Toy connector for modular toy construction system

Abstract

A toy connector element (1) for connecting a first modular toy construction element (100) to a second modular toy construction element (200), the second modular toy construction element (200) comprising a cylindrical portion (201), having a cylindrical external surface (205), and a first diameter (D1), the toy connector element (1) comprising - a base (10), having a proximal end (11) and a distal end (12); and - two arms (20), each arm (20) extending from the distal end (12) of the base (10), the two arms (20) defining a recipient space (30) between them, wherein each of the two arms (20) has a proximal end (21) a distal end (22), and a width (W1) between two side surfaces (29), wherein the recipient space (30) is configured for receiving the cylindrical portion (201) of the second modular toy construction element (200), wherein each of the two arms (20) comprises a contact surface (40) for holding the cylindrical portion (201) in the recipient space, the contact surface (40) having a second width (W2) which is smaller than the first width (W1), wherein at least one arm (20) further comprises a pivot structure (80); wherein the pivot structure (80) is located radially distant from the contact surface (40) relative to the recipient space (30); and wherein the pivot structure (80) is located axially distant from the contact surface (40).

Description

[0001] TOY CONNECTOR FOR MODULAR TOY CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM

[0002] The present invention relates to a toy connector for connecting two items, such as two elements of a modular toy construction system. More specifically the invention relates to a toy connector for connecting to a toy construction element comprising a cylindrical portion.

[0003] Background of the invention

[0004] C-shaped connectors, or snap connectors, for modular toy construction systems are known in the art, see e.g. Figs. 1A and 1B.

[0005] Such 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 according to the invention 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 into the generally cylindrical recipient space.

[0006] For example such prior art C-shaped snap connectors may be made in ABS plastic, in an injection moulding process.

[0007] Typically, the cylindrical connector portion connectable to such snap connectors are part of long elongate construction elements. Therefore, when such two elements are connected, there is a risk of large torsion being applied to the C-shaped connector during use, when force is applied to the construction element having the cylindrical connector portion, far from the connection. If this force is not oriented such that the cylindrical connector portion of the second toy construction element is pressed towards the passage between the distal end of the arms, there is a risk of the C- shaped connector braking. There is thus a need for a new connector which lowers the risk of braking when torsion is applied to the connector via an a second toy construction element when connected to the connector. Thus, it is an object of the invention to provide a connector including measures to ensure product durability in case of added overload, when a second toy element inserted in the connector is twisted relative to the connector in an un-intended way.

[0008] Summary of the invention

[0009] In as first aspect of the invention, objects of the invention are achieved by a toy connector element for connecting a first modular toy construction element to a second modular toy construction element, the second modular toy construction element comprising a cylindrical portion, having a cylindrical external surface, and a first diameter, the toy connector element comprising

[0010] - a base, having a proximal end and a distal end; and

[0011] - two arms, each arm extending from the distal end of the base, the two arms defining a recipient space between them, wherein each of the two arms has a proximal end a distal end, and a width between two side surfaces, wherein the recipient space is configured for receiving the cylindrical portion of the second modular toy construction element, wherein each of the two arms comprises a contact surface for contacting the cylindrical portion, the contact surface having a second width which is smaller than the first width, wherein at least one arm further comprises a pivot structure; wherein the pivot structure is located radially distant from the contact surface relative to the recipient space; and wherein the pivot structure is located axially distant from the contact surface. Thereby, when a cylindrical portion of a second modular toy construction element is placed in the recipient space of the toy connector element, and a force is applied to the a second modular toy construction element such that the cylindrical portion of the second modular toy construction element induced torsion to the arms of the toy connector element, the second modular toy construction element is allowed to rotate slightly relative to the contact surface(s) of the toy connector element, and it the torsion allows enough rotation, a portion of the second modular toy construction element will abut un the pivot structure. When this occurs, the pivot structure forms an abutment for the portion of the second modular toy construction element on which the second modular toy construction element may pivot relative to the arms and force the other end of the second modular toy construction element towards and out of the passage between the distal end of the arms. Thereby, the arms are prevented from braking due to an overload thereon due to the torsion.

[0012] Preferably, the pivot structure is an edge.

[0013] Preferably, the edge extends along the contact surface.

[0014] Preferably, the edge diverges away from a midplane of the toy connector element towards the distal end of the arm. Thereby, the edge better guides, the cylindrical portion of the second modular toy construction element towards the passage between the distal end of the arms.

[0015] The midplane is defined between the two arms of the toy connector element.

[0016] Preferably, at least the distal end of each of the two arms of the toy connector element is flexible relative to the base.

[0017] Such a flexibility may be provided by the material properties of the toy connector element and / or the geometrical shape of the arms and base of the toy connector element. In one embodiment, the contact surface is formed at least partially on a structure raised from a carrier surface of the arm, and wherein the pivot structure is formed at a transition between the side surface of the arm and the carrier surface of the arm.

[0018] In a further embodiment, a pivot structure is formed on both sides of the contact surface of the arm.

[0019] In a further embodiment, a pivot structure is formed on both arms.

[0020] In a further embodiment, the contact surface on each arm is one uniform surface extending from a first arm to the second arm of the two arms.

[0021] Alternatively, the contact surface on each arm is distinct and separate from the contact surface on the other of the two arms.

[0022] Regardless, in a further embodiment of any one of the above mentioned embodiments, the proximal end of the base is connectable or connected to the first modular toy construction element.

