U.S. patent application number 13/646156 was filed with the patent office on 2013-04-11 for action figure card transformable between a two-dimensional state and a three-dimensional state.
This patent application is currently assigned to Spin Master Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is Spin Master Ltd.. Invention is credited to David Lewis McDonald, Amy Pruzansky.
Application Number | 20130090034 13/646156 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48042376 |
Filed Date | 2013-04-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130090034 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pruzansky; Amy ; et
al. |
April 11, 2013 |
ACTION FIGURE CARD TRANSFORMABLE BETWEEN A TWO-DIMENSIONAL STATE
AND A THREE-DIMENSIONAL STATE
Abstract
The invention relates to a transformable action figure card toy
that transforms between a flat state, resembling a playing card,
and an expanded state, resembling a three-dimension character. The
toy includes a rigid primary backing which features a primary
articulation therein. A primary biasing mechanism articulates the
primary backing along the primary articulation so as to segment the
primary backing into at least first and second planar regions lying
transverse to one another. The primary backing lies substantially
flat when not articulated. Additional rigid planar components are
hinged to the primary backing and lie flat against the primary
backing. A biasing mechanism swings the planar components away from
the primary backing so as to dispose the planar components along
planes that are transverse to the first and second planar regions.
At least one folded pliable web portion is connected between the
first planar component and the primary backing.
Inventors: |
Pruzansky; Amy; (Toronto,
CA) ; McDonald; David Lewis; (Mississauga,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Spin Master Ltd.; |
Toronto |
|
CA |
|
|
Assignee: |
Spin Master Ltd.
Toronto
CA
|
Family ID: |
48042376 |
Appl. No.: |
13/646156 |
Filed: |
October 5, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/72 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 3/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/72 |
International
Class: |
A63H 3/08 20060101
A63H003/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 7, 2011 |
CA |
2,754,500 |
Claims
1. A toy transformable from a flat state to an expanded state, the
toy comprising: a rigid primary backing, the primary backing having
at least a primary articulation therein; a primary biasing
mechanism for articulating the primary backing along the primary
articulation so as to segment the primary backing along at least
two planes lying transverse to one another, the primary backing
lying substantially flat when not articulated; at least a first
rigid planar component hinged to the primary backing, the first
planar component capable of lying flat against the primary backing
when it is flat; a first biasing mechanism for swinging the at
least first planar component away from the primary backing so as to
dispose the at least first planar component along a plane
transverse to the primary backing; at least one pliable web portion
connected between the at least first planar component and the
primary backing; and a releasable catch for holding the at least
first planar component flat against the primary backing, wherein
the at least first planar component extends across the primary
articulation so as to flatten the primary backing when the at least
first planar component lies flat against the primary backing.
2. A toy according to claim 1, including a second planar component
and a second biasing mechanism for swinging the second planar
component away from the primary backing so as to dispose the second
planar component along a plane transverse to the primary backing,
wherein, when the first and second planar components are flattened
against the primary backing, the first and second planar components
respectively lie on opposing sides of the primary articulation, and
the releasable catch connects the primary backing to the first and
second planar components.
3. A toy according to claim 2, wherein the releasable catch
includes an actuator slidably mounted to the primary backing, the
actuator comprising: a hook for engaging catch portions of the
first and second planar components; an actuation tab; a biasing
element for biasing the actuation tab to a position where the tab
extends past an edge of the primary backing; wherein the toy pops
into its expanded state by pressing the actuation tab to overcome
the force of the biasing element and move the hook to a position
where the hook is disengaged from the catch portions of the first
and second planar components.
4. A toy according to claim 1, wherein the primary biasing element
is one of (i) a spring loaded swivel hinge having a shaft installed
along the primary articulation and (ii) a leaf spring connected to
two portions of the primary backing and spanning the primary
articulation.
5. A toy according to claim 1, wherein the primary backing includes
at least first and second additional articulations each running
transverse to the primary articulation, wherein, in the expanded
state, the additional first and second articulations segment the
primary backing into first, second and third planar regions, the
first and third planar regions being generally parallel to each
other and the second planar region being generally transverse to
the first and third planar regions.
