US20240238683A1 - Reversible toy with coupling appendages - Google Patents
Reversible toy with coupling appendages Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20240238683A1 US20240238683A1 US18/623,318 US202418623318A US2024238683A1 US 20240238683 A1 US20240238683 A1 US 20240238683A1 US 202418623318 A US202418623318 A US 202418623318A US 2024238683 A1 US2024238683 A1 US 2024238683A1
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- reversible
- reversible toy
- toy
- coupling
- appendage
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- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 265
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 265
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Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H3/00—Dolls
- A63H3/02—Dolls made of fabrics or stuffed
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H3/00—Dolls
- A63H3/04—Dolls with deformable framework
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H3/00—Dolls
- A63H3/12—Double-faced dolls
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H3/00—Dolls
- A63H3/36—Details; Accessories
- A63H3/365—Details; Accessories allowing a choice of facial features, e.g. to change the facial expression
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H3/00—Dolls
- A63H3/36—Details; Accessories
- A63H3/46—Connections for limbs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H33/00—Other toys
- A63H33/26—Magnetic or electric toys
Definitions
- the described embodiments relate generally to toys, such as plus toys.
- Plush toys such as stuffed animals and other characters, may have many different formats and characteristics. Some toys may even come in “sets” along with related characters. However, these toys currently may not include features in which to couple the related characters together. As such, the need continues for systems and techniques to facilitate the coupling of plush toys.
- a reversible toy in one example, includes a body including a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface.
- the body is reversible between a first configuration and a second configuration to alternatingly present the first and second surfaces as an outer body surface defining an exterior of the body.
- the other of the first and second surfaces alternatingly defines a stored body surface defining an interior cavity within the body.
- the reversible toy further includes an appendage attached to the body at the first surface and comprising a coupling feature.
- the coupling feature is configured to couple the reversible toy to an object at the appendage.
- a reversible toy in another example, includes a body having a first material layer and a second material layer.
- the body is reversible between a first configuration and second configuration.
- the first material layer defines an outer body surface of the body and the second material layer defines an interior cavity of the body.
- the second material layer defines the outer body surface and the first material defines the interior cavity.
- the reversible toy further includes a coupling appendage attached to the first material layer and comprising a coupling feature. The coupling appendage is alternatingly positionable between the outer body surface and the interior cavity based on a configuration of the body in the first or second configurations.
- the reversible toy further includes a non-coupling appendage attached to the second material layer.
- the non-coupling appendage is alternatingly positionable between the outer body surface and the interior cavity based on a configuration of the body in the first or the second configurations.
- a reversible toy in another example, includes a first material layer and a second material layer cooperating to define a body.
- the first material layer and the second material layer are coupled by a stitched edge defining an opening extending into an interior cavity.
- the body is collapsible through the opening and reversible between a first configuration and a second configuration to alternatingly present the first material layer and the second material layer as an outer body surface defining an exterior of the body.
- the other of the first and the second material layers alternatingly define a stored body surface defining the interior cavity.
- the reversible toy further includes a coupling appendage attached to the first material layer and configured to move relative to the first material layer to releasably couple the reversible toy to an object.
- the reversible toy further includes a non-coupling appendage attached to the second material layer and configured to move based on movement of the second material layer.
- a kit of reversible toys includes a first reversible toy configured to reverse between a first configuration and a second configuration.
- the first reversible toy includes a coupling appendage located at a height on a body of the first reversible toy.
- the kit includes a second reversible toy configured to reverse between a first configuration and a second configuration.
- the second reversible toy includes a coupling appendage located at a height on a body of the second reversible toy.
- the height on the body of the first reversible toy is the same as the height on the body of the second reversible toy.
- the coupling appendage of the first reversible toy and the coupling appendage of the second reversible toy are configured to couple together with the first reversible toy in the first configuration and the second reversible toy in the first configuration such that the first reversible toy and the second reversible toy are coupled together.
- the first reversible toy and the second reversible toy are prevented from coupling together with at least one of the first reversible toy in the second configuration or the second reversible in the second configuration.
- a reversible toy in another example, includes a coupling appendage extending from a first surface of the reversible toy.
- the coupling appendage includes a coupling appendage material, a magnet, and stuffing. The stuffing is positioned around the magnet and both the stuffing and the magnet are captured by the coupling appendage material.
- the reversible toy includes a non-coupling appendage extending from a second surface of the reversible toy.
- the non-coupling appendage includes a non-coupling appendage material and stuffing captured by the non-coupling appendage material.
- the non-coupling appendage being free of magnetic materials.
- the first surface and the second surface are opposite each other and stuffing is positioned between the first surface and the second surface.
- FIG. 1 depicts a front view of a reversible toy in a first configuration.
- FIG. 2 depicts a bottom view of the reversible toy of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 depicts a top view of the reversible toy of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 depicts a side view of the reversible toy of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 5 depicts a front view of the reversible toy of FIG. 1 in a second configuration.
- FIG. 6 depicts a bottom view of the reversible toy of FIG. 5 .
- FIG. 7 depicts a top view of the reversible toy of FIG. 5
- FIG. 8 depicts a side view of the reversible toy of FIG. 5 .
- FIG. 9 depicts a cross-sectional view of the reversible toy of FIG. 1 , taken along line 9 - 9 of FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 10 depicts a cross-sectional view of the reversible toy of the present disclosure being transitioned between the first configuration and the second configuration.
- FIG. 11 depicts a cross-sectional view of the reversible toy of FIG. 5 , taken along line 11 - 11 of FIG. 8 .
- FIG. 12 depicts a pair of reversible toys with each reversible toy in a first configuration and separated from one another.
- FIG. 13 depicts the pair of reversible toys of FIG. 12 with each reversible toy in the first configuration and releasably coupled to one another.
- FIG. 14 depicts the pair of reversible toys of FIG. 12 with each reversible toy in a second configuration and separated from one another.
- FIG. 15 depicts the pair of reversible toys of FIG. 12 separated from one another with one reversible toy in the first configuration and another reversible toy in the second configuration.
- the following disclosure relates generally to plush toys that may be convertible or reversible between a first configuration and a second configuration.
- the plush toy may be coupleable with another object, such as another plush toy.
- the plush toy may lack the ability to couple with another object, such as another plush toy.
- the ability to couple with another object may be selected to match with an aesthetic element of the plush toy, e.g., a first configuration may have a “happy” face and including the coupleable functionality and a second configuration may have a “sad” or “angry” face and not include the coupleable functionality.
- the plush toy may for example, “hold hands” with another plush toy in the “happy” configuration and will not “hold hands” with another plush toy in the “sad” or “angry” configuration.
- An example plush toy includes a body having a first body surface and a second body surface opposite the first body surface.
- a stuffing material such as a loose fill, a foam, soft beads, compressible material or items, and so on, may separate the first and the second surfaces from one another, e.g., may be positioned between the two surfaces.
- the stuffing material may generally allow for the relative movement of the first and the second surfaces relative to one another and relative to the stuffing material.
- the stuffing material may also establish a plushness, squishy, or soft feel of the plush toy.
- the body may generally define an interior cavity having an opening and an opposing closed top end.
- the first surface may define the outer body surface and the second surface may define a stored body surface that defines the interior cavity within the body.
- the body may be manipulated in order to reversibly convert the plush toy into the second configuration in which the second surface defines the outer body surface and the first surface defines the stored body surface.
