WO2025031587A1

WO2025031587A1 - Building blocks

Info

Publication number: WO2025031587A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/072148
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeroen De Smet
Original assignee: Fyx BV
Current assignee: Fyx BV
Priority date: 2023-08-10
Filing date: 2023-08-10
Publication date: 2025-02-13
Anticipated expiration: 2026-02-10

Abstract

The invention concerns an improved means of joining two flexible click blocks by using improved pins in the cavity.

Description

BUILDING BLOCKS

INTRODUCTION

The present invention concerns building blocks that can connect to each other in a non-permanent manner. The operation is similar to that of LEGO blocks but there is a clear technical difference.

STATE OF THE ART

The LEGO brand building blocks are the most well-known building blocks in the toy sector. Because the basic patents of these building blocks have already expired, they are being copied en masse. The classic building blocks, as marketed under the LEGO brand name, have some disadvantages. The clamping between the blocks is critical, which means that it is a production challenge to make blocks according to the exact dimensions. The blocks are also hard, which is less pleasant for the users, and have a limited adhesive strength between the blocks so that the structures easily fall apart when moving.

To cope with this, new techniques have been developed as an alternative to these classic building blocks. One of these techniques is described in the patent with no PCT/EP2023/056079, describing building blocks that work with pins equipped with ribs that snag behind the protrusions provided in the receiving part. The techniques described in the aforementioned PCT patent have no optimization toward effective manufacturing and this can therefore also pose a challenge to production.

SUMMARY

The present invention and versions thereof offer a solution to one or more of the disadvantages mentioned earlier. To this end, the present invention relates to building blocks, typically used in a set of multiple of said building blocks.

The, preferably flexible, blocks are optimized both in terms of production and applicability.

The building blocks comprise a substantially hollow body with an at least partly closed top side, one or more side walls projecting downward from said upper face, and an open bottom, wherein the closed upper face comprises one or a plurality of retention pins on the top side, preferably in a regular grid pattern. The retention pins extend upward from the top side over a predetermined pin height, dimensioned to fit in the internal cavity, and the retention pins comprise a rib portion comprising one or more circumferential ribs around the retention pins, extending laterally therefrom. The retention pin comprises a central cavity in the pin extending over at least part of the pin height, thereby allowing an elastic deformation of the retention pin. This not only allows for easy removal of the pins from a mold, even if they are made with ribs, but furthermore aids in the usability, as it allows the pins with the ribs to be removably affixed in other blocks.

In what follows, the terms "pins" are often used to refer to "retention pins" for brevity.

The bottom side of the top side optionally comprises clamping means preferably in a regular grid pattern.

The side walls may comprise retention lips on the inwards-facing side, said retention lips are arranged horizontally at the bottom or almost at the bottom of the cavity and take up at least part of the wall and/or the internal pins. These retention lips are part of a regular grid pattern defined by the number of pins, and are positioned at the bottom of the block body.

The pins and the retention lips may comprise at least one anchoring segment along the longitudinal axis with a radius greater than a radius of an underlying segment of the pins and retention lips, respectively, and optionally a greater radius than a radius of an overlying segment of the pins.

The pins are flexible, for instance, the flexibility being achieved by using a flexible material or by reducing the thickness of a rigid material to provide some flexibility, and the retention lips are flexible, for instance, the flexibility being achieved by using a flexible material or by reducing the thickness of a rigid material to provide some flexibility.

The pins on the top side, and the pins and the retention lips on the bottom side are configured such that when the top side of the building block is pushed against the open lower face of another of said building blocks, the pins of the top side of the building block and the pins of the bottom side and the retention lips of the other of said building blocks flex to allow at least one of the anchoring segments of the pins of the top side of the building block to move past the anchoring segments of at least three of the pins of the bottom side and the retention lips of the other of said building blocks, in order to bring the building block and the other of said building blocks in an attached state.

Further embodiments are described in the claims, and are expanded upon below: Regarding claim 2, the provision of retention lips (either one continuous lip - or multiple parallel such lips - over the internal circumference, or a piecewise retention lip - or again multiple such retention lips - over the internal circumference) serves to engage further with the ribs of the retention pins when the pin is inserted into the cavity, and serves to catch or hook behind the ribs once inserted past the retention lip, making sure the blocks are affixed to each other, while allowing, due to the flexible nature, to disengage the blocks again upon exertion of sufficient force. The retention lips can for instance be provided separately per side wall (or multiple retention lips for longer side walls).

