Toy Figure with Connector for Appendage

The present application relates generally to a toy figure and, in particular, to a connector that is used with a toy figure to couple different parts of the toy figure together.

Toys provide entertainment for different users, such as children. For example, a toy may include various features with which a child may play. An example toy that may entertain a child is a toy figure, such as a doll. In some conventional toy figures, a coupler is used to connect to parts of the toy figure together. For example, a coupler is used to connect an arm to a torso of a toy figure. The structure of such couplers limits the range of movement of the arm relative to the torso. In some toy figures, an arm cannot be raised relative to the torso more than 60 degrees due to the connector structure. In addition, any lengthening of the slot in an arm in which the connector is located results in the slot being seen in the arm, which is unappealing to users.

Thus, there is a need for a connector for a toy figure that can be used to couple an arm to a torso and provide a larger range of movement between them.

A toy figure according to the aspects presented herein includes a connector for coupling two parts of the toy figure together. The connector has a first portion, a second portion, and a middle portion located between and coupled to both the first portion and the second portion. The middle portion is asymmetrically located between the first portion and the second portion, which creates a larger notch and facilitates a larger range of movement between the two parts of the toy figure. In one implementation, the two parts of the toy figure are an arm and a torso.

In the toy figure according to the aspects disclosed herein, the arm connector design includes a connector post or coupler portion that is offset relative to the ends of the connector which creates a larger notch while maintaining the same axis of rotation. The larger notch allows the connector to move a greater distance even though the length of the channel on the arm remains unchanged. As a result, the arm has an improved range of motion and can be raised to a position that is 90 degrees from the body (i.e., fully horizontal). Furthermore, because the length of the channel has not been increased, no hole is visible on the shoulder of the toy figure.

In one aspect of the disclosure, a toy figure comprises a first body component defining a first receptacle, a second body component defining a second receptacle, and a connector that couples the first body component to the second body component, the connector enabling the second body component to move relative to the first body component, the connector including a first connector portion engageable with the first receptacle of the first body component, the first body component is rotatable relative to the first connector portion about a first rotational axis when the first connector portion is located in the first receptacle, a second connector portion engageable with the second receptacle of the second body component, and a middle portion located between the first connector portion and the second connector portion, the middle portion having a first end coupled to the first connector portion, a second end coupled to the second connector portion, and a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end, wherein the longitudinal axis is offset from and perpendicular to the first rotational axis.

In one embodiment, the second connector portion is rotatable about a second rotational axis when the second connector portion is located in the second receptacle, and the longitudinal axis is offset from and parallel to the second rotational axis.

In another embodiment, the longitudinal axis is a first longitudinal axis, the connector has a connector first end, a connector second end opposite the connector first end and a second longitudinal axis that extends from the connector first end to the connector second end, and the first longitudinal axis is offset from and parallel to the second longitudinal axis.

In an alternative embodiment, the second connector portion has a ring portion with a first outer surface, the middle portion has a second outer surface, and the second outer surface extends is aligned and continuous with the first outer surface.

In yet another embodiment, the ring portion is a first ring portion, the second connector portion includes a second ring portion with a third outer surface, and the second outer surface is aligned with the third outer surface.

In one embodiment, the middle portion has a square cross-sectional shape.

In another embodiment, the middle portion is asymmetrically located between the first connector portion and the second connector portion.

In an alternative embodiment, the first body component is a toy figure arm, the second body component is a toy figure torso, the first body component includes a slot formed therein, and the middle portion of the connector travels back and forth in the slot.

In yet another embodiment, the toy figure arm has an arm longitudinal axis, the toy figure torso has a torso longitudinal axis, and the toy figure arm can be moved relative to the toy figure torso so that the arm longitudinal axis extends perpendicularly to the torso longitudinal axis.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a toy figure comprises an arm defining a first receptacle, a torso defining a second receptacle, and a connector that movably couples the arm to the torso, the connector having a first longitudinal axis, the connector including a first connector portion engageable with the first receptacle, the arm being rotatable relative to the first connector portion about a first rotational axis, a second connector portion engageable with the second receptacle and rotatable about a second rotational axis, the second rotational axis being perpendicular to the first rotational axis, and a middle portion located between the first connector portion and the second connector portion, the middle portion having a second longitudinal axis, the second longitudinal axis being offset from the first longitudinal axis.

In one embodiment, the second longitudinal axis is offset from and perpendicular to the first rotational axis.

In another embodiment, the second longitudinal axis is offset from and parallel to the second rotational axis.

In an alternative embodiment, the second connector portion has a first ring portion with a first outer surface, a second ring portion with a second outer surface, the middle portion has a third outer surface, and the third outer surface extends is aligned with the first outer surface and the second outer surface.

In yet another embodiment, the middle portion is asymmetrically located between the first connector portion and the second connector portion.

In one embodiment, the arm has an arm longitudinal axis, the torso has a torso longitudinal axis, and the arm can be moved relative to the torso so that the arm longitudinal axis extends perpendicularly to the torso longitudinal axis.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a toy figure comprises an arm, a torso, and a connector that movably couples the arm to the torso, the connector having a first longitudinal axis, the connector including a first portion engageable with the arm, the arm being rotatable relative to the first portion about a first rotational axis, a second portion engageable with the torso, the second portion being rotatable about a second rotational axis, the second rotational axis being perpendicular to the first rotational axis, and a middle portion located between the first portion and the second portion, the middle portion having a second longitudinal axis, the second longitudinal axis being offset from the first longitudinal axis.

In one embodiment, the second longitudinal axis is offset from and perpendicular to the first rotational axis.

In an alternative embodiment, the second longitudinal axis is offset from and parallel to the second rotational axis.

In another embodiment, the first portion includes a body with a first body side and a second body side opposite to the first body side, the first body side having a first extension extending outwardly therefrom, the second body side having a second extension extending outwardly therefrom, and the first rotational axis passes through the first extension and the second extension.

In yet another embodiment, the middle portion is asymmetrically located between the first portion and the second portion.

In a toy figure according to the aspects disclosed herein, the arm connector include a connector post or coupler portion that is offset which creates a larger notch while maintaining the same axis of rotation. The larger notch allows the connector to move a greater distance even though the length of the channel on the arm remains unchanged. As a result, the arm has an improved range of motion and can be raised to a position that is 90 degrees from the body (i.e., fully horizontal). Furthermore, because the length of the channel has not been increased, no hole is visible on the shoulder of the toy figure.

Turning initially to, a front view of a portion of a conventional toy figure is illustrated. The conventional toyis a toy doll that includes a torsowith shoulder regionsandto which armsandare movably coupled, respectively. Armhas a longitudinal axis(see), and can be moved from a lowered position (not shown) in which the armis proximate to the torsoto a raised or upper position. The range of the armfor toyis limited to the upper position. In the upper position, the armand the torsoform an angle of 60 degrees therebetween. The potential positionfor an arm that is at an angle of 90 degrees relative to the torso is also illustrated in. However, the range of movement of armof toyis limited, and the armcannot be moved to potential positionbecause of the structure of the connector between armand torso. Toyalso includes an armthat has the similar movement range limitations as arm. Armhas a joint endthat is coupled to shoulder regionand a hand endthat is opposite to the joint end.

Referring to, a front view of the joint endof armof the conventional toyis illustrated. The joint endhas an inner portionthat is located in a recess formed in the shoulder region. A slotis formed in the inner portionand is defined by opposing ends or end wallsand.

A connectoris pivotally coupled to the joint endof arm. In this implementation, the armis rotatable relative to the connectorabout rotational axisback and forth along the directions of arrows “A” and “B.” The connectorhas a mounting portionand a coupler portion. The mounting portionincludes a pair of rings that define a groove therebetween. The rings and the groove are used to locate and secure the mounting portionin the torsoin the toy, as described in greater detail below. The connectorhas a longitudinal axisthat extends along the length of the connector. In toy, the longitudinal axisis aligned with and extends through the rotational axisof the arm.

