CN117042859A - Sectional toy pole for children accessories - Google Patents

Abstract

A segmented toy pole assembly includes a plurality of toy pole segments connected by couplings that allow reconfiguration between a deployed configuration defining a deployed length and a compact configuration having a significantly smaller deployed length. The toy pole segment may take the form of a flexible member having a cross-sectional width at least twice the cross-sectional thickness to allow the deployed toy pole to flex into an arch for placement on a play mat or other child accessory. The toy may be suspended from an upstanding toy pole for play and entertainment.

Description

Sectional toy pole for children accessories

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application is a continuation of the section of U.S. design patent application Ser. No. 29/794,783 filed on 6/15 of 2021; and claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 63/160,549 filed on month 3 12 of 2021 and U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 63/187,003 filed on month 5 of 2021, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes.

Technical Field

The present application relates generally to the field of children's toys and accessories, and more particularly to a segmented toy pole for use with children's toys and accessories.

Background

Children's toys and accessories, such as play gyms and mats, often include toy bars extending over or above a play area to support the toys and entertainment features for interaction and play by the children. Typically, such toy poles are in the form of elongated flexible poles or tubes that may include fiberglass poles or beams on their inner cores for structural support, a layer of foam padding surrounding the inner pole, and a fabric or textile outer covering over the foam padding.

Previously known toy poles typically employ a unitary elongate body having a length of 1 meter (m) or more, up to 1.5 meters, 2 meters or more. While these toy bars may flex or bend to fit within the package for shipping and storage, they typically still require a relatively large package envelope, which may increase the cost of production and shipping. In addition, retaining the flexed toy bars in their packaging can be difficult because they tend to accidentally unfold and disengage, or pop out of the packaging, causing inconvenience to the user and/or increasing packaging costs.

Accordingly, it has been found that there is a need for improved toy bars for children's accessories. The present disclosure is directed primarily to providing improvements to toy poles of children's accessories to meet these needs and others.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure relates to an improved toy pole for a child accessory. In an exemplary embodiment, the toy pole includes two or more relatively short length segments configured to be coupled together to form a relatively long length toy pole assembly. In some examples, toy pole segments are connected by one or more couplings, including, but not limited to: hinge coupling elements, elastic coupling elements, threaded coupling elements, living hinge coupling elements, groove-flange coupling elements, rod-ferrule coupling elements, rotational or translational engagement coupling elements, pivot coupling elements, torsional coupling elements, and/or other coupling means. In exemplary forms and methods of use, the improved toy pole of the present disclosure is configured for stable and safe packaging and storage in a compact configuration within a packaging envelope that is smaller or reduced in size relative to previously known toy poles.

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a segmented toy pole assembly that includes a first toy pole segment, a second toy pole segment, and at least one coupler connecting the first toy pole segment to the second toy pole segment. The at least one coupler is preferably configured to allow the segmented toy pole assembly to be reconfigured between a deployed configuration in which the first and second toy pole segments extend in axial alignment to define a deployed length, and a compact configuration in which the first and second toy poles are configured to fit within a packaging envelope having a compact length substantially less than the deployed length.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a segmented toy pole assembly that includes a first toy pole segment, a second toy pole segment, and at least one hinge coupler pivotally connecting proximal ends of the first toy pole segment and the second toy pole segment. The assembly preferably further comprises first and second support members attached and secured at the distal ends of the first and second toy pole segments, respectively. Each of the first and second toy pole segments preferably takes the form of a flexible member having a cross-sectional profile with a width and a thickness, the width being at least twice the thickness.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a segmented toy pole assembly that includes a first toy pole segment, a second toy pole segment, and a third toy pole segment. The assembly preferably further includes a first coupler rotatably connecting the first toy pole segment and the second toy pole segment, and a second coupler rotatably connecting the second toy pole segment and the third toy pole segment. The assembly preferably further comprises first and second support feet, the first and second support feet being respectively attached and secured at the distal ends of the first and second toy pole segments. Each of the first and second toy pole segments preferably takes the form of a flexible member having a cross-sectional profile defining a width and a thickness, the width being at least twice the thickness. The first and second couplers preferably allow the segmented toy pole assembly to be reconfigured between a deployed configuration defining a deployed length and a compact configuration having a significantly smaller deployed length.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present application will be understood by reference to the drawings and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following description are explanatory of example embodiments of the application, and are not restrictive of the application as claimed.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a playard accessory including a playpad and a pair of segmented toy pole assemblies according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 2 is a detailed view, partially in section, showing a section of a segmented toy pole assembly including a hinged coupling portion in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 3 is a detailed perspective view of a hinge coupling portion of a segmented toy pole assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 4 is a detailed perspective view of a support foot portion of a segmented toy pole assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D (collectively fig. 5) illustrate an operational sequence of a segmented toy pole assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 6A and 6B (collectively fig. 6) illustrate different variations of articulating segmented toy bar assemblies in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present application.

