Reconfigurable Action Figure Case for Compact Storage and Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing action figures and trading cards are not integrated into a single, synergistic product that combines the convenience of trading cards with the interactivity of action figures and accessories, lacking a form factor that allows for easy storage, transportation, and display of both types of items together.

Innovation Solution

The integration of action figures with reconfigurable cases that mimic the form factor of trading cards, allowing for storage, transportation, and display in a closed configuration, while providing a base or platform for the action figure and displaying information when open, with features like hinges, swivels, and engagement members for accessories.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If action figures are made with standard dimensions for interactivity and display, then user interaction and display quality are improved, but storage convenience and portability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interactionVSAvoidstorage space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The action figure is nested within the display case, which itself is nested within a larger storage system. The case acts as a container that holds the figure when not in use, allowing compact storage while maintaining full figure dimensions for interaction. The case can be opened to access the figure for play or display purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The product is segmented into distinct functional components: the action figure itself, the display case, and the storage system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the figure for interaction, the case for protection and display, and the storage system for compact organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If action figures are made with standard dimensions for interactivity and display, then user interaction and display quality are improved, but portability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interactionVSAvoidportability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The action figure is nested within the display case, which is designed to fit within standard storage containers or shelving units. This nested arrangement allows the complete assembly to be stored compactly when not in use, improving portability while maintaining full figure dimensions for interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The display case is designed with dynamic opening and closing capabilities, allowing it to transition between a compact closed state for portability and an open state for display and interaction. The case can be easily opened to access the figure for play or positioned to display the figure prominently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a reconfigurable case is designed to assume multiple configurations for display and storage, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidcase structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The case incorporates dynamic elements such as hinges, swivels, and movable panels that allow it to transition between different configurations. These mechanical elements enable the case to adapt to various display and storage needs while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that is easy to manufacture and understand.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The case is designed to perform multiple functions: protecting the action figure during storage, displaying the figure prominently when open, and potentially organizing multiple figures or accessories. This multi-functionality is achieved through a unified design rather than separate components, reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12528023B2Combination articles of entertainment comprising complementary action figure and reconfigurable case therefor
Publication Date: 2026.01.20 COMBAT SENSEI LLC
  • US12528023B2 patent drawing
  • US12528023B2 patent drawing
  • US12528023B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Articles combining an action figure and complementary reconfigurable case therefore. Examples include low profile action figures and complementary low profile cases which include connected panels which are designed to permit reconfiguration from a closed configuration to at least one open configuration. In various embodiments aspect, the cases and action figures include surfaces configured for engagement of complementary accessories.