfaces 200 and the geometry thereof may vary in order to secure a desired clutch force between the first and second connector 41 , 42, depending on the shape, hardness, dimensions, etc. of the first connector 41 and the second connector and the construction elements 11 , 12 on which they are formed.

[0286] Further, also depending on the shape, hardness etc. of the first connector 41 and the second connector 41 , the shape of the functional surface 100 may be determined. Thus, in some embodiments the functional surfaces 100 may be convex, concave or planar, i.e. the radius R1 of the functional surface 100 may vary. The functional surface 100 may be rectangular, circular or oval.

[0287] The functional surfaces 100 extends in two dimensions, such that they have a length, L3, in the direction of insertion Dj and a width, Wi, perpendicular to the direction of insertion, Dj, as exemplified in e.g. Fig. 15A-B. It is noted, that the length L3and width Wi of a functional surface 100 may be major and minor axes of an ellipse (not shown).

[0288] In any case, the length, L3, and the width, Wi,of the functional surfaces 100, and at least of the one or more pressure surfaces 200, are non-zero. Further, the island 101 , on which the functional surface 100 is formed, extends in two dimensions, such that they have a length, Lo, in the coupling Dj and a width, Wo, perpendicular to the coupling direction, Dj as exemplified in e.g. Fig. 15A-B. It is noted, that the length Lo and width Wo of an island may be major and minor axes of an ellipse (not shown).

[0289] An island 101 having a functional surface 100 has a length Lo in the coupling direction Dj for attaching a first connector 41. The length, Lo, is defined as the distance in the coupling direction Di between a first met inlet surface 400 (or from the associated catch surface 500, if present) across the inlet surface 400, 401 the functional surface 100 and an opposite inlet surface 400 (undercut 402) and an associated catch surface 500, if present.

[0290] Preferably, the length Lo of an island having a functional surface 100 is smaller than the total length or depth of the connection between the first connector 41 (as defined by the length or depth of the connector surface(s) 60 in the direction of insertion, Dj) and the second connector 42 (as defined by the length or depth of the carrier surface(s) 51 in the direction of insertion, Dj). More preferably, the length, Lo, of the island 101 is smaller than half of the total length / depth of the connection between the first connector 41 and the second connector 42. In some embodiments, the length, Lo, of the island 101 is smaller than one third of the total length / depth of the connection between the first connector 41 and the second connector 42.

[0291] In any case, preferably, the length, Lo of the island is preferably larger than one fifth of the total length / depth of the connection between the first connector 41 and the second connector 42.

[0292] As mentioned, the functional surfaces 100 has a radius, Ri, a length L3and a width Wi. The radius, R1 , the length L3and the width Wi are dimensioned to provide a predetermined pressure on the connector surfaces 60 of the first connector 41 at a predetermined location of the connector surface 60 of the first connector 41.

[0293] In some embodiments, the second connector 42 comprises two or more functional surfaces 100. At least two of the at least two functional surfaces 100 may be pressure surfaces 200, which are configured to provide a local deformation of a connector surface 60 of the first connector part 41 , when the first connector part 41 and the second connector part 42 have been connected. Thus, in embodiments where there are only two functional surfaces 100, these two are pressure surfaces 200. Preferably these two are arranged as a pair of pressure surfaces 200, and preferably diametrically across from each other. In other embodiments, where there are more than two pressure surfaces these may be distributed relative to the connector surface 60, in such a way that the pressure on the first connector is evenly distributed, to provide a uniform clutch force.

[0294] It will be appreciated from the previous paragraphs that the contact between the first and the second connectors 41, 42 is then only made at the functional surfaces 100, 200, 300. The carrier surface 51 is preferably not in contact with connector surface 60 the first connector 41.

[0295] The function of the pressure surfaces 200 is to provide pressure on the first connector 41. The function of the datum surfaces 300 is to locate the first connector 41 relative to the pressure surfaces 42.

[0296] As shown in connection with the embodiments, shown in Figs. 3-11, and Figs. 13A- C, the functional surfaces 100 may be formed in pairs diametrically across from each other on carrier surface 51 of the of the receiving part 50 of the second connector 42.

[0297] In any embodiment, the first connector 41 is preferably formed in plastic / polymer material.

[0298] Further, in any embodiment, the second connector 42 is preferably formed in plastic / polymer material.

[0299] In the following, the various embodiments mentioned above will be described in further detail with reference to the figures. First, we turn to a number of embodiments, which may be described with reference to Figs. 3-11. These refer to improvements in the type of connections for example as show in Figs. 2A-B.

[0300] A connection between a first construction element 11 and a second construction element 12 comprising a tube element 20, which is an example of a second connector 42 according to the invention is shown in Fig. 3 and 6, and as described above. The set of modular construction elements 11, 12, first construction element 11 and second construction element 12 are shown in an un-connected situation.

[0301] The connection is an interference fit / press fit / pressure fit, the construction elements 11, 12 having complementary coupling means 900, a first connector 41 is the form of a cylindrical connector (a knob 901) and a second connector 42 in the form of a new tube connector 20 according to the invention. The cylindrical connector (knob 901) is an example of first connector 41 as described above.

[0302] Fig. 3, in perspective view, shows modular toy construction elements 11, 12, where the cylindrical connecter is a closed knob 901 , and where the construction elements 11, 12 are separated from each other, but aligned such that the tube connector may be pressed over the cylindrical connector (knob 901) to form the configuration of construction elements 11 , 12, a situation which is shown in Figs.5A-B, where the knob 901 (first connector 41) and the tube connector 20 (second connector 42) may be connected in a pressure fit.

[0303] Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the modular construction elements 11 , 12 of Fig. 3, when the construction elements are connected. Fig. 4 indicates sections A-A and B-B through the construction elements 11 shown in Fig. 5A and 5B, respectively. Fig. 5A shows section A-A to show pressure surfaces 200 of the tube connecter according to the invention, and Fig. 5B shows section B-B, showing datum surfaces 300 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0304] Fig. 5A, in a sectional side view, shows the connection of a cylindrical first connector 41 in the form of closed knob 901 , and a tube connector 20 according to the invention. By a closed knob configuration of the cylindrical connector is meant that it has a body 105 which forms an entirely closed outer surface, such that both an outer cylindrical surface 110 and an end surface 904 of the body 905 of the first connector 41, i.e. a cylindrical connector (knob 901) of the first element 11 are closed surfaces. As indicated the closed knob configuration of the cylinder connector forming a first connector 41 may have an internal space 907 formed therein in order to allow the cylindrical outer surface 910 of the first connector 41 formed as a cylindrical connector (or portions thereof) to deform when pressed, e.g. by pressure surfaces 200 of the tube connector 20 as described in further detail below.

[0305] Fig. 6 illustrates a connection of modular construction elements 11, 12 similar to the connection in Fig 3.

[0306] Fig. 6, in perspective view, shows modular construction elements 11 , 12, where a first connector 41 shaped as a cylindrical connecter (a knob 901) has an open knob configuration, and where the construction elements 11 , 12 are separated from each other, but aligned such that the tube connector 20 may be pressed over the first connector 41 to form the configuration of construction elements 11, 12 shown in sections in Figs. 8A and 8B, where the first connector 41 and the tubular wall 30 of the tube connector 20 are connected in an interference fit / pressure fit / press fit.

[0307] Fig. 7 is a bottom view of the modular construction elements 11 , 12 of Fig. 6, when the construction elements are connected. Fig. 7 indicates sections A-A and B-B through the construction elements 11, 12, the sections being shown in Fig. 8A and 8B, respectively. Fig. 8A shows section A-A to show pressure surfaces 200 of the tube connecter according to the invention, and Fig. 8B shows section B-B, showing datum surfaces 300 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0308] Fig. 8A, in a sectional side view, shows the connection of a first connector 41 formed as a cylindrical connector (knob 901), which has an open knob / knob configuration, and a second connector in the form of a tube connector 20 according to the invention. By an open knob configuration of the cylindrical connector is meant that it has a body 905 with a cylindrical depression 908 formed into an end surface 904 of the body 905, such that the body 905 forms a tubular wall 909, in order to allow the cylindrical outer surface 910 of the cylindrical connector (or portions thereof) to deform when pressed, e.g. by pressure surfaces 200 of the tube connector 20 as described in further detail below.

[0309] In both of the embodiment described in connection with Figs. 3-5 and Figs. 6-8, respectively, the tube connector 20 is the same The two different versions differ in the cylindrical connector (first connector 41) being open or closed.

[0310] Turning now to Fig. 9, showing the second construction element 12 of Figs. 5A-B and 8A-B, with a second connector 42 in the form of a tube connector 20 according to an embodiment of the invention. The tube connector 20 is shown in a perspective view.

[0311] As is the case above, the tube connector 20 comprises a tubular wall 30 extending from the second construction element 12. As is also the case above, the second construction element 12 is shown as a simple cylindrical structure for simplicity. It will however be appreciated that the second construction element 12 may take many other forms, for example a hair piece as shown in Fig. 2B.

[0312] The tube connector 20 has a depression formed as a cylindrical opening 31 into a front surface 35 of the tube connector 20, thereby forming a tubular wall 30. The cylindrical opening forms a receiving part 50 of the tube connector 20 forming the second connector 42.

