EP4603167A2

EP4603167A2 - Kit of parts to form connector for an assembly toy and connector formed therefrom

Info

Publication number: EP4603167A2
Application number: EP25158078.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: George Lemoine; Graham Wilson
Original assignee: Melissa and Doug LLC
Current assignee: Melissa and Doug LLC
Priority date: 2024-02-14
Filing date: 2025-02-14
Publication date: 2025-08-20
Also published as: EP4603167A3; CN120478985A; AU2025201023A1; US20250256216A1

Abstract

In an aspect, a kit of parts includes a first and second connector portions (220a, 200b) and a decorative element (40). Each connector portion has a connector-to-building-element projection (24) and at least one intra-connector projection (28). A second end of the second connector portion (220b) is releasably engageable with the at least one intra-connector projection (28) on the first connector portion to releasably connect the first and second connector portions (220a, 220b) together with decorative element retaining surfaces of the first and second connector portions facing one another, and spaced apart. The decorative element (40) is positionable between the retaining surfaces of the first and second connector portions (220a, 220b). The decorative element includes at least one intra-connector pass-through aperture (47) to permit the at least one intra-connector to pass therethrough to connect with the second connector portion (220b).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Patent Application 18/441,880 filed February 14, 2024 , the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, where permitted.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to building elements for assembly toys. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to improved connectors for coupling various building elements, such as blocks, to form a figurine, a vehicle, or other plaything. Assembly toys are assembled by combining various building elements of a set of compatible toy building elements.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Building block toys have been a staple in the toy boxes of children for generations. These toys not only provide hours of entertainment, but they also play a crucial role in a child's development. Building block toys help children develop a wide range of skills, including fine motor skills, spatial awareness, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.
When children play with building blocks, they use their hands and fingers to grasp, stack, and manipulate the blocks, which helps to develop their fine motor skills. Additionally, building blocks offer children the opportunity to explore concepts such as balance, symmetry and proportion, leading to the development of spatial awareness and mathematical thinking. Moreover, building block toys encourage creativity and imagination as children construct their own unique creations, and they also foster problem-solving abilities as children figure out how to build structures that will not collapse.
Incorporating felt and other soft fabrics in building blocks for child development can have a positive impact on a child's cognitive and sensory development. Felt is a soft and tactile material that provides a unique sensory experience for young children. By integrating felt into building blocks and other similar toys, children can engage in sensory exploration and tactile play, which can enhance their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Additionally, felt can be a versatile material for building blocks, allowing children to practice creative thinking and problem-solving as they construct and manipulate the blocks. The soft nature of felt also makes it safe for young children to handle and play with, reducing the risk of injury compared to traditional hard building materials.
Toys that are assembled from various components may include connector pieces that removably couple the components together to form recognizable objects, such as animal figurines and vehicles. Known connector pieces may include portions adapted to engage with portions of the building components. It would be an improvement over known connector pieces to include decorative and/or tactile elements as part of the connector pieces.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides embodiments of kits of parts which can be used to form connectors.
In an aspect, a kit of parts is provided and includes a first connector portion, a second connector portion and a decorative element. The first connector portion has a first end with a connector-to-building-element projection and a second end at least one intra-connector projection. The connector-to-building-element projection of the first connector portion is engageable with a building element aperture on a first building element to connect the first connector portion thereto. The first connector portion further includes a decorative element retaining surface of the first connector portion. The second connector portion has a first end with a connector-to-building-element projection, and a second end. The second connector portion further includes a decorative element retaining surface of the second connector portion. The connector-to-building-element projection of the second connector portion is engageable with a building element aperture on a second building element to connect the second connector portion thereto. The second end of the second connector portion is releasably engageable with the at least one intra-connector projection on the first connector portion to releasably connect the first and second connector portions together with the decorative element retaining surface of the first connector portion and the decorative element retaining surface of the second connector portion facing one another, and spaced apart from one another. The decorative element is positionable between the decorative element retaining surfaces of the first and second connector portions. The decorative element includes at least one intra-connector pass-through aperture to permit the at least one intra-connector to pass therethrough to connect with the second connector portion.
In another aspect, a kit of parts is provided and includes a first connector portion, a second connector portion, and a third connector portion. The first connector portion has a first end with a connector-to-building-element projection and a second end having at least one intra-connector projection. The connector-to-building-element projection of the first connector portion is engageable with an aperture on a first building element to connect the first connector portion thereto. The first connector portion further includes a decorative element retaining surface of the first connector portion. The second connector portion has a first end with a connector-to-building-element projection, and a second end. The connector-to-building-element projection of the second connector portion is engageable with an aperture on a second building element to connect the second connector portion thereto. The second end of the second connector portion is releasably engageable with the at least one intra-connector projection on the first connector portion to releasably connect the first and second connector portions together. The third connector portion has a first end with a functional element that is one of a connector-to-movable-element projection or a connector-to-movable-element aperture, and further has a second end. The functional element of the third connector portion is engageable with another functional element on a movable element (such as a vehicle trailer). The second end of the third connector portion is releasably engageable with the at least one intra-connector projection on the first connector portion to releasably connect the first and third connector portions together.
In yet another aspect, a kit of parts is provided, and includes a single connector portion and a decorative element. The single connector portion includes a first flange having a first side with a first connector-to-building-element projection extending therefrom and a second side having a first decorative element retaining surface thereon. The single connector portion includes a second flange having a first side with a second connector-to-building-element projection extending therefrom and a second side having a second decorative element retaining surface thereon that faces the first decorative element retaining surface and an intermediate member connecting the second side of the first flange with the second side of the second flange. The first flange has a first flange cross-sectional dimension, and the second flange has a second flange cross-sectional dimension. The decorative element has an intra-connector pass-through aperture therethrough to fit around the intermediate member. The intra-connector pass-through aperture has an aperture cross-sectional dimension that is smaller than both the first flange cross-sectional dimension and the second flange cross-sectional dimension. The decorative element is flexible to permit the intra-connector pass-through aperture to enlarge to fit over at least one of the first and second flanges for positioning between the first and second flanges around the intermediate member.
In yet another aspect, the connector includes two connector portions. Each connector portion has a flange having a first side and a second side. The first side of the flange includes a connector-to-building-element projection extending therefrom. In one embodiment, the connector-to-building-element projection includes a plurality of resilient arms having an engagement member on the end of the corresponding extension. In another embodiment, connector-to-building-element projection may be a connector-to-movable-element projection such as a rotatable connectable portion. The second side of the flange has at least one protrusion and at least one opening therethrough. According to one embodiment, the opening includes a spacer that extends from the second side of the flange such that the corresponding opening is lengthened. According to one embodiment, the protrusion and openings are shaped so that when the two connector portions are pressed together, the openings and protrusions form an interference fit to form the connector.