Regarding claim 3, using a symmetric retention pin allows for optimal connectability of the blocks.

Regarding claim 4, most blocks are typically brick shaped, and thus have a rectangular cavity in terms of cross-section. However, variants of course are possible. In general, the shape of the internal cavity cross section is usually identical to that of the block itself.

Regarding claims 5 and 6, having the central cavity extend through the mantle of the pin radially, allows for a better compression, giving the retention pin much more flexibility to deform. Most preferably, the four radial directions are perpendicular to each other, defining a cross.

Regarding claim 7, by defining an upper limit to the thickness of the cutouts, it is ensured that the pin remains sturdy and strong enough, while allowing some deformation.

Regarding claim 8, this defines a minimal radius of the central cavity ensures that the pin can deform sufficiently.

Regarding claim 9, closing the top side is especially convenient in cases where the central cavity extends radially through the mantle, to make sure the pin returns to its original form.

Regarding claim 10, this provides for a possible embodiment with excellent deformability, while retaining structural strength.

Regarding claim 11, a cylindrical central cavity is preferable for manufacturing purposes, as well as conforming to the typical shape of the retention pins themselves. Regarding claim 12, this means that the central cavity does not fully extend into the internal cavity of the building block. This makes the pin more sturdy, which is convenient when using flexible materials for the pin.

Regarding claim 13, the thickening of the rib portion towards the bottom not only simplifies the manufacturing process but also ensures that the attachment strength between blocks increases gradually.

Regarding claim 14 and 15, this relates to an embodiment representing larger blocks, which are affixed with multiple retention pins. As such, the internal cavity will be dimensioned to accept the same number of retention pins. In some cases, as defined in claim 15, the blocks will have a size of multiple retention pins along both axes (at least 2 by 2). This will require the presence of a central retention means (or multiple), as is the case with LEGO blocks for instance as well. Such a retention means will serve to make sure the ribs catch behind the retention lips on the side walls and/or on the retention means itself.

Regarding claim 16, the disk-shaped structure ensures the presence of inner retention lips on each side.

Regarding claim 17, the support ribs make sure the base of the retention means is properly fixed.

Regarding claim 18 and 19, this defines a preferred shape of the retention cavities and the block body itself, matching that of the state of the art blocks.

Regarding claim 20 and 21, the beveled outer edges and reduced thickness, increase manufacturing ease, and increase flexibility where the retention lips are provided.

Regarding claim 22 and 23, this defines optimal positions and shape of the retention lip to ensure it catches behind the ribs.

Regarding claim 24, the use of multiple ribs allows for a gradual affixing of the blocks to each other.

Regarding claim 25, by having the ribs and retention lips closely match each other, optimal affixation is guaranteed.

Regarding claim 26, this defines a number of eligible materials, portraying the desired physical characteristics in terms of deformability, strength, manufacturing ease and other desirable aspects (washability, etc.).

It should be noted that any of the teachings regarding the other aspects of the invention can be incorporated in the first aspect. As such, it is clear that the pins, anchoring segments, and other parts may comprise any further features or characteristics as defined for these elements in terms of other aspects of the invention and vice versa. As such, the teachings of the further embodiments are to be considered as further embodiments for the present aspect, and the contents to be transferable thereto.

For instance, the pins on the top side of the upper face are preferably provided with a central cavity or cutouts in the pin that make it at least compressible. These cutouts are preferably in the longitudinal direction of the pin and are most preferably cruciform. The central cavity can take a number of shapes and have a variable length, depending on particular embodiments.

In a preferred embodiment, the building block typically used in a set of several building blocks, comprising a substantially concave body with a closed upper surface, one or more closed walls protruding from that upper surface, and an open lower surface, where the closed upper surface at the top comprises one or more pins in a regular grid pattern, and where the underside contains clamping means in a regular grid pattern. The pin or pins are provided with a cross-shaped cut-out in the longitudinal direction of the pin, preferably with the cut-out running the entire length of the pin. The cavity is provided with clamping means in the form of retention lips that are located at the bottom or near the bottom and only on the wall in certain versions of the block or additionally on the internal pin in other additional versions.

