GB2523217A

GB2523217A - Transformable object

Info

Publication number: GB2523217A
Application number: GB1418529.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Su Min Goh
Original assignee: CYBELE STUDIO S Pte Ltd
Current assignee: CYBELE STUDIO S Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2013-10-25
Filing date: 2014-10-20
Publication date: 2015-08-19
Also published as: GB201418529D0; CN104545195A

Abstract

A transformable cushion comprising a flexible body with a first portion 104 with an inner chamber 106 and an open end cavity 110 and a second portion 112 with an inner chamber and a closable opening wherein in a first configuration the second portion 112 is nested in the cavity 110 of the first portion and stuffing 108 is positioned in the inner chamber 106 of the first portion 104 to form a soft cushioned structure and wherein in a second configuration the second portion 112 extends out from its nested position and can receive stuffing in an inner chamber to form a support structure in the form of a toy character. Also disclosed are objects which can transform into a chair and objects with a single portion which can be reconfigured. The device may form a play mat, blanket, cushion, head rest, stool or riding toy.

Description

TRANSFORMABLE OBJECT

Cross-Reference to Related Application

[0001] The subject invention relates to and claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/895,583, filed October 25, 2013 entitled Transformable Object, which is incorporated in its entirety herein.

Background of the Invention

[0002] The subject invention is directed to a transformable object, and more particularly, to a transformable object that transforms from a first configuration having a particular utilitarian function to another configuration having a modified or a different utilitarian function.

[0003] A variety of objects, such as plush objects, have been developed for use by individuals and include objects such as shown in U.S. Patent Application No. 2007/0151031 in which a stuffed pillow can be made larger or is sufficiently pliable to allow a user to lay on the pillow or allow the pillow to change the amount of support being provided to the user by the pillow. Another transformable object is shown in US, Patent No. 4,563,159, in which an object is shown having a first configuration of a stuffed tote bag with a character totally contained therein, and a second configuration in which the object is transformed such that the tote bag is totally contained within the character.

[0004] Another transformable toy figure is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,614,505, where a toy figure progressively transforms into different configurations. A body portion is filled with a compliant filling material and includes a resiliently deformable pocket that can be deformed to allow the object to be progressively deformed from one configuration to another.

[0005] While the various transformable objects are capable of being transformed from one configuration to another configuration, each configuration having the same utilitarian function, until now there has not been a transformable object having a first configuration that operates as an object having a utilitarian function, such as a pillow, and can be transformed into another configuration having a different utilitarian function.

[0006] Accordingly, it is desirable to have a transformable object that transforms from a first configuration having a particular utilitarian function into another configuration having another particular utilitarian function.

Summary of the Invention

[0007] The subject invention is a transformable object that transforms from a first configuration having a particular utilitarian function into a second configuration having another particular utilitarian function. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the transformable object has a first configuration comprising a flexible body with a designed shape, such as in the form of an appendage of a character, that includes a first portion with at least one inner chamber for receiving stuffing material therein and with an open end cavity for receiving and nesting a second portion of the flexible body therein. The second portion has at least one chamber and a closable opening for receiving and storing stuffing material. The object in its first configuration has a utilitarian function of a soft cushioned structure, such as a play mat, blanket, cover, cushion, stool, head rest, foot rest, chair, and the like.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the object includes a second configuration whereby the second portion of the flexible body is pulled outwardly from its nested position within the open end cavity of the first portion of the flexible body and whereby stuffing material is inserted into the at least one inner chamber of the second portion of the flexible body through the closable opening to transform the object into another configuration, such as in the form of a stuffed character, that has a different or modified utilitarian function of a support structure, such as a play mat, blanket, cover, head rest, foot rest, stool, chair, bag, character (such as a child's riding toy), or other like support structure.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the flexible body in a configuration having a utilitarian function of a stuffed character includes a head portion and one or more appendages that give the appearance of a character's limbs that operates to extend the life of the flexible body.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the stuffed character includes a head portion and one or more appendages that give the appearance of a character's limbs while operating to provide stability and improve the ability of an individual, such as a child, to sit on the transformable object.

[0011] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the second portion of the flexible body includes a resiliently deformable material region that operates to allow the transformable object to be maintained in a first configuration when a first amount of stuffing material has been inserted into the inner chamber of the second portion of the flexible body and to expand into another larger second configuration when a larger amount of stuffing material is inserted into the inner chamber of the second portion or the flexible body.

[0012] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the stuffing material comprises old clothing.

[0013] Another preferred embodiment of the invention, the flexible body includes a first portion having a desired shape and includes at least one inner chamber having a closable opening for receiving stuffing material and an open cavity for receiving and nesting therein a second portion of the flexible body. In a first configuration, the utilitarian function of the transformable object is a soft cushioned structure, such as a play mat, blanket, cover, cushion, stool, chair, head rest, or foot rest, and is transformable into a second configuration having a utilitarian function as an alternative configured soft cushioned structure or support structure, such that the second portion of the flexible body is pulled outwardly through the open end of the first portion from its nested position within the cavity, and whereby stuffing material is inserted into the at least one inner chamber of the second portion of the flexible body through the closable opening thereby forming said second configuration.

[0014] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the second portion of the flexible body includes a cavity having a closable opening for receiving and nesting therein a third portion of the flexible body.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the third portion of the flexible body is removable from its nested position within the cavity of the second portion of the flexible body and includes an inner chamber having a closable opening for receiving stuffing material for transforming the third portion of the flexible body into another configuration having a utilitarian function of a leg support, such as an ottoman.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the flexible body includes a first portion having a desired shape and includes at least one inner chamber with a closable opening for receiving stuffing material therein. In a first configuration, the flexible body has a utilitarian function of a soft cushioned structure and is transformable into a second configuration, such that the flexible body having a utilitarian function of an alternative configured soft cushioned structure, by inserting stuffing material into the at least one inner chamber of the first portion of the flexible body.

[0017] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the flexible body includes at least one inner chamber with a closable opening and at least one elongated appendage extending outwardly from an outer surface of the flexible body. In a first configuration, the flexible body is rolled such that the flexible body has a cylindrical form and is secured by wrapping the elongated appendage around the flexible body, such that the transformable object has a utilitarian function of a head rest or pillow.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one elongated appendage is held in place by a fastener.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the flexible body can be unrolled into a second configuration such that the transformable object has a utilitarian function of a alternative or modified soft cushioned structure.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the at least one inner chamber of the flexible body includes stuffing material that operates to transform the flexible body such that it has a utilitarian function of an alternate configured soft cushioned structure.