[0313] The tubular wall 30 of the tube connector 20 comprises a cylindrical outer surface 34, i.e. an outwardly facing cylindrical surface, and a cylindrical inner surface 32, i.e. an inwardly facing cylindrical surface. The cylindrical inner surface 32 is an example of a carrier surface 51 as described above.

[0314] A thickness of the tubular wall 30 is defined between the cylindrical inner surface 32 and the cylindrical outer surface 34. Depending on the material properties, by different thickness of the tubular wall 30, the ability to deform so as to press on a (cylindrical) first connector 41 (not shown in Fig. 9) may be adapted.

[0315] In the embodiment shown, the tube connector 20 comprises a set of two pressure surfaces 200, and two inlet surfaces 400, 401 , 402 associated with each of the pressure surfaces 200, as described above in connection with Figs.15A-C, above. The inlet surface 402 below the pressure surface provides an undercut.

[0316] Further, in the embodiment shown, the tube connector 20 comprises a set of datum surfaces 300. In the embodiment shown these are formed a planar surfaces extending almost from top 35 and entirely to the bottom 25 of the tube connector 20. This means, that in the embodiment shown they only comprise an inlet surface 400 formed at side of the datum surface facing the coupling direction Dj. It will be appreciated that in other (not shown) embodiments, the each of the datum surfaces 300 of the tube connector 20 may be provided with two inlet surfaces 400, one towards the upper surface 35 of the tube connector 20, and one below the datum surface 300 and towards the bottom 25 of the tube connector 20.

[0317] Fig. 10 shows a top view of the second construction element 12 with the second connector 42 in the form of a tube connector 20 of Fig. 9.

[0318] Fig. 10 indicates a detail of a pressure surface 200 and a datum surface 300, which detail is enlarged in Fig. 11 A.

[0319] Fig. 10 further indicates sections A-A and B-B through the second construction element 12, the sections shown in Fig. 11 B and 11 D, respectively. Fig. 11 B shows section A-A to show pressure surfaces 200 of the tube connecter 20 in section, and according to an embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 11 D shows section B-B, showing datum surfaces 300 in section, and according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0320] Fig. 11C shows a detail of a pressure surface 200 in section, the detail indicated in Fig. 11 B. The tube connector 20 comprises two pressure surfaces 200 provided on islands 101 formed as protrusions from the cylindrical inner surface 32 forming a carrier surface 51 as described above.

[0321] It has shown that - compared with the four planar pressure surfaces of the prior art - the elevated two pressure surfaces 200 allows to quickly dimension a second connector 42 in the form of a tube connector 20 for a second construction element 12, while at the same time providing a stable pressure fit connection with a (cylindrical) first connecter 41, regardless of the plastic used for manufacturing the second construction element 12 with the tube connector 20, and regardless of the dimensioning of the second construction element 12 as such. With the new second connector 42 (tube connector 20) features it is made possible to design the second construction element 12 quickly and providing a robust connection with a smaller requirement for extreme tolerances in the injection moulding process. The new tube connector 20 features further makes it possible to design tube connectors 20 for many differently shaped second construction elements 12 and / or made in various materials.

[0322] The pressure surfaces 200 are, as described above configured for providing a pressure against the cylindrical outer surface 910 of the (cylindrical) first connector 41 (knob 901), to induce a deformation of the cylindrical outer surface 910 of the (cylindrical) first connector 41, and / or the tube connector 20, to thereby provide the pressure fit connection, when the tube connector 20 is pressed over the cylindrical outer surface 910 of the (cylindrical) first connector 41.

[0323] It will be appreciated that in these embodiments, the cylindrical outer surface 910 of the (cylindrical) first connector 41 (knob 901) corresponds to a connector surface 60 of the first connector 42, as described above in connection with Figs. 15A-C.

[0324] The two pressure surfaces 200 and the cylindrical inner surface 32 (which is a carrier surface 51) are configured such that no other part of the cylindrical inner surface 32 provides pressure to the cylindrical outer surface 110 of the (cylindrical) first connector 41. Preferably, and as shown in Figs. 9-11, the two pressure surfaces 200 are identically shaped.

[0325] Alternatively, the two pressure surfaces 200 may be formed different from each other, dependent on the shape, material or other characteristics of the construction element and tube connector, such that qualities, such as the clutch power between the tube connector and the cylindrical connector remain within requirements. This may be advantageous when for example the second construction element 12 has an asymmetrical shape.

[0326] As shown in Figs. 9-11 , the two pressure surfaces 200 may be formed diametrically across from each other on the cylindrical inner surface 32 (corresponding to a carrier surface 51) of the tubular wall 30 of the tube connector 20.

[0327] As shown in Figs. 9-11, the two pressure surfaces 200 are rectangular.

[0328] Now turning to Fig. 11 A, showing an enlarged view of the detail A, in Fig. 10, the pressure surfaces 200 has a width, Wi. The width, Wi of each of the pressure surfaces 200 preferably extends over 5-60°, preferably 20-50° of the cylindrical inner surface 32 of the tube connector 20.

[0329] In principle, the protruding pressure surfaces 200 may be planar. However, as shown best in Fig. 11 A, the pressure surfaces 200 form an arc parallel with the cylindrical inner surface 32 (carrier surface 51) of the second connector 42 / tube connector 20. For example, for softer plastic less pressure may be needed, and where a more arched / curved pressure surface 200 may be preferred. For harder plastic, in order to provide a larger deformation, a planar or at least more flat pressure surface 200 may be preferred.

[0330] The pressure surfaces 200 extends only over a partial length, L3, of the total length L1 of the cylindrical inner surface 32 (carrier surface 51) of the tubular wall 30 of the tube connector 20 (second connector 42). The dimensioning of the pressure surfaces 200 allows to control at least the local deformation and friction behaviour of the material in the vicinity of the pressure surfaces 200, when the (cylindrical) first connector 41 and the second connector 42 in the form of the tube connector 20 are coupled in a interference fit / pressure fit. Preferably, the dimensioning of the pressure surfaces 200 is provided such that the local deformation is less than a certain percentage of the total overlap between the pressure surfaces 200 and the cylindrical outer surface 910 / connector surface 60 of the (cylindrical) first connector 41, depending on materials and shape of the second construction element 12 and the tube connector 20 length, length and dimensions. Preferably, in the example shown in Fig. 3-11, the dimensioning of the pressure surfaces 200 is provided such that the local deformation is less than 33% of the total overlap between the pressure surfaces 200 and the cylindrical outer surface 910 / connector surface 60 of the (cylindrical) first connector 41.

[0331] Preferably, the pressure surfaces 200 are provided adjacent to the front end surface 35 of the tubular wall 35.

[0332] As mentioned, a second inlet surface 400, 402 provided between the pressure surface 200 and the bottom surface 25 of the tubular connector, forms an undercut 402. The undercut allows to control the surface area of the pressure surfaces 200, together with the width, W1 , of the pressure surfaces 200, and has the function of reducing or eliminating the spring-back effect of the connection between the (cylindrical) first connector 41 and the tube connector 20.

[0333] As shown in Figs. 11C and 11 D, an intermediary raised surface 450 is formed below the pressure surface 200 and the lower inlet surface 400, 402 (providing the undercut) in the coupling direction Dj. The intermediary raised surface 450 is elevated above the cylindrical inner surface 32 forming a carrier surface 50 of the tube connector 20. The intermediary raised surface 450 is has a height above the carrier surface 50 (cylindrical inner surface 32) which is smaller than the height of the pressure surface 200, and larger than or equal to the smallest height of the neighbouring inlet surface 400, 402. Turning now to Fig. 11 C, showing an enlarged view of the detail B, in Fig. 11 B, it will be appreciated that in preferred embodiments the tube connector 20 further comprises rounded intermediate surfaces between the above mentioned surfaces.

[0334] As shown, a smooth rounded transition between the outer cylindrical surface 34 and the front end surface 35 of the tubular wall 30 of the tube connector 20 is provided by a rounded transition surface 33.

[0335] As shown, a smooth rounded transition between the front end surface 35 of the tubular wall 30 of the tube connector 20 (second connector 42) and the cylindrical inner surface 32 (carrier surface (51) is provided by a rounded transition surface 36. This rounded transition surface 36 ensure guidance and ease of mounting of the connection, and corresponds to the catch surface 500 described above.

[0336] As shown, a smooth rounded transition between the cylindrical inner surface 32 (carrier surface 51) of the tubular wall 30 of the tube connector 20 (second connector 42) and the bottom surface 25 of the tube connector 20 is provided by a rounded transition surface 26.

[0337] In general, the rounded surfaces also are provided for production purposes, such a de-shaping from a mould in the injection moulding process.

[0338] Also, Fig. 11C indicates lengths of the tubular wall 30 of the tube connecter 20 and the surfaces mentioned above.

[0339] In Fig. 11 C, length L1 is the total length of the cylindrical inner surface 32 (carrier surface 51) from the bottom surface 25 of the tube connector 20 (second connector 42) to the front end surface 35 of the tubular wall 30 of the tube connector 20.

