WO2016059367A1

WO2016059367A1 - Toy construction-block container

Info

Publication number: WO2016059367A1
Application number: PCT/GB2015/052751
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christopher FACEY; Louise PURCELL
Original assignee: BON BON BUDDIES Ltd
Current assignee: BON BON BUDDIES Ltd
Priority date: 2014-10-15
Filing date: 2015-09-23
Publication date: 2016-04-21
Anticipated expiration: 2017-04-15
Also published as: GB201418227D0; GB2531296A; GB2531296B

Abstract

A toy construction-block container (10) comprising a housing (12) having first and second housing parts (14, 16), each said housing part (14, 16) having a major face (18, 20) and a perimeter sidewall (22, 24) extending therefrom, the first housing part (18) being hingably connected to the second housing part (20) to define an openable and closeable interior cavity (26) for confectionery storage. Block connection means is provided on the first and second housing parts (14, 16) to releasably interengage a like toy construction-block container (10). The block connection means comprising a primary two-part connector (48) on the major faces (18, 20) of the first and second housing parts (14, 16), one part of the primary two-part connector (48) being a boss (48a)and the other part being a corresponding boss recess (48b) complementarily shaped to engage the boss (48a). The block connection means further comprises a secondary two-part connector (50) having one part provided on the boss(48a)and the other part on the boss recess (48b) of the primary two-part connector(48).

Description

Toy Construction-Block Container

The present invention relates to a toy construction-block container suitable for stacking, and a toy construction-block container system comprising a plurality of said containers, particularly, but not necessarily exclusively, for storing confectionery. Construction block toys are educational toys for children, helping to develop their motor skills, hand-eye coordination skills, and spatial skills. Children have complete freedom to use such construction or building blocks to build a myriad of different structures, thus encouraging children to think creatively during play.

Known construction block toys tend to provide connecting means for stacking multiple blocks one on top of the other.

It is an object of the invention to provide a toy construction-block container, for example, for confectionery and/or storage of small items.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a toy construction- block container comprising a housing having first and second housing parts, each said housing part having a major face and a perimeter sidewall extending therefrom, the first housing part being hingably connected to the second housing part to define an openable and closeable interior cavity for confectionery storage, and block connection means on the first and second housing parts to releasably interengage a like toy construction- block container, the block connection means comprising a primary two-part connector on the major faces of the first and second housing parts, one part of the primary two- part connector being a boss and the other part being a corresponding boss recess complementarily shaped to engage the boss, and a secondary two-part connector having one part provided on the boss and the other part on the boss recess of the primary two- part connector. The toy construction-block container is advantageous because it offers function and play, providing a storage facility for items children like to carry around, such as confectionery or toys, as well as allowing children to play by building structures using multiple containers. Children can use each container as an individual construction or building block, the primary two-part connector allowing the container to be stacked or interconnected with one or more like containers in a variety of ways to build different structures. The child has complete freedom as to how to stack or interconnect containers, thus encouraging children to think creatively during play.

Each container in a chain of containers may be used to store different types of items, thus allowing a child to sort items into categories. One container is able to interconnect to a like container having the same block connection means, thus allowing containers to be swapped or gifted between two or more users.

The container is reusable. One or more containers can be added to or removed from a container structure at any time, thus the child may build a large structure at home, then disconnect a portion small enough to fit into a pocket or a backpack, for example, so the child can take a portion of the structure out of the home.

The secondary two-part connector provides positive engagement between the boss and the boss recess of the primary two-part connector. It also prevents or limits relative angular displacement of the interengaged parts of the primary two-part connectors in at least one plane. The secondary two-part connector also functions as a locating or indexing means to orientate containers to be connected to at least one or more predefined orientation.

Preferable options relating to the first aspect of the invention are set forth in claims 2 to 18. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a toy construction-block container system comprising at least two construction-block containers in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.

The at least two containers preferably have at least two different sizes and/or shapes.

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view from above of one embodiment of a toy construction-block container in a closed state, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; Figure la shows an enlarged view of a boss of a primary two-part connector of the toy construction-block container of Figure 1;

Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view from below of the toy construction-block container of Figure 1; Figure 2a shows an enlarged view of a boss recess of a primary two-part connector of the toy construction-block container of Figure 2;

Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view from above of the toy construction-block container of Figure 1, in an open state;

Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of two toy construction-block containers of Figure 1, an upper major face of one toy construction-block container being releasably engaged with a perimeter sidewall of the other toy construction-block container, in accordance with the second aspect of the present invention;

Figure 4a shows an enlarged view of a portion of the connection between the two toy construction-block containers of Figure 4; Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of two toy construction-block containers of Figure 1, a lower major face of one toy construction-block container being releasably engaged with the upper major face of the other toy construction-block container, in accordance with the second aspect of the present invention; and

Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective view of five toy construction-block containers of Figure 1, the lower face of one toy construction-block container being releasably engaged with a portion of the upper face of the other four toy construction-block containers, in accordance with the second aspect of the present invention.

Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 3, one embodiment of a toy construction-block container 10 comprises a housing 12 having first and second housing parts 14, 16 that are hingably connected together. Each housing part 14, 16 has a major face 18, 20 and a perimeter sidewall 22, 24 extending therefrom, defining an openable and closeable interior cavity 26 therein. Block connection means, described in detail hereinafter, are provided on the first and second housing parts 14, 16 to releasably interengage the construction-block container 10 with a like construction-block container 10. The housing 12, when in its closed condition, is preferably cuboidal. Each of the first and second housing parts 14, 16 preferably form half of the housing 12. The perimeter sidewall 22, 24 of each of the first and second housing parts 14, 16 is preferably made up of four sides, namely front and rear sides 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b and left and right sides 22c, 22d, 24c, 24d that are identical or substantially identical in length and width.

Each of the major faces 18, 20 and perimeter sidewalls 22, 24 of the first and second housing parts 14, 16 have an exterior surface and interior surface. The exterior and interior surfaces of the perimeter sidewall 22, 24 of each of the first and second housing parts 14, 16 define a perimeter edge 30, 32 therebetween, at a distal free end of the perimeter sidewall 22, 24. The perimeter sidewalls 22, 24 of the first and second housing parts 14, 16 together define four sidewalls 34, namely front and rear sidewalls, 34a, 34b, and left and right sidewalls 34c, 34d, of the housing 12. The front and rear sidewalls 34a, 34b, at least, are suitable for self-adhesive stickers to be applied thereto, to allow a user to customise and/or to decorate the container 10. A hinge, preferably a live or living hinge 36, is provided to hingably connect the rear sides 22b, 24b of the first and second housing parts 14, 16. The housing parts 14, 16 can hingably rotate away from each other to an open state where the interior cavity 26 is accessible, and towards each other to a closed state where the interior cavity 26 is enclosed. A user interface, in a form of an elongate ledge 38, may preferably be provided on the exterior surface of the front side 22a of the first housing part 14, being proximate to and parallel with the perimeter edge 30. The ledge 38 assists the user with opening and closing of the housing 12. However, other user interfaces can be considered, such as a two part ledge on each housing part having a detent interposed between opposing edges thereby allowing snap-fit closure of the housing.

A cut out portion 39 is preferably formed on an edge interposed between the major face 18 and the right side 22d of the first housing part 14. An identical cut out portion 39 is provided at an opposing edge. Two further cut out portions 39 are similarly provided on the second housing part 16. The cut out portions 39 are provided and positioned on the first and second housing parts 14, 16 strategically to enable tooling of the first and second housing parts 14, 16 to take place effectively and efficiently. The housing 12 is preferably integrally formed or tooled as one piece, ideally by injection moulding. The cut out portions 39 enable smooth release of the housing 12 during the injection moulding process, and prevent the material from shrinking along the edges of the major faces 18, 20. The cut out portions 39 are thus advantageous, improving production efficiency of the container 10 and also material flow when manufacturing the container 10.

The first housing part 14 is preferably provided with a stepped perimeter having the perimeter edge 30, 32 that is raised and a shoulder at the interior of the first housing part 14, defining a first lip 40. A second lip 42 similar to the first lip 40 is provided on the second housing part 16, but at the exterior of the second housing part 16, such that when the housing 12 is in the closed state, the two lips 40, 42 abut one another to create frictional contact between the first and second housing parts 14, 16. This helps to prevent unintentional opening of the housing 12 and aids engagement as well as sealing.

The interior cavity 26 is suitable for storing confectionery. The close or tight fit between the first and second lips 40, 42 eliminates or substantially eliminates any gap that may be present between the two perimeter edges 30, 32 when the container 10 is in the closed state. The lips 40, 42 effectively form a seal, thus allowing storage of small sized items, for example confectionery coated with sugar, preferably without or substantially without leakage. A locking means is preferably provided, namely a ledge or beading 44 and a corresponding ledge or beading channel 46, on an interior surface of the first lip 40 and an exterior surface of the second lip 42, respectively. The beading 44 and the beading channel 46 may releasably and positively engage with one another when the container 10 is in the closed state to prevent unintentional opening of the housing 12. The block connection means mentioned above comprises a primary two-part connector 48, secondary two-part connector 50, and preferably a tertiary connector 52.

The primary two-part connector 48 is provided on the major faces 18, 20 of the first and second housing parts 14, 16, one part of the connector 48 being a boss 48a and the other part being a corresponding boss recess 48b complementarily shaped to frictionally engage with the boss 48a. The embodiment illustrated in the Figures has four such bosses 48a spaced apart on the major face 18 of the first housing part 14 and four corresponding boss recesses 48b on the major face 20 of the second housing part 16. The bosses 48a are thus visible when viewed from above, extending upwardly from the major face 18 of the first housing part 14, when the container 10 is in the closed state.

Each boss 48a and each boss recess 48b are spaced equidistantly away from a central point of their respective major faces 18, 20. Each major face 18, 20 with the bosses 48a or boss recesses 48b thus forms a mirror image along its central longitudinal axis and central lateral axis. The symmetrical nature of such an arrangement is beneficial when containers 10 are required to be stacked or interconnected with one another, and is also aesthetically pleasing. Each boss 48a and each boss recess 48b preferably have a rectangular or square shaped horizontal cross-section. A distal free end of each boss 48a may advantageously be provided with an indicia display area 49 to display branding.

The secondary two-part connector 50 is provided on the primary two-part connector 48, one part of the connector 50 preferably being a stud or protrusion 50a on an exterior surface of each boss 48a, located part way on an axial length of the boss 48a. The other part of the connector 50 is preferably a channel 50b provided on an exterior surface of each boss recess 48b, extending from or adjacent to a distal end towards a proximal end of the boss recess 48b. The channel 50b positioned on the boss recess 48b is sized and shaped to enable the stud 50a to be slidably engaged therein, when connecting two containers 10 via their respective major faces 18, 20.

The embodiment illustrated in the Figures has four such studs 50a spaced equi- angularly apart on a sidewall of each boss 48a, and four corresponding channels 50b in each boss recess 48b. This allows one container 10 to be rotated along its central longitudinal axis relative to another container 10 at 90 degrees, 180 degrees or 270 degrees, and the studs 50a of the said one container 10 are still able to slidably engage with the channels 50b of the other container 10. Therefore, when the two containers 10 are connected one on top the other, as seen in Figures 5 and 6, the respective sidewalls 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d of the two containers 10 may or may not be aligned. The arrangement of the multiple studs 50a and channels 50b increase the variety of ways the containers 10 may be connected, whilst still allowing the secondary two-part connector 50 of one container 10 to slidably engage with one or two adjacent containers 10. Each channel 50b is preferably elongate, positioned parallel or substantially parallel with the central longitudinal axis of the boss recess 48b. Each channel 50b is open at one end and extends from or adjacent to the distal end of the boss recess 48b to allow entry of the stud 50a into the channel 50b. Each channel 50b terminates part way along an axial length of the boss recess 48b. Each stud 50a thus abuts the said other end of each channel 50b when the boss 48a of the primary two-part connector 48 is completely or substantially completely engaged within the boss recess 48b.

The tertiary connector 52 is provided on at least one of, and preferably both, the left and right sidewalls 34c, 34d of the housing 12. In other words, the tertiary connector 52 is preferably provided on both the left and right sides 22c, 22d, 24c, 24d of the sidewalls 22, 24 of the first and second housing parts 14, 16.

The tertiary connector 52 comprises a square shaped recessed portion 52a on each left and right sidewalls 34c, 34d of the housing 12. The recessed portion 52a is sized and shaped to allow each boss 48a of the primary two-part connector 48 to be releasably accommodated or engaged therein, as seen in Figure 4. The length of each cut out portion 39 is the same or substantially the same as a perimeter side of the recessed portion 52a.

Best seen in Figure 4a, a perimeter channel 52b is provided along a perimeter sidewall of the recessed portion 52a, positioned and sized to releasably engage with the studs 50a of the secondary two-part connector 50 on the bosses 48a of the primary two-part connector 48. The positioning of each stud 50a on each boss 48a is specifically arranged such that each stud 50a is parallel to its adjacent edge of the major face 18, 20, so that each stud 50a is guaranteed to be engageable with the perimeter channel 52b.

Therefore, as well as allowing containers 10 to be stacked and interconnected one on top of the other, as shown in Figure 5, they can be interconnected sideways, as shown in Figure 4, by connecting the major face 18 of the first housing part 14 of one container 10 to the left or right sidewall 34c, 34d of the housing 12 of another container 10. Thus one container 10 may be perpendicularly positioned on its side to extend from one or two adjacent containers 10. The three connectors 48, 50, 52 are preferably integrally formed with the first and second housing parts 14, 16. The material used for the container 10 is preferably poly- propylene, or other suitable plastics material that is durable and has a suitable degree of strength and flexibility to provide rigidity to the housing 12 and the live hinge 36. The material should preferably be non-toxic and safe to be in contact with food stuff.

To make the container 10 child-friendly and safe, all edges and corners of the housing 12, as well as a distal edge of each boss 48a, are preferably chamfered or filleted. The dimensions of the container 10 may vary, but preferably have a length and a width of between 30mm and 70mm, more preferably between 40mm and 60mm, and most preferably 54mm, and a height of between 40mm and 80mm, more preferably between 50mm and 70mm, and most preferably 60mm. In use, the container 10 can be opened and closed for storing items, particularly confectionery which is popular amongst children. Other items are also suitable to be stored, such as small sized toys, stickers or character models. The first and second lips 40, 42 and the locking means lock the first and second housing parts 14, 16 in the closed state to prevent items from unintentionally falling out of the container 10. To open the container 10, the first and second housing parts 14, 16 are forced apart. Upward force to the ledge 38 on the first housing part 14 can be applied to assist with this.

The container 10 can be stacked or interconnected with one or more like containers 10 in a variety of ways and orientations. For example, containers may be stacked one on top of the other by interconnecting a major face 18 of the first housing part 14 of one container 10 with a major face 20 of the second housing part 16 of another container 10, thus forming a linear arrangement. See Figure 5. Each container 10 can be opened and items stored therein accessed. As previously discussed, the orientation of each of the containers 10 may vary such that the front and rear sidewalls 34a, 34b and the left and right sidewalls 34c, 34d of the housings 12 of the containers 10 may or may not be aligned, which adds to the play appeal of the container 10.

Additionally or alternatively, connections may be made between the left or right sidewalls 34c, 34d of the housing 12 of a container 10, and the major face 18 of the first housing part 14 of one or two like containers 10. See Figure 4. The container 10 that has its left and/or right sidewalls 34c, 34d used to interconnect to adjacent containers 10 is still openable and closable, whereby the second housing part 16 of the container 10 can pivot relative to the first housing part 14 of the container 10 and its adjacent containers 10.

It is thus possible to provide a container that offers function and play, providing storage facility to items children like to store or carry around, such as confectionery or toys, as well as allowing children to play by building structures using multiple containers. Children can use each container as individual construction or building blocks, the primary two-part connector allowing the container to be stacked or interconnected with one or more like container in a variety of ways. Each container in a chain of containers may be used to store different types of items, thus allowing a child to sort items into categories.

The container is interconnectable on at least the major faces, in other words two sides, of the housing. Where the tertiary connector is provided, the container is interconnectable on at least four sides of the housing.

It is also possible to provide a toy construction-block container system comprising at least two toy construction-block containers 10, allowing the user to build different structures by interconnecting the containers 10 in a number of different ways. Figures 4 to 6 illustrate three of the many different ways of connection. The number of possible combinations increase even further if the system comprises containers of different sizes and/or shapes. It will be appreciated that the housing may be of a shape other than cuboidal. It may, for example, be a cube, triangular prism, or prism with more than four sides such as a hexagonal prism. Where a system of at least two containers is provided, the system may comprise containers having at least two different shapes, and/or two different sizes. This increases the variety of structures which the child can construct using the containers.

Although having the first and second housing parts being of similar or identical depth simplifies the manufacturing process of the container, it will be appreciated that the first and second housing parts may have different depths, if desired.

Although a live hinge is preferred to hingably connect the first and second housing parts, the hinge may be provided as a separate part to allow the first and second housing parts to be formed separately, for example, if different materials are to be used for each housing part.

It will be appreciated that the user interface may be in a form other than an elongate ledge, and/or may be formed on the second housing part. For example, a textured area may be provided on the first and/or second housing part to allow a user to grip thereon, or a recessed area may be provided. Alternatively, the user interface may be dispensed with and the user can simply grip onto the housing parts with his or her hands respectively to open and close the container.

The length of each cut out portion may be shorter than the embodiment illustrated in the Figures. It is however advantageous to have the cut out portions being of at least the same length as the furthest distance between two bosses or two boss recesses adjacent an edge of the major face of the first or second housing part. This is because the cut out portion prevents shrinkage of the housing parts, especially where the first two-part connector is provided. Furthermore, more or fewer cut out portions may be provided, and they may be provided on adjacent edges of each major face rather than on opposing edges.

It will be appreciated that the positioning of the first and second lips adjacent the raised perimeter edges may be interchanged, or may be dispensed with in order to simplify the manufacturing process. The locking means may be in a form other than a beading and corresponding beading channel, for example it may simply be two textured areas that can frictionally engage with one another. It may even be dispensed with, especially if the first and second lips are already provided. Furthermore, although the beading and the corresponding beading channel are preferably elongate, their length may be reduced, or multiple spaced apart headings and channels may be provided instead. The positioning of the beading and the beading channel may be interchanged, if desired.

It will be appreciated that the major faces of the first and second housing part may be provided with a mix of boss and boss recesses, although having the same part type on the same major face will ensure that the container can always interconnect with another container. The number of bosses or boss recesses may be more or fewer than four, but preferably at least two to ensure the containers will not rotate relative to one another when they are connected, to give stability to the structure. It also provides the option of connecting a container with one or more other containers on the same major face. Figure 6 illustrates one such example. The number of bosses or boss recesses may also be influenced by the size and shape of the container, for example, a rectangular shaped container may be provided with two rows of three bosses and boss recesses on the first and second housing parts respectively. Alternatively, a bigger cubic shaped container may be provided with three rows of three bosses and boss recess. Although the bosses and boss recess are preferably cuboidal, it will be appreciated that they may be provided in other shapes, such as circular or oval. Circular shaped bosses and boss recesses are advantageous as they allow the containers to be interconnected regardless of their orientation relative to each other.

It will be appreciated that the positioning of the two parts of the secondary two-part connector may be interchanged, such that the studs are provided on the boss recesses and the channels provided on the bosses. However if a tertiary connector is provided, having the studs on the bosses enable the studs to engage with the perimeter channel of the tertiary connector. The number of studs or channels of the secondary two-part connector may be more or fewer than four, but preferably at least two. It will be appreciated that other forms of secondary two-part connectors may be provided instead of the studs and channels as described above. For example, a circumferential ridge may be provided on one of the boss and recess of the primary two- part connector to engage with a corresponding circumferential channel provided on the other of the boss and boss recess. As yet another alternative, a first protrusion or circumferential ridge and a corresponding second protrusion or circumferential ridge may be provided on the boss and recess respectively, such that as the boss engages into the recess, one protrusion or ridge rides over the other to lock the boss and the recess against axial movements.

Furthermore, the tertiary connector may be provided on two sides of the housing that are adjacent to each other, rather than on opposing sides. The tertiary connector may be provided on three or all four sides of the housing, if desired. The recessed portion may be provided as a non-square shape, as long as it defines a space that can accommodate all the bosses on the major face. Alternatively, the recessed portion may be provided with multiple recesses to accommodate each boss individually.

Although the channel of the tertiary connector is arranged to extend the whole perimeter of the recessed portion, it will be appreciated that channels extending along only a portion of the perimeter of the recessed portion may be provided, as long as they are positioned correspondingly to receive the studs on one or more bosses.

The words 'comprises/comprising' and the words 'having/including' when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but does not preclude the presence of addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of this invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departed from the scope of the invention as herein described.

Claims

1. A toy construction-block container (10) comprising a housing (12) having first and second housing parts (14, 16), each said housing part (14, 16) having a major face (18, 20) and a perimeter sidewall (22, 24) extending therefrom, the first housing part (14) being hingably connected to the second housing part (16) to define an openable and closeable interior cavity (26) for confectionery storage, and block connection means on the first and second housing parts (14, 16) to releasably interengage a like toy construction-block container (10), the block connection means comprising a primary two-part connector (48) on the major faces (18, 20) of the first and second housing parts (14, 16), one part of the primary two-part connector (48) being a boss (48a) and the other part being a corresponding boss recess (48b) complementarily shaped to engage the boss (48a), and a secondary two-part connector (50) having one part provided on the boss (48a) and the other part on the boss recess (48b) of the primary two-part connector (48).

2. A toy construction-block container (10) as claimed in claim 1, the said one part of the secondary two-part connector (50) being a protrusion (50a) on one of the boss (48a) and the boss recess (48b) of the primary two-part connector (48) and the said other part being an elongate channel (50b) on the other of the boss (48a) and the boss recess (48b) of the primary two-part connector (48) to enable the protrusion (50a) to be slidably engaged.

3. A toy construction-block container (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the channel (50b) extends from or adjacent to a distal end towards a proximal end of the said other of the boss (48a) and the boss recess (48b) of the primary two- part connector (48).

4. A toy construction-block container (10) as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the channel (50b) of the secondary two-part connector (50) is or is substantially parallel with a central longitudinal axis of the said other of the boss (48a) and boss recess (48b) of the primary two-part connector (48).

5. A toy construction-block container (10) as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein at least two equi-distantly spaced protrusions (50a) are provided on the said one of the boss (48a) and boss recess (48b) of the primary two-part connector (48) and at least two equi-distantly spaced channels (50b) are provided on the said other of the boss (48a) and boss recess (48b) of the primary two-part connector (48).

6. A toy construction-block container (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a tertiary connector (52) on the perimeter sidewall (22, 24) of each of the first and second housing parts (14, 16), the tertiary connector (52) being releasably engageable with the boss (48a) of the primary two-part connector (48) and the secondary two-part connector (50) on the boss (48a) of the primary two-part connector (48), enabling releasable engagement between a sidewall (22, 24) of the housing (12) of one toy construction-block container (10) and the major face (18, 20) of the housing (12) of a like toy construction- block container (10).

7. A toy construction-block container (10) as claimed in claim 6 when dependent on claim 2, the tertiary connector (52) having a recessed portion (52a) on the perimeter sidewall (22, 24) of each of the first and second housing parts (14, 16), the recessed portion (52a) sized to receive the boss (48a) of the primary two-part connector (48), and a recessed portion channel (52b) in the recessed portion (52a) for releasably engaging the protrusion (50a) of the secondary two- part connector (50) on the boss (48a) of the primary two-part connector (48).

8. A toy construction-block container (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the recessed portion (52a) is provided on each of the two opposing sides of the perimeter sidewall (22,24) on each of the first and second housing parts (14, 16), each recessed portion (52a) having the perimeter portion channel (52b) therein.

9. A toy construction-block container (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the housing (12) is cuboidal, the perimeter sidewall (22, 24) of each of the first and second housing parts (14, 16) being four sided.

10. A toy construction-block container (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a cut out portion (39) is provided along a length of each of two opposing edges of the major face (18, 20) of each of the first and second housing parts (14, 16).

11. A toy construction-block container (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the hingable connection between the first and second housing parts (14, 16) is a live hinge (36).

12. A toy construction-block container (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a user interface (38) is provided on an exterior surface of the perimeter sidewall (22) of the first housing part (14) to assist with opening and closing of the housing (12).

13. A toy construction-block container (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, each of the first and second housing parts (14, 16) further comprises a stepped perimeter having a raised perimeter edge (30, 32) and a shoulder defining a lip (40, 42), such that when the housing (12) is closed the two lips (40, 42) abut one another to prevent unintentional opening of the housing (12).

14. A toy construction-block container (10) as claimed in claim 13, wherein a ledge (44) and a corresponding ledge channel (46) are provided on the lip (40) of the first housing part (14) and the lip (42) of the second housing part (16) respectively, such that when the housing (12) is closed the ledge (44) is releasably engaged within the ledge channel (46) to prevent unintentional opening of the housing (12).

15. A toy construction-block container (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, the said one part of the primary two-part connector (48) comprising at least two spaced apart bosses (48a), the said other part of the primary two-part connector (48) comprising at least two spaced apart corresponding boss recesses (48b).

16. A toy construction-block container (10) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the bosses (48a) and the boss recesses (48b) on the respective major faces (18, 20) form a mirror image along its central longitudinal axis and central lateral axis.

17. A toy construction-block container (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein an indicia display area (49) is provided at a distal end of the or each boss (48a).

18. A toy construction-block container (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the housing (12) is integrally formed as one piece.

19. A toy construction-block container system comprising at least two toy construction-block containers (10) as claimed in any preceding claim.

20. A toy construction-block container system as claimed in claim 19, wherein the at least two containers (10) have at least two different sizes and/or shapes.