WO2008119981A2

WO2008119981A2 - A wearable constructional toy

Info

Publication number: WO2008119981A2
Application number: PCT/GB2008/001131
Authority: WO
Inventors: Susannah Jane Lipscombe
Original assignee: Armouron Ltd
Priority date: 2007-03-29
Filing date: 2008-03-28
Publication date: 2008-10-09
Also published as: GB0706139D0; WO2008119981A3; WO2008119981A8

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wearable constructional to comprising, plurality of parts (2) which are connectable to for an article to be worn about the body of a user.

Description

A wearable constructional toy

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a wearable constructional toy, a releasable fixing means for use m a wearable constructional toy and to a display chip for use in a wearable constructional toy and/or m a releasable fixing means .

Background to the Invention

Obesity rates m adults and children are increasing yearly. This may be at least partly attributable to a reduction m activity levels m the population as a whole. Children in particular now spend a lot more of their free time engaging m activities which do not involve physical exercise, for example watching TV and playing computer games. Any invention that might encourage people, and especially children to be more active would therefore be desirable.

Statements of the Invention

Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention provides a wearable constructional toy comprising, a plurality of parts which are connectable to form an article to be worn about the body of a user.

This invention advantageously provides a user, for example a child, with a mental challenge in that the user has to first construct the article before it can be worn. Once constructed and worn the article may encourage users to indulge in more active play thereby increasing their activity levels.

For example in an embodiment the article may be an item of play armour for example a suit, a helmet, salade, bevor, pauldron, gardbrace, rerebrace, couter, vambrace, gauntlet, cuisse, tuille, fauld, breastplate, placard, poleyne, greve, soleret, back plate or an article of "futuristic" armour, which may differ in appearance from traditional armour. In an embodiment the play armour may have the appearance of parts of a robot, and/or a cartoon or TV character.

Alternatively or additionally the article may be a play weapon, for example a throwing weapon, for example a flying disk or a sword. In an embodiment at least a part of the weapon may be fixed or fixable about or to the body of a user when the article is in it's constructed configuration. In an embodiment the weapon may comprise a releasable attachment means by which it can be released from a users body quickly during play.

As used herein the term "toy" shall be taken to mean something designed specifically for play and/or fun whether by an adult or a child. It is not intended to encompass normal everyday clothing.

In an embodiment one or more of the parts may be flexible. In an embodiment one or more of the parts may be flexible such that they may be flexed from a substantially flat profile to form a three-dimensional shape, for example a three- dimensional shape which may cover at least a portion of a body during use. In an embodiment all of the parts may be flexible, although not all parts may be required to flex to form the constructed article.

In an embodiment one or more of the flexible parts may be formed from a sheet of material, for example a sheet of a plastics material.

In an embodiment one or more of the parts may be formed from a material which may be impact absorbing and/or may yield under manual pressure and/or may be spongy and/or may be springy and/or may be compressible such that its thickness may be at least temporarily decreased by the application of manual pressure. These materials may be advantageous since the articles may be worn by children who may fall over, engage in play fighting or bump into each other or inanimate objects. Forming the parts from such materials may therefore provide the wearer with some protection during use. Additionally, or alternatively in an embodiment where the article is a weapon, such materials may be safe for children to play with.

In an embodiment one or more of the parts may be formed from a resilient material. Resilient parts may advantageously allow relatively flat parts to be flexed into three-dimensional shapes when an article is constructed and return to a substantially flat shape when deconstructed. This advantageously may allow the toy to be stored easier, taking up less room.

In an embodiment the parts may not be formed from rigid or semi-rigid, metal or plastics material although additional components formed from one or more of these materials may form part of the toy. As used herein the term "semi-rigid" shall be taken to mean that the material may be flexible along its length, but that its depth is not compressible manually. In an embodiment the parts may not be formed from a material, which has a thickness which cannot be at least temporarily decreased by the application of manual pressure.

In an embodiment one or more of the parts may be formed from a soft material such that the article may be worn comfortably about the body of a user. In a particular embodiment there may not be any sharp edges. In a particular embodiment one or more of the parts may be formed from a plastics material.

In an embodiment the one or more of the parts may be formed from a foamed or spongy material, for example a polymeric material, such as a compressible polymeric material. In an embodiment the parts may be formed from a polyolefin (polyalkene) , for examle polyethylene or polypropylene. In an embodiment one or more parts may be formed from polyolefin elastomer, for example a cross-linked polyolefin elastomer.

The parts may be formed for example by vacuum forming and/or pressure forming and/or injection moulding although other methods may be suitable.

In an embodiment the parts may be formed from a polyolefin foam, for example a crossed-linked polyolefin foam, for example Plastazote®, Evazote®, Supazote®, Propozote®, Zotek®F, Zotek®N, Zotek®S, Hizote®M and/or HizoteD®.

In an embodiment the parts may be formed from polyolefin sheet materials, for example in the form of a skived sheet or on a roll.

The polyolefin parts may be formed from a polymer which has been modified by the introduction of a dispersed gas phase. This may be accomplished either by dispersing a normally gaseous agent into a polymer melt and subsequently allowing it to expand, or by dispersing a decomposable gas-releasing solid and subjecting the system to conditions where the solid will undergo decomposition and expand the polymer.

Alternatively or additionally one or more parts may be formed by injection moulding, for example low pressure injection moulding. In an embodiment the parts may be injection moulded from a polyolefin elastomer foam, for example a cross-linked polyolefin elastomer. In an embodiment the parts may be formed from a material which is closed cell and/or self- skinning .

Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the parts may be formed from rubber. In an embodiment one or more of the parts may be formed from a waterproof material .

In an embodiment of the constructional toy one or more of the parts may be provided m the form of a sheet of parts with each part being at least partially severed or weakened around their edge such that the parts may be readily removed from the sheet of parts and then constructed into the article.

Additionally or alternatively one or more of the parts may be provided as discrete parts which may have been formed by any suitable process, for example by moulding. The parts therefore may be supplied as a press out detail from a sheet but alternatively they may be a fully moulded, assembled kit.

In an embodiment the parts may be of any suitable shape, such that when constructed they form an article to be worn about the body of a user. In an embodiment one or more of the parts may further comprise surface decoration, for example, colour and/or pattern and/or texture. In an embodiment one or more of the parts may be shaped to resemble desired features for, example, horns, tusks, oxygen packs, wiring, glowing wiring, organic shapes, rockets, cogs reptilian armour, scales, dinosaur details, ocean dwelling creatures, skeletal features, Mechanical robotic features, the elements, earth, wind, fire, water shapes and colours (properties) , licenced characters from other brands, back packs, carry bags, extreme sports equipment, enduro racers, skateboards, roller blades, skiing equipment, snowboardmg equipment, parachute equipment etc and/or adult elements, for example laser quest and paint balling accessories.

In an embodiment one or more of the parts may be perforated with at least one fixing hole. In a particular embodiment each of the parts may comprise at least one fixing hole. The parts may be connectable by any suitable means, for example using nuts and bolts, glue, pins, hooks, releasable fastening means, or staples.

In an embodiment the wearable constructional toy may comprise at least one releasable fixing means for connecting the parts together, for example via the fixing holes.

In an embodiment the at least one releasable fixing means may comprise a snap fit fixing means. In an embodiment the snap fit fixing means may comprise two sections that releasably fix together. In a particular embodiment the snap fit releasable fixing means may comprise a first female section and a second male section. The male and female sections may be interengageable . The male and female sections may be interchangeable. In an embodiment the releasable fixing means may further comprise a light source, for example a flashing light or flashable light.

In an embodiment the male section may comprise a male end piece, for example a male end disk, from which an elongate member may extend, for example at substantially right angles. The elongate member may further comprise a head at it's distal end. In an embodiment the female member may comprise a female end piece, for example a female end disk, from which a dock for the head may extend, for example at substantially right angles. The dock may be elastic, such that it expends to receive the male member or a head thereof. For example the dock may be in the form of a modular clasp or ^λclaw' mechanism designed for the head to insert into to achieve a snap fit function, action and/or audible feedback.

In an embodiment the dock may comprise a plurality of turrets, for example 4 turrets. In an embodiment the turrets may be resilient such that they may deform outwardly to enlarge the dock to receive the head of the male section but will provide a grip on the head once it has snapped into position. For example the dock may be in the form of a clasp mechanism designed for the male section to insert into using a ball and socket principle to achieve a snap fit function, action and/or audible feedback.

Additionally or alternatively one or more dock may be in the form of a magnetic dock. In this embodiment the male section comprises a receiving magnet. This embodiment may provide a non mechanic interface for the male and female sections .

In an embodiment the releasable fixing means may be formed from a plastics material, for example a polymer and/or a metal and/or a magnetic material.

In an embodiment the releasable fixing means may further comprise additional functional and/or aesthetic attributes.

In an embodiment the constructional toy may further comprise a display surface. The display surface may be located on any suitable part of the toy. In an embodiment a display surface may be provided on one or more female end pieces and/or on one or more male end pieces, for example on one or more female end disks and/or on one or more male end disks. In an embodiment the display surface may comprise any suitable display, for example trade marks, branding, images etc.

In an embodiment the wearable constructional toy may further comprise one or more removably attachable interchangeable display chips. The removably attachable interchangeable display chips may be removably attachable to any suitable part of the toy and/or releasable fixing means, for example the display chip(s) may be removably attachable to a male and/or female display surface (s). In an embodiment the one or more removably attachable interchangeable display chips may snap- fit into one or more display surfaces. In an embodiment a surface of one or more of the interchangeable display chips may further comprise a display, for example trade marks, branding, images etc. In an embodiment one or more removably attachable interchangeable display chips may comprise a transparent and/or translucent cover for protecting a display. In an embodiment the cover may be releasably attachable such that it may be removed so that a display can be placed in the removably attachable interchangeable display chips, and/or can be replaced. In an embodiment one or more removably attachable interchangeable display chips may comprise light source, for example a florescent light, and/or a flashing or flashable light.

In an embodiment the parts may be connectable together to form a single article. Alternatively the parts may be connectable together to form a plurality of articles. In an embodiment the parts may be interchangeable, such that a plurality of different articles may be formed from the same parts.

In an embodiment where the parts are connectable together to form a plurality of articles, the parts for each article may be sold separately as kits for each article. Alternatively a single kit may provide the parts for a plurality of articles.

In an embodiment different articles may interconnect with one another, for example a first wearable constructional toy may comprise a plurality of parts for forming a body. A second wearable constructional toy may comprise a plurality of parts for forming a thigh guard. The two toys may be packaged for sale separately or as a single toy. The two articles may interconnect with one another to form a larger article.

In an embodiment the constructional toy may further comprise one or more lights, for example neon lights, for example wire neon lights, connected to or removably connectable to one or more of the parts. In an embodiment one or more lights may be connected to or removably connectable to an external edge of one or more of the parts and/or the constructed article after construction . In an embodiment the constructional toy may further comprise a voice changer and/or a noise box which may be connected to or removably connectable to one or more of the parts.

In an embodiment the wearable constructional toy may further comprising an accessory, for example a water pistol, flying disk, water bottle, laser and/or an air foam shooter.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a releasable fixing means for use m a wearable constructional toy as described above.

As described above in relation to the first embodiment the at least one releasable fixing means may comprise a snap fit fixing means. In an embodiment the snap fit fixing means may comprise two sections that releasably fix together. In a particular embodiment the snap fit releasable fixing means may comprise a first female section and a second male section. The male and female sections may be mterengageable . The male and female sections may be interchangeable.

In an embodiment the male section may comprise a male end piece, for example a male end disk, from which an elongate member may extend, for example at substantially right angles. The elongate member may further comprise a head at it's distal end. In an embodiment the female member may comprise a female end piece, for example a female end disk, from which a dock for the head may extend, for example at substantially right angles.

In an embodiment the at least one releasable fixing means may further comprise a display surface. In an embodiment a display surface may be provided on one or more female end piece and/or on one or more male end piece, for example on one or more female end disk and/or on one or more male end disk. In an embodiment the dxsplay surface may comprise any suitable display, for example trade marks, branding, images etc.

The releasable fixing means may further comprise removably attachable interchangeable display chips which may be removably attachable to the male and/or female display surface (s) . In an embodiment the one or more removably attachable interchangeable display chips may snap-fir into one or more of the display surfaces. In an embodiment a surface of one or more of the interchangeable display chips may comprise any suitable display, for example trade marks, branding, images etc.

Further aspects of the second aspect of the present invention are as described m relation to the first aspect of the present invention.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a display chip for use on a wearable constructional toy according to the first aspect of the present invention and/or a releasable fixing means according to the second aspect of the present invention.

As described above in relation to the first and second aspects the removably attachable interchangeable display chips may be removably attachable to any suitable part of the toy and/or releasable fixing means, for example the display chip(s) may be removably attachable to a male and/or female display surface (s) . In an embodiment the one or more removably attachable interchangeable display chips may snap-fir into one or more display surfaces. In an embodiment a surface of one or more of the interchangeable display chips may comprise any suitable display, for example trade marks, branding, images etc.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises", mean "including but not limited to", and do not exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following example. Generally speaking the invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims and drawings) . Thus features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.

Moreover unless stated otherwise, any feature disclosed herein may be replaced by an alternative feature serving the same or a similar purpose.

The present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings which are schematic.

Figure 1 a to b shows an exploded view of a wearable constructional toy according to the first aspect of the present invention in the form of a shin guard.

Figure 2 a to c shows an exploded view of a wearable constructional toy according to the first aspect of the present invention in the form of a helmet. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a constructed wearable toy according to the first aspect of the present invention in the form of a suit of play armour comprising the shin guard and helmet of Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a display chip and releasable fixing means according to the first, second and third aspects of the present invention.

Detailed Description

As can be seen in Figures 1 a to 1 b the wearable constructional toy (a shin guard in this embodiment) is formed from a plurality of flexible parts 2 which in their unconstructed form are relatively planar. These flexible parts 2 are provided as discrete parts, which have been formed by injection moulding. Each part 2 is formed form a plastics material, for example an expanded plastics material, for example a polymer, for example an expanded polymer, for example a crossed-linked polyolefin foam.

It can be seen that each part 2 has a least one hole 4. Many of the parts 2 however have a plurality of holes 4.

The constructional toy also comprises a plurality of releasable fixing means 6 formed from a first female half 8 and a second male half 10 which snap fit together through the holes 4. (See figure 4 for more detail)

In order to construct the article (in this embodiment a shin guard) for wearing, the releasable fixing means 6 are used to connect parts 2 of the toy together via the fixing holes 4. Figure Ia shows the toy in it's unconstructed configuration and Figure Ib indicates the constructed configuration for wearing about the shin of a user. As can be seen in Figures 2 a to 2 c the wearable constructional toy (a helmet in this embodiment) is again formed from a plurality of flexible parts 2. These flexible parts 2 are formed by injection moulding.

The constructional toy also comprises a plurality of releasable fixing means 6 formed from a first female half 8 and a second male half 10 which snap fit together through the holes 4. As can be seen in this embodiment a single releasable fixing means 6 may be used to secure two or more parts together .

In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2 it can be seen that the releasable fixing means 6 comprises a display surface 12, which may carry for example advertising, trade marks, logos cartoon characters etc. The display surface 12 may be a surface on the releasable fixing means 6 itself.

Additionally or alternatively the wearable constructional toy may further comprise one or more removably attachable interchangeable display chips 14 as shown in Figure 4. These removably attachable interchangeable display chips 14 may snap-fit onto a surface of the releasable fixing means 6.

As can be seen in Figure 3 the wearable constructional toy (an entire suit of futuristic armour in this embodiment) is again formed from a plurality of flexible parts 2.

Again each part 2 has a least one hole 4. Many of the parts 2 however have a plurality of holes 4.

The constructional toy also comprises a plurality of releasable fixing means 6 which are formed from a first female half 8 and a second male half 10 which snap fit together through the holes 4.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 3 it can been seen that several smaller articles, for example the shin guard shown in Figures Ia to Ib and the helmet shown in Figures 2a to 2c can be interconnected to form larger articles such as this entire suit .

The parts 2 for each article may be sold separately as kits for each article. Alternatively a single kit may provide the parts 2 for a plurality of articles, or the entire suit may be considered to be a single article.

Figure 4 shows a plurality of the releasable fixing means indicated generally at 6 in the form of a snap fit fixing means. The releasable fixing means 6 comprises two sections 8, 10 that releasably fix together. In the embodiment shown the releasable fixing means 6 comprises a first female section 8 and a second male section 10. The male and female sections may be interengaeable .

In an embodiment the male section 10 comprises a male end piece 12, in the form of a male end disk, from which an elongate member 14 extends, at substantially right angles.

The elongate member 14 further comprises a head 16 at it's distal end. In the embodiment shown the female member 8 comprise a female end piece 18, for example a female end disk, from which a dock 20 for the head 16 extends, at substantially right angles. The dock 20 is resilient such that it expends to receive the head 16 of the male section 10. In the embodiment shown the dock 20 is in the form of a claw mechanism designed for the head 16 to insert into to achieve a snap fit function, action and audible feedback. In the embodiment shown the dock 20 comprises 4 turrets 22. In this embodiment the turrets 22 are resilient such that they deform outwardly to enlarge the dock 20 to receive the head 16 of the male section 10 but will provide a grip on the head 16 once it has snapped into position.

Claims

1. A wearable constructional toy comprising, a plurality of parts which are connectable to form an article to be worn about the body of a user.

2. A wearable constructional toy according to claim 1 wherein the article is an item of play armour.

3. A wearable constructional toy according to claim 1 wherein the article is a play weapon.

4. A wearable constructional toy according to any preceding claim wherein one or more of the parts is flexible.

5. A wearable constructional toy according to any preceding claim wherein one or more of the parts are formed from a material which is impact absorbing and/or yields under manual pressure and/or is spongy and/or is springy and/or is compressible under manual pressure.

6. A wearable constructional toy according to any preceding claim wherein one or more of the parts are formed from a resilient material.

7. A wearable constructional toy according to any preceding claim wherein one or more of the parts are formed from a soft material .

8. A wearable constructional toy according to any preceding claim wherein one or more of the parts are formed from a foamed or rubber material.

9. A wearable constructional toy according to claim 8 wherein the one or more of the parts are formed from a polyolefin foam

10. A wearable constructional toy according to any preceding claim wherein one or more of the parts are formed from a waterproof material.

11. A wearable constructional toy according to any preceding claim wherein one or more of the parts are perforated with at least one fixing hole.

12. A wearable constructional toy according to claim 11 wherein each part comprises at least one fixing hole.

13. A wearable constructional toy according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least one releasable fixing means for connecting two or more of the parts together.

14. A wearable constructional toy according to claim 13 wherein the releasable fixing means comprises two sections that snap fit together.

15. A wearable constructional toy according to claim 14 wherein the releasable fixing means comprises a first female section and a second male section.

16. A wearable constructional toy according to claim 15 wherein the first male section comprises a male end disk from which an elongate member with a head at it's distal end extends, and the first female member comprises a female end disk from which a dock for the head extends.

17. A wearable constructional toy according to any preceding claim further comprising a display surface.

18. A wearable constructional toy according to claim 17 when dependent on claim 16 wherein a display surface is provided on a female end disk and/or a male end disk.

19. A wearable constructional toy according to any preceding claim further comprising one or more removably attachable interchangeable display chips.

20. A wearable constructional toy according to claim 19 when dependent on claim 17 or 18 wherein the removably attachable interchangeable display chips are connectable to a display surface via a snap-fit connection.

21. A wearable constructional toy according to any preceding claim further comprising one or more lights connected to or removably connectable to one or more of the parts.

22. A wearable constructional toy according to claim 21, wherein the lights are neon lights.

23. A wearable constructional toy according to any preceding claim further comprising a voice changer and/or a noise box connected to or removably connectable to one or more of the parts .

24. A wearable constructional toy according to any preceding claim further comprising an accessory.

25. A wearable constructional toy according to claim 24 wherein the accessory is a water pistol, flying disk, water bottle, laser and/or an air foam shooter.

26. A releasable fixing means for use in a wearable constructional toy according to any preceding claim.

27. A display chip for use in a wearable constructional toy according to any of claims 1 to 25 and/or a releasable fixing means according to claim 26.