TOY POD AND TOY FIGURINE

A toy comprising a toy pod and a toy figurine. The toy figurine includes a head and a body. The toy pod has a pod body that encloses a storage space. The pod body is defined by two opposed sidewalls and a third wall, which forms a rolling surface. An axis of rotation is perpendicular to the sidewalls. The storage space is formed between the sidewalls and the third wall. The pod body is equipped with a holding mechanism for releasably securing the figurine in a fixed position within the storage space. This design allows the toy pod to roll with the figurine held securely inside.

Skip to: Description  ·  Claims  · Patent History  ·  Patent History
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. national stage application under 35 U.S.C. 371 of co-pending International Application No. PCT/EP2024/056329 filed on Mar. 11, 2024, which claims priority to Danish Patent Application No. PA 202370126 filed on Mar. 10, 2023, the contents of each are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for any purpose whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a toy pod. Further, the present disclosure relates to a toy or toy system comprising a toy pod. The disclosure also relates to a toy comprising a toy pod and a toy figurine 20 combination.

BACKGROUND

Toy pods configured for containing objects such as other toys are known in the art.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/079355 A1 discloses a toy ball is formed from two hemispherical shells and a pair of lock mechanisms. During construction, the hemispherical shells, are mated together and then the lock mechanisms are secured to the shells to form a substantially smooth-surfaced sphere. A freely moveable entertainment item is disposed within toy ball, and viewable through the transparent material of the hemispherical shells.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,058 discloses a chambered enclosure maintaining a toy placed in the enclosure in a dry condition. The enclosure comprises sidewalls, a base, an openable portion, and a wall within the enclosure forming a dry chamber for receiving the toy and a wet chamber beneath the dry chamber. The wet chamber is designed to allow water to enter the wet chamber and further stabilize the enclosure when in a bathtub or other wet environment.

It is a problem with this type of toy ball that the direction of rolling the ball is difficult to control, due to the toy ball being round and having a displaceable center of gravity.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

It is therefore an object of the disclosure to overcome these and other problems of the prior art. Further, it is an object of the disclosure to increase the variety of playing options.

This may be achieved by a toy comprising a toy pod and a toy figurine,

    • the toy figurine comprising a head and a body,
    • the toy pod comprising a pod body enclosing a storage space,
    • the pod body comprising
      • two opposed sidewalls;
      • a third wall defining a rolling surface, and
      • an axis of rotation perpendicular to both sidewalls,
    • wherein the storage space is formed between the two opposed sidewalls and the third wall,
    • wherein the pod body is provided with figurine holding means for releasably connecting said toy figurine fixed relative to the pod body inside said storage space. The figurine holding means allows for releasably connecting the toy figurine inside the toy pod, such that when the toy figurine has been connected it is in a fixed position relative to the toy pod. For example, it is prevented from rotating relative to the toy pod. Thereby, the toy figurine will rotate with the toy pod, if the toy pod is rotated.

By not being spherical, a directional rolling may be obtained. Due to the figurine holding means the toy figurine can be held steady relative to the toy pod.

In a preferred embodiment the rolling surface comprises a cylindrical portion.

In a further embodiment, the figurine holding means and the toy figurine are configured to hold the toy figurine, such that the axis of rotation of the toy pod extends through the body of the toy figurine, and such that the head of the toy figurine is adjacent to the inwardly facing surface of the third wall.

Thereby, when the toy figurine is placed in the toy pod, and the toy pod is rolled over a surface, such as a floor or a tabletop, it may imitate that the toy figurine is making cart wheels, front flips or back flips.

The two opposed sidewalls may be planar or comprise a curve.

The toy figurine is shaped like a toy character, such as a toy human, a toy animal or a toy fantasy figure. Preferably, the toy figurine is a humanoid character.

In a further embodiment, the pod body comprises two releasably interconnectable shells.

