Constructional element

Abstract

An element for constructing a structure by detachably connecting a plurality of the elements in edge-to-edge relationship is disclosed. The element comprises a plurality of margins, with at least one of the margins being an arcuate margin. Each margin comprises at least two projections having a recess therebetween. An end-face of one projection is formed with a protruding hinge-pip and an end-face of the other or another projection is formed with a recessed hinge-socket. The arcuate margin is adapted to mate with a complementary margin of another element with the hinge-pip of each element being urged into the hinge socket of the other element.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An element for constructing a structure by detachably connecting a plurality of the elements in edge-to-edge relationship, the element comprising a plurality of margins, at least one of the margins being an arcuate margin, each margin being shaped so as to be releasably connectable to a margin of another element.  
     
     
         2 . An element as claimed in    claim 1   , wherein each margin comprises at least two projections having a recess therebetween, an end face of one projection and an end face of the other or another projection being formed with a protruding hinge pip or a recessed hinge socket for releasable connection to another element.  
     
     
         3 . An element for constructing a structure by detachably connecting a plurality of the elements in edge-to-edge relationship, the element comprising a plurality of margins, at least one of the margins being an arcuate margin, each margin comprising at least two projections having a recess therebetween, an end-face of one projection being formed with a recessed hinge-socket and an end-face of the other or another projection being formed with a protruding hinge-pip, the arcuate margin being adapted to mate with a complementary margin of another element with the hinge-pip of each element urged into the hinge socket of the other element.  
     
     
         4 . An element as claimed in    claim 3   , wherein the end-face of one of the projections of each margin is an abutment face, the abutment face being adapted to abut a complementary abutment face of another element so as to maintain the hinge-pip of each element in the hinge-socket of the other element.  
     
     
         5 . An element as claimed in    claim 3   , wherein the said end-faces are parallel to each other.  
     
     
         6 . An element as claimed in    claim 3   , wherein each margin further comprises urging means which, in use, allows the hinge-pip of one element to be urged into the hinge-socket of the other element.  
     
     
         7 . An element as claimed in    claim 6   , wherein the urging means comprises a resilient tongue formed by a slot dividing one of the projections.  
     
     
         8 . An element as claimed in    claim 7   , wherein the resilient tongue of the urging means includes the abutment face.  
     
     
         9 . An element according to    claim 1   , wherein the margins define a planar figure.  
     
     
         10 . An element as claimed in    claim 1   , wherein the margins define a non-planar figure.  
     
     
         11 . An element as claimed in    claim 10   , wherein each arcuate margin of the non-planar figure lies in a plane which is different from a plane or planes in which the other margins of the plurality of margins lie.  
     
     
         12 . An element as claimed in    claim 11   , wherein each said plane intersects at least one other said plane at an angle.  
     
     
         13 . An element according to    claim 1   , wherein the margins define a solid, or substantially solid, figure.  
     
     
         14 . An element according to    claim 1   , wherein the margins define a frame or skeletal figure.  
     
     
         15 . An element according to any one of the previous claims in combination with a polygonal element, at least one of the plurality of margins of the element being a linear margin, said linear margin being hingedly and detachably connectable with a linear margin of the polygonal element.