Turning to, a close-up front view of a conventional toy′ with toy clothingis shown. The armof the toy′ is located in its lowered position adjacent to the torso. Notably, with armin this position, the slotin the joint endof the armis visible, which as noted above, is unappealing to users.

Referring to, a plan view of another embodiment of an arm of a conventional toy figure is shown. In this embodiment, the armincludes a shoulder endwith a slotformed therein. A connectoris coupled to the arm, with a portion of the connectorlocated in the slot. The connectorhas a mounting endthat is captured in the torso of the toy figure. This armis also limited in its range of movement due to the structure of the connector.

Now, an embodiment of a toy figure according to the aspects of this disclosure is described. As set forth below and in the drawings, the connector of the toy figure has a different structure, which enables a larger range of motion of an arm relative to a torso of the toy figure. In, the toyincludes a torsoand a pair of armsandcoupled to the torso. The toycan be referred to alternatively as a toy doll, a doll, or a toy character. It is to be understood that the shape, the size, and the configuration of the toycan vary in different embodiments.

The torsoof toyhas a longitudinal axisand includes shoulder regionsand. Toyhas a pair of armsand, each of which has a longitudinal axis (noting that only longitudinal axisof armis illustrated for simplicity). Armis movably coupled to torsoat shoulder region, and armis movably coupled to torsoat shoulder region. In, armis illustrated in a raised position, in which the longitudinal axisof the armand the longitudinal axisof the torsodefine an angle of 90 degrees therebetween. Unlike the conventional toyillustrated in, the armof toycan be raised to a perpendicular position relative to the torso because the connector of toyhas a different structure, as described in greater detail below.

Turning to, a front view of the toyis illustrated with a portion of its torso removed to reveal some of the internal structures thereof. In particular, the front portion of the torsois removed, thereby revealing the inner surface of the rear portionof the torso. Torsohas a receptacle or cavitybetween its front portion and its rear portion. In this embodiment, the rear portionhas a pair of flangesandlocated in the cavity.

Armhas a connectorwith a grooveformed therein. When the connectoris in the cavity, the grooveis aligned with and engages flange. As a result, connectorcan rotate relative to the torsoabout a rotational axisalong the directions of arrows “C”. In addition, armand connectorrotate collectively about rotational axis.

Similarly, armhas a connectorwith a grooveformed therein. When the connectoris in the cavity, the grooveis aligned with and engages flange. As a result, connectorcan rotate relative to the torsoabout a rotational axisalong the directions of arrows “D.” In addition, armand connectorrotate collectively about rotational axis. Moreover, armis pivotally coupled to connectorand can rotate relative to connectorabout a rotational axiswhich extends perpendicular to rotational axis. Armcan rotate back and forth along the directions of arrows “E” and “F” about rotational axis.

Turning to, a cross-sectional front view of a portion of an arm of the toy figure is shown. In this embodiment, armhas a joint endand an opposite intermediate arm endto which a lower arm portion is coupled. Armincludes an inner wallthat defines a cavityformed in the joint endof arm. The joint endhas a side walland end wallsandthat collectively form a slot.

Connectorhas a mounting portionlocated at one end and a pivoting portionlocated at the opposite end. Connectorhas a longitudinal axisthat extends between its opposite ends. In this implementation, longitudinal axisand rotational axis(see) are colinear.

Located between mounting portionand pivoting portionis a coupler portion. Coupler portionis offset from the longitudinal axisof the connector. In particular, coupler portionhas a longitudinal axisthat extends between opposite ends of coupler portion. As shown in, longitudinal axisis offset from longitudinal axisby a distance “G.” This distance “G” provides a greater range of movement of the armabout axis, thereby facilitating movement of armto a perpendicular position relative to the torso of the toy figure. By the coupler portionbeing offset and asymmetrically located between the mounting portionand the pivoting portion, the notchformed between the mounting portionand the pivoting portionis larger than any space on connector.

