EP3040491B1 - Element, system and construction method - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to the general field of modular building systems, in particular using substantially flat or at least surface construction elements, which are for example made of cardboard, paper or plastic, in order to forming a surface or volume construction by assembling said building elements together.

• une face présentant au moins un côté, et
• au moins un volet, lequel prolonge la face et est articulé à pivotement à cette dernière le long d'un trait de pliage qui s'étend le long du côté sur une première fraction de la longueur de ce dernier, le trait de pliage étant prolongé par une première arête libre qui s'étend le long du côté sur une deuxième fraction de la longueur de ce dernier.

The document US 2011/107706 A1 discloses a construction element according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention relates more particularly to a construction element, which is surface and comprises:

• a face having at least one side, and
• at least one flap, which extends the face and is pivotally articulated thereto along a fold line extending along the side for a first fraction of the length of the latter, the fold line being extended by a first free edge extending 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 also relates to a construction method using at least two construction elements which are each in accordance with the previously defined construction element.

• une étape de réalisation d'une face présentant au moins un côté, et
• une étape de réalisation d'au moins un volet prolongeant la face et étant articulé à pivotement à cette dernière le long d'un trait de pliage qui s'étend le long du côté sur une première fraction de la longueur de ce dernier, le trait de pliage étant prolongé par une première arête libre qui s'étend le long du côté sur une deuxième fraction de la longueur de ce dernier..

The invention further 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 step of producing at least one flap extending the face and being pivotally articulated thereto along a fold line which extends along the side over a first fraction of the length of the latter, the line folding being extended by a first free edge extending along the side over a second fraction of the length of the latter.

• un moyen de réalisation d'une face présentant au moins un côté, et
• un moyen de réalisation d'au moins un volet prolongeant la face et étant articulé à pivotement à cette dernière le long d'un trait de pliage qui s'étend le long du côté sur une première fraction de la longueur de ce dernier, le trait de pliage étant prolongé par une première arête libre qui s'étend le long du côté sur une deuxième fraction de la longueur de ce dernier.

The invention finally relates to 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
• 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 the latter; bending being extended by a first free edge extending along the side on a second fraction of the length of the latter.

There is known a building system comprising cardboard building elements each forming a polygon having a plurality of edges. 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, in order 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 produced, 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.

In addition, in order to retain the elastic, the tabs of known construction elements have a base of reduced width at the fold line within which elastic is intended to be placed. This zone is generally fragile and favorable to the progression of a break of the building element. The elastic is more generally mounted with a relatively high intensity of contention around the tabs, to ensure the proper holding of the building elements in position relative to each other, resulting in a risk of tearing 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 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 new building surface element, a new building system, a new construction method, and a new manufacturing method for constructing objects, particularly voluminal objects, which are particularly aesthetic and decorative.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new building surface element, a new building system, a new construction method, and a new manufacturing method for developing a repeatedly dismountable construction.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new building surface element, and a new building system, making it possible to create a volume construction, while themselves having a particularly small footprint once disassembled.

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 propose a new building surface element, a new construction system, a new construction method particularly versatile, 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 provide a new building surface element, a new building system, a new construction method, and a new manufacturing method for forming a particularly robust construction, and deformable.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new building surface element, a new building system, a new construction method, and a new manufacturing method for forming a relatively rigid and resistant construction.

• une face présentant au moins un côté, et
• au moins un volet, lequel prolonge la face et est articulé à pivotement à cette dernière le long d'un trait de pliage qui s'étend le long du côté sur une première fraction de la longueur de ce dernier, le trait de pliage étant prolongé par une première arête libre qui s'étend le long du côté sur une deuxième fraction de la longueur de ce dernier,

ledit élément de construction étant caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend au moins une première encoche ménagée dans la première arête libre sur une fraction de la longueur de cette dernière, ladite première encoche étant adjacente au trait de pliage et s'étendant dans ladite face, vers l'intérieur de cette dernière à partir du côté.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
• at least one flap, which extends the face and is pivotally articulated thereto along a fold line extending along the side for a first fraction of the length of the latter, the fold line being extended by one first free edge extending along the side on 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 to the fold line and extending in said face, inward from the latter from the side.

