WO2024133621A1

WO2024133621A1 - Modular toy construction system with a worm drive element

Info

Publication number: WO2024133621A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/087181
Authority: WO
Inventors: Martin PASFALL; Klaus SKOVBY; Jan Ryaa; Robert Heim
Original assignee: Lego A/S
Priority date: 2022-12-23
Filing date: 2023-12-21
Publication date: 2024-06-27

Abstract

A modular toy construction system (1) comprising modular toy construction elements (10, 20, 50, 105, 201, 202, 203,204, 205), the constructions elements (10, 20, 50, 105, 201, 202, 203,204, 205) having either first connectors (101) or second connectors (102), connectable to the first connectors (101), or both, wherein the first connectors (101) are arranged in a regular two-dimensional pattern, of equidistantly spaced first connectors (101), by a fixed modular distance (M), wherein the constructions elements (10, 20, 50, 105, 201, 202, 203,204, 205) of the modular construction system (1) comprises a worm drive element (20) and a guide element (50), wherein the worm drive element (20) comprises - an elongate body (30) having a longitudinal axis (A1) and a length (L1) of a discrete multiple of the fixed modular distance (M); and - a helical track (40) formed along the longitudinal direction of the elongate body (30), wherein the guide element (50) comprises - a body (60) having a length (L2) and a width (W1), and a longitudinal direction; - a worm bearing (90) formed in the body (60) of the guide element (50); and - a track guide member (80) formed in a concave surface of the worm bearing (90), which track guide member (80) is configured for cooperating with the helical track (40) of the worm drive element (20), wherein the helical track (40) has a pitch of one turn for each four fixed modular distance (M) of the length (L1) of the worm drive element (20).

Description

MODULAR TOY CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM WITH A WORM DRIVE ELEMENT

The present invention relates to a modular toy construction system. More specifically the present invention relates to a modular toy construction system comprising modular toy construction elements having at least first connectors arranged in a regular two-dimensional pattern, of equidistantly spaced first connectors, by a fixed modular distance. More specifically the present invention relates to such modular toy construction system comprising a worm drive element configured for translating a guide element relative to the worm drive member, when the worm drive member is rotated relative to the guide element.

Background of the invention

Worm drive elements, sometimes called worm gear elements, for modular toy construction system are known in the art. One or more helical tracks are provided in such worm drive element. In order to drive a construction element connected thereto, often a toothed gear wheel may be arranged to interact with the worm drive element. In order to drive a construction element interacting with the worm drive element with a low friction, the length of a turn of helical track is made as short as possible. Therefore, it is often necessary to make many turns of the prior art worm drive elements in order to introduce even a small motion in a construction element interacting with the worm drive element. This is often not a problem since small electrical engines can form part of such modular toy construction systems, which may induce a lot of rotations. However it may be a tedious task to perform many rotations by hand power. Therefore, there is a need for a worm drive element and modular toy construction system comprising a worm drive element, which reduced the number of windings.

When increasing the length of the turns of a helical track of a worm drive element, the friction is often increased. This forms a considerable problem in modular toy construction systems, where the construction elements are often formed in plastic to allow the construction elements to be injection moulded. The plastic elements thus formed may have a high friction. High friction makes it harder for a person, such as a playing child, to manipulate a worm gear element relative to another construction element. Therefore, it is a further object of the present invention to provide a connection between a worm gear element and another construction element, where the friction is reduced.

Summary of the invention

It is therefore an object of the invention to solve one or more of the problems of the prior art.

In a first aspect of the invention this may be achieved by a modular toy construction system comprising modular toy construction elements, the constructions elements having either first connectors or second connectors, connectable to the first connectors, or both, wherein the first connectors are arranged in a regular two-dimensional pattern, of equidistantly spaced first connectors, by a fixed modular distance, wherein the constructions elements of the modular construction system comprises a worm drive element and a guide element, wherein the worm drive element comprises

- an elongate body having a longitudinal axis and a length of a discrete multiple of the fixed modular distance; and

- a helical track formed along the longitudinal direction of the elongate body (30), wherein the guide element comprises

- a body having a length and a width, and a longitudinal direction;

- a worm bearing formed in the body of the guide element, and

- a track guide member formed on a concave surface of the worm bearing, which track guide member is configured for cooperating with the helical track of the worm drive element, wherein the helical track has a pitch of one turn for each four fixed modular distance of the length of the worm drive element. The worm bearing is configured for mating with the worm drive element. Thus, the worm bearing is shaped and dimensioned to match at least a portion of an outer contour of the worm drive element. Such a contour of a worm drive element may be a cylinder-shape defined by outer rims or tops of track ridges being formed on the body of the worm drive element, the cylinder shape having a diameter, and the worm bearing having a corresponding concave surface forming a section of a cylinder with substantially the same diameter, or more precisely, a radius corresponding to the diameter of the cylindrical shape of the worm drive element.

Thereby, it is made possible to translate a guide element, having a worm drive element inserted therein, by rotating the worm drive element relative thereto, where a full rotation of the worm drive element, translates the guide element four times the fixed modular distance.

This further corresponds to translating the guide member one fixed modular distance by making a quarter of a full rotation (90°) of the worm drive element. It is clear that this makes it easy for a user, such as a playing child, to intuitively rotate the worm drive element to discrete locations in a two-dimensional lattice of a modular toy construction system, even without visually inspecting the process.

In an embodiment, the length of the worm drive element is longer than the length of the body of the guide element.

In an embodiment, the length of the worm drive element is longer than the length of the block body of the guide element.

In even more preferred embodiments, the length of the worm drive element is at least three times the length of the block body of the guide element.

In any of the above mentioned embodiments the length of the worm drive element is multiple of the fixed modular distance.

In one embodiment, the length of the worm drive element is at least six times the fixed modular distance. In an embodiment the length of the block body of the guide element is one times the fixed modular distance.

In one embodiment, the length of the block body of the guide element is two times the fixed modular distance.

In an embodiment, the helical track of the worm drive element has a helical track ridge formed at each side thereof.

In a further embodiment thereof, each helical track ridge has a side surface forming the helical track.

In a further embodiment, an angle between two side surface a side surface of a helical track ridge and a neighboring helical track ridges, between which a helical track is formed, is obtuse.

The angle between the two side surfaces is measured in a section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the helical track and the helical track ridges.

The angle is taken in any cross section of the worm drive element perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the worm drive element.

By making the helical track a flat structure (seen in cross-section), the friction between the helical track of the worm drive element and the track guide member of the guide element is reduced, thereby allowing a large translation of the guide element relative to the worm drive element, when the worm drive is rotated relative to the guide element without too much effort. The large relative translation for fewer turns for example allows the rotation of the worm drive element relative to the guide element to be hand operated, instead of being motor operated, such as by an electrical motor.

In preferred embodiments the angle is in the interval 110 to 170°, more preferably 120-160°, more preferably 130-150°, more preferably 135-145°. In a further embodiment, the track guide member formed on the concave surface of the worm bearing has an elongate shape in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the worm bearing formed in the body of the guide member. This feature further reduces friction between the worm drive element and the guide member.

In a further embodiment, the track guide member comprises a rounded transition surface between side surfaces formed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the worm bearing and a top surface. This feature further reduces friction between the worm drive element and the guide member.

In a further embodiment thereof, the track guide member and the helical track are formed such that the rounded transition surface of the guide member forms the contact with the side surface of the helical track ridges forming the helical track. This feature further reduces friction between the worm drive element and the guide member.

In a further embodiment, the track guide member comprises side surfaces formed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the worm bearing, and the side surfaces comprises a curved leading edges.

This latter feature eases coupling of the worm drive element with the worm bearing, in particular when the worm bearing is a cylindrical hole through the block body of the guide member (see below embodiments), by guiding one or more track ridges forming sides of the at least one helical track.

In a further embodiment, the worm drive element comprises four helical tracks.

In a further embodiment, an end surface of the worm drive element is provided with a third connector.

Thereby, two worm drive elements may be connected using a complementary fourth connector or the worm drive may connect to a complementary fourth connector on a separate construction element. In an embodiment the third connector is formed as an indention into the end surface of the worm drive element. The indention preferably extends from the end surface and into the elongate body of the worm drive element in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the of the worm drive element.

In a further embodiment thereof, the third connector has a cross shaped cross section, the cross section taken in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the of the worm drive element.

In preferred embodiments, each end surface, first end surface and second end surface of the worm drive element is provided with a third connector.

In a further embodiment; the body of the guide element is a block body; and the worm bearing is formed as a cylindrical hole through the block body of the guide element.

In further embodiments thereof, the concave surface of the worm bearing is an inwardly facing surface of cylindrical hole through the block body.

In a further embodiment thereof, a top surface of the block body is provided with one or more complimentary modular connectors.

In a further embodiment thereof, a bottom surface of the block body is provided with one or more complimentary modular connectors.

In embodiments, alternative to embodiments where the body of the guide element is a block body, the body of the guide element may be is a plate body.

In embodiment thereof, the concave surface of the worm bearing is formed as an indention in a surface of the plate body. In an embodiment thereof, the concave surface of the worm bearing is formed as a section of a cylinder with the axis of the section of a cylinder formed in the longitudinal direction of the guide element.

In a further embodiment, wherein the body of the guide element is a plate body, the worm bearing is formed as an indention in a bottom surface of the plate body of the guide element.

In a further embodiment, wherein the body of the guide element is a plate body, the top surface is provided with one or more complimentary modular connectors.

In an embodiment thereof, the one or more complimentary modular connectors are first connectors (101), such as coupling knobs.

In a further embodiment, wherein the body of the guide element is a plate body, the worm bearing is formed as an indention in a top surface of the plate body of the guide element.

In an embodiment thereof, the bottom surface is provided with one or more complimentary modular connectors.

In an embodiment thereof, the one or more complimentary modular connectors are second connectors, such as knobs receiving apertures.

In a further embodiment, of any one of the previously described embodiments, the worm bearing comprises one and only one track guide member formed in the concave surface of the worm bearing. This embodiment is particularly useful, when the body of the guide element is a plate body as referred to above.

In a further embodiment, of any one of the previously described embodiments, the worm bearing, in a section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the worm bearing, comprises the same number of track guide member as there are helical tracks formed in and along the elongate body of the worm drive element. This embodiment is particularly useful, when the body of the guide element is a block body as referred to above.

In a further embodiment, of any one of the previously described embodiments, the worm bearing comprises two or more track guide members, formed in line in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the guide element.

In an embodiment thereof, the worm bearing comprises two sets of two or more track guide members, wherein the first set of two or more track guide members is formed in line in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the guide element, and the second set of two or more track guide members is formed in line in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the guide element, and the first set is formed in line parallel to the second set of two or more track guide members.

In a second aspect, the objects of the invention are achieved by a modular toy construction system comprising modular toy construction elements, the constructions elements having either first connectors or second connectors, connectable to the first connectors, or both, wherein the first connectors are arranged in a regular two-dimensional pattern, of equidistantly spaced first connectors, by a fixed modular distance, wherein the modular construction system further comprises a worm drive element and a guide element, wherein the worm drive element comprises

- a helical track formed along the longitudinal direction of the elongate body, wherein the guide element comprises

- a block body having a length and a width, and longitudinal direction;

- a cylindrical hole formed through the block body of the guide element; and - a track guide member formed in an inwardly facing surface of the cylindrical hole and configured for cooperating with the helical track of the worm drive element, wherein the helical track has a pitch of one turn for each four fixed modular distance of the length of the worm drive element.

In an embodiment, the length of the block body of the guide element is a discrete multiple of the fixed modular distance. Thereby, a full modularity is obtained, as the edges of a guide element may be translated to align with edges of other construction elements of the modular toy construction system.

Preferably, the length of the worm drive element is at least two times the length of the block body of the guide element.

In any of the above mentioned embodiments the length of the worm drive element is multiple of the fixed modular distance. In an embodiment the length of the block body of the guide element is two times the fixed modular distance.

In one embodiment thereof, the length of the worm drive element is at least six times the fixed modular distance.

In preferred embodiments the angle is in the interval 110 to 170°, more preferably 120-160°, more preferably 130-150°, more preferably 135-145°. In a further embodiment, the track guide member formed on the inwardly facing surface of the cylindrical hole has an elongate shape in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical hole through the block body of the guide member. This feature further reduces friction between the worm drive element and the guide member.

In a further embodiment, the track guide member comprises a rounded transition surface between side surfaces formed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical hole and a top surface. This feature further reduces friction between the worm drive element and the guide member.

In a further embodiment thereof, the track guide member and the helical track are formed such that the rounded transition surface of the guide member forms the contact with the side surface of the helical track ridges forming the helical track.

This latter feature further reduces friction.

In a further embodiment, the track guide member comprises side surfaces formed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical hole, and wherein the side surfaces comprises a curved leading edges.

This latter feature eases insertion of the worm drive element into the cylindrical hole through the block body of the guide member, by guiding one or more track ridges forming sides of the at least one helical track.

In a further embodiment, the worm drive element comprises four helical tracks.

In such embodiments, preferably the guide element comprises four track guide member formed in the inwardly facing surface of the cylindrical hole, each of the four track guide members being configured for cooperating with one of the four helical tracks of the worm drive element. In general, preferably, for each helical track formed in worm drive element, a corresponding guide element should comprise one track guide member formed in the inwardly facing surface of the cylindrical hole of the block body. In a further embodiment, an end surface of the worm drive element is provided with a third connector.

Thereby, two worm drive elements may be connected using a complementary fourth connector or the worm drive may connect to a complementary fourth connector on a separate construction element.

It should be emphasized that the term "comprises/comprising/comprised of' when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

Brief description of the drawings

In the following, the invention will be described in greater detail with reference to embodiments shown by the enclosed figures. It should be emphasized that the embodiments shown are used for example purposes only and should not be used to limit the scope of the invention.

Fig. 1A, in a perspective view, shows a set of prior art modular construction elements of a modular construction system, the construction elements having complementary coupling means in the form of cylindrical connectors and recesses;

Fig 1B shows the construction elements of Fig. 1A in an end view;

Fig. 1 C, in a bottom view, shows a prior art construction element with recesses for receiving and coupling to the cylindrical connectors; Fig. 1 D shows a section, A-A, through the set of construction elements of Fig. 1C.

Fig. 2A, in a perspective view, shows a worm drive element for a modular construction system;

Fig. 2B, in a front view, shows the worm drive element of Fig. 1A;

Fig. 2C, in left side view, shows the worm drive element of Fig. 1B;

Fig. 2D, in a right side view, shows the worm drive element of Fig. 1 B;

Fig. 3A, in a perspective view, shows a guide element of a modular construction system, configured for cooperating with the worm drive element of Figs. 2A-D;

Fig. 3B shows various orthogonal views of the guide element of Fig. 3A;

Fig. 4A, in a perspective view, shows the worm drive element of Figs. 1A-D inserted into a guide element of Figs. 2A-B

Fig 4B show a bottom view, a side view, a top view and a section of the set-up of worm drive element and guide element of Fig. 4B;

Fig. 5A, in a perspective view, shows two worm drive elements of Figs. 2A-D assembled in line with each other, and inserted into four of the guide elements of Figs. 3A-B, the four guide elements being arranged at various positions along the assembled worm drive elements;

Fig 5B shows a section, a side view, and a top view of the set-up of worm drive element and guide element of Fig. 4B;

Fig. 5C, in a perspective view, shows a connector element of fourth type, in the form of an axle having a cross-shaped cross-section; Figs. 6A-E, in perspective views, shows a build of a modular construction system according to the invention, the build including a worm drive element of Figs. 2A-D and a guide element of Figs. 3A-B slideably arranged thereon, in different positions along a track of a modularly defined length;

Figs. 7A-E, in side views, shows the build of a modular construction system shown in Figs.6A-E, respectively; and

Figs. 8A-E, in top views, shows the build of a modular construction system shown in Figs.6A-E, respectively;

Fig. 9A, in a perspective view from above, shows a guide element according to another embodiment, than the guide element shown in Figs. 2-8E.

Fig. 9B, in a perspective view from below, shows the guide element Fig. 9A from below;

Fig. 9C shows a top view of the guide element, shown in Figs. 9A-B;

Fig. 9D shows a front view of the guide element, shown in Figs. 9A-C;

Fig. 9E shows a side view of the guide element, shown in Figs. 9A-D;

Fig. 9F shows a bottom view of the guide element, shown in Figs. 9A-E;

Fig. 10, in a perspective view, show two guide element according to two further embodiments, different from the embodiments of the guide element shown in Figs. 2-8E, and different from the guide element shown in Figs.9A-F, the guide elements being attached to a build of modular toy construction elements; Fig. 11 , in a perspective view, show yet another guide element according to an embodiment, different from the embodiments Figs. 2-8E, the guide element shown in Figs.9A-F, and the guide elements shown in Fig. 10;

Fig. 12, in a perspective view, show yet another guide element according to an embodiment, different from the embodiments Figs. 2-8E, the guide element shown in Figs.9A-F, the guide elements shown in Fig. 10, and the guide element shown in Fig. 11 .

Detailed description of the embodiments

Figs. 1A-D shows an example of prior art construction elements 10A,10B, in the form of building blocks, of a modular construction system 1 . Such construction elements 10A, 10B of a modular construction system 1 are often formed in plastic in an injection moulding process. The plastic materials used in for such construction elements of a modular construction systems 1 typically has a certain strength and elasticity depending on the material thickness and form as well as other parameters.

Figs. 1 D show two essentially identical construction elements 10A, 10B in the shape of building blocks, where the building blocks are connected/coupled to each other to illustrate the modularity of the modular construction system 1.

Each of these construction elements 10A, 10B comprises a body part 11 with a top face 12 on which eight first connectors 101 in the form of cylindrical connectors are configured. The first connectors 101 could also be called coupling studs or coupling knobs.

The first connectors 101 are formed on the construction elements 10A, 10B in a regular orthogonal two dimensional lattice or grid. The first connectors 101 are equidistantly spaced apart, by a fixed distance, D, in both dimensions of the two dimensional lattice. The first connectors 101 comprises a body 105 having an outer cylindrical surface 110.

The body part 11 of the construction elements 10A, 10B comprises sidewalls 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D, and those sidewalls 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D have a lowermost edge 14 that forms a resting face for the construction elements 10A, 10B.

Fig. 1C shows a construction element 10A, 10B from below. In Fig. 1C can be seen that an internal space 15 of each construction element 10A, 10B may be provided with cylindrical spacing members 16 dividing the internal space 15 of the construction element 10A, 10B into second connectors 102 in the form of knob receiving apertures.

The second connectors 102 are formed on the construction elements 10A, 10B in a regular orthogonal two dimensional lattice or grid, similar to the first connectors 101 in the sense that they are also equidistantly spaced apart, by the same fixed distance, D, in both dimensions of the two dimensional lattice.

Each of the knob receiving apertures 102 are configured to receive a first connector 101 in a press fit connection.

Construction elements 10A, 10B of the type shown in Figs. 1A-D are interconnected by the sidewalls13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D on the uppermost construction element 2A being pressed outwards when the sidewalls 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D are pressed down on the coupling studs (not shown in Fig. 1) on the lowermost construction element 10B, following which, the sidewalls press 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D against the outer cylindrical surface 110 of the body 105 of the first connectors 101 , i.e. coupling knobs defining the first connectors 101 on the lowermost construction element 10B.

The knob receiving apertures constituting second connectors 102 separated by for example the cylindrical spacer members 15 only allow connection of a first construction element 10A and a second construction element 10B at discrete locations in the two dimensional lattice. Construction elements comprising first connectors 101 in the form of cylindrical connectors 101 and second connectors 102 in the form of knob receiving apertures formed on construction elements 10A, 10B in a regular two dimensional lattice, such as shown in Figs. 1A-D, forms the basis of a plurality of modular construction systems known in the art.

Such modular construction systems have over the time diversified by increasing the number of different types/shapes of construction elements, the construction elements varying height, width, length, number of first connectors 101 , number of second connectors, etc. Further, construction elements of such modular construction systems may have one or more first connectors 101 or one or more second connectors or more. Yet further, construction elements of such modular construction systems may comprises other types of connectors than the first connectors and the second connectors. Yet further, construction elements of such modular construction systems may comprise none of the first connectors and the second connectors, but some of the (not shown) other types of connectors. In all instances the construction elements are bound to connect/couple to other construction elements, such that the two-dimensional lattice structure is maintained, or fit thereto.

The present invention relates to a new modular toy construction system 1. The new modular construction system is compatible with/connectable to known modular toy construction elements 10, 105, 201 , 202, 203, 204, 206, and further comprises a new worm drive element 20 and a new guide element 50. By being compatible with is meant that the new worm drive element 20 and a new guide element 50 is connectable to one or more known modular toy construction elements 10,105, 201, 202, 203, 204, 206), the constructions elements 10, 105, 201, 202, 203, 204, 206 having either first connectors 101 or second connectors 102, connectable to the first connectors 101 , or both, where the first and second connectors 101 , 102 are similar to those described above.

As also described above, at least such first connectors 101 are arranged in a regular two-dimensional pattern, of equidistantly spaced first connectors 101 , by a fixed modular distance, M. It is clear that also the second connectors are arranged in this way. As also explained above further connectors/connector types may form part of the modular toy construction system 1 as well.

It will be appreciated, the worm drive element 20 and the guide element 50 according to the invention maybe conceived as construction elements themselves.

Guide element 50 is configured for interacting with the worm drive element 20 according to the invention to form - or to form part of - a modular toy construction system 1 according to the invention. The interaction between the worm drive element 20 and the guide element 50 will then be explained with reference to Figs. 4, 6-8.

Fig. 2A-D show a worm drive element 20 according to the invention.

Figs 3A-B show a guide element 50 according to one embodiment the invention. In Figs. 4A-8E, the same guide element 50 as in Figs. 3A-B, having a box-shaped or block-shaped body 60’ - hereinafter referred to as block body 60’ - is used to describe the interaction between the worm drive element 20 and the guide element 50.

Figs. 9A-12 shows exemplary alternative embodiments of a guide element 50, according to the invention.

The embodiments of the guide element 50, shown in Figs. 2A-8E have in common that they comprise a worm bearing 70, which is closed, in the sense that it is formed as a cylindrical bore or hole 73, which cylindrical hole is formed to extend through the block body 60’ of the guide element 50.

The embodiments of the guide element 50, shown in Figs, 9A-12 have in common that the guide element 50 has a plate-shaped body 60”, he with an open worm bearing 70 formed in an outer surface of the guide element 50. Now turning to Figs 2A-D, these figures show a worm drive element 20. The worm drive element 20 is elongate, i.e. has an elongate body 30, and extends between a first end 21 and second end 22. At the first end 21 the elongate body 30 comprises a first end surface 31 showed in the end view in Fig. 2C. At the second end 22 the elongate body 30 comprises a second end surface 32 showed in the end view in Fig. 2D.

As illustrated in the perspective view of Fig. 2B, the worm drive element 20 has a longitudinal axis, A1 , extending through the end surfaces 31, 32 of the elongate body 30 of the worm drive element 20.

As illustrated in the side view of Fig. 2B, the worm drive element 20 has length, L1, in the direction of the longitudinal axis, A1. Preferably, the length L1 is a discrete multiple of the fixed modular distance M.

At least one helical track 40 is formed in and along the elongate body 30 of the worm drive element 20. In the embodiments shown in the Figures 2, 4-8, the worm drive element 20 comprises four helical tracks 40.

Between the helical tracks 40, track ridges 33 are formed. The track ridges extend in radial directions away from the longitudinal axis, A1 , of the worm drive element 20. A top 34 or top surface is formed distalmost from the longitudinal axis, A1, on each track ridge 33. The tops 34 or top surfaces of the track ridge 33 defines a maximum diameter of worm drive element 20, as illustrated in Fig. 2B and 2C.

Between the track ridges 33, a bottom 43 of the helical tracks 40 is defined. The diameter of the elongate body 30 at the bottom 43 of the helical track is designated D2 and illustrated in Fig. 2C.

As shown, the helical tracks 40 extends in the full length, L1 , of the worm drive element 20 and are open a first end 41 of the helical track 40, as well as at the second end 42 of the helical track 40, i.e. the helical track 40 is opens into the first end surface 21 and into the second end surface 22. This allows easy insertion into a cylindrical hole 73 of the guide element 50, where the cylindrical hole 73 is provided with track guide members 80 protruding from an inwardly facing surface 74 of the cylindrical hole 73, as will be explained in connection with Figs. 3A-B.

As mentioned above each helical track 40 formed in and along the elongate body 30 of worm drive element 20 is flanked by a helical track ridge 33. Each track ridge 33 has two side surfaces 35 extending from the top/top surface 34 of the track ridge 33 to the bottom 43 of the two adjacent helical tracks 40. Thus, each helical track 40 is flanked by two side surfaces 35 of two neighboring track ridges 33.

These two side surfaces 35 surrounding a helical track 40 forms an angle relative to the radial direction. Thereby, the two side surfaces 35 surrounding a helical track 40 also forms an angle, V, relative to each other, as illustrated in Fig. 2D. Preferably, this angle is obtuse.

Now turning to Figs. 3A-B. Fig. 3A shows a guide element 50 according to one embodiment of the invention in a perspective view, which guide element 50 is configured for receiving the above described worm drive element 20. Therefore, the guide element 50 could also be called a receiving element.

In the general case, the guide element 50 comprises a body 60 having a worm bearing formed in the body 60, and one or more track guide members 80. As mentioned, the worm bearing is configured to support the worm drive element 20 and is translational thereto.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 3A-8E, the guide element 50 comprises a block body 60’, a worm bearing 70 in the form of a cylindrical hole 73 formed through the block body 60’, and one or more track guide members 80.

The block body 60 is box shaped. It comprises six surfaces.

These surfaces include a first end surface/ front surface 61 and an oppositely arranged second end surface/back surface 62. A length, L2, of the block body 60’ of the guide element 50 is defined by the distance between the front and back surfaces 61, 62. The surfaces of the block body 60’ also comprises a first side surface 63, and an oppositely arranged second side surface 64. A width, W1 , of the block body 60’ of the guide element 50 is defined by the distance between the first and second side surfaces 63, 64.

In the embodiment shown, the length, L2, of the block body 60’ of the guide element 50 is equal to the width, W1. It will be appreciated that other relations between the length, L2, and the width, W1, are possible.

The surfaces of the block body 60’ also comprises a top surface 65, and an oppositely arranged bottom surface 66. A height, H1 of the block body 60’ of the guide element 50 is defined by the distance between the top and bottom surfaces 65, 66.

The height, H1 , of the block body 60’ is preferably greater than the length and width.

As shown in e.g. Fig. 3A the top surface 65 may be provided with first connectors

101 allowing coupling to other construction elements. In the embodiment shown, the guide element 50 comprises four first connectors 101 arranged in a 2x2 lattice.

As illustrated in e.g. the uppermost depiction in Fig 3B, showing the block body 60’ of the guide element 50 from below, the guide element 50 may be provided with second connectors 102 arranged in the bottom surface 66. The second connectors

102 are defined between a lower extension of front surface 61 , the back surface 61 , the side surfaces 63, 63, and a centrally arranged

In the embodiment shown, the guide element 50 comprises four second connectors 102 arranged in a 2x2 lattice.

The cylindrical hole 73 is provided through the block body 60’ of the guide element 50 from the front surface 61 to the back surface 62. The cylindrical hole 73 comprises a longitudinal axis A2 defined through front and back surfaces 61 , 62 of the block body 60’.

The cylindrical hole 73 formed through the block body 60 has a first end 71 and a second end 72. The first end 71 of the cylindrical hole 73 opens into the front surface 61 of the block body 60’, and the second end 72 of the cylindrical hole 73 opens into the back end 72 of the block body 60’. The cylindrical hole 73 has a length which is the same as the length, L2 of the block body 60’ of the guide element 55.

As illustrated e.g. in the central and the leftmost depictions in Fig 3B, showing the the block body 60’ in section and in a front view, respectively, of the guide element 50, the cylindrical hole 73 has an inwardly facing surface 74. They further show that the above mentioned track guide members 80 are formed as protrusion from the inwardly facing surface 74 of the cylindrical hole 73.

The track guide members 80 extends from the inwardly facing surface 74 towards the longitudinal axis A2 of the cylindrical hole 73.

Further, and as illustrated in the leftmost depictions in Fig 3B, showing the the block body 60’ in a front view, the track guide member 80 comprises side surfaces 82 and a top surface 81. A rounded transition surface 85 is further provided between side surfaces 82 formed in the direction of the longitudinal axis A2 of the cylindrical hole 73 and a top surface 81.

As illustrated in the central depiction in Fig 3B, showing the the block body 60’ in a front view the track guide members 80 has a width, W2, which is smaller than a width of the above mentioned helical tracks 40, defined as the distance between top/top surfaces 34 of the track ridges 33. This width, W2, is preferably less than 3 of the width of the helical tracks 40.

Further, and as illustrated in the leftmost depictions in Fig 3B, showing the the block body 60’ in a front view, the side surfaces 82 of the track guide member 80 comprises curved leading edges 86, 87. As illustrated in the central depiction in Fig 3B, showing the the block body 60’ in a front view the track guide members 80 has a height from the inwardly facing surface 74 of cylindrical hole 73 to the top surface 81 of the track guide members 80. This height is preferably smaller than the difference between the maximum diameter, D1, of worm drive element 20, and the diameter D2 of the worm drive element at the bottom 43 of the helical track 40, to provide clearance for the rack guide members 80. Preferably, the mentioned height is 3 of the difference between the maximum diameter, D1 , of worm drive element 20, and the diameter D2 of the worm drive element 20 at the bottom 43 of the helical track 40.

Figs. 4A-B illustrates how the above described worm drive element 20 and guide element 50 cooperate. Worm drive element 20 may be inserted into the cylindrical hole 73 of the guide element 50. When the worm drive element 20 is inserted into the guide element 50 the longitudinal axis, A1 , of the worm drive element 20, and the longitudinal axis, A2, of the guide element 50 coincide.

As shown in the rightmost depiction of Fig. 4B, showing a section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, A1 , of the worm drive element 20, and the longitudinal axis, A1, of the guide element 50, the maximum diameter, D1 , of the worm drive element, is equal to a diameter, D3, of the cylindrical hole 73 formed through the block body 60’ of the guide element 50, such that a minimal clearance is provided between the inwardly facing surface 74 of cylindrical hole 73 and the top 34 of the track ridges 33. Thereby, the worm drive element 20 may be guided in the cylindrical hole 73 of the guide element 50.

It will also be appreciated from the rightmost depiction of Fig. 4B, that when the worm drive element 20 is received in the cylindrical hole 73 of the guide element 50 the number and location of the track guide members 80 are adapted to cooperate with the helical track 40 formed in and along the elongate body 30 of worm drive element 20. Thus, if the worm drive element 20 is rotated relative to the guide element 50, the track guide members 80 will slide along the helical track 40 of the worm drive element 20 and cause a translation of the track guide members 80 relative to the worm drive element 20. Further, it can be seen in the rightmost depiction of Fig. 4B, that the track guide member 80 and the helical track 40 are formed such that the rounded transition surface 85 of the guide member 80 forms a contact with the side surface 35 of the helical track ridges 33 forming the helical track 40.

Preferably, the helical track 40 has a pitch of one turn for each four fixed modular distance of the length of the worm drive element 20.

Thereby, it is made possible to translate the guide element 50 by the worm drive element 20 inserted therein, by rotating the worm drive element 20 relative thereto, where a full rotation of the worm drive element, translates the guide element four times the fixed modular distance. This further corresponds to translating the guide member one fixed modular distance by making a quarter of a full rotation (90°) of the worm drive element. This is illustrated in e.g. Figs 6A-E.

Figs. 6A-E, in a perspective view shows a build 200 of various prior art construction elements and a worm drive element 20 and a guide element 50 according to the invention and as described above. In the build 200 forming an example of a modular toy construction system according to the invention, a worm drive element 20 having a length, L1 corresponding to six fixed modular distances, M, is rotatably connected kept between two walls 210, 220, such that the worm drive element 20 cannot translate relative to the build 200.

The guide element 50 has the worm drive element 20 inserted therein as described above. The worm drive element 20 is prevented from rotation relative to the build 200 by being held slideably by the worm drive element 20, with the flat bottom surface 66 abutting on a floor made of 1x1 tiles fixed to 4x8 plate-shaped construction element 203. The worm drive member is locked against rotation to a construction element forming a handle 205. Therefore, if the handle is rotated, then the worm drive element 20 will rotate therewith. Since the guide element 50 is prevented from rotating, rotating the worm drive element 20 will cause the guide element 50 to be translated along the build 200. In the situation, shown in Fig. 6A the guide element 50 is shown next to the wall 210. The handle 205 is pointing upward.

In the situation shown in Fig. 6B, the handle has been turned 90° clockwise, the handle 205 pointing to the right, causing a translation of the guide element 50 by one fixed modular distance along the build 200.

In the situation shown in Fig. 6C, the handle 205 has been turned further 90° clockwise, to a total 180°, the handle now pointing downwards. This rotation has caused a further translation of the guide element 50 by one fixed modular distance, M, along the build 200, to a total of two fixed modular distances, M.

In the situation shown in Fig. 6D, the handle 205 has been turned another 90° clockwise, to a total 270°, the handle now pointing to the left. This rotation has caused a further translation of the guide element 50 by one fixed modular distance, M, along the build 200, to a total of three fixed modular distances, M.

In the situation shown in Fig. 6E, the handle 205 has been turned another 90° clockwise, to a total 360°, the handle now pointing to the up again. This rotation has caused a further translation of the guide element 50 by one fixed modular distance, M, along the build 200, to a total of three fixed modular distances, M.

Figs. 7A-E shows the same as Figs. 6A-E, however from a side view.

Figs. 8A-E shows the same as Figs. 6A-E, however from a top view.

In an embodiment the length of the block body 60’ of the guide element 50 is a discrete multiple of the fixed modular distance, M. Thereby, a full modularity is obtained, as the edges of a guide element 50 may be translated to align with edges of other construction elements of the modular toy construction system 1.

Fig. 5A-C shows how two worm drive elements 20 may be assembled into a longer worm drive element. In the section A-A of Fig. 5B it can be seen that both ends 21 and 22 of a worm drive element 20, may be provided with a third connector 103. As shown, third connector 103 may be provided as a hole or bore along the longitudinal axis, A1 direction of the worm drive element 20, the hole having cross shaped crosssection.

The third connector 103 is configured for cooperating with a fourth connector 104 having cross shaped cross-section, and formed as an axle or peg. A fourth connector is shown in Fig. 5C.

In some embodiments, the fourth connector 104 may have a length of two fixed modular distances. Thereby it may connect in a third connector 103 in one worm drive element 20 and another third connector 103 in another worm drive element 20, as shown in Fig. 5B, the top depiction.

It will be appreciated that any number of worm drive elements 20 may be connected in this way.

Figs. 5A-B further shows how an elongated worm drive consisting of worm drive elements 20 may carry multiple guide elements 50. In the shown example there are four guide elements 50.

Turning now to Figs. 9A-12, alternative embodiments of the guide element 50 will be described. As mentioned above the embodiments of the guide element 50 shown in Figs 9A-12 have in common that the guide element 50 has a plate-shaped body 60”, with an open worm bearing 70 formed in an outer surface of the guide element 50.

First, with reference to Figs. 9A-F, general aspects of these embodiments will be described.

The guide element 50 shown in Figs. 9A-12 has body 60, having a plate shape. Hence the body 60 of the guide element 50 will be called plate body 60”.

As was the case with the block body 60’ described above, the plate body 60” comprises six surfaces. These surfaces include a first end surface/ front surface 61 and an oppositely arranged second end surface/back surface 62. A length, L2, of the plate body 60” of the guide element 50 is defined by the distance between the front and back surfaces 61, 62.

The surfaces of the plate body 60” also comprises a first side surface 63, and an oppositely arranged second side surface 64. A width, W1 , of the plate body 60” of the guide element 50 is defined by the distance between the first and second side surfaces 63, 64.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 9A-F, the length, L2, of the block body 60’ of the guide element 50 is equal to half of the width, W1. It will be appreciated that other relations between the length, L2, and the width, W1, are possible. Examples of this is shown in Figs. 10-12.

The surfaces of the plate body 60” also comprises a top surface 65, and an oppositely arranged bottom surface 66. A height, H1 of the block body 60’ of the guide element 50 is defined by the distance between the top and bottom surfaces 65, 66.

As shown in e.g. Fig. 9A, 9C-E, the top surface 65 may be provided with first connectors 101 allowing coupling to other construction elements. In the embodiment shown, the guide element 50 comprises two first connectors 101 arranged in a 1x2 lattice. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments the plate body 60” of the guide element may be longer or wider, leaving room for other configurations of first connectors 101 on the upper surface 65.

As illustrated in Fig 9B, showing the plate body 60” of the guide element 50 from below, the bottom surface 66 of the guide element 50 opposite to the top surface 65 with first connectors 101, a worm bearing 70 is provided. The worm bearing 70 is formed as an indention into the bottom surface 66. The worm bearing 70 is a concave surface 75. The worm bearing 70 formed in the plate body 60” is configured for mating with the worm drive element 20. Thus, the worm bearing 60 is shaped and dimensioned to match at least a portion of an outer contour of the worm drive element 20. The outer contour of the worm drive element is a cylinder-shape defined, the diameter of which is defined by outer rims 34 or tops 34 of track ridges 33 being formed on the body 30 of the worm drive element 20. The worm bearing 70 has a corresponding concave surface 75 forming a section of a cylinder with substantially the same diameter, or more precisely, a radius corresponding to the diameter of the cylindrical shape of the worm drive element 20.

The indention defining the concave surface 75 is provided through the plate body 60” of the guide element 50 from the front surface 61 to the back surface 62.

The concave surface 75 comprises a longitudinal axis A2 defined through front and back surfaces 61 , 62 of the plate body 60”.

The concave surface 75 has a length which is the same as the length, L2 of the plate body 60” of the guide element 55.

As illustrated e.g. in Fig 9B, 9D and 9E, showing the the plate body 60’ of the guide element 50 from below, a front view, and a bottom view, respectively, the concave surface 75 is further provided with a track guide member 80 are formed as protrusion from the concave surface 75 of the worm bearing 70.

The track guide members 80 extends from the concave surface 75 towards the longitudinal axis A2 of the worm bearing 70.

Further, and as illustrated in Fig. 9F, showing the the plate body 60” in a bottom view, the track guide member 80 comprises side surfaces 82 and a top surface 81. Rounded transitions are further provided between the surfaces, as was the case with the track guide member 80 described in connection with the embodiments shown in Figs. 2A-8E. As illustrated in Figs. 9A-F, showing the the block body 60’ in a front view the track guide members 80 has a width, W2, which is smaller than a width of the above mentioned helical tracks 40, defined as the distance between top/top surfaces 34 of the track ridges 33. This width, W2, is preferably less than 34 of the width of the helical tracks 40.

Similar to what was illustrated in Fig. 3B, the track guide member 80 if the embodiment of the guide member 50 shown in Figs. 9A-F, has a height from the concave surface 77 of the worm bearing 70 to the top surface 81 of the track guide members 80. This height is preferably smaller than the difference between the maximum diameter, D1 , of worm drive element 20, and the diameter D2 of the worm drive element at the bottom 43 of the helical track 40, to provide clearance for the rack guide members 80. Preferably, the mentioned height is 34 of the difference between the maximum diameter, D1, of worm drive element 20, and the diameter D2 of the worm drive element 20 at the bottom 43 of the helical track 40.

The cooperation between a worm drive element 20 and a guide element 50 as described in connection with Figs. 9A-F, generally cooperates in the same way as described for the cooperation between the block body 60’ version shown in Figs. 2A- 8E, with the difference that worm drive element 20 is not insertable the plate body 60” of the guide element 50. Instead the worm bearing 70 of the plate body 60” allows the guide element 50 of Figs. 9A-F to be located above worm drive element 20; and be more easily detachable therefrom.

