Apparatus and Method for Bonding Three Dimensional Construction Toys when Assembled

Abstract

The invention provides means and a method for temporarily or permanently coupling three dimensional blocks together commonly used in toys or puzzles. After the blocks have been assembled, a low current is sent through the blocks in order to notify a user that the blocks have been properly configured. The current through the blocks is then increased which activates a means for coupling the blocks together including a plurality of electrodes, a series of magnetic apertures, a plurality of resin pouches, or a combination thereof. After the blocks are coupled together, the current flow is stopped, leaving the blocks temporarily or permanently in the last position in which they were placed before the increased current was applied. In some embodiments, the blocks may be disassembled, placed into a new configuration, and then recoupled as many times as desired.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The invention relates to the field of three dimensional construction toys, namely for a means for permanently or temporarily coupling the individual pieces of the three dimensional construction toys together once properly assembled.[0003]2. Description of the Prior Art[0004]Children have long built toys or assembled various forms of puzzles from Legos® and other types of three dimensional construction toys that fall apart when pulled or dropped onto a hard surface. Sometimes a child or other individual wishes to maintain that toy or puzzle in its completed form either on a temporary or even a permanent basis. Unfortunately, most if not all three dimensional construction toy puzzles inherently lack the durability and structural integrity required in order to be displayed or transported for even a short amount of time, let alone permanently.[0005]Several attempts have been made to correct this problem, all to various degr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]The illustrated embodiment of the current invention is directed to the temporary or permanent bonding of a plurality of three dimensional construction pieces or toy blocks. Each construction piece includes a means for permanently or temporarily bonding on or in each of its surfaces. When the construction pieces are assembled, an electri

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, most if not all three dimensional construction toy puzzles inherently lack the durability and structural integrity required in order to be displayed or transported for even a short amount of time, let alone permanently.

While these prior art solutions to maintaining a completed puzzle toy in a fixed position are not without their merits, they are not without their respective faults either.

Adhesives can prove to be messy and unreliable, especially when there is excessive moisture present.

Furthermore, if one of the pieces of the puzzle is found to be missing after the resin has been applied, there is no way to add the missing piece to the rest of the puzzle without possibly destroying the now bonded together puzzle.

Other means such as magnets, hook-and-loop fasteners, and electrostatic cling do not provide reliable long term display of the completed construction puzzle toy.

Images