- the first and the second surfaces may be compressed and collapsed through the opening to alternatingly present the first and second surfaces as the outer body surface defining the exterior of the body; and the other of the first and second surfaces alternatingly defining the stored body surface defining the interior cavity.
- the plush toy may include the appendages associated with each of the first and second surfaces.
- the appendages may be the same shape, dimension, and located in the same relative position on both surfaces, but in other configurations may be differently configured.
- the appendages may extend from and travel with the respective first and second surfaces.
- the appendages associated with the first surface may alternatingly be arranged on the outer body surface and the stored body surface
- appendages associated with the second surface may alternatingly be arranged on the stored body surface and the outer body surface.
- the appendages may be configured to deform and collapse through the opening with the respective first and second surfaces.
- a coupling appendage is associated with the first surface and a non-coupling appendage is associated with the second surface.
- the coupling appendage may include a coupling feature, such as a magnet, configured to releasably couple the reversible plush toy to another object at the coupling appendage.
- the coupling feature may exert an attraction force configured to releasably secure, affix, attach, associate, or join the reversible plush toy to another object, such as another reversible plush toy.
- the coupling feature may be concealed within a material defining the appendage, which may obscure the functionality of appendage upon visual inspection, which may allow a more “magical” type of experience for the user when the toy can be coupled to another.
- the non-coupling appendage may be free from any coupling feature, including being free from any magnetic material. In this regard, the non-coupling appendage may not be configured to couple the reversible plush toy to another object.
- the plush toy may be configured to selectively couple with another object based on the body being in the first or second configurations.
- the first surface and the associated coupling appendage may define or otherwise be arranged at the outer body surface. This may allow the coupling appendage to selectively couple to another object using the coupling feature.
- the reversible plush toy may be manipulated in order to arrange the second surface and the associated non-coupling appendage to define the outer body surface while arranging the coupling appendage at the stored body surface and interior cavity. This may prevent the plush toy from coupling to another object.
- the stuffing material and/or material layers of the body may operate to attenuate the attraction force from the coupling appendage held in the interior cavity and the non-coupling appendage on the exterior is free from a coupling feature.
- Facial features, marking, graphical elements, or other indicia on the first and/or the second surface may indicate a configuration of the plush toy and the function of the associated appendages.
- the first surface may include facial features that resemble a happy demeanor, including eyes, lips, or the like, recognizable as warm or playful. These facial features may provide an indication that the plush toy is in a configuration in which the appendage at the outer body surface is a coupling appendage capable of selectively coupling the reversible toy to another object, such as another reversible toy.
- the second surface may include facial features that resemble an unpleasant demeanor, including eyes, lips, or the like, recognizable as harsh or confrontational.
- facial features may provide an indication that the plush toy is in a configuration in which the appendage at the outer body surface is a non-coupling appendage not capable of selectively coupling the reversible toy to another object.
- Other graphical elements may be used as well, such as icons, patches, etc. that may be reflective of a “state” of the toy, e.g., able to connect to other toys or unable to connect.
- FIGS. 1 - 4 depict a reversible toy 100 in a first configuration A.
- FIGS. 5 - 8 depict the reversible toy 100 in a second configuration A′.
- the reversible toy 100 is configured to convert or transition, reversibly between the first configuration A and the second configuration A′.
- the features and components described with respect to a presenting exterior of the reversible toy 100 in the first configuration A may be substantially concealed within an interior of the reversible toy 100 in the second configuration A′.
- features and components described with respect to a presenting exterior of the reversible toy in the second configuration A′ may be substantially concealed within an interior of the reversible toy 100 in the first configuration A.
- the reversible toy 100 includes a body 102 .
- the body 102 may include a first material layer 104 and a second material layer 108 .
- the first and second material layers 104 , 108 may be formed at least partially from a fabric material, including cloths, felts, and fibrous materials, having various textures.
- the first or second material layers 104 , 108 may be formed at least partially from a smooth material, such as a nylon.
- the first or second material layers 104 , 108 may be formed from a texturally rough but plush material, such as certain high thread count fabrics.
- the body 102 further includes a stuffing material 124 , as shown in FIG. 9 , arranged within an inner body cavity 117 defined between the first and second material layers 104 , 108 .
- the stuffing material 124 may include a loose fill, a foam, soft beads, compressible items, and other types of materials. More broadly the stuffing material 124 may substantially any material that provides a soft feel or plushness to the reversible toy 100 and may act to fill a “volume” or define a structure or shape for the body.
- the stuffing material 124 may be a separate material from the first and second material layers 104 , 108 of the body 102 .
- the stuffing material 124 may be resiliently deformable, allowing the body 102 to be compressed with the application of force, and return to an uncompressed shape when the force ceases.
- the reversible toy 100 and any of the reversible toys described herein, may be a plush toy; however, this is not required.
- some or substantially all of the reversible toy 100 may be defined by a rigid structure, including plastic and other layers that may operate to stiffen portions of the reversible toy 100 .
- the rigid structure may be elastically deformable, such as may be the case for certain plastic and metal materials that are formed as a layer or sheet of material.
- the rigid structure may include more brittle or substantially inflexible components, such as may be the case where the rigid structure defines a solid, cast- or extrusion-molded structure for the reversible toy 100 , such as extremity.
- the first material layer 104 may define a first surface 106 of the body 102 , as shown in FIGS. 1 - 4 .
- the first surface 106 may define an outer body surface 112 of the reversible toy 100 in the first configuration A.
- the outer body surface 112 may be an outer or exterior surface of the reversible toy 100 that is visible to a user when the reversible toy 100 is in the first configuration A.
- the outer body surface 112 may be configured to resemble the shape of an animal, a cartoon character, a human, or other shape, including fanciful and arbitrary shapes. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the shape may be selected based on an aesthetic appearance in addition to a shape that is readily transformative into the interior body surface.
- the first surface 106 may include several material layers coupled to one another in order to define the outer body surface 112 .
- the first surface 106 may include a composite or patchwork of materials.
- the first surface 106 includes a patch portion 160 .
- the patch portion 160 and/or other any other portions of the reversible toy 100 that form the first surface 106 may be at least partially formed from a fabric material substantially analogous to the first and second material layers 104 , 108 .
- any reference herein to a first surface may include a plurality of materials or material sections, while in other case, a single material section or piece may be used, that is, the material for a body surface may be integrally formed.
- the second material layer 108 may define a second surface 110 that may define a stored body surface 114 .
- the stored body surface 114 may be an interior surface of the reversible toy 100 when the reversible toy 100 is in the first configuration A.
- the stored body surface 114 may define an interior cavity 116 having an opening 118 and an opposing closed top end 120 .
- the second material layer 108 may be partially compressed or manipulated and have creases 113 about the opening 118 , as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the opening 118 is shown in FIG. 9 as having a diameter d o and the body 102 is shown as having a diameter d b , which may correspond to a maximum diameter of the body 102 .
- the diameter do may be less than the diameter d b , such as having a value of at least three-fourths the diameter d b , of at least one-half the diameter d b , of at least one-fourth the diameter d b or less.
- the second material layer 108 may define the second surface 110 as an outer body surface 112 ′ of the reversible toy 100 .
- the outer body surface 112 ′ may be an outer or exterior surface of the reversible toy 100 visible to a user when the reversible toy 100 is in the second configuration A′.
- the outer body surface 112 ′ may be substantially analogous to the outer body surface 112 configured to resemble the shape of an animal, a cartoon character, a human, or other shape, including fanciful and arbitrary shapes.
- the body surface 112 ′ may be selected based on aesthetic features, as well as a shape that is readily transformative into the alternate body shape.
- the outer body surfaces 112 , 112 ′ may have substantially the same shape or dimension.
- the second surface 110 may also include several material layers coupled to one another in order to define the outer body surface 112 ′.
- the second surface 110 may include a composite or patchwork of materials or material sections or portions.
- the second surface 110 includes a patch portion 162 .
- the patch portion 162 and/or other any other portions of the reversible toy 100 that form the second surface 110 may be at least partially formed from a fabric material substantially analogous to the first and the second material layers 104 , 108 .
- any reference herein to a second surface may include a plurality of materials, while in other cases, a single material may be used, e.g., a single integral material section may be used or multiple sections coupled together may be used.
- the optional patch work construction of the second surface 110 may also define the interior cavity 116 when the reversible toy 100 is in the first configuration A.
- the first material layer 104 may define a portion of the first surface 106 that defines a stored body surface 114 ′.
- the stored body surface 114 ′ may be an interior surface of the reversible toy 100 when the reversible toy 100 is in the second configuration A′.
- the optional patch work construction of the first surface 106 may also define the interior cavity 116 ′.
- the stored body surface 114 ′ may define an interior cavity 116 ′ having an opening 118 ′ and an opposing closed top end 120 ′.
- the first material layer 104 may be partially compressed or manipulated and have creases 114 about the opening 118 ′, as shown in FIG. 6 .
- the opening 118 ′ may have a diameter that is the same or substantially similar to the diameter d o of the opening 118 .
- the reversible toy 100 may include various appendages associated with the first surface 106 or the second surface 110 . Some appendages may be configured to cause a coupling of the reversible toy 100 with another object, such as another reversible toy, whereas other appendages lack the ability to cause such coupling, and may otherwise be decorative in nature. With reference to the first surface 106 and as shown in FIGS. 1 - 4 , the reversible toy 100 may include a first coupling appendage 130 a and a second coupling appendage 130 b .
- the first and second coupling appendages 130 a , 130 b may be configured to releasably secure, affix, attach, associate, or join the reversible toy 100 to another object.
- the first and second coupling appendages 130 a , 130 b may resemble the shape of wing, arm, tentacle, or other extremity that may be selected to match an artistic rendering of the body shape, character, or the like.
- the first coupling appendage 130 a has a first appendage length 191 a and a second coupling appendage 130 b has a second appendage length 191 b .
- the first and second lengths 191 a , 191 b may be less than the maximum width of the body 102 , such as having a value of at least half the width of the body 102 , of at least one-fourth the width of the body 102 , of at least one-eighth the width of body 102 , or less.
- the first and second lengths 191 a , 191 b may be configured to mitigate or prevent the first and second coupling appendages 130 a , 130 b from coupling with one another.
- the body 102 may interrupt or prevent from the first and second coupling appendages 130 a , 130 b from coupling with one another, as the respective lengths 191 a , 191 b may be insufficient for the first and second coupling appendages 130 a , 130 b to overcome the size of the body 102 .
- first and second lengths 191 a , 191 b may be larger, such as may be the case where it is desirable that the coupling appendages have the optional functionality of coupling with one another and/or where the body 102 defines a character, animal, or other design that has a diminutive or reduced size as compared with coupling appendages 130 a , 130 b . While FIG. 1 shows the first and second lengths as being substantially equal, this is not required.
- the first coupling appendage 130 a may include a first coupling appendage material 132 a and a second coupling appendage materials 132 b .
- the first and second coupling appendage materials 132 a , 132 b may be a fabric material substantially analogous to the first or second material layers 104 , 108 . While shown in FIG. 3 as separate materials, the first and second coupling appendage materials 132 a , 132 b may in other cases be portions of the first material layer 104 .
- the first and second coupling appendage materials 132 a , 132 b may define a substantially flat outer or exterior surface of the coupling appendage 130 a .
- the first and second coupling appendage materials 132 a , 132 b may define a pocket 134 a or cavity.
- the pocket 134 a may be filled with a coupling appendage stuffing material 125 a .
- the coupling appendage stuffing material 125 a may be similar to the stuffing material 124 and may separate the first and second coupling appendage materials 132 a , 132 b from one another to define a shape of the pocket 134 a . In some cases, the coupling appendage stuffing material 125 a may be omitted.
- the second coupling appendage 130 b may be substantially analogous to the first coupling appendage 130 a and includes a first coupling appendage material 133 a , a second coupling appendage material 133 b , a pocket 135 b , and a coupling appendage stuffing material 125 b , redundant explanation of which is omitted for clarity.
- the first coupling appendage 130 a may include a first coupling feature 136 a .
- the first coupling feature 136 a may be or include magnets or more generally magnetic features.
- the first coupling feature 136 a may have a first or negative magnetic polarity 137 a on a first side and a second or positive magnetic polarity 137 b on a second opposing side.
- the first coupling feature 136 a may be arranged such that the polarity 137 a is aligned or substantially parallel with the flat exterior surface defined by the second coupling appendage material 132 b .
- first coupling feature 136 a may be arranged such that the polarity 137 b is aligned or substantially parallel with the flat exterior surface defined by the first coupling appendage material 132 a .
- the arrangement of the first coupling feature 136 a may therefore allow the first coupling feature 130 a to be releasably coupled with a coupling feature of another toy. For example, and as shown and described in greater detail below with respect to FIG.
- the arrangement of the first coupling feature 136 a with the polarizations 137 a , 137 b adjacent or parallel with the materials 132 a , 132 b or “palms” of the first coupling feature 130 a may allow the first coupling feature 130 a to overlap with the “palm” or coupling feature of another toy in an overlapping manner.
- the second coupling feature 130 b may include a second coupling feature 136 b having a first or negative magnetic polarity 138 a , and a second or positive magnetic polarity 138 b.
- the first coupling feature 136 a may be associated with the coupling appendage stuffing material 125 a in the first coupling appendage 130 a .
- the coupling appendage stuffing material 125 a may be a loose fill or other material, and the first coupling feature 136 a may be engaged with the loose fill of the coupling appendage stuffing material 125 a in the first coupling appendage 130 a .
- the coupling appendage stuffing material 125 a may substantially surround the first coupling feature 136 a .
- a portion of the coupling appendage stuffing material 125 a may be placed along a first side of the first coupling feature 136 a (e.g., a side having the first magnetic polarity 137 a ) and another portion of the coupling appendage stuffing material 125 a may be placed along an opposing second side of the first coupling feature 136 a (e.g., a side having the second magnetic polarity 137 b ).
- the coupling appendage stuffing material 125 a may be arranged to conceal a tactile feel of the first coupling feature 136 a .
- the coupling appendage stuffing material 125 a may be configured to have a thickness relative to the first coupling feature 136 a that does not impair or impede or attenuate the magnetic force of the first coupling feature 136 a .
- the second coupling feature 136 b may be similarly arranged with the coupling appendage stuffing material 125 b.
- the reversible toy 100 may include a first auxiliary appendage 140 a , and a second auxiliary appendage 140 b .
- the first and second auxiliary appendages 140 a , 140 b may resemble the shape of a foot or other extremity. Other examples, include, tentacles, arms, legs, or the like and may be varied based on the character or aesthetic features of the toy.
- the first and second auxiliary appendages 140 a , 140 b may generally be free of magnetic materials or other coupling features.
- the first and second auxiliary appendages 140 a , 140 b may include a coupling feature, similar to the coupling features 136 a , 136 b described above.
- the reversible toy further includes various appendages visible in the second configuration A′.
- the reversible toy 100 may include a first non-coupling appendage 170 a and a second non-coupling appendage 170 b .
- the first and second non-coupling appendages 170 a , 170 b may resemble the shape of wing or other extremity.
- the first and second non-coupling appendages 170 a , 170 b have a size and/or shape substantially analogous to the coupling appendages 130 a , 130 b described above.
- the first and/or second non-coupling appendages 170 a , 170 b may be less than the maximum width of the body 102 , such as having a value of at least half the width of the body 102 , of at least one-fourth the width of the body 102 , of at least one-eighth the width of body 102 , or less. While FIG. 1 shows the first and second lengths as being substantially equal, this is not required.
- the first non-coupling appendage 170 a may include a first coupling appendage material 172 a and a second coupling appendage materials 172 b .
- the first and second coupling appendage materials 172 a , 172 b may be a fabric material substantially analogous to the first or second material layers 104 , 108 . While shown in FIG. 7 as separate materials, the first and second coupling appendage materials 172 a , 172 b may in other cases be portions of the second material layer 108 .
- the first and second coupling appendage materials 172 a , 172 b may having a stuffing material arranged therebetween, such as any of the stuffing materials described herein.
- the first non-coupling appendage 170 a may generally be free of any coupling features or magnetic materials, i.e., the non-coupling appendage includes only material and optionally stuffing.
- the second non-coupling appendage 170 b may be substantially analogous to the first non-coupling appendage 170 a and include a first coupling appendage material 173 a , a second coupling appendage material 173 b , and optional stuffing material held therein.
- the first and second non-coupling appendages 170 a , 170 b may have more stuffing material by volume than the stuffing material of the coupling appendages 130 a , 130 b , for example, to account or make up for the lack of magnetic material or other coupling member in the non-coupling appendages 170 a , 170 b .
- the reversible toy may further include a third auxiliary appendage 140 c , and a fourth auxiliary appendage 140 d , similar to the first and second auxiliary appendages described above, redundant explanation of which is omitted for clarity.
- the reversible toy 100 may include a first auxiliary appendage 140 a , and a second auxiliary appendage 140 b .
- the first and second auxiliary appendages 140 a , 140 b may resemble the shape of a foot or other extremity.
- the first and second auxiliary appendages 140 a , 140 b may generally be free of magnetic materials or other coupling features.
- the first and second auxiliary appendages 140 a , 140 b may include a coupling feature, similar to the coupling features 136 a , 136 b described above.
- the reversible toy 100 may further include various features that may provide an indication of the reversible toy 100 being in the first configuration A or the second configuration A′.
- the body features may correspond to a coupling or connective state of the toy
- the body 102 or other portion of the reversible toy may include graphics, logos, or other indicia that indicate the reversible toy 100 is in the first configuration A′.
- the indicia may provide an indication that the reversibly toy 100 is in a state in which the reversible toy 100 is capable of joining to another object, such as another toy.
- the reversible toy 100 includes a face region 150 .
- the face region 150 may include a collection of indicia, symbols, marking, patches, and so on that cooperate to provide an indication that the reversible toy 100 is in the first configuration A.
- the face region 150 includes a collection of features that resemble a face having of a happy demeanor, including eyes 152 and a beak 153 .
- the eyes 152 may aesthetically contribute to the happy demeanor of the face region 150 , such as having a shape or color that is recognized as warm, playful, or friendly.
- the beak 153 may aesthetically contribute to the happy demeanor of the face region 150 , such as by forming a smile, or alternatively the beak 153 may be a generally emotionally neutral feature of the face.
- the eyes 152 and beak 153 may be cartoonish in nature in order to emphasize an emotional state of the face region 150 .
- Each of the eyes 152 and the beak 153 may be separate fabric layers (or a composite of fabric layers). In some cases, some or all of the eyes 152 and the beak 153 may be portions of the first material layer 104 , such as a dyed or otherwise demarcated portion of the first material layer 104 that forms the foregoing facial features.
- the face region 150 is presented in the first configuration A with the appendages 130 a , 130 b extending from the body 102 .
- the presentation of the face region 150 having the happy demeanor may indicate that the appendages 130 a , 130 b are coupling appendages having a coupling feature, and hence the reversible toy 100 , with the happy demeanor, is in a configuration that allows the reversible toy 100 to couple with another object, such as another reversible toy.
- the reversible toy 100 includes a face region 155 .
- the face region 155 may include a collection of indicia, symbols, marking, patches, and so on that cooperate to provide an indication that the reversible toy 100 is in the second configuration B.
- the face region 155 includes a collection of features that resemble a face having an unpleasant demeanor, including eyes 156 , pupils 157 , and a beak 158 . Sample unpleasant demeanors include anger, sadness, and disgust.
- the eyes 156 may aesthetically contribute to the unpleasant demeanor of the face region 150 , such as having a shape or color that is recognized as harsh, confrontational, or unapproachable.
- the pupil 157 may emphasize the unpleasant demeanor.
- the beak 158 may aesthetically contribute to the unpleasant demeanor of the face region 155 , such as by forming a frown, or alternatively the beak 158 may be a generally emotionally neutral feature of the face.
- the features of the second face region 155 may be constructed in manner similar to the features of the first region 150 described above, including being formed from separate material layers and/or being partially or fully integrated with the second material layer 108 .
- the face region 155 is presented in the second configuration A′ with the appendages 170 a , 170 b extending from the body 102 .
- the presentation of the face region 155 having the unpleasant demeanor may indicate that the appendages 170 a , 170 b are non-coupling appendages, and hence the reversible toy 100 , with the unpleasant demeanor, is in a configuration that prevents the reversible toy 100 from coupling with another object, such as another reversible toy.
- the reversible toy 100 may be coupled such that the first material layer 104 and second material layer 108 are coupled to one another to define the internal cavity 116 therebetween.
- the reversible toy 100 may include a stitching 109 used to join the first and second material layers 104 , 108 .
- the first and second material layers 104 , 108 may be joined to one another with the stitching 109 about the openings 118 , 118 ′.
- the stitching 109 may including a thread, an elastic or other structure to physically attach the first and second material layers 104 , 108 to one another.
- the stitching 109 may define a stitching ring, which may define a circular shape of the first and second material layers 104 , 108 about the openings 118 , 118 ′. Additionally or alternatively, a retaining ring, such as a plastic or metal ring, may be used in conjunction or in place of the stitching 109 . In any construction, the stitching 109 may allow the openings 118 , 118 ′ to maintain a substantially constant diameter d o , during a manipulation of the reversible toy, such as a reversible conversion between the first and second configurations A, A′.
- the stitching 109 is shown for purposes of illustration as a substantially circular shape, it will be appreciated the stitching 109 may take the form of substantially any shape in order to facilitate a coupling of the first and second materials layers 104 , 108 .
- the stitching 109 may be configured in a shape that may match a shape of the body 102 , including shapes that include sharp angles and/or shapes that are irregular or that may vary as the reversible toy 100 is manipulated. Additionally or alternatively, the stitching 109 may couple the first and second material layers 104 , 108 and define an undulating edge of the reversible toy 100 .
- the stitching 109 may define a terminal bottom edge of the reversible toy 100 that forms a sinusoidal or wave-like pattern.
- One such undulating edge is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/422,260 (Attorney Docket No. P268868.US.03), entitled “Dual Body Convertible Toy with Flexible Bottom Edge,” of which is incorporated by reference herein.
- the first and second material layers 104 , 108 may be coupled to one another in a manner that traps the stuffing material 124 within the inner body cavity 117 , as shown in FIGS. 9 - 11 .
- the first and second material layers 104 , 108 may be coupled to one another along the stitching 109 in order to define the inner body cavity 117 .
- the stuffing material 124 may be arranged within the inner body cavity 117 .
- the stitching 109 may close the inner body cavity 117 in order to prevent the stuffing material 124 from exiting the inner body cavity 117 . In this manner, the stuffing material 124 may be trapped in the inner body cavity 117 .
- the stuffing material 124 may be trapped in the inner body cavity in a manner that permits movement of the stuffing material 124 and first and second material layers 104 , 108 .
- the first and second material 104 , 108 may allow the stuffing material 124 to move substantially freely within the inner body cavity 117 .
- the stuffing material 124 may allow the first and second material layers 104 , 108 to move relative to one another.
- the stuffing material 124 may be arranged in the inner body cavity 117 to fill substantially the entire volume. In this regard, the stuffing material 124 may help maintain a shape of the body 102 by pressing against the first and second materials layers 104 , 108 to define a full shape of the body 102 .
- the stuffing material 124 may have sufficient structure to define a shape of the body.
- the first material layer 104 may be coupled to define the first surface 106 . While many constructions are possible, FIGS. 1 - 4 shows the first material layer 104 including a front and back portions coupled along a seam 105 a , as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the first material layer 104 may also be coupled with a transverse seam 105 b that extends extend substantially perpendicularly relative to the seam 105 a along a topmost portion of the body 102 .
- the seams 105 a , 105 b may operate to shape the first material layer 104 to define a partial dome shape at the topmost portion of the body 102 .
- the transverse seam 105 b may end above the face region 150 , which may relax the first material layer 104 at the face region 150 to define a more cylindrical or bulbous shape of the body 102 .
- the patch portion 160 may be coupled to the first material layer 104 along a seam 161 .
- the patch portion 160 may be arranged over the first material layer 104 .
- the patch portion 160 and the first material layer 104 may be substantially abutting along the seam 161 .
- the eyes 152 and beak 153 may also be stitched to the first material layer 104 along one or more seams.
- the coupling appendages 130 a , 130 b and the auxiliary appendages 140 a , 140 b may also be stitched to the first material layer 104 .
- the coupling appendages 130 a , 130 b may be stitched to the first material layer 104 so that the pockets 134 a , 134 b are separate or isolated from the inner body cavity 117 . In other cases, the coupling appendages 130 a , 130 b may be stitched to the first material layer 104 to define the pockets 134 a , 134 b as continuous with or extend from the inner body cavity 116 .
- the first and second material layers 104 , 108 may be coupled to one another in a manner that traps the stuffing material 124 within the inner body cavity 117 , as shown in FIGS. 9 - 11 .
- the stuffing material 124 may be trapped in the inner body cavity 117 in a manner that permits movement of the stuffing material 124 and first and second material layers 104 , 108 .
- the first and second material 104 , 108 may allow the stuffing material 124 to move substantially freely within the inner body cavity 117 .
- the stuffing material 124 may allow the first and second material layers 104 , 108 to move relative to one another.
- the stuffing material 124 may be arranged in the inner body cavity 117 to fill substantially the entire volume.
- the stuffing material 124 may help maintain a shape of the body 102 by pressing against the first and second materials layers 104 , 108 to define a full shape of the body 102 , e.g., the stuffing material expands against the material layers to define the shape of the body.
- the second material layer 108 may be coupled to define the second surface 110 . While many constructions are possible, FIGS. 5 - 8 shows the second material layer 108 including a front and back portions coupled along a seam 111 a , as shown in FIG. 7 .
- the second material layer 108 may also be coupled with a transverse seam 111 b that extends extend substantially perpendicularly relative to the seam 111 a along a topmost portion of the body 102 .
- the seams 111 a , 111 b may operate to shape the second material layer 108 to define a partial dome shape at the topmost portion of the body 102 . As shown in FIG.
- the transverse seam 111 b may end above the face region 155 , which may relax the second material layer 108 at the face region 155 to define a more cylindrical or bulbous shape of the body 102 .
- the body 102 may have substantially the same shape and/or dimensions in each of the first and second configurations A, A′.
- the patch portion 162 may be coupled to the second material layer 108 along a seam 163 .
- the patch portion 162 , the eyes 156 , pupils 157 , beak 158 , non-coupling appendages 170 a , 170 b , third auxiliary appendage 142 a , fourth auxiliary appendage 142 b may be coupled with the second body material in a manner similar to like components of the first material layer 104 , described above.
- the reversible toy 100 is configured to convert, reversibly, between a first configuration A and a second configuration A′.
- FIGS. 9 - 11 show a progression of cross-sectional views that show the operation of the reversible toy 100 undergoing a reversible conversion between the first configuration A and the second configuration A′.
- the reversible toy is shown in the first configuration A.
- the first material layer 104 defines the outer body surface 112 and the second material layer 108 define the stored body surface 114 .
- the coupling appendages 130 a , 130 b are arranged along an exterior of the body 130 .
- the coupling features 136 a , 136 b may releasable couple the reversible toy to another object at the coupling appendages 130 a , 130 b , such as another object having magnetic properties.
- the lengths 191 a , 191 b of the coupling appendages may be sufficiently small such that that coupling appendages 130 a , 130 b are prevented from coupling to the same surface simultaneously.
- the first and second material layers 104 , 108 may be compressed, deformed, or otherwise manipulated in order to collapse the body 102 through the opening 118 and define the second configuration A′.
- the reversible toy 100 is shown receiving a manipulation force f m .
- the manipulation force f m may be a force that causes the first and second materials 104 , 108 at the closed top end 120 to compress toward one another and move toward and through the opening 118 . This may cause a collapse or otherwise abrupt, non-linear deformation of the body 102 .
- a compressed region 121 may be defined between the first and second material layers 104 , 108 .
- diameter d o of the opening 118 may be less than the diameter d b of the body 102 , and the diameter opening d o may generally remain substantially constant throughout the transformation between the first and second configurations A, A′. This may cause the first and second material layers 104 , 108 to define the compressed region 121 in order to pass through the opening 118 .
- the stuffing material 124 may be compressed between the first and second material layers 104 , 108 at the compressed region 121 . As the first and second material layers 104 , 108 are advanced through and out of the opening 118 , the first and second material layers 104 , 108 may cease compressing the stuffing material 124 , allowing the stuffing material 124 to return to an uncompressed shape.
- the reversible toy 100 may continue to receive the manipulation force f m until the first and second material layers 104 , 108 are advanced completely fully through the opening 118 in order to define the second configuration A′, as shown in FIG. 11 .
- the first and second material layers 104 , 108 are alternated, swapped, inside out, or otherwise reversed from the arrangement of the layers in the first configuration A.
- the first material layer 104 defines the stored body surface 114 ′ and the second material layer 108 defines the outer body surface 112 ′.
- the coupling appendages 130 a , 130 b are arranged within the interior cavity 116 ′. Accordingly, the coupling appendages 130 a , 130 b are separated from an exterior of the reversible toy 100 by a distance d f , as defined by the first and second material layers 104 , 108 and the stuffing material 124 trapped therebetween.
- the coupling features 136 a , 136 b may exert an attraction force f a , as described herein.
- the attraction force f a may be attenuated by the first and second material layers 104 , 108 and the stuffing material 124 such that the attraction force f a is not operable to cause a coupling of the reversible toy to another object, when the reversible toy 100 is in the second configuration A′.
- the reversible toy 100 may be selectively couplable with a second reversible toy 1200 .
- the second reversible toy 1200 may be substantially analogous to the reversible toy 100 and include, a body 1202 having a first configuration B and a second configuration B′, a first material layer 1204 , a first surface 1206 , a second material layer 1208 , a second surface 1210 , an outer body surface 1212 , an outer body surface 1212 ′, a first coupling appendage 1230 a , a second coupling appendage 1230 b , a coupling element 1236 having a first magnetic polarization 1237 a and a second magnetic polarization 1237 b , auxiliary appendages 1240 , auxiliary appendages 1242 , a face region 1250 , eyes 1252 , a beak 1253 , a face region 1255 , eyes 1256 , pupils 1257
- the reversible toy 100 and the second reversible toy 1200 may be arranged adjacent one another.
- the coupling features 136 b may be arranged within the coupling appendage 130 b of the reversible toy 100 such that the first magnetic polarity 138 a is defined along a generally back-facing surface of the coupling feature 136 b and the second magnetic polarity 138 b is defined along a generally front-facing surface of the coupling feature 136 b .
- the coupling feature 1236 may be arranged within the coupling appendage 1230 a such that the first magnetic polarity 1237 a is defined along a generally back-facing surface of the coupling feature 1236 and the second magnetic polarity 1237 b is defined along a generally front-facing surface of the coupling feature 1236 .
- the respective polarizations of the coupling features 136 b , 1236 may cause the second magnetic polarization 138 b to be attracted to the first magnetic polarization 1237 a and vice versa.
- the reversible toy 100 and the second reversible toy 1200 may be move toward one another surface that coupling appendages 130 b , 1230 a are coupled to one another.
- the coupling appendages 130 b , 1230 a may be coupled to one another to define an overlap 1300 .
- the overlap 1300 may define a lap joint or a layered connection.
- the generally back-facing surface of the coupling appendage 130 b may be engaged with the generally front facing-surface of the coupling appendage 1230 a , as the first magnetic polarity 138 a and the second magnetic polarity 1237 b attract one another.
- the coupling appendages 130 b , 1230 a may resemble or mimic human hand holding.
- the generally front facing-surface of the coupling appendage 1230 a may resemble a palm or surface of an open hand.
- the generally back-facing surface of the coupling appendage 130 b may resemble another surface of an open hand.
- the palm of the coupling appendage 1230 a may resemble a holding of the “hand” of the coupling appendage 130 b.
- the coupling appendages 130 b , 1230 a may be coupled with one another to define the overlap with the generally front-facing surface of the coupling feature 130 b engaged with the generally back-facing surface of the coupling appendage 1230 a .
- the generally happy demeanor of the face regions 150 , 1250 may indicate that the reversible toy 100 , 1200 are in a configuration in which the appendages are capable of coupling with one another.
- the happy demeanor of the face regions 150 , 1250 may provide an indication of friendliness or compassion that suggests a receptiveness to a hand holding. Thus a user may be prompted by the face regions 150 , 1250 to attempt to releasably couple the reversible toys 100 , 1200 to one another.
- the reversible toys 100 , 1200 are show in the respective second configurations A′, B′.
- the generally unpleasant demeanor of the face regions 155 , 1255 may indicate that the reversible toys 100 , 1200 are in a configuration in which the appendages are not capable of coupling with one another.
- the unpleasant demeanor of the face regions 155 , 1255 may provide an indication of unfriendliness that suggests a certain unreceptiveness to hand holding. Thus a user may be prompted by the face regions 155 , 1255 to not attempt to releasably couple the reversible toys 100 , 1200 to one another.
- the reversible toys 100 , 1200 may not be coupleable with one another. Nevertheless, the appendages 170 a , 1270 a may be arranged adjacent one another or otherwise overlapped. However, despite the adjacent positioning, the appendages 170 b , 1270 a will not be capable of coupling to one another, for example, due to the lack of magnetic material contained therein.
- the reversible toys 100 , 1200 will not be capable of coupling to one another where one toy is in the second or unpleasant configuration.
- the reversible toy 100 is shown in the second configuration A′ and the reversible toy 1200 is shown in the first configuration B.
- the reversible toy 1200 displaying the face region 1250 indicates a receptiveness to hand holding and presence of coupling appendages 1230 a , 1230 b along the exterior.
- the reversible toy 100 displaying the face region 155 indicates an unreceptiveness to hand holding and presence of non-coupling appendages 170 a , 170 b along the exterior.
- the reversible toys 100 , 1200 may not be capable of coupling with one another.
- the non-coupling appendage 170 b is free of any magnetic materials or other coupling features.
- the magnetic features of the coupling appendages 130 a , 130 b are attenuated or blocked within the body 102 of the reversible toy 100 .
- a connection may not be formed.
- one or both of the reversible toys 100 , 1200 may maintain one of the happy demeanor or the unpleasant demeanor without being reversible to another demeanor or configuration.
- the reversible toy 100 may be arranged in the first configuration A with the coupling appendages 130 a , 130 b exposed and configured without the optional functionality of being reversible to the second configuration A′.
- the reversible toy 1200 may be arranged in the first configuration B with the coupling appendages 1230 a , 1230 b exposed and configured without the optional functionality of being reversible to the second configuration B′.
- the reversible toys 100 , 1200 may be releasably coupled to one another as described herein and shown in FIG. 13 .
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Abstract
A kit of reversible toys includes a first reversible toy and a second reversible toy, each configured to reverse between a first configuration and a second configuration. The first reversible toy and the second reversible toy each include a coupling appendage. The coupling appendage of the first reversible toy and the coupling appendage of the second reversible toy are configured to couple together with the first reversible toy in the first configuration and the second reversible toy in the first configuration such that the first reversible toy and the second reversible toy are coupled together. The first reversible toy and the second reversible toy are prevented from coupling together with at least one of the first reversible toy in the second configuration or the second reversible in the second configuration.
Description
- The present application is a continuation of U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 17/325,659, entitled “REVERSIBLE TOY WITH COUPLING APPENDAGES,” filed May 20, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.
- The described embodiments relate generally to toys, such as plus toys.
- Plush toys, such as stuffed animals and other characters, may have many different formats and characteristics. Some toys may even come in “sets” along with related characters. However, these toys currently may not include features in which to couple the related characters together. As such, the need continues for systems and techniques to facilitate the coupling of plush toys.
- In one example, a reversible toy is disclosed. The reversible toy includes a body including a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The body is reversible between a first configuration and a second configuration to alternatingly present the first and second surfaces as an outer body surface defining an exterior of the body. The other of the first and second surfaces alternatingly defines a stored body surface defining an interior cavity within the body. The reversible toy further includes an appendage attached to the body at the first surface and comprising a coupling feature. The coupling feature is configured to couple the reversible toy to an object at the appendage.
- In another example, a reversible toy is disclosed. The reversible toy includes a body having a first material layer and a second material layer. The body is reversible between a first configuration and second configuration. In the first configuration, the first material layer defines an outer body surface of the body and the second material layer defines an interior cavity of the body. In the second configuration, the second material layer defines the outer body surface and the first material defines the interior cavity. The reversible toy further includes a coupling appendage attached to the first material layer and comprising a coupling feature. The coupling appendage is alternatingly positionable between the outer body surface and the interior cavity based on a configuration of the body in the first or second configurations. The reversible toy further includes a non-coupling appendage attached to the second material layer. The non-coupling appendage is alternatingly positionable between the outer body surface and the interior cavity based on a configuration of the body in the first or the second configurations.
- In another example, a reversible toy is disclosed. The reversible toy includes a first material layer and a second material layer cooperating to define a body. The first material layer and the second material layer are coupled by a stitched edge defining an opening extending into an interior cavity. The body is collapsible through the opening and reversible between a first configuration and a second configuration to alternatingly present the first material layer and the second material layer as an outer body surface defining an exterior of the body. The other of the first and the second material layers alternatingly define a stored body surface defining the interior cavity. The reversible toy further includes a coupling appendage attached to the first material layer and configured to move relative to the first material layer to releasably couple the reversible toy to an object. The reversible toy further includes a non-coupling appendage attached to the second material layer and configured to move based on movement of the second material layer.
- In yet another example, a kit of reversible toys is disclosed. The kit includes a first reversible toy configured to reverse between a first configuration and a second configuration. The first reversible toy includes a coupling appendage located at a height on a body of the first reversible toy. The kit includes a second reversible toy configured to reverse between a first configuration and a second configuration. The second reversible toy includes a coupling appendage located at a height on a body of the second reversible toy. The height on the body of the first reversible toy is the same as the height on the body of the second reversible toy. The coupling appendage of the first reversible toy and the coupling appendage of the second reversible toy are configured to couple together with the first reversible toy in the first configuration and the second reversible toy in the first configuration such that the first reversible toy and the second reversible toy are coupled together. The first reversible toy and the second reversible toy are prevented from coupling together with at least one of the first reversible toy in the second configuration or the second reversible in the second configuration.
- In another example, a reversible toy is disclosed. The reversible toy includes a coupling appendage extending from a first surface of the reversible toy. The coupling appendage includes a coupling appendage material, a magnet, and stuffing. The stuffing is positioned around the magnet and both the stuffing and the magnet are captured by the coupling appendage material. The reversible toy includes a non-coupling appendage extending from a second surface of the reversible toy. The non-coupling appendage includes a non-coupling appendage material and stuffing captured by the non-coupling appendage material. The non-coupling appendage being free of magnetic materials. The first surface and the second surface are opposite each other and stuffing is positioned between the first surface and the second surface.
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FIG. 1 depicts a front view of a reversible toy in a first configuration. -
FIG. 2 depicts a bottom view of the reversible toy ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 depicts a top view of the reversible toy ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 depicts a side view of the reversible toy ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 depicts a front view of the reversible toy ofFIG. 1 in a second configuration. -
FIG. 6 depicts a bottom view of the reversible toy ofFIG. 5 . -
FIG. 7 depicts a top view of the reversible toy ofFIG. 5 -
FIG. 8 depicts a side view of the reversible toy ofFIG. 5 . -
FIG. 9 depicts a cross-sectional view of the reversible toy ofFIG. 1 , taken along line 9-9 ofFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 10 depicts a cross-sectional view of the reversible toy of the present disclosure being transitioned between the first configuration and the second configuration. -
FIG. 11 depicts a cross-sectional view of the reversible toy ofFIG. 5 , taken along line 11-11 ofFIG. 8 . -
FIG. 12 depicts a pair of reversible toys with each reversible toy in a first configuration and separated from one another. -
FIG. 13 depicts the pair of reversible toys ofFIG. 12 with each reversible toy in the first configuration and releasably coupled to one another. -
FIG. 14 depicts the pair of reversible toys ofFIG. 12 with each reversible toy in a second configuration and separated from one another. -
FIG. 15 depicts the pair of reversible toys ofFIG. 12 separated from one another with one reversible toy in the first configuration and another reversible toy in the second configuration. - The description that follows includes sample systems, methods, and apparatuses that embody various elements of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the described disclosure may be practiced in a variety of forms in addition to those described herein.
- The following disclosure relates generally to plush toys that may be convertible or reversible between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the plush toy may be coupleable with another object, such as another plush toy. In the second configuration, the plush toy may lack the ability to couple with another object, such as another plush toy. In some embodiments, the ability to couple with another object may be selected to match with an aesthetic element of the plush toy, e.g., a first configuration may have a “happy” face and including the coupleable functionality and a second configuration may have a “sad” or “angry” face and not include the coupleable functionality. In this example, the plush toy may for example, “hold hands” with another plush toy in the “happy” configuration and will not “hold hands” with another plush toy in the “sad” or “angry” configuration.
- An example plush toy includes a body having a first body surface and a second body surface opposite the first body surface. A stuffing material, such as a loose fill, a foam, soft beads, compressible material or items, and so on, may separate the first and the second surfaces from one another, e.g., may be positioned between the two surfaces. The stuffing material may generally allow for the relative movement of the first and the second surfaces relative to one another and relative to the stuffing material. The stuffing material may also establish a plushness, squishy, or soft feel of the plush toy. The body may generally define an interior cavity having an opening and an opposing closed top end. In the first configuration, the first surface may define the outer body surface and the second surface may define a stored body surface that defines the interior cavity within the body. The body may be manipulated in order to reversibly convert the plush toy into the second configuration in which the second surface defines the outer body surface and the first surface defines the stored body surface. For example, the first and the second surfaces may be compressed and collapsed through the opening to alternatingly present the first and second surfaces as the outer body surface defining the exterior of the body; and the other of the first and second surfaces alternatingly defining the stored body surface defining the interior cavity.
- The plush toy may include the appendages associated with each of the first and second surfaces. In some configurations the appendages may be the same shape, dimension, and located in the same relative position on both surfaces, but in other configurations may be differently configured. The appendages may extend from and travel with the respective first and second surfaces. In this regard, the appendages associated with the first surface may alternatingly be arranged on the outer body surface and the stored body surface, and appendages associated with the second surface may alternatingly be arranged on the stored body surface and the outer body surface. For example, the appendages may be configured to deform and collapse through the opening with the respective first and second surfaces.
- In one implementation, a coupling appendage is associated with the first surface and a non-coupling appendage is associated with the second surface. The coupling appendage may include a coupling feature, such as a magnet, configured to releasably couple the reversible plush toy to another object at the coupling appendage. For example, the coupling feature may exert an attraction force configured to releasably secure, affix, attach, associate, or join the reversible plush toy to another object, such as another reversible plush toy. The coupling feature may be concealed within a material defining the appendage, which may obscure the functionality of appendage upon visual inspection, which may allow a more “magical” type of experience for the user when the toy can be coupled to another. The non-coupling appendage may be free from any coupling feature, including being free from any magnetic material. In this regard, the non-coupling appendage may not be configured to couple the reversible plush toy to another object.
- The plush toy may be configured to selectively couple with another object based on the body being in the first or second configurations. In the first configuration, the first surface and the associated coupling appendage may define or otherwise be arranged at the outer body surface. This may allow the coupling appendage to selectively couple to another object using the coupling feature. The reversible plush toy may be manipulated in order to arrange the second surface and the associated non-coupling appendage to define the outer body surface while arranging the coupling appendage at the stored body surface and interior cavity. This may prevent the plush toy from coupling to another object. For example, the stuffing material and/or material layers of the body may operate to attenuate the attraction force from the coupling appendage held in the interior cavity and the non-coupling appendage on the exterior is free from a coupling feature.
- Facial features, marking, graphical elements, or other indicia on the first and/or the second surface may indicate a configuration of the plush toy and the function of the associated appendages. As one example, the first surface may include facial features that resemble a happy demeanor, including eyes, lips, or the like, recognizable as warm or playful. These facial features may provide an indication that the plush toy is in a configuration in which the appendage at the outer body surface is a coupling appendage capable of selectively coupling the reversible toy to another object, such as another reversible toy. Further, the second surface may include facial features that resemble an unpleasant demeanor, including eyes, lips, or the like, recognizable as harsh or confrontational. These facial features may provide an indication that the plush toy is in a configuration in which the appendage at the outer body surface is a non-coupling appendage not capable of selectively coupling the reversible toy to another object. Other graphical elements may be used as well, such as icons, patches, etc. that may be reflective of a “state” of the toy, e.g., able to connect to other toys or unable to connect.
- Turning to the drawings,
FIGS. 1-4 depict areversible toy 100 in a first configuration A.FIGS. 5-8 depict thereversible toy 100 in a second configuration A′. As described herein, thereversible toy 100 is configured to convert or transition, reversibly between the first configuration A and the second configuration A′. In this regard, it will be appreciated the features and components described with respect to a presenting exterior of thereversible toy 100 in the first configuration A, may be substantially concealed within an interior of thereversible toy 100 in the second configuration A′. Alternatingly, features and components described with respect to a presenting exterior of the reversible toy in the second configuration A′, may be substantially concealed within an interior of thereversible toy 100 in the first configuration A. - The
reversible toy 100 includes abody 102. Thebody 102 may include afirst material layer 104 and asecond material layer 108. The first and second material layers 104, 108 may be formed at least partially from a fabric material, including cloths, felts, and fibrous materials, having various textures. For example, the first or second material layers 104, 108 may be formed at least partially from a smooth material, such as a nylon. In other cases, the first or second material layers 104, 108 may be formed from a texturally rough but plush material, such as certain high thread count fabrics. - The
body 102 further includes astuffing material 124, as shown inFIG. 9 , arranged within aninner body cavity 117 defined between the first and second material layers 104, 108. The stuffingmaterial 124 may include a loose fill, a foam, soft beads, compressible items, and other types of materials. More broadly the stuffingmaterial 124 may substantially any material that provides a soft feel or plushness to thereversible toy 100 and may act to fill a “volume” or define a structure or shape for the body. The stuffingmaterial 124 may be a separate material from the first and second material layers 104, 108 of thebody 102. In some cases, the stuffingmaterial 124 may be resiliently deformable, allowing thebody 102 to be compressed with the application of force, and return to an uncompressed shape when the force ceases. Accordingly, thereversible toy 100, and any of the reversible toys described herein, may be a plush toy; however, this is not required. In other cases, some or substantially all of thereversible toy 100 may be defined by a rigid structure, including plastic and other layers that may operate to stiffen portions of thereversible toy 100. Where implemented, the rigid structure may be elastically deformable, such as may be the case for certain plastic and metal materials that are formed as a layer or sheet of material. In other cases, the rigid structure may include more brittle or substantially inflexible components, such as may be the case where the rigid structure defines a solid, cast- or extrusion-molded structure for thereversible toy 100, such as extremity. - The
first material layer 104 may define afirst surface 106 of thebody 102, as shown inFIGS. 1-4 . Thefirst surface 106 may define anouter body surface 112 of thereversible toy 100 in the first configuration A. Theouter body surface 112 may be an outer or exterior surface of thereversible toy 100 that is visible to a user when thereversible toy 100 is in the first configuration A. Theouter body surface 112 may be configured to resemble the shape of an animal, a cartoon character, a human, or other shape, including fanciful and arbitrary shapes. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the shape may be selected based on an aesthetic appearance in addition to a shape that is readily transformative into the interior body surface. In some cases, thefirst surface 106 may include several material layers coupled to one another in order to define theouter body surface 112. In these cases, thefirst surface 106 may include a composite or patchwork of materials. For example as shown in the exampleFIG. 1 , thefirst surface 106 includes apatch portion 160. Thepatch portion 160 and/or other any other portions of thereversible toy 100 that form thefirst surface 106 may be at least partially formed from a fabric material substantially analogous to the first and second material layers 104, 108. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that any reference herein to a first surface may include a plurality of materials or material sections, while in other case, a single material section or piece may be used, that is, the material for a body surface may be integrally formed. - In the first configuration A, the
second material layer 108 may define asecond surface 110 that may define a storedbody surface 114. The storedbody surface 114, as shown inFIG. 9 , may be an interior surface of thereversible toy 100 when thereversible toy 100 is in the first configuration A. The storedbody surface 114 may define aninterior cavity 116 having anopening 118 and an opposing closedtop end 120. Thesecond material layer 108 may be partially compressed or manipulated and havecreases 113 about theopening 118, as shown inFIG. 2 . Theopening 118 is shown inFIG. 9 as having a diameter do and thebody 102 is shown as having a diameter db, which may correspond to a maximum diameter of thebody 102. The diameter do may be less than the diameter db, such as having a value of at least three-fourths the diameter db, of at least one-half the diameter db, of at least one-fourth the diameter db or less. - In the second configuration A′, the
second material layer 108 may define thesecond surface 110 as anouter body surface 112′ of thereversible toy 100. Theouter body surface 112′ may be an outer or exterior surface of thereversible toy 100 visible to a user when thereversible toy 100 is in the second configuration A′. Theouter body surface 112′ may be substantially analogous to theouter body surface 112 configured to resemble the shape of an animal, a cartoon character, a human, or other shape, including fanciful and arbitrary shapes. As withbody surface 112, thebody surface 112′ may be selected based on aesthetic features, as well as a shape that is readily transformative into the alternate body shape. The outer body surfaces 112, 112′ may have substantially the same shape or dimension. Further, thesecond surface 110 may also include several material layers coupled to one another in order to define theouter body surface 112′. In this regard, thesecond surface 110 may include a composite or patchwork of materials or material sections or portions. For example as shown in the exampleFIG. 5 , thesecond surface 110 includes apatch portion 162. Thepatch portion 162 and/or other any other portions of thereversible toy 100 that form thesecond surface 110 may be at least partially formed from a fabric material substantially analogous to the first and the second material layers 104, 108. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that any reference herein to a second surface may include a plurality of materials, while in other cases, a single material may be used, