US3475042A

US3475042A - Connection for use in toy figures

Info

Publication number: US3475042A
Application number: US583835A
Authority: US
Inventors: Samuel F Speers; Norman L Jacques
Original assignee: Hasbro Industries Inc
Current assignee: Hasbro Inc
Priority date: 1966-10-03
Filing date: 1966-10-03
Publication date: 1969-10-28
Anticipated expiration: 1986-10-28

Description

Oct. 28 1969 s. F. SPEERS ETAL 3,475,042

CONNECTION FOR USE IN TOY FIGURES Filed Oct. 5, 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Inventors. Samuel ESpeers, Norman L. Jacques,

by d 9; MW

Attj s.

Oct. 28, 1969 s. F. SPEERS ETAL 3,475,042

CONNECTION FOR USE IN TOY FIGURES 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 5,

- Inventors: Samuel Edjueers, Norman lxlacyaes, y /5 M a 7/ Attfys.

United States Patent 3,475,042 CONNECTION FOR USE IN TOY FIGURES Samuel F. Speers, North Attleboro, Mass., and Norman L.

Jacques, Pawtucket, R.I., assignors to Hasbro Indusftsileshlnc, Pawtucket, R.I., a corporation of Rhode Filed Oct. 3, 1966, Ser. No. 583,835 Int. Cl. F16c 11/00; F161 27/00; B25g 3/38 US. Cl. 287-14 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A connection for use in interconnecting members of a toy figure in articulated relation including a one-piece connector element that interconnects the members of the toy figure without the requirement of external fasteners.

The connection as described herein has particular application with toy figures that are formed with articulated joints, such as disclosed in copending application Ser. No. 375,154, filed June 15, 1964, and now Patent No. 3,277,- 602, and entitled Toy Figure Having Movable Joints. In the aforesaid copending application, the limbs of the toy figure are interconnected through connector elements that require the use of external fasteners. The present invention avoids this type of construction by the use of a unique connector element that not only enables the members or limbs of the toy figure to be more readily assembled but that resists disengagement of the limbs even when they are subjected to rigorous manipulation by the user.

In carrying out the concept of the instant invention, one of the connectors that is used in interconnecting the members of a toy figure in articulated relation includes a first member having a bore formed therein that terminates at an extremity thereof. A second member is provided that is formed with an extension joined to an extremity thereof, and the connector element which is formed in a one-piece construction interconnects the members in articulated relation without the use of external fasteners applied thereto. For this purpose, the connector element includes a shank portion that extends into the bore of the first member in interengaging relation with respect thereto and also includes a second shank portion that is located at right angles to the first shank portion and is received in a bore that is formed axially in the extension of the second member, wherein the extension and the connector element are interengaged for relative movement therebetween.

Accordingly, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a swivel-type joint for use in a toy figure that avoids the requirement of external fasteners.

Another object of the invention is to provide a connection for use in interconnecting members or limbs of a toy figure in articulated relation and that is constructed such that the members can easily be snapped into engagement with the connection but cannot be readily withdrawn from their engaged position.

Still another object is to provide a connection or joint for use in a toy figure in which semi-spherical portions are interconnected for relative movement therebetween and cooperate to define a ball joint that is located in a socket formed in a member of the toy figure.

Still another object is to provide a connector element for use in the connection of members of a toy figure that is molded in a one-piece construction of a plastic material so as to form a wear-free connection with the member to which it is interengaged.

Still another object is to provide a connector element for use in a toy figure having a head portion formed with an opening therein that is adapted to receive a pin formed as an integral part of a member of the toy figure,

3,475,042 Patented Oct. 28, 1969 the pin and head portion being molded of a plastic material so as to provide a wear-free connection therebetween.

Still another object is to provide a connector element molded of a plastic material in a one-piece construction and having a shank that is adapted to be inserted in a bore of a plastic member for securing the connector element in said bore in movable relation therein.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description thereof proceeds when considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.

In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view, with parts shown in section, of one form of a connector element embodied in the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along lines 22 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional View, with portions shown in elevation, of a modified form of connector element embodied in the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view, taken along lines 44 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the connector element shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 3 and illustrating a still further modified form of connector element; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the connector element illustrated in FIG. 6.

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, a connection is illustrated for interconnecting the limbs of a toy figure such as that illustrated in the aforesaid copending application. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower portion of a leg member is generally indicated at 10, the leg member 10 being normally connected to an upper leg portion of a toy figure. The leg member 10, which is preferably molded of a plastic material, is formed with an internal bore 12 that terminates in a socket 14 located at the lower extremity of the leg member.

A foot member generally indicated at 16 is adapted to be joined to the leg member 10 for relative movement therebetween, and thus it is contemplated that the foot member 16 as joined to the leg member 10 will have articulated movement so as to permit location of the foot member 16 in various positions that simulate actual positions of use. The foot member 16 is also molded of a plastic material and, as formed, simulates the human foot in appearance. As shown in FIG. 2, the foot portion 16 comprises a body 18 having a plurality of toes 20 formed on the forward portion thereof and a heel 22 formed on the rear portion thereof. Extending upwardly from the heel 22 and integrally joined thereto through a reduced neck section 24 is an extension 26 having a semi-spherical configuration. The inside face of the semi-spherical extension 26 is indicated at 28 and as shown is generally flat and disposed in a vertical plane. Extending through the extension 26 in axial relation with respect thereto is a bore 30, the purpose of which will be hereinafter described.

In contrast to the usual construction of articulated joints for toy figures, the present invention avoids the use of external fastening elements such as pins and/or cords and employs a single connector element for joining the foot member 16 to the leg member 10. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a connector element generally indicated at 32 is provided and includes a semi-spherical body por tion 34 having a relatively flat face 36 that is disposed in a vertical plane. Joined to the body portion 34 and extending outwardly thereof in axial relation is a shank 38 that is adapted to be received in the bore 30 of the extension 26 and is formed with a plurality of circumferential ridges therein that define teeth which are disposed in a direction that permits entry of the shank 38 into the bore 30 but resists removal therefrom.

Also joined to the body portion 34 and extending upwardly with respect thereto is a second shank 42 that is adapted to be inserted into the bore 12 of the leg member 10. The shank 42 is also formed with a series of circumferential ridges or teeth 44, the configuration of which permits entry of the shank 42 into the bore 12 but resists removal therefrom.

In the assembly of the foot member 16 to the leg member 10, the connector element 32 is secured to the foot member 16 by locating the shank 38 in the bore 30 of the extension 26. Although the circumferential ridges 40 prevent withdrawal of the shank 38 from the bore 30 after insertion therein, it is seen that relative rotation between the body portion 38 of the connector element 32 and the extension 26 is possible. Thus the foot member 16 can be moved relative to the connector element 32 by rotating movement of the foot member 16 about the axis of the bore 30 and shank 38 secured therein.

After the connector element 32 has been secured to the foot member 16, as described, the assembly is then joined to the leg member by inserting the shank 42 within the bore 12. Since the extension 26 and body portion 34 of the connector element 32 are semi-spherical in configuration, the joining thereof by inserting the shank 38 within the bore 30 in eifect defines a spherical element as illustrated in FIG. 2. When the shank 42 is inserted into the bore 12 of the leg member 10, the spherical element defined by the body portion 34 and extension 26 is received within the socket 14 as shown in FIG. 2 to form a finished appearance for the assembly. The socket 14 further provides for rotating movement of the extension 26 when it is rotated as part of the foot member 16 with respect to the body portion 34 and about the axis of the shank 38.

With the foot member 16 mounted in position on the leg member 10, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, it may be moved relative to the leg member 10 and about the axis of the shank 38 and bore 30. Foot member 16, together with the connector element 32, may be further moved relative to the leg member 10 by the rotation of this assembly about the axis of the bore 12 and shank 42. Since the connector element 32 is also molded of a plastic material, the interconnection of the

plastic shanks

38 and 42 within the

bores

30 and 12 respectively, provides for a wear-free connection of the parts regardless of the amount of movement thereof relative to each other.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, a modified form of the invention is illustrated and, as shown, has particular application for the joining of a hand to the forearm of a toy figure, such as is illustrated and described in the aforesaid copending application. The forearm as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is generally indicated at 50 and defines a lower member of the arm of the toy figure on which a hand generally indicated at 52 is to be mounted for relative movement therebetween. Both the arm member 50 and the hand member 52 are molded of a plastic material in the configuration illustrated and are adapted to be interconnected for relative movement by means of a plastic connecting element generally indicated at 54.

The member 50 which defines the forearm of the toy figure is formed with internal bore 56 that extends to the outer extermity thereof, terminating in a socket 58. The hand member 52 includes digital portions that represent fingers indicated .at 60 that are shaped in an especial configuration in accordance with the use of the toy figure. The hand member 52 further includes an upper portion 62 to which an extension 66 is integrally joined. The extension 66 is generally spherical in configuration and is formed with a slot 68 therein that extends radially thereof. Located axially in the spherical extension 66 is a pin 70 that is molded as an integral part of the extension as seen in FIG. 4. The pin 70 is adapted to receive the connector element 54 therearound and thus cooperates with the connector element 54 to secure the hand member 52 thereto.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the connector element 54 is shown-being formed with a head portion 72 through which an axial opening 74 extends. Joined to the head portion 72 is a shank portion generally indicated at 73 through which a longitudinal slot 76 extends, the slot 76 communicating with the opening 74. Thus, the longitudinal slot divides the shank portion into spaced

legs

78 and 80, the leg 80 being somewhat longer than the leg 78. In order to secure the connector element 54 within the bore 56, the

legs

78 and 80 that define the shank 73 of the connector element are formed with teeth indicated at 82 and 84, respectively, the teeth being inclined in a direction that pennits entry of the shank 73 into the bore 56 but that prevents withdrawal therefrom.

In the assembly of the hand member 52 to the arm member 50, the connector element 54 is first secured to the hand member 52 by sliding the

legs

78 and 80 into the slot 68 formed in the spherical extension 66. Since the leg 78 is somewhat smaller than the leg 80, the connector element may be reversed in direction in the slot 68 so as to locate the pin 70 within the opening 74 of the head portion 72. The shank of the connector element 54 in this position is directed outwardly of the extension 66 and may then be inserted within the bore 56 of the arm member 50. The shank 73 of the connector element is inserted inwardly of the bore 56 until the spherical extension 66 is received within the socket 58 defined at the extremity of the arm member 50.

In the mounted position of the hand member 52 as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, it is understood that the band member 52 is pivotal with respect to the arm member 50 by rotation of the pin 70 within the opening 74 of the connector element. The hand member 52 is further rotatable about the axis of the bore 56 since the material from which the connector element 54 is formed and from which the arm member 50 is formed are both plastic. Thus, a wear-free connection is defined between the hand member 52 and the connector eletment 54 as well as between the connection between the shank 73 of the connector element 54 and the arm member 50.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, a modified form of connector element is illustrated that is used in interconnecting the hand member 52 to the arm member 50. As illustrated in FIG. 7, a connector element generally indicated at 86 is formed with a head portion 88 that has a hook-like configuration that defines a space 90, an axial opening 91 also being formed in the head portion 88. Joined to the head portion 88 is a shank 92 on which a plurality of circumferentially extending ridges or teeth 94 are formed. The teeth 94 are inclined in a direction that permits entry of the shank 92 within the bore 56 but prevents withdrawal therefrom. Since the connector element 86 is also formed of a plastic material, a wearfree connection is formed therebetween and the arm member 52 with which it is engaged.

The connector element 86 is mounted on the hand member 52 by securing the head member 88 on the pin 70. This is accomplished by placing the head member 88 within the slot 68 of the extension 66, with the space being disposed for receiving the pin 70 therein. Rotation of the connector element 86 to the position illustrated in FIG. 6 will then lock the hand member 52 on the connector element 86. With the connector element 86 mounted on the hand member 52, the shank 92 is then inserted within the bore 56, as illustrated in FIG. 6, until the spherical extension 66 is received within the socket 58 of the arm member. It is understood that the hand member 52 is rotatable with respect to the arm member 50 about the axis of the pin 70 and is further rotatable with the connector element 86 about the axis of the bore and shank 92. As previously described, since all of the parts are formed of a plastic meterial, a wear-free connection is formed between the pin 70 and the head member 88 and between the shank 92 and the walls of the arm member that define the bore 56.

It is seen that the connection illustrated in the various figures of the drawings is easily insertable in position and does not require the use of special tools or skills to effect the connection thereto to the members. Furthermore, external fastening elements, such as metal pins, are not required since the shank portions that are joined to the connector elements form a positive connection within the bores in which they are inserted. Also, since the materials from which the components are formed are plastic, a quiet and easily movable articulated joint is defined. It is further seen that the connection between the members as defined by the connector element is sufliciently tight to enable the members to be moved to a particular position and maintained thereat until moved again. This frictional drag between the parts is facilitated by the use of the plastic materials from which the elements are fabricated.

While there is shown and described herein certain specific structure embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a connection for use in interconnecting members of a toy figure in articulated relation, a first member having a bore formed therein that terminates at an extremity thereof, a second member having an extension joined to an extremity thereof, and a connector element formed in a one-piece construction and interconnecting said members in articulated relation without the use of external fasteners applied thereto, said connector element including a shank portion that extends into said bore in interengaging relation with respect thereto, and means cooperating with said extension for securing said connector to said extension so that there is relative movement therebetween, said one-piece connector element including a second shank portion that is located at right angles to said first-named shank portion and is received in a bore that is formed axially in said extension, wherein said extension and connector element are interengaged for relative movement therebetween, said shank portions being formed with circumferential teeth thereon, the diameters of which are slightly greater than those of said bores and that have a configuration that permits easy insertion thereof into said bores but prevents the withdrawal therefrom, said extension having a semi-spherical configuration and said connector element including a semi-spherical body portion to which said shank portions are joined, said semi-spherical portion and extension cooperating to define a spherical ball-like member, and the extremity of said first member having a socket formed therein that receives said ball-like member in interfittin'g relation.

2. In a connection as set forth in claim 1, said onepiece connector element that includes said shank portions being molded of a plastic material, said extension and first member also being formed of a plastic material and cooperating with the plastic shank portions to provide for wearfree movement therebetween.

3. In a connection for use in interconnecting members of a toy figure in articulated relation, a first member having a bore formed therein that terminates at an extremity thereof, a second member having an extension joined to an extremity thereof, and a connector element formed in a one-piece construction and interconnecting said members in articulated relation without the use of external fasteners applied thereto, said connector element including a shank portion that extends into said bore in interengaging relation with respect thereto, and means cooperating with said extension for securing said connector to said extension so that there is relative movement therebetween, said one-piece connector element including a head portion in which an opening is formed, the axis of said opening being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said shank portion, and said extension having a pin integrally formed therein, said pin being received in the opening in said head portion to secure said second member to said first member for relative movement therebetween, said shank portion being split to define a longitudinal slot therein, said slot communicating with the opening in the head portion and providing for securement of said connector element on said pin.

4. In a connection for use in interconnecting members of a toy figure in articulated relation, a first member having a bore formed therein that terminates at an extremity thereof, a second member having an extension joined to an extremity thereof, and a connector element formed in a one-piece construction and interconnecting said members in articulated relation without the use of external fasteners applied thereto, said connector element including a shank portion that extends into said bore in interenga'ging relation with respect thereto, and means cooperating with said extension for securing said connector to said extension so that there is relative movement therebetween, said one-piece connector element including a head portion in which an opening is formed, the axis of said opening being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said shank portion, and said extension having a pin integrally formed therein, said pin being received in the opening in said head portion to secure said second member to said first member for relative movement therebetween, said connector element and said second member being molded of a plastic material that provides for wearfree engagement of said head portion on said pin, said head portion having a hook formed thereon that provides for securement of said connector element on said pin.

5. In a connection as set forth in claim 4, said shank portion being formed with circumferential teeth thereon the diameters of which are slightly greater than that of said bore and that has a configuration that permits easy insertion thereof into said bore but prevents withdrawal therefrom.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,817,775 8/1931 Sipe.

807,473 12/1905 Kolar 46163 817,511 4/1906 Palmenberg 46161 XR 1,255,406 2/1918 Gilbert 287-101 3,090,157 5/1963 Lohr 46161 XR 3,277,602 10/1966 Speers et al. 46-173 XR FOREIGN PATENTS 4,688 9/ 1905 France. 616,601 1/ 1949 Great Britain.

78,474 6/1962 France.

DAVID J. WILLIAMOWSKY, Primary Examiner A. V. KUNDRAT, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 46161