WO2018060914A9

WO2018060914A9 - Building blocks and building block assemblies

Info

Publication number: WO2018060914A9
Application number: PCT/IB2017/055955
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tang CHAN; Yeung WONG
Original assignee: Chan Tang; Wong Yeung
Priority date: 2016-09-28
Filing date: 2017-09-28
Publication date: 2019-03-07
Also published as: WO2018060914A1; CN111163849A

Abstract

A building block comprising a mian body (110), a first surface (122) on a first side (124) of the main body (110), a second surface (142) on a second side (144) of the main body (110), the second surface (142) being opposite facing to the first surface (122), and a plurality of connectors (170A, 180A) on the first surface; wherein each connector (170A, 180A) has a connection portion defining a coupling axis and a coupling direction along the coupling axis, and the plurality of connectors (170A, 180A) defines a first connection surface having a first connection direction parallel to the coupling direction; and wherein the plurality of connectors (170A, 180A) comprises one male connector (170A) or a plurality of male connectors (170A) and one female connector (180A) or a plurality of female connectors (180A).

Description

BUILDING BLOCKS AND BUILDING BLOCK ASSEMBLIES

Field

[0001 ] The present disclosure relates to building blocks and assemblies of building blocks. Background

[0002] Modular and interconnectible building blocks for construction of toys, such as toy figures, toy vehicles, toy houses, toy farms, toy machines, toy models, and other toy assemblies, toy products and toy structures are known and have been recognized for their educational values, for example, in promoting and encouraging creativity, patience and perseverance. Modular and interconnectible toy building blocks are advantageous, for example, many different types of toy assemblies, toy products and toy structures can be built with a small number of well-designed building blocks of basic configurations and the building blocks can be re-used for building of other toy assemblies, toy products and toy structures. Modular and interconnectible building blocks are also used in building industries, for example, as modular components for construction of buildings and structures. Use of modular and interconnectible building blocks has been known to facilitate flexible, expeditious and standardized construction with less manual work requirements and promote productivity. In addition to application as toys and in the building industry, modular and interconnectible toy building blocks are also used for modular construction of tools, equipment, appliances, and many other types of products.

Disclosure

[0003] Modular and inter-connectible building blocks and assemblies comprising modular and interconnectible are disclosed.

[0004] A building block according to the disclosure comprises a main body, a first surface on a first side of the main body, a second surface on a second side of the main body, the second surface being opposite facing to the first surface, and a plurality of connectors on the first surface. Each connector has a connection portion defining a coupling axis and a coupling direction along the coupling axis, and the plurality of connectors defines a first connection surface having a first connection direction parallel to the coupling direction. The plurality of connectors comprises one male connector or a plurality of male connectors and one female connector or a plurality of female connectors.

[0005] In some embodiments, the female connector comprises a coupling receptacle for making releasable mechanical engagement with a male connector, the coupling receptacle comprising a receptacle compartment and a receptacle entry having an entry aperture for a male connector to enter into the coupling receptacle. The receptacle entry and/or the entry aperture is on the first surface.

[0006] In some embodiments, the main body comprises a panel portion having an upper surface and a lower surface, and the receptacle entry and/or the entry aperture extends through the panel portion.

[0007] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the coupling receptacle is inside the panel portion and/or is surrounded by an interior boundary of the panel portion.

[0008] In some embodiments, the coupling receptacle comprises a neck receptacle portion for making engagement with a neck portion of a male connector and the neck receptacle portion is inside the panel portion or is surrounded by an interior boundary of the panel portion.

[0009] In some embodiments, the male connector comprises a neck portion at a first axial level or a first axial extent above the first surface and the female connector comprises a neck receptacle portion which is at the first axial level or the first axial extent below the first surface.

[0010] In some embodiments, the coupling receptacle comprises an inner peripheral wall which defines the receptacle compartment and the coupling axis of the female connector, and the inner peripheral wall extends in a direction opposite to the coupling direction of the female connector.

[001 1 ] In some embodiments, the coupling receptacle comprises an outer peripheral wall defining an outer periphery of the receptacle, and the outer peripheral wall is an annular wall projecting from the lower surface of the panel portion and extends in a direction opposite to the coupling direction of the female connector.

[0012] In some embodiments, the protrusion portion comprises an outer peripheral wall defining an outer periphery of the protrusion portion, and the outer peripheral wall is an annular wall projecting from the upper surface of the panel portion and extends in a direction opposite to the coupling direction.

[0013] In some embodiments, the male connector comprises a male engagement portion and the female connector comprises a female engagement portion which is matched in dimensions and complementary in mating feature profiles with the male engagement portion.

[0014] In some embodiments, the male connector comprises a protrusion portion which projects away from the first surface and extends along the coupling direction which is orthogonal to the first surface.

[0015] In some embodiments, a plurality of connectors is distributed on the second surface, and the connector has a connection portion defining a coupling axis and a coupling direction along the coupling axis. The plurality of connectors on the second surface defines a second connection surface having a second connection direction parallel to the coupling direction. The plurality of connectors comprises one male connector or a plurality of male connectors and one female connector or a plurality of female connectors.

[0016] In some embodiments, a male connector on the first surface has a corresponding female connector on the second surface, and the coupling axes of the one male connector and the corresponding female connector are aligned and coaxial.

[0017] In some embodiments, one female connector on the first surface has a corresponding male connector on the second surface, and the coupling axes of the one female connector and the corresponding male connector are aligned and coaxial.

[0018] In some embodiments, the plurality of connectors on the first surface is distributed on two sides of a plane of symmetry, the plane of symmetry being orthogonal to the first connection surface, and wherein number of male connectors and number of female connectors on the two sides of the plane of symmetry is equal.

[0019] In some embodiments, adjacent connectors in a row and/or adjacent connectors in a column are of opposite mating gender.

[0020] In some embodiments, the main body comprises a first lateral portion, a second lateral portion and a bridging portion interconnecting the first lateral portion and the second lateral portion; wherein the plurality of connectors defining the first connection surface is distributed on a first portion of the first surface which is on the first lateral portion and a second portion of the first surface which is on the second lateral portion, and wherein the bridging portion has an indented portion defining a compartment or a partial compartment which extends between the first lateral portion and the second lateral portion and between the first surface and the second surface.

[0021 ] In some embodiments, the connectors on the first portion of the first surface on the first lateral portion and the connectors on the second portion of the first surface on the second lateral portion are of opposite mating genders.

[0022] In some embodiments, the connectors on the first portion of the first surface on the first lateral portion and the connectors on the second portion of the first surface on the second lateral portion are symmetrically disposed on two sides of a plane of symmetry.

[0023] In some embodiments, a plurality of connectors is formed on the bridging portion, and the connectors on the bridging portion are at an axial level offset from the first connection surface, the axial level being respect to the coupling axis of the connectors on the first connection surface. [0024] A building block assembly according to the disclosure comprises a first building block and a second building block which are in stacked engagement. Each one of the first building block and the second building block is a building block according to any preceding claim. The first building block and the second building block is releasably engaged with respective first connection surfaces in abutment contact and engagement.

[0025] A building block herein comprises one or a plurality of connectors to facilitate detachable or releasable mechanical connection between modular building blocks in abutment. The mechanical connection is typically by press-fitting or snap-fitting. The building block comprises one connector or a plurality of connectors on at least one connection surface and building blocks can be stacked with their respective connection surfaces in abutment connect and the connectors on their respective connection surfaces in detachable mechanical engagement.

[0026] A building block herein may be a toy building block. A toy building block is typically made of thermoplastics such as ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PC (polycarbonate), or other plastic materials that a high degree of strength and rigidity, as well as a small degree of resilience to be slightly resiliently deformable to facilitate press-fit or snap-fit engagement.

[0027] A building block herein may be made of clay, ceramic, porcelain, concrete, or other mouldable materials that have a high rigidity and a very low degree of resilience or virtually no resilience.

[0028] A building block herein may also be made of wood, metals, for example, steel, aluminum, aluminum alloys, or other materials that can be shaped.

[0029] Where a building block is made of a material having a high rigidity with a very low degree of resilience or no resilience, the building block may connect with a building block having a sufficient degree of resilience to facilitate mechanical connection by resilient deformation of the connector(s) thereon.

[0030] In general, a building blocks can be rigid and slightly resilient or non-resilient, and the rigidity and resilience may be selected to suit applications by selecting appropriate materials or appropriate mix of materials.

[0031 ] A building block herein may be ceramic building block or a porcelain building block. The ceramic or porcelain building block may be in the form of a ceramic brick or a porcelain brick, a ceramic tile or a porcelain tile, a ceramic panel or a porcelain panel, or other forms of ceramic parts or porcelain parts without loss of generality. The ceramic or porcelain building blocks may be interconnected using binding agents such as glue, cement, or mortar to form the modules, assemblies or sub-assemblies, or interconnect wit building blocks made of a rigid and slightly resilient material. [0032] A building block herein typically comprises a main body, a first surface on a first side of the main body, a second surface on a second side of the main body, a peripheral portion extending between the first surface and the second surface, and a plurality of connectors formed on the main body. The main body is typically rigid or semi-rigid and the connectors have peripheral walls which are rigid or semi-rigid and having a small degree of resilience to facilitate snap engagement with corresponding connector through resilient deformation of the engagement portions of the connectors. The connectors are usually formed on a panel portion of the main body. In some embodiments, male connectors are formed on one panel portion and female connectors are formed on another panel portion separate from the panel portion on which the male connectors are formed. In some embodiments, male connectors and female connectors are formed on a common panel portion.

[0033] A connector herein means a building block connector unless the context requires otherwise. A building block connector comprises a connection portion having a coupling axis defining a coupling direction. The connection portion comprises an engagement portion for making closely fitted engagement with a matched connector portion of a matched connector to form a pair of engaged connectors.

[0034] An engagement portion comprises mechanical mating features for making closely fitted engagement with a corresponding engagement portion of a matched connector to form a pair of engaged engagement portions. An engagement portion may be a male engagement portion or a female engagement portion.

[0035] A connector is generally classified as a male connector or a female connector. However, a male connector may comprise a female engagement portion in addition to its inherent male engagement portion and a female connector may comprise a male engagement portion in addition to its inherent female engagement portion.

[0036] A male engagement portion comprises male mating features. A male engagement portion typically comprises a protrusion which is shaped and sized for closely-fitted reception of a corresponding female engagement portion. A protrusion adapted for closely-fitted reception of a corresponding female engagement portion is a matched corresponding male engagement portion of that corresponding female engagement portion. A protrusion herein is also referred to as a "protrusion portion", a "protruding member", a "protrusion member", "protrusion body", and "protruding body" and the terms are interchangeably used herein unless the context requires otherwise.

[0037] A female engagement portion comprises female mating features. A female engagement portion typically comprises a coupling receptacle which is shaped and sized for closely-fitted reception of a corresponding male engagement portion. A coupling receptacle adapted for closely-fitted reception of a corresponding male engagement portion is a matched corresponding female engagement portion of that corresponding male engagement portion. A receptacle herein means a coupling receptacle of a female building block connector unless the context requires otherwise. A coupling receptacle of a female building block connector is also referred to as a male engagement portion receptacle or a male-connector receptacle.

