Patent Publication Number: US-2016243457-A1

Title: Modular construction system, construction element, coupling element, end element and tool for use in such a construction system

Description:
This application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/813,052, filed Apr. 11, 2013, which is a National Stage entry of PCT Application No. PCT/NL2011/050544, filed on Jul. 28, 2011, which claims priority to The Netherlands Patent Application Nos. NL2005185, filed Jul. 30, 2010 and NL 2005185 filed Jul. 30, 2010. The entire disclosure of the above-referenced applications is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     The invention relates to a modular construction system comprising at least two construction elements and a coupling element which can be connected releasably to the construction elements, wherein: 
     the coupling element comprises a plate-like body with two flat surfaces which are each provided with coupling means, wherein the coupling means of at least one of the two surfaces comprise a ring of resiliently pivotable lips extending at least substantially perpendicularly of the surface and provided with locking protrusions close to a first end zone; 
     at least one of the two construction elements comprises at least one surface with at least one opening which is adapted to receive the lips of the coupling element in order to connect the coupling element and the construction element, this opening being smaller than the distance between two opposite protrusions of the lips such that in a connected situation the protrusions of the lips of the coupling element engage on the surface of the construction element close to the opening; and 
     the lips are adapted to displace inward at least close to their first end zones subject to a force exerted on the coupling element such that the distance between the two opposite protrusions of the lips can decrease to less than the size of the opening in the construction element in order to release the connection between the coupling element and the construction element. 
     Such a modular construction system can for instance be used for educational purposes, as toy or for the assembly of stands, furniture, machine constructions and the like. 
     Such a modular construction system is known from EP-A1-598 097. The construction system of EP-A1-1 598 097 comprises a plurality of building blocks and one or more connecting pieces. The building block of EP-A1-1 598 097 comprises a square assembly opening with a funnel in which lips of a connecting piece can be received. In order to release the connection between a connecting piece and a building block the connecting piece is rotated through 45° such that the lips extend in the diagonal direction of the assembly opening, wherein the length of the diagonal of the assembly opening is greater than the distance between two opposite protrusions, such that the connecting piece can be removed from the assembly opening. 
     The invention has for its object to provide a modular construction system with which construction elements can be coupled and uncoupled in simple manner and/or a modular construction system with which diverse assemblies can be easily constructed. 
     For this purpose the modular construction system of the type stated in the preamble has the feature according to the invention that the plate-like body of the coupling element comprises an opening which extends between the two flat surfaces, this opening of the plate-like body being provided with resiliently pivotable tongues extending radially inward which are connected to the lips, wherein the tongues of the opening of the plate-like body are displaced out of the plane of the plate-like body at least close to a first outer end of the tongues by a force being exerted thereon, such that due to displacement of the tongues out of the plane of the plate-like body the lips are displaced inward. 
     An advantage of such a coupling element is that the mutual coupling of two construction elements can take place in simple manner, while the coupling can also be released in simple manner using such a coupling element. Release of the coupling takes place in simple manner by exerting a force on the tongues, wherein the lips are displaced inward, whereby the distance between the two opposite protrusions decreases to less than the size of the opening in the construction element such that the coupling element can be easily removed from the opening in the construction element. 
     When it does not comprise a ring of lips, the other surface can be provided with random, optionally known coupling means such as a dowel, a pin-like body provided with screw thread, adhesive means, hooks or loops for forming a so-called velcro tape connection, and so on. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the modular construction system the coupling means of each of the two surfaces comprise a ring of resiliently pivotable lips extending at least substantially perpendicularly of the surface and provided with locking protrusions close to a first end zone. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the modular construction system according to the invention the surface of the construction element is provided with a standing edge extending round the opening in the surface, wherein in the connected situation the plate-like body of the coupling element extends at least partially inside the standing edge. 
     In another embodiment of the modular construction system according to the invention the standing edge of the construction element has a polygonal form. 
