US20190091590A1

US20190091590A1 - Collectible

Info

Publication number: US20190091590A1
Application number: US16/132,930
Authority: US
Inventors: Albert Hazan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-09-27
Filing date: 2018-09-17
Publication date: 2019-03-28

Abstract

A collectible includes at least two identically-shaped figures. Each figure has an elongated body extending along a central longitudinal axis, a mating bottom planar surface extending from a bottom edge of the figure at a non-zero angle with respect to the central longitudinal axis, and a mating element recessed relative to the mating surface. The figures are configured to mate together across a plane of symmetry between their mating bottom planar surfaces. When the figures mate together symmetrically, the respective central longitudinal axes align along a common central plane. A cross section of the collectible in its assembled configuration along the common central plane may be heart-shaped. The figures bear different indicia which may be images of characters from media, such as literature, print, music, film, television, or sports, cartoons or comic books. In one embodiment, the indicia on the figures represent rivals.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/564,041, filed on Sep. 27, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present disclosure relates to a collectible that includes interchangeable portions that can be joined together in pairs for display.

2. State of the Art

Collectible figurines are known that may be scale (or non-scale) models of people or characters appearing in all manner of media including in movies, print, television, music, sports, cartoons, and comic books. Typically, such figurines are displayed separately as individual figures and are not connectable to each other.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, further details of which are described herein, a collectible includes at least two identically-shaped figures. Each figure has an elongated body extending along a central longitudinal axis and has a mating bottom planar surface that extends from a bottom edge of the figure at a non-zero angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the mating bottom surface extends at a forty-five degree angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. The figures are configured to mate together symmetrically along the mating surfaces of the figures in an assembled configuration forming the collectible. The assembled collectible may be heart shaped when viewed along a common central plane extending through both central longitudinal axes of the figures of the assembled collectible. In one embodiment, each elongated body has a cylindrical outer surface. Each elongated body may have a rounded top that is hemispherical or ovoid. Each figure may comprise a magnet recessed into the mating planar surface of the figure. The collectible may include a display base for supporting the assembled collectible in an upright position. The display base may have a recess defined in an upper surface of the display base. The recess is configured to receive a bottom of the assembled collectible. In one embodiment, the figures display different graphics. For example, a first figure may bear a first color (or combination of colors) and a second figure may bear a second color (or combination of colors) different from the first color(s). In one embodiment, a first figure bears an image of a first character and a second figure bears an image of a second character different from the first character. The second character may be a nemesis of the first character in media, such as literature, print, music, film, television, or sport, cartoons or comic books. The first figure may have a magnet of a first polarity and the second figure may have a magnet of a second polarity different than the first polarity so that the magnets attract each other.
According to another aspect, a collectible kit includes two identically shaped figures, each having an elongated body extending along a central longitudinal axis and having a mating bottom planar surface extending from a bottom edge of the figure at a non-zero angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. The figures are configured to mate together symmetrically along the mating surfaces of the figures in an assembled configuration forming the collectible. Also, the kit includes a display base for supporting the assembled collectible in an upright position. The figures and base may be configured as described above. Also, in one embodiment, the kit may further include a third figure shaped identically to the two identically shaped figures. The third figure is configured to mate together symmetrically with one of the two identically shaped figures in an assembled configuration forming another collectible.
According to another aspect, a method of forming a collectible includes providing at least two identically-shaped figures, each figure having an elongated body extending along a central longitudinal axis and having a mating bottom surface extending from a bottom edge of the figure at a non-zero angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. The figures are configured to mate together symmetrically along the mating surfaces of the figures in an assembled configuration forming the collectible. Further, the method includes mating the figures together symmetrically along the mating surfaces of the figures. The figures are mated together symmetrically when both central longitudinal axes of the first and second figures align along a common central plane.
According to yet another aspect, a pendant for supporting a collectible includes a disc having opposed planar surfaces, and a bail connected to the disc. The bail is configured to route at least one of a bracelet and a necklace therethrough. Also, the pendant includes two identically shaped figures, each having an elongated body extending along a central longitudinal axis and having a mating planar bottom surface extending from a bottom edge of the figure at a non-zero angle with respect to the central longitudinal axis. The figures are configured to mate respectively to the opposed planar surfaces of the disc and be oriented symmetrically across a plane of the disc in an assembled configuration such that both central longitudinal axes of the first and second figures align along a common central plane.
According to another aspect, a keychain includes two identically shaped figures, each having an elongated body extending along a central longitudinal axis and having a mating bottom planar surface extending from a bottom edge of the figure at a non-zero angle with respect to the central longitudinal axis. The figures are configured to mate together symmetrically along the mating surfaces of the figures in an assembled configuration forming the collectible. Also, the keychain includes a keyring coupled to at least one of the two identically shaped figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of an assembled collectible figurine displayed on a base.