[0021] These and other embodiments and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] To provide a more complete understanding of the present invention and further features and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [0023] FIG. I is a perspective schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of the transformable object of the subject invention showing a first configuration having a flexible body with a designed shape that has a utilitarian function of a soft cushioned structure; [0024] FIG. 2 is a perspective schematic representation of the transformable object of FIG. I showing its transformation into a second configuration such that the second portion of the flexible body is being withdrawn from an open end cavity within a first portion of the flexible body; [0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective schematic representation of the transformable object of FIG. I showing the second portion of the flexible body fully withdrawn from an open end cavity within a first portion of the flexible body; [0026] FIG. 4 is perspective schematic representation of the transformable object of FIG. I showing the first portion and the second portion of the flexible body stuffed with a selected amount of stuffing material transforming the object into another or second configuration having a utilitarian function of alternate or modified configured soft cushioned structure such as a character (child's stuffed animal of plaything); [0027] FIG. 5 is a perspective schematic representation of another embodiment of the transformable object of FIG. I further comprising a resiliently deformable material region that allows the transformable object to expand into another larger alternate pr modified configured soft cushioned structure; [0028] FIG. 6 is a perspective schematic representation of another preferred embodiment of the transformable object of the subject invention showing a first portion with a desired shape and configuration having a utilitarian function of a soft cushioned structure such as a play mat; [0029] FIG. 7 is a perspective schematic representation of the transformable object of FIG. 6 showing a closable opening in the first portion and comprising a second portion contained within an inner chamber within the first portion; [0030] FIG. 8 is a perspective schematic representation of the transformable object of FIG. 6 showing the second portion being removed from the inner chamber of the first portion; [0031] FIG. 9 is a perspective schematic representation of the transformable object of FIG. 6 showing the object transformed into another configuration having a utilitarian function of a support structure, such as a chair; [0032] FIG. 10 is a side view of the transformable object of FIG. 9 showing stuffing material being inserted into an inner chamber of the flexible body; [0033] FIG. 11 is a side view of the transformable object of FIG. 9 showing an individual using the transformable object as a support structure, such as a chair; [0034] FIG. 12 is a perspective schematic representation of the transformable object of FIG. 9 in its second configuration having a utilitarian function of a support structure, such as a chair; [0035] FIG. 13 is a perspective schematic representation of another preferred embodiment of the transformable object of FIG. 9 showing a third portion of the flexible body extending outwardly from the second portion; [0036] FIG. 14 is a perspective schematic representation of the transformable object of FIG. 13 showing the third portion of the flexible body having stuffing material contained within the third portion such that the third portion operates as a leg support, such as an ottoman; [0037] FIG. 15 is a perspective schematic representation of another preferred embodiment of the invention showing the transformable object in a first configuration, such that the flexible body is rolled into a cylindrical form and is secured by wrapping an elongated appendage around the flexible body, such that the transformable object has a utilitarian function of a soft cushioned structure, such as a head rest or pillow; [0038] FIG. 16 is a perspective schematic representation of the transformable object of FIG. 15 being transformed into a second configuration whereby the flexible body is in a more unrolled configuration; [0039] FIG. 17 is a perspective schematic representation of the transformable object of FIG. 15 showing the object transformed into a second configuration whereby the flexible body is fully unrolled and the object has a utilitarian function of a soft cushioned structure, such as a mat or blanket; [0040] FIG. 18 is a perspective schematic representation of the transformable object of FIG. 15 showing the flexible body having a first portion with an inner chamber and having a closable opening for inserting stuffing material into the inner chamber such that the transformable object has a utilitarian function of an alternate configured soft cushioned structure; [0042] FIG. 19 is a perspective schematic representation of the transformable object of FIG. 15 showing the flexible body having a first portion with an inner chamber and having a closable opening for inserting more stuffing material into the inner chamber such that the transformable object has been transformed into another configuration having a utilitarian function of alternate configured soft cushioned structure; [0043] FIG. 20 is a perspective schematic representation of another embodiment of the transformable object showing the flexible body in a first configuration having a utilitarian function of a soft cushioned structure, such as a blanket or mat; [0044] FIG. 21 is a perspective schematic representation of the transformable object of FIG. 20 showing the flexible body receiving stuffing material for transforming the object into a second configuration having a utilitarian function of a soft cushioned structure, such as a cushion or cover; [0045] FIG. 22 is a perspective schematic representation of the transformable object of FIG. 20 showing the flexible body having a greater amount of stuffing material contained therein such that it has a utilitarian function of an alternate configured soft cushioned structure; [0046] FIG. 23 is a perspective schematic representation of another preferred embodiment of the transformable object of the subject invention showing a first configuration having a flexible body with a designed shape that has a utilitarian function of a soft cushioned structure or pillow and having a closeable opening along the outer periphery of the object; [0047] FIG. 24 is a perspective schematic representation of the transformable object of FIG. 23 showing the closeable opening in its open condition for removal of a second portion of the flexible body; [0048] FIG. 25 is a perspective schematic representation of another embodiment of the transformable object of FIG. 23 showing the closeable opening in its fully open condition and the showing its transformation into a second configuration such that the second portion of the flexible body is being withdrawn from an open end cavity within a first portion of the flexible body; [0049] FIG. 26 is a perspective schematic representation of the transformable object of FIG. 23 showing the second portion of the flexible body fully withdrawn from the open end cavity within the first portion of the flexible body forming a second configuration having a utilitarian function of a blanket; [0050] FIG. 27 is a perspective schematic representation of another preferred embodiment of the transformable object of FIG. 23 showing the second portion of the flexible body being stuffed with a selected amount of stuffing material transforming the object into another configuration having a utilitarian function of soft cushioned structure and/or blanket and/or mat; [0051] FIG. 28 is a perspective schematic representation of the transformable object of FIG. 27 with the flexible body fully stuffed with stuffing material; [0052] FIG. 29 is a perspective schematic representation of another preferred embodiment of the transformable object of the subject invention showing a first configuration having a flexible body with a designed shape that has a utilitarian function of a soft cushioned structure or pillow and having a closeable opening along a portion of the outer surface of the object; [0053] FIG. 30 is a perspective schematic representation of the transformable object of FIG. 29 showing the closeable opening in its open condition for removal of a second portion of the flexible body; [0054] FIG. 31 is a perspective schematic representation of another embodiment of the transformable object of FIG. 29 showing the closeable opening in its fully open condition and the showing its transformation into a second configuration such that the second portion of the flexible body is being withdrawn from an open end cavity within a first portion of the flexible body; [0055] FIG. 32 is a perspective schematic representation of the transformable object of FIG. 29 showing the second portion of the flexible body fully withdrawn from the open end cavity within the first portion of the flexible body forming a second configuration having a utilitarian function of a blanket with a pillow portion; and [0056] FIG. 33 is a perspective schematic representation of the transformable object of FIG. 32 showing the second portion of the flexible body fully withdrawn from the open end cavity within the first portion of the flexible body forming a second configuration having a utilitarian function of a duffel bag or the like.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

