NZ inventor’s revolutionary add-on to construction toys is set to become a reality
The Kickstarter campaign launched to raise funding for a brand new product called Flexo has rocketed past its original
target. Flexo stands to change the face of playing with construction toys such as LEGO. It was invented by Mark Stolten,
a New Zealand engineer.
The campaign which is due to finish on Monday, aimed to raise $120,000 to start manufacturing Flexo, and to see the
revolutionary add-on product enjoyed by lego-lovers all over the world. This level of funding was required to allow
production of Flexo in New Zealand and delivery of the product in time for Christmas.
The crowd funding campaign for Flexo is one of the most successful Kickstarters to come out of New Zealand, achieving
more than double the target. With over 3,500 backers coming from dozens of countries and almost $270,000 pledged, Flexo
is set to become a reality.
Flexo is a simple system consisting of construction bricks and flexible tendons. It is compatible with all current brick
brands and will revolutionise what you can do with your LEGO, Kre-O or Mega Bloks.
The Flexo tendons have a full range of movement up to 180 degrees and are available in four different lengths offering
varied flexibility. Introducing flexible components to traditional brick sets opens up a world of dynamic constructions;
suspension for bridges and cars, hinges, a bow and arrow, balls, swing bridges, train tracks, catapults and even
wearable ‘bling’.
Mark Stolten says the idea for Flexo came to him when he was visiting the local physio after having torn a tendon in his
forearm. “Seeing a diagram of how bones, tendons and muscles work together, I had a light bulb moment - of how this
principle of physiology could be applied to revolutionise brick construction toys. From this idea Flexo was born.”
Flexo is one of the global patents that Mark has had registered. Mark and his wife, Elizabeth, have a huge passion for
helping family and youth, and the poor and underprivileged. Their dream is to see wealth generated, to support groups
working in these sectors, through the development of creative design and interactive family activities.