Fixing assembly for toy

Abstract

A securing assembly for a toy includes a bracket having an insert with a plurality of projections that collectively define a space, the insert configured to extend into a receptacle of the toy. The fixing assembly further comprises a base, the base is provided with an extension part, and the extension part is configured to extend into the space jointly defined by the multiple protruding parts, so that in the assembled configuration of the fixing assembly, the extension part abuts the multiple protruding parts, the multiple protruding parts move away from one another and are connected with the toy wall defining the containing part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to toys, and more particularly to a fixing assembly capable of connecting and supporting a toy. Background Art

[0002] Toys provide entertainment for different users, such as children. For example, a toy may have a realistic appearance, and a user may interact with the toy to simulate real-world actions. In some cases, it may be necessary to support the toy to secure the toy in place, thereby restricting certain movements of the toy. For example, securing the toy may allow the toy to be displayed in a desired manner when the user is not interacting with the toy. Furthermore, securing the toy may additionally or alternatively place the toy in a particular position, such as within a housing, or relative to other toys. Thus, securing the toy may further enhance certain aspects of the entertainment provided to the user. Summary of the invention

[0003] A fixing assembly for a toy is provided herein. According to an example embodiment, the fixing assembly includes a bracket with an insert having a plurality of protrusions, the plurality of protrusions collectively defining a space, and the insert is configured to be insertable into a receiving portion of the toy. The fixing assembly also includes a base with an extension, the extension configured to extend into the space collectively defined by the plurality of protrusions, so that in an assembled configuration of the fixing assembly, the extension is adjacent to the plurality of protrusions, thereby moving the plurality of protrusions away from each other and engaging with a toy wall defining the receiving portion.

[0004] Other systems, methods, features and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reviewing the following illustrations and detailed description. All such additional systems, methods, features and advantages are included within this description and are within the scope of the claimed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The toy fixing assembly shown herein can be better understood in conjunction with the following drawings and descriptions. Unless the dimensions of the elements in the drawings are specifically marked and described, it should be understood that the elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and the focus is on showing the principles of the toy figure. In each of the different views, the same reference numerals are used to indicate corresponding parts.

[0006] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a fixing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0007] Figure 2 A kit including a toy and a fixing assembly for the toy according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0008] Figure 3A front perspective view of a toy connected to a fixing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0009] Figure 4 A top perspective view of a base of a fixing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0010] Figure 5 Shown Figure 4 Bottom view of the base shown.

[0011] Figure 6 A top perspective view of a bracket of a fixing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0012] Figure 7 Shown Figure 6 A side perspective view of a bracket.

[0013] Figure 8 A side perspective view of a fixture assembly having an interconnected bracket and base in an unlocked configuration is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0014] Fig. 9 Shown Figure 8 Bottom view of the fixing assembly.

[0015] Fig.10 A side perspective view of a fixture assembly having an interconnected bracket and base in a locked configuration is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0016] Fig.11 Shown Fig.10 Bottom view of the fixing assembly.

[0017] Fig.12 A cross-sectional side view of a fixing assembly connected to a toy according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0018] Figures 13a-13c A top perspective view of a securing assembly according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application is illustrated.

[0019] Fig.14 A perspective view of a toy play set having fixed components according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] In general, a fixing assembly for a toy is presented herein. The fixing assembly includes a bracket having a support base and an insert extending from the support base. The insert includes a plurality of protrusions that together define a space, and the insert is configured to extend into a receiving portion of the toy. The fixing assembly also includes a base having a base base and an extension extending from the base base. The extension is configured to extend into the space defined by the plurality of protrusions, such that in an assembled configuration of the fixing assembly, the extension is adjacent to the plurality of protrusions, thereby pushing the plurality of protrusions away from each other and engaging with a wall of the toy defining the receiving portion.

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a fixing assembly 100 is shown, which is configured to be connected to a toy 102 (e.g., a doll toy). The fixing assembly 100 includes a base 104 and a bracket 106. The base 104 and the bracket 106 are configured to be connected to each other in an assembled configuration of the fixing assembly 100. For example, the base 104 includes an extension 108, and the bracket 106 includes an insert 110. The insert 110 defines a space, and the extension 108 is configured to be inserted into the space to engage with the insert 110, thereby connecting the base 104 and the bracket 106 to each other. The extension 108 and the insert 110 are configured to extend into a receiving portion 112 of the toy 102 to be connected to the toy 102. For example, the insert 110 is adjacent to a wall of the toy 102 that defines the receiving portion 112, thereby fixing the assembled base 104 and the bracket 106 to the toy 102. The toy 102 , base 104 , and support 106 are interconnected such that the support 106 is generally positioned between the toy 102 and base 104 .