6. A toy according to claim 1, wherein the at least first planar
component includes a secondary articulation and at least first and
second additional articulations each running transverse to the
secondary articulation, wherein, in the expanded state, the
additional first and second articulations segment the at least
first planar component into first, second and third planar regions,
the first and third planar regions being generally parallel to each
other and the second planar region being generally transverse to
the first and third planar regions.
7. A toy according to claim 1, in the flattened position, the
primary backing has the form factor of a playing card.
8. A toy according to claim 1, wherein at least one web portion is
boustrophedonicly folded.
9. A toy according to claim 1, wherein at least one web portion
resembles a character figure.
10. A toy transformable from a flat state to an expanded state, the
toy comprising: a rigid primary backing, the primary backing having
at least a primary articulation therein; a primary biasing
mechanism for articulating the primary backing along the primary
articulation so as to segment the primary backing along at least
two planes lying transverse to one another, the primary backing
lying substantially flat when not articulated; and at least one
pliable web portion connected between the two transverse planes;
wherein the primary backing includes at least first and second
additional articulations each running transverse to the primary
articulation, wherein, in the expanded state, the additional first
and second articulations segment the primary backing into first,
second and third planar regions, the first and third planar regions
being generally parallel to each other and the second planar region
being generally transverse to the first and third planar regions,
and wherein in the expanded state the at least one pliable web
portion is spaced further apart from one of the first and third
planar regions than the other of the first and third planar
regions.
11. A toy according to claim 10, including: at least a first rigid
planar component hinged to the primary backing, the at least first
planar component capable of lying flat against the primary backing
when it is flat; a first biasing mechanism for swinging the at
least first planar component away from the primary backing so as to
dispose the at least first planar component along a plane
transverse to the primary backing; and a releasable catch for
holding the at least first planar component flat against the
primary backing, wherein the at least first planar component
extends across the primary articulation so as to flatten the
primary backing when the at least first planar component lies flat
against the primary backing.
12. A toy according to claim 11, including a second planar
component and a second biasing mechanism for swinging the second
planar component away from the primary backing so as to dispose the
second planar component along a plane transverse to the primary
backing, wherein, when the first and second planar components are
flattened against the primary backing, the first and second planar
components respectively lie on opposing sides of the primary
articulation, and the releasable catch connects the primary backing
to the first and second planar components.
13. A toy according to claim 12, wherein the releasable catch
includes an actuator slidably mounted to the primary backing, the
actuator comprising: a hook for engaging catch portions of the
first and second planar components; an actuation tab; a biasing
element for biasing the actuation tab to a position where the tab
extends past an edge of the primary backing; wherein the toy pops
into its expanded state by pressing the actuation tab to overcome
the force of the biasing element and move the hook to a position
where the hook is disengaged from the catch portions of the first
and second planar components.
14. A toy according to claim 12, wherein the primary biasing
element is one of (i) a spring loaded swivel hinge having a shaft
installed along the primary articulation and (ii) a leaf spring
connected to two portions of the primary backing and spanning the
primary articulation.
15. A toy according to claim 1, wherein the at least first planar
component includes a secondary articulation and at least first and
second additional articulations each running transverse to the
secondary articulation, wherein, in the expanded state, the
additional first and second articulations segment the at least
first planar component into first, second and third planar regions,
the first and third planar regions being generally parallel to each
other and the second planar region being generally transverse to
the first and third planar regions.
16. A toy according to claim 14, wherein, in the flattened
position, the primary backing has the form factor of a playing
card.
17. A toy according to claim 16, wherein at least one web portion
is boustrophedonicly folded.
18. A toy according claim 17, wherein at least one web portion
resembles a character figure.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to the field of toys.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] Collectible cards that feature action characters are well
known. These cards may simply be collected and/or traded, or may be
used to play a type of game, such as a fantasy battle game. The
action characters that appear on the cards may come from a game
that is played with the cards, or from some other source, such as a
popular television show or comic book. In recent years, attempts
have been made to enhance the desirability of these cards and their
play value. Such attempts have typically involved improving the
graphics shown on the cards. However, it would be advantageous to
find other means for enhancing the play value and desirability of
such cards.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0003] In one aspect, the invention is directed to a toy, referred
to herein as a transformable action figure card that transforms
between a flat state, resembling a collectible card, and an
expanded state, resembling a three-dimensional character figure or
doll. The transformable action figure card includes a rigid primary
backing, preferably constructed from plastic, which features a
primary articulation therein and preferably additional
articulations therein that run transverse to the primary
articulation. The primary backing lies substantially flat when not
articulated. A primary biasing mechanism articulates the primary
backing along the primary articulation so as to segment the primary
backing into planar regions that lie transverse to one another. In
the process, each of these planar regions preferably also segments
into further parallel and transverse planar regions due to the
transverse articulations, thus enhancing the three-dimensional
effect of the expanded state.