FIG. 1a shows assembled collectible figurine of FIG. 1 in a section plane “B” through the center of the assembled collectible, where plane “B” is orthogonal to a plane of symmetry “A” between two figures of the assembled collectible.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the base of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an assembly view of the figurine and base of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4a is a right side elevation view of a figure of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4b is a front side elevation view of a figure of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4c is a left side elevation view of a figure of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4d is a back side elevation view of a figure of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4e shows a top side plan view of a figure of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4f shows a bottom side elevation view of a figure of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5a shows a section view of the figure of FIG. 4a along line 5 a-5 a in FIG. 4 a.

FIG. 5b shows a section view of the figure of FIG. 4b along line 5 b-5 b in FIG. 4 b.

FIG. 5c shows a section view of the figure of FIG. 4c along line 5 c-5 c in FIG. 4 c.

FIG. 5d shows a section view of the figure of FIG. 4d along line 5 d-5 d in FIG. 4 d.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a necklace in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a keychain in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 8A is a front view of an another embodiment of an assembled collectible figurine.

FIG. 8B is a rear view of the assembled collectible figurine in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9 shows the assembled collectible figurine of FIGS. 8A and 8B in a section plane “B′” through the center of the assembled collectible, where plane “B′” is orthogonal to a plane of symmetry “A′” between two figures of the assembled collectible.

FIG. 10A is a rear view of one of the figures of the assembled collectible figure of FIGS. 8A and 8B.

FIG. 10B shows the figure of FIG. 10A rotated about central longitudinal axis Y in a counter-clockwise direction.

FIG. 10C shows the figure of FIG. 10B rotated further about central longitudinal axis Y in a counter-clockwise direction.

FIG. 10D shows the figure of 10C rotated further about central longitudinal axis Y in a counter-clockwise direction so that FIG. 10D shows a front view of the figure.

FIG. 11A is a rear view of one of the figures of the assembled collectible figure of FIGS. 8A and 8B.

FIG. 11B shows the figure of FIG. 11A rotated about central longitudinal axis Z in a counter-clockwise direction.

FIG. 11C shows the figure of FIG. 11B rotated further about central longitudinal axis Z in a counter-clockwise direction.

FIG. 11D shows the figure of 11C rotated further about central longitudinal axis Z in a counter-clockwise direction so that FIG. 11D shows a front view of the figure.

FIG. 12A shows a front side of another embodiment of a figure in accordance with the disclosure.

FIG. 12B shows a view of the figure of FIG. 12A along section 12B-12B in FIG. 12C.

FIG. 12C shows a view of the right side of the figure of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 12D shows a rear view of the figure of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 12E shows a bottom view of the figure of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13A shows a front side of another embodiment of a figure in accordance with the disclosure.

FIG. 13B shows a view of the figure of FIG. 13A along section 13B-13B in FIG. 13C.

FIG. 13C shows a view of the right side of the figure of FIG. 13A.

FIG. 13D shows a view of the figure of FIG. 13A along section 13D-13D in FIG. 13C.

FIG. 13E shows a rear view of the figure of FIG. 12A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an assembled collectible 1 seated on a display base 2 in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure. The collectible 1 is separable from the base 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the base 2 defines a central recess 2 a or opening in which the assembled collectible can be supported in an upright configuration shown in FIG. 1. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the assembled collectible 1 includes a first figure 3 and a second figure 4, which are identically-shaped and configured to connect together along respective a mating planar surfaces 3 a, 4 a (FIG. 3) across a plane of symmetry A. Couplers 3 b, 4 b (FIG. 3), which may be magnets, are recessed relative to the plane of symmetry A such that faces of the magnets are along the plane. The mating surfaces 3 a and 4 a extend along a plane of symmetry between the first and second figures 3 and 4. Even though the first and second figures 3 and 4 may have the same shape, as shown in FIG. 1, those figures bear different images or indicia (e.g., paint applied) to differentiate the first and second figures 3 and 4. For example, the first and second figures 3 and 4 may depict different characters, e.g., cartoon or comic book characters. The overall appearance of the collectible 1 in its assembled configuration is heart-shaped, as shown in FIG. 1. Thus, a cross-section of the collectible 1 shown in FIG. 1a in its assembled condition, as viewed along plane B (perpendicular to the plane of symmetry A), is generally heart shaped. In FIG. 1a , the section plane B cuts through the center of the assembled collectible 1 perpendicular to the plane of symmetry A.
FIG. 3 shows the collectible of FIG. 1 disassembled and arranged as a kit 30. The kit 30 shown in FIG. 3, includes the first figure 3, the second figure 4, and the base 2. In one embodiment, the first and second figures 3 and 4 included in the kit 30 may be paired according to the depicted characters status and/or by color. For example, the kit 30 may include a hero figure 3 and a villain figure 4 and/or the figures 3 and 4 may be paired according to color. The “hero” and “villain” may be known in media, such as literature, print, music, film, television, or in sports, cartoons or comic books literature. The pairing may also be any two characters or people or groupings which are thought of as opposing each other or engaging in a rivalry, including sports teams and athletes. Some non-limiting examples of combinations of first and second figures by color are shown below in Table 1.

TABLE 1

First figure (e.g., hero)	Second figure (e.g., villain)

Red and Black	Blue-Black
Grey - green	blue-green
blue-black	blue red
green-green	green-orange
red-green	red-red & red-black
purple-red	blue-red
red-white	maroon-white
black-red	black purple
black-orange	black-flesh tone & black brown
black-purple	black-green
grey-black/red	blue-black/red
grey-blue	blue-blue & grey-black
red	yellow
green-green	green-yellow
Blue	Black
red-yellow	flesh tone-yellow
orange-black	orange-grey
flesh tone-green	tan- green & white-green
Brown	white
brown-black	white-black & orange-black
Green	Black
tan-brown	brown-brown & tan-black & brown-black
white-tan	white-green & flesh tone-tan & flesh tone-green
tan-red	tan-black
Grey	black
White	Brown
Gold/yellow	Brown
White-white	orange-white
black-black	brown-black
Grey	Green
Brown	blue
White-blue	Red-blue

As noted above, the first and second figures 3 and 4 are identically formed. Thus, further details of the first and second figures will now be described with reference only to the second figure 4 with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 b. The second figure 4 is generally an elongated member comprised of a cylindrical body 4 c having a circular cross section perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis A-A. The second figure 4 has an upper rounded top 4 d and a lower sloping bottom defined by the mating planar surface (e.g., 4 a). The top 4 d may be hemispherical or ovoid. The bottom, as defined by the planar mating surface 4 a, extends at a non-zero angle with respect to axis A-A from a bottom edge 4 e of the body 4 c to about the vertical center of the second figure 4, as shown in FIG. 4b . In one embodiment, the non-zero angle is an acute angle, such as 45 degrees. When assembled together, the first and second figures 3 and 4 are symmetrical with respect to plane A, and coplanar with respect to plane B (FIGS. 1 and 1 a) and are assembled into the heart shaped configuration shown in FIG. 1. It will be appreciated that when the first and second figures 3 and 4 are assembled as shown in FIG. 1, the axes A-A of both the first and second figures 3 and 4 will extend in the common central plane B.
In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 5a to 5b , the magnet 4 b is recessed into the mating surface 4 a. Preferably, the magnet 4 b is set flush with the mating surface 4 c of the second figure 4. As between the magnets 3 b and 4 b of the first and second figures 3 and 4, the magnets 3 b and 4 b may be set into the respective mating surfaces 3 c and 4 c so that the outer facing surfaces of the magnets 3 b and 4 b have opposed magnetic polarity so that the figures will be attracted to one another and remain connected together when the mating surfaces 3 a and 4 a are brought together. In one embodiment, figures associated with one characteristic (e.g., heroes or color combinations) can be manufactured so that they will have a corresponding magnetic polarity and will only mate with figures having a different or opposite characteristic (e.g., villains or contrasting color combinations).
In use, a user can connect the first and second figures 3 and 4 by aligning the mating surfaces 3 c and 4 c so that the two figures are coplanar and symmetrical to form the heart shaped collectible assembly 1 shown in FIG. 1. The assembled collectible 1 can be disassembled by pulling the first and second figures 3 and 4 away from one another. A different collectible can be formed by connecting an identically shaped (in comparison with the first and second figures) third figure (not shown) to the first or second figures 3 and 4 as described above.
FIG. 6 shows a reconfigurable pendant 60 in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure. The pendant 60 includes a metal plate or disc 6 having a bail 7 or loop connected thereto through which a necklace or bracelet 8 can extend to suspend the disc 6. The disc 6 is configured to connect to the mating surfaces 3 a and 4 a of one or both of the first and second figures 3, 4.
FIG. 7 shows the collectible 1 assembled as a keychain 70 in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure. One or either of the first and second figures 3, 4, may have a connector or hole to receive a connector (such as a threaded eyelet 9), which can connect to a chain and/or keyring 10 from which the assembled collectible 1 can be suspended.
FIGS. 8A and 8B shows another embodiment of an assembled collectible 1′ that can be seated in the upright configuration shown in FIG. 8 on a display base (not shown), such as the display base 2 in FIG. 1. In FIGS. 8A to 11D, elements corresponding to those of the collectible 1 in FIGS. 1 to 5 d are appended with a (′). Thus, the assembled collectible 1′ includes a first figure 3′ and a second figure 4′, which are identically-shaped and configured to connect together along respective a mating planar surfaces 3 a′, 4 a′ (FIG. 9) across a plane of symmetry A′ (in and out of the page in FIGS. 8A and 9).
Couplers 3 b′ (FIGS. 9 to 10D) and 4 b′ (FIGS. 9 and 11A to 11D), which may be magnets, respectively correspond to surfaces 3 a′ and 4 a′. Coupler 3 b′ may be recessed relative to the corresponding surface 3 a′, and coupler 4 b′ may be recessed relative to the corresponding surface 4 a′. In one embodiment, outer faces of the couplers 3 b′ and 4 b′ extend flush with their corresponding surfaces 3 a′ and 4 a′. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the outer faces of the couplers 3 b′ and 4 b′ may protrude slightly outwardly from their corresponding surfaces 3 a′ and 4 a′. The outer faces of the couplers 3 b′ and 4 b′ may be exposed and uncovered by the corresponding surfaces 3 a′ and 4 a′. The couplers 3 b′ and 4 b′ may be adhesively attached to the corresponding surfaces 3 a′ and 4 a′.
Even though the first and second figures 3′ and 4′ may have the same shape and construction, those figures bear different images or indicia (e.g., paint applied) to differentiate the first and second figures 3′ and 4′, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. For example, the first and second figures 3′ and 4′ may depict different characters, e.g., cartoon or comic book characters.
The overall appearance of the collectible 1′ in its assembled configuration is heart-shaped, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. Thus, a cross-section of the collectible 1′ shown in FIG. 9, as viewed along plane B′ (perpendicular to the plane of symmetry A′), is generally heart shaped. In FIG. 9, the section plane B′ cuts through the center of the assembled collectible 1′ perpendicular to the plane of symmetry A′. As shown in FIG. 9, each figure 3′ and 4′ has a teardrop cross section when viewed along the plane B′.
FIGS. 10A to 10D show further details of figure 3′, and FIGS. 11A to 11D show further details of figure 4′. As noted above, figures 3′ and 4′ are identically constructed, but differ in their indicia. Thus, the following description of figure 3′ applies equally to figure 4′. As shown in greater detail in FIGS. 10A to 10D, figure 3′ has a generally spherical upper portion 3 c′ and a generally tapered lower portion 3 d′. As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10D, figure 3′ has a teardrop shape when viewed from the rear and front sides of figure 3′. In the embodiment in FIGS. 10A to 10D, the front and rear surfaces of the lower portion 3 d′ are generally convex. However, in other embodiments, the front and rear surfaces of the lower portion 3 d′ may have other shapes. For example, the front and rear surfaces of the lower portion 3 d′ may both be concave or hemi-spherical.
One notable distinction between collectible 1′ and 1 is that each figure (e.g., figure 3′) of collectible 1′ has two mating surfaces (e.g., mating surfaces 3 a′) so that one figure (e.g., figure 3′) can be connected to a mating figure (e.g., figure 4′) in its front or rear facing orientation. Figures 3′ and 4′ are each symmetrical along respective bisecting planes C′ and D′ that extend perpendicular to plane B′, as shown in FIG. 8A. Figures 3 and 4 are not each symmetrical about any plane that is perpendicular to plane B in FIG. 1. These distinctions create additional combinations of indicia when the collectible 1′ is assembled in a heart shape, as compared to collectible 1. In addition, when the two figures 3′ and 4′ are coupled together to form the assembled collectible 1′, one of the two couplers 3 b′ and one of the two couplers 4 b′ will remain uncoupled. Either or both of these uncoupled couplers 3 b′ and 4 b′ can be used to couple to additional figures 3′ or 4′, to thereby expand and enlarge the collectible 1′. Thus, the assembled collectible 1′ can be expanded to include more than the two figures 3′ and 4′ connected together.
As noted above, magnetic couplers 3 b′ may be adhesively attached to mating surfaces 3 a′. If the adhesive fails or becomes damaged, the coupler 3 b′ may separate from the figure 3′. To mitigate such an occurrence, two other embodiments of figures 3″ (FIGS. 12A to 12E) and 3′″ (FIGS. 13A to 13E) are described below, in which the respective couplers are disposed under respective mating surfaces of the figures to prevent the separation of the couplers from the figures.
FIGS. 12A to 12E show features of figure 3″. In FIGS. 12A to 12E, elements corresponding to those of the collectible 1 in FIGS. 1 to 5 d are appended with a (″). Figure 3″ differs from figure 3′ primarily in the placement of couplers 3 b″, which may be magnets. Specifically, each coupler 3 b″ is covered by a corresponding mating surface 3 a″. In one embodiment, the wall thickness of the mating surface 3 a″ above the coupler 3 b″ is about 0.5 millimeters. As shown in FIGS. 12B and 12C, the figure 3″ may define a pocket 1200 under each mating surface 3 a″ corresponding to each coupler 3 b″. The pocket 1200 is configured to receive a corresponding coupler 3 b″ and dispose the coupler 3 b″ below the mating surface 3 a″ at a position to mate with couplers of other figures. The pocket 1200 extends parallel to the mating surface 3 a″ from a first, upper end 1200 a to a second, lower end 1200 b, which is open at or near the bottom of the figure 3″. The coupler 3 b″ is configured to be introduced into the pocket 1200 through the opening at the second, lower end 1200 b and inserted upwards towards the first, upper end 1200 a. An adhesive may be used to retain the coupler 3 b″ in the pocket 1200. However, a friction fit between the coupler 3 b″ and the pocket 1200 alone may be sufficient to retain the coupler 3 b″ in the pocket 1200 without adhesive. By disposing of the couplers 3 b″ inside the figure 3″, the possibility for the couplers to disconnect from the figures can be reduced. Also, if the coupler 3 b″ is shorter than the length of the pocket 1200, one or more plug or other insert (not shown) may also be inserted into the pocket 1200 above and/or below the coupler 3 b″ to fill any open space in the pocket 1200 not occupied by the coupler 3 b″ and/or to position the coupler 3 b″ in a certain location inside the pocket 1200.
FIGS. 13A to 13E show figure 3′″. In FIGS. 13 to 13E, elements corresponding to those of the collectible 1 in FIGS. 1 to 5 d are appended with a (′″). Figure 3′″ differs from figure 3″ primarily in the placement of couplers 3 b′″. Figure 3′″ includes two physically identical halves 1302 and 1304, which are joined at a mold line 1306. When the halves 1302 and 1304 are joined together as shown in FIG. 13C, they define a closed pocket 1300 configured to house a coupler 3 b′″. Thus, the closed pocket 1300 differs from the open pocket 1200 of figure 3″.
As shown in the broken lines in FIG. 13C, a front half 1300 a of the pocket 1300 is formed (e.g., is molded) in the front half 1302 of figure 3′″, and a rear half 1300 b of the pocket 1300 is formed in the rear half 1304 of figure 3′″. The respective pocket halves 1300 a and 1300 b are formed under and parallel to the mating surfaces 3 a′″ of each half 1302 and 1304. The pockets 1300 may be about 0.5 mm below the mating surfaces 3 a′″. The pocket halves 1300 a and 1300 b may be molded, respectively, into front and rear halves 1302 and 1304, which may be molded separately, such as from plastic. The figure 3′″ may then be assembled to include the couplers 3 b′″ by placing the couplers 3 b′″ into pocket halves 1300 a or 1300 b of one or the other of halves 1302 and 1304, and then joining the halves 1302 and 1304 together with fastening means, such as glue or laser welding. Once the halves 1302 and 1304 of the figure 3′″ are joined together, each coupler 3 b′″ is fully encapsulated inside a corresponding pocket 1300. By disposing of the couplers 3 b′″ inside the figure 3′″ and within a fully enclosed pocket 1300, the possibility for the couplers 3 b′″ to disconnect from the figure 3′″ can be reduced further in comparison to the figure 3″, which has open pockets 1200.
There have been described and illustrated herein several embodiments of a collectible assembly, kit, and a method of use. While particular embodiments of the invention have been described, it is not intended that the invention be limited thereto, as it is intended that the invention be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Thus, while particular forms of the figures of the collectible have been disclosed, it will be appreciated that other forms are possible as well. In addition, while particular types of geometric shapes have been disclosed, it will be understood that other shapes can be used. For example, and not by way of limitation, the cross section of the body, viewed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, may be oval instead of circular. Also, while magnetic connections are described, it will be recognized that other closures may be used, such as snap-fit or other mating (e.g., male and female) closures. It will therefore be appreciated by those skilled in the art that yet other modifications could be made to the provided invention without deviating from its spirit and scope as claimed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A collectible comprising:

at least two identically-shaped figures, each figure having:

an elongated body extending along a central longitudinal axis and having a first mating bottom planar surface extending from a bottom edge of the figure at a non-zero angle with respect to the central longitudinal axis, and

a first mating element recessed relative to the first mating surface,

wherein the figures are configured to mate together across a plane of symmetry between their first mating bottom planar surfaces such that when the figures mate together symmetrically, the respective central longitudinal axes align along a common central plane, and

wherein a cross section of the collectible in its assembled configuration along the common central plane is heart-shaped, and

wherein a first of the figures bears first indicia and a second of the figures bears second indicia different from the first indicia.

2. The collectible according to claim 1, wherein:

the non-zero angle is a forty-five degree angle.

3. The collectible according to claim 1, wherein:

each elongated body has a cylindrical outer surface.

4. The collectible according to claim 1, wherein:

each elongated body has a hemispherical or ovoid rounded top.

5. The collectible according to claim 1, wherein:

the first mating elements are magnets having opposite polarities.

6. The collectible according to claim 1, wherein each figure has:

a second mating planar surface extending from the bottom edge of the figure, the second mating planar surface being symmetrical to the first mating planar surface with respect to a plane that is perpendicular to the common central plane and that extends parallel to the central longitudinal axis; and

another mating element recessed relative to the second mating surface.

7. The collectible according to claim 1, wherein:

the first indicia include at least one of a first image and a first color and the second indicia include at least one of a second image and a second color different from the first color.

8. The collectible according to claim 1, wherein:

a cross section of each figure along the common central plane is teardrop-shaped.

9. The collectible according to claim 1, wherein:

the first indicia includes a first image of a first character from media, literature, print, music, film, television, or sport, cartoons or comic books and the second indicia includes a second image of a second character from media, literature, print, music, film, television, or sport, cartoons or comic books, and wherein the first and second images are different.

10. A collectible kit comprising:

at least two identically-shaped figures, wherein a first of the figures bears first indicia and a second of the figures bears second indicia different from the first indicia, and each figure further having:

a first mating element recessed relative to the first mating surface,

wherein the figures are configured to mate together across a plane of symmetry between their first mating planar surfaces, such that when the figures mate together symmetrically, the central longitudinal axes align along a common central plane, and

wherein a cross section of the collectible in its assembled configuration along the common central plane is heart-shaped,

at least one of a display base for supporting the assembled collectible in an upright position, a keychain element, and a pendant element.

11. The kit according to claim 10, further comprising:

a third figure shaped identically to the two identically shaped figures, and bearing third indicia different from the first and second indicia, the third figure configured to mate together symmetrically with one of the two identically shaped figures in an assembled configuration forming another collectible.

12. The kit according to claim 10, wherein:

the non-zero angle is a forty-five degree angle.

13. The kit according to claim 10, wherein:

each elongated body has a cylindrical outer surface.

14. The kit according to claim 10, wherein:

each elongated body has a hemispherical or ovoid rounded top.

15. The kit according to claim 10, wherein:

the first mating elements are magnets of opposite polarity.

16. The kit according to claim 15, wherein:

the pendant element comprises a disc having opposed planar surfaces configured to be interposed between the aligned mating surfaces of the figures, and a bail connected to the disc, the bail configured to route at least one of a bracelet and a necklace therethrough.

17. The kit according to claim 10, wherein each figure has:

a second mating planar surface extending from the bottom edge of the figure, the second mating planar surface being symmetrical to the first mating planar surface with respect to the central longitudinal axis; and

a second mating element recessed relative to the second mating surface.

18. A method of forming a collectible comprising:

providing at least two identically-shaped figures, each figure having

a first mating element recessed relative to the mating surface,

wherein a first of the figures bears first indicia and a second of the figures bears second indicia different from the first indicia; and

mating the figures together symmetrically along the first mating surfaces of the figures such that when symmetrically mated the central longitudinal axes lie in a common central plane.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

placing the mated figures into a display base so that the mated figures are maintained in an upright position.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein each figure has:

a second mating element recessed relative to the second mating surface, and

wherein mating the figures together includes mating the figures together symmetrically along the second mating surfaces, the first mating surfaces, or the first and second mating surfaces.