TOY SYSTEM

Abstract

Disclosed are toy pieces, each toy piece having a body with a first arm and a second arm. The first arm can have a first engagement portion. The second arm can have a second engagement portion. The first arm and second arm can be configured to move relative to one another to transition the toy piece between a resting or disengaged state and a tensioned or engaged state in which the first engagement portion is releasably secured within the second engagement portion. At least one of the first arm and second arm can be biased when the toy piece is in the tensioned state such that an application of an external force to the toy piece above a threshold causes the toy piece to rapidly transition from the tensioned or engaged state to the resting or disengaged state.

Description

BACKGROUND

Field

This invention relates to toys, and more particularly, relates to toy pieces for use in a stacking game.

Description of the Related Art

Stacking games can include multiple toy pieces that can be assembled to create a random toy structure. In some stacking games, toy pieces can be removed from a toy structure and/or placed on top of one another until the toy structure or a section of the toy structure collapses due to, for example, an imbalance in weight in the toy structure.

SUMMARY

In certain embodiments, a toy piece is disclosed. The toy piece includes a body having a first arm and a second arm. The body is movable from a disengaged state to an engaged state. The first arm has a first engagement structure and the second arm has a second engagement structure. The second arm is disposed relative to the first arm so that the first engagement structure is spaced apart from the second engagement structure when the body is in the disengaged state. The first engagement structure is configured to be releasably secured to the second engagement structure when the body is in the engaged state.

In certain embodiments, a toy system is disclosed. The toy system includes a plurality of toy pieces. Each toy piece includes a body having a first arm and a second arm. The toy piece is movable from a disengaged state to an engaged state. The first arm has a first engagement structure and the second arm has a second engagement structure. The first arm and the second arm are configured to move relative to one another to transition the toy piece between the disengaged state and the engaged state. The toy system further includes a playing surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will now be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toy piece according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is front view of the toy piece of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the toy piece of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a first side view of the toy piece of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a second side view of the toy piece of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the toy piece of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the toy piece of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the toy piece of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the toy piece of FIG. 1 in which arrows and dashed components are provided to indicate movement of the components of the toy piece in use.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a toy system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10B is a perspective view of a toy system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a toy container according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is directed to certain specific embodiments. The invention(s) disclosed herein, however, can be embodied in a multitude of different ways as defined and covered by the claims. In this description, reference is made to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated with like numerals throughout. The features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings of several embodiments that are intended to be within the scope of the development herein disclosed. These and other embodiments will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any particular embodiment(s) herein disclosed.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a toy piece 100. Certain embodiments of the toy piece 100 include a first arm 120 and a second arm 130. In certain embodiments, the toy piece 100 can also include a connector or body 110. In certain embodiments, the toy piece 100 can also include a protrusion 140.

The first arm 120 can be coupled to the connector 110. In certain embodiments, the first arm 120 includes a connection section 122 that couples to the connector 110. In certain embodiments, the connection section 122 is positioned at a proximal end or near a proximal end of the first arm 120. In certain embodiments, the connection section 122 extends from the first end 102 of the connector 110.

In certain embodiments, the first arm 120 includes an engagement structure 125. In certain embodiments, the engagement structure 125 can be positioned at a distal end or near a distal end of the first arm 125. In certain embodiments, an elongate section 124 extends between the connection section 122 and the engagement structure 125.

The second arm 130 can be coupled to the connector 110. In certain embodiments, the second arm 130 includes a connection section 132 that couples to the connector 110. In certain embodiments, the connection section 122 is positioned at a proximal end or near a proximal end of the first arm 120. In certain embodiments, the connection section 120 extends from a second end 104 of the connector 110.