[0057] The present invention relates to a transformable object, and more particularly, to a transformable object that transforms from a first configuration having at least one particular utilitarian function to second configuration having a different or a modified utilitarian function. In describing the preferred embodiments of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity.

However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

[0058] Referring to FIGs I -4, a preferred embodiment of the transformable object 100 of the subject invention is shown having a first configuration comprising a flexible body 102 having a designed shape, such as in the form of an appendage of a character, including a first portion 104 with at least one inner chamber 106 for containing stuffing material 108 therein. As used herein, the stuffing material includes foam, fiberfill, polystyrene beads, rubber pellets, cloth, clothing, or any other relatively soft and pliable material typically used for stuffing cushions, pillows, and the like. The first portion 104 further includes a pouch or an open end cavity 110 that operates for receiving and nesting a second portion 112 of the flexible body 102 therein. The second portion 112 includes at least one inner chamber 114 and a closable opening 116 for receiving and storing stuffing material 108. As shown, the transformable object can have a first configuration having a utilitarian function of a soft cushioned structure and when the at least one inner chamber 114 is filled with stuffing material 108, the transformable object 100 transforms into a second configuration, having a modified or different utilitarian function of a soft cushioned structure. It should be understood that closable openings, as used herein, include a wide variety of fasteners such as, but not limited to, zippers, buttons, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, clips, buckles, and the like, that operate to securely close the closable opening. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment as shown in FIGs. I -4, the transformable object 100 when in its first configuration has a utilitarian function of a soft cushioned structure and when transformed into a second configuration has a utilitarian function of a modified soft cushioned structure. As used herein, soft cushioned structure shown in the various embodiments described has one or more of the utilitarian functions comprising of a cushion, pillow, head rest, foot rest, bag, storage container, stuffed character, play toy, chair, support structure, and the like, that can be used by an individual. It should be understood that the flexible body of the transformable object of the subject invention can be formed from a variety of fabrics, including velour, nylon, satin, plush, polyester, or any other type of fabrics capable of being folded, stretched or otherwise transformed into other shapes or configurations. It should also be understood that the outer surface of the flexible body can be decorated using a variety of colors, ornamental designs or figures, and the like.

[0059] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, as described above and illustrated in FIGs. 3 and 4, the transformation of the object 100 from a first configuration into a second configuration is shown whereby the second portion 112 of the flexible body 102 is pulled outwardly from its nested position within the open end cavity 110 of the first portion 104 of the flexible body 102 into a non-nested position (step 201) and whereby stuffing material 108 is inserted into the at least one inner chamber 114 of the second portion 112 of the flexible body 102 through the closable opening 116 (step 202) to transform the object 100 into a second configuration in the form of a soft cushioned structure, such as the exemplary illustration of a stuffed character as shown in FIG. 4.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 4, in the exemplary illustration of the soft cushioned structure in the form of a stuffed character, further includes a head portion 118 and one or more appendages 120 that gives the appearance of a character's limbs, such as legs, and which operate to extend the life of the flexible body 102. In another preferred embodiment the one or more appendages 120 operate to provide additional stability to the transformable object 100 (reducing the likelihood of the object tipping to one side or the other) thereby improving the ability of an individual, such as a child, to sit on the transformable object 100.

[0061] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the second portion 112 of the flexible body 102 includes a resiliently deformable material region 122 that operates to allow the transformable object 100 to be maintained in one configuration when a first amount of stuffing material 108 has been inserted into the at least one inner chamber 114 of the second portion 112 of the flexible body 102 and allows the transformable object 100 to expand into a second configuration which enlarges when additional amount of stuffing material 108 is inserted into the at least one inner chamber 114 of the second portion 112 of the flexible body 102 (step 203). It should be understood that by changing the type of stuffing material being used, such as using clothing rather than soft rubber beads or pellets, and/or the amount of stuffing material, the user can change the amount of support or the softness of the transformable object having a utilitarian function of a soft cushioned structure.

[0062] Referring to FIGs. 6 -12, another preferred embodiment of the subject invention is shown whereby the transformable object 100 comprises a flexible body 102 having a first portion 104 with a desired shape, such as an oval, round, elongated (as shown), or other desired geometric shape, and includes at least one inner chamber 106 having a closable opening 116 for receiving stuffing material 108 (step 301) and an open end cavity 110 for receiving and nesting therein a second portion 112 of the flexible body 102 (step 302). In the first configuration, as shown in FIG. 6, the transformable object 100 has a utilitarian function of a soft cushioned structure (such as a play mat as shown in the exemplary illustration) and can be transformed into a second configuration having a utilitarian function of a soft cushioned structure (such as a chair as shown in the exemplary illustration) when the second portion 112 of the flexible body 102 is pulled outwardly through the open end cavity 110 of the first portion 104 from its nested position within the open end cavity 110 (step 303) as illustrated in FIG. 8.

Stuffing material 108 is inserted into at least one inner chamber 114 of the second portion 112 of the flexible body 102 through the closable opening 116 (step 304) thereby allowing the transformable object 100 to be transformed into a second configuration, as shown in FIG. 9, that has a utilitarian function of a soft cushioned structure (such as a seat or chair as shown in the exemplary illustration). As shown in FIGs. 10 -12, in a preferred embodiment the second configuration can be in the form and utilitarian function of a soft cushioned structure, such as a seat, having a seat section 124, a back section 126, and first and second arm sections 128 and 130, respectively.