Thereby, an efficient way of providing access to the storage space in the toy pod is provided, whereby further hatches or doors may, which add to the complexity of manufacturing may be avoided. One aspect of the disclosure deals with the toy pod being formed as a two-part structure, whereby easy replacement of the toy figurine is obtained, and such that use of the toy figurine in other settings away from the toy is also obtained.

In a further embodiment, at least one of the shells of the pod body is formed in a transparent material.

    • In a preferred embodiment both of the shell parts are formed in a transparent material.

In a further embodiment, the shell parts of the pod body are connectable along a circular periphery of each shell part, the circular periphery being parallel to the sidewall of the pod body.

Alternatively, the shell parts of the pod body are connectable along a peripheral edge of each shell part, where the peripheral edge is formed perpendicular to the sidewalls of the pod body.

In a further embodiment of any of the above-mentioned embodiments, the figurine holding means extends from an inner surface of the sidewall of one or both of the shells of the pod body.

In a further embodiment thereof, the figurine holding means comprises a flange with an aperture configured to cooperate with the body of the toy figurine.

Thereby, the toy figurine may easily be slid into the toy pod to be releasably connected thereto.

Alternatively, the figurine holding means are formed in an inwardly facing surface of the third wall and configured for cooperating with a bottom portion of the toy figurine, which bottom portion is opposite to the head of the toy figurine.

In a further embodiment of any of the previously described embodiments, the shell parts are identical.

    • In a further embodiment thereof, each of the shell parts comprises at least one first connector and at least one second connector, and where the first connector is configured to connect with the second connector.

Alternatively, each of the shell parts comprises at least one first connector, and the toy further comprises at least one connector element, having two opposed second connectors, and wherein first connectors are configured to connect with second connectors. This allows compatibility with a modular construction system and connection to construction elements other than the parts described as such.

It is also an aspect that the interconnectable parts connect along a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the wheel shaped pod. This at least allows ease of insertion.

It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising/comprised of” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following, the disclosure will be described in greater detail with reference to embodiments shown by the enclosed figures. It should be emphasized that the embodiments shown are used for example purposes only and should not be used to limit the scope of the disclosure.

FIG. 1, in a perspective view, shows a toy pod according to one embodiment the disclosure, and a toy figurine arranged inside the toy pod;

FIG. 2A, in a perspective view, shows a principal sketch of the a toy pod according to the disclosure;

FIG. 2B, in a frontal view, shows the toy pod of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3, in a perspective view, shows a shell part of pod body of a toy pod according to the embodiment of the disclosure shown in FIG. 1, the shell part shown from inside;

FIG. 4, in a perspective view, shows the shell part of FIG. 3, with connecting elements for connecting to another shell part, as well as the attachment of a toy figurine inside the shell part;

FIG. 5, in a side view, shows the toy pod of in FIGS. 1, 3-4 with toy figurine arranged inside the toy pod;

FIG. 6A, in a perspective view, shows a shell part of pod body of a toy pod according to another embodiment of the disclosure than shown in FIGS. 1-5, the shell part shown from inside;

FIG. 6B, in a perspective view, shows the shell part of FIG. 6A from the outside;

FIG. 7, in a perspective view, shows the shell part of FIG. 6A, with a toy figurine attached inside the shell part;

FIG. 8, in a perspective view, shows a toy launcher for launching a toy pod or toy pod/toy figurine according to FIGS. 1-7;

FIG. 9, in a perspective view, shows the toy launcher of FIG. 8 and a toy pod with a toy figurine according to FIG. 1 in position for launching the pod and toy figurine combination.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosure relates to a toy pod 5. Further, the disclosure relates to a toy 1 or toy system comprising a toy pod 5. The disclosure also relates to a toy 1 comprising a toy pod 5 and a toy figurine 20 combination. FIG. 1 shows an exemplary first embodiment of the toy pod 5 with a toy figurine 20 arranged inside the toy pod 5.