[0340] In Fig. 11 C, length L2 is the length of the catch surface 500 in the form of the rounded transition surface 36 between the cylindrical inner surface 32 (carrier surface 51) and the front end surface 35 of the tubular wall 30 of the tube connector 20 forming a second connector 42. In Fig. 11C, length L7, is the length of the inlet surface 400, length L3, is the length of the pressure surface 200, length L4 is the length of the inlet surface 400, 402 forming an undercut. Further, in Fig. 11 C, length L5, is the length of the cylindrical inner surface 32 portion provided under the inlet surface 400,402 behind the pressure surface 200 relative to the coupling direction. L5, is also the length of the intermediary raised surface 450. This second inlet surface 400, 402 serves as an undercut 402. Yet further, in Fig. 11C, length L6, is the length of the rounded transition surface between the bottom surface 25 of the second connector 42, when in the form of a tube connector 20 and the inner cylindrical surface 32 (forming the carrier surface 51) of the tubular wall 30 of the tube connector 20.

[0341] Now turning to Fig. 11 A, the tube connector 20, may further comprises at least one datum surface 300. The purpose of the datum guide surface 300 is to guide the cylindrical outer wall 910 of the (cylindrical) first connector 41 into contact with the pressure surfaces 200 of the tube connector 20 / second connector 42, and to secure the planar location in relation to the two dimensional lattice or grid defined the modular construction system.

[0342] In some embodiments, and as shown in Fig. 10, the tube connector 20 comprises two datum surfaces 300. Preferably, these two datum surfaces 300 are located diametrically across from each other on the cylindrical inner surface 32 of the tubular wall 30 of the tube connector 20.

[0343] In some embodiments, and as also shown in Fig. 11 A, the datum surfaces 300 are planar.

[0344] In further embodiments, and as shown in Fig. 11B, the datum surfaces 300 extends from the front end surface 35 of the tube connector 20 to a bottom surface 25 of the tube connector 20.

[0345] Referring again to Fig. 11 A, the datum surfaces 300 each has width, W2. In preferred embodiments, the width, W2, of each datum surface 300 extends over 15- 30° of the cylindrical inner surface 32, forming the carrier surface 51 of the tube connector 20 (second connector 52). As shown, the two datum surfaces 300 are formed at 90° from the two pressure surfaces 200 on the cylindrical inner surface 32 forming the carrier surface 51 of the tubular wall 30 of the tube connector 20.

[0346] The tube connector 20 on the second construction element may also be referred to as a female tube connector. The tube connector 20 may allow an interference fit / pressure fit / press fit connection with an element with a cylindrical circumferential surface (cylindrical outer surface 910), providing a desired, predictable, and reliable functionality, measured in drawing force, with low sensitivity towards geometrical misalignment.

[0347] The geometrical principles applied in the interface are generic and, therefore, not limited by geometrical sizes or material selection. Dimensioning for target functionality is more easily obtained than for the prior art four planar pressure surfaces by faster dimensioning of pressure surfaces 200 ensuring a local deformation relative to the stiffness of the tube connector 20 depending on material properties and material thickness.

[0348] Spring-back effect is understood as an angled reaction force pushing the interface apart. This phenomenon is very sensitive to geometrical misalignment and has a significant impact on experienced functionality and the maximum overlap of the pressure surfaces. It will be appreciated that the spring back effect, described here in connection with a second connector 42 in the form of a tub connector 20, will also apply to the application of an island 101 described in general in connection with Figs. 15A-C and Fig. 16, which island has an oppositely arranged inlet surface 400, 402 (opposite to the inlet surface 400, 401 facing the coupling direction), where the oppositely arranged inlet surface 400, 402 will serve as an undercut.

[0349] The desired functionality (measured in drawing force) is created by the press fit connection with overlap on the two protruding pressure surfaces 200 (local deformation control), and through friction between the interfacing surfaces protruding pressure surfaces 200 and the cylindrical outer surface 910 of the (cylindrical) first connector 41, the and the spring-back effect is eliminated with the implemented undercut, provided by the lowermost inlet surface 400, 402. The datum surfaces 300 ensure desired positioning and grid compatibility without impacting functionality.

[0350] Above, a second connector 42, in the form of a tube connector 20, has been described with reference to the Figs. 3-11 D, where the functional surfaces 100, 200, 300 have been described as formed in a receiving part 50 formed as a cavity. In other words, as a female part. It will however be appreciated, that in principle, the functional surfaces may instead in other (not shown) embodiments, be provided on the outer surface of a cylindrical second connector formed, basically as the knob, described above, and configured for cooperating with a tubular first connecter, basically formed as the above described tubular, second connector, but without the functional surfaces formed thereon.

[0351] Above, a second connector 42, in the form of a tube connector 20, has been described with reference to the Figs. 3-11 D, where two pressure surfaces 200 and two datum surfaces, are provided on the inner surface 32, which forms a carrier surface 52, of the tube connector 20. It will be appreciated, that in other (not shown) embodiments, a second connector formed as a tube connector 20 may instead have only two and only pressure surfaces 200, and no datum surfaces 300, formed on the inner surface 32, which forms a carrier surface 52, of the tube connector 20. In such embodiments the two and only two pressure surfaces 200 would preferably be formed 180° across from each other on the inner surface 32, which forms a carrier surface 52, of the tube connector 20.

[0352] In yet other (not shown) embodiments, a second connector 42 formed as a tube connector 20 may instead have exactly three pressure surfaces 200 formed on the inner surface 32, which forms a carrier surface 52, of the tube connector 20. In such embodiments, the three pressure surfaces 200 are preferably distributed evenly over the inner surface 32, which forms a carrier surface 52, of the tube connector 20, i.e. 120° apart. In some embodiments thereof, no datum surfaces 300 are provided. However, alternatively three datum surfaces 300 may be distributed between the pressure surfaces. In yet other (not shown) embodiments, a second connector 42 formed as a tube connector 20 may instead have exactly four pressure surfaces 200 formed on the inner surface 32, which forms a carrier surface 52, of the tube connector 20. In such embodiments, the four pressure surfaces 200 are preferably distributed evenly over the inner surface 32, which forms a carrier surface 52, of the tube connector 20, i.e. 90° apart. In some embodiments thereof, no datum surfaces 300 are provided. However, alternatively datum surfaces 300 may be distributed between some or all of the pressure surfaces 200.

[0353] In yet other (not shown) embodiments, a second connector 42 formed as a tube connector 20 may instead have exactly five pressure surfaces 200 formed on the inner surface 32, which forms a carrier surface 52, of the tube connector 20. In such embodiments, the five pressure surfaces 200 are preferably distributed evenly over the inner surface 32, which forms a carrier surface 52, of the tube connector 20, i.e. 72° apart. In some embodiments, thereof no datum surfaces 300 are provided. However, alternatively datum surfaces 300 may be distributed between all or some of the pressure surfaces 200.

[0354] Fig. 12A, in a perspective view, shows a prior art second toy construction element 12 having a cross shaped second connector 42 for connecting to e.g. a crossshaped first toy construction element 11 as shown in Fig. 12C. Fig. 12B, in a perspective view, shows a prior art second toy construction element 12 having a cross shaped second connector for connecting to e.g. a cross-shaped first toy construction element 11 as shown in Fig. 12C.

[0355] Fig. 12C, in a perspective view shows a prior art cross-shaped first connector 41 of a first toy construction element 11 . As was the case with the cylindrical connector 41’ described in connection with Figs. 3-11 D above, the first connector 11 in this case is the entire first construction element 11. It will however be appreciated that a first construction element having other shapes may be formed with a cross-shaped first connector 11 as shown, or shorter or longer than shown in the figure.

[0356] This type of first connector 11 has a cross-shaped cross section formed as two crossed arms. Each arm has two side surfaces and an end surface 61. The side surfaces are used as connector surfaces in the sense described above, in that they may be used to make contact with the second connector 42. Thus, the first connector 41 in this case has eight connector surfaces 60.

[0357] The second connectors 42 shown in Figs. 12A-B have in common that they are both configured for forming a connection with a cross shaped first connector 41 for example as shown in Fig. 12C. They differ in that a first connector 41 inserted in the second connector shown in Fig. 12A is not locked from translational movement in the coupling direction, because there is no end stop. A first connector 41 inserted into the second connector 42 shown in Fig. 12B may only be inserted to the bottom thereof as defined by a separating wall between the second connector 42 and the perpendicularly arranged tube 1 T.

[0358] In both of these second connectors 42, an inserted first connector 41 is locked from rotation in all three rotational directions.

[0359] Fig. 13A, in a front view, shows a second construction element 12 having a cross shaped second connector 12 formed therein, and with functional surfaces 100 according to the invention, the second connector being configured for connecting to e.g. a cross-shaped first toy construction element as shown in Fig. 12C.

[0360] Thus, the embodiments of the invention shown in Figs. 13A-C relate to a connection where a second connector 42 is configured for attaching to a cross-shaped first connector 41 as shown in Fig. 12C. It will be appreciated that the second connector 42 shown in Figs. 13A-C is of the type shown in Fig. 12A, where the first connector is allowed to translate after insertion. It will also be appreciated, that Fig. 13A-C may also be representative for a second type connector 42 as an end wall could be envisaged in one of the ends of the receiving part 50.

[0361] In the front view of Fig. 13A it can be seen that the second connector maybe equipped with a number of functional surfaces 100 formed in pairs across from each other. On the left hand side of the figure a set of pressure surface 200 are formed. On the right hand side and on the top two pairs of datum surfaces 300 are formed, Each of the functional surfaces are configured as described above in connection with Figs. 15 A-C.

