STANDABLE AND WALL-MOUNTED TOY WITH REMOVABLE SURFACE FOR RECEIVING AN ART TREATMENT

Abstract

A toy includes a rear member, a front member and a base member. The rear member has: a rear surface; a peripheral side surface extending forward from the rear surface and defining a base socket; and a mounting member for engaging a nail or hook inserted into or secured to a wall. The front member has: a flat vertical front surface for receiving an art treatment; a peripheral flange portion extending rearward from the front surface and that engages a portion of the peripheral side surface to removably retain the front member on the rear member, while leaving the at least one socket exposed. The base member has: a base plug portion removably disposed within the base socket to removably attach the base member to the rear member; and a base exposed portion that defines lower extent of the toy and allows the toy to stand on a horizontal surface.

Claims

1. A toy that is alternately standable on a horizontal surface or mountable on a nail or hook inserted into or secured to a vertical wall, the toy comprising: a rear member comprising: a rear surface comprising a flat vertical portion defining a rearmost extent of the toy; a peripheral side surface extending forward from the rear surface and defining at least one socket comprising a base socket; and a mounting member for engaging the nail or hook while the rear surface is disposed opposite to the wall; a front member comprising: a flat vertical front surface for receiving an art treatment; and a peripheral flange portion extending rearward from the front surface and comprising a flange portion inner surface engaged with a portion of the peripheral side surface of the rear member to removably retain the front member on the rear member, while leaving the at least one socket exposed; and a base member comprising: a base plug portion removably disposed within the base socket to removably attach the base member to the rear member; and a base exposed portion that projects from the base socket and defines a base support surface defining a lower extent of the toy, wherein the base support surface is sized and shaped such that the base member supports the toy on the horizontal surface when the base support surface rests on the horizontal surface.

2. The toy of claim 1, wherein: the rear member comprises a front surface defining a recess that is covered by the front member to define a storage compartment between the front member and the front surface of the rear member.

3. The toy of claim 1, wherein the front surface is printed with an image.

4. The toy of claim 1, wherein: the front surface of the front member is made of a material comprising a plastic material.

5. The toy of claim 1, wherein: the front surface of the front member is rectangular.

6. The toy of claim 1, wherein: the front surface of the front member has a minimum dimension of at least 15 centimeters.

7. The toy of claim 1, wherein: the front surface of the front member has an area of at least 400 square centimeters.

8. The toy of claim 1, wherein: the toy further comprises: a second front member comprising: a flat vertical second front surface for receiving a second art treatment; and a second peripheral flange portion extending rearward from the second front surface and comprising a second flange inner surface that, when the front member is removed from the rear member, is engageable with the portion of the peripheral side surface of the rear member to removably retain the second front member on the rear member, while leaving the at least one socket exposed.

9. The toy of claim 1, wherein: the base plug portion comprises or is attached to a base plug ferromagnetic member, and the rear member comprises or is attached to a base socket ferromagnetic member, wherein at least one of the base plug ferromagnetic member and the base socket ferromagnetic member is a permanent magnet, and wherein the base plug ferromagnetic member and the base socket member ferromagnetic member are magnetically attracted to each other to resist removal of the base plug portion from the base socket.

10. The toy of claim 1, wherein: the toy further comprises a second base member comprising: a second base plug portion that, when the base plug portion is removed from the base socket, is removably insertable into the base socket to removably attach the second base member to the rear member; and a second base exposed portion that, when the second base plug portion is inserted into the base socket, projects from the base socket and defines a second base support surface defining a lower extent of the toy, wherein the second base support surface is sized and shaped such that the second base member supports the toy on the horizontal surface when the second base support surface rests on the horizontal surface; wherein a form of the second base exposed portion differs from a form of the first base exposed portion.

11. The toy of claim 1, wherein: the at least one socket further comprises at least one accessory socket; and the toy further comprises: for each of the at least one accessory socket, a respective accessory member comprising: an accessory plug portion removably disposed within the accessory socket to removably attach the accessory member to the rear member; and an accessory exposed portion that is exposed by the accessory socket.