[0038] A pair of connectors having matched corresponding engagement portions when on separate building blocks are detachably engageable to form a releasable mechanical connection. When the pair of connectors have matched snap engagement portions, the connectors are snap engageable to form a snap engaged connector pair.

[0039] A male engagement portion and a corresponding female engagement portion having matched and compatible mating features will enter into closely fitted engagement when they are brought or moved relatively towards each other with their respective coupling axes aligned and press connected along the aligned coupling axes. The fitted or closely fitted engagement herein may be by interference fit or snap fit. When a pair of matched connectors herein are brought or moved relatively towards each other with their respective coupling axes aligned and then pressed together, the matched connectors will engage and enter into closely fitted engagement.

[0040] A connector has a characteristic radial profile. The radial profile of a connector is characterized by the radial extent of the engagement portion or the engagement portions of the connector between its axial ends. A snap connector is characterized by a non-uniform radial extent in the axial direction, and more particularly by a bulged radial profile.

[0041 ] A male connection portion comprises a protruding portion which is to enter into a receptacle of a corresponding female connection portion to make releasable mechanical engagement therewith. The protrusion portion may be in the form of a protrusion body, a protruding body, a protrusion member or a protruding member.

[0042] The protrusion portion of a male connection portion projects from a base surface and extends in an axial direction away from the base surface, the axial direction being with respect to the coupling axis of the protrusion portion. A male connection portion comprises a connector head defining its axial end. The axial extent of a protrusion portion, measured along the coupling axis of the male connection portion between the base surface from which it projects and its axial end, defines the height of the protrusion. The protruding body has an outer peripheral wall which defines the mating features of the protrusion portion, including shape, configuration, radial profile and dimensions.

[0043] The protrusion portion of a male snap connector has a radial profile which is defined by its outer peripheral wall. The radial profile of a snap connector is characterized by a non- uniform radial extent in the axial direction. A male snap connector typically comprises a bulged portion having a bulged radial profile and a reduced portion having a reduced radial profile.

[0044] A typical protrusion portion herein is an annular protrusion comprising a first protrusion portion and a second protrusion portion. The first protrusion portion and the second protrusion portion are in series and are aligned on the coupling axis. The first protrusion portion is in abutment with the base surface and the second protrusion portion comprises the axial end, which is usually a free axial end. The first protrusion portion is, in the axial direction, or axially, intermediate the second protrusion portion and the base surface.

[0045] The first protrusion portion is referred to as a neck portion which is supported on the base surface and the second protrusion portion is referred to as a head portion which is supported by the neck portion.

[0046] The head portion has an enlarged radial profile compared to the neck portion radial profile, and is also referred to as an enlarged portion. As the profile enlargement is in the radial direction, the head portion is also referred to as a widened portion.

[0047] In general, the head portion is an enlarged portion having a head portion radial profile which is a bulged radial profile, or a bulged profile in short.

[0048] The head portion has an outer periphery which is in the general form of a peripherally extending rib. A peripherally extending rib herein is an annular rib having the radial profile of the head portion radial profile in the peripheral direction. The annular rib is defined by the outer peripheral wall of the protrusion portion and may be continuous or non-continuous. The peripheral direction is orthogonal to the coupling axis and is a tangential direction to a circle defining the annular rib. The annular rib surrounds a core portion of the head portion, and the core portion of the head portion may be solid or hollow. When the core portion is hollow, the head portion is in the form of a hollow shell having an internal compartment. The head portion radial profile and the annular rib has the radial profile of a radial protrusion and defines an engagement portion, and more specifically, defines a male snap engagement portion of a male connection portion. The engagement portion on the head portion of a male connection portion is referred to as a first engagement portion or a first snap engagement portion of the protrusion portion or of the male connection portion for ease of reference. The terms "rib" and "ridge" are equivalent and are used interchangeably herein.

[0049] The bulged head portion has a maximum radial extent defining a maximum radial plane at an axial level with respect to the base surface. The maximum radial plane is a maximum transversal plane, and the axial level of the maximum radial plane is a maximum radial extent level. [0050] The bulged portion has a lower surface which extends between the maximum radial plane and the base surface. The lower surface is a tapered surface which oppositely faces the base surface. The radial extent of the lower surface of the bulged head portion at an axial level decreases as the axial level moves closer towards the base level of the base surface to define a lower tapered surface. Conversely, the radial extent of the lower surface of the bulged head portion at an axial level increases as the axial level of the lower surface away from the base surface increases. The radial extent of the lower surface of the bulged head portion reaches a local minimum at an axial level where it joins the neck portion.

[0051 ] The head portion tapers to narrow as it extends axially from the maximum radial extent plane towards the base surface. Conversely, the head portion flares to widen as it extends axially from the base surface towards the maximum radial extent plane.

[0052] The axial free end of the head portion may be flat or rounded. Where the axial free end is flat, the male connector has a flat head. Where the axial end is rounded, the male connector has a rounded head. The rounded head may be in the shape of a dome, a spherical cap, or a rounded boss or other suitable shapes.

[0053] The head portion radial profile extends in a peripheral direction to define an annular outer periphery of the head portion and the neck portion radial profile extends in a peripheral direction to define an annular outer periphery of the neck portion.

[0054] The neck portion has reduced radial profile compared to the head portion radial profile, and is also referred to as a reduced portion. As the profile reduction is in the radial direction, the neck portion is also referred to as a narrowed portion.

[0055] In general, the neck portion is a reduced enlarged portion having a neck portion radial profile which is a tapered radial profile, or a tapered profile in short.

[0056] The neck portion has an outer periphery which is in the form of a peripherally extending channel. The peripherally extending channel is an annular channel having the radial profile of the neck portion radial profile in the peripheral direction. The annular channel is defined by the outer peripheral wall of the protrusion portion and may be continuous or non-continuous. The peripheral direction is orthogonal to the coupling axis and is a tangential direction to a circle defining the annular channel. The annular channel, that is, the peripherally extending channel, surrounds a core portion of the neck portion, and the core portion of the neck portion may be solid or hollow. When the core portion is hollow, the neck portion is in the form of a hollow shell having an internal compartment. The neck portion radial profile and the annular channel has the radial profile of a radial indentation and defines an engagement portion, and more specifically, a female snap engagement portion on a male connection portion. The engagement portion on the neck portion of a male connection portion is referred to as a second engagement portion or a second snap engagement portion of the protrusion portion or of the male connection portion for ease of reference. This second engagement portion is a retention portion which is adapted to receive and retain a neck receptacle portion of a female connector. The terms "channel" and "groove" are equivalent and are used interchangeably herein.

[0057] The neck portion has a local maximum radial extent at an axial level where it joins or is in abutment with the head portion. The local maximum radial extent defines a local maximum radial plane, which is also a local maximum transversal plane.

[0058] The neck portion has an outer peripheral surface which extends between the local maximum radial plane and the base surface. The outer peripheral surface is a tapered surface which oppositely faces the base surface. The radial extent of the outer peripheral surface of the neck portion at an axial level decreases as the axial level moves closer towards the base level of the base surface to define a tapered outer peripheral surface. Conversely, the radial extent of the outer peripheral surface of the narrowed neck portion at an axial level increases as the axial level of the outer peripheral surface away from the base surface increases. The radial extent of the outer peripheral surface of the neck portion reaches a local minimum at an axial level where it joins the head portion. The outer peripheral surface is optionally a smooth continuation of the lower surface of the head portion. Where the lower surface of the head portion follows a curved profile to taper, the radial profile of the outer peripheral surface may follow a curved profile which is a curved continuation of the curved profile to taper. In some embodiments, the curved profile follows a radius of curvature equal to half the maximum radial extent.

[0059] Therefore, the neck portion tapers to narrow as it extends axially from the local maximum radial extent plane towards the base surface. Conversely, the neck portion flares to widen as it extends axially from the base surface towards the local maximum radial extent plane.

[0060] While the peripheral channel is primarily defined by the outer peripheral surface of the neck portion in cooperation with the base surface, the entire channel may be regarded as being defined by the lower axial end of the enlarged portion, the narrowed neck portion and the base surface in cooperation.

[0061 ] The channel may have a constant radial extent in the axial direction or may have a tapered radial profile such that the radial extent of the neck portion decreases as its axial level decreases towards the base surface.

[0062] The tapering may follow a curved profile, for example the profile of a convex curve, a straight slope or other desired profiles without loss of generality. [0063] In general, the axial extent of a protrusion of a connection portion is a fraction of the maximum radial extent of the protrusion, and the fraction is optionally between 20% and 80%, for example, in percentage terms, at 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, or any range or ranges defined by a combination of any of the aforesaid values and/or ranges. Typically, the axial extent will be in the higher range of between 50% and 80% where the protrusion has a rounded end or partial spherical end and in the lower range of 15% and 60% where the protrusion has a flat head or flat axial end. For an annular protrusion, the maximum radial extent E is the diameter D of a circle, the circle defines a maximum radial extent plane and the aforesaid fraction is also in respect of the diameter.

[0064] The axial extent between the maximum radial extent level and the axial free end of the protrusion portion is a fraction of the maximum radial extent of the protrusion, and the fraction is optionally between 5% and 50% of the maximum radial extent, E, at the maximum radial extent level, for example, in percentage terms, at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, or a range or any ranges formed by a combination of any of the aforesaid values as limits of a range or limits of ranges. This axial extent of the upper portion of the protrusion will be in the lower range of between 5% and 30% where the protrusion has a flat head or flat axial end, and in the higher range of between 25% and 50% where the protrusion has a rounded end or partial spherical end. When the axial extent of the upper protrusion is 50%, the upper portion has a hemispherical shape.

[0065] The axial extent between the base surface and the maximum radial extent plane of the protrusion is a fraction of the maximum radial extent of the protrusion, and the fraction is optionally between 6% and 30% of the maximum radial extent, E, for example, in percentage terms, at 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 25, 30, or a range or any ranges formed by a combination of any of the aforesaid values as limits of a range or limits of ranges.

[0066] The axial extent of the bulged portion is a fraction of the maximum radial extent of the protrusion, and the fraction is optionally between 5% and 25% of the maximum radial extent, E, for example, in percentage terms, at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, or a range or any ranges formed by a combination of any of the aforesaid values as limits of a range or limits of ranges.

[0067] The axial extent of the neck portion is a fraction of the maximum radial extent of the protrusion, and the fraction is optionally between 5% and 15% of the maximum radial extent, E, for example, in percentage terms, at 5, 10, 15, or a range or any ranges formed by a combination of any of the aforesaid values as limits of a range or limits of ranges.

[0068] The radial extent of the neck portion is a fraction of the maximum radial extent of the protrusion, and the fraction is optionally between 90% and 99% of the maximum radial extent, for example, in percentage terms, at 90, 91 , 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or a range or any ranges formed by a combination of any of the aforesaid values as limits of a range or limits of ranges.