In certain embodiments, the second arm 130 includes an engagement structure 135. In certain embodiments, the engagement structure 135 can be positioned at a distal end or near a distal end of the second arm 130. In certain embodiments, an elongate section 134 extends between the connection section 132 and the engagement structure 135. engagement structure 135

FIG. 1 shows the toy piece 100 in a resting or disengaged state. In certain embodiments, the engagement structure 125 and the engagement structure 135 can be offset, not coplanar, or spaced apart in the resting state. In use, the toy piece 100 can be manipulated to releasably secure the engagement structure 125 to the engagement structure 135, placing the toy piece 100 in a tensioned or engaged state. In certain embodiments, one or both of the first arm 120 and second arm 130 can be translated, rotated, bent, or otherwise moved relative to one another to transition the toy piece 100 between the resting state and the tensioned state. For example, one or more of the connection section 122, the elongate section 124, the engagement structure 125, the connection section 132, the elongate section 134, and the engagement structure 135 can be translated, rotated, bent, or otherwise moved to transition the toy piece 100 between the resting state and the tensioned state. In some embodiments, one or more of the components of the toy piece 100, for example, the connection section 122, the elongate section 124, the engagement structure 125, the connection section 132, the elongate section 134, and the engagement structure 135, can be biased in favor of its respective configuration in the resting state, such that the component or components are placed into tension when positioned in the tensioned state. The engagement structure 125 can be releasably secured to the engagement structure 135 such that an external stimulus, for example, an external force or triggering force of sufficient magnitude applied to the toy piece 100, can dislodge the engagement structure 125 from the engagement structure 135 or the engagement structure 135 from the engagement structure 125. When the engagement structure 125 is dislodged from the engagement structure 135 or the engagement structure 135 is dislodged from the engagement structure 125, the bias of the component(s) of the toy piece 100 can cause the toy piece 100 to transition to the resting state.

The engagement structure 125 and engagement structure 135 can include complementary shapes for forming a releasable engagement. In certain embodiments, the engagement structure 135 can be a receptacle configured to receive a portion of the engagement structure 125. In certain embodiments, the engagement structure 135 can form a cup for receiving the engagement structure 125. In certain embodiments, the engagement structure 135 includes an elongated recess defined at least in part by a base 136 and a peripheral wall 138. The peripheral wall 138 can extend partially around the base 136. In certain embodiments, the peripheral wall 138 can include an opening 150 shaped and positioned for receiving the engagement structure 125 when the first arm 120 is transitioned from the resting position to the tensioned position. In some embodiments, the base 136 can be generally flat. In some embodiments, the base 136 is concave. The peripheral wall 138 can curve or angle outwardly from the base 136. In some embodiments, the peripheral wall 138 is concave. In some embodiments, the peripheral wall 138 is perpendicular with respect to the base 136.

In certain embodiments, the engagement structure 135 includes a locking tab 152. The locking tab 152 can be positioned and shaped to releasably secure the engagement structure 125 within the engagement structure 135 when the toy piece 100 is in the tensioned state. In certain embodiments, the locking tab 152 protrudes from the base 136. The locking tab can extend across at least a portion of the opening 150.

In certain embodiments, the engagement structure 125 can be a protrusion or can include a protruding section for engagement with the engagement structure 135. In certain embodiments, the engagement structure 125 can include a tab engagement portion 126. The tab engagement portion 126 can be configured to interact with the engagement structure 135, for example, the locking tab 152 of the engagement structure 135 to releasably secure the engagement structure 125 to the engagement structure 135. In certain embodiments, the tab engagement portion 126 is spherical or partially spherical. However, the tab engagement portion 126 can be any shape suitable for creating a releasably secure engagement with the locking tab 152. For example, the tab engagement portion 126 can be triangular, rectangular, ellipsoid, square, diamond-shaped, polygonal, or any other suitable shape.

The protrusion 140 can extend from the connector 110. The protrusion 140 can be shaped and/or sized to facilitate gripping by a user. The protrusion 140 may extend in a direction away from one or both of the first arm 120 and second arm 130 to allow for gripping of the protrusion 140 when the first arm 120 and second arm 130 are in either the resting state or tensioned state.