[0023] Thus, in some embodiments the toy connector element may be fixedly connected to a first modular toy construction element. In this case, the toy connector element may have a fixed position relative to the first modular toy construction element, or it may connected such that it is positional relative to the first modular toy construction element. In the cases, where the toy connector element is fixedly connected to a first modular toy construction element and in a fixed position relative thereto, in further embodiments, the toy connector element may be formed integral with the first modular toy construction element or a part thereof, for example in an injection moulding process. In alternative embodiments, the toy connector element may be coupled to and disconnected from the first modular toy construction element via a suitable coupling, examples of which are known in the art. Also, in this case , the toy connector element may have a fixed position relative to the first modular toy construction element, or it may connected such that it is positional relative to the first modular toy construction element. In a further embodiment of any one of the above mentioned embodiments, the largest distance of the passage between the distal ends of the two arms is smaller than the diameter, first diameter, the cylindrical portion of the second modular oy construction element.

[0024] The passage between the distal end of the two arms further makes it possible that a cylindrical portion of a second modular toy construction element may be inserted into or withdrawn from the recipient space formed between the arms, such that the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion is transverse to the insertion direction by applying a drawing force to the second modular toy construction element relative to the toy connector element, i.e. it allows insertion an retraction of a cylindrical portion of the second modular toy construction element into and out of the recipient space in a direction essentially parallel to a longitudinal direction of the base of the toy connector element.

[0025] The objects of the invention may further be achieved in a second aspect of the invention, by a combination of toy connector element according to any one of the embodiments described above and a second modular toy construction element, wherein the second modular toy construction element comprises a cylindrical portion, having a cylindrical external surface, and a first diameter.

[0026] The toy connector element may form part of a first modular toy construction element.

[0027] By the embodiments mentioned above, an overload protection is provided. If a torsional force on the cylindrical portion relative to the toy connector element is applied this will allow a slight rotation of the cylindrical portion to in the receiving space, relative to the toy connector element, and the cylindrical portion of the second modular toy construction element will only after this slight rotation abut on the pivot structure. This will cause the cylindrical portion to push on the spring surfaces in the direction of the inlet opening, and thereby force the arms apart, further causing the cylindrical portion to snap out of engagement with the toy connector element. 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.

[0028] Brief description of the drawings

[0029] 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.

[0030] Fig. 1A, in a perspective view, shows a prior art modular construction toy element, or first modular construction toy element, having a prior art C-shaped connectors, which is configured for connecting a cylindrical connector portion of a second modular construction element, such as rod or shaft, where the C- shaped connector is provided in the top surface of a tile shaped modular construction element;

[0031] Fig. 1 B, in a perspective view, shows a prior art modular construction toy element, or first modular construction toy element, having a prior art C-shaped connectors, which is configured for connecting a cylindrical connector portion of a second modular construction element, such as rod or shaft, where the C- shaped connector is provided on a side surface of a tile shaped modular construction element;

[0032] Fig. 2A, in a perspective view shows a toy connector element according to the invention and being connected to a cylindrical portion of a second modular construction element, here in the form of a rod or shaft;

[0033] Fig. 2B, in a front view, shows the toy connector element of Fig. 2A, and indicating torsional forces as well as longitudinal frictional forces between the toy connector element and the cylindrical connector portion of a second modular construction element;

[0034] Fig. 2C, in a side view, shows the toy connector element of Fig. 2A, and indicating torque force as well as longitudinal drawing force between the toy connector element and the cylindrical portion of a second modular construction element;

[0035] Fig. 3A, in a side view, shows a toy connector element according to the invention, and indicating a section, B-B, through the toy connector element;

[0036] Fig. 3B shows a section B-B through toy connector element of Fig. 3A;

[0037] Fig. 4A, in a different side view, shows the toy connector element according to the invention, and indicating a section A-A there through;

[0038] Fig. 4B shows section A-A through the toy connector element of Fig. 4A;

[0039] Fig. 5 shows a front view of the toy connector element according to the invention;

[0040] Fig. 6A, in a perspective view, shows the toy connector element of Figs. 2A-5, and giving a view of a spring surface, which in embodiments may form a part of a contact surface and a pivot structure of the toy connector element;

[0041] Fig. 6B shows a detailed enlarged view of the toy connector element of Fig. 6A.

[0042] Detailed description of the embodiments

[0043] Figs. 1 A-B shows examples of different prior art first modular toy construction element 100. In this case, the modular toy construction element 100 has the form of a tile 101 having a quadratic shape with a prior art snap connector T being formed integrally therewith. Another modular toy construction element 200 (which is not shown in Figs. 1-B, but an example of which is shown in e.g. Figs. 2A-C), having a cylindrical portion 201 is releasably connectable to the prior art snap connection T of the first modular toy construction element 100.

[0044] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1A, the snap connector T is provided on a top surface 102 of the tile 101. The tile further comprises a lower surface 103, and four side surfaces 104 of equal length. In the lower surface 103, a not shown modular connector 300, 302 in the form of a knob receiving opening may be formed, the knob receiving opening being configured for receiving another type of modular connector in the form of a knob 301. Such a knob 300, 301 is shown in the example prior art first modular toy construction element 100 of Fig. 1 B.

[0045] Fig. 1 B shows another example of a prior art first modular toy construction element 100. Also in this case, the modular toy construction element 100 has the form of a tile 101 having a quadratic shape, and comprises a prior art snap connector T in which another modular toy construction element 200 having a cylindrical portion 201 is releasably connectable to the prior art snap connection T of the first modular toy construction element 100. In the example shown in Fig. 1 B, the snap connector T is provided on one of the side surfaces 104 of the tile 101. As mentioned, the top surface 102 of this prior art first modular toy construction element 100 is provided with a modular connector 300 in the form of a knob 301.

