AU2014100080A4 - Plush toy for storing and displaying articles - Google Patents

Abstract

H:\\Intrwovn\NRPortb\DCC\TW\5973797I.doc-24/01/2014 - 16 A plush toy for storing and displaying one or more articles in use, the plush toy including a plush toy body including an opening in an outer surface of the body and a container positioned in the opening, the container defining an internal storage volume for storing articles, the container being openable to allow a user to access the storage volume for adding or removing articles, and the container including a transparent portion for allowing articles stored in the storage volume to be displayed. Fig. 1A

Description

H:\tw\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\TW\5973797I.doc-24/01/2014 PLUSH TOY FOR STORING AND DISPLAYING ARTICLES Background of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a plush toy for storing and displaying one or more articles in use. Description of the Prior Art [0002] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates. [0003] It is known to provide plush toys for novelty and decorative purposes. It is also known to provide treats such as sweets, lollies, chocolates, scented soaps, puzzles and the like for celebrations, gift-giving, and the like. Typically such toys and treats are supplied separately, although it may be desirable to have these jointly presented or displayed in an aesthetically pleasing, novelty and/or decorative manner. [0004] In some examples, such as US-8,152,587 and US-2006/0089076, a plush toy may include a concealed pouch. In this respect, an article is placed inside the concealed pouch in order that it is not readily apparent to a user. However, in such arrangements the user cannot immediately see what he or she is purchasing or acquiring, and in addition if the plush toy is to be given as a gift, the extent of the gift including treats or other articles, will not be readily apparent to the recipient. Furthermore, a concealed pouch does not provide a decorative or aesthetically pleasing display for the articles contained inside. [0005] In other examples, such as US-5,888,117, a decorative display may be provided in a stuffed animal. However, in this arrangement the decorative display is liquid filled and is only provided for aesthetic purposes.

H:\tw\Intr ovn\NRPortbl\DCC\TW\5973797I.doc-24/01/2014 -2 Summary of the Present Invention [0006] The present invention seeks to ameliorate one or more of the problems associated with the prior art. [0007] In a broad form the present invention seeks to provide a plush toy for storing and displaying one or more articles in use, the plush toy including: a) a plush toy body including an opening in an outer surface of the body; and, b) a container positioned in the opening, the container defining an internal storage volume for storing articles, the container being openable to allow a user to access the storage volume for adding or removing articles, and the container including a transparent portion for allowing articles stored in the storage volume to be displayed. [0008] Typically the opening defines a cavity extending into the plush toy body and the container is positioned at least partially inside the cavity. [0009] Typically the container includes a base and a cover, the transparent portion being provided in the cover. [0010] Typically the cover is any one of: a) detachably engaged with the base; and, b) hingeably coupled to the base. [0011] Typically the body and the base are detachably engaged using any one of: a) a bayonet connection; b) a threaded connection; c) a snap fit connection; and, d) an interference fit connection. [0012] Typically the container further includes a lid removably coupled to the cover, the storage volume being defined between the cover and the lid. [0013] Typically the cover includes a substantially convex portion. [0014] Typically the cover is formed from a transparent plastic material.

H:\t\Intrwovn\NRPortb\DCC\TW\5973797I.doc-24/01/2014 -3 [0015] Typically the base is retained in the opening using any one of: a) a cable tie; b) a strap; c) at least one thread; d) an adhesive; and, e) a hook and loop fastener. [0016] Typically the base and the cover are each formed from plastic. [0017] Typically the cover is formed from transparent plastic. [0018] Typically the container has a shape that is any one of: a) substantially circular; b) substantially oval; c) substantially egg-shaped; and, d) heart-shaped. [0019] Typically the plush toy body resembles any one of: a) a teddy bear; b) a duck; c) a rabbit; and, d) a Santa Claus. [0020] Typically the cover includes at least one fin, and the base includes at least one guide, and wherein in use the cover is rotated relative to the base to allow the fins to be guided into an engaged position by the guides, thereby allowing the cover to be detachably engaged with the base. [0021] Typically the fins includes at least one depression, and the base includes a movable portion including a retaining member for retaining the fins in the engaged position. [0022] Typically the retaining member is movable laterally with the respect to the fins, thereby abutting the depressions in the engaged position and ensuring the cover is retained relative to the base.

H:\t\Intrwovn\NRPortb\DCC\TW\5973797I.doc-24/01/2014 -4 [0023] Typically the lid includes a concave portion that extends substantially towards the cover, thereby reducing the storage volume. [0024] Typically the base includes at least one tab, wherein each of the at least one tabs includes at least one aperture for allowing a fastening to provided through the aperture and the plush toy body, thereby coupling the base to the plush toy body. Brief Description of the Drawings [0025] An example of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0026] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a front view of a first example of a plush toy for displaying and storing articles in use; [0027] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of a side view of the plush toy of Figure 1A; [0028] Figures 1C to 1F are schematic diagrams of a side view of the plush toy of Figure 1A, illustrating operation of a container of the plush toy; [0029] Figure 2A is an image of a front view of a second example of a plush toy for displaying and storing articles; [0030] Figure 2B is an image of a further front view of the plush toy of Figure 2A; [0031] Figure 2C is an image of a front view of two examples of the plush toy of Figure 2A with their respective containers removed; [0032] Figure 2D is an image of a front view of the container of the plush toy of Figure 2A, including one or more articles; [0033] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram of an exploded view of an example of a container; [0034] Figure 3B is a schematic diagram of an underside exploded view of the container of Figure 3A; [0035] Figure 3C is a schematic diagram of a side view of the container of Figure 3A; H:\tw\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\TW\5973797I.doc-24/01/2014 -5 [0036] Figure 3D is a schematic diagram of a perspective view of the container of Figure 3A; [0037] Figure 3E is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of the container of Figure 3D along the line A-A'; [0038] Figure 3F is a schematic diagram of a perspective cross-sectional view of the container of Figure 3E; [0039] Figure 4A is an image of a front view of an example of an opening in a plush toy; and, [0040] Figure 4B is an image of a perspective view of the opening of Figure 4A. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments [0041] An example of a plush toy for storing and displaying one or more articles will now be described with reference to Figures 1A to iF. [0042] The plush toy 100 includes a plush toy body 110 including an opening 130 in an outer surface of the body 110. In this example, the plush toy body 110 is provided in the form of a plush teddy bear however this is not essential and any form of plush toy body may be included. For example, in other arrangements the plush toy body may resemble a rabbit, a heart, a Santa Claus, a duck, a Christmas tree, or the like. In this regard, the type of plush toy body may depend upon the articles to be stored and displayed, a type of celebratory occasion, or the like. [0043] In addition, the plush toy 100 includes a container 120 positioned in the opening 130, the container 120 defining an internal storage volume 140 for storing articles A. The container 120 is openable, as shown in Figures 1E and iF, to allow a user to access the storage volume 140 for adding or removing articles A, and suitable mechanisms for allowing the container 120 to be opened will be discussed in due course. The container 120 further includes a transparent portion 124 for allowing articles A stored in the storage volume 140 to be displayed. [0044] In this respect, the articles A may include any article of a suitable size and shape for storing and displaying in the container. For example, the articles A may include edible treats such as confectionary including any one or more of chocolates, sweets, lollies, candy, nuts, and the like. However, this is not essential, and in other examples the articles A may include smaller H:\tw\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\TW\5973797I.doc-24/01/2014 -6 toys, such as figurines, puzzles, games, or the like, or other gifts, such as real or artificial flowers, fragrant soaps and/or lotions, candles, clothing, a bed light, a clock, or the like. [0045] The type of articles A for display may depend upon the celebratory occasion for which the plush toy 100 is provided, for example, Christmas, a birthday, Valentine's Day, Easter, a get well gift, a baby's birth gift, Halloween, or the like. However, the articles A do not need to be associated with any particular occasion and the plush toy 100 may be for general decorative and/or novelty and/or storage purposes. [0046] By providing a novelty and decorative teddy bear, or other plush toy body 110, together with a container 120 for storing and displaying articles A that can be accessed for use, consumption, or the like, the plush toy 100 therefore provides a more functional and useful product compared to conventional plush toys or containers provided in isolation. In situations such as gift-giving, the plush toy 100 saves the consumer time and money in that a single gift can be purchased for a recipient which includes, for example, both a novelty plush toy body 110 and edible treats. Furthermore, the plush toy 100 provides ongoing practical functionality to the recipient beyond the typical decorative and novelty value of conventional plush toys, since articles A can continue to be stored and displayed within the container 120 long after the plush toy 100 has been received. [0047] The transparent portion 124 of the container 120 allows a consumer, or other user, to immediately discern the articles A stored within the container 120, thus saving the user time and energy in determining what articles are stored therein. Furthermore, the transparent portion 124 also allows the articles A displayed within the container 120 to be arranged in an aesthetically pleasing configuration, for decorative, advertising and/or marketing purposes, and this will be described in further detail below. Additionally, the container 120 may include visual indicia to further enhance aesthetics and/or marketing of the plush toy, however this is not essential. [0048] The openable container 120 allows the user to access the articles A within the container 120 as required. This not only allows access for removing any articles A which may be initially supplied with the plush toy 100, but also in order to interchange, replace, use and/or play with the articles, as desired. In one example, the articles A include edible treats and in this regard a user may wish to access them for consumption, or replace them if/when they are all eaten.

H:\tw\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\TW\5973797I.doc-24/01/2014 -7 Alternatively, the articles A may include puzzles, games or clothing such that the user may wish to access them in order to utilise the article(s) for a time, before optionally replacing them in the container 120 for subsequent storage. As a further option, the articles A may include other consumables such as soaps or lotions, in which the user removes the consumable from the container 120 in order to utilise at least some of the consumable, before optionally replacing it in the container 120 for storage. Hence, the openable container 120 gives the plush toy 100 an additional novelty and/or practicality in allowing the user access to the articles A inside the container 120. [0049] A number of further features will now be described. [0050] As shown in Figures 1E and iF, the container 120 may include a base 123 and a cover 121, with the transparent portion 124 being provided in the cover 121. However, this is not essential and the openable container 120 may include any suitable arrangement, with the transparent portion 124 being provided at any suitable portion of the container 120 for allowing articles A stored in the storage volume 140 to be displayed. [0051] In this example, the cover 121 of the container 120 includes a substantially convex portion, which extends outwardly from the cavity of the plush toy body 110. In one example, the cover 121 may have an external appearance of a rounded dome protruding from the plush toy body 110. The substantially convex portion or the entire cover 121 may be formed from a transparent material to provide a transparent dome for allowing articles A stored in the storage volume 140 to be visible at a range of angles relative to the plush toy 100. In any event, the convex portion of the cover 120 allows the storage volume 14 to be expanded and thus allows a greater portion of the articles A to be displayed compared with a substantially planar cover, and may provide a further decorative and aesthetically pleasing feature within the plush toy body 110. However, it will be appreciated that this feature is not essential, and the cover 121 of the container 120 may include any suitable shape, profile and/or cross-section. For example, a cross-section of the container 120 taken substantially co-planar with an opening of the cavity, may also include any suitable shape, and in this regard may be substantially circular, oval, egg shaped, heart-shaped, or the like.

H:\tw\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\TW\5973797I.doc-24/01/2014 [0052] The container 120 may also be composed of any suitable material. In one example, the container 120 includes any one or more of plastic, cardboard, fabric, timber, natural or synthetic rubber, polyethylene, steel, aluminium, tin, glass, and the like. Accordingly, the container 120 may be manufactured using any suitable process, which will typically depend upon the type of material or materials the container 120 is composed of. For example, the container 120 may be manufactured using one or more of injection moulding, compression moulding, die casting, thermoforming, wood turning, or the like. [0053] In one example, the container 120 may be formed from moulded plastic materials, with a suitable transparent plastic being selected to provide the transparent portion 124 in the cover 121. The base 123 may be formed from an opaque coloured plastic to provide a desired background colour behind articles A that are stored and displayed in the storage volume 140. [0054] In addition, the plush toy body 110 may also be composed of any suitable material, or mixture of materials. In this regard, typically the plush toy body 110 includes an outer material that is substantially flexible and tactile, such as faux fur, fur, sheep skin, felt, fabric, velvet, or the like, and an inner material that is also substantially flexible, such as stuffing, feathers, foam, polystyrene, sponge, or the like. However, this is not essential, and in some embodiments the plush toy body 110 may include rigid or semi-rigid materials, such as glass, plastic, timber, or similar. [0055] A second example of a plush toy for storing and displaying one or more articles is shown in Figures 2A to 2D. Features similar to those of the example described above have been assigned correspondingly similar reference numerals. [0056] The plush toy 200 includes a plush toy body 210, which in this example is a plush teddy bear, and a container 220, for storing the one or more articles A, and which is positioned in an opening 230 of the plush toy body 210. [0057] The plush toy body 210 shown in this example includes two eyes, a nose, a mouth, two arms, two legs and two ears, however these are not essential and the number and type of features of the plush toy body 210, for example appendages, eyes, and the like, will typically depend upon the type of plush toy body 210 included in the plush toy 200, as discussed above.

H:\tw\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\TW\5973797I.doc-24/01/2014 -9 [0058] Additionally, in this example the plush toy body 210 has blue eyes and a heart-shaped nose. Features such as these may enhance the aesthetics of the plush toy 200 and can further help a consumer to distinguish the plush toy 200 from conventional plush toys at a glance, however they are not essential, and any suitable colour and shape of the eye or eyes, nose, or any other feature of the plush toy body 210, may be used. [0059] Furthermore, in some examples the user may select the type, features and colours of the plush toy body 210. In this regard, the user may select from a pre-defined range of plush toy body types, such as described in the example above, including selecting features, such as materials, size, celebratory occasion, and the like, and colours for at least part of the plush toy body 210. In addition, the user may also be allowed to design the plush toy body 210 themselves, and/or design and/or acquire optional extras for the plush toy body 210. Optional extras may include clothing for the plush toy body 210, for example a dress, a tie, a vest, trousers, outfit, or the like, in addition to decorative features, such as a bow, a stand, or similar. [0060] Additionally or alternatively, the user may also select the type or types of articles A to be stored and displayed within the plush toy 200. [0061] In Figure 2C, two plush toy bodies 210.1, 210.2 of the plush toy of Figures 2A and 2B are shown. In this Figure, the container has been removed to reveal the respective openings in the two plush toy bodies 210.1, 210.2. In this example, the opening defines a cavity extending into the plush toy body 210.1, 210.2, and the container may be positioned at least partially inside the cavity 230.1, 230.2. In this respect, a surface of the cavity 230.1, 230.2 may be substantially flexible in order to conform with an underside of the container. However this is not essential and instead the cavity 230.1, 230.2 may be rigid or semi-rigid and configured to substantially conform to the shape of the portion of the container that is to be positioned inside the cavity 230.1, 230.2. Accordingly, the surface of the cavity 230.1, 230.2 may be composed of any suitable material, such as plastic, fabric, timber, metal, or the like, and may be coupled to the plush toy body 210.1, 210.2 in any suitable manner, such as stitched, adhered, fastened, or the like. [0062] The cavity 230.1, 230.2 is also shown in this example substantially in the centre of a belly region of the plush toy body 210.1, 210.2, however this is also not essential and the cavity H:\\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\TW\5973797I.doc-24/01/2014 - 10 may be of any suitable size and provided at any suitable location on the plush toy body 210.1, 210.2. [0063] In Figure 2D, the plush toy body 210 and container 220 of the plush toy 200 of this example are shown, including one or more articles A provided in the container 220. In this respect, the articles A include a plurality of sweets, however as discussed above, this is not essential, and any suitable type and number of articles A may be displayed. [0064] A further example of a container will now be described with reference to Figures 3A to 3F. Features similar to those of the examples described above have been assigned correspondingly similar reference numerals. [0065] In this example, the container 320 includes a transparent cover 321 and a base 323. [0066] In this respect, the base 323 is provided at least partially within the cavity of the plush toy body, either removably or permanently, and accordingly this may be achieved in any suitable manner. For example, the base 323 may be coupled to the plush toy body, a surface of the cavity, or the perimeter of the cavity, using any suitable fastening, for example one or more threads or stitches, a strap, a tie, an adhesive, a hook and loop fastener such as Velcro, or the like. [0067] In this example, the base 323 includes a plurality of tabs 323.6, extending radially outwardly from the base 323, with each tab 323.6 including two apertures 323.7. In this respect, the tabs 323.6 and the apertures 323.7 allow a fastening, such as thread, straps, stitches, and the like, to be provided through the apertures 323.7 and the plush toy body, thus coupling the base 323 to the plush toy body. The number of tabs 323.6 and apertures 323.7 are for example only, and in practice any one or more tab 323.6 may be used, with each tab 323.6 including one or more apertures 323.7. [0068] Additionally or alternatively, the base 323 may include a flange 323.1 for retaining the base within the cavity, however this is not essential, and other methods of coupling the base 323 to the cavity are discussed further below.

H:\tw\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\TW\5973797I.doc-24/01/2014 - 11 [0069] In this example, the cover 321 is detachably engaged with the base 323 using a bayonet style connection whereby the engagement occurs when the cover 321 is rotated relative to the base 323, and this will be discussed further below, however any suitable manner of engagement may be used including a threaded connection, an interference or friction fit connection, a snap fit connection, or the like. [0070] Alternatively, the cover 321 may be hingeably coupled to the base 323 such that a hinge couples the cover 321 and the base 323, and the cover 321 is openable about the hinge. One advantage of this arrangement is that the cover 321 remains coupled to the base 323, and thus is more difficult to misplace relative to the rest of the plush toy. However, this is not essential, and the cover 321 may be arranged in any suitable configuration with respect to the base 323. In one example, the cover 321 may be tethered to the base 323 to thereby ensure that the cover 321 and the base 323 remain in proximity even if the cover 321 is fully detached. [0071] In the present example, in which the cover 321 and base 323 are engaged using a bayonet-style connection, the cover 321 includes one or more fins 321.1, 321.2 on an outer surface of the cover 321, and the base 323 includes one or more guides 323.3, 323.4 on an inner surface of a side of the base 323. Accordingly, to engage the cover 321 with the base 323, the cover 321 is rotated relative to the base 323, about an axis through a centre of the base 323 and the cover 321 and in an engaging direction, such that the fins 321.1, 321.2 are guided into an engaged position by the guides 323.3, 323.4. [0072] In addition, the fins 321.1, 321.2 include one or more depressions 321.3, 321.4 and the base 323 includes a movable portion 323.5 including a retaining member 323.2, for retaining the cover 321 and base 323 in the engaged position. In this respect, when the fins 321.1, 321.2 are guided to the engaged position by the guides 323.3, 323.4, the retaining member 323.2 moves laterally via resilient deflection of the movable portion 323.5 and with respect to the fins 321.1, 321.2, and abuts the depressions 321.3, 321.4, thereby ensuring the cover 321 is retained relative to the base 323. [0073] In detaching the cover 321 and base 323, the cover is rotated relative to the base 323 about the axis in an disengaging direction opposing the engaging direction and with sufficient force, such that the fins 321.1, 321.2 move the retaining member 323.2, and hence cause the H:\\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\TW\5973797I.doc-24/01/2014 - 12 movable member 323.5 to deflect laterally with respect to the cover 321, thus allowing the fins 321.1, 321.2 to be pivoted free of the guides 323.3, 323.4 and the cover 321 detached from the base 323. [0074] In this example, the container 320 also includes a lid 322 removably coupled to the cover 321, the storage volume being defined between the cover 321 and the lid 322. In this example, the lid 322 is composed of a flexible material, for example natural or synthetic rubber, thereby allowing it to be removably coupled to the cover 321 using an interference fit. However, this is not essential and the lid 322 and cover 321 may be coupled in any suitable manner, including a threaded or bayonet connection, one or more clips, or the like. [0075] The lid 322 also offers several advantages, including providing a seal to ensure freshness of any perishable articles stored in the container 320. Additionally, the lid 322 ensures the articles are contained between the cover 321 and the lid 322 when the cover 321 is detached from the base 323, thus allowing the user to remove the cover 321 without the articles falling out and becoming damaged, soiled, or the like. [0076] Furthermore, the lid 322 may be designed to enhance the display of the articles within the plush toy. In this example, the lid 322 includes a concave portion 322.1 which extends substantially towards the cover 321 such that the storage volume is reduced, thereby ensuring that the articles are displayed, on average, closer to an inner surface of the cover 321. This may also mean that fewer articles can be stored and displayed within the plush toy whilst maintaining an external appearance of fullness, thus reducing production costs of the plush toy whilst still maintaining an aesthetically pleasing display. The lid 322 may also include visual indicia or designs on an inner surface relative to the cover 321, such that when articles are removed from the plush toy, the visual indicia provides a pleasing display, advertisement, marketing message, trademark, or the like. [0077] In this example, the lid 322 also includes a sealing flange 322.3 to aid in retaining the lid 322 and the cover 321 together while coupled, and a rim 322.2 including a flange that allows a user to grip and manipulate the lid 322, such as while coupling the lid 322 to, or removing the lid 322 from, the cover 321. The rim 322.2 may also help to ensure secure engagement between the cover 321 and the base 323. In this example, the rim 322.2 contacts the base 323 and causes the H:\tw\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\TW\5973797I.doc-24/01/2014 - 13 cover 321 to be offset from the bottom of the base 323 by an amount which causes the fins 321.1, 321.2 and guides 323.3, 323.4 to be properly aligned. In the event the lid 322 is formed from a resilient material such as rubber, the rim 322.2 may be compressed when the cover 321 is engaged with the base 323, and the compressed rim 322.2 may urge the fins 321.1, 321.2 towards the guides 323.3, 323.4 to even further improve the engagement. [0078] However, the lid 322 is not an essential feature, and thus may not be included in some embodiments. [0079] A further example of a plush toy including a cavity will now be described with reference to Figures 4A and 4B. Features similar to those of the examples described above have been assigned correspondingly similar reference numerals. [0080] Figures 4A and 4B show an example of a cavity 430 of a plush toy, such that in one example a container is retained at least partially inside the cavity. As discussed above, this may be achieved in any suitable manner, and in one example, a base of the container includes a flange that is retained within the cavity 430 by a retaining lip 430.1 provided around a perimeter of the cavity. The retaining lip 430.1 may further include a securing device that in use may be secured around one or more side walls of the base, above the flange, thereby retaining the base at least partially within the cavity. In this example the securing device is provided in the form of a cable tie which can be tightened in a loop around the retaining lip 430.1 to securely retain the base. However, it will be appreciated that a cable tie is not essential, and any suitable type of fastener may be used, such as a strap, thread, elastic, or the like. [0081] Alternatively, the container may be retained inside the cavity using one or more of any other suitable method, for example an adhesive, a hook and loop fastener such as Velcro, an interference fit, or the like. [0082] It will be appreciated that a plush toy 100, 200 for storing and displaying one or more articles with the above described examples, provides enhanced decoration and novelty, easier and simplified acquisition, for example for gift-giving, and the like. [0083] Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be H:\tw\Interwoven\NRPortbI\DCC\TW\5973797I.doc-24/01/2014 - 14 understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. [0084] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous variations and modifications will become apparent. All such variations and modifications which become apparent to persons skilled in the art, should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope that the invention broadly appearing before described. Thus, for example, it will be appreciated that features from different examples above may be used interchangeably where appropriate.