The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved by means of a construction system comprising a plurality of construction elements in accordance with the previously defined construction element, characterized in that it also comprises at least one means fastener 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 the by means of a fastening means comprising a loop, for example an elastic loop, these construction elements are maintained in a construction configuration by fastening together the flap of each of said building elements with said loop, the construction configuration corresponding to a provision mutual embodiment of said construction elements in which their respective fold 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 of each said building elements.

• une étape de réalisation d'une face présentant au moins un côté, et
• une étape de réalisation d'au moins un volet prolongeant la face et étant articulé à pivotement à cette dernière le long d'un trait de pliage qui s'étend le long du côté sur une première fraction de la longueur de ce dernier, le trait de pliage étant prolongé par une première arête libre qui s'étend le long du côté sur une deuxième fraction de la longueur de ce dernier,

le procédé de fabrication étant caractérisée en ce qu'il comprend une étape de réalisation d'au moins une première encoche dans la première arête libre sur une fraction de la longueur de cette dernière, de façon à ce que ladite première encoche soit adjacente au trait de pliage et s'étende dans ladite face, vers l'intérieur de cette dernière à partir du côté.The objects assigned to the invention are further achieved by 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 step of producing at least one flap extending the face and being pivotally articulated thereto along a fold line which extends along the side over a first fraction of the length of the latter, the line folding being extended by a first free edge extending along the side on 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 line. folding and extends in said face, inwardly of the latter from the side.

• un moyen de réalisation d'une face présentant au moins un côté, et
• un moyen de réalisation d'au moins un volet prolongeant la face et étant articulé à pivotement à cette dernière le long d'un trait de pliage qui s'étend le long du côté sur une première fraction de la longueur de ce dernier, le trait de pliage étant prolongé par une première arête libre qui s'étend le long du côté sur une deuxième fraction de la longueur de ce dernier,

la machine de fabrication étant caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend un moyen de réalisation d'au moins une première encoche dans la première arête libre sur une fraction de la longueur de cette dernière, de façon à ce que ladite première encoche soit adjacente au trait de pliage et s'étende dans ladite face, vers l'intérieur de cette dernière à partir du côté.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
• 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 the latter; bending being extended by a first free edge extending along the side on a second fraction of the length of the latter,

the manufacturing machine being characterized in that it comprises means for 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 line. folding and extends in said face, inwardly of the latter from the side.

• La figure 1 représente, selon une vue de face, un exemple d'élément de construction, en l'espèce présentant une face de forme triangulaire, conforme à l'invention.
• La figure 2 illustre, selon une vue en perspective cavalière, un exemple de construction modulaire obtenue à l'aide d'un système de construction conforme à l'invention, incluant une pluralité d'éléments de construction présentant chacun une face de forme carrée.

• La figure 3 illustre, selon une vues de face, un exemple de système de construction conforme à l'invention, incluant deux éléments de construction de la figure 2 disposés dans une configuration de construction.
• La figure 4 illustre, selon une vue de face, le système de construction de la figure 3, incluant également un moyen d'attache des deux éléments de construction ensemble dans leur configuration de construction, le moyen d'attache étant en l'espèce formé par un élastique.
• Les figures 5 et 6 illustrent, selon des vues en perspective, le système de construction des figures 3 et 4.
• La figure 7 illustre, selon une vue de face, un exemple de système de construction conforme à l'invention, incluant en l'espèce un élément de construction présentant une face de forme triangulaire, un élément de construction présentant une face de forme carrée, les deux éléments de constructions étant attachés ensemble dans une configuration de construction à l'aide du moyen d'attache de la figure 4.
• La figure 8 illustre, selon une vue de face, un exemple d'outil de préhension appartenant au système de construction des figures précédentes, et par l'intermédiaire duquel un moyen d'attache peut être manipulé, par exemple celui qui est illustré aux figures 4 et 7.
• La figure 9 représente, selon une vue de face, un exemple de réalisation d'un élément de construction conforme à l'invention.

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:

• The figure 1 represents, in a front view, an example of a construction element, in this case having a triangular-shaped face, according to the invention.
• The figure 2 illustrates, in a cavalier perspective view, an example of a modular construction obtained using a construction system in accordance with the invention, including a plurality of building elements each having a square-shaped face.

• The figure 3 illustrates, according to a front view, an example of a construction system according to the invention, including two construction elements of the figure 2 arranged in a construction configuration.
• The figure 4 illustrates, according to a front view, the construction system of the figure 3 , also including a means for attaching the two building elements together in their construction configuration, the fastening means being in this case formed by an elastic.
• The figures 5 and 6 illustrate, in perspective views, the system of construction of Figures 3 and 4 .
• The figure 7 illustrates, in a front view, an example of a building 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 elements of constructions being fastened together in a construction configuration using the fastening means of the figure 4 .
• The figure 8 illustrates, in a front view, an example of a gripping tool belonging to the construction system of the preceding figures, and through which a fastening means can be manipulated, for example that which is illustrated in FIGS. figures 4 and 7 .
• The figure 9 represents, in a front view, an embodiment of a construction 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. figure 1 , and whose assembly with other building elements preferably makes it possible to obtain a modular construction 2, an example of which is shown in FIG. figure 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 thickness and low, and in any case much less than the length and / or the width of the construction element 1 which is therefore in the form of a plate, or of a blank. 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 a plasticized paper, or a plastic, or a metal sheet, 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 using 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 construction element 1, for example by chisel, with a rotating tool, to 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 a clean 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 in accordance with the invention can make it possible to obtain a modular construction 2 which is surface-based, or preferentially volumic, in order preferably to form a closed volume, for example a cube (such as illustrated in figure 2 ), or any other polyhedron of the genus dodecahedron, 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.

• un moyen d'amortissement mécanique (par exemple les systèmes vibrants),
• un moyen d'absorption acoustique ou d'isolation acoustique,
• un jeux ou un jouet à construire ou à assembler, du genre cabane, puzzle tridimensionnel, ballon, globe,
• du mobilier, ou des éléments de mobilier (des tables, des chaises, des lampadaires, des lampes, des lustres, ou des abats-jour),
• des objets décoratifs,
• un objet publicitaire, ou un support publicitaire (présentoir, étagère à produits),
• un système de cloisons ou des murs temporaires pour stand de salon, ou un système de cloisons pour délimiter des cellules de travail dans un espace ouvert (dit « open space »),
• un emballage pour un produit,
• un élément de prêt-à-porter du genre chapeau, jupe, ou autre.

In particular, the modular construction 2 thus obtained may find many different applications, and may for example form:

• mechanical damping means (for example vibrating systems),
• sound absorption or acoustic insulation means,
• a game or a toy to build or to assemble, of the kind cabin, three-dimensional puzzle, balloon, globe,
• furniture, or items of furniture (tables, chairs, lamps, lamps, chandeliers, or lampshades),
• decorative objects,
• an advertising object, or an advertising medium (display stand, product shelf),
• a system of partitions or temporary walls for a salon stand, or a system of partitions for delimiting work cells in an open space (called " open space "),
• a package 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 geometric figure, with at least one side 4 which delimits at least a portion of the contour of said geometric 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 curve or any, the side 4 is preferably substantially rectilinear and extends along an axis A1. 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 figure 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 the 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 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 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 a tab, which can be oriented, preferably by folding 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 axis A1 . 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 is itself 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, to favor 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, by example printed or drawn on the construction element 1, to indicate where the latter is intended to be folded to allow the flap 5 to be hinged to the face 3. The fold line 6 can also be formed by an invisible line, not drawn, virtual, around which the flap 5 is intended to be pivoted 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 shutter 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 via their respective part 5. The invention therefore also relates as such, according to 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 allowing attach two of the building elements 1 together through their respective flap 5. The construction system of the invention will thus be described at the same time as 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. Figures 4 to 6 , and in particular so that the sides 4 associated with said flaps 5 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 building 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 fold line 6 and the edge 7. The face 3 may itself comprise complementary fold lines upstream of the fold line 6. The 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 of the fold lines comes into contact substantially flat on the face 3. Preferably, a fastening element of the inner slot type (not shown) is provided in said face 3, so that the flap portion 5 can be attached to said fastener element, for example in contact and flat against it. Preferably, a locking flap protrudes from an edge of the inner slot and forms said attachment member, so that the flap 5 can be attached to the locking flap, preferably substantially flat against it, by intermediate of the attachment means 10, the latter preferentially 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 can 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 rectilinear 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 rectilinear over a fraction of its length along the axis A1, so that the fold line 6 extends along the axis A1, the first free edge 8 being as to it is not parallel to the axis A1. Preferably, the first free edge 8 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 first free edge 8 carried by the axis A1 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 forms in this case 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 'illustrated at figure 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 a salient element from on the side 4, for example another flap (not shown), for example extending itself to the first end of said side 4.

As illustrated in the figures, the fold line 6 is advantageously extended by a second free edge 9 opposite to 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 advantageous an extremal fraction of the side 4. Preferably, the second end of the side 4, and preferably of the second free edge 9, is intended to form a vertex of the modular construction 2. Alternatively, the second free edge 9 can extend on an intermediate fraction of the side 4 forming said third fraction of the side 4, and for example be bordered on the one hand by the flap 5 and on the other hand by an element projecting from the side 4, extending itself by 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 as for it is 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 relative 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 relative to the axis A1. 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 (cf. figure 9 ). The extension element 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 away from the fold line 6. The extension element 20 can also be connected to the side 4 by 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 A1. In addition, the extension element 20 can be articulated to the face 3 around a second extension fold line 22, which is for example also carried by the axis A1. In a particularly preferred manner, the extension element 20 has an opening 23 making it possible to provide a free space for the flap 5, which can thus advantageously freely engage around the fold line 6. The hearing 23 preferably has a surrounding contour. 5. According to this preferential scheme, and as illustrated in figure 9 the extension element 20 spans the flap 5.

In any event, 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 even all the sides 4 of the face 3 have the same configuration as that described above, so that the building element 1 advantageously comprises a plurality of flaps 5 , a plurality of first free edges 8, and a plurality of second free edges 9 respectively associated with the sides 4. In the case of the figure 1 for example, the construction element 1 is provided with three shutters 5, whereas in the case of Figures 2 to 6 each building element 1 is provided with four shutters 5. Thus, each building element 1 according to the invention can be attached to as many elements of constructions 1 that 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 fold line 6 and extending into said face 3, towards the inside of the latter from the side 4. The first notch 11 of the invention forms a portion of the first edge 8 which is set back, towards the inside of the face 3, that is to say a concavity, a notch or a notch in the side 4 of the face 3. first notch 11 separates the fold line 6 from the first edge 8, so as 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 preferentially from the flap 5. The first notch 11 preferably surrounds a non-zero surface space.

The first notch 11 is preferably intended to receive the attachment means 10 mentioned above, for attaching the construction element 1 to another construction element 1 having a flap 5 according to the foregoing description, by the intermediate of said flap 5. 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. to each other, as illustrated in Figures 4 to 6 . Preferably, the fastening means 10, and in particular its buckle, is dimensioned so that it can be mounted on the flaps 5 so as to clamp the construction elements 1 against each other. The attachment means is advantageously provided to surround said flaps 5 so as to pass on either side of the fold line 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 .

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 come into contact with the first free edge 8, and is not susceptible to locally deform 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 and preferably of sufficient size so that the attachment means 10 is inserted partially, preferably entirely, within the latter. Thus, the attachment means 10, and in particular the loop, is provided for be threaded around the flap 5 via the respective first notch 11 of said two construction 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 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 line. respective folding, 6 to obtain an assembly of building elements 1 to contribute ultimately to form the modular construction 2.

• superposés l'un sur l'autre (tel qu'illustré aux figures 2 à 6), ou au contraire
• en opposition l'un avec l'autre (tel qu'illustré à la figure 7), en fonction de la construction modulaire 2 que l'on souhaite obtenir, le volet 5 du premier élément de construction 1 étant en contact ou à proximité de la face 3 du deuxième élément de construction 1, et le volet 5 du deuxième élément de construction 1 étant en contact ou à proximité de la face 3 du premier élément de construction 1.

This configuration of building elements 1 will be named in the following "building configuration ". In this configuration of construction, the two fold lines are for example substantially parallel, or even coaxial, to form an edge of the modular construction 2. The attachment means 10 advantageously allows to fasten together the flaps 5 in their configuration. construction, so that they are:

• superimposed on each other (as illustrated in Figures 2 to 6 ), or on the contrary
• in opposition to each other (as illustrated in figure 7 ), depending on the modular construction 2 that is desired, the flap 5 of the first building element 1 being in contact with or near the face 3 of the second building element 1, and the flap 5 of the second element of construction 1 being in contact with or near the face 3 of the first construction element 1.

• leur trait de pliage 6 respectif étant de même longueur,
• leur côté 4 respectif étant de la même longueur,
• leur première encoche 11 respective étant positionnée à la même coordonnée sur le côté 4.