In an embodiment, the connector includes a decorative element. The decorative element includes at least one through hole. The hole is sized and positioned to accommodate the protrusion and/or the spacer to extend through the decorative element and join with the corresponding openings and protrusions of the opposite connector portion such that the decorative element is captured between the two connector portions.
In an embodiment, the connector includes two retaining elements, a decorative element captured therebetween and a connector portion that rotatably connects with the retaining elements and decorative element. Each retaining element includes a body having a first side and a second side. The second side of the body includes at least one protrusion, at least one opening therethrough and at least one central opening therethrough. The connector portion includes a flange. The first side of the flange includes a connector-to-building-element projection extending therefrom and the second side of the flange includes a connector-to-movable-element projection extending therefrom. The decorative element includes at least one hole therethrough and a central opening. The protrusions of the retaining elements are extended through the respective holes in the decorative element and corresponding hole in the opposing retaining element such that the decorative element is secured therebetween. The connector-to-movable-element projection of the connector portion extends through the central opening of the retaining elements and the decorative element thereby rotatably coupling the retaining elements and the decorative element to the connector portion.
In an embodiment, the connector includes two connector portions and a decorative element. The first connector portion has a flange having a first side and a second side. The first side of the flange includes a connector-to-building-element projection extending therefrom. In one embodiment, the connector-to-building-element projection includes a plurality of resilient arms having an engagement member on the end of the corresponding extension. The second side of the flange includes a connector-to-movable-element projection extending therefrom. The second connector portion includes a connector-to-building-element projection and a connector-to-movable-element projection extending opposite form the connector-to-building-element projection. The decorative element is disposed between the two connector portions and includes a central opening therethrough. At least a portion of the connector-to-movable-element projection of the first connector portion and/or second connector portion extends through the central opening of the decorative element and rotatably couples with the opposing connector-to-movable-element projection of opposite connector portion.
According to another embodiment, the connector includes a connector portion and a decorative element. The connector portion includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the connector portion has a flange with a connector-to-building-element projection extending from a first side of the flange and a plurality of protrusions extending from the second side of the flange. The second portion of the connector portion includes a flange with a connector-to-building-element projection extending from the first side of the flange. The decorative element includes a plurality of holes and is disposed between the first and second connector-to-building-element projections. The protrusions of the first portion extend through the corresponding holes of the decorative element. The second side of the flange of the second portion is pressed against the second side of the flange of the first portion such that the protrusions engage with the perimeter of the flange of the second portion thereby capturing the decorative element between the first and second portions of the connector portion.
The present disclosure provides embodiments of assembly toys. In an exemplary embodiment, the assembly toy includes at least one building element and at least one connector that releasably couples the building element to each other to form a figurine. Each building element includes at least one aperture that engages the connector such that the building elements are releasably coupled together. In an exemplary embodiment, the assembly toy has three building elements: a first building element (e.g., a first block), a second building element (e.g., a second block), and a third building element (e.g., a third block).
The first block may be releasably attached to the second block via two connectors. In an exemplary embodiment, the connectors used to join the first block to the second block are composed of two connector portions joined together without a decorative element. In another embodiment, the connectors used to join the first block to the second block include at least one decorative element. The second block is releasably coupled to the third block via a single connector having a decorative element.
The present disclosure provides embodiments of assembly toys. In an exemplary embodiment, the assembly toy includes at least one building element and at least one connector that releasably couples the building element to each other to form a vehicle. Each building element includes at least one aperture that engages the connector such that the building elements are releasably coupled together. In one exemplary embodiment, the assembly toy has seven building elements: main block, two front wheels, two rear wheels, a figurine, and a windshield. The two front wheels of this embodiment are releasably coupled to the main block via a connector made up of two different connector portions that form an axle. The two rear wheels are releasably coupled to the main block via a rear axle element. The rear axle element includes a first and second side flange and a body that connects the first and second side flange. The first and second side flanges include connector-to-building-element projections that extend away from the first and second side flanges. The body of the rear axle element has a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface includes a connector-to-building-element projection extending therefrom. Similarly, the bottom surface includes a connector-to-building-element projection therefrom.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the present disclosure and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a front perspective view illustrating a connector attaching two building elements together according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
Figure 2A is perspective view of a kit of parts that can be used to form the connector of Figure 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of the connector of Figure 1;
Figure 3A is a front perspective view of a first connector portion forming a component of the connector of Figure 1;
Figure 3B is a rear perspective view of the first connector portion of Figure 3A;
Figure 4A illustrates other exemplary embodiments of connector portion elements according to embodiments of the disclosure;
Figure 4B illustrates the assembly of one of the connector portion elements of Figure 4A being formed by two connector portion elements according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
Figure 4C illustrates the assembly of another one of the connector portion elements of Figure 4A being formed by two connector portion elements according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
Figure 5 is a front perspective view of the decorative element shown in Figure 2;
Figure 6 is an exploded view of a kit of parts according to another embodiment of the disclosure;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the connector of Figure 6;
Figure 8 is an exploded view of a connector according to another embodiment of the disclosure;
Figure 9 perspective view of the connector of Figure 8;
Figure 10 is a side elevation view of a kit of parts according to another embodiment of the disclosure;
Figure 11 is a side elevation view of a connector according to another embodiment of the disclosure;
Figure 12 is perspective view of a kit of parts according to another embodiment of the disclosure;
Figure 13 is a side perspective view of the connector of Figure 12
Figure 14 is a side elevation view of a toy assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 15 is a front elevation view of the toy assembly of Figure 14
Figure 16 is an exploded view of the toy assembly of Figure 14;
Figure 17 is a perspective view of another toy assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 18 is a partial exploded view of the toy assembly of Figure 17;
Figure 19 is a partial exploded view of the toy assembly of Figure 17;
Figure 20 is a front elevation view of a rear axle element of the toy assembly of Figure 17; and
Figure 21 is a top plan view of a vehicle and trailer that can be formed with building elements and which are connected to one another movably, with the connectors shown in Figure 4A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the Figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiment or embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. It should be understood at the outset that, although exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the figures and described below, the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations and techniques illustrated in the drawings and described below.
The terms 'comprising' and 'including' and their various conjugations (e.g., 'comprises') will be understood to be inclusive and open-ended, and not exclusive. This means that if an element A includes or comprises an element B, it will be understood that element A could include or comprise other elements in addition to including or comprising element B. The term 'having' and its various conjugations are also to be understood as being open-ended in the same way as 'comprising' and 'including'. These terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.
As used herein, the terms "about" and "approximately" are meant to cover variations that may exist in the upper and lower limits of the ranges of values, such as variations in properties, parameters, and dimensions.