[0063] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIGs. 12 - 14, the second portion 112 of the flexible body 102 includes a cavity 132 having a closable opening 134 for receiving and nesting therein a third portion 136 of the flexible body 102. The third portion 136 of the flexible body 102 is removable from its nested position within the cavity 132 of the second portion 112 of the flexible body 102 (step 305) and includes at least one inner chamber 138 having a closable opening 140 for receiving stuffing material 108 such that the third portion 136 of the flexible body 102 forms a foot support, such as an ottoman (step 306) (FIG. 14), thereby further modifying the transformable object 100. The closable openings 134 and 140 can include a wide variety of fasteners including, but not limited to, zippers, buttons, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, buckles, and the like, effective to allow an individual to open and close the closable opening. It should be understood that by placing a different amount of stuffing material or a different type of stuffing material into the first portion and second portion of the flexible body will allow the user to change the specific contour of the transformable object. For an example, by increasing or decreasing the amount of stuffing material in one location (one inner chamber), such as the inner chamber along the back section, the user can increase of decrease the amount of support being provided by the transformable object to the user. In another example, by changing the type of stuffing material being used, such as using clothing or soft rubber beads or pellets, can operate to change the amount of support or the softness of a portion of the transformable object.

[0064] Referring to FIGs. 15 -19, another preferred embodiment of the transformable object 100 of the subject invention is shown having a flexible body 102 that is rolled such that the flexible body 102 has a cylindrical form and is secured by wrapping the elongated appendage 142 around the flexible body 102, so that the transformable object 100 is maintained in a rolled cylindrical first configuration having a utilitarian function of a soft cushioned structure, such as a head rest or pillow shown in the exemplary illustration (step 401). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one elongated appendage 142 is held in place by a conventional fastener (not shown) (step 402). In a preferred embodiment, the flexible body 102 can be unrolled into a second configuration having a planar form such that the transformable object 100 has a utilitarian function of a soft cushioned structure (such as a cover, mat, cushion, blanket shown in the exemplary illustration) (FIG. 17) (step 403). In another preferred embodiment of the transformable object 100 of the subject invention, the inner chamber 106 of the flexible body 102 includes stuffing material 108 that operates to transform the object 100 having a utilitarian function of a soft cushioned structure that is modified to be softer or better insulated (step 404). It should be understood that by changing the type of stuffing material being used, such as using clothing or soft rubber beads or pellets, or the amount of stuffing material (FIG. 19) can operate to change the amount of softness or insulation of the soft cushioned structure (step 405).

[0065] In another preferred embodiment of the subject invention, the transformable object 100, as shown in FIGS. 20 -22, the flexible body 102 includes a first portion 104 having a defined shape, such as that of a character (animal or doll for example) and includes at least one inner chamber 106 with a closable opening 116 for receiving stuffing material 108 therein (step 501). In the first configuration, the transformable object 100 has a utilitarian function of a soft cushioned structure (such as a mat or blanket shown in the exemplary illustration), and can be transformed into a second configuration having a utilitarian function of an alternative form of a soft cushioned structure (such as a cushion or pillow shown in the exemplary illustration), by inserting stuffing material 108 into the at least one inner chamber 106 of the first portion 104 of the flexible body 102 (step 502).

[0066] Referring to FIGs. 23 -26, another preferred embodiment of the transformable object 100 of the subject invention is shown having a first configuration (FIG. 23) with the flexible body 102 having a designed shape such that it has a utilitarian function of a soft cushioned structure (such as a pillow, head rest, foot rest, and the like) and includes a closeable opening 116 along the outer circumferential periphery 144 of the flexible body 102 that opens into a cavity 116 having a second portion 112 nested within (FIG. 24). As shown, the closable opening 116 can include a wide variety of fasteners including, but not limited to, zippers, buttons, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, buckles, and the like, effective for allowing a user to open and close the closable opening 116. The second portion 112 of the flexible body 102 is pullable outwardly through the open end cavity 110 of the first portion 104 from its nested position within the open end cavity 110 (step 601), as illustrated in FIG. 25, such that when the second portion 112 is fully pulled outwardly the transformable object 100 (step 602) is transformed into a second configuration having a utilitarian function of a soft cushioned structure, such as a blanket, bed or mat (FIG. 26). Referring to FIG. 27, stuffing material 108 is inserted into at least one inner chamber 114 (step 603) of the second portion 112 of the flexible body 102 through the closable opening 116 thereby allowing the transformable object 100 to be transformed into a second configuration, as shown in FIG. 28, that has a utilitarian function of a soft cushioned structure (such as a duffel bag, cushion, pillow, and the likes shown in the exemplary illustration).