It will be appreciated that while in the embodiment shown in Figs. 9A-F, the worm bearing 70 was provided as an indention in the bottom surface 66 of the plate body 60” of the guide element 50, instead a worm bearing 70 may be provided in a top surface 65 of a guide element 50. Instead of having first connectors 101 formed on the top surface 65 as shown in Figs. 9A-F, such an embodiment of the guide element could have second connectors 102 (as described above) formed in the bottom surface 66. Otherwise, the guide element 50 could be formed generally as described above for the guide element 50 of Figs. 9A-F. Thereby, a worm drive element 20 could rest (and be rotatable relative to) the guide element 50.

In both the latter embodiment, and in the embodiment described in connection with Figs, 9A-F, the worm bearing 70 may comprises one and only one track guide member 80 formed in the concave surface 75 of the worm bearing 70 of the guide element 50.

Figs. 10-12 show various embodiments of guide elements 50 of the type described in connection with Fig. 9A-F, where the body 60 of the guide element 50 is a plate body 60” having an open worm bearing 70. The open worm bearing 70 may be provided in a top surface 65 or in a bottom surface 66. In either case, one or more track guide member 80 formed in the concave surface 75 of the worm bearing 70 of the guide element 50.

All of the guide elements 50 shown in Figs. 10-12 are elongate in shape and has plurality of track guide member 80 formed in the concave surface 75 of the worm bearing 70 of the guide element 50.

As may be appreciated from Figs. 10-12 the arrangement of the track guide members 80 on the worm bearing 70 and the shape of the track guide members 80 may vary.

For example, the two embodiments of the guide elements 50 shown in Fig 10 and the embodiment shown in Fig. 12 has a series of track guide members 80 formed in a row or line along the length of the guide elements 50 In general, the worm bearing 70 in such embodiments may comprises two or more track guide members 80 formed in line in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction A2 of the guide element 50. In all of the shown embodiments (Figs. 10 and 12) the worm bearing 70 formed as an indention in the plate-body 60” of the guide elements 50, has six track guide members 80 formed in line. Especially from Fig. 10, it will be appreciated that the length of the guide elements 50 is six modular distances, M. In the general case, one track guide member 80 is provided in line per modular distance M. Fig. 11 shows a different embodiment, where the guide element 50 comprises an open worm bearing 70 comprising two sets of track guide members 80, wherein each set of track guide members 80 are formed in a row or line, which line is parallel to the longitudinal direction A2 of the guide element 50, and where the two lines of track guide members 80 are formed parallel to each other.

In general, in such embodiments of the guide element 50 the worm bearing 70 may comprises two sets of two or more track guide members 80, wherein the first set of two or more track guide members 80 is formed in line in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction A2 of the guide element 50, and where the second set of two or more track guide members 80)is formed in line in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction A2 of the guide element 50, and where the first set is formed in line parallel to the second set of two or more track guide members 80.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 11 , the guide element 50 is six modular distance, M. There are three track guide members 80 in each row or line. Thus, there is one track guide member 80 per two modular distances, M.

It is to be noted that the figures and the above description have shown the example embodiments in a simple and schematic manner. Many of the specific mechanical details have not been shown since the person skilled in the art should be familiar with these details and they would just unnecessarily complicate this description..

List of parts

I modular toy construction system

10 construction element/ modular toy construction element

10A construction element (building block), prior art

10B construction element (building block), prior art

I I body part 11 of construction element (building block)

12 top face of body part of construction element (building block)

13A sidewall of body part of construction element (building block)

13B sidewall of body part of construction element (building block)

13C sidewall of body part of construction element (building block)

13D sidewall of body part of construction element (building block)

14 lowermost edge of body part of construction element (building block)

15 internal space of body part of construction element (building block)

16 cylindrical spacing members of body part of construction element (building block)

20 worm drive element, may also be called a worm gear element

21 first end surface of worm drive element

22 second end surface of worm drive element

30 elongate body of worm drive element

31 first end of the elongate body of worm drive element

32 second end of the elongate body of worm drive element

33 track ridge

34 rim/top of track ridge

35 side surface of track ridge

40 helical track formed in and along the elongate body of worm drive element

41 first end of helical track

42 second end of helical track

43 bottom of helical track

50 guide element

60 body of guide element

60’ block body

60” plate body 61 first end surface/front surface of the body/block body/plate body of the guide element

62 second end surface/back surface of the body/block body/plate body of the guide element, opposite to first end surface

63 first side surface of the body/block body/plate body of the guide element

64 second side surface of the body/block body/plate body of the guide element, opposite to first side surface

65 top surface of the body/block body/plate body of the guide element

66 bottom surface of the body/block body/plate body of the guide element, opposite to top surface

70 worm bearing

71 first end of worm bearing

72 second end of worm bearing

73 cylindrical bore or hole, cylindrical hole formed through the block body

74 inwardly facing surface of cylindrical hole through the block body

75 concave surface of the worm bearing

80 track guide member

81 top surface of track guide member

82 side surfaces of rack guide member, extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical hole formed through the block body track guide member

85 rounded transition surface between side surface and top surface of the track guide member

86 rounded leading edge of rack guide member

87 rounded trailing edge of rack guide member

90 worm bearing

91 first end of worm bearing

92 second worm bearing

93 inwardly facing surface of worm bearing

100 complimentary modular connectors

101 first connector for example in the form of a cylindrical connector/stud/coupling stud/knob/coupling knob

102 second connectors for example in the form of knob receiving apertures

103 third connector having cross shaped cross-section formed as hole or bore 104 fourth connector having cross shaped cross-section, and formed as an axle or peg

105 fifth connector in the form of a through-going cylindrical aperture

200 build modular toy construction elements of a modular toy construction system

201 modular toy construction element having 1 *4 first connector elements, and a height of 1/3 of a modular height

202 modular toy construction element having 1 *4 first connector elements, and a height of 1/1 of a modular height

203 modular toy construction element having 4x8 first connector elements, and a height of 1/3 of a modular height

204 modular toy construction element of 1x1 modular distances, a flat upper surface and 1 second connector formed in the lower surface, and a height of 1/3 of a modular height

205 rotation handle, modular toy construction element

210 wall, first wall, formed from modular toy construction elements

220 wall, second wall, formed from modular toy construction elements

A1 longitudinal axis of worm drive element

A2 longitudinal axis of the worm bearing formed on/in the body of the guide/ longitudinal axis of the worm bearing formed on/in the plate body of the guide element/longitudinal axis of the cylindrical hole formed through the block body of the guide element)