Various terms used throughout the present description may be read and understood as follows, unless the context indicates otherwise: "or" as used throughout is inclusive, as though written "and/or"; singular articles and pronouns as used throughout include their plural forms, and vice versa; similarly, gendered pronouns include their counterpart pronouns such that pronouns should not be understood as limiting anything described herein to use, implementation, performance, etc. by a single gender; "exemplary" should be understood as "illustrative" or "exemplifying" and not necessarily as "preferred" over other embodiments. Further definitions for terms may be set out herein; these may apply to prior and subsequent instances of those terms, as will be understood from a reading of the present description. It will also be noted that the use of the term "a" or "an" will be understood to denote "at least one" in all instances unless explicitly stated otherwise or unless it would be understood to be obvious that it must mean "one".
Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components and the methods described may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order. As used in this document, "each" refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set.
As used in this document, "attached" in describing the relationship between two connected parts includes the case in which the two connected parts are "directly attached" with the two connected parts being in contact with each other, and the case in which the connected parts are "indirectly attached" and not in contact with each other, but connected by one or more intervening other part(s) between.
As used in this document, terms describing relative positions of elements such as 'top', 'upper', 'bottom', 'lower', or other analogous terms will be understood to refer to the placement of the described element during use of the apparatus of which it is a part unless the context would make it clear that it is otherwise. It will be understood that the aforementioned placement of an element, for example, can still be considered its placement even when the object that it is a part of is lying in some position other than the position in which it will be used. As an example, if reference is made to a device having an upper member, it will be understood that the upper member is being described as having an upper position when the device that it is a part of is in use or is in position for use, unless the context would make it clear that it is otherwise. Further to this example, it will be understood that the aforementioned upper member of the object can still be considered its upper member even when the object is lying on its side, for storage, or for transport, or for some other reason.
The embodiments of the disclosures described herein are exemplary (e.g., in terms of materials, shapes, dimensions, and constructional details) and do not limit by the claims appended hereto and any amendments made thereto. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that there are yet more alternative implementations and modifications possible, and that the following examples are only illustrations of one or more implementations. The scope of the disclosure, therefore, is only to be limited by the claims appended hereto and any amendments made thereto.
Referring to Figure 1, an exemplary embodiment of a coupling element 10 (also referred to as connector 10) according to the present disclosure is shown. In an embodiment, connector 10 includes decorative element 40 disposed between a first coupler 220a (also referred to as a first connector portion 220a), and a second coupler 220b (also referred to as a second connector portion 220b), as shown in Figure 2A. The decorative element 40 may be composed of any suitable material, such as, for example, plastic, wood, ceramic, cloth material, or any combination thereof. According to a preferred embodiment, decorative element 40 is formed from a soft fabric, such as felt.
As shown in Figure 1, connector 10 may be used to releasably connect two building elements 12. Alternatively, connector 10 may join building element 12 with other structures, as will be discussed below. According to one embodiment building elements 12 are shaped as rectangular prisms. The shape of building element 12 is not limited to a rectangular prism and could be flat rectangular, flat triangular, triangular prismic, pyramidal, spherical, or any other shape polyhedron, non-polyhedron, or a combination of polygonal and curved surfaces or any other suitable shape. Building element 12 has one or more exterior surfaces 13. According to one embodiment, building element aperture 14 is centrally located on at least one exterior surface 13 as is shown in Figure 1, although the build element aperture need not be (also as shown in Figure 1). The building elements 12 can be coloured by silk screen printing, heat transfer printing, painting, engraving, or any other suitable coloration technique.
Referring now to Figures 3A and 3B, the first and second connector portions 220a and 220b each have a body 223, and have a first end 223a and a second end 223b. At the first end 223a may be a coupling portion 24 (also referred to as a connector-to-building-element projection 24), which permits the first or second connector portion 220a or 220b as the case may be, to connect to a building element 12. At the second end 223b is an intra-connector structure 221 that permits each of the first and second connector portions 220a and 220b to connect to each other. An example of a suitable intra-connector structure 221 is shown in Figures 3A and 3B.
The body 223 may optionally have a flange 22 thereon, having a first side 22a and a second side 22b. In embodiments in which the flange 22 is provided, the connector-to-building-element projection 24 may extend from the first side 22a of the flange 22, and the intra-connector structure 221 may extend from the second side 22b of the flange 22.
The connector-to-building-element projection 24 includes a plurality of flexible extensions 25 (also referred to as resilient arms 25). In the example shown, the resilient arms 25 extend from the first side 22a of the flange 22. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the connector-to-building-element projection 24 includes three resilient arms 25 extending from the first side 22a of the flange 22. However, it is contemplated that more or fewer resilient arms 25 may be used. The resilient arms 25 are insertable into the building element aperture 14 and resiliently flex so as to releasably secure the intra-connector structure 221 to the building element 12 by press-fit. Alternatively, the resilient arms 25 may each include a locking projection 26 (Figure 6) at their free ends, which engages a shoulder (not shown) in the building element aperture 14 in order to releasably secure the first connector portion 220 to the building element 12 by a snap fit. Any other suitable way of connecting the first connector portion 220 to the building element 12 may alternatively be used.
It is advantageous that the connectors 10 employ connector-to-building-element projection 24 and the building elements employ building element apertures 14 so that the surface of the building elements 12 or more specifically, of a construction that is formed with the building elements 12 does not have connector projections extending from it, which can detract from the appearance and realism of the construction. An example of a construction formed using the building elements is shown as an assembly toy 1000 in Figures 14-16.
With reference to Figures 3A and 3B, the second side 22b of the flange 22 of at least one of the first and second connector portions 220a and 220b includes at least one protrusion 28. The protrusion 28 may also be referred to as an intra-connector projection 28. The intra-connector projection 28 is sized to engage the other of the first and second connector portions 220a and 220b, so as to connect the first connector portion 220a and the second connector portion 220b together.
In an embodiment, the second side 22b of the flange 22 of the other of the first and second connector portions 220a and 220b may optionally include at least one aperture 27 for receiving the intra-connector projection 28. The opening 27 may be referred to as an intra-connector aperture 27. The intra-connector projection 28 is sized to fit in the intra-connector aperture 27 so as to connect the first connector portion 220a and the second connector portion 220b together. The intra-connector projection 28 may fit in the intra-connector aperture 27 in any suitable way, e.g., by a press-fit or by incorporating a plurality of resilient arms into the intra-connector projection 28 with projections at their free ends, and a shoulder on the intra-connector aperture 27 so as to provide a snap fit. Embodiments shown in Figures 6 and 7, and in Figures 8 and 9, show a snap fit, in which each intra-connector projection 28 itself comprises a plurality of resilient arms 290 each with a locking projection 291 thereon at the free end of the resilient arm 290, and in which each intra-connector aperture 27 has a locking shoulder 292 that the locking projections 291 engage after passing through the intra-connector aperture 27.
In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 3B, the second side 22b of the flange 22 of each of the first and second connector portions 220a and 220b includes two intra-connector projections 28 and two intra-connector apertures 27 thereon.