12. The toy of claim 11, wherein: the accessory plug portion comprises or is attached to an accessory plug ferromagnetic member, and the rear member comprises or is attached to a accessory socket ferromagnetic member, wherein at least one of the accessory plug ferromagnetic member and the accessory socket ferromagnetic member is a permanent magnet, and wherein the accessory plug ferromagnetic member ferromagnetic member and the accessory socket ferromagnetic member are magnetically attracted to each other to resist removal of the accessory plug portion from the accessory socket.

13. The toy of claim 11, wherein: the accessory exposed portion is flush with an outer surface of the peripheral flange portion of the front member.

14. The toy of claim 11, wherein: the accessory exposed portion extends beyond an outer surface of the peripheral flange portion of the front member.

15. The toy of claim 11, wherein: the toy further comprises for the accessory socket, a second accessory member comprising: a second accessory plug portion that, when the accessory plug portion is removed from the accessory socket, is removably insertable into the accessory socket to removably attach the second accessory member to the rear member; and a second accessory exposed portion that is exposed by the accessory socket, wherein a form of the second accessory exposed portion differs from a form of the accessory exposed portion.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The foregoing and other aspects of the disclosure will be better appreciated with reference to the attached drawings, in which like reference characters denote like parts, as follows.

[0014] FIGS. 1 to 9 are various views of a first embodiment of a toy of the present disclosure, with:

[0015] FIG. 1 being a top-front-right perspective view;

[0016] FIG. 2 being a rear-top-left perspective view;

[0017] FIG. 3 being a rear-bottom-right perspective view;

[0018] FIG. 4 being a front view;

[0019] FIG. 5 being a rear view;

[0020] FIG. 6 being a left side view;

[0021] FIG. 7 being a right side view;

[0022] FIG. 8 being a top view; and

[0023] FIG. 9 being a bottom view.

[0024] FIGS. 10 to 18 are various views of a rear member of a second embodiment of a toy of the present disclosure, with:

[0025] FIG. 10 being a top-front-right perspective view;

[0026] FIG. 11 being a top-front-left perspective view;

[0027] FIG. 12 being a bottom-rear-left perspective view;

[0028] FIG. 13 being a front view;

[0029] FIG. 14 being a rear view;

[0030] FIG. 15 being a top view;

[0031] FIG. 16 being a bottom view;

[0032] FIG. 17 being a left side view; and

[0033] FIG. 18 being a right side view.

[0034] FIGS. 19 to 22 are various views of a front member of a second embodiment of a toy of the present disclosure, with:

[0035] FIG. 19 being a top-front-right perspective view;

[0036] FIG. 20 being a top-front-left perspective view;

[0037] FIG. 21 being a top-rear-right perspective view; and

[0038] FIG. 22 being a bottom-rear-left perspective view.

[0039] FIGS. 23 to 25 are various views of a front member attached to a rear member of a third embodiment of a toy of the present disclosure, with:

[0040] FIG. 23 being a top-front-right perspective view;

[0041] FIG. 24 being a bottom-front-right perspective view; and

[0042] FIG. 25 being a bottom-rear-right perspective view.

[0043] FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 25 showing a notched member for engaging a nail or hook.

[0044] FIGS. 27 to 28 show different embodiments of base members for a toy of the present disclosure, with:

[0045] FIG. 27 showing base members styled in the form of Oxford style shoes; and

[0046] FIG. 28 showing base members styled in the form of moccasin shoes.

[0047] FIG. 29 shows an embodiment of plugs for base sockets of the rear member of a toy of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIGS. 30 to 41 show different embodiments of accessory members for a toy of the present disclosure, with:

[0049] FIG. 30 showing accessory members in the form of plugs;

[0050] FIG. 31 showing an accessory member styled as an arm and hand holding a basketball;

[0051] FIG. 32 showing an accessory member styled as an arm and hand holding a camera;

[0052] FIG. 33 showing an accessory member styled as an arm and hand holding a feather fan;

[0053] FIG. 34 showing an accessory member styled as an arm and hand holding a flower;

[0054] FIG. 35 showing an accessory member styled as an arm and hand holding a marker;

[0055] FIG. 36 showing an accessory member styled as an arm and hand holding a microphone;

[0056] FIG. 37 showing accessory members styled as arms and hands making a peace-sign gesture;

[0057] FIG. 38 showing an accessory member styled as an arm and hand holding a pencil;

[0058] FIG. 39 showing an accessory member styled as an arm and hand holding a paint roller;

[0059] FIG. 40 showing an accessory member styled as an arm and hand holding a pipe; and

[0060] FIG. 41 showing an accessory member styled as an arm and hand holding a spray paint bottle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Interpretation

[0061] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the Figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiment or embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. It should be understood at the outset that, although exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the figures and described below, the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations and techniques illustrated in the drawings and described below.