D1 maximum diameter of worm drive element, diameter at top of track ridge

D2 diameter of worm drive element at bottom of helical track

D3 diameter at the inwardly facing surface of worm bearing formed in the plate body/diameter of the cylindrical hole formed through the block body of the guide element, diameter at the inwardly facing surface of cylindrical hole through the block body

H1 Height of body of guide element

L1 length of worm drive element

L2 length of the guide element body of the guide element (and length of worm bearing through/along the body of the guide element)

M fixed modular distance of equidistantly spaced first connectors of a modular toy construction system V angle between side surfaces of track ridges on each side of helical track

W1 width of the body of the guide element

W2 width of track guide member

Claims

1. A modular toy construction system (1) comprising modular toy construction elements (10, 20, 50, 105, 201, 202, 203,204, 205), the constructions elements (10, 20, 50, 105, 201 , 202, 203,204, 205) having either first connectors (101) or second connectors (102), connectable to the first connectors (101), or both, wherein the first connectors (101) are arranged in a regular two-dimensional pattern, of equidistantly spaced first connectors (101), by a fixed modular distance (M), wherein the constructions elements (10, 20, 50, 105, 201, 202, 203,204, 205) of the modular construction system (1) comprises a worm drive element (20) and a guide element (50), wherein the worm drive element (20) comprises

- an elongate body (30) having a longitudinal axis (A1) and a length (L1) of a discrete multiple of the fixed modular distance (M); and

- a helical track (40) formed along the longitudinal direction of the elongate body (30), wherein the guide element (50) comprises

- a body (60, 60’, 60”) having a length (L2) and a width (W1), and a longitudinal direction;

- a worm bearing (70) formed in the body (60, 60’, 60”) of the guide element (50); and

- a track guide member (80) formed on a concave surface (75) of the worm bearing (70), which track guide member (80) is configured for cooperating with the helical track (40) of the worm drive element (20), wherein the helical track (40) has a pitch of one turn for each four fixed modular distance (M) of the length (L1) of the worm drive element (20).

2. The modular toy construction system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the length (L1) of the worm drive element (20) is longer than the length (L2) of the body (60) of the guide element (50).

3. The modular toy construction system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the helical track (40) of the worm drive element (20) has a helical track ridge (33) formed on each side thereof, wherein each helical track ridge (33) has a side surface (35) forming the helical track (40), and wherein an angle (V) between two side surface (35) in of the helical track ridges (33) forming the helical track (40) is obtuse.

4. The modular toy construction system (1) according to any one of the claims 1-3, wherein the track guide member (80) has an elongate shape in the direction of a longitudinal axis (A2) of the worm bearing (70) formed in the body (60) of the guide member (50).

5. The modular toy construction system (1) according to any one of the claims 1-4, wherein the track guide member (80) comprises a rounded transition surface (85) between side surfaces (82) formed in the direction of the longitudinal axis (A2) of the worm bearing (70) and a top surface (81).

6. The modular toy construction system (1) according to claim 5, wherein the track guide member (80) and the helical track (40) are formed such that the rounded transition surface (85) of the track guide member (80) forms the contact with the side surface (35) of the helical track ridges (33) forming the helical track (40).

7. The modular toy construction system (1) according to any one of the claims 1-6, wherein the track guide member (80) comprises side surfaces (82) formed in the direction of the longitudinal axis (A2) of the worm bearing (70), and wherein the side surfaces (82) comprises a curved leading edges (86, 87).

8. The modular toy construction system (1) according to any one of the claims 1-7, wherein the worm drive element (20) comprises four helical tracks (40).

9. The modular toy construction system (1) according to any one of the claims 1-7, wherein an end surface (21 , 22) of the worm drive element (20) is provided with a third connector (103).

10. The modular toy construction system (1) according to any one of the claims 1-9, wherein the body (60) of the guide element (50) is a block body (60’); and wherein the worm bearing (70) is formed as a cylindrical hole (73) through the block body (60) of the guide element (50).

11. The modular toy construction system (1) according to claim 10, wherein the concave surface (75) of the worm bearing (70) is an inwardly facing surface (74) of cylindrical hole (73) through the block body (60’).

12. The modular toy construction system (1) according to claim 10 or 11 , wherein a top surface (65) of the block body (60’) is provided with one or more complimentary modular connectors (100).

13 The modular toy construction system (1) according to any one of the claims IQ- 12, wherein a bottom surface (66) of the block body (60’) is provided with one or more complimentary modular connectors (100).

14. The modular toy construction system (1) according to any one of the claims 1-9, wherein the body (60) of the guide element (50) is a plate body (60”).

15. The modular toy construction system (1) according to claim 14, wherein the concave surface (75) of the worm bearing (70) is formed as an indention in a surface of the plate body (60”).

16. The modular toy construction system (1) according to claim 15, wherein the concave surface (75) of the worm bearing (70) is formed as a section of a cylinder with the axis of the section of a cylinder formed in the longitudinal direction (A2) of the guide element (50).

17. The modular toy construction system (1) according to any one of the claims 14- 16, wherein the worm bearing (70) is formed as an indention in a bottom surface (66) of the plate body (60”) of the guide element (50).

18. The modular toy construction system (1) according to claim 17, wherein the top surface (65) is provided with one or more complimentary modular connectors (100).

19. The modular toy construction system (1) according to claim 18, wherein the one or more complimentary modular connectors (100) are first connectors (101), such as coupling knobs.

20. The modular toy construction system (1) according to any one of the claims 14- 16, wherein the worm bearing (70) is formed as an indention in a top surface (66) of the plate body (60”) of the guide element (50).

21. The modular toy construction system (1) according to claim 20, wherein the bottom surface (66) is provided with one or more complimentary modular connectors (100).

22. The modular toy construction system (1) according to claim 21 , wherein the one or more complimentary modular connectors (100) are second connectors (102), such as knobs receiving apertures.

23. The modular toy construction system (1) according to any one of the claims 1- 22, wherein the worm bearing (70) comprises one and only one track guide member (80) formed in the concave surface (75) of the worm bearing (70).

24. The modular toy construction system (1) according to any one of the claims 1- 22, wherein the worm bearing (70), in a section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A2) of the worm bearing (70), comprises the same number of track guide member (80) as there are helical tracks (40) formed in and along the elongate body (30) of the worm drive element (20).

25. The modular toy construction system (1) according to any one of the claims 1- 22, wherein the worm bearing (70) comprises two or more track guide members (80), formed in line in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction (A2) of the guide element (50).

26. The modular toy construction system (1) according to claim 25, wherein worm bearing (70) comprises two sets of two or more track guide members (80), wherein the first set of two or more track guide members (80) is formed in line in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction (A2) of the guide element (50), wherein the second set of two or more track guide members (80) is formed in line in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction (A2) of the guide element (50), and where the first set is formed in line parallel to the second set of two or more track guide members (80).