[0046] In the two examples, shown in Figs. 1A and 1B, the prior art snap connector T is formed integral with the first modular toy construction element 100 in the form of the tile 101. This may also be the case with the new connector 1. However, as it may also be the case for the prior art snap connector T, the new toy connector element 1 itself may alternatively be detachably connected or be fixed to but movably, e.g. rotationally connected to the first modular toy construction element 100 or a part thereof.

[0047] In general the first modular toy construction element 100 according to the invention, may itself be formed from a set of interconnectable modular toy construction elements. Returning now to Figs. 1A and 1 B, although being located differently relative to the tile 101 , the prior art snap connector T in both examples are identically shaped. The prior art snap connector T comprises a base 110 connecting at a first proximal end to the tile 101 , and extending therefrom. The prior art snap connector T has two “arms” 120, extending from the base 110, the arm partly encircling a (partly) cylindrical recipient space 130. Further, an inlet opening 135 into the generally cylindrical recipient space 130 is formed between distal ends of the two arms 120. Each of the two arms extend in an arc. Thereby, the prior art snap connector T is shaped in a C-shape.

[0048] The arms 120 are at least slightly resilient relative to the base 110 so that they will deflect and allow insertion or removal of a cylindrical connector portion of a second modular construction toy. Thereby, the prior art snap connector T provides a coupling means for coupling another, or second, modular toy construction element 200 having a cylindrical connector portion 201 , such as a rod shaped element, thereto in a snap fit connection. Thereby, the prior art snap connector T may be configured to attach another object (not shown), such as a toy spear, a toy sword or a toy flag or other element having a cylindrical connector portion 201.

[0049] The cylindrical connector portion 201 of the (not shown) second modular construction element 200 comprises a cylindrical outer surface 205. The C-shaped prior art snap connector T comprises a partly tubular wall 150 surrounding the generally cylindrical recipient space 130 for receiving the cylindrical or rod-shaped connector portion, where the partly tubular wall 150 comprises a partly cylindrical inner surface formed to engage and press over the cylindrical outer surface of the cylindrical connector portion. Thus, the entire partly cylindrical inner surface 150 of the prior art snap connector T engages a cylindrical outer surface 205 of the cylindrical connector portion 201 of the second modular construction element 200, when inserted.

[0050] The partly tubular wall 150 extends over somewhat more than 180°, such that if the cylindrical connector portion 201 of the (not shown) second modular construction element 200 must either be inserted axially along the longitudinal axis of the partly tubular wall 150 or via the above described inlet opening 135 by pressing the distal end of the arms 120 apart to gain access to the insert the cylindrical recipient space 130. This is obtained by the arms 120 being resilient relative to the base 110 of the prior art toy connector element T.

[0051] Turning now to Figs. 2A-C, these figures shows a toy connector element 1 according to embodiments of the invention. The toy connector element 1 is, in the embodiment shown, formed integral with a tile 101. Together, the tile 101 and the toy connector element 1 forms a first modular toy construction element 100. It will be appreciated that first modular toy construction element 100 may have other shapes or forms than the tile 101, shown in these embodiments, i.e. that the toy connector element 1may be connected or connectable to alternatively shaped objects.

[0052] As was the case for the C-shaped connector T, described in connection with Figs. 1A-B above, the toy connector element 1 is connectable to a cylindrical portion 201 of a second modular construction element 200. In Figs. 2A-C the toy connector element 1 is shown with cylindrical portion 201 of a second modular construction element 200 connected thereto.

[0053] The second modular construction element 200 is exemplified by an elongate cylindrical rod or shaft. Thus, in this embodiment, the entire second modular construction element 200 forms a cylindrical portion 201 , to which the connector element 1 according to the invention may connect.

[0054] It will be appreciated, that in other embodiments, the second modular construction element 200 may take other general forms, where only a part / portion of the second modular construction element 200 has a cylindrical portion 201 , with a dimeter, first diameter, D1 , as indicated in Fig. 2B, but e.g. having a similar or other length than shown in Figs. 2A-C.

[0055] In Fig. 2A, the first modular toy construction element 100 with the toy connector element 1 and the cylindrical portion 201 of the second modular toy construction element 200 are shown in a perspective view. In Fig. 2C a spring surface 60 arranged on a raised structure 70 formed on each of the two arms 20, as well as a pivot structure 80 according to the invention, is visible from the side. The spring surface 60 may form a part of a contact surface 40 or be an example of the contact surface, which together with pivot structure 80 provides the overload protection. The spring surfaces 60 and the pivot structure 80 will be explained in further detail below.

[0056] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2A-C, the toy connector element 1 is provided on a top surface 102 of a tile 101. The tile 101 is box-shaped, and further comprises a lower surface 103, and four side surfaces 104. In the lower surface 103, a not shown modular connector 300, 302 in the form of a knob receiving opening may be formed, the knob receiving opening being configured for receiving another type of modular connector 300 in the form of a knob 301. Such a knob 301 is shown in the example prior art first modular toy construction element 100 of Fig. 1 B.

[0057] It will be appreciated that the toy connector element 1 may replace the C-shaped connector T on the tile 101 of Fig. 1A or Fig. 1B. However, it will be appreciated that the toy connector element 1 according to the invention may form an integral part of or be connectable to other types of first modular toy construction elements as well. In cases, where the toy connector element 1 is releasably connectable to a first modular toy construction element 100, the first modular toy construction element 100, and a base 10 of the toy connector element 1 may comprise (not shown) suitable interconnecting connectors. Such connectors are known in the art.

