GB2490992A

GB2490992A - A toy construction kit

Info

Publication number: GB2490992A
Application number: GB1204998.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter John Charles Spurgeon
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-03-28
Filing date: 2012-03-21
Publication date: 2012-11-21
Also published as: GB201108372D0; GB201105085D0; GB201204998D0; GB201109800D0

Abstract

A toy construction kit comprises a plurality of first components 1 and a plurality of second components 3, the first and second components 1, 3 each having at least two parallel edges, and the first and second components each being such that: (i) the distance between a pair of parallel edges of the first component 1 is half the distance between a pair of parallel edges of the second component 3; (ii) there is at least one open-end slot 2 in one of the parallel edges of the first component 1; (iii) there is at least an aligned pair of open-ended slots 2 in the two parallel edges of the second component 3; (iv) the lengths of the aligned slots 2 when added together are such that they equate approximately to the distance between the closed ends of the aligned slots 2; (v) the length of the slot 2 in the first component 1 is approximately equal to the length of one of the pair of slots 2 in the second component 3; and (vi) the first and second components 1,3 fit together, via the slots 2, such that an edge of the second component 3 is flush with a non-slotted edge of the first component 1.

Description

A TIOY CONSTRUCTION KIT

This invention relates to a toy construction kit and, more especially, this invention relates to a toy construction kit comprising first and second slotted components.

Toy construction kits comprising components which fit together are well known. The toy construction kits can be used to make models, and to encourage creativity. The known toy construction kits may utilise small plastics interlocking brick-type components such for example as those known as Lego (Registered Trade Mark) or those known as Playmobil (Registered Trade Mark). Alternatively, the toy construction kits may typically use jointed bar-type components such for example known as Meccano (Registered Trade Mark). The interlocking brick-type components need to be present in large numbers in order to make constructions of any appreciable size, and the interlocking of the components has to be very firm in order to produce structures having beams or overhangs. With jointed bar-type components, irrespective of whether they are made of metal or plastics materials, the components are ideal for working models of cranes and such like but they do not produce the flat surfaces of walls that are needed to represent buildings.

Doll's houses and models for model railways tend to be designed for the teenagers and adults, and have an attention to accuracy and detail that is not appreciated by a child of, for example three -ten years, and who would prefer a more basic, versatile and robust kit.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide a toy construction kit that is suitable for use by young children, and which is of a basic, versatile and robust nature.

Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a toy construction kit comprising a plurality of first components and a plurality of second components, the first and second components each having at least two parallel edges, and the first and second components each being such that: (i) the distance between a pair of parallel edges of the first component is half the distance between a pair of parallel edges of the second component; (ii) there is at least one open-end slot in one of the parallel edges of the first component; (iii) there is at least an aligned pair of open-ended slots in the two parallel edges of the second component; (iv) the lengths of the aligned slots when added together are such that they equate approximately to the distance between the closed ends of the aligned slots; (v) the length of the sJot in the first component is approximately equal to the length of one of the pair of slots in the second component; (vi) the width of the slot in the first compohent is such that the slot is able to fit over the area at the end of one of the pair of slots of the second component; (vii) the width of one of the slots of the second component is such that the slot is able to fit over the area at the end of the slot of the first component; and (viii) the first and second components fit together such that an edge of the second component is flush with a non-slotted edge of the first component.

The toy construction kit of the present invention may be one in which at least one of the second components has at least one weakening formation which enables the second component to be converted into at least one first component.

The toy construction kit of the present invention may be one in which there are two of the slots in the edge of the first component, and in which the two slots are at the same pitch as that of any two slots in the edge of the second component.

The toy construction kit may be one in which there is at least one closed slot parallel to the parallel edge of the first component or the second component.

The toy construction kit may be one which includes at least one third component, in which the third component has at least one straight edge, and in which the straight edge has at least one tenon protruding from the straight edge.

