US20220401846A1

US20220401846A1 - Extendable toys

Info

Publication number: US20220401846A1
Application number: US17/714,773
Authority: US
Inventors: Frank R. Tortorici
Original assignee: Wonderfuljungle LLC
Current assignee: Wonderfuljungle LLC
Priority date: 2021-06-22
Filing date: 2022-04-06
Publication date: 2022-12-22

Abstract

Extendable toys comprise an extendable portion configured to be selectively manipulated between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration, and a body portion coupled to the extendable portion.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent application No. 63/213,630, filed on Jun. 22, 2021, the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to toys.

SUMMARY

Extendable toys comprise an extendable portion configured to be selectively manipulated between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration, and a body portion that is coupled to the extendable body portion. In some examples, the extendable toy represents a character, such as an animal, a creature, a person, a vehicle, or another plaything. In some examples, the extendable toy further comprises a second body portion that is coupled to the extendable portion opposite the first body portion. In some examples, the first body portion and the second body portion each comprise a stuffed plush element, and the extendable portion comprises a pop tube.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration representing examples of extendable toys according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates an extendable toy according to the present disclosure, shown with its extendable portion in the retracted configuration.

FIG. 3 illustrates the extendable toy of FIG. 2 , shown with its extendable portion in the extended configuration.

FIG. 4 illustrates the extendable toy of FIG. 2 , shown with its extendable portion in a partially extended configuration.

FIG. 5 illustrates the extendable toy of FIG. 2 , shown with its extendable portion in a bent configuration.

FIG. 6 illustrates another extendable toy according to the present disclosure, shown with its extendable portion in the retracted configuration.

FIG. 7 illustrates the extendable toy of FIG. 6 , shown with its extendable portion in the extended configuration.

FIG. 8 illustrates another extendable toy according to the present disclosure, shown with its extendable portion the retracted configuration.

FIG. 9 illustrates the extendable toy of FIG. 8 , shown with its extendable portion in the extended configuration.

FIG. 10 illustrates another extendable toy according to the present disclosure, having two sections and shown with its extendable portion in the retracted configuration.

FIG. 11 illustrates the extendable toy of FIG. 10 , shown with its extendable portion in the extended configuration.

FIG. 12 illustrates the extendable toy of FIG. 10 , shown with the two sections uncoupled from each other.

FIG. 13 illustrates another extendable toy according to the present disclosure, having extendable portions shown in their retracted configurations.

FIG. 14 illustrates another extendable toy according to the present disclosure, having extendable portions shown in their retracted configurations.

DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates extendable toys 10 according to the present disclosure. Generally, in FIG. 1 , elements that are likely to be included in a given example are illustrated in solid lines, while elements that are optional to a given example or correspond to an alternative embodiment are illustrated in dashed lines. However, elements that are illustrated in solid lines are not essential to all examples of the present disclosure, and an element shown in solid lines may be omitted from a particular example without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Elements illustrated in dash-dot lines represent modified configurations of the elements.
As schematically represented in solid lines in FIG. 1 , extendable toys 10 comprise at least an extendable portion 12 and a body portion 18 that is coupled to the extendable body portion. The body portion 18 may be coupled to the extendable portion 12 via any suitable mechanism, such as depending on the material construction of the body portion 18 and the extendable portion 12. As examples, the body portion 18 and the extendable portion 12 may be coupled together with an adhesive, with stitching, with one or more mechanical fasteners, etc.
The extendable portion 12 is configured to be selectively manipulated between a retracted configuration 14, schematically represented in solid lines in FIG. 1 , and an extended configuration 16, schematically represented in dash-dot lines in FIG. 1 . Being manipulable between the retracted configuration 14 and the extended configuration increases the play value and enables a user, typically a child, to reconfigure an extendable toy 10 amongst various configurations.
Extendable toys 10 may take a variety of forms, such as based on a desired age-level, based on a desired theme, etc. In some examples, extendable toys 10 may be described as representing a character 22, such as (but not limited to) an animal, a creature, a person, a vehicle, a symbol, or another plaything.
In some examples, the body portion 18 may be described as comprising an attribute 20 of a character 22. For example, the attribute 20 may comprise a head, a body, a torso, a limb, limbs, an arm, arms, a hand, hands, a leg, legs, a foot, feet, a wing, wings, a tail, tails, a tentacle, tentacles, a top, a bottom, a front, a rear, a symbol, symbols, indicia, and/or text 24 of the character 22. The attribute 20 may be defined by a shape, a color, and/or a material of the body portion 18 and/or by or with indicia or other elements on or of the body portion 18.
In some examples, the body portion 18 comprises or is a plush element 26, such as a stuffed plush element. As used herein, a “plush element” is a component with an outer surface constructed of a soft, flexible material, such as often used to construct so-called stuffed animals, stuffed toys, plushes, plushies, lovies, stuffies, soft toys, and cuddly toys, examples of which include (but are not limited to) synthetic fabrics (e.g., polyester fabrics) and natural fiber fabrics (e.g., cotton, wool, etc.). A “stuffed plush element” is a plush element that defines an internal cavity filled with a soft fill (e.g., polyester fiber fill).
In some examples, the extendable portion 12 is configured to remain in the retracted configuration 14 absent manipulation of the extendable portion 12. That is, the extendable portion 12 may not be biased away from the retracted configuration 14 when manipulated to the retracted configuration 14 by a user. Accordingly, a user may selectively configure the extendable portion 12 to the retracted configuration 14 and have it remain in the retracted configuration 14 until such time that the user chooses to manipulate the extendable portion 12 out of the retracted configuration 14. Similarly, in some examples, the extendable portion 12 is configured to remain in the extended configuration 16 absent manipulation of the extendable portion 12. That is, the extendable portion 12 may not be biased away from the extended configuration 16 when manipulated to the extended configuration 16 by a user. Accordingly, a user may selectively configure the extendable portion 12 to the extended configuration 16 and have it remain in the extended configuration 16 until such time that the user chooses to manipulate the extendable portion 12 out of the extended configuration 16. As a result, a user may select which configuration to configure the extendable portion 12 to for a period of time for play and then subsequently choose to reconfigure the extendable portion 12 during play.
In some examples, the extendable portion 12 is configured to be selectively manipulated amongst a range of partially extended configurations between the retracted configuration 14 and the extended configuration 16. In particular, in some such examples, the extendable portion 12 is configured to remain in a partially extended configuration of the range of partially extended configurations absent manipulation of the extendable portion 12. That is, a user may selectively manipulate the extendable portion 12 amongst a plurality of configurations as part of play itself or to select a desired configuration for play, and in such examples, the extendable portion 12 is not limited to only being manipulated to the retracted configuration 14 and the extended configuration 16. This gives the user multiple ways of playing with an extendable toy 10 and increases the play value thereof.