[0058] In any of the embodiments described herein, the toy connector element 1 may preferably be formed in a plastic. For example the toy connector element 1 may be formed in a HV-ABS plastic. However, the main features of the toy connector element 1, the contact surface 40, such as a spring surfaces 60 and a pivot structure 80 will work regardless of the plastic type. Preferably, the toy connector element 1 according to the invention, is formed in an injection moulding process.

[0059] Thus, in some embodiments the toy connector element 1 may be fixedly connected to a first modular toy construction element 100. In such embodiments, the toy connector element 1 may have a fixed position relative to the first modular toy construction element 100, or it may connected such that it is positional relative to the first modular toy construction element 100. In the cases, where the toy connector element 1 is fixedly connected to a first modular toy construction element 100 and in a fixed position relative thereto, in further embodiments, the toy connector element 1 may be formed integral with the first modular toy construction element 100 or a part thereof, for example in an injection moulding process. In alternative embodiments, the toy connector element 1 may be coupled to and disconnected from the first modular toy construction element 100 via a suitable coupling, examples of which are known in the art. Also, in this case , the toy connector element 1 may have a fixed position relative to the first modular toy construction element 100, or it may connected such that it is positional relative to the first modular toy construction element 100.

[0060] As shown e.g. in Figs. 2A-C, the second modular toy construction element 200 comprises a cylindrical portion 201, which is elongate and having a cylindrical external surface 205. The cylindrical portion 201 has a first diameter, D1 , as indicated in Fig. 2B. It will be appreciated that the toy connector element 1 is configured for connecting to such a cylindrical portion 201 by being shaped and dimensioned to cooperate therewith, as explained in further detail below.

[0061] The cylindrical portion 201 , the second modular toy construction element 200, the toy connector element 1, and the first second modular toy construction element 100 (e.g. tile 101) may form part of a modular toy construction system.

[0062] Further, the cylindrical portion 201 of the second modular toy construction element 200 has a longitudinal axis C which could also be called an axial direction C. The axial direction C / longitudinal axis C is indicated in Fig. 2C. It will be appreciated that the axial direction C / longitudinal axis C is parallel to the double arrow FF in Fig. 2B, where arrow FF may indicate the frictional force between toy connector element and the cylindrical portion of the second modular construction element when the second modular toy construction element 200 is inserted into a recipient space 30 formed between the connector arms 20’, 20” in along the axial direction C. Therefore, the arrow FF may indicate one insertion direction for the cylindrical portion 201 of the second modular construction element 200 into the recipient space 30 of the first modular toy construction element 100. As shown in e.g. Fig. 2A-C, the toy connector element 1 comprises a base 10 and two arms 20 extending from the base 10. The base 10 has a proximal end 11 and a distal end 12 opposite thereto. The base 10 extends in a longitudinal direction between the proximal end 11 and a distal end 12. The proximal end 11 is intended to be proximal to a first modular construction element 100, such as the tile 101 shown in the figures. As mentioned above, the toy connector element 1 in the shown embodiments is integral with the tile 101. Thus, the proximal end 11 extends from the upper surface 102 of the tile 101. However, in other not shown embodiments, the proximal end 11 of the base 10 may be equipped with (not shown) connection means for connecting to a first modular construction element 100, as also mentioned above. Such a connection may be releasable or it may be fixed.

[0063] The two arms 20, includes a first arm 20’ and a second arm 20”. Each of the first arm 20’ and a second arm 20” extend from the distal end 12 of the base 10.

[0064] The two arms 20 defines a recipient space 30 between them, see e.g. Fig. 3A or 4B. The recipient space 30 is configured for receiving the cylindrical portion 201 of the second modular toy construction element 200. The recipient space 30, formed or defined between the two arms 20’ 20”, is open in both ends parallel to side surfaces 28 of the arms of the first toy connector element 100. When inserting the cylindrical portion 201 of the second modular toy construction element 200 into the recipient space 30 first modular toy construction element 100 along the longitudinal axis C / in axial direction C, the cylindrical portion 201 enters the recipient space 30 through one of these openings into the recipient space 30.

[0065] Each of the two arms 20 has a proximal end 21 and a distal end 22. The proximal end 21 of each arm 20 connect to the distal end 12 of the base 10.

[0066] The proximal end 21 of an arm 20 is closest to the base 10, i.e. the distal end 12 thereof, and the distal end 22 of each arm 20 extends away from the base 10.

[0067] Between the two distal ends 22 of the arms 20 an inlet opening 35 to the recipient space 30 is formed, see e.g. Fig. 4A. A cylindrical portion 201 of a second modular toy construction element 200 may be inserted into the recipient space 30 formed between the arms 20, such that the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion 201 is transverse to the insertion direction by applying a drawing force as indicated by the arrow DF in Fig. 2C. This insertion direction DF is transverse to or even perpendicular to the longitudinal axis C of the cylindrical portion 201 of a second modular toy construction element 200 during insertion. The cylindrical portion 201 may also be withdrawn from the recipient space 30 in an opposite direction to this insertion direction DF, by applying an oppositely directed drawing force, as also indicated in Fig. 2C by the arrow DF.

[0068] Thus, the inlet opening 35 allows a cylindrical portion 201 of a second modular toy construction element 200, to be inserted into and removed from the recipient space 30 without sliding it into the recipient space 30 in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 201 of the second modular toy construction element 200, although such sliding insertion is of course also possible.