Preferably, the two building elements 1 both comprise a first notch 11 and a flap 5 according to the preceding description:

• 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 continuity one of the other, as illustrated in Figures 2 to 6 in order to provide a contour, such as an orifice or eyelet, 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 can be placed side by side in a construction configuration, as illustrated in Figures 2 to 6 .

The first notch 11 forms for example a slot, or a notch " 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 shown in the figures. The contour of the first notch 11 thus advantageously forms an arc whose center is centered on the axis A1. The circular shape of the contour of the first notch 11, or in an arc of circle, is of a diameter greater 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 fastening means 10. The construction 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. Figures 1 to 6 . The outline of the first notch 11 thus preferably forms 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 preferred case, the flap 5 can thus advantageously be folded down if necessary towards the face 3 around its axis. folding 6 despite the presence of the attachment means 10 in the first notch 11. It is thus possible to build a modular construction 2 whose faces 3 form obtuse or even acute angles, and in which the flaps 5 are oriented around of their fold line 6 associated so as to be included in said acute angles, substantially without deformation of the faces 3 which remain for example flat and do not swell, as illustrated in particular in the 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 a lower angle. at 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 in configuration. of construction, so as to be invisible from the outside, which is likely to be considered particularly aesthetic.

The circular shape of the first notch 11, in particular 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) to within said first notch 11, at the fold line 6.

The flap 5 preferably comprises at least one first lug 13 laterally extending the flap 5 from the fold line 6 to the 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 access to the first notch 11. The first lug 13 thus advantageously forms a first 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, in the first notch 11. Preferably, the first lug 13 has a hook shape which is bent towards the face 3, in order to retain the fastening means 10 around the folding 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 by 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 access mouth, that is to say a convergent channel towards the first notch 11. The first access mouth gives access to the first notch 11, and facilitates the attachment of the flap 5 with the fastening means 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 lug 13 advantageously allows self-positioning of the fastening 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 ear 13, for example about halfway between the fold line 6 and the edge 7, and preferably for example about one-third of the distance between the fold line 6 and the edge 7, from said fold line 6, as illustrated to the figures.

Preferably, in the vicinity of the edge 7, the first lug 13 has a beveled 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, inwardly 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 hollow notch in the side 4 of the face 3. The second notch 12 separates the fold line 6 from the second edge 9, so as to leave a free space at the end of said line of Folding 6. The second notch 12 starts 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 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 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 together the building elements 1, and passing through the first notch 11 and the second notch 12 of each of the building elements 1, on both sides 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.

• leur trait de pliage 6 respectif étant de même longueur,
• leur côté 4 respectif étant de la même longueur,
• leur première encoche 11 respective étant positionnée à la même coordonnée sur le côté 4,
• leur deuxième encoche 12 respective étant positionnée à la même coordonnée sur le côté 4.

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 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,
• their respective second notch 12 being positioned at the same coordinate on the side 4.

Thus, in the construction configuration, the respective notches 11, 12 (first or second) of said building elements 1 are preferably intended to be placed facing each other two by two, so that their respective outline is in continuity with each other, as illustrated in Figures 2 to 6 , in order to arrange two by two an outline, of the kind orifice or eyelet, for both ends 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 the second free edges 9, of each of said building elements 1 correspond, and can be placed opposite in construction configuration, as illustrated in Figures 2 to 6 .

The second notch 12 forms, for example, a slot or a " V " shape. The second notch 12 preferably has a shape of " U ", 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 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 of circle, is of a diameter greater than the section of the attachment means 10, preferably two or three times greater, which preferably makes it possible to limit the risk of breaking (for example by tearing) of the construction element 1 at the level of the second notch 12.

The second notch 12 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. The contour of the second notch 12 thus preferably forms 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 thereof, adjacent to the end of the fold line 6. In this preferred case, the flap 5 can thus advantageously be folded if necessary towards the face 3 around its fold axis 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 in the flap 5, advantageously allows self-positioning of the fastening means 10 (in particular when it is formed by an elastic) to within said second notch 12, at 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 preferably extends opposite and away from the second free edge 9 so as to form a second mouth of access to the second notch 12. The second Ear 14 thus preferably forms a second horn of the flap 5, so as 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 , 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 free edge 9 form the second access mouth, that is to say a convergent channel towards the second notch 12. The second mouth of access gives access to the second notch 12, and facilitates the attachment of the flap 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 lug 13 and the second lug 14 advantageously allows self-positioning of the fastening means 10 in both the first notch 11 and the second notch 12. Preferably, the flap 5 extends from the folding line 6 widening laterally to a maximum width at the height of the end of the second lug 14, for example about halfway between the fold line 6 and the edge 7, and prefer For example, at about one-third of the distance between the fold line 6 and the edge 7 from said fold line 6 as shown in the figures.

Preferably, as illustrated in Figures 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 construction elements 1 are identical.

• sa face 3 soit orientée vers l'intérieur de la construction modulaire 2,
• sa face 3 soit orientée vers l'extérieur de la construction modulaire 2.

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 it can be mounted within the construction modular 2 so that, indifferently:

• 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 construction system 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. gripping tool 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 is advantageously made in the same material as the building elements 1, and advantageously made 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 makes it possible 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 in particular to be inserted between two side 4 of the building elements 1, by example when the modular construction 2 forms a closed volume and / or hollow, 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 have, around their side 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 using 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 of course corresponds advantageously 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 tight, around the respective fold lines 6 of the construction elements 1, so as to maintain 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 matched in the same way. placing one opposite the other when the fold 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.

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 both sides of the flaps 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 building element 1 in said loop, and in particular via the first notch 11 of the second construction 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. attachment 10, and because of the preferentially circular shape of the first notch 11.

In a second preferred manner, the construction elements 1 are first placed in the construction configuration, and then they are held in this construction configuration by means of the attachment means 10, surrounding the flaps 5 of said elements of construction. construction 1 with the fastening means 10 through the respective first notches 11 of said construction elements 1.

• une étape de réalisation d'une face 3 présentant au moins un côté 4, et
• une étape de réalisation d'au moins un volet 5 prolongeant la face 3 et étant articulé à pivotement à cette dernière le long d'un trait de pliage 6 qui s'étend le long du côté 4 sur une première fraction de la longueur de ce dernier, le trait de pliage 6 étant prolongé par une première arête libre 8 qui s'étend le long du côté 4 sur une deuxième fraction de la longueur de ce dernier, et
• une étape de réalisation d'au moins une première encoche 11 dans la première arête libre 8 sur une fraction de la longueur de cette dernière, de façon à ce que ladite première encoche 11 soit adjacente au trait de pliage 6 et s'étende dans ladite face 3, vers l'intérieur de cette dernière à partir du côté 4.

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 to the latter along a fold line 6 which extends along the side 4 on a first fraction of the length of this last, the trait of folding 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, inwardly 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 blank, such as a sheet of paper or cardboard, for example with a carrier. piece, in order to produce said construction 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 the outline sides 4, flaps 5, face 3, first notches 11, 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 can 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 material that is stronger than paper or cardboard forms raw material, for example of wood or aluminum, another manufacturing tool may 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.

• un moyen de réalisation d'une face 3 présentant au moins un côté 4, et
• un moyen de réalisation d'au moins un volet 5 prolongeant la face 3 et étant articulé à pivotement à cette dernière le long d'un trait de pliage 6 qui s'étend le long du côté 4 sur une première fraction de la longueur de ce dernier, le trait de pliage 6 étant prolongé par une première arête libre 8 qui s'étend le long du côté 4 sur une deuxième fraction de la longueur de ce dernier, et
• un moyen de réalisation d'au moins une première encoche 11 dans la première arête libre 8 sur une fraction de la longueur de cette dernière, de façon à ce que ladite première encoche 11 soit adjacente au trait de pliage 6 et s'étende dans ladite face 3, vers l'intérieur de cette dernière à partir du côté 4.

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:

• means for producing a face 3 having at least one side 4, and
• means for producing at least one flap 5 extending the face 3 and being articulated pivotally to the latter along a fold line 6 which extends along the side 4 over a first fraction of the length of this last, 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
• 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 11 is adjacent to the fold line 6 and extends into said face 3, inwardly of the latter from side 4.

The manufacturing machine (not shown) advantageously makes it possible to produce the element of construction 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 that corresponds to all or part of the shape of the construction element 1 to achieve. 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 manufacturing 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 last form a punch. In particular, the manufacturing machine comprises a creasing means for forming the fold line 6, the creasing means being for example included in the punch to create the fold line 6 at the same time as the cut of the construction element 1.

Claims (15)

1. Construction element (1) which is superficial and comprises:

   - a face (3) with at least one side (4), and

   - at least one flap (5) which extends the face (3) and is articulated so as to pivot thereon along a fold line (6) which extends along the side (4) over a first fraction of the length thereof,
   said construction element (1) being characterised in that the fold line (6) is extended by a first free edge (8) which extends along the side (4) over a second fraction of the length thereof, and

   in that it comprises at least one first notch (11) made in the first free edge (8) over a fraction of the length thereof, said first notch (11) being adjacent to the fold line (6) and extending in said face (3) towards the interior thereof from the side (4).
2. Construction element (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the first notch (11) has a substantially circular contour around a centre aligned with the fold line (6).
3. Construction element (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised 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. Construction element (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the flap (5) comprises at least one first tab (13) laterally extending the flap (5) from the fold line (6) to the edge (7), such that the first tab (13) extends facing and at a distance from the first free edge (8) so as to form a first opening giving access to the first notch (11).
5. Construction element (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the first tab (13) has the form of a hook which curves back in the direction of the face (3).
6. Construction element (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the side (4) is substantially rectilinear and extends along an axis (A1) such that the fold line (6) and the first free edge (8) are themselves carried by the axis (A1).
7. Construction element (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the side (4) extends between a first end and a second end, the first free edge (8) extending along the side (4) up to said first end.
8. Construction element (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the fold line (6) is extended by a second free edge (9) opposite the first free edge (8) and extending along the side (4) over a third fraction of the length thereof, the construction element (1) comprising a second notch (12) arranged in the second free edge (9) over a fraction of the length thereof, said second notch (12) being adjacent to the fold line (6) and extending in said face (3) towards the interior thereof from the side (4).
9. Construction element (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the side (4) and the flap (5) have a symmetrical geometry relative to an axis of symmetry (S1) perpendicular to the fold line (6), such 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 construction elements (1) in accordance with any of the preceding claims, characterised in that it also comprises at least one first attachment means (10) allowing two construction elements (1) to be joined together by way of their respective flap (5).
11. Construction system according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the attachment means (10) comprises a loop, for example elastic, of sufficient size to be able to be threaded around the respective flaps (5) of at least two of the construction elements (1) by way of the first respective notch (11), in order to hold the respective fold line (6) of each of said two construction elements (1) substantially in mutual contact.
12. Construction system according to the preceding claim, characterised in that it also comprises a tool (15) for handling the attachment means (10), said handling tool (15) also comprising a superficial body (17) in which a hooking notch (16) is arranged, the loop of said attachment means (10) being intended to be hooked onto said hooking notch (16).
13. Construction method using at least two construction elements (1) which are each in accordance with any of claims 1 to 9, and wherein by means of an attachment means (10) comprising a loop, for example elastic, said construction elements (1) are held in a construction configuration by joining together the flap (5) of each of said construction elements (1) by said loop, the construction configuration corresponding to a mutual arrangement of said construction elements (1) in which their respective fold lines (6) are superposed and their respective first notches (11) are superposed, the method being characterised in that said flaps (5) are joined together by passing said loop around said flaps (5) in the first notches (11) of each of said construction elements.
14. Method for production of a construction element (1) which is superficial, the production method comprising:

    - a step of production of a face (3) with at least one side (4), and

    - a step of production of at least one flap (5) extending the face (3) and being articulated so as to pivot thereon 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) which extends along the side (4) over a second fraction of the length thereof,

    the production method being characterised in that it comprises a step of production of at least one first notch (11) in the first free edge (8) over a fraction of the length thereof, such that said first notch (11) is adjacent to the fold line (6) and extends in said face (3) towards the interior thereof from the side (4).
15. Machine for production of a construction element (1) which is superficial, the production machine comprising:

    - a means of production of a face (3) with at least one side (4), and

    - a means of production of at least one flap (5) extending the face (3) and being articulated so as to pivot thereon 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) which extends along the side (4) over a second fraction of the length thereof,

    the production machine being characterised in that it comprises a means of production of at least one first notch (11) in the first free edge (8) over a fraction of the length thereof, such that said first notch (11) is adjacent to the fold line (6) and extends in said face (3) towards the interior thereof from the side (4).

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