US20140227933A1 - Plush toy with anatomical features containing storage compartments - Google Patents

Plush toy with anatomical features containing storage compartments Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20140227933A1
US20140227933A1 US13/933,932 US201313933932A US2014227933A1 US 20140227933 A1 US20140227933 A1 US 20140227933A1 US 201313933932 A US201313933932 A US 201313933932A US 2014227933 A1 US2014227933 A1 US 2014227933A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
toy
plush toy
plush
exaggerated
storage compartments
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US13/933,932
Inventor
Kelly Bagla
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US13/933,932 priority Critical patent/US20140227933A1/en
Publication of US20140227933A1 publication Critical patent/US20140227933A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63HTOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H3/00Dolls
    • A63H3/02Dolls made of fabrics or stuffed
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63HTOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H3/00Dolls
    • A63H3/003Dolls specially adapted for a particular function not connected with dolls
    • A63H3/005Dolls specially adapted for a particular function not connected with dolls for use as container

Definitions

  • the present invention is generally in the field of toys.
  • the toy industry is comprised of designers, manufacturers, distributors, marketers, and retailers. Each link in this chain constantly seeks innovation.
  • the toy industry is always ripe for new low-tech dolls and plush toys that induce purchase with beauty, comfort, and personal satisfaction, but there are finite permutations of the physical attributes of various animal and human figures.
  • Unique physical features of a doll or plush toy could greatly increase its attraction to a child, and the perception of actual utility would stimulate a purchase decision by a parent.
  • a “plush toy” is a toy product comprised of an outer skin or covering, typically of fabric, which creates the detailed visual features of the animal or object depicted by the concept. That skin is stuffed with foam or a material like batting, to provide the gross anatomical features and shape of the emulated animal or object.
  • toys are available with storage compartments of various sorts, but none that exploits the anatomical features of the animal represented by the toy, and most specifically, none that utilizes the ears of a toy elephant as storage containers.
  • US application 20070232186 by Ronnie Shamah shows a plush toy with a storage compartment in the chest or back of the animal model.
  • This invention is intended to apply to packaging, where a ribbon is pulled from the plush toy and used to secure a box, while the plush toy itself is a decorative item upon said box.
  • the primary objective of the present invention is to provide the conventional comfort, satisfaction, and entertainment of a plush toy or doll, with the added benefit of a unique utility function.
  • the present invention is intended to provide the user with a storage capability able to carry other items, with said storage integrated in a reasonable anatomical area of the toy.
  • the present invention increases its value to the child, who can store playthings and other items in one or more storage compartments.
  • Another objective is to increase perceived value in the mind of the parent or gift-giver, who will see not only a plush toy or doll but also a utility function that is not available from competing products.
  • the present invention is comprised of a plush toy or doll, typically of an animal, with exaggerated anatomical features, typically ears, that are configured to provide storage compartments that can be secured with a fastening means, thus increasing the utility of the toy to the child using it, and the perceived value of the toy to the person making purchase decisions.
  • the preferred embodiment of the present invention is a plush toy animal that is ordinarily considered to have large ears, such as an elephant.
  • At least one of the ears of the plush toy animal is made as a useful storage compartment, with access across the top in the form of an opening leading into the compartment.
  • Said storage compartment is reliably sealed to secure its contents, using sewn-in or adhesed magnet closures.
  • the invention can be executed in the image of any animal with ears or other anatomical features that are sufficiently exaggerated as to provide space for storage.
  • the toy can be a doll or a stuffed plush toy representing any animal.
  • the storage compartment can be secured using magnets sewn into the top seams of the two edges of the compartment, such that they meet and attract to seal the compartment, but the same objective of closure can be attained using hook-and-loop (“Velcro”) fastening, buttons, zipper, a slot-and-tab fastener, or a simple flap.
  • Velcro hook-and-loop
  • the storage compartment can be lined with a waterproof material.
  • a removable inner bag can be provided, permitting all the objects contained in the storage compartment to be removed together. Said inner bag can then be laundered or cleaned independently of the entire toy.
  • the present invention can be executed as a toy that is not a “plush toy”, but is made of other materials, yet the concept is preserved when the design incorporates the described storage compartments.
  • FIG. 1 depicts a typical plush toy in the form of an elephant 1 with exaggerated ears 2 that have an opening at the top 3 leading to storage compartments 4 held closed by magnet sets 5 .
  • FIG. 2 depicts the present invention in the form of a kitten plush toy 6 showing said exaggerated ears 2 with integrated storage compartments 4 containing playthings 7 .

