Fastening assembly for a 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 securing assembly also includes a base having an extension configured to extend into the space collectively defined by the plurality of projections such that, in an assembled configuration of the securing assembly, the extension abuts the plurality of projections, moving the plurality of projections away from each other and into engagement with a wall of the toy that defines the receptacle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates generally to toys, and more particularly to a fixing component that can connect to and support a toy. Background Technology

[0002] Toys provide entertainment for various users, such as children. For example, a toy may have a realistic appearance, and users can interact with it to simulate real-world actions. In some cases, it may be necessary to support the toy to hold it in place, thereby restricting certain movements. For instance, securing a toy allows it to be displayed in a desired manner when the user is not interacting with it. Furthermore, securing a toy can additionally or optionally place it in a specific location, such as inside a casing or relative to other toys. Therefore, securing a toy can further enhance certain aspects of the entertainment offered to the user. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This document presents a fixing assembly for a toy. According to one example embodiment, the fixing assembly includes a support with a plug having a plurality of protrusions that collectively define a space, and the plug is configured to be inserted into a receiving portion of the toy. The fixing assembly also includes a base with an extension 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 moving the plurality of protrusions away from each other and engaging with the toy wall defining the receiving portion.

[0004] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following figures and detailed description. All such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages are incorporated herein by reference and are within the scope of the claimed subject matter. Attached Figure Description

[0005] The toy fixing components shown in this article can be better understood in conjunction with the following figures and descriptions. Unless the dimensions of the elements in the figures are specifically labeled and described, it should be understood that the elements in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale; the focus is on illustrating the principles of the toy. The same reference numerals are used to indicate the corresponding parts in different views.

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

[0007] Figure 2 A kit comprising a toy and a fixing component for the toy, according to an exemplary embodiment of this application, is shown.

[0008] Figure 3A front perspective view of a toy connected to a fixed component according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown.

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

[0010] Figure 5 Showing Figure 4 The bottom view of the base shown.

[0011] Figure 6 A top perspective view of a bracket for a fixing component according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown.

[0012] Figure 7 Showing Figure 6 Side perspective view of the bracket.

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

[0014] Figure 9 Showing Figure 8 The bottom view of the fixed component.

[0015] Figure 10 A side perspective view of a fixing assembly having an interconnected bracket and a base in a locked configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment of this application, is shown.

[0016] Figure 11 Showing Figure 10 The bottom view of the fixed component.

[0017] Figure 12 A cross-sectional side view of a fixing component connected to a toy according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown.

[0018] Figures 13a-13c A top perspective view of a fixed component according to several exemplary embodiments of this application is shown.

[0019] Figure 14 A perspective view of a toy play kit with fixed components according to several exemplary embodiments of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation

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

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

[0022] The base 104 and the bracket 106 include additional features to facilitate connection with 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 recess, and the base 104 is configured to capture the post 116 within the recess 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 retain the bracket 106 on the base 104. Thus, the opening 114 and hook 118 of the base 104, together with 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 securing assembly 100 further includes a housing 122. The housing 122 provides additional securing properties to the toy 102, such as positioning the toy 102 in a desired manner. For this purpose, a base 104 is configured to be connected 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 prevents relative movement between the base 104 and the housing 122, thereby securing the toy 102 connected to the base 104 to the housing 122. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the interconnection between the bracket 106 and the toy 102 allows the toy 102 to be oriented in a specific manner (e.g., facing a specific direction) relative to the base 104. Additionally, the connection between the base 104 and the housing 122 allows the base 104 to be oriented in a specific manner (e.g., facing a specific direction) relative to the housing 122. Therefore, by connecting the toy 102, the base 104, the bracket 106 and the housing 122 to each other, the toy 102 can be oriented in a specific manner (e.g., facing a specific 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, comprising a toy 102 and a fixing assembly 100 having a base 104, a support 106, and a housing 122. For example, the kit 150 may provide the toy 102, base 104, support 106, and housing 122 as separate components for assembly (e.g., manual assembly). That is, the toy 102, base 104, support 106, and housing 122 may not be initially assembled together within the kit 150. For example, the kit 150 may be provided to customers and / or retailers by a manufacturer, supplier, and / or vendor.

[0025] The base 104 includes a base 152 and an extension 108 extending from the 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 outward (e.g., radially outward) from a central portion 162. Placing the extension 108 within the space 158 may cause the protrusion 160 to abut against the protrusion 156, thereby allowing the extension 108 to engage with the insert 110 to secure the bracket 106 to the base 104.