The toy construction kit may be one in which the first and second components form two planes, and in which the tenon of the third component fits into any of the slots in the first and second components.

All the components in the toy construction kit may have the same thickness.

At least one of the components in the toy construction kit may be made from a material that is formed to make two sides of the slot.

The toy construction kit may be one in which at least one of the components has slots of a width such that two components will fit side by side in the slots.

The toy construction kit may be one in which at least one of the components is hollow.

The toy construction kit may be one in which the slot or slots in the components are such that they are not straight. Straight slots may however be employed.

The toy construction kit may include cut-outs to represent the features of a model building andlor self-adhesive pictorial labels for applying to the components. Images may be provided, for example by printing, on at least one of the components.

The components may be made of any suitable and appropriate material. The components may be constructed of a closed cell foam plastics material. Such a closed cell foam plastics material may be that known as Foamex (Registered Trade Mark). At least one of the components may be made of a cellulose-based material. Typically the cellulose-based material may be cardboard. At least one of the components may be made as a laminated component. The laminated component may be plywood.

The toy construction kit may have components which are configured to build any suitable and appropriate type of structure, for example a doll's house, or a toy box.

The toy construction kit of the present invention may be produced as a basic, versatile and robust toy construction kit for use by children, for example in the age range of three -ten years. The various components used in the toy construction kit may be lightweight, and they may be interlocked by their slots to produce courses of components wherein the components are joined at right angles, and have course boundaries that are offset in one plane relative to components in a plane at right angles.

The components in the toy construction kit may represent the front, back and two sides of a building or other enclosure, such a construction requiring just four components for each course. Full length components may be replaced by shorter components to create openings in walls. Components may be supplied with numerous slots to enable intermediate walls to be built.

The components may have slots in their upper and lower edges, enabling structures such as models to be produced with a number of courses to produce higher structures. The slots employed in the components of the present invention may be formed to give good durability to joints between the components. The first and last courses of a construction will usually need to include half-height components, having slots in one edge only. The components used in the toy construction kit can be used in many combinations, especially if they are of the same thickness.

Slots of different widths can be employed to accommodate more than one adjoining component, for example to enable semi-detached or terraced structures to be constructed.

Full length components can be replaced by components that merely fit in the ends, enabling three-sided structures to be made, or merely the corner between two walls.

Omitting full size components from rectangular structures such as buildings, can enable a child to place and move figures and models within the structures.

The components may have cut-outs to provide access or doorways to the structures, or window openings or architectural features.

Labels may be provided for a child to name his or her structure as a stage, workshop, house, farm, airport etc. The components used in the toy construction kit of the present invention may be made of any suitable and appropriate materials including metals, wood, plastics materials, composite materials and laminates.

The slots may include additional features to increase the integrity of structures formed using the components. Such additional features may include tongues of circular or cruciform section to fit into similar shapes in the base of their mating slots.

The components and their slots may be manufactured by machining, extrusion, press-forming, injection moulding, blow moulding or vacuum forming. Cheap materials such for example as cardboard, corrugated cardboard, correx, corrugated plastics and thin metals may be folded to produce hollow sections. This folding may be done in a factory or by a user. If desired, components may be supplied cut to a shape and having interstices and fold lines such that the components may be folded into shape and assembled on delivery. In this case, the folds may interlock or be secured with adhesive, adhesive tape, hook and loop tapes such for example as those known as Velcro (Registered Trade Mark), or by mechanical means.

Additional folds may form reinforcing ribs when bent at an angle.

An advantage of using components made from cardboard lies with their ease of printing, and their safety when used by children. Such cardboard component parts can be slotted to fit into the structure and then be fitted to slot into other structures, using various adhesive and mechanical means.

Components of varied form and material may be joined together via the slots in the components.

The fiat surfaces between pair of slots may include one or more of images, text, and arrows in order that the assembled structure may also be used as a signpost or standing nameplate. Short components with single slots or a single pair of slots can be used to form pillars to raise structures and form models of bridges, multi-storey car parks and the like.

Some of the components used in the toy construction kit may be produced of a compressible material, or with a coating, embossing or protrusions on the edges of the slots or faces of the components that may cause the slots to slide together with an increased frictional force. Examples of such features are raised portions being provided by the base material or by application of materials such for example as self-adhesive tape or rubber or plastics, including that applied in a melted condition, or fastened with adhesive or conventional mechanical means including welding. Other securing means may be employed for holding the components together more securely. Examples of such means include drilling a hole through the centre of a joint at 45° to the components of the joint such that a bolt, stud, spring, melted plastic etc. in the hole then prevents relative movement of the components. When constructed from flat material having fold lines and cut-outs, the components employed in the toy construction kit of the present invention may be folded during construction and later packed flat after dismantling, the folds producing a level of elasticity to the slotted joint.

The components may have slots of a width such that the thickness of another component, measured at the base of its slot, will fit into one of the slots. The component may be jointed orthogonally by filling the slots together.

The total overlap of two components may be the sum of the length of the two slots.

Having equal length slots on opposite sides of the components of width four times the slot length may enable opposite components to touch each other. Alternatively, the slots may be of different lengths, provided that the distance between the slots is equal to or greater than the sum of the length of the slots, assuming an interchangeability between components.

When two slotted components are assembled by means of one slot of one component engaging into one slot of another component, then a corner is able to be formed. The planes of the components are able to be of right angles, provided that the slots are a good fit and the edges of the slots are perpendicular to the plane of the component.

In the event that it is desired to produce a joint at a compound angle, for example such as that required for the sloping hip joint of a roof? the slots may be made to be a slack fit, or the slots may be cut at an angle to the plane of the component and the slots may be non-perpendicular to the edge of the component.

A corner joint formed using components of a toy construction kit of the present invention may provide a strong formation in a structure, especially when the outer edges of the slot abut an adjoining component, thus producing an effect similar to flanges. Further strengthening of a corner design may be provided by including strengthening formations at the end of the component.

Protruding ends of components may be used to support slotted parts in a third orthogonal plane with the use of frictional or mechanical locating formations. I0

In order to have a flat surface for standing an assembied structure vertically, modules having slots in one side only are able to be used. These may be similar to the components with slots on both sides, but cut lengthwise at a point half way between their slots.

The components in the toy construction kit may be formed from card, and markings on each component may form the basis for a child's game, or for a puzzle.

Where the components are made of thin materials, then the thin materials can be made more rigid if desired with an edge between the slots bent at right angles. This may assist the components to be retained in planes at right angles to one another.

If desired, the components may be made low in order to enable thinner materials to be used whilst maintaining the rigidity of a wider-slotted joint.

When some slots are a double width, it becomes possible to use such slots in components to join the components lengthwise. Other means can be used for joining components lengthwise, for example using a single width slot joining component and having the components to be joined together of reduced thickness or width in the area of the slot.

Components can have apertures for window or door purposes.

Components may be omitted from part of a wall where a window frame or a door frame is to be formed. Where the components are to be used in connection with the construction of a dolls house, or with model train layouts, the components may be scaled accordingly. The components may be formed to represent building fascias or roof silhouettes or profiles. The components ILl may be of different colours. The components may be decorated. The components may be such that they have two sides which are finished in different colours or different designs.

The components may include stepped parts. The stepped parts may enable components of a different scale to be joined together. This may facilitate the formation of structures such as the construction of towers that taper towards their top.

The components may include parts of magnetically active material in order to secure the slotted parts in their fully engaged positions.

The components may be constructed of a material suitable for being moulded and pressed, or by means of mass production.

The size of the components may be changed to suit the availability of off-cut material, for example to construct components from off-cuts of plywood, or from recycled plastics materials.

In cases requiring a reduction in material and weight, the components used in the toy construction kit of the present invention can have apertures between the slots. Alternatively the areas between the slots may be thinner than the peripheries and the areas around the slots.

The components may be marked with text such that when they arranged in a particular order, the components produce words, phrases or sentences.

The components may be marked with parts of a picture so that the components form a complete image when the components are correctly assembled together.

The components may be marked with symbols, for example to form the basis of a card game.

The slots may be tapered. Alternatively, the material of the components employed in the toy construction kit may be flexible to enable the components to be self-retaining, thereby dispensing with the requirement for high accuracy of manufacture. Alternatively, the slots may be curved or bent such that force is required to engage or disengage the slots due to the required bending of the components.

When extra versatility and strength is required, some slots may be made wide enough to accommodate a multiplicity of components. The components may be made from flat plate material of any suitable and appropriate material including wood, plastics materials, metals and card. Cost efficiencies may be gained by using thin materials.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure Ia shows part of first and second components; Figure lb shows part of a second component; Figure 2 shows six components; Figure 3 shows part of first and second components; Figure 4 shows part of one component; Figure 5 shows part of one component; Figure 6 shows a component having a different type of slot; Figure 7 shows a second component; Figure 8 shows a slot design for any one of the components employed in the toy construction kit of the present invention; Figure 9 shows different types of first and/or second and/or third components; Figures 1 Oa and I Ob show different types of third components; Figure 11 shows different types of components; Figure 1 2a shows plan view of various assemblies achievable using the components shown in Figure 11; Figure 12b shows how components with single width slots are able to be fitted into a component with a double width slot; Figure 1 3a shows a slotted component constructed from a thin material; Figure 1 3b shows a slotted component constructed from a thin material; Figure 1 3c shows a wider slotted component; Figure 1 3d shows how a component may have slots with curved sides; Figure 1 3e illustrates means for making a self-retaining assembly using components formed of a thin material; Figure 14a shows a hollow slotted module; Figure 14b illustrates how modules may be connected together; and Figure Mc shows a fiat component with fold lines.

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 a shows a first component 1 and a second component 3. Both components have slots 2 as shown.

As can be appreciated from Figure 1 a, a toy construction kit comprising a plurality of the first components I and a plurality of the second components 3 will be such that the first and second components 1, 3 each have at least two parallel edges. The first and second components 1, 3 will be such that: (i) the distance between a pair of parallel edges of the first component I is half the distance between a pair of parallel edges of the second component 3; (ii) there is at least one open-end slot 2 in one of the parallel edges of the first component I; (iii) there is at least an aligned pair of open-ended slots 2 in the two parallel edges of the second component 3; (iv) the lengths of the aligned slots 2 when added together are such that they equate approximately to the distance between the closed ends of the aligned slots 2: (v) the length of the slot 2 in the first component I is approximately equal to the length of one of the pair of slots 2 in the second component 3; (vi) the width of the slot 2 in the first component I is such that the slot 2 is able to fit over the area at the end of one of the pair of slots 2 of the second component 3; (vii) the width of one of the slots 2 of the second component 3 is such that the slot 2 is able to fit over the area at the end of the slot 2 of the first component 1; and (viii) the first and second components 1, 3 fit together such that an edge of the second component 3 is flush with a non-slotted edge of the first component 1.

The slots 2 of the first and second components 1, 3 fit one to the other to leave one edge of the first component I flush with one edge of the second component 3.

Figure lb shows a second component having* a perforated or scored line 10. This perforated or scored line 10 allows the second component to be divided to form two first components 1.

Figure 2 shows six slotted components. The slotted components have slots 2 of half the width of component 1. The slots have the same width as the thickness of the components 1, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 9. The component 3 is twice the width of component 1, and it has two slots 2 on opposite sides. If two components I are fitted into these slots 2, then they meet in the middle, and the outer edges are flush with the sides of the component 3. The component 3 also has slots 5 in its other edges at right angles to the slots 2. Other slots 5 may be mid-way between the slots 2 and they may be of various lengths.

When the components 3 are slotted together with their slots 2, a three-dimensional structure can be formed in which the components 3 adjoin each other to produce a wall or floor. The component 4 may be used to enable any component to stand upright. The components 6 may be used to bond the components 3, 6 or 9 edge to edge. The component 3 is representative of further components that may be of longer lengths for use in that longer form, or for cutting to any desired length, including being cut to the shape of the components 1, 4, 6, 8 and 9. The components 1, 4 and 8 have rounded corners, thereby giving a more finished appearance when they are used as end components of a structure. The component 9 is square. The components 1, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 9 are shown as plates. Other shapes of plates having differing arrangements of slots can facilitate the construction of different structures.

Figure 3 shows part of a component in the form of a plate 3 having slots 2. The slots 2 are shown for a thicker material, and the four slots could accommodate further components to produce two walls.

Figure 4 shows a part of plate which may be a component 1 or a component 3. The plate shown in Figure 4 has a closed end slot 5 which is set between its slots 2, thus forming a mortice for a tenon 501 in the part of the component shown in Figure 5 as part of a plate 502. The plate 502 may be of a width 503 to fit between walls of components 1 or 3 fitted in slots 504, 505, thereby to produce a balcony, floor or ceiling-type feature in a structure that is constructed with the components I or 3 oriented to form upright walls.

Tenons 501 may be placed in any of the sides of the plate 502. The length of the tenon 501 is preferably the same as the thickness of the plate containing the slot 5. There may be more than one tenon in a side of the plate 502, the spacings of the tenons and their positioning being appropriate to positions of matching closed slots 5. The function of the closed slot 5 may also be performed using slots of the open-type 506 where the fourth side of the slot is formed by an abutting component I or 3 on assembly.

Figure 6 shows a slot 2 having a strongly tapered portion 15, a lesser tapered portion 16, and a parallel portion 17 which enables an easy first joining together of slots. As the slots engage further, the clearance between the slot and the thickness of the mating component, for example plate, decreases. This secures a more accurate location. In some situations, the use of tapers will enable an interference fit of two components, for example two plates, for a more permanent construction.

Figure 7 shows a component which is in the form of a plate 18 and which has a central double slot 19, in addition to six peripheral slots 20. The slots 19, 20 are not straight, with the result that a tight fit is obtained when a component in the form of a flat plate is inserted. This tight fit is obtained even if the nominal width of the slot is greater than the thickness of the mating plate.

In Figure 8, there is shown an enlarged view of the slot 20 shown in Figure 5. The two sides of the slot 20 are sections of an arc, with the centre line inset from the edge of the plate. The arc angle and radius together with the slot width are evaluated according to the flexibility, thickness tolerance and frictional properties of the mating parts.

Figure 9 shows components 1 which may be in the form of plates. The components 1 shown in Figure 9 may be for use as the top of a wall, with the non-slotted edge of the components to form shapes representative over the facias or roof lines of buildings.

Figures 1 Oa and 1 Gb show components 3 used in the toy construction kit of the present invention. The components 3 may form parts of model structures representative of walls of buildings.

Figure 11 shows elevations of flat plate, equal thickness components with wide slots 31 which are nominally twice the thickness of material, thus enabling four components to be engaged in each slot assembly. The slots 31 have a fillet or chamfer to facilitate engagement of the slots. The single-slot component 30 and the two-slot component 32 do not act in extending a structure, but reinforce a slot assembly. These components enable all the slots of the elements to be of the same width. The component 33 is a half height two-slot linking component. The component 34 is a four-slot linking component. When used as an educational device for children, each of the components 34 may be marked with alphabet symbols or words or images 341 on one or both sides, thus forming the basis for word games and exercises. In child play and education applications, the components may be formed and finished in materials to comply with approved standards of hygiene. The advantage of double width slots in Figure 11 may be extended to twin slots. In both cases, where an essentially straight wall is required, the ends of each module that contain the slots may be formed of an offset parallel portion, i.e. joggled, such that the central part of each component aligns with adjacent components after assembly.

Figure 12a shows plan view of various assemblies of the components shown in Figure 11. The components may be assembled to various heights so that the plan views showing long components may comprise components 331 34, and that of short components may comprise components 30, 32.

Assembly 35 shows long components side by side to produce a strong end or pillar-type feature. Assembly 36 shows single components on three sides that may be extended to form walls at right angles. Assembly 37 shows a section of a double-skinned wall that can be extended to the right and to the left.

Figure 12b shows how components with single width slots 1201 may be fitted into a component with a double width slot 1202. The component 1203 is of a material of double thickness having a slot of double width.

Figure 13a shows a slotted component construction from thin material by folding at the edges containing the slots. The slot is of a width 130 that matches the width 131 of a similar hollow component. This produces assemblies that are more rigid than assemblies having narrow slots or thicknesses due to the spring effect of the fold.

Figure 1 3b shows part of a slotted component construction of a thin material that is folded at the edges not containing slots.

In Figure 1 3c, there is shown part of a wider slot component in the form of a hollow moulded part, and a moulding which reinforces the edges of the slot. When moulded in a suitable plastics material, the flexibility of the parts will allow slots having an interference fit easily to be fitted together.

Figure 1 3d shows part of a component having a slot with curved sides to facilitate the retention of assembled parts when the components are not dimensionally accurate.

Figure 13e shows a further means for making a self-retaining assembly in thin material such for example as folded card. The ends of the slotted component are folded in a concertina fashion to provide a spring effect when two components are assembled together, and this forms a stronger and more decorative external appearance of a corner.

Figure 14a shows a slotted module 60 that is hollow. The module 60 is made from corrugated card, or similar material, folded into a shallow box shape. A slot 61 is of a width equal to the outside thickness of a box 63 and could be mated with a similar slot on another module. However, by having a tongue 67 on one mating module, this significantly strengthens the joint, and also contributes to the frictional force holding the parts together. The tongue 67 has edges that press against the otherwise unsupported faces of the mating part, and the resilience of the flat material faces enables the faces of the tongue to enter the inside thickness of the mating part. lf the mating material does not have the required flexibility, the tongue may have shoulders and be formed to fit inside the thickness of the mating part without deforming either part. A tongue of circular or cruciform cross section may be employed where the mating part has provision to accept it in the base of its slot 61.

Where modules are to be connected together lengthwise, the narrower slots 68 are used. These narrower slots 68 are equal to the thickness of components 64 shown in Figure 14b, which themselves have slots 65 of width 66 equal to twice the thickness 63 of the mating module. In many cases, it is advantageous to provide chamfers leading into all of the slots. One or both of the slots in components 64 could have two tongues similar to the tongue 67 shown in Figure 14a, but this may be not necessary if the mating slot 68 is adjacent to a strong part of the component.

Figure 14c shows a component in the form of a flat sheet 72 with fold lines 73, 75, wide cut-outs 61, and narrow cut-outs 67. When the flat sheet 72 is folded at 90°, there is formed a hollow box section of length 70, width 71 and depth 63, with slot features 61 in one edge and slot features 67 in the opposite edge, as described above with reference to Figure 14a. Folds 74 meet at the centre of one side, providing a reinforcement and an area for joining if required. When such components are slotted together, the tongues 67 may enter mating slots to a depth such that they fit against the central folded edge.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Thus, for example, where the Figures show parts to be solid, the parts may also be constructed with voids or a sheet material forming the outside surface. Similarly, Figures shown constructed with voids could be of a solid or composite form, or the voids could be filled before or after manufacture. Some of the Figures demonstrate means for maintaining friction and rigidity when thin materials are slotted together, including the use of double-skinned construction and hollow parts. Endwise assembly of modules may be by use of double-width slots, or by means of conventional fixings. In the case of parts with open ends, joiner pieces may be used, or one component may slide inside an adjacent component. Parts folded from thin sheet material may be dismantled and unfolded for storage, transport or use. Folding parts made from compressible material may be aided by scoring or deforming along the line of the fold. Alternatively the components may consist of flat areas connected by flexible areas, such as cloth tape. Alternatively, a module may be formed by adhesion of pieces for the flat areas, spaced apart to allow for folding, onto a flexible backing sheet, similar to the arrangement used on some cloth maps.

In the case of containers produced using the toy construction kit of the present invention, they can be used for foundations etc. by slotting them together. Box section and other formed sections may be produced for cladding, vehicle bodies etc. The formed sections may be cut into modules with slots to produce alternative means of assembly. Individual parts shown in the drawings are not limited to use in their drawings and they may be used in other drawings and in all aspects of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A toy construction kit comprising a plurality of first components and a plurality of second components, the first and second components each having at least two parallel edges, and the first and second components each being such that: (i) the distance between a pair of parallel edges of the first component is half the distance between a pair of parallel edges of the second component; (ii) there is at least one open-end slot in one of the parallel edges of the first component; (iii) there is at least an aligned pair of open-ended slots in the two parallel edges of the second component; (iv) the lengths of the aligned slots when added together are such that they equate approximately to the distance between the closed ends of the aligned slots; (v) the length of the slot in the first component is approximately equal to the length of one of the pair of slots in the second component; (vi) the width of the slot in the first component is such that the slot is able to fit over the area at the end of one of the pair of slots of the second component; (vii) the width of one of the slots of the second component is such that the slot is able to fit over the area at the end of the slot of the first component; and (viii) the first and second components fit together such that an edge of the second component is flush with a non-slotted edge of the first component.
2. A toy construction kit according to claim I in which at least one of the second components has at least one weakening formation which enables the second component to be converted into at least one first component.
3. A toy construction kit according to claim I or claim 2 in which there are two of the slots in the edge of the first component, and in which the two slots are at the same pitch as that of any two slots in the edge of the second component.
4. A toy construction kit according to any one of the preceding claims and having at least one closed slot parallel to the parallel edge of the first component or the second component.
5. A toy construction kit according to any one of the preceding claims and including at least one third component, in which the third component has at least one straight edge, and in which the straight edge has at least one tenon protruding from the straight edge.
6. A toy construction kit according to claim 5 in which the first and second components form two planes, and in which the tenon of the third component fits into any of the slots in the first and second components.
7. A toy construction kit according to any one of the preceding claims in which all the components have the same thickness.
8. A toy construction kit according to any one of the preceding claims in which at least one of the components is made from a material that is formed to make two sides of the slot.
9. A toy construction kit according to any one of the preceding claims in which at least one of the components has slots of a width such that two components will fit side by side in the slots.
10. A toy construction kit according to any one of the preceding claims in which at least one of the components is hollow.
11. A toy construction kit according to any one of the preceding claims in which the slot or slots in the components are such that they are not straight.
12. A toy construction kit according to any one of the preceding claims and including cut-outs to represent the features of a model building.
13. A toy construction kit according to any one of the preceding cfaims and including self-adhesive pictorial labels for applying to the components.
14. A toy construction kit according to any one of the preceding claims and including images provided on at least one of the components.
15. A toy construction kit according to any one of the preceding claims in which at least one of the components is constructed of a closed cell foam plastics material.
16. A toy construction kit according to any one of claim I -14 in which at least one of the components is made of a cellulose base material.
17. A toy construction kit according to any one of claims I -14 in which at least one of the components is made from a laminate.
18. A toy construction kit according to any one of the preceding claims in which the components are configured to build a doN's house.
19. A toy construction kit according to any one of claims 1 -17 in which the components are configured to build a toy box.
20. A toy construction kit substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.