[0004] Additional rigid planar components are preferably also
hinged to the primary backing and in the flat state lie flat
against the primary backing. Biasing mechanisms swing the planar
components away from the primary backing so as to dispose the
planar components along planes that are transverse to the first and
second planar regions.
[0005] At least one pliable web portion (e.g., paper) is connected
between the planar components and the primary backing and/or
between the first and second planar regions of the primary backing.
The web portions preferably serve to illustrate the character and
preferably combine with the primary backing and the planar
components to present limbs of the character.
[0006] A releasable catch keeps the transformable action figure
card flat or closed. The catch includes an actuator which, when
pressed, allows the biasing mechanisms to pop the card open by
articulating the primary backing and the planar components, which
consequently spread open the web portions that resemble the
character.
[0007] In one particular aspect of the invention a toy is provided
that transforms from a flat state to an expanded state. This toy
includes a rigid primary backing that has at least a primary
articulation therein. A primary biasing mechanism articulates the
primary backing along the primary articulation so as to segment the
primary backing along at least two planes lying transverse to one
another. The primary backing otherwise lies substantially flat when
not articulated. At least a first rigid planar component is hinged
to the primary backing. The first planar component is capable of
lying flat against the primary backing when it is flat. A biasing
mechanism swings the at least first planar component away from the
primary backing so as to dispose the at least first planar
component along a plane transverse to the primary backing. At least
one pliable web portion is connected between the at least first
planar component and the primary backing. A releasable catch holds
the at least first planar component flat against the primary
backing. The at least first planar component extends across the
primary articulation so as to flatten the primary backing when the
at least first planar component lies flat against the primary
backing.
[0008] A second planar component is preferably provided and a
second biasing mechanism swings the second planar component away
from the primary backing so as to dispose the second planar
component along a plane transverse to the primary backing.
Preferably, when the first and second planar components are
flattened against the primary backing, the first and second planar
components respectively lie on opposing sides of the primary
articulation, and the releasable catch connects the primary backing
to the first and second planar components.
[0009] The releasable catch preferably includes an actuator
slidably mounted to the primary backing. The actuator preferably
includes a hook for engaging catch portions of the first and second
planar components, an actuation tab, and a biasing element for
biasing the actuation tab to a position where the tab extends past
an edge of the primary backing. The toy can pop into its expanded
state by pressing the actuation tab to overcome the force of the
biasing element and move the hook to a position where the hook is
disengaged from the catch portions of the first and second planar
components.
[0010] In another particular aspect of the invention a toy is
provided that transforms from a flat state to an expanded state.
This toy features: a rigid primary backing having at least a
primary articulation therein; a primary biasing mechanism for
articulating the primary backing along the primary articulation so
as to segment the primary backing along at least two planes lying
transverse to one another, the primary backing lying substantially
flat when not articulated; and at least one pliable web portion
connected between the two transverse planes. The primary backing
includes at least first and second additional articulations each
running transverse to the primary articulation, wherein, in the
expanded state, the additional first and second articulations
segment the primary backing into first, second and third planar
regions, the first and third planar regions being generally
parallel to each other and the second planar region being generally
transverse to the first and third planar regions, and wherein in
the expanded state the at least one pliable web portion is spaced
further apart from one of the first and third planar regions than
the other of the first and third planar regions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0011] The foregoing and other aspects of the invention will be
better appreciated by considering the following drawings,
wherein:
[0012] FIGS. 1A and 1B are front and rear plan views, respectively,
of an exemplary transformable action figure card according to a
first preferred embodiment in a folded or closed state;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective front view of the transformable
action figure card shown in FIG. 1 in a fully expanded or open
state;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective side view the transformable action
figure card shown in FIG. 1 in the fully expanded state;
[0015] FIGS. 4A and 4B are front and rear detail views,
respectively, of a clasp mechanism for opening and closing the
transformable action figure card shown in FIG. 1;
[0016] FIGS. 5A and 5B are front and rear plan views, respectively,
of rigid components of an transformable action figure card
according to a second preferred embodiment in the folded or closed
state;
[0017] FIG. 5C is a magnified sectional view of a portion of a top
edge of the card shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective front view of the rigid components
of the transformable action figure card shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B in
the fully expanded or open state;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective rear view of the rigid components of
the transformable action figure card shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B in the
fully expanded or open state;
[0020] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the rigid components of the
transformable action figure card shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B;
[0021] FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C are plan views of flexible,
boustrophedonicly folded, web portions of the transformable action
figure card shown in FIG. 1;
[0022] FIGS. 10A-10C are schematic diagrams showing, conceptually,
how the transformable action figure card shown in FIG. 1
articulates;
[0023] FIGS. 11A-11C are schematic diagrams showing, conceptually,
how an alternative transformable action figure card
articulates;
[0024] FIGS. 12A-12C are schematic diagrams showing, conceptually,
how another alternative transformable action figure card
articulates;
[0025] FIGS. 13A-13C are schematic diagrams showing, conceptually,
how yet another alternative transformable action figure card
articulates; and
[0026] FIG. 14 shows a leaf spring as a biasing mechanism to bias
the card shown in FIGS. 5a-5c towards an open state.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] FIGS. 1A and 1B show the front and rear respectively of a
transformable action figure card 10 according to a first embodiment
of the invention, in a flattened, closed state. In the flattened
state, the transformable action figure card 10 presents a two
dimensional like condition, having a breadth (length L and width W)
resembling that of a typical palm-sized playing card (such as a
typical baseball card) and a minimal depth D. Depending on the
construction, D is less than about 1/2 inch, more preferably less
than about 3/8 inch, and most preferably less than 1/4 inch.
However, the transformable action figure card 10 can be quickly
converted or transformed into an expanded or open state as
illustrated for example in the front and side perspective views of
FIGS. 2 and 3 where the transformable action figure card 10
presents a substantial three-dimensional body that may resemble a
character figure. In the expanded state, the depth D' of the
transformable action figure card 10 is considerably larger than the
depth D of the transformable action figure card 10 in its flattened
state, enabling the transformable action figure card 10 to stand in
a self-supporting manner. The transformation or `coming to life` of
the action figure card 10 from the flattened two dimensional state
to the expanded three dimensional state is also enhanced by virtue
of the fact that not only is the depth of the transformable action
figure card 10 greatly enlarged, at least one other dimension of
the transformable action figure card 10 is larger in its expanded
state in comparison to its flattened state. For instance, the
transformable action figure card 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 has a
length L of about 9.5 cm, a width W of about 7.3 cm, and a depth D
of about 3-4 cm in the flattened state, and has a length L' of
about 10 cm, a width W' of 12 cm and a depth D' of about 10 cm in
the expanded state.
[0028] FIGS. 5-8 show a skeleton of the transformable action figure
card 10 according to a second embodiment, which is a variant of the
first embodiment. As the majority of the components are common in
both embodiments, the discussion that follows applies to both
variants.
[0029] The major components of the transformable action figure card
10 include rigid interconnected planar components 20 that are shown
in isolation in the exploded view in FIG. 8, and flexible,
boustrophedonicly folded, web components 80 that are shown in
isolation in the plan views of FIGS. 9A-9C. FIGS. 5A and 5B show
the planar components 20 assembled together in a flattened state in
isolation (i.e., without the web portions 80), and FIGS. 6 and 7
show the planar components 20 assembled together in an expanded
state in isolation. The pliable web components 80 interconnect
between various planar components 20 and in the expanded state the
web components stand out relative to the underlying rigid planar
components 20 as will be noted by comparing FIGS. 2 and 3 against
FIGS. 6 and 7.
[0030] Referring now to the closed state drawings of FIGS. 1A, 1B,
5A and 5B as well as the isolated exploded view drawing of FIG. 8,
it will be seen that the illustrated transformable action figure
card 10 features two primary planes referred to as a front plane 12
(seen best in FIG. 1A, 5A) and a rear plane 14 (seen best in FIG.