Landscapes

  • Toys (AREA)

Abstract

A plush toy animal figure with anatomical features configured to provide closable storage compartments.

Description

    CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/762911, filed 10 Feb. 2013 for Kelly Bagla, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
  • FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
  • Not applicable
  • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention is generally in the field of toys.
  • 1. Nature of Toys
  • It is well understood in the toy industry that success of a product does not really depend upon a combination of appearance, function, and the pleasure it conveys to the user. That is because the user is rarely the person who makes the purchase decision. Rather, the economic success of a given toy design depends upon the perception of the parent or gift-buyer, who must judge whether the recipient will use the item and enjoy it.
  • Any design features that enhance the attraction of a toy to the real purchaser, therefore, can contribute substantially to the market success of the product—even when the purchaser will have little to do with the toy after it is acquired. Any design feature that makes the toy more attractive to the actual user—typically a child—will improve market performance only insofar as that attraction is communicated with the buyer (usually the parent).
  • Truly unique toys occur mostly in the world of high-technology. Virtually all basic dolls, construction sets, and similar playthings have been offered to the market, with only minor features differentiating one from another.
  • Toy makers, distributors, and retailers are constantly seeking new basic toys that provide a feature that is not simply a re-work of designs from the past. Parents and other toy-buyers are also looking for basic and simple toys with unique features that increase their play value, attraction, and satisfaction.
  • The toy industry is comprised of designers, manufacturers, distributors, marketers, and retailers. Each link in this chain constantly seeks innovation.
  • High technology products are increasingly capturing market share at lower and lower ages, with well-designed toys that leave little to the imagination. Realistic figures move on color displays, controlled by joysticks, keyboards, tilted tablets, or even voice. This may be good preparation for productivity tools in the future, but such products do not provide a child with the personal comfort of a doll or plush toy, nor do high technology scenarios on a computer screen stimulate the child's imagination as much as play with static animals and human figures, to which the child can assign speech and behaviors. Most experts believe that a child's mind is best stimulated by such play, not by simply watching computer-driven action on a screen.
  • The toy industry is always ripe for new low-tech dolls and plush toys that induce purchase with beauty, comfort, and personal satisfaction, but there are finite permutations of the physical attributes of various animal and human figures. Unique physical features of a doll or plush toy could greatly increase its attraction to a child, and the perception of actual utility would stimulate a purchase decision by a parent.
  • 2. Plush Toys
  • A “plush toy” is a toy product comprised of an outer skin or covering, typically of fabric, which creates the detailed visual features of the animal or object depicted by the concept. That skin is stuffed with foam or a material like batting, to provide the gross anatomical features and shape of the emulated animal or object.
  • Production of plush toys is usually in three steps. The skins are made at some cost-effective site and shipped to a second location where the stuffing is produced or purchased, and then the final product is assembled and packaged.
  • 3. Prior Art
  • There are many design patents illustrating unique and interesting plush toys and dolls, but none provides the physical features and utility of the present invention.
  • Many utility patents also exist in the area of plush toys and dolls, and the area of storage means for playthings, but none provides the combination of play and functionality of the present invention.
  • In the marketplace, many toys are available with storage compartments of various sorts, but none that exploits the anatomical features of the animal represented by the toy, and most specifically, none that utilizes the ears of a toy elephant as storage containers.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,944,577 by Peter Yanofsky, initially filed on 19 Dec. 1997, shows a plush toy in at least two parts, with a concealed message at the interface(s) thereof.
  • US application 20100197190 by Lisa Lloyd, initially filed on 5 Feb. 2009, shows a plush toy in the form of a pillow, with a storage compartment in the form of a pull-out drawer, among other features.
  • US application 20070232186 by Ronnie Shamah, initially filed on 3 Apr. 2006, shows a plush toy with a storage compartment in the chest or back of the animal model. This invention is intended to apply to packaging, where a ribbon is pulled from the plush toy and used to secure a box, while the plush toy itself is a decorative item upon said box.
  • US application 20020168919 by Jeffrey Perkins, initially filed on 8 May 2002, shows a plush toy such as a teddy bear, with a cavity intended to conceal a prize.
  • US application 20110117809 by Anne Bowar, initially filed on 19 Nov. 2009, shows a plush toy that acts as an outer shell for storage of smaller toys.
  • While plush toys and dolls comprising prior art have served their purposes well for centuries, none was found in either patent files or the marketplace that provides the combination of amusement, comfort, satisfaction, practical utility, and enhanced marketability of the present invention.
  • OBJECTIVES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
  • The primary objective of the present invention is to provide the conventional comfort, satisfaction, and entertainment of a plush toy or doll, with the added benefit of a unique utility function.
  • The present invention is intended to provide the user with a storage capability able to carry other items, with said storage integrated in a reasonable anatomical area of the toy.
  • The present invention increases its value to the child, who can store playthings and other items in one or more storage compartments.
  • Another objective is to increase perceived value in the mind of the parent or gift-giver, who will see not only a plush toy or doll but also a utility function that is not available from competing products.
  • BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
  • The present invention is comprised of a plush toy or doll, typically of an animal, with exaggerated anatomical features, typically ears, that are configured to provide storage compartments that can be secured with a fastening means, thus increasing the utility of the toy to the child using it, and the perceived value of the toy to the person making purchase decisions.
  • DETAILED EXPLANATION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 1. Preferred Embodiment
  • The preferred embodiment of the present invention is a plush toy animal that is ordinarily considered to have large ears, such as an elephant.
  • At least one of the ears of the plush toy animal is made as a useful storage compartment, with access across the top in the form of an opening leading into the compartment.
  • Said storage compartment is reliably sealed to secure its contents, using sewn-in or adhesed magnet closures.
  • 2. Variations Upon the Present Invention
  • The invention can be executed in the image of any animal with ears or other anatomical features that are sufficiently exaggerated as to provide space for storage.
  • The toy can be a doll or a stuffed plush toy representing any animal.
  • Physical features other than ears of the animal represented by the plush toy or doll can be exaggerated and used for storage in accordance with the present invention, including humps of a camel, the tail of a platypus or beaver, wings of a bird, fins of a fish, or any other appendage suitable to the configuration provided herein.
  • The storage compartment can be secured using magnets sewn into the top seams of the two edges of the compartment, such that they meet and attract to seal the compartment, but the same objective of closure can be attained using hook-and-loop (“Velcro”) fastening, buttons, zipper, a slot-and-tab fastener, or a simple flap.
  • The storage compartment can be lined with a waterproof material.
  • A removable inner bag can be provided, permitting all the objects contained in the storage compartment to be removed together. Said inner bag can then be laundered or cleaned independently of the entire toy.
  • The present invention can be executed as a toy that is not a “plush toy”, but is made of other materials, yet the concept is preserved when the design incorporates the described storage compartments.
  • The primary embodiment and these variations, as well as others that may reasonably and obviously come to mind when considering this description, are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.
  • DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE INVENTION
  • FIG. 1 depicts a typical plush toy in the form of an elephant 1 with exaggerated ears 2 that have an opening at the top 3 leading to storage compartments 4 held closed by magnet sets 5.
  • FIG. 2 depicts the present invention in the form of a kitten plush toy 6 showing said exaggerated ears 2 with integrated storage compartments 4 containing playthings 7.

