HK1261978A1 - Article moveable between two positions and a method of combining two or more of the same - Google Patents

Description

Article movable between two positions and method of combining two or more thereof

The present application is directed to an invention that is one or more articles that are movable between a first position and a second position when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The invention further relates to a method of placing said articles together in a predetermined manner.

While the following description is directed specifically to the use of items such as toys, and methods of playing two or more thereof, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may also be used for a variety of other purposes and is not limited to play.

Collectible toys have been available for some time. In particular, collectible "combat" toys are also known and have been provided in many different forms, for example under the trade name Beyblade^TMThe scope of the offering of combat collectibles involves propelling two rotating collectible items into a combat arena with their rotational paths coincident and the collectible items subsequently contacting each other. The winner is the one that bumps the other off its axis of rotation or completely off the arena, yet remains spinning on the arena. When the arena introduces collectible items, users may use various techniques to provide an advantage to their collectible items over the opposing collectible items.

Under the trade name Bakugan^TMAnother collectible form of combat toy sold involves a toy that may be transformed from a first state to a second state prior to or during combat. The determination of the winner may be directly determined by a particular set of playing cards that can indicate what actions may be taken or points of health (health points) may be obtained, etc. Furthermore, as the battle/game continues, the user/player will get an indication of who may appear as the ultimate winner. However, none of these "combat" collections provide a scenario where the final winner is still unknown until the final outcome is unknown, with little or no evidence prior to the outcome.

In the applicant's co-pending international patent application WO2015/159077, an article is disclosed which is arranged and initially held in a first position but biased towards a second position. One of the items satisfies a predetermined condition when in contact with or within a predetermined range of a second item and one of the two is moved to the second position. In the applicant's co-pending application, a scenario is disclosed in which a predetermined condition is met when a first magnet on a first article is activated by a second magnet on a second article, which in turn triggers a release catch allowing the first article to move to a second position. The mechanism of exciting the article depends on the particular arrangement and interaction of the magnets in the interacting article. But over time the magnet may lose its sensitivity or attraction causing the item to fall, shake, etc. and subsequently reduce its function.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an article which overcomes the above problems.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a combination of two or more articles which overcomes the above problems.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method of combining two or more articles which overcomes the above problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an article movable between a first position and a second position and biased towards the second position, the article being held in the first position by a retaining means until a predetermined condition is met. Wherein the biasing means applies a biasing force to move the article from the first position to the second position when said predetermined condition is met, characterised in that said predetermined condition is met when at least one formation on at least one face of the article is moved from the first position to the second position, thereby releasing said retaining means and allowing the article to move from the first position to the second position.

In one embodiment, the at least one formation is formed to extend outwardly from at least one face of the article. Typically, the at least one formation is arranged to be urged substantially towards the interior of the article to release the retaining means.

In one embodiment, the at least one configuration is one of a plurality of configurations, typically the configuration moves from the first position to the second position by pushing towards the interior of the article. Typically only one of the formations is capable of releasing the retaining means when pushed towards the interior of the article and movement of at least some of the formations has no effect on the retaining means.

In one embodiment, at least one formation on the article is provided as a substantially rigid formation such that it cannot be pushed towards the interior of the article.

In one embodiment, the article includes at least one configuration capable of being pushed toward the interior of the article, and the at least one configuration is provided as a substantially rigid configuration such that it cannot be pushed toward the interior of the article.

In one embodiment, the article includes a configuration that can be pushed toward the interior of the article to release the retaining device, at least one additional configuration that can be pushed toward the interior of the article, and at least one configuration that is configured in a substantially rigid configuration such that it cannot be pushed toward the interior of the article.

In one embodiment, the predetermined condition is generated by a second article, which in one embodiment may be similar to, in contact with, or within a predetermined range of the first article.

Thus, the present invention provides an article that remains in a first position until a predetermined condition is met at which it moves to a second position. The provision of a plurality of formations on a face of the article which can be pressed inwardly of the article whereby only one formation releases the retaining means when pressed means that the user may not need to know which formations can release the retaining means when pressed. It is also possible to provide a substantially rigid formation on the article so that the article can be brought into contact with a second article, and which rigid formation assists in urging the formation located on the article inwards-whether the pressed formation releases the retaining means associated with the article depends on the particular arrangement of the formations associated with the article.

In one embodiment, at least one formation and the retaining means are associated with substantially one face of the article. Typically, the at least one formation and the retaining means are associated with substantially the same face of the article. It is also common that the retaining means connects the face with which it is associated to an adjacent face so that the article is retained in the first position.

In one embodiment, the retaining means is provided in the form of a pawl. Typically, the jaws are releasable when the at least one formation is urged a predetermined distance into the interior of the article. Preferably, a plurality of formations are provided, the jaws being releasable when one of the formations is urged towards the interior of the article by a predetermined distance.

In one embodiment, the faces of the article are hinged. Typically, the retaining means retains adjacent free edges of the two faces, thereby retaining the article in the first position. It is also common that the article is held in the first position by the retaining means against the action of the biasing force.

In one embodiment, a detachable body is provided in association with at least one face of the article. Typically, the at least one formation is located on the detachable body. Also typically, a plurality of formations are located on the detachable body. In one embodiment, the retaining means is located on the detachable body.

In one embodiment, the body is removably attached to one of the faces of the article. Typically, the body is removably located over an aperture in one of the faces of the article. Also generally, the body may be removably located on a second or further article. Thus, one or more detachable bodies may be interchangeable with one or more articles. Different detachable bodies will have different configurations, resulting in different configurations on the body, which when pressed is responsible for releasing the retaining means.

In one embodiment, the detachable body is located in the article such that it is substantially inside the article when the article is in the first position. Typically, when located in an article, the detachable body forms at least a portion of the face of the article on which it is located.

In one embodiment, the second position is an inverted version of the article relative to the first position. Typically, the article is moved from said first position to said second, reverse position when said predetermined condition is met.

In one embodiment, the article forms a polyhedron made up of four or more faces and/or panels. Typically, the article forms a tetrahedral, pentahedral, cubic, octahedral, dodecahedral or icosahedral shape and/or the like. Also typically, the faces and/or panels of the polyhedron are biased towards the second position.

In one embodiment, the article consists of six faces. Typically, the six faces are connected to form the faces of the substantially cube-shaped article. Also typically, the face is biased towards the second position.

In one embodiment, the biasing means is provided in the form of one or more springs. Typically, the one or more springs are provided as any one or any combination of coil springs, leaf springs, torsion springs, hairsprings and/or the like.

In one embodiment, the biasing means is provided at or substantially at the interface between two adjacent faces of the article. Typically, the biasing means is connected to two adjacent faces to bias the faces towards the second position.

In one embodiment, at least one magnet is provided in association with the article. Typically, the at least one magnet is located on a face of the article. Preferably, the at least one magnet is located on the same face of the article with which the at least one formation is associated. In one embodiment, two magnets are provided, located on the face of the article.

In one embodiment, the at least one magnet is located directly on a face of the article. Typically, the at least one magnet is located adjacent an aperture in which a detachable body may be located, the detachable body including the at least one formation. Preferably, two magnets are provided on opposite sides of the aperture in which the detachable body can be located.

In one embodiment, the at least one magnet is arranged to substantially align the item with the second item. Preferably, two magnets are provided on substantially opposite sides of the same face of the article to align the article with a corresponding magnet located on a second article. Thus, a magnet is provided on an article that provides only a directional force to the article when it is aligned with a second article that can interact. This allows interaction of the active surfaces of the respective articles, allowing one of the articles to meet a predetermined condition when the articles are in contact with each other or within a predetermined distance of each other. When one of the articles subsequently meets a predetermined condition, the article holding device is released and the article is allowed to move from the first position to the second position.

In one embodiment, the article further comprises a reset device. Typically, the reset means is arranged to assist a user in moving the article from the second position to the first position. Thus, a reset means is provided to assist the user in moving the item back from the reverse position to which it was biased when the retention means was released, back to the original first position.

In one embodiment, the reduction means comprises one or more cord or wire members and/or the like. Typically, the one or more cord or wire members are provided to connect two or more faces or panels provided on the article.

In one embodiment, the resetting means is arranged to at least partially return the item from the second position to the first position when activated by a user. Typically, the remainder of the article that is not returned to the first position may be returned to the position by the user using the return means.

In one embodiment, where the article comprises a plurality of faces and/or panels, the return means is arranged to return at least two of said faces and/or panels to the first position.

In one embodiment, where the return means is provided as one or more cords or wire members or the like, the cords or wire members are arranged to be pulled or dragged by the user and this activity is used to assist in returning the article to the first position. Thus, in general, a return means in the form of one or more cord or wire members enables the user to move the item back to the original first position and with less effort than they would have to carry the item without this mechanism. In typical embodiments, where the article may comprise a plurality of faces and/or panels, all biased towards the second position, it may be very cumbersome or cumbersome to return the article to the first position, and so providing the return means may return at least some of the faces and/or panels to the first position, making it easier for the user to move the remaining faces/panels, and so return the entire article to the first position.

In one embodiment, the object may be arranged to be presented in the form of an animal or a human being or the like when in the second position. Typically, the retrieval device provided with the article may be arranged to form a specific feature or body part of the animal/person of the article when in the second position.

In one embodiment, a plurality of connectable members are provided in association with a panel and/or face of an article. Typically, the attachable component is provided on the face and/or panel so as to be visible when the article is in the second position. It is also common for the attachable components to be configured for removal and/or interchange with other such components. It is also common that the connectable member is arranged to form or represent a feature or body part of an animal or human being represented by the article when in the second position.

In one embodiment, the article includes a plurality of uniformly sized panels and/or faces. Typically, at least one panel/face of smaller size than the other panels/faces is provided. In one embodiment, the smaller panel/face has additional panels or portions hingedly attached thereto. Typically, the further panel or portion is provided with a size equal to or smaller than the smaller panel/face. It is also common that the further panel/portion is located substantially inside the article when the article is in the first position.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a set of articles comprising at least two articles movable between a first position and a second position and biased towards the second position, the articles being held in their respective first positions by retaining means until a predetermined condition is met, wherein at least one of the plurality of articles meets the predetermined condition when the plurality of articles are in contact or within a predetermined distance, at which point the one of the at least two articles moves from the first position to the second position under the influence of the biasing means, characterised in that the predetermined condition is met when at least one formation on at least one face of the one of the at least two articles moves from the first position to the second position, thereby releasing the retaining means and allowing the article to move from the first position to the second position.

In one embodiment, the at least one formation is formed to extend outwardly from at least one face of the one of the at least two articles. Typically, the at least one formation is arranged to be urged substantially towards the interior of the article to release the retaining means.

Typically, the at least one formation is arranged to be urged substantially inwards upon contact with a corresponding formation on a second of the at least two articles. Preferably, the respective formations on the second article are provided as substantially rigid formations such that they cannot be pushed towards the interior of the article on which they are located, but are arranged to push the first formations on the first article inwards such that the first article meets a predetermined condition.

In one embodiment, each article includes at least one configuration capable of being pushed toward the interior of the article, and at least one configuration disposed in a substantially rigid configuration such that it cannot be pushed toward the interior of the article. Preferably, each article comprises a plurality of formations which are movable from a first position to a second position, typically by being urged towards the interior of the article. Typically, only one configuration releases the retaining device when pushed towards the interior of the article.

In one embodiment, the second position is an inverted version of the at least two articles relative to the first position. Typically, an article is moved from said first position to said second, reverse position when said predetermined condition is satisfied at one of the plurality of articles.

In one embodiment, the second position is for the first one of the at least two items to move, typically flip and at least partially engulf, enclose and/or capture the second one of the at least two items when the first one of the at least two items meets a predetermined condition.

In one embodiment, a biasing device is provided on each of the at least two articles. Typically, the biasing means biases the at least two articles towards their respective second positions. It is also common that the first article moves from the first position to the second position when the retaining means on the first of the at least two articles is released.

In one embodiment, the at least first and second configurations are located on or associated with each of the at least two articles. Typically, a first configuration on or associated with a first article corresponds to a second, substantially rigid configuration on or associated with a second article. It is also common that when a first construct on or associated with a first article comes into contact with a second, substantially rigid construct on or associated with a second article, the first construct is pushed inward of the first article and the first article satisfies a predetermined condition. Thus, the first item may now be moved from the first position to the second position. Also typically, movement of the first item from the first position to the second position includes the first item at least partially engulfmg, enclosing, and/or capturing the second item.

In one embodiment, the first configuration on or associated with the second article corresponds to the second, substantially rigid configuration on or associated with the third article. Typically, the second, substantially rigid configuration on or associated with the first article corresponds to the first configuration on or associated with the third or further article.

In one embodiment, a detachable body is provided in association with at least one face of each of the plurality of articles. Typically, the formations are located on the detachable body. In one embodiment, a retaining means is located on each detachable body. Typically, each retaining device is arranged to retain the article associated therewith in the first position until the article meets a predetermined condition.

In one embodiment, the body is removably attached to one of the faces of the article. Typically, the body is removably located over an aperture in one of the faces of the article. Also typically, the body may be removably located on a second or further article. Thus, one or more detachable bodies may be interchanged between items. Typically, a plurality of bodies are provided which are removably attached to each of the articles. Different detachable bodies will have different configurations so that different configurations on the body are responsible for releasing the retaining means when pressed.

In one embodiment, the detachable body is located in the article such that it is substantially inside the article when the article is in the first position. Typically, when located in an article, the detachable body forms at least a portion of the face of the article on which it is located.

In one embodiment, at least one magnet is provided in association with each article. Typically, the at least one magnet is located on a face of the article. Preferably, the at least one magnet is located on or associated with the same face of the article associated with the formation. In one embodiment, two magnets are provided, located on the face of the article.

In one embodiment, the at least one magnet is located directly on a face of each article. Typically, the at least one magnet is located adjacent an aperture in which a removable body may be located, the removable body including the formations. Preferably, two magnets are provided on opposite sides of the aperture in which the detachable body can be located.

In one embodiment, the at least one magnet is arranged to align the two articles with each other. Preferably, two magnets are provided on substantially opposite sides of the same face of the article to align the first article with a corresponding magnet located on the second article.

In one embodiment, the article further comprises a reset device. Typically, the reset means is arranged to assist a user in moving the article from the second position to the first position. Thus, a reset means is provided to assist the user in moving the item back from the reverse position to which it was biased when the retention means was released, back to the original first position.

In one embodiment, the reduction means comprises one or more cord or wire members and/or the like. Typically, the one or more cord or wire members are provided to connect two or more faces or panels provided on the article.

In one embodiment, the resetting means is arranged to at least partially return the item from the second position to the first position when activated by a user. Typically, the remainder of the article that is not returned to the first position may be returned to the position by the user using the return means.

In one embodiment, where the article comprises a plurality of faces and/or panels, the return means is arranged to return at least two of said faces and/or panels to the first position.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of causing an interaction between at least two items, the method comprising the steps of: positioning at least two articles at respective first positions and movable between said first positions and respective second positions; moving at least two articles towards each other until one or both of the first and/or second articles meets a predetermined condition, and wherein once the article meets the predetermined condition, the biasing means applies a biasing force to move the article from the first position to the second position, characterised in that the predetermined condition is met when at least one formation on at least one face of the article is moved from the first position to the second position by a corresponding formation on the other article, thereby releasing the retaining means and allowing movement of the article from the first position to the second position.

In one embodiment, the at least one formation extends outwardly from at least one face of the article and is urged substantially inwardly of the article by a corresponding formation on the other article, thereby releasing the retaining means.

Typically, when the predetermined condition is satisfied at one of the plurality of articles, the article is moved from the first position to the second, reverse position.

In one embodiment, the second position is for the first item to move, typically flip and at least partially engulf, enclosing and/or capturing the second of the at least two items when the first of the at least two items meets a predetermined condition.

In one embodiment, a detachable body is provided in association with at least one face of each of the plurality of articles. Typically, the formations are located on the detachable body. In one embodiment, a retaining means is located on each detachable body. Typically, each retaining device is arranged to retain the article associated therewith in the first position until the article meets a predetermined condition.

In one embodiment, the body is removably attached to one of the faces of the article. Typically, the body is removably located within an aperture in one of the faces of the article. Also typically, the body may be removably located on a second or further article. Thus, one or more detachable bodies may be interchanged between items. Typically, a plurality of bodies are provided which are removably attached to each of the articles. Different detachable bodies will have different configurations so that different configurations on the body are responsible for releasing the retaining means when pressed.

In one embodiment, the detachment body is interchangeable between items, and a first user selects a first body to be located on a first item and a second user selects a second body to be located on a second item.

Each user selects a particular detachable body for connection with their respective item, and then when the two items are brought into contact with each other, the configuration constructed therein will determine which of the items is activated.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1a-d illustrate stages of deployment of an article according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of an unfolded article according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a view of a repositioning device and a biasing device on an article according to an embodiment of the present invention;

4a-b illustrate views of an unfolded article and a detachable body for the article according to embodiments of the invention;

5a-h illustrate various views of an article and associated panel of a detachable body according to embodiments of the invention;

6a-h illustrate various views of an article having a detachable body according to embodiments of the invention;

7a-p illustrate various views of a stage of closing an unfolded item to a first position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

8a-d illustrate various stages of an article having a reset device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

referring first to fig. 1a-d, the article is provided in the form of a collectible or toy 1 of substantially cubic shape. Toy 1 is movable from a first position and a second position as shown in fig. 1a, wherein toy 1 is completely inverted relative to its first position. Figures 1a-d illustrate stages of deployment of the toy 1 from a first position in figure 1a to an intermediate position between the first and second positions in figure 1d, as shown more clearly in figure 2. In this particular embodiment, the toy 1 is arranged in the shape of a cube and consists of 6 connected panels 3. The panel 3 is biased by the biasing means to move to the second position but remains in the first position until a predetermined condition is met. When the predetermined condition is satisfied, toy 1 moves from the first position to the second position. The release catch 5 is located on one of the panels 3' and when the toy 1 is in the first position, the catch 5 engages the adjacent panel 3 ", retaining that panel and the remaining panels 3 in the first position. The panels 3, 3', 3 "of the toy 1 are hinged and the release jaw 5 holds the adjacent edges of the two panels 3', 3" in position, so that the toy 1 remains in the first position. The toy 1 is held in the first position against the action of the biasing force until released by the release pawl 5.

Biasing means in the form of springs 7 are provided to bias the toy 1 towards the second position. The spring 7 is best illustrated in fig. 3. The spring 7 may be provided in any one or any combination of various forms, such as a coil spring, leaf spring, torsion spring, thin spring and/or the like. In this particular embodiment, the spring 7 is provided as a helical torsion spring. The spring 7 is located at the edge of the panel 3 connecting the panel 3 on which it is located to the adjacent panel 3. A series of springs 7 are provided on the panel 3 to bias the toy 1 towards a second, reverse position. But only if the jaw 5 is released from the adjacent panel 3 "to which it is connected, such biased movement is allowed. When the pawl 5 is released from the adjacent panel 3 ", the panel 3" is spread outwardly due to the biasing force of the spring 7, as shown in fig. 1 b. As shown in fig. 1c and d, the remaining panels 3, previously held in the first position by the panel 3 "and the series of auxiliary claws 9, are then spread outwards until the toy 1 is in the second, reversed position.

Fig. 1-3 illustrate a toy article 1, wherein typically the claws 5 and the release mechanism are located on a panel 3' of the toy 1. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in figures 4a-b, the pawl 5 and release mechanism are located on a detachable body 11 which can be inserted into and removed from an appropriately sized aperture 13 in the panel 3'. Figures 5a-h illustrate various views of a panel 3' having a removable body 11 located thereon, wherein the release catch 5 and mechanism are located at the rear of the body 11, so that when it is in the first position, it will be located inside the toy article 1. Fig. 6a-h illustrate the combination panel 3' and body 11 as part of the fully expanded toy article 1. As can be seen in fig. 4-6, when the release catch 5 and mechanism are located at the rear of the body 11, the front face of the body 11 filling the aperture 13 and completing the face of the panel 3 'includes a plurality of formations, or projections 15, which extend outwardly from the face of the panel 3'/body 11. This embodiment illustrates a toy article 1 having six of these protrusions, however, it should be understood that the functionality of the toy 1 would still function with as few as 2 protrusions 15; the upper limit is set by a value deemed desirable and/or feasible by the manufacturer. As shown in fig. 5e, at least one of the protrusions 15' is pressable so that it can be pushed towards the inside of the toy 1/body 11 and, in doing so, the above-mentioned predetermined conditions are fulfilled, releasing the catch 5 through the connection point 17. Once the claw 5 is released from the locking position, the adjacent panel 3 "is released therefrom and the biasing spring 7 biases the toy 1 to move from the first position to the second, reverse position.

While when pressed, only one formation/protrusion 15' is needed to release the pawl 5, which protrusion is one of several in this embodiment where 6 protrusions 15 are located on the body 11. Several of these protrusions 15 are pressable towards the inside of the body 11/toy 1, but only one protrusion 15' is provided to activate/release the catch 5. One of the protrusions 15 "is arranged such that it is substantially rigid with respect to the body 11/toy 1 and cannot be pushed inwards. Thus, when a panel 3 'on the toy 1 is moved into contact with a corresponding panel 3' on a second toy 1, the pressing of the protrusions 15 and the release of the claws 5 is affected. Thus, the present invention provides a toy article 1 which remains in a first position until a predetermined condition is met at which it moves to a second position. On the panel 3' of the toy 1 or on the detachable body 11 that can be inserted into the opening 13 located in the panel 3', a plurality of protrusions 15 are provided that can be pressed towards the inside of the toy 1, so that when pressed, only one protrusion 15 ' releases the retaining means, ensuring that the user does not have to know which protrusion 15 released the retaining means when pressed. Substantially rigid protrusions 15 "are also provided on toy 1 relative to toy 1/body 11 so that toy 1 may be brought into contact with a second toy, and the rigid protrusions 15" help to urge the protrusion located inward-pressing of the toy to release or not release the retaining means associated with the toy, depending on the particular configuration of the protrusion associated with the toy. It should also be understood that although the projections 15, the jaws 5 and the mechanism are described in this description as being located on the removable body 11 inserted into the aperture 13 of the panel 3', it is noted that in other forms of the invention, the projections 15, the jaws 5 and the mechanism may be located directly on the face of the panel 3' and designed to be non-removable.

The toy 1 is also provided with one or more magnets 19 attached thereto. In the described embodiment, two magnets 19 are provided integral with the panel 3' of the toy 1 on which the removable body 11 can be located. As can be seen most clearly in fig. 4-5, the magnet 19 is directly connected to the panel 3' on the opposite side of its face with the aperture 13 therebetween so that the body 11 can be inserted for use. In the embodiment where the protrusions 15, the jaws 5 and the mechanism are located directly in the face of the panel 3', the magnets are also located on the same panel 3'. Magnets 19 are provided to align toy 1 with a second toy before contact between the two toys. Thus, in the present invention, a magnet 19 is provided which only provides directional force to the toy when the same toy 1 is aligned with a second toy which can interact. This allows the interaction of the active surfaces of the respective toys, thereby allowing one of the toys to satisfy a predetermined condition when the toys are in contact with each other. When one of the toys subsequently meets a predetermined condition, the retaining means of that toy is released and the toy is allowed to move from the first position to the second position. In this example, the second position is used for one of the toys to move, typically flip, and at least partially engulf, enclose and/or capture the other toy when the other toy meets a predetermined condition.

A second article or toy may be provided having the same features as the first toy 1 described above. In this embodiment the second toy also has a number of protrusions 215, including one protrusion 215' which activates its release catch when pressed, and one substantially rigid protrusion 215 "— the first toy 1 arranged to press/push the corresponding protrusion inwards, e.g. to activate the release catch 5 of the toy. As mentioned above, the mechanisms as the first toy 1, the protrusion 215, the release catch and the second toy may also be located on the detachable body. Thus as the first toy 1 and the second toy move together the magnets of the two toys align them and help to attract them together. Subsequently, the rigid protrusion 215 "of the second toy presses the protrusion 15' of the first toy 1 linked to the release catch 5, which causes the first toy 1 to satisfy the predetermined condition, in which the catch 5 is released to stop holding the adjacent panel 3" in the first position. The first toy 1 is then moved from the first position to a second, inverted position. In this case, the second, reversed position comprises the first toy 1 at least partially engulfed, enclosed and/or captured by the second toy.

A third article or toy having the same features as the first and second toys described above may also be incorporated. The mechanism for bringing a third toy together with either the first or second toy remains the same as that described above for use between the first and second toys. In this case, however, the projection 315 of the third toy is arranged such that, when in contact with the first toy 1, the third toy is activated and moved from the first position to the second position, at least partially engulfed, enclosed and/or captured by the first toy. Further, when a third toy comes into contact with the second toy, the second toy is activated and moved from the first position to the second position, at least partially engulfed, enclosed, and/or captured. It will thus be appreciated that the additional protrusions 15 of the release catch 5 may be pressed but not activated, thereby providing the toy 1 with a camouflage element with regard to its exact arrangement. The configuration of the protrusions 15, 15', 15 "may be different between different toys 1, or in particular between different bodies 11, in order to provide a" scissors, stone, cloth "type of game play between toy items.

Additional appendages may also be provided for toy 1 to allow a user to customize it. For example, a surface (not shown) may be provided that may be directly attached to the toy 1 or may be attached to the body 11 that is subsequently attached to the toy 1. This enables users to customize their particular toy 1 and further, in scenarios where multiple faces are provided, particular features and/or purposes may be associated with each face. Each toy may be customised by a respective user who is able to select not only which body is to be connected to the toy, thereby defining the configuration of the projections 15 of the toy 1 and defining which other toys are to be activated/activated, but which faces are to be connected. This provides a means for extra scoring, not just "stone, scissors, cloth" etc. scenes; each facet will have a certain number of points (positive or negative) associated with it and thus a scoring system can be introduced for multiple users of the toy.

Referring now to fig. 8a-d, additional features that may be present in toy 1 are illustrated. In particular, the return mechanism is provided as a rope, wire or lace 25. The cord 25 has a free end 27 that can be gripped and pulled by a user. Once the toy 1 has been moved to the second, reverse position and there assists the user in moving it back to the original first position, the cord 25 is arranged and arranged to be pulled/dragged against the bias of the spring 7. The cord 25 is positioned through the toy 1 connecting at least two panels. In the example shown, the cord 25 extends along the length of the three panels 3 ", 3', 3 and the end half 33, so that when the user pulls on the end 27, the three panels and the end part 33 are reset to the first position, the catch 5 on the auxiliary panel 3're-engaging the panel 3". The user then needs to rejoin the two side panels 3 to complete the movement of the toy 1 back to the first position. Although fig. 8a-d show a single cord 25, it is also possible to provide additional cords, either tied at a common end 27 so that a single pulling action can move all cords, or provided so that a reset can be performed on a stage. Moreover, although the current cord 25 is shown connecting three adjacent panels 3, 3', 3 "and end members 33, other variations are possible, for example where the cord 25 may act to bring it together with the side panel 3 and thus the panel 3' as a result of the movement, the user is given the ability to complete the reduction by folding the remaining panels and end members 33. Other variations are also contemplated by the applicant.

Fig. 8a-d also show the arrangement of several connectable extensions or parts 29 attached to the panels 3, 3', 3 ". Such means may be provided to removably/replaceably attach to the panels to leave them exposed when the toy 1 is in the second, inverted position, i.e. hidden inside the toy 1 when the toy 1 is in the first position. These block parts may be engraved to appear as features or body parts of the character or animal depicted by the toy article 1. Thus, the cord 25 of the restoring mechanism may be arranged to blend with these features and serve as a tail portion for presenting, for example, a character or animal depicted by the toy article 1.

Finally, in the embodiment shown, the toy 1 is provided to be composed of several panels 3, 3', 3 "of uniform size and with one further end part 33 completing the toy 1 when the toy 1 is in the first position. However, when toy 1 is released to a second, inverted position and set to "swallow" or swallow a second toy, this may leave a small gap because the swallowing toy cannot completely wrap the second toy. Thus, in some embodiments, toy 1 may further be provided with a smaller panel 35 that is hinged to member 33 (shown only in figure 8 a). In the inverted position, this serves to set the packaging of another larger toy. The hinged nature of this element 35 allows it to be stored inside the toy when the toy 1 is in the first position.

It should be understood that the toy 1 described above need not be limited to a cube shape in order to function as described herein. For example, such a mechanism may be provided for moving an article or toy from a first position to a second, substantially inverted position, wherein the article or toy is a pyramid, an octahedron, a dodecahedron, an icosahedron and/or the like having a three-sided base (tetrahedron) or a four-sided base (pentahedron).

Claims (40)

1. An article movable between a first position and a second position and biased towards the second position, the article being held in the first position by a retaining means until a predetermined condition is met, wherein when the predetermined condition is met, the biasing means applies a biasing force to move the article from the first position to the second position, characterised in that the predetermined condition is met when at least one formation on at least one face of the article is moved from the first position to the second position, thereby releasing the retaining means and allowing the article to move from the first position to the second position.

2. The article as defined in claim 1, wherein the at least one formation is formed to extend outwardly from at least one face of the article.

3. The article as defined in claim 1, wherein the at least one formation is configured to be urged substantially inwardly of the article to release the retention device.

4. The article as defined in claim 1, wherein the at least one configuration is one of a plurality of configurations that move from a first position to a second position by pushing inside the article.

5. An article according to claim 4, wherein only one of the formations is capable of releasing the retaining means when pushed towards the interior of the article and movement of at least some of the formations has no effect on the retaining means.

6. An article according to claim 1, wherein the at least one further formation provided on the article is of substantially rigid construction such that it cannot be pushed towards the interior of the article.

7. The article as defined in claim 1, wherein the article includes at least one configuration capable of being pushed toward the interior of the article and at least one configuration disposed in a substantially rigid configuration such that it cannot be pushed toward the interior of the article.

8. The article as defined in claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition results from a second article being in contact with or being within a predetermined range of the first article.

9. The article according to claim 1, wherein the at least one formation and the retaining device are associated with substantially the same face of the article.

10. An article as claimed in claim 9, wherein the retaining means connects the face with which it is associated to an adjacent face, whereby the article is retained in the first position.

11. An article according to claim 1, wherein two or more faces of the article are hinged and the retaining means retains adjacent free edges of the two faces so that the article is retained in the first position.

12. The article as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detachable body is provided in association with at least one face of the article.

13. The article as defined in claim 12, wherein the at least one feature is located on the detachable body.

14. The article as defined in claim 12, wherein the body is removably located on an aperture of one of the faces of the article.

15. An article according to claim 1, wherein the detachable body, when located in an article, forms at least part of a face of the article on which it is located.

16. The article as defined in claim 1, wherein at least one magnet is provided in association with the article.

17. The article as defined in claim 16, wherein the at least one magnet is arranged to substantially align the article with a second article.

18. The article as defined in claim 1, wherein the article further comprises a repositioning device.

19. Article according to claim 18, wherein the return means comprise one or more cord or wire members and/or the like.

20. The article of claim 19, wherein the one or more cord or wire members are provided to connect two or more faces or panels provided on the article.

21. An article according to claim 20, wherein the reset means is arranged to at least partially return the article from the second position to the first position upon activation by a user.

22. A group of articles comprising at least two articles movable between a first position and a second position and biased towards the second position, the articles being held in their respective first positions by a holding means until a predetermined condition is met, wherein at least one of the articles meets the predetermined condition when the articles are in contact or within a predetermined distance, at which point the one of the at least two articles moves from the first position to the second position under the influence of the biasing means, characterised in that the predetermined condition is met when at least one formation located on at least one face of the one of the at least two articles moves from the first position to the second position, thereby releasing the holding means and allowing the article to move from the first position to the second position.

23. The group of articles of claim 22, wherein the at least one formation is arranged to be pushed substantially inwardly upon contact with a corresponding formation on a second of the at least two articles.

24. A set according to claim 23, wherein the corresponding formation on the second article is arranged to be substantially rigid such that it cannot be pushed towards the interior of the article on which it is located, but is arranged to push the first formation on the first article towards the interior such that the first article meets the predetermined condition.

25. The group of items according to claim 22, wherein each item comprises at least one configuration capable of being pushed towards the interior of the item, and at least one configuration arranged in a substantially rigid configuration such that it cannot be pushed towards the interior of the item.

26. The group of items of claim 22, wherein each item comprises a plurality of formations that are movable from a first position to a second position, typically by being pushed towards the interior of the item.

27. The group of items according to claim 22, wherein the second position is for the first item to move, generally flip and at least partially engulf, enclose and/or capture the second of the at least two items when the first of the at least two items meets a predetermined condition.

28. The group of articles of claim 22, wherein a biasing device is provided on each of the at least two articles to bias the at least two articles toward their respective second positions.

29. The group of items of claim 22, wherein the first configuration on or associated with a first item corresponds to a second, substantially rigid configuration on or associated with a second item.

30. The group of items of claim 29, wherein when the first configuration on or associated with the first item is in contact with the second substantially rigid configuration on or associated with the second item, the first configuration is urged towards the interior of the first item and the first item satisfies the predetermined condition.

31. The group of articles of claim 22, wherein a detachable body is provided in association with at least one face of each of the articles, and the at least one formation is located on the detachable body.

32. The group of items of claim 22, wherein at least one magnet is provided in association with each item located on a face of the item.

33. The group of items of claim 32, wherein the at least one magnet is located on or associated with the same face of the item associated with the construct.

34. The group of items according to claim 32, wherein the at least one magnet is arranged to align the two items with each other.

35. A set according to claim 22, wherein at least two magnets are provided on substantially opposite sides of the same face of the article so as to be arranged to align the first article with a corresponding magnet located on a second article.

36. The group of articles of claim 22, wherein the articles further comprise a repositioning device.

37. Group of items according to claim 36, characterised in that the return means comprise one or more string or wire members and/or the like.

38. The group of items of claim 37, wherein the one or more cord or wire members are arranged to connect two or more faces or panels arranged on the items.

39. The group of items according to claim 36, wherein the resetting means is arranged to at least partially return the item from the second position to the first position when activated by a user.

40. A method of causing an interaction between at least two items, the method comprising the steps of: positioning at least two articles in respective first positions and movable between said first positions and respective second positions; moving at least two articles towards each other until one or both of the first and/or second articles meets a predetermined condition, and wherein once the article meets the predetermined condition, the biasing means applies a biasing force to move the article from the first position to the second position, characterised in that the predetermined condition is met when at least one formation on at least one face of the article moves from the first position to the second position through a corresponding formation on the other article, thereby releasing the retaining means and allowing movement of the article from the first position to the second position.