[0069] The radial extent of the radial indentation defining the channel of the neck portion is a fraction of the maximum radial extent of the protrusion, and the fraction is optionally between 1 % and 6%, for example, in percentage terms, at 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more, or a range or any ranges formed by a combination of any of the aforesaid values as limits of a range or limits of ranges.

[0070] The protrusion portion or a portion thereof may be a convex annular portion which follows a convex curvature as it extends towards the base surface in the direction of the coupling axis. The convex annular portion may have the shape of a spherical segment having a radius of curvature R, where R is half the value of the maximum radial extent of the maximum radial plane, and an axial extent or height h. The maximum radial plane is usually contained between two smaller radial planes so that the radial extent of the convexly curved portion increases from a first radial extent defined by a first smaller radial plane to the maximum radial extent and then decreases to a second radial extent defined by a second smaller radial plane as the curved portion extends along the direction of the coupling axis, the radial plane extending in a transversal direction or a lateral direction which is orthogonal to the coupling axis.

[0071 ] The protrusion portion between the base surface and the maximum radial plane may be in the shape of a spherical segment or a truncated cone, i.e., frusto-cone. The axial height between the base surface and the maximum radial plane is optionally between 20% and 85% of R, where R is the radius of the sphere defining the spherical segment, for example, in percentage terms, at 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, or a range or any ranges formed by a combination of any of the aforesaid values as limits of a range or limits of ranges.

[0072] Where the neck portion of the protrusion portion in abutment with the base surface is in the shape of a spherical segment, the neck portion has a shape of a lower spherical segment and has a convexly curved profile in the radial direction. When the neck portion is so shaped, the neck portion has a smaller radial extent at the base surface and a local maximum radial extent at an axial separation from the base surface.

[0073] The radial extent of the neck portion at the base surface is at a fraction of the maximum radial extent, and the fraction is optionally between 90% and 98.8%, for example, in percentage terms, at 90, 92, 94, 96, 98, 98.8, or a range or any ranges formed by a combination of any of the aforesaid values as limits of a range or limits of ranges. [0074] The local maximum radial plane is elevated above the base surface and a radial plane having a smaller radial extent is in abutment with the base surface.

[0075] The neck portion may taper to join the base surface and joins at a joining angle. The tapering may follow a convexly curved profile, may have a constant slope, or other desired tapering manner. The joining angle is an acute angle which is optionally between 50 degrees and 88 degrees, for example, in degree terms, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 70, 80, 85, 88, or a range or any ranges defined by a combination of any of the aforesaid values and/or ranges.

[0076] The protrusion portion, for example, the bulged portion or the reduced portion, may comprise a cylindrical body or a prismatic body which projects away from the base surface, with a tapered portion formed at a peripheral region in abutment with or in proximity to the base surface.

[0077] A snap connector or the engagement portion of a snap connector herein is axis- symmetrical. An axis symmetrical engagement portion has axis-symmetrical mating feature profiles. An axis-symmetrical engagement portion or connector typically has a circular cross section at an axial defined by the coupling axis of the engagement portion or the connector. In some embodiments, the engagement portion may not be exactly axis-symmetrical but has a square cross-section or a cross-section of a regular polygon having five side, six sides, seven sides, eight side, nine sides, ten side or more. A snap connector herein includes both the axis- symmetrical and non-axis-symmetrical types unless the context requires otherwise.

[0078] On the other hand, the radial extent of a protrusion portion of a press-fit or interference- fit connector without snap-fit features is substantially uniform in the axial direction.

[0079] A female connection portion comprises a coupling receptacle for reception of a protrusion portion of a corresponding male connector. More specifically, a female connection portion comprises a coupling receptacle, or receptacle in short, for closely-fitted reception of a protrusion portion of a corresponding male connection portion to facilitate snap engagement. When a male engagement portion is in closely fitted engagement with a female engagement portion, the male engagement portion is received by the receptacle and at least a portion of the male engagement portion projects into and is received inside the receptacle compartment.

[0080] The receptacle of a female connector comprises a receptacle compartment and a receptacle entry through which an axial end of a protrusion of a corresponding male connection portion is to enter the receptacle compartment. The receptacle comprises an inner peripheral wall which defines the receptacle compartment, the receptacle entry, as well as a receptacle entry plane and an entry aperture at the receptacle entry. The entry aperture is typically on an axial end of the receptacle and is also referred to as an access aperture and the receptacle entry plane is orthogonal to the coupling axis. The entry aperture defines a minimum radial clearance of the receptacle which in turn defines a maximum radial extent of the protrusion or the bulged portion of a protrusion that can enter into the receptacle without radial deformation of the receptacle entry or the male connector protrusion. The coupling receptacle extends in the axial direction away from the receptacle entry to define an axial extent of the receptacle compartment. The axial extent of a receptacle, as measured along the coupling axis of the receptacle between the axial ends of the inner peripheral wall which defines the receptacle compartment, defines the height of the receptacle. The inner peripheral wall of the receptacle defines the shape, configuration, dimensions of the receptacle compartment. The receptacle may be in the form of a receptacle portion, a receptacle body, or a receptacle member. In some embodiments, a female connector comprises a peripheral wall which defines the receptacle. The peripheral wall may comprise an inner peripheral wall which defines the receptacle compartment and the receptacle compartment radial profile and an outer peripheral wall which surrounds the inner peripheral wall and defines the outer periphery of the receptacle. The peripheral wall may be a continuous wall or a non-continuous wall. In some embodiments, the outer peripheral wall of the receptacle depends from the panel portion and has a substantial portion of its axial extent which is spaced apart from or independent of the panel portion. For example, the outer peripheral wall may have, in percentage terms of its axial extent or of the maximum radial extent of the receptacle compartment, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 90, 95, 100, or a range or any ranges defined by a combination of any of the aforesaid values and/or ranges which is laterally separated from the panel portion so that there is radial spatial separation between the outer peripheral wall and the panel portion from which the receptacle depends. In some embodiments, a minor portion of the axial extent of the receptacle is spaced apart from or independent of the panel portion, and the minor portion, in percentage terms of its axial extent or of the maximum radial extent of the receptacle compartment, is 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 9, 10, or a range or any ranges defined by a combination of any of the aforesaid values and/or ranges.

[0081 ] A female snap connector comprises a snap-fit receptacle which is shaped and dimensioned for closely fitted engagement of a male snap engagement portion. When a female snap connector and a male snap connector are in closely-fitted snap engagement, the male engagement portion is subject to a small radially inward compression force exerted radially inwardly by the receptacle functioning as a female engagement portion, and the receptacle is subject to a small radial outward expansion force which is exerted radially outwardly by the male engagement portion.

[0082] The receptacle compartment of a female connector has a radial profile which is defined by the inner peripheral wall of the receptacle. The radial profile of the receptacle compartment of a female snap connector is characterized by a non-uniform radial extent in the axial direction, and typically includes a bulged radial profile of a bulged receptacle portion and a reduced radial profile of a reduced receptacle portion in the axial direction. The terms receptacle, coupling receptacle, snap-fit receptacle, receptacle portion, receptacle body, and receptacle member are interchangeably used herein unless the context requires otherwise.

[0083] The entry aperture is on or at one axial end of the receptacle and is an annular aperture which provides access for a male engagement portion so that a male engagement portion can enter into the receptacle compartment through that axial end and through the entry aperture and then enter into closely-fitted engagement with the receptacle. A receptacle may have an entry aperture on each of the two axial ends of the receptacle to facilitate entry or exit of a protrusion portion of a male connector from a selected one of the two axial ends.

[0084] The entry aperture has or may have a radial clearance which is smaller or slightly smaller than the maximum radial extent of a male engagement portion, and the maximum radial extent of a male engagement portion is typically located on the bulged portion of the male connector protrusion. A smaller radial clearance at the entry aperture than the maximum radial extent of the bulged portion usually means a radial constriction at the axial end of the receptacle. The bulged portion of a male connection means would need to overcome the radial constriction in order to enter the receptacle compartment from outside the receptacle compartment or to leave the receptacle if already inside the receptacle compartment. A minimum radial clearance extent of the receptacle is defined at the entry aperture.

[0085] A receptacle may comprise a first receptacle portion having a first receptacle compartment and a second receptacle portion having a second receptacle compartment. The first receptacle portion and the second receptacle portion are in series and are aligned on the coupling axis. The first receptacle portion has an axial end comprising the receptacle entry and the second receptacle portion extends axially away from the first receptacle portion and the receptacle entry. The first receptacle portion is to surround and snap on the neck portion of a corresponding male engagement portion upon snap engagement therewith and is referred to as a neck receptacle portion. The neck receptacle portion is also referred to as a neck portion engagement portion and comprises a neck receptacle compartment. The second receptacle portion is to surround and snap on the head portion of a corresponding male engagement portion upon snap engagement therewith and is referred to as a head receptacle portion. The head receptacle portion is also referred to as a head portion engagement portion and comprises a head receptacle compartment. The two receptacle portions, namely, the head receptacle portion and the neck receptacle portion, may be separate or integrally formed.

[0086] The engagement portion of a receptacle portion is an annular receptacle portion defined by a portion of the inner peripheral wall of the receptacle defining the receptacle portion. The engagement portion may be in the embodiments of an annular bracket portion, an annular bracket member, an annular collar portion, or an annular collar member. In some embodiments, a receptacle portion has an access aperture at each of its axial ends to facilitate entry and/or exit of a matched male engagement portion at either axial end.

[0087] In some embodiments, the receptacle may have only one receptacle portion, for example, only the head receptacle portion or only the neck receptacle portion.

[0088] The head receptacle portion comprises a head receptacle compartment which is adapted for making snap engagement with the head portion of a corresponding male connector, and has a radial clamping profile which is complementarily shaped and sized to match the radial profile of the bulged portion of the corresponding male connector.

[0089] The head receptacle portion is an enlarged receptacle portion, also referred to as a widened receptacle portion, or an enlarged portion in short. The head receptacle portion has a head receptacle portion radial profile which is an enlarged radial profile compared to the neck receptacle portion radial profile. The head receptacle portion radial profile extends in a peripheral direction to define an annular inner periphery of the head receptacle portion. The head receptacle portion radial profile and the inner periphery of the head receptacle portion is defined by a portion of the inner peripheral wall of the receptacle defining the head receptacle portion. The engagement portion of a head receptacle portion is typically in the form of an annular clamp or clip, and in example embodiments in the form of an annular bracket portion, an annular bracket member, an annular collar portion, or an annular collar member. The maximum radial clearance extent of the receptacle is usually defined in the head receptacle portion.