In some examples, the extendable portion 12 is configured to be selectively manipulated between a linear configuration and one or more bent configurations. In some such examples, the extendable portion 12 is configured to remain in the linear configuration absent manipulation of the extendable portion 12, and in some examples, the extendable portion 12 also is configured to remain in a bent configuration of the one or more bent configurations absent manipulation of the extendable portion 12. Again, this gives the user multiple ways of playing with an extendable toy 10 and increases the play value thereof.
The extendable portion 12 may be constructed from any suitable material and have any suitable construction for the corresponding example. In some examples, the extendable portion 12 is constructed of a plastic material, but other material also may be used. In some examples, the extendable portion 12 has an accordion construction, which facilitates the manipulation of the extendable portion 12 between the retracted configuration 14 and the extended configuration 16.
In some examples, the extendable portion 12 is configured to emit a sound responsive to manipulation of the extendable portion 12 between the retracted configuration 14 and the extended configuration 16. Such examples may provide additional play value to a user.
In some examples, the extendable portion 12 comprises two or more sections 27 that are coupled together. In some such examples, the two or more sections 27 are configured to be selectively uncoupled from each other. Such a construction may provide the user with additional play options. Moreover, in some such examples, a user may be able to selectively combine elements from more than one extendable toy 10 to create a new, or combined, extendable toy 10.
In some examples, the extendable portion 12 comprises a pop tube 28. Pop tubes are toys in the form of plastic tubes having an accordion construction. Some pop tubes have threaded ends configured to threadingly engage with an adjacent pop tube of the same size and construction. Other pop tubes have press fit, or friction fit, configured ends that are configured to mate with an adjacent pop tube of the same size and construction. Pop tubes make pop sounds when they are transitioned between their extended and retracted positions. Moreover, a pop tube may be manipulated into a partially extended configuration and into bent configurations, and pop tubes generally are configured to remain in a configuration absent manipulation thereto. That is, pop tubes are not generally biased toward an extended or retracted configuration. Additionally, pop tubes make a “pop” sound when extended or compressed between different lengths of the pop tube, which adds additional play value to the extendable toy 10.
As schematically represented in FIG. 1 , some extendable toys 10 further comprise a second body portion 18 that is coupled to the extendable portion 12 opposite a first body portion 18. Like the first body portion 18, the second body portion 18 may be described as comprising an attribute 20 of a character 22. As with the attribute 20 of the first body portion 18, the attribute 20 of the second body portion 18 may comprise a head, a body, a torso, a limb, limbs, an arm, arms, a hand, hands, a leg, legs, a foot, feet, a wing, wings, a tail, tails, a tentacle, tentacles, a top, a bottom, a front, a rear, a symbol, symbols, indicia, and/or text 24 of the character 22. The attribute 20 of the second body portion 18 may be defined by a shape, a color, and/or a material of the second body portion 18 and/or by or with indicia or other elements on or of the second body portion 18. In some examples, the attribute 20 of the second body portion 18 differs from the attribute 20 of the first body portion 18. For example, the attribute 20 of the first body portion 18 may comprise a head of an animal or creature, and the attribute 20 of the second body portion 18 may comprise a tail of the animal or creature. As another example, the attribute 20 of the first body portion 18 may comprise a head of an animal or creature, and the attribute 20 of the second body portion 18 may comprise a body, legs, and a tail of the animal or creature. Other combinations of attributes also may be utilized and incorporated into extendable toys 10.
In some examples, the second body portion 18 comprises a plush element 26, such as a stuffed plush element.
As schematically represented in FIG. 1 , in examples of extendable toys 10 that further comprise a second body portion 18, some such examples further comprise a tether 38 that is coupled to and that extends between the first body portion 18 and the second body portion 18. The tether 38, when present, may take any suitable construction, examples of which include a ribbon, a cord, a rope, a lanyard, a string, yarn, a braid, etc. The tether 38 may be coupled to each of the first body portion 18 and the second body portion 18 utilizing any suitable mechanism, such as depending on the material construction of the first body portion 18, the second body portion 18, and the tether 38. As examples, the tether 38 may be coupled to each of the first body portion 18 and the second body portion 18 with one or more of an adhesive, stitching, one or more mechanical fasteners, etc.
In some examples, the extendable portion 12 defines an internal passage 40, and the tether 38 passes through the internal passage 40. A pop tube 28 is an example of an extendable portion 12 having an internal passage 40 and through which a tether 38 may pass.
In some examples that include a tether 38, when the extendable portion 12 is in the extended configuration 16, the tether 38 is configured to restrict the extendable portion 12 from being lengthened beyond an effective length of the extendable portion 12 in the extended configuration 16. As used herein, an “effective length” is a maximum length of the extendable portion 12 when the tether is present and operatively coupled to the first body portion 18 and the second body portion 18. In some such examples, if the tether 38 were not present and operatively coupled to the first body portion 18 and the second body portion 18, the extendable portion 12 would be capable of being lengthened beyond the effective length. Accordingly, the tether 38, when present will restrict, or prevent, manipulation of the extendable portion 12 beyond its effective length. As a result, if a user continues to pull the first body portion 18 and the second body portion 18 away from each other once the extendable portion 12 already is in the extended configuration 16, the tether 38 will serve to restrict, or prevent, the first body portion 18 and/or the second body portion 18 from being inadvertently and/or detrimentally uncoupled from the extendable portion 12, such as by adhesive or other failure of the coupling therebetween.
As schematically and optionally illustrated in FIG. 1 , extendable toys 10 may comprise more than one extendable portion 12 coupled to a body portion 18, and extendable toys 10 may comprise more than two body portions 18. When more than one extendable portion 12 is included in an extendable toy 10, each extendable portion 12 may comprise any of the various features and characteristics discussed herein with respect to extendable portions 12. Similarly, when more than two body portions 18 are included in an extendable toy 10, each body portion 18 may comprise any of the various features and characteristics discussed herein with respect to body portions 18. Additionally, when more than one extendable portion 12 and more than two body portions 18 are included in an extendable toy 10, a tether 38 may extend through each extendable portion 12 and be operatively coupled to corresponding body portions 18.
Turning now to FIGS. 2-14 , illustrative non-exclusive examples of extendable toys 10 in the form of extendable toys 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 are illustrated. Where appropriate, the reference numerals from the schematic illustration of FIG. 1 are used to designate corresponding parts of extendable toys 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600; however, the examples of FIGS. 2-14 are non-exclusive and do not limit extendable toys 10 to the illustrated embodiments of extendable toys 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600. That is, extendable toys 10 are not limited to the specific embodiments of the illustrated extendable toys 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600, and extendable toys 10 may incorporate any number of the various aspects, configurations, characteristics, properties, etc. of the extendable toys that are illustrated in and discussed with reference to the schematic representation of FIG. 1 and/or the embodiments of FIGS. 2-14 , as well as variations thereof, without requiring the inclusion of all such aspects, configurations, characteristics, properties, etc. For the purpose of brevity, each previously discussed component, part, portion, aspect, region, etc. or variants thereof may not be discussed, illustrated, and/or labeled again with respect to extendable toys 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600; however, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that the previously discussed features, variants, etc. may be utilized with extendable toys 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600.
Extendable toy 100 of FIGS. 2-5 is an example of an extendable toy 10 that represents a snake with two body portions 18 and one extendable portion 12. One of the body portions 18 has an attribute 20 of the snake's head, the other of the body portions 18 has an attribute 20 of the snake's tail, and the extendable portion 12 represents the snake's body. Each of the body portions 18 of extendable toy 100 comprises a stuffed plush element 26. The extendable portion 12 of extendable toy 100 comprises a single pop tube 28. The extendable portion 12 of extendable toy 100 is shown in the retracted configuration 14 in FIG. 2 , in the extended configuration 16 in FIG. 3 , in a partially extended configuration in FIG. 4 , and in a bent configuration in FIG. 5 . Moreover, as schematically indicated in FIGS. 2-5 , extendable toy 100 comprises a tether 38 that restricts the pop tube 28 from being lengthened beyond an effective length corresponding to the extended configuration 16, shown in FIG. 3 . As seen in FIG. 3 at the far right end of the pop tube 28, several folds of the accordion construction of the pop tube 28 have been restricted from being spaced-apart as a result of the presence of the tether 38.
Extendable toy 200 of FIGS. 6 and 7 is an example of an extendable toy 10 that represents a shark with the two body portions 18 and one extendable portion 12. One of the body portions 18 has an attribute 20 of the shark's head and a forward region of the shark's body including its dorsal fin and pectoral fins, the other of the body portions 18 has an attribute 20 of the shark's caudal fin, and the extendable portion 12 represents a rear region of the shark's body. Each of the body portions of extendable toy 200 comprises a stuffed plush element 26. The extendable portion 12 of extendable toy 200 comprises a single pop tube 28. The extendable portion 12 of extendable toy 200 is shown in the retracted configuration 14 in FIG. 6 and in the extended configuration 16 in FIG. 7 . Moreover, as schematically indicated in FIGS. 6 and 7 , extendable toy 200 comprises a tether 38 that restricts the pop tube 28 from being lengthened beyond an effective length corresponding to the extended configuration 16, shown in FIG. 7 . As seen in FIG. 7 at the far left end of the pop tube 28, several folds of the accordion construction of the pop tube 28 have been restricted from being spaced-apart as a result of the presence of the tether 38.
Extendable toy 300 of FIGS. 8 and 9 is an example of an extendable toy 10 that represents a dinosaur with two body portions 18 and one extendable portion 12. One of the body portions 18 has an attribute 20 of the dinosaur's head, the other of the body portions 18 has an attribute 20 of the dinosaur's body, legs, and tail, and the extendable portion 12 represents the dinosaur's neck. Each of the body portions 18 of extendable toy 300 comprises a stuffed plush element 26. The extendable portion 12 of extendable toy 300 comprises a single pop tube 28. The extendable portion 12 of extendable toy 300 is shown in the retracted configuration 14 in FIG. 8 and in the extended configuration 16 in FIG. 9 . Moreover, as schematically indicated in FIGS. 8 and 9 , extendable toy 300 comprises a tether 38 that restricts the pop tube 28 from being lengthened beyond an effective length corresponding to the extended configuration 16, shown in FIG. 9 . As seen in FIG. 9 at the far right end of the pop tube 28, several folds of the accordion construction of the pop tube 28 have been restricted from being spaced-apart as a result of the presence of the tether 38.
Extendable toy 400 of FIGS. 10-12 is another example of an extendable toy 10 that represents a snake with two body portions 18 and one extendable portion 12. Like extendable toy 200 of FIGS. 2-5 , one of the body portions 18 of extendable toy 400 has an attribute 20 of the snake's head, the other of the body portions 18 has an attribute 20 of the snake's tail, and the extendable portion 12 represents the snake's body. The body portions 18 of extendable toy 400 each comprise a stuffed plush element 26. Unlike extendable toy 200 of FIGS. 2-5 , the extendable portion 12 of extendable toy 400 comprises two sections 27, each in the form of a pop tube 28 with threaded ends that may be selectively coupled and decoupled from each other. The extendable portion 12 of extendable toy 400 is shown in the retracted configuration 14 in FIG. 10 , is shown in the extended configuration 16 in FIG. 11 , and is shown with the two pop tubes 28 decoupled from each other in FIG. 12 . As shown, extendable toy 400 comprises a tether 38 that restricts the extendable portion 12 (when the two sections 27 are coupled together) from being lengthened beyond an effective length corresponding to the extended configuration 16, shown in FIG. 11 .
Extendable toy 500 of FIG. 13 is an example of an extendable toy 10 that represents a sloth with three body portions 18 and two extendable portions 12. One of the body portions 12 has an attribute 20 of the sloth's head, torso, legs, and feet, two of the body portions 18 each have an attribute 20 of a hand, and the two extendable portions 12 represent the sloth's arms. The body portions 18 of extendable toy 500 each comprise a stuffed plush element 26. Each extendable portion 12 of extendable toy 500 comprises a pop tube 28. In FIG. 13 , each extendable portion 12 is shown in the retracted configuration 14. Extendable toy 500 comprises two tethers 38 that restrict the extendable portions 12 from being lengthened beyond their effective length.
Extendable toy 600 of FIG. 14 is an example of an extendable toy 10 that represents a heart character with three body portions 18 and two extendable portions 12. One of the body portions 12 has an attribute 20 of a heart with text 24, two of the body portions 18 each have an attribute 20 of a hand, and the two extendable portions 12 represent arms of the heart character. The body portions 18 of extendable toy 600 each comprise a stuffed plush element 26. Each extendable portion 12 of extendable toy 600 comprises a pop tube 28. In FIG. 14 , each extendable portion 12 is shown in the retracted configuration 14. Extendable toy 600 comprises two tethers 38 that restrict the extendable portions 12 from being lengthened beyond their effective length.
Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of inventive subject matter according to the present disclosure are described in the following enumerated paragraphs:
A. An extendable toy (10), comprising:
an extendable portion (12) configured to be selectively manipulated between a retracted configuration (14) and an extended configuration (16); and
a body portion (18) coupled to the extendable portion (12).
A1. The extendable toy (10) of paragraph A, wherein the extendable toy (10) represents a character (22).
A1.1. The extendable toy (10) of paragraph A1, wherein the character (22) is an animal, a creature, a person, a vehicle, a symbol, or another plaything.
A1.2. The extendable toy (10) of any of paragraphs A1-A1.1, wherein the body portion (18) comprises an attribute (20) of the character (22).
A1.2.1. The extendable toy (10) of paragraph A1.2, wherein the attribute (20) comprises a head, a body, a torso, a limb, limbs, an arm, arms, a hand, hands, a leg, legs, a foot, feet, a wing, wings, a tail, tails, a tentacle, tentacles, a top, a bottom, a front, a rear, a symbol, symbols, indicia, and/or text (24) of the character (22).
A2. The extendable toy (10) of any of paragraphs A-A1.2.1, wherein the body portion (18) comprises a plush element (26).
A2.1. The extendable toy (10) of paragraph A2, wherein the plush element (26) is a stuffed plush element.
A3. The extendable toy (10) of any of paragraphs A-A2.1, wherein the extendable portion (12) is configured to remain in the retracted configuration (14) absent manipulation of the extendable portion (12).
A4. The extendable toy (10) of any of paragraphs A-A3, wherein the extendable portion (12) is configured to remain in the extended configuration (16) absent manipulation of the extendable portion (12).
A5. The extendable toy (10) of any of paragraphs A-A4, wherein the extendable portion (12) is configured to be selectively manipulated amongst a range of partially extended configurations between the retracted configuration (14) and the extended configuration (16).
A5.1. The extendable toy (10) of paragraph A5, wherein the extendable portion (12) is configured to remain in a partially extended configuration of the range of partially extended configurations absent manipulation of the extendable portion (12).
A6. The extendable toy (10) of any of paragraphs A-A5.1, wherein the extendable portion (12) is configured to be selectively manipulated between a linear configuration and one or more bent configurations.
A6.1. The extendable toy (10) of paragraph A6, wherein the extendable portion (12) is configured to remain in the linear configuration absent manipulation of the extendable portion (12).
A6.2. The extendable toy (10) of any of paragraphs A6-A6.1, wherein the extendable portion (12) is configured to remain in a bent configuration of the one or more bent configurations absent manipulation of the extendable portion (12).
A7. The extendable toy (10) of any of paragraphs A-A6.2, wherein the extendable portion (12) is constructed of a plastic material.
A8. The extendable toy (10) of any of paragraphs A-A7, wherein the extendable portion (12) has an accordion construction.
A9. The extendable toy (10) of any of paragraphs A-A8, wherein the extendable portion (12) is configured to emit a sound responsive to manipulation of the extendable portion (12) between the retracted configuration (14) and the extended configuration (16).
A10. The extendable toy (10) of any of paragraphs A-A9, wherein the extendable portion (12) comprises two or more sections (27) coupled together.
A11.1. The extendable toy (10) of paragraph A11, wherein the two or more sections (27) are configured to be selectively uncoupled from each other.
A12. The extendable toy (10) of any of paragraphs A-A11.1, wherein the extendable portion (12) comprises a pop tube (28).
A13. The extendable toy (10) of any of paragraphs A-A12, wherein the body portion (18) is a first body portion (18), the extendable toy (10) further comprising:
a second body portion (18) coupled to the extendable portion (12) opposite the first body portion (18).
A13.1. The extendable toy (10) of paragraph A13 when depending from paragraph A1.2, wherein the attribute (20) is a first attribute (20), and wherein the second body portion (18) comprises a second attribute (20) of the character (22).
A13.1.1. The extendable toy (10) of paragraph A13.1, wherein the second attribute (20) comprises a head, a body, a torso, a limb, limbs, an arm, arms, a hand, hands, a leg, legs, a foot, feet, a wing, wings, a tail, tails, a tentacle, tentacles, a top, a bottom, a front, a rear, a symbol, symbols, indicia, and/or text (24) of the character (22).
A13.1.1.1. The extendable toy (10) of paragraph A13.1.1, wherein the second attribute (20) differs from the first attribute (20).
A13.2. The extendable toy (10) of any of paragraphs A13-A13.1.1.1 when depending from paragraph A2, wherein the plush element (26) is a first plush element (26), and wherein the second body portion (30) comprises a second plush element (26).
A13.2.1. The extendable toy (10) of paragraph A13.2, wherein the second plush element (26) comprises a stuffed plush element.
A13.3. The extendable toy (10) of any of paragraphs A13-A13.2.1, further comprising a tether (38) coupled to and extending between the first body portion (18) and the second body portion (18).
A13.3.1. The extendable toy (10) of paragraph A13.3, wherein the extendable portion (12) defines an internal passage (40), and wherein the tether (38) passes through the internal passage (40).
A13.3.2. The extendable toy (10) of any of paragraphs A13.3-A13.3.1, wherein in the extended configuration (16), the extendable portion (12) has an effective length, and wherein the tether (38) is configured to restrict the extendable portion (12) from being lengthened beyond the effective length.
A13.3.2.1. The extendable toy (10) of paragraph A13.3.2, wherein without the tether (38) present, the extendable portion (12) is capable of being lengthened beyond the effective length.
A14. The extendable toy (10) of any of paragraphs A-A13.3.2.1, wherein the extendable portion (12) is a first extendable portion (12), the extendable toy (10) further comprising a second extendable portion (12), wherein the body portion (18) is coupled to the second extendable portion (12).
A14.1. The extendable toy (10) of paragraph A14 when depending from paragraph A13, further comprising a third body portion (18) coupled to the second extendable portion (12) opposite the first body portion (18).
A14.2. The extendable toy (10) of any paragraphs A14-A14.1, further comprising more than two extendable portions (12).
A14.2.1. The extendable toy (10) of paragraphs A14-A14.1, further comprising more than three body portions (18).
As used herein, the terms “adapted” and “configured” mean that the element, component, or other subject matter is designed and/or intended to perform a given function. Thus, the use of the terms “adapted” and “configured” should not be construed to mean that a given element, component, or other subject matter is simply “capable of” performing a given function but that the element, component, and/or other subject matter is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and/or designed for the purpose of performing the function. It is also within the scope of the present disclosure that elements, components, and/or other recited subject matter that is recited as being adapted to perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as being configured to perform that function, and vice versa. Similarly, subject matter that is recited as being configured to perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as being operative to perform that function.
As used herein, the term “and/or” placed between a first entity and a second entity means one of (1) the first entity, (2) the second entity, and (3) the first entity and the second entity. Multiple entries listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same manner, i.e., “one or more” of the entities so conjoined. Other entities optionally may be present other than the entities specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those entities specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B,” when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising,” may refer, in one example, to A only (optionally including entities other than B); in another example, to B only (optionally including entities other than A); in yet another example, to both A and B (optionally including other entities). These entities may refer to elements, actions, structures, steps, operations, values, and the like.
The various disclosed elements of apparatuses and steps of methods disclosed herein are not required to all apparatuses and methods according to the present disclosure, and the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements and steps disclosed herein. Moreover, one or more of the various elements and steps disclosed herein may define independent inventive subject matter that is separate and apart from the whole of a disclosed apparatus or method. Accordingly, such inventive subject matter is not required to be associated with the specific apparatuses and methods that are expressly disclosed herein, and such inventive subject matter may find utility in apparatuses and/or methods that are not expressly disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An extendable toy that represents a character, comprising:

an extendable portion configured to be selectively manipulated between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration, wherein the extendable portion is configured to remain in the retracted configuration absent manipulation of the extendable portion, and wherein the extendable portion is configured to remain in the extended configuration absent manipulation of the extendable portion; and

a body portion coupled to the extendable portion;

wherein the character is an animal, a creature, a person, a vehicle, a symbol, or another plaything, wherein the body portion comprises an attribute of the character, and wherein the attribute comprises a head, a body, a torso, a limb, limbs, an arm, arms, a hand, hands, a leg, legs, a foot, feet, a wing, wings, a tail, tails, a tentacle, tentacles, a top, a bottom, a front, a rear, a symbol, symbols, indicia, and/or text of the character.

2. The extendable toy of claim 1, wherein the body portion comprises a plush element.

3. The extendable toy of claim 2, wherein the plush element is a stuffed plush element.

4. The extendable toy claim 1, wherein the extendable portion is configured to be selectively manipulated amongst a range of partially extended configurations between the retracted configuration and the extended configuration.

5. The extendable toy of claim 4, wherein the extendable portion is configured to remain in a partially extended configuration of the range of partially extended configurations absent manipulation of the extendable portion.

6. The extendable toy of claim 1, wherein the extendable portion is configured to be selectively manipulated between a linear configuration and one or more bent configurations.

7. The extendable toy of claim 6, wherein the extendable portion is configured to remain in the linear configuration absent manipulation of the extendable portion.

8. The extendable toy of claim 6, wherein the extendable portion is configured to remain in a bent configuration of the one or more bent configurations absent manipulation of the extendable portion.

9. The extendable toy of claim 1, wherein the extendable portion has an accordion construction.

10. The extendable toy of claim 1, wherein the extendable portion is configured to emit a sound responsive to manipulation of the extendable portion between the retracted configuration and the extended configuration.

11. The extendable toy of claim 1, wherein the extendable portion comprises two or more sections coupled together.

12. The extendable toy of claim 11, wherein the two or more sections are configured to be selectively uncoupled from each other.

13. The extendable toy of claim 1, wherein the extendable portion comprises a pop tube.

14. The extendable toy of claim 1;

wherein the body portion is a first body portion;

wherein the attribute is a first attribute;

wherein the extendable toy further comprises a second body portion coupled to the extendable portion opposite the first body portion;

wherein the second body portion comprises a second attribute of the character; and

wherein the second attribute comprises a head, a body, a torso, a limb, limbs, an arm, arms, a hand, hands, a leg, legs, a foot, feet, a wing, wings, a tail, tails, a tentacle, tentacles, a top, a bottom, a front, a rear, a symbol, symbols, indicia, and/or text of the character.

15. The extendable toy of claim 14, wherein the first body portion comprises a first plush element, and wherein the second body portion comprises a second plush element.

16. The extendable toy of claim 14, further comprising a tether coupled to and extending between the first body portion and the second body portion;

wherein the extendable portion defines an internal passage, and wherein the tether passes through the internal passage.

17. The extendable toy of claim 16, wherein in the extended configuration, the extendable portion has an effective length, and wherein the tether is configured to restrict the extendable portion from being lengthened beyond the effective length.

18. The extendable toy of claim 14,

wherein the extendable portion is a first extendable portion;

wherein the extendable toy further comprises a second extendable portion and a third body portion coupled to the second extendable portion opposite the first body portion;

wherein the third body portion comprises a third attribute of the character; and

wherein the third attribute comprises a head, a body, a torso, a limb, limbs, an arm, arms, a hand, hands, a leg, legs, a foot, feet, a wing, wings, a tail, tails, a tentacle, tentacles, a top, a bottom, a front, a rear, a symbol, symbols, indicia, and/or text of the character.

19. The extendable toy of claim 18,

wherein the first body portion comprises a first plush element, wherein the second body portion comprises a second plush element, wherein the third body portion comprises a third plush element, wherein the first extendable portion comprises a first pop tube, and wherein the second extendable portion comprises a second pop tube;

wherein the extendable toy further comprises:

a first tether coupled to and extending between the first body portion and the second body portion and extending through the first pop tube; and

a second tether coupled to and extending between the first body portion and the third body portion and extending through the second pop tube.

20. An extendable toy that represents a character, comprising:

two body portions, wherein each body portion represents an attribute of the character; and

means for manipulating the two body portions relative to each other.