Optionally, at least one spacer 29 is provided on the second side 22b of the flange 22 of at least one of the first and second connector portions 220a and 220b, in order to provide at least a selected spacing between the second sides 22b of the flanges 22 of the first and second connector portions 220a and 220b when the first and second connector portions 220a and 220b are connected together. In the embodiment shown, the at least one spacer 29 extends from the second side 22b of the flange 22 and surrounds the intra-connector apertures 27 of each of the first and second connector portions 220a and 220b. The spacer 29 may be monolithically formed with the flange 22 or may be welded or otherwise fixed to the second side 22b of the flange 22. The selected spacing provided between the second sides 22b of the flanges 22 of the first and second connector portions 220a and 220b may be sized to receive the decorative element 40. It is alternatively possible to provide at least one spacer 29 on the proximal end of one or more of the intra-connector projections 28. It is alternatively possible to omit the at least one spacer 29 and to connect the first and second connector portions 220a and 220b while taking care not to crush the decorative element 40 therebetween.
The decorative element 40 includes at least one through hole 47 (also referred to as an intra-connector pass-through aperture 47) therethrough. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 5, the decorative element includes four intra-connector pass-through apertures 47. The intra-connector pass-through apertures 47 are sized to accommodate structures that permit the first and second connector portions 220a and 220b to be connected to one another with the decorative element captured therebetween, as shown in the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 2B.
To assemble the connector 10 shown in Figures 1-3B, the first and second connector portions 220a and 220b are pressed together such that the intra-connector projections 28 and the spacers 29 on each of the first and second connector portions 220a and 220b are pushed through the intra-connector pass-through apertures 47 in the decorative element 40, such that the intra-connector projections 28 are received in the intra-connector apertures 27 of each of the first and second connector portions 220a and 220b.
In an alternative embodiment, the at least one intra-connector projection 28 may engage a peripheral surface 59 of the second connector portion 220b so as to connect the first connector portion 220a and the second connector portion 220b together, as shown in Figures 12 and 13. Optionally, the engagement between the at least one intra-connector projection 28 and the peripheral surface 59 may be by way of a press-fit. Alternatively, each of the at least one intra-connector projection 28 may be resilient and may include a projection at its free end so as to engage a shoulder (e.g., which may be formed by the first side 22a of the flange 22) on the second connector portion 220b.
In the embodiment shown, the first connector portion 220a includes four intra-connector projections 28 at the second end 223b of the first connector portion 220a. In some embodiments a single intra-connector projection 28 may be provided, which extends around more than 180 degrees of the peripheral surface 59 of the second connector portion 220b. In other embodiments, two intra-connector projections 28 may be provided, which are opposite one another and which may be arcuately shaped to sufficiently capture the peripheral surface 59 of the second connector portion 220b. In other embodiments, three or more intra-connector projections 28 may be provided, which, if spaced apart to cover more than 180 degrees of the peripheral surface 59 of the second connector portion 220b, can capture the intra-connector projections 28. Any suitable number of intra-connector projections 28 may be used, including more than four. In the embodiment shown, the first connector portion 220a includes a flange 22 and the one or more intra-connector projections 28 are provided on the second side 22b of the flange 22.
The one or more intra-connector projections 28 make up a first intra-connector structure shown at 222 at the second end 223b of the first connector portion 220a, and the peripheral surface 59 of the second connector portion 220b may make up a second intra-connector structure shown at 224 at the second end 223b of the second connector portion 220b. It will be noted that the flange 22 of the second connector portion 220b in Figures 12 and 13 is smaller than the flange 22 of the first connector portion 220a in Figures 12 and 13.
The connector-to-building-element projection 24 may be provided at the first ends 223a of each of the first and second connector portions 220a and 220b, e.g., on the first sides 22a of the flanges 22 of the first and second connector portions 220a and 220b.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 12 and 13, at least one spacer (not shown) may optionally be provided on the intra-connector projections 28 to maintain at least a selected spacing between the second sides 22b of the flanges 22 of the first and second connector portions 220a and 220b, so as to inhibit crushing of the decorative element 40.
To assemble the connector 10 depicted in Figures 12 and 13, the intra-connector projections 28 of the first connector portion 220a are inserted through the intra-connector pass-through apertures 47 of the decorative element 40 and onto the peripheral surface 59 of the second connector portion 220b.
In another exemplary embodiment, the first side 22a is substantially planar, as can be seen in connector portion 20d shown in Figures 6 and 7.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-3B, the first and second connector portions 220a and 220b are identical to one another, thereby permitting the manufacture of a single type of member, that can be assembled with another one of itself to form a connector 10, without necessitating the manufacture of two different parts.
The first and second connector portions 220a and 220b shown in Figures 1-3B, and the first and second connector portions 220a and 220b shown in Figures 12-13, both include a connector-to-building-element projection 24 at the first ends 223a of the bodies 223 thereof, so as to be used for connecting first and second building elements 12, as shown in Figures 1, 14, and 16. It will be noted that the connector-to-building-element projections 24 shown at Figures 12 and 13 are intended to be simple representations of the connector-to-building-element projections 24 shown in Figures 1-9. In other words, the connector-to-building-element projections 24 shown in Figures 12 and 13 may be the same as the connector-to-building-element projection 24 shown in Figures 1-9. Alternatively, however, the first and second connector portions 220a and 220b may include some other features at the first ends 223a. For example, referring to Figures 4A-4C, the connector 10 may include a first connector portion 220a that is similar to the first connector portion 220a shown in Figures 1-3B, and a second connector portion 220b which includes a functional element 230 (for example, a connector-to-movable-element projection 231) instead of the connector-to-building-element projection 24, as shown in Figure 4B. In yet another embodiment, the connector 10 may include a first connector portion 220a that is similar to the first connector portion 220a shown in Figures 1-3B, and a second connector portion 220b which includes a functional element 230 (for example, a connector-to-movable-element aperture 232) instead of the connector-to-building-element projection 24, as shown in Figure 4C.
The connector-to-movable-element projection 230 permits the connector 10 to connect to an element that is intended for movement relative to the building elements 12 to which the connector 10 is connected. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figures 4A-4C, the connector-to-movable-element projection 231 connects to a connector-to-movable-element aperture 232 to form a ball-and-socket joint that can act, for example, as a trailer hitch between a vehicle 296 and a trailer 298 each formed from building elements 12, shown in Figure 21. In such an embodiment, the connector-to-movable-element aperture 232 may be the movable element that the connector-to-movable-element projection 231 is movably connected to. Similarly, the connector-to-movable-element projection 231 may be the movable element that the connector-to-movable-element aperture 232 is connected to.
