US20050208868A1 - Deformable toy articles - Google Patents
Deformable toy articles Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050208868A1 US20050208868A1 US10/803,605 US80360504A US2005208868A1 US 20050208868 A1 US20050208868 A1 US 20050208868A1 US 80360504 A US80360504 A US 80360504A US 2005208868 A1 US2005208868 A1 US 2005208868A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- engager
- rotation
- coupling element
- toy article
- toy
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H33/00—Other toys
- A63H33/009—Toy swords or similar toy weapons; Toy shields
Definitions
- each toy article includes a handle, a coupling piece, and a connecting element that attaches the coupling piece to the handle. Subsequently, the coupling pieces of each toy article are interlocked and rotated in opposite directions by a pair of players. This causes the connecting element of one of the toy articles to break and the coupling piece to become unattached.
- the present invention is directed to a first toy article that engages a second toy article.
- the first toy article includes a first body, a first engager, a first coupling element and a first rotation inhibitor.
- the first body can include a handle.
- the first engager is adapted to engage a second engager of the second toy article.
- the first rotation inhibitor inhibits relative rotation between the first engager and the first body about an axis until a predetermined force deforms the first rotation inhibitor to allow for relative rotation between the first engager and the first body about the axis.
- the first coupling element couples the first engager to the first body and does not inhibit relative rotation between the first engager and the first body about the axis.
- the first engager rotates about the first coupling element following deformation of the first rotation inhibitor.
- the first body includes a base region and a wall region.
- the first coupling element can be secured to and extend substantially axially away from the base region to allow the first engager to rotate about the axis and/or the first coupling element.
- the first coupling element can be secured to and cantilever away from the wall region toward the first engager.
- the first engager can include a guide slot that receives the first coupling element. The guide slot can guide rotation of the first engager relative to the body about the axis.
- the first coupling element can be secured to and extend away from the first engager.
- the first rotation inhibitor does not inhibit movement of the first engager away from the body along the axis.
- the first rotation inhibitor can be secured to and extend away from the first engager.
- the present invention is also directed toward a combination that includes the first toy article and the second toy article.
- the engagers are interlocked by two players. Subsequently, the toy articles can be rotated in opposite directions by the players. The relative rotation between the toy articles causes the deformation of the first rotation inhibitor. Further, following deformation of the first rotation inhibitor, the first engager can rotate about the axis relative to the first body.
- FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a first toy article and a second toy article having features of the present invention, illustrated in a disengaged position;
- FIG. 2 is a detailed, cutaway cross-sectional view of a portion of another embodiment of a coupling element and a portion of an engager of the first toy article;
- FIG. 3A is a top view of the first toy article of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3B is an end view of the first toy article of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the first toy article and the second toy article in an engaged position prior to a battle;
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first toy article and the second toy article following a battle between the toy articles;
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the first toy article having features of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the first toy article having features of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of still another embodiment of the first toy article having features of the present invention.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a combination 9 that includes a first toy article 10 and a second toy article 10 A in a disengaged position prior to a battle between the toy articles 10 , 10 A.
- the battle between two toy articles 10 , 10 A can occur following physical engagement initiated by two players between the toy articles 10 , 10 A.
- the toy articles 10 , 10 A are moved relative to each other until a portion of one of the toy articles 10 , 10 A becomes physically deformed, e.g. bent, damaged, or broken.
- the movement of the toy articles 10 , 10 A during a battle can be in the form of turning, twisting, or otherwise exerting a force on one toy article 10 relative to the opposing toy article 10 A.
- first toy article 10 (sometimes referred to simply as the “toy article”) is described herein.
- second toy article 10 A (or any number of other toy articles) can include one or more components that are functionally and/or structurally substantially similar or identical to one or more components of the first toy article 10 .
- first toy article 10 and the second toy article 10 A are merely representative of any two toy articles having features of the present invention.
- the design of the toy articles 10 , 10 A can be varied.
- variations between different toy articles 10 , 10 A can include size, shape, color, markings, images and relative strength.
- Each toy article 10 , 10 A can be a different size and/or shape, provided that the size and/or shape of each toy article 10 , 10 A is such that the toy article 10 , 10 A can be physically engaged with one or more other toy articles, as explained in greater detail below.
- each toy article 10 , 10 A can have a distinctive marking.
- each toy article 10 , 10 A can have a different letter, number, picture, caricature, or another suitable distinctive marking that identifies the toy article 10 , 10 A.
- the toy articles 10 , 10 A can be different colors.
- one of the toy articles 10 , 10 A can become permanently deformed during a battle.
- one of the toy articles 10 , 10 A can be temporarily deformed during a battle, and can be subsequently restored to its original configuration for use during another battle.
- the toy articles 10 , 10 A can also have different relative strengths.
- the relative strength of one or more of the toy articles 10 , 1 A, or one or more portions of each toy article 10 , 10 A can vary.
- the relative strength of each toy article 10 , 10 A can be determined by the materials used to form the toy article 10 , 10 A, thereby giving at least a portion of the toy article 10 , 10 A a characteristic rigidity.
- the relative strength of each toy article 10 , 10 A can be determined by the size, thickness and/or shape of one or more portions of the toy article 10 , 10 A.
- each toy article 10 , 10 A can have specific regions that are thickened, have the same thickness, or are less thick relative to one or more of the other toy article 10 A, 10 .
- the relative strength of each toy article 10 , 10 A can be established using a combination of rigidity of materials and altering the size, thickness and/or shape of one or more portions of the toy article 10 , 10 A. Further, other suitable methods of varying the relative strength of each toy article 10 , 10 A can be used.
- each toy article 10 , 10 A can have a different susceptibility to becoming deformed during a battle.
- the extent of the susceptibility to deformation and the number of toy articles 10 , 10 A having a certain relative strength can vary.
- some of the toy articles 10 , 10 A can have a high relative strength, e.g. a low susceptibility to becoming deformed, while other toy articles 10 A, 10 can have a low relative strength, e.g., a high susceptibility to becoming deformed.
- Still other toy articles can have a relative strength that is between these two extremes.
- all of the toy articles 10 , 10 A can have substantially the same relative strength.
- the components of the toy articles 10 , 10 A can be made from various materials.
- the one or more components of the toy articles 10 , 10 A can be formed from plastics such as polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, polyester or polyolefin, as non-exclusive examples.
- one or more components of the toy article 10 , 10 A can be formed from ceramics, metals, or any other suitable materials which allow the toy article 10 , 10 A to potentially become deformed during a battle, or cause deformation to other toy article 10 A, 10 during a battle.
- the first toy article 10 includes a first body 14 , a first engager 16 , a first rotation inhibitor 18 and a first coupling element 20 .
- the second first toy article 10 A includes a second body 14 A, a second engager 16 A, a second rotation inhibitor 18 A and a second coupling element 20 A.
- one or both of the toy articles 10 , 10 A can be designed to include more components or less components.
- the first toy article 10 is substantially similar to the second toy article 10 A in size and shape. More specifically, in this design, (i) the first body 14 is substantially similar in size and shape to the second body 14 B, (ii) the first engager 16 is substantially similar in size and shape to the second engager 16 B, (iii) the first rotation inhibitor 18 is substantially similar in size and shape to the second rotation inhibitor 18 B, and (iv) the first coupling element 20 is substantially similar in size and shape to the second coupling element 20 A.
- the toy articles 10 , 10 A are designed so that the first engager 16 directly engages the second engager 16 B. Because of the similarity of the components of the toy articles 10 , 10 A, the components of only the first toy article 10 are described in detail below.
- the first toy article 10 can be somewhat different in design than the second toy article 10 A.
- the first body 14 can differ in size and shape from the second body 14 B
- the first engager 16 can differ in size and shape from the second engager 16 B
- the first rotation inhibitor 18 can differ in size and shape from the second rotation inhibitor 18 B
- the first coupling element 20 can differ in size and shape from the second coupling element 20 A.
- the first body 14 can include a handle 22 , a base region 24 and a wall region 26 .
- the handle 22 can be gripped by a user during a battle.
- the shape, size and/or positioning of the handle 22 can vary. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 , the handle 22 is somewhat rectangular. However, the handle 22 can be round, oval, ring-shaped, triangular or can have any other suitable geometry. Additionally, the handle 22 can include one or more distinctive markings. For example, although not a requirement, the handle 22 can display famous caricatures such as sports figures, celebrities, or other recognizable personalities, as non-exclusive examples.
- the base region 24 and the wall region 26 define a body cavity 28 that receives a portion of the first engager 16 .
- the base region 24 is generally flat, although various structures can extend away from the base region 24 , as described more fully below.
- the wall region 26 extends from the base region 24 and is positioned generally perpendicular to the base region 24 .
- the configuration of the wall region 26 can be varied.
- the wall region 26 is substantially tubular shaped.
- the wall region 26 can be configured in any suitable geometric shape.
- the first engager 16 of the first toy article 10 is sized and shaped to directly engage the second engager 16 A of the second toy article 10 A.
- the first engager 16 can be formed from the same materials as the first body 14 , or can be formed from different materials.
- the first engager 16 is generally a separate structure from the first body 14 , and can be rotatably coupled to the first body 14 with the first coupling element 20 , as described below.
- the first engager 16 can include a rotation inhibitor receiver 30 , a coupling element receiver 32 , an extension region 34 and an extension receiver 35 .
- the rotation inhibitor receiver 30 is a recess that is sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the first rotation inhibitor 18 .
- the positioning of the rotation inhibitor receiver 30 can vary.
- the rotation inhibitor receiver 30 is positioned off-center relative to the base region 24 of the body 14 in order to inhibit rotation of the engager 16 relative to the body 14 about an axis 37 .
- the coupling element receiver 32 can engagingly receive the first coupling element 20 , as provided below.
- the shape, size and/or positioning of the coupling element receiver 32 can vary depending upon the design requirements of the toy article 10 and the shape, size and/or positioning of the coupling element 20 .
- the coupling element receiver 32 is an aperture that has a somewhat tubular-shaped region 36 and an enlarged region 38 .
- the tube region 36 is tapered to more easily receive the coupling element 20 .
- the tube region 36 can have a relatively uniform width, or can have another suitable configuration.
- the coupling element receiver 32 is positioned substantially centrally relative to the base region 24 of the first body 14 . Because of this positioning, in instances when the first rotation inhibitor 18 does not inhibit rotation of the first engager 16 about the axis 37 and the first engager 16 can rotate about the first coupling element 20 , substantially within the body cavity 28 .
- the extension region 34 extends away from the body cavity 28 , and is used to engage the second engager 16 A of the second toy article 10 A.
- the shape of the extension region 34 can vary.
- the extension region 34 can have a substantially semi-circular shaped cross-section.
- the extension region 34 can have a substantially triangular shaped cross section, a rectangular shaped cross section, or any other suitable configuration.
- the extension receiver 35 is sized and shaped to receive a portion of the second engager 16 A.
- the extension receiver 35 is a recess that has a substantially semi-circular shaped cross section.
- the recess can be an opening having a substantially triangular shaped cross section, a rectangular shaped cross section, or any other suitable configuration.
- the first rotation inhibitor 18 extends into the rotation inhibitor receiver 30 and inhibits rotation of the first engager 16 about the axis 37 .
- the shape, size and/or positioning of the first rotation inhibitor 18 can vary depending upon the shape, size and/or positioning of the rotation inhibitor receiver 30 and upon the requirements of the first toy article 10 .
- the first rotation inhibitor 18 can be sized and/or shaped to have a greater or lesser strength and rigidity, as necessary.
- a thicker, more robust first rotation inhibitor 18 can be more difficult to deform than a thinner and/or hollow first rotation inhibitor 18 .
- the materials used to form the first rotation inhibitor 18 can impact the strength and/or rigidity, and thus, the susceptibility of the first rotation inhibitor 18 to deform during a battle.
- the first rotation inhibitor 18 can be formed form a resilient, flexible material that can bend, and can resist breakage.
- the first rotation inhibitor 18 can be formed from a more rigid material that is more susceptible to breakage.
- the first toy article 10 can include multiple first rotation inhibitors 18 .
- the first rotation inhibitor 18 is a rod shaped projection that is secured to the base region 24 of the first body 14 , cantilevers away from the base region 24 , and is positioned off-center relative to the base region 24 .
- the off-center positioning of the first rotation inhibitor 18 inhibits rotational movement of the engager 16 relative to the body 14 about the axis 37 .
- the axis 37 can be the longitudinal axis of the first body 14 or the first coupling element 20 , as examples, or the axis 37 can be any other suitable axis.
- the first rotation inhibitor 18 does not inhibit movement of the first engager 16 in a direction away from the first body 14 , e.g. along the axis 37 . Moreover, it is recognized that the first rotation inhibitor 18 can be integrally formed as part of the first body 14 .
- the term “secured” is to be construed to mean either that a separate structure is attached, or that the structures are integrally formed as a unitary structure.
- first rotation inhibitor 18 can be secured to other locations of the body 14 .
- first rotation inhibitor 18 can be positioned to cantilever away from the wall region 26 of the first body 14 and extend into the rotation inhibitor receiver 30 which is complementarily positioned on the first engager 16 .
- the first coupling element 20 couples the first engager 16 to the first body 14 .
- the first coupling element 20 is secured to the base region 24 of the first body 14 , and extends into the coupling element receiver 32 of the first engager 16 .
- the first coupling element 20 includes an element shaft 40 and a somewhat enlarged element end 42 .
- the enlarged element end 42 extends into the end region 38 of the coupling element receiver 32 and inhibits movement of the first engager 16 along the axis 37 .
- the axis 37 can be the longitudinal axis of the coupling element 20 , e.g. away from the base region 24 of the body 14 .
- the axis can be any suitable axis.
- the element end 42 can be formed from a somewhat compressible material such as plastic or other pliable materials that allow the coupling element receiver 32 to fit over the element end 42 and snap into place.
- the element end 42 can include a lip 44 that can sufficiently compressed to fit through the tube region 36 of the coupling element receiver 32 . Once in place within the end region 38 of the coupling element receiver 32 , the lip 44 decompresses and inhibits the element end 42 from exiting the end region 38 of the coupling element receiver 32 . With this design, the first engager 16 is effectively coupled to the first body 14 .
- the first engager 16 is positioned so that the first coupling element 20 couples the coupling element receiver 32 to the first body 14 , and the rotation inhibitor receiver 30 is positioned to receive the first rotation inhibitor 18 , as provided above.
- the first engager 16 of the toy article 10 cannot rotate about the axis 37 to any significant degree relative to the first body 14 , nor can the first engager 16 move toward or away from the base region 24 along the axis 37 to any significant extent.
- the first rotation inhibitor 18 becomes sufficiently deformed, e.g. bends or breaks off, during a battle, the first engager 16 is free to rotate about the axis 37 substantially within the body cavity 28 of the body 14 .
- the first coupling element 20 still maintains a coupling between the first engager 16 and the first body 14 to limit the movement of the first engager 16 along the axis 37 .
- FIG. 2 is a detailed, cutaway cross-sectional view of a portion of another embodiment of a toy article 210 including a coupling element 220 and the coupling element receiver 232 .
- the coupling element 220 is secured to and extends away from the base region 224 .
- the coupling element 220 includes an element shaft 240 and an expandable element end 242 .
- the expandable element end 242 can include one or more fingers 246 (two fingers 246 are shown in FIG. 2 ) that are biased toward an expanded position 248 (illustrated by arrows).
- the bias of the fingers 246 can be achieved by using a resilient material to form the fingers 246 , or the bias can be achieved in other suitable ways known to those skilled in the art.
- the coupling element receiver 232 of the engager 216 is slid over the expandable element end 242 , which overcomes the bias of the fingers 246 .
- a tube region 236 of the coupling element receiver 232 moves the one or more fingers into a contracted position 250 (illustrated in phantom), which allows the expandable element end 242 to enter the end region 238 of the coupling element receiver 232 .
- the expandable element end 242 can return to the expanded position 248 .
- the coupling element 220 inhibits movement of the coupling element receiver 232 in a direction along an axis 252 .
- the axis 252 can be the longitudinal axis of the coupling element 220 .
- the axis can be any other suitable axis. Stated another way, once the coupling element receiver 232 is in place on the coupling element 220 , the engager 216 is effectively coupled to the body 214 of the toy article 210 .
- FIG. 3A is a top view of the first toy article 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- the first toy article 10 includes the first body 14 having the handle 22 , the base region 24 (illustrated in phantom) and the wall region 26 .
- the base region 24 and the wall region 26 form the body cavity 28 .
- the handle 22 is relatively flat.
- the handle 22 can be disk-shaped, key-shaped, or can have any other configuration that allows a player to easily grasp the toy article 10 .
- the toy article 10 also includes the first engager 16 that is at least partially positioned within the body cavity 28 of the body 14 .
- the engager 16 includes the extension region 34 that engages and/or interlocks the second engager 16 A (illustrated in FIG. 1 , for example) of another similar toy article.
- FIG. 3B is an end view of the toy article 10 illustrated in FIG. 3A .
- the rotation inhibitor 18 (shown in phantom) is positioned off-center relative to the body cavity 28 .
- the coupling element 20 (shown in phantom) is positioned substantially centrally relative to the body cavity 28 and/or the base region 24 .
- FIG. 3B illustrates a substantially semi-circular cross-sectional shape of the extension region 34 of the engager 16 , although any suitable geometry can be used.
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the first toy article 10 and the second toy article 10 A illustrated in FIG. 1 , shown in an interlocked, engaged position before a battle.
- the rotation inhibitor 18 , 18 A on each respective toy article 10 , 10 A is still intact.
- the engaged toy articles 10 , 10 A are moved relative to each other by the users. This movement can vary according to the design of the toy articles 10 , 10 A.
- the movement can include rotation of the handle, or otherwise exerting a force on the opponent's toy article 10 , 10 A until one of the toy articles 10 , 10 A becomes deformed. Once one of the toy articles 10 , 10 A becomes deformed, the battle is terminated.
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first toy article 10 and the second toy article 10 A illustrated in FIG. 1 , shown in the engaged position immediately following a battle in which the second toy article 10 A has become sufficiently deformed (thus losing the battle).
- the deformation occurs when the force between the engager 16 of one toy article 10 causes the rotation inhibitor 18 A of the second toy article 10 A to sufficiently deform, e.g. break off, as illustrated in FIG. 5 .
- the second engager 16 A of the deformed second toy article 10 A is substantially held in place on the second coupling element 20 A.
- the second engager 16 A of the deformed second toy article 10 A does not separate from the second body 14 A.
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the toy article 610 .
- the toy article 610 illustrated in FIG. 6 can be designed to do battle with a similar toy article or one of the other toy articles illustrated herein.
- the toy article 610 includes the rotation inhibitor 618 and one or more coupling elements 620 .
- the rotation inhibitor 618 can be substantially similar to the other rotation inhibitors described herein.
- the coupling element 620 allows for the rotation of the engager 616 about an axis 637 relative to the body 614 .
- the coupling element 620 can extend inwardly into the body cavity 628 from the wall region 626 of the body 614 .
- the coupling element 620 can be somewhat wedge-shaped to facilitate assembly of the engager 616 with the body 614 during manufacturing.
- the coupling element 620 can be formed from relatively compressible, resilient materials to allow the engager 616 to snap into place during manufacturing.
- the engager 616 includes a coupling element receiver 630 that receives the coupling element 620 .
- the coupling element receiver 630 can be a circumferential or partially circumferential groove or indentation that extends fully or partly around a perimeter of the engager 616 , thereby allowing for rotation of the engager 616 about the axis relative to the body 614 following deformation of the rotation inhibitor 618 in a losing battle.
- the coupling element receiver 630 can be somewhat complementary in shape to the coupling element 620 in order to allow smooth rotation of the engager 616 within the body 614 following deformation or breakage of the rotation inhibitor 618 . With this design, even following deformation or breakage of the rotation inhibitor 618 , the engager 616 will remain coupled to the body 614 with the coupling element 620 , which does not deform during a battle.
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the toy article 710 , which includes a body 714 , an engager 716 , a rotation inhibitor 718 and a coupling element 720 .
- the toy article 710 illustrated in FIG. 7 can be designed to do battle with a similar toy article or one of the other toy articles illustrated herein.
- the one or more of the rotation inhibitor 718 and the coupling element 720 is secured to the engager 716 .
- both the rotation inhibitor 718 and the coupling element 720 are secured to the engager 716 .
- the shape and size of the rotation inhibitor 718 and the coupling element 720 can vary in accordance with the teachings herein.
- the body 714 includes a rotation inhibitor receiver 730 that receives the rotation inhibitor 718 and inhibits rotation of the engager 716 relative to the body 714 .
- the body 714 includes a coupling element receiver 732 that receives the coupling element 720 , and allows the coupling element 720 to couple the body 714 to the engager 716 .
- the coupling element 720 does not inhibit rotation of the engager 716 about an axis 737 relative to the body 714 , but does inhibit relative movement between the body 714 along the axis 737 .
- the axis 737 is the longitudinal axis of the coupling element 720 .
- FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the toy article 810 , which includes a body 814 , an engager 816 , a rotation inhibitor 818 and a coupling element 820 .
- the toy article 810 illustrated in FIG. 8 can be designed to do battle with a similar toy article or one of the other toy articles illustrated herein.
- the rotation inhibitor 818 is replaceable. More specifically, in this embodiment, the rotation inhibitor 818 includes a pin 854 that can be replaced.
- the engager 816 can included a removable threaded plug 856 that can be removed to allow for access to the pin 854 .
- the toy articles provided herein can be manufactured with any combination of features described herein.
- the rotation inhibitor can be secured to the body, while the coupling element can be secured to the engager, or vice versa.
- the rotation inhibitor can be secured to the engager while the coupling element can be secured to the wall region of the body.
Abstract
A toy article (10) includes a first body (14), a first engager (16), a first rotation inhibitor (18) and a first coupling element (20). The first engager (16) engages a second engager (16A) of a second toy article (10A) during a battle. The first rotation inhibitor (18) inhibits relative rotation between the first engager (16) and the first body (14) about an axis (37) until a predetermined force by the second toy article (10A) deforms the first rotation inhibitor (18) to allow for relative rotation between the first engager (16) and the first body (14) about the axis (37). The first coupling element (20) couples the first engager (16) to the first body (14). The first coupling element (20) limits movement of the first engager (16) along the axis (37), but allows for relative rotation between the first engager (16) and the first body (14) about the axis (37). The first engager (16) remains coupled to the first body (14) and can rotate about the axis (37) following deformation of the first rotation inhibitor (18).
Description
- Many types of games are currently available. One type of game includes two, somewhat similar toy articles that can be engaged in a battle. More specifically, in this game, each toy article includes a handle, a coupling piece, and a connecting element that attaches the coupling piece to the handle. Subsequently, the coupling pieces of each toy article are interlocked and rotated in opposite directions by a pair of players. This causes the connecting element of one of the toy articles to break and the coupling piece to become unattached.
- The present invention is directed to a first toy article that engages a second toy article. In one embodiment, the first toy article includes a first body, a first engager, a first coupling element and a first rotation inhibitor. The first body can include a handle. The first engager is adapted to engage a second engager of the second toy article. The first rotation inhibitor inhibits relative rotation between the first engager and the first body about an axis until a predetermined force deforms the first rotation inhibitor to allow for relative rotation between the first engager and the first body about the axis. The first coupling element couples the first engager to the first body and does not inhibit relative rotation between the first engager and the first body about the axis. In one embodiment, the first engager rotates about the first coupling element following deformation of the first rotation inhibitor.
- In certain embodiments, the first body includes a base region and a wall region. The first coupling element can be secured to and extend substantially axially away from the base region to allow the first engager to rotate about the axis and/or the first coupling element. Alternatively, the first coupling element can be secured to and cantilever away from the wall region toward the first engager. In this embodiment, the first engager can include a guide slot that receives the first coupling element. The guide slot can guide rotation of the first engager relative to the body about the axis. In another embodiment, the first coupling element can be secured to and extend away from the first engager. Further, in at least some embodiments, the first rotation inhibitor does not inhibit movement of the first engager away from the body along the axis. In one embodiment, the first rotation inhibitor can be secured to and extend away from the first engager.
- The present invention is also directed toward a combination that includes the first toy article and the second toy article. In this embodiment, the engagers are interlocked by two players. Subsequently, the toy articles can be rotated in opposite directions by the players. The relative rotation between the toy articles causes the deformation of the first rotation inhibitor. Further, following deformation of the first rotation inhibitor, the first engager can rotate about the axis relative to the first body.
- The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:
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FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a first toy article and a second toy article having features of the present invention, illustrated in a disengaged position; -
FIG. 2 is a detailed, cutaway cross-sectional view of a portion of another embodiment of a coupling element and a portion of an engager of the first toy article; -
FIG. 3A is a top view of the first toy article ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3B is an end view of the first toy article ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the first toy article and the second toy article in an engaged position prior to a battle; -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first toy article and the second toy article following a battle between the toy articles; -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the first toy article having features of the present invention; -
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the first toy article having features of the present invention; and -
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of still another embodiment of the first toy article having features of the present invention. -
FIG. 1 illustrates acombination 9 that includes afirst toy article 10 and asecond toy article 10A in a disengaged position prior to a battle between thetoy articles toy articles toy articles toy articles toy articles toy articles toy article 10 relative to theopposing toy article 10A. - For ease of discussion, in certain sections, only the first toy article 10 (sometimes referred to simply as the “toy article”) is described herein. It is recognized that the
second toy article 10A (or any number of other toy articles) can include one or more components that are functionally and/or structurally substantially similar or identical to one or more components of thefirst toy article 10. Moreover, as used herein, thefirst toy article 10 and thesecond toy article 10A are merely representative of any two toy articles having features of the present invention. - The design of the
toy articles different toy articles toy article toy article toy article toy article toy article toy article toy articles - In one embodiment, one of the
toy articles toy articles - As an overview, the
toy articles toy articles 10, 1A, or one or more portions of eachtoy article toy article toy article toy article toy article toy article toy article other toy article toy article toy article toy article - With these designs, each
toy article toy articles toy articles other toy articles toy articles - The components of the
toy articles toy articles toy article toy article other toy article - In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 1 , thefirst toy article 10 includes afirst body 14, afirst engager 16, afirst rotation inhibitor 18 and afirst coupling element 20. Somewhat similarly, the secondfirst toy article 10A includes asecond body 14A, asecond engager 16A, asecond rotation inhibitor 18A and asecond coupling element 20A. Alternatively, one or both of thetoy articles - In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 1 , thefirst toy article 10 is substantially similar to thesecond toy article 10A in size and shape. More specifically, in this design, (i) thefirst body 14 is substantially similar in size and shape to the second body 14B, (ii) thefirst engager 16 is substantially similar in size and shape to the second engager 16B, (iii) thefirst rotation inhibitor 18 is substantially similar in size and shape to the second rotation inhibitor 18B, and (iv) thefirst coupling element 20 is substantially similar in size and shape to thesecond coupling element 20A. In this embodiment, thetoy articles first engager 16 directly engages the second engager 16B. Because of the similarity of the components of thetoy articles first toy article 10 are described in detail below. - Alternatively, for example, the
first toy article 10 can be somewhat different in design than thesecond toy article 10A. For example, (i) thefirst body 14 can differ in size and shape from the second body 14B, (ii) thefirst engager 16 can differ in size and shape from the second engager 16B, (iii) thefirst rotation inhibitor 18 can differ in size and shape from the second rotation inhibitor 18B, and/or (iv) thefirst coupling element 20 can differ in size and shape from thesecond coupling element 20A. - The
first body 14 can include ahandle 22, abase region 24 and awall region 26. Thehandle 22 can be gripped by a user during a battle. The shape, size and/or positioning of thehandle 22 can vary. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1 , thehandle 22 is somewhat rectangular. However, thehandle 22 can be round, oval, ring-shaped, triangular or can have any other suitable geometry. Additionally, thehandle 22 can include one or more distinctive markings. For example, although not a requirement, thehandle 22 can display famous caricatures such as sports figures, celebrities, or other recognizable personalities, as non-exclusive examples. - In this embodiment, the
base region 24 and thewall region 26 define abody cavity 28 that receives a portion of thefirst engager 16. Thebase region 24 is generally flat, although various structures can extend away from thebase region 24, as described more fully below. Further, in this embodiment, thewall region 26 extends from thebase region 24 and is positioned generally perpendicular to thebase region 24. The configuration of thewall region 26 can be varied. In one embodiment, thewall region 26 is substantially tubular shaped. However, thewall region 26 can be configured in any suitable geometric shape. - As provided above, in one embodiment, the
first engager 16 of thefirst toy article 10 is sized and shaped to directly engage thesecond engager 16A of thesecond toy article 10A. Thefirst engager 16 can be formed from the same materials as thefirst body 14, or can be formed from different materials. Thefirst engager 16 is generally a separate structure from thefirst body 14, and can be rotatably coupled to thefirst body 14 with thefirst coupling element 20, as described below. - In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 1 , thefirst engager 16 can include arotation inhibitor receiver 30, acoupling element receiver 32, anextension region 34 and anextension receiver 35. In this embodiment, therotation inhibitor receiver 30 is a recess that is sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of thefirst rotation inhibitor 18. The positioning of therotation inhibitor receiver 30 can vary. In this embodiment, therotation inhibitor receiver 30 is positioned off-center relative to thebase region 24 of thebody 14 in order to inhibit rotation of the engager 16 relative to thebody 14 about anaxis 37. - The
coupling element receiver 32 can engagingly receive thefirst coupling element 20, as provided below. The shape, size and/or positioning of thecoupling element receiver 32 can vary depending upon the design requirements of thetoy article 10 and the shape, size and/or positioning of thecoupling element 20. In this embodiment, thecoupling element receiver 32 is an aperture that has a somewhat tubular-shapedregion 36 and anenlarged region 38. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1 , thetube region 36 is tapered to more easily receive thecoupling element 20. However, thetube region 36 can have a relatively uniform width, or can have another suitable configuration. Further, in this embodiment, thecoupling element receiver 32 is positioned substantially centrally relative to thebase region 24 of thefirst body 14. Because of this positioning, in instances when thefirst rotation inhibitor 18 does not inhibit rotation of thefirst engager 16 about theaxis 37 and thefirst engager 16 can rotate about thefirst coupling element 20, substantially within thebody cavity 28. - The
extension region 34 extends away from thebody cavity 28, and is used to engage thesecond engager 16A of thesecond toy article 10A. The shape of theextension region 34 can vary. For example, theextension region 34 can have a substantially semi-circular shaped cross-section. Alternatively, for example, theextension region 34 can have a substantially triangular shaped cross section, a rectangular shaped cross section, or any other suitable configuration. - The
extension receiver 35 is sized and shaped to receive a portion of thesecond engager 16A. InFIG. 1 , theextension receiver 35 is a recess that has a substantially semi-circular shaped cross section. Alternatively, for example, the recess can be an opening having a substantially triangular shaped cross section, a rectangular shaped cross section, or any other suitable configuration. - The
first rotation inhibitor 18 extends into therotation inhibitor receiver 30 and inhibits rotation of thefirst engager 16 about theaxis 37. The shape, size and/or positioning of thefirst rotation inhibitor 18 can vary depending upon the shape, size and/or positioning of therotation inhibitor receiver 30 and upon the requirements of thefirst toy article 10. For example, thefirst rotation inhibitor 18 can be sized and/or shaped to have a greater or lesser strength and rigidity, as necessary. For example, a thicker, more robustfirst rotation inhibitor 18 can be more difficult to deform than a thinner and/or hollowfirst rotation inhibitor 18. Moreover, the materials used to form thefirst rotation inhibitor 18 can impact the strength and/or rigidity, and thus, the susceptibility of thefirst rotation inhibitor 18 to deform during a battle. For example, thefirst rotation inhibitor 18 can be formed form a resilient, flexible material that can bend, and can resist breakage. Alternatively, thefirst rotation inhibitor 18 can be formed from a more rigid material that is more susceptible to breakage. Still alternatively, thefirst toy article 10 can include multiplefirst rotation inhibitors 18. - In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 1 , thefirst rotation inhibitor 18 is a rod shaped projection that is secured to thebase region 24 of thefirst body 14, cantilevers away from thebase region 24, and is positioned off-center relative to thebase region 24. With this design, when thefirst rotation inhibitor 18 is intact, e.g. not broken, bent, or otherwise deformed as a result of a battle, the off-center positioning of thefirst rotation inhibitor 18 inhibits rotational movement of the engager 16 relative to thebody 14 about theaxis 37. Theaxis 37 can be the longitudinal axis of thefirst body 14 or thefirst coupling element 20, as examples, or theaxis 37 can be any other suitable axis. In this embodiment, thefirst rotation inhibitor 18 does not inhibit movement of thefirst engager 16 in a direction away from thefirst body 14, e.g. along theaxis 37. Moreover, it is recognized that thefirst rotation inhibitor 18 can be integrally formed as part of thefirst body 14. - It should be noted that, as used throughout the description, the term “secured” is to be construed to mean either that a separate structure is attached, or that the structures are integrally formed as a unitary structure.