[0090] The portion of the inner peripheral wall of the receptacle defining the head receptacle portion and the head receptacle compartment has a radial profile of an indentation or a recess, with the indentation or access inwardly facing the coupling axis. The indentation has a radial profile which defines the head receptacle portion radial profile. The radial profile may be angled or curved and extends peripherally in a peripheral direction, that is annularly, to define the head receptacle compartment and its boundary. The peripheral direction is orthogonal to the coupling axis and is a tangential direction to a circle defining the annular clamp or clip. The annular clamp or clip is in the form of an annular channel which surrounds a core portion of the head receptacle portion. The head receptacle portion defines a female snap engagement portion of the female connection portion, and is referred to as a first engagement portion or a first snap engagement portion of the receptacle, or of the female connection portion, for ease of reference. The terms "channel" and "groove" are used interchangeably herein.

[0091 ] The head receptacle compartment has a maximum radial extent defining a maximum radial clearance and a maximum radial plane at an axial level referred to a maximum radial extent level. The maximum radial plane is also a maximum transversal plane. The radial extent of the head receptacle portion decreases as the axial distance from the maximum radial extent level increases. Specifically, the radial extent of the head receptacle portion decreases as the head receptacle portion extends away from the maximum radial extent level and towards the receptacle entry, and the radial extent of the head receptacle portion decreases as the head receptacle portion extends away from the maximum radial extent level and away from the receptacle entry. Therefore, the head receptacle portion tapers to narrow as its axial distance away from the maximum radial extent plane or the maximum radial extent level increases. Conversely, the head receptacle portion flares to widen as it extends axially towards the maximum radial extent plane or the maximum radial extent level.

[0092] The axial end of the head receptacle portion distal to the receptacle entry may be flat or curved, for example, may have the shape of a spherical cap or other desired shapes.

[0093] The neck receptacle portion comprises a neck receptacle compartment which is adapted for making snap engagement with the neck portion of a corresponding male connector and has a radial clamping profile which is complementarily shaped to match the radial profile of the neck portion of the corresponding male connector.

[0094] The neck receptacle portion is a reduced receptacle portion compared to the head receptacle portion radial profile. The neck receptacle portion is a reduced receptacle portion, since it has a neck receptacle portion radial profile which is smaller than the radial profile of the head receptacle portion radial profile. The reduced receptacle portion is also referred to as a narrowed receptacle portion, or a reduced portion in short. The neck receptacle portion radial profile is defined by a portion of the inner peripheral wall of the receptacle which defines the neck receptacle portion and the inner periphery of the neck receptacle portion. The neck receptacle portion radial profile extends in a peripheral direction to define an annular inner periphery of the neck receptacle portion. The portion of the inner peripheral wall of the receptacle which defines the neck receptacle portion and the neck receptacle compartment has a radial profile of an indentation or a recess, and the indentation or access is inwardly facing the coupling axis and the centre of the maximum radial plane of the head receptacle portion. The indentation has a radial profile which is or which defines the neck receptacle portion radial profile. The radial profile may be angled or curved and extends peripherally in a peripheral direction, that is annularly, to define a neck receptacle compartment and its boundary.

[0095] The engagement portion of an example neck receptacle portion is in the form of an annular clamp or an annular clip which surrounds and defines the neck receptacle portion. The annular clamp or clip may have a radial profile of a clamping bracket or a clamping collar. The neck receptacle portion in exemplary embodiments is in the form of an annular bracket portion, an annular bracket member, an annular collar portion, or an annular collar member. The terms "bracket" and "collar" are interchangeably used herein and shall bear the same meaning unless the context requires otherwise. A clamping bracket herein is an inclined bracket having a recess or indentation facing the coupling axis and the centre of the maximum radial plane of the head receptacle portion. The bracket extends peripherally in a peripheral direction to define a neck receptacle compartment portion and its boundary. The peripheral direction is orthogonal to the coupling axis and is a tangential direction to a circle defining the annular clamp or clip. The neck receptacle portion defines a female snap engagement portion of the female connection portion, and is referred to as a second engagement portion or a second snap engagement portion of the receptacle, or of the female connection portion, for ease of reference. This second engagement means, similar to the first engagement means, is a retention portion defining a female retention means. The minimum radial clearance extent of the receptacle is usually defined in the neck receptacle portion.

[0096] The reduced receptacle portion has a local maximum radial extent defining a local maximum radial plane at an axial level referred to a local maximum radial extent level. The local maximum radial plane is also a local maximum transversal plane. The radial extent of the neck receptacle compartment decreases as the axial distance away from the local maximum radial extent level towards the receptacle entry increases. Specifically, the radial extent of the neck receptacle compartment decreases as the neck receptacle compartment extends away from the local maximum radial extent level and towards and joins the receptacle entry. The neck receptacle compartment is a tapered receptacle portion which tapers to narrow as it extends axially towards the receptacle entry. Conversely, the neck receptacle compartment flares to widen as it projects axially away from the receptacle entry.

[0097] The tapered entry end of the neck receptacle portion is optionally shaped and sized to operate as an engagement portion, or more specifically a male engagement portion, for engaging with or snap on the narrowed neck portion of the corresponding male connection portion, for example, by wedged engagement. Therefore, this tapered entry end be regarded as a third snap engagement portion of the receptacle.

[0098] The tapering may follow a curve, for example, a concave curve, a straight slope or other desired profiles without loss of generality.

[0099] The receptacle of a female connection portion is adapted to accommodate the protrusion of a male connection portion such that when two building blocks having matched connection means are stacked and their matched corresponding connection means in releasable engagement, the corresponding connection surfaces of the building blocks are in flush abutment and even contact. To meet the accommodation requirements, the axial end or ceiling of the receptacle compartment which is distal to the entry end would need to be at an axial level sufficient to accommodate the protrusion.

[0100] Where the entry end of the receptacle is at the axial level of the connection surface, as is usually the case, the ceiling end of the receptacle would be at an axial level corresponding to the axial extent of the protrusion from the connection surface, unless the ceiling end is an open end that allows the protrusion to pass through. In general, the axial extent of the receptacle compartment is a fraction of the maximum radial extent, E, of the protrusion or of the receptacle, and the fraction is optionally between 15% and 80%, for example, in percentage terms, at 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, or a range or any ranges defined by a combination of any of the aforesaid values and/or ranges. Typically, the axial extent will be in the higher range of between 50% and 80% where the protrusion has a rounded end or partial spherical end and in the lower range of 15% and 60% where the protrusion has a flat head or flat axial end.

[0101 ] A head receptacle portion which is adapted to snap on the bulged portion has a radial clamping profile which is complementarily shaped to match the radial profile of the bulged of the head portion.

[0102] In order to provide sufficiently effective snap griping on the bulged portion, the axial extent of the radial clamping profile of the head receptacle portion, which is determined by the radial profile of the annular bracket, would be comparable to the axial extent of the bulged portion of the corresponding male engagement portion. In general, the axial extent of the head receptacle portion would be a fraction of the maximum radial extent of the bulged portion, and the fraction would optionally be between 10% and 40%, for example, in percentage terms, at 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, or a range or any ranges formed by a combination of any of the aforesaid values as limits of a range or limits of ranges.

[0103] The head receptacle portion is optionally symmetrical about a radial plane of symmetry, which corresponds to the maximum radial extent plane of the bulged receptacle portion or the bulged portion of the protrusion on snap engagement. The plane of symmetry divides the head receptacle portion into symmetrical halves about the radial plane of symmetry. The head receptacle portion tapers to narrow as it extends axially away from the maximum radial extent plane to taper. The head receptacle portion optionally follows a concave profile or has a concave radial profile as it extends axially to taper. Optionally, the concave profile follows or matches the convex profile of the corresponding bulged portion. In some embodiments, the concave profile follows a concave curvature having a diameter equal to or comparable to the maximum radial extent of the bulged portion. The tapering may follow a straight slope or other desired profiles without loss of generality. The concave curve may have a radius of curvature comparable to half the maximum radial extent E.

[0104] The radial extent of the head receptacle portion at an axial end of the head receptacle portion where symmetry about the plane of symmetry ends is a fraction of the maximum radial extent of the bulged receptacle portion, and the fraction would optionally be between 95% and 99%, for example, in percentage terms, at 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or a range or any ranges formed by a combination of any of the aforesaid values as limits of a range or limits of ranges.

[0105] The neck receptacle portion has an axial extent to provide snap grip on the neck portion of the male connector. The axial extent is a fraction of the maximum radial extent of the bulged portion which, in percentage terms, is optionally between 2 and 10, for example, at 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or a range or any ranges defined by a combination of any of the aforesaid values and/or ranges.

[0106] In order to provide sufficient or effective snap clamping on the neck portion of the protrusion, the axial extent of the radial clamping profile of the neck receptacle portion, which is the radial profile of the annular bracket, would be comparable to the axial extent of the neck portion of the corresponding male engagement portion. In general, the axial extent of the neck receptacle portion would be a fraction of the radial extent of the neck portion at the base surface, and the fraction would optionally be between 10% and 35%, for example, in percentage terms, at 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 35, or a range or any ranges formed by a combination of any of the aforesaid values as limits of a range or limits of ranges.

[0107] The axial extent of the neck receptacle portion can be expressed as a fraction of the maximum radial extent of the receptacle, and the fraction would optionally be between 1 .9% and 5%, for example, in percentage terms, at 1 .9, 2, 2.0, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.0, 4.5, 5, or a range or any ranges formed by a combination of any of the aforesaid values as limits of a range or limits of ranges.

[0108] The neck receptacle portion tapers to narrow as it extends axially towards the access aperture to define a narrowed access aperture to facilitate snap fit.

[0109] As a result of the tapering, the access aperture at the tapered axial end of the neck receptacle portion has a radial extent which is a fraction of the maximum radial extent of clearance of the internal compartment of the receptacle, and the fraction is optionally between 85% and 96%, for example, in percentage terms, at 85, 90, 95, 96, or a range or any ranges formed by a combination of any of the aforesaid values as limits of a range or limits of ranges.

[01 10] As a result of the tapering, the inner peripheral wall of the neck receptacle portion is at an inclination angle to a radial plane at the access aperture axial end of the neck receptacle portion. The inclination angle is optionally between 50 degrees and 88 degrees, for example, in degree terms, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 70, 80, 85, 88, or any range or ranges defined by a combination of any of the aforesaid values and/or ranges. Preferably, the inclination angle corresponds to the joining angle to facilitate closely fitted engagement between the neck receptacle portion and the neck portion.

[01 1 1 ] Where the receptacle comprises both the neck receptacle portion and the head receptacle portion, both the neck receptacle portion and the head receptacle portion may be defined by an integrally formed peripheral wall of the receptacle, and the axial extent of the peripheral wall of the receptacle would optionally be between 30% and 85% of R, for example, in percentage terms, at 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, or a range or any ranges defined by a combination of any of the aforesaid values and/or ranges.