[0069] Each of the two arms 20, and at least the distal end 22 thereof, is flexible relative to the base 10. The resilience or flexibility of the arms 20 is such that the arms 20 may bend away from each other at least such that the distance between the distal ends 22 of the arms allows the cylindrical portion 201 of a second modular toy construction element 200 to enter the receiving space 30 or be extracted therefrom.

[0070] Such a flexibility / resilience may be provided by the material properties of the toy connector element 1 , or a dimensioning and shaping thereof. Preferably, the base 10 and the two arms 20 are formed as one integral unit.

[0071] In the embodiment shown throughout the Figs. 2A-7B, the first arm 20’ has the same length as the second arm 20”. Thereby, a correct insertion direction for snapping a cylindrical portion 201 into connection with the toy connector element 1 is coinciding, i.e. essentially parallel, with a longitudinal axis of the base 10 of the toy connector element 1. This insertion direction and the longitudinal axis of the base 10 coincides with a midplane, M, of toy connector element 1, which midplane, M, is indicated by the dashed line in Fig. 3A. The inwardly facing surfaces of the toy connector element 1 are preferably symmetrical around the midplane, M. It will be appreciated from a comparison between Figs 2C and 3A, that a central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical connector portion 201 of the second modular construction element 200 will be located at the midplane, M, when the cylindrical connector portion 201 is inserted in the recipient space 30 formed between the arms 20 of the toy connector element 1.

[0072] It will also be appreciated that each of the above mentioned spring surfaces 60 are arranged on each arm 20, 20’, 20”, such that they extend from more than 90° from a bottom point B of the intersection between the midplane, M and the circumference of the recipient space 30. The spring surfaces 60 preferably extend to less than 100° from the bottom point B of the intersection between the midplane, M and the circumference of the recipient space 30. I.e. the spring surfaces 60’, 60” are arranged to extend in an interval between 90-100° from the bottom point B of the intersection between the midplane, M and the circumference of the recipient space 30. Thereby, the spring surfaces 60 are configured to press the cylindrical connector portion 201 towards the bottom point, B, which is located on the carrier surface portion 15 adjacent to the base 10, when the cylindrical connector portion 201 is located in the recipient space 30. Thus, this may also be formulated such that the spring surfaces 60 are configured to press the cylindrical connector portion 201 towards the carrier surface portion 15 adjacent to the base 10, when the cylindrical connector portion 201 is located in the recipient space 30.

[0073] It will be appreciated, that in other (not shown) embodiments, the arms 20 may be of different lengths. Thereby, the correct insertion direction for snapping a cylindrical portion 201 into connection with the toy connector element 1 may be tilted relative to the longitudinal axis of the base 10 of the toy connector element 1.

[0074] In the embodiments shown in Figs. 2A-6B, the arms 20 are slightly curved or arced. From the description below, however, it will appreciated that the shape or form of the arms 20 is insignificant. What is important is the location and function of the contact surface(s) 40, such as the above mentioned spring surfaces 60, and their cooperation with the pivot structure 80. However, before we turn to describing the pivot structure 80 and the overload preventing function thereof, we first describe in more detail the embodiment shown in the figures.

[0075] In the shown embodiments, facing the recipient space 30, each of the arms 20 and the distal end 12 of the base, comprises a carrier surface 50. The carrier surface 50 is an inner / inwardly facing surface of the toy connector element 1.

[0076] The carrier surface 50 comprises a first carrier surface portion 15 formed at the distal end 12 of the base 10, and a second carrier surface portion 25 formed on each of the arms 20, the first arm 20’ and the second arm 20”.

[0077] The first carrier surface portion 15 faces the recipient space 30. The second carrier surface portion 25 in each arm 20 also faces the recipient space 30.

[0078] Each side of each arm 20 further comprise a side surface 28. Further, each arm comprises a convex, arced surface, back surface 29 facing outward or away from the recipient space 30. The second carrier surface portion 25 of the carrier surface 50 connects to the two side surfaces 28. The two side surfaces 28 of each arm connect with the back surface 29.

[0079] As shown in Fig. 2B, a width, first width W1 , of each of the arms 20 may be defined between the two opposite side surfaces 28. In the shown embodiments, the first width W1 is uniform, however in other (not shown) embodiments the first width W1 may vary. For example, the first width W1 may taper towards the distal end 22 of each arm.

[0080] On each arm 20, the spring surface 60 is formed distally on the arm 20. As shown in e.g. Fig. 2C and Fig. 3A, one spring surface 60, a first spring surface 60’ is formed at the distal end 22 of the first arm 20’, and another spring surface 60, a second spring surface 60” is formed at the distal end 22 of t the second arm 20”.

[0081] The two spring surfaces 60 of the toy connector element 1 are arranged surrounding the recipient space 30 and facing into / towards the recipient space 30. Further, generally the first spring surface 60’ on the first arm 20’ faces the second carrier surface portion 25, of the second arm 20”, and the second spring surface 60” on the second arm 20” faces the second carrier surface portion 25 on the first arm 20’.

[0082] The spring surfaces 60, the first carrier surface portion 15 at the base 10, and the two second carrier surface portions 25 on the arms 20, are formed on the toy connector element 1 such that, when the cylindrical portion 201 of the second modular toy construction element 200 has been inserted into the recipient space 30, the outer surface 205 of the cylindrical portion 201 contacts only the spring surfaces 60, the first carrier surface portion 15, and portions of the two second carrier surface portions.