[0026] The engagement of extension 108 with insert 110 can also facilitate the securing of fastening assembly 100 to toy 102. For example, engagement of protrusion 160 with protrusion 156 can push protrusion 156 outward (e.g., away from each other to increase the size of space 158). For this purpose, protrusion 156 can be made of a material with sufficient flexibility (such as a polymer, e.g., polyvinyl chloride). The outward movement of protrusion 156 can cause protrusion 156 to press against the wall 164 of toy 102 defining receiving portion 112. That is, protrusion 160 moves protrusion 156 to contact wall 164 to provide sufficient friction between protrusion 156 and toy 102 to prevent movement of bracket 106 and base 104 attached to bracket 106 relative to toy 102. In some embodiments, each protrusion includes ribs or teeth 166 extending outward from space 158. Ribs 166 can further help secure bracket 106 to toy 102. For example, rib 166 can concentrate the force (e.g., friction) applied to toy 102 to help secure bracket 106 to toy 102. Thus, movement of extension 108 can press rib 166 into wall 164.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, toy 102 also includes a cutout 168 formed within a portion of wall 164. Cutout 168 can be configured to receive a rib 166 of support 106. For example, the size of cutout 168 can accommodate rib 166 therein, and the portion of wall 164 surrounding cutout 168 can trap rib 166, further preventing movement of support 106 relative to toy 102. Cutout 168 can also help to position toy 102 relative to support 106 in a desired manner. That is, a specific orientation (e.g., angular orientation) of support 106 relative to toy 102 can position rib 166 within cutout 168. Therefore, the engagement between cutout 168 and rib 166 can maintain the specific orientation of support 106 relative to toy 102. In some embodiments, toy 102 can be molded (e.g., made of a polymer such as polypropylene) to provide an initial shape of toy 102 including receiving portion 112, and cutout 168 can be formed in wall 164 after molding toy 102. In an additional or alternative embodiment, the cut 168 can be formed directly by molding the toy 102. Therefore, it is possible to avoid additional processes other than molding the toy 102 to form the cut 168.

[0028] The base 104 further includes, for example, an opening 114 formed around the extension 108 through the base base 152. As previously described, the opening 114 is configured to receive the post 116 of the support 106. Figure 2(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 restricts some 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, capturing the flange 120 by the hook 118 can maintain the engagement of the support base 154 against the base base 152.

[0029] The illustrated housing 122 includes a foldable (e.g., manually foldable) configuration. For this purpose, housing 122 can be made of a material with sufficient flexibility (such as paper). The foldability of housing 122 allows for easier adjustment of housing dimensions, for example, to an unfolded configuration (e.g., flat configuration) for transport, and a folded configuration (e.g., upright configuration) for attachment to base 104. For example, housing 122 includes a housing base 170 on which base 104 is placed, and a housing wall portion 172 extending from a housing back 173 and configured to fold along the housing base 170. The housing wall portion 172 can capture base 104 to hold base 104 secured to housing 122. For example, base base 152 can include a notch 174 formed in base base 152 (e.g., on the opposite side of base base 152) to provide an edge 176. Edge 176 can be configured to engage with housing wall portion 172. For example, the outer shell wall portion 172 may capture the edge 176 to secure the base 104 to the outer shell 122, such as at the outer shell base 170. In some embodiments, a specific orientation (e.g., angular orientation) of the base 104 relative to the outer shell 122 (e.g., the outer shell wall portion 172) may engage the edge 176 with the outer shell wall portion 172. Thus, the engagement between the edge 176 and the outer shell wall portion 172 may maintain the specific orientation of the base 104 relative to the outer shell 122. For example, such an orientation of the base 104 relative to the outer shell 122 may also position a toy 102 attached to the base 104 relative to the outer shell 122 in a specific orientation.

[0030] Figure 3 A front perspective view shows the toy 102 connected to the fixing assembly 100. For example, the housing 122 is in a folded state, and the base 104 and the bracket 106 ( Figure 3(Not shown) are connected to each other and placed within a housing 122, with the toy 102 attached to a support 106. The housing 122, as shown, forms a seat 300 via a housing base 170, housing wall portions 172, and a housing back 173. A base 104 is located within this seat 300, resting on the housing base 170 and positioned between (e.g., engaging with) the housing wall portions 172 to secure it 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 remainder of the toy 102 may extend away from the housing wall portions 172 (e.g., the toy 102 partially protrudes from the seat 300). Therefore, a portion of the toy 102 may be exposed and visible.

