The present disclosure relates generally to children's toys, and more particularly, to a screwless knob assembly for children's toys.
Toys and toy assemblies can include knobs or dials for children to turn and manipulate. Conventional knobs can be threaded or fastened, for example via one or more screws, through a panel of a toy assembly so that after a period of use, the screws can become worn enabling the knobs to loosen and even disengage from the toy assembly. If a knob (and/or its pieces) becomes loose, the knob can be lost, turn into a projectile (if thrown by a child) or may even rise to the level of a choking hazard. Furthermore, knobs fastened via screws through a panel can require machining or manufacturing steps. In addition, conventional knobs that are installed prior to packaging generally will cause the packaging to be larger, thus increasing packaging and shipping costs.
Accordingly, there is a need to provide safe toys and toy assemblies for children while reducing the manufacturing steps and packaging costs of such toys and toy assemblies.
Furthermore, conventional knobs are often attached to toy assemblies during manufacturing or assembly before the point of sale. Due to the structure of the conventional knobs and/or the structure of the toy assemblies, it may be difficult to attach the conventional knobs to the assemblies after the point of sale. Additionally, conventional knobs are often shipped in one piece. These conventional knobs can be damaged rendering them unusable during the assembly of the toy assemblies. As such, risks exist that these knobs could be damaged or knocked off the toy assemblies before the point of sale or use.
Accordingly, there is a need to provide knobs for toy assemblies that have a low risk of damage and can be easily attached to the toy assemblies by a user and/or purchaser after the point of sale.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a screwless knob assembly including a knob member and a knob backcover member. The knob member includes a handle and a shaft. The shaft is disposed opposite the handle and is configured to communicate through an aperture of a backing board. A portion of the shaft is configured to extend completely through the aperture of the backing board. Furthermore, the knob backcover member is configured to securely fasten around the portion of the shaft.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a method of assembling a screwless knob assembling. The method includes communicating a shaft of a knob member through an aperture of a backing board. The shaft is communicated until a portion of the shaft extends completely through the aperture and until a handle of the knob member, disposed opposite from the shaft, engages with a surface of the backing board. The method further includes securely fastening a knob backcover member around the portion of the shaft.
The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description that follows. Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the concept and the specific embodiment(s) disclosed as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same or similar purposes of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention in its broadest form.
Before undertaking the Detailed Description below, it may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document: the terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term “or,” is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like. Definitions for certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that in many, if not most instances, such definitions apply to prior uses, as well as future uses, of such defined words and phrases.
For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like numbers designate like objects, and in which:
To simplify the drawings, reference numerals from previous drawings may sometimes not be repeated for structures that have already been identified.
Referring to
The knob 105 and/or the handle 106 includes a radial cross-section with a diameter (or minimum cross-sectional distance) larger than a diameter (or maximum cross-sectional distance) of an aperture 118 disposed through the backing board 115. For example, as will be discussed further herein, the knob 105/handle 106 is configured to engage with a first surface (e.g., surrounding an entrance to or opening of the aperture 118) of the backing board 115 after the shaft 107 is inserted or communicated through the aperture 118.
The shaft 107 of the knob member 105 is configured to be inserted through the aperture 118 of the backing board 115 to provide a cross-sectional configuration for extending through the aperture 118 as well as for rotating within the aperture 118. For example, both the aperture 118 and the shaft 107 can include circular cross-sections with uniform diameters along their respective axes so that the shaft 107 can communicate through and rotate within the aperture 118. Accordingly, the diameter (or maximum cross-sectional distance) of the shaft 107 can include a distance less than a diameter (or minimum cross-section distance) of the aperture 118.
In one embodiment, while the diameter of the shaft 107 can include a distance less than a diameter of the aperture 118, the difference between the diameter of the shaft 107 and the diameter of the aperture 118 can be configured such that a shaft 107 positioned within the aperture 118 has an axis substantially parallel with the axis of the aperture 118. For example, after the shaft 107 has been communicated through the aperture 118 so that the handle 106 can engage the first surface of the backing board 115, the difference between the diameter of the shaft 107 and the diameter of the aperture 118 can allow for the axis of the shaft 107 to be substantially parallel with the axis of the aperture 118.
In an embodiment, the shaft 107 has a length such that the distance between the handle 106 and the distal end of the shaft 107 is greater than the depth of the aperture 118. For example, an axial portion of the shaft 107 can be communicated completely through the aperture 118 and extended beyond a second surface (e.g., surrounding an exit from or opening of the aperture 118 and opposite the first surface) of the backing board 115 before the handle 106 engages the first surface of the backing board 115 preventing further communication of the shaft 107 through the aperture 118.
As previously disclosed, the screwless knob assembly 100 includes a knob backcover member 110. The knob backcover member 110 securely fastens around at least a portion of the shaft 107 which, when affixed to the backing board 115 (as described later), secures the knob member 105 to the board 115. In one embodiment, the knob backcover member 110 includes a ring, such as semi-circular ring, with an inner diameter capable of securely fastening around at least a portion of the circumference of the shaft 107 (or a recess disposed around the circumference of the shaft as will be disclosed further herein). For example, the ring may be constructed of an elastic material which can be manipulated (e.g. bent out of its natural shape) so that the inner diameter of the ring can be moved into a suitable position around at least a circumferential portion of the shaft 107. Subsequently, due to the elasticity of the ring, once the ring has been moved into the proper position on the shaft 107, the ring is able to snap back into its natural shape and securely fastens the knob backcover member 110 around at least a circumferential portion of the circumference of the shaft 107. The ring can also include an outer diameter which is greater than at least the diameter of the opening of the aperture 118 surrounded by the second surface of the backing board 115.
The knob backcover member 110 is coupled to the shaft 107, for example, at or near the distal end of the shaft 107. For example, after a portion of the shaft 107 has been communicated (inserted) through the aperture 118 extending beyond the second surface of the backing board 115 and the handle 106 has engaged the first surface of the backing board 115, the knob backcover member 110 is coupled with the portion of the shaft 107 extending beyond the second surface of the backing board 115.
As will be appreciated, the knob backcover member 110 implemented in conjunction with the handle 106 of the knob member 105 limits axial movement of the shaft 107 through the aperture 118, thereby securing the knob member 105 with the backing board 115 via the aperture 118. As such, the shaft 107 can be retained within the aperture 118 securing the knob member 105 in relation to the backing board 115.
Furthermore, the knob backcover member 110 implemented in conjunction with the handle 106 of the knob member 105 is configured to permit rotation (partial or complete rotation, generally unimpeded rotation) of the knob member 105 within the aperture 118 about the backing board 115 in a clockwise direction and/or a counterclockwise direction. This rotation occurs without loosening or disengaging the knob member 105 from the backing board 115. In one embodiment, the knob member 105 can be rotated 360 degrees in a clockwise direction and/or in a counterclockwise direction numerous times without loosening or disengaging the knob member 105 from the backing board 115.
It should be understood that “impeded rotation” can mean rotation that is halted or stopped by an obstruction such that in order to overcome the obstruction and continue rotation, the structural integrity of one or members would be compromised, for example by inelastic deformation of a member or a fracture of a member. Thus, “unimpeded rotation” can mean rotation that is not halted or stopped by an obstruction. As such, while frictional forces or bending moments that create elastic deformation on or between adjacent or engaging members may impeded or slow the rotation of a member, for the purposes of this disclosure, the presences of such frictional forces or bending moments can exist in conjunction with “unimpeded rotation.”
The recess 108 is configured to engage a portion of the knob backcover member 110 and further maintain engagement between the shaft 107 and the knob backcover member 110. In an embodiment, the walls of the recess 108 are configured to at least limit axial movement of the knob backcover member 110 along the shaft 107. For example, the walls of the recess 108 can be configured to prevent the knob backcover member 110 from sliding off the distal end of the shaft 107 when the handle 106 is pulled away from the first surface of a backing board, such as backing board 115 illustrated in
In an embodiment, the smaller shaft diameter created by the recess 108 can also at least assist in fastening the knob backcover member 110 around the shaft 107. For example, the ring can be composed of an elastic material which can be manipulated (e.g. bent out of its natural shape) so that the inner diameter of the ring can be moved into axial alignment with the recess 108. Subsequently, due to the elasticity of the ring, once the ring has been moved into axial alignment with the recess 108, the smaller shaft diameter created by the recess 108 can permit the ring to snap back into its natural shape and securely fastened the knob backcover member 110 around at least a portion of the circumference of the shaft 107.
The knob backcover member 110 can include a receiving portion (a slot) configured to receive the shaft 107 (and its recess 108). The receiving portion of the member 110 includes a narrowing segment (e.g., two protrusions or tabs extending inward to narrow the width of the slot) configured to engage the shaft 107/recess 108 and elastically deform when engaging with the shaft 107/recess 108 (see
Referring to
Now turning to
Now turning to
As shown, the noise member 120 includes a tab or notch engaging member 150, the backing board coupling member 155, a shaft coupling member 160, and a handle engaging member 165. The shaft coupling member 160 is configured to be inserted over the distal end of the shaft 107 and slid along the shaft until the handle engaging member 165 engages a seat of the knob member 105. The shaft coupling member 160 is further configured to permit the unimpeded rotation of the shaft 107 and thus the knob member 105.
The notch/tab engaging member 150 is positioned in circumferential alignment with the handle engaging member 165 along the center axis of the shaft coupling member 160. Furthermore, for reasons to be disclosed further herein, the tab engaging member 150 may extend a distance further than the handle engaging member 165 in a radial direction from the center axis of the shaft coupling member 160.
The backing board coupling member 155 can extend from a surface of the handle engaging member 165 in a direction parallel with the center axis of the shaft coupling member 160. The backing board coupling member 165 is configured for reception into the guide hole or aperture 122 disposed within the backing board 115a (illustrated in
As illustrated in
In operation, when the screwless knob assembly 100 is assembled such that shaft 107 is communicated through the aperture 118 of the backing board 115a securing the knob member 105 (or 105a) to the backing board 115a in conjunction with the knob backcover member 110 while the noise member 120 is engaged with the seat of the handle 106/knob member 105 and the backing board coupling member 155 is coupled with the guide hole or aperture 122, the handle 106 can be gripped and the knob member 105 can be turned in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Because the backing board coupling member 155 is coupled with the aperture 122, the noise member 120 is unable to rotate with the knob member 105. As such, as the knob member 105 is rotated, the tabs/notches 175 can engage with the notch/tab engaging member 150, elastically deforming the notch engaging member 150. After the knob member 105 is rotated further so that notch engaging member 150 is released from engagement with a notch 175, the notch/tab engaging member 150 “snaps” back to its original form thereby generated a snapping or clicking sound. Accordingly, when the tabs/notches 175 are disposed around the wall formed by the seat and the knob member 105 is rotated either in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, a snapping or clicking sound can be generated when the notch engaging member 150 is release from engagement with one of the tabs/notches 175.
In an embodiment, a distance from the top of the handle 106 to the bottom of the knob backcover member 110 secured to the shaft 107 can be 43.5 mm or 37.5 mm while a distance between the handle 106 and the knob backcover member 110 secured to the shaft 107 can be 12 mm.
In an embodiment, the handle 106 can have an outer diameter of 55 mm and an inner diameter of 36 mm. Additionally, the handle 106 can have a first portion with a thickness of 6 mm and second portion with a thickness of 6.3 mm.
At step 1410, the knob member 105 and the knob noise member 120 can engage with the backing board 115 or 115a. For example, the shaft 107 can be axially aligned with the aperture 118 of the backing board 115 or 115a and the backing board coupling member 155 can be axially aligned with the knob noise notch aperture 122 of the backing board 115 paired with the aperture 118.
Furthermore, the shaft 107 can be communicated into and through the aperture 118 while the backing board coupling member 155 can be communicated at least into the knob noise notch aperture 122 until the handle 106 engages with the first surface of the backing board 115 surrounding an opening to the aperture 318 and the knob noise notch aperture 122. Additionally, the shaft 107 can be communicated through the aperture 118 and out another opening of the aperture 118 surrounded by a second surface of the backing board 115 or 115a opposite the first surface before the handle 106 engages with the first surface of the backing board 115 or 115a. As such, a portion of the shaft 107 at the distal end of the shaft 107 can extended completely through the aperture 118 and beyond the second surface of the backing board 115 or 115a.
At step 1415, the knob backcover member 110 can be fastened to the shaft 107 of the knob member 105 opposite the handle 106 securely retaining the knob member 105 with the backing board 115 or 115a. For example, after the shaft 107 has been extended through the aperture 118 so that a portion of the shaft 107 at the distal end can extend beyond the second surface of the backing board 115 or 115a and the handle 106 engages the first surface of the backing board 115 or 115a, the knob backcover member 110 can be fastened around or snapped around the extended portion of the shaft 107. In an embodiment, the knob backcover member 110 can be fastened into a recess 108 disposed around the circumference of the extended portion of the shaft 107. Furthermore, the shaft 107 can include a plurality of recess 108 disposed longitudinally along the shaft 107. As such, the knob backcover member 110 can be fastened with any one of the plurality of recess 108 in order to accommodate a thickness of the backing board 115 or 115a.
At step 1420, the screwless knob assembly 100 can be rotated in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction without loosening or disengaging the knob member 105 from the backing board 115 or 115a and without impeding the rotation, for example by an obstruction. In an embodiment, the screwless knob assembly 100 can be rotated in order to generate a snapping or clicking sound. For example, as previously disclosed herein, because the backing board coupling member 155 is coupled to the backing board 115 or 115a via the knob noise notch aperture 122, as the knob member 105 is rotated, the knob noise member 120 can be held from rotation with the knob member 105. Furthermore, as the knob member 105 is rotated, the notch engaging member 150 can engage with and snap or click over each of the one or more notches disposed around the interior wall formed by the seat 170.
While this disclosure has described certain embodiments and generally associated methods, alterations and permutations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of example embodiments does not define or constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as defined by the following claims.
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/803,392 filed on Mar. 19, 2013. The above-identified provisional patent application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61803392 | Mar 2013 | US |