1B, 5B). The planes 12, and 14 have top edges 15 and bottom edges
16, and corresponding right edges 17 and left edges 18 (looking
frontward). The terms `front`, `rear`, `top`, `bottom`, `right` and
`left` are used only for anthropomorphic convenience in relation to
the character figure, and may be arbitrarily selected. In the
selected morphology, it will be seen that the distance between the
top and bottom edges 15, 16 defines the length L and the distance
between the right and left edges 17, 18 defines the width W of the
transformable action figure card 10 in the flattened state. The
length L and width W are also arbitrarily selected, and in the
embodiments shown in the Figures, the length L is larger than the
width W, however it will be understood that it need not be. They
could be approximately the same, or the width could be larger than
the length, in alternative embodiments.
[0031] The rear plane 14 includes a generally primary backing 22, a
biasing mechanism 24 and a right and left back portions 26a, 26b of
a clamping mechanism 30.
[0032] The primary backing 22 includes a number of articulations,
seen best in FIG. 5B. Articulation 22TB runs from the top edge 15
towards the bottom edge 16 and bisects the primary backing 22 right
to left along its width. Articulation 22TB is provided by upper and
lower living hinges 22TB-U and 22TB-L. The living hinge is provided
by a thinner portion of plastic or other material that is
preferably formed when a part is manufactured, such as by injection
moulding, and joins together two thicker portion of the part.
Alternatively, the thinner portion may be bonded to the thicker
portions. The thickness of the thin portion is selected to be thin
enough to allow for bending, but thick enough to withstand repeated
use without tearing. The living hinges 22TB-U and 22TB-L are each
formed to bend rearward due to the taper of the surrounding thicker
portions towards the front. More particularly, referring to the
cross-sectional detail of FIG. 5B, the edges f1, f2 at the front
face of the thicker portion are disposed quite close to one another
whereas the edges r1, r2 of the rear face of the thicker portions
are spaced farther apart from one another providing stress relief
toward the rear. The thin joining portion j may be located near the
front or rear face. The angles of the tapers t1, t2 also sets the
rotation angle for the joint.
[0033] Articulation 22TRR runs diagonally towards the top right
edge and is formed to bend rearward. Articulation 22TLRU runs
diagonally towards the top left edge and is formed to bend
rearward. Articulation 22RL runs laterally, interconnects
articulations 22TRR and 22TLR, and is also formed to bend rearward.
These joints are all preferably formed by living hinges.
[0034] Articulation 22TRF runs diagonally to the top right corner
and is formed to bend forward. Articulation 22TLF runs diagonally
to the top left corner and is formed to bend forward. These
articulations 22TRF, 22TLF, which are preferably formed by living
hinges, converge at a point 23U along the bisecting articulation
22TB.
[0035] Similarly, articulation 22BRR runs diagonally towards the
bottom right edge and is formed to bend rearward. Articulation
22BLR runs diagonally towards the bottom left edge and is formed to
bend rearward. Articulation 22RLD runs laterally, interconnects
articulations 22BRR and 22BLR, and is also formed to bend rearward.
These joints are all preferably formed by living hinges.
[0036] Likewise, articulation 22BRF runs diagonally to the bottom
right corner and is formed to bend forward. Articulation 22BLF runs
diagonally to the bottom left corner and is formed to bend forward.
These articulations 22BRF, 22BLF, which are preferably formed by
living hinges, converge at a point 23D along the bisecting
articulation 22TB.
[0037] As seen best in FIG. 8, the biasing mechanism 24 is formed
from right and left parts 24R, 24L that are hinged together via a
shaft 32. More specifically, each part 24R, 24L includes one or
more swivels 34 that encircle and mount the shaft 32. A coil spring
36 is mounted about the shaft 32 between upper and lower swivels
34. The coil spring 36 features oppositely extending tangs 38a, 38b
that seat in respective grooves 40 cut into lands 42 provided in
each part 24R, 24L. The coil spring 36 provides a bending moment
against the lands 42 of the right and left parts 24R, 24L. The
right and left parts 24R, 24L also include tabs 44R, 44L that fit
into grooves 46 provided in the primary backing 22 such that the
shaft 32 lies along the bisecting articulation 22TB and the biasing
mechanism 24 provides a central swivel hinge 22C (see FIG. 5B) that
is disposed in a central aperture 48 of the primary backing 22 (see
FIG. 8). The biasing mechanism 24 thus provides a bending moment
that causes the primary backing 22 to rotate rearward about the
primary bisecting articulation 22TB.