In a preferred embodiment, the building block typically used in a set of several building blocks, comprising a substantially concave body with a closed upper surface, one or more closed walls protruding from that upper surface, and an open lower surface, where the closed upper surface at the top comprises one or more pins in a regular grid pattern, and where the underside contains clamping means in a regular grid pattern. The pin or pins are provided with a cross-shaped cut-out in the longitudinal direction of the pin, preferably with the cut-out extending over at least part of the pin height. The cut-out extends into the cavity and the top of the pin is not cut out. This has the advantage that the pin is not divided into 4 segments and these segments do not run the risk of being pushed apart when placing the different blocks on top of each other. In this version, the cut-out must extend into the cavity to make it producible with the help of a mold.

The cavity is provided with clamping means in the form of retention lips that are located at the bottom or near the bottom and only on the wall in certain versions of the block or additionally on the internal pin in other additional versions.

In a preferred embodiment, the dimensions of the block in the case of a block are provided with one pin, and a cavity provided for receiving a pin from a connected block are the following; The total height of the block, including the pin 10mm, the height of the pin 3mm, the width and depth 5mm. The dimensions of the multipin blocks are a multiple of the dimensions in width and/or depth in relation to the number of pins where the height remains the same. The pins themselves preferably have a conical shape with a slope of at least 3% from the base, optimal 5%, but preferably no more than 10% towards the center of the pins. The thickness of the ribs compared to the wall of the pins is preferably 0.2mm, possibly 0.4mm, but not less than 0.1mm and not more than 0.4mm. Each pin is preferably provided with 3 ribs that are preferably positioned at an equal distance from each other. However, embodiments with 1 or 2 ribs are considered, as are embodiments with 4 or more ribs per pin, although the preference lies with the former.

The above-mentioned dimensions of the cubes appear to be the most comfortable to use in practice for the majority of test subjects.

Preferably, the thickness of the cut-out in cross shape according to the above dimensions is at least 0.2mm but not more than 0.3mm.

The cavity is preferably conical in structure with a gradient corresponding to the pin inserted when connecting a corresponding block.

According to another aspect of the invention, the dimensions as described above may differ. For example, the dimensions of the pins and cavity can be matched to the well-known LEGO blocks so that they are compatible with each other.

As to the dimensions, it is important that the pins of one block fit into the cavity of the other block, and the wall thickness of the block is suitable for production whereby the pins as well as the walls, remain sufficiently flexible to continue to click together in a smooth way.

According to another aspect of the invention, the pin or pins of the block can be provided with an alternative form of cropping, such as a round shape, a cross shape, star shape as well as any other shape that makes it possible to compress the pin to a certain degree. The cut-out, in whatever shape, in the pin or pins can be partial in the X, Y, and Z direction where only the bottom side is cut out, only the top side is cut out, where the cut may or may not extend to the cavity or a combination of the aforementioned versions.

According to another aspect of the invention, the blocks are made of flexible materials such as TPU, TPC, TPE or materials with similar properties. Preferably, these materials have a Shore hardness between 10D and 80, but preferably between 20D and 70D, more preferably between 30D and 60D, even more preferably between 40D and 50D, for instance 45D. Of course, for specific applications, materials can be used with a lower Shore hardness, as well as a higher Shore hardness.

According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the blocks comprise flexible materials having a modulus of elasticity between 0.25 GPa and 7.5 GPa, preferably between 0.5 GPa and 6 GPa.

According to another aspect of the invention, the underlying cavity is provided with at least one retention lip that is located at the bottom or at the bottom of the cavity that runs parallel to the bottom of the block. If it is located on a wall, it is preferably partial and is located in the middle of the wall with blocks with one pin. In the case of multi-pin cubes, the center of the retention lip, if partial, is located at the center of the pin that is inserted correspondingly.

In addition, a wall recess can be provided on the outside of the wall, to compensate for the thickening of the wall, due to the presence of the retention lip. As an alternative or additional support for the wall recess, an additional chamfer can be added on the outer walls of the block to compensate for the retention lips in order to be able to produce the block via a mold.

According to another aspect of the invention, variants are possible of the base click blocks such as a spherical shape on which the pins are provided, click blocks where no pins are provided and only have the hollow panes that can clamp the receiving pins: blocks that only consist of pins or cavities can be used as a connection piece, for example.

One of these variants can be special shapes with or without textured pattern pins and/or cavities provided with the clamping means.

One of these special shapes can be in the form of a strap with a thickness of e.g. 0.5m on which pins are provided as described in the present invention according to a certain grid. This shape would make it possible to create a bracelet on which bracelet can be applied several click blocks.

A variant of the above is that a strap is provided with pins on one side and a cavity on the other side of the strap. With this version, the pins can be shorter, such as a height of 1 mm and equipped with only 1 rib. The cavity can therefore be lowered to compensate for the short pins. The walls of the cavities are then additionally provided with V-shaped cutouts to allow the bending of the strap. As a result, bracelets can also be made in which the pins on one end of the strap fit into the cavity of the other end of the strap and thus, a closure of the strap can be formed.

Another version is that of a so-called spinner, where a click block can be provided in a special shape with, for example, a central opening in which a rolling bearing fits, such as a ball bearing. Extra click blocks can be applied to this special shape, allowing the user to form his own spinner.

Another version can be an insole where the (top layer of) the bottom of the shoe equipped with pins and an insole with cavities in which the pins of the shoe fit or vice versa.

Another possible version in which single but also multiple click blocks are provided with decorative accessories such as pearls.

Another version can be a cover of a mobile device such as a tablet or smartphone where the cover is provided with cavities with clamping means and I or retention pins. This cover can then be provided with building blocks or other click items.

According to another aspect of the invention, in other applications, such as versions where the pins of different elements fit together to create a connection, the pins can also be provided with the shapes and cutouts as described in the present invention.

According to another aspect of the invention, the pins may have a shape other than a round shape in terms of a transverse cross-section. These can be square, triangular or polygonal (preferably regular polygons, especially hexagonal or octagonal) in general. In height, the base shape of the pins can be straight, conical, inverted conical, or any other arbitrary shape. However, the preferred shape is to make it slightly conical with a minimum angle of 0-10°, preferably 0.5°-5° or even l°-2°, to make it easier to remove the shape from the production mold after injection molding.

Preferably, the width-height ratio of the pins is a ratio that is between one to two and one to three of the diameter or side in the base in relation to the height of the pin.

The top of the pin is preferably rounded or at least beveled so that the pins can fit more easily in the cavities of the opposing click blocks. The top of lower ribs or anchoring segments is preferably rounded or at least beveled for the same reason. The dimensions of the pins themselves can also be different from each other. This can be the case between different click elements, but also, within the same click element, different sizes, shapes, numbers, and versions of the pins can be possible. The recesses on the pins can also differ between the different click blocks but also within the same click element.

Another possible version is that the base element is provided with pins on one side and on the other side a device to connect with another material where a different technique is needed, such as barbs, glue connection, screw connection, clamp connection, and other possible known connection techniques.

According to another aspect of the invention, the base of the click element may be part of a tool or other instrument. For example, the click element can be integrated into a clamping plier or other clamping mechanisms where the jaws of the tool or instrument is equipped with the pins as described in the present invention. But other parts such as a profile or a tube can also be provided with the described pins.

According to another aspect of the invention, the pins have the following possible shapes in terms of transverse cross-section, rectangle, square, round, polygon, or other possible geometric shapes. The shape may possibly be arbitrary.

All outer sides of the pin are preferably provided with recesses to make the engagement in the opposite pin as efficient as possible.

The combination of recesses and protrusions can be executed in the form of barbs, squares, triangles wherein the flat side is preferably arranged so that it hooks on the flat side of the opposite pin, rib shapes wherein the side is composed of layered protrusions, this with a similar effect as in 3D printing, recesses in any shape, protrusions in random shape and other possible shapes that allow the hooking of the pins with the connecting element. Another possible version is that the pins have a rough surface so that the pins experience more resistance when they slide over each other, and thus a more significant clamping effect is obtained.