- It should also be noted that the
first rotation inhibitor 18 can be secured to other locations of thebody 14. For example, thefirst rotation inhibitor 18 can be positioned to cantilever away from thewall region 26 of thefirst body 14 and extend into therotation inhibitor receiver 30 which is complementarily positioned on thefirst engager 16. - The
first coupling element 20 couples thefirst engager 16 to thefirst body 14. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1 , thefirst coupling element 20 is secured to thebase region 24 of thefirst body 14, and extends into thecoupling element receiver 32 of thefirst engager 16. In this embodiment, thefirst coupling element 20 includes anelement shaft 40 and a somewhatenlarged element end 42. Theenlarged element end 42 extends into theend region 38 of thecoupling element receiver 32 and inhibits movement of thefirst engager 16 along theaxis 37. In one embodiment, theaxis 37 can be the longitudinal axis of thecoupling element 20, e.g. away from thebase region 24 of thebody 14. However, the axis can be any suitable axis. - The
element end 42 can be formed from a somewhat compressible material such as plastic or other pliable materials that allow thecoupling element receiver 32 to fit over theelement end 42 and snap into place. In one embodiment, theelement end 42 can include alip 44 that can sufficiently compressed to fit through thetube region 36 of thecoupling element receiver 32. Once in place within theend region 38 of thecoupling element receiver 32, thelip 44 decompresses and inhibits the element end 42 from exiting theend region 38 of thecoupling element receiver 32. With this design, thefirst engager 16 is effectively coupled to thefirst body 14. - During manufacture of the
first toy article 10, thefirst engager 16 is positioned so that thefirst coupling element 20 couples thecoupling element receiver 32 to thefirst body 14, and therotation inhibitor receiver 30 is positioned to receive thefirst rotation inhibitor 18, as provided above. Thus, prior to a battle, thefirst engager 16 of thetoy article 10 cannot rotate about theaxis 37 to any significant degree relative to thefirst body 14, nor can thefirst engager 16 move toward or away from thebase region 24 along theaxis 37 to any significant extent. However, as described below, if thefirst rotation inhibitor 18 becomes sufficiently deformed, e.g. bends or breaks off, during a battle, thefirst engager 16 is free to rotate about theaxis 37 substantially within thebody cavity 28 of thebody 14. In one embodiment, regardless of whether or not thefirst engager 16 can rotate about theaxis 37, i.e. whether or not thefirst toy article 10 has won or lost the battle, thefirst coupling element 20 still maintains a coupling between thefirst engager 16 and thefirst body 14 to limit the movement of thefirst engager 16 along theaxis 37. With this design, creation of loose pieces of thetoy article 10 is reduced or eliminated, thereby decreasing the likelihood of generating a projectile or a choking hazard for users or pets. -
FIG. 2 is a detailed, cutaway cross-sectional view of a portion of another embodiment of atoy article 210 including acoupling element 220 and thecoupling element receiver 232. In this embodiment, thecoupling element 220 is secured to and extends away from thebase region 224. Thecoupling element 220 includes anelement shaft 240 and anexpandable element end 242. Theexpandable element end 242 can include one or more fingers 246 (twofingers 246 are shown inFIG. 2 ) that are biased toward an expanded position 248 (illustrated by arrows). The bias of thefingers 246 can be achieved by using a resilient material to form thefingers 246, or the bias can be achieved in other suitable ways known to those skilled in the art. - During manufacture, the
coupling element receiver 232 of the engager 216 is slid over theexpandable element end 242, which overcomes the bias of thefingers 246. Atube region 236 of thecoupling element receiver 232 moves the one or more fingers into a contracted position 250 (illustrated in phantom), which allows theexpandable element end 242 to enter theend region 238 of thecoupling element receiver 232. Once positioned within theend region 238, theexpandable element end 242 can return to the expandedposition 248. In the expandedposition 248, thecoupling element 220 inhibits movement of thecoupling element receiver 232 in a direction along anaxis 252. In one embodiment, theaxis 252 can be the longitudinal axis of thecoupling element 220. Alternatively, the axis can be any other suitable axis. Stated another way, once thecoupling element receiver 232 is in place on thecoupling element 220, theengager 216 is effectively coupled to thebody 214 of thetoy article 210. -
FIG. 3A is a top view of thefirst toy article 10 illustrated inFIG. 1 . In this embodiment, thefirst toy article 10 includes thefirst body 14 having thehandle 22, the base region 24 (illustrated in phantom) and thewall region 26. Thebase region 24 and thewall region 26 form thebody cavity 28. In this embodiment, thehandle 22 is relatively flat. However, thehandle 22 can be disk-shaped, key-shaped, or can have any other configuration that allows a player to easily grasp thetoy article 10. Thetoy article 10 also includes thefirst engager 16 that is at least partially positioned within thebody cavity 28 of thebody 14. The engager 16 includes theextension region 34 that engages and/or interlocks thesecond engager 16A (illustrated inFIG. 1 , for example) of another similar toy article. -
FIG. 3B is an end view of thetoy article 10 illustrated inFIG. 3A . In this embodiment, the rotation inhibitor 18 (shown in phantom) is positioned off-center relative to thebody cavity 28. Further, the coupling element 20 (shown in phantom) is positioned substantially centrally relative to thebody cavity 28 and/or thebase region 24. Once therotation inhibitor 18 is sufficiently deformed, e.g. bent or broken during a battle, thecoupling element 20 remains intact to continue to couple the engager 16 to thebody 14. However, once therotation inhibitor 18 becomes deformed, the engager 16 can rotate about thecoupling element 20. - Additionally,
FIG. 3B illustrates a substantially semi-circular cross-sectional shape of theextension region 34 of the engager 16, although any suitable geometry can be used. -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of thefirst toy article 10 and thesecond toy article 10A illustrated inFIG. 1 , shown in an interlocked, engaged position before a battle. At this time, therotation inhibitor respective toy article toy articles toy articles toy article toy articles toy articles -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of thefirst toy article 10 and thesecond toy article 10A illustrated inFIG. 1 , shown in the engaged position immediately following a battle in which thesecond toy article 10A has become sufficiently deformed (thus losing the battle). In this embodiment, the deformation occurs when the force between the engager 16 of onetoy article 10 causes therotation inhibitor 18A of thesecond toy article 10A to sufficiently deform, e.g. break off, as illustrated inFIG. 5 . However, once this occurs, thesecond engager 16A of the deformedsecond toy article 10A is substantially held in place on thesecond coupling element 20A. Thus, in this embodiment, thesecond engager 16A of the deformedsecond toy article 10A does not separate from thesecond body 14A. -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of thetoy article 610. Thetoy article 610 illustrated inFIG. 6 can be designed to do battle with a similar toy article or one of the other toy articles illustrated herein. In this embodiment, thetoy article 610 includes therotation inhibitor 618 and one ormore coupling elements 620. Therotation inhibitor 618 can be substantially similar to the other rotation inhibitors described herein. - In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 6 , thecoupling element 620 allows for the rotation of the engager 616 about anaxis 637 relative to thebody 614. In this embodiment, thecoupling element 620 can extend inwardly into thebody cavity 628 from thewall region 626 of thebody 614. In one embodiment, thecoupling element 620 can be somewhat wedge-shaped to facilitate assembly of the engager 616 with thebody 614 during manufacturing. Moreover, thecoupling element 620 can be formed from relatively compressible, resilient materials to allow the engager 616 to snap into place during manufacturing. - Further, in this embodiment, the
engager 616 includes acoupling element receiver 630 that receives thecoupling element 620. Thecoupling element receiver 630 can be a circumferential or partially circumferential groove or indentation that extends fully or partly around a perimeter of the engager 616, thereby allowing for rotation of the engager 616 about the axis relative to thebody 614 following deformation of therotation inhibitor 618 in a losing battle. Thecoupling element receiver 630 can be somewhat complementary in shape to thecoupling element 620 in order to allow smooth rotation of the engager 616 within thebody 614 following deformation or breakage of therotation inhibitor 618. With this design, even following deformation or breakage of therotation inhibitor 618, the engager 616 will remain coupled to thebody 614 with thecoupling element 620, which does not deform during a battle. -
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of thetoy article 710, which includes abody 714, an engager 716, arotation inhibitor 718 and acoupling element 720. Thetoy article 710 illustrated inFIG. 7 can be designed to do battle with a similar toy article or one of the other toy articles illustrated herein. In this embodiment, the one or more of therotation inhibitor 718 and thecoupling element 720 is secured to theengager 716. For example, in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 7 , both therotation inhibitor 718 and thecoupling element 720 are secured to theengager 716. The shape and size of therotation inhibitor 718 and thecoupling element 720 can vary in accordance with the teachings herein. - Further, in this embodiment, the
body 714 includes arotation inhibitor receiver 730 that receives therotation inhibitor 718 and inhibits rotation of the engager 716 relative to thebody 714. Additionally, thebody 714 includes acoupling element receiver 732 that receives thecoupling element 720, and allows thecoupling element 720 to couple thebody 714 to theengager 716. In this embodiment, thecoupling element 720 does not inhibit rotation of the engager 716 about anaxis 737 relative to thebody 714, but does inhibit relative movement between thebody 714 along theaxis 737. In one embodiment, theaxis 737 is the longitudinal axis of thecoupling element 720. With this design, thebody 714 remains coupled to the engager 716 regardless of whether or not therotation inhibitor 718 has become deformed or broken during a battle. -
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of thetoy article 810, which includes abody 814, an engager 816, arotation inhibitor 818 and acoupling element 820. Thetoy article 810 illustrated inFIG. 8 can be designed to do battle with a similar toy article or one of the other toy articles illustrated herein. In this embodiment, therotation inhibitor 818 is replaceable. More specifically, in this embodiment, therotation inhibitor 818 includes apin 854 that can be replaced. For example, the engager 816 can included a removable threadedplug 856 that can be removed to allow for access to thepin 854. - It is recognized that the toy articles provided herein can be manufactured with any combination of features described herein. For example, the rotation inhibitor can be secured to the body, while the coupling element can be secured to the engager, or vice versa. Further, the rotation inhibitor can be secured to the engager while the coupling element can be secured to the wall region of the body. The foregoing are representative examples of the positioning of various features within the toy article, and are not intended to be limiting in any way.
- While the
particular toy article 10 as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims.
Claims (20)
1. A deformable first toy article that engages a deformable second toy article, the first toy article comprising:
a first body including a first handle;
a first engager that is adapted to engage a second engager of the second toy article;
a first coupling element that couples the first engager to the first body and allows for relative rotation between the first engager and the first body; and
a first rotation inhibitor that inhibits relative rotation between the first engager and the first body until a predetermined force sufficiently deforms the first rotation inhibitor to allow for relative rotation between the first engager and the first body.
2. The first toy article of claim 1 wherein the predetermined force is imparted on the first rotation inhibitor by the second engager during engagement between the first toy article and the second toy article.
3. The first toy article of claim 1 wherein the engager rotates about an axis following deformation of the first rotation inhibitor and the first coupling element inhibits movement of the first engager along the axis.
4. The first toy article of claim 1 wherein the first engager directly engages the second engager.
5. The first toy article of claim 4 wherein the first coupling element is substantially similar to the second coupling element.
6. The first toy article of claim 1 wherein the first body includes a base region, and wherein the first coupling element is secured to and extends substantially axially away from the base region to allow the first engager to rotate about the first coupling element.
7. The first toy article of claim 1 wherein the first body includes a wall region, and wherein the first coupling element is secured to and cantilevers away from the wall region toward the first engager and wherein the first engager includes a guide slot that receives the first coupling element, the guide slot guiding rotation of the first engager relative to the first body.