Figures

[01 12] Embodiments of the disclosure will be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Figure 1 A is a perspective view from one axial of an example building block 100,

Figure 1 B is a perspective view from another axial end of the example building block of Figure 1 A,

Figure 1 C is a perspective view from one side of the example building block of Figure 1 A,

Figure 1 D is a cross-sectional view of the example building block of Figure 1 A taken along the section line A-A' in an axial direction,

Figure 1 E is a cross-sectional view of the example building block of Figure 1 A taken along the section line B-B' in the axial direction,

Figure 2A is a perspective view from one axial of an example building block 200,

Figure 2B is a perspective view from another axial end of the example building block of Figure 2A,

Figure 2C is a side elevation view of the building block 200 of Figure 2A,

Figure 2D is a plan view of the building block 200 of Figure 2A showing a section line A1 -A1 ',

Figure 2E is a cross-sectional view of the example building block of Figure 2A taken along the section line of Figure 2D in the axial direction,

Figure 2F is a perspective view from an axial end of an example stacked building block assembly 20 formed by stacking two building blocks 200A, 200B of Figure 2A,

Figure 2G is a perspective view of the assembly of Figure 2F from another axial end, Figures 2H and 21 are side elevation view and cross-sectional view of the assembly of Figure 2F;

Figures 3A and 3B are perspective views of an example building block 300,

Figure 3C is a side elevation view of the example building block 300 of Figure 3A,

Figure 3D is a cross-sectional view of the example building block 300 of Figure 3A taken along a section line shown in Figure 3A,

Figures 3E and 3F are, respectively, perspective and plan views of an example building block assembly 30,

Figures 4A and 4B are perspective views of an example building block 400,

Figure 4C is a cross-sectional view of the example building block 400 of Figure 4A taken along a section line shown on Figure 4B,

Figure 4D is a side elevation view of the example building block 400 of Figure 4A,

Figures 4F and 4G are perspective views of an example building block assembly 40,

Figures 5 and 5A are perspective views of an example building block 500,

Figure 5B is a perspective view of an example building block assembly 50,

Figures 6A and 6B is a perspective view of an example building block 600,

Figure 6C is a plan view of the building block of Figure 6A,

Figure 6D is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the building block of Figure 6A taken along a section line indicated on Figure 6C,

Figures 6E and 6F are perspective views of an example building block assembly 60,

Figure 6G is a plan view of the building block assembly of Figure 6E,

Figure 6H is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the assembly 60 of Figure 6E taken along a section line indicated on Figure 6G,

Figures 7A and 7B are, respectively, a perspective view and a plan view of an example building block assembly 70, and

Figures 7C and 7D are perspective views of an example building block 700 of the building block assembly 70.

Description

[01 13] An example building block 100 comprises a main body 110, a first surface 122 on a first side 124 of the main body, a second surface 142 on a second side 144 of the main body, and a peripheral portion 160 extending between the first surface 122 and the second surface 142, as depicted in Figures 1 A, 1 B and 1 C.

[01 14] The building block 100 comprises a first panel portion 120 on which a plurality of building block connectors is formed. The first panel portion 120 has an upper surface on which the first surface 122 is formed and a lower surface which is parallel to the upper surface and opposite facing. The first panel portion has a thickness which is defined by the axial separation between its upper and lower surfaces and the thickness is substantially uniform.

[01 15] The building block 100 comprises a second panel portion 140 on which a plurality of building block connectors is formed. The second panel portion 140 has a lower surface on which the second surface 142 is formed and an upper surface which is parallel to the lower surface and opposite facing. The second panel portion has a thickness which is defined by the axial separation between its upper and lower surfaces and the thickness is substantially uniform.

[01 16] The peripheral portion 160 comprises a peripheral wall 162 which extends around the outer periphery of the first panel portion 120 and the second panel portion 140. The peripheral wall 162 includes an outer peripheral wall portion and an inner peripheral wall portion.

[01 17] The first panel portion 120, the second panel portion 140 and the peripheral wall 162 cooperate to define an internal compartment 164 of the building block.

[01 18] A plurality of connectors 170 A, 180A is formed on the first side 124 of the building block. A plurality of connectors 170B, 180B is formed on the second side 144 of the building block. The connectors 170A and 170B are male connectors and the connectors 180A and 180B are female connectors.

[01 19] Each connector 170A, 180A on the first side 124 has a coupling axis and a coupling direction defined by the coupling direction. For example, the male connectors 170A on the first side of the building block 100 comprises a first male connector having a coupling axis X1 -X1 ' and a second male connector having a coupling axis X2-X2'. The female connectors 180A on the first side of the building block 100 comprises a first female connector having a coupling axis X3-X3' and a second female connector having a coupling axis X4-X4'

[0120] Each connector 170B, 180B on the second side 144 has a coupling axis and a coupling direction defined by the coupling direction. For example, the male connectors 170B on the second side of the building block 100 comprises a first male connector having a coupling axis Y3-Y3' and a second male connector having a coupling axis Y4-Y4'. The female connectors 180B on the second side of the building block 100 comprises a first female connector having a coupling axis Y1 -Y1 ' and a second female connector having a coupling axis Y2-Y2'. [0121 ] An example plurality of four connectors is formed on the first surface 122. The connectors are distributed on four corners of a square such that the separation distances between adjacent connectors on different sides of the square are the same and equal to a pitch of a square matrix defined by the square corners. This square is referred to as a connector positioning square or a positioning square in short herein The first surface is a square surface and the connectors are distributed such that connectors on a side of the building block has a half-pitch separation distance to that side of the building block so that corresponding connectors on corresponding sides of two corresponding building blocks which are placed side by side with their corresponding sides in abutment have a full pitch separation to facilitate convenient inter-block connection. The plurality of connectors on the first surface 122 defines a first connection surface, a first connection means on the first side and a first connection direction. The first connection direction is identical to the coupling directions of the connectors on the first side.

[0122] An example plurality of four connectors is formed on the second surface 142. The connectors are distributed on four corners of a positioning square such that the separation distances between adjacent connectors on different sides of the positioning square are the same and equal to a pitch of a square matrix defined by the square corners. The second surface is a square surface and the connectors are distributed such that connectors on a side of the building block has a half-pitch separation distance to that side of the building block so that corresponding connectors on corresponding sides of two corresponding building blocks which are placed side by side with their corresponding sides in abutment have a full pitch separation to facilitate convenient inter-block connection. The first surface 122 and the second surface 142 are identical square surfaces in this example, although the first surface 122 and the second surface 142 can have different shapes and/or dimensions in other embodiments without loss of generality. The plurality of connectors on the second surface 142 defines a second connection surface, a second connection means on the second side and a second connection direction. The second connection direction is identical to the coupling directions of the connectors on the second side.

[0123] Each connector on the first surface 122 has a corresponding connector on the second surface 142 which is coupling axis aligned with the coupling axis of the connector on the first surface. For example, the male connector 170A on the first side and having the coupling axis X1 -X1' has a coupling axis aligned counterpart female connector 180B on the second side having the coupling axis Y1 -Y1'. Likewise, the female connector 180A on the first side and having the coupling axis X3-X3' has a coupling axis aligned counterpart male connector 170B on the second side having the coupling axis Y3-Y3'. In this example, there are an example plurality of four pairs of coupling axes aligned connectors on the building block 100. [0124] Referring to Figures 1 A, and 1 D, a male connector 170A comprises a protrusion portion which projects away from the first surface 122 as a base surface. The male connector 170A has an outer peripheral wall which defines the shape, radial profile and dimensions of the protrusion portion and the engagement portions thereon. The outer peripheral wall is axis symmetrical and the protrusion portion is an annular protrusion having a characteristic coupling axis and a characteristic of the coupling axis and between the base surface and the axial free end of the protrusion portion, defines the height of the protrusion portion as well as the height of the male connector. The protrusion comprises a head portion and a neck portion which is intermediate the head portion and the base surface. The head portion is a bulged portion having a convexly curved bulged radial profile defining a maximum radial extent and a maximum radial extent plane at a maximum radial extent level. The neck portion is a narrowed portion having a convexly curved radial portion which tapers to narrow towards the base surface. The bulged head portion and the narrowed neck portion cooperate to define snap engagement features of the male connector. The protrusion portion has a substantially partial spherical shape resembling the shape of a ball-joint head. In some embodiments, the head portion has a rippled radial profile and/or a flat head instead of a rounded or spherical head. In some embodiments, the protrusion has a cylindrical or prismatic profile along the axial extent of its engagement portions for general press-fit or interference-fit engagement. The prismatic profile may have a cross section of a multiple-sided regular polygon having, for example, 6 to 12 sides.

[0125] The male connector 170B on the second side of the building block has the same description as that of the male connector 170A and the description in relation thereto and thereon is incorporated by reference, and to apply mutatis, for example, with the first surface modified to read the second surface.

[0126] A female connector 180A on the first side comprises a coupling receptacle for engagement reception of a male connector. The coupling receptacle has a receptacle compartment which is defined by an inner peripheral wall. The inner peripheral wall is an inner portion of a peripheral wall which defines the coupling receptacle and is therefore a receptacle compartment defining peripheral wall portion. The receptacle has a receptacle entry, as well as an entry aperture and an entry plane defined at the receptacle entry. The receptacle entry is at an axial end of the coupling receptacle and the receptacle entry plane is orthogonal to the coupling axis of the receptacle, the axial end being an end on the axial direction of the coupling axis. The peripheral wall of the coupling receptacle is an annular peripheral wall which projects axially into the internal compartment 164 of the building block and the entire coupling receptacle is retracted below the first surface. The receptacle has a dome shaped axial portion which is formed by an outer peripheral wall of the coupling receptacle, and the dome shaped axial end portion is the portion of the coupling receptacle which is most distal to the first surface in the axial direction, as depicted in Figure 1 E. The receptacle entry and the receptacle entry aperture is formed on the first surface, with the receptacle entry plane being coplanar with the first surface.

[0127] The coupling receptacle comprises a neck receptacle portion for engaging with a neck portion of a male connector and a head receptacle portion for engaging with a head portion of a male connector. The neck receptacle portion comprises an annular bracket which is matched with the neck portion of the male connector and the neck receptacle portion is inside the panel portion and surrounded by an interior boundary of the panel portion. The annular bracket of the neck receptacle portion comprises a collar portion which is proximal the first surface. The collar portion defines the receptacle entry and the entry aperture, and the entry aperture defines a minimum radial clearance of the neck receptacle portion. The collar portion has a free standing annular collar wall portion which surrounds the entry aperture. The free standing annular collar wall portion has a free axial end most proximal the first surface and the collar wall portion is spaced apart from the panel portion such that an annular groove or channel separating the collar portion and the panel portion by a radial spacing is formed between the collar wall portion and the panel portion. The radial spacing allows the free-standing collar portion to resiliently flex outwards on encountering a male engagement portion having a radial extent exceeding the maximum clearance extent of the collar portion.