[0022] The base 104 and the bracket 106 include additional features to facilitate connection to each other. For example, the base 104 includes an opening 114 and the bracket 106 includes a post 116 configured to extend into the opening 114. In some embodiments, the opening 114 includes a groove and the base 104 is configured to capture the post 116 in the groove to prevent relative movement between the base 104 and the bracket 106. The base 104 also includes a hook 118 and the bracket 106 includes a flange 120. The hook 118 is configured to capture the flange 120 to hold the bracket 106 on the base 104. Therefore, the opening 114 and hook 118 of the base 104 and the post 116 and flange 120 of the bracket 106 further maintain the fixing assembly 100 in an assembled configuration.

[0023] In some embodiments, the fixing assembly 100 further includes a housing 122. The housing 122 can provide additional fixing features for the toy 102, such as by positioning the toy 102 in a desired manner. To this end, the base 104 is configured to be connectable to the housing 122. For example, the base is configured to be connected to the housing 122 by interference fit, fasteners, adhesives, other suitable techniques, or combinations thereof. The connection between the base 104 and the housing 122 can prevent relative movement between the base 104 and the housing 122, thereby fixing the toy 102 connected to the base 104 to the housing 122. In addition, in some embodiments, the interconnection between the bracket 106 and the toy 102 can orient the toy 102 in a specific manner (e.g., facing a specific direction) relative to the base 104. In addition, the connection between the base 104 and the housing 122 can orient the base 104 in a specific manner (e.g., facing a specific direction) relative to the housing 122. Thus, coupling the toy 102 , base 104 , bracket 106 , and housing 122 to one another may orient the toy 102 in a particular manner (eg, facing a particular direction) relative to the housing 122 , thereby positioning the toy 102 in a desired manner.

[0024] Figure 2 An embodiment of a kit 150 is shown that includes a toy 102 and a stationary assembly 100 having a base 104, a bracket 106, and a housing 122. For example, the kit 150 may provide the toy 102, the base 104, the bracket 106, and the housing 122 as separate components for easy assembly (e.g., manual assembly). That is, the toy 102, the base 104, the bracket 106, and the housing 122 may not be initially assembled together within the kit 150. For example, the kit 150 may be provided by a manufacturer, supplier, and / or vendor to a customer and / or seller.

[0025] The base 104 includes a base base 152 and an extension 108 extending from the base base 152. The bracket 106 includes a support base 154 and an insert 110 extending from the support base 154. The insert 110 includes a plurality of protrusions 156 extending from the support base 154 and collectively defining a space 158 therebetween. The extension 108 is configured to extend into the space 158 to connect the base 104 and the bracket 106 together. For example, the extension 108 includes a protrusion 160 extending outwardly (e.g., radially outwardly) from a central portion 162. Placing the extension 108 in the space 158 may cause the protrusion 160 to abut against the protrusion 156, so that the extension 108 cooperates with the insert 110 to secure the bracket 106 to the base 104.

[0026] The engagement of the extension 108 with the insert 110 can also facilitate the securing of the securing assembly 100 to the toy 102. For example, the engagement of the protrusion 160 with the protrusion 156 can push the protrusions 156 outward (e.g., away from each other to increase the size of the space 158). To this end, the protrusion 156 can be made of a material that is sufficiently flexible (e.g., a polymer, such as polyvinyl chloride). The outward movement of the protrusion 156 can cause the protrusion 156 to push against a wall 164 of the toy 102 that defines the receiving portion 112. That is, the protrusion 160 moves the protrusion 156 into contact with the wall 164 to provide sufficient friction between the protrusion 156 and the toy 102 to prevent movement of the bracket 106 and the base 104 connected to the bracket 106 relative to the toy 102. In some embodiments, each protrusion includes a rib or tooth 166 extending outward from the space 158. The rib 166 can further help secure the bracket 106 to the toy 102. For example, the ribs 166 can focus forces (eg, frictional forces) applied to the toy 102 to help secure the bracket 106 to the toy 102. Thus, the ribs 166 can be pressed into the wall 164 by movement of the extension 108.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the toy 102 also includes a cutout 168 formed in a portion of the wall 164. The cutout 168 can be configured to receive a rib 166 of the bracket 106. For example, the cutout 168 can be sized to receive the rib 166 therein, and the portion of the wall 164 surrounding the cutout 168 can capture the rib 166, further preventing movement of the bracket 106 relative to the toy 102. The cutout 168 can also help position the toy 102 in a desired manner relative to the bracket 106. That is, a particular orientation (e.g., an angular orientation) of the bracket 106 relative to the toy 102 can cause the rib 166 to be located within the cutout 168. Thus, the engagement between the cutout 168 and the rib 166 can maintain the particular orientation of the bracket 106 relative to the toy 102. In some embodiments, the toy 102 can be formed by molding (e.g., made of a polymer such as polypropylene) to provide an initial shape of the toy 102, including the receiving portion 112, and the cutout 168 can be formed in the wall 164 after the toy 102 is molded. In additional or alternative embodiments, the toy 102 may be molded to directly form the cutout 168. Thus, an additional process other than molding the toy 102 to form the cutout 168 may be avoided.

[0028] The base 104 further includes an opening 114 formed through the base 152 of the base, such as around the extension 108. As previously described, the opening 114 is configured to receive the post 116 ( Figure 2The base 104 and the bracket 106 are provided with a plurality of holes 114 (not shown) to secure the base 104 and the bracket 106 to each other. Placing the post 116 of the bracket 106 within the opening 114 can limit certain relative movement between the base 104 and the bracket 106. The base 104 also includes a hook 118 extending from the base base 152. The hook 118 is configured to capture a flange 120 extending from the support base 154 of the bracket 106, thereby further securing the base 104 and the bracket 106 to each other. For example, the engagement of the support base 154 against the base base 152 can be maintained by capturing the flange 120 by the hook 118.

[0029] The housing 122 shown includes a foldable (e.g., manually foldable) configuration. To this end, the housing 122 can be made of a material having sufficient flexibility (e.g., a paper material). The foldability of the housing 122 can make it easier to adjust the size of the housing, such as to an unfolded configuration (e.g., a flat configuration) for transportation, and a folded configuration (e.g., an upright configuration) for connection to the base 104. For example, the housing 122 includes a housing base 170 on which the base 104 can be placed, and a housing wall portion 172 extending from a housing back 173 and configured to fold to extend along the housing base 170. The housing wall portion 172 can capture the base 104 to keep the base 104 fixed to the housing 122. For example, the base base 152 can include a notch 174 formed on the base base 152 (e.g., on the opposite side of the base base 152) to provide an edge 176. The edge 176 can be configured to cooperate with the housing wall portion 172. For example, the housing wall portion 172 can capture the edge 176 to secure the base 104 to the housing 122, such as on the housing base 170. In some embodiments, a particular orientation (e.g., an angular orientation) of the base 104 relative to the housing 122 (e.g., the housing wall portion 172) can cause the edge 176 to engage with the housing wall portion 172. Thus, the engagement between the edge 176 and the housing wall portion 172 can maintain the particular orientation of the base 104 relative to the housing 122. For example, such an orientation of the base 104 relative to the housing 122 can also place the toy 102 connected to the base 104 in a particular orientation relative to the housing 122.

[0030] Figure 3 A front perspective view of the toy 102 connected to the fixed assembly 100 is shown. For example, the housing 122 is in a folded state, the base 104 and the bracket 106 ( Figure 3The housing 122 is shown as a housing 122 that is connected to each other and placed in the housing 122, and the toy 102 is connected to the bracket 106. The housing 122 is shown to form a seat 300 through the housing base 170, the housing wall portion 172, and the housing back 173, and the base 104 is located in the seat 300, placed on the housing base 170, and located between the housing wall portions 172 (e.g., engaged with them) to be fixed to the housing 122. This positioning of the base 104 relative to the housing 122 also places a portion of the toy 102 between the housing wall portions 172 (e.g., the toy 102 partially extends into the seat 300), while the rest of the toy 102 may extend away from the housing wall portions 172 (e.g., the toy 102 partially extends out of the seat 300). Therefore, a portion of the toy 102 may be exposed and visible.

[0031] In addition, by a specific orientation of the base 104 and the fixing assembly 100 and a specific orientation of the toy 102 and the base 104, the toy 102 can be fixed relative to the fixing assembly 100 so that the toy 102 is oriented in a specific manner, such as so that the surface 302 (e.g., the front, the front side) of the toy 102 faces away from the back 173 of the housing. Therefore, in the illustrated orientation, the toy 102 faces forward. This orientation of the toy 102 can increase the visibility of its surface 302, thereby providing the toy 102 with an ideal display effect and appearance.

[0032] Thus, the illustrated fixing of the toy 102 to the fixing assembly 100 can allow the toy 102 to be used for display or packaging, such as for viewing and / or certain interactions by a user. Thus, the fixing assembly 100 can be used as a packaging element or a toy packaging safety element. In such embodiments, the fixing assembly 100 can prevent the toy 102 from being easily removed (e.g., by manually applied force). Thus, the use of other additional components that would otherwise be used to fix the toy 102, such as plastic packaging (e.g., blister packaging), can be avoided to reduce material consumption and / or time associated with assembly / manufacturing. In addition, since such additional components can reduce the accessibility of certain parts of the toy 102, eliminating the use of additional components can improve the interaction of the toy 102 without removing or decoupling the toy 102 from the fixing assembly 100. However, in some embodiments, certain protective or masking materials, such as plastic bags or protective linings, can be applied to the toy 102 to prevent wear of the toy 102 (e.g., deformation of the surface 302 of the toy 102 or wear of the surface paint).

[0033] Although the illustrated fixing assembly 100 includes a housing 122 configured to primarily display the toy 102, it should be noted that the fixing assembly 100 may include and / or be implemented in other components for fixing the toy 102. For example, the fixing assembly 100 (e.g., the base 104, the bracket 106) may be included or implemented in other toys, such as a toy vehicle, a toy house, or a doll. Thus, the fixing assembly 100 may serve as an interactive safety element and may be used to position the toy 102 relative to another toy, which may improve the interaction of the toy 102 (e.g., with other toys).

[0034] Figure 4 A top perspective view of an example embodiment of a base 104 is shown. The base 104 shown includes two openings 114 formed through a base base 152 and two hooks 118 extending from the base base 152, and four protrusions 160 extending from a central portion 162 of the extension 108. In addition, the base 104 generally has a circular or oval profile. However, in additional or alternative embodiments, the base 104 may include any suitable number of openings 114, hooks 118, and / or protrusions 160, and may have any other suitable shape (e.g., prismatic, irregular).

[0035] Figure 5 A bottom view of the base 104 is shown. Each opening 114 formed in the base portion 152 includes a protrusion 350 extending therein, which defines a groove 352 and a main portion 354 in each opening 114. The groove 352 can help to align the corresponding post 116 of the bracket 106 (see Figure 7 ) is captured within the opening 114 to secure the base 104 and the bracket 106 to each other. For example, the post 116 can be first inserted into the main portion 354 of the opening 114, and then the bracket 106 is moved (e.g., rotated) relative to the base 104 to move the post 116 from the main portion 354 into the groove 352. The base base 152 also includes an indicator 356 that indicates the direction of movement of the bracket 106 relative to the base 104 to secure the base 104 and the bracket 106 to each other. For example, in this embodiment, the indicator 356 includes an arrow showing the direction of rotation of the bracket 106 relative to the base 104 to move each post 116 into the corresponding groove 352.

[0036] Figure 61 is a top perspective view of the bracket 106. The bracket 106 includes a protrusion 156 extending from the support base 154 to form a space 158 for receiving the extension 108 of the base 104. For example, each protrusion 156 includes a fixed portion 400 extending from the support base 154, a neck 402 extending from the fixed portion 400, and a movable portion 404 extending from the neck 402 (e.g., the rib 166 extends therefrom). The cross-sectional area of ​​the neck 402 can be thinner than the cross-sectional areas of the fixed portion 400 and the movable portion 404 to facilitate the movement of the movable portion 404 relative to the fixed portion 400. In other words, the smaller thickness of the neck 402 can increase its flexibility, making it easier for the movable portion 404 to move around the fixed portion 400. For example, placing the extension 108 in the space 158 can allow the extension 108 to engage with the movable portion 404 to push the movable portion 404 to move relative to the fixed portion 400 (e.g., outward away from each other) through the neck 402.

[0037] The bracket 106 also includes a ring 406 connected to the protrusion 156, for example, connected to each fixed portion 400 and / or each neck 402. The ring 406 can prevent undesirable (e.g., excessive) movement of the protrusion 156 (e.g., movement of the movable portion 404 and / or the fixed portion 400). For example, the ring 406 can prevent the movement of the fixed portion 400 relative to the support base 154 (e.g., movement caused by the engagement of the extension 108 with the protrusion 156). Therefore, the ring 406 can reduce the movement of the movable portion 404 relative to the support base 154 accordingly. For example, the ring 406 can prevent the protrusion 156 (e.g., the movable portion 404) from exceeding a threshold relative to the support base 154, which would otherwise cause deformation (e.g., plastic deformation) and adversely change the geometry of the protrusion 156 (e.g., reduce its structural integrity). Therefore, the ring 406 can help maintain the ideal configuration of the bracket 106.

[0038] The bracket 106 further includes a flange 120 extending from the support base 154, such as extending radially outward along a peripheral (e.g., circumference) portion of the support base 154. The thickness of the flange 120 shown is relatively less than the support base 154, which can facilitate the capture of the flange 120 by the hook 118 of the base 104. However, in additional or alternative embodiments, the flange 120 can have any suitable thickness relative to the support base 154. The flanges 120 are also separated from each other by a gap 408 extending along a portion of the support base 154. The gap 408 can accommodate the hook 118 of the base 104 to abut the base 152 and the support base 154 against each other. In other words, the hook 118 can be inserted through the gap 408 to abut the base 104 and the bracket 106 against each other.

[0039] The base 104 and the bracket 106 can be rotated relative to each other so that the hook 118 moves along the flange 120, thereby enabling the hook 118 to capture the flange 120 (e.g., correspondingly moving the post 116 of the bracket 106 into the groove 352 of the base 104) and preventing certain relative movement between the base 104 and the bracket 106. The bracket 106 also includes a stop block 410 extending from the support base 154 and / or the flange 120. The stop block 410 is configured to prevent certain movement between the base 104 and the bracket 106, such as excessive rotation of the bracket 106 relative to the base 104. For example, when the rotation of the bracket 106 relative to the base 104 causes the hook 118 to capture the flange 120 and / or move the post 116 into the groove 352, the hook 118 can abut the stop block 410, thereby preventing further rotation of the bracket 106 relative to the base 104.

[0040] Figure 7 A side perspective view of the bracket 106 is shown. The bracket 106 includes a pair of posts 116 extending from the support base 154. For example, the posts 116 and the plug 110 extend from the support base 154 in opposite directions. The posts 116 can have an appropriate shape (e.g., cylindrical) so that the posts 116 can fully extend into the opening 114 of the base 104 and be captured by the groove 352 of the opening 114 to facilitate the connection of the base 104 and the bracket 106 to each other.

[0041] Figure 8 A side perspective view of the fixing assembly 100 is shown with the base 104 and the bracket 106 connected to each other in an unlocked configuration 450 (e.g., a partially assembled configuration). In the unlocked configuration 450, the extensions 108 are located within the spaces 158 of the insert 110, and the protrusions 160 of the insert 110 are located between adjacent protrusions 156. For example, to place the fixing assembly 100 in the unlocked configuration 450, the hooks 118 of the base 104 are aligned with the gaps 408 of the bracket 106, and the hooks 118 are inserted through the gaps 408 to position the bracket 106 (e.g., the support base 154) against the base 104 (e.g., the base base 152).

[0042] Fig. 9 A bottom view of the fixing assembly 100 is shown in an unlocked configuration 450. In the unlocked configuration 450, the post 116 of the bracket 106 extends through the opening 114. In particular, the post 116 is initially positioned within the main portion 354 of the opening 114. For example, the main portion 354 is sized (e.g., large enough) to easily accommodate the post 116 and enable the base 104 and the bracket 106 to abut against each other.

[0043] Fig.10A side perspective view of the fixing assembly 100 is shown, wherein the base 104 and the bracket 106 are connected to each other in a locked configuration 500 (e.g., a fully assembled configuration). For example, by rotating the bracket 106 relative to the base 104 in a first rotational direction 502, the fixing assembly 100 can transition from the unlocked configuration 450 to the locked configuration 500. This relative movement between the base 104 and the bracket 106 can cause the hook 118 to extend above the flange 120 of the bracket 106 instead of above the gap 408. Therefore, the hook 118 can clamp the flange 120 between the hook 118 and the base base 152. The relative movement of the base 104 and the bracket 106 in the first direction 504 (e.g., the vertical direction) can be prevented by the hook 118 capturing the flange 120 (e.g., the hook 118 abuts against the flange 120). In addition, in the locked configuration 500, the hook 118 abuts the stop block 410. Thus, further relative rotational movement between the base 104 and the bracket 106 (eg, further movement of the bracket 106 relative to the base 104 in the first rotational direction 502 ) may be prevented.

[0044] In some embodiments, in the locked configuration 500, the protrusions 160 can extend at least partially between adjacent protrusions 156. In additional or alternative embodiments, in the locked configuration 500, the protrusions 160 can be circumferentially aligned with the protrusions 156 (e.g., the protrusions 160 extend into the corresponding protrusions 156). In either case, the protrusions 160 move the protrusions 156 (e.g., the movable portions 404) away from each other.

[0045] Fig.11 A bottom view of the fixing assembly 100 is shown in a locked configuration 500. In the locked configuration 500, the post 116 of the bracket 106 is located in the groove 352. For example, rotation of the bracket 106 relative to the base 104 in the first rotational direction 502 can move the post 116 from the main portion 354 to the groove 352 within the opening 114. In addition, each protrusion 350 includes a flat surface 552 to facilitate moving the post 116 into the groove 352. For example, movement of the bracket 106 in the first rotational direction 502 causes the post 116 to engage the flat surface 552, thereby causing the post 116 to slide along the flat surface 552 and enter the groove 352.

[0046] The projection 350 can abut and capture the post 116 within the groove 352. Thus, the size of the groove 352 can prevent relative movement between the base 104 and the bracket 106. For example, the positioning of the projection 350 in the groove 352 can prevent undesired rotation of the bracket 106 relative to the base 104 in the second rotational direction 550 and / or prevent translational movement of the base 104 and the bracket 106 relative to each other. In addition, in some embodiments, the post 116 includes a hook portion 554 that is configured to capture the base base 152 (e.g., a portion of the indicator 356) to retain the post 116 within the groove 352 and further prevent relative movement between the base 104 and the bracket 106. In this way, undesired relative movement between the base 104 and the bracket 106 can be avoided to ensure that the base 104 and the bracket 106 are fixed to each other.

[0047] However, it should be noted that sufficient force may be applied to move the post 116 out of the groove 352. For example, rotation of the bracket 106 relative to the base 104 in the second rotational direction 550 may cause the post 116 to abut the curved surface 556 of the protrusion 350. Applying additional force to rotate the bracket 106 relative to the base 104 in the second rotational direction 550 may cause the post 116 to slide along the curved surface 556 and out of the groove 352. After such movement, the base 104 and the bracket 106 may be manually decoupled.

