Category:Multi-Builder

1940: patent drawings [image info]

Multibulder was a patented wooden block construction set , which had the blocks anchored to each other by split pins.

It was manufactured by Nicoltoys Ltd., of Robertsbridge, Sussex, whose main business was making sports equipment.

Concept

What made the Multibuilder system different to other pinned-block systems was its wheeled chassis base, which had a tensioning screw mounted at the back. This meant that as long as at least one block was connected to the base using split pins, a series of other blocks could be stacked behind it, in almost any configuration, without their holes having to line up with each other, or with holes in the base, and the horizontal stack would still be secure, forced together by the screw, and held in place by simple friction. Further blocks could then be fixed to the top of the first layer, using more split pins.

Promotional text

Multi-Builder models are so simple to construct that a glance at the illustrations gives all the necessary information for building them. In every instance a list of parts is given.

When building models on the wheeled base the locking screw should be slackened off to its fullest extent, and the required blocks placed against it. A split pin is inserted in the nearest hole to the last block at the other end of the base, and the locking screw is tightned up by turning the knob. Roofs and certain other parts are held in position by means of split pins. If too loose a fit it is only necessary to prize open the split pin with a knife.

A full list of parts will be found at the end of this leaflet. Each part is numbered and spare parts are obtainable.

This leaflet shows how to construct thirty-two Multi-Builder models. Many more can be built,and there is endless amusement in thinking out new ones.

Patent

The system was patented by L.J. Nicolls Limited and Arthur Leonard Newbery, both of Robertsbridge.

The patent (GB537442A) was applied for in 1940, and granted in 1941.

Parts lists

Parts included in set M.B.1

Additional parts included in set M.B.2

Also available as upgrade set M.B.1a

Models

Made with M.B.1 set:

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  1

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  2

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  3

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  4

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  5

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  6

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  7

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  8

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  9

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  10

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  11

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  12

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  13

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  14

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  15

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  16

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  17

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  18

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  19

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  20

Made with M.B.2 set:

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  21

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  22

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  23

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  24

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  25

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  26

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  27

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  28

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  29

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  30

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  31

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  32

External links

• H J Gray and Sons (gracesguide.co.uk)
• Patent GB537442A, "Improvements in or relating to sets of toy-building units", 1940/1941 (worldwide.espacenet.com)