[0128] The head receptacle portion is further away from the first surface than the neck receptacle portion such that the neck receptacle portion is, in the axial direction, between the head receptacle portion and the neck receptacle portion. The dome-shaped portion of the coupling receptacle contains the head receptacle portion in this example. In some embodiments, the female connector may comprise only one of the neck receptacle portion or the head receptacle portion. In some embodiments, the coupling receptacle has a flat end and the head receptacle portion is contained in the flat end. The inner peripheral wall of the coupling receptacle in this example has a concavely curved radial profile to defined a convexly bulging receptacle compartment. In some embodiments, the inner peripheral wall has a rippled radial profile and the receptacle compartment has a rippled internal profile. In some embodiments, the inner peripheral wall has a cylindrical or prismatic longitudinal profile along the axial extent of its engagement portions for general press-fit or interference-fit engagement. The prismatic profile may have a cross section of a multiple-sided regular polygon having, for example, 6 to 12 sides. In general, the radial and longitudinal profiles of the coupling receptacle are to match with those of a corresponding male connector to facilitate closely fitted engagement.

[0129] The female connector 180B on the second side of the building block has the same description as that of the female connector 180A and the description in relation thereto and thereon is incorporated by reference, and to apply mutatis, for example, with the first surface modified to read the second surface.

[0130] The male connector 170A, 170B and the female connectors 180A, 180B have matched and compatible engagement portions so that the male connector and the female connector are engageable if formed on different building blocks. When a male connector and a female connector is matched and compatible, their connection portions have matched engagement features which are matched in dimensions and profiles to facilitate engagement. In some embodiments, the male connectors and the female connectors on different sides may not be matched.

[0131 ] The male connectors 170A, 170B on one side of the building block is on one side of the square on the corners of which the plurality of connectors is distributed, and the female connectors 180A, 180B are on the opposite and parallel side of the square. The symmetrical disposition of the male and female connectors on two sides of a plane of symmetry facilitates flexible inter-block connection as a number of identical blocks can be interconnected by flipping about the plane of symmetry. The plane of symmetry in this example is a plane is a plane of bisection which is equidistant and parallel to the aforesaid square sides.

[0132] In this example, the connectors 170A, 180A on one, the first, side of the building block 100 is formed on one panel portion on one axial end of the internal compartment of the building block 100 and the connectors 170B, 180B on the other, the second, side of the building block 100 is formed on another panel portion on the other axial end of the internal compartment of the building block 100. In some embodiments, the is no connector on the second side. In some embodiments, the connectors on the other side of the same type, that is, either male type or female type. In some embodiments, the building block has a single panel portion.

[0133] An example building block 200 comprises a main body 210, a first surface 222 on a first side 224 of the main body, a second surface 242 on a second side 244 of the main body, and a peripheral portion 260 extending between the first surface 222 and the second surface 242, as depicted in Figures 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D and 2E.

[0134] The building block comprises a panel portion 220 on which a plurality of building block connectors 270A, 270B, 280A, 280B is formed. The panel portion 220 has an upper surface on which the first surface 222 is formed and a lower surface 222B which is parallel to the upper surface and opposite facing. The panel portion has a thickness which is defined by the axial separation between its upper and lower surfaces and the thickness is substantially uniform.

[0135] The peripheral portion 260 comprises a peripheral wall 262 which extends around the outer periphery of the panel portion 220. The peripheral wall 262 includes an outer peripheral wall portion and an inner peripheral wall portion. The panel portion 220 and the peripheral wall 262 cooperate to define an internal compartment 264 of the building block.

[0136] A plurality of male connectors 270A and a plurality of female connectors 280A is formed on the first side 224 of the building block. A plurality of male connectors 270B and a plurality of female connectors 280B is formed on the second side 244 of the building block. Each connector on one side of the building block has a corresponding connector of an opposite mating gender which is matched and coupling axis aligned with the connector on the one side. The plurality of connectors 270A, 280A, 270B, 280B in this example is all formed on a single panel portion, rather than on two parallel and spaced apart panel portion as in the building block 100. The plurality of connectors on the first side 224 defines a first connection surface, a first connection means on the first side and a first connection direction. The first connection direction is identical to the coupling directions of the connectors on the first side. The plurality of connectors on the second side 244 defines a second connection surface, a second connection means on the second side and a second connection direction. The second connection direction is identical to the coupling directions of the connectors on the second side. The connector 270B, 280B on the second side 244 projects from the lower surface 222B of the panel portion 220 and extends into the internal compartment 264 of the building block 200 and towards the second surface 242 and the plurality of the connectors 270B, 280B, having parallel coupling axes, cooperate to define the second connection surface on the second side of the building block 200. The protrusion portion of the male connector 270B on the second side projects from the second surface 242 as its base surface and extends away from the base surface for an axial extent along its coupling direction, the axial extent being the height of the protrusion portion.

[0137] An example plurality of sixteen connectors is formed on the first side 224 of the building block and an example plurality of sixteen connectors is formed on the second side 244 of the building block. The sixteen connectors on each side of the building block are arranged into four connector rows and four connector columns of uniform row and column spacing. The four connector rows are arranged into two adjacent rows of male connectors and two adjacent rows of female connectors on two sides of a plane of symmetry. In some embodiments, the connectors are arranged in alternate rows of male and female connectors. In some embodiments, the connectors are arranged so that adjacent connectors in a row or a column are of opposite mating genders.

[0138] A male connector 270A, 270B of the building block 200 has a flat head and a rippled radial profile. In addition, the male connector 270B on the second side 244 is dependent from the peripheral wall of a corresponding coupling receptacle of a corresponding coupling axis aligned female connector on the first side. Otherwise, the male connector 270A, 270B is identical to the male connector 170A, 170B, and the description on and in relation to the male connector 170A, 170B is incorporated herein by reference, and to apply mutatis to the male connector 270A, 270B, where appropriate, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0139] A female connector 280A, 280B of the building block 200 comprises a coupling receptacle. The coupling receptacle comprises a neck receptacle portion and a head receptacle portion. The neck receptacle portion is formed by an interior boundary of the panel portion and the head receptacle portion is formed by a peripheral wall which depends from the panel portion. The peripheral wall comprises an inner peripheral wall portion which defines the shape, dimensions and engagement profile of the head receptacle portion and an outer peripheral wall portion which defines the outer periphery of the receptacle. The receptacle compartment at the head receptacle portion has a rippled radial profile to match with the rippled radial profile of the male connector 270A, 270B. The outer peripheral wall portion is substantially cylindrical to correspond to the substantially cylindrical shape of the head portion of the male connector 270A, 270B. Otherwise, the female connector 280A, 280B is identical to the female connector 180A, 180B, and the description on and in relation to the female connector 180A, 180B is incorporated herein by reference, and to apply mutatis to the female connector 280A, 280B, where appropriate, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0140] Apart from the aforesaid differences, the building block 200 and the building block 100 are substantial identical and the features and inter-relations between the male connector and the female connector are substantial identical and the description thereon and in relation thereto is incorporated herein by reference, and to apply mutatis where appropriate, unless the context requires otherwise

[0141 ] An example building block assembly 20 comprises a first building block 200A and a second building block 200B which are stacked with their outer peripheral walls of their peripheral portions aligned, as depicted in Figures 2F, 2F, 2H and 2I. Each of the first building block 200A and the second building block 200B is identical to the building block 200, with the second connection surface of the building block 200A in abutment with the first connection surface of the building block 200B.

[0142] With the symmetrical disposition of an equal number of male and female connectors on one side, a building block assembly can be formed by stacked connection of the first building block 200A and the second building block 200B, with their respective first connection surfaces in abutment or with their respective second connection surfaces in abutment. The arrangements and dispositions of connectors herein facilitate substantial enhancement to flexibility of inter-block connectivity and substantially enhance values of modular interconnectible building blocks. [0143] While the male connector 270A, 270B and the female connector 280A, 280B of the building block 200 have features different to their respective counterparts of the building block 100, it would be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the male connectors 170A, 170B and/or the female connectors 170A, 170B of the building block 100 can be incorporated into the building block 200 without loss of generality and is herein incorporated by reference.

[0144] An example building block 300 comprises a main body 310, a first surface 322 on a first side 324 of the main body, a second surface 342 on a second side 344 of the main body, and a peripheral portion 360 extending between the first surface 322 and the second surface 342, as depicted in Figures 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D.

[0145] The main body comprises a panel portion 320 on which a plurality of building block connectors 370A, 370B, 380A, 380B is formed. The panel portion 320 has lower surface on which the first surface 322 is formed and an upper surface which is parallel to the lower surface and opposite facing. The panel portion 320 has a thickness which is defined by the axial separation between its upper and lower surfaces and the thickness is substantially uniform. The peripheral portion 360 comprises a peripheral wall 362 which extends around the outer periphery of the panel portion 320. The peripheral wall 362 includes an outer peripheral wall portion and an inner peripheral wall portion. The panel portion 320 and the peripheral wall 362 cooperate to define an internal compartment 364 of the building block.

[0146] The panel portion 320 comprises a first lateral portion 321 , a second lateral portion 323, and a bridging portion 325 interconnecting the first lateral portion 321 and the second lateral portion 323. The bridging portion 325 is shaped to form a bracket portion and a bracket compartment of the bracket portion. The bracket portion 325 comprises a first bridging branch 325A which is connected to and is a continuation of the first lateral portion 321 , a second bridging branch 325B which is connected to and is a continuation of the second lateral portion 323 and an intermediate bridging branch 325C interconnecting the first bridging branch 325A and the second bridging branch 325B. The intermediate bridging branch 325C is parallel to and offset from the first lateral portion 321 and the second lateral portion 323 to define a substantially rectangular boundary of a substantially rectangular bracket compartment.

[0147] The first lateral portion 321 is a first lateral panel portion which extends away from the bridging portion 325 and away from the bracket compartment. A plurality of male snap connectors 370A is formed on the first surface 322 of the first lateral portion. A male connector 370A on the first surface 322 has a coupling axis and a coupling direction which is orthogonal to the first surface 322, and the coupling direction is away from the panel portion.

[0148] The second lateral portion 323 is a first lateral panel portion which extends away from the bridging portion 325, away from the bracket compartment and away from the first lateral portion 321 . A plurality of female snap connectors 380A is formed on the first surface 322 of the second lateral portion. A female connector 380A on the first surface 322 has a coupling axis and a coupling direction which is orthogonal to the first surface 322, and the coupling direction is away from the panel portion.

[0149] The connectors 370A on the first surface 322 on the first lateral portion 321 are distributed according to a square matrix having two rows and two columns, with equal spacing between adjacent connectors in a row and adjacent connectors in a column which is orthogonal to the row. With this disposition, the connectors are disposed on corners of a connector positioning square. The connectors 380A on the first surface 322 on the second lateral portion 323 are distributed according to the same square matrix as that on first lateral portion 321. With this disposition, the connectors are disposed on corners of a connector positioning square which is identical to the connector positioning square on the first lateral panel portion. The plurality of male connectors 370A and female connectors 380B on the first surface 322 cooperate to define a first connection means having a first connection direction and a first connection surface.

[0150] The male connectors 370A on the first surface 322 on the first lateral portion 321 and the female connectors 380A on the first surface 322 on the second lateral portion 323 are disposed with respect to a plane of lateral symmetry, and the example plane of lateral symmetry is a plane which is midway between the first lateral portion and the second lateral portion and is orthogonal to the first surface. With this laterally symmetrical disposition of connectors of opposite genders about the plane of lateral symmetry, a building block assembly 30 can be formed by stacked connection of two identical building blocks 300A and 300B, where each one of the building blocks 300A and 300B is identical to the building block 300, with their corresponding first connection surfaces in engagement, as depicted in Figures 3E and 3F.

[0151 ] Optionally, a plurality of female connectors 380B is formed on the second surface 342 of the first lateral portion 321. The plurality of female snap connectors 380B is optionally disposed such that a male connector 370A on the first surface of the first lateral portion 321 has a couple axis aligned corresponding female connector 380B on the second surface of the first lateral portion 321.

[0152] Optionally, a plurality of male connectors 370B is formed on the second surface 342 of the second lateral portion 323. The plurality of male snap connectors 370B is optionally disposed such that a female connector 380A on the first surface of the second lateral portion 323 has a couple axis aligned corresponding male connector 370B on the second surface of the second lateral portion 323. [0153] Optionally, a plurality of connectors is also formed on the upper panel surface of the bridging portion, or more particularly on the upward facing panel surface of the intermediate bridging branch 325C, with their connector coupling axes aligned to define a third connection direction. Optionally, the third connection direction is parallel to but opposite the first connection direction. Likewise, the connectors on the bridging portion may be distributed according to the same connector positioning square as a convenient example,

[0154] In this example, while the male connector 370A, 370B is of the same type as that of male connector 170A, 170B and the female connector 380A, 380B as of the same type as the female connector 180A, 180B, persons skilled in the art that other compatible types of connectors can be used without loss of generality. For example, the flat headed male connector 270A, 270B may be used as male connector 370A, 370B and the female connector 280A, 280B may be used as female connector 380.

[0155] An example building block 400 comprises a main body 410, a first surface 422 on a first side 424 of the main body, a second surface 442 on a second side 444 of the main body, and a peripheral portion 460 extending between the first surface 422 and the second surface 442, as depicted in Figures 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D.

[0156] The main body comprises a panel portion 420 on which a plurality of building block connectors 470A, 470B, 480A, 480B is formed. The panel portion 420 has lower surface on which the first surface 422 is formed and an upper surface which is parallel to the lower surface and opposite facing. The panel portion 420 has a thickness which is defined by the axial separation between its upper and lower surfaces and the thickness is substantially uniform. The peripheral portion 460 comprises a peripheral wall 462 which extends around the outer periphery of the panel portion 420. The peripheral wall 462 includes an outer peripheral wall portion and an inner peripheral wall portion. The panel portion 420 and the peripheral wall 462 cooperate to define an internal compartment 464 of the building block.

[0157] The panel portion 420 comprises a first lateral portion 421 , a second lateral portion 423, and a bridging portion 425 interconnecting the first lateral portion 421 and the second lateral portion 423. The bridging portion 425 is shaped to form a bracket portion and a bracket compartment of the bracket portion. The bridging portion 425 comprises a first bridging branch 425A which is connected to and is a continuation of the first lateral portion 421 and a second bridging branch 425B which is connected to and is a continuation of the second lateral portion 423. The bracket portion 425 defines a substantially triangular boundary of a substantially triangular bracket compartment. In addition, a plurality of retention apertures is formed on the bridging portion and the retention aperture is shaped in dimensioned to permit fitted reception of a connector of the same type and dimensions as those on the first surface. Apart from the aforesaid differences, the building block 400 has identical features to that of the building block 300, and the description in relation to and on the building block 300 is incorporated by reference, and to apply mutatis to the building block 400.

[0158] Likewise, a building block assembly 40 formed by stacked connection of two building blocks 400A and 400B where each one of the building blocks 400A and 400B is identical to the building block 400 is depicted in Figures 4F and 4G.

[0159] An example building block 500 comprises a main body 510, a first surface 522 on a first side 524 of the main body, a second surface on a second side 544 of the main body, and a peripheral portion 560 extending between the first surface 522 and the second surface 542, as depicted in Figures 5 and 5A. A plurality of connectors 570A, 580A comprising one male connector and one female connector is distributed on the first surface 522. Each connector 570A, 580A has a coupling axis defining a coupling direction and the plurality of connectors 570A, 580A cooperates to define a first connection means, a first connection surface and a first connection direction. In addition, a plurality of connectors 588, 599 is distributed on the main body, as depicted in Figures 5 and 5A. The connectors 570A, 580A, 588 and 599 are a connector of the aforesaid described types and the description on and in relation to the various connectors are incorporated herein and to apply mutatis mutandis, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0160] The main body comprises a first lateral portion 521 , a second lateral portion 523, and a bridging portion 525 interconnecting the first lateral portion 521 and the second lateral portion 523. The first connection means is distributed on a first portion of the first surface on the first lateral portion 521 and a second portion of the first surface on the second lateral portion 523. The bridging portion 525 is shaped to form a bracket portion and a bracket compartment of the bracket portion. More particularly, the bridging portion 525 is shaped to form an indented portion and to define a compartment between the first lateral portion 521 and the second lateral portion 523.

[0161 ] Likewise, a building block assembly 50 formed by stacked connection of two building blocks 500A and 500B where each one of the building blocks 500A and 500B is identical to the building block 500 is shown in Figure 5B. The assembly 50 comprises a through compartment having a circular interior boundary which is formed by the two corresponding bridging portions in cooperation, as depicted in Figure 5B.

[0162] An example building block 600 comprises a main body 610, a first surface 622 on a first side 624 of the main body, a second surface on a second side 644 of the main body, and a peripheral portion 660 extending between the first surface 622 and the second surface 642, as depicted in Figures 6, 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D. A plurality of connectors 670A, 680A comprising a plurality of male connectors 670A and a plurality of female connectors 680A is distributed on the first surface 622. Each connector 670A, 680A has a coupling axis defining a coupling direction and the plurality of connectors 670A, 680A cooperates to define a first connection means, a first connection surface and a first connection direction. A plurality of connectors 670B is distributed on the second surface 642 to define a second connection means, a second connection surface and a second connection direction.

[0163] The building block comprises a panel portion 620 on which a plurality of building block connectors 670A, 670B, 680A is formed. The main body is elongate and extends along a longitudinal axis and the panel portion 620 is elongate to define the elongate shape of the main body. The panel portion 620 has an upper surface from which the plurality of connectors 670A, 680A projects orthogonally along their coupling axes towards the first side 624 and the first connection surface and a lower surface which is opposite and faces away from the upper surface.

[0164] The peripheral portion 660 comprises a peripheral wall 662 which extends around the outer periphery of the panel portion 620. The peripheral wall 662 includes an inner peripheral wall portion and an outer peripheral wall portion surrounding the inner peripheral wall. The panel portion 620 and the peripheral wall 662 cooperate to define an internal compartment 664 of the building block. The peripheral wall 662 projects from the upper surface of the panel portion 620 and extends towards the first side 624 to define the first connection surface. More specifically, the upper edge of the peripheral wall 662 extends around the panel portion 620 to define the first connection surface 622. A plurality of male connectors 670B is formed on the second surface 642 on the second side of the building block 600 and projects away from the panel portion 620 and away from the internal compartment 664 along their coupling directions. The second surface 642 is the lower surface of the panel portion in this example.

[0165] Therefore, the main body of the building block 600 is formed into the shape of a partial enclosure, with the panel portion forming a base of the partial enclosure and a peripheral wall portion surrounding the panel portion and projecting upwards from the upper surface of the panel portion 620 towards the first connection surface. The connectors 670A, 680A in this example, and the connectors 270B, 280B of the building block 200, are internal connectors which project into the internal compartment of the building block and are surrounded by the peripheral portion, or more particularly the peripheral wall, of the building block.

[0166] The male connectors 670A and female connectors 680A are alternately disposed along a distribution axis, which is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the main body, such that adjacent connectors in a row or a column are of opposite mating gender. In addition, a plurality of connectors 688, 699 is distributed on the main body. The connectors 670A, 670B, 680A, 688 and 699 are connectors of the aforesaid described types and the description on and in relation to the various connectors are incorporated herein and to apply mutatis mutandis, unless the context requires otherwise. While the connectors 670B are male connectors, the connectors on the second side may be female connectors 680B or a combination of both male connectors 670B and female connectors 680B without loss of generality.

[0167] A building block assembly 60 formed by stacked connection of two building blocks 600A and 600B where each one of the building blocks 600A and 600B is identical to the building block 600 is shown in Figures 6E to 6H.

[0168] The peripheral portion of the building block 600 and the building block assembly 60 has a rectangular cross-sectional profile in this example. In some embodiments, the peripheral portion of the building block 600 has as a semi-circular cross-sectional profile and the building block assembly 60 has a circular cross-sectional profile, although it would be appreciated by persons of ordinary skills in the art that the building blocks and the building block assemblies herein can adopt different profiles without loss of generality.

[0169] A building block assembly 70 comprises a first surface 722 on a first side 724, a second surface on a second side 744, and a peripheral portion 760 extending between the first surface 722 and the second surface 742, as depicted in Figures 7A and 7B. The assembly 70 is in the shape of a circular ring with the first surface 722 extending along a circular path having a circular axis and the second surface 742 also extending along a circular path and about the same circular axis, the circular path defining the peripheral direction of the assembly. The assembly 70 has a substantially circular cross-section along its ring axis, the ring axis being a longitudinal axis which extends along the peripheral direction. A plurality of male connectors 770A and the plurality of male connectors 770A are distributed on the first surface to define a fist connection surface. The first surface 722 is a convexly curved surface which extends in the peripheral direction and a connector on the first surface has its coupling direction and its coupling axis orthogonal to the first surface. The building block assembly 70 is constructed from a plurality of curved building blocks 700 as depicted in Figures 7C and 7D. Apart from the aforesaid differences, the building block 700 shares substantially the same description of the building block 600, and the description on and in relation to the building block 600 is incorporated herein by reference and to apply mutatis mutandis where appropriate, with reference numerals increased by 100 where appropriate or necessary.

[0170] The connectors on the first surface of the example first building blocks are arranged in an example connector matrix. The example connector matrix has a plurality of connector rows and a plurality of connector columns, with a connector row being orthogonal to a connector column. The connector matrix is arranged in the form of a regular matrix such that adjacent rows and adjacent columns of the matrix are at equal spacing. When adjacent rows and adjacent columns of the matrix are at equal spacing, adjacent rows and adjacent columns of the matrix have a constant pitch and a uniform separation distance defining the pitch. The term pitch herein means the separation distance between adjacent connector rows and/or adjacent connector columns unless the context requires otherwise. When connectors are distributed following a regular matrix, adjacent connectors in a row and adjacent connectors in a column have the same separation distance defined by the pitch of the regular matrix. The example connector matrix is optional disposed such that an outermost connector row that is closest to a portion of a corresponding outer peripheral wall of the building block which is parallel to the outermost connector row is at half pitch, which means the separation distance between the connector row and the corresponding outer peripheral wall, referred to as a row wall, is at half of the separation distance between adjacent connector rows. Likewise, an outermost connector column that is closest to a portion of a corresponding outer peripheral wall of the building block which is parallel to the outermost connector column is at half pitch, which means the separation distance between the connector column and the corresponding outer peripheral wall, referred to as a column wall, is at half of the separation distance between adjacent connector columns.

