FR3031125A1 - ELEMENT, SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a structural element (1) comprising: - a face (3) having a side (4), and - a flap (5), which extends the face (3) and is articulated to the latter (3). a fold line (6) extending along the side (4) over a first fraction of the length thereof, the fold line (6) being extended by a first free edge (8) which extends along the side (4) over a second fraction of the length of the latter, said construction element (1) being characterized in that it comprises at least a first notch (11) formed in the first free edge ( 8) over a fraction of the length of the latter, said first notch (11) being adjacent to the fold line (6) and extending into said face (3), towards the inside thereof from the side (6). 4). Modular building systems.

Description

The invention relates to the general field of modular building systems, in particular with the aid of substantially flat or at least surface construction elements, which are for example made of cardboard, in paper or plastic, to form a surface or volume construction by assembling said building elements together. The invention more particularly relates to a construction element, which is surface-based and comprises: a face having at least one side, and at least one flap, which extends the face and is pivotally articulated to the latter along a line of bending extending along the side a first fraction of the length of the latter, the fold line being extended by a first free edge which extends along the side on a second fraction of the length of the latter.

The invention also relates to a construction system comprising a plurality of construction elements in accordance with the previously defined construction element. The invention furthermore relates to a construction method employing at least two construction elements which are each in accordance with the construction element defined above. The invention furthermore relates to a method of manufacturing a construction element, which is surface-based, the manufacturing method comprising: a step of producing a face having at least one side, and -a production step of at least one side; minus one flap extending the face and being pivotally pivoted thereto along a fold line extending along the side for a first fraction of the length thereof, fold line 3031125 2 being extended by a first free edge which extends along the side on a second fraction of the length of the latter. The invention finally relates to a machine for manufacturing a construction element, which is surface, the manufacturing machine comprising A means for producing a face having at least one side, and a means for producing at least one flap extending the face and being articulated pivotally to the latter along a line of pl extending along the side a first fraction of the length of the latter, the fold line being extended by a first free edge which extends along the side on a second fraction of the length of the latter . A building system comprising cardboard building elements each forming a polygon having a plurality of edges was thundered. Each of the edges is provided with a locking side tab, which is foldable around a fold line extending along the edge. It is possible to assemble two of said known building elements together by attaching their respective lateral locking tabs with the aid of an elastic, so as to form a volume of the pyramid or polyhedron type. Nevertheless, to form a closed volume element, it is necessary that some or all of the polygons forming the faces are respectively arranged in intersecting planes relative to each other. The pivoting of the polygons relative to each other is nevertheless limited by the thickness of the elastic attached to the tabs, so that said tabs can only be left outside the angle formed by two adjacent polygons. Thus, when a closed volume element is made, the tabs are visible outside the volume element, in order to avoid deforming the polygons and altering their flatness, so that the construction obtained can in some cases to be considered unattractive because of the joint presence, outside the volume, of elastics and tabs. The latter also occupy a substantial space outside the volume, which can be a disadvantage in certain situations. On the other hand, in order to retain the elastic, the tabs of known construction elements have a base of reduced width at the fold line within which the elastic is to be placed. This zone is generally fragile and favorable to the progression of a break of the building element. The elastic is moreover mounted with a relatively high intensity of contention around the tabs, in order to guarantee that the construction elements 5 are held in position relative to each other, which entails a risk of tearing of said tab. The objects assigned to the invention therefore aim to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks and to propose a new building surface element, a new building system, and a new construction method, making it possible to form a modular construction forming a fully closed volume. contiguous edges 10 particularly aesthetic. Another object of the invention is to provide a new building surface element, a new building system, and a new construction method for forming a construction whose elements are not substantially deformed, regardless of the shape of the building. construction and deformability of the constituent materials. Another object of the invention is to propose a new surface element of construction, and a new construction system having particularly flat faces. Another object of the invention is to provide a novel building surface element, a new building system, a new construction method, and a new manufacturing method for constructing objects, particularly voluminal objects, particularly aesthetic ones. and decorative. Another object of the invention is to provide a novel building surface element, a new building system, a new construction method, and a new manufacturing method for constructing a repeatedly dismountable construction. Another object of the invention is to provide a new building surface element, and a new building system, to create a volume construction, while themselves having a particularly small footprint once dismantled. Another object of the invention is to propose a new manufacturing process which makes it possible to manufacture a new construction element entirely flat.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new building surface element, a new construction system, a particularly versatile new construction method, to create objects of any type. Another object of the invention is to provide a new building surface element, a new building system, and a new construction method whose implementation is particularly simple. Another object of the invention is to propose a new building surface element, a new building system, a new construction method, and a new, particularly inexpensive manufacturing method. Another object of the invention is to propose a novel building surface element, a new building system, a new construction method, and a new manufacturing method for forming a particularly robust and deformable construction. Another object of the invention is to provide a novel building surface element, a new building system, a new building method, and a new manufacturing method for forming a relatively rigid and resistant construction. The objects assigned to the invention are achieved by means of a construction element, which is surface and comprises: - a face having at least one side, and 25 - at least one flap, which extends the face and is articulated pivoting thereto along a fold line extending along the side a first fraction of the length of the latter, the fold line being extended by a first free edge extending therethrough; along the side a second fraction of the length of the latter, said construction element being characterized in that it comprises at least a first notch formed in the first free edge over a fraction of the length of the latter, said first notch being adjacent the fold line and extending into said face, inwardly of the latter from the side. The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved by means of a construction system comprising a plurality of building elements in accordance with the previously defined building element, characterized in that it also comprises at least one attachment means for attaching two of the building elements together through their respective flaps. The objects assigned to the invention are furthermore attained by means of a construction method employing at least two construction elements which are each in accordance with the construction element defined above, and in which, at 15 by means of a fastening means comprising a loop, for example an elastic loop, said construction elements are maintained in a construction configuration by fastening together the flap of each of said construction elements with said loop, the construction configuration corresponding to a mutual arrangement of said construction elements in which their respective folding lines are superimposed and their respective first notches are superimposed, the method being characterized in that said shutters are attached together by passing said loop around said shutters, in the first notches each of said construction elements. The objects assigned to the invention are furthermore achieved by means of a manufacturing method of a construction element, which is surface-based, the manufacturing method comprising: a step of producing a face having at least one a side, and - a step of producing at least one flap extending the face and being pivotally articulated thereto along a fold line extending along the side on a first fraction of the length of the latter, the fold line 3031125 6 being extended by a first free edge which extends along the side over a second fraction of the length of the latter, the manufacturing method being characterized in that it comprises a step of producing at least a first notch in the first free edge over a fraction of the length of the latter, so that said first notch is adjacent to the fold line and extends in said face, inward from the latter from the side. Finally, the objects assigned to the invention are achieved by means of a machine for manufacturing a construction element, which is surface-based, the manufacturing machine comprising: means for producing a face having at least one side, and a means for producing at least one flap extending the face and being pivotally articulated thereto along a fold line extending along the side for a first fraction of the length of this length. last, the fold line 15 being extended by a first free edge which extends along the side on a second fraction of the length of the latter, the manufacturing machine being characterized in that it comprises a means for producing at least one first notch in the first free edge over a fraction of the length of the latter, so that said first notch is adjacent the fold line and extends in said face, inwardly from the latter from the side. Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear in more detail on reading the description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, given for purely administrative and non-limiting purposes, in which: FIG. front view, an example of a building element, in this case having a triangular-shaped face, according to the invention. FIG. 2 illustrates, in a cavalier perspective view, an example of a modular construction obtained by means of a construction system according to the invention, including a plurality of building elements each having a face of square shape. FIG. 3 illustrates, in a front view, an example of a construction system according to the invention, including two construction elements of FIG. 2 arranged in a construction configuration. FIG. 4 illustrates, in a front view, the construction system of FIG. 3, also including means for attaching the two construction elements together in their construction configuration, the fastening means being in this case formed by an elastic. FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate, in perspective views, the construction system of FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 7 illustrates, in a front view, an example of a construction system according to the invention, including in this case a building element having a triangular-shaped face, a building element having a square-shaped face, the two building elements being fastened together in a building configuration by means of the fastening means of FIG. 4. FIG. 8 illustrates, in a front view, an example of a gripping tool belonging to the construction system of the preceding figures, and through which an attachment means can be manipulated, for example that which is illustrated in Figures 4 and 7. - Figure 9 shows, in a front view, an embodiment of a building element according to the invention. According to a first aspect, the invention relates, as such, to a construction element 1, an exemplary embodiment of which is illustrated in FIG. 1, and whose assembly with other construction elements preferably makes it possible to 2, an example of which is shown in FIG. 2. The assembly with elements of construction between them is advantageously mechanical, and reversible and in particular made without glue. Thus, the modular construction 2 can be mounted and disassembled substantially without alteration of the building elements 1 from which it is formed. Within the meaning of the invention, the construction elements 1 are independent of each other, and distinct. Each building element 1 advantageously forms an elementary component, unitary and independent of the modular construction 2. The building element 1 of the invention is surface-based, that is to say it advantageously has a flat shape, preferably substantially flat, for example with a substantially constant and low thickness, and in any case much smaller than the length and / or width of the building element 1 which is therefore in the form of a plate, or a flan. The construction element 1 is preferably made in a sheet of paper, paperboard or cardboard, and is preferably constituted by a blank of cardboard or thick paper. Of course, other materials may be used such as plasticized paper, or plastic, or metal foil, or even wood, felt, or leather. The material used to form the construction element 1 will of course be adapted to the dimensions and the use that will be made of the modular construction 2 obtained. The construction element 1 is preferably made of a material whose mechanical characteristics allow folding of said construction element 1, for example by hand, or for example by means of a suitable tool. Preferably, the construction element 1 is made of a material that enables it to be manufactured using a punch (for example, paper-based or paperboard-based materials are particularly suitable for this method of manufacture) . Of course, other methods of manufacture may be retained, such as a blank of a rough surface, for example a paperboard, to form the first building element 1, for example by chisel, with a rotating tool, water jet or laser. The construction element 1 may also include several materials at a time, forming distinctly for example the flap 5 and the face 3, or forming a multilayer structure. Preferably, each construction element 1 has its own mechanical strength, that is to say that it naturally has a flat shape when it is at rest, in the absence of external stresses. The construction element 1 is advantageously flexible and foldable.

The assembly of a plurality of building elements 1 according to the invention can make it possible to obtain a modular construction 2 which is surface-based, or preferably volume-dependent, in order preferably to form a closed volume, for example a cube. (as illustrated in FIG. 2), or any other polyhedron of the dodecahedron type, tetrahedron, etc. Preferably, the modular construction 2 obtained is a volume object with faces 3, which is hollow and closed. The assembly of the plurality of building elements 1 can of course also make it possible to form open volumes of any shape. In particular, the modular construction 2 thus obtained can find many different applications, and may for example form: - a mechanical damping means (for example vibrating systems), - a means of acoustic absorption or sound insulation , - a game or a toy to build or assemble, such as cabin, three-dimensional puzzle, balloon, globe, 15 - furniture, or furniture items (tables, chairs, lamps, lamps, chandeliers, or lampshades), - decorative objects, - an advertising object, or an advertising medium (display, product shelf), a partition system or temporary walls for a salon stand, or a system of partitions for delimiting work cells in an open space ("open space"), a packaging for a product, a ready-to-wear element of the hat, skirt or other type. Of course, this list of applications is given purely for illustrative purposes and not exhaustive or limiting. The building element 1 of the invention comprises a face 3 having at least one side 4. The face 3 is preferably surface and advantageously forms a geometrical figure, with at least one side 4 defining at least a portion of the contour 10 3 of said geometrical figure. The face 3 preferably forms a blank, and is preferably substantially flat. The face 3 is preferably intended to form a face 3 of the modular construction 2, and the side 4 to form an edge delimiting said face 3, or separating a first face 3 of a second face 3. Even if the side 4 can be curved or arbitrary, the side 4 is preferably substantially rectilinear and extends along an axis Al. The face 3 also preferably comprises a plurality of sides 4, so as to form for example a polygon, and preferably a regular polygon. Preferably, generally, the sides 4 constitute the contour of the face 3.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the face 3 has an equilateral triangle shape, with three isometric sides 4 delimiting its triangular outline. In the examples shown in Figures 2 to 6, the faces 3 each form a square, and each have four sides respectively 4. In the case of Figure 2, the four sides 4 of each face 3 each form an edge of the cube.

According to the invention, the construction element 1 comprises at least one flap 5, which extends the face 3 and is articulated pivotally thereto along a fold line 6 which extends along the side 4 on a first fraction of the length of the latter. The flap 5 thus continues the surface formed by the face 3 beyond the side 4, on said first fraction of the length of the latter, in order to form a tab, or tongue, which can be oriented, preferably by folding of the construction element 1 about an axis formed by said side 4, and in particular by the fold line 6, preferably collinear with the axis A1 in the preferred case where the side is substantially rectilinear. Preferably, said first fraction of the length of the side 4 corresponds to an intermediate or even median fraction of the length of the side 4, as illustrated in the figures. The flap 5 extends from the fold line 6 to an edge 7, the latter being for example parallel to the fold line 6. Preferably, the flap 5 is advantageously attached to the face 3 only by the fold line 6, that is to say that along said fold line 6. Preferably, the flap 5 comes from material with the face 3.

The edge 7 and the fold line 6 contribute to forming the outline of the flap 5. As illustrated in the figures, the flap 5 is preferably of a dimension less than the length of the side 4, in the direction of the flap. Al axis. Preferably, as illustrated, the length of the edge 7 is less than the length of the fold line 6.

The fold line 6 is preferably rectilinear, that is to say formed by a segment, which is in particular collinear with the axis A1 in the case where the side 4 itself is substantially rectilinear. Preferably, the fold line 6 is a zone in which the construction element 1 is weakened (and is for this purpose for example locally of a lesser thickness), for example along a pre-cut dotted line, or of a creasing, 10 to promote the formation of a fold, advantageously sharp, along said fold line 6 when the flap 5 is folded against the face 3. Alternatively, the fold line 6 can be formed by a simple graphic line, for example printed or drawn on the building element 1, to indicate where it is intended to be folded to allow the flap 5 to be hinged to the face 3. The fold line 6 can 15 also be formed by an invisible line, not drawn, virtual, around which the flap 5 is intended to be rotated: for example by folding. In the case where the material in which the construction element 1 is manufactured is not foldable, the fold line 6 may be formed by a hinge, or a pivot connection, through which the flap 5 is articulated on the face 3.

The flap 5 is preferably designed to make it possible to attach the construction element 1 of the invention to another construction element 1 according to the invention to form the modular construction 2, so that the two construction elements 1 concerned are attached through their respective Stream 5. The invention therefore also relates as such, in a second aspect, to a construction system comprising a plurality of building elements 1 according to the foregoing description, and also comprising at least one attachment means 10 enabling to attach two of the building elements 1 together through their respective flap 5. The construction system of the invention will thus be described together with the construction element 1 of the invention. The fastening means 10 is thus designed to fasten together a pair of flaps 5 against each other, as illustrated for example in FIGS. 4 to 6, and in particular so that the sides 4 associated with said flaps 3031125 12 are in contact, and are preferably substantially coaxial, preferably over their entire length, to form an edge of the modular construction 2. The attachment means 10 will be described in more detail below. Of course, the attachment means 10 may be designed to attach together more than two construction elements 1, and may be designed in particular to attach together for example three or four building elements 1 through their respective flap 5 Alternatively, the flap 5 may be designed to be attached to another element of the building element 1, for example to another flap 5 of the building element 1, or in particular to the face 3 itself. This advantageously allows the construction element 1 in itself to form a volume construction. In the particular case where the flap 5 can be attached to the face 3 itself, the flap 5 is advantageously designed to be folded against said face 3. Advantageously, the flap 5 then has a plurality of complementary fold lines ( not shown), preferably three complementary fold lines, between the folding line 6 and the edge 7. The face 3 may itself comprise complementary fold lines upstream of the fold line 6. Complementary fold lines are for example parallel to each other and to said fold line 6. The flap 5 and / or the face 3 may thus preferably be folded along the complementary fold lines, for example to be wound, and a portion of said flap 5 extending between the edge 7 and the last fold line comes into contact substantially flat on the face 3. Preferably, a fastening member of the inner slot type (not shown) is disposed in said face 3, so that the flap portion 5 can be attached to said fastener, for example in contact and flat against it. Preferably, a locking flap protrudes from an edge of the inner slot and forms said fastener member, so that the flap 5 can be attached to the locking flap, preferably substantially flat against it, by through the attachment means 10, the latter preferably forming a loop, for example elastic. According to the invention, the fold line 6 is extended by a first free edge 8 which extends along the side 4 on a second fraction of the length of the latter. The first free edge 8 of the invention forms a border of the face 3, that is to say a fraction of the side 4 delimiting both the face 3 and the construction element 1.

The first free edge 8 is preferably rectilinear as shown in the figures, but may also be curved. Preferably, the first free edge 8 is collinear with the fold line 6, with the side 4, and with the axis A1. The side 4 is preferably substantially straight and extends along the axis A1, so that the fold line 6 and the first free edge 8 are themselves borne by the first axis A1. Preferably, the side 1 is substantially straight over a fraction of its length along the axis AI , so that the fold line 6 extends along the axis A1, the first free edge 8 being non-parallel to the axis Al. Preferably, the first free edge 8 is rectilinear, the one of its ends being carried by the axis A1, and the other end being slightly offset with respect to said axis A1 towards the inside of the face 3. Advantageously, the end of the first free edge 8 carried by the axis Al is the end opposite the fold line 6, while the end of the first free edge 8 adjacent to the fold line 6 is offset with respect to the axis A1. In this preferred configuration, the first free edge 8 preferably forms with the axis A1 an angle of between approximately 1 and 5 degrees, preferably approximately 3. degrees. As illustrated in the figures, the side 4 advantageously extends between a first end and a second end, the first free edge 8 extending along the side 4 to said first end. Said second fraction then in this case advantageously forms an extremal fraction of the side 4. Preferably, the first end of the side 4, and preferably of the first free edge 8, is intended to form a vertex of the modular construction 2, such as 2, alternatively, the first free edge 8 may extend over an intermediate fraction of the side 4 forming said second fraction of the side 4, and be for example bordered on the one hand by the flap 5 and on the other hand by an element protruding from the side 4, for example another flap (not illustrated), extending for example itself to the first end of said side 4. As illustrated in the figures, the line bending 6 is advantageously extended by a second free edge 9 opposite the first free edge 8, and extending along the side 4 on a third fraction of the length of the latter. The second free edge 9, like the first free edge 8, preferentially forms a border of the face 3, that is to say a fraction of the side 4 delimiting both the face 3 and the construction element. 1. The second free edge 9 is preferably rectilinear as shown in the figures, but can also be curved. Preferably, the second free edge 9 is collinear with the fold line 6, with the side 4, and with the axis A1. The second free edge 9 is preferably also carried by the first axis A1, and extends along the side 4, for example to the second end of said side 4. Said third fraction of the side 4 then forms in this case an extreme fraction of the side 4. Preferably, the second end of the side 4, and preferentially of the second free edge 9, is intended to form a vertex of the modular construction 2. Alternatively, the second free edge 9 may extend over an intermediate fraction of the side 4 forming said third fraction of the side 4, and be for example bordered on the one hand by the flap 5 and on the other by a projecting element from the side 4, extending itself for example to the second end of said side 4.

Preferably, the side 1 is substantially rectilinear over a fraction of its length along the axis A1, so that the fold line 6 extends along the axis A1, the second free edge 9 being to it not parallel to the axis A1. Preferably, the second free edge 9 is rectilinear, one of its ends being carried by the axis A1, and the other end being slightly offset with respect to said axis A1 towards the inside of the face 3. advantageously, the end of the second free edge 9 carried by the axis A1 is the end opposite the fold line 6, while the end of the second free edge 9 adjacent to the fold line 6 is offset with respect to In this preferred configuration, the second free edge 9 preferably forms with the axis A1 an angle of between approximately 1 and 5 degrees, preferably approximately 3 degrees. According to a particular variant of embodiment, the construction element 1 comprises an extension element 20 of the face 3, which is preferably surface, and which extends from the side 4 (Figure 9). The extension member 20 is preferably made of material with the face 3. The extension element 20 is preferably connected to the side 4 via at least a fraction of said side 4 which is adjacent to the first free edge 8, at a distance from the fold line 6. The extension member 20 can also be connected to the side 4 via another fraction of the side 4 which is adjacent to the second free edge. 9, at a distance from the fold line 6. Advantageously, the extension element 20 is hinged to the face 3 around at least a first extension fold line 21, which is for example carried by the axis Al In addition, the extension element 20 can be hinged to the face 3 around a second extension fold line 22, which is for example also carried by the axis Al. extension element 20 has one or 23 allowing to provide a free space for the flap 5, which can advantageously freely debate around the fold line 6. The hearing 23 preferably has a contour that remotely surrounds the flap 5.

According to this preferred scheme, and as illustrated in FIG. 9, the extension element 20 straddles the flap 5. In any case, preferably, the fold line 6 and the flap 5 are advantageously bordered by the first free edge 8 and the second free edge 9, so that said first fraction of the side 4 forms an intermediate fraction of said side 4. Preferably, as shown in the figures, several sides 4, or all sides 4 of the face 3 have the same configuration as that described above, so that the construction element 1 advantageously comprises a plurality of flaps 5, a plurality of first free edges 8, and a plurality of second free edges 9 associated respectively 4. In the case of Figure 1 for example, the construction element 1 is provided with three flaps 5, while in the case of Figures 2 to 6, each building element 1 is provided with four e shutters 5. Thus, each building element 1 according to the invention can be attached to as many elements of constructions 1 as it has flaps 5 according to the foregoing description.

According to a particularly important feature of the invention, the construction element 1 comprises at least a first notch 11 formed in the first free edge 8 over a fraction of the length of the latter, said first notch 11 being adjacent to the 6 and extending in said face 3, inwardly of the latter from the side 4. The first notch 11 of the invention 30 forms a portion of the first edge 8 which is set back, inwards of the face 3, that is to say a concavity, a notch or a hollow notch in the side 4 of the face 3. The first notch 11 separates the fold line 6 of the first edge 8, so to provide a free space at the end of said fold line 6. The first notch 11 starts from said fold line 6, that is to say preferably from the flap 5. The first notch 11 preferably surrounds a non-surface area ulle.

The first notch 11 is preferably intended to receive the attachment means 10 referred to above, making it possible to attach the construction element 1 to another construction element 1 having a flap 5 according to the preceding description, by The attachment means 10 preferably comprises a loop, and is advantageously constituted by said loop, which is for example elastic. The advantageously elastic nature of the fastening means 10, and the preferentially flexible character of the construction elements, preferably make it possible to construct a modular construction 2 which is at the same time resistant and deformable, or with shape memory. Said loop is advantageously of sufficient size to be able to be threaded around the respective flap 5 of at least two of the building elements 1 (or even three or more building elements 1, by their respective flap 5) in order to attach them. one to the other, as illustrated in Figures 4 to 6. Preferably, the attachment means 10, and in particular its loop, is dimensioned to be mounted on the flaps 5 so as to clamp the The fastening means is advantageously provided to surround said shutters 5 so as to pass on either side of the fold line 6, so as to be in contact with each end of said fold lines 6, or at least in close proximity to said ends. The first notch 11 of the invention is provided to provide a free space for insertion of the attachment means 10, preferably so that the latter does not substantially contact the first free edge 8, and is not capable of locally deforming the face 3 by its size, so that the modular construction 2 may advantageously have particularly planar faces 3, without swelling of the material forming the faces 3 under the action of the attachment means 10. The first notch 11 is thus preferably of sufficient size that the attachment means 10 is inserted partially, preferably entirely, within the latter. Thus, the fastening means 10, and in particular the loop, is provided to be threaded around the flap 5 via the respective first notch 11 of said two building elements 1 to be assembled. In particular, the fastening means 10 is threaded around the respective flap 5 of the two construction elements 1 in order to maintain substantially in contact with each other 5 the respective fold line 6 of each of said two construction elements 1 The threading of the loop around the flaps 5 of two construction elements 1 advantageously makes it possible to clamp and firmly hold said construction elements 1, in the manner of a collar, at their respective level. respective folding line 6, in order to obtain an assembly of building elements 1 intended to contribute to ultimately forming the modular construction 2. This configuration of the building elements 1 will be named in the following "construction configuration". In this construction configuration, the two fold lines are for example substantially parallel, or even coaxial, in order to form an edge of the modular construction 2. The attachment means 10 advantageously makes it possible to fasten the shutters 5 together in their configuration. of construction, so that they are: - superimposed on one another (as illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 6), or on the contrary - in opposition to one another (such as illustrated in FIG. 7), depending on the modular construction 2 that it is desired to obtain, the flap 5 of the first building element 1 being in contact with or near the face 3 of the second construction element 1, and the flap 5 of the second building element 1 being in contact with or near the face 3 of the first building element 1. Preferably, the two building elements 1 both comprise a first notch 11 and a flap 5 according to the description q ui precedes: their respective fold line 6 being of the same length, - their respective side 4 being of the same length, - their respective first notch 11 being positioned at the same coordinate on the side 4.

Thus, in the construction configuration, the respective first notches 11 of said building elements 1 are preferably intended to be placed opposite one another, so that their respective contour is in the continuity of one another. on the other, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, for cleaning an outline, of the orifice or eyelet type, for the attachment means 10. Advantageously, the sides 4, the fold lines 6, and the first notch 11, of each of said building elements 1 correspond, and may be placed opposite in construction configuration, as shown in Figures 2 to 6. The first notch 11 forms for example a slot, or a notch in "V". The first notch 11 preferably has a "U" shape, or even more preferably has a substantially circular or even perfectly circular contour around a center aligned with the fold line 6, as illustrated in the figures. The contour of the first notch 11 thus advantageously forms a circular arc whose center is carried by the axis Al. The circular shape of the contour of the first notch 11, 15 or in an arc of a circle is greater in diameter than the section of the attachment means 10, preferably two or three times greater, which preferably makes it possible to limit the risk of rupture (for example by tearing) of the construction element 1 at the level of the first notch 11, for example under the intensity of contention of the elastic forming the loop of the attachment means 10. The building element 1 of the invention, and the modular construction 2 obtained, are thus particularly resistant. The first notch 11 extends preferentially in the flap 5 beyond the fold line 6, over a portion of the distance separating the fold line 6 from the edge 7, as illustrated for example in FIGS. 1 to 6. The outline of FIG. the first notch 11 thus forms preferably a semicircle extending inwardly of the face 3, from the side 4, and a portion of a circle continuing said semicircle on the other side of the side 4 in the flap 5, in a lateral region of the latter, close to the end of the fold line 6. In this preferential case, the flap 5 can thus advantageously be folded down if necessary towards the face 3 around its fold axis 6 despite the presence of the attachment means 10 in the first notch 11. It is thus possible to construct a modular construction 2 whose faces 3 form obtuse or even acute angles, and in which the flaps 5 are oriented around their fold line 6 to be included in said acute angles, substantially without deformation of the faces 3 which remain for example flat and do not swell, as shown in particular in Figure 6. The faces 3 of two building elements 1 and their associated flaps 5 can thus advantageously be included in an angle less than 180 degrees, or even less than 120 degrees, and even in an angle of less than 90 degrees, preferably in an angle of less than 60 degrees. This preferred design is particularly advantageous insofar as, for example, in the case where the modular construction 2 forms a closed volume, the flaps 5 attached by the fastening means 10 can easily be placed inside said closed volume. construction configuration, so as to be invisible from the outside, which is likely to be considered particularly aesthetic. The circular shape of the first notch 11, especially in the case where said first notch 11 extends in the flap 5, advantageously allows self-positioning of the fastening means 10 (in particular when it is formed by an elastic) within said first notch 11, at the fold line 6. The flap 5 preferably comprises at least one first lug 13 extending laterally the flap 5 from the fold line 6 to the edge 7, so that the first ear 13 extends opposite and at a distance from the first free edge 8 so as to form a first access mouth to the first notch 11. The first ear 13 thus advantageously forms a first horn of the flap 5, so that to give the latter a form of cleat or anchor, for retaining the fastening means 10 around the fold line 6 at the base of the flap 5, in the first notch 11. Preferably, the first ear 13 has a hook shape which is bent towards the face 3, to retain the fastening means 10 around the fold line 6 not only when the latter is pulled in a direction away from the face 3 , but also in a lateral direction to the flap 5, that is to say for example a direction parallel to the fold line 6. In addition, the contour of the first ear 13 associated with the first free edge 8 form the first mouth The first access mouth gives access to the first notch 11, and facilitates the attachment of the flap 5 with the means of access, that is to say a convergent channel in the direction of the first notch fastener 10 by guiding said attachment means 10 in said first notch 11. Especially in the case where the attachment means 10 is formed by an elastic, the presence of the first ear 13 advantageously allows a car -positioning the attachment means 10 in the first notch 11. Preferably, the flap 5 extends from the fold line 6 widening laterally to a maximum width of the flap 5 at the height of the end of the first lug 13, by example about halfway between the fold line 6 and the edge 7, and preferably for example to a third of the distance between the fold line 6 edge 7, from said fold line 6, such as illustrated in the figures.

Preferably, in the vicinity of the edge 7, the first lug 13 has a bevelled shape. For example, since said maximum width of the flap 5 the width of the flap 5 decreases to the edge 7. The latter is preferably of a length less than that of the fold line 6. Preferably, the construction element 1 comprises a second notch 12 formed in the second free edge 9 over a fraction of the length of the latter, said second notch 12 being adjacent to the fold line 6 and extending in said face 3, towards the inside of the latter from the side 4. The second notch 12 of the invention forms a portion of the second edge 9 which is recessed, towards the inside of the face 3, that is to say a concavity, a notch or a notch 20 in the side 4 of the face 3. The second notch 12 separates the fold line 6 of the second edge 9, so as to leave a free space at the end of said fold line 6. The second notch 12 begins from said fold line 6, that is to say preferably from the flap 5. The second notch 12 preferably surrounds a non-zero surface space. The first notch 11 and the second notch 12 thus border the fold line 6 at the ends of the latter, and border the flap 5 at the base of the latter. The second notch 12 is preferably intended to receive the attachment means 10, just like the first notch 11. The second notch 12 of the invention is provided to provide a free space for insertion of the attachment means 10, preferably so that the latter 30 does not substantially come into contact with the second free edge 9, and is not likely to locally deform the face 3 by its size. The second notch 12 is thus preferably of sufficient size so that the attachment means 10 is inserted partially, preferably entirely, within the latter. Preferably, each building element 1 has both a first notch 11 and a second notch 12 on their side 4, so that the fastening means 10, and in particular its buckle, can be mounted around the pair of flaps 5 so as to clamp the building elements 1 side by side, surrounding them, and passing through the first notch 11 and the second notch 12 of each of the building elements 1, on the other hand and other fold lines 6, for example to be in contact with each end of said fold lines 6, or at least in the immediate vicinity of said ends. Thus, the attachment means 10, and in particular the loop, is provided to be threaded around the flap 5 via the first notch 11 and the second notch 12 respectively of said two building elements 1 to be assembled. Preferably, the two building elements 1 both comprise a first notch 11 a second notch 12, a flap 5, a first free edge 8 and a second free edge 9, as described above: - their folding line 6 respective being the same length, - their respective side 4 being of the same length, their respective first notch 11 being positioned at the same coordinate 20 on the side 4, their respective second notch 12 being positioned at the same coordinate on the side 4 Thus, in the constructional configuration, respective notches 11, 12 (first or second) of said building elements 1 are preferably intended to face each other two by two, so that their respective contour is in the continuity of one another, as illustrated in Figures 2 to 6, in order to arrange two by two an outline, the kind orifice or eyelet, for both ext Remedies of the attachment means 10. Advantageously, the sides 4, the first notches 11, the second notches 12, the flaps 5, the first free edges 8 and 30 the second free edges 9, of each of said building elements 1 303 1 1 2 5 22 correspond, and can be placed facing in construction configuration, as shown in Figures 2 to 6. The second notch 12 forms for example a slot or a shape in "V". The second notch 12 preferably has a "U" shape, or even more preferably has a substantially circular or even perfectly circular contour around a center aligned with the fold line 6. The contour of the second notch 12 thus forms advantageously an arc whose center is centered on the axis A1. The circular shape of the contour of the second notch 12, or in an arc, is of a diameter greater than the section of the attachment means 10, preferably two or three times greater, which preferably allows the risk to be limited. breaking (for example by tearing) of the construction element 1 at the second notch 12. The second notch 12 is preferably extended in the flap 5 beyond the fold line 6, over a portion of the distance separating the fold line 6 of edge 7. The contour of second notch 12 thus preferably forms a semicircle extending inwardly of face 3, from side 4, and a portion of a circle continuing said half circle on the other side of the side 4 in the flap 5, in a lateral region of the latter, close to the end of the fold line 6. In this preferred case, the flap 5 can thus advantageously be folded down if necessary in 20 direct ion of the face 3 around its axis of folding 6 despite the presence of the attachment means 10 in the first notch 11 and in the second notch 12. The circular shape of the second notch 12, especially in the case where said second notch 12 extends into the flap 5, advantageously allows self-positioning of the fastening means 10 (in particular when it is formed by an elastic band) within said second notch 12, at the level of the fold line 6 The flap 5 preferably comprises at least one second lug 14 laterally extending the flap 5 from the fold line 6 to the edge 7, the second lug 14 being opposite to the first lug 13. The first lug 13 extends preferably in front of and away from the second free edge 9 so as to form a second mouth of access to the second notch 12. The second 303 1 1 23 23 ear 14 thus preferably forms a second horn flap 5, so as to give the latter a form of cleat or anchor, to retain the fastening means 10 around the fold line 6 at the base of the flap 5, both in the first notch 11 and in the second notch 12. Preferably, the second ear 14 and the first ear 13 each have a hook shape which is bent towards the face 3. Also, the contour of the second ear 14 being associated with the second edge free 9 form the second access mouth, that is to say a convergent channel towards the second notch 12. The second access mouth provides access to the second notch 12, and facilitates the attachment of the shutter 5 with the fastening means 10 by guiding said fastening means 10 in said second notch 12. Especially in the case where the fastening means 10 is formed by an elastic, the presence of the first ear 13 and the second ear 14 advantageously allows a self-positioning of the fastening means 10 in both the first notch 11 and 15 in the second notch 12. Preferably, the flap 5 extends from the fold line 6 widening laterally until at a maximum width at the height of the end of the second lug 14, for example about half way between the fold line 6 and the edge 7, and preferably for example at a distance of about one-third of the distance between the fold line 6 of the edge 7, from said fold line 6, as illustrated in the figures. Preferably, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6, the side 4 and the flap 5 have a symmetrical geometry with respect to an axis of symmetry S1 perpendicular to the fold line 6, so that the second notch 12 and the second free edge 9 form a mirror image of the first notch 11 and the first free edge 8 respectively. More generally, each side 4 and flap 5 of each building element 1 advantageously has such a preferred configuration. Preferably, all the sides 4 and all the flaps 5 to be assembled, preferably with fastening means 10 according to that described above, are substantially isometric and superimposable. Preferably, the building elements 1 are identical.

In addition, because of the symmetrical nature of the construction element 1, and in particular of its flap 5, said construction element 1 is preferably reversible, that is to say that it can be mounted in the modular construction 2 so that, indifferently: 5 - its face 3 is oriented towards the inside of the modular construction 2, its face 3 is oriented towards the outside of the modular construction 2. The system The construction tool also advantageously comprises a gripping tool 15 of the attachment means 10. The gripping tool 15 is advantageously intended to allow the handling of the fastening means 10 by means of said gripping tool 15. The tool gripper 15 preferably comprises a surface body 17 in which and provided a hooking notch 16, the loop of said fastening means 10 being intended to be hooked to said hooking notch 16. The surface body 17 e It is advantageously made of the same material as the construction elements 1, and advantageously produced using the same type of manufacturing machine. Of course, a different material can be used. The surface body 17 therefore advantageously having the same thickness, or a similar thickness, of the construction elements 1, the construction system can be stored flat, optionally stacked, gripping tool 15 included, so that its size is particularly small .

The gripping tool 15, and in particular the surface body 17, is preferably of generally rectangular shape, and forms for example a business card. The surface body 17 thus has at least two adjacent contour edges 18 (preferably four) forming at least one contour vertex 19 (preferably four). The hooking notch 16 is preferably formed in the surface body 17 from one of the contour edges 18, preferably close to one of the contour peaks 19. The gripping tool 15 advantageously allows the to catch the buckle of the attachment means 10 in order to place them around the flaps 5 by means of the gripping tool 15. The small thickness of said gripping tool 15 allows it in particular to be inserted between two side 4 of the building elements 1, for example when the modular construction 2 forms a closed and / or hollow volume, in particular to set up one of the fastening means 10 on flaps 5 which would be inaccessible to the hand, as arranged within the volume of the modular construction 2. The gripping tool 15 may also allow to set up one of the attachment means 10 between two faces 3 which would have, around theirside 4 in contact, an angle less than 180 degrees, and said flaps 5 would be included within said angle. According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a construction method employing at least two construction elements 1 which are each in accordance with the foregoing description. In the construction method of the invention, the construction elements 1 are placed in a construction configuration, in which the respective fold lines 6 of said building elements 1 are superimposed and their respective first notches 11 are superimposed, as described herein. -before. The construction configuration 15 of course corresponds to that described above. With the aid of a fastening means 10 comprising a loop, for example elastic and in accordance with that described above, said construction elements 1 are maintained in the construction configuration by fastening together the flap 5 of each of said elements of construction 1 with said loop. The fastening means 10 is thus attached, and preferably tightened, around the respective fold lines 6 of the building elements 1 so as to keep them substantially in contact with each other over their entire length. According to an important characteristic of the invention, said flaps 5 are fastened together by passing said loop around said flaps 5, in the respective first notches 11 of each of said building elements 1. Preferably, said first notches 11 are made of one another. placing them facing each other when the folding lines 6 are substantially in contact with each other over their entire length, so that said first notches 11 form a passage, or an eyelet, for the attachment means 10, and in particular for its loop.

303 1 1 2 5 26 Preferably, the loop is passed around the two flaps 5 concerned until said loop is inserted into the first notch 11 and the second notch 12 of each building element 1, arranged on either side of the Components 5. The construction method of the invention can be implemented in several different ways, some of which are described below, for illustrative and non-exhaustive purposes. According to a first preferential manner, the loop of the fastening means 10 can be attached firstly to the flap 5 of the first of the construction elements 1, so as to surround said flap 5 via the first notch 11. then advantageously the loop of the fastening means 10 without detaching the flap 5 of the first construction element 1, so as to insert the flap 5 of the second construction element 1 in said loop, and in particular via the first notch 11 of the second building element 1, so that the latter maintains said building elements 1 in their construction configuration. According to this first preferential manner, the construction elements 1 thus held by the loop of the attachment means 10 advantageously place themselves in the construction configuration, in particular under the action of the elasticity of the means of construction. 10, and because of the preferentially circular shape of the first notch 11. According to a second preferential way, the construction elements -I are first placed in the construction configuration, and then maintained in this configuration. construction using the fastening means 10, surrounding the flaps 5 of said building elements 1 with the fastening means 10 through the respective first notches 11 of said building elements 1. According to a fourth aspect, The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a building element 1, which is surface-based, the manufacturing method comprising: a step of producing a face 3 having at least one side 4, and a step of producing at least one flap 5 extending the face 3 and being pivotally articulated thereto along a fold line 6 which extends along the side 4 over a first fraction of the length of the latter, the fold line 6 being extended by a first free edge 8 which extends along the side 4 over a second fraction of the length of the latter, and a step of producing at least a first notch 11 in the first free edge 8 over a fraction of the length of the latter, so that said first notch 11 is adjacent to the fold line 6 and extends into said face 3, towards the inside of the latter from side 4. The manufacturing method of the invention advantageously makes it possible to manufacture a construction element 1 according to the preceding description. One of the production steps described above advantageously comprises a substep during which a blank is cut in a rough surface, of the kind of sheet of paper or cardboard, for example using a punch -pièce, in order to achieve said building element 1, and in this case the face 3, the flap 5, and the first notch 11. The cutout advantageously corresponds to the contour of the surface element 1, and in particular to contour of the sides 4, the flaps 5, the face 3, the first 15 notches 11, the second notches 12, etc. The cutout can also make it possible to form internal elements of the construction element 1, for example the internal slot or the like. This cutting may alternatively be done with a chisel, for example in the case of a production of smaller series of construction elements 1. In the case where a more resistant material than the paper or board forms the raw material, by example of wood or aluminum, another manufacturing tool can be used, for example a cutting laser, or a rotating tool. The manufacturing method advantageously comprises a sub-step of forming the fold line 6, for example by creasing, pre-folding, or by pre-cutting.

According to a fifth aspect, the invention relates to a machine for manufacturing a construction element 1, which is surface-based, the manufacturing machine comprising: - a means for producing a face 3 having at least one side 4, and An embodiment of at least one flap 5 extending the face 3 and being pivotally articulated to the latter along a fold line 6 which extends along the side 4 on a first fraction of the length. of the latter, the fold line 6 being extended by a first free edge 8 which extends along the side 4 on a second fraction of the length of the latter, and a means of producing at least a first notch 11 in the first free edge 8 over a fraction of the length of the latter, so that said first notch 11 is adjacent to the fold line 6 and extends in said face 3, towards the inside of the latter from side 4.

The manufacturing machine (not shown) advantageously makes it possible to produce the construction element described above. The manufacturing machine of the invention advantageously comprises a means of cutting a raw material, such as sheet of paper or cardboard. The cutting means is intended to cut off said construction element 1 in the rough surface. Preferably, the means for producing the face 3, the flap 5, and the first notch 11 comprise a cutting means. Preferably, the cutting means is shared by the means for producing the face 3, the flap 5, and the first notch 11. The cutting means comprises for example a punch, that is to say comprises at least one blade whose cutting edge has a shape which corresponds to all or part of the shape of the construction element 1 to be produced. The punch thus advantageously makes it possible to cut the construction element 1 in the rough surface, for example by impaction, preferably in a single operation. The production machine also preferably comprises a means for forming the fold line 6 in the rough surface, or in the construction element 1 cut in the rough surface. Preferably, the fold line 6 is also formed by the cutting means, in particular in the preferred case where the last form a punch, In particular, the manufacturing machine comprises a forming means for forming the fold line 6, the ramming means being for example included in the punch to create the fold line 6 at the same time as the cutting of the construction element 1.

Claims (4)

CLAIMS1 - Element of construction (1), which is surface and comprises: a face (3) having at least one side (4), and at least one flap (5), which extends the face (3) and is articulated pivotally thereto along a fold line (6) which extends along the side (4) over a first fraction of the length thereof, the fold line (6) being extended by a first free edge (8) extending along the side (4) over a second fraction of the length thereof, said building element (1) being characterized in that it comprises at least a first notch (11) provided in the first free edge (8) over a fraction of the length of the latter, said first notch (11) being adjacent to the fold line (6) and extending into said face (3), towards the inside thereof from the side (4). 2 - Element of construction (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first notch (11) has a substantially circular contour around a center aligned with the fold line (6). 3 construction element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flap (5) extends from the fold line (6) to an edge (7), the first notch ( 11) extending in said flap (5) beyond the fold line (6) over a portion of the distance between the fold line (6) and the edge (7). 4 - Element of construction (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the flap (5) comprises at least a first lug (13) laterally extending the flap (5) from the fold line (6) to edge (7), so that the first lug (13) extends opposite and at a distance from the first free edge (8) so as to form a first mouth of access to the first notch (11). 303 1 1 2 5 5 - Building element (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first lug (13) has a hook shape which is curved towards the face (3). 6 - Element of construction (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side (4) is substantially rectilinear and extends along an axis (A1), so that the line of folding (6) and the first free edge (8) are themselves carried by the axis (A1). 7 - Element of construction (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side (4) extends between a first end and a second end, the first free edge (8) extending on along the side (4) to said first end. 8 - Element of construction (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fold line (6) is extended by a second free edge (9) opposite the first free edge (8), and s extending along the side (4) over a third fraction of the length of the latter, the construction element (1) comprising a second notch (12) formed in the second free edge (9) on a fraction of the length of the latter, said second notch (12) being adjacent to the fold line (6) and extending in said face (3), inwardly of the latter from the side (4). 9 - Construction element (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the side (4) and the flap (5) have a symmetrical geometry with respect to an axis of symmetry (S1) perpendicular to the fold line (6). ), so that the second notch (12) and the second free edge (9) form a mirror image of the first notch (11) and the first free edge (8) respectively. 10 - Construction system comprising a plurality of building elements (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also comprises at least one attachment means (10) for attaching two building elements (1) together via their respective flap (5). 3031125 31 11 - Building system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the fastening means (10) comprises a loop, for example elastic, being of sufficient size to be threaded around the flap (5) respective of at least two of the building elements (1), through the respective first notch (11), in order to maintain substantially in contact with each other the respective fold line (6) of each of said two elements of construction (1). 12 - Construction system according to the preceding claim characterized in that it also comprises a gripping tool (15) of the fastening means (10), said gripping tool (15) comprising a surface body (17) in which and provided a hooking notch (16), the buckle of said fastening means (10) being adapted to be hooked to said hooking notch (16). 13 - A construction method employing at least two building elements (1) which are each according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and wherein, with the aid of a fastening means (10) ) comprising a loop, for example an elastic loop, said construction elements (1) are maintained in a construction configuration by fastening together the flap (5) of each of said building elements (1) with said loop, the construction configuration corresponding to a mutual arrangement of said building elements (1) in which their respective fold lines (6) are superimposed and their respective first notches (11) are superimposed, the method being characterized in that said shutters (5) are fastened together; ) passing said loop around said flaps (5) in the first notches (11) of each of said building elements. 14 - Method for manufacturing a construction element (1), which is surface-based, the manufacturing method comprising: a step of producing a face (3) having at least one side (4), and a step embodiment of at least one flap (5) extending the face (3) and being pivotally articulated thereto along a fold line (6) which extends along the side (4) on a first fraction of the length of the latter, the fold line (6) being extended by a first free edge (8) which extends along the side (4) over a second fraction of the length of the latter, the manufacturing method being characterized in that it comprises a step of producing at least a first notch (11) in the first free edge (8) over a fraction of the length of the latter, so that said first notch (11) is adjacent to the fold line (6) and extends into said face (3), ve rs inside the latter from the side (4). 15 - Machine for manufacturing a construction element (1), which is surface-based, the manufacturing machine comprising: means for producing a face (3) having at least one side (4), and a means for producing at least one flap (5) extending the face (3) and being pivotally articulated thereto along a fold line (6) extending along the side (4) on a first fraction of the length of the latter, the fold line (6) being extended by a first free edge (8) which extends along the side (4) over a second fraction of the length of the latter, the machine of characterized in that it comprises a means for producing at least a first notch (11) in the first free edge (8) over a fraction of the length of the latter, so that said first notch (8) 11) is adjacent to the fold line (6) and extends into said face (3), towards the interior of this last from side (4).