The principle of the invention is to allow clamping the pins together by applying two click blocks that are provided with pins by moving them in opposite directions toward each other. The pins of one click block are pushed into the cavity of the other click block. The recesses provided in the pins ensure that the pins of the click blocks can be clamped better in the cavity, that they can also be disconnected more easily and can also be produced more easily. The clamping means consisting of retention lips at the bottom of the cavity also ensure smooth operation and also ensure easier manufacturability of the blocks themselves.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a kit with a plurality of blocks according to the invention, wherein some of the blocks may be mutually different (for instance, 1x1, 2x1, 2x2, 3x1, 3x2, 4x2, 4x1, etc.), or have diverging shapes for specific purposes.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The following description of the figures of specific embodiments of the invention is: Merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to apply or use the present teachings. In the drawings, corresponding reference numbers indicate similar or corresponding parts and characteristics.

FIG 1 : is a perspective view of a single pin block with a round-shaped pin in the base that is equipped with three ribs wherein the pin has a recess in the shape of a cross.

FIG 2: is a cross-section perspective view of a single pin block with a round-shaped pin in the base that is equipped with three ribs wherein the pin has a recess in the shape of a cross.

FIG 3: is a perspective view of a single pin block with a round-shaped pin in the base that is equipped with three ribs wherein the pin has an upper recess in the shape of a cross.

FIG 4: is a perspective view of a single pin block with a round-shaped pin in the base that is equipped with three ribs wherein the pin has a lower recess in the shape of a cross.

FIG 5: is a cross-section perspective view of a single pin block with a round-shaped pin in the base that is equipped with three ribs wherein the pin has a continuous recess in the shape of a cross.

FIG 6: is a perspective view of a single pin block with a round-shaped pin in the base that is equipped with three ribs wherein the pin has a rounded recess.

FIG 7: is a cross-section perspective view of a single pin block with a round-shaped pin in the base that is equipped with three ribs wherein the pin has a continuous rounded recess.

FIG 8: is a perspective view of a single pin block with a round-shaped pin in the base that is equipped with three ribs wherein the pin has a recess in the shape of a cross with an extra-large chamfer at the bottom of the block.

FIG 9: is a perspective view of a multi-pin block with four pins in a square with rounded shaped pins in the base that are equipped with three ribs wherein the pins have a recess in the shape of a cross.

FIG 10: is a perspective view of the cavity of a multi-pin block with rounded shaped pins in the base that are equipped with three ribs wherein the pins have a recess in the shape of a cross. FIG 11: is a cross-section perspective view of a multi-pin block with rounded shaped pins in the base that are equipped with three ribs wherein the pins have a recess in the shape of a cross.

FIG 12: is a multi-pin block with four pins in line with rounded-shaped pins in the base that are equipped with three ribs wherein the pins have a recess in the shape of a cross.

Components

1. Single pin click block: a click element in block shape with one pin applied externally, and clamping means provided inside. This block can be a toy block, like the well-known basis for a Lego block.

2. Multi-pin click block: a click element in block shape with four pins applied externally, and clamping means provided inside. This block can be a toy block, like the well-known basis for a Lego block.

3. Triple rib pin with cross cutout: the description refers to a pin with a round shape in the base that is equipped with three ribs wherein the pin has a recess in the shape of a cross.

4. Triple rib pin with an upper partial cross cutout: the description refers to a pin with a round shape in the base that is equipped with three ribs wherein the pin has an upper partial recess in the shape of a cross.

5. Triple rib pin with a lower partial cross cutout: the description refers to a pin with a round shape in the base that is equipped with three ribs wherein the pin has a lower partial recess in the shape of a cross.

6. Triple rib pin with a continuous cross cutout: the description refers to a pin with a round shape in the base that is equipped with three ribs wherein the pin has a continuous recess in the shape of a cross.

7. Triple rib pin with a full round cutout: the description refers to a pin with a round shape in the base that is equipped with three ribs wherein the pin has a full rounded recess.

8. Top: this is the top of the pin that is preferably oblique and/or rounded in shape

9. Retention lips: these are lips at the bottom of the click block on the inside of the cavity that ensure the clamping of the pin that is applied in this space.

10. Cavity: the connecting pin is placed in this space

11. Wall: the wall of the click block that encloses the internal clamping device

12. Wall recess: this is a recess in the wall to compensate for the thickness of the retention lips 13. Internal pin or retention means: with multi-pin click blocks, the received pins are clamped by the internal pins

14. Chamfer: the bottom of the wall has a beveled edge to make it easier to get the block out of the mold during production.