The toy pod 5 comprises a pod body 6. The pod body 6 preferably is wheel-shaped or disc-shaped, in the sense that it has one rolling surface 10 allowing the toy pod to roll over a surface such as a table or a floor, and two opposed side walls 11, 12 arranged in parallel to each other.

FIGS. 2A and 2B shows the principal shape of the toy pod 5 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1. The wheel-shaped pod body 6 comprises two opposed sidewalls, a first sidewall 11 and a second sidewall 12, as well as a third wall 13. The outer surface of the third wall 13 defines a rolling surface 10 for the toy pod 5. The entire rolling surface 10, or preferably at least a portion thereof is cylindrical.

The rolling surface 10 defined by the outwardly facing surface of the third wall 13, is configured to allow the toy pod 5 to roll over a surface, such as a floor or a tabletop.

The rolling surface 10 defined by the outwardly facing surface of the third wall 13 may be cylindrical.

The two opposed sidewalls, first sidewall 11 and second sidewall 12 are arranged in parallel to each other, spaced apart by a distance.

The two opposed sidewalls, first sidewall 11 and second sidewall 12 may be planar. However, in other embodiments they may be slightly curved.

The third wall 13 interconnects peripheries of the opposed sidewalls 11, 12. The rolling surface may also comprise curved portions (seen in cross section (the cross section as in FIG. 2B)).

An axis of rotation, A, is defined perpendicular to the sidewalls 11, 12. The pod body 6 comprises rotational symmetry around the axis of rotation, A. The axis of rotation, A, further defines a symmetry axis for at least the outwardly facing surface of the third wall 13, whereby the rolling surface is provided.

Referring now to FIG. 2B, the pod body 6 of the toy pod 5 has as maximum width, W1, and a maximum diameter, D1.

The wheel-shaped pod body 6 of the toy pod 5 encloses a storage space 30.

The storage space 30 is formed between the two opposed sidewalls, first sidewall 11, and second sidewall 12, and an inner/inwardly facing surface 17 of the third wall 13.

Preferably, the storage space 30 of the pod body 6 of the toy pod 5 is dimensioned relative to the toy figurine 20, such that the entire toy figurine 20 may be located within the inwardly facing surface 17 of the third wall of the pod body 6.

Preferably, also the storage space 30 of the pod body 10 of the toy pod 5 is dimensioned relative to the toy figurine 20, such that the entire toy figurine may be located within the storage space 30 between the two opposed sidewalls 11, 12.

The pod body 6 of the toy pod 5 preferably comprises an access way allowing a user to enter a toy figurine into the storage space of the toy pod 5. Such an access way may simply be in opening through one of the sidewalls 11, 12 (not shown). In other not shown-embodiments, access may be provided to the storage space 30 through a hatched opening through one of the walls of the pod body, i.e. the first sidewall 11, the second sidewall 12, or the third sidewall 13. The hatched opening in such embodiments would comprise a hatch or door, allowing the user to close access to the storage space 30.

However, in preferred embodiments, the pod body 6 of the toy pod 5 is formed by two shells parts, a first shell part 14 and a second shell part 15. The two shell parts 14, 15 are preferably interconnectable, such that when the two shell parts are connected to each other, the pod body 6 as described above is provided. A toy figurine 20 may be placed between the two shell parts, which may then be interconnected. Thereby assembled, the combination of toy figurine 20 and toy pod 5 may be brought to rotate together.

Preferably, the two shell parts, are releasably connectable to each other, such that once the two shell parts have been connected to each other it is still possible to separate or disassemble the two shell parts. Thereby, it is made possible for a user to replace the toy figurine 20 in the toy pod 5.

FIGS. 1-4 shows first embodiments of such a toy pod 5, where the pod body 6 comprises two shell parts, a first shell part 14 and a second shell part 15, and where the shell parts 14,15 divide the pod body 6 along a plane which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation, A.

It will also be appreciated that the shell parts 14, 15 divide the pod body 6 along a plane which is parallel to the sidewalls 11, 12.

Thus, the shell parts 14, 15 of the pod body 6 are connectable along circular peripheries 18 of the shell parts 14, 15. The circular peripheries 18 or rims of the shell parts 14, 15 are preferably configured to abut against each other.

FIGS. 6-7 shows a second set of embodiments of a toy pod 5, where the pod body 6 comprises two shell parts, a first shell part 14 and a second shell part 15. In this second example, the shell parts divide the pod body 6 along a plane containing the axis of rotation, A. This can also be defined such that the shell parts divide the pod body 6 along a plane perpendicular to the sidewalls 11, 12.

In any of the above-mentioned embodiments, the pod body 6 preferably comprises figurine holding means 40 for holding and releasably connecting said toy figurine 20 in a fixed position relative to the pod body 6, inside the said storage space 30. Thereby, when the toy pod is rotated by a user, the toy figurine 20 will rotate along with the toy pod.

Preferably, at least a portion of the pod body 6 of the toy pod 5 is see-through, such that a toy figurine 20 located within the toy pod 5 can be identified from the outside. For example, one or both of the side wall 11, 12 may be provided with openings (not shown) allowing a user to view the toy figurine inside the toy pod 5. If such openings are large enough, the toy figurine can be seen rotating with the toy pod 5, when the toy pod is rolled over a surface.

Such openings in the sidewalls may in other—also not shown embodiments—be provided with covering made in a transparent material, allowing viewing of a toy figurine placed in the toy pod 5.

In yet other (not shown) embodiments, the third wall or portions thereof may alternatively or additionally be provided in a transparent material, allowing viewing of a toy figurine placed in the toy pod 5.

In preferred embodiments, where the pod body 6 is formed by interconnectable shell parts 11, 12 as described above, one of the shells may be formed in a transparent material.

As shown in e.g. FIGS. 1 and 6A-B, in some embodiments both of the shell parts 11, 12 may be formed in a transparent material.

Preferably, the toy figurine 20 resembles a character. The toy figurine has a body 21 and a head 22 extending from the body 21.

The figurine holding means 40 and the toy figurine 20 are configured to hold the toy figurine 20 in a position, where the axis of rotation, A, extends through the body 21 of the toy figurine 20, such that the head 22 of the toy figurine 20 is adjacent to the inwardly facing surface 17 of the third wall 13.

In some embodiments and as shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 5, 7 and 9, the toy figurine 20 is a humanoid figure having a body 21 and a head 22 extending from the body 21, and legs 23 also extending from the body 21, opposite to the head 22. The body 21 of the toy figurine 20 has a front and a back, and sides connecting the front and back. The toy figurine 20 may further comprise arms 25 extending from the sides of the body 21.

In some embodiments (not shown), where the toy figurine 20 is a humanoid toy figurine 20, the figurine holding means 40 are arranged to hold the toy figurine 20 such that the axis of rotation, A, of the toy pod 5 extends perpendicular to the front and back of the body 21 of the toy figurine 20. Thereby, when the toy figurine 20 is placed in the toy pod 5, and the toy pod 5 is rolled over a surface, such as a floor or a tabletop, it may imitate that the toy figurine 20 is making cartwheels.

In some embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, where the toy figurine 20 is a humanoid toy figurine 20, the figurine holding means 40 are arranged to hold the toy figurine 20 such that the axis of rotation, A, of the toy pod 5 extends perpendicular to the sides of the body 21 (and parallel to the front and back of the body 21) of the toy figurine 20. Thereby, when the toy figurine 20 is placed in the toy pod 5, and the toy pod 5 is rolled over a surface, such as a floor or a tabletop, it may imitate that the toy figurine 20 is making front flips or back flips.

