DETACHABLE ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A separable assembly includes a cellulose member having a side surface and an end face that forms a rim with the side surface. The cellulose member defines an elongated sliding track extending from an end opening on the end face and having a T-shaped cross-section. The cellulose member defines a side opening along the sliding track on its side surface. The sliding track further defines a retaining groove extending from the end surface into the cellulose member. The separable assembly also includes a rigid plastic member having a rim configured to be received within the end opening of the cellulose member and sliding along the sliding track with the plastic member extending through the side opening. The plastic member includes a retaining protrusion configured to engage the retaining groove.

Description

DETACHABLE ASSEMBLY Field of invention This invention generally relates to separable assemblies, and more particularly to separable assemblies having retention interfaces. Background of the invention Board games and other types of toys often include detachable assemblies that rely on interfaces to connect two or more components. Games and toys intended for use by children, specifically children under three years old, must generally comply with restrictions regarding the size of components that may present a choking, aspiration, or ingestion hazard. Improvements in the design and safety of component interfaces for board games and toys are continually being sought. Brief description of the invention One aspect of the present invention features a separable assembly comprising a cellulose member having a side surface and an end face forming a rim with the side surface. The cellulose member defines an elongated sliding track thereon, extending from an end opening on the end face and having a T-shaped cross-section. The cellulose member defines a side opening along the sliding track on its side surface. The sliding track further defines a retaining groove extending from the end face into the cellulose member. The separable assembly includes a rigid plastic member having a rim configured to be received within the end opening of the cellulose member and sliding along the sliding track with the plastic member extending through the side opening.The plastic member includes a retaining protrusion configured to engage the retaining groove to hold the plastic member in a mounted position along the sliding track. The plastic member includes a flexible bridge extending between two fixed bridge ends spaced along the rim, with the retaining protrusion extending from the flexible bridge in a position between the two bridge ends. The retaining protrusion and the retaining groove are configured such that sufficient force applied to move the plastic member along the sliding track from the mounted position toward the end opening will elastically deflect the flexible bridge to retract the retaining protrusion from the retaining groove. In some embodiments, the cellulose member is a leg that supports the rigid plastic member when the separable assembly is mounted. In some examples, the side opening has a total width that is approximately equal to the width of the edge of the plastic member. In some cases, the sliding track is a slit groove defined by the cellulose member. In some arrangements, the elongated sliding track extends from the end opening on the end face to a closed end. In some embodiments, the closed end is curved. In some embodiments, the retaining slit has a radius of approximately 1 to 7 millimeters (mm). iviA / a / zuzz / ui oo / o In some examples, the plastic member is a board. In some embodiments, the plastic member has a hardness greater than that of the cellulose member. In some cases, the plastic member is taller than the cellulose member. In some examples, the radius of the retaining protrusion is approximately equal to the radius of the retaining groove. In some embodiments, the retaining protrusion is a partially hemispherical protrusion with a flat surface opposite the retaining groove. This flat surface is configured to contact a surface of the retaining groove when engaging the groove. In some arrangements, the retaining protrusion has a radius of approximately 1 to 7 mm. In some embodiments, the retaining protrusion is hemispherical. In some embodiments, the flexible bridge has a flat surface opposite the retaining groove; this flat surface is coplanar with the surfaces of the plastic member adjacent to the bridge ends. In some embodiments, the flexible bridge has a surface opposite the retaining groove that is flat along the entire length of the flexible bridge between the two bridge ends. In some examples, the flexible bridge defines a pair of opposing grooves that extend along the length of the flexible bridge between the two bridge ends. In some cases, the width of each opposing groove is less than the width of the flexible bridge surface. In some embodiments, deflection of the retaining protrusion during disassembly of the separable assembly warps the flexible bridge out of its plane.In some arrangements, the flexible bridge has a shorter length than the edge length of the plastic member. Several variations of this disclosure refer to detachable assemblies preferably intended for use by children three years of age and younger. More specifically, the variations include detachable assemblies with retaining interfaces that do not present a choking, aspiration, or ingestion hazard to children under three years of age during use. Therefore, the detachable assemblies of this disclosure are designed to be approved for use by children under three years of age, for example, in the United States and the European Union (in accordance with 16 CFR Part 1501 and the Toy Safety Directive 2009 / 48 / EC, respectively). For example, the detachable assembly featured in certain variations may be manufactured without conventional interface components that could produce small parts (as defined by 16 CFR Part 1501) during normal use.Furthermore, certain embodiments provide detachable assemblies that can be assembled (and disassembled) without special tools or fasteners. Additionally, certain embodiments provide detachable assemblies capable of withstanding foreseeable wear, damage, or abuse by children, such as impact of the detachable assembly against an impact medium (e.g., a floor surface) while maintaining the connection of the detachable assembly at the interface. Still other embodiments provide detachable assemblies that have an interface connection that applies sufficient mechanical stress to the connection surface of the interface member (e.g., a cellulose member) so that the cyclic application of mechanical stress can minimize or prevent deformation of the connection surface of the interface member. Details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and in the following description. Other features, objectives, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. Brief description of the drawings Figure 1 is a front view of a separable assembly. Figure 2 is a side view of the separable assembly of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a side view of an outer surface of a cellulose member of the separable assembly of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a side view of an inner surface of the cellulose member of Figure 3. Figure 5 is a top view of the cellulose member of Figure 3. Figure 6 is a front view of a rigid plastic member of the separable assembly of Figure 1. Figure 7 is a side view of the rigid plastic member of Figure 6. Figure 8 is a top view of the rigid plastic member of Figure 6. Figure 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the separable assembly of Figure 1 before the rigid plastic member is coupled to the cellulose member. Figure 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the separable assembly of Figure 1 after the rigid plastic member is coupled with the cellulose member. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the separable assembly of Figure 1 before the rigid plastic member is coupled to the cellulose member. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the separable assembly of Figure 1 after the rigid plastic member is coupled with the cellulose member. Figure 13 is a side view of a plastic member retention protrusion. Similar reference symbols in the various drawings indicate similar elements. Detailed description of the invention Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a separable assembly 100 in an assembled state. The separable assembly 100 can be a toy (for example, a game board). The separable assembly 100 includes a plastic member 102 and two cellulose members 104. The plastic member 102 can be a board. The cellulose members 104 can be legs that support the plastic member 102 when the separable assembly 100 is assembled. In an assembled state, the plastic member 102 is received by the two cellulose members 104. The plastic member 102 has a first wall 148 defining a first plurality of openings 150 and a second wall 152 defining a second plurality of openings. The second plurality of openings is aligned with the first plurality of openings 150. The plastic member 102 may include a plurality of channels 140 that are formed between the first wall and the second wall.The plurality of channels 140 extends from a first end 142a to a second end 142b and along the height h of the plastic member 102. The separable assembly 100 includes five channels 140. In some examples, the separable assembly 100 may include approximately 4 to 7 channels 140. The plurality of channels 140 receives a plurality of discs 106, which, once received, are visible through. DO (Ό of the first plurality of openings 150 and of the second plurality of openings. The diameter of the discs 106 is approximately equal to the diameter of the first plurality of openings 150 and of the second plurality of openings. The separable assembly 100 includes 25 discs 106. In some embodiments, the separable assembly 100 may include approximately 16 to 49 discs 106. The plurality of channels 140 may be vertical channels, as shown in Figure 1. Alternatively, the plurality of channels 140 may have curved portions such that one or more channels interconnect. With reference to Figures 3-5, the cellulose members 104 have an outer surface 156, an inner side surface 116, and an end face 118. Figure 3 shows a front view of the outer side surface 156, which does not contact the plastic member 102 when the separable assembly 100 is mounted. Figure 4 shows a front view of the inner side surface 116, which contacts the plastic member 102 when it is mounted. Figure 5 shows a top view of the cellulose member 104. As shown in Figure 5, the cellulose member 104 has an end face 118 that forms an edge 120 with the inner side surface 116. Referring back to Figure 4, the cellulose member 102 defines an elongated sliding track 108. The sliding track can be a slotted groove defined by the cellulose member. The sliding track 108 extends from an extreme opening 110 on the extreme face 118 to a closed end 144.The sliding track 108 further defines a retaining groove 114 extending from the end face 118 into the cellulose member 104. The retaining groove 114 is circular. It may be a through-hole extending through the cellulose member 104 from the inner side surface 116 to the outer side surface 156. Alternatively, the retaining groove 114 may be a blind hole extending only partially into the cellulose member 104 from the inner side surface 116 and not fully extending to the outer side surface 156. Referring back to Figure 5, the cellulose member 104 defines a lateral opening 112 along the sliding track 108 on the inner side surface 116 of the cellulose member 104. Therefore, the sliding track 108 has a T-shaped cross-section.The side opening 112 has a total width that is approximately equal to the edge width 124 of the plastic member 102. The cellulose member 104 has a substantially trapezoidal shape. The trapezoidal shape provides a stable base that supports the plastic member 102 when assembled. In alternative embodiments, the cellulose member 104 may be rectangular, square, triangular, or any other suitable shape. The cellulose member 104 typically has an overall height h' of approximately 120 mm. Furthermore, the cellulose member 104 typically has an overall width w' of approximately 97 mm. The side opening 112 typically has an overall width ls of approximately 19 mm and an overall width ws of approximately 6 mm. The sliding track 108 typically has an overall width of approximately 13.5 mm and an overall length l of approximately 70 mm.Furthermore, the retaining groove 114 is separated from the end face 118 by a total distance of approximately 50 mm and from the closed end 144 of the sliding track 108 by a total distance of approximately 20 mm. The retaining groove 114 has a diameter of approximately 5 mm. Cellulose Member 104 is commonly manufactured from one or more suitable materials that provide durability (e.g., wood). Examples of wood materials from which Cellulose Member 104 is commonly manufactured include beech wood. Cellulose Member 104 is typically manufactured primarily by cutting, bending, shaping, and / or sanding the wood materials. With reference to Figures 6-8, the plastic member 102 has a substantially rectangular shape with a rim 124 on opposite sides. The rim 124 is configured to be received within the end opening 110 of the cellulose member 102. The rim 124 is configured to slide along the sliding track 108 with the plastic member 102 extending through the side opening 112. The plastic member 102 further includes a retaining protrusion 122 configured to engage the retaining groove 114 to retain the plastic member 102 in an assembly position along the sliding track 108. The retaining protrusion 122 is a hemispherical protrusion. In some instances, the retaining protrusion 122 may be a partially hemispherical protrusion.The plastic member 102 further defines two split corners 126 extending from one end of the rim 124 to a lower surface of the plastic member 102. The split corners 126 are received by a closed end surface 144 of the sliding track 108 when the separable assembly 100 is mounted. The closed end 144 is curved, allowing a tight fit between the split corners 126 and the closed end 144, as well as between the rims 124 and the closed end 144. The plastic member 102 further includes a sliding bar 132 extending between the split corners 126 and connecting the first wall 148 and the second wall.The sliding bar 132 is configured to slide along the underside of the plastic member 102 from a first position in which it allows the discs 106 to be ejected from the plurality of channels 140 to a second position in which it prevents the discs 106 from being ejected from the plurality of channels 140 when loaded. Figure 6 shows the sliding bar 132 in the second position. The plastic member 102 further defines a plurality of openings 160 between the first wall 148 and the second wall 152. The plurality of openings 160 aligns with the plurality of channels 140 and allows the sliding insertion of discs 106 along the plurality of channels 140. With reference to Figure 7, the plastic member 102 includes a flexible bridge 134 extending between a first fixed bridge end 136a and a second fixed bridge end 136b. The first fixed bridge end 136a and the second fixed bridge end 136b are separated along the edge 124 of the plastic member 102. The flexible bridge 134 defines a pair of opposing grooves 128 extending along the edge 124 of the plastic member 102 between the first fixed bridge end 136a and the second fixed bridge end 136b. The pair of grooves 128 allows the flexible bridge to have sufficient strength to deflect under an applied force. The flexible bridge 134 has a flat surface 138 opposite the retaining groove 114, when mounted, so that the flat surface 138 is coplanar with the surfaces 154 of the plastic member 102 adjacent to the first fixed bridge end 136a and a second fixed bridge end 136b.The flexible bridge 134 has a surface opposite the retaining groove 114, when mounted, which is flat along the entire length of the bridge. The flexible bridge 134 is located between the first fixed bridge end 136a and a second fixed bridge end 136b. The width of each groove 128 is less than the width of the flat surface 138 of the flexible bridge 134. The retaining protrusion 122 extends from the flexible bridge 134 in a position between the first fixed bridge end 136a and a second fixed bridge end 136b. With reference to Figures 9-12, the retaining protrusion 122 and the retaining groove 114 are configured such that a force sufficient to move the plastic member 102 along the sliding track 108 from the mounting position to the end opening 110 will elastically deflect the flexible bridge 134 to retract the retaining protrusion 122 from the retaining groove 114. The deflection of the retaining protrusion 122 during disassembly of the separable assembly 100 bends the flexible bridge 134 out of its plane, as shown in Figure 9. In some instances, the deflection of the retaining protrusion 122 during disassembly of the separable assembly 100 arcs the flexible bridge 134 out of its plane at an angle of less than 45 degrees with respect to the surface of the sliding track 108. The retaining groove 114 It extends partially into cellulose member 104.The retaining slot 114 is substantially square in shape. In some examples, the retaining slot 114 has a curved shape or any other suitable shape that can be engaged by the retaining protrusion. Figure 10 shows the separable assembly 100 in an assembled state with retaining protrusion 122 engaging the retaining groove 114 and the notched corner 126 received by the closed end 144 of the sliding track 108. Figure 11 shows a cross-section of the separable assembly 100 in a disassembled state, with retaining protrusion 122 not engaged with the retaining groove 114. Figure 12 shows a cross-section of the separable assembly 100 with retaining protrusion 122 engaged with the retaining groove 114; therefore, at this angle, retaining protrusion 122 is no longer visible. When sufficient force is applied to move the plastic element 102 along the sliding track 108 from a disassembly position to the closed end 144 of the sliding track 108, the retaining protrusion 122 is in contact with a surface of the sliding track 108 along the sliding track 108 until the retaining protrusion 122 engages the retaining groove 114. The amount of force required to slide the retaining protrusion 122 along the sliding track 108 and into the retaining groove 114 in an assembly position is sufficient to facilitate assembly and, at the same time, ensure that the mechanical stress (i.e., load per unit area) experienced by the surface of the sliding track 108 is minimized.Therefore, the described retention design provides greater durability of the separable assembly 100 and prevents or minimizes deformation of the sliding track surface 108 after prolonged use. The plastic member 102 may have a higher hardness than the cellulose member 104. Figure 13 illustrates an example of a retaining protrusion 130 that has a partial hemispherical shape with a flat surface 158 opposite the retaining groove 114 when mounted. The flat surface 158 is configured to contact a surface of the retaining groove 114 when the retaining protrusion 130 engages the groove 114. The flat surface 158 commonly has a total diameter of approximately 1.25 mm. The plastic member 102 has a substantially rectangular shape. In alternative embodiments, the plastic member 102 may be square or any other suitable shape. The plastic member 102 typically has an overall height h of approximately 192 mm. Furthermore, the plastic member 102 typically has an overall width w of approximately 257 mm. The retaining protrusion 122 typically has an overall diameter of approximately 5 mm. The radius of the retaining protrusion 122 or the exemplary retaining protrusion 130 may be approximately equal to the radius of the retaining groove 114. The flexible bridge 134 typically has an overall length w of approximately 30 mm and an overall width w of approximately 8 mm. Additionally, the edges 124 of the plastic member 102 have a length w of approximately 64 mm. Plastic member 102 is commonly manufactured from one or more suitable rigid plastic materials (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene [ABS]). Plastic member 102 is typically manufactured primarily by extrusion, molding, casting, machining, and / or 3D printing. Although several examples have been described for illustrative purposes, the foregoing description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. There are and will be other examples and modifications within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A separable assembly comprising: a cellulose member having a lateral surface and an end face forming a rim with the lateral surface, the cellulose member defining an elongated sliding track therein, the elongated sliding track extending from an end opening in the end face and being T-shaped in cross-section, the cellulose member defining a lateral opening along the sliding track in the lateral surface of the cellulose member, the sliding track further defining a retaining groove separate from the end face and extending into the cellulose member; and a rigid plastic member with a rim configured to be received within the end opening of the cellulose member and to slide along the sliding track with the plastic member extending through the lateral opening.The plastic member comprises a retaining protrusion configured to engage the retaining groove to retain the plastic member in a mounting position along the sliding track, wherein the plastic member comprises a flexible bridge extending between two fixed bridge ends separated along the edge, with the retaining protrusion extending from the flexible bridge in a position between the two bridge ends, the retaining protrusion and the retaining groove being configured such that an applied force sufficient to move the plastic member along the sliding track from the mounting position towards the end opening will elastically deflect the flexible bridge to withdraw the retaining protrusion from the retaining groove.

2. The separable assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cellulose member is a leg that supports the rigid plastic member when the separable assembly is assembled.

3. The separable assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the side opening has a total width that is approximately equal to the width of the edge of the plastic member.

4. The separable assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sliding track is a slotted groove defined by the cellulose member.

5. The separable assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the elongated sliding track extends from the end opening in the end face to a closed end.

6. The separable assembly according to claim 5, wherein the closed end is curved.

7. The separable assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining slot has a radius of approximately 1 to 7 mm.

8. The separable assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plastic member is a board.

9. The separable assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plastic member has a hardness that is greater than the hardness of the cellulose member.

10. The separable assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plastic member has a height that is greater than the height of the cellulose member.

11. The separable assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the radius of the retaining protrusion is approximately equal to the radius of the retaining slot.

12. The separable assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining protrusion is a partially hemispherical protrusion having a flat surface opposite the retaining groove, the flat surface being configured to come into contact with a surface of the retaining groove when engaging the retaining groove.

13. The separable assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining protrusion has a radius of approximately 1 to 7 mm.

14. The separable assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining protrusion is a hemispherical protrusion.

15. The separable assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible bridge has a flat surface opposite the retaining groove, the flat surface being coplanar with the surfaces of the plastic member adjacent to the bridge ends.

16. The separable assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible bridge has a surface opposite the retaining groove that is flat along an entire length of the flexible bridge between the two bridge ends.

17. The separable assembly according to claim 16, wherein the flexible bridge defines a pair of opposing grooves extending along the flexible bridge between the two bridge ends.

18. The separable assembly according to claim 17, wherein the width of each opposing groove is less than the width of the flexible bridge surface.

19. The separable assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the deflection of the retaining protrusion during disassembly of the separable assembly bends the flexible bridge out of its plane.

20. The separable assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible bridge has a length less than the length of the edge of the plastic member.

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