[0062] Unless otherwise explained, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0063] Various terms used throughout the present description may be read and understood as follows, unless the context indicates otherwise: or as used throughout is inclusive, as though written and/or; singular articles and pronouns as used throughout include their plural forms, and vice versa; similarly, gendered pronouns include their counterpart pronouns so that pronouns should not be understood as limiting anything described herein to use, implementation, performance, etc. by a single gender; exemplary should be understood as illustrative or exemplifying and not necessarily as preferred over other embodiments. Further definitions for terms may be set out herein; these may apply to prior and subsequent instances of those terms, as will be understood from a reading of the present description. It will also be noted that the use of the term a or an will be understood to denote at least one in all instances unless explicitly stated otherwise or unless it would be understood to be obvious that it must mean one. The phrase at least one of is understood to be one or more. The phrase at least one of . . . and . . . is understood to mean at least one of the elements listed or a combination thereof, if not explicitly listed. For example, at least one of A, B, and C is understood to mean A alone or B alone or C alone or a combination of A and B or a combination of A and C or a combination of B and C or a combination of A, B, and C.

[0064] The term comprising and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, including, having and their derivatives. It will be understood that any embodiments described as comprising certain components may also consist of or consist essentially of these components, wherein consisting of has a closed-ended or restrictive meaning and consisting essentially of means including the components specified but excluding other components except for components added for a purpose other than achieving the technical effects described herein.

[0065] It will be understood that any component defined herein as being included may be explicitly excluded from the claimed invention by way of proviso or negative limitation, such as any specific components or method steps, whether implicitly or explicitly defined herein.

[0066] In addition, all ranges given herein include the end of the ranges and also any intermediate range points, whether explicitly stated or not.

[0067] Terms of degree such as substantially, about and approximately as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. These terms of degree should be construed as including a deviation of at least 5% of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the word it modifies.

[0068] The abbreviation, e.g. is derived from the Latin exempli gratia, and is used herein to indicate a non-limiting example. Thus, the abbreviation e.g. is synonymous with the term for example. The word or is intended to include and unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0069] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components and the methods described may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order. As used in this document, each refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set.

[0070] Attached, as used herein, in describing the relationship between two connected parts includes the case in which the two connected parts are directly attached with the two connected parts being in contact with each other, and the case in which the connected parts are indirectly attached and not in contact with each other, but connected by one or more intervening other part(s) between.

[0071] The embodiments of the disclosures described herein are exemplary (e.g., in terms of materials, shapes, dimensions, and constructional details) and do not limit by the claims appended hereto and any amendments made thereto. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that there are yet more alternative implementations and modifications possible, and that the following examples are only illustrations of one or more implementations. The scope of the invention, therefore, is only to be limited by the claims appended hereto and any amendments made thereto.

Overview of Toy

[0072] FIGS. 1 to 9 show views of an embodiment of a toy 10 of the present disclosure.

[0073] The toy 10 is mountable on a nail or hook 2 inserted into or secured to a vertical wall 4 as shown in FIG. 1. Alternately, the toy 10 is standable on a horizontal surface 6 (e.g., a desktop or floor surface) as shown in FIG. 2. Thus, the toy 10 can be displayed in alternately either on the wall 4 or on the horizontal surface 6.

[0074] For ease of reference in describing relative positions of parts of the toy 10, parts of the toy 10 may be described with reference to the wall 4 and directions defined by the wall 4. Referring to FIG. 1, the forward direction refers to the direction that extends horizontally away from the wall 4, in the direction of the arrowhead labeled F of the axis that is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the wall 4; the rearward direction refers to the direction opposite to the forward direction. Thus, the terms front and rear in describing two parts of the toy 10 may describe positions that are relatively distal and proximal, respectively, to the wall 4, when the toy 10 is mounted on the nail or hook 2 inserted into or secured to the wall 4. It will be understood that terms such as front, rear, forward, rearward and like terms are relative terms, and do not limit the orientation of the toy 10 in use. For example, the toy 10 may, in use, be oriented such that front and rear surfaces thereof, actually face upwardly and downwardly, respectively.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 1, this embodiment of the toy 10 includes a rear member 20, a front member 60, a pair of base members 80, and a pair of accessory members 100. In this embodiment, the toy 10 resembles a stylized human body, with the rear member 20 and the front member 60 collectively being analogous to a torso, the base members 80 being stylized as legs and feet, and the accessory members 100 being stylized as arms and hands. In other embodiments, the toy 10 may be made to resemble non-human animals (e.g., a dog or a cat), or other non-animal objects.

[0076] In general, the parts of the toy 10 may be made with a variety of materials. Non-limiting examples of suitable materials may include plastic (e.g., polylactic acid (PLA) polyester fiber, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic, or acrylic plastic), hardened cementitious material (e.g., a plaster), cellulosic material (e.g., wood or wood fiber), or metal (e.g., bronze).

Rear Member

[0077] FIGS. 10 to 18 show various views of an embodiment of a rear member 20 that may be used in an embodiment of a toy 10 similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 9. This embodiment of the rear member 20 shown in these figures is similar to the embodiment of the rear member 20 of the toy 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, with minor differences regarding the position of accessories sockets 34. Accordingly, it will be understood that the following description of the rear member 20 shown in FIGS. 10 to 18, applies generally to the rear member 20 of the embodiment of the toy shown in FIGS. 1 to 9.

[0078] A purpose of the rear member 20 is to provide a structure for supporting the front member 60. Another purpose of the rear member 20 is to provide a member that may be mounted to the wall 4. In embodiments, still another purpose of the rear member 20 is to, in cooperation with the front member 60, define a storage compartment.

[0079] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 to 18, the rear member 20 has a generally rectangular prismatic shape. In other embodiments, rear member 20 may have other shapes (e.g., cylindrical, polygonal prismatic, or irregular).

[0080] The rear member 20 comprises a rear surface 22 (see FIGS. 12 and 14). The rear surface 22 comprises a flat vertical portion 24. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the flat vertical portion 24 forms the perimeter of the rear surface 22 and resembles a conventional stretcher frame of an art canvas, but in other embodiments may have a different shape.

[0081] The flat vertical portion 24 defines a rearmost extent of the toy 10. Referring to FIGS. 6 to 9, for example, it can be seen that all other parts of the toy 10 are either positioned to coincide with the flat vertical portion 24, or positioned forward of the flat vertical portion 24; no part of the toy 10 is positioned rearward of the vertical portion 24. When the toy 10 is an upright orientation (FIG. 1), the flat vertical portion 24 provides a surface that can be disposed opposite to the wall 4 so that toy 10 can be placed flush or substantially flush against a wall 4 that is flat. Alternatively, the toy 10 may be laid down such that the flat vertical portion 24 is actually oriented horizontally and engages a horizontal surface, so the front member 60 of the toy 10 is stabilized for painting or printing.

[0082] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, in this embodiment, the rear member 20 comprises a peripheral side surface 30 that extends forward from the rear surface 22. In this embodiment, the peripheral side surface 30 comprises four rectangular surfaces, with two of the surfaces defining the sides of the rear member 20, and the remaining two members defining the top and bottom, respectively, of the rear member 20. In other embodiments, the peripheral side surface 30 may have a different configuration.

[0083] The peripheral side surface 30 defines at least one socket. The at least one socket includes one or more base sockets 32 for receiving base members 80 as described below. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 to 18, the bottom portion of the peripheral side surface 30 defines a pair of base sockets 32 (FIG. 12). In this embodiment, the base sockets 32 are disposed on the lowermost surface of the peripheral side surface 30, and have a square shape. In other embodiments, one or more base sockets 32 may be defined by other portions of the peripheral side surface 30, and have different shapes.

[0084] The at least one socket may further include one or more accessory sockets 34, each for receiving a respective accessory member 100. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 to 18, the peripheral side surface 30 defines a pair of accessory sockets 34 (FIGS. 10, 11, 12, 17 and 18). In this embodiment, one accessory socket 34 is disposed on each of the leftmost portion and the rightmost portion of the peripheral side surface 30; both accessory sockets 34 have a square shape. In other embodiments, one or more accessory sockets 34 may be defined on other portions of the peripheral side surface 30, and have different shapes. For example, in a similar embodiment of the rear member 20 shown in FIGS. 23 to 26, a third accessory socket 34 (FIG. 23) is disposed on the uppermost portion of the rear member 20.

[0085] The rear member 20 further comprises a mounting member for mounting the rear member 20 on a nail or hook 2 inserted into or secured to the wall 4, with the rear surface 22 disposed opposite to the wall 4. The mounting member may be formed integrally with or attached to the remainder of the rear member 20. In the similar third embodiment of the rear member 20 shown in FIGS. 23 to 26, the rear member 20 comprises two mounting members (FIGS. 25 and 26). A first mounting member is in the form of a notched member 36 for engaging the head of the nail or a hook, which notched member 36 is integrally formed in the rear member 20 and defines a single notch. In other embodiments, the notch may have a different shape such as a keyhole shape. A second mounting member is in the form of a wire 38 suspended between a pair of eyelets which are secured by threaded connections into threaded holes formed by the rear member 20. In other embodiments, the mounting member may alternatively or additionally be provided in other forms as known in the art. As an example, the mounting member may include a sawtooth hangeri.e., a member with a jagged edge defining a plurality of notches for engaging the head of the nail. As another example, the mounting member may include one or more rings (e.g., a D-shaped ring) for engaging the head of the nail or hook 2. It will be appreciated that other mounting member may have other forms suitable for engaging the head of the nail or hook 2.

[0086] Referring back to the embodiment of the rear member 20 shown in FIGS. 10 to 18, in this embodiment, the rear member 20 has a front surface 40 that defines a recess 42 (FIGS. 10, 11 and 13). When the front member 60 of the toy 10 is retained on the rear member 20, the recess 42 is covered by the front member 60 to define a storage compartment between the front member 60 and the front surface 40 of the rear member 20. The storage compartment may be used to store a variety of objects such as art tools (e.g., pencils, pens, brushes, paint tubes, etc.), memorabilia or mementos (e.g., trinkets, jewelry, awards, medals, etc.), base members 80, base plugs 90, or accessory members 100.

Front Member

[0087] FIGS. 19 to 22 show various views of an embodiment of a front member 60 that may be used in an embodiment of a toy 10 similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 9. This embodiment of the front member 60 is similar to the embodiment of the front member 60 of the toy 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, with minor differences regarding the contours of its edges. Accordingly, it will be understood that the following description of the front member 60 shown in FIGS. 19 to 22, applies generally to the front member 60 of the embodiment of the toy shown in FIGS. 1 to 9.

[0088] A purpose of the front member 60 is to provide a substrate for receiving an art treatment. The term art treatment, as used herein, refers to a process by which a marking or image can be applied to the front member 60. Non-limiting examples of art treatments include hand drawing (e.g., using pencil, ink, etc.), painting (e.g., using acrylic or oil paint), or mechanical printing of images (e.g., by screen printing, inkjet printing, dye sublimation printing, etc.). It will be appreciated that the material of the front member 60 should be selected to be suitable for the intended type of art treatment. For example, if the art treatment is mechanical printing (e.g., inkjet printing, or dye sublimation printing), a suitable material for the front member 60 may be a canvas-type textile comprising a polyester plastic material, which may be blended with other materials.

[0089] The front member 60 comprises a flat vertical front surface 62 for receiving the art treatment. For example, the front surface 62 may be unadorned or printed with an image (not shown). In the embodiment shown, the front surface 62 has a substantially rectangular shape with slightly rounded corners, with dimensions of about 7.5 inches (19 centimeters) in width by about 9.5 inches (24 centimeters) in height. It will be appreciated that this shape and size is non-limiting; in other embodiments, the front surface 62 may have other shapes (e.g., circular, elliptical, polygonal, or irregular) and other sizes. In embodiments, the front surface 62 may have a minimum dimension of about 6 inches (15 cm), and a minimum area of about 62 square inches (400 square centimeters).

[0090] The front member 60 comprises a peripheral flange portion 64 that extends rearward from the front surface 62. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 19 to 22, the peripheral flange portion 64 extends continuously around the entire perimeter of the front surface 62; in other embodiments, the peripheral flange portion 64 may extend rearward from only a portion or discontinuous portions of the perimeter of the front surface 62. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 19 to 20, the edge of the peripheral flange portion 64 has an undulating shape to resemble a piece of stretched canvas, and the outer surface of the peripheral flange portion 64 has a series of protrusions to resemble tacks used to secure a piece of stretched canvas. In other embodiments, the front member 60 may have different ornamental designs.

[0091] The peripheral flange portion 64 has a flange portion inner surface 66 (FIGS. 21 and 22) that engages a portion of the peripheral side surface 30 of the rear member 20 to retain the front member 60 on the rear member 20. Accordingly, in the embodiments shown, the front member 60 fits like a lid over the rear member 20 having a form of an open box. In embodiments, the front member 60 may be retained on the rear member 20 at least partly or wholly by friction fit between the flange portion inner surface 66 and the peripheral side surface 30 of the rear member 20, and may be further retained by the uppermost part of the flange portion inner surface 66 resting on the uppermost part of the peripheral side surface 30 of the rear member 20.

[0092] To remove the front member 60 from the rear member 20, the flange portion inner surface 66 is slidable forward relative to the peripheral side surface 30 of the rear member 20. Accordingly, after the front member 60 is removed from the rear member 20, a second front member 60 (similar or analogous in material respects to the front member 20) may be placed on the rear member 20 (e.g., if the user wishes to use the second front member 60 to display a different printed image, or receive a different art treatment).

[0093] While the flange portion inner surface 66 engages a portion of the peripheral side surface 30, the peripheral flange portion 64 leaves the at least one socket (that is, in the embodiment shown, the base socket 32 and the accessory sockets 34) exposed so that the base members 80 and accessory members 100, respectively, as the case may be, can be either inserted into or removed from them even while the front member 60 remains attached to the rear member 20.

Base Member and Base Plug

[0094] A purpose of the base member 80 is to support the toy 10 so that it can stand freely (i.e., without other support) on the horizontal surface 6. Another purpose of the base member 80 is to decorate or accessorize the front member 60 and the rear member 20 to enhance the visual appeal and play value of the toy 10.

[0095] FIG. 27 shows one embodiment of base members 80, in isolation after separation from the remainder of the embodiment of the toy 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 9. In this embodiment, each of the base members 80 has a base plug portion 82 that may be or is disposed within one of the base sockets 32 to attach the base member 80 to the rear member 20. The base plug portion 82 is removable from the base socket 32 to separate the base member 80 from the rear member 20.

[0096] In embodiments, the base plug portion 82 may be retained in a base socket 32 partly or wholly by friction fit with the walls defining the base socket 32. In the embodiment shown, the base plug portion 82 has a substantially rectangular prismatic shape that is complementary to the substantially rectangular prismatic shape of the base socket 32 so as to prevent rotation of the base member 80 relative to the base socket 32. In other embodiments, the base plug portion 82 and the base socket 32 may have different shapes.

[0097] In embodiments, the base plug portion 82 may be alternatively or additionally retained in the base socket 32 by magnetic force. Referring to FIG. 27, the base plug portion 82 may comprise or be attached to a base plug ferromagnetic member. For example, the base plug portion 82 may be made of or include a metallic member. Referring to FIG. 12, the rear member 20 may be attached to a base socket ferromagnetic member 84 that is a permanent magnet. (In FIG. 12, the base socket ferromagnetic members 84 are shown separated from the rear member 20 for clarity of illustration, but it will be understood that they fit into the cylindrical recesses of the base socket 32 and may be retained therein by friction fit and/or use of an adhesive.) The base plug portion's ferromagnetic member and the base socket member ferromagnetic member 84 are magnetically attracted to each other to resist removal of the base plug portion 82 from the base socket 32. It will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the base plug portion 82 may additionally or alternatively comprise or be attached to a permanent magnet, and the base socket ferromagnetic member may not be a permanent magnet. In general, to achieve the desired magnetic attraction, it is only necessary that base plug portion 82 comprises or is attached to a base plug ferromagnetic member, and the rear member 20 comprises or is attached to a base socket ferromagnetic member, with at least one of the base plug ferromagnetic member and the base socket ferromagnetic member being a permanent magnet.

[0098] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 27, the base member 80 also has a base exposed portion 86 (FIG. 27) that projects from the base socket 32 and defines a base support surface 88 (FIG. 9) defining a lower extent of the toy 10. The base support surface 88 is sized and shaped such that the base member 80 supports the toy 10 on the horizontal surface 6 when the base support surface 88 rests on the horizontal surface 6. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 and 27, each of the base exposed portions 86 are stylized as an Oxford style shoe. In this embodiment, the base support surface 88 is flat or substantially flat, and sufficiently large so that when it rests on the horizontal surface 6, the base member 80 stably supports the toy 10 without the need for further support.

[0099] To remove the base member 80 from the rear member 20, the base member 80 may be pulled away to remove the base plug portion 82 from the base socket 32. After the base member 80 is removed from the base socket 32 of the rear member 20, a second base member 80 may be inserted into the base socket 32. The base member 80 that is removed and the second base member 80 have base exposed portions 86 that differ in form from each other, so that the user may vary the appearance of the toy 10. For example, FIG. 28 shows an embodiment of second base members 80, each of which have a second base plug portion 82, and a second base exposed portion 86 stylized as a moccasin style shoe.

[0100] When the toy 10 is mounted on the wall 4, the user may wish to remove the base members 80 from the rear member 20. The user may then insert base plugs 90 as shown in one embodiment in FIG. 29 into the base sockets 32. The base plugs 90 are analogous in function to the base plug portions 82 of the base members 80 shown in FIGS. 27 and 28. However, when the base plugs 90 are inserted into the base sockets 32, the exposed portions of the base plugs 90 are substantially flush with the outer surface of the peripheral flange portion 64 of the front member 60 to as to avoid the appearance of gaps or discontinuities in the peripheral flange portion 64.

Accessory Members

[0101] A purpose of the accessory member 100 is to decorate or accessorize the front member 60 and the rear member 20 to enhance the visual appeal and play value of the toy 10.

[0102] In the embodiment of the toy 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, the toy 10 has two accessory members 100. One accessory member 100 is stylized as a left arm and hand holding a paint brush; another accessory member 100 is stylized as a right arm and hand holding a paint palette. FIGS. 30 to 41 show examples of further embodiments of accessory members 100 having different forms that may be interchanged with the accessory members 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 9. In FIG. 30, the accessory member 100 are in the form of plugs. In FIGS. 31 to 36 to 38 to 41 the accessory members 100 are stylized as an arm and hand carrying objects such as a basketball (FIG. 31), a stereo system (FIG. 32), a camera (FIG. 32), a feather fan (FIG. 33), a flower (FIG. 34), a marker (FIG. 35), a microphone (FIG. 36), a pencil (FIG. 38), a paint roller (FIG. 39), a pipe (FIG. 40), and a spray paint bottle (FIG. 41). In FIG. 37, the accessory members are stylized as a pair of arms with hands making a peace-sign gesture.

[0103] Referring to FIGS. 30 to 41, each of the accessory members 100 has an accessory plug portion 102 that may be disposed within one of the accessory sockets 34 to attach the accessory member 100 to the rear member 20. The accessory plug portion 102 is removable from the accessory socket 34 to separate the accessory member 100 from the rear member 20.

[0104] In embodiments, the accessory plug portion 102 may be retained in an accessory socket 34 partly or wholly by friction fit with the walls defining the accessory socket 34. In the embodiments shown, the base plug portion 102 has a substantially rectangular prismatic shape that is complementary to the substantially rectangular prismatic shape of the accessory socket 34 so as to prevent rotation of the accessory member 100 relative to the accessory socket 34. In other embodiments, the accessory plug portion 102 and the accessory socket 34 may have different shapes.

[0105] In embodiments, the accessory plug portion 102 may be alternatively or additionally retained in the accessory socket 34 by magnetic force. Referring to FIG. 31, as an example, the accessory plug portion 102 may comprise or be attached an accessory plug ferromagnetic member. For example, the accessory plug portion 102 may be made of or include a metallic member. Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the rear member 20 may be attached to an accessory socket ferromagnetic member 104 that is a permanent magnet. (In FIGS. 10 and 11, the accessory socket ferromagnetic members 104 are shown separated from the rear member 20 for clarity of illustration, but it will be understood that they fit into the cylindrical recesses of the accessory socket 34 and may be retained therein by friction fit and/or use of an adhesive.) The accessory plug portion 102's ferromagnetic member and the accessory socket member ferromagnetic member 104 are magnetically attracted to each other to resist removal of the accessory plug portion 102 from the accessory socket 34. It will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the accessory plug portion 102 may additionally or alternatively comprise or be attached to the permanent magnet, and the accessory socket ferromagnetic member 104 may not be a permanent magnet. In general, to achieve the desired magnetic attraction, it is only necessary that accessory plug portion 102 comprises or is attached to an accessory plug ferromagnetic member, and the rear member 20 comprises or is attached to an accessory socket ferromagnetic member, with at least one of the accessory plug ferromagnetic member and the accessory socket ferromagnetic member being a permanent magnet.

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 30 to 41, each of the accessory members 100 also has an accessory exposed portion 106, which may project from the accessory socket 34 when the accessory plug portion 102 is disposed in the accessory socket 34. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 30, the accessory exposed portion 106 is substantially flush with the outer surface of the peripheral flange portion 64 of the front member 60, when the accessory plug portion 102 is inserted into an accessory socket 34. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 and 31 to 41, the accessory exposed portions 106 project substantially away from the outer surface of the peripheral flange portion 64 of the front member 60.

Use and Operation

[0107] The toy 10 may be provided to an end user for their amusement. For example, the user may purchase the toy 10 with the front surface 62 of the front member 60 unadorned. If so desired, the user may then paint the front surface 62 or use a printer to print an image from a digital image file onto the front surface 62. Alternatively, the user may use a website to order the toy 10 and upload a digital image file (e.g., a portrait photo of a person) to the server of a supplier of the toy 10. The supplier of the toy 10 may print the digital image onto the front surface 62 of the front member 60, and then supply the toy 10 to the user. The user may subsequently order an additional front member 60 (i.e., a second front member) to be interchanged with an existing front member 60 of the toy 10. At that time, the user may again upload a different image file (e.g., an updated portrait photo a person), which is printed on to the front surface 62 of the additional front member 60. Further, the user may order additional base members 80 (i.e., one or more second base member(s)) and/or accessory members 100 (i.e., one or more second accessory member(s)) having different forms. By interchanging the additional base members 80 and/or accessory members 100 with other base members 80 and/or accessory members, respectively, the user may change and customize the appearance of toy 10. The user may also store various objects in the storage compartment defined by the recess 42 of the front surface 40 of the rear member 20. The toy 10 may have appeal as a souvenir, a collectible, or a gift item for commemorating special events (e.g., birthdays, graduations, sports events, vacations, and the like). The rear member 20, front member 60, base members 80 and accessory members 100 may be stylized in a variety of ways according to various themes or branding exercises.

[0108] While the description contained herein constitutes a plurality of embodiments of the present disclosure, it will be appreciated that the present disclosure is susceptible to further modification and change without departing from the fair meaning of the accompanying claims.

[0109] Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described herein in detail, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

TABLE-US-00001 PARTS LIST 2 nail or hook 4 wall 6 horizontal surface 10 toy 20 rear member 22 rear member: rear surface 24 rear member: rear surface: flat vertical portion 30 rear member: peripheral side surface 32 base socket 34 accessory socket 36 mounting member: notched member 38 mounting member: wire 40 rear member: front surface 42 rear member: front surface: recess 60 front member 62 front member: flat vertical front surface 64 front member: peripheral flange portion 66 front member: peripheral flange portion: flange portion 80 base member 82 base member: base plug portion 84 base socket ferromagnetic member 86 base member: base exposed portion 88 base member: base exposed portion: base support 90 base plug 100 accessory member 102 accessory member: accessory plug portion 104 accessory socket ferromagnetic member 106 accessory member: accessory exposed portion