[0171 ] More specifically, the connectors on the first surface of the example building blocks are distributed in a square matrix. For example, the example plurality of the connectors on the first side of the building block is distributed in the form of a square matrix having two rows and two columns, with adjacent connectors in a row and adjacent connectors in a column having equal spacing and at a constant separation distance equal to the matrix pitch.

[0172] An example first surface is a square surface of a panel portion having a square boundary delimited by a peripheral wall which extends along the square boundary. The peripheral wall includes an inner peripheral wall which defines the internal compartment of the building block and an outer peripheral wall which surrounds the inner peripheral wall. The outermost connector column which is closest to a portion of a corresponding outer peripheral wall of the building block that is parallel to the outermost connector column is at half pitch. An outermost connector row which is closest to a portion of a corresponding outer peripheral wall of the building block that is parallel to the outermost connector row is at half pitch. When an outermost connector row of a building block has a half pitch to the outer peripheral wall, the outermost connector row of the building block and an outermost connector row or column of a corresponding building block having its corresponding outer peripheral wall in abutment with the outer peripheral wall of the building block is at a full pitch. [0173] While the example building block has a square panel portion or a square first surface and the connector matrix is a square matrix of 2x2 or 4x4, the panel portion or the first surface need not be square and the connector matrix may be a non-square matrix.

[0174] For example, the panel portion may be square and the connector matrix may be a 3x3, 5x5, 6x6, 7x7, 8x8 or other sizes. For example, the panel portion may be rectangular and the connector matrix may be a 1x2, 1x3, 1x4, 2x3, 2x4, 2x5, 3x4, 3x5, 3x6, 3x7, 4x5, 4x6, 4x7, or any other order without loss of generality. In some embodiments, the panel portion has a polygonal boundary having three sides or more than four sides without loss of generality, and the sides may be of equal or unequal lengths. In some embodiments, the first surface or the panel portion may have a circular boundary and the connectors on a side is arranged in rows of concentric circles with equal spacing between connectors in a circular row and adjacent circular rows.

[0175] While the disclosure has made reference to various embodiments, the embodiments are for example and should not be used to limit restrict the scope of the disclosure.

[0176] For example, the example building blocks herein are toy building blocks for toy or toylike applications and the building block assemblies are toy or toy-like building block assemblies. However, the building blocks herein can also be non-toy building blocks such as machine building blocks, construction building blocks such as tiles or bricks, and/or other industrial building blocks and the building block assemblies are modular built machines or machine parts, modular built structures, modular built structure parts, modular built structural parts, modular built fixture and/or fixture parts and/or fixture sub-assemblies.

[0177] When used for toy applications as toy assemblies, the component building blocks have a typical radial extent (or width, or lateral extent) of between 1 cm and 15cm and a typical axial extent (or thickness) or between 0.3mm for a miniature block to 5cm. For example, the radial extent can be, in units of cm, 1 for a miniature block, 1 , 1 .5, 2, 2.5, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 1 1 , 1 1.5, 12, 12.5, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, 20, or more for a mega block, or a range or any ranges formed by a selected combination of any of the aforesaid values as limits of a range or limits of ranges. For example, the axial extent can be, in units of cm, 1 for a miniature block, 1 , 1 .5, 2, 2.5, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, or more for a mega block, or a range or any ranges formed by a selected combination of any of the aforesaid values as limits of a range or limits of ranges.

[0178] When for industrial uses, for example for modular construction of machines, buildings, structures, parts, the aforesaid values may be scaled up, in unit of times, by 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 1 10, 120, or a range or any ranges formed by a selected combination of any of the aforesaid values as limits of a range or limits of ranges; and the component building blocks may be made of strong thermoplastics, carbon fibres, fibre glass, or metals, or other mouldable materials, having a high rigidity and a small degree of resilience.

[0179] While assemblies of the building blocks have been described with reference to snap engagement or snap connection and snap connectors, the building blocks may be joined or connected by other press-fit mechanisms or methods without loss of generality.

[0180] While the example connectors described and depicted herein are snap connectors adapted for making snap-fit engagement, a connector herein can be a "press-fit" connector for making press-fit engagement or a "friction-fit for making press-fit engagement unless the context requires otherwise.

[0181 ] In general, a snap-fit connector comprises an engagement portion having snap-fit mating features. The terms "snap", "snap fit", and "snap-fit", are interchangeably used herein unless the context requires otherwise. The terms "fastener" and "connector" are also interchangeably used herein unless the context requires otherwise. In this description and specification, and when in relation to a connector or an engagement portion having a coupling axis, the terms "closely-fitted engagement" and "coupled engagement" are interchangeable, the axial direction is with respect to the coupling axis and the axial direction is along the coupling axis, and the radial direction is with respect to the coupling axis and the radial extent is in the radial direction, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0182] The words "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. are generic terms for ease of reference only and are not intended for indicate priority, order or sequence unless the context requires otherwise or specifies otherwise. Where there are conflicts in relation to the aforesaid generic terms, the conflicts are to resolve to give a meaning which is reasonable for interpretation where possible.

[0183] While singular and plural terms are used herein, a singular term may apply mutatis mutandis to a plural situation and a plural term may apply mutatis mutandis to a single situation where the context permits or requires.

[0184] Table of numerals

Claims

1 . A building block comprising a main body, a first surface on a first side of the main body, a second surface on a second side of the main body, the second surface being opposite facing to the first surface, and a plurality of connectors on the first surface; wherein each connector has a connection portion defining a coupling axis and a coupling direction along the coupling axis, and the plurality of connectors defines a first connection surface having a first connection direction parallel to the coupling direction; and wherein the plurality of connectors comprises one male connector or a plurality of male connectors and one female connector or a plurality of female connectors.

2. The building block according to Claim 1 , wherein the female connector comprises a coupling receptacle for making releasable mechanical engagement with a male connector, the coupling receptacle comprising a receptacle compartment and a receptacle entry having an entry aperture for a male connector to enter into the coupling receptacle; and wherein the receptacle entry and/or the entry aperture is on the first surface.

3. The building block according to Claim 2, wherein the main body comprises a panel portion having an upper surface and a lower surface, and the receptacle entry and/or the entry aperture extends through the panel portion.

4. The building block according to Claim 3, wherein at least a portion of the coupling receptacle is inside the panel portion and/or is surrounded by an interior boundary of the panel portion.

5. The building block according to Claims 3 or 4, wherein the coupling receptacle comprises a neck receptacle portion for making engagement with a neck portion of a male connector and the neck receptacle portion is inside the panel portion or is surrounded by an interior boundary of the panel portion.

6. The building block according to any of Claims 3 to 5, wherein the male connector comprises a neck portion at a first axial level or a first axial extent above the first surface and the female connector comprises a neck receptacle portion which is at the first axial level or the first axial extent below the first surface.

7. The building block according to any of Claims 3 to 5, wherein the coupling receptacle comprises an inner peripheral wall which defines the receptacle compartment and the coupling axis of the female connector, and the inner peripheral wall extends in a direction opposite to the coupling direction of the female connector.

8. The building block according to any of Claims 3 to 6, wherein the coupling receptacle comprises an outer peripheral wall defining an outer periphery of the receptacle, and the outer peripheral wall is an annular wall projecting from the lower surface of the panel portion and extends in a direction opposite to the coupling direction of the female connector.

9. The building block according to any of Claims 3 to 7, wherein the protrusion portion comprises an outer peripheral wall defining an outer periphery of the protrusion portion, and the outer peripheral wall is an annular wall projecting from the upper surface of the panel portion and extends in a direction opposite to the coupling direction.

10. The building block according to any preceding Claim, wherein the male connector comprises a male engagement portion and the female connector comprises a female engagement portion which is matched in dimensions and complementary in mating feature profiles with the male engagement portion.

1 1 . The building block according to any preceding Claim, wherein the male connector comprises a protrusion portion which projects away from the first surface and extends along the coupling direction which is orthogonal to the first surface.

12. The building block according to any preceding Claim, wherein a plurality of connectors is distributed on the second surface, and the connector has a connection portion defining a coupling axis and a coupling direction along the coupling axis; wherein the plurality of connectors on the second surface defines a second connection surface having a second connection direction parallel to the coupling direction; and wherein the plurality of connectors comprises one male connector or a plurality of male connectors and one female connector or a plurality of female connectors.

13. The building block according to Claim 12, wherein a male connector on the first surface has a corresponding female connector on the second surface, and the coupling axes of the one male connector and the corresponding female connector are aligned and coaxial.

14. The building block according to Claims 12 or 13, wherein one female connector on the first surface has a corresponding male connector on the second surface, and the coupling axes of the one female connector and the corresponding male connector are aligned and coaxial.

15. The building block according to any preceding Claim, wherein the plurality of connectors on the first surface is distributed on two sides of a plane of symmetry, the plane of symmetry being orthogonal to the first connection surface, and wherein number of male connectors and number of female connectors on the two sides of the plane of symmetry is equal.

16. The building block according to any preceding Claim, wherein the plurality of connectors on the first surface is arranged according to at least one ordered matrix having equal spacing between adjacent connectors in a row and/or adjacent connectors in a column.

17. The building block according to Claim 16, wherein adjacent connectors in a row and/or adjacent connectors in a column are of opposite mating gender.

18. The building block according to any preceding Claim, wherein the main body comprises a first lateral portion, a second lateral portion and a bridging portion interconnecting the first lateral portion and the second lateral portion; wherein the plurality of connectors defining the first connection surface is distributed on a first portion of the first surface which is on the first lateral portion and a second portion of the first surface which is on the second lateral portion, and wherein the bridging portion has an indented portion defining a compartment or a partial compartment which extends between the first lateral portion and the second lateral portion and between the first surface and the second surface.

19. The building block according to Claim 18, wherein the connectors on the first portion of the first surface on the first lateral portion and the connectors on the second portion of the first surface on the second lateral portion are of opposite mating genders.

20. The building block according to Claims 18 or 19, wherein the connectors on the first portion of the first surface on the first lateral portion and the connectors on the second portion of the first surface on the second lateral portion are symmetrically disposed on two sides of a plane of symmetry.

21 . The building block according to any one of Claims 18 to 20, wherein a plurality of connectors is formed on the bridging portion, and the connectors on the bridging portion are at an axial level offset from the first connection surface, the axial level being respect to the coupling axis of the connectors on the first connection surface.

22. A building block assembly comprising a first building block and a second building block which are in stacked engagement, wherein each one of the first building block and the second building block is a building block according to any preceding claim, and wherein the first building block and the second building block is releasably engaged with respective first connection surfaces in abutment contact and engagement.