Returning now to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 3-5, it will be appreciated that in this case both the shell parts 14, 15 are formed in a transparent material. However, it will also be appreciated that only one of the shell parts 14, 15 may be made in a transparent material.

Further, and as shown in FIGS. 3-5, the figurine holding means 40 may in this case be provided by a flange 41, which extends at least from the inner surface 16 of the side wall 11, 12 of one or both of the shell part 14, 15. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 the flange 41 also extends from the inner surface 17 of the third wall 13.

An aperture 42 is provided in the flange 41, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The aperture 42 is dimensioned to make a snug fit around the body 21 of the toy figurine 20, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.

The toy figurine 20 and the inner dimensions of the storage space 30 of the pod body 6 may further be configured such that surfaces of the toy figurine 20 will be held in place in the storage space, e.g. by abutment between surfaces of the toy figurine 20 and the inner surfaces 16, 17 of the storage space 30.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the inwardly facing surface of the sidewalls 11, 12, may be provided with spacers 45 configured for abutting against side surfaces of portions of the toy figurine 20. Such spacers 45 may provide sideways support to secure an inserted toy figurine from sideways movement. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, such a spacer 45 forms part of the flange 41 forming the figurine holding means 40. However, it will be appreciated that such spacer 45 may—in not shown embodiments —be provided on other parts of and extending inwards from the inner surface 16 of the first and/or second side walls 11, 12.

The shell parts 14, 15 may further comprise one or more connectors 50 for allowing releasable interconnection of the two shell parts 14, 15.

In some (not shown) embodiments, the circular peripheries 18 may be provided with matching connectors.

In preferred embodiments, both shell parts, first shell part 14 and second shell part 15 are identical, having at least one first connector 51 provided. The first shell part 14 and the second shell part 15 may then be connected using a connection member 53 comprising two second connectors 52.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first connectors 51 on the shell parts 14, 15, may be tube connecters 51 arranged to cooperate with second connectors 52 provided on the connecting element 53. In the shown embodiment the connecting element 53 is a peg type connecting element having two opposed peg-type second connectors 52 arranged along a common axis and separated by a circular flange. A second connector 52 is configured to snap into the tube of the first connector 51.

It will be appreciated that in other (not shown) embodiments, instead of providing the second connector(s) on a separate connection element 53, interacting first connectors 51 and second connectors may be formed directly in the shell parts 14, 15.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1,3-5, each shell part 14, 15 comprises two first connectors 51 of the tube connector type, formed along the periphery 18 of the shell part, and extending in parallel to the axis of rotation, A, of the toy pod 5. In the shown example, the first connectors 51 are arranged diametrically across from each other along and inside of the peripheries 18 of the shell parts 14, 15.

On other embodiments (not shown) there may be more than two first connectors 51. Providing multiple first connectors 15 allows for variation of connection of the two shell parts 14, 15. It will be appreciated that fewer or more first connectors may be used in other embodiments.

It will also be appreciated that other types of first and second connectors 51, 52 than the described mating tube and peg type connectors may be applied.

Now turning to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-7, as mentioned above, the pod body 6 of the toy pod 5, may alternatively comprise two shell parts, a first shell part 14 and a second shell part 15, where the shell parts divide the pod body 6 along a plane containing the axis of rotation, A.

It will be appreciated that also in this case both the shell parts 14, 15 may be formed in a transparent material. However, it will also be appreciated that alternatively only one of the shell parts 14, 15 may be made in a transparent material.

Also in this embodiment, the toy pod 5 comprises figurine holding means 40 configured for holding the toy figurine 20.

Further, and as shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 7, the figurine holding means 40 may in this case be provided by a frame 46, which extends from the inner surface 17 of the third wall 13 of one or both of the shell part 14, 15. The frame 46 is configured to mate with a bottom part of the toy figurine 20, such as feet 24 provided at the lower end of the legs 23 of the toy figurine 20. In this case the feet 24 may have a rectangular shape, and the frame 46 provides two rectangular apertures matching the shape of the feet 24. FIG. 7 shows a toy figurine having feet 24 with a rectangular cross section, and where the toy figurine 20 is held in a frame 46 configured for mating with the feet 24.

As was also the case above, the toy figurine 20 and the inner dimensions of the storage space 30 of the pod body 6 may further be configured such that surfaces of the toy figurine 20 will be held in place in the storage space, e.g. by abutment between surfaces of the toy figurine 20 and the inner surfaces 16, 17 of the storage space 30.

For example, the overall height of the toy figurine 20 may be such that a top of the toy figurine head 22 abuts against the inwardly facing surface 17 opposite to where the feet 24 are placed in the frame 46.

Alternatively, or additionally, the frame 46 and the feet 24 of the toy figurine 20 may be configured to provide a snap connection there between.

Alternatively, the bottom part of the toy figurine 20, such as the feet 24 and the, inwardly facing surface 17 of the third wall may be provided with other types (not shown) of cooperating connection means known in the art, for example knob and tube connectors.

Also, in the FIG. 6A-7 embodiments, the shell parts 14, 15 may further comprise connectors 50 for allowing releasable interconnection of the two shell parts 14, 15.

In some (not shown) embodiments, the peripheral edge 19 may be shaped to with matching connectors.

In preferred embodiments, both shell parts, first shell part 14 and second shell part 15 are identical, having at least one first connector 51 provided. Thus, the first shell part 14 and the second shell part 15 may then be connected using a connection member 53 comprising a two second connectors 52, such as described in connection with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 3-5.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 7, the first connectors 51 on the shell parts 14, 15, may be tube connectors 51 arranged cooperate with the second connectors 52 provided on the connecting element 53. The second connectors 52 and a connecting element 53 is not shown in FIG. 6A.

Again, it will be appreciated that in other (not shown) embodiments, instead of providing the second connector(s) on a separate connection element 53, interacting first connectors 51 and second connectors may be formed directly in the shell part 14, 15.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A-7, each shell part 14, 15 comprises six first connectors 51 of the tube connector type formed along the periphery 18 of the shell part, and extending perpendicular to the axis of rotation, A, of the toy pod 5. In the shown example, the first connectors 51 are grouped in two groups of three, the two groups being arranged diametrically across from each other along the peripheral edge 19 of the shell parts 14, 15.

The six first connectors 15 allows for variation of connection of the two shell parts 14, 15. It will be appreciated that fewer or more first connectors may be used in other embodiments.

It will also be appreciated that other types of first and second connectors 51, 52 than the described mating tube and peg type connectors may be applied.

It will further be appreciated that the figurine holding means 40 for holding the toy figurine fixed relative to the toy pod 5, when located therein, and described in connection with the FIG. 6A-7 embodiment, may replace the figurine holding means 40 described in connection with the FIG. 1, 3-5 embodiment.

Likewise, it will be appreciated that the figurine holding means 40 for holding the toy figurine 20 fixed relative to the toy pod 5, when located therein, and described in connection with the FIG. 1-5 embodiments, may replace the figurine 20 holding means 40 described in connection with the FIG. 6A-7 embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows a toy launcher 100 configured for launching a toy pod 5 as described above. The toy launcher 100 comprises a base 110 and a lever 150 pivotally connected to the base 110.

The base 110 comprises a pivot body part 120, two guide arms 131, 132, and a planar surface.

The hinge or pivot 125 is provided at pivot body part 120.

The two guide arms, first guide arm 131 and second guide arm 132, extend forward from the pivot body part 120.

The planar surface is defined on a lower side of the pivot body part 120 and the guide arms 131, 132. The planar surface allows the toy launcher 100 to rest stably on a surface such as floor or a tabletop.

The two guide arms 131, 132 comprise mutually facing side walls 141, 142 extending on an inner side of each of guide arms 131, 132. Thus, a first side wall 141 is defined as an inwardly facing surface of the first guide arm 131, and a second side wall 142 is defined as an inwardly facing surface of the second guide arm 132.

A guide track 130 is formed between the first side wall 141 and the second side wall 142, and thereby between the first guide arm 131 and the second guide arm 132.

The first side wall 141 and the second side wall 142 are spaced apart by a second width corresponding to the maximum width, W1 between the sidewalls 11, 12 of the pod 5. Thereby, a toy pod 5 may be directionally guided between the two guide arms 131, 132.

FIG. 9 shows a toy pod 5 with a toy figurine 20 arranged therein and situated in the toy launcher 100. By pressing down on the lever 150, the toy pod 5 is squeezed between a lower curved surface of the lever 150 and a surface on which the toy launcher 100 and the toy pod 5 is resting, and the toy pod 5 is launched from the toy launcher 100 along the surface on which the toy launcher 100 and toy pod 5 is located, causing the toy pod to spin/rotate. When the toy pod 5 is see-through as described above, the toy figurine 20 appears to be rotating relative to the surface on which it the pod rolls, e.g. a floor or a tabletop.

Any and all of the above-mentioned elements constituting the disclosure may be formed in plastic. Any and all of the plastic elements may be formed in an injection moulding process

It is to be noted that the figures and the above description have shown the example embodiments in a simple and schematic manner. Many of the specific mechanical details have not been shown since the person skilled in the art should be familiar with these details and they would just unnecessarily complicate this description. For example, the specific materials used, and the specific injection moulding procedure have not been described in detail since it is maintained that the person skilled in the art would be able to find suitable materials and suitable processes to manufacture the container according to the current disclosure.

LIST OF PARTS

    • A axis of rotation of toy pod
    • D1 diameter of pod body of toy pod
    • W1 width of pod body of toy pod
    • 1 toy
    • 5 toy pod
    • 6 pod body/wheel-shaped pod body
    • 10 rolling surface of pod body
    • 11 (first) sidewall of pod body
    • 12 (second) sidewall of pod body
    • 13 third wall of pod body
    • 14 (first) shell part of toy pod
    • 15 (second) shell part of toy pod
    • 16 inner surface of side wall of pod body
    • 17 inner surface of third wall of pod body
    • 18 circular periphery/circular peripheral edge
    • 19 peripheral edge
    • 20 toy figurine
    • 21 body of toy figurine
    • 22 head of toy figurine
    • 23 leg of toy figurine
    • 24 foot of toy figurine
    • 25 arm of toy figurine
    • 30 storage space of toy pod
    • 40 figurine holding means
    • 41 flange
    • 42 aperture
    • 45 spacer
    • 46 frame
    • 50 connectors/connection means
    • 51 first connector
    • 52 second connector
    • 53 connecting element
    • 100 toy launcher
    • 110 base of toy launcher
    • 120 pivot body part
    • 125 pivot
    • 130 guide track formed between guide arms
    • 131 guide arm, first guide arm
    • 132 guide arm, second guide arm
    • 141 inner side wall of guide arm, inner side wall of first guide arm
    • 142 inner side wall of guide arm, inner side wall of second guide arm
    • 150 lever of toy launcher
    • 180 handle

Claims

1-13. (canceled)

14. A toy comprising a toy pod and a toy figurine,

the toy figurine comprising a head and a body,
the toy pod comprising a pod body enclosing a storage space,
the pod body comprising: two opposed sidewalls; a third wall defining a rolling surface, and an axis of rotation perpendicular to both sidewalls,
wherein: the storage space is formed between the two opposed sidewalls and the third wall, the pod body is provided with a figurine holder for releasably connecting said toy figurine fixed relative to the pod body inside said storage space, and wherein the pod body comprises two releasably interconnectable shells.

15. The toy according to claim 14, wherein the rolling surface comprises a cylindrical portion.

16. The toy according to claim 14, wherein the figurine holder and the toy figurine are configured to hold the toy figurine, such that the axis of rotation of the toy pod extends through the body of the toy figurine, and such that the head of the toy figurine is adjacent to the inwardly facing surface of the third wall.

17. The toy according to a claim 14, wherein at least one of the shells of the pod body are formed in a transparent material.

18. The toy according to claim 14, wherein the shell parts of the pod body are connectable along a circular periphery of each shell part, the circular periphery being parallel to the sidewall of the pod body.

19. The toy according to claim 14, wherein the shell parts of the pod body are connectable along a peripheral edge of each shell part, the peripheral edge being formed perpendicular to the sidewalls of the pod body.

20. The toy according to claim 18, wherein the figurine holder extends from an inner surface of the sidewall of one or both of the shells of the pod body.

21. The toy according to claim 18, wherein the figurine holder comprises a flange with an aperture configured to cooperate with the body of the toy figurine.

22. The toy according to claim 18, wherein the figurine holder are formed in an inwardly facing surface of the third wall, and configured for cooperating with a bottom portion of the toy figurine, which bottom portion is opposite to the head of the toy figurine.

23. The toy according to claim 14, wherein the shell parts are identical.

24. The toy according to claim 23, wherein each of the shell parts comprises at least one first connector and at least one second connector, and where the first connector is configured to connect with the second connector.

25. The toy according to claim 23, wherein each of the shell parts comprises at least one first connector, and where the toy further comprises at least one connector element, having two opposed second connectors, and wherein the at least one first connector on the shell part is configured to connect with second connectors.

26. A toy comprising:

a toy figurine having a head and a body; and
a toy pod including a pod body defining a storage space, the pod body having two opposed sidewalls, a third wall forming a rolling surface, and an axis of rotation perpendicular to the sidewalls; and
a figurine holder configured to releasably secure the toy figurine in a fixed position relative to the pod body inside the storage space such that rotation of the toy pod causes rotation of the toy figurine.

27. The toy of claim 26, wherein the figurine holder is configured to secure the toy figurine such that the axis of rotation of the toy pod extends perpendicular to a front and a back of the body of the toy figurine, whereby rolling of the toy pod imitates cartwheels of the toy figurine.

28. The toy of claim 26, wherein the figurine holder includes a flange extending from an inner surface of at least one of the sidewalls, the flange having an aperture dimensioned to engage the body of the toy figurine.

29. The toy of claim 26, wherein the pod body is formed from two releasably interconnectable shell parts connectable along a circular periphery oriented parallel to the sidewalls.

30. A toy pod comprising:

a pod body including two opposed sidewalls and a third wall interconnecting the sidewalls, the third wall defining a rolling surface configured to rotate about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the sidewalls;
a storage space enclosed by the sidewalls and the third wall;
two shell parts forming the pod body, the shell parts being releasably interconnectable to provide access to the storage space; and
a figurine holder disposed within the storage space and configured to hold a toy figurine in a fixed orientation relative to the axis of rotation.

31. The toy pod of claim 30, wherein at least one of the shell parts is formed in a transparent material to allow viewing of the toy figurine within the storage space.

32. The toy pod of claim 30, wherein each of the shell parts includes at least one first connector, and a connecting element is provided having two opposed second connectors configured to releasably engage the first connectors.

33. The toy pod of claim 30, wherein the figurine holder comprises a frame extending from the third wall and dimensioned to receive feet of a humanoid toy figurine.

Patent History
Publication number: 20260249203
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 11, 2024
Publication Date: Aug 27, 2026
Applicant: LEGO A/S (Billund)
Inventors: Peter DE FINE LICHT (Billund), Jonas STUBAGER (Billund)
Application Number: 19/163,095
Classifications
International Classification: A63H 3/50 (20060101); A63H 17/25 (20060101); A63H 33/10 (20060101);