Thus, one of the first and second connector portions 220a and 220b may include a connector-to-movable-element projection 231 or a connector-to-movable-element aperture 232 thereon instead of the connector-to-building-element projection 24. It will further be noted that the first and second connectors 220a and 220b in Figures 4A-4C could alternatively have the first and second intra-connection structures 222 and 224 shown in Figures 12 and 13 instead of the intra-connection structure 221 shown in Figures 3A and 3B.
Referring now to Figures 8-9, according to other embodiments, connector 10 includes a decorative element 40 disposed between the first and second connector portions 220a and 220b. In this embodiment, the first connector portion 220a itself includes a first portion 240 and a second portion 242. The first portion 240 of the first connector portion 220a includes the flange 22 and the connector-to-building-element projection 24 at the first end 223a (e.g., on the first side 22a of the flange 22). The first portion 240 further includes a shaft 241 that extends from the second side 22b of the flange 22. The second portion 242 of the first connector portion 220a is rotatably mountable onto the shaft 241. The second portion 242 of the first connector portion 220a connects with the second connector portion 220b by way of any suitable intra-connector structure, such as the intra-connector structure 221, at the second end 223b. The intra-connector structure 221, as described above, includes at least one intra-connector projection 28 and at least one intra-connector aperture 27. Alternatively, the intra-connector structures shown at 222 and 224 shown in Figures 12 and 13 may alternatively be used to connect the second portion 242 of the first connector portion 220a to the second connector portion 220b.
In the embodiment shown, the shaft 241 may pass through shaft receiving apertures 246 provided in the second portion 242 of the first connector portion 220a, and the second connector portion 220b, and the shaft receiving aperture 248 in the decorative member 40. The fit of the shaft 241 in the shaft receiving apertures 246 and 248 may be loose so as to permit rotation of the assembly (shown at 250) formed by the second portion 242 of the first connector portion 220a, the decorative member 40, and the second connector portion 220b on the shaft 241. The decorative member 40 in this embodiment may be shaped to resemble a propellor on an airplane or a boat, and can rotate about the shaft 241.
In order to inhibit the second portion 242 of the first connector portion 220a, the decorative member 40, and the second connector portion 220b, from inadvertently being removed from the shaft 241, the shaft 241 may optionally include a plurality of resilient arms 252, each having a locking projection 254 at the free end, which is engageable with a shoulder 256 on the second connector portion 220b. The shoulder 256 may itself be part of the first side 22a of the flange 22 of the second connector portion 220b.
It will be noted that the second connector portion 220b, does not have a connector-to-building-element projection, a connector-to-movable-element projection, or a connector-to-movable-element aperture thereon.
As can be seen in Figure 8, the at least one spacer 29 may be provided on the intra-connector projections 28 and/or the intra-connector apertures 27 to maintain at least the selected spacing between the second sides 22b of the flanges 22.
It will be noted that it is not strictly necessary for each of the first and second connector portions 220a and 220b to include a flange 22. Where a flange 22 is provided, the second side 22b of the flange 22 serves as a decorative element retaining surface 258, to engage the decorative element 40 and thereby prevent the decorative element 40 from being pulled off of the first or second connector portion 220a or 220b as the case may be. It is alternatively possible however, to provide either or both of the first or second connector portions 220a and 220b without a flange 22 and to instead include the decorative element retaining surface 258 directly on the body 223, an example of which is shown in Figure 10.
As shown in Figure 10, a first intra-connector structure 260 may be provided at the second end 223b of the first connector portion 220a, and a second intra-connector structure 262 may be provided at a second end 223b of the body of the second connector portion 264. The first connector structure 260 may include a single intra-connector- projection 28 extending from the second side 22a of the flange 22. The second connector structure 262 includes a single, intra-connector aperture 27, which extends from the decorative element retaining surface 258 that is on the body 223, and which is positioned to cooperate with the decorative element retaining surface 258 on the second side 22b of the flange 22 on the first connector portion 220a, so as to capture the decorative element 40.
The decorative element 40 in the embodiment shown in Figure 10 includes only a single intra-connector pass-through aperture 47 to permit the pass-through of the intra-connector projection 28 and the intra-connector aperture 27.
The first connector portion 220a may have a connector-to-building-element projection 24, a connector-to-movable-element projection 230, or a connector-to-movable-element aperture 232, at the first end 223a (e.g., extending from the first side 22a of the flange 22). Analogously, the second connector portion 220b may have a connector-to-building-element projection 24, a connector-to-movable-element projection 230, or a connector-to-movable-element aperture 232 at the first end 223a. It will be noted that the connector-to-building-element projections 24 shown at Figure 10 are intended to be simple representations of the connector-to-building-element projections 24 shown in Figures 1-9. In other words, the connector-to-building-element projections 24 shown in Figure 10 may be the same as the connector-to-building-element projection 24 shown in Figures 1-9.
To assemble connector 10 as shown in Figure 10, one of the first and second intra-connector structures 260 and 262 is inserted through the intra-connector pass-through aperture 47 of the decorative element 40 before being to the other of the first and second intra-connector structures 260 and 262 thereby capturing decorative element 40 between the decorative element retaining surfaces 258 on the first and second intra-connector structures 260 and 262.
Reference is made to Figure 11, which shows another embodiment of the connector 10. The connector 10 in Figure 11 includes a decorative element 40 and a single connector portion 270 that includes first and second flanges 267 and 269, which are fixed to the body 223 with a selected spacing from one another, and an intermediate member 271 connecting the second side 267b of the first flange 267 with the second side 269b of the second flange 269. The decorative element 40 may be substantially similar to the decorative element 40 shown in Figure 10 except that the decorative element 40 in Figure 11 includes a single intra-connector pass-through aperture 47 and at least one slit 272 extending outward from the edge of the intra-connector pass-through aperture 47, so as to permit the intra-connector pass-through aperture 47 to be flexible to permit the pass-through of one of the flanges 22 of the single connector portion 270, so as to permit the decorative element 40 to be positioned in the space between the two flanges 22. While there are two slits 272 shown in Figure 11, there could be a single slit 272 or three or more slits 272. At the two ends of the single connector portion 270 may be connector-to-building-element projections 24. Alternatively, a connector-to-movable-element projection 231, or a connector-to-movable-element aperture 232 may be provided instead of one of the connector-to-building-element projections 24. It is alternatively possible for one of the ends of the single connector portion 270 to be free of any structure to connect to a building element 12 or to a movable element. It will be noted that the connector-to-building-element projections 24 shown at Figure 11 are intended to be simple representations of the connector-to-building-element projections 24 shown in Figures 1-9. In other words, the connector-to-building-element projections 24 shown in Figure 11 may be the same as the connector-to-building-element projection 24 shown in Figures 1-9.