FIGS. 2-8 illustrate the toy piece 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 depicts a front view of the toy piece 100 in the resting state. FIG. 3 depicts a rear view of the toy piece 100 in the resting state. FIG. 4 depicts a first side view of the toy piece 100. FIG. 5 depicts a second side view of the toy piece 100 in the resting state. FIG. 6 depicts a top view of the toy piece 100. FIG. 7 depicts a bottom view of the toy piece 100. FIG. 8 depicts a top perspective view of the toy piece 100.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the locking tab 152 can include a wall 154 facing an interior of the engagement structure 135. The wall 154 can be positioned to abut the engagement structure 125 when the engagement structure 125 is positioned within the engagement structure 135 in order to releasably secure the engagement structure 125 therein. For example, the wall 154 can be positioned to abut the tab engagement portion 126. The wall 154 can be shaped and/or sized to releasably secure the engagement structure 125 when the engagement structure 125 is positioned within the engagement structure 135. In certain embodiments, the wall 154 and tab engagement portion 126 can have complementary shapes to facilitate securement of the engagement structure 125 in the engagement structure 135 when no external forces are exerted on the engagement structure 125 or external forces exerted on the engagement structure 125 are below a threshold magnitude or in certain directions.

As described herein, the engagement structure 125 can experience a biasing force when in the tensioned or engaged state due to, for example, the elastic properties of the first arm 120 favoring a return to the resting or disengaged state. In some embodiments, forces exerted on the engagement structure 125 by the engagement structure 135 oppose and exceed the biasing force when in the tensioned state such that the biasing force alone does not cause the engagement structure 125 to release or dislodge from the engagement structure 135, for example, from the locking tab 152. In certain embodiments, the forces exerted by the engagement structure 135 on the engagement structure 125 can be or can include forces exerted by the locking tab 152 on the engagement structure 125. In certain embodiments, the forces opposing the biasing force can be provided by or contributed to by friction between components of the first engagement structure 125 and the second engagement structure 135. In other words, the forces opposing the biasing force can be defined at least in part by or contributed to by the coefficient of friction between sections of the first engagement structure 125 and second engagement structure 135 in contact with one another. For example, the forces opposing the biasing force can be provided by or contributed to by friction between the wall 154 and the tab engagement portion 126. In some embodiments, the forces opposing the biasing force can be contributed to by or defined at least in part by the shape of the wall 154, the shape of the tab engagement portion 126, the material of the wall 154, the material of the tab engagement portion 126, and/or the coefficient of friction between the wall 154 and the tab engagement portion 126. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the wall 154 is curved or angled. In certain embodiments, the wall 154 can be concave. The wall 154 can curve or slope outwardly from the base 136 with respect to a center of the engagement structure 135 and upwardly such that the wall 154 protrudes from the base 136.

The complementary shapes of the engagement structure 125 and the engagement structure 135 and/or the coefficient of friction therebetween can also facilitate release or dislodgment of the engagement structure 125 from the engagement structure 135 when external forces exerted on the engagement structure 125 are above a threshold magnitude and in certain directions, for example at least partially in the direction of the biasing force. In certain embodiments, the shapes of the wall 154 and tab engagement portion 126 and coefficient of friction therebetween can facilitate release or dislodgement of the engagement structure 125 from the locking tab 152 when external forces exerted on the engagement structure 125 are above a threshold magnitude and in certain directions, for example, at least partially in the direction of the biasing force. It should be understood that the magnitude of force necessary for dislodging the engagement structure 125 can differ based on the direction of the force applied to the engagement structure 125. In some embodiments, it is desirable that magnitude of the external force required to release or dislodge the engagement structure 125 is relatively low. A low threshold can facilitate gameplay of a stacking game using a plurality of pieces 100 as discussed further herein.

The biasing force exerted on the engagement structure 125 when in the tensioned position can be at least partially a result of the extent of movement of the first arm 120 between the resting state and the tensioned state relative to the engagement structure 135. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the biasing force can be defined at least partially by a distance 156 between the wall 154 and the tab engagement portion 126 when the toy piece 100 is in the resting state. In other words, a magnitude of the biasing force can be defined at least partially by the distance of travel of the engagement structure 125 between the resting state and the tensioned state relative to the engagement structure 135.

The biasing force exerted on the engagement structure 125 when in the tensioned state can also be at least partially a result of the change in an angle α, as shown in FIG. 2, between the connector 110 and first arm 120 when transitioning from the resting state to the tensioned state. In other words, a magnitude of the biasing force can be defined at least partially by the degree of rotation of the first arm 120 relative to the connector 110 when transitioning from the resting state to the tensioned state.

While the biasing forces discussed above relate to movement of the first arm 120 between the resting state and the tensioned state relative to the second arm 130, it should be recognized that in some embodiments, the second arm 130 can be translated, rotated, or otherwise manipulated relative to the first arm 120 to releasably secure the engagement structure 125 within the engagement structure 135. In such embodiments, a biasing force can be exerted on the engagement structure 135 when in the tensioned or engaged state. Forces that oppose the biasing force may be provided at least in part by or contributed to by the engagement of the engagement structure 125 with the engagement structure 135, for example, engagement of the wall 154 with the tab engagement portion 126. The forces opposing the biasing force can be provided at least in part by or contributed to by friction between sections of the engagements structure 125 and the engagement structure 135 in contact with one another, for example, the wall 154 and the tab engagement portion 126. In some embodiments, the forces opposing the biasing force can be defined at least in part by or contributed to by the shape of the wall 154, the shape of the tab engagement portion 126, the material of the wall 154, the material of the tab engagement portion 126, and/or the coefficient of friction between the wall 154 and the tab engagement portion 126.

The biasing force exerted on the engagement structure 135 can be at least partially a result of the extent of movement of the second arm 130 between the resting state and the tensioned state relative to the engagement structure 125. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the biasing force can be defined at least partially by or contributed to by the distance 156 between the wall 154 and the tab engagement portion 126 when the toy piece 100 is in the resting position. In other words, a magnitude of the biasing force can be defined at least partially by or contributed to by the distance of travel of the engagement structure 135 between the resting state and the tensioned state relative to the engagement structure 125.

The biasing force exerted on the engagement structure 135 when in the tensioned state can also be at least partially a result of the change in an angle (3, as shown in FIG. 2, between the connector 110 and the second arm 130 when transitioning from the resting state and the tensioned state. In other words, a magnitude of the biasing force can be defined at least partially by or contributed to by the degree of rotation of the second arm 130 relative to the connector 110 when transitioning from the resting state to the tensioned state.

In some embodiments, both the first arm 120 and the second arm 130 can be translated, rotated, or otherwise manipulated relative to one another so that the toy piece 100 transitions from the resting state to the tensioned state in which the engagement structure 125 is releasably secured to the engagement structure 135. In such embodiments, biasing forces may act on both the engagement structure 125 and engagement structure 135. Forces that oppose the biasing forces may be provided at least partially by the engagement of the engagement structure 125 and the engagement structure 135, for example, by the engagement of the wall 154 with the tab engagement portion 126. The forces opposing the biasing forces can be provided at least partially by friction between the wall 154 and the tab engagement portion 126. In some embodiments, the forces opposing the biasing forces can be defined at least in part by or contributed to by the shape of the wall 154, the shape of the tab engagement portion 126, the material of the wall 154, the material of the tab engagement portion 126, and/or the coefficient of friction between the wall 154 and the tab engagement portion 126.

A magnitude of the biasing forces exerted on the engagement structure 125 may be defined at least in part by or contributed to by the distance of travel of the engagement structure 125 from the resting state to the tensioned state relative to the engagement structure 135 and/or the change in the angle α between the resting state and the tensioned state. The biasing forces exerted on the engagement structure 135 may be defined at least in part by or contributed to by the distance of travel of the engagement structure 135 from the resting state to the tensioned state relative to the engagement structure 125 and/or the change in the angle β between the resting state and the tensioned state.

The biasing force exerted on the engagement structure 125 and/or engagement structure 135 when in the tensioned state can also be defined at least partially by or contributed to by the material of the components of the toy piece 100. For example, the biasing force can be at least partially defined by or contributed to by the elasticity of one or more of the components of the toy piece 100, for example, the connector 110, the connection section 122, the elongate section 124, the engagement structure 125, the connection section 132, the elongate section 134, and the engagement structure 135. In certain embodiments, one or more of the components of the toy piece 100 can be formed of one or more plastic materials. In some embodiments, the toy piece 100 is monolithically formed.

In some embodiments, the biasing force can be of a magnitude sufficient to cause the toy piece 100 to act as a projectile when the engagement structure 125 and engagement structure 135 disengage and the toy piece 100 abruptly returns to the resting state.

FIG. 9 depicts an example of a process of transitioning the toy piece 100 from the resting state to the tensioned state. The toy piece 100 is shown in the tensioned or engaged state in which the engagement structure 125 is releasably secured within the engagement structure 135. The dashed structure 160 is shown for illustrative purposes only, and demonstrates the position of the first arm 120 in the resting state or disengaged state. An arrow 158 demonstrates of path of movement of the first arm 120 between the resting state and the tensioned or engaged state.

FIGS. 10A and 10B depict examples of a plurality of toy pieces 100 stacked together in a toy structure 200. Certain embodiments of a process for creating a toy structure 200 include an initial step of transitioning a first toy piece 100 from a resting or disengaged state to a tensioned or engaged state. A second toy piece 100 can then be positioned to interlock with or otherwise engage the first toy piece 100 to create a toy structure 200 having two toy pieces 100. In some embodiments, the second toy piece 100 is transitioned from the resting state to the tensioned state prior to engaging the first toy piece 100. In some embodiments, the second toy piece 100 is transitioned from the resting state to the tensioned state after engaging the first toy piece 100. Additional toy pieces 100 can be added to the toy structure 200 by engaging one or more of the toy pieces 100 in the toy structure 200 to create a more complex toy structure 200.

FIG. 10A depicts an example of a toy structure 200 in which the toy pieces 100 are transitioned from the resting state to the tensioned state after engaging the other toy pieces 100 in the toy structure 200. In such an embodiment, each toy piece 100 can be interlocked with at least one of the other toy pieces 100 in the structure 200.

FIG. 10B depicts an example of a toy structure 200 in which the toy pieces 100 are transitioned from the resting state to the tensioned state before engaging the other toy pieces 100 in the toy structure 200. In such an embodiment, the toy pieces 100 can be stacked together to form the structure 200 without interlocking.

As shown in FIGS. 9, 10A, and 10B, the base 136 and peripheral wall 138 of the engagement structure 135 can extend beyond the exterior of the engagement structure 125. In certain embodiments, the sections of the base 136 and peripheral wall 138 extending beyond the exterior of the engagement structure 125 can provide surfaces for engaging and interlocking with other toy pieces 100. In certain embodiments, each toy piece 100 may include additional surface features, such as additional protrusions, hooks, openings, or the like for interlocking with other toy pieces 100.

Certain embodiments of a process for playing a game includes adding toy pieces 100 to build a toy structure, such as the toy structures 200 shown in FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B, until one or more of the toy pieces 100 transition from the tensioned or engaged state to the resting or disengaged state.

In some embodiments, the process for playing a game can include adding a toy piece 100 by engaging the toy piece 100 with at least one other toy piece within the toy structure before transitioning the toy piece 100 from the resting state to the tensioned state to interlock the toy pieces 100. In such embodiments, an interlocking toy structure, such as the toy structure 200 shown in FIG. 10A, can be formed.

