Toy construction system having reusable distensible joining members

Abstract

A child's toy construction system, similar in purpose to 'Erector' sets, is provided having reusable, distensible 'rivets' instead of nuts and bolts, and a rivet 'gun' to provide a feeling of authenticity in use. The system includes plates and bars to be joined together to create different structures. They are joined by use of the rivets passing through aligned holes in the plates and bars. The rivets are formed of bullet-shaped, soft distensible rubber pieces having a bore passing lengthwise through the rivet, but being closed at the leading end. The rivets have an outside diameter greater than the diameter of the holes, when the rivets are in their relaxed, undistended condition, and will, therefore, when not distended, expand to fill the holes and secure the pieces together. Their diameter is less than that of the holes when they are longitudinally distended. The base of the rivets is larger than the holes and includes an undercut gripping shoulder. Accordingly, the rivets may be inserted into and removed from the holes when distended. A 'rivet gun' is provided for that purpose, having means to grip the shoulder and insert a stiff wire into the bore to distend (stretch) the rivet for insertion or removal. It may have a trigger linkage to 'fire', releasing the rivet and so adding greater authenticity.