WO2016056905A2

WO2016056905A2 - Modular toy construction

Info

Publication number: WO2016056905A2
Application number: PCT/NL2015/050701
Authority: WO
Inventors: Edwin Jeroen Muller; Jakov Yoav KARASANTI; Emiel Dimitri KARASANTI; Yusheng Li
Original assignee: Buildex (F.E.) Limited
Priority date: 2014-10-08
Filing date: 2015-10-06
Publication date: 2016-04-14
Also published as: WO2016056905A3; NL2013595B1

Abstract

Connection assembly for a toy construction having a toy structural element having an outer circumference connecting an interior and an exterior side, a channel extending from a first engagement member to a second engagement member arranged at different positions, a first locking device having a first and a second latching member, connected via an elongated first elastic element, and the first elastic element extending in the first channel such that a tension is applied to the elastic element to keep the latching members engaged with the engagement members,the toy structural element comprises a base element for connecting to a covering element to form the toy structural element, and the engagement members and/or the channel are open at the exposed interior side for removal of the first locking device from the base element when the covering element is detached from the base element.

Description

Modular toy construction

Field of the invention The present invention relates to a connection assembly for a toy construction comprising:

a toy structural element having an interior side and an exterior side with an outer circumference connecting the interior side and the exterior side,

a first channel extending from a first engagement member arranged at a first position at the outer circumference to a second engagement member arranged at a second position at the outer circumference, and

a first locking device having a first and a second latching member, connected via an elongated first elastic element, and being engaged by the first and second engagement members, respectively, and the first elastic element extending in the first channel in such a way, that a tension is applied to the first elastic element to keep the first and second latching members engaged with the first and second engagement members.

Background of the invention

Such connection assemblies for connecting parts of a toy construction are known. Examples of such configurations include numerous miniature toy figures having body portions wherein the head, arms and legs are insertable in holes in the body forming a movable articulation about an axis so as to be set at an angle to the body.

US 4.295.291 A discloses a toy figure with a trunk portion having a hollow interior and a head and limb portions. The trunk portion has a plurality of slots and a plurality of deformable elastic members attached to the interior of the trunk. Each deformable elastic member is led through one slot of at the plurality slots. The head and each limb is attached to one of the elastic members which are under tension to hold a flat mating surface of each limb in contact with the trunk. The trunk portion can be taken apart to access the hollow interior and remove or add head and limb (or similar portions) members and respective elastic members to the hollow interior. In US 3.921.332, an articulated figure toy is shown, comprising a first and a second toy figure part and at least an intermediate joint member disposed between the two figure parts. The intermediate joint member has as generally cup-shaped portion to provide a concave side to maintain positioning in the cup-shaped portion of the (convex) one toy figure part. The second toy figure part is shaped and arranged with respect to the intermediate joint member in a similar fashion. A resilient member, in the form of a rubber band, is arranged between the toy figure parts and extends through the intermediate member to hold the parts and the member together and give universal movement thereto.

One of the disadvantages of the known construction, in particular the one shown in US 3.921.332, is that replacement of any part is difficult because the prior art construction comes assembled and basically destruction of part of the toy construction is required to replace the figure parts and the resilient member. Furthermore, installation of the known construction will usually be carried out by the manufacturer before the toy is shipped to the user in the assembled state, so that the assembled toy takes up a relatively large space in the package. In essence, the designer of the toy predetermines the toy's range of potential configurations.

Object of the invention

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a connection assembly for a toy construction wherein replacement of the toy parts, in particular the parts involved with the articulated joint, easier. It is another object of the invention to effect that the toy parts, especially the articulated joint parts, can be arranged in a wide variety of poses only to be limited by the user's imagination.

Summary of the invention

To this end, the connection assembly according to the invention is characterized in that the toy structural element comprises a base element arranged for detachable connection to a covering element to form the toy structural element, the base element, when detached from the covering element, having an exposed interior side, wherein the first channel, the first engagement member and the second engagement member are arranged on the base element, at the exposed interior side thereof,

wherein the first and second engagement members and/or the first channel are open at the exposed interior side to allow removal of the first locking device from the base element when the covering element is detached from the base element.

Thus, easy assembly and disassembly of the connection assembly by a non-trained user can be achieved. Furthermore, a versatile connection assembly is provided for securely and releasably connecting different parts of the toy construction, basically having any shape or structure. This allows the non-trained user to learn and create multiple types of connections in an easy manner. Additionally, the connection assembly according to the invention can be shipped to the user in a very compact disassembled package in the form of a construction kit, to be assembled by the user at the desired location of use. The user can just unpack the disassembled connection assembly, pick up the base element, arrange the desired latching members and elastic element in the respective engagement members and the channel respectively, put the covering element on the base element and then have a fully functional, customizable toy structural element. The other way around: when the user wants to replace or remove the latching

members/elastic element combination he can remove the covering element from the base element such that the engagement members and channel are exposed, remove the latching members/elastic element combination from the base element and then insert another latching members/elastic element combination into the base element. In an embodiment of the present invention, a second channel extends from a third engagement member arranged at a third position at the outer circumference to a fourth engagement member arranged at a fourth position at the outer circumference,

wherein a second locking device is provided having a third and fourth latching member connected via a second elongated elastic element, the third and fourth latching members being engaged by the third and fourth engagement members, respectively, and the second elastic element extending in the second channel, in such a way, that a tension is applied to the second elastic element to keep the third and fourth latching members engaged with the third and fourth engagement members, wherein the first and second elastic elements extend and cross each other in a crossing plane at an enclosed angle a in the crossing plane of 0-90°, wherein the third and fourth engagement members and the second channel are arranged on the base element, at the exposed interior side thereof and are open at the exposed interior side to allow removal of the second locking device from the base element when the covering element is detached from the base element.

This provides the possibility to connect even more parts of the toy construction having any shape or structure, in a crossing manner. In the junction area, the elastic elements may then overlap, i.e. one of the elastic elements is lying on top of the other elastic element, when viewing the exposed side. Moreover, the possibility is provided to have more than two structural interelements connected and to move them as to adjust their position, without the use of any specific tool, just by using the user hands. The enclosed angle a can be for instance be 90°, such that a crossing is achieved with perpendicular elastic elements. In a creative embodiment, the first and second latching members may constitute the head and hips of a 'person', for example, whereas the third and fourth latching members may constitute the shoulders of the person. The toy structural element in between then forms the torso of the person. In an embodiment of the invention, the first and/or second channels each comprise an elongated groove arranged for tightly accommodating the first and/or second elongated elastic element in an axial direction of the elastic elements. Advantageously, this provides a (pre)defined slot or guidance for accommodating the elastic elements, to make positioning of the latching members/elastic element combination easier.

In an embodiment, a first distance between the first and second engagement members is about equal to a second distance between the third and fourth engagement members. Thus, a visually pleasing symmetric toy structural element can be created, having a multitude of channels (and elastic elements) crossing each other at the centre of the base element. Of course, the channels can also run parallel to each other.

In an embodiment, a latching member is rotatably supported by the respective engagement member such that the latching member is rotatable around a longitudinal axis of the elastic element. This permits articulation of the latching member itself but also of the different elements connected thereto.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a latching member is arranged at an outward side of the respective engagement member such that the latching member is prevented from moving inwards, due to the tension in the elastic element, by the respective engagement member.

In an embodiment of the present invention, an engagement member comprises a pair of protrusions connected to the base element and protruding away from the base element at laterally opposing sides of the elastic element, the elastic element extending in between (running in between) the pair of protrusions, wherein the respective latching member is arranged at an outward side of the pair of protrusions such that the latching member is prevented from moving inwards by the pair of protrusions. Moreover, the pair of protrusions may comprise a pair of arcs, with the concave sides of the arcs facing each other, wherein the elastic element extends in between the pair of arcs. In the above cases, of course, it is desirable that the respective latching member has such an outer diameter that it is prevented from slipping through the protrusions/arcs towards the interior of the toy structural element.

By having the above-mentioned configuration, the elastic element can be easily placed and/or removed by the user, which is especially advantageous when the connection assembly forms part of a construction kit that is to be assembled by the user without any special tools. It also provides a uniform, reproducible and foolproof way of securing the locking device into the engaging members.

In an embodiment of the invention, a latching member comprises a hinge connection part whereto a further toy construction element is or can be hingeably connected. Thus, a large and complex structural assembly may be formed utilizing consecutive elements of various different sizes.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a toy construction comprising a connection assembly as described above is provided, wherein the covering element is detachably connected to the base element to form the toy structural element and to cover the exposed interior side of the base element.

Brief description of the drawings

Below, the invention will be explained with reference to some drawings, which are intended for illustration purposes only and not to limit the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims. Figure la illustrates an arrangement of a connection assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention in disassembled state;

Figure lb illustrates a perspective view of an arrangement of the connection assembly as illustrated in figure la, in assembled state;

Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of an arrangement of a connection assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention in assembled state;

Figure 3a illustrates a perspective view of an arrangement of a further connection assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention in a disassembled state;

Figure 3b illustrates a perspective view of an arrangement of the further connection assembly as illustrated in figure 3a, in assembled state; Figure 3 c illustrates a cross-sectional view of an arrangement of the connection assembly of figure 3b along the lines III-III;

Figure 4a illustrates a perspective view of a toy construction embodying the connection assembly of the present invention; and

Figure 4b and 4c illustrate a front and a bottom view of the toy construction embodying the connection assembly of the present invention. Detail description of the invention

Figure la shows a perspective view of a connection assembly 1 according to the present invention. The connection assembly 1 as illustrated comprises a toy structural element having a pair of locking devices 11, 11 ' and a base element 2. A first locking device 11, as shown, comprises a first and a second latching member 12, 13

interconnected via a first elastic element 14. A second locking device 11 ' comprises a third and a fourth latching member 12', 13' interconnected via a first elastic element 14'. The elastic elements 14, 14' are flexible and resilient elongate bodies, i.e. an elastic wire 14, 14' that is connected to the latching members 12, 13, 12', 13'. The first elastic element 14 is connected to the first latching member 12 and to the second latching member 13 for allowing elastic displacement of the first and second latching members 12, 13 along a longitudinal axis of the elastic element. The second elastic element 14' is connected to the third and fourth latching members 12', 13' in the same fashion. The first and the second elastic elements 14, 14', also referred as elastic elements 14, 14', are of the same length, and the skilled person will appreciate that the lengths of the elastic elements 14, 14' may vary depending on the type of material used, the diameter and the amount of tension applied to the respective elastic element 14, 14' . The first, second, third and fourth latching members 12, 13, 12', 13', also referred to as the latching members 12, 13, 12', 13', are illustrated as being identical, and comprise a ball shape. Other shapes, such as triangular or cubical shapes, are also conceivable. The base element 2 comprises an interior side 3 (shown as the upper side of the base element 2 in figure la) and an exterior side 4 (the lower side of the base element 2 as shown in figure la). The exterior 4 has a flat and even surface. The skilled person will appreciate that the surface of the exterior side 4 is not limited to this flat and even surface, and that the exterior side 4 may have a different configuration.

The base element 2 as shown has the shape of a cross, when plan-viewing the interior side 3, having an outer circumference connecting the interior side 3 and the exterior side 4. Moreover, the base element 2 comprises at the interior side 3, a first channel 5 at a first position in the outer circumference, and a second channel 6 at a first position. The first and second channels 5, 6 cross at a crossing position or junction 15 in a crossing plane, at an enclosed angle a of about 90°. The same holds for the elastic elements 14, 14' to be arranged therein. As illustrated, the crossing position 15 of the base element 2 coincides with a middle center portion of the base element. The skilled person will appreciate that the crossing position 15 may be displaced from the middle center portion of the base element 2.

Moreover, the first channel 5 extends from a first engagement member 7 to a second engagement member 8 along the longitudinal direction with respect to a longitudinal axis X along the main plane. The second channel 6 extends from a third engagement member 9 to a fourth engagement member 10 along the longitudinal direction with respect to a longitudinal axis X along the main plane. Each of the engagement members 7, 8, 9, 10 as shown, comprises a pair of protrusions 31 being connected to the base element 2. The protrusions 31 as shown protrude away from the base element 2 at laterally opposing sides of the elastic element 14, 14' (basically upwards when seen in figure la). Each of the latching members 12, 13, 12', 13' is arranged at an outward side of the pair of protrusions 31 such that the latching member 12, 13, 12', 13', is prevented from moving inwards by the pair of protrusions 31, as best seen in figure lb. The protrusions 31 are arranged as being facing each other, and having an angle β of about 0°-45°. By having this specific configuration, the protrusions 31 of the engagement members 7, 8 can form a hook-like structure for retaining the locking devices 11, by preventing the latching members 12, 13, 12', 13' from moving inwards when in an assembled state. As illustrated, an access slot 26 is provided in between each pair of protrusions 31, the access slot 26 allowing the insertion of the elastic element 14 of the locking device 11. In this manner, the locking devices 11, 11 ' will be retained in a locking position into the engagement members 7, 8, as it is best seen in figure lb.

Figure lb illustrates the connection assembly 1 in assembled state. As shown, the elastic elements 14, 14' of each of the first and second locking devices 11, 11 ' are releasably secured to each of the connection members 7, 8, 9, 10. As illustrated, the opposing ends of the elastic elements 14, 14', being adjacent to the latching members 12, 13, 12', 13 ' are inserted into the access slots 26 of each of the opposing engagement members 7, 8, 9, 10. The latching members 12, 13 are embodied as beads, each of which comprises an axial opening extending along its entire length/height in which the ends of the elastic elements 14, 14' are securely retained. The latching members 12, 13, 12', 13' as shown, have a diameter of about 2 - 10 times the diameter of the elastic elements 14, 14', in order to prevent the elastic elements 14, 14' from being released, by axial release, from the engagement members 7, 8, 9, 10.

The engagement members 7, 8, 9, 10 and the first and second channel 5, 6 are designed in such a way that when the user pulls apart from the latching members 12, 13, 12', 13', the elastic elements 14, 14' can provide an increased counterforce for connecting the latching members 12, 13, 12', 13' to the engagement members 7, 8, 9, 10. When the latching members 12, 13, 12', 13' are pulled apart and the elastic elements 14, 14' are extended, the user can connect the latching members 12, 13, 12', 13' to engagement members 7, 8, 9, 10. When performing this operation, the user will first connect one of the latching members 12, 13, 12', 13' to one of the engagement members 7, 8, 9, 10, and release the opposite latching members 12, 13, 12', 13' in order to be securely retained within the opposite engagement members 7, 8, 9, 10. As illustrated, the latching members 12, 13, 12', 13' are seated against a latching surface of the connection members 7, 8, 9, 10, and are retained by a tensional force exerted by the elastic element 14, 14'. The elastic element 14, 14' is kept in a steady position, while remaining under tension to provide flexible connection to any part that may be connected to the latching members 12, 13, 12', 13'.

The illustrated assembly represents a pair of locking devices 11, 11 ' being installed into the base element 2, where the locking devices 11, 11 ' are assembled in such a way that first and second elastic elements 14, 14' cross each other in a crossing plane at the first crossing position 15 of the base element 2. The first crossing portion 15 as embodied is a crossing point where the elastic elements 14, 14' overlap and cross each other.

Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the present invention where the base element 2 comprises a symmetrical cross-sectional area, having a further or third channel 18 extending from a fifth engagement member 16 to a sixth engagement member 17 in a longitudinal direction in the main plane. The fifth engagement member 16 is provided at a position at the outer circumference of the base element 2, said position being at the same side of the circumference as the fourth engagement member 10. The sixth engagement member 17 is provided at a position opposite to the position of the fifth engagement member 16, at the outer circumference of the base element 2. The third channel 18 thus runs parallel to the second channel. Both the third and second channel intersect the first channel. The same holds from the elastic elements 14, 14', 14" associated with these channels.

The connection assembly as shown comprises a second crossing position 15' positioned at a distance from the first crossing position 15. As illustrated, the second channel 6 extends along the main plane and in a direction perpendicular to the first and third channels 5, 18, such that its length is about twice the length of the first channel 5. It should be noted that the total length of the locking devices 11, 11 ', 11 " as here illustrated, and more particularly of the elastic element 14, 14', 14", may be of the same length of the rest of the elastic elements 14, 14'. The skilled person will appreciate that some elastic elements 14, 14', 14" may be of a different length when disconnected from the engagement members 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16.

The elastic elements 14, 14', 14" may be formed by an elastic material that is being elongated in such a way that its effective length has been increased between 1-100 %. It should be noted that the effective length of the elastic elements 14, 14', 14", can be elongated between 5-50% in order to provide with an optimum tensional force for the latching members 12, 13 when assembled.

The skilled person will appreciate that the engagement members 7, 8, 9, 10 may have configurations that can be chosen but not limited to beads, knobs, buckles, clips or the like, and that these members can be formed of the same material as the elastic elements 14, 14' for instance by a broadened end part or a knot.

Figure 3a illustrates a perspective, exploded view of an arrangement of a further connection assembly 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The connection assembly 1 comprises a base element 2 and a cover element 2' comprising both a substantially square cross-section. The base element 2 comprises an outer circumference connecting an interior side 3 and an exterior side 4. Moreover, the base element 2 comprises at the interior side 3, a first channel 5 at a first position in the outer circumference, and a second channel 6 at a second position. The first and second channels 5, 6 comprise the same configuration as the one shown in the connection assembly of figures la & lb. A pair of locking devices 19, 20 is shown, each comprising a pair of latching members 21, 22, 23, 23. A first locking device 19 comprises a first latching member 21 having a cubical shape. The first latching member 21 comprises a through-opening in which an end of an elastic element 34 is securely connected. At the other end of the first elastic element 34, a second latching member 22 is provided, comprising a rim member 25 for securely connecting with either the first or second engagement member 7, 8. The second locking device 20 comprises a second elastic member 35 being connected to a first latching member 23 having a circular cross-section and being prolonged by a hingeable part 27. The hingeable part 27 is hingeably connected to a hinged element 28 at a hinge point 30. The hinged element 28 is connected to a bead element 31 that can be articulated with respect to the hinged element 28. At the opposing end of the second elastic element 35 is connected to a latching member 24 having a circular cross-section. This second latching member 24 comprises a connection part 36 comprising a hollow longitudinally shaped connection, to which an end of the second elastic element 35 is connected. By having this type of connection part 36, comprising such a hollow longitudinally shaped connection, this enables the connection of the second elastic element 35 and the connection part 36 to have a relative movement of about 45°.

The base plate 2 as shown comprises a channel 6 extending from a third engagement member 9 to a fourth engagement member 10. As can be appreciated, these

engagement members 7, 8, 9, 10 are identical to those shown in the base plate 2 of the figures 1-2.

The base element 2 comprises in the interior side 3 a pair of protruding clamping members 32 being configured to connect to a pair of receiving openings 33 provided in the cover element 2'. In the configuration as shown, the cover element 2' also comprises recesses located on its exterior side 4, matching the shape and size of the engagement members 7, 8, 9, 10. Figure 3b illustrates a perspective view of an arrangement of the further connection assembly as illustrated in figure 3a, in assembled state. As it can be appreciated, the base element 2 and the cover element 2' are connected and kept connected by the connecting action of the clamping members 32 and the receiving openings 33. When the connection assembly 1 is in assembled state, it can be appreciated that the latching members 21, 22, 23, 24 are all biased against the outer circumference of the connection assembly 1, and more in particular biased against each of the engagement members 7,

8, 9, 10. It can be best appreciated in figure 3a that the second latching member 22 is supported against the second engagement member 8, and more especially, having the rim member 25 connected to an internal contact surface 37 projecting inwardly into the second engagement member 8, which allows secure connection between the parts. It should be noted that the internal contact surface 37 projecting inwardly into the second engagement member 8 may be comprised in the rest of the engagement members 7, 8,

9, 10, and it may be a simple recess 37 having a diameter being slightly smaller that the diameter of the engagement members 7, 8, 9, 10. Additionally, the skilled person will appreciate that the recess 37 may be a concave recess having an angle of about 0°-45°. In this manner, when the latching members 21, 22, 23, 24 are biased against the engagement members 7, 8, 9, 10 the latching members 21, 22, 23, 24 can rotate about the longitudinal axis of the first and second elastic members 34, 35.

Figures 4a, 4b and 4c show different views of a toy construction i.e. a toy human figure 43, embodying the connection assembly 1 and the assemblies of the invention. As can be appreciated, the toy human figure 43 incorporates a number of different connection elements according to the invention in all its connection points. As best shown in figure 4a, the main body of the toy human figure 43 comprises the base plate 2 comprising the first and second channels 5, 6. The second channel 6 is of a longer length than the first channel 5.

Moreover, the toy human figure 43 incorporates a pair of cover elements 2' for the base plate 2, and a pair of lower front and rear cover elements 39, 40 that can be connected together for closing the toy human figure 43 as best shown in figure 4b. Additionally, the fourth latching member 13', 22 comprises the rim member 25 as previously shown in figure 3a, and a retaining element 38 in the form of a pin, being provided at the outer circumference of the rim member. It is not illustrated, but when the fourth latching member 13', 22 is connected to the fourth engagement element 10, the pin 38 may be connected to an internal part included in the fourth engagement element 10, preventing the fourth latching member 13', 22 from being released or it may restrict rotational movement of the fourth latching member 13', 22 with respect to the base element 2. The head of the toy human figure 43 incorporates a closing element 42 in the form of a cap element for closing the top part of the embodied head.

Moreover, as illustrated, the different connections that form the toy human figure 43 have been made by using the connection elements 1 as described above.

As best seen in figure 4b, the legs and arms of the embodied toy human figure 43 comprise a hinge connection 30 as shown in figures 3a-3c, where the first part of the latching member has been assembled with a sort of connection bead as to add the possibility to hingeably connect another element in between the parts.

Figure 4c shows a bottom view of the toy human figure 43 where it can be best seen that the feet comprise a bottom connecting slot or recess 41 that may allow further connection of the toy human figure 43 to a structural element or the like (not illustrated).

It should also be understood that the skilled person will recognize that the connection assembly and the different assemblies here illustrated could also be used in different toy constructions that the one illustrated. Reference numerals:

1. Connection assembly

2. Base element

2' . Cover element

3. Interior side of the base element

4. Exterior side of the base element

5. First channel

6. Second channel

7. First engagement member

8. Second engagement member

9. Third engagement member

10. Fourth engagement member

11. First locking device

11 ' . Second locking device

11". Third locking device

12. First latching member

12'. Third latching member

13. Second latching member

13'. Fourth latching member

14. First elastic element

14'. Second elastic element

15. Crossing position

16. Fifth engagement member

17. Sixth engagement member

18. Third channel

19. Locking device

20. Locking device

21. First latching member

22. Second latching member

23. Third latching member

24. Fourth latching member

25. Rim member of the second latching member 26. Access slot

27. Hingeable part

28. Hinged element

29. Bead element

30. Hinge point

31. Protrusion

32. Clamping members

33. Receiving openings

34. First elastic member

35. Second elastic member

36. Connection part

37. Internal contact surface

38. Pin element

39. Lower front cover

40. Lower rear cover

41. Connection opening

42. Closing element/ cap element

43. Toy human figure

Claims

Claims:

1. Connection assembly (1) for a toy construction comprising:

a toy structural element having an interior side (3) and an exterior side (4) with an outer circumference connecting the interior side (3) and the exterior side (4),

a first channel (5) extending from a first engagement member (7) arranged at a first position at the outer circumference to a second engagement member (8) arranged at a second position at the outer circumference,

a first locking device (1 1) having a first and a second latching member (12, 13, 21, 22), connected via an elongated first elastic element (14, 34), and being engaged by the first and second engagement members (7, 8), respectively, and the first elastic element (14, 34) extending in the first channel (5) in such a way, that a tension is applied to the first elastic element (14, 34) to keep the first and second latching members (12, 13, 21, 22) engaged with the first and second engagement members (7, 8), characterized in that

the toy structural element comprises a base element (2) arranged for detachable connection to a covering element (2') to form the toy structural element, the base element (2), when detached from the covering element, having an exposed interior side (3),

wherein the first channel (5), the first engagement member (7) and the second engagement member (8) are arranged on the base element (2), at the exposed interior side (3) thereof, and

wherein the first and second engagement members (7, 8) and/or the first channel (5) are open at the exposed interior side (3) to allow removal of the first locking device (11, 21) from the base element (2) when the covering element is detached from the base element (2).

2. Assembly according to claim 1, wherein a second channel (6) extends from a third engagement member (9) arranged at a third position at the outer circumference to a fourth engagement member (10) arranged at a fourth position at the outer

circumference,

wherein a second locking device (11 ') is provided having a third and fourth latching member (12', 13 ', 23, 24) connected via a second elongated elastic element (14', 35), the third and fourth latching members (12', 13', 23, 24) being engaged by the third and fourth engagement members (9, 10), respectively, and the second elastic element (14', 35) extending in the second channel (6), in such a way, that a tension is applied to the second elastic element (14') to keep the third and fourth latching members (12', 13', 23, 24) engaged with the third and fourth engagement members (9, 10),

wherein the first and second elastic elements (14, 14', 34, 35) extend and cross each other in a crossing plane at an enclosed angle a in the crossing plane of 0-90°, wherein the third and fourth engagement members (9, 10) and the second channel (6) are arranged on the base element (2), at the exposed interior side (3) thereof and are open at the exposed interior side (3) to allow removal of the second locking device (11 ') from the base element (2) when the covering element is detached from the base element (2).

3. Assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first (5) and/or second channels (6) each comprise an elongated groove arranged for tightly accommodating the first and/or second elongated elastic element (14, 14', 34, 35) in an axial direction of the elastic elements (14, 14', 34, 35).

4. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a first distance between the first and second engagement members (7, 8) is about equal to a second distance between the third and fourth engagement members (9, 10).

5. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a latching member (12, 13, 12', 13 ', 21, 22, 23, 24) is rotatably supported by the respective engagement member (7, 8, 9, 10) such that the latching member (12, 13, 12', 13', 21, 22, 23, 24) is rotatable around a longitudinal axis of the elastic element (14, 14', 34, 35).

6. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a latching member is arranged at an outward side of the respective engagement member (7, 8, 9, 10) such that the latching member (12, 13, 12', 13', 21, 22, 23, 24) is prevented from moving inwards, due to the tension in the elastic element, by the respective engagement member (7, 8, 9, 10).

7. Assembly according to claim 6, wherein an engagement member (7, 8, 9, 10) comprises a pair of protrusions (31) connected to the base element (2) and protruding away from the base element (2) at laterally opposing sides of the elastic element (14, 14', 34, 35), the elastic element extending in between the pair of protrusions (31), wherein the respective latching member is arranged at an outward side of the pair of protrusions (31) such that the latching member (12, 13, 12', 13', 21, 22, 23, 24) is prevented from moving inwards by the pair of protrusions (31).

8. Assembly according to claim 7, wherein the pair of protrusions comprises a pair of arcs, with the concave sides of the arcs facing each other, wherein the elastic element (14, 14', 34, 35) extends in between the pair of arcs.

9. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a latching member (12, 13, 12', 13 ', 21, 22, 23, 24) comprises a hinge connection part (30) whereto a further toy construction element (28, 29, 31) is hingeably connected.

10. Toy construction comprising a connection assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the covering element (2') is detachably connected to the base element (2) to form the toy structural element and to cover the exposed interior side (3) of the base element (2).