Claims (3)

I claim:
1. A plush toy figure comprised of an outer shape-defining skin and interior stuffing, in a configuration representing an animal, at least one anatomical feature of which is sufficiently exaggerated to permit its use as a storage compartment, access to which is closable by a fastening means.
2. The toy of claim 1 in the form of an elephant, with ears exaggerated such as to provide compartments for the storage and transport of smaller items.
3. The toy of claim 1 made to be a waterproof means for storing small toys and similar objects, with at least one anatomical feature exaggerated to provide useful interior space fitted with a waterproof liner.
US13/933,932 2013-02-10 2013-07-02 Plush toy with anatomical features containing storage compartments Abandoned US20140227933A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/933,932 US20140227933A1 (en) 2013-02-10 2013-07-02 Plush toy with anatomical features containing storage compartments

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201361762911P 2013-02-10 2013-02-10
US13/933,932 US20140227933A1 (en) 2013-02-10 2013-07-02 Plush toy with anatomical features containing storage compartments

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20140227933A1 true US20140227933A1 (en) 2014-08-14

Family

ID=51297745

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/933,932 Abandoned US20140227933A1 (en) 2013-02-10 2013-07-02 Plush toy with anatomical features containing storage compartments

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US20140227933A1 (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20160236111A1 (en) * 2015-02-18 2016-08-18 OctoGrip, LLC Multi-appendage device for holding, gripping, or suspending an object
US9925470B1 (en) 2017-01-17 2018-03-27 Ceci Palacio Urn holding stuffed animal
US20180161685A1 (en) * 2016-09-21 2018-06-14 Cecil Garren Emotional support toy system and method
US10639559B1 (en) * 2019-07-09 2020-05-05 Jay At Play International Hong Kong Limited Bow with separable storage containers
US10780007B1 (en) * 2018-01-23 2020-09-22 Julia A. Seitz Fabric urn
US20220111206A1 (en) * 2020-10-12 2022-04-14 Catherine Elizabeth Garner Cochlear Implant Retention and Concealment Bow
USD1006909S1 (en) * 2023-08-09 2023-12-05 Guangzhou Yiduole Technology Co., Ltd Plush toy

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2129654A (en) * 1937-10-07 1938-09-13 Dennis Anna Decorative bag
US4645470A (en) * 1985-03-11 1987-02-24 The Trusty Doll Company Doll having concealed pocket in the location of an ear
US20070161324A1 (en) * 2006-01-12 2007-07-12 Kevin Garrett Configurable stuffed toy having adjustable appendages
US20070246492A1 (en) * 2006-04-21 2007-10-25 Carpentieri Amy N Nursing purse and method for converting a purse to a nursing pillow
US20100178837A1 (en) * 2009-01-15 2010-07-15 Kristen Doherty Daniels Useful Plush Item
US20120088428A1 (en) * 2010-10-06 2012-04-12 Smoot Reid S Toy blanket holder

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2129654A (en) * 1937-10-07 1938-09-13 Dennis Anna Decorative bag
US4645470A (en) * 1985-03-11 1987-02-24 The Trusty Doll Company Doll having concealed pocket in the location of an ear
US20070161324A1 (en) * 2006-01-12 2007-07-12 Kevin Garrett Configurable stuffed toy having adjustable appendages
US20070246492A1 (en) * 2006-04-21 2007-10-25 Carpentieri Amy N Nursing purse and method for converting a purse to a nursing pillow
US20100178837A1 (en) * 2009-01-15 2010-07-15 Kristen Doherty Daniels Useful Plush Item
US20120088428A1 (en) * 2010-10-06 2012-04-12 Smoot Reid S Toy blanket holder

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20160236111A1 (en) * 2015-02-18 2016-08-18 OctoGrip, LLC Multi-appendage device for holding, gripping, or suspending an object
US9874305B2 (en) * 2015-02-18 2018-01-23 OctoGrip, LLC Multi-appendage device for holding, gripping, or suspending an object
US20180161685A1 (en) * 2016-09-21 2018-06-14 Cecil Garren Emotional support toy system and method
US9925470B1 (en) 2017-01-17 2018-03-27 Ceci Palacio Urn holding stuffed animal
US10780007B1 (en) * 2018-01-23 2020-09-22 Julia A. Seitz Fabric urn
US10639559B1 (en) * 2019-07-09 2020-05-05 Jay At Play International Hong Kong Limited Bow with separable storage containers
US20220111206A1 (en) * 2020-10-12 2022-04-14 Catherine Elizabeth Garner Cochlear Implant Retention and Concealment Bow
USD1006909S1 (en) * 2023-08-09 2023-12-05 Guangzhou Yiduole Technology Co., Ltd Plush toy

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20140227933A1 (en) Plush toy with anatomical features containing storage compartments
Cisneros Caramelo
US4563159A (en) Toy convertible among multiple configurations
US20160325193A1 (en) PLUSH STANDING DOLL and BACKPACK DOLLHOUSE
US4774734A (en) Convertible sleeping bag and stuffed toy
US2591379A (en) Toy purse combination
US7461421B1 (en) Play pillow with hiding space
US3942283A (en) Hand puppet
US4458372A (en) Convertible doll and sleeping bag
US20120329358A1 (en) Stuffed toy, blanket and backpack combination
US11426667B1 (en) Toy figurine with plush covering
US20140220851A1 (en) Transformable objects and methods of making same
US6719606B1 (en) Soft sculpture shellfish animal toy and accessories
US20170319973A1 (en) Character pillow system and apparatus
US20140015294A1 (en) Novelty Furniture and Novelty Furniture Coverings Featuring Decorative Appendages
US20130267144A1 (en) Convertible Stuffed Toy
Chayil Hush
US20170282087A1 (en) Child developmental system
McCormack Castle Faggot
Shang The great wall of Lucy Wu
JP3200849U (en) Doll with a rucksack (large)
JPH0134042B2 (en)
Yusuf A Plate of Rice & A Pan of Pizza
van Leeuwen et al. The Semiotics of Toys and Games: The Childhood Artefacts that Introduce Us to the World
Magic et al. Problem solving

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION