GB2392175A

GB2392175A - Construction kit comprising adjacent blocks releasably secured together with J-shaped clamp

Info

Publication number: GB2392175A
Application number: GB0219802A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David John Talmer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-08-23
Filing date: 2002-08-23
Publication date: 2004-02-25
Anticipated expiration: 2022-08-23
Also published as: AU2003259344A1; WO2004018791A1; GB0219802D0; GB2392175B

Abstract

A kit comprising two blocks 1 each having holes (31, 32, fig 3) and securement means, wherein the kit is arrangeable so that the securement means 90, 100 engages with the holes which are offset when the blocks are arranged together. The holes (31, 32) in the blocks 1 are parallel to each other in use, and extend fully through the blocks 1. The securement means comprise a linkage pin 100, being a J-shaped bar with an upper threaded straight portion (106, fig 12) and a separable lower hook portion (102, fig 12), a plate 90 and nut 110. Plate (90, figs 9-11) comprises a base (92) with an aperture (94) therein and a pin (96) extending from the base (92). In use, the straight portion of the linkage pin passes through a hole (31) of a 1<st> block 1, the hook portion engages a hole (32) of a 2<nd> block 1. The linkage pin engages with the plate to secure the blocks. The plate (90, figs 9-11) may have a spike (95) projecting in an opposite direction to pin (96) to engage with a second layer of blocks 1. Multiple blocks may be used for walls or planters 10. They may comprise: wood, rubber, concrete, stone or plastics materials.

Description

1 2392175

Construction Kit Field of the Invention

s The present invention relates to a construction kit suitable for assembly into structures, and a method for constructing structures, in particular, freestanding structures such as walls, fences, and open topped containers, such as for plants.

Background to the Invention

Building elements such as bricks, timbers, etc. can be used to construct a wide range of structures. However, is specialist tools may be required during construction, and the final structure may subsequently be difficult to disassemble or remove if required. As an alternative to constructing a structure, prefabricated items may be available. The use of prefabricated items removes design 20 flexibility, and prefabricated structures with particular desired characteristics may not be available.

Furthermore, the use of prefabricated items does not give the sense of achievement that can arise from building a structure. It is an aim of preferred embodiments of the present invention to enable a user to construct a range of freestanding structures such as walls, fences, and open topped containers, such as for plants, from a construction 30 kit, without the need for specialist tools or skills. It is further desired that the kit be secure when assembled, but easy to disassemble and reuse if required. It is still further desired that elements of the construction

- kit are simple to manufacture, and provide the user with a number of different assembly options.

Savory of the Invention According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a construction kit comprising: a first construction element having a hole defined therein, a second construction element having a hole defined therein, lo and securement means, wherein the first and second construction elements are arrangeable with the holes offset from one another, and the securement means is arranged, in use, to engage the holes in order to secure the first construction element to the second construction element. According to second aspect of the invention there is provided a construction element having a hole therein, the construction element suitable for use in a construction 20 kit, the construction kit being in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.

Preferably the hole in the first construction element comprises a passageway connecting opposite faces of the 25 first construction element.

Preferably the hole in the second construction element comprises a passageway connecting opposite faces of the second construction element.

Preferably, the first construction element and the second construction element are arrangeable in contact with one another. Preferably the first construction

element and the second construction element are arrangeable in contact with one another such that the holes are arranged substantially parallel to one another.

Preferably, the first construction element and the second 5 construction element are arrangeable in contact with one another such that the holes are arranged substantially side by side.

Preferably, the securement means comprises a linkage JO pin and a linkage plate. 2 Preferably the linkage pin comprises a substantially J-shaped bar, with a hook portion and a straight portion.

Preferably, the straight portion comprises an upper 5 threaded region. In particularly preferred embodiments, the hook portion and the straight portion may be releasably couplable by screwing together, to enable straight portions of different lengths to be attached to common hook portions.

Preferably, the linkage plate comprises a base having an aperture defined therein, and a pin extending from the base. 25 Preferably, the straight portion of the linkage pin is arranged to pass through a hole of a first construction element, with the hook portion engaging a hole of a second construction element. Preferably, the straight portion of the linkage pin extends from the first construction 30 element. Preferably, the linkage plate is arranged to receive a straight portion of the linkage pin extending from the first construction element through the aperture i in the base, with the pin extending from the base

positionable within the hole of the second construction element. Preferably, engagement of the linkage pin with the first construction element, and engagement of the linkage plate with the linkage pin, and engagement of the 5 linkage plate with the second construction element serve to secure the first construct element to the second construction element, and preferably in contact with one another. Preferably, the linkage plate is secured to the linkage pin by a nut screwed onto the threaded portion.

lo Preferably, the nut prevents the linkage pin and the linkage plate from becoming disengaged from the holes.

The linkage plate may be substantially identical to the hook portion of the linkage pin.

Preferably, the construction element comprises channels arranged to receive the linkage plate and the hook portion of the linkage pin such that, in use, the base of the linkage plate and the hook portion of the 20 linkage pin do not extend beyond the surfaces of the construction elements.

Preferably, the construction elements can be arranged in a plurality of layers joined by securement means.

Preferably, the linkage plate further comprises a spike extending from the base. Preferably the spike extends from the base in the opposite direction from the pin. The spike may be releasably coupleable to the 30 linkage plate, and be arranged to be fitted to the linkage plate after engagement of the linkage plate with the linkage pin. Preferably, the spike contacts a

construction element from a layer of construction elements above the linkage plate.

Preferably, the sides of the construction elements are 5 angled relative to one another such that first and second -

construction elements contact one another at a predetermined angle.

Preferably, the construction elements comprise a hole lo proximate to each end.

Preferably, the sides of the construction elements are angled relative to one another such that a plurality of construct elements can be arranged to form a regular 15 polygon and more preferably six construction elements can be arranged to form a regular hexagon.

Preferably, the first construction element and the second construction element are substantially identical. -

The construction elements may comprise further holes allowing multiple connections between construction elements to be made. -

25 The first construction element and the second construction elements preferably comprise a timber material. Alternatively, the first and second construction elements may comprise rubber, concrete, -

stone, plastics material or any other suitable material.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a structure, the structure comprising a

plurality of construction elements in accordance with the second aspect of the present invention.

Preferably the structure comprises a freestanding 5 structure.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of arranging a first construction element with a second construction element, the method lo comprising steps of: (a) providing a first construction element comprising a hole; (b) providing a second construction element comprising a hole; (c) providing securement means; (d) arranging the first construction element adjacent to the second construction elements with 5 the hole of the first construction element offset from the hole of the second construction element; and (d) engaging the securement means with the holes of the first and second construction elements in order to secure the first construction element to the second element with the 20 securement means.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention, and to 25 show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 shows an open topped container during 30 construction; Figure 2 shows a front view of a block as used in the open topped container of Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a bottom view of the block of Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a back view of the block of Figure 2; Figure 5 shows a top view of the block of Figure 2; Figure 6 shows a first end view of the block of Figure 2; Figure 7 shows a second end view of the block of Figure 2; Figure 8 shows a bottom view of the open topped 5 container of Figure 1; Figure 9 shows a top view of a linkage plate; Figure lO shows a side view of the linkage plate of 20 Figure 9; Figure 11 shows an end view of the linkage plate of Figure 9; Is Figure 12 shows a side view of a linkage pin; Figure 13 shows a front view of a sill as used in the open topped container of Figure 1; 30 Figure 14 shows a top view of the sill of Figure 13; Figure 15 shows a back view of the sill of Figure 13;

Figure 16 shows a front view of an alternative block that can be fixed to other blocks in different positions; Figure 17 shows a bottom view of the block of Figure 5 16; Figure 18 shows a back view of the block of Figure 16; Figure 19 shows a top view of the block of Figure 2; Figure 20 shows a first end view of the block of Figure 16; Figure 21 shows a second end view of the block of is Figure 16; Figure 22 shows an alternative linkage pin and linkage plate arrangement; to Figure 23 shows an exploded perspective view of the linkage plate of Figure 22 arranged in use; and Figure 24 shows a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of a sill.

25 Description of the Preferred Embodiments

As shown in Figure 1, a structure comprises a free standing structure constructed from a plurality of construction elements. The wall of the structure is 30 formed by the construction element and essentially comprises adjacent construction elements forming a contiguous wall. One end of a first construction element is located adjacent to or in contact with a first end of a

second construction element. All of the construction elements are substantially identical. Each construction element has a first hole defined therein adjacent first end and a second hole defined therein adjacent to a second 5 end.

The securement means comprises a linkage pin comprising a generally Jshaped member having a straight shaft. The straight shaft is arranged, in use, to extend lo through a first hold defined in a first construction element. The securement means further comprises a linkage plate which extends radially away from the longitudinal axis of the straight shaft The linkage plate has a pin located radially away from the straight shaft which is 15 arranged, in use, to engage with a hole provided in the second construction element in order to secure the second construction element to the first construction element.

The linkage plate is slidably located on to the straight shaft. A further construction element can then be located 20 primarily on top of the second construction element but slightly laterally offset such that the straight shaft extends through the hole provided in the further construction element. Another construction element can then be located vertically above of the first construction as element and a linkage plate having a pin is again used to secure the adjacent construction elements.

As shown in Figure 1, a structure comprising an open topped container 10 is constructed from a plurality of 30 construction elements. The container 10 comprises twelve construction elements in the form of blocks 1 arranged in two hexagonal rings, with the hexagonal rings situated one above the other. The blocks 1 are held together at their

ends by securement means in the form of joining means, the joining means comprising linkage plates 90, linkage pins 100 and nuts 110. Also shown in Figure 1 is a hexagonal ring of six sills 130, each sill 130 comprising an 5 aperture 132. The sills 130 are arranged to be lowered onto the blocks 1 with the linkage pins 100 passed through the apertures 132. Nuts 110 secure the linkage pins 100 in position relative to the blocks 1, as will be described later, and nuts 112 also engage the linkage pins 100 to JO secure the sills 130 to the blocks 1.

Additional hexagonal rings of blocks 1 can be built up to vary the height of the container 10. The sills 130 provide an aesthetically pleasing upper surface, and further assist the joining means in holding the container 10 together.

Figure 2 shows a front view of the block 1, comprising a front surface 2, a first end surface 60, a second end 20 surface 70, a bottom surface 3 and a top surface 5. The first and second end surfaces 60,70 are each angled relative to the front surface 2, to allow the arrangement of blocks 1 into a regular polygon. In particular, the blocks 1 may be arranged into a hexagonal ring as shown in 25 Figure 1. The upper and lower edges of the front surface 2 are bevelled for aesthetic effect. Also shown in Figure 2 are a first recess 40, a second recess 42, and a channel 33; these features will be described in more detail later.

So Figure 3 shows a bottom view of the block 1, comprising the bottom surface 3, a first aperture 30 located proximate to the first end surface 60, a first channel 31, a second aperture 32 located proximate to the

second end surface 70 and the second channel 33. The first channel 31 communicates with the first aperture 30, and comprises an open section running from the first aperture 30 to a back surface 4 of the block 1 5 substantially parallel to the first end surface 60. The second channel 33 communicates with the second aperture 32, and comprises an open section running from the second aperture 32 to the second end surface 70 substantially parallel to the front and back surfaces 2,4.

Figure 4 shows the back surface 4. The first channel 31 can be seen, along with the first recess 40 and the second recess 42. The first and second recesses 40,42 are optional features to support the edges of a base (not shown) for the container 10. The base is inserted into either first or second recess 40,42 as blocks 1 are assembled to form the container 10. The base can be positioned in either first or second recess 40,42 of any layer of blocks 1 within the container 10, allowing the 20 base to be either relatively high in the container 10 or relatively lower as desired.

Figure 5 shows the top surface 5 of the block 1. The first recess 40, the first aperture 30 and the second 25 aperture 32 can also be seen.

Figure 6 shows the first end surface 60, and Figure 7 shows the second end surface 70, along with the first and second recesses 40,42, and the second channel 33.

To connect a block 1 with another block 1, joining means comprising the linkage pin 100 and the linkage plate 90 are employed.

Figures 9, 10 and 11 show the linkage plate 90. The linkage plate 90 comprises a base 92 in which an aperture 94 is formed. Extending from the base 92 are a spike 95, 5 a pin 96 and a projection 98. For safety reasons, the spike 95 may be releaably couplable to the linkage plate 90 enabling the spike 95 to be fitted to the linkage plate 90 during the final stages of construction. Furthermore, when the linkage plate 90 is to be used with blocks 1 lo comprising a hard material such as stone, the spike 95 can be omitted. A spike 95 that is releasably coupleable to the linkage plate 90 enables the linkage plate 90 to be used with blocks 1 of both hard and softer materials. The projection 98 is not compatible with the blocks 1 and 15 comprises an optional feature for use with a second preferred embodiment of block as described later, and/or with blocks 1 comprising a channel in their top surface to receive the projection 98 when the linkage plate 90 is positioned in use.

Figure 12 shows the linkage pin 100. The linkage pin 100 comprises a substantially J-shaped bar, the bar comprising a hook section 102, and a straight section 104.

The straight section comprises an upper threaded portion 25 106.

The diameter of the pin 96 and the bar comprising the linkage pin 100 are slightly less than the diameters of the first and second apertures 30,32.

To assemble the blocks 1 into a container having a single layer of blocks 1, the blocks 1 must first be arranged the correct way up, i.e. with the top surfaces 5

uppermost. Then, two of the blocks 1 are positioned so that the first end surface 60 of a first block 1A is positioned parallel to the front surface 2 of a second block lB, and the second end surface 70 of the second 5 block 1B is positioned against the back surface 4 of the first block lA, such that the first channel 31 of the first block 1A communicates with the second channel 33 of the second block lB and the first and second blocks lA,lB are at an angle of 120 to one another.

Once the first and second blocks lA,lB are positioned correctly, the straight section 104 of the linkage pin 100 is passed into the first aperture 30 from below, with the hook section 102 then located within the second aperture 15 32. The threaded portion 106 extends from the top surface 5. The linkage plate 90 is then positioned with the aperture 94 around the threaded portion 106 and the pin 96 extending down into the second aperture 32. The abutment of the fist and second blocks lA,lB, and their engagement 20 with the linkage pin 100 and the linkage plate 90 holds the blocks lA,lB together. To prevent the linkage pin 100 and linkage plate 90 from falling out of the first and second apertures 30,32, the nut 110 is screwed onto the threaded portion 106 tightened until it comes into contact 25 with the base 92 of the linkage plate 90.

Further blocks lC-lF are positioned as described above to form a hexagonal ring, with joining means at each corner of the hexagon. If the container is to have a 30 base, the base is conveniently positioned in either the first or second recess 40,42 before the fifth block is attached to the previous four.

Figure 8 shows underside of the container 10.

The top of the container is covered by a hexagonal ring of six sills 130.

Figures 13, 14 and 15 show a sill 130. In plan, the sill is substantially of equal size to the top surface 5 of the block 1. The aperture 132 is arranged to correspond with the first aperture 30 of the block 1. The lo back of the sill 130 comprises a slot 134, adapted to receive a projection 136 which extends from a first end surface of a neighbouring sill 130. The slot 134 and projection 136 of neighbouring sills 130 form a biscuit joint. The sills 130 are located on top of the blocks 1, with the threaded portion 106 of each linkage pin 100 passing through an aperture 132. Nuts 112 are screwed onto the threaded portions 106, to hold the sills 130 together on 20 the blocks 1. The spike 95 of each linkage plate 90 is pressed into the underside of a sill 130, and helps to prevent the sills moving.

By using different lengths of linkage pin 100 and 25 additional hexagonal rings of blocks 1, containers of different heights can be assembled. Further modularity can be achieved by forming the linkage pin 100 from a releasably couplable straight section 104 and hook section 102. Suitably, straight sections 104 threaded to engage a 30 corresponding thread on a hook section 102 can be used.

This allows a common hook section 102 to be attached to straight sections 104 of different lengths, to provide linkage pins loo or a desired length. This increases in

modularity services to reduce manufacturing costs associated with producing linkage pins 10 in a variety of length. 5 Figures 22 and 23 show an alternative embodiment of linkage pin lOOA and linkage plate 90A, wherein the linkage pin lOOA comprises a bar 104A having a thread 106 at each end. The bar 104A is of reduced diameter relative to the threads 106. The hook section 102A is lo substantially identical to the linkage plate 90A. To accommodate the linkage plate 90A and the hook section 102A, the blocks 1 further comprise a longitudinal channel 166 in the top and bottom faces.

15 If a plurality of rings is to be used, a linkage plate 90 may be placed between each layer to provide increased stability, however, only one linkage pin 100, linkage plate 90 and nut 110 are required. Alternatively, linkage plates 90 can be placed between every other layer, or 20 distributed between layers as required.

Although a hexagonal arrangement has been described, alternative arrangements can be envisaged, in which blocks of different length, and having different joining angles 25 can be used to construct other structures. For example, square, rectangular, triangular, pentagonal or other shaped structures can be constructed from blocks sharing the same constructional features and joining arrangement.

30 To show how the joining principles described above in relation to hexagonal containers can be applied to allow construction of alternative structure, a second embodiment of a block 160 is described.

-. - Figures 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 show the block 160 in front, top, back, bottom, first end and second end elevations respectively.

The block 160 comprises the first and second apertures 30,32, and the first and second recesses 40,42. The block 160 also comprises two further apertures 162,164. Each aperture 30,32,162,164 has an associated channel at both 10 ends. The channels associated with each aperture allow joining means to attach blocks 160 to one another at different positions along their length, and at different angles. For example, a structure comprising two hexagonal containers coupled by a fence or wall can be constructed.

15 The block 160 can be used to build up structures based on hexagons or on equilateral triangles. Again, using blocks 160 with different angled ends would allow other shapes to be constructed.

20 The block 160 can be used to construct open structures. A longitudinal channel 166 is provided in the top and bottom faces of the block 160, which can accommodate a substantially cylindrical pin (not shown) located within the channels 166 of vertically adjacent 25 blocks 160 to strengthen both open and closed structures if desired. The channel 166 can also accommodate the projection 98 of the linkage plate 90 to provide lateral strengthening at the block joints and to prevent the linkage plate 90 from rotating out of position around the 30 linkage pin 100. Furthermore, the channel 166 can accommodate the alternative linkage plate 90A and the alternative linkage pin lOOA.

- As shown in Figure 24, the sills 130 can be adapted for use with the block 160, by provision of a groove or channel 180 in the lower surface of the sill 130. A longitudinal pin (not shown) may be located within the 5 passageway defined by the channel 180 of the sill 130 together with the channel 166 defined on the upper surface of the block 160. The channel 180 extends from one end of the sill 130 to the aperture 132. The channel 180 then extends away from the aperture 132 at an angle to the lo first portion of the channel. The second portion of the channel thereby aligns with the first portion of a channel of an adjacent sill.

The blocks 1,160 can conveniently comprise wood, 15 although other materials such as plastics, concrete, stone or rubber can be used if desired. The joining means can conveniently comprise metal, although again, other suitable materials can be used if desired. The blocks can be treated for weather resistance, and have coloured, 20 textured or other finishes applied either at the time of manufacture, or subsequent to manufacture.

Thus a construction kit has been provided that enables a user to construct a range of freestanding structures 25 without the need for specialist tools or skills. The kit described requires only a spanner to secure the various elements in place, and can easily be disassembled and reused if required. The construction kit comprises elements that are simple to manufacture, and provides the 30 user with a number of different assembly options.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to

this specification in connection with this application and

which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and

documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification

(including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, lo except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification

(including any accompanying claims, abstract and is drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any

25 accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

Claims:

1. A construction kit comprising: a first construction element having a hole defined therein, a second 5 construction element having a hole defined therein, and securement means, wherein the first and second construction elements are arrangeable with the holes offset from one another, and the securement means is arranged, in use, to engage the holes in order to secure lo the first construction element to the second construction element.

2. The construction kit of claim 1, wherein the hole in the first construction element comprises a passageway IS connecting opposite faces of the first construction element.

3. The construction kit of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the hole in the second construction element comprises a 20 passageway connecting opposite faces of the second construction element.

4. The construction kit of any preceding claim, wherein the first construction element and the second construction 25 element are arrangeable in contact with one another.

5. The construction kit of claim 4, wherein the first construction element and the second construction element are arrangeable in contact with one another such that the 30 holes are arranged substantially parallel to one another.

6. The construction kit of claim 4 or 5, wherein the first construction element and the second construction element are arrangeable in contact with one another such that the holes are arranged substantially side by side.

7. The construction kit of any preceding claim, wherein the securement means comprises a linkage pin and a linkage plate. 10

8. The construction kit of claim 7, wherein the linkage pin comprises a substantially Jshaped bar, with a hook portion and a straight portion.

9. The construction kit of claim 8, wherein the straight 15 portion comprises an upper threaded portion.

10. The construction kit of claim 8 or 9, wherein the hook portion and the straight portion are releasably couplable by screwing together, to enable straight portions of 20 different lengths to be attached to common hook portions.

11. The construction kit of any one of claims 7 to 10 wherein the linkage plate comprises a base having an aperture defined therein, and a pin extending from the 25 base.

12. The construction kit of any preceding claim as dependent on claim 8, wherein the straight portion of the linkage pin is arranged to pass through a hole of a first 30 construction element, with the hook portion engaging a hole of a second construction element.

13. The construction kit of claim 12, wherein, the straight portion of the linkage pin is arranged to extend from the first construction element when the straight portion of the linkage pin is passed through a hole of a 5 first construction element.

14. The construction kit of claim 12 or 13, wherein the linkage plate is arranged to receive a straight portion of the linkage pin extending from the first construction lo element through the aperture in the base, with the pin extending from the base positionable within the hole of the second construction element.

15. The construction kit of any preceding claim as 15 dependent on claim 7, wherein in use engagement of the linkage pin with the first construction element, and engagement of the linkage plate with the linkage pin, and engagement of the linkage plate with the second construction element serve to secure the first 20 construction element to the second construction element.

16. The construction kit of claim 15, wherein in use engagement of the linkage pin with the first construction element, and engagement of the linkage plate with the 25 linkage pin, and engagement of the linkage plate with the second construction element serve to secure the first construction element to the second construction element in contact with one another.

30

17. The construction kit of any preceding claim as dependent on claim 9, wherein the linkage plate is secured to the linkage pin by a nut screwed onto the threaded portion.

18. The construction kit of claim 17, wherein the nut prevents the linkage pin and the linkage plate from becoming disengaged from the holes.

19. The construction kit of any preceding claim as dependent on claim 7, wherein the linkage plate is substantially identical to the hook portion of the linkage pin.

20. The construction kit of any preceding claim as dependent on claim 7, wherein the construction elements comprise channels arranged to receive the linkage plate and the hook portion of the linkage pin such that, in use, 5 the base of the linkage plate and the hook portion of the linkage pin do not extend beyond the surfaces of the construction elements.

21. The construction kit of any preceding claim, wherein 20 the construction elements can be arranged in a plurality of layers joined by securement means.

22. The construction kit of any preceding claim as dependent on claim 7, wherein the linkage plate further 25 comprises a spike extending from the base.

23. The construction kit of claim 22, wherein the spike extends from the base in the opposite direction from the pin.

24. The construction kit of claim 23, wherein the spike is releasably coupleable to the linkage plate, and is

arranged to be fitted to the linkage plate after engagement of the linkage plate with the linkage pin.

25. The construction kit of any one of claims 22 to 24 as S dependent on claim 21, wherein the spike is arranged to in use contact a construction element from a layer of construction elements above the linkage plate.

26. The construction kit of any preceding claim, wherein lo the sides of the construction elements are angled relative to one another such that first and second construction elements contact one another at a predetermined angle.

27. The construction kit of any preceding claim, wherein 5 the construction elements comprise a hole proximate to each end.

28. The construction kit of any preceding claim, wherein the sides of the construction elements arm angled relative 20 to one another such that a plurality of construction elements can be arranged to form a regular polygon.

29. The construction kit of any preceding claim, wherein the sides of the construction elements are angled relative 25 to one another such that six construction elements can be arranged to form a regular hexagon.

30. The construction kit of any preceding claim, wherein the first construction element and the second construction So element are substantially identical.

31. The construction kit of any preceding claim, wherein the construction elements comprise further holes allowing

multiple connections between construction elements to be made.

32. The construction kit of any preceding claim, wherein 5 the first construction element and the second construction element comprise a material selected from a group comprising. timber material, rubber, concrete, stone, and plastics material.

10

33. A construction element having a hole therein, the construction element suitable for use in the construction kit of any preceding claim.

34. A structure comprising a plurality of construction 15 elements according to claim 33.

35. The structure of claim 34 comprising a freestanding structure. JO

36. A method of arranging a first construction element with a second construction element, the method comprising steps of: (a) providing a first construction element comprising a hole; (b) providing a second construction element comprising a hole; (c) providing securement means; 25 (d) arranging the first construction element adjacent to the second construction elements with the hole of the first construction element offset from the hole of the second construction element; and (d) engaging the securement means with the holes of the first and second 30 construction elements in order to secure the first construction element to the second element with the securement means.

2s

37. A construction kit substantially as herein described, with particular reference to Figures 1 to 24.

38. A construction element substantially as herein 5 described, with particular reference to Figures 1 to 8, 14 to 21, 23 and 24.

39. A structure substantially as herein described, with particular reference to Figures 1, 8 and 23.

40 A method of arranging construction elements, substantially as herein described.