As armrotates along the directions of arrows “E” and “F” about rotational axis, the coupler portionmoves back and forth in slot. When armmoves along the direction of arrow “E,” coupler portionmoves in slotand end wallmoves into and engages the notch. The offset location of the coupler portion, which creates the distance “G” and results in the larger notch, allows the armto move along arrow “E” to a higher position relative to the torso as compared to the conventional toy. The higher position for armcorresponds to raised positionshown in.

Turning to, perspective views of this embodiment of the connectorare shown. Connectorhas a bodywith opposite endsand. Mounting portionincludes a pair of ringsandthat define a groovetherebetween. As mentioned above, grooveengages flangein the torso. Ringsandcan be referred to alternatively as ring portions or disks. Each of the ringsandhas an outer surfaceand, respectively.

In this embodiment, coupler portionhas side wallsand, a top wall, and a bottom wall. The walls,,, andcollectively define a generally square cross-sectional shape for coupler portion. Due to the offset position of coupler portion, bottom wallis generally aligned with the outer surfacesandof ringsand, respectively. In one embodiment, bottom wallforms a continuous surface with outer surfacewith ring.

Pivoting portionincludes a body, which in this embodiment, is generally circular and disk-shaped. Bodyhas sidesandthat are opposite each other, and an outer perimeterlocated between the sidesand. On side, an extensionprotrudes or projects outwardly therefrom. Extensionincludes a shaftwith a radially projecting portion. Similarly, an extensionprotrudes outwardly from side. Extensionincludes a shaftwith a radially projecting portion. Extensionsandare mounted into cavities or receptacles in the armso that the armrotates about the extensionsandwhich define rotational axis.

In this embodiment, the mounting portion, the coupler portion, and the pivoting portionare integrally formed. In an alternative embodiment, the mounting portion, the coupler portion, and the pivoting portioncan be formed separately and subsequently coupled together.

While the toy figures presented herein have been illustrated and described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since it will be apparent that various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the disclosure and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. In addition, various features from one of the embodiments may be incorporated into another of the embodiments. That is, it is believed that the disclosure set forth above encompasses multiple distinct embodiments with independent utility. While each of these embodiments has been disclosed in a preferred form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed herein. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims.

It is also to be understood that the toy figures and connectors described herein, or portions thereof may be fabricated from any suitable material or combination of materials, such as plastic, foamed plastic, wood, metal, supple natural or synthetic materials including, but not limited to, cotton, elastomers, polyester, plastic, rubber, derivatives thereof, 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), or the like. Suitable foamed plastics may include expanded or extruded polystyrene, expanded or extruded polypropylene, EVA foam, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

Additionally, it is to be understood that terms such as “first,” “second,” “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points of reference and do not limit the present disclosure to any particular orientation or configuration. Further, the term “exemplary” is used herein to describe an example or illustration. Any embodiment described herein as exemplary is not to be construed as a preferred or advantageous embodiment, but rather as one example or illustration of a possible embodiment of the disclosure.

Moreover, when used herein, the term “comprises” and its derivations (such as “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” etc.) should not be understood in an excluding sense, that is, these terms should not be interpreted as excluding the possibility that what is described and defined may include further elements, steps, etc. Similarly, where any description recites “a” or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof, such disclosure should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Meanwhile, when used herein, the term “approximately” and terms of its family (such as “approximate”, etc.) should be understood as indicating values very near to those which accompany the aforementioned term. That is to say, a deviation within reasonable limits from an exact value should be accepted, because a skilled person in the art will understand that such a deviation from the values indicated is inevitable due to measurement inaccuracies, etc. The same applies to the terms “about” and “around” and “substantially”. For example, the term “approximately” can denote a tolerance of plus or minus 0.002 inches, 0.001 inches, or up to 0.005 inches. The same applies to the terms “about” and “around” and “substantially.” Moreover, for the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase “A and/or B” means (A), (B), or (A and B), and the phrase “A, B, and/or C” means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B and C).