Abstract:
A toy package assembly and product are disclosed. The package assembly configures a product within a package assembly so users can fully interact with the mechanical features of the product without removing the product from the package assembly. The package assembly contains a platform. The product comprises two toys, the first toy being fixedly attached to the platform and the second toy being movably attached to the platform. A tether connects the first and second toys which move or are movable with respect to one another.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to packaging for a product, such as a toy, and in particular, to packaging that allows for the interaction with part of the toy to demonstrate the mechanical features of the product. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Some conventional product package assemblies employ the concept of a “Try-Me” feature for the product contained within the package assembly, enabling potential purchasers to try the product before purchasing it. Furthermore, some of these package assemblies allow potential purchasers to insert a finger into the package assemblies to press buttons, allowing the product to activate, make noise, and/or light up. Many toy packaged assemblies, however, lack the ability for the potential purchaser to fully interact with the mechanical features of the product because of the product being confined to the package assembly. 
         [0003]    Therefore, there is a need for package assembly that enables potential purchasers to try a product with mechanical features and, in particular, activate a motor within the product allowing it to perform the product&#39;s intended functions while still within the point of sale package. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention is directed to a product package assembly. In one embodiment, the package assembly contains a base with a slot along the top of the base. A first toy is fixedly positioned on the base and a second toy is movably positioned on the slot of the base adjacent to the first toy. The package assembly enables a potential purchaser to move the second toy along the slot, away from the first toy, actuating a resilient member in the first toy. Once activated, the resilient member pulls the second toy along the slot until the second toy is returned to its original position adjacent to the first toy. 
         [0005]    In one embodiment, a combination of a point of sale display package and two toy vehicles comprises a point of sale display package including a platform, a first toy vehicle mounted to the platform, a second toy vehicle movably mounted on the platform, a tether connecting the first toy vehicle to the second toy vehicle, and a resilient mechanism mounted in one of the first toy vehicle and the second toy vehicle, the resilient mechanism drawing the first toy vehicle and the second toy vehicle towards one another after the tether has been extended by a user. 
         [0006]    In another embodiment, the combination comprises a platform that includes a vehicle track and a slot extending at least partially along the length of the vehicle track. 
         [0007]    In another embodiment, the combination comprises the second toy vehicle being movably mounted to the slot on the vehicle track. 
         [0008]    In another embodiment, the combination comprises the second toy vehicle being detachably mounted to the slot on the vehicle track by a key lock beneath the vehicle track. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment, the combination comprises the first toy vehicle being fixedly mounted to the base by a plastic covering positioned over the first toy vehicle and affixed to the point of sale packaging. 
         [0010]    In another embodiment, the combination comprises the resilient mechanism being a backwind motor. 
         [0011]    In another embodiment, the combination comprises the second toy vehicle being exposed for user interaction on the platform such that the user can move the second toy vehicle from a first position on the platform to a second position on the platform. 
         [0012]    In another embodiment, the first toy and the second toy further comprise of magnetic connectors for connecting additional toy vehicles to both, or either, of the first toy and the second toy. 
         [0013]    In another embodiment, the combination of a point of sale display package and at least one toy vehicle comprises a point of sale display package including a platform, at least one toy vehicle mounted to the platform, the at least one toy vehicle including a first portion fixedly mounted on the platform, a second portion movably mounted on the platform, and a tether connecting the first portion to the second portion, the combination also comprising a resilient mechanism mounted in one of the first portion and the second portion, the resilient mechanism drawing the first portion and the second portion towards one another after the tether has been extended by a user. 
         [0014]    In another embodiment, the combination comprises a platform portion including a vehicle track and a slot extending at least partially along the length of the vehicle track, the second portion being movably mounted to the slot on the vehicle track, and the resilient mechanism being a backwind motor. 
         [0015]    In another embodiment, the combination comprises the second portion being exposed for user interaction on the platform such that the user can move the second portion from a first position on the platform to a second position on the platform. 
         [0016]    In another embodiment, a combination of a point of sale display package and at least one toy vehicle comprises a point of sale display package including a platform, at least one toy vehicle movably mounted on the platform, a tether with a first end connected to the at least one toy vehicle and a second end opposite of the first end, and a resilient mechanism mounted on one of at least one toy vehicle and the second end of the tether, the resilient mechanism drawing the at least one toy vehicle and the second end towards one another after the tether has been extended by a user. 
         [0017]    In another embodiment, the combination comprises a second toy vehicle attached to the second end of the tether and fixedly mounted on the base. 
         [0018]    In another embodiment, the combination comprises the platform including a vehicle track with a slot extending at least partially along the length of the vehicle track. 
         [0019]    In another embodiment, the combination comprises the at least one toy vehicle being movably mounted to the slot on the vehicle track. 
         [0020]    In another embodiment, the combination comprises the second toy vehicle being fixedly mounted to the base by a plastic covering positioned over the second toy vehicle and affixed to the point of sale packaging. 
         [0021]    In another embodiment, the combination comprises the resilient mechanism being a backwind motor and is positioned within the second toy vehicle. 
         [0022]    In another embodiment, the combination comprises the at least one toy vehicle being exposed for user interaction on the platform such that the user can move the at least one toy vehicle from a first position on the platform to a second position on the platform. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  illustrates a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of product packaging combination according to the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  illustrates a front left side perspective view of the product packaging combination according to the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  illustrates a front right side perspective view of the product and packaging combination of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  illustrates a front left side perspective view of the product and packaging combination according  FIG. 3  with the second toy in a second position. 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  illustrates a front view of the blister pack portion of the product and packaging combination according to the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of the blister pack illustrated in  FIG. 5 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  illustrates a bottom view of the platform and key lock of an embodiment of the product and packaging combination according to the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  illustrates bottom view of the platform of the product and packaging according combination to the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 9  illustrates a front view of the platform of the product and packaging combination according to the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 10  illustrates a rear view of the platform of the product and packaging combination illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 11  illustrates a front perspective view of the first toy of the product and packaging combination of the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 12  illustrates a rear perspective view of the first toy of the product and packaging combination illustrated in  FIG. 11 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 13  illustrates a bottom view of the first toy of the product and packaging combination illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 14  illustrates a rear perspective view of the second toy of the product and packaging combination of the present invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 15  illustrates a front perspective view of the second toy of the product and packaging combination illustrated in  FIG. 14 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 16  illustrates a bottom view of the second toy of the product and packaging combination illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 17  illustrates a top view of the sliding tab of the product and packaging combination of the present invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 18  illustrates a bottom view of the sliding tab of the product and packaging combination illustrated in  FIG. 17 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 19  illustrates a top view of the key lock of the product and packaging combination of the present invention. 
           [0042]      FIG. 20  illustrates a bottom view of the key lock of the product and packaging combination illustrated in  FIG. 19 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 21  illustrates a bottom perspective view of the second toy with sliding tab engaged with the bottom of the second toy. 
           [0044]      FIG. 22  illustrates a bottom perspective view of the second toy with sliding tab and key lock engaged with the bottom of the second toy and the key lock in the unlocked position. 
           [0045]      FIG. 23  illustrates a bottom perspective view of the second toy with sliding tab and key lock engaged with the bottom of the second toy and the key lock in the locked position. 
           [0046]      FIG. 24  illustrates a detailed interaction between the key lock and the key receiver of the second toy of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0047]    Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0048]    A product package assembly according to the present invention includes packaging, a platform, a first toy, a second toy, and a tether connecting the first toy to the second toy. In one embodiment, the tether is a string. In other embodiments, the tether is a cord, line, or twine. In one embodiment, the first toy contains a resilient member. In another embodiment, the resilient member is located in the second toy. In one embodiment the resilient member moves either the first toy or the second toy closer to each other once they are pulled apart from one another. 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a schematic block diagram of a package assembly according to the present invention is illustrated. Package assembly  5  contains a package or packaging  10  that includes a platform  12 . Platform  12  supports the product, which includes a first toy  22  and a second toy  24  connected by a tether  26 . A portion of product, either first toy  22  or second toy  24 , is movable along the platform  12 . The movement of either first toy  22  or second toy  24  resembles that of the product&#39;s intended movement when used outside of the packaging  10 . 
         [0050]    Illustrated in  FIG. 2  is one embodiment of the package assembly  5  in accordance with the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 2 , the product packaging  100  includes backing sheet  102 , front billboard  110 , and platform  114 . In one embodiment, backing sheet  102  is constructed from cardboard. In another embodiment, backing sheet  102  is constructed from other materials, such as paper stock, plastic, or other deformable materials that provide structure. In one embodiment, backing sheet  102  contains a front surface  104  and a top edge  106 . Front surface  104  may contain graphical images or words that describe, advertise, or provide information about the product  200 . Top edge  106  may contain a groove  108 , which allows the package assembly  100  to be hung for display on fixtures within stores. 
         [0051]    Furthermore, in one embodiment front billboard  110  is constructed from cardboard. In another embodiment, front billboard  110  is constructed from other materials, such as paper stock, plastic, or other deformable materials that provide structure. In one embodiment, front billboard  110  contains a front surface  112 . Front surface  112  may contain graphical images or words that describe, advertise, or provide information about the product  200 . 
         [0052]    Moreover, in one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , platform  114  is positioned in product packaging  100  behind front billboard  110  and in front of backing sheet  102 . Platform  114  supports product  200 . In one embodiment, platform  114  contains a slot  126  along at least a partial length of platform  114 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the second toy  214  of product  200  is connected to the slot  126  of the platform  114 . The first toy  202  of product  200  is supported by platform  114 , but is not connected to the slot  126 . 
         [0053]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the embodiment illustrated by  FIG. 2  is shown in another view. In this embodiment product  200  includes two toys, a first toy  202  and a second toy  214 . In one embodiment product  200  resembles a train with the locomotive portion embodied by the first toy  202  and, a trailing car, such as the coal car embodied by the second toy  214 . In another embodiment, the product  200  may resemble another vehicle with two members, one of which is in tow, such as a semi-trailer truck, or a truck towing a boat, etc. Moreover, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , platform  114  resembles a set of railroad tracks. In another embodiment, the platform  114  may resemble another surface that supports the product  200 , such as a roadway or a waterway. 
         [0054]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a blister pack  130  is positioned at least partially over first toy  202 . The blister pack  130  serves to retain first toy  202  in the product packaging  100  and in place on the platform  114  when a user moves the second toy  214 . In one embodiment, the blister pack  130  is positioned over the first toy  202  with the first toy  202  at least partially exposed out of the top of the blister pack  130 . In this embodiment, the top portion of first toy  202  is exposed, with the blister pack  130  retaining part of the lower portion of first toy  202 . In another embodiment, the blister pack  130  may cover the entire first toy  202 . Furthermore, the second toy  214  is positioned in a first position A, connected to the slot  126  on platform  114 , adjacent to first toy  202 . 
         [0055]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , the second toy  214  is positioned in a second position B, connected to the slot  126  on platform  114 , away from first toy  202 . First toy  202  and second toy  214 , however, are connected via a tether  250 . As stated previously, in this embodiment, the tether is constructed of string. In other embodiments, the tether may be a cord, line, or twine. The tether  250  is connected to both the first toy  202  and the second toy  214 , and to a motor  204  (not labeled). As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the motor  204  is located within the first toy  202 . In another embodiment, however, the motor  204  can be located within the second toy  214 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4 , when the second toy  214  is pulled away from position A to position B along the slot  126  in the platform  114 , the tether  250  winds, or loads, the motor  204 , storing potential energy within the motor  204 . Once the second toy  214  is released, the potential energy stored in the motor  204  is released, winding in the tether  250 , and thus pulling second toy  214  along the slot  126  of platform  114  back to position A, adjacent to first toy  202 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6  illustrate a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of the blister pack  130 . Blister pack  130  includes a front support flange  136 , side support flange  138 , and rear support flange  140 . The flanges  136 ,  138 ,  140  are used to attached the blister pack  130  to the product packaging  100 , and more specifically, to the backing sheet  102  and front billboard  110 . In this embodiment, the flanges  136 ,  138 ,  140  are glued to the product packaging  100 . In another embodiment, a different adhesive method may be used, such as tape. Furthermore, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , blister pack  130  includes a top opening  134  and a side opening  132 . Side opening  132  enables the tether  250  to be attached to first toy  202  and second toy  214 , while retaining first toy  202  in its position when a potential purchaser moves second toy  214  down the slot  126  on the platform  114 . Moreover, the top opening  134  is configured to allow exposure of at least a portion of the first toy  202 , while retaining first toy  202  in its position within the product packaging  100 . 
         [0057]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 3-6 , a substantial portion of the first toy  202  is exposed through the top opening  134 . In another embodiment, blister pack  130  may not contain a top opening  134 , and rather may cover the entire first toy  202 . In yet another embodiment, blister pack  130  may cover the entire product  200 , allowing second toy  214  to be movable within the blister pack  130 . In another embodiment, product packaging  100  may not include a blister pack  130 , and may retain first toy  202  in place through other means, such as zip ties, or an internal key. 
         [0058]      FIG. 7  illustrates a close-up view of the underside of platform  114  and the mechanism that retains second toy  214  to slot  126  of platform  114 . The mechanism consists of a sliding tab  234  and a key lock  218 . The sliding tab  234  facilitates ease of movement of the second toy  214  along the slot  126  of platform  114 . The sliding tab  234  is sized to be wider than the width of the slot  126 , but not too wide to where sliding tab  234  cannot fit underneath the platform  114 . 
         [0059]    Another view of the underside of platform  114  and the sliding tab  234  and key lock  218  is illustrated by  FIG. 8 . As illustrated, platform  114  is hollow underneath, allowing for the placement of the key lock  218  and sliding tab  234  to be positioned underneath, locking the second toy  214  (located on top of the platform  114 ) to the slot  126 . 
         [0060]    Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the platform  114  is illustrated in one embodiment.  FIG. 9  illustrates the front of the platform  114 .  FIG. 10  illustrates the rear of platform  114 . As stated previously, the platform  114  is configured to resemble a set of railroad tracks. In another embodiment, the platform  114  may resemble another surface that supports the product  200 , such as a roadway or a waterway. In the illustrated embodiment, slot  126  extends along nearly half of the length of the platform  114 . In another embodiment, slot  126  may extend the entire length of platform  114 , or a shorter length of platform  114 . 
         [0061]    Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the platform  114  contains a protuberance  128  on the top side of the platform  114  opposite of the slot  126 . Protuberance  128  interacts with the bottom  212  of first toy  202  to retain first toy  202  at that position on the platform  114  (see  FIG. 13 ). In another embodiment, as stated previously, first toy  202  may be fixed to a specific position on the platform  114  or package  110  via zip ties, an internal key, or another retaining device. 
         [0062]    Additionally, platform  114  contains four support flanges  118 , 120 ,  122 ,  124  in the illustrated embodiment. Platform  114  includes a side support flange  118 , a first front support flange  122 , a second front support flange  124 , and a rear support flange  120 . Similar to the support flanges  136 ,  138 ,  140  of the blister pack  130 , the four support flanges  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124  adhere to the backing sheet  102  and the front billboard  110  of the product packaging  100 . In this embodiment, the support flanges  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124  are glued to the product packaging  100 . In another embodiment, a different type of adhesive method may be used, such as tape. 
         [0063]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , a front perspective view of first toy  202  is illustrated. As stated previously, in this embodiment, the first toy  202  resembles a locomotive engine. In another embodiment, the first toy  202  may resemble another vehicle such as a tractor of a semi-trailer truck. As illustrated, first toy  202  has a plurality of wheels  210 . In this embodiment, first toy  202  has four sets of wheels  210 . One set of wheels  210  does not function, a serves merely as aesthetics. One set of wheels  210  is driven by the motor  204 , and propel the first toy  202 . Two sets of wheels  210  function as support wheels, as they rotate, but do not drive the first toy  202 . In another embodiment, the first toy  202  may have more than one set of wheels  210  that drive the first toy  202 , may have more or less than four sets of wheels  210 , and may have more or less than one set of wheels  210  that serve an aesthetics purpose. Furthermore, located within first toy  202  is a motor  204 . Located on the front of the first toy  202  is a magnetic connector  211 . In this embodiment, the magnetic connector  211  may be used to connect the first toy  202  to another toy with a magnetic connector, such as another train car. 
         [0064]    Another view of this embodiment of the first toy  202  is illustrated in  FIG. 12 . On the rear of the first toy  202  is a tether connection  208 , where the tether  250  connects to the first toy  202 . As stated previously, positioned within the first toy  202  is a motor  204 . In this embodiment, motor  204  is a backwind motor  206 . Attached to the backwind motor  206  is the tether  250 , which enters the first toy  202  through the tether connector  208 . As the tether  250  is pulled out of the first toy  202 , the backwind motor  250  is wound up, storing potential energy via a spring, elastic band, or other device. Once the tether  250  is released, the potential energy stored in the backwind motor  206  is used to power the backwind motor  206 , which in turn, powers the wheels  210  of first toy  202 . As the backwind motor  206  is powering the wheels  210 , it is also reeling the tether  250  back into the first toy  202 . As the tether  250  is being reeled back into first toy  202 , second toy  214 , attached to the tether  250 , is being pulled closer to first toy  202 . 
         [0065]    Another view of the first toy  202 , the bottom  212  of first toy  202 , is illustrated in  FIG. 13 . Located on the bottom  212  of first toy  202  is protuberance receiver  213 . Protrusion receiver  213  is designed to interact with protuberance  128  located on platform  114 . The interaction between protuberance receiver  213  and protuberance  128  enables the first toy  202  to be fixedly attached to the platform  114  while in the product packaging  100 . The protuberance  128  forms a tight forming fit within the protuberance receiver  213 . 
         [0066]      FIG. 14  illustrates one embodiment of the second toy  214 . In this embodiment, the second toy  214 , as stated previously, resembles a coal car of a train. In another embodiment, the second toy  214  may resemble another part of a vehicle, such as the trailer portion of a semi-trailer truck. Furthermore, the second toy  214  includes a magnetic connector  246  to connect additional toys, such as more train cars, to the second toy  214 . In the illustrated embodiment, the second toy  214  includes three sets of wheels  216 . In this embodiment, two sets of wheels  216  are functional, meaning that they rotate. One set of wheels  216  serves aesthetic purposes. In another embodiment, second toy  214  may contain a motor  204 . In this alternative embodiment, second toy  214  would then contain at least one set of wheels  216  that drive the second toy  214 . 
         [0067]    Another view of second toy  214  is illustrated in  FIG. 15 . In  FIG. 15 , illustrated is tether connection  244 . Unlike the tether connection  208  in first toy  202 , the tether connection  244  on second toy  214  does not allow the tether  250  to slide through. Rather, it merely holds the tether  250 , resulting in the second toy  214  being pulled by tether  250  when the motor  204  is actuated. 
         [0068]    Furthermore, another view of second toy  214  is illustrated in  FIG. 16 .  FIG. 16  illustrates the bottom  217  of second toy  214 . Located on the bottom  217  of the second toy  214  is the key receiver slot  228 . The key receiver slot  228  further comprises of two alignment apertures  232  on each side of the key receiver slot  228 . The key receiver slot  228  is configured to fit the key lock  218  to hold the second toy  214  on the slot  126  on the platform  114 . The alignment apertures  232  are configured to fit the two alignment protrusions  240  on the sliding tab  234 , aligning the sliding tab  234  properly with the second toy  214  and the slot  126 . 
         [0069]    Referring to  FIG. 17 , an embodiment of the sliding tab  234  is illustrated. In this embodiment the sliding tab  234  has a sliding surface  242 , which is the top of the sliding tab  234 . This sliding surface  242  comes into contact with the underside of the bottom of the platform  114  where the slot  126  is located. Therefore, the sliding surface  242  may be smooth to facilitate ease of movement of the second toy  214  over the platform  114 . Furthermore, the sliding tab  234  contains two alignment protrusions  240 , which are designed to fit within the alignment apertures  232  in the bottom  217  of the second toy  214 . As stated previously, this aligns the sliding tab  234 , along with the second toy  214 , with the slot  126  in the platform  114  to facilitate movement along the slot  126 . In this embodiment, sliding tab  234  also contains a locking slot  236 . The locking slot  236  is configured to allow passage of the key lock  218  from the bottom  243  of the sliding tab  234  to the key receiver  228  located on the bottom  217  of the second toy  214 . The locking slot  236  is sized to allow turning of the key lock  218  to unlock and lock the key lock  218  onto the second toy  214 . 
         [0070]      FIG. 18  illustrates another view of this embodiment of the sliding tab  234 . Illustrated in  FIG. 18  is the bottom  243  of sliding tab  234  and locking indents  238 . Locking indents  238  interact with protrusions  224  on key lock  218  to position key lock  218  to be fully engaged with second toy  214 , preventing key lock  218  and sliding tab  234  from separating from second toy  214 , and from disengaging with the slot  126  of platform  114 . 
         [0071]    As illustrated in  FIG. 21 , when the alignment protrusions  240  of sliding tab  234  are engaged with the alignment apertures  232  of the second toy  214 , the locking slot  236  aligns with the key receiver  228  on the bottom  217  of second toy  214 . In this embodiment, the alignment of the locking slot  236  with the key receiver  228  enables key blade  220  of key lock  218  to fit through both the locking slot  236  and key receiver  228  to the key slot in the bottom of the second toy  214 . 
         [0072]    Illustrated in  FIGS. 19 and 20  is an embodiment of key lock  218 . In this embodiment, key lock  218  includes key blade  220 , body  222 , protrusions  224 , and tab  226 . On the top of the body  222  is the tab  226 , while on the bottom is key blade  220 . In this embodiment, tab  226  is sized to fit underneath the platform  114  (as seen in  FIGS. 7 and 8 ) but also sized to be easily graspable by human fingers, making rotation of the key lock  218  feasible. Furthermore, key blade  220  is configured to fit through locking slot  236  of sliding tab  234  and key receiver  228  and engage with a key slot in the bottom of the second toy  214 . When key blade  220  is engaged with key slot  230 , the key lock  218  cannot be removed from the key receiver  228  of the second toy  214 , locking second toy  214  to the slot  126  of platform  114  when second toy  214  is on the top of the platform  114  and the key lock  218  is on the bottom of the platform  114 . 
         [0073]    Moreover, on the bottom of body  222 , the side that contains the key blade  220 , are positioned the outward protrusions  224 . These protrusions  224  project out from the bottom of body  222  to engage the locking indents  238  on the bottom  243  of the sliding tab  234 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 22 and 23 . When the protrusions  224  are engaged with the locking indents  238  the key lock  218  is held in place and is in the locked position D, as illustrated by the embodiment in  FIG. 23 . The interaction between the protrusions  224  and the locking indents  238  prevent the key lock  218  from moving from the locked position D to the unlocked position C, as illustrated by the embodiment in  FIG. 22 , without a user rotating key lock  218 . 
         [0074]    Illustrated in  FIG. 24  a detailed view of the interaction between the key lock  218  and the key receiver  228 . More specifically, illustrated in  FIG. 24  is an embodiment of the product  200  where the key blade  220  of the key lock  218  is inserted into key receiver  228 . Arrow E indicates the movement of key lock  218  from position C, illustrated in FIG.  22 , to position D, illustrated in  FIG. 23 . When key lock  218  is rotated from position C to position D, as indicated by arrow E, the key blade  220  slides into key slot  230  (within the second toy  214 ) engaging the key blade  220  with key slot  230 , locking the key lock  218  into the key receiver  228 . As stated previously, when platform  114  is placed between second toy  214  and both sliding tab  234  and key lock  218 , and the key lock is rotated into the locking position D, the second toy  214 , the sliding tab  234 , and the key lock  218  are locked onto the slot  126  and thus platform  114 . 
         [0075]    It is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “end,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely described points or portions of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Further, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., merely identify one of a number of portions, components, and/or points of reference as disclosed herein, and do not limit the present invention to any particular configuration or orientation. 
         [0076]    Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the inventions. In addition, various features from one of the embodiments may be incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the invention be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure.