US20180001222A1

US20180001222A1 - Shape Changing Toy Apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20180001222A1
Application number: US15/638,196
Authority: US
Inventors: Ohannes Guebenlian
Original assignee: 7726503 Canada Inc
Current assignee: 7726503 Canada Inc
Priority date: 2016-06-30
Filing date: 2017-06-29
Publication date: 2018-01-04
Also published as: CA2972056A1

Abstract

A toy apparatus is operable between a disengaged position and a disengaged position. The toy apparatus has a stuffed body having a torso portion and first, second, third and fourth leg portions. A first bi-stable spring member is received within a channel formed along a length of the first leg portion, a first side of the torso portion and a second leg portion. A second bi-stable spring member is received within a second channel formed along a length of the third leg portion, a second side of the torso portion and a fourth leg portion. The first and second bi-stable spring members are each operable between an elongated rigid state and a coiled state. Actuating between the states of the first and second bi-stable spring members changes a shape of the stuffed body of the toy apparatus.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 of U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/356,667, filed Jun. 30, 2016, and entitled “SHAPE CHANGING TOY APPARATUS”, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field generally relates to a toy apparatus and, more particularly a toy apparatus having a plurality of bi-stable spring members for changing a shape thereof.

BACKGROUND

New types of toys are constantly being introduced. However, simple toys that provide a more intimate connection with the human user are often more appreciated.

SUMMARY

It would thus be highly desirable to be provided with a system or method that would at least partially address the disadvantages of the existing technologies.
According to one aspect, there is provided a toy apparatus that includes a stuffed body, a first bi-stable spring member and a second bi-stable spring member. The stuffed body has a torso portion, a first leg portion extending forwardly from an upper region of a first side of the torso portion, a second leg portion extending rearwardly from a lower region of the first side of the torso portion, a third leg portion extending forwardly from an upper region of a second side of the torso portion and a fourth leg portion extending rearwardly from a lower region of the second side of the torso portion, a first channel being defined within the stuffed body and extending along a length of the first leg portion, a length of the first side of the torso portion and a length of the second leg portion and a second channel being defined within the stuffed body and extending along a length of the third leg portion, a length of the second side of the torso portion and a length of the fourth leg portion. The first bi-stable spring member is received within the first channel and is operable between an elongated rigid state and a coiled state. The second bi-stable spring member is received within the second channel and is operable between an elongated rigid state and a coiled state.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the embodiments described herein and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings which show at least one exemplary embodiment, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of a top apparatus in a disengaged position according to one example embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of a spring assembly according to one example embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side elevation of the toy apparatus in the disengaged position according to the example embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates a front elevation view of the toy apparatus in the engaged position according to the example embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates a plan view of the toy apparatus in an engaged position according to one example embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates a side elevation view of the toy apparatus in the engaged position according to the example embodiment; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a front elevation view of the toy apparatus in the engaged position according to the example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be appreciated that, for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements or steps. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, this description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein in any way but rather as merely describing the implementation of the various embodiments described herein.
The word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one”, but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more”, “at least one”, and “one or more than one” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Similarly, the word “another” may mean at least a second or more unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
The terms “coupled” or “coupling” as used herein can have several different meanings depending in the context in which these terms are used. For example, the terms coupled or coupling can have a mechanical connotation. For example, as used herein, the terms coupled or coupling can indicate that two elements or devices are directly connected to one another or connected to one another through one or more intermediate elements or devices via a mechanical element.
Moreover, although the embodiments described herein consist of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperation thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations, may be used, as will be briefly explained herein and as can be easily inferred herefrom by a person skilled in the art. Moreover, it will be appreciated that positional descriptions such as “above”, “below”, “left”, “right” and the like should, unless otherwise indicated, be taken in the context of the figures and should not be considered limiting.
Referring now to FIG. 1, therein illustrated is a plan view of a shape-changing toy apparatus 1 in a disengaged position according to one example embodiment. The toy apparatus includes a stuffed body 8. The stuffed body 8 includes a torso portion 16.
A first leg portion 24 of the stuffed body 8 extends in a forward direction from an upper region 32 of a first side 40 of the torso portion 16. The forward direction is generally denoted by arrow 44.
A second leg portion 48 of the stuffed body 8 extends in a rearward direction from a lower region 56 of the first side 40 of the torso portion 16. The rearward direction is generally denoted by arrow 60.
A third leg portion 64 of the stuffed body 8 extends in the forward direction 44 from an upper region 72 of a second side 80 of the torso portion 16.
A fourth leg portion 88 extends in the rearward direction 60 from a lower region 96 of the second side 80 of the torso portion 16.
According to various example embodiments, the stuffed body 8 further includes a head portion 104 extending upwardly and/or forwardly of a central upper region 112 of the torso portion 16.
According to various example embodiments, the stuffed body 8 further includes a tail portion 120 extending upwardly and/or rearwardly of a central lower region 128 of the torso portion 16.
As is known in the art for stuffed toys, the stuffed body 8 includes an outer shell defining an inner cavity. The cavity is filled with a stuffing material according to materials known in the art.
The outer shell includes a plurality of ornamental elements that act as visual references. These visual references allows a user perceiving the stuffed body 8 to associate it as being a representation or imitation of real-life or imaginary being having a body, legs, a head, and/or a tail. For example, the outer shell may give the stuffed body 8 the appearance of an animal, a monster, a doll or a mystical creature.
Accordingly, a human user perceiving the stuffed body 8 may visually associate the torso portion 16 thereof as corresponding to the torso of the being represented by the stuffed body 8. The first leg portion 24 of the stuffed body 8 may be visually associated as corresponding to the front left leg or left arm of the being represented by the stuffed body 8. The second leg portion 48 of the stuffed body 8 may be visually associated as corresponding to the rear left leg of the being represented by the stuffed body 8. The third leg portion 64 of the stuffed body 8 may be visually associated as corresponding to the front right leg or right arm of the being represented by the stuffed body 8. The fourth leg portion 88 of the stuffed body 8 may be visually associated as corresponding to the rear right leg of the being represented by the stuffed body 8. Furthermore, the first side 40 of the stuffed body 8 may be visually associated to a left side of the being and the second side 80 of the stuffed body 8 may be visually associated to a right side of the being. The head portion 104 may be visually associated with a head of the being and the tail portion 120 may be visually associated with a tail of the being.
Continuing with FIG. 1, a first channel is defined inside the stuffed body 8 and extends along a length of the first leg portion 24. The first channel continues extending along the length of the first side 40 of the torso portion 16 of the stuffed body 8. The first channel further continues along the length of the second leg portion 48. It will be appreciated that the first channel extends substantially along the length of the left side of the stuffed body 8.
Similarly, a second channel is defined inside the stuffed body 8 and extends along a length of the third leg portion 64. The second channel continues extending along the length of the second side 80 of the torso portion 16 of the stuffed body 8. The second channel further continues along the length of the fourth leg portion 88. It will be appreciated that the second channel extends substantially along the length of the right side of the stuffed body 8.
The toy apparatus 1 further includes a first bi-stable spring member 136. The first bi-stable spring member 136 is received within the first channel defined in the stuffed body 8. For clarity of illustrate, the first bi-stable spring member 136 is shown with hatching, but it will be understood that the first bi-stable spring member 136 is concealed from view when the stuffed body 8 is viewed from outside of its outer shell. The first bi-stable spring member 136 can be inserted into the stuffed body 8 during fabrication, whereby the space occupied by the first bi-stable spring member 136 corresponds to the first channel defined inside the stuffed body 8.
According to one example embodiment, the first bi-stable spring member 136 occupies a space that corresponds to the whole of the first channel. Accordingly, the first bi-stable spring member 136 also extends along the length of the first leg portion 24, the length of the first side 40 of the torso portion 16 and the length of the second leg portion 48. As illustrated, a front end of the first bi-stable spring member 136 is located in proximity of an end of the first leg portion 24 and a rear end thereof is located in proximity of an end of the second leg portion 48. The front end of the first bi-stable spring member 136 may be spaced apart from an end of the first leg portion 24 and the rear end may be spaced apart from the second leg portion 48.
The first bi-stable spring member 136 is operable between an elongated rigid state and a coiled state. In the elongated rigid state, the first bi-stable spring member 136 has a substantially straight elongated shape.
An object having a “straight” shape herein refers to a length of the that object being generally defined by a vector.
FIG. 1 illustrates the first bi-stable spring member 136 being in its elongated rigid state.
In the coiled state, the first bi-stable spring member 136 has a coiled shape.
An object being in a “coiled”, “curved” or “arched” shape herein refers to the length of that object being defined by an arch or curve.
In one example embodiment, the first bi-stable spring member 136 may coil upon itself when in the coiled state such that portions of the first bi-stable spring member 136 are substantially overlapping.
The first bi-stable spring member 136 may be actuated from its elongated rigid state to its coiled state by applying a force on an intermediate portion thereof. For example, the force may be applied by abutting the intermediate portion of the first bi-stable spring member 136 against another object. Alternatively, the force may be applied by flexing the ends of the first bi-stable spring member 136 against one another.
The first bi-stable spring member 136 may be actuated from its coiled state to its elongated rigid state by pulling the ends of the first bi-stable spring member 136 away from one another and bending the spring member 136 to a straight shape.
The first bi-stable spring member 136 is formed of a bi-stable material, such as spring steel, spring stainless steel, plastic, or a combination thereof.
According to one example embodiment, the first bi-stable spring member 136 has dimensions that corresponds to the dimensions of the stuffed body 8.
According to one example embodiment, the first bi-stable spring member 136 has a width of about ¼″.
According to one example embodiment, the first bi-stable spring member 136 has a width of about ½″.
According to one example embodiment, the first bi-stable spring member 136 has a width of about ¾″.
According to one example embodiment, the first bi-stable spring member 136 has a width of about 1″.
According to one example embodiment, the first bi-stable spring member 136 has a width of about 1½″.
According to one example embodiment, the first bi-stable spring member 136 has a length of about 2″.
According to one example embodiment, the first bi-stable spring member 136 has a length of about 3″.
According to one example embodiment, the first bi-stable spring member 136 has a length of about 4″.
According to one example embodiment, the first bi-stable spring member 136 has a length of about 5″.
According to one example embodiment, the first bi-stable spring member 136 has a length of about 10″.
According to one example embodiment, the first bi-stable spring member 136 has a length of about 20″.
According to one example embodiment, the first bi-stable spring member 136 has a length of about 50″.
According to one example embodiment, the first bi-stable spring member 136 has a thickness of about 0.010″.
According to one example embodiment, the first bi-stable spring member 136 has a thickness of about 0.012″.
According to one example embodiment, the first bi-stable spring member 136 has a thickness of about 0.015″.
According to one example embodiment, the first bi-stable spring member 136 has a thickness of about 0.020″.
The first bi-stable spring member 136 has an elasticity that allows it to maintain to its elongated rigid state or its coiled state when held under its own weight but that can be actuated to the other state under a force that may be applied by a human user, such as a human child.
According to one example embodiment, the first bi-stable spring member 136 has substantially rounded edges. The rounded edges contribute to reducing injuries when the first spring member 136 is received within the first channel of the stuffed body 8.
The toy apparatus 1 further includes a second bi-stable spring member 140. The second bi-stable spring member 140 is received within the second channel defined in the stuffed body 8. For clarity of illustrate, the second bi-stable spring member 140 is shown with hatching, but it will be understood that the second bi-stable spring member 140 is shown with hatching, but it will be understood that the second bi-stable spring member 140 is concealed from view when the stuffed body is viewed from outside of its outer shell. The second bi-stable spring member 140 can be inserted into the stuffed body 8 during fabrication, whereby the space occupied by the second bi-stable spring member 140 corresponds to the second channel defined inside the stuffed body 8.
According to one example embodiment, the second bi-stable spring member 140 occupies a space that corresponds to the whole of the second channel. Accordingly, the second bi-stable spring member 140 also extends along the length of the second leg portion 64, the length of the second side 80 of the torso portion 16 and the length of the fourth leg portion 88. As illustrated, a front end of the second bi-stable spring member 140 is located in proximity of an end of the third leg portion 64 and a rear end thereof is located in proximity of an end of the fourth leg portion 88. The front end of the second bi-stable spring member 140 may be spaced apart from an end of the third leg portion 64 and the rear end may be spaced apart from the second leg portion 88.
The second bi-stable spring member 140 is operable between an elongated rigid state and a coiled state. In the elongated rigid state, the second bi-stable spring member 140 has a substantially straight elongated shape. FIG. 1 illustrates the second bi-stable spring member 140 being in its elongated rigid state.
In the coiled state, the second bi-stable spring member 140 has a coiled shape.
The second bi-stable spring member 140 may be actuated from its elongated rigid state to its coiled state by applying a force on an intermediate portion thereof. For example, the force may be applied by abutting the intermediate portion of the second bi-stable spring member 140 against another object. Alternatively, the force may be applied by flexing the ends of the second bi-stable spring member 140 against one another.
The second bi-stable spring member 140 may be actuated from its coiled state to its elongated rigid state by pulling the ends of the second bi-stable spring member 140 away from one another and bending the spring member 140 to a straight shape.
The second bi-stable spring member 140 is formed of a bi-stable material, such as spring steel, spring stainless steel, plastic, or a combination thereof.
According to one example embodiment, the second bi-stable spring member 140 has dimensions that correspond to the dimensions of the stuffed body 8.
According to one example embodiment, the second bi-stable spring member 140 has a width of about ¼″.
According to one example embodiment, the second bi-stable spring member 140 has a width of about ½″.
According to one example embodiment, the second bi-stable spring member 140 has a width of about ¾″.
According to one example embodiment, the second bi-stable spring member 140 has a width of about 1″.
According to one example embodiment, the second bi-stable spring member 140 has a width of about 1½″.
According to one example embodiment, the second bi-stable spring member 140 has a length of about 2″.
According to one example embodiment, the second bi-stable spring member 140 has a length of about 3″.
According to one example embodiment, the second bi-stable spring member 140 has a length of about 4″.
According to one example embodiment, the second bi-stable spring member 140 has a length of about 5″.
According to one example embodiment, the second bi-stable spring member 140 has a length of about 10″.
According to one example embodiment, the second bi-stable spring member 140 has a length of about 20″.
According to one example embodiment, the second bi-stable spring member 140 has a length of about 50″.
According to one example embodiment, the second bi-stable spring member 140 has a thickness of about 0.010″.
According to one example embodiment, the second bi-stable spring member 140 has a thickness of about 0.012″.
According to one example embodiment, the second bi-stable spring member 140 has a thickness of about 0.015″.
According to one example embodiment, the second bi-stable spring member 140 has a thickness of about 0.020″.
The second bi-stable spring member 140 has an elasticity that allows it to maintain to its elongated rigid state or its coiled state when held under its own weight but that can be actuated to the other state under a force that may be applied by a human user, such as a human child.
According to one example embodiment, the second bi-stable spring member 140 has substantially rounded edges. The rounded edges contribute to reducing injuries when the first spring member 140 is received within the first channel of the stuffed body 8.
According to one example embodiment, and as illustrated in FIG. 1, the first bi-stable spring member 136 received in the first channel and the second bi-stable spring member 140 received in the second channel are oriented parallel to one another within the stuffed body 8.
According to one example embodiment, the first bi-stable spring member 136 and the second bi-stable spring member 140 have substantially the same properties, such as the same dimensions and/or the same elasticity.
According to one example embodiment, the first bi-stable spring member 136 and the second bi-stable spring member 140 are identical.
The first and second bi-stable spring members 136, 140 are coupled to one another via the torso portion 16. In one example embodiment, there is sufficient coupling between the first and second bi-stable spring members 136, 140 such that actuating one of the bi-stable spring members 136, 140 also causes actuating of the other of the bi-stable spring members 136, 140. For example, causing one of the bi-stable spring members 136, 140 to enter its coiled state from its elongated rigid state also causes the other bi-stable spring member 136, 140 to enter the coiled state.
Referring now to FIG. 2, therein illustrated is a plan view of a spring assembly 148 according to one example embodiment. The spring assembly 148 includes a bi-stable spring member, which may be a first bi-stable spring member 136 or a second bi-stable spring member 140. The spring member 148 further includes a sleeve 152 that envelopes the bi-stable spring member 136 (140). The spring assembly 148 may further include stitching 156 that extends about an outer perimeter of the spring member 136 (140). The stitching 156 contributes to retaining the spring member within the sleeve member while further enabling coupling of the sleeve 152 to a stuffed body 8.
A first spring assembly 148 that includes the first bi-stable spring member 136 may be received within the first channel of the stuffed body 8. Similarly, a second spring assembly 148 that includes the second bi-stable spring member 140 may be received within the second channel of the stuffed body 8.
The sleeve 152 provides an interface between an outer surface of a bi-stable spring member and the stuffing material defining the first channel or the second channel. For example, the sleeve 152 may be formed of a suitable fabric, vinyl or any other durable material. For example, the sleeve 152 contributes to restricting movement of the first or second bi-stable spring member within the first or second channel of the stuffed body 8.
According to one example embodiment, the sleeve 152 may be coupled to the stuffed body 8. For example, the sleeve 152 may be stitched to the stuffed body 8, such as an outer shell of the stuffed body 8.
According to various example embodiments, the stuffed body 8 of the toy apparatus 1 is substantially flexible. The shape of the stuffed body 8 is flexed according to a current state (elongated rigid state or coiled state) of the first bi-stable spring member 136 and a current state (elongated rigid state or coiled state) of the second bi-stable spring member 140.
Referring now to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 simultaneously (FIG. 3 illustrating a side elevation view of the toy apparatus 1 viewed from its second side 80 and FIG. 4 illustrated a front elevation view of the toy apparatus 1), therein illustrated is the toy apparatus 1 upon the first bi-stable spring member 136 and the second bi-stable spring member 140 being in their respective elongated rigid states. It will be appreciated that since the first and second bi-stable spring member 136, 140 both have a straight shape when in the elongated rigid state, the stuffed body 8 also has a substantially straight shape. In particular, the torso portion 16 of the stuffed body 8 has a substantially straight shape. It will be further appreciated that the extending of the first bi-stable spring member 136 along the first leg portion 24, the first side 40 of the torso portion 16 and the second leg portion 48 contributes to causing the stuffed body 8 having the substantially straight shape when the first bi-stable spring member 136 is in its elongated rigid shape. Similarly, the extending of the second bi-stable spring member 140 along the third leg portion 64, the first side 80 of the torso portion 16 and the fourth leg portion 88 also contributes to causing the stuffed body 8 having the substantially straight shape when the second bi-stable spring member 140 is in its elongated rigid shape.
Continuing with FIG. 3, according to one example embodiment, and as illustrated, a back surface 158 of the torso portion 16 of the stuffed body 8 has a substantially concave shape. Furthermore, a front surface 160 of the torso portion 16 of the stuffed body 8 is substantially flat or planar.
The third leg portion 64 extends forwardly from the upper portion 72 of the torso portion 16 and is substantially straight along an axis that is aligned with an axis defined by the torso portion 16. A lower surface 164 of the third leg portion 64 is further aligned with the forward surface 160 of the torso portion 16. Similarly, the fourth leg portion 88 extends rearwardly from the lower portion 96 of the torso portion 16 and is substantially straight along an axis that is aligned with the axis defined by the torso portion 16. A lower surface 172 of the fourth leg portion 88 is also aligned with the forward surface 160 of the torso portion 16. Accordingly, the lower surface 164 of the third leg portion 64, the lower surface 160 of the torso portion 16 and the lower surface 172 of the fourth leg portion 88 define together a continuous substantially flat surface. The first leg portion 24 and the second leg portion 48 may also have respective lower surfaces that are aligned with the forward surface 160 to also define the continuous substantially flat surface. As illustrated, the continuous substantially flat surface may be disposed over an underlying plane having a substantially flat upper surface.
As illustrated, the spring members 136 and 140 are substantially straight while in their respective elongated rigid states.