Fig. 7 illustrates a packaged playard accessory including a playpad, a pair of segmented toy pole assemblies, and a hanging toy packaged in a compact shipping or storage configuration within the package, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D (collectively fig. 8) illustrate a resiliently translationally coupled segmented toy rod assembly in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 9A, 9B and 9C (collectively fig. 9) illustrate a hinged or pivotally coupled segmented toy bar assembly in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present application.

10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E and 10F (collectively FIG. 10) illustrate a threaded or torsionally connected segmented toy bar assembly in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D and 11E (collectively fig. 11) illustrate an integral or living hinge coupled segmented toy pole assembly in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 12A, 12B, 12C and 12D (collectively fig. 12) illustrate a translationally engaged slot and flange coupled segmented toy bar assembly in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 13A and 13B (collectively fig. 13) illustrate an alternative arrangement of hinge couplers of a segmented toy pole assembly in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

The present application may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this application is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed application. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein.

Furthermore, as used in the specification, including the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents and reference to a particular value includes at least that particular value unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about/about (about)" or "about/approximate/about (approbustly)", to "about/about (about)" or "about/approximate/about (approbustly)", to another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about/about (about)," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows a child play gym accessory 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, which includes a play mat 20 for supporting a child on a floor or other support surface, and a pair of segmented toy pole assemblies 30 (labeled 30a and 30 b) extending over or above the play mat and for supporting toy or entertainment elements 12, 14 suspended therefrom. In some examples, play mat 20 is padded, such as foam or nonwoven batting included in a fabric or textile outer covering, and may include clips, snaps, buttons, or other attachment features for attaching the mat to support legs or end members 70 of toy pole 30. The game pad 20 may be square or rectangular, circular or other shape as shown.

As shown in further detail in FIG. 2, some exemplary embodiments of segmented toy pole assembly 30 include two or more inner pole or pole segments 40 (labeled 40a and 40 b) made of or at least partially made of a flexible and resilient material, such as fiberglass, nylon, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polymer, metal, wood, composite or other material, providing sufficient structural support and rigidity for the intended load, and having a sufficient degree of elasticity and internal spring or shape memory to allow the pole or pole to repeatedly flex into an arcuate or curved shape and release to return to a relatively straight configuration. In some example embodiments, the inner rod or shaft segment 40 may have a material thickness or diameter of about 4 millimeters. Toy pole assembly 30 may also include a layer of padding 42, such as a tube or sleeve of, for example, flexible polyurethane or polyethylene foam or other resilient cushioning material, applied over and around inner pole segment or rod segment 40. In some example embodiments, the cushion layer 42 may have an outer diameter of about 25 millimeters and a cushion material thickness of about 5 millimeters. An outer covering 44 of fabric or other flexible material or coating may be provided over the liner 42. In some exemplary embodiments, the fabric cover 44 may be removable for cleaning, such as by a zipper, hook and loop fastener, or other removable attachment means.

Adjacent ends of toy pole segment 40 are interconnected by one or more hinge coupling elements or hinges 50, which are shown in more detail in the example of fig. 3. In some example embodiments, the hinge 50 or other coupling element may be formed of or at least partially include a flexible and resilient material, such as, for example, acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), high Density Polyethylene (HDPE), and/or polypropylene. In the depicted embodiment, the hinge 50 includes oppositely disposed first and second receivers 52, 54 for receiving and engaging the respective ends of the pole segment 40. Each receiver 52, 54 further includes a hinge pin 56, 58, the hinge pin 56, 58 having a middle portion extending through a hole in the proximal end of each respective rod segment 40 and one or both ends that are attachedly secured to the top and/or bottom flanges of the receiver. The hinge pins 56, 58 define two parallel axes of rotation of the toy pole segments 40a, 40b and are offset from one another by a distance d in a direction transverse to the axial dimension. The double hinge assembly effectively provides two 90 ° offset folds that combine to achieve 180 ° folding of adjacent coupled pole segments 40. In an exemplary embodiment, the offset distance d is at least about twice the thickness of the foam padding material 42 to allow the toy pole segments 40a, 40b to be folded into a compact folded configuration (see fig. 5) that is generally parallel to one another to prevent shearing of the foam material and/or to reduce or eliminate potential pinch points. In some particular embodiments, the offset distance d is at least about 1 centimeter (cm) to about 5 cm, such as about 2.5 cm. In some examples, the hinge pins 56, 58 may be positioned generally centrally on the receivers 52, 54, or alternatively may be positioned toward corners or ends of the receivers to provide different alignment or support structure arrangements of adjacent toy pole segments 40a, 40 b. The receivers 52, 54 optionally include stop members 62, 64 on one side thereof to limit pivotal movement of the toy pole segments 40a, 40b relative to one another in only one direction (i.e., from 0 ° to 180 °, but not more than 180 °), and optionally further include releasable and/or fixed locking elements to retain the toy pole segments 40a, 40b in their extended (180 °) and/or folded (0 °) positions. In some exemplary embodiments, the hinge is configured for single use to allow the toy pole assembly to be unfolded and assembled after delivery to an end user, and thereafter remain secured in the unfolded configuration. In other exemplary embodiments, the hinge is configured for repeated assembly and disassembly, thereby allowing the end user to reconfigure the toy pole assembly between its deployed configuration and its compact configuration multiple times.

Each end of toy bar assembly 30 optionally also includes a support foot 70, which is shown in further detail in fig. 4. In the illustrated form, the support foot 70 includes a lower base pad section 72 having a planar face at one end, optionally including a non-slip material for contact with a floor or other support surface; and an opposite upper end defining a channel or opening 74 for receiving and engaging the outer end of toy pole segment 40. The support foot 70 optionally further includes a retaining groove 76 or other attachment feature for attaching the game pad 20 to the foot. The support foot 70 optionally further includes a laterally outwardly projecting flange 78 for preventing the pad 42 and outer cover 44 from sliding beyond their intended location on the toy pole segment 40. In the exemplary embodiment, support feet 70 are large enough to prevent the risk of jamming of parts of the toy pole assembly.

Fig. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D (collectively fig. 5) illustrate the sequence of operation or movement of the three-section dual-hinge toy pole assembly 30 (with the pad 42 and outer cover 44 not shown in fig. 5A, 5B and 5C, but shown in phantom in fig. 5D) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present application. Toy pole assembly 30 may be folded into a compact configuration as shown in fig. 5A, wherein articulating toy pole segments 40a, 40b, 40c are generally parallel and adjacent to one another for transport and storage. Toy pole assembly 30 is deployed in a deployed configuration as shown in fig. 5B (partially deployed) and 5C (fully deployed), wherein toy pole segments 40a, 40B, 40C are generally coaxially aligned with one another and form a straight or linear pole. Toy bar assembly 30 may then be bent or flexed into an arcuate, curved, or semi-circular configuration as shown in fig. 5D for positioning over or on play mat 20 or other play area to support a toy or play feature over a child for play (see fig. 1).