[0083] Further, as illustrated in the sectional view of Fig. 2B, the spring surfaces 60, the first carrier surface portion 15 at the base 10, and the two second carrier surface portions 25 on the arms 20, are formed on the toy connector element 1 such that, when the cylindrical portion 201 of the second modular toy construction element 200 has been inserted into the recipient space 30, the spring surfaces 60 forces the cylindrical portion 201 towards the first carrier surface portion 15, i.e. towards the base 10. This is provided by a resilience or flexibility of the arm 20.

[0084] Thus, in this embodiment, the first carrier surface portion 15, and portions of the two second carrier surface portions serves as bearing surfaces for the inserted cylindrical portion 201 of the second modular toy construction element 200, and the spring surfaces 60 serves to maintain the inserted cylindrical portion 201 of the second modular toy construction element 200 in place.

[0085] The spring surface 60 is in contact with the cylindrical portion 201 of the second modular toy construction element 200, when the second modular toy construction element 200 is inserted into the toy connector element 1. This is provided by designing the location of the spring surfaces 60 on the toy connector element, based on the diameter D1 of the cylindrical portion 201 of the second modular toy construction element 200, which the toy connector element 1 is intended to connect to. In the embodiments shown in Figs 2A-6B, the spring surface 60 has a generally rectangular configuration, such that it has width, second width W2, and a length, second length, L2, see Fig. 3B. Generally the spring surface 60 may have other shapes. In any case, the width may vary along the length D2 of the spring surface, and the width W2 of the spring surface 60 is smaller than the width W1 of the connector arm 20, understood as the width between the side surfaces 28 thereof.

[0086] As mentioned, each of the spring surfaces 60 further has a length, L2, in a longitudinal direction of the arm 20 (where longitudinal is understood as the direction between the proximal end 21 and the distal end 20 of the arm 20).

[0087] Turning now to e.g. Fig. 6A and B, showing that in the embodiments of Figs. 2A-6B, the spring surfaces 60 are formed on a structure, raised structure 70, which is raised above a pivot structure 80, in the shown embodiment also formed at the distal end 22 of the arms 20.

[0088] Thereby, the pivot structure 80 is located radially distant from the contact surface 40, here exemplified by the spring surface 60 relative to the recipient space 30. Further, the pivot structure 80 is located axially distant from the contact surface 40, i.e. beyond the width W2 of the spring surface 60.

[0089] Preferably, and as shown, one pivot structure 80 is arranged on either side of each spring surface 60 in the direction of the width of the spring surface 60, and the pivot structure 80 is located on a transition between the raised structure 70 and a side surface 28 of the arm 20 of the toy connector element 1.

[0090] Thereby, it is achieved that the toy connector element 1 is provided with an overload protection. If a torsional force on the cylindrical portion 201 relative to the toy connector element 1 is applied, the recessed abutment structure 80 will allow a slight rotation of the cylindrical portion 201 , relative to the toy connector element 1, and the cylindrical portion 201 of the second modular toy construction element 200 will only after this slight rotation abut on the pivot structure 80. Further rotation will cause pivoting on the pivot structure 80. This will cause the cylindrical portion 201 to push on the spring surfaces 60 in the direction of the inlet opening, and thereby force the arms 20 slightly apart, further causing the cylindrical portion 201 to snap out of engagement with the toy connector element 1 , as the cylindrical portion 201 pivots on the abutment point 80. Thereby, the risk of braking the toy connector element 1 is reduced.

[0091] As mentioned above, preferably, and as shown, one pivot structure 80 is arranged on either side of each spring surface 60 in the direction of the width of the spring surface 60. However, in principle only one recessed pivot structure 80 may improve the risk of breaking the arm.

[0092] Thus, in one embodiment (not shown), the toy connector element 1 comprises only a single pivot structure 80, recessed behind the contact surface 40 (such as the described spring surface 60) or a portion thereof.

[0093] In some embodiments of the toy connector element 1, one pivot structure 80 is formed on both sides of the contact surface 40 of one arm 20.

[0094] In some embodiments of the toy connector element 1, one pivot structure 80 is formed on both sides of the contact surface 40 of both arms 20.

[0095] In yet further embodiments (not shown) of the toy connector element 1 one pivot structure 80 is formed at one side of the contact surface 40 on both arms 20.

[0096] In the embodiments shown in the figures, and as described above, in some embodiments, the one or more pivot structures 80 are located behind and to the side of the one or both the spring surfaces 60, located on the raised structures 70. However, in other (not shown) embodiments, at least in principle, the toy connector element 1 may not have any spring surfaces 60 as described above, for example the cylindrical portion 201 could be hold in a press fit between the arms, and a partly cylindrical contact surface 40 could be configured to hold the second modular toy construction element 200, the entire contact surface 40 being formed on a raised structure, similar to the above mentioned raised structure 70 for the spring surface(s) 60 only. This alternative raised structure would be raised above a pivot structures 80, extending along the entire contact surface 40. For example, a surface such as the second carrier surface portion 25, or both the second carrier surface portion 25 and the first carrier surface 15, may be formed on a raised structure (similar to the raised structure 70 at the spring surfaces 60 (as described above)), raised above a pivot structure 80 formed on an intersection between the proximal end 21 of an arm and the base 10 of the arm 20 and / or the proximal end 21 of each arm 20.

[0097] However, in preferred embodiment, the toy connector element 1 the contact surface 40 comprises a spring surface 60, which is configured to press the cylindrical portion 201 of the second modular toy construction element 200 towards a bottom of the recipient space 30, when the cylindrical portion 201 is located in the recipient space 30.

[0098] In either of the above mentioned embodiments, the pivot structure 80 may extend along the contact surface 40, and diverge away from the midplane, M of the toy connector element towards the distal end of the arm. Thereby, if a torsional force on the cylindrical portion 201 relative to the toy connector element 1 is applied, the diverging recessed abutment structure 80 will turn one end of thecylindrical portion 201 towards the passage 35 formed between distal ends 22 of the two arms 20 thereby aiding the release of the cylindrical portion 201 out of the recipient space 30, and thereby further reducing the risk of an arm breaking.

[0099] In preferred embodiments, and as shown in the figures, the pivot structure 80 is a pivot edge 85. Preferably, the pivot edges 85 diverges away from a midplane of the toy connector element towards the distal end of the arm. Thereby, the pivot edges 85 better guides the cylindrical portion of the second modular toy construction element towards the passage 35 between the distal ends 22 of the arms 20, 20’, 20”. Thus, the pivot edges 85 are angled relative to each other, and relative to the midplane, M. The angle between a pivot edge 85 and the midplane, M, is preferably in the interval from 1-15°, such as 1-10°, such as 2-5°. The width, W2 of the contact surface 40 such as the above mentioned spring surface 60, is preferably in the interval of 1 / 3-2 / 3, such as half of the width between the pivot structures 80 (such as the pivot edges 85) on one arm 20.

[0100] In order to ease the insertion of a cylindrical portion 201 of the second modular toy construction element 200 into the recipient space 30, an entry guide surface 90 may be formed distally of the contact surface 40, such as the spring surface 60 on the raised structure 70; which entry guide surface 90 is angled relative to the contact surface 40 and diverging relative to the midplane, M, such that entry guide surface 90 may serve as a guide for a cylindrical portion 201 of the second modular toy construction element 200, when inserting the cylindrical portion 201 of the second modular toy construction element 200 into the recipient space 30, and further serve to spread the arms 20 apart during this insertion.

[0101] When a cylindrical portion 201 of a second modular toy construction element 200 is inserted, the cylindrical portion 201 will abut on the entry guide surface 90 having a transition into the spring surfaces 60, and force the arms 20 away from each other, until the inlet opening 35 between the distal ends 22 of the arms 20 has a distance equal to the diameter of the cylindrical portion 201 , i.e. the first diameter D1. Then if pressed further towards the receiving space 30, the cylindrical portion 201 will be urged towards the base 10 of the toy connector element 1 by the spring surfaces 60 being moved towards each other by the resilience of the arms 20.

[0102] In the embodiments, shown in the figures, each spring surface 60 is elevated above the pivot structure 80 on a raised structure 70: Therefore, the spring surface 60 of each preferably connects with the pivot structure 80 or with the second carrier surfaces 25 via side surfaces 73 formed laterally of the contact surface, such as the spring surface 60.

[0103] The rest position is when the arms 20 are not forced away from each other for example by a cylindrical portion 201 of a second modular toy construction element 200 being located in the recipient space 30. Thus, because in the unloaded position / rest position of the arms 20, the spring surfaces 60 are positioned closer together than the first diameter, the spring surfaces 60 will be biased towards the center of the recipient space 30, and thereby towards the cylindrical portion 201 of the second modular toy construction element 200 when it is located in the recipient space 30. Thereby, the cylindrical portion 201 of the second modular toy construction element 200 may be held tightly in the recipient space 30, when inserted.

[0104] In further embodiments, and as shown in Figures 2A-6B, the contact surface 40, such as the spring surface 60 on each arm 20, has a width W2, which is smaller than a width, first width W1, of the arms 20 between the two spaced apart side surfaces 28.

[0105] Figs. 2B and 2C illustrates the interacting forces between the toy connector element 1 and the cylindrical portion 201 of the second modular construction element 200, when the two are connected. Fig. 2B shows the toy connector element 1 and the cylindrical portion 201 of the second modular construction element 200 of Fig. 2A in frontal view.

[0106] 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 toy connector element according to the current invention.

[0107] List of parts

[0108] 1 toy connector element

[0109] I ’ prior art C-type connector / C-shaped connector

[0110] 10 base, base of toy connector element

[0111] I I proximal end of base (connects to a modular toy construction element)

[0112] 12 distal end of base

[0113] 15 first carrier surface portion, carrier surface portion of base / surface of base facing recipient space and formed at distal end of base

[0114] 20 arm / connector arm (extending from distal end of base)

[0115] 20’ first arm / first connector arm

[0116] 20” second arm / second connector arm

[0117] 25 second carrier surface portion, carrier surface portion of arm / surface of arm facing recipient space

[0118] 28 side surface of arm of toy connector element

[0119] 29 outward surface of arm of toy connector element facing away from recipient space

[0120] 30 recipient space formed between the connector arms

[0121] 35 passage to the recipient space, the inlet opening being formed between the distal ends of the connector arms

[0122] 40 contact surface

[0123] 50 carrier surface, inner / inwardly facing surface of toy connector element, which in some embodiments may form part of the contact surface

[0124] 60 spring surface, which in some embodiments may form part of the contact surface

[0125] 60’ spring surface on first connector arm

[0126] 60” spring surface on second connector arm

[0127] 70 raised structure, extending above pivot structure

[0128] 70’ raised structure on first connector arm

[0129] 70” raised structure on second connector arm

[0130] 80 pivot structure

[0131] 85 edge of pivot structure, pivot edge

[0132] 90 entry guide surface

[0133] 100 first modular toy construction element 101 tile

[0134] 102 upper surface / top surface of tile

[0135] 103 downward surface / lower surface of tile

[0136] 104 side surface of tile

[0137] 110 base of prior art snap connector

[0138] 120 arm / connector arm of prior art snap connector

[0139] 130 recipient space formed between the arms / connector arms of the prior art snap connector

[0140] 135 inlet opening to the recipient space, the inlet opening being formed between the distal ends of the arms / connector arms of the prior art snap connector

[0141] 150 inward surface / contact surface, inner / inwardly facing surface of prior art snap connector 1

[0142] 200 second modular toy construction element

[0143] 201 cylindrical portion / rod shaped portion of second modular toy construction element

[0144] 205 outer surface / cylindrical external surface of cylindrical shaped portion

[0145] C axial direction C / longitudinal axis C of the cylindrical portion of the second modular toy construction element

[0146] D1 Diameter of rod shaped portion of the second modular toy construction element

[0147] DF insertion direction, insertion direction transverse to longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion of the second modular toy construction element. DK may also indicate a drawing force between toy connector element and the cylindrical portion of the second modular construction element

[0148] FF insertion direction for the cylindrical portion of the second modular construction element into the recipient space of the first modular toy construction element, when inserted along the longitudinal direction C of the cylindrical portion of the second modular construction element. FF may also indicate the direction of a frictional force between toy connector element and the cylindrical portion of the second modular construction element

[0149] TF torsional force between toy connector element and the cylindrical portion of the second modular construction element TQ torque between toy connector element and the cylindrical portion of the second modular construction element

[0150] W1 width of connector arm

[0151] W2 width of spring surface L2 Length of spring surface

Claims

Claims1. A toy connector element (1) for connecting a first modular toy construction element (100) to a second modular toy construction element (200), the second modular toy construction element (200) comprising a cylindrical portion (201), having a cylindrical external surface (205), and a first diameter (D1), the toy connector element (1) comprising- a base (10), having a proximal end (11) and a distal end (12); and- two arms (20), each arm (20) extending from the distal end (12) of the base (10), the two arms (20) defining a recipient space (30) between them, wherein each of the two arms (20) has a proximal end (21) a distal end (22), and a width (W1) between two side surfaces (29), wherein the recipient space (30) is configured for receiving the cylindrical portion (201) of the second modular toy construction element (200), wherein each of the two arms (20) comprises a contact surface (40) for holding the cylindrical portion (201) in the recipient space, the contact surface (40) having a second width (W2), which is smaller than the first width (W1), wherein at least one arm (20) further comprises a pivot structure (80); wherein the pivot structure (80) is located radially distant from the contact surface (40) relative to the recipient space (30); and wherein the pivot structure (80) is located axially distant from the contact surface (40).

2. The toy connector element (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the pivot structure (80) extends along the contact surface (40) and diverges away from a midplane (M) of the toy connector element (1) towards the distal end (22) of the arm (20).

3. The toy connector element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pivot structure (80) is a pivot edge (85).

4. The toy connector element (1) according to anyone of the claims 1-3, wherein at least the distal end (22) of each of the two arms (20) is flexible relative to the base (10).

5. The toy connector element (1) according to anyone of the claims 1-4, wherein the at least a portion of the contact surface (40) is formed on a raised structure (70), raised from pivot structure (80) relative to recipient space (30), and wherein the pivot structure (80) is formed at a transition between the side surface (28) of the arm (20) and the raised structure (70) of the arm (20).

6. The toy connector element (1) according to anyone of the claims 1-5, wherein the contact surface (40) comprises a spring surface (60), which is configured to press the cylindrical portion (201) of the second modular toy construction element (200) towards a bottom of the recipient space (30), when the cylindrical portion (201) is located in the recipient space (30).

7. The toy connector element (1) according to anyone of the claims 1-6, wherein a pivot structure (80) is formed on both sides of the contact surface (40) of the arm (20).

8. The toy connector element (1) according to anyone of the claims 1-7, wherein a pivot structure (80) is formed on both arms (20).

9. The toy connector element (1) according to claim 8, wherein the pivot structure (80) extends from a first spring surface (60’) formed on a first arm (20’) of the two arms (20) to a second spring surface (60”) formed on a second arm (20”) of the two arms (20), the two spring surfaces (60) connecting via a carrier surface (50), which is raised above the pivot structure (80).

10. The toy connector element (1) according to anyone of the claims 1-8, wherein the proximal end (11) of the base (10) is connectable or connected to the first modular toy construction element (100).

11. A toy connector element (1) according to anyone of the claims 1-9, wherein the largest distance between the distal ends (22) of the two arms (20) is smaller than the diameter, first diameter (D1), the cylindrical portion (201) of the second modular toy construction element (200), when the toy connector element (1) is in an unstrained situation, where no cylindrical portion (201) is located in the recipient space (30).12 A toy connector element (1) according to anyone of the claims 1-11, wherein the recipient space (30) is configured for receiving the cylindrical portion (201) of the second modular toy construction element (200) through a passage (35) formed between distal ends (22) of the two arms (20).

13. A toy connector element (1) according to anyone of the claims 1-11, wherein the recipient space (30) is configured for receiving the cylindrical portion (201) of the second modular toy construction element (200) along an axial direction of the cylindrical portion (201).

14. A combination of toy connector element (1) according to any one of the claims 1-13 and a second modular toy construction element (200), wherein the second modular toy construction element (200) comprises a cylindrical portion (201), having a cylindrical external surface (205), and a first diameter (D1).

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