It will be appreciated that where the outer shell of the stuffed body 8 gives the stuffed body 8 the appearance of a representation or imitation of a real-life or imaginary being, the being has the appearance of being in a prone position when the first bi-stable spring member 136 and the second bi-stable spring member 140 are each in their elongated rigid states. Furthermore, the being has the appearance of having its arms and/or legs (as represented by the first leg portion 24, the second leg portion 48, the third leg portion 64 and the fourth leg portion 88) being outstretched from the torso portion 16. Generally, the being has the appearance of lying outstretched on its belly. This position of the being represented by the stuffed body 8 is intended to evoke a response from a human user that the being has a cute appearance.
The first and second bi-stable spring members 136 and 140 being in their respective elongated rigid states correspond to a disengaged position of the toy apparatus 1. Due to the front surface 160 of the torso portion 16 being substantially flat, the toy apparatus 1 can be freestanding over an underlying plane and disengaged from a human user.
Referring now to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 simultaneously, therein illustrated is the toy apparatus 1 in its engaged position according to one example embodiment. FIG. 5 illustrates a plan view of the toy apparatus 1 in the engaged position, FIG. 6 illustrates a side elevation view of the toy apparatus 1 in the engaged position viewed from the its first side 40 and FIG. 7 illustrates a front elevation view of the toy apparatus 1 in the engaged position. The toy apparatus 1 enters its engaged position upon the first bi-stable spring member 136 and the second bi-stable spring member 140 being in their respective coiled states. As best seen in FIG. 6, the first and second bi-stable spring members 136, 140 each have a coiled shape that each define an arch when in their respective coiled states. It will be further appreciated that the coiled shapes of the first and second bi-stable spring members 136, 140 further cause the stuffed body 8 to have an arched shape. In particular, due to the first bi-stable spring member 136 and the second bi-stable spring member 140 each having a coiled shape, the torso portion 16 is flexed to have an arched shape when the toy apparatus 1 is in its engaged position. Due to the first bi-stable spring member 136 extending along the length of the first leg portion 24 and the second leg portion 48, the first leg portion 24 and the second leg portion 48 are also each flexed to have an arched shape when the first bi-stable spring member is in its coiled state. Similarly, due to the second bi-stable spring member 140 extending along the length of the third leg portion 64 and the fourth leg portion 88, the third leg portion 64 and the fourth leg portion 88 are also each flexed to have an arched shape when the second bi-stable spring member 140 is in its coiled state.
Continuing with FIG. 6, according to one example embodiment, and as illustrated, a back surface 158 of the torso portion 16 of the stuffed body 8 has a substantially convex shape.
Furthermore, the front surface 160 of the torso portion 16 of the stuffed body 8 further has a concavely curved shape that partially defines a channel 180. The lower surfaces of the first leg portion 24, second leg portion 48, third leg portion 64 and fourth leg portion 84 may also each have a concavely curved shape that define the front surface 160 of the channel 180.
The channel 180 is adapted to receive a supporting member 188, whereby, upon receiving of the supporting member 188, the toy apparatus 1 is supported by and engaged to the supporting member 188. As illustrated, the curved shape of the torso portion 16, and leg portions 24, 48, 64, 88 act to grip the supporting member 188. It will be appreciated that the curved shape of the torso portion 16 and the leg portions 24, 48, 64, and 88 contour the supporting member 188, which provide increased engagement with the supporting member 188.
The supporting member 188 may be a body part of a human user, such as an arm, a leg, a neck, or waist of the human. In the illustrated example, the supporting member 188 is a gloved forearm of a user.
It will be appreciated that where the outer shell of the stuffed body 8 gives the stuffed body the appearance of a representation or imitation of a real-life or imaginary being, the being has the appearance of being in a hugging and/or clinging position when the first bi-stable spring member 136 and the second bi-stable spring member 140 are each in their coiled states. As illustrated, the being has the appearance of having its arms and/or legs (as represented by the first leg portion 24, the second leg portion 48, the third leg portion 64 and the fourth leg portion 88) being curled like in a hugging action. This position of the being represented by the stuffed body 8 is intended to evoke a response from the human user that the being has a cute appearance.
When the stuffed body 8 is engaged over a supporting member 188 that is the body part of a human user, the contouring of the supporting member 188 by the torso portion and leg portions 24, 48, 64 and 88 further provide a tactile feedback to the human user that imitates a hugging action. This tactile feedback may further evoke an increased feeling of intimacy between the toy apparatus 1 and the human user.
Advantageously, the toy apparatus 1 can change between a disengaged position and engaged position from actuating the first and second bi-stable spring members 136, 140 between their elongated rigid states and coiled states. The spring members 136, 140 are positioned within the torso portion 16 and leg portions 24, 48, 64, and 88 of the stuffed body 8 of the toy apparatus 1 to promote a sense of interaction and intimacy with a human user. The toy apparatus 1 can be disengaged from the human user while assuming a pleasing visual appearance. The toy apparatus 1 can be further engaged and self-retained onto the human user, which promotes the sense of intimacy.
While the above description provides examples of the embodiments, it will be appreciated that some features and/or functions of the described embodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments. Accordingly, what has been described above has been intended to be illustrative and non-limiting and it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A toy apparatus comprising:

a stuffed body having a torso portion, a first leg portion extending forwardly from an upper region of a first side of the torso portion, a second leg portion extending rearwardly from a lower region of the first side of the torso portion, a third leg portion extending forwardly from an upper region of a second side of the torso portion and a fourth leg portion extending rearwardly from a lower region of the second side of the torso portion, a first channel being defined within the stuffed body and extending along a length of the first leg portion, a length of the first side of the torso portion and a length of the second leg portion and a second channel being defined within the stuffed body and extending along a length of the third leg portion, a length of the second side of the torso portion and a length of the fourth leg portion;

a first bi-stable spring member received within the first channel and being operable between an elongated rigid state and a coiled state; and

a second bi-stable spring member received within the second channel and being operable between an elongated rigid state and a coiled state.

2. The toy apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first bi-stable spring member extends along the length of the first leg portion, the length of the first side of the torso portion and the length of the second leg portion; and

wherein the second bi-stable spring member extends along the length of the third leg portion, the length of the second side of the torso portion and the length of the fourth leg portion.

3. The toy apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first bi-stable spring member and the second bi-stable spring member are oriented parallel to one another within the stuffed body.

4. The toy apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first bi-stable spring member has a substantially straight elongated shape while in the elongated rigid state and has a coiled shape while in the coiled state; and

wherein the second bi-stable spring member has a substantially straight elongated shape while in the elongated rigid state and has a coiled shape while in the coiled state.

5. The toy apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first bi-stable spring member and the second bi-stable spring member have substantially the same elasticity.

6. The toy apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stuffed body is substantially flexible.

7. The toy apparatus of claim 6, wherein the torso portion of the stuffed body is substantially straight upon the first elongated spring member entering the elongated rigid state and the second elongated spring member entering the elongated rigid state.

8. The toy apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first leg portion and the second leg portion are substantially straight upon the first elongated spring member entering the elongated rigid state; and

wherein the third leg portion and the fourth leg portion are substantially straight upon the second elongated spring member entering the elongated rigid state.

9. The toy apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first leg portion and the second leg portion are substantially arched upon the first spring member entering the coiled state; and

wherein the third leg portion and the fourth leg portion are substantially arched upon the second elongated spring member entering the coiled state.

10. The toy apparatus of claim 9, wherein the torso portion of the stuffed body is substantially arched upon the first elongated spring member entering the coiled state and the second elongated spring member entering the coiled state.

11. The toy apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a first sleeve enveloping the first spring member and being received within the first channel; and

a second sleeve enveloping the second spring member and being received within the second channel.

12. The toy apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first sleeve is formed of a fabric material and wherein the second sleeve is formed of a fabric material.

13. The toy apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first sleeve and the second sleeve are coupled to the stuffed body.

14. The toy apparatus of claim 13, wherein the first sleeve and the second sleeve are coupled to the stuffed body by stitching.

15. The toy apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stuffed body further comprises a head portion extending from a central upper region of the torso portion.

16. The toy apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a tail portion extending from a lower region of the torso portion.

17. The toy apparatus of claim 15, wherein the stuffed body has the visual appearance of one of an animal, monster, doll and mystical creature.

18. The toy apparatus of claim 17, wherein the toy apparatus is sized to wrap around a body member of a human user.

19. A toy apparatus comprising:

a first bi-stable spring member received within the first channel and being operable between an elongated rigid state and a coiled state, the first bi-stable spring member extending along the length of the first leg portion, the length of the first side of the torso portion and the length of the second leg portion, the first bi-stable spring member having a substantially straight elongated shape while in the elongated rigid state and having a coiled shape while in the coiled state; and

a second bi-stable spring member received within the second channel and being operable between an elongated rigid state and a coiled state, the second bi-stable spring member extending along the length of the third leg portion, the length of the second side of the torso portion and the length of the fourth leg portion, the second bi-stable spring member having a substantially straight elongated shape while in the elongated rigid state and having a coiled shape while in the coiled state, the second bi-stable spring member being oriented parallel to the first bi-stable spring member within the stuffed body, the second bi-stable spring member having substantially the same elasticity as the first bi-stable spring member;

wherein the torso portion of the stuffed body is substantially straight upon the first elongated spring member entering the elongated rigid state and the second elongated spring member entering the elongated rigid state and is substantially arched upon the first elongated spring member entering the coiled state and the second elongated spring member entering the coiled state;

wherein the first leg portion and the second leg portion are substantially straight upon the first elongated spring member entering the elongated rigid state and are substantially arched upon the first spring member entering the coiled state; and

wherein the third leg portion and the fourth leg portion are substantially straight upon the second elongated spring member entering the elongated rigid state and are substantially arched upon the second elongated spring member entering the coiled state.

20. The toy apparatus of claim 19, wherein the stuffed body further comprises a head portion extending from a central upper region of the torso portion; and

wherein the stuffed body has the visual appearance of one of an animal, monster, doll and mystical creature; and

wherein the toy apparatus is sized to wrap around a body member of a human user.