The present disclosure provides embodiments of assembly toys. Assembly toys are assembled by coupling a variety of building elements, such as blocks, together using a variety of connectors. The assembly toy may use more or fewer building elements, building elements of different sizes, dimensions, and colors, and different types of connectors to assemble the building elements to form a variety of different toys. For illustrative purposes, the assembly toy shown in Figures 14-16 resembles a lion. However, the assembly toy may be assembled into a wide variety of toy types, including but not limited to figurines or vehicles. Non-limiting examples of a figurine may include a monkey, a zebra, an alligator, an elephant, a giraffe, a lion, a person, a dinosaur, a dragon or any other type of character. Non-limiting examples of a vehicle may include a truck, a train, a tractor (Figure 17), a sailboat, an airplane, or a car.
Referring now to Figures 14-16, an exemplary embodiment of an assembly toy 1000 according to the present disclosure is shown. The assembly toy 1000 includes at least one building element 12 and at least one connector 10 that releasably couples the building elements 12 to each other to form a figurine, e.g., a lion. The building elements 12 may be wooden blocks having a variety of shapes. However, a person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate there are a variety of materials the building elements 12 may be composed of. Each building element 12 includes at least one building element aperture 14 that engages with a connector 10 such that the building elements 12 may be releasably coupled together. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 14-15, the assembly toy 1000 has three building elements 12: a first block shown at 1010, a second block shown at 1020, and a third block shown at 1030. The three building elements 12 are coupled together by three connectors include a connector 10 between the second block 1020 and the third block 1030, and two connectors 99 between the first block 1010 and the second block 1020 (Figure 16).
Referring to Figure 16, the first block 1010 is releasably attached to the second block 1020 via two connectors 99. The connectors 99 used to connect the first block 1010 and second block 1020 together may be integral elements that include first and second connector-to-building-element projections 24, and an optional flange 22. While it is possible for these connectors 99 to hold a decorative element, one is not shown. It will be appreciated that more or fewer connectors 99 may be used to releasably attach first block 1010 to second block 1020.
The second block 1020 is releasably attached to the third block 1030 via a single connector 10 having a decorative element 40. The connector 10 used to connect the second block 1020 to the third block 1030 is composed of two connector portions 220a joined together with the decorative element 40 captured between the two connector portions 220a. The decorative element 40 resembles a lion's mane.
Referring now to Figures 17-20, an exemplary embodiment of an assembly toy 2000 according to the present disclosure is shown. The assembly toy 2000 includes a plurality of building elements 12 including a block 2010 and an accessory piece 2030. two connectors 97 releasably couple the building element 1010 to first and second front wheels shown at 2020a, and a connector 95 connects the building element 1010 to first and second rear wheels shown at 2020b. A connector 99 connects the block 2010 to the accessory piece 2030. A connector-accessory piece 2040 connects directly into the block 2010, so as to form a vehicle, e.g., a tractor. Each building element includes at least one building element aperture 14 that engages with a connector such that the building elements may be releasably coupled together.
Referring to Figure 18, the block 2010 is rectangular-prismic shaped and has a plurality of apertures 14. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the block 2010 is made of wood or a wood derivative. In other embodiments, the block 2010 may be made of any other suitable material such as plastic, metal, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the apertures 14 are all the same size and dimension. In another embodiment, the apertures 14 may vary in size such that there are a plurality of different sized apertures 14.
The two connectors 97 each include a connector-to-movable-element projection shown at 280 which forms an axle to releasably and rotatably hold one of the front wheels 2020a. Similarly, the two rear wheels 2020b are releasably and rotatably coupled to the main block 2010 via two connector-to-movable-element projections 2052a and 2054a on the connector 95. As shown in Figure 20, the connector 95 includes first and second side flanges 2052 and 2054 and a body 2053 that connects the first and second side flanges 2052, 2054 together, and to the first and second connector-to-building element projections 24. In one embodiment, the side flanges 2052, 2054 may be monolithically formed from the body 2053. In another embodiment, the side flanges 2052, 2054 may be coupled to the body 2053 via adhesives or welds. The first and second side flanges 2052, 2054 each include a connector-to-building-element projection 2052a, 2054a that extends away from the first and second side flanges 2052.
It will be noted that the connector 10 shown in Figures 4B or 4C could be inserted into a rear aperture 14 on the block 2010 of the assembly toy 2000 to act as a trailer hitch to connect to the other of the connectors 10 shown in Figures 4B and 4C, mounted to another wheeled vehicle assembly toy.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 17-20 it will be noted that the connectors 99, 97 and 95 do not include first and second connector portions 220a and 220b. Accordingly, such connectors are not assembled but are instead preformed.
The elements shown in Figures 2A, 10 and 12 may each be considered to be a kit of parts 300 that can be used to form a connector such as the connector 10. The kit of parts 300 includes a first connector portion (e.g., the first connector portion 220a) having a first end 223a with a connector-to-building-element projection (e.g., connector-to-building-element projection 24) and a second end 223b having at least one intra-connector projection (e.g., the at least one intra-connector projection 28). The connector-to-building-element projection 220a of the first connector portion 220a is engageable with a building element aperture 14 on a first building element (e.g., building element 1020 or building element 1030) to connect the first connector portion 220a thereto. The kit of parts 300 includes a second connector portion (e.g., the second connector portion 220b) having a first end 223a with a connector-to-building-element projection (e.g., connector-to-building-element projection 24), and a second end 223b. The connector-to-building-element projection 24 of the second connector portion 220b is engageable with a building element aperture 14 on a second building element (e.g., building element 1020 or building element 1030) to connect the second connector portion 220b thereto. The second end 223b of the second connector portion 220b is releasably engageable with the at least one intra-connector projection 28 on the first connector portion 220b to releasably connect the first and second connector portions 220a and 220b together with the decorative element retaining surface 258 of the first connector portion 220a and the decorative element retaining surface 258 of the second connector portion 220b facing one another, and spaced apart from one another.
Optionally, the first connector portion 220a further includes a decorative element retaining surface 258 of the first connector portion 220a, and the second connector portion 220b further includes a decorative element retaining surface 258 of the second connector portion 220b. The second end 223b of the second connector portion 220b is shaped such that releasable engagement with the at least one intra-connector projection 28 on the first connector portion 220b to releasably connect the first and second connector portions 220a and 220b together positions the decorative element retaining surface 258 of the first connector portion 220a and the decorative element retaining surface 258 of the second connector portion 220b facing one another, and spaced apart from one another. The kit of parts 300 may further includes a decorative element 40 positionable between the decorative element retaining surfaces 258 of the first and second connector portions 220a and 220b. The decorative element includes at least one intra-connector pass-through aperture 47 to permit the at least one intra-connector projection 28 to pass therethrough to connect with the second connector portion 220b.
Optionally at least one of the first and second connector portions 220a and 200b includes a flange 22 separating the first and second ends 223a and 223b, and having a first side 22a that is positioned to engage an exterior surface 13 of an associated one of the first and second building elements 1020, 1030, and having a second side 22b that is the decorative element retaining surface 258. This engagement with the exterior face 13 may help to ensure that the at least one of the first and second connector portions 220a and 220b is oriented properly in the building element aperture 14.
Optionally, the connector-to-building-element projection 24 on the first connector portion 220a is the same as the connector-to-building-element projection 24 on the second connector portion 220b. As a first option, the first connector portion 220a and the second connector portion 220b may be identical, thereby facilitating manufacture of the first and second connector portions 220a and 220b, since a single type of component can act as both the first and second connector portions 220a and 220b.
Optionally, the second end 223b of the second connector portion 220b includes at least one intra-connector aperture (e.g., the at least one intra-connector aperture 27) which is positioned to receive the at least one intra-connector projection 28. As a further option, the at least one intra-connector projection 28 is at least one intra-connector projection 28 of the first connector portion 220a, and the at least one intra-connector aperture 27 is at least one intra-connector aperture 27 of the second connector portion 220b, and the second end 223b of the second connector portion 220b further includes at least one intra-connector projection 28 of the second connector portion 220b, and the second end 223b of the first connector portion 220a includes at least one intra-connector aperture 27 of the first connector portion 220a, positioned to receive the at least one intra-connector projection 28 of the second connector portion 220b.
Optionally, the decorative element 40 is made from a material (e.g., felt) that is different than a material of the first and second connector portions 220a and 220b (e.g., plastic, or metal, or any other suitably strong material). As a further option, the material of the decorative element 40 is softer than the material of the first and second connector portions. This assists in providing a more lifelike representation of the features of the character that is portrayed by the assembled structure (in embodiments in which the decorative element 40 is used. For example, the decorative element 40 may represent a mane of a lion (Figure 15), which is relatively flexible as compared to the body of the lion. The building elements 1010, 1020, and 1030 may be made from any suitable material such as wood, plastic, or any other suitable material.
Optionally, the kit of parts 300 further includes at least one spacer (e.g., spacer 29) that extends from at least one of the decorative element retaining surface 258 of the first connector portion 220a and the decorative element retaining surface 258 of the second connector portion 220b.
Optionally, the kit of parts 300 may further include a plurality of the building elements (e.g., the building elements 1010, 1020 and 1030).
Optionally, the first connector portion 220a may be one of a plurality of first connector portions 220a, each of which is a different colour, and the second connector portion 220b may be one of a plurality of second connector portions 220b, each of which is a different colour.
In another aspect, the kit of parts 300 described above may further include a third connector portion (e.g., the connector portion 220b shown in Figures 4B or 4C). The third connector portion 220b has a first end 223a with a functional element that is one of a connector-to-movable-element projection 230 or a connector-to-movable-element aperture 232, and further has a second end 223b. The functional element of the third connector portion is engageable with another functional element on a movable element (such as a vehicle trailer). The second end 223b of the third connector portion 220b (Figure 4B or Figure 4C) is releasably engageable with the at least one intra-connector projection 28 on the first connector portion 220a to releasably connect the first and third connector portions (220a, 220b) together.
Optionally, the third connector portion further includes a decorative element retaining surface of the third connector portion. The second end 223b of the third connector portion 220b (Figure 4B or Figure 4C) is shaped such that releasable engagement with the at least one intra-connector projection 28 on the first connector portion 220a to releasably connect the first and third connector portions (220a, 220b) together positions the decorative element retaining surface 258 of the first connector portion 220a and the decorative element retaining surface 258 of the third connector portion 220b facing one another, and spaced apart from one another.
Optionally, the functional element of the second connector portion 220b forms a ball and socket joint with the other functional element on the movable element.
The elements shown in Figure 11 may be considered to be a kit of parts 310 that can be used to form a connector such as the connector 10 shown in that figure. The kit of parts 310 includes a single connector portion (e.g., single connector portion 270 shown in Figure 11) and a decorative element (e.g., the decorative element 40 shown in Figure 11). The single connector portion 270 includes a first flange (e.g., first flange 267) having a first side 267a with a first connector-to-building-element projection 24 extending therefrom and a second side 267b having a first decorative element retaining surface 258 thereon. The single connector portion 270 includes a second flange (e.g., second flange 269) having a first side 269a with a second connector-to-building-element projection 24 extending therefrom and a second side 269b having a second decorative element retaining surface 258 thereon that faces the first decorative element retaining surface 258 and an intermediate member 271 connecting the second side 267b of the first flange 267 with the second side 269b of the second flange 269. The first flange 267 has a first flange cross-sectional dimension DIM1 and the second flange 269 has a second flange cross-sectional dimension DIM2. The first flange cross-sectional dimension DIM1 is the smallest cross-sectional dimension of the first flange 267. In embodiments in which the first flange 267 is circular, the first flange cross-sectional dimension DIM1 is the same in any direction. The second flange cross-sectional dimension DIM2 is the smallest cross-sectional dimension of the second flange 269. In embodiments in which the second flange 269 is circular, the first flange cross-sectional dimension DIM2 is the same in any direction. However, the first and second flanges 267 and 269 may have any other suitable shape, such as a polygonal shape, a non-circular arcuate shape, or an irregular shape. The decorative element 40 has an intra-connector pass-through aperture 47 therethrough to fit around the intermediate member. The intra-connector pass-through aperture has an aperture cross-sectional dimension DIM3 that is smaller than both the first flange cross-sectional dimension DIM1 and the second flange cross-sectional dimension DIM2. The decorative element 40 is flexible to permit the intra-connector pass-through aperture 47 to enlarge to fit over at least one of the first and second flanges 267 and 269 for positioning between the first and second flanges 267 and 269 around the intermediate member 271.
Optionally, the decorative element 40 includes at least one slot 272 that extends outward from the intra-connector pass-through aperture 47, so as to permit the intra-connector pass-through aperture 47 to fit over at least one of the first and second flanges 267 and 269 for positioning between the first and second flanges 267 and 269 around the intermediate member 271.
It has been described that the first and second connector portions 220a and 220b may be releasably connectable together. If they are connected by press-fit of the intra-connector projections 28 in the intra-connector apertures 27 then they can be disassembled by pulling the first and second connector portions 220a and 220b apart. If the intra-connector projections 28 include the locking projections 291, then the user may push the arms 290 towards one another to permit the locking projections 291 to disengage from the shoulders 292 and to be withdrawn through the intra-connector apertures 27 in order to disassemble the connector 10.
In all the embodiments described herein, it will be noted that the at least one intra-connector projection 28 could be positioned on the second connector portion 220b. Furthermore, the at least one intra-connector projection 28 could be positioned on the third connector portion 220b in embodiments where there is a third connector portion 220b having the functional element thereon (as shown in Figure 4B or 4C). Accordingly, the first connector portion 220a could engage with the at least one intra-connector projection to connect the first connector portion 220a with the second or third connector portion 220b as the case may be. In some embodiments, the first connector portion may have at least one intra-connector aperture 27 thereon to receive the at least one intra-connector projection.
As shown throughout the drawings, like reference numerals designate like or corresponding parts. While illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure have been described and illustrated above, it should be understood that these are exemplary of the disclosure and are not to be considered as limiting. Additions, deletions, substitutions, and other modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not to be considered as limited by the foregoing description.

Claims

A kit of parts, comprising:
a first connector portion having a first end with a connector-to-building-element projection and a second end having at least one intra-connector projection, wherein the connector-to-building-element projection of the first connector portion is engageable with a building element aperture on a first building element to connect the first connector portion thereto, wherein the first connector portion further includes a decorative element retaining surface of the first connector portion;

a second connector portion having a first end with a connector-to-building-element projection, and a second end, wherein the second connector portion further includes a decorative element retaining surface of the second connector portion, wherein the connector-to-building-element projection of the second connector portion is engageable with a building element aperture on a second building element to connect the second connector portion thereto, wherein the second end of the second connector portion is releasably engageable with the at least one intra-connector projection on the first connector portion to releasably connect the first and second connector portions together with the decorative element retaining surface of the first connector portion and the decorative element retaining surface of the second connector portion facing one another, and spaced apart from one another; and

a decorative element positionable between the decorative element retaining surfaces of the first and second connector portions, wherein the decorative element includes at least one intra-connector pass-through aperture to permit the at least one intra-connector projection to pass therethrough to connect with the second connector portion.
The kit of parts as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second connector portions includes a flange separating the first and second ends, and having a first side that is positioned to engage an exterior face of an associated one of the first and second building elements, and having a second side that is the decorative element retaining surface.
The kit of parts as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the second end of the second connector portion includes at least one intra-connector aperture, positioned to receive the at least one intra-connector projection.
The kit of parts as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one intra-connector projection is at least one intra-connector projection of the first connector portion, and wherein the at least one intra-connector aperture is at least one intra-connector aperture of the second connector portion, and wherein the second end of the second connector portion further includes at least one intra-connector projection of the second connector portion, and the second end of the first connector portion includes at least one intra-connector aperture of the first connector portion, positioned to receive the at least one intra-connector projection of the second connector portion.
The kit of parts as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the material of the decorative element is softer than the material of the first and second connector portions.
The kit of parts as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, further comprising at least one spacer that extends from at least one of the decorative element retaining surface of the first connector portion and the decorative element retaining surface of the second connector portion.
A kit of parts, comprising:
a first connector portion having a first end with a connector-to-building-element projection and a second end having at least one intra-connector projection, wherein the connector-to-building-element projection of the first connector portion is engageable with an aperture on a first building element to connect the first connector portion thereto;

a second connector portion having a first end with a connector-to-building-element projection, and a second end, wherein the connector-to-building-element projection of the second connector portion is engageable with an aperture on a second building element to connect the second connector portion thereto, wherein the second end of the second connector portion is releasably engageable with the at least one intra-connector projection on the first connector portion to releasably connect the first and second connector portions together; and

a third connector portion having a first end with a functional element thereon, which is one of a connector-to-movable-element projection and a connector-to-movable-element aperture, and further includes a second end, wherein the functional element of the third connector portion is engageable with another functional element on a movable element, wherein the second end of the third connector portion is releasably engageable with the at least one intra-connector projection on the first connector portion to releasably connect the first and third connector portions together.
The kit of parts as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second end of the second connector portion includes at least one intra-connector aperture, positioned to receive the at least one intra-connector projection.
The kit of parts as claimed in claim 8, wherein the at least one intra-connector projection is at least one intra-connector projection of the first connector portion, and wherein the at least one intra-connector aperture is at least one intra-connector aperture of the second connector portion, and wherein the second end of the second connector portion further includes at least one intra-connector projection of the second connector portion, and the second end of the first connector portion includes at least one intra-connector aperture of the first connector portion, positioned to receive the at least one intra-connector projection of the second connector portion.
The kit of parts as claimed in claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein the first connector portion further includes a decorative element retaining surface of the first connector portion, wherein the second connector portion further includes a decorative element retaining surface of the second connector portion, wherein the third connector portion further includes a decorative element retaining surface of the third connector portion,
wherein the second end of the second connector portion is shaped such that releasable engagement with the at least one intra-connector projection on the first connector portion to releasably connect the first and second connector portions together positions the decorative element retaining surface of the first connector portion and the decorative element retaining surface of the second connector portion facing one another, and spaced apart from one another,

wherein the second end of the third connector portion is shaped such that releasable engagement with the at least one intra-connector projection on the first connector portion to releasably connect the first and third connector portions together positions the decorative element retaining surface of the first connector portion and the decorative element retaining surface of the second connector portion facing one another and spaced apart from one another, and

wherein the kit of parts further comprises a decorative element positionable between the decorative element retaining surfaces of the first and second connector portions, wherein the decorative element includes at least one intra-connector pass-through aperture to permit the at least one intra-connector to pass therethrough to connect with the second connector portion.
The kit of parts as claimed in claim 10, wherein at least one of the first and second connectors includes a flange separating the first and second ends, and having a first side that is positioned to engage an exterior face of an associated one of the first and second building elements, and having a second side that is the decorative element retaining surface.
The kit of parts as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the material of the decorative element is softer than the material of the first and second connector portions.
The kit of parts as claimed in claim 10, 11 or 12, further comprising at least one spacer that extends from at least one of the decorative element retaining surfaces of the first connector portion and the decorative element retaining surfaces of the second connector portion.
A kit of parts, comprising:
a single connector portion including a first flange having a first side with a first connector-to-building-element projection extending therefrom and a second side having a first decorative element retaining surface thereon, the single connector portion including a second flange having a first side with a second connector-to-building-element projection extending therefrom and a second side having a second decorative element retaining surface thereon that faces the first decorative element retaining surface and an intermediate member connecting the second side of the first flange with the second side of the second flange, wherein the first flange has a first flange cross-sectional dimension and the second flange has a second flange cross-sectional dimension; and

a decorative element, having an intra-connector pass-through aperture therethrough to fit around the intermediate member, the intra-connector pass-through aperture having an aperture cross-sectional dimension that is smaller than both the first flange cross-sectional dimension and the second flange cross-sectional dimension, wherein the decorative element is flexible to permit the intra-connector pass-through aperture to enlarge to fit over at least one of the first and second flanges for positioning between the first and second flanges around the intermediate member.
The kit of parts as claimed in claim 14, wherein the decorative element includes at least one slot that extends outward from the intra-connector pass-through aperture, so as to permit the intra-connector pass-through aperture to fit over at least one of the first and second flanges for positioning between the first and second flanges around the intermediate member.