8. The first toy article of claim 1 wherein the first coupling element is secured to and extends away from the first engager.
9. The first toy article of claim 1 wherein the first rotation inhibitor does not inhibit movement of the first engager away from the first body.
10. The first toy article of claim 1 wherein the first rotation inhibitor is replaceable.
11. A combination including the toy article of claim 1 and a second toy article, the second toy article including (i) a second body having a second handle, (ii) a second engager that is adapted to engage the first engager of the first toy article, (iii) a second coupling element that couples the second engager to the second body and allows for relative rotation between the second engager and the second body; and (iv) a second rotation inhibitor that inhibits relative rotation between the second engager and the second body until a predetermined force sufficiently deforms the second rotation inhibitor to allow relative rotation between the second engager and the second body.
12. A combination comprising:
a first toy article including (i) a first body having a first handle, (ii) a first engager, (iii) a first coupling element that couples the first engager to the first body and allows for relative rotation between the first engager and the first body about a first axis, the first coupling element limiting relative movement between the first engager and the first body along the first axis, and (iv) a first rotation inhibitor that inhibits relative rotation between the first engager and the first body about the first axis until a first predetermined force sufficiently deforms the first rotation inhibitor to allow relative rotation between the first engager and the first body about the first axis; and
a second toy article including (i) a second body having a second handle, (ii) a second engager that directly engages the first engager, (iii) a second coupling element that couples the second engager to the second body and allows for relative rotation between the second engager and the second body about a second axis, the second coupling element limiting relative movement between the second engager and the second body along the second axis, and (iv) a second rotation inhibitor that inhibits relative rotation between the second engager and the second body about the second axis until a second predetermined force sufficiently deforms the second rotation inhibitor to allow relative rotation between the second engager and the second body about the second axis;
wherein relative rotation between the first body and the second body causes sufficient deformation of one the rotation inhibitors.
13. The combination of claim 12 wherein the first predetermined force on the first rotation inhibitor is imparted via the second engager during engagement between the first toy article and the second toy article.
14. The combination of claim 12 wherein the first body includes a wall region, and wherein the first coupling element is secured to and cantilevers away from the wall region toward the first engager.
15. The combination of claim 14 wherein the first engager includes a guide slot that receives the first coupling element, the guide slot guiding rotation of the engager relative to the first body.
16. The combination of claim 12 wherein the first rotation inhibitor does not inhibit movement of the first engager along the first axis.
17. The combination of claim 12 wherein the first engager and the second engager are substantially identical in shape and size.
18. A method of manufacturing a deformable first toy article, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a first body that includes a handle;
providing a first engager that is adapted to directly engage a second engager of a second toy article;
rotatably coupling the first engager to the first body with a first coupling element; and
inhibiting rotation of the first engager relative to the first body using a deformable first rotation inhibitor, the first rotation inhibitor requiring a predetermined force to cause sufficient deformation of the first rotation inhibitor so that rotation of the first engager relative to the first body is no longer inhibited.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein the step of rotatably coupling includes continuing to couple the first engager to the first body after rotation of the first engager is no longer inhibited.
20. The method of claim 18 wherein the step of rotatably coupling includes securing the first coupling element to the first body.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/803,605 US20050208868A1 (en) | 2004-03-17 | 2004-03-17 | Deformable toy articles |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/803,605 US20050208868A1 (en) | 2004-03-17 | 2004-03-17 | Deformable toy articles |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20050208868A1 true US20050208868A1 (en) | 2005-09-22 |
Family
ID=34986973
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/803,605 Abandoned US20050208868A1 (en) | 2004-03-17 | 2004-03-17 | Deformable toy articles |
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US (1) | US20050208868A1 (en) |
Citations (9)
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US3413752A (en) * | 1967-11-14 | 1968-12-03 | Charles O. Perry | Body having a snap-type fastener |
US3514893A (en) * | 1966-09-28 | 1970-06-02 | Frankenplastik Vertriebs Gmbh | Resiliently coupled abutting members disposable in plural stable configurations |
US4039185A (en) * | 1975-09-05 | 1977-08-02 | Rhodes Robert V | Indian-wrestling device |
US4582447A (en) * | 1983-02-18 | 1986-04-15 | The Coca-Cola Company | Plastic display building device for cans |
US4947527A (en) * | 1989-03-23 | 1990-08-14 | Matchbox Toys (Usa) Ltd. | Coupling system for modular article |
US5035667A (en) * | 1989-09-08 | 1991-07-30 | Haley Thomas F | Swivel device for preventing twisting of strings subjected to torsional force |
US5769426A (en) * | 1997-05-02 | 1998-06-23 | Gill; Michael Mintaek | Two person tug of war |
US6739935B2 (en) * | 2000-01-26 | 2004-05-25 | Breakey B.V. | Toy article |
US20050062230A1 (en) * | 2003-09-23 | 2005-03-24 | Kris Oprisko | Board game using deformable game pieces |
-
2004
- 2004-03-17 US US10/803,605 patent/US20050208868A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3514893A (en) * | 1966-09-28 | 1970-06-02 | Frankenplastik Vertriebs Gmbh | Resiliently coupled abutting members disposable in plural stable configurations |
US3413752A (en) * | 1967-11-14 | 1968-12-03 | Charles O. Perry | Body having a snap-type fastener |
US4039185A (en) * | 1975-09-05 | 1977-08-02 | Rhodes Robert V | Indian-wrestling device |
US4582447A (en) * | 1983-02-18 | 1986-04-15 | The Coca-Cola Company | Plastic display building device for cans |
US4947527A (en) * | 1989-03-23 | 1990-08-14 | Matchbox Toys (Usa) Ltd. | Coupling system for modular article |
US5035667A (en) * | 1989-09-08 | 1991-07-30 | Haley Thomas F | Swivel device for preventing twisting of strings subjected to torsional force |
US5769426A (en) * | 1997-05-02 | 1998-06-23 | Gill; Michael Mintaek | Two person tug of war |
US6739935B2 (en) * | 2000-01-26 | 2004-05-25 | Breakey B.V. | Toy article |
US20050062230A1 (en) * | 2003-09-23 | 2005-03-24 | Kris Oprisko | Board game using deformable game pieces |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: UPPER DECK COMPANY, LLC,THE, CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ROEDER, STEVEN G.;REEL/FRAME:015122/0175 Effective date: 20040317 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: EXPRESSLY ABANDONED -- DURING EXAMINATION |