In an exemplary embodiment, and with reference to FIG. 3, in the cross-sectional profile of toy pole segment 40, the width dimension of pole width W _B Significantly greater than the thickness T of the rod in the thickness-wise dimension _B For example, W _B ：T _B An aspect ratio of at least about 2:1, and in certain exemplary embodiments, at least about 3:1 or 4:1. (the lengthwise L, widthwise W and thickness T dimensions herein refer to the minutesDirections or axes orthogonal (90 °) to each other, corresponding to the X-, Y-, and Z-dimensions or axes of the cartesian coordinate system name of the three-dimensional space. Thus, the toy pole segment has a greater degree of rigidity or structural rigidity in its widthwise dimension (Y-axis) and a greater degree of flexibility in its thickness dimension (Z-axis). The hinge axes 56, 58 are generally aligned in the thickness direction (Z) dimension, allowing the pole segments 40 to fold relative to one another in the width direction (Y) dimension (in the X-Y plane), as shown in fig. 5B. In an exemplary embodiment, the legs 70 of the toy bar assembly 30 are configured to align the retaining groove 76 with the thickness direction (Z) dimension such that when assembled for use, the bar assembly flexes in the thickness direction dimension (i.e., flexes about a flex axis in the width direction (Y) dimension and bows in the X-Z plane) as shown in fig. 5D and 1. In this way, the greater stiffness and arched configuration (Z-axis, X-Z plane) of the rod assembly 30 in the width-wise dimension (Y-axis, X-Y plane) provides substantial three-dimensional structural strength and resists bending under load, and the greater flexibility in the thickness-wise dimension (Z-axis, X-Y plane) allows for ease of assembly in use. When toy bar assembly 30 flexes, the alignment of hinge 50 with the widthwise dimensions (Y axis, X-Y plane) of toy bar segment 40 prevents the hinge from being compressed in its folding direction, thereby avoiding or preventing unintentional folding during use.

Fig. 6A and 6B illustrate other alternative embodiments of toy pole assemblies. Fig. 6A shows a four-segment (segments 140a, 140b, 140c, 140 d) three-hinge (150) toy pole assembly 130. The foam pad 42 and outer cover 44 are not shown in fig. 6 and 7, but may be provided in a typical form. Fig. 6B shows a two-piece (sections 240a, 240B) single-hinge (250) toy pole assembly 230. In further alternative embodiments, more segments or differently configured segments and hinges or other coupling arrangements may be provided. In some exemplary embodiments, the toy pole segment includes a circular cross-section pole, a rectangular cross-section pole, a cylindrical tube, or other configuration. In some example embodiments, the toy pole segment has an axial length L of no more than about 400 millimeters _B And a diameter or transverse dimension of about 15 millimeters. In an exemplary embodiment, the pole segment andor the hinge member may be injection molded, extruded, machined, cut, or otherwise fabricated. In some exemplary embodiments, each pole segment of the toy pole assembly is the same component for manufacturing and packaging efficiency. Alternatively, one or more pole segments of the toy pole assembly may be different from other pole segments, for example having different lengths. In a further example, each pole segment of the toy pole assembly is substantially similar in length to minimize packaging size for a given overall toy pole assembly length, e.g., where the length L of all pole segments of the toy pole assembly _B Not more than about 25% from each other, and in certain exemplary embodiments not more than about 10%.

Referring to fig. 7, the segmented toy pole assembly of the present disclosure allows for more convenient and compact packaging for shipping and storage when not in use, as compared to previously known monolithic or unsegmented toy poles. In the example form shown, one, two or more toy pole assemblies 30 may be folded into their compact folded configuration and contained (optionally with play mat 20, toys 12, 14, 16 and/or other accessory components) within a box or other package 90, the box or other package 90 defining a packaging envelope (the largest dimension of the contained volume) having a length L _P Width W _P And/or height H _P The dimensions are substantially smaller than one or more corresponding dimensions of a previously known package of toy bars (or a package for a child accessory including such a toy bar). For example, in some embodiments, a folding toy pole assembly 30 according to the present disclosure having a total length of at least 100 cm to 150 cm in its unfolded configuration may be contained within a packaging envelope less than 55 cm long and/or less than 43 cm wide, such as, for example, within a packaging envelope about 46 cm long and/or about 25 cm wide. In other exemplary embodiments, a toy pole assembly according to the present disclosure having an overall length of about 138 centimeters in its deployed configuration may be contained in its folded or compact configuration within a packaging envelope no more than about 35 centimeters long by about 12 centimeters wide by about 4 centimeters high. In still further exemplary embodiments, toy bars according to the present applicationCan be contained in its compact configuration within a packaging envelope no more than about 46 cm long by about 9 cm wide by about 3 cm high. Furthermore, the compact folded toy pole assembly 30 according to the present application may be contained within a reduced size packaging envelope without flexing or bending the toy pole segment 40, thereby allowing the toy pole assembly to be packaged more stably and safely without the risk of accidental deployment and detachment, or ejection from the packaging as in previously known toy pole packages. The reduced size packaging envelope achieved by the segmented toy bar assembly of the present disclosure may thereby reduce packaging costs, reduce transportation costs, reduce storage space requirements, and improve user experience and convenience.

Fig. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D (collectively fig. 8) illustrate a resiliently coupled and translationally coupled segmented toy bar assembly 830 in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. To better illustrate the pole segments and coupling arrangement, the foam cushion sleeve, outer textile covering, and support foot are not shown in this and subsequent embodiments, but it will be understood that these features may be provided in a typical manner to the various embodiments of the disclosed toy pole assembly. This embodiment is substantially similar to the embodiments described above, except as described. The pole assembly 830 includes a plurality of pole segments 840, the plurality of pole segments 840 being coupled to one another by resilient translating couplings 850 to form an extended elongated configuration for use and to allow the assembly to be disassembled or broken into a more compact or collapsed configuration for shipping and storage. The coupler 850 includes a male tab or pin element 852 attached and secured to the end of the pole segment, and a female receiving sleeve or ferrule 854, the female receiving sleeve or ferrule 854 being configured to receive and engage the tab or pin element to couple adjacent pole segments to one another. A resilient member or cord 856 is optionally engaged between facing male projections or pin elements 852 of adjacent pole segments. In use, a user assembles toy rod assembly 830 into its deployed configuration by axially aligning toy rod segment 840 and inserting opposing male protrusions or pin elements 852 of adjacent rod segments into opposing ends of intermediate female receiver sleeve or ferrule 854. Toy rod assembly 830 may be disassembled or folded into its compact folded configuration by pulling the rod segments 840 axially away from one another to retract the male protrusions or pin elements 852 from the female receiving sleeve or ferrule 854 and folding the rod segments relative to one another, as shown in fig. 8D. The resilient member or cord 856 keeps the components connected to each other and aids in assembly by the user. Toy bar assembly 830 may be packaged in a box or other package 890 in its compact or folded configuration. In an exemplary embodiment, the folding toy bar assembly 830 having a length of about 138 centimeters in its unfolded configuration may be housed in its compact or folded configuration within a packaging envelope of no more than about 40 centimeters in length, no more than about 8 centimeters in width, and/or no more than about 2-3 centimeters in height.

Fig. 9A, 9B and 9C (collectively fig. 9) illustrate an articulated or pivotally coupled segmented toy bar assembly 930 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present application. This embodiment is substantially similar to the embodiments described above, except as described. The pole assembly 930 includes a plurality of pole segments 940, the plurality of pole segments 940 being coupled to one another by pivot couplings or hinges 950 to form an elongated configuration (fig. 9B) that extends in use and to allow the assembly to be folded into a more compact or folded configuration (fig. 9C) for shipping and storage. The pivot coupling 950 includes a single axis of rotation about the hinge pin 952, the hinge pin 952 being laterally offset from the longitudinal axis of the pole segment 940 and laterally offset (in the direction of the hinge axis) from the pole receiver 954 to allow a 180 ° range of folding with sufficient spacing between the pole segments to accommodate the foam sleeve and fabric covering of the toy pole assembly without shearing and without pinch points during use. In an exemplary embodiment, the folding toy bar assembly 930, having a length of about 138 centimeters in its unfolded configuration, may be housed in its compact or folded configuration within a packaging envelope of no more than about 38 centimeters in length, no more than about 5 centimeters in width, and/or no more than about 2-3 centimeters in height.

Fig. 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, and 10F (collectively fig. 10) illustrate a threaded or twist connection segmented toy bar assembly 1030 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment is substantially similar to the embodiments described above, except as described. Rod assembly 1030 includes a plurality of rod segments 1040, with the plurality of rod segments 1040 being coupled to one another by threaded or torsional couplings 1050 to form an elongated configuration (fig. 10A) that extends in use, and to permit disassembly or disassembly of the assembly into a more compact or collapsed configuration for shipping and storage (fig. 10F). The coupler 1050 includes a male fitting portion 1052, the male fitting portion 1052 configured to be received and engaged within a female fitting portion 1054. The coupler 1050 may incorporate interengaging helical threaded elements 1056 and optional locking tabs 1058. In use, a user assembles toy rod assembly 1030 into its deployed configuration by axially aligning toy rod segment 1040 (fig. 10B) and mutually engaging male and female coupling portions 1052, 1054 of adjacent rod segments by twisting in opposite directions about the longitudinal axis of the rod assembly (fig. 10C, 10D, 10E). As shown in fig. 10F, toy pole assembly 1030 may be disassembled and folded into its compact or folded configuration by twisting in opposite directions, separating pole segments 1040 from one another, and folding the pole segments relative to one another. Toy bar assembly 1030 may be packaged in a box or other package 1090 in its compact or folded configuration. In an exemplary embodiment, the folding toy bar assembly 1030 having a length of about 138 centimeters in its unfolded configuration may be housed in its compact or folded configuration within a packaging envelope of no more than about 36 centimeters in length, no more than about 10 centimeters in width, and/or no more than about 2-3 centimeters in height.

Fig. 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D and 11E (collectively fig. 11) illustrate an integrated or living hinge coupled segmented toy pole assembly 1130 in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment is substantially similar to the embodiments described above, except as described. Rod assembly 1130 includes a plurality of rod segments 1140 coupled to one another by living hinge couplers 1150 to form an extended, elongated configuration (fig. 11A, 11B) in use and to allow the assembly to be folded into a more compact or folded configuration (fig. 11E) for shipping and storage. The living hinge coupler 1150 includes a unitary molded body including a first pole segment receiving sleeve 1152 and a second pole segment receiving sleeve 1154 with a flexible sheet of interconnecting material 1156 extending between the receiving sleeves and forming a hinge segment. The hinge formed by the interconnecting plate 1156 defines a single axis of rotation that is laterally offset from the longitudinal axes of the pole segments 1140 and their respective coaxial sleeves 1152, 1154 to allow a 180 degree range of folding with sufficient spacing between the pole segments to accommodate the foam sleeve and fabric cover of the toy pole assembly without shearing and without pinch points during use, as shown in fig. 11E.

Fig. 12A, 12B, 12C and 12D (collectively fig. 12) illustrate a translationally engaged slot and flange coupled segmented toy lever assembly 1230 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In the exemplary embodiment, assembly 1230 includes a plurality of leg assemblies (three shown, joined together by a central hub connector 1235). Each leg assembly includes two or more toy pole segments, which in the depicted embodiment include an upper pole segment 1240a and a lower pole segment 1240b, the upper pole segment 1240a having an upper end configured for attachment to a hub 1235 and the lower pole segment 1240b having a lower end configured for supporting the assembly on a ground, floor, or other support surface. The lower end of the facing upper pole segment 1240a and the upper end of the lower pole segment 1240b include interengaging groove and flange coupling features 1250a, 1250b that are configured to slidingly or translationally interengage as shown in fig. 12C. In some exemplary embodiments, one or both of the upper pole segment 1240a and the lower pole segment 1240b comprise a curved or arcuate, substantially rigid arcuate member. In further exemplary embodiments, one or both of the upper pole segment 1240a and the lower pole segment 1240b comprise, at least in part, natural or synthetic wood materials or veneers. The toy bar assembly 1230 may be packaged in a box or other package 1290 in its compact or folded package. In exemplary embodiments, the toy bar assembly 1230 may be contained in its compact or folded configuration within a packaging envelope no more than about 17 inches (about 43 cm) in length, no more than about 7 inches (about 18 cm) in width, and/or no more than about 4 inches-5 inches (about 10-13 cm) in height.

Fig. 13A and 13B illustrate an alternative arrangement of hinge couplers 1350 of a segmented toy pole assembly in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The hinge coupler 1350 is substantially similar to the hinge 50 disclosed above, except as previously described. The body of the hinge coupler 1350 includes a hinge body or housing that includes a first half housing element 1353 and a second half housing element 1355. In some example embodiments, for manufacturing efficiency, the two half-shell elements 1353, 1355 comprise the same molded article. In an exemplary embodiment, half-shell elements 1353, 1355 each include a hinge pin 1357, a hinge pin receiving recess 1359, a 180 ° limit stop abutment 1361, a 90 ° limit stop abutment 1363, and an indexed position locking element 1365 for releasably retaining toy pole segment 1340 in the 180 ° and 90 ° positions. The coupling 1350 is assembled by mounting the first and second half-shell elements 1353, 1355 in a mirror image arrangement facing each other, wherein the hinge pin of each half-shell is received in a receiving recess of the other half-shell and the half-shells are joined by ultrasonic welding, adhesive, thermal or solvent bonding, one or more fasteners, or other attachment means.

In an exemplary method of using a toy pole assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a toy pole assembly is provided for use in connection with a child accessory, such as a play gym or play mat. The toy bars may be provided to a user in a packaged state, such as an adult caretaker of a child, wherein the toy bars are in a compact configuration within a box or other package. The toy pole assembly includes two or more toy pole segments and at least one coupler positioned between two adjacent toy pole segments. The user may remove the assembly from the package and extend the toy pole segments into a deployed configuration, for example, wherein the toy pole segments extend in axial alignment to define a deployed length. The deployed toy pole assembly may be mounted to a mat or other play accessory, such as by flexing it into an arched configuration positioned over the play area, and optionally connecting the legs of the toy pole assembly to the play mat or other accessory. One or more toys or play features may be suspended from the toy pole for interaction by the child. The coupling between the toy pole segments allows a user to selectively and controllably reconfigure the toy pole assembly between the deployed configuration and the compact configuration. In its compact configuration, the toy pole assembly is configured to fit within a packaging envelope, which is defined as the smallest-sized packaging space (not necessarily including a physical package) in which the toy pole can fit in its compact configuration. In an exemplary embodiment, the compact configuration packaging envelope defines a compact length that is substantially less than the deployed length of the toy pole assembly. In exemplary embodiments, the compact length may be at least 25% less than the deployed length, and in particular embodiments, at least 40% less, 50% less, or 75% less. In other words, in exemplary embodiments, the compact length may be less than about 75% of the deployed length, and in particular embodiments, less than about 60%, less than about 50%, or less than about 25% of the deployed length. In an exemplary embodiment, the toy pole assemblies are packaged in packages having an interior space or volume defining the dimensions of the packaging envelope, wherein the toy pole segments are in their compact configuration and stably and securely fit within the packaging envelope without flexing, bending or otherwise deforming the toy pole segments. In some embodiments, the toy pole assembly may be configured and maintained in its deployed configuration. In other embodiments, the toy pole assembly may be repeatedly reconfigured by being set to its deployed configuration and being collapsed between uses to its compact configuration.

While the present application has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the application, as defined by the following claims.

Claims (35)

1. A segmented toy pole assembly comprising:

a first toy pole segment;

a second toy pole segment; and

at least one coupler connecting the first toy pole segment to the second toy pole segment, the at least one coupler configured to allow the segmented toy pole assembly to be reconfigured between a deployed configuration in which the first and second toy pole segments extend in axial alignment to define a deployed length, and a compact configuration in which the first and second toy poles are configured to fit within a packaging envelope having a compact length substantially less than the deployed length.

2. The segmented toy pole assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one coupler includes a hinge connection allowing relative pivotal movement between the first and second toy pole segments.

3. The segmented toy bar assembly of claim 2, wherein the at least one coupler comprises a double hinge mechanism having two hinge axes separated from one another by a distance.

4. The segmented toy bar assembly of claim 2, wherein the at least one coupler comprises a living hinge.

5. The segmented toy bar assembly of claim 2, wherein the at least one coupler includes a hinge axis that is laterally offset from a longitudinal axis of the first and second toy bar segments.

6. The segmented toy pole assembly of claim 2, wherein the at least one coupler comprises an assembly of two substantially identical half-shell components.

7. The segmented toy bar assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one coupler comprises a twist-on coupler.

8. The segmented toy rod assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one coupler comprises a translational coupler comprising a receiver and a resilient member engaged between the first toy rod segment and the second toy rod segment.

9. The segmented toy bar assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one coupler comprises a slot-flange coupler.

10. The segmented toy pole assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second toy pole segments comprise flexible members having a cross-sectional profile with a width and a thickness, and wherein the width is at least twice the thickness.

11. The segmented toy pole assembly of claim 1, further comprising a padded sleeve and covering extending over the first and second toy pole segments and the at least one coupler.

12. The segmented toy pole assembly of claim 11, wherein the coupler is configured to allow a 180 ° fold range between the first and second toy pole segments, and a sufficient spacing between the first and second toy pole segments to accommodate the spacer sleeve and the covering.

13. The segmented toy bar assembly of claim 1, further comprising a support foot at a distal end thereof.

14. The segmented toy pole assembly of claim 1, further comprising a play mat.

15. The segmented toy pole assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one suspended toy.

16. The segmented toy rod assembly of claim 1, further comprising a third toy rod segment, and wherein the at least one coupler comprises a first coupler between the first toy rod and the second toy rod and a second coupler between the second toy rod and the third toy rod.

17. The segmented toy rod assembly of claim 1, further comprising a package defining an interior space consistent with the package envelope.

18. The segmented toy rod assembly of claim 1, wherein the compact length is at least about 25% less than the deployed length.

19. The segmented toy rod assembly of claim 1, wherein the compact length is at least about 50% less than the deployed length.

20. The segmented toy rod assembly of claim 1, wherein the compact length is at least about 75% less than the deployed length.

21. A segmented toy pole assembly comprising:

a first toy pole segment;

a second toy pole segment;

at least one hinge coupler pivotally connecting proximal ends of the first and second toy pole segments; and

first and second support members attached and fixed at distal ends of the first and second toy pole segments, respectively;

wherein each of the first and second toy pole segments includes a flexible member having a cross-sectional profile with a width and a thickness, the width being at least twice the thickness.

22. The segmented toy bar assembly of claim 21, wherein the at least one hinge coupler comprises a double hinge mechanism having two hinge axes separated from one another by a distance.

23. The segmented toy bar assembly of claim 21, wherein the at least one hinge coupler comprises a living hinge.

24. The segmented toy rod assembly of claim 21, wherein the at least one hinge coupler includes a hinge axis that is laterally offset from a longitudinal axis of the first and second toy rod segments.

25. The segmented toy pole assembly of claim 21, wherein the at least one hinge coupler comprises an assembly of two substantially identical half-shell components.

26. The segmented toy pole assembly of claim 21, further comprising a padded sleeve and covering extending over the first and second toy pole segments and the at least one hinge coupler.

27. The segmented toy pole assembly of claim 26, wherein the coupler is configured to allow a 180 ° fold range between the first and second toy pole segments, and a sufficient spacing between the first and second toy pole segments to accommodate the spacer sleeve and the covering.

28. The segmented toy rod assembly of claim 21, wherein the at least one hinge coupler allows the segmented toy rod assembly to be reconfigured between a deployed configuration in which the first and second toy rod segments are extended to define a deployed length and a compact configuration in which the first and second toy rods are folded to define a compact length that is substantially less than the deployed length.

29. The segmented toy rod assembly of claim 28, wherein the compact length is at least about 25% less than the deployed length.

30. The segmented toy rod assembly of claim 28, wherein the compact length is at least about 50% less than the deployed length.

31. The segmented toy rod assembly of claim 28, wherein the compact length is at least about 75% less than the deployed length.

32. The segmented toy bar assembly of claim 21, further comprising a play mat, and wherein the first support member and the second support member are configured for engagement of the play mat.

33. The segmented toy rod assembly of claim 21, further comprising at least one suspended toy.

34. The segmented toy rod assembly of claim 21, further comprising a third toy rod segment, and wherein the at least one coupler comprises a first coupler between the first toy rod and the second toy rod and a second coupler between the second toy rod and the third toy rod.

35. A segmented toy pole assembly comprising:

a first toy pole segment;

a second toy pole segment;

a third toy pole segment;

a first coupling rotatably connecting the first toy pole segment and the second toy pole segment;

a second coupling rotatably connecting the second toy pole segment and the third toy pole segment; and

first and second support feet attached and fixed at distal ends of the first and second toy pole segments, respectively;

wherein each of the first and second toy pole segments includes a flexible member having a cross-sectional profile defining a width and a thickness, the width being at least twice the thickness; and is also provided with

Wherein the first and second couplers allow the segmented toy pole assembly to be reconfigured between a deployed configuration defining a deployed length and a compact configuration having a substantially smaller deployed length.