     In a subsequent embodiment of the modular construction system according to the invention the plate-like body of the coupling element has a polygonal form, wherein in the connected situation corner points of the plate-like body are situated in corner points of the standing edge. 
     A distance between two opposite corner points of the plate-like body of the coupling element is preferably greater than a distance between two opposite sides of the standing edge of the construction element, such that a force exceeding a predetermined value is necessary for rotation of the coupling element in the plane of the construction element. 
     An advantage hereof is that two construction elements can in this way be connected in a more or less fixed position and at a more or less fixed angle relative to each other. Rotation is possible when a relative rotation force exerted on the coupling element and/or a construction element exceeds a predetermined value, whereby the angle between two construction elements can easily be changed without uncoupling of the coupling element being required for this purpose. When the force is released, the construction elements will be fixed at the new angle. The predetermined force can for instance be equal to the force required to elastically deform the plate-like body of the coupling element and/or the standing edge of the construction element. 
     Alternatively, the standing edge of the construction element can have interruptions close to its corner points. 
     An advantage of a construction element provided with an edge having interruptions is that it can be manufactured in simple manner, for instance by injection moulding. Material for manufacturing the construction element can hereby also be saved. 
     In yet another embodiment of the modular construction system according to the invention the standing edge of the construction element has a round form. 
     In a subsequent embodiment of the modular construction system according to the invention the plate-like body has a round form, wherein the diameter of the plate-like body is smaller than a distance between two opposite sides of the standing edge of the construction element, such that rotation of the coupling element in the plane of the construction element can take place freely. 
     An advantage of the free rotation of the coupling element in the plane of the construction element is that a construction assembly can hereby be manufactured in simple manner, wherein different construction elements can rotate freely relative to each other. It is noted that two opposite sides of the standing edge is also understood to mean the diameter of a round edge. 
     The invention further relates to a construction element, component of a modular construction system as described above, comprising at least one surface with at least one opening which is adapted to receive the lips of a coupling element in order to connect the coupling element and the construction element, this opening being smaller than the distance between two opposite protrusions of the lips, such that in a connected situation the protrusions of the lips of the coupling element engage on the surface of the construction element close to the opening. 
     The invention further relates to a coupling element, component of a modular construction system as described above, comprising a plate-like body with two flat surfaces which are each provided with coupling means, wherein the coupling means of at least one of the two surfaces comprise a ring of resiliently pivotable lips extending at least substantially perpendicularly of the surface and provided with locking protrusions close to a first end zone, wherein the lips are adapted to displace inward at least close to their first end zones subject to a force exerted on the coupling element, such that the distance between the two protrusions of the lips situated opposite each other can decrease to less than the size of an opening in a construction element in order to release a connection between the coupling element and the construction element, wherein the plate-like body of the coupling element comprises an opening which extends between the two flat surfaces, this opening of the plate-like body being provided with resiliently pivotable tongues extending radially inward which are connected to the lips, wherein the tongues of the opening of the plate-like body are displaced out of the plane of the plate-like body at least close to a first outer end of the tongues by a force being exerted thereon, such that due to displacement of the tongues out of the plane of the plate-like body the lips are displaced inward. 
     When it does not have a ring of lips, the other surface can be provided with random, optionally known coupling means such as a dowel, a pin-like body provided with screw thread, adhesive means, hooks or loops for forming a so-called velcro tape connection, and so on. 
     The coupling means of each of the two surfaces preferably comprise a ring of resiliently pivotable lips extending at least substantially perpendicularly of the surface and provided with locking protrusions close to a first end zone. 
     The invention also relates to an end element, comprising a plate-like body with a flat surface which is provided with a ring of resiliently pivotable lips extending at least substantially perpendicularly of the surface and provided with locking protrusions close to a first end zone. 
     Such an end element can be easily connected to one construction element in the manner described above for the coupling element, whereby an unused opening in the construction element can be filled. When the surface remote from the lips is not provided with lips, this surface can be finished in aesthetic manner. Unused openings in the construction element can hereby be filled in aesthetic manner. 
     The construction element and/or the coupling element and/or the end element are preferably manufactured from a material chosen from the group comprising plastic, metal and wood. A suitable plastic is for instance acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP) and/or polyethylene (PE). 
     The construction element and/or the coupling element and/or the end element can for instance be manufactured by injection moulding. 
     The invention also relates to a tool for use in a modular construction system as described above, the tool comprising a body provided with at least one pin-like body which is adapted to displace tongues of an opening of a plate-like body of a coupling element out of the plane of the plate-like body, at least close to first outer ends of the tongues. 
     Using such a tool a pressing force can be exerted on the tongues of the coupling element in simple manner in order to uncouple the coupling element. 
     The invention also relates to the use of such a tool for uncoupling a coupling element by exerting a force on the tongues of the coupling element. 
     The pin-like body preferably extends at an angle from the handle, the angle lying between 0 and 90°. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the tool according to the invention the tool comprises a displaceable flange extending round the pin-like body, the flange being displaceable between a first position, in which the flange is smaller than the diameter of the opening of the construction element, and a second position in which the flange is larger than the diameter of the opening of the construction element, wherein the pin-like body is displaceable between the first position, in which the pin-like body extends with a first determined length from the body, and a second position in which the pin-like body extends with a second determined length from the body, the second determined length being greater than the first determined length, and wherein the pin-like body is in respectively the first or the second position when the flange is in respectively the first or the second position. 
     The invention also relates to a packaging comprising at least one of a construction element, a coupling element, an end element or a tool as described above. 
    
    
     
       The invention will be further elucidated with reference to figures shown in a drawing, in which 
         FIGS. 1A-1D  show a perspective view, side view, front view and cross-sectional view of a coupling element of a modular construction system according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 2A-2D  show a perspective view, side view, front view and cross-sectional view of a coupling element of a modular construction system according to another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 3-8  show perspective views of a number of construction elements of a modular construction system according to different embodiments of the invention; 
         FIGS. 9A, 9B  show a perspective view and front view of an end element according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of a construction assembly constructed with a modular construction system according to the invention; 
         FIGS. 11A-11C  show uncoupling of a coupling element of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of a tool according to a first embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 13A, 13B  show elevation views of a tool according to a second embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 13C, 13D  show uncoupling of a coupling element of  FIG. 1  via the tool of  FIGS. 13A, 13B ; 
         FIGS. 14A-14D  show another construction element of a modular construction system according to the invention; 
         FIGS. 15A,15B  show a side view and perspective view of a coupling element of a modular construction system according to yet another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 16A-16C  show a shelving system constructed with a modular construction system according to the invention, wherein A shows a perspective view of the shelving system, B shows a part of the shelving system in detail and C shows a cross-section of the part in B; and 
         FIGS. 17A, 17B  show a table constructed with a modular construction system according to the invention, wherein A shows a perspective view of the table and B shows the tabletop in detail. 
     
    
    
       FIGS. 1A-1D  show respectively a perspective view, side view, front view and cross-sectional view of a coupling element  1 . Coupling element  1  comprises a hexagonal, plate-like body  2  with two mutually parallel flat surfaces  3   a , 3   b , which are each provided with a ring of resiliently pivotable lips  4  extending at least substantially perpendicularly of the surface and each provided with a protrusion  5  close to a first end zone. Extending in plate-like body  2  between the two flat surfaces  3   a , 3   b  is an opening  6  which is provided with resiliently pivotable tongues  7  extending radially inward which are connected to lips  4 . 
       FIGS. 2A-2D  show respectively a perspective view, a side view, a front view and cross-sectional view of a coupling element  10  according to another embodiment of the invention. Coupling element  10  comprises a round, plate-like body  11  with two mutually parallel flat surfaces  3   a , 3   b , which are each provided with a ring of resiliently pivotable lips  4  extending at least substantially perpendicularly of the surface and each provided with a protrusion  5  close to a first end zone. Extending in plate-like body  2  between the two flat surfaces  3   a , 3   b  is an opening  6  which is provided with resiliently pivotable tongues  7  extending radially inward which are connected to lips  4 . 