[0067] Another preferred embodiment of the transformable object 100 of the subject invention is shown in FIGs. 29 -32 having a first configuration (FIG. 29) with the flexible body 102 having a designed shape such that it has a utilitarian function of a soft cushioned structure, such as a pillow, head rest, foot rest, and the like and includes a closeable opening 116 along the upper surface 146 of the flexible body 102. As shown, the closable opening 116 can include a wide variety of fasteners including, but not limited to, zippers, buttons, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, buckles, and the like, effective for allowing a user to open and close the closable opening 116. The first portion 104 further includes a pouch or an open end cavity 110 that operates for receiving and nesting a second portion 112 of the flexible body 102 therein (FIG. 30).

The second portion 112 of the flexible body 102 is pullable outwardly through the open end cavity 110 of the first portion 104 from its nested position within the open end cavity (step 701) as illustrated in FIG. 31 such that when the second portion 112 is fully pulled outwardly the transformable object 100 (step 702) is transformed into a second configuration having a utilitarian function of a soft cushioned structure, such as a blanket, bed or mat (FIG. 32) formed from the second portion 112 of the flexible body 102 and having a pillow formed from the first portion 104 of the flexible body 102. In another preferred embodiment, the second configuration of the transformable object is shown in FIG. 33 whereby the second portion 112 includes at least one inner chamber 114 and a closable opening 116 for receiving and storing stuffing material 108, such as clothing, such that the second configuration has a utilitarian function of a storage bad or duffel bad.

[0068] It should now be apparent to one skilled in the art that the subject invention is a transformable object for use by individuals that transforms from a first configuration having a particular utilitarian function of a soft cushioned structure into a second configuration having a modified or another particular utilitarian function. In one embodiment of the invention, the transformable object transforms from a configuration having a utilitarian function of a soft cushioned structure to a configuration having a utilitarian function of a soft cushioned structure such as a chair or other support structure. In another embodiment of the invention, the transformable object transforms from a configuration having a utilitarian function of a soft cushioned structure, such as a mat, to a configuration having a utilitarian function of a support structure, such as a chair with an ottoman. In another embodiment of the invention, the transformable object transforms from configuration having a utilitarian function of a soft cushioned structure, such as a child's mat, to a configuration having a utilitarian function of a soft cushioned structure, such as a cushion. Further, the transformable object transforms from a configuration having a utilitarian function of a soft cushioned structure, such as a head rest or pillow, to a configuration having a utilitarian function of a soft cushioned structure, such as a cushion. Accordingly, the subject invention provides a transformable object that transforms from a first configuration having a particular utilitarian function into another configuration having another particular utilitarian function.

[0069] While the methods, components, and articles described herein constitute preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise method, components, and articles and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined in the appended claims.

[0070] What is claimed is:

Claims

Claims 1. A transformable object for use by individuals that transforms from a first configuration having a particular utilitarian function into another configuration having another particular utilitarian function, the transformable object comprising: a flexible body having a designed shape, wherein in the first configuration said flexible comprises a first portion with at least one inner chamber, and an open end cavity, and a second portion nested within said open end cavity having at least one inner chamber and a closable opening; and wherein said at least one inner chamber of said first portion includes stuffing material such that said flexible body in the first configuration has a utilitarian function of a soft cushioned structure; and wherein said second portion when extended outwardly from its nested position within said open end cavity is adapted to receive stuffing material within said at least one inner chamber for transforming the transformable object into the second configuration having the utilitarian function of a support structure in the form of a character.
2. The transformable object of Claim 1 wherein said flexible body includes a head portion and one or more appendages that give the appearance of a character's limbs and functions to provide stability and improved stability of the transformable object when in said second configuration.
3. The transformable object of Claim 1 further comprising a resiliently deformable material region that operates to allow said at least one inner chamber of said second portion to expand.
4. The transformable object of Claim 1 wherein the second configuration has the utilitarian function of a play mat, blanket, cover, cushion, pillow, head rest, or a foot rest.
5. The transformable object of Claim I wherein the second configuration has the utilitarian function of a chair, stool, or ridding toy.
6. A transformable object for use by children that transforms from a first configuration having a particular function into a second configuration having another particular function, the transformable object comprising: a flexible body wherein said first configuration comprises a first portion having an elongated shape and includes an inner chamber having a closable opening for receiving stuffing material and an open cavity for receiving and nesting therein a second portion of the flexible body; and wherein said flexible body when in the first configuration has a utilitarian function of a soft cushioned structure; and wherein in the another configuration said second portion of said flexible body is pulled outwardly from said open cavity of the said first portion, and includes at least one inner chamber having stuffing therein that operates to transform said flexible body into the another configuration such that said flexible body has a utilitarian function of a support structure having a seat section, a back section, and first and second arm sections.
7. The transformable object of Claim 6 wherein said flexible body when in the first configuration has a utilitarian function of mat, blanket, cover, cushion, pillow, head rest, or foot rest.
8. The transformable object of Claim 6 wherein said flexible body when in the second configuration having a utilitarian function of a chair, stool, or riding toy.
9. The transformable object of Claim 6 wherein said second portion of said flexible body includes a cavity having a closable opening for receiving and nesting therein a third portion of said flexible body.
10. The transformable object of Claim 9 wherein said third portion of said flexible body is removed from its nested position within said cavity of said second portion of said flexible body and includes at least one inner chamber having a closable opening for receiving stuffing material, wherein said stuffing material operates to transform said third portion of said flexible body into a configuration such that said third portion functions as an ottoman.
11. A transformable object for use by children that transforms from a first configuration having a particular utilitarian function into a second configuration having another utilitarian function, the transformable object comprising: a flexible body comprising a first portion having an elongated shape and includes at least one inner chamber with a closable opening for receiving stuffing material therein; wherein in said first configuration, said flexible body has a utilitarian functions of a soft cushioned structure; and wherein in said second configuration said at least one inner chamber of said first portion of said flexible body receives stuffing such that said flexible body has a utilitarian function of as another configured soft cushioned structure.
12. The transformable object of Claim 11 wherein said first configuration has a utilitarian function of a mat, blanket, cover, cushion, pillow, head rest, or foot support.
13. A transformable object for use by children that transforms from a first configuration having a particular utilitarian function into a second configuration having another utilitarian function, the transformable object comprising: a flexible body comprising a first portion having an elongated shape and includes at least one inner chamber with a closable opening and at least elongated appendage extending outwardly from an outer surface of said flexible body; wherein in said first configuration, said flexible body has a cylindrical form and functions as a support structure; and wherein in said another configuration said at least one inner chamber of said first portion of said flexible body receives stuffing and wherein said flexible body is in a planar form such that the transformable object has a utilitarian function of a different soft cushioned structure.
14. The transformable object of Claim 13 wherein said inner chamber of said flexible body includes stuffing material that operates to transform said flexible body into the second configuration such that the transformable object has a utilitarian function of another soft cushioned structure.
15. The transformable object of Claim 14 wherein said first configuration or said second configuration has a utilitarian function of a mat, blanket, cover, cushion, pillow, head rest, foot rest, or support structure.