Interactive toy with interchangeable parts, launching mechanism, related systems, kits and methods of manufacture

Abstract

A figural toy and methods of making and using the same. The toy has interchangeable and collectable upper, midsection, and base parts and a launching mechanism that causes the upper to detach a launch from the midsection. The ergonomic toy is designed so that it is configurable to easily represent a variety of figures and be used in a variety of games. It is designed to be easily wrapped and / or decorated to enhance its collectability and appeal to a wide market.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 569,279, filed Mar. 25, 2024 titled INTERACTIVE TOY WITH INTERCHANGEABLE PARTS, LAUNCHING MECHANISM, RELATED SYSTEMS, KITS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE, which is hereby incorporated by reference DESCRIPTION

[0002] The invention is an improvement over collectible plastic figural toys currently and previously found in the marketplace, incorporating additional play features and functions into the toy, such as: 1) a built-in mechanism that launches, or pops, the upper (which is typically a head) from the midsection; 2) a pre-packaged target for the launched upper; 3) a removable base that resembles sneakers, fashion focused / iconic shoes, shoe accessories, and / or other bases that can be interchanged, or swapped, between similar like toys, thereby creating design combinations based upon the individuals' design and style preference(s).FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Throughout history people have found ways to amuse themselves and pass time by playing with and collecting toys and games. Popular toys have included figurines, dolls and other models of useful objects made to scale for various purposes. Some of the more iconic toys of the 20th and 21st centuries have included inventions branded by various companies as Bobbleheads, Mr. Potato Head, Barbie, Gi-joe, Lego and various other comic book action figures, celebrity figurines, and other persons and creatures. Some of these toys come in playsets and lend themselves to various games and form of play and collectability. However, the uses of the prior art above are limited and the opportunities for cross-branding, marketing, and selling are also limited. It has long been desired to have toys and amusement devices with lower costs of manufacturing, lower costs of shipping and simpler assembly that also have greater ability for branding and cross marketing and new and improved methods of play, collectability, and creativity.OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention provides a collectable figural toy incorporating various features such as collectability, swapping, launching, and targeting within a unique construct that is easily adaptable for joint and cross marketing and has low-cost for manufacturing and shipping. An embodiment of one of the inventions disclosed herein generally consists of a figural toy comprised of at least three distinct parts: 1) an upper; 2) a midsection; and, 3) a base, of which the parts are capable of being connected together. While there are multiple methods of connecting the parts together, generally the preferred means of connection is using one or more built-in mechanisms located within the upper and midsection, and a male / female connector located within the midsection and base. The exterior of the figural toy is designed to be easily overlayed with artwork that is closely associated with popular sports, and / or sports figures, as well as / or other design figures and elements, that pertain to popular culture. The invention is designed to “age up” and “age down” appropriately to appeal to many audiences and cultures. Some embodiments of the invention include targets decorated to align with the artwork decorating the respective figurine and provide further aspects of gamification and collectability. The preferred embodiments are ergonomic, durable, easy to assemble, easy to disassemble and enable the swapping of parts and the launching and relaunching of at least one part, which is generally the upper.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0005] FIG. 1 a front view of the invention.

[0006] FIG. 2 is a left-side view of the invention.

[0007] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the invention.

[0008] FIG. 4 is a right-side view of the invention.

[0009] FIG. 5 is a top view of the invention.

[0010] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the invention.

[0011] FIG. 7 is front interior view of the invention.

[0012] FIG. 8A is a front exploded interior view of the upper of the invention.

[0013] FIG. 8B is a front exploded interior view of the midsection of the invention.

[0014] FIG. 8C is a front exploded interior view of the base of the invention.

[0015] FIG. 9A is a right-side exploded interior view of the upper of the invention.

[0016] FIG. 9B is a right-side exploded interior view of the midsection of the invention.

[0017] FIG. 9C is a right-side exploded interior view of the base of the invention.

[0018] FIG. 10A is a rear exploded interior view of the upper of the invention.

[0019] FIG. 10B is a rear exploded interior view of the midsection of the invention.

[0020] FIG. 10C is a rear exploded interior view of the base of the invention.

[0021] FIG. 11A is a left-side exploded interior view of the upper of the invention.

[0022] FIG. 11B is a left-side exploded interior view of the midsection of the invention.

[0023] FIG. 11C is a left-side exploded interior view of the base of the invention.

[0024] FIG. 12 is top interior view of the invention.

[0025] FIG. 13 is bottom interior view of the invention.

[0026] FIG. 14 is a disassembled view of the invention.

[0027] FIG. 15A is a transparent front view of the invention showing the interior mechanisms engaged to hold the upper in place.

[0028] FIG. 15B is a transparent front view of the invention showing the interior mechanisms disengaged to enable the upper to be removed.

[0029] FIG. 15C is a transparent front view of the invention showing the interior mechanisms while the upper is removed and the interior mechanisms disengaged.

[0030] FIG. 15D is a transparent front view of the invention showing the interior mechanisms while the upper is removed and the interior mechanisms engaged so that the upper will reattach upon connection as the upper is pressed down in step one.

[0031] FIG. 15E is a rear view of the invention with the upper, midsection and base detached as the button is pressed in step 2.

[0032] FIG. 15F is a front view of the invention with the upper, midsection and base detached.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] This toy is an improvement of the traditional collectible figural toy found in the marketplace because, amongst other things, the toy combines additional aspects such a target and launch play features, along with the collectability of figural toys by incorporating a built-in mechanism designed to launch, or pop, the upper towards a target, and also incorporating the ability to swap, and exchange, the upper, midsection and base (sneaker / shoe) with other collectables.

[0034] In some embodiments the upper is substantially the same size, weight as a regulation ping-pong ball, beer pong ball or pickle-ball. Thus, in some preferred embodiments the upper is a substantially spherical polymer ball with a diameter of approximately 1.57″ (40 mm) and a circumference of 4.94″ (125.6 mm) and a mass of approximately 0.095 oz (2.7 g). Whereas, in other embodiments the upper posses a diameter that is between 2.874 inches (7.30 cm) to 2.972 inches (7.55 cm) and / or a circumference that is between 9.029 inches (22.93 cm) and 9.337 inches (23.72 cm) and weighs between approximately 0.78 to 0.935 ounces (22.1 to 26.5 grams). The upper may be solid or perforated with a range of holes. For example, for use in pickleball, according to current regulations, the upper should have between 26 to 40 holes. The inventions' light weight embodiment enables it to be shipped and transported at low cost. Furthermore, the product in its standard form enables it to be manufactured, shipped, and assembled at a low cost a sold in various points of sale such as fast-food drive throughs, sporting events, universities, schools, movie theaters, festivals, concerts, conventions, retail stores and through the internet. Also, existing methods for making and distributing ping pong balls and pickle-balls may be used in the manufacturing and distribution of the parts of the invention.

[0035] In other embodiments the optimal size is an upper with a diameter of 2.5″ (63.5 mm), a total assembled product height of 5.0″ (127 mm), a width of 3.00″ (76.2 mm) and a depth of the base of 2.00″ (50.8 mm). These measurements also offer unique advantages for game play and tend to be easier to hold and handle by a greater variety of users.

[0036] Reverting to the figures, FIG. 1 is front view of the invention showing the upper 100, midsection 200, and base 300. FIG. 2 is a left-side view of the invention showing the upper 100, midsection 200, base 300 and launch button 2300. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the invention again showing the upper 100, midsection 200, base 300 and button 2300. FIG. 4 is a right-side view of the invention showing the upper 100, midsection 200, base 300 and launch button 2300. While looking from the top-down, FIG. 5 shows that the upper 100 and base 300 are the most visible parts in the top view of the invention. While looking bottom up, FIG. 6 shows that the upper 100, midsection 200, base 300 and launch button 2300 in the exemplary embodiment are all visible from the outside of the invention. Notably, in the preferred embodiments the upper 100 is spherical enabling it to be easily adapted for various forms of play (e.g. ping pong, beer bong, pickle-ball, etc.). The ergonomic body 200 is substantially egg shaped and substantially hollow making it easy and comfortable to hold, and lightweight. The standard form and contour of the upper, midsection and base make it easy to wrap or affix designs. Also enabled is a device that is easy to manufacture, assemble and control for most people regardless of their age, ability and dexterity.

[0037] Looking through a transparent embodiment of the invention, FIG. 7 shows a front interior of the invention. FIGS. 8A-8C are an exploded and transparent view of the invention. FIG. 8A is a transparent upper 100 of the invention and visible therein are the internal compression spring 1400 and its stopper 1300. The stopper 1300 keeps the compression spring 1400 within the upper 100 when the upper 100 is detached from the midsection 200 shown in FIG. 8B.

[0038] FIG. 8B is a front exploded interior view of the midsection 200 of the invention. Within the midsection are the compression springs 2600 and hook levers 2400. The midsection 200 is shown detached from the base 300 in FIG. 8C. In the depicted embodiment the base 300 resembles a pair of sneakers or shoes. FIG. 8C is a front view of the base of the invention.

[0039] FIG. 9A is a right-side exploded interior view of the upper 100 of the invention. It shows the upper 100 detached from the midsection 200, which is depicted in FIG. 9B. Also, shown is the launch button 2300. FIG. 9C is a right-side view of the base 300 of the invention detached from the midsection depicted in FIG. 9B.

[0040] FIG. 10A is a rear exploded interior view of the upper 100 of the invention. The compression spring 1400 and its stopper 1300 can be seen. Since the upper 100 of FIG. 10A is detached from the midsection 200 depicted in FIG. 10B the compression spring 1400 is in a relaxed state and not compressed. When the upper 100 is joined with the midsection 200 the launching guide 2500 presses upon the stopper 1300 and compression spring 1400 causing the compression spring 1400 to compress.

[0041] FIG. 10B is a rear exploded interior view of the midsection of the invention. Shown are the launching guide 2500, hook levers 2400 and the compression springs 2600. FIG. 10B shows the midsection 200 detached from the upper 100 of FIG. 10A and the base200 of FIG. 10C. Combining FIGS. 11A-11C shows a left-side exploded interior view of the invention.

[0042] FIG. 12 is a top interior view of the invention. Shown are the compression springs 2600 for the latching system, the compression spring 1400 and stopper 1300 for the launching mechanism and the launch button 2300 which releases the latching mechanism and causes the compression spring 1400 and stopper 1300 for the launching mechanism to act upon the upper 100 to detach and launch from the midsection 200 as shown in FIGS. 9A-9B, 10A-10B, 11A-11B and 15A-15E.

[0043] FIG. 13 is bottom interior view of the invention showing the launch button 2300 which when depressed causes the compression springs 2600 to compress and the hook levers 2400 shown in FIG. 10B to disengage from the upper 100 shown if FIG. 10A causing the upper 100 to launch from the midsection 200 depicted in FIG. 10B.

[0044] FIG. 14 is a disassembled view of the invention. Shown are the front upper 1100, spring channel 1101, hook lever interface 1102, the launch guide interface 1103, rear upper 1200, stopper 1300, and compression spring 1400 which when combined form the upper shown in FIGS. 1-4, 6-7 and other figures which are included in the disclosure. Also, shown are the front midsection 2100, the hook lever pivots 2101, compression spring stops 2102, midsection pin 2103, launch button stop 2104, rear midsection 2200, launch button 2300, hook levers 2400, launch guide 2500 and compression springs 2600, which when combined form the midsection shown in FIGS. 1-4, 6-7 and other figures which are included in the disclosure. The hook lever pivots 2101 hold the hook levers 2400 in place and enable the hook levers 2400 to pivot when then launch button 2300 is pressed / depressed and the compression springs 2600 are accordingly decompressed or compressed. The hook levers 2600 in the depicted embodiment have cylindrical or prong type connections for the compression springs 2600, which when assembled sit between the hook levers 2400 and the hook lever stops 2102. The launch button stop 2104 prevents the launch button 2300 from being too far depressed. When the launch button 2300 is pressed in it causes the hooking portions of the hook levers 2400 to disengage from their respective hook lever interfaces 1102 causing the force of the pre-locked compression spring 1400 and stopper 1300 to push upon the launch guide 2500 forcing the upper 100 to detach from the midsection 200 and move along the channel created by the launch guide interface 1103. When the front upper 1100 and rear upper 1200 are assembled the compression spring 1400 is housed within the spring channel 1101. Further shown is base top 3100, midsection pin interface 3101, and base bottom 3200, which when combined form the base shown in FIGS. 1-4, 6-7 and other figures which are included in the disclosure. The midsection pin interface 3101 may be reversed and located within the midsection 200 and a prong or connecting means in lieu of the midsection pin 2103 placed within the base 300.

[0045] FIG. 15A is a transparent front view of the invention showing the interior mechanisms engaged to hold the upper 100 in place.

[0046] FIG. 15B is a transparent front view of the invention showing the interior mechanisms disengaged to enable the upper to be removed. This is caused by pressing the launch button 2300 which wedges between the hook levers 2400 causing the hook levers to release or disengage from the upper 100 thereby activating the launch mechanism contained therein. FIG. 15C is a transparent front view of the invention showing the interior mechanisms while the upper is removed and the interior mechanisms disengaged. FIG. 15D is a transparent front view of the invention showing the interior mechanisms while the upper is removed and the interior mechanisms engaged so that the upper will reattach upon connection as the upper is pressed down in step one. FIG. 15E is a rear view of the invention with the upper, midsection and base detached as the launch button 2300 is pressed in step 2. FIG. 15F is a front view of the invention with the upper, midsection and base detached.

[0047] The invention is comprised of a few very simple parts making it easy to assemble at the factory and later by subsequent user.

[0048] A user assembles the midsection 200 and base 300 of the device by taking the lower post of the midsection 200 and inserting it into the base 300 by a tight or compression fitting. Other means of attaching the base 300 to the midsection 200, may be use and include but are not limited to adhesives, various male female connectors, hook an loops, magnetic connectors, electromagnetic connectors, screws, pins, suction devices and other means and methods of fastening now know or later discovered in the art.

[0049] Generally, the front upper and rear upper, front midsection and rear midsection and the base top and base bottom are assembled by sonic welding. However, adhesives and other processes may be used including, but not limited to 3d printing and other means known and to be discovered in the art.

[0050] Generally, the device is used as illustrated in FIGS. 15D and 15E by inserting the midsection 200 launch guide into the upper and pressing down the upper causing the upper 100 compression spring 1400 to be compressed (pre-loaded). Then, the midsection 200 hook levers 2400 lock the upper 100 to the midsection 200.

[0051] Once the hook levers locked the upper 100 to the midsection 200, a user presses the launch button 2300 for launching the upper 100 from the midsection 200.

[0052] The launching mechanism may be replaced with a compressed air cylinder, electromagnetic assembly, pump, motor, magnetized materials, or other launching mechanisms. The launching mechanism may also be relocated from the upper to the midsection, depending on the launching means used, e.g. compressed air, electromagnetic assembly, etc.

[0053] The latching mechanism may be replaced with electromagnetic assembly, magnetized materials, compressors and / or other devices.

[0054] The launch button 2300 may be replaced with a digital button or an antenna associated with a wireless communication device, wherein the button, switch or device communicates with a controller or directly with a device that releases the latch and any kinetic stored energy. An advantage to the low-cost spring system is that the system self-charges (pre-loads) when the upper 100 is pressed down onto the midsection 200. However, this could be reversed with the spring 1400 and stopper 1300 relocated into the midsection 200 and the launch guide placed in the upper 100. Also, the launch button 2300 may be located in representative arms of the figurine or placed in the base 300.

[0055] Taking into account all material, manufacturing, and initial shipping costs the preferred and most basic embodiments described herein are able to be produced domestically or internationally for profitable retail sales at a manufactured suggested retail price point of $14.95 USD or less.

[0056] The assembled device is preferred to be delivered to consumers in kits. Some exemplary kits include targets to direct the upper when it is launched. These targets may include scaled replicas of basketball hoops and cups used for games like beer pong.

[0057] While elements, embodiments and applications of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood, that the invention is not limited thereto since modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings.

[0058] Furthermore, elements of the present invention as described in the embodiments above can be incorporated into toys, amusement devices and collectables in other suitable combinations or arrangements, for example, to suit particular applications.

[0059] The examples used herein are only some embodiments of the invention. Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, which modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. It is also understood that the foregoing description is illustrative of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting. Therefore, other embodiments of the present invention are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An amusement device comprising:an upper;a midsection;a base; and,a launching mechanism adapted to launch the upper from the midsection.

2. The amusement device of claim 1 wherein the midsection further comprises:one or more hook levers;one or more hook lever compression springs; and,one or more launch buttons.

3. The amusement device of claim 2 wherein the upper houses the launching mechanism.

4. The amusement device of claim 3 wherein the launch mechanism comprises a launch compression spring.

5. The amusement device of claim 4 wherein the upper is a substantially spherical polymer ball with a diameter of approximately 40 mm.

6. The amusement device of claim 4 wherein the upper is substantially spherical and has a diameter of approximately 63.5 mm.

7. An amusement kit comprising:an upper;a midsection;a base; and,a launching mechanism adapted to launch the upper from the midsection.

8. The amusement kit of claim 6 further comprising a target.

9. The amusement kit of claim 7 wherein the target resembles a basketball hoop.

10. The amusement kit of claim 7 wherein the target is a cup.

11. A method of manufacturing an amusement system comprising:sonic welding a front upper to a rear upper to form an assembled upper, wherein said assembled upper houses a launching mechanism;sonic welding a front midsection to a rear midsection to form an assembled;midsection wherein said assembled midsection houses a latching mechanism; and, sonic welding a base top to a base bottom to form an assembled base;said assembled base, assembled midsection, and assembled upper adapted to be connected and held in the hand of a user.

12. The method of manufacturing an amusement system of claim 9 further comprising:inserting hook levers into pivots housed within the assembled midsection.

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