In some embodiments, the process for playing a game can include transitioning a toy piece 100 form the resting state to the tensioned state before adding the toy piece 100 to the toy structure. In such embodiments, adding the toy pieces 100 to the toy structure can be performed by stacking the toy piece 100 with the other toy pieces 100 to form a stacked toy structure such as the toy structure 200 shown in FIG. 10B. In such embodiments, the process for playing a game can be performed without interlocking toy pieces 100.

A toy piece 100 in the toy structure 200 may transition from the tensioned state to the resting state due to one or more external forces exerted on the toy piece 100. For example, a toy piece 100 may transition from the tensioned state to the resting state due to forces caused by weight or pressure on one or both of the first arm 120 and second arm 130 from other toy pieces 100 in the structure 200. In some embodiments, a toy piece 100 may transition from the tensioned state to the resting state due to forces exerted on one or both of the first arm 120 and second arm 130 due to a user contacting the first arm 120 and/or second arm 130. In some embodiments, a toy piece 100 may transition from the tensioned state to the resting state due to a user causing another toy piece 100 to contact the first arm 120 and/or second arm 130 while building the toy structure 200. In some embodiments, users can take turns adding toy pieces 100 to the toy structure 200 until one or more of the pieces 100 transitions from the tensioned state to the resting state. The user that causes the piece(s) 100 to transition, either by contacting the toy piece(s) 100 or by adding a piece 100 that causes the pieces(s) to transition from the tensioned state to the resting state is the loser.

In some embodiments, a threshold for the magnitude of force required to separate the engagement structure 125 from the engagement structure 135 can be relatively low in order to increase difficulty of games played using the toy pieces 100.

In some embodiments, processes for playing a game using the toy pieces 100 can be performed in a defined area. An area can be defined to set exterior boundaries for a toy structure 200. Setting exterior boundaries for the toy structure 200 can encourage building of the toy structure 200 in a vertical direction. Building the toy structure 200 in the vertical direction may increase the possibility of a toy piece 100 transitioning from the tensioned or engaged state to the resting or disengaged state by causing increased weight to be exerted on toy pieces 100 near the bottom of the toy structure 200.

FIG. 11 illustrates a playing surface 330. The playing surface 330 can be used as a base or tray for building a structure 200 of toy pieces 100. In some embodiments, the playing surface 330 can include a recess 332. The recess 332 can be planar, concave, or convex. In certain embodiments, the recess 332 can be a domed recess. In certain embodiments, the recess 332 can be defined by an exterior edge 334. In certain embodiments, the domed recess 332 can be used as a base or tray for building of a structure 200 of toy pieces 100. In certain embodiments, the exterior edge 334 can define an exterior boundary for the toy structure 200. In certain embodiments, the playing surface 330 can be a lid of a container 300. In certain embodiments, the container 300 can be used to store game pieces 100. In certain embodiments, the container 300 can include a body 320 having an internal cavity for storing the game pieces 100. In certain embodiments, the lid 330 can removably couple to the body 320, for example, via a friction fit. In certain embodiments, the container 300 can include a base 310.

While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointed out novel features of the development as applied to various embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the devices illustrated may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the development. As will be recognized, the present development may be embodied within a form that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forth herein, as some features may be used or practiced separately from others. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the systems, devices, and methods may be practiced in many ways. As is also stated above, it should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the technology with which that terminology is associated.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the described technology. Such modifications and changes are intended to fall within the scope of the embodiments. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that parts included in one embodiment are interchangeable with other embodiments; one or more parts from a depicted embodiment may be included with other depicted embodiments in any combination. For example, any of the various components described herein and/or depicted in the Figures may be combined, interchanged or excluded from other embodiments.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art may translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

The term “comprising” as used herein is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by,” and is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

The above description discloses several methods of manufacture and materials of the present development. This development is susceptible to modifications in the methods and materials, as well as alterations in the fabrication methods and equipment. Such modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of this disclosure or practice of the development disclosed herein. Consequently, it is not intended that this development be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but that it cover all modifications and alternatives coming within the true scope and spirit of the development as embodied in the attached claims.

While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointed out novel features of the improvements as applied to various embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the device or process illustrated may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. As will be recognized, the present invention may be embodied within a form that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forth herein, as some features may be used or practiced separately from others. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A toy piece, the toy piece comprising:

a body;

a first arm projecting from the body and connected to a first engagement structure; and

a second arm projecting from the body and connected to a second engagement structure, the second engagement structure comprising: a receptacle having a curved base surface configured to releasably receive the first engagement structure in an engaged state; and a locking tab protruding from the curved base surface of the receptacle, the locking tab configured to releasably restrain the first engagement structure within the receptacle in the engaged state until a triggering force is applied to the toy piece;

wherein at least one of the first arm and the second arm is movable relative to the other of the first arm and the second arm to transition the toy piece from a disengaged state to the engaged state; and

wherein the second arm is disposed relative to the first arm so that the first engagement structure is spaced apart from the second engagement structure when the body is in the disengaged state.

2. The toy piece of claim 1, wherein the first engagement structure comprises a protrusion sized and shaped to be received by the second engagement structure.

3. The toy piece of claim 2, wherein the protrusion is at least partially spherical in shape.

4. (canceled)

5. (canceled)

6. (canceled)

7. The toy piece of claim 1, wherein the triggering force comprises a force having a magnitude above a threshold magnitude applied in a direction for dislodging the first engagement structure from the second engagement structure.

8. The toy piece of claim 7, wherein the threshold is defined at least partially by elastic properties of the toy piece.

9. The toy piece of claim 7, wherein the threshold is defined at least partially by relative positions of the first engagement structure and the second engagement structure in the disengaged state.

10. The toy piece of claim 7, wherein the threshold is defined at least partially by an angle between one of the first arm and the second arm and the body in the disengaged state.

11. The toy piece of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first arm and the second arm is biased relative to the other one of the first arm and the second arm to move to the disengaged state when the body is in the engaged state.

12. The toy piece of claim 1, wherein the toy piece is monolithically formed.

13. The toy piece of claim 1, further comprising a protrusion extending from the body, the protrusion configured to be gripped in use.

14. The toy piece of claim 1, wherein the first arm and the second arm are configured to move relative to one another to transition the toy piece between the disengaged state and the engaged state.

15. The toy piece of claim 1, wherein the toy piece comprises a flexible plastic.

16. A toy system, the toy system comprising:

a plurality of toy pieces, each toy piece comprising: a body; a first arm projecting from the body and connected to a first engagement structure; and a second arm projecting from the body and connected to a second engagement structure, the second engagement structure comprising: a receptacle having a curved base surface configured to releasably receive the first engagement structure in an engaged state; and a locking tab protruding from the curved base surface of the receptacle, the locking tab configured to releasably restrain the first engagement structure within the receptacle in the engaged state until a triggering force is applied to the toy piece; wherein at least one of the first arm and the second arm is movable relative to the other of the first arm and the second arm to transition the toy piece from a disengaged state to the engaged state; and wherein the second arm is disposed relative to the first arm so that the first engagement structure is spaced apart from the second engagement structure when the body is in the disengaged state; and

a playing surface.

17. The toy system of claim 16, wherein the playing surface comprises a tray having a recess, the recess configured to receive at least some of the plurality of toy pieces.

18. The toy system of claim 17, wherein the recess is concave.

19. The toy system of claim 17, wherein the playing surface further comprises an edge defining an exterior boundary of the recess.

20. The toy system of claim 16, wherein each toy piece comprises one or more surface features shaped to interlock with one or more of the other toy pieces.