Hinged Toy with Internal Display Stand

Abstract

An openable and closeable toy with an interior and exterior. The interior has at least one display area for displaying one or more scenes and one or more display items. Similarly, the exterior may also one or more display areas.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to toys used to display scenes from popular culture. Both children and adults enjoy toys that include scenes and characters from their favorite TV, movies, anime and video games. TV, movie, anime and video game producers often sell licensed merchandise relating to their content. Many enthusiasts collect such licensed merchandise and other items and desire to display them for others to see.

Many of these items are made of PVC or plastic, but some made of metal and/or wood. Some of these items have great monetary value to their collectors. Many collectors have sentimental or emotional attachments to their items and wish to display them for their own enjoyment.

The present invention relates to a configurable toy for displaying various scenes and characters.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an openable and closeable toy with an interior and exterior. The interior has at least one display area for displaying one or more scenes and one or more display items. Similarly, the exterior may also one or more display areas.

The device includes a base and at least one compartment door. In the preferred embodiment, the compartment door is attached to the base with hinges so that the compartment door can be opened and close to show various display areas and display items.

These display areas and display items may be attachable or detachable. A variety of display configurations is possible for the device described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view of the first embodiment of the hinged toy with internal display stand in the closed position.

FIG. 2 is a view of the first embodiment of the hinged toy with internal display stand showing the operation of the compartment doors.

FIG. 3 is a view of the first embodiment of the hinged toy with internal display stand showing the interior of the toy.

FIG. 4 is a view of the second embodiment of the hinged toy with internal display stand in the closed position.

FIG. 5 is a view of the second embodiment of the hinged toy with internal display stand showing the operation of the compartment doors.

FIG. 6 is a view of the second embodiment of the hinged toy with internal display stand showing the interior of the toy.

FIG. 7 is a view of the third embodiment of the hinged toy with internal display stand in the closed position.

FIG. 8 is a view of the third embodiment of the hinged toy with internal display stand showing the operation of the compartment doors.

FIG. 9 is a view of the third embodiment of the hinged toy with internal display stand showing the interior of the toy.

FIG. 10 is a view of the fourth embodiment of the hinged toy with internal display stand in the closed position.

FIG. 11 is a view of the fourth embodiment of the hinged toy with internal display stand showing the operation of the compartment door.

FIG. 12 is a view of the fourth embodiment of the hinged toy with internal display stand showing the interior of the toy.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following detailed description refers to the preferred embodiment of the disclosed invention as shown in the attached figures and in the below description. This detailed description is not meant to limit the scope of the invention in any way but is intended to disclose the preferred embodiment/best mode of the invention at the time of filing this application.

FIG. 1 is a view of the first embodiment of the present hinged toy with internal display stand 100 shown in its closed position. Hinged toy with internal display stand 100 is comprised of first compartment door 101, second compartment door 104 and base 106. Also shown are first door connection 102 and second door connection 105. Lastly, exterior display area 103 is shown, in this case with a monster face molded into first compartment door 101 and second compartment door 104.

Any type of image, vehicle or scene may be shown in exterior display area 103, including any character (human, animal, insect, fish, alien), vehicle (car, truck, train, etc.), or landscape (outdoor, indoor, fantasy, outer space, underwater) or other imaginable type of character/vehicle/scene to be displayed. Exterior display area 103 may span both first compartment door 101 and second compartment door 104 as shown in this figure, or it may be limited to one of the two compartment doors. Further, in this embodiment, a monster face is molded into exterior display area 103, but exterior display area 103 could display other scenes by printing, stickers, attachable/detachable scenes or any other means well known in the art.

In the preferred embodiment, hinged toy with internal display stand is made from molded PVC plastic, but could be made from any material well known in the art such as plastic, metal or wood. It could be produced using any method well known in the art such as casting, molding, cutting, sewing, 3d printing or machining.

In the preferred embodiment, first door connection 102 and second door connection 105 are hinges, but any connection means that allows the doors to open and close could be used such as latches, tabs, and other types well known in the art.

FIG. 2 is a side view of hinged toy with internal display stand 100 showing the opening operation of first compartment door 101 and second compartment door 104. First compartment door 101 rotates around first door connection 102 while second compartment door 104 rotates around second door connection 105. In this embodiment, first compartment door 101 and second compartment door 104 open outwardly to display the interior of the toy, but any number of other opening configurations for first compartment door 101 and second compartment door 104 are possible within the claims of the invention. First door connection 101 and second door connection 105 are hinges in this embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a view of hinged toy with internal display stand 100 with both first compartment door 101 and second compartment door 104 open to show interior display area 107. Display areas 109 and 112 are visible in this view. Display area 109 is located on the back of first compartment door 101, is a landscape scene of a bridge and is attached to first compartment door 101. This area can be used to display any image, vehicle or scene including any character (human, animal, insect, fish, alien), vehicle (car, truck, train, etc.), or landscape (outdoor, indoor, fantasy, outer space, underwater) or other imaginable type of character/vehicle/scene desired to be displayed by the toy manufacturer or in some cases the toy user. Third display area 108 can be molded as part of first compartment door 101 or it can be detachable from the rear portion of first compartment door 101.

Display area 112 is an area that also may display any kind of character (human, animal, insect, fish, alien), landscape (outdoor, indoor, fantasy, outer space, underwater) or scene desired by the toy manufacturer, or in some cases the toy user. Display area 112 may be detachable from base 106 or formed as part of the base. Display area 112 has one or more individual display locations 108 each that may display an individual display item 110. In this embodiment, each individual display location 108 is a slot that couples with a matching tab 111 on each individual display item 110. This embodiment is drawn to a town in fourth display area 109 with various characters for the each of the individual display items 110. There are three individual display items 110 in this embodiment. While these are the details related to this embodiment, any scene could be displayed fourth display area 109 and any time, of any number, could be displayed as individual display items. Further, in this embodiment, hinged toy with internal display stand, display areas and individual display items are made from molded PVC plastic but could be made from any material well known in the art such as plastic, metal or wood. These items may be produced using any method well known in the art such as casting, molding, cutting, sewing, 3d printing or machining. Additionally, any mix of materials and manufacturing methods could be used for the various display areas and individual display items.

FIG. 4 is a view of a second embodiment of the present hinged toy with internal display stand 100 shown in its closed position. In this embodiment, hinged toy with internal display stand is a model of a train, where both the engine/locomotive and passenger car have hinged openings to display internal contents. Hinged toy with internal display stand 100 is comprised of first compartment door 101, second compartment door 104 and base 106. Also shown are first door connection 102 and second door connection 105. Lastly, exterior display area 103 is shown, in this case with a train locomotive/engine formed on first compartment door 101 and a train passenger car formed on second compartment door 104.

As in the first embodiment, any type of image, vehicle or scene may be shown in exterior display area 103, including any character (human, animal, insect, fish, alien), vehicle (car, truck, train, etc.), or landscape (outdoor, indoor, fantasy, outer space, underwater) or other imaginable type of character/vehicle/scene to be displayed. Exterior display area 103 may span both first compartment door 101 and second compartment door 104 as shown in this figure, or it may be limited to one of the two compartment doors. Further, in this embodiment, a train is molded into exterior display area 103, but exterior display area 103 could display other scenes by printing, stickers, attachable/detachable scenes or any other means well known in the art.

The second embodiment of hinged toy with internal stand 100 is made from molded PVC plastic but could be made from any material well known in the art such as plastic, metal or wood. It could be produced using any method well known in the art such as casting, molding, cutting, sewing, 3d printing or machining.

Further, in the second embodiment first door connection 102 and second door connection 105 are hinges, but any connection means that allows the doors to open and close could be used such as latches, tabs, and other types well known in the art.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the second embodiment of the hinged toy with internal display stand 100 showing the opening operation of first compartment door 101 and second compartment door 104. First compartment door 101 rotates around first door connection 102 while second compartment door 104 rotates around second door connection 105. In this embodiment, first compartment door 101 and second compartment door 104 open outwardly to display the interior of the toy, but any number of other opening configurations for first compartment door 101 and second compartment door 104 are possible within the claims of the invention. First door connection 101 and second door connection 105 are hinges in this embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a view of hinged toy with internal display stand 100 with both first compartment door 101 and second compartment door 104 open to show interior display area 107. Display areas 109, 112, 113 and 114 are shown in this view. Each display area can be used to display any character (human, animal, insect, fish, alien), vehicle (car, truck, train, etc.), or landscape (outdoor, indoor, fantasy, outer space, underwater) or other imaginable type of character/vehicle/scene desired by the toy manufacturer, or in some cases the toy user. Display area 109 is located on the back of first compartment door 101 and is detachable from the rear portion of first compartment door 101. Display area 112 is fitted in the base 106 revealed by opening first compartment door 101 and is also detachable. Display area 113 is fitted in the base 106 revealed by opening second compartment door 104. Lastly, display area 114 is located on the back of second compartment door 104 and is detachable from the rear portion of second compartment door 104.