       FIGS. 3-8  show a number of construction elements  20 ,  30 ,  40 ,  50 ,  60 ,  70  according to different embodiments of the invention. 
       FIG. 3  shows a construction element  20  comprising a plate-like body  21 , wherein a number of openings  22  extend between the two outer surfaces of plate-like body  21 . Construction element  20  can function as a kind of basic construction plate on which a construction assembly can be built. The outer surfaces of plate-like body  21  are each provided with a standing edge  23  which extends round each opening  22 . In this embodiment the standing edge  23  has a regular, hexagonal form. 
       FIG. 4  shows a construction element  30  according to another embodiment of the invention, this construction element  30  comprising a beam-like body  31 , wherein a number of openings  22  extend in the outer surfaces of beam-like body  31 . The outer surfaces of beam-like body  31  are each provided with a standing edge  23  which extends round each opening  22 . In this embodiment standing edge  23  has a regular, hexagonal form and is interrupted in the vicinity of its corner points. 
       FIG. 5  shows a construction element  40  according to yet another embodiment of the invention, this construction element  40  comprising a nut-like body  41 , wherein a number of openings  22  extend in the outer surfaces of nut-like body  41 . The outer surfaces of nut-like body  41  are each provided with a standing edge  23  which extends round each opening  22 . In this embodiment standing edge  23  has a regular, hexagonal form. 
       FIGS. 6A,6B  show a construction element  50  according to yet another embodiment of the invention, this construction element  50  comprising a body  51  in the form of a obliquely cut cube, wherein a number of openings  22  extend in three outer surfaces of body  51 . The three outer surfaces of body  51  provided with openings  22  are provided with a standing edge  23  which extends round each opening  22 . In this embodiment standing edge  23  has a regular, hexagonal form. It will be apparent that the cut side surfaces  52   a , 52   b  of body  51  are not provided with openings  22 . 
       FIG. 7  shows a construction element  60  according to yet another embodiment of the invention, this construction element  60  comprising a cube-like body  61 , wherein a number of openings  22  extend in the outer surfaces of body  61 . The outer surfaces of body  61  are each provided with a standing edge  23  which extends round each opening  22 . In this embodiment standing edge  23  has a regular, hexagonal form and is interrupted in the vicinity of its corner points. 
       FIG. 8  shows a construction element  70  according to yet another embodiment of the invention, this construction element  70  comprising an elongate, plate-like body  71  with rounded outer ends, wherein a number of openings  22  extend in the outer surfaces of body  71 . The outer surfaces of body  71  are each provided with a standing edge  23  which extends round each opening  22 . In this embodiment standing edge  23  has a round form. 
       FIG. 9  shows an end element  80  according to an embodiment of the invention. Such an end element  80  is embodied as a coupling element  1  with a hexagonal plate-like body  2  with two flat surfaces  3   a , 3   b . In end element  80  only one surface  3   a  is however provided with a ring of resiliently pivotable lips  4  extending at least substantially perpendicularly of surface  3   a  and each provided with a protrusion  5  close to a first end zone. An aesthetic rounded finish is provided on the other surface  3   b.    
     In order to enable mutual connection of two construction elements, lips  4  of a coupling element  1  or  10  are arranged in an opening  22  of a construction element  20 ,  30 ,  40 ,  50 ,  60  or  70 . The distance between two opposite protrusions  5  of lips  4  is larger than opening  22 , whereby lips  4  displace inward close to their first end zones when arranged, this being possible because lips  4  are resiliently pivotable. Once lips  4  have been wholly arranged in opening  22 , lips  4  will displace outward to their original, substantially perpendicular position relative to the surface such that protrusions  5  engage on the surface of construction element  20 ,  30 ,  40 ,  50 ,  60  or  70  close to opening  22 . 