[0362] Fig. 13B is a sectional view along A-A in Fig. 13A, of the second construction element 12 in Fig. 13A, and Fig. 13C is a sectional view of the second construction element 12 shown in Fig. 13A, along B-B in Fig. 13A. In these views it is further illustrated that in a coupling direction Di of the first connector 41, two functional surface 100 pairs may be formed in series one after the other. In Fig. 13B this is the case for the datum surface 300 on the left hand side of the figure. On the right hand side there is one of a pair of pressure surfaces 200.

[0363] As also mentioned above, the number of pressure surfaces 200 and the number of datum surfaces 300 may vary depending on the connector. The number of pressure surfaces 200, or more particularly the number of pressure connector 200 pairs and the configuration of the pressure surface geometry defines the clutch force or drawing force of the connection between the first connector 41 and the second connector 42. The arrangement of the datum surfaces 300 defines the stability of the connection to prevent misalignment and secures that the pressure surface 200 engage the connector surfaces 60 of the first connector 41 correctly.

[0364] Turning now to Figs. 14A-E, showing an embodiment of the present invention applied to a second construction element 42 in the shape of a building block or brick, such as shown in Figs. 1A-D. In Figs. 14A-E, no knobs 901 are shown on the second construction element 12 as such. However, in Fig. 14A, a first connecter 41 e.g. in the form of a knob 901 is indicated by a circle.

[0365] It will be appreciated that, as the construction element in the shape of a building block or brick, illustrated in Figs. 14A-E, may have second connectors 42, in the form of knob receiving openings 902 formed in a lower surface thereof (as illustrated in Figs. 14A-E) and first connectors 41 in the form of knobs 901 formed on the upper surface (not shown in Figs. 14A-E) similar to the building blocks or bricks 2A,2B shown in Figs. 1 A-D, the construction element is an example of a toy construction element, which has both first connectors 41 and second connectors 42 according to the invention formed thereon. As such the construction element shown may serve as both a first toy construction element and a second toy construction element. It will further be appreciated that in general, and also in connection with the other described first and second connectors above, any toy construction element may - in principle - comprise both first connectors 41 and second connectors 42 as described above.

[0366] Returning now to Fig. 14A, Fig. 14A provides a bottom view of a second toy construction element 12 in the form of a building block, and exemplifies a second construction element 12. The second construction element 12 in this case has eight second connectors 42 formed in the bottom surface. In one of these eight connectors 42 a circle indicating a knob 901 (first connector 41 ) of a first construction element 41 is attached. In this case the receiving part 50 is formed between the sidewalls 6A and the outer surface 914 of the cylinder 911 . Functional surfaces 100 in the form of pressure surfaces 200 are formed on the inner surface 916 of the side wall 6A. In this case, no functional surfaces 100, neither pressure surfaces 200, nor datum surfaces 300, are formed on the cylinders 911. However, it will be appreciated that in other not shown embodiments, functional surfaces 100, in particular pressure surfaces 200 may be provided on the cylinders 911 , too.

[0367] As shown in Fig. 14C the pressure surfaces 200 are in this case placed close to the rim 7 of the second connector 42 in the building block / second construction element 12.

[0368] The inner surface 916 of the sidewalls 6A-D in such embodiments constitute carrier surfaces 51 as described in general above. Also the outer surface 914 of the cylinders 911 extending downwards downward from a lower surface 912 of a wall 913 connecting all of the sidewalls 6A-D, may be considered to be a carrier surface 51.

[0369] Thus, in this case, the second connector 42, 902 are a female connectors. The carrier surfaces 51 in this case comprises at least a primary carrier surface 52 and a secondary carrier surface 53 arranged within an indentation of the second toy element 12 and forming the receiving parts 50 for the second connector 42, 902 , which are delimited between the primary carrier surfaces 52 and at least portions of the secondary carrier surface(s) 53.

[0370] Thus, the second connector 42 in the form of a knob receiving opening 902 of the toy construction element 12, in Figs. 14A-E, in a cross-section, in a plane orthogonal to the coupling direction Dj, comprises a primary carrier surface 52, is shaped as a rectangle, and in the same cross-section, in a plane orthogonal to the coupling direction Dj, the secondary carrier surface 53 is shaped as one or more circles defined by the cylinders 911. In Figs. 14A and B there are thee cylinders 911 , and thus three such circles.

[0371] Thereby, the receiving part 50 of the second connectors 42, 902 formed in the corners of the building brick comprises primary carrier surface portions 52, 52’, 52” arranged perpendicularly to each other, and a secondary carrier surface 53, the receiving part (50) being delimited by the primary carrier surface portions 52, 52, 52’ and a portion of the secondary carrier surface 53.

[0372] As shown in Fig. 14A, such a second connector 42, 902 may comprise a pressure surface 200, as described above, located on each of the two primary carrier surface portions 52’, 52” arranged perpendicularly to each other. In the embodiment shown, no functional surfaces 100 are provided on the secondary carrier surface 53 on the cylinder 911.

[0373] However, in some embodiments (not shown) it will be appreciated that a functional surface 100, in particular a pressure surface 200, may be provided on the on the secondary carrier surface 53 (on a cylinder 911), and facing the primary carrier surface 52, such as the primary carrier surface portions 52’, 52”, such that a first connector, in the form of e.g. a knob 901 may be attached in an interference fit there between.

[0374] In yet other embodiments (not shown), no functional surfaces 100 may be formed on any of the two primary carrier surface portions 52’, 52”, and only a pressure surface 200 is formed on the on the secondary carrier surface 53 (on a cylinder 911), and facing the primary carrier surface 52, such as the primary carrier surface portions 52’, 52”, such that a first connector, in the form of e.g. a knob 901 may be attached in an interference fit there between.

[0375] In the second connector 42 (knob receiving openings 902) formed between two cylinders 911 as shown in fig. 14E, and as indicated by the first connector 41 (knob 901) represented by a circle in Fig. 14A, the second connector 42, 902 may - as shown in Figs. 14A and 14E, have only one (one and only one) pressure surface 200 formed on one of the primary carrier surfaces 52, 52’, facing two secondary carrier surfaces 53, such that a first connector, in the form of e.g. a knob 901 may be attached in an interference fit there between.

[0376] It is to be noted that the figures and the above description have shown the example embodiments in a simple and schematic manner. Many of the specific mechanical details have not been shown since the person skilled in the art should be familiar with these details and they would just unnecessarily complicate this description. For example, the specific materials used and the specific injection moulding procedure have not been described in detail since it is maintained that the person skilled in the art would be able to find suitable materials and suitable processes to manufacture the container according to the current invention.

[0377] List of parts

[0378] 2A prior art (modular) construction element (brick type)

[0379] 2B prior art (modular) construction element (brick type)

[0380] 3 body part of construction element

[0381] 4 top face of construction element

[0382] 6A wall / side / sidewall of construction element (brick type)

[0383] 6B wall / side / sidewall of construction element (brick type)

[0384] 6C wall / side / sidewall of construction element (brick type)

[0385] 6D wall / side / sidewall of construction element (brick type)

[0386] 7 lower edge of construction element

[0387] 10 (modular) toy construction system

[0388] 11 first construction element / first toy construction element of the modular toy construction system

[0389] 12 second construction element / second toy construction element of the modular toy construction system

[0390] 13 front surface of the second construction element

[0391] 20 tube connector

[0392] 25 bottom surface of the tube connector

[0393] 26 rounded transition surface between the bottom surface of the tube connector and the cylindrical inner surface of the tubular wall of the tube connector

[0394] 30 tubular wall of the tube connector

[0395] 31 cylindrical opening in the tube connector

[0396] 32 cylindrical inner surface of the tubular wall of the tube connector

[0397] 33 rounded transition surface between the front end surface and the outer cylindrical surface of the tubular wall of the tube connector

[0398] 34 outer cylindrical surface of the tubular wall of the tube connector

[0399] 35 front end surface of the tubular wall of the tube connector

[0400] 36 rounded transition surface between the cylindrical inner surface and the front end surface of the tubular wall of the tube connector

[0401] 37 rounded transition surface between the front surface of the second construction element and the outer cylindrical surface of the tubular wall of the tube connector

[0402] 41 first connector, connector provided on first construction element

[0403] 42 second connector, connector provided on second construction element

[0404] 50 receiving part configured for receiving and connecting to the first connector in a pressure fit with at least a portion of the one or more connector surfaces (30) the first connector

[0405] 51 carrier surface

[0406] 52 primary carrier surface

[0407] 53 secondary carrier surface

[0408] 60 connector surface of first connector

[0409] 100 functional surface

[0410] 101 island

[0411] 200 pressure surface / force inducing surface / spring surface

[0412] 300 datum surface / locator surface / guide surface

[0413] 400 inlet surface

[0414] 401 first inlet surface

[0415] 401 ’ portion of first inlet surface having first curvature or second angle relative to functional surface

[0416] 401” portion of first inlet surface having second curvature or second angle relative to functional surface

[0417] 402 second inlet surface / outlet surface / deforming surface / undercut

[0418] 405 inlet of the inlet surface / inlet to the receiving part

[0419] 450 intermediary raised surface, formed below a pressure surface in the coupling direction of a second connector in the form of a tubular connector

[0420] 500 catch surface

[0421] 600 transition, transition between inlet surface and pressure surface / datum surface

[0422] 700 side surface of island

[0423] 800 intermediary raised surface, formed between islands that are formed in line in the coupling direction

[0424] 900 complimentary connector

[0425] 901 knob / first connector

[0426] 902 knob receiving opening / second connector

[0427] 904 end surface of body of cylindrical connector of first element

[0428] 905 body of cylindrical connector of first element

[0429] 907 internal space of body of cylindrical connector of first element

[0430] 908 cylindrical depression formed into an end surface of the body of a knob

[0431] 909 tubular wall of cylindrical connector

[0432] 910 cylindrical outer surface of knobs / outer cylindrical surface of knobs

[0433] 911 cylinders extending downward from a lower surface of a wall connecting all of the sidewalls of a (brick type) construction element

[0434] 912 lower surface of a wall connecting all of the sidewalls of a (brick type) construction element

[0435] 913 wall connecting all of the sidewalls of a (brick type) construction element (formed perpendicular to the sidewalls of a (brick type) construction element)

[0436] 915 rib formed on inner surface of the side walls of surface of body of cylindrical connector of first element

[0437] 916 inner surface of a sidewall of a (brick type) construction element

[0438] Dj coupling direction

[0439] Lo length of island, total length of island

[0440] L1 total length of the cylindrical inner surface (carrier surface) of the tubular wall of the tube connector (second connector)

[0441] L2 length of catch surface projected on a direction parallel to the coupling direction

[0442] L4 length of inlet surface facing away from the coupling direction in a tube connector L5 length of intermediary raised surface, formed below a pressure surface in the coupling direction of a second connector in the form of a tubular connector

[0443] L6 length of a rounded transition surface between the bottom surface of the tube connector 20 and the inner cylindrical surface

[0444] L7 length of inlet surface facing away from the coupling direction in a tube connector

[0445] Wo width of island, total width of island l_3length of functional surface W2 width of datum surface in second connector in the form of a tube connector

[0446] W3 width of functional surface, with of pressure surface

Claims

Claims1. A modular toy construction system (10) comprising a first construction element (11) and a second construction element (12), the first construction element (11) comprising a first connector (41) and the second construction element (12) comprising a second connector (42), the first and second connectors (41 , 42) being configured for connecting the first and second construction elements (11 , 12) to each other, wherein the first connector (41) comprises one or more connector surfaces (60); wherein the second connector (42) comprises a receiving part (50) configured for receiving and connecting to the first connector in a pressure fit with at least a portion of the one or more connector surfaces (60) of the first connector (41) by coupling one of the first and second connectors (41 , 42) to the other along a coupling direction (Di), wherein the receiving part (50) of the second connector (42) comprises a carrier surface (51) and one or more functional surfaces (100) elevated from the carrier surface (51), characterized in that, when the first and second connectors (41 , 42) are connected, the one or more connector surfaces (60) of the first connector (41) contacts the second connector (42) at least at one of the one or more functional surfaces (100), and the functional surface (100) comprises a pressure surface (200), and two inlet surfaces (400, 401 , 402) arranged on opposite sides of the pressure surface (200) in the coupling direction (Di), and each being connected to the pressure surface via a respective transition (600), wherein the pressure surface (200) is configured to provide a deformation of at least a portion of a connector surface (60) of the first connector (41), wherein the pressure surface (200) is formed as a top surface of an island (101), and wherein at least one of the inlet surfaces (400, 401 , 402) is configured for, during the act of coupling the first connector (41) to the second connector (42), guiding one of the one or more connector surfaces (60) of the first connector (41) onto the pressure surface (200).

2. The modular toy construction system (10) according to claim 1 , wherein at least the transition (600) connecting the pressure surface (200) with the inlet surface (400) that is configured for guiding one of the connector surfaces (60) of the first connector (41) onto the pressure surface (200) has a radius of curvature (RT) about an axis perpendicular to the coupling direction (Di), wherein said radius of curvature (RT) of the transition (600) is smaller than a corresponding radius of curvature (RP) of the pressure surface (200).

3. The modular toy construction system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a distance (L3) between the transitions (600) in the coupling direction (Dj) is larger than the corresponding length of the transition (600) connecting the pressure surface (200) with the inlet surface (400) that is configured for guiding one of the connector surfaces (60) of the first connector (41) onto the pressure surface (200).

4. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two transitions (600) have substantially the same elevation (h) above the carrier surface (51).

5. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or both transitions (600) forms an edge.

6. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a curvature of the inlet surface (400) is different from a curvature of the pressure surface (200).

7. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the island (101) further comprises a side surface (700) formed adjacent to the pressure surface (200) in a direction perpendicular to the coupling direction (Dj), and between the pressure surface (200) and the carrier surface (51), wherein the side surface (700) is connected to the pressure surface (200) via a transition, andwherein the transition is tangential from the pressure surface (200) to the side surface in the direction perpendicular to the coupling direction (Dj).

8. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when the first and second connectors (41, 42) are connected, a clearance between the first and second connectors (41 , 42) complete surrounds the pressure surface (200).

9. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, at least the transition (600) from the inlet surface (400) to the pressure surface (200), of the inlet surface (400, 401) that is configured for guiding one of the connector surfaces (60) of the first connector (41) onto the pressure surface (200), is smooth.

10. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the inlet surface (400, 401) facing the coupling direction (Dj), is formed such that during the act of connecting the first and second connectors (41 , 42), the shear on the inlet surface (400) provided by the first connector (41) on the inlet surface (400) is constant over the travel of the first connector (41) on the inlet surface (400) from an inlet (450) of the inlet surface (400) to the transition to the pressure surface (200).

11. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the claims 1- 9, wherein, at least the inlet surface (400, 401) facing the coupling direction (Dj), is formed as a curved or segmented surface, and is shaped to obtain a substantially constant shear curve for the shear force on the inlet surface (400) caused by the first connector (41), when coupling the first and second connectors (41 , 42).

12. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connector (41) is made of a polymer material / plastic.

13. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second connector (42) is made of a polymer material / plastic.

14. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the second connector (42) is part of a second molded article, preferably a second injection molded article, more preferably a second injection molded plastic / polymer article.

15. The modular toy construction system (10) according to claim 14, wherein the second molded article is formed in a molding process in a mold having several parts, preferably an injection molding process, in which molding process a mold part is retracted in a molding retraction direction, which is opposite to the coupling direction (Dj), wherein at least the inlet surface (400, 402) facing the molding retraction direction is a curved or segmented surface, and is shaped to obtain a substantially constant shear curve for the shear force on the first transition surface (15) caused by retraction of the mold part.

16. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second construction element (12) is manufactured with a production tolerance of a magnitude (M), and wherein the height (h) of the at island (101) on which the pressure surface (200) is formed over the carrier surface (51) is at least twice, such a three times, the magnitude (M).

17. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rigidity of the island (101), on which the pressure surface (200) is formed, to withstand a force on the pressure surface (200) in a direction perpendicularly to the pressure surface (200), is substantially higher than the rigidity of the corresponding connector surface (60) of the first connector (41) to withstand a force perpendicular to the second surface connector surface (60).

18. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims,wherein the pressure surface (200) has a surface area with a size that is a smidgen surface area of the carrier surface (51), preferably, the size of the pressure surface (200) is less than 20%, such as less than 10%, such as less than 5%, such as less than 2%, of the size of the carrier surface (51).

19. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the island (101) is configured to deform to accommodate the pressure between the pressure surface (200) and the corresponding connector surface (60) of the first connector (41), without any substantial deformation of the rest of the second connector (42), and preferably without any substantial deformation of the first connector (41), when the first connector (41) and the second first connector (41) are coupled to each other.

20. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the inlet surface (400, 401) formed facing the coupling direction (Dj) is formed between a catch surface (500) at an inlet (405) to the inlet surface (400, 401) and the pressure surface (200).

21. The modular toy construction system (10) according to claim 20, wherein a transition from the catch surface (500) to the inlet surface (400) is smooth.

22. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the claims 1-19, wherein at least the inlet surface (400, 401) formed facing the coupling direction (Dj) is formed between the carrier surface (51) and the pressure surface (200).

23. The modular toy construction system (10) according to claim 22, wherein a transition from the carrier surface (51) to the inlet surface (400) is smooth.

24. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the inlet surface (400, 401) formed facing the coupling direction (D) is formed as ramp.

25. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the island (101) is a protrusion extending at least from the carrier surface (51) of the receiving part (50) of the second connector (42).

26. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier surface (51) of the receiving part (50) of the second connector (42) surrounds the pressure surface (200).

27. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an inlet surface (400) completely surrounds the pressure surface (200).

28. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the island (101) is elongate in shape, and has a first main longitudinal extent, the first main longitudinal extent preferably being parallel with the coupling direction (Dj).29 The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when the first connector (41) and the second connector (42) are coupled to each other, no pressure is provided by the first connector (41) or the second connector (42) on the opposite of the two, except for at the at least one pressure surface (200).

30. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second connector (42) comprises two or more functional surfaces (100) elevated from the carrier surface (51), wherein, when the first and second connectors (41, 42) are connected, the one or more connector surfaces (60) of the first connector (41) contacts the second connector (42) at the two or more functional surfaces (100) only, wherein the two or more functional surfaces (100) comprises a pressure surface (200), wherein the pressure surface (200) is configured to provide a local deformation of a connector surface (60) of the first connector (41) when connected.

31. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure surface (200) is either- flat and preferably substantially parallel with the surrounding area of the carrier surface (51), or- concave in one or two directions and preferably substantially parallel with the surrounding area of the carrier surface (51), or- convex in one or two directions and preferably substantially parallel with the surrounding area of the carrier surface (51), or- convex in one direction and concave in another direction and preferably substantially parallel with the surrounding area of the carrier surface (51).

32. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a cross-section of the receiving part (50) or carrier surface (51) is shaped as a circle, a sector, a rectangle, or a cruciform.

33. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second connector (42) is a female connector, and wherein the receiving part (50) of the second connector (42) comprises at least a primary carrier surface (52) and a secondary carrier surface (53) arranged within an indentation of the toy construction element (12).

34. The modular toy construction system (10) according to claim 33, wherein a cross-section, in a plane orthogonal to the coupling direction (D), of the primary carrier surface (52), is shaped as a rectangle, and wherein a cross-section, in a plane orthogonal to the coupling direction (D), of the secondary carrier surface (53) is shaped as a circle.

35. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second connector (42) is a female connector, andwherein the receiving part (50) of the second connector (42) comprises at least two primary carrier surface portions (52, 52, 52’) arranged perpendicularly to each other and a secondary carrier surface (53) arranged within the receiving part (50) of the second connector (42), the receiving part (50) being delimited by the primary carrier surface portions (52, 52, 52’) and a portion of the secondary carrier surface (53).

36. The modular toy construction system (10) according to claim 35, wherein a cross-section in a plane orthogonal to the coupling direction (Dj) of the primary carrier surface portions (52, 52’, 52”) is shaped as a rectangle, and wherein a cross-section in a plane orthogonal to the coupling direction (Dj) of the secondary carrier surface (53) is shaped as a circle.

37. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the claims 33-36, wherein one of the at least one pressure surface (200) is located on the secondary carrier surface (53), and facing the primary carrier surface (52), such as the primary carrier surface portions (52, 52, 52’).

38. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the claims 33-37, wherein one of the at least one pressure surface (200) is located on the primary carrier surface (52), such as on one of primary carrier surface portions (52, 52, 52’), and facing the secondary carrier surface (53).

39. The modular toy construction system (10) according to claim 38, wherein a pressure surface (200) is arranged on each of two orthogonally arranged primary carrier surface portions (52, 52, 52’), and facing the secondary carrier surface (53).

40. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second connector (42) further comprise a functional surface (100) in the form of a datum surface (300), which is configured to mate with a connector surface (60) of the first connector (41) without applying a deformation in the connector surfaces (60) of the first connector (41).

41. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second connector (42) further comprise a functional surface (100) in the form of a datum surface (300), wherein the datum surface (300) is raised relative to a carrier surface (50), and wherein the datum surface (300) is configured to mate with a connector surface (60) of the first connector (41) to achieve minimal clearance, or neither clearance nor deformation of the mating connector surface (60) of the first connector (41).

42. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second connector (42) further comprise a functional surface (100) in the form of a datum surface (300) and two inlet surfaces (400, 401 , 402) arranged on opposite sides of the datum surface (300) in the coupling direction (Di), and each being connected to the datum surface (300) via a respective transition (600), wherein the datum surface (300) is configured to mate with a connector surface (60) of the first connector (41) without applying a deformation in the connector surfaces (60) of the first connector (41), wherein the datum surface (300) is formed as a top surface of an island (101), and wherein at least one of the inlet surfaces (400, 401 , 402) is configured for, during the act of coupling the first connector (41) to the second connector (42), guiding one of the one or more connector surfaces (60) of the first connector (41) onto the datum surface (300).

43. The modular toy construction system (10) according to claim 42, wherein at least the transition (600) connecting the datum surface (300) with the inlet surface (400) that is configured for guiding one of the connector surfaces (60) of the first connector (41) onto the datum surface (300) has a radius of curvature (RT) about an axis perpendicular to the coupling direction (Di), wherein said radius of curvature (RT) of the transition (600) is smaller than a corresponding radius of curvature (RP) of the datum surface (300).

44. The modular toy construction system (10) according to claim 42 or 43, wherein a distance (L3) between the transitions (600) in the coupling direction (Di) is larger than the corresponding length of the transition (600) connecting the datum surface (300) with the inlet surface (400) that is configured for guiding one of the connector surfaces (60) of the first connector (41) onto the datum surface (300).

45. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the claims 42 -44, wherein the two transitions (600) have substantially the same elevation (h) above the carrier surface (51).

46. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the claims 42 -45, wherein one or both transitions (600) forms an edge.

47. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the claims 40- 46, wherein a curvature of the inlet surface (400) is different from a curvature of the datum surface (300).

48. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the claims 40- 47 further comprising a side surface (700) formed adjacent to the datum surface (300) in a direction perpendicular to the coupling direction (Di), and between the datum surface (300) and the carrier surface (51), wherein the side surface is being connected to the datum surface (300) via a transition (600), and wherein the transition is tangential from the datum surface (300) to the side surface in the direction perpendicular to the coupling direction (Dj).

49. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the claims 40- 48, wherein the datum surface (300) is formed on an island (101), such that, when the first and second connectors (41 , 42) are connected, a clearance between the first and second connectors (41, 42) completely surrounds the datum surface (300).

50. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the claims 40-49, wherein, at least in a direction parallel to the coupling direction (Di), the inlet surface (400) smoothly transitions into the datum surface (300).

51. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the claims 42-50, wherein at least the inlet surface (400, 401) facing the coupling direction (D) is formed between a catch surface (500) at an inlet (405) to the inlet surface (400, 401) and the datum surface (300).

52. The modular toy construction system (10) according to claim 51, wherein a transition from the catch surface (500) to the inlet surface (400) is smooth.

53. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the claims 42-52, wherein at least the inlet surface (400, 401) facing the coupling direction (D), is formed between the carrier surface (51) and the datum surface (300).

54. The modular toy construction system (10) according to claim 53, wherein a transition from the carrier surface (51) to the inlet surface (400) is smooth.

55. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the claims 51-54, wherein at least the inlet surface (400, 401) facing the coupling direction (D) is formed as ramp.

56. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the claims 42-55, wherein the island (101) is a protrusion extending at least from the carrier surface (51) of the receiving part (50) of the second connector (42).

57. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the claims 42-56, wherein the carrier surface (51) of the receiving part (50) of the second connector (42) surrounds the datum surface (300).

58. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the claims 42-57, wherein the inlet surface (400) completely surrounds the datum surface (300).

59. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the claims 42-58, wherein the island (101) is elongate in shape, and has a first main longitudinal extent, the first main longitudinal extent preferably being parallel with the coupling direction (Di).

60. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a cross-section, in a plane orthogonal to the coupling direction (D) ,of the first connector (41) is complementary to the cross-section of the second connector (42).

61. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connector (41) fits in the second connector (42) with at least a clearance everywhere between the first connector (41) and the second connector (42), preferably with a small clearance, except where a pressure surface (200) on an island (101) is present to provide a pressure providing a deformation in the corresponding connector surface (60) of the first connector (41).62 The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more carrier surfaces (51) of the second connector (42) are smooth and uniform, except for where the islands (101) provided with functional surfaces are located.

63. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connector (41) is configured as a male part, and the second connector (42) is configured as a female part, and where the receiving part (50) is a cavity configured for receiving first connector (41).

64. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the claims 1-62, wherein the first connector (41) is configured as a female part, where the one or more connector surfaces (60) are configured to surround a cavity, and wherein the second connector (42) is configured as a male part, and where the receiving part (50) is configured for inserting into the cavity formed in the first connector (41).

65. The modular toy construction system (10) according to claim 63 or 64, wherein the first connector (41) has a consistent diameter or width along its length and wherein the receiving part (50) of the second connector (42) has a consistent diameter or width along its length.

66. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connector (42) has a length or depth in the coupling direction (Dj), wherein all cross-sections taken perpendicular to the coupling direction (Dj) along the length or depth of the first connector (41) are congruent, wherein the second connector (42) has a corresponding depth or length in the coupling direction (Dj), and wherein all cross-sections of the receiving part (50) of the second connector (42) taken perpendicular to the coupling direction (Dj) along the depth or length of the first connector (41) are congruent except for where the cross-sections comprises an island (101).

67. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second connector (42) comprises two islands (101), each island (101) being provided with one pressure surface (200), the two islands (101) being arranged in line along the coupling direction (Dj).

68. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second connector (42) comprises two islands (101), each island (101) being provided with one datum surface (300), the two islands (101) being arranged in line along the coupling direction (Dj).

69. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one carrier surface (51) is provided with two islands (10), each island (10) comprising one pressure surface (200), the two pressure surfaces (200) preferably being arranged to face against one another.

70. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one carrier surface (51) is provided with two islands (10), eachisland (10) comprising one datum surface (300), the two datum surfaces (300) preferably being arranged to face against one another.

71. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connector (41) and the second connector (42) both comprises an end surface formed perpendicular to the coupling direction (Di), and where the end surfaces together prevents relative movement between the first connector (41) and the second connector (42) in the coupling direction, upon abutment there between.

72. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the claims 1-70, wherein the receiving part (50) of the second connector (42) comprises a cavity extending through the second connector (42), wherein the first connector (41) is insertable into the cavity of the receiving part (50) of the second connector (42), and wherein the second connector (42) allows for the coupling direction (D) and an oppositely directed second coupling direction (D).

73. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the claims 1-70, wherein the first connector (41) comprises a cavity defined by the one or more connector surfaces (60) and extending through the first connector (41), wherein the receiving part (50) of the second connector (42) is insertable into the cavity of the first connector (41), and wherein the first connector (42) allows for the coupling direction (D) and an oppositely directed second coupling direction (Dj).

74. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the functional surfaces (100) are formed in pairs facing each other on a carrier surface (51) of the receiving part (50) of the second connector (42).

75. A toy construction element configured for being connected by a pressure fit with a first construction element (11) forming part of a modular toy construction system (10), the toy construction element forming a second construction element (12) of the modular toy construction system 10,the first construction element (11) comprising a first connector (41) and the second construction element (12) comprising a second connector (42), the second connector (42) comprising a receiving part (50) being configured for connecting with the first connector (41) to connect the first and second construction elements (11, 12) to each other, wherein the first connector (41) comprises one or more connector surfaces (60); wherein the receiving part (50) of the second connector (42) is configured for receiving and connecting to the first connector in a pressure fit with at least a portion of the first connector (41) by coupling one of the first and second connectors (41 , 42) to the other along a coupling direction (Di), and wherein the receiving part (50) of the second connector (42) comprises a carrier surface (51) and one or more functional surfaces (100) elevated from the carrier surface (51), characterized in that, when the first and second connectors (41, 42) are connected, the first connector (41) contacts the second connector (42) at least at one of the one or more functional surfaces (100), and the functional surface (100) comprises a pressure surface (200), and two inlet surfaces (400) arranged on opposite sides of the pressure surface (200) in the coupling direction (Di), and each being connected to the pressure surface (200) via a respective transition (600), and wherein the pressure surface (200) is configured to provide a deformation of at least a portion of the first connector (41), wherein the pressure surface (200) is formed as a top surface of an island (101), and at least one of the inlet surfaces (400) is configured for, during the act of coupling the first connector (41) to the second connector (42), guiding one of the first connector (41) onto the pressure surface (200).

76. The toy construction element according to claim 75, wherein at least the transition (600) connecting the pressure surface (200) with the inlet surface (400) that is configured for guiding one of the connector surfaces (60) of the first connector (41) onto the pressure surface (200) has a radius of curvature (RT) about an axis perpendicular to the coupling direction (Di), wherein said radius of curvature (RT) of the transition (600) is smaller than a corresponding radius of curvature (RP) of the pressure surface (200).

77. The toy construction element according to claim 75 or 76, wherein a distance (L3) between the transitions in the coupling direction (Di) is larger than the corresponding length of the transition (600) connecting the pressure surface (200) with the inlet surface (400) that is configured for guiding one of the connector surfaces (60) of the first connector (41) onto the pressure surface (200).

78. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-77, wherein the two transitions (600) have substantially the same elevation (h) above the carrier surface (51).

79. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-78, wherein one or both transitions (600) forms an edge.

80. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-79, wherein a curvature of the inlet surface (400) is different from the curvature of the pressure surface (200).

81. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-80, wherein the island (101) further comprises a side surface (700) formed adjacent to the pressure surface (200) in a direction perpendicular to the coupling direction (Dj) , and between the pressure surface (200) and the carrier surface (51), wherein the side surface (700) is connected to the pressure surface (200) via a transition, and wherein the transition is tangential from the pressure surface (200) to the side surface in the direction perpendicular to the coupling direction (Dj).

82. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-81 , wherein, when the first and second connectors (41 , 42) are connected, a clearance between the first and second connectors (41, 42) complete surrounds the pressure surface (200).

83. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-82, wherein, the transition (600) from the inlet surface (400) into the pressure surface (200) of at least the transition (600) connecting the pressure surface (200) with the inletsurface (400) that is configured for guiding one of the connector surfaces (60) of the first connector (41) onto the pressure surface (200), is smooth.

84. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-83, wherein at least the inlet surface (400, 401) facing the pressure surface (200) in the coupling direction (Di) , is formed such that during the act of connecting the first and second connectors (41 , 42), the shear on the inlet surface (400) provided by the first connector (41) on the inlet surface (400) is constant over the travel of the first connector (41) on the inlet surface (400) from an inlet (450) of the inlet surface (400) to the transition to the pressure surface (200).

85. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-83, wherein, at least the inlet surface (400, 401) facing the pressure surface (200) in the coupling direction (Di) , is formed as a curved or segmented surface, and is shaped to obtain a substantially constant shear curve for the shear force on the inlet surface (400) caused by the first connector (41 , when coupling the first and second connectors (41 , 42).

86. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-85, wherein the first connector (41) is made of a polymer material / plastic.

87. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-86, wherein the second connector (42) is made of polymer material / plastic.

88. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-87, wherein at least the second connector (42) is part of a second molded article, preferably a second injection molded article, more preferably a second injection molded plastic / polymer article.

89. The toy construction element according to claim 88, wherein the second molded article is formed in a molding process in a mold having several parts, preferably an injection molding process, in which moldingprocess a mold part is retracted in a molding retraction direction, which is opposite to the coupling direction (Di) , wherein at least the inlet surface (400, 402) facing the molding retraction direction is a curved or segmented surface, and is shaped to obtain a substantially constant shear curve for the shear force on the first transition surface (15) caused by retraction of the mold part.

90. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-89, wherein the second construction element (12) is manufactured with a production tolerance of a magnitude (M), and wherein the height (h) of the at island (101) on which the pressure surface (200) is formed over the carrier surface (51) is at least twice, such a three times, the magnitude (M).

91. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-90, wherein the rigidity of the island (101), on which the pressure surface (200) is formed, to withstand a force on the pressure surface (200) in a direction perpendicularly to the pressure surface (200), is substantially higher than the rigidity of the corresponding connector surface (60) of the first connector (41) to withstand a force perpendicular to the second surface connector surface (60).

92. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-91 , wherein the pressure surface (200) has a surface area with a size that is a smidgen surface area of the carrier surface (51), preferably, the size of the pressure surface (200) is less than 20%, such as less than 10%, such as less than 5%, such as less than 2%, of the size of the carrier surface (51).93 The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-92, wherein the island (101) is configured to deform to accommodate the pressure between the pressure surface (200) and the corresponding connector surface (60) of the first connector (41), without any substantial deformation of the rest of the second connector (42), and preferably without any substantial deformation of the first connector (41), when the first connector (41) and the second first connector (41) are coupled to each other.

94. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-93, wherein at least the inlet surface (400, 401) formed facing the coupling direction (D) is formed between a catch surface (500) at an inlet (405) to the inlet surface (400, 401) and the pressure surface (200).

95. The toy construction element according to claim 75-94, wherein a transition from the catch surface (500) to the inlet surface (400) is smooth.

96. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-93, wherein at least the inlet surface (400, 401) formed facing the coupling direction (D) is formed between the carrier surface (51) and the pressure surface (200).

97. The toy construction element according to claim 96, wherein a transition from the carrier surface (51) to the inlet surface (400) is smooth.

98. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-97, wherein at least the inlet surface (400, 401) formed facing the coupling direction (D) is formed as ramp.

99. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-98, wherein the island (101) is a protrusion extending at least from the carrier surface (51) of the receiving part (50) of the second connector (42).

100. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-99, wherein the carrier surface (51) of the receiving part (50) of the second connector (42) surrounds the pressure surface (200).101 . The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-100, wherein an inlet surface (400) completely surrounds the pressure surface (200).

102. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-101 , wherein the island (101) is elongate in shape, and has a first main longitudinal extent, the first main longitudinal extent preferably being parallel with the coupling direction (Dj).103 The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-102, wherein, when the first connector (41) and the second connector (42) are coupled to each other, no pressure is provided by the first connector (41) or the second connector (42) on the opposite of the two, except for at the at least one pressure surface (200).

104. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-103, wherein the second connector (42) comprises two or more functional surfaces (100) elevated from the carrier surface (51), wherein, when the first and second connectors (41 , 42) are connected, the one or more connector surfaces (60) of the first connector (41) contacts the second connector (42) at the two or more functional surfaces (100) only, wherein the two or more functional surfaces (100) comprises a pressure surface (200), wherein the pressure surface (200) is configured to provide a local deformation of a connector surface (60) of the first connector (41) when connected.

105. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-104, wherein the pressure surface (200) is either- flat and preferably substantially parallel with the surrounding area of the carrier surface (51), or- concave in one or two directions and preferably substantially parallel with the surrounding area of the carrier surface (51), or- convex in one or two directions and preferably substantially parallel with the surrounding area of the carrier surface (51), or- convex in one direction and concave in another direction and preferably substantially parallel with the surrounding area of the carrier surface (51).

106. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-105, wherein a cross-section of the receiving part (50) or carrier surface (51) is shaped as a circle, a sector, a rectangle, or a cruciform.

107. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-106,wherein the second connector (42) is a female connector, and wherein the receiving part (50) of the second connector (42) comprises at least a primary carrier surface (52) and a secondary carrier surface (53) arranged within an indentation of the toy construction element (12).

108. The toy construction element according to claim 107, wherein a cross-section, in a plane orthogonal to the coupling direction (Dj), of the primary carrier surface (52), is shaped as a rectangle, and wherein a cross-section, in a plane orthogonal to the coupling direction (D), of the secondary carrier surface (53) is shaped as a circle.

109. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-108, wherein the second connector (42) is a female connector, and wherein the receiving part (50) of the second connector (42) comprises at least two primary carrier surface portions (52, 52, 52’) arranged perpendicularly to each other and a secondary carrier surface (53) arranged within the receiving part (50) of the second connector (42), the receiving part (50) being delimited by the primary carrier surface portions (52, 52, 52’) and a portion of the secondary carrier surface (53).

110. The toy construction element according to claim 109, wherein a cross-section in a plane orthogonal to the coupling direction (Dj) of the primary carrier surface portions (52, 52’, 52”) is shaped as a rectangle, and wherein a cross-section in a plane orthogonal to the coupling direction (Dj) of the secondary carrier surface (53) is shaped as a circle.

111. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 107-110, wherein one of the at least one pressure surface (200) is located on the secondary carrier surface (53), and facing the primary carrier surface (52), such as the primary carrier surface portions (52, 52, 52’).

112. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 107-111 ,wherein one of the at least one pressure surface (200) is located on the primary carrier surface (52), such as on one of primary carrier surface portions (52, 52, 52’), and facing the secondary carrier surface (53).

113. The toy construction element according to claim 112, wherein a pressure surface (200) is arranged on each of two orthogonally arranged primary carrier surface portions (52, 52, 52’), and facing the secondary carrier surface (53).

114. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-113, wherein the second connector (42) further comprise a functional surface (100) in the form of a datum surface (300), which is configured to mate with a connector surface (60) of the first connector (41) without applying a deformation in the connector surfaces (60) of the first connector (41).

115. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-114, wherein the second connector (42) further comprise a functional surface (100) in the form of a datum surface (300), wherein the datum surface (300) is raised relative to a carrier surface (50), and wherein the datum surface (300) is configured to mate with a connector surface (60) of the first connector (41) to achieve minimal clearance, or neither clearance nor deformation of the mating connector surface (60) of the first connector (41).

116. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-115, wherein the second connector (42) further comprise a functional surface (100) in the form of a datum surface (300) and two inlet surfaces (400, 401 , 402) arranged on opposite sides of the datum surface (300) in the coupling direction (Di), and each being connected to the datum surface (300) via a respective transition (600), wherein the datum surface (300) is configured to mate with a connector surface (60) of the first connector (41) without applying a deformation in the connector surfaces (60) of the first connector (41), wherein the datum surface (300) is formed as a top surface of an island (101), andwherein at least one of the inlet surfaces (400, 401, 402) is configured for, during the act of coupling the first connector (41) to the second connector (42), guiding one of the one or more connector surfaces (60) of the first connector (41) onto the datum surface (300).

117. The modular toy construction system according to claim 116, wherein at least the transition (600) connecting the datum surface (300) with the inlet surface (400) that is configured for guiding one of the connector surfaces (60) of the first connector (41) onto the datum surface (300) has a radius of curvature (RT) about an axis perpendicular to the coupling direction (Di), wherein said radius of curvature (RT) of the transition (600) is smaller than a corresponding radius of curvature (RP) of the datum surface (300).

118. The modular toy construction system according to any one of the claim 116 or117, wherein a distance (L3) between the transitions (600) in the coupling direction (Di) is larger than the corresponding length of the transition (600) connecting the datum surface (300) with the inlet surface (400) that is configured for guiding one of the connector surfaces (60) of the first connector (41) onto the datum surface (300).

119. The modular toy construction system according to any one of the claims 116 -118, wherein the two transitions (600) have substantially the same elevation (h) above the carrier surface (51).

120. The modular toy construction system according to any one of the claims 116 -119, wherein one or both transitions (600) forms an edge.

121. The modular toy construction system according to any one of the claims 114- 119, wherein a curvature of the inlet surface (400) is different from a curvature of the datum surface (300).

122. The modular toy construction system according to any one of the claims 114-120,further comprising a side surface (700) formed adjacent to the pressure surface (200) in a direction perpendicular to the coupling direction (Di) , and between the pressure surface (200) and the carrier surface (51), wherein the side surface is being connected to the pressure surface (200) via a transition (600), and wherein the transition is tangential from the pressure surface (200) to the side surface in the direction perpendicular to the coupling direction (Dj).

123. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 114-122, wherein the datum surface (300) is formed on an island (101), such that, when the first and second connectors (41, 42) are connected, a clearance between the first and second connectors (41 , 42) completely surrounds the datum surface (300).

124. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 116-123, wherein, at least in a direction parallel to the coupling direction (Di), the inlet surface (400) smoothly transitions into the datum surface (300).

125. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 116-124, wherein at least the inlet surface (400, 401) facing the coupling direction (Dj) is formed between a catch surface (500) at an inlet ((405) to the inlet surface (400, 401) and the datum surface (300).

126. The toy construction element according to claim 125, wherein a transition from the catch surface (500) to the inlet surface (400) is smooth.

127. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 116-126, wherein at least the inlet surface (400, 401) facing the coupling direction (Dj), is formed between the carrier surface (51) and the datum surface (300).

128. The toy construction element according to claim 127, wherein a transition from the carrier surface (51) to the inlet surface (400) is smooth.

129. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 125-127, wherein at least the inlet surface (400, 401) facing the coupling direction (D) is formed as ramp.

130. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 116-129, wherein the island (101) is a protrusion extending at least from the carrier surface (51) of the receiving part (50) of the second connector (42).

131. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 116-130, wherein the carrier surface (51) of the receiving part (50) of the second connector (42) surrounds the datum surface (300).

132. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 116-131, wherein the inlet surface (400) completely surrounds the datum surface (300).

133. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 116-132, wherein the island (101) is elongate in shape, and has a first main longitudinal extent, the first main longitudinal extent preferably being parallel with the coupling direction (Dj).

134. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75--133, wherein a cross-section, in a plane orthogonal to the coupling direction (Dj), of the first connector (41) is complementary to the cross-section of the second connector (42).

135. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-134, wherein the first connector (41) fits in the second connector (42) with at least a clearance everywhere between the first connector (41) and the second connector (42), preferably with a small clearance, except where a pressure surface (200) on an island (101) is present to provide a pressure providing a the corresponding connector surface (60) of the first connector (41).136 The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-135, wherein the one or more carrier surfaces (51) of the second connector (42) are smooth and uniform, except for where the islands (101) provided with functional surfaces are located.

137. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-136, wherein the first connector (41) is configured as a male part, and the second connector (42) is configured as a female part, and where the receiving part (50) is a cavity configured for receiving first connector (41).

138. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-136, wherein the first connector (41) is configured as a female part, where the one or more connector surfaces (60) are configured to surround a cavity, and wherein the second connector (42) is configured as a male part, and where the receiving part (50) is configured for inserting into the cavity formed in the first connector (41).

139. The toy construction element according to claim 137 or 138, wherein the first connector (41) has a consistent diameter or width along its length and wherein the receiving part (50) of the second connector (42) has a consistent diameter or width along its length.

140. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-139, wherein the first connector (42) has a length or depth in the coupling direction (Di), wherein all cross-sections taken perpendicular to the coupling direction (D) along the length or depth of the first connector (41) are congruent, wherein the second connector (42) has a corresponding depth or length in the coupling direction (D), and wherein all cross-sections of the receiving part (50) of the second connector (42) taken perpendicular to the coupling direction (D) along the depth or length of the first connector (41) are congruent except for where the cross-sections comprises an island (101).

141. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-140, wherein the second connector (42) comprises two islands (101), each island (101) being provided with one pressure surface (200), the two islands (101) being arranged in line along the coupling direction (D).

142. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-141, wherein the second connector (42) comprises two islands (101), each island (101) being providedwith one datum surface (300), the two islands (101) being arranged in line along the coupling direction (D).

143. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-142, wherein the at least one carrier surface (51) is provided with two pressure surfaces (200), the two islands (10), each island (10) comprising one pressure surface (200) preferably being arranged to face against one another.

144. The toy construction element according to any one of the claims 75-143, wherein the at least one carrier surface (51) is provided with two islands (10), each island (10) comprising one datum surface (300), the two datum surfaces (300) preferably being arranged to face against one another.

145. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the claims 75- 144, wherein the first connector (41) and the second connector (42) both comprises an end surface formed perpendicular to the coupling direction (Di), and where the end surfaces together prevents relative movement between the first connector (41) and the second connector (42) in the coupling direction, upon abutment there between.

146. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the claims 75- 144, wherein the receiving part (50) of the second connector (42) comprises a cavity extending through the second connector (42), wherein the first connector (41) is insertable into the cavity of the receiving part (50) of the second connector (42), and wherein the second connector (42) allows for the coupling direction (D) and an oppositely directed second coupling direction (D).

147. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the claims 751- 144, wherein the first connector (41) comprises a cavity defined by the one or more connector surfaces (60) and extending through the first connector (41), wherein the receiving part (50) of the second connector (42) is insertable into the cavity of the first connector (41), andwherein the first connector (42) allows for the coupling direction (D) and an oppositely directed second coupling direction (Dj).

148. The modular toy construction system (10) according to any one of the claims 75- 147, wherein the functional surfaces (100) are formed in pairs facing each other on a carrier surface (51) of the receiving part (50) of the second connector (42).

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