[0031] Furthermore, by specifically aligning the base 104 with the fixing component 100 and the toy 102 with the base 104, the toy 102 can be fixed relative to the fixing component 100, thereby orienting the toy 102 in a specific manner, for example, so that the surface 302 (e.g., front, front) of the toy 102 faces away from the back 173 of the outer shell. 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] Therefore, the attachment of the illustrated toy 102 to the fixing component 100 allows the toy 102 to be used for display or packaging, such as for a user to view and / or interact with. Thus, the fixing component 100 can serve as a packaging element or a toy packaging safety element. In such embodiments, the fixing component 100 can prevent easy removal of the toy 102 (e.g., by manually applied force). Therefore, the use of other additional components that would otherwise be used to secure the toy 102, such as plastic packaging (e.g., blister packs), can be avoided to reduce material consumption and / or time associated with assembly / manufacturing. Furthermore, since such additional components can reduce the accessibility of certain parts of the toy 102, eliminating the use of additional components can improve the interactivity of the toy 102 without removing or decoupling the toy 102 from the fixing component 100. However, in some embodiments, certain protective or shielding materials, such as plastic bags or protective linings, can be applied to the toy 102 to prevent abrasion of the toy 102 (e.g., deformation of the surface 302 of the toy 102 or abrasion of the surface paint).

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

[0034] Figure 4 A top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the 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, as well as four protrusions 160 extending from a central portion 162 of the extension 108. Furthermore, the base 104 typically has a circular or elliptical 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 shape).

[0035] Figure 5 A bottom view of the base 104 is shown. Each opening 114 formed in the base base 152 includes a protrusion 350 extending therein, which defines a recess 352 and a main portion 354 within each opening 114. The recess 352 helps to accommodate the corresponding post 116 of the support 106 (see...). Figure 7 The base 104 and the support 106 are secured within the opening 114 to hold the base 104 and the support 106 together. For example, the support 106 may first be inserted into the main portion 354 of the opening 114, and then the support 106 may be moved (e.g., rotated) relative to the base 104, moving the support 116 from the main portion 354 into the recess 352. The base base 152 also includes an indicator 356 indicating the direction of movement of the support 106 relative to the base 104 to secure the base 104 and the support 106 together. For example, in this embodiment, the indicator 356 includes an arrow indicating the direction of rotation of the support 106 relative to the base 104 to move each support 116 into the corresponding recess 352.

[0036] Figure 6This is a top perspective view of the support 106. The support 106 includes protrusions 156 extending from a support base 154 to form a space 158 for receiving an extension 108 of the base 104. For example, each protrusion 156 includes, for example, 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., from which ribs 166 extend). The cross-sectional area of ​​the neck 402 may be smaller than that of the fixed portion 400 and the movable portion 404 to facilitate movement of the movable portion 404 relative to the fixed portion 400. In other words, a 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 within the space 158 can engage the extension 108 with the movable portion 404 to push the movable portion 404 relative to the fixed portion 400 (e.g., outwardly, away from each other) via the neck 402.

[0037] The support 106 also includes a ring 406 connected to the protrusion 156, for example, connected to each fixing 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 fixing portion 400). For example, the ring 406 can prevent movement of the fixing 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 correspondingly reduce movement of the movable portion 404 relative to the support base 154. For example, the ring 406 can prevent movement of the protrusion 156 (e.g., the movable portion 404) relative to the support base 154 exceeding a threshold, which would otherwise lead to deformation (e.g., plastic deformation) and adversely alter the geometry of the protrusion 156 (e.g., reducing its structural integrity). Therefore, the ring 406 can help maintain the ideal configuration of the support 106.

[0038] The bracket 106 further includes a flange 120 extending from the support base 154, for example, extending radially outward along a peripheral (e.g., circumference) portion of the support base 154. The flange 120 shown has a relatively smaller thickness than the support base 154, which facilitates capture of the flange 120 by the hook 118 of the base 104. However, in additional or alternative embodiments, the flange 120 may 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 against each other. In other words, the hook 118 can be inserted through the gap 408 to bring the base 104 and the bracket 106 together.

[0039] The base 104 and the bracket 106 are rotatable relative to each other so that the hook 118 moves along the flange 120, thereby enabling the hook 118 to engage the flange 120 (e.g., correspondingly moving the post 116 of the bracket 106 into the recess 352 of the base 104) and preventing some relative movement between the base 104 and the bracket 106. The bracket 106 also includes a limiting block 410 extending from the support base 154 and / or the flange 120. The limiting block 410 is configured to prevent some 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 rotation of the bracket 106 relative to the base 104 causes the hook 118 to engage the flange 120 and / or move the post 116 into the recess 352, the hook 118 may abut against the limiting 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 a support base 154. For example, posts 116 and inserts 110 extend from the support base 154 in opposite directions. Posts 116 may have a suitable shape (e.g., cylindrical) such that they extend sufficiently into an opening 114 of the base 104 and are captured by a recess 352 in the opening 114 to facilitate connection between the base 104 and the bracket 106.

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

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

[0043] Figure 10A side perspective view of the fixing assembly 100 is shown, in which the base 104 and the bracket 106 are connected to each other in a locking configuration 500 (e.g., a fully assembled configuration). For example, the fixing assembly 100 can transition from an unlocked configuration 450 to a locking configuration 500 by rotating the bracket 106 relative to the base 104 in a first rotational direction 502. This relative movement between the base 104 and the bracket 106 allows the hook 118 to extend over the flange 120 of the bracket 106 rather than over the gap 408. Thus, the hook 118 can clamp the flange 120 between the hook 118 and the base base 152. Capturing the flange 120 by the hook 118 (e.g., the hook 118 abutting against the flange 120) prevents relative movement of the base 104 and the bracket 106 in the first direction 504 (e.g., the vertical direction). Furthermore, in the locking configuration 500, the hook 118 abuts against the limiting block 410. Therefore, further relative rotational movement between the base 104 and the bracket 106 (e.g., further movement of the bracket 106 relative to the base 104 in the first rotational direction 502) can be prevented.

[0044] In some embodiments, in the locking configuration 500, the protrusion 160 may extend at least partially between adjacent protrusions 156. In additional or alternative embodiments, in the locking configuration 500, the protrusion 160 may be circumferentially aligned with the protrusion 156 (e.g., the protrusion 160 extends into the respective protrusion 156). In either case, the protrusion 160 causes the protrusions 156 (e.g., movable portion 404) to be displaced from each other.

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

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

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

[0048] Figure 12 A cross-sectional side view of the fixing assembly 100 connected to the toy 102 is shown. For example, the insert 110 of the bracket 106 is located within the receiving portion 112 of the toy 102. Furthermore, the fixing assembly 100 is in a locking configuration 500, in which the extension 108 of the base 104 is located within the space 158 defined by the insert 110, and the protrusion 160 abuts against the movable portion 404 of the protrusion 156, thereby pushing the protrusion 156 against the wall 164 of the toy 102 defining the receiving portion 112. Therefore, the ribs 166 of the protrusion 156 can be pressed into the wall 164 to secure the bracket 106 to the toy 102 (e.g., within the receiving portion 112). In practice, the material of toy 102 (e.g., polymer, plastic) can be sufficiently flexible that, as a result of pressing into wall 164, rib 166 can form indentations in wall 164, and these indentations can trap rib 166 within the indentations to retain insert 110 within receiving portion 112. Therefore, the sufficiently flexible nature of the toy may contribute to better securing insert 110 to toy 102.

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

[0050] Figure 13a A top perspective view of a fixing assembly 600 is shown, which has 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 sidewall) extending from the movable portion 614, a second wall 618 (e.g., a second sidewall) 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 within a receiving portion (e.g., receiving portion 112) of a toy (e.g., toy 102) allows the third wall 620 to abut against a wall of the toy. As a result, the third wall 620 applies a force (e.g., friction) to the toy, holding the protrusion 610 on the toy, thereby securing the bracket 604 to the toy.

[0051] The dimensions of the third wall 620 can be designed to provide the desired amount of force to secure the bracket 604 to the toy without altering its geometry (e.g., abrasion, scratches, punctures, etc.). For example, the third wall 620 can be small enough to concentrate the force applied to the toy, preventing relative movement between the toy and the rib 612. However, the third wall 620 can also be large enough to distribute the force, avoiding altering the toy's geometry upon contact with it. For example, the third wall 620 may have 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 may be oriented in other suitable ways, such as being far apart from each other and / or extending parallel to each other. The arrangement of the first wall 616 relative to the second wall 618 may form the desired geometry (e.g., dimensions) of the third wall 620 to provide the force to secure the bracket 604 to the toy.

[0053] Figure 13bA top perspective view of a fixing assembly 650 is shown, which has 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 serrated or toothed profile. For example, the rib 662 has an inclined surface 666 and an edge 668. The inclined surface 666 facilitates placement of the protrusion 660 into a receiving portion of a toy (e.g., receiving portion 112). For example, a toy wall defining the receiving portion can slide along the inclined surface 666 to facilitate insertion of the protrusion 660 into the receiving portion. The edge 668 prevents the protrusion 660 from being removed from the receiving portion. For example, edge 668 can abut against the toy wall, applying a force that prevents relative movement between the toy and protrusion 660. Therefore, edge 668 helps to secure the toy and bracket 654 to each other.

[0054] Figure 13c A top perspective view of a fixing assembly 700 is shown, which has 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 from the movable portion 714 toward each other and connect to form a vertex 720 (e.g., a point or edge). Placing the protrusion 710 within a receiving portion of a toy (e.g., receiving portion 112) causes the vertex 720 to abut against the wall of the toy. As a result, the vertex exerts a force on the toy, holding the protrusion 710 onto the toy, thereby securing the bracket 704 to the toy.

[0055] It should be noted that the support of the fixing component may include any suitable number of ribs, and any combination of rib implementations. For example, different protrusions of the fixing component may have ribs of different shapes (e.g., any one of ribs 612, 662, and 712). Furthermore, or alternatively, a single protrusion of the fixing component may have a rib of different shapes (e.g., any one of ribs 612, 662, and 712). Additionally, different implementations may be incorporated into the support. Figures 13a-13c The rib shape shown.

[0056] In some implementations, toy 102 may be configured to connect to multiple fixtures (such as fixtures for different purposes). For example, toy 102 may be readily connected to fixtures for display and fixtures for play and interaction, including embodiments of existing fixtures. Figure 14 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a prior art toy play set 750, having a first fixing component 752A integrated into a first toy component 754 and a second fixing component 752B movable along a second toy component 756. Toy 102 is configured to be interchangeably connected to each fixing component 752, and any of the fixing components 100, 600, 650, 700. For example, fixing component 752 may be an existing component, and fixing components 100, 600, 650, 700 may be manufactured to include features similar to fixing component 752 (e.g., similar extensions). Furthermore or alternatively, the first toy component 754 and / or the second toy component 756 may be manufactured or modified to integrate any fixing component 100, 600, 650, 700. In any case, fixing component 752 can be conveniently connected to toy 102 (e.g., by inserting one of the fixing components 752 into a receiving portion 112 of toy 102) without modifying toy 102 and / or fixing component 752.

[0057] For example, the first toy component 754 could be a swing configured to move (e.g., rotate relative to the support 758). Connecting toy 102 to a first fixing component 752A of the first toy component 754 secures toy 102 to maintain its position during movement of the first toy component 754. Connecting toy 102 to a second fixing component 752B of the second toy component 756 allows toy 102 to move along the second toy component 756. For example, the second toy component 756 could include a path or floor, and movement of the second fixing component 752B along the path could help control the movement of toy 102 along that path. Therefore, by making toy 102 easily connectable to fixing components 752 (e.g., directly after decoupling toy 102 from any fixing component 100, 600, 650, 700), interactive experiences with the toy play set 750 can be more easily achieved.

[0058] Although the fixed components shown herein have been described in detail and referenced to specific embodiments thereof, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, as various modifications and structural changes can obviously be made therewith without departing from the scope of the disclosure and within the scope of the equivalent claims. Furthermore, various features of one embodiment may be combined in another embodiment. That is, the foregoing disclosure is considered to encompass multiple 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 limiting, as many variations are possible. The subject matter of this disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various elements, features, functions, and / or properties disclosed herein. Therefore, the appended claims should be interpreted broadly and consistent with the scope of the disclosure set forth in the following claims.

[0059] Furthermore, it should be understood that the fastening components or portions thereof described herein may be made of any suitable material or combination of materials, such as plastics, foams, wood, cardboard, pressed paper, metals, flexible natural or synthetic materials, including but not limited to cotton, elastomers, polyesters, plastics, rubber, and their derivatives and combinations thereof. Suitable plastics may 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 foams may include expanded or extruded polystyrene, expanded or extruded polypropylene, EVA foam, their derivatives, and combinations thereof.

[0060] Furthermore, it should be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “up,” “down,” “front,” “back,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” and “outer” are used only to describe reference points and do not limit any particular orientation or configuration of this disclosure. Additionally, the term “exemplary” is used herein to describe examples or illustrations. Any embodiment described as “exemplary” is not to be construed as a preferred or advantageous embodiment, but rather as an example of a possible embodiment disclosed.

[0061] Furthermore, the term “comprising” and its derivatives (e.g., “including”, etc.) used herein should not be construed as exclusive; that is, these terms should not be interpreted as excluding the possibility that the described and defined content may include further elements, steps, etc. Similarly, any description of “a” or “first” element or equivalent content should be understood as including one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. At the same time, the term “approximately” and its related terms (e.g., “approximately”, etc.) used herein should be understood as indicating a value very close to the value accompanying the foregoing term. That is, errors deviating from the precise value within reasonable limits should be accepted, as those skilled in the art will understand that such deviations from the indicated value are unavoidable due to measurement errors, etc. The same applies to the terms “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially.” For example, the term “approximately” can indicate a tolerance of ±0.002 inches, 0.001 inches, or up to ±0.005 inches. Furthermore, within the scope of this disclosure, the phrase “A and / or B” indicates the case of (A), (B) or (A and B), while the phrase “A, B and / or C” indicates the case of (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C) or (A, B and C).

[0062] Finally, the technologies presented and claimed herein relate to actual material objects and specific examples, and represent significant improvements within the current art; therefore, they are not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, 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 in accordance with 35U.SC112(f). However, for claims designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements not be interpreted in accordance with 35U.SC112(f).

Claims

1. A fixing component for a toy, the fixing component comprising: A support includes a plug, wherein the plug includes a plurality of protrusions that collectively define a space, and the plug is configured to extend into a receiving portion of the toy; as well as The base includes an extension, wherein the extension is configured to extend into a space defined by the plurality of protrusions such that, in the assembly configuration of the fixing assembly, the extension abuts the plurality of protrusions, thereby distancing the plurality of protrusions from each other and engaging with the toy wall defining the receiving portion.

2. The fixing assembly of claim 1, wherein the base includes an opening, and the bracket includes a post configured to extend into the opening in an assembly configuration of the fixing assembly.

3. The fixing assembly of claim 2, wherein the base includes a protrusion defining a groove within the opening, the protrusion being configured to capture the post in the groove in the assembly configuration of the fixing assembly.

4. The fixing assembly of claim 1, wherein the bracket includes a flange and the base includes a hook configured to capture the flange in the assembly configuration of the fixing assembly.

5. The fixing assembly of claim 1, wherein the bracket includes a ring connected to the plurality of protrusions, the ring being configured to prevent the plurality of protrusions from deforming beyond a threshold.

6. The fixing 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 each other by abutting an extension of the base.

7. The fixing assembly of claim 1, further comprising a housing, wherein the base is configured to be connected to the housing so as to position the toy within the housing in the assembly configuration of the fixing assembly.

8. The fixing assembly of claim 7, wherein the housing includes a wall configured to capture the edge of the base for attaching the base to the housing.

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

10. The toy system of claim 9, wherein the extension includes a plurality of protrusions configured to abut the plurality of protrusions such that the plurality of protrusions can move away from each other.

11. The toy system of claim 9, wherein the fixing component includes a base, each of the plurality of protrusions includes a fixed portion and a movable portion, the fixed portion extending from the base, and the extension being configured to abut the movable portion of each of the plurality of protrusions such that the movable portions of each of the plurality of protrusions move away from each other.

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

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

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

15. The toy 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 small thickness relative to the fixed portion and the movable portion to facilitate movement of the movable portion relative to the fixed portion.

16. The toy system of claim 9, further comprising an additional toy, wherein the additional toy includes an additional fixing component, and the toy is configured to be interchangeably connected to the fixing component and the additional fixing component.

17. A fixing component for a toy, the fixing component comprising: A support frame includes 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 extending from the base portion, wherein the extension is configured to extend between and engage with the plurality of protrusions, thereby allowing the plurality of protrusions to move away from each other and engage with a toy within a receiving portion.

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

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

20. The fixing assembly of claim 18, wherein the bracket includes a limiting block configured to abut a hook of the base to prevent relative movement between the bracket and the base.

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