[0048] Fig.12 A cross-sectional side view of the securing assembly 100 coupled to the toy 102 is shown. For example, the insert 110 of the bracket 106 is positioned within the receptacle 112 of the toy 102. In addition, the securing assembly 100 is in a locked configuration 500 in which the extension 108 of the base 104 is positioned within the space 158 defined by the insert 110 and the protrusion 160 abuts the movable portion 404 of the tab 156, thereby pushing the tab 156 against the wall 164 of the toy 102 defining the receptacle 112. Thus, the rib 166 of the tab 156 can be pressed into the wall 164 to secure the bracket 106 to the toy 102 (e.g., positioned within the receptacle 112). In fact, the material (e.g., polymer, plastic) of the toy 102 may be sufficiently soft so that the ribs 166 can form indentations in the wall 164 as a result of being pressed into the wall 164, and the indentations of the wall 164 can capture the ribs 166 in the indentations to retain the insert 110 within the receptacle 112. Thus, the sufficiently soft nature of the toy may help better secure the insert 110 to the toy 102.

[0049] Figures 13a-13c Different embodiments of the fixing assembly are shown. In particular, the brackets of different fixing assemblies include protrusions with ribs of different shapes. Different ribs can provide different functions and advantages for the connection between the fixing assembly and the toy.

[0050] Fig.13a A top perspective view of a fixing assembly 600 is shown, the fixing assembly 600 having a base 602 and a bracket 604, wherein an extension 606 of the base 602 extends into a space 608 formed by a protrusion 610 of the bracket 604. Ribs 612 extend from a movable portion 614 of the protrusion 610 and away from the space 608. The ribs 612 shown have a quadrilateral (e.g., trapezoidal) structure. For example, each rib 612 includes a first wall 616 (e.g., a first side wall) extending from the movable portion 614, a second wall 618 (e.g., a second side wall) extending from the movable portion 614 and located on the opposite side of the first wall 616, and a third wall 620 (e.g., a contact wall) connecting the first wall 616 and the second wall 618. Placing the protrusion 610 in a receiving portion (e.g., receiving portion 112) of a toy (e.g., toy 102) can cause the third wall 620 to abut against a wall of the toy. As a result, the third wall 620 applies a force (eg, friction) to the toy, holding the protrusion 610 to the toy, thereby securing the bracket 604 to the toy.

[0051] The dimensions of the third wall 620 can be designed to provide a desired amount of force to secure the bracket 604 to the toy without changing the geometry of the toy (e.g., causing the toy to be worn, scratched, punctured, etc.). For example, the dimensions of the third wall 620 can be small enough to concentrate the force applied to the toy and prevent relative movement between the toy and the rib 612. However, the dimensions of the third wall 620 can also be large enough to distribute the force and avoid changing the geometry of the toy when in contact with the toy. For example, the third wall 620 has a generally rectangular profile.

[0052] The second wall 618 of each rib 612 extends toward the first wall 616 of the rib 612. However, in additional or alternative embodiments, the first wall 616 and the second wall 618 of the rib 612 can be oriented in other suitable ways, such as extending away from each other and / or parallel to each other. The arrangement of the first wall 616 relative to the second wall 618 can form the desired geometry (e.g., size) of the third wall 620 to provide a force to secure the bracket 604 to the toy.

[0053] Fig.13bA top perspective view of a fixing assembly 650 is shown, the fixing assembly 650 having a base 652 and a bracket 654, wherein an extension 656 of the base 652 extends into a space 658 formed by a protrusion 660 of the bracket 654. A rib 662 extends from a movable portion 664 of the protrusion 660 and away from the space 658. The rib 662 shown has a barbed structure, wherein the rib 662 extends from the movable portion 664 in a crosswise (e.g., downward) direction, forming a sawtooth or toothed profile. For example, the rib 662 has an inclined surface 666 and an edge 668. The inclined surface 666 can facilitate placement of the protrusion 660 into a receptacle of a toy (e.g., the receptacle 112). For example, a toy wall defining the receptacle can slide along the inclined surface 666 to facilitate insertion of the protrusion 660 into the receptacle. The edge 668 can prevent the protrusion 660 from being removed from the receptacle. For example, edge 668 may abut against a wall of a toy, exerting a force that resists relative movement between the toy and protrusion 660. Thus, edge 668 helps secure the toy and bracket 654 to each other.

[0054] Fig.13c A top perspective view of a fixing assembly 700 is shown, the fixing assembly 700 having a base 702 and a bracket 704, wherein an extension 706 of the base 702 extends into a space 708 formed by a protrusion 710 of the bracket 704. Ribs 712 extend from a movable portion 714 of the protrusion 710 and away from the space 708. The ribs 712 shown have a triangular structure. For example, each rib 712 includes a first wall 716 and a second wall 718. The first wall 716 and the second wall 718 extend toward each other from the movable portion 714 and connect to form a vertex 720 (e.g., a point or edge). Placing the protrusion 710 in a receptacle (e.g., the receptacle 112) of a toy can cause the vertex 720 to abut a wall of the toy. As a result, the vertex applies a force to the toy, holding the protrusion 710 on the toy, thereby fixing the bracket 704 to the toy.

[0055] It should be noted that the bracket of the fixing assembly can include any suitable number of ribs, as well as any combination of rib implementations. For example, different protrusions of the fixing assembly can have ribs of different shapes (e.g., any of ribs 612, 662, 712). Additionally or alternatively, a single protrusion of the fixing assembly can have ribs of different shapes (e.g., any of ribs 612, 662, 712). Furthermore, different ribs can be implemented in the bracket. Figures 13a-13c The rib shape shown.

[0056] In some embodiments, the toy 102 can be configured to be connected to multiple fixed components (such as fixed components with different uses). For example, the toy 102 can be conveniently connected to a fixed component for display, and a fixed component for play interaction, including embodiments of existing fixed components. Fig.14 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a toy play set 750 in the prior art, which has a first fixed component 752A integrated in a first toy component 754 and a second fixed component 752B movable along a second toy component 756. The toy 102 is configured to be interchangeably connected to each fixed component 752, and any fixed component 100, 600, 650, 700. For example, the fixed component 752 can be an existing component, and the fixed component 100, 600, 650, 700 can be manufactured to include similar features (e.g., similar extensions) as the fixed component 752. In addition or alternatively, the first toy component 754 and / or the second toy component 756 can be manufactured or modified to integrate any fixed component 100, 600, 650, 700. In any case, the fixed component 752 can be conveniently connected to the toy 102 (e.g., by inserting one of the fixed components 752 into the receiving portion 112 of the toy 102) without modifying the toy 102 and / or the fixed component 752.

[0057] For example, the first toy component 754 can be a swing configured to move (e.g., rotate relative to the support 758). The first fixing component 752A that connects the toy 102 to the first toy component 754 can fix the toy 102 to the first toy component 754 to maintain the position of the toy 102 during the movement of the first toy component 754. The second fixing component 752B that connects the toy 102 to the second toy component 756 can move the toy 102 along the second toy component 756 through the second fixing component 752B. For example, the second toy component 756 can include a path or floor, and the movement of the second fixing component 752B along the path can help control the movement of the toy 102 along the path. Therefore, by enabling the toy 102 to be easily connected to the fixing component 752 (e.g., directly after the toy 102 is decoupled from any fixing component 100, 600, 650, 700), an interactive experience with the toy play set 750 can be more easily achieved.

[0058] Although the fixing assembly shown herein has been described in detail and with reference to its specific embodiments, it is still not intended to be limited to the details shown, as it is apparent that various modifications and structural changes may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the disclosure, and within the scope of the equivalent claims. In addition, various features in a certain embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment. That is, the above disclosure is considered to include a plurality of different embodiments with independent uses. Although each of these embodiments is disclosed in a preferred form, the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein should not be considered restrictive, as many variations may exist. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various elements, features, functions and / or properties disclosed herein. Therefore, the attached claims should be interpreted broadly and consistent with the scope of the disclosure described in the following claims.

[0059] In addition, it should be understood that the fixing components or parts thereof described herein can be made of any suitable material or combination of materials, such as plastic, foamed plastic, wood, cardboard, pressed paper, metal, flexible natural or synthetic materials, including but not limited to cotton, elastomers, polyesters, plastics, rubbers, and derivatives and combinations thereof. Suitable plastics can include high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), etc. Suitable foamed plastics can include expanded or extruded polystyrene, expanded or extruded polypropylene, EVA foam, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0060] Furthermore, it should be understood that terms such as "left", "right", "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "side", "height", "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", etc. are only used to describe reference points and do not limit the specific orientation or configuration of the present disclosure. In addition, the term "exemplary" is used herein to describe an example or illustration. Any embodiment described as "exemplary" is not to be construed as a preferred or advantageous embodiment, but rather as an example of one possible embodiment disclosed.

[0061] In addition, the term "include" and its derivatives (such as "comprising", etc.) used herein should not be understood as exclusive, that is, these terms should not be interpreted as excluding that the content described and defined may contain further elements, steps, etc. Similarly, any description of "a" or "first" element or equivalent content should be understood to include one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. At the same time, the term "approximately" and its cognate words (such as "approximately", etc.) used herein should be understood to mean very close to the value accompanying the above terms. That is, errors that deviate from the exact value within reasonable limits should be accepted, because those skilled in the art will understand that the deviation from the indicated value is inevitable due to measurement errors, etc. The same applies to the terms "about", "approximately" and "substantially". For example, the term "approximately" can represent a tolerance of ±0.002 inches, 0.001 inches, or up to ±0.005 inches. In addition, for the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase "A and / or B" means cases of (A), (B), or (A and B), and the phrase "A, B and / or C" means cases of (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B and C).

[0062] Finally, the technology presented and claimed herein is related to material objects and specific examples of a practical nature and achieves significant improvements in the current state of the art and is therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. In addition, if certain claims in the Appendix contain one or more elements designated as "means for [performing a function]" or "steps for [performing a function]," such elements are intended to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). However, for claims designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements not be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f).

Claims

1. A fixing assembly for a toy, the fixing assembly comprising: a bracket including an insert, wherein the insert includes a plurality of protrusions that together define a space, and the insert is configured to extend into a receiving portion of the toy; as well as The base includes an extension portion, wherein the extension portion is configured to extend into a space collectively defined by the plurality of protrusions so that in the assembled configuration of the fixing assembly, the extension portion abuts the plurality of protrusions, thereby moving the plurality of protrusions away from each other and engaging with a toy wall defining a receiving portion. 2 . The fixture assembly of claim 1 , wherein the base includes an opening and the bracket includes a post configured to extend into the opening in an assembled configuration of the fixture assembly. 3 . The fixing assembly of claim 2 , wherein the base includes a protrusion defining a recess within the opening, the protrusion being configured to capture the post in the recess in an assembled configuration of the fixing assembly. 4 . The fastening assembly of claim 1 , wherein the bracket includes a flange and the base includes a hook configured to capture the flange in an assembled configuration of the fastening assembly. 5 . The fixation assembly of claim 1 , wherein the bracket comprises a ring connected to the plurality of protrusions, the ring being configured to prevent deformation of the plurality of protrusions beyond a threshold value. 6 . The securing assembly of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of protrusions includes a neck configured to facilitate movement of the plurality of protrusions away from one another by abutting against an extension of the base.

7. The fastening assembly of claim 1, further comprising a housing, wherein the base is configured to be coupled to the housing to position the toy within the housing in an assembled configuration of the fastening assembly.

8. The securing assembly of claim 7, wherein the housing includes a wall configured to capture an edge of the base to connect the base to the housing.

9. A system comprising: A toy comprising a wall defining a receptacle; as well as Fixing components, including: a plurality of protrusions that collectively define a space and are configured to extend into a receiving portion of the toy; as well as An extension portion is configured to extend into a space defined by the plurality of protrusions to abut against and move the plurality of protrusions away from each other, and engage with a wall of the toy to connect the fixing assembly to a receiving portion of the toy.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the extension comprises a plurality of protrusions configured to abut the plurality of projections to thereby move the plurality of projections away from each other.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the fixed assembly comprises a base, each of the plurality of protrusions comprises a fixed portion and a movable portion, the fixed portion extends from the base, and the extension is configured to abut the movable portion of each of the plurality of protrusions so as to move the movable portion of each of the plurality of protrusions away from each other.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of protrusions includes a rib extending from the movable portion away from a space defined by the plurality of protrusions, the rib being configured to engage a wall of a toy.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the toy includes a cutout formed in the wall, the rib of a protrusion of the plurality of protrusions being configured to extend into the cutout, and the wall capturing the rib of the protrusion of the plurality of protrusions in the cutout, thereby preventing relative movement between the toy and the plurality of protrusions.

14. The system of claim 11, comprising a ring connected to the plurality of projections, wherein the ring is configured to prevent movement of a fixed portion of the plurality of projections relative to a base.

15. The system of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of protrusions includes a neck extending between a fixed portion and a movable portion, and the neck has a smaller thickness relative to the fixed portion and the movable portion to facilitate movement of the movable portion relative to the fixed portion.

16. The system of claim 9, comprising an additional toy, wherein the additional toy comprises an additional securing component, and the toy is configured to interchangeably connect to the securing component and the additional securing component.

17. A fixing assembly for a toy, the fixing assembly comprising: a stand comprising a support base and a plurality of protrusions extending from the support base, wherein the plurality of protrusions are configured to extend into a receiving portion of the toy; as well as The base includes a base portion and an extension portion extending from the base portion, wherein the extension portion is configured to extend between the plurality of protrusions and engage with the plurality of protrusions so as to move the plurality of protrusions away from each other and engage with the toy in the receiving portion.

18. The securing assembly of claim 17, wherein the bracket includes a flange extending from a support base, and the base includes a hook extending from a base portion of the base, the hook being configured to capture the flange.

19. The fixing assembly of claim 18, wherein the bracket includes an additional flange, the flange and the additional flange being separated from each other by a gap, and the hook is configured to extend through the gap to abut the base of the base and the support base against each other.

20. The fixing assembly of claim 18, wherein the bracket comprises a stopper configured to abut against the hook of the base to prevent relative movement between the bracket and the base.

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