[0038] The biasing mechanism 24 also includes a front facing
protuberance 50 (see FIGS. 5A, 8).
[0039] As seen best in FIG. 8, the right and left back portions
26a, 26b of the clamping mechanism 30 are hinged to the primary
backing 22 via a swivel joint comprising shafts 52R, 52L that seat
in swivel mounts 54R, 54L and 52C.
[0040] The front plane 12 includes planar members 60R, 60L
(resembling arms) that are interconnected via respective hinges
60HR and 60HL (FIG. 5A) to the top edge 15 of the primary planar
member 22, and planar members 62R, 62L (resembling feet) that are
interconnected via respective hinges 62HR and 62HL (FIG. 5A) to the
bottom edge 16 of the primary planar member 22. Each of these
hinges 60HR, 60HL, 62HR, 62HL is provided (see FIG. 8) by a swivel
hinge having a biasing spring 64 mounted about a shaft 66 for
swinging the associated front planar member forward. The swing
angle of each of the front planar members 60R, 60L and 62R, 62L is
preferably limited by way of an interference (not detailed) at the
hinge between the planar member and the primary planar member 22
that inhibits rotation above a predetermined angle. In the
illustrated embodiment, the limit angle is preferably ninety
degrees, particularly for the feet-like lower planar members 62R,
62L which provide a stand of the transformable action figure card
10.
[0041] One of the arm-like planar members 60R, 60L features a slot
67 for receiving the protuberance 50. (The two components function
as an alignment guide.) At the bottom end 16, the arm-like planar
members 60R, 60L have respective indentations 68R, 68L and catch
tabs 69R 69L that form part of the clasping mechanism 30.
[0042] The feet-like planar members 62R, 62L have small inboard
tabs 63R, 63L.
[0043] The clamping mechanism 30 is composed of parts that lie in
the front and rear planes 12, 14. The right and left back portions
26a, 26b of the clamping mechanism 30 provide a second hinge 70
(FIG. 5B) formed by (see FIG. 8) upper and lower swivel mounts
70RU, 70RL, 70LU, 70LL which collectively mount a shaft 70S. The
shaft 70S and hence the axis of hinge 70 lies along the bisecting
articulation 22TB.
[0044] An actuator 72 slides along the shaft 70S in the space
between the upper and lower swivel mounts 70RU, 70RL. The actuator
72 has a hook 72H and a projection tab 72T. A biasing spring 74 is
also mounted about the shaft 70S, and biases the actuator 72
towards the bottom edge 16.
[0045] To maintain the transformable action figure card 10 in the
flattened or closed state, as seen best in FIG. 5A, the actuator
hook 72H interacts with the catch tabs 69R 69L of the arm-like
planar members 60R, 60L, and the biasing spring 74 biases the
actuator hook 72H in this position. In this condition, the arm-like
planar members 60R, 60L lie flat against the primary backing 22,
compressing the biasing springs 64. In addition, because the
arm-like planar members 60R, 60L span the length of the primary
backing 22 and the actuator hook 72H engages both catch tabs 69R,
69L along the axis of the bisecting articulation 22TB, the arm-like
planar members 60R, 60L also compress the biasing mechanism 24.
Furthermore, the arm-like planar members 60R, 60L overlie the
inboard tabs 63R, 63L (FIG. 8) of the feet-like planar members 62R,
62L, keeping these members compressed.
[0046] In the closed state, the actuator projecting tab 72T extends
below the bottom edge 16. The indentations 68R, 68L in the arm-like
planar members 60R, 60L provide space for the actuator hook 72H to
disengage from the catch tabs 69R 69L. To open the transformable
action figure card 10, the projecting tab 72T is pushed upwards,
overcoming the bias of spring 74, allowing the actuator hook 72H to
disengage from the catch tabs 69R 69L. In practice, the right and
left edges of the transformable action figure card 10 in the closed
state may be held between a person's thumb and opposing finger and
the bottom of the closed transformable action figure card 10 may be
brought to bear against a hard surface, causing the transformable
action figure card 10 to actuate to its open or expanded state.
[0047] Upon actuation, the transformable action figure card 10
immediately pops open and expands. Referring additionally to FIGS.
6 and 7, the arm-like planar members 60R, 60L and the feet-like
planar members 62R, 62L swing forward relative to the primary
backing 22. In addition, the biasing mechanism 24 causes the
primary backing 22 to bend rearwardly along the bisecting
articulation 22TB. This bending moment also causes the primary
backing 22 to bend along the other articulations, frontward along
articulations 22TRF, 22TLF, rearward along articulations 22TRR,
22RLU, and 22TLR, rearward along articulations 22BRR, 22RLD, and
22BLR, and frontward along articulations 22BRF, 22BLF. The net
result as seen best in FIGS. 6 and 7 is that the primary backing 22
is segmented in to a number of parallel planar regions
interconnected by transverse planar regions, which effect enhances
the three-dimensionality of the transformable action figure card 10
by substantially increasing the depth of the primary backing 22 (in
addition to the increase in depth provided by the swing out of the
arm-like planar components 60R, 60L).
[0048] More particularly, looking at the upper half of the
transformable action figure card 10, there are two transverse
planar regions R1, L1 resulting from articulation 22TB. Planar
region TRT, defined by articulations 22TRR and 22TRF, is transverse
to planar region R1. Planar region R2, defined by articulation
22TRF, is transverse to planar region TRT and generally parallel to
planar region R1. Likewise, planar region TLT, defined by
articulations 22TLR and 22TLF, is transverse to planar region L1.
Planar region L2, defined by articulation 22TLF, is transverse to
planar region TLT and generally parallel to planar region L1. A
similar effect can also be seen with respect to the bottom half of
the transformable action figure card 10, where planar region R3 is
generally parallel to planar region R1 and planar region TRB is
generally transverse to planar regions R1 and R3, and where planar
region L3 is generally parallel to planar regions L1 and planar
region TLB is generally transverse to planar regions L1 and L3.
[0049] It should also be appreciated that because the planar
regions R1 and L1 are transverse to one another, whereby planar
regions R2 and L2 are transverse to one another, the arm-like
planar components will also swing out in directions that are
transverse to one another thereby increasing the width of the
transformable action figure card 10 in comparison to its flattened
state.
[0050] The pliable web components 80 are interconnected between the
various planar components 20 and in the expanded state the web
components will stand out relative to the underlying rigid planar
components 20. Referring additionally to FIGS. 9A-9C, the web
portions 80 of the illustrated transformable action figure card 10
include right and left wings 82R, 82L, an upper torso 84, a lower
torso 86 and feet 90R, 90L. The fold lines for each of the pliable
web portions are indicated by lines 92.
[0051] Referring additionally to FIGS. 2 and 3, the feet 90R, 90L
have no fold lines and are simply adhered to the feet-like planar
components 62R, 62L.
[0052] The right and left wings 82R and 82L are respectively
connected between the primary backing 22 and respective right and
left arm-like planar components 60R, 60L. End portions 98R, 98L of
the wings are adhered to the right and left arm-like planar
components 60R, 60L, and end portions 100R, 100L are adhered to the
plane portions R1, L1 of the primary backing 22. The
boustrophedonic folds 92 in the wings 82R, 82L enables them to
predictably contract and expand between their flattened state and
the expanded state as will be seen by comparing FIGS. 1A and 1B
against FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0053] The upper torso 84 is adhered at portions 102 to wing
portions 104R, 104L. Thus, when the arm-like planar components 60R,
60L swing out to expand the wings 89R, 98L, the arm sections of the
upper torso also articulate about the arm fold line 92A. In the
expanded state, the upper torso 84 is spaced apart from plane
portions R2, L2 of the primary backing 22.
[0054] The lower torso 86 has flaps 106 that adhere to flaps 108R,L
(see FIG. 8) in the primary backing 22 and flats 110R, 110L in the
right and left back portions 26a, 26b of the clamping mechanism 30.
As the right and left back portions 26a, 26b pivot about respective
hinges provided by shafts 52R, 52L and swivel mounts 54R, 54L,
lower torso is pushed frontward relative to the primary backing 22
and will be spaced apart from planes R3 and L3 of the primary
backing.
[0055] As will be seen in FIG. 1B, the rear face of the primary
backing may be printed to indicate the character embodied by the
transformable action figure card 10. On the other side, seen in
FIG. 1A, the folded web portions 80 indicate the character.
[0056] It should also be appreciated that the various articulations
discussed above can be provided by way of a living hinge or a
swivel hinge, and that in most circumstances either type of hinge
will suffice. For example, FIGS. 1-4 show a variant of the
transformable action figure card where articulations 22TB-U,
22TB-L, 22TRF, 22TLF, 22TRR, 22TLR, 22BRR, 22BLR, 22BRF and 22BLF
are provided by hinge joints instead of living hinges as shown in
FIGS. 5-8. In addition, as shown in FIG. 14, the biasing mechanism
24 may incorporate a leaf spring 550, which, being a single band of
material (e.g. a metal) has a low profile and can be installed. In
alternative embodiments the biasing mechanism may be omitted and
the action card may be transformed into its open state by manually
squeezing it.
[0057] In addition, it should be appreciated that the pattern of
articulations presented in the embodiments of FIG. 1-9 may be
varied in other embodiments. For example, FIG. 10 presents a
conceptual framework for the pattern of articulations described
heretofore. In FIG. 10A, a primary backing 200 is shown lying flat
with planar components 202. FIG. 10B shows the results of a first
articulation about latitudinal axis 204, whereby the planar
components 202 swing out relative to the primary backing. FIG. 10C
shows the result of the primary backing 200 bending relative to a
primary longitudinal articulation 206, resulting in two planar
regions 200A, 200B that lie transverse to one another. FIG. 10C
also shows additional articulations 208 that run transverse to the
primary articulation 206. These will be effected (the resultant
shape is not shown) in accordance with their direction of rotation
and angular limits as discussed above.
[0058] FIG. 11 shows the conceptual framework for an alternative
embodiment. In FIG. 11A, a primary backing 300 is shown lying flat
with one planar component 302. FIG. 11B shows the results of a
first articulation about latitudinal axis 304, whereby the planar
component 302 swings out relative to the primary backing. FIG. 11C
shows the result of the primary backing 300 bending relative to a
primary longitudinal articulation 306, resulting in two planar
regions 300A, 300B that lie transverse to one another. The primary
articulation extends into the planar component 302, resulting in
two planar regions 302A, 302B that lie transverse to one another.
FIG. 10C also shows additional articulations that run parallel 308
and transverse 310 to the primary articulation 306. These will be
effected (the resultant shape is not shown) in accordance with
their direction of rotation and angular limits as discussed
above.
[0059] FIG. 12 shows the conceptual framework for another
alternative embodiment. In FIG. 12A, a primary backing 400 is shown
lying flat with planar components 402. FIG. 12B shows the results
of a first articulation about two longitudinal axes 404, whereby
the planar components 402 swing out horizontally relative to the
primary backing 400. FIG. 12C shows the result of the primary
backing 400 bending relative to a primary longitudinal articulation
406, resulting in two planar regions 400A, 400B that lie transverse
to one another, and each of which lie transverse relative to the
immediately adjacent planar component 402. FIG. 12C also shows
additional articulations 408 that run transverse to the primary
articulation 406. These will be effected (the resultant shape is
not shown) in accordance with their direction of rotation and
angular limits as discussed above.
[0060] And finally, FIG. 13 shows the conceptual framework for yet
another alternative embodiment. In FIG. 13A, a primary backing 500
is shown lying flat with planar components 502. FIG. 13B shows the
results of a first articulation about latitudinal axis 404, whereby
the planar component 502 swings out vertically relative to the
primary backing 500. FIG. 13C shows the result of the primary
backing 500 bending relative to a primary latitudinal articulation
406, resulting in two planar regions 500A, 500B that lie transverse
to one another, while planar region 500B lies generally parallel to
planar component 502. FIG. 13C also shows additional articulations
that run transverse 508 and parallel 510 to the primary
articulation 506. These will be effected (the resultant shape is
not shown) in accordance with their direction of rotation and
angular limits as discussed above. (The two planar regions 508A,
508B have similar articulation patterns.)
[0061] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of
other alternations and modifications may be made to the embodiments
discussed herein without departing from the spirit of the
invention.
* * * * *