Building elements for building three-dimensional structures, and methods for assembling the building elements

This invention describes a set of building elements comprising a uniting plate (1) and a base plate (19). The uniting plate (1) comprises two plates (3) defined in a single plane, said two plates (3) are connected in a connection line (9), and a slot (5) is placed at said connection line; said slot (5) may engage with a slot on another uniting plate (1) to obtain uniting plates with their plates (3) in different planes. The base plate (19) being substantially planar having three parallel plates, which is placed in two planes, where the first (117) and third plate (119) is placed in one plane, are arranged on either side of the second plate (121), which is placed in the second plane, and where the two parallel planes define a space between the two planes to obtain one of the plates (3) of the uniting plate (1). The base plate (19) comprises locking means for interacting with one of the plates (3) of the uniting plate (1); said locking means comprises at least two parts, where the at least two parts are at the first and third plate, respectively and where one of the plates (3) of the uniting plate (1) can be placed between the two planes. The set of building elements may be used in areas like toys, furniture and decorative arts to obtain three-dimensional structures.

This application claims the benefit of Danish Application No. PA 2009 00462 filed Apr. 6, 2009, Danish Application No. PA 2010 70016 filed Jan. 19, 2010, and PCT/DK2010/05006 filed Mar. 26, 2010, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns a set of multiple building elements which can be combined in various three-dimensional structures according to the wish of the builder. The set of building elements may be used in areas like toys, furniture, and decorative arts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The human brain is stimulated by creative processes. However, the creative skills differ among persons. During their bringing up, children are stimulated by creative processes and they learn and develop during playing.

Children's fantasy is enormous. One of the games that many children enjoy is the combination of different building elements into different structures like castles, airplanes, cars and so forth in order to play different games developed by their imagination. Multiple systems have been developed in order to create new building elements. By way of example of one popular system, small magnetic sticks and balls are combined into different geometric figures in three-dimensions. However, the disadvantage of this system is a high level of instability, especially for creating sophisticated geometrical structures. Furthermore, the size of the elements may cause a health risk as especially children will tend to put the colourful elements in the mouth.

In another system, building bricks can be used for the creation of three-dimensional structures. The bricks can be combined in various ways to create different types of toys like cars, animals and so forth. However, multiple different types of bricks are needed to create more sophisticated structures. Furthermore, the building bricks are, because of their shape none-flexible and only capable of creating edged structures. Thus, the bricks are stackable and not capable of forming real three-dimensional figures.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of this invention to create a set of building elements, which provide stable and safe three-dimensional structures and which are capable of building complex three-dimensional structures with only a minimum of different types of elements.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention addresses these problems by creating a set of building elements comprisinga uniting plate; said uniting plate comprises at least two flanges defined in a single plane, said at least two flanges are connected by a first connection line, and said first connection line comprises at least a first slot; said slot may engage with a second connection line on another uniting plate to provide uniting plates with their respective flanges in different planes;a base plate; said base plate being substantially planar having three parallel planes, where the first and third planes are arranged on either side of the second plane, where said second plane is substantially open apart from connection members connecting the first and third plane, and said base plate comprises at least one means for interaction with the flange of the uniting plate; said means for interaction comprises at least two parts, where the at least two parts are in the first and third plane, respectively such that one of the flanges of the uniting plate can be placed in the second plane.

Overall, through the description the term plate is to be interpreted as an element where the thickness is much smaller than the height and width.

This unique design of these two building elements enables multiple creations to be made. The two or more flanges of the uniting plate are each able to combine to means of interaction of two or more different base plates, thus uniting at least two separate base plates. The uniting plate can then further be combined with another uniting plate by engaging the slot of the connection line between the flanges of the uniting plates. The slot can for example be arranged from the middle of the connection line and outwards along the connection line to the edge of the two flanges. In this way, two uniting plates can easily be combined by engaging the slots with one another through the openings at the edge of the plate. However, other types of arrangement of slots are possible depending on the shape of the flanges of the uniting plates. Important is that the arrangement of the slot enables the combination of one or more uniting plates. That is not only two but more uniting plates can be combined to form a star-like structure.

The term connection line is to be interpreted as a line with a geometrical extension in the single plane of the uniting plate.

Furthermore, the uniting plates to be combined can be of different embodiments in order to obtain further options for combinations with base plates. Thus, for example the shape of the flanges can be formed as for example squares, rectangles, half-circles, half a star, etc.

Combining different uniting plates leads to plates in different planes, and thus the ability to combine base plates in different planes, whereby three-dimensional structures can be created. Depending on the number of means of interactions of the base plate the structure can progress to have an extent in numerous directions/planes since the means of interaction can be arranged in any given distances and/or angles to one another.

The base plate comprises three parallel planes in order to create the means of interaction. The outermost two planes are the first and third plane, which are arranged on either side of a second plane. The second plane is almost empty except for connections between the first and third plane in order to combine the two planes. In addition, these connections between the first and third plane serves as borderlines for the means of interactions and borders for the flange of the uniting plate. The second plane is except for the connections empty since this plane is the receiving plane of the base plate. Hence, the second plane is the plane into which the flange of the uniting plate is introduced. After introducing the flange of uniting plate into the base plate the flange is at least partly surrounded by the first and third plane like an envelope where the opening flap is inserted in between the connection on the back of the envelope. In contrast to a normal envelope the material of the first and third plane surrounding the flange of the uniting plate can be either fully unbroken or divided into parts where the material only covers subparts of the plane, leaving parts of the flange visible when looked upon from either the first or third plane, respectively.

As another embodiment the uniting plate can be provided with a third flange in an angle perpendicular to the single plane of the uniting plate. The third flange is, similar to the base plate, divided into three planes, where the first and third plane are arranged on either side of a second plane, where the second plane is nearly empty except for connections between the first and third plane. The third flange of the uniting plate thus constitutes an envelope function, which can be engaged for example with a flange of an inner wheel part or further base plates.

The flange of the inner wheel part is alike spokes of a wheel. One or more flanges of the inner wheel part are connected at one end with a hub and at the other end they can be connected with the third flange of the uniting plate. The flanges of the inner wheel part can be made from different sub-elements in order for the flanges to obtain further degrees of flexibility.

Base plates can be arranged between the flanges of the inner wheel and connected together with uniting plates in order to create the surface of the wheel. In particular, base plates of a rectangular shape with only two means of interaction arranged on either of the longer sides of the rectangle are preferred. However, means of interaction can be arranged at the short sides of the rectangle as well. Hereby, multiple wheels can be connected. The wheels can also be connected by connecting the wheel through the hub using an axis. This axis can be shaped in any manner, which can provide an interaction with the inner of the hub and preferable provide wheels to rotate simultaneously.

In an advantageous embodiment the means for interaction of the base plate comprises two outermost parts and a middle part, where the two outermost parts are in the first plane, while the middle part is in the third plane. In a further advantageous embodiment, the two outermost parts are connected with a stabilising element, where the stabilising element is arranged in the first plane.

This particular embodiment is known as a vertical envelope function. The flange of the uniting plate is easily arranged between the parts of the means for interaction and is still releasable retained though support of the outermost parts of the flange is only provided by the material in the first plane while the middle part of the flange is only supported by material in the third plane. It is to be understood that the definition of the first and third plane is use arbitrarily throughout the description and that in this case the outermost part could as well be arranged in the third plane while the middle part could be arranged in the first plane.

In this embodiment, the flange of the uniting plate is engaged with the means of interaction in a direction that follows parallel with the division between the parts. Other similar embodiments are a horizontal envelope where the flange of the uniting plate is engaged with the means of interaction in a direction that is perpendicular to the division between the parts of the means of interaction of the base plate. Still, another embodiment is a diagonal envelope where the flange of the uniting plate is engaged with the means of interaction in a direction that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the division between the parts of the means of interaction of the base plate.

Another advantage of these particular embodiments is that the base plate is less material demanding when the means of interaction of the base plate is divided into parts. In addition, the base plate can be formed from one plate of material alone.

Additionally, an embodiment, which is a combination of a vertical and horizontal envelope, is an option. This embodiment comprises a middle part as seen for the vertical envelope; however the middle part is shorter than for the vertical envelope. A stabilising element (a bridge) connects the two outermost means of interactions and is arranged in the same plane as the two outermost means of interactions. Hence, the uniting plate is engaged with means of interaction in a direction both perpendicular and parallel to the division between the parts of the means of interaction of the base plate. The stabilising element is preferably arranged at the part of the means of interaction to be first in contact with the flange of the uniting plate during engaging of the uniting plate with the base plate.

The connecting bridge stabilises the two outermost means of interaction as well as the connection of the base plate and uniting plate. The two outermost means of interaction are not as easily damaged or destroyed when engaging or disengaging the base plate and the uniting plate. Hereby, the safety and sustainability of the building elements are increased.

The stabilising element can be of any size or shape such as a rectangle of varying width, half-circles, circles, or coils as long as it connects the two outermost parts and hereby stabilises the two outermost parts in order to prevent damage hereto during connection between the base plate and the uniting plate. The stabilising element can be arranged at any given position between the two outermost parts i.e. either at the edge of the base plate, close to the centre of the base plate or anywhere therein between.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the flanges of the uniting plate are in a triangular shape and that the means for interaction of the base plate are in a triangular shape.

It is important for all shapes that the flanges of the uniting plates and the means for interaction of the base plate are designed to fit properly. Thus, if the flanges of the uniting plate are in a triangular shape the shape of the means for interaction has to be triangularly shaped as well. It is possible that some geometrically different shapes fit together and can be releasable retained like a triangularly shaped flange of a uniting plate with means for interaction shaped as a rectangle. Hereby, the amount of components that can be combined increases. It is however preferred to combine flanges of uniting plates and means of interaction of base plates with similar shaped e.g. triangles.

When the flange of the uniting plate and the means of interaction of the base plate are triangularly shaped, the combination of the two parts begins with joining a minor apex of the flange of the uniting plate with the larger bottom of the means of interaction of the base plate. Hence, it is relatively easy to combine the base plate and the uniting plate. Furthermore, the correct insertion is guided by the sides (i.e. the connections between the first and third plane) of the means of interaction of the base plate. When combining for example two elements shaped as rectangles the starting point is a flange of the uniting plates with a size that fits exactly to the size of the means of interaction of the base plates. Thus, the joining has to be more precise. Hence, it is harder to combine flanges of uniting plates and means of interaction of the base plate when shaped as rectangles than as triangles. Especially, for children this would be difficult to perform.

In a still further advantageous embodiment, the base plate comprises four means for interaction; said means for interaction are arranged to form a quadrangle.

Combining four triangularly shaped means of interaction of the base plate with their apexes together forms a square which is easily handled as well as relatively stable. Furthermore, the flanges of the uniting plates are arranged with the apex of the triangularly shaped flange at the centre of the base plate. Thus, the strength of the base plate to resist rupture when joined with the uniting plate is highly increased both perpendicular to the plate as well as parallel to the plate.

If the means of interactions of the base plate are divided into parts like previously described with two outermost parts and a middle part the arrangement of the parts in the first and third plane can with success be alternated in the four means of interaction. In this way, the middle part of the two means of interaction opposite of one another can for example be in the first plane while the middle part can be in the third plane in the other two means of interaction. This highly increases the stability and function of the base plate. By alternating the part in this manner, connections between the first and third plane can easily be created during the process of manufacturing. The connections help correcting and adjusting the combination of the flange of the uniting plate and the means of interaction of the base plate.

In a still further advantageous embodiment, one of the flanges of the uniting plate in relation to the other flange has an extend in the single plane, which is negligible.

This embodiment of the uniting plate is valuable for the creation of corners. The uniting plate of this embodiment comprises two flanges, however, one of the flanges are reduced to only a minor flange, which is not capable of combining efficiently with the means of interaction of a base plate. Combining two uniting plates of this embodiment results in the formation of a corner since only two major flanges—one from each uniting plate—are able to combine with base plates while the two minor flanges—one from each uniting plate—are left. To form a smoother corner, the minor flanges can be modified for example by the addition of a hat to the top where the hat of two minor flanges by combination engages planes on either side of the corner. The hat can preferably be shaped as an element on the edge of the minor flange parallel to the connection line of the minor flange where the planer element comprises two sloping elements on either side of the minor flange.

The minor and major flanges are arranged on either side of the connection line. The geometrical extension of the connection line is in this embodiment as large as to be able to include ridges (as described elsewhere).

In a still further advantageous embodiment the connection line comprises flexible material.

Flexible characteristics of the connection line enable the flanges of the uniting plate to be able to bend with regard to the other flange. Thus, the two flanges are able to form an angle different from 180 degrees with respect to the plane of one another. For the process of creation, this implies that the angles of the creations are able to differ from 180 degrees and 90 degrees. By using uniting plates comprising rigid connection lines alone, one uniting plate would combine two base plates at an angle of 180 degrees between their planes while two combined uniting plates would be able to combine four base plates at an angle of 90 degrees between their planes.

A uniting plate comprising a flexible connection line is capable of bending the flanges of the uniting plate in relation to one another at any angle between 10 degrees and 350 degrees between the two flanges.

The flexible material can be used both in uniting plates comprising two flanges capable of interaction with the means of interaction of the base plate or with a uniting plate comprising only one flange capable of interaction with the means of interaction of the base plate combined with a minor flange.

In a still further advantageous embodiment, the uniting plate comprises ridges arranged parallel to the connection line.

The part of the connection line defined by the slot makes it difficult to keep the two uniting plates at place after their combination. Adding one or preferably two ridges parallel to the connection line on one or both sides of the uniting plate helps to control the movements of the parts of the flanges situated on either side of the slots. The distance between two ridges on either side of the connection line preferably corresponds to the thickness of the plates. Thus, the two parts on either side of the slot are releasable fastened during the combination of the uniting plates by sliding them along the ridges.

In an advantageous embodiment the connection line of said uniting plate comprises at least one opening and said slot comprises at least one elevation where said at least one elevation of a first uniting plate engages with said opening of a second uniting plate when obtaining uniting plates with their respective flanges in different planes.

The opening(s) of the connection line can be of any shape such as circular, rectangular, oval and can be either a depression in the connection line or penetrate through the connection line. However, preferably the at least one elevation present on at least one of the sides of the slot is comparative hereto in order to secure the most efficient connection when engaging two uniting plates. Furthermore, a series of openings, possibly of different size, shape and penetration depth, can be present in the connection line depending on how secure the connection between the engaged uniting plates are to be.

Elevations are preferably present on both sides of the slot i.e. the sides of the uniting plate approaching the slot but elevations can be present on one side only, or in an alternating manner between the sides if a series of openings are to be engaged with.

In a still further advantageous embodiment, the set of building elements further comprises a corner element; said corner element comprises two sub-plates arranged in separate intersecting planes, where the sub-plates each comprises three parallel planes, where the first and third planes are arranged on either side of the second plane, where said second plane is substantially open apart from connection members connecting the first and third plane, and said sub-plates comprises at least one means for interaction with the flange of the uniting plate; said means for interaction comprises at least two parts, where the at least two parts are in the first and third plane, respectively.

The corner element is an alternative to the uniting plate with one minor flange and one major flange in order to create a corner in the formed three-dimensional structure. The corner element can be engaged with one of the flanges of a uniting plate through the means of interaction of the corner element.

The corner of the created structure is formed by the corner element. The two subplates in the intersecting planes can be combined either by bending one plate to form the two sides of the corner element or by combining two plates.

The shape of the corner is given by the angle between the two sides of the corner element i.e. between the two sub-plates. Corner elements with different angles are preferred but the angle can also be differed by combining the two sides of the corner element by a flexible material.

In a still further advantageous embodiment, the base plate is formed as a rectangle.

The rectangular base plate comprises two shorter parallel sides and two longer parallel sides. The preferred embodiment of the rectangular base plate comprises means of interaction only at the two shorter parallel sides. However, other embodiments of the rectangular base plate comprise one or more means of interaction in the two longer parallel sides.

The rectangular base plate can for example be used together with two square-formed base plates for building triangles where the hypotenuse of the triangle is known to be longer than the catheters. Sets of building elements comprising base plates of size according to the theorem of Pythagoras capable of fitting as both catheters and hypotenuses are highly advantageously.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the uniting plate comprises an aperture and a ridge is provided in the means for interaction in the base plate, whereby said aperture engages with the ridge in the base plate, whereby said base plate and said uniting plate are releasable locked together. In a still further advantageous embodiment, the ridge is arranged on a resilient section of the means for interaction, and furthermore that a release means for urging the resilient section away from the uniting plate may be provided.

A retained combination of a flange of a uniting plate with the means of interaction of a base plate during the time of creation of the design and possibly during the lifetime of the design is increased by the addition of a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism, however, is importantly a combination between retaining the uniting plate and base plate together and not locking the connection to a larger extent than the combination is readily releasable when the two parts are pulled apart. The pulling apart has to be easy even for children.

Alternatively, the ridge can be pushed when pulling the uniting plate in order to release the uniting plate from the base plate more easily. Additionally, a part of the means of interaction of the base plate can be designed e.g. with a small knob or a raised front part. By grapping around the small knob and hereby slightly lifting or by arranging one or more fingers under the raised front part and hereby slightly lifting, this part of the means of interaction can be slightly elevated and the ridge be disengaged with the aperture whereby the base plate and uniting plate easily can be pulled apart.

The function of the locking mechanism is as follows: When the flange of the uniting plate is slid into the second plane of the base plate, the uniting plate is slightly pushed to overrun the ridge in the first plane before the aperture of the flange of the uniting plate engages with the ridge and releasable locks the uniting plate and the base plate. It is important that the ridge is shaped to encourage the flange to easily slide above the ridge until the ridge engages with the aperture. Similarly, the size of the aperture is to fit with the size of the ridge.

The ridge on the base plate can be arranged at any given place in the means for interaction as long as the aperture of the uniting plate is arranged on the flange of the uniting plate at a position that enables locking between the ridge and the aperture. Preferably, the aperture is arranged complementary to the ridge i.e. the locking between the aperture and ridge is performed when the flange of the uniting plate is inserted completely in the means of interaction.

The locking mechanism can preferably be combined with a release mechanism and a resilient layer around the ridge. Thus, the locking mechanism can be stronger since the uniting plate and base plate is not to be pulled from one another. In this manner, the release mechanism for example is pushed and compresses the resilient layer and hereby the ridge, whereby the ridge is disconnected from the aperture of the flange of the uniting plate and it can easily be pulled away from the base plate. The release mechanism can as well be pulled, twisted or bend. As an alternative the release mechanism can be activated by means like sound, electricity, or light. In this manner, a receiver unit is integrated into the release mechanism while a transmitter mechanism is provided to function without physical contact with the release mechanism. The resilient layer can be a layer, which can be either compressed or which includes a small spring in order to lift the flange of the uniting plate of the ridge of the base plate.

In a still further advantageous embodiment, the set of building elements comprises a first play figure; said first play figure comprises a head, two arms, two hands, two legs, and a torso; where the hands are formed as flanges which can engage with the apertures of the uniting plate; and where the legs are separated by a space; said space is shaped complementary to the shape of the head of the first play figure; and where the first play figure can be detachably engaged with another first play figure by placing the head of one first play figure in the space between the legs of another first play figure.

The first play figure can be designed in multiple shapes and colours for example as a man from outer space or a cowboy. In this way, pyramids with differently looking first play figures can be combined into gigantic three-dimensional figures. The combination is performed by the combination of the head of one first play figure into the space between the legs of another first play figure. The space has a size and shape such that the head will be held with tension in the space. In this way, multiple figures can be placed on top of one another. The space complementary to the head is not restrained to be arranged between the legs. As an additional feature the space can comprise small ridges or similar features in order to retain the head of another first play figure.

The first play figures can additionally be combined with the apertures of the flanges of the uniting plates. However, this is not essential. The combination forms between the hands of the first play figure and the aperture of the flanges of the uniting plates by engaging the hands with the apertures. Preferably, the hands include small ridges for the first play figure to be releasable retained with the uniting plate.

This implies that combining two uniting plates, two first play figures can be combined hereto and thus, two rows of first play figures can be created. Combining with more uniting plates enables further rows of first play figures to be combined.

In a still further advantageous embodiment, the set of building elements comprises a second play figure; said second play figure comprises at least one head similar to the head of the first play figure, at least one torso, at least two legs and multiple arms; where spaces are arranged on the second play figure; said spaces are shaped complimentary to the head of the first play figure; and where the second play figure can be detachably engaged with the first play figure or another second play figure by placing the head of the first play figure or the other second play figure in the space of the second play figure.

The second play figure can be combined with multiple first play figures, second play figures or apertures of the flanges of uniting plates, or more likely a combination hereof. Hereby, multiple designs can be achieved. The second play figure can be designed in multiple shapes and colours for example as a man from outer space or a cowboy.

The space complementary to the head is not restrained to be arranged at any specific positions. As an additional feature the spaces can comprise small ridges or similar features in order to retain the head of another first or second play figure.

The second play figures can additionally be combined with the apertures of the flanges of the uniting plates. However, this is not essential. The combination forms between the hands of the second play figure and the aperture of the flanges of the uniting plates by engaging the hands with the apertures. Preferably, the hands include small ridges for the first play figure to be releasable retained with the uniting plate.

This implies that combining two uniting plates, two second play figures can be combined hereto, or alternatively one second play figure and one first play figure can be combined hereto.

In a still further advantageous embodiment, the building elements are made from plastic, metal, glass, wood, ceramics, or a mixture of one or more of the components.

The building elements can with advantage be made from plastic materials like polyethylene, polyvinylchloride, polypropylene, polyacetal, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Other types of plastic materials that are relevant are intelligent plastic materials which are for example plastics of which change their colour or/and stiffness in relation to changes in temperature.

This is an inexpensive type of material, where the flexibility of the plate itself can be regulated with regard to the type of plastic chosen. Furthermore, the plastic is easily cleaned, which is especially important when used in toys for children.

For similar and other purposes the use of metals like aluminium, cupper, and steel is preferred. Furthermore, different types of woods like rowan, beech, conifer, and MDF-plates as well as different types of glass and ceramics can be used for the manufacture of the different plates of the invention.

The types of material can be combined in different ways. As an example the uniting plate can be made of a plastic while the base plate can be made of a metal. Alternatively, the base plate itself can be made from different types of materials as for example metal and plastic. This is especially advantageous if the plates are combined to form a lamp. In this case a battery can be inserted into one end of the creation while the bulb is inserted in the other end. With the right combination of materials no wires are needed in order for the lamp to function.

Furthermore, a method of combining the building elements is described comprising the following elementsa uniting plate; said uniting plate comprises two flanges defined in a single plane, said two flanges are connected by a connection line, and said connection line comprises a slot; said slot may engage with a slot on another uniting plate to obtain uniting plates with their respective flanges in different planes;a base plate; said base plate being substantially planar having three parallel planes, where the first and third planes are arranged on either side of the second plane, where said second plane is substantially open apart from connection members connecting the first and third plane, and said base plate comprises at least one means for interaction with the flange of the uniting plate; said means for interaction comprises at least two parts, where the at least two parts are in the first and third plane, respectively and where one of the flanges of the uniting plate can be placed in the second plane.

To create different three-dimensional designs using the building elements of this invention involves combining different base plates with means of interaction with flanges of uniting plates. The flanges are slid into the second plane of the base plate between the first and third plane, similar to an envelope function. Hereby, the uniting plate and the base plate are combined. The other flange of the uniting plate can be combined with another base plate. Combining the uniting plate with another uniting plate through the slot at the connection line between the flanges enables the combined two uniting plates to engage with four base plates. These base plates can be engaged with still other combined uniting plates, which again interact with further base plates. In this way, multiple base plates and uniting plates can be combined. Depending on the types of uniting plates, which can vary as described above as well as different types of base plates, figures and structures of different shape can be created.

The use of a set of building elements as previously described for toys, decorative art, or furniture.

This invention can be used as a set of building elements for children. The different elements can be combined in for example a package with a predefined figure to be created and thus, a specific number of elements of each different type. The elements can also be combined one, two or three types of elements in one package leaving the structure to be created optional.

Similar principles can be the case for the creation of furniture like small shelves, tables, small boxes and different types of stationeries as well as decorative arts like bowls, lamps. It is imaginable that a package with a predefined bowl can be predefined but that perhaps different types of bowls can be created anyhow.

In an advantageous embodiment, at least one building element comprises at least one electronic conductor; said at least one electronic conductor is arranged on said at least one building element in an engaging pattern, whereby said at least one first electronic conductor on a first building element can engage to at least one second electronic conductor on a second building element by combining said building elements. In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one of said building elements of said set of building elements further comprises a front plate and preferably, that said front plate is arranged substantially parallel to the first or third plane of said base plate.

Furthermore, a method is described, where said uniting plate comprises at least one first electronic conductor and said base plate comprises at least one second electronic conductor, where said at least one first electronic conductor and said at least one second electronic conductor engage during combination of said uniting plate and said base plate, whereby electrical power and data signals can be transferred from one plate to another.

The building elements can be provided with electronic conductors formed as connectors in order to be able to transfer an electrical power and data signals from one building element to another. The electronic conductors are to be arranged in a specific geometrical pattern in order for an electrical signal to be transferred efficiently between the separate building elements. The design of the specific pattern depends upon the shape of the building element as well as the ways of combination of the building elements. Preferably, the electronic conductors comprise an anode and a cathode, which are arranged in a manner that allows them to engage with an anode and a cathode on another building element i.e. a first anode and a first cathode on a first building element engages with a second anode and a second cathode on a second building element during the combination of the first and second building element.

These building elements can then be further combined with a third building element, whereby the third anode and third cathode of the third building element engage with the second anode and the second cathode of the second building element or with the first anode and the first cathode of the first element. These building elements can then be further combined with more building elements in order to obtain a specific two- or three-dimensional structure.

The electronic conductors can be made from different types of conducting material. It can for example be wires, which are placed on top of the building elements. Preferably, the wires are of a thin material like a foil, a metallic cover on building elements made from plastic, or the wires can be arranged into grooves cut into the surface of the building elements. Alternatively, the conducting material can be embedded into the building elements or the electronic conductors can be created by SMART-INK technique. The conductors can in an alternative embodiment for the invention be plated on the contact surfaces by a chemical process followed by an electro plating process known from the production of printed circuits.

Furthermore, a front plate can be arranged on top of the building elements for example substantially parallel with the first plane of the base plate. However, the front plate can be arranged in any given angle or place in relation to the building elements as long as the engagement with the building elements is sufficient to supply electrical power and data signal to the front plate, whereby an illustration on the front plate can be obtained. Preferably, the front plate is made from light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) or by SMART-INK. If sufficient data can be trasmittet to the front plate the front plate can be used as a game display or operate as a video or television screen.

When combining the separate building elements it is essential that the combination is fit in a manner that prevents the two building elements to be moved substantially in relation to one another when the structure is created. If the building elements are moved in relation to one another in a direction different from the direction for engaging/disengaging the building elements the cathodes and anodes can by change engage and cause a short-circuit. In addition, the engagement between cathodes and anodes on separate building elements can be interrupted and the transfer of the electronic signal destroyed. The design of the envelope function as described previously and the engagement between base plates and uniting plates is an example of a fit connection, which prevents the movement of the base plate and the uniting plate in relation to one another in directions other than the direction of the uniting plate sliding into the envelope of the base plate.

Multiple electronic conductors can be arranged on the building elements in several paths. The electronic conductors can conduct not only electronically signals from one building element to another but also audio or video signals. In this manner, sound can be transferred from one building element to the next to be amplified through a loudspeaker or displayed at a screen. It is possible to combine data and power in only the anode and cathode connections by using pulse modulation, where power is transmitted in the pulses and in periods of no pulsing.

The separate building elements of the two- or three-dimensional structure can be a combination of building elements comprising electronic conductors as well as building elements without electronic conductors. In this manner, structures can be created, in which an electronic signal can be transferred in a given direction, or only in part of the structure.

The structure can be connected to an energy source by connecting the building elements to a computer unit, the electrical grid or a battery. The computer unit can be a personal computer, which at least one building element is connected to, possible through a USB connection. However, the computer unit can as well be a slave unit only capable of transferring information from a CD/DVD or a USB-key and to the building elements. Alternatively, information can be transferred by Bluetooth or other wireless methods from another computer unit and to the slave computer unit in connection with the building elements. Additionally, a slave computer unit comprising at least one computer game or at least one puzzle or a mixture hereof, can be provided together with building elements in one package.

A computer game can be displayed on multiple front plates at once either as a single screen divided into multiple front plates, with a similar illustration on each screen, the structure can consist of building elements with one front plate alone, or different scenes of a computer game either different levels like the basement in a first front plate, the ground level on a second front plate and the first floor on a third front plate. Moving from one level to the next, thus, do not change the output of a given front plate the actions is moved to another front plate.

Similarly a puzzle can be created by combining multiple building elements, preferably comprising front plates. The building elements have to be combined in a specific manner in order to result in a continuous picture similar to a regular puzzle. The illustration of the separate building elements are only highlighted when the building elements are combined and an electronically signal is obtained. Hence, the illustrations of the separate building elements have to be remembered for later when detached from the structure. Alternatively, the illustrations of the building elements are visible and can be at least partly illuminated by combination with the structure. Alternatively or in addition, sound can be played for example as a fanfare, when a building element is correctly placed and/or when the puzzle is correctly assembled.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1illustrates a uniting plate comprising two flanges3of a triangular shape in a single plane. The two flanges3connect at a connection line9, which includes a slot5. The slot5can be combined with the slot of another uniting plate in order to form two plates with their planes in different levels. An aperture7may be arranged at the top of each triangularly shaped flange3.

FIG. 1Aillustrates an alternative embodiment of the uniting plate1as illustrated inFIG. 1. In this embodiment, the uniting plate1comprises ridges15on both sides of the connection line9. Furthermore, the uniting plate1is provided with an opening6in the connection line9. The opening6is in this particular embodiment circular. In the slot5of the uniting plate1small elevations8are present opposite of one another on both sides of the slot5.

Combining two uniting plates1as illustrated inFIG. 1Aresults in that the elevations8of the first uniting plate1engage with the opening6of the second uniting plate1, while the elevations8of the second uniting plate1engages with the opening of the first uniting plate1. Hereby, the uniting plates1are secured in relation to one another.

FIG. 2illustrates a side view of a uniting plate comprising two flanges3. In this particular embodiment the flanges3are illustrated to be of similar size and connected by a rigid connection line9. By comparison with the front view of the uniting plate as illustrated inFIG. 1, it is obvious that the plate is a relatively thin plate.

As an alternative, the flanges3of the uniting plates can be combined by connection lines with different properties11as illustrated inFIG. 3.FIG. 3illustrates a side view of a uniting plate1. In this uniting plate1, the two flanges3are combined by a flexible connection line11. Combining two uniting plates1comprising a flexible connection line11enables the uniting plates1to be flexed into positions where the angle between the two plates are more or less than 90 degrees.

As a further alternative, the uniting plates1can be designed to comprise a flange of minor size13along with a major flange3. This is illustrated inFIG. 4where the lower flange3being of similar size to the flanges3observed for uniting plates1ofFIGS. 1-3while the upper flange13is much smaller and only of minor size.

The embodiment of the uniting plate1as illustrated inFIG. 4further illustrates a hat17situated around the minor flange13. In addition, ridges15can be situated just below the connection line9. The advantages of adding a hat17to the uniting plate1are observed inFIG. 5where two uniting plates of the type illustrated inFIG. 4are combined by connecting the slots of the two uniting plates. As observed inFIG. 5, the form and the shape of the hat17add up to form a corner with smooth sides. In this way, uniting plates can be combined to form a corner with shielding of the minor flanges13. Without the hat17, the small flanges would stick out and disturb the overall appearance of the building elements.

A front view of a uniting plate1is illustrated inFIG. 6where the uniting plate1contains only one flange of major size3and a minor flange13with a hat17on top of it along with ridges15. Furthermore, the slot5for engagement of two uniting plates is observed along with an aperture7in the major flange3.

FIG. 7illustrates a front view of a base plate19. In this particular embodiment, the base plate comprises four triangularly shaped means for interaction (21,23,25;27,29,31;33,35,37;39,41,43) for combining with the flanges3of the uniting plate1. All these triangularly shaped means for interaction are placed with their apex45,47,49,51against one another in order to form a square.

Each of the triangularly shaped means for interaction (21,23,25;27,29,31;33,35,37;39,41,43) is divided into three parts. The base plate19comprises three parallel planes in which the parts of the triangles are situated alternating between the first and the third plane (23,27,31,25,29,43are in the first plane while21,25,29,33,37, and41are in the third plane). Thus, if the first triangularly shaped means for interaction, the outermost parts are situated in the first plane27,31and the middle part is situated in the third plane29, then the second triangularly shaped means for interaction next to it has the middle part situated in the first plane35while the two outer parts will be in the third plane33,37. The parts of the third triangularly shaped means for interaction will then be situated as follows; the outermost parts are situated in the first plane39,43while the middle part is situated in the third plane41. The parts of the fourth triangularly shaped means for interaction will then be situated as follows; the outermost parts are situated in the third plane23while the middle part is situated in the first plane21,25. The alternation between the upper and lower planes of the parts of the means for interaction creates an envelope function. This envelope function is designed in order for the uniting plate to slide in between the planes of the base plate. In this way, the base plate19and uniting plate1can be combined, and they are be able to form structures of different sizes and shapes in a three-dimensional manner.

FIG. 8illustrates an embodiment in the form of a corner plate53. The corner plate, in this particular embodiment, comprises two triangularly shaped parts55which are united along the hypotenuse57of the triangle in a given angle59. The size of the angle59can vary in order to obtain multiple corner plates to be able to build more structures. The corner plate53is two joint base plates19and thus, comprises parts61,63,65,67,69,71in a first61,69and a third63,65,67,71plane. These parts are alternating between the first and third plane in order to provide an envelope-like function similar to the base plate19. As an example, the flange of the uniting plate can be situated above the part63but below part61in order to connect the uniting plate with the corner plate.

FIG. 9illustrates a rectangular base plate73. The rectangular base plate73, in this particular embodiment, is divided into multiple parts75,77,79,81,83,85,87,89,91,93,95,97,99,101arranged in a first and third parallel plane in an alternating way. If the first part75is in the first plane, the next part77in the third plane, the third part79in the first plane, the fourth part81in the third plane, the fifth part83in the first plane, the sixth part85in the third plane, the seventh part87in the first plane, the eight part89in the third plane, the ninth part91in the first plane, the tenth part93in the first plane, the eleventh part95in the first plane, the twelfth part97in the third plane, the thirteenth part99in the first plane, and the fourteenth part101in the third plane. In this particular embodiment, four different envelopes are created by the alternating parts85,87,89;97,99,101;77,79,81;81,93,77. In addition, connections between the first plane and third plane are observed78. These connections help to control the insertion of the flange3of the uniting plate1.

The use of a rectangular base plate73is illustrated inFIG. 10. This embodiment illustrates a rectangular base plate73connected to two base plates19formed as squares via uniting plates1. In the lower right corner103the uniting plates1are combined at an angle of 90 degrees. In the lower left corner105the uniting plates1are combined in an angle different from 90 degrees and thus, the uniting plates1comprises a flexible connection line as described inFIG. 3. Furthermore, the uniting plates1of the lower left corner105are uniting plates1of the type described inFIG. 4where the uniting plate1comprises one major flange107and one minor flange109. The uniting plates1of the upper right corner111are combined in an angle different from 90 degrees, and thus, the uniting plates1comprises a flexible connection line as described inFIG. 3. The advantage of the rectangular base plate is illustrated in this embodiment since the rectangular base plates are able to form sloping lines. The sloping lines can be useful for more alternatives like for example creating roofs of houses.

FIG. 10furthermore illustrates a side view of the envelope function. The uniting plates1are observed to be arranged between the two parallel planes113,115of the base plates19and the rectangular base plate73.

A front view of the envelope function created by the three planes of the base plate19is illustrated inFIG. 11. The first plane117,119and the third plane121, of the base plate is observed on either side of the second plane123. In this case, the outermost parts117,119of the triangularly shaped means of interaction117,119,121are in the first plane while the middle part121is in the third plane. It is to be understood that the first and third planes are interchangeable.

Furthermore, the middle part121contains a ridge127close to apex125of the middle part121of the base plate19. The ridge127interacts with the aperture7of the flange129of the uniting plate1when the flange129is arranged in the base plate19. Thus, the ridge127can be arranged at an arbitrary position at the means of interaction117,119,121as long as it fits with the position of the aperture7. For the purpose of illustration, no other means of interaction117,119,121are illustrated in the other three triangles131,133,135observed in the base plate19. It is to be understood that the base plate19when formed as a square and containing triangularly formed means of interaction as here illustrated may contain any number between and including one to four means of interaction.

An increased stability of the connection between the uniting plate1and the base plate19is obtained by the releasable interaction of the ridge127and the aperture7of the flange129the uniting plate1is. The shape of the ridge127is inFIG. 1illustrated with a decreasing height in the direction of the arrow137, which illustrates the movement of the uniting plate1when slid into the second plane123of base plate19. The size of the ridge127is as big as to increase the connection stability between the base plate19and the uniting plate1but no bigger than the flange129of the uniting plate1is easily released by pulling it.

FIG. 12illustrates another embodiment of the envelope function, a horizontal alternative compared to the envelope function ofFIG. 11where the envelope function is a vertical alternative. In the embodiment as illustrated inFIG. 12, the uniting plate1is introduced into the second plane of the base plate19following the direction of the arrow139. The parts of the means of interaction141,143,145of the base plate19are in this context divided by lines147perpendicular to the direction of the arrow139. This is compared to the parts of the means of interaction17,119,121of the base plate19illustrated inFIG. 11where the lines120of division are parallel to the direction of the arrow.

FIG. 13illustrates a further embodiment of the envelope function, a diagonal alternative. In this embodiment, the flange129of the uniting plate1is introduced into the second plane149of the base plate19in the direction of the arrow151. The parts of the means of interaction155,157,159,161of the base plate19are divided by lines neither parallel nor perpendicular to the direction of the arrow but in any given angle between parallel and perpendicular.

FIG. 14illustrates a vertical-horizontal envelope function of a base plate. A front view of the envelope function created by the three planes of the base plate19is illustrated inFIG. 14. The first plane118and the third plane120, of the base plate is observed on either side of the second plane122. It is to be understood that the first and third planes are interchangeable.

The first plane118comprises two triangularly shaped parts124,126of the means for interaction connected with a stabilising bridge128. The third plane120comprises a short middle part130. In this particular embodiment, the short middle part130comprises a ridge132. The ridge132interacts with the aperture134of the flange129of the uniting plate1when the flange129is arranged in the base plate19. For the purpose of illustration, only the means of interaction124,126,128,130in one out of four parts are illustrated. It is to be understood that the base plate19when formed as a square and containing triangularly formed means of interaction as here illustrated may contain any number between and including one to four means of interaction.

In this particular embodiment, four triangularly shaped means of interaction124,126,128,130;136;138;140are illustrated. The parts of each means of interaction are similarly shaped though the middle part of two means of interaction124,126,128,130;136are in the third plane120, while the middle part of the two other means of interaction138,140are in the first plane124i.e. they are rotated 180 degrees to one another.

An increased stability of the connection between the uniting plate1and the base plate19is obtained by the releasable interaction of the ridge132and the aperture134of the flange129. The size of the ridge132is as big as to increase the connection stability between the base plate19and the uniting plate1but no bigger than the flange129of the uniting plate1is easily released. It is to be understood that similar ridges are arranged beneath the middle parts130,144,146,148of each means of interaction124,126,128,130;136;138;140. However, the ridges are only visible for two of the means of interaction138,140of the illustration.

In this particular embodiment, the middle part130comprises a raised front part142. The raised front part142is elevated in a manner that enables one or more fingers to be arranged underneath i.e. between the means of interaction130in the third plane120and the uniting plate1when this engages with the base plate19. Hereby, the middle part130can easily be slightly elevated and the ridge132is removed from the aperture7. This unlocking procedure can also be performed by pushing at the ridge132whereby the ridge132is pushed out of the aperture7and the uniting plate1can be removed.

In the embodiment, the uniting plate1is introduced into the second plane122of the base plate19following the direction of the arrow150. The parts of the means of interaction124,126,128,130of the base plate19are in this context divided by lines152perpendicular to the direction of the arrow139and lines154parallel to the direction of the arrow139.

FIG. 14Aillustrates an alternative embodiment of the base plate as illustrated infigure 14. The difference between the embodiments are the design of the raised front part142, where the elevation inFIG. 14Ais more at the edges than in the middle of the middle part130.

FIG. 15illustrates an alternative embodiment of the locking mechanism as illustrated inFIG. 11. In this embodiment, the means of interaction117,119,121are divided into two outermost parts117,119in the first plane and a middle part121in the third plane. The middle part121further comprises a ridge127for engagement with the aperture7of the uniting plate1. In this particular embodiment the ridge127is situated in a resilient member163and furthermore release means165are present. InFIG. 14the release means are in the form of a dot.

During combination of the uniting plate1and the base plate19the flange129of the uniting plate1is slid into the second plane123of the means of interaction117,119,121of the base plate19. Hereby, the resilient member163is slightly urged down until the ridge127reaches the aperture7. Then the flange129of the uniting plate1is retained in connection with the means of interaction117,119,121of base plate19. Furthermore, the flange129of the uniting plate1is pressed against the outermost parts117,119due to the elevation of the resilient layer163.

To release the flange129of the uniting plate1from the means of interaction117,119,121of the base plate19, the release dot165is urged down and the uniting plate1pulled away from the base plate19. Hereby, the ridge127is removed from the aperture7and the locking mechanism released.

FIG. 16illustrates a first playfigure 167. This first playfigure 167comprises a head169, two arms171, two legs173, a torso175, and a space complementary to the shape of the head177. Furthermore, the first playfigure 167comprises two hands with a shape that enables them to interact with the aperture7of the flange3of the uniting plate1and hold the uniting plate1in a retained position.

The space complementary to the shape of the head177may be provided with ridges181in order for the space to retain the head169in position. The head169to be arranged in the space177is the head of another first play figure as illustrated inFIG. 17.FIG. 17illustrates how the space complementary to the shape of the head177of the first first playfigure 183interacts with the head169of the second first playfigure 185. Likewise, the head of a third first play figure can be engaged with the space complementary to the shape of the head187of the second first play figure and so forth in order to create a long row of interconnected figures.

FIG. 18illustrates a second playfigure 189. This particular second playfigure 189comprises six arms191, two legs193, a head195, a torso197and four spaces complementary to the shape of the head199. Preferably, the size of the spaces complementary to the shape of the head199is similar in size to the spaces complementary to the shape of the head177present on the first play figure and the heads of the first playfigure 169and of the second playfigure 195are similar in size. Thus, the first and second play figure can be combined in several possible ways.

FIG. 19illustrates the combination of several first play figures201with a second playfigure 203and multiple uniting plates205. By combining the first play figure, the second play figure, and different types of uniting plates new three-dimensional figures can be created.

FIG. 20illustrates the embodiment of the base plate and uniting plate along with the supplementary parts to enable the formation of wheels. The wheel comprises an inner part207illustrated to comprise four flanges209each divided into multiple sub-elements211. The number of flanges is, however, not limited to four as well as the division into sub-elements not is mandatory. The flanges of the inner part207are arranged on a circular hub213, which comprises a central aperture215.

The central aperture215can be combined with an axis217through the central aperture215. In this way, multiple wheels can be connected. The axis217is shaped as a cross comprising four flanges219. These four flanges219can engage with a complementary shape inside the central aperture215.

The flanges of the inner part207can be engaged with a special embodiment of a uniting plate221. This embodiment comprises a third flange223perpendicular to the two flanges225of the single plane. The third flange comprises an envelope structure with a first plane227, a second plane229, and a third plane231, where the flange of the inner part207engages with the uniting plate221through the second plane229.

After attaching the uniting plate221to the inner part207of the wheel, the two flanges225can be combined with base plates233to form the surface of the wheel. In this particular embodiment the base plate comprises a rectangular shape with two means of interaction235arranged on the longer side of the rectangle. Multiple base plates233can be combined by uniting plates with221or without1a third flange223.

FIG. 21illustrates a base plate237comprising electronic conductors239,241to be able to transmit an electrical signal. The electronic conductors are represented at least by a first anode241and a first cathode239. In this particular embodiment, the cathodes241are shown as two straight lines and defined by a plus243, and the anodes239are shown as four branched lines and defined by a minus245.

In this particular embodiment, the electronic conductors are arranged on either side of the base plate237. The electronic conductors can, however, be arranged on one of the sides, only.

FIG. 22illustrates a uniting plate247comprising electronic conductors249,251. The electronic conductors are represented by a second anode249and a second cathode251. The second anode249is formed by two paths, while the second cathode251is comprised of a semi-circular path. The second cathode251and one of the second anodes249is disintegrated by the slot253of the uniting plate247.

In this particular embodiment, the electronic conductors are arranged on either side of the uniting plate247. The electronic conductors can, however, be arranged on one of the sides, only.

FIG. 23illustrates the combination of a uniting plate247and a base plate237both comprising electronic conductors239,241,249,251. A flange255of the uniting plate247is arranged in the second plane257of the base plate237between the first259and third plane261.

Sliding the uniting plate247into the second plane257of the base plate237establish a connection between the first anodes239and the second anodes249as well as a contact between the first cathode241and the second cathode251is established. Hereby, an electrical signal can be transferred from the base plate237to the uniting plate247and vice versa.

It is essential that the electronic conductors are designed properly in order to secure a strong and efficient electronic signal. Thus, the particular shapes of the first cathode241, second cathode251, first anodes239, and second anodes249. In addition, a steady interaction between the uniting plate247and base plate237is essential in order to prevent the electronic conductors from sliding in relation to one another and hereby disturb the transferred electronic signal. If high speed data has to be transmitted by the conductors it is preferred that the conductors are shielded from radiated electronic noise generated by radio transmitters. It can also be important that there exists defined electric impedance between the conductors and a ground line.

FIG. 24illustrates how an electrical signal can be transferred in a three-dimensional structure as well as a two-dimensional structure as illustrated inFIG. 22. InFIG. 23is illustrated integration of two uniting plates—a first uniting plate260and a second uniting plate261—through the slot253of each uniting plate260,261. This interaction connects the first parts of the second anode263on the first uniting plate260with the second parts of the second anode265on the second uniting plate261and connects the first part of the second cathode267on the first uniting plate260with the second part of the second cathode269on the second uniting plate261. Through this connection contact between the electronic conductors on the first uniting plate260and the second uniting plate261is established, whereby electrical signal can be transferred from two-dimensions into three-dimensions.

FIG. 25illustrates how an electric signal can be transferred from a base plate237to a front plate271. The front plate is mounted onto the base plate237in a plane substantially parallel with the first plane259of the base plate237. By mounting of the front plate271to the base plate237electronic conductors of the front plate271interacts with the electronic conductors239,241of the base plate237, whereby an electric signal can be transferred from the base plate237to the front plate271. The front plate271is preferably a organic light emitting diode (OLED) or a smartINK surface, whereby the front plate271can be used as a display for illustrating for example pictures, in this particular embodiment a cloud.

Coupling multiple base plates237comprising front plates271and uniting plates247into two- and three-dimensional structures enables illustrations to be shown on multiple front plates271as illustrated inFIG. 26. The illustration can be either an identical picture or differing pictures. By different pictures an electronic puzzle can be created or multiple screens for a computer game can be created.

At least one of the base plates237or front plates271has to be coupled with an electrical power source. This can be a battery, through an external unit such as a computer unit or by connection to the electrical grid.