15. Rib: these are the protrusions on the pins that preferably connect to the clamping means of the opposite elements, depending on the execution of the ribs.

16. Connection means: this makes the connection between the internal pin and the wall or between the walls themselves.

Advantages

The present invention is mainly to serve as an alternative for the current state of the art building blocks and, more specifically for the version known under the brand LEGO.

It has the following advantages:

• The connection between the click blocks can make a click in certain versions when clicking the different click blocks together, which is experienced as pleasant.

• The click blocks feel pleasant when used because the blocks are made of flexible material.

• The click blocks are made of flexible material, which makes them pleasant to use but also much less painful when you step on them, especially compared to hard blocks such as LEGO.

• In the versions where the pin is provided with a cross cutout, the effect is obtained that you can position the single pin click block at 90°. You can feel the position with a jump of 90° if the pin of the single-pin click block is rotated in the cavity.

• The recesses in the pins of the click block make the block easier to produce but also ensure that the operation of the clamping of the pin in the cavity for the clamping means improves compared to a version without the recess

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to building blocks consisting of pins provided with a recess and ribs and a cavity provided with clamping means. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in the description of the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning generally understood by those skilled in the technical field of the invention. For a better assessment of the description of the invention, the following terms are explicitly explained.

"Approximately" as used herein, referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, a quantity, a duration and the like, is intended to include variations of +/- 20% or less, preferably +/- 10% or less, more preferably +/- 5% or less, even more preferably +/- 1% or less, and still even more preferably +/- 0.1% or less than any of the quoted values, insofar as such variations are applicable in the disclosed invention. However, this should be understood to mean that the value of the quantity for which the term "approximately" is used is itself specifically disclosed.

Include", "encompass" and "consist of" and "consisting of" as used herein are synonymous with "contain", "containing", "encompass" or "encompassing", "include", "including" and are inclusive or open-ended terms denoting the presence of what follows, and do not exclude or preclude the presence of additional, unrecited components, characteristics, click elements, members, steps, known in the technique or revealed therein.

Furthermore, the terms first, second, third, and the like are used in the description and claims to distinguish between similar click blocks and not necessarily to describe a sequential or chronological order, unless otherwise indicated. It should be understood here that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may be used in sequences other than those disclosed or illustrated herein.

Quoting numeric intervals by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions within that range, also including the quoted endpoints.

While the terms "one or more" or "at least one", such as one or more or at least one member(s) of a group of members, are in themselves clear, by further illustration, the term includes a reference to one of said members, or to two or more of said members, such as, for example, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 etc. of said members, and to all said members. All references quoted in the present application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. In particular, the teachings of all references specifically referred to herein are incorporated by reference.

Reference in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or property is disclosed in connection with the embodiment included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. This means that the appearance of the expressions "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in different places in this application do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, but they may.

Moreover, the specific features, structures or properties may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art from this description, in one or more embodiments.

Moreover, some embodiments disclosed herein include some, but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments intended to fall within the scope of the invention, and form other embodiments, as would be understood by those skilled in the art.

For example, in the following claims, any of the listed embodiments may be used in any combination.

The terms "single pin click block" and "multi-pin click block" refer to types of click blocks of the same type.

When using the X, Y, and Z-axis as an indication, the example, wherein the click element is arranged horizontally, refers to the X-direction as the horizontal longitudinal direction. The Y-direction stands for the width in the horizontal direction of the click element, and the Z-axis is the vertical direction in which the click blocks are moved to or from each other.

When defining the parts, such as the pins, gradients can be used to determine the shape of the pins according to the Z-direction. This is preferably between 0 and 1°, but can also work with gradients between 1 and 3°, with possibilities up to 5°, and depending on the implementation of combination of recesses and protrusions of the pins, the shape of the pins themselves or a combination of shapes and/or different materials of pins, the slope of the pins can be >5° and the gradients can even be negative. The basis of the invention is the principle whereby the pin of one click block can be clamped in the cavity of the other click block. The bottom rib of the pin hooks behind the retention lips in the cavity of the connected click blocks.

In FIG 1, a version of a single pin click block 1 is shown, it is equipped with the triple rib pin with cross cutout 3 and has a rounded 8. This single pin click block 1 has three ribs 15, with the lower ribs 15 providing the clamping.

FIG 2 shows a cross-section of a single pin click block 1 and where the cavity 10 has a, at least partially, conical shape so that the triple rib pin with cross cutout 3 that is clicked into it is held more stably. The lower ribs 15 of the triple rib pin with cross cutout 3 clamp behind the retention lips 9, which are located on the inside of the bottom of the cavity 10. The wall 11 is equipped with wall recess 12 with the aim of keeping the thickness of the wall 11 constant in as many places as possible to get the walls as even as possible during the production process.

FIG 3 shows a version of a single pin click block 1 with a triple rib pin with an upper partial cross cutout 4 as a possible alternative version to FIG 1. Another version is shown in FIG 4 where the top 8 is closed, and the cutout of the triple rib pin with a lower partial cross cutout 5 runs over only a part of the triple rib pin with a lower partial cross cutout 5. The cut-out must then extend into the cavity 10, otherwise, the single pin click block 1 cannot be formed by means of a mold. The purpose of this version is to prevent the four legs of the triple rib pin with cross cutout 3 as shown in FIG 1 from being pushed away from each other when inserting the triple rib pin with a lower partial cross cutout 5 in the cavity 10. FIG 5 shows a crosssection of a single pin click block 1 where the single pin click block 1 is provided with a triple rib pin with a continuous cross cutout 6 and where the cross cutout extends into the cavity 10. FIGS 6 and 7 show a version in which the single pin click block 1 is provided with a triple rib pin with a full round cutout 7.

The operation of the click blocks where the single pin click block 1 is executed with a triple rib pin with cross cutout 3, triple rib pin with an upper partial cross cutout 4, triple rib pin with a lower partial cross cutout 5 , triple rib pin with a continuous cross cutout 6 or triple rib pin with a full round cutout 7 are largely similar. FIG 8 shows a version of a single pin click block 1 where the wall 11 is equipped with an extra-large chamfer 14 to compensate for the thickness of the retention lips 9 and thus simplify production. FIGS 9, 10, and 11 show a multi-pin click block 2 with four triple rib pins with cross cutout 3 and a central part with an internal pin 13 with retention lips 9 at the bottom. This allows the lower ribs 15 of the triple rib pin with cross cutout 3 to clamp behind the retention lips 9 when connecting the different click blocks. The internal pin 13 is connected to the wall 11 via the connection means 16 to prevent the wall 11 from being distorted when connecting the different click blocks. The recess of internal pin 13 is preferably continuous.

The versions of multi-pin click block 2 with more than four pins are similar to those shown in FIG 9. Wall 11 will be equipped with retention lips 9, and where necessary additional internal pins 13 will be provided.

In some versions, such as a multi-pin click block 2 where four pins are in a row, these are basically composed of multiple single pin click blocks 1 as shown in FIG 12.

Claims

1. Building block comprising a block body, said block body comprising a top side, one or more side walls and an open bottom extending into an internal cavity defined by the side walls, the building block further comprising one or more retention pins extending upward from the top side over a predetermined pin height, dimensioned to fit in the internal cavity, characterized in that the retention pins comprise a rib portion comprising one or more circumferential ribs around the retention pins, extending laterally therefrom, and in that the retention pin comprises a central cavity in the pin extending over at least part of the pin height, thereby allowing an elastic deformation of the retention pin.

2. Building block according to the preceding claim 1, wherein the internal cavity comprises one or more internal retention lips at or near the bottom, extending inwardly from the side walls, said internal retention lips defining an opening, wherein the rib portion comprises at least one cross-section which is dimensioned not to fit through the opening, and wherein the retention pin comprises a cross section between the rib portion and the top side of the building block which is dimensioned to fit through the opening.

3. Building block according to any of the preceding claims 1 or 2, wherein the retention pin is substantially radially symmetric around a central longitudinal axis thereof.

4. Building block according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein the internal cavity has a substantially rectangular, preferably square, crosssection.

5. Building block according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein the central cavity of the retention pins extends radially through the mantle of the retention pins along at least two separate radial directions, forming cutouts, preferably the separate directions being radially symmetric around a central longitudinal axis of the retention pin.

6. Building block according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 5, wherein the central cavity of the retention pins extends radially through the mantle of the retention pins along at least four separate radial directions, forming cutouts, preferably the separate directions being radially symmetric around a central longitudinal axis of the retention pin and defining a cross when viewed along the longitudinal axis.