       FIG. 10  shows a construction assembly  90  created by mutually connecting a number of construction elements  30 ,  40 ,  50  and an end element  80  using coupling elements  1 , 10 . It will be apparent that different types of construction assembly can be produced by mutually connecting different construction elements, and that  FIG. 10  serves only by way of illustration. 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  show that in the connected position plate-like body  2  of coupling element  1  or  10  extends at least partially inside the standing edge  23  of a construction element  20 ,  30 ,  40 ,  50 ,  60  or  70 . 
     When the hexagonal coupling element  1  is coupled to a construction element  20 ,  30 ,  40 ,  50  or  60  with a hexagonal edge  23 , the corner points of plate-like body  2  of coupling element  1  are situated in the corner points of edge  23 . Because a distance between two opposite corner points of plate-like body  2  of coupling element  1  is greater than a distance between two opposite sides of standing edge  23  of construction element  20 ,  30 ,  40 ,  50  or  60 , coupling element  1  is fixed in the arranged position, whereby it is possible to mutually connect two construction elements  20 ,  30 ,  40 ,  50  or  60  with a determined position and at a determined angle. Coupling element  1  can be rotated in the surface of construction element  20 ,  30 ,  40 ,  50  or  60  with a force which exceeds a predetermined value. Rotation is possible because elastic deformation of plate-like body  2  of coupling element  1  and/or elastic deformation of construction element  20 ,  30 ,  40 ,  50  or  60  can take place when the predetermined force is exceeded. Due to relative rotation the angle between the two construction elements  20 ,  30 ,  40 ,  50  or  60  can be easily adjusted without coupling element  20  having to be uncoupled for this purpose. 
     The hexagonal coupling element  1  can likewise be coupled to a construction element  70  with a round edge  23 . Because the distance between the two opposite corner points of plate-like body  2  of coupling element  1  is smaller than the diameter of the round edge  23  of construction element  70 , coupling element  1  can rotate freely in the surface of construction element  70 . 
     When coupling element  1  is connected on one side to construction element  70  with round edge  23  and on the other to a construction element  20 ,  30 ,  40 ,  50  or  60  with a hexagonal edge  23 , it is possible for construction element  70  to rotate freely relative to construction element  20 ,  30 ,  40 ,  50  or  60 , while this construction element  20 ,  30 ,  40 ,  50  or  60  can be positioned fixedly relative to other construction elements  20 ,  30 ,  40 ,  50  or  60 . 
     Coupling element  10  with the round plate-like body  2  can further be coupled to construction elements  20 ,  30 ,  40 ,  50 ,  60  or  70 . Because the diameter of the round plate-like body  2  of coupling element  10  is smaller than the distance between the two opposite sides of standing edge  23  of construction element  20 ,  30 ,  40 ,  50  or  60  or the diameter of standing edge  23  of construction element  70 , construction elements  20 ,  30 ,  40 ,  50 ,  60  or  70  can rotate freely relative to each other. 
       FIGS. 11A, 11B  show the removal of a coupling element  1  from opening  22 . As shown in  FIG. 11B , lips  4  have to be displaced inward such that the distance between opposite protrusions  5  of lips  4  decreases to less than the size of opening  22 . The inward displacement of lips  4  takes place by exerting a pressing force on tongues  7 , which under the influence of the pressing force are simultaneously displaced out of the plane of plate-like body  2  at least close to a first outer end thereof, whereby the lips  4  connected to tongues  7  will displace inward. As shown in  FIG. 11B , these lips  4 , which extend in an opposite direction relative to the direction of displacement of tongues  7 , will displace inward. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 11A-11C , a tool  100  can be used to remove coupling element  1  from opening  22 , this tool  100  being shown in  FIG. 12 . Tool  100  comprises a body in the form of a handle  101 , the handle  101  comprising two pin-like bodies  102 ,  103  with which the tongues  7  of opening  6  of plate-like body  2  can be pressed in resilient manner out of the plane of plate-like body  2 . Pin-like body  102  extends here parallel relative to handle  101 , and pin-like body  103  extends here from handle  101  at an angle of 90°. Pin-like body  102 , which extends parallel relative to handle  101 , can be used in simple manner to remove coupling element  1  from opening  22  when no coupling element  1  is arranged in an opposite opening situated in the vicinity of opening  22 , as shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B . “In the vicinity of” is understood here to mean that the mutual distance between the two openings  22  is smaller than the length of pin-like body  102 . Pin-like body  103 , which extends at the angle of 90°, is particularly suitable for uncoupling a coupling element  1  or  10  arranged in an opening  22  in the end surface of construction element  30 , as shown in  FIG. 11C . The length of construction element  30  is such that it is not possible to remove coupling element  1  or  10  with the perpendicular pin-like body  102  by inserting this perpendicular pin-like body  102  via opening  22  into the other end surface of construction element  30 . However, by using an opening  22  which extends perpendicularly relative to and in the vicinity of opening  22  in the end surface of construction element  30  the coupling element  1  or  10  can be uncoupled in simple manner using the pin-like body  103  extending at an angle of 90°. Pin-like body  103  can likewise be applied advantageously when an opposite opening situated in the vicinity of opening  22  is provided with a coupling element. 
       FIGS. 13A-D  show a tool  110  for removing coupling element  1  from opening  22  according to a second embodiment of the invention. Tool  110  comprises a body  111  and a pin-like body  112 . Tool  110  further comprises a pressing element  113  connected to pin-like body  112  via a connecting rod  114 , wherein a spring  115  extends round connecting rod  114  between pressing element  113  and body  111 . By exerting a pressing force on pressing element  113  the pin-like body  112  will displace between a first position ( FIG. 13A ), in which pin-like body  112  extends with a first determined length from body  111 , and a second position ( FIG. 13B ) in which pin-like body  112  extends with a second determined length from body  111 , this second determined length being greater than the first determined length. Simultaneously with displacement of pin-like body  112  a flange  116  will displace between a first position ( FIG. 13A ), in which flange  116  is smaller than the diameter of opening  22  of construction element  60  (see  FIGS. 13C and 13D ), and a second position ( FIG. 13B ) in which flange  116  is larger than the diameter of opening  22  of construction element  60 . Because flange  116  is larger in the second position than the diameter of opening  22 , flange  116  can be pressed against the surface of the construction element while pin-like body  112  presses coupling element  1  out of opening  22 . Coupling element  1  can hereby be removed from opening  22  in simple manner. 
     It is noted that, instead of tools which displace lips  4  inward by exerting a pressing force on tongues  7 , it is also possible for a tool to comprise means for displacing lips  4  directly inward, for instance by arranging such means round lips  4  and exerting a pressing force thereon. 
       FIGS. 14A-14D  show a construction element  120  in the form of a wheel, the wheel having an opening  22  in a side surface of the wheel. A mobile toy  121  can be produced in simple manner using such wheel-like construction elements  120 , coupling elements  1  and other random construction, coupling and end elements. 
       FIGS. 15A, 15B  show a coupling element  130  with a round, plate-like body  2  with two mutually parallel flat surfaces  3   a , 3   b , the surface  3   a  being provided with a ring of resiliently pivotable lips  4  extending at least substantially perpendicularly of the surface and each provided with a protrusion  5  close to a first end zone. Extending in plate-like body  2  between the two flat surfaces  3   a , 3   b  is an opening  6  which is provided with resiliently pivotable tongues  7  extending radially inward which are connected to lips  4 . Surface  3   b  is provided with other coupling means in the form of a cylinder provided with ribs  131  extending over the cylinder wall, such that hand using coupling element  130  a coupling can be realized between a construction element provided with an opening  22  as shown above on the one hand and a random other construction element on the other. 
       FIGS. 16A-16C  show a shelving system  190 . The frame of shelving system  190  is assembled by mutually connecting a number of construction elements  30  using a number of coupling elements  1 . Instead of coupling elements  1 , coupling elements  11  could alternatively or additionally also used for mutual connection of construction elements  30 . Alternatively or additionally, suitable construction elements other than construction elements  30  could optionally also be used. Arranged on the top side of shelving system  190  is a shelf  191  which rests on the upper, horizontally arranged construction elements  30 . Arranged at desired intermediate locations are shelves  192  which rest on respective horizontally arranged construction elements  30 , these shelves  192  comprising a recess  193  for accommodating the vertically arranged construction elements  30 . Shelves  191 ,  192  can optionally be coupled to construction elements  30 , wherein a coupling element  194  is used to connect shelf  191  (or  192 ) to construction elements  30 . Coupling element  194  comprises a hexagonal plate-like body  2  with two mutually parallel, flat surfaces  3   a , 3   b , wherein the one surface  3   a  is provided with a ring of resiliently pivotable lips  4  extending at least substantially perpendicularly of the surface and each provided with a protrusion  5  close to a first end zone, and wherein the other surface  3   b  is provided with a cylinder  195  extending perpendicularly of the surface and extending in a respective cylindrical cavity  196  of shelf  191  (or  192 ). Cylinder  195  of coupling element  194  and cylindrical cavity  196  of shelf  191  (or  192 ) co-act here as a so-called dowel connection. Using such a coupling element  194  a coupling can on the one hand thus be realized as described above and as will be further described below, and on the other a dowel coupling. It will be apparent that the one side of coupling element  194  is the same as the two sides of coupling element  1 . 
       FIGS. 16A, 16B  show that in the connected situation the plate-like body  2  of coupling element  1  extends at least partially inside standing edge  23  of construction element  30 . 
       FIGS. 17A, 17B  show a table  140  provided with legs  30  formed by construction elements  30 . The table comprises a tabletop  141  provided with coupling elements  142 . On their side remote from tabletop  141  the coupling elements  142  are embodied as a coupling element  10 , while their side facing toward tabletop  141  comprises no coupling means but is fixedly connected to tabletop  141 , for instance by gluing. Tabletop  141  can therefore be seen as an end element with four, in this embodiment round, plate-like bodies  11  with a flat surface  3 A provided with a ring of resiliently pivotable lips  4  extending at least substantially perpendicularly of the surface and provided with protrusions  5  close to a first end zone. It is noted that table legs  30  having no openings  22  along their length could also be provided, since only the opening in the uppermost end surface is used for coupling to tabletop  141 . Such table legs  30  could take an aesthetic form. It is further noted that, instead of the coupling element  142  fixedly connected to tabletop  141 , a coupling element  1 , coupling element  10  or a coupling element  94  could also have been used, wherein tabletop  141  could have been provided with respective openings  22  or cylindrical cavities  96 . 
       FIGS. 16A-16C and 17A, 17B  show that different types of stands, furniture and the like can be assembled in simple manner using a limited number of construction elements and coupling elements. 
     It is noted that construction elements and coupling elements of many shapes and dimensions can be envisaged and that the shown examples serve only by way of illustration. Owing to the different shapes, different construction assemblies can be built in simple manner, see for instance  FIG. 10 . The creativity of a person producing the construction assemblies is hereby stimulated, which can have an educational function. Different construction assemblies in the form of for instance stands and furniture can also be easily assembled. The diameter of the or each ring of lips of a random coupling element and the diameter of the or each opening in a random construction element preferably have standard dimensions in each case such that the assembly of construction assemblies making use of different types of construction and coupling element according to the invention can be simplified through standardization. 
     It is further noted that the invention is not limited to the above discussed exemplary embodiments but also extends to other variants within the scope of the appended claims.