Product packaging with releasable fastener

Abstract

A fastener system includes a toy product, a support platform, and a plug that engages a keyhole formed into the product. The plug includes a base and a pronged key extending from the base. The support platform includes a through-hole that permits the passage of the key into the packaging. One or more integrally-formed biasing members are located on the base of the plug to draw the key toward the product and create a secure connection. The pronged key may be formed from a plastic material and configured such that it plastically deforms but remains attached to the key when and predetermined force is applied to the key to pull the key from a misaligned position with respect to the key hole.

1 . A package assembly for a toy product comprising:
 a toy support platform including:
 a first surface, 
 a second surface, and 
 a pass through extending from the first surface to the second surface; 
   a toy including a keyhole; and   a key configured to be inserted into the keyhole, the key comprising:
 a base, 
 a shaft extending distally from the base, wherein the shaft includes:
 a distal end, 
 a proximal end, and 
 at least one prong extending transversely from the distal end of the shaft, and 
 
 at least one integrally-formed biasing member operable to generate a biasing force with respect to the toy product. 
   
     
     
         2 . The package assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one biasing member applies a force toward the proximal end of the shaft. 
     
     
         3 . The package assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one biasing member comprises an integrally-formed spring. 
     
     
         4 . The package assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the spring comprises a generally arcuate spring. 
     
     
         5 . The package assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the base further comprises a gripping member to permit manipulation of the key. 
     
     
         6 . The package assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the gripping member comprises a cut-out section formed into the base of the key. 
     
     
         7 . The package assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the toy support platform further includes a guide track operable to receive the at least one biasing member and indicate the at least one prong is in a predetermined position within the toy. 
     
     
         8 . The package assembly of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the toy product contacts the first surface of the support platform;   the key is axially inserted into the pass-through and the keyhole; and   the at least one prong of the key is oriented such that it is misaligned with the keyhole thereby locking the toy to the support platform.   
     
     
         9 . The package assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the biasing member engages the second surface of the support platform to apply a force sufficient to draw the at least one prong into mechanical contact with the toy, and to draw the toy toward the base of the key. 
     
     
         10 . The package assembly of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the toy includes a wall having a pedestal extending distally from the wall; and   the keyhole is disposed along a distal end of the pedestal.   
     
     
         11 . The package assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the toy further comprises:
 an interior surface;   an exterior surface; and   a guide tab formed on the interior surface of the toy, wherein the tab is configured to engage the at least one prong and prevent the rotation of the key beyond a predetermined position.   
     
     
         12 . The package assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the keyhole comprises an elongated slot. 
     
     
         13 . The package assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the at least one prong is formed from a plastic material and configured such that it plastically deforms but remains attached to the key when and force of at least 48 pounds is applied to the key to pull the key from a misaligned position with respect to the key hole. 
     
     
         14 . The package assembly of  claim 13 , wherein the plastic material is a polypropylene resin. 
     
     
         15 . A method of orienting a toy in packaging, the method comprising:
 (a) providing a toy supporting platform including a first surface, a second surface, and a through-hole extending from the first surface to the second surface;   (b) providing a key including:
 a base including at least one integrally-formed biasing member operable to apply a biasing force, 
 a shaft extending distally from the base, the shaft including a distal end and a proximal end, and 
 at least one prong extending transversely from the distal end of the shaft; 
   (c) providing a toy including a keyhole configured to receive the shaft of the key;   (d) orienting the toy on the supporting platform such that the through-hole aligns with the keyhole;   (e) axially inserting the distal end of shaft into the through-hole and the keyhole such that the at least one prong is positioned within the toy; and   (f) rotating the key to orient the at least one prong from a first position, in which the at least one prong is permitted to exit the toy, to a second position, in which the at least one prong is retained within the toy.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein:
 (d) comprises (d.1) orienting the toy on the first surface of the supporting platform and (d.2) orienting the key on the second surface of the supporting platform; and   rotating the key to orient the prong in the second position locking the toy to the supporting platform.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the toy supporting platform further includes a guide track operable to receive the at least one biasing member and to indicate the at least one prong is in a predetermined position; and   (f) further comprises rotating the key from the first position, in which the at least one biasing member is not seated in the guide track, to a second position, in which the at least one biasing member is seated in the guide track.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the toy further comprises:
 an interior surface; 
 an exterior surface; and 
 a guide tab formed on the interior surface of the toy, wherein the guide tab is configured to engage the at least one prong and prevent the rotation of the key beyond a predetermined position; and 
   (f) further comprises rotating the key until the at least one prong contacts the guide tab.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the at least one prong is formed from a plastic material and configured such that it plastically deforms but remains attached to the key when and force of at least 48 pounds is applied to the key to pull the key from the second position.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the plastic material is a polypropylene resin.