7. Building block according to any of the preceding claims 5 and 6, wherein the cutouts have a thickness of at most 25% of the diameter of the retention pin, preferably at most 10% of the diameter of the retention pin.

8. Building block according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein the central cavity in the retention pin extends down at least to the top side of the block body, and preferably connects to the internal cavity, said central cavity having a radius of at least 10%, preferably at least 25%, of the radius of the retention pin.

9. Building block according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 8, wherein the retention pin comprises a closed top side.

10. Building block according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 9, wherein the central cavity in the retention pin extends along the longitudinal axis of the retention pin at least from the top side of the building block to the top side of the retention pin, and preferably connects to the internal cavity, said central cavity having a radius of at least 10%, preferably at least 25%, of the radius of the retention pin.

11. Building block according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 10, wherein the central cavity is substantially cylindrically shaped.

12. Building block according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 11, wherein the central cavity comprises a closed bottom edge situated above the top side of the block body.

13. Building block according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 12, wherein the convex hull of the rib portion of the retention pin has a conical shape, with the radius reducing from the top side of the block body upward.

14. Building block according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 13, wherein internal cavity is subdivided in multiple separate retention cavities, each dimensioned for separately receiving a retention pin, wherein each retention cavity comprises one or more internal retention lips at or near the bottom, extending inwardly from the side walls, said internal retention lips defining an opening in the retention cavity, wherein the rib portion comprises at least one cross-section which is dimensioned not to fit through the opening, and wherein the retention pin comprises a cross section between the rib portion and the top side of the building block which is dimensioned to fit through the opening.

15. Building block according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 13, wherein the internal cavity is subdivided in multiple separate retention cavities defining a roster of at least 2 retention cavities by 2 retention cavities, each retention cavity dimensioned for separately receiving a retention pin, wherein each retention cavity comprises one or more internal retention lips at or near the bottom, extending inwardly from the side walls, the internal cavity further comprising at least one retention means positioned at every position centered in a subroster of 2 by 2 retention cavities of the roster, said retention means defining one or more inner retention lips in each of the retention cavities of its subroster at a same depth position as the retention lips on the side walls, wherein in each retention cavity, the retention lips on the side walls in said retention cavity and the inner retention lips on the retention means in said retention cavity, defining an opening in the retention cavity, wherein the rib portion comprises at least one cross-section which is dimensioned not to fit through the opening, and wherein the retention pin comprises a cross section between the rib portion and the top side of the building block which is dimensioned to fit through the opening.

16. Building block according to the preceding claim 15, wherein the retention means comprises a base extending from the bottom of the top side of the building block downward towards the bottom of the building block, wherein the inner retention lips are positioned on a disk-shaped structure at the end of the base.

17. Building block according to the preceding claim 16, wherein the base is connected to one or more side walls via support ribs, said support ribs extending over at least part of the height of the side walls, and preferably extending from the bottom of the top side of the building block.

18. Building block according to any one of the preceding claims 14 to 17, wherein the retention cavities have a substantially square or rectangular cross- section, wherein for each retention cavity the retention lips on the side walls are provided at the middle of the section of the side wall in said retention cavity.

19. Building block according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 18, wherein the block body has a substantially rectangular or circular outer cross-section.

20. Building block according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 19, wherein the side walls comprise beveled outer edges at the bottom of the building block.

21. Building block according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 20, wherein the side walls are reduced in thickness at the outside at or near the position of the internal retention lips.

22. Building block according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 21, wherein each side wall comprises at least one separate retention lip.

23. Building block according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 22, wherein the retention lips are provided at the middle of the side walls.

24. Building block according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 23, wherein the rib portion comprises a plurality of ribs.

25. Building block according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 24, wherein the retention lip is dimensioned to fit between the top side of the block body and the rib of the rib portion closest to said top side of the block body, whereby the retention lip is in simultaneous contact with said rib closest to the top side of the block body, with the top side and with the outer mantle of the pin between the rib closest to the top side of the block body and the top side of the block body.

26. Building block according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 25, wherein the pin comprises and preferably consists of an elastically deformable material, preferably one or more of a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoplastic polyurethane and/or a thermoplastic copolyester.