FIG. 7 is a view of a third embodiment of the present hinged toy with internal display stand 100 shown in its closed position. In this embodiment, hinged toy with internal display stand is the head of a stylized cat, where both the upper head and lower portion of the mouth open to display internal contents. Hinged toy with internal display stand 100 is comprised of first compartment door 101, second compartment door 104 and base 106. Also shown are first door connection 102 and second door connection 105. Lastly, exterior display area 103 is shown, in this case stylized cat head formed on first compartment door 101 and second compartment door 104.

As in the first and second embodiments, any type of image, vehicle or scene may be shown in exterior display area 103, including any character (human, animal, insect, fish, alien), vehicle (car, truck, train, etc.), or landscape (outdoor, indoor, fantasy, outer space, underwater) or other imaginable type of character/vehicle/scene to be displayed. Exterior display area 103 may span both first compartment door 101 and second compartment door 104 as shown in this figure, or it may be limited to one of the two compartment doors. Further, in this embodiment, a stylized cat head is molded into exterior display area 103, but exterior display area 103 could display other scenes by printing, stickers, attachable/detachable scenes or any other means well known in the art.

The third embodiment of hinged toy with internal stand 100 is also made from molded PVC plastic but could be made from any material well known in the art such as plastic, metal or wood. It could be produced using any method well known in the art such as casting, molding, cutting, sewing, 3d printing or machining.

Further, in the third embodiment first door connection 102 and second door connection 105 are hinges, but any connection means that allows the doors to open and close could be used such as latches, tabs, and other types well known in the art.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the third embodiment of the hinged toy with internal display stand 100 showing the opening operation of first compartment door 101 and second compartment door 104. First compartment door 101 rotates around first door connection 102 while second compartment door 104 rotates around second door connection 105. In this embodiment, first compartment door 101 and second compartment door 104 open outwardly to display the interior of the toy, but any number of other opening configurations for first compartment door 101 and second compartment door 104 are possible within the claims of the invention. First door connection 101 and second door connection 105 are hinges in this embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a view of hinged toy with internal display stand 100 with both first compartment door 101 and second compartment door 104 open to show interior display area 107. Display areas 109 and 112 are shown in this view. Each display area can be used to display any character (human, animal, insect, fish, alien), vehicle (car, truck, train, etc.), or landscape (outdoor, indoor, fantasy, outer space, underwater) or other imaginable type of character/vehicle/scene desired by the toy manufacturer, or in some cases the toy user. Display area 109 shows a fictional multi-armed animal in a specific pose, is located on the back of first compartment door 101, and is detachable from the rear portion of first compartment door 101. Display area 112 shows a fictional landscape scene with multiple characters, is fitted in the base 106 revealed by opening first compartment door 101, and is also detachable.

In this embodiment, each individual display location 108 is a slot that couples with a matching tab 111 on each individual display item 110. There are two individual display items 110 in this embodiment, each a fictional character related to the scene. While these are the details related to this embodiment, any scene could be displayed and any number of individual display item 110 could be displayed. Further, in this embodiment, hinged toy with internal display stand, display areas and individual display items are made from molded PVC plastic but could be made from any material well known in the art such as plastic, metal or wood. These items may be produced using any method well known in the art such as casting, molding, cutting, sewing, 3d printing or machining. Additionally, any mix of materials and manufacturing methods could be used for the various display areas and individual display items.

FIG. 10 is a view of a fourth embodiment of the present hinged toy with internal display stand 100 shown in its closed position. In this embodiment, hinged toy with internal display stand is the head of a fictional monster, where the head opens to display internal contents. Hinged toy with internal display stand 100 is comprised of first compartment door 101, first door connection 102 and base 106. Exterior display area 103 is shown, in this case fictional monster formed on first compartment door 101.

As in the first, second and third embodiments, any type of image, vehicle or scene may be shown in exterior display area 103, including any character (human, animal, insect, fish, alien), vehicle (car, truck, train, etc.), or landscape (outdoor, indoor, fantasy, outer space, underwater) or other imaginable type of character/vehicle/scene to be displayed. Exterior display area 103 may span both first compartment door 101 and second compartment door 104 as shown in this figure, or it may be limited to one of the two compartment doors. Further, in this embodiment, a fictional monster is molded into exterior display area 103, but exterior display area 103 could display other scenes by printing, stickers, attachable/detachable scenes or any other means well known in the art.

The fourth embodiment of hinged toy with internal stand 100 is also made from molded PVC plastic but could be made from any material well known in the art such as plastic, metal or wood. It could be produced using any method well known in the art such as casting, molding, cutting, sewing, 3d printing or machining.

Further, in the fourth embodiment first door connection 102 is a hinge, but any connection means that allows the doors to open and close could be used such as latches, tabs, and other types well known in the art.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the fourth embodiment of the hinged toy with internal display stand 100 showing the opening operation of first compartment door 101. First compartment door 101 rotates around first door connection 102. In this embodiment, first compartment door 101 opens outwardly to display the interior of the toy, but any number of other opening configurations for first compartment door 101 are possible within the claims of the invention. First door connection 101 is a hinge in this embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a view of hinged toy with internal display stand 100 with first compartment door 101 open to show interior display areas 107 and 109. Each display area can be used to display any character (human, animal, insect, fish, alien), vehicle (car, truck, train, etc.), or landscape (outdoor, indoor, fantasy, outer space, underwater) or other imaginable type of character/vehicle/scene desired by the toy manufacturer, or in some cases the toy user. Display area 107 shows a fictional scene of an open mouth under an alter, is located on the back of first compartment door 101, and is detachable from the rear portion of first compartment door 101. Display area 109 shows a fictional animal and landscape scene with a character, is fitted in the base 106 revealed by opening first compartment door 101, and is also detachable.

In this embodiment, each individual display location 108 is a slot that couples with a matching tab 111 on each individual display item 110. There are three individual display items 110 in this embodiment, each a fictional character related to the scene. While these are the details related to this embodiment, any scene could be displayed and any number of individual display item 110 could be displayed. Further, in this embodiment, hinged toy with internal display stand, display areas and individual display items are made from molded PVC plastic but could be made from any material well known in the art such as plastic, metal or wood. These items may be produced using any method well known in the art such as casting, molding, cutting, sewing, 3d printing or machining. Additionally, any mix of materials and manufacturing methods could be used for the various display areas and individual display items.

Although the present invention has been described in relation to the above disclosed preferred embodiment, many modifications in design, implementation, systems and execution are possible while still maintaining the novel features and advantages of the invention. The preferred embodiment is not meant to limit the scope of the patent in any way, and it should be given the broadest possible interpretation consistent with the language of the disclosure on the whole.

Claims

1. A toy comprising: a base with a base inner surface and a base outer surface where the base inner surface comprises a first display area;at least one compartment door with a compartment door inner surface and a compartment door outer surface, where the compartment door has an open position and a closed position and is attached to the base, where the compartment door outer surface comprises a second display area and the compartment door inner surface comprises a third display area; andone or more individual display item where the individual display item is attachable and detachable from the toy.

2. The toy of claim 1 further comprising a second compartment door with a second compartment door inner surface and second compartment door outer surface.

3. The toy of claim 2 where the second compartment door outer surface comprises a portion of the second display area.

4. The toy of claim 2 where the second compartment door outer surface comprises a fourth display area.

5. The toy of claim 1 where the compartment door is attached to the base by a hinge.

6. The toy of claim 2 where the second compartment door is attached to the base by a hinge.

7. The toy of claim 1 where the first display area is attachable and detachable from the base.

8. The toy of claim 1 where the second display area is attachable and detachable from the compartment door.

9. The toy of claim 1 where the third display area is attachable and detachable from the compartment door.

10. The toy of claim 1 where the one or more individual display items include a tab that is sized to couple with a corresponding slot on the toy.

11. The toy of claim 1 where the toy is made from a material selected from the group consisting of PVC, plastic, rubber, wood and metal.

12. The toy of claim 1 where the toy is manufactured by a process selected from the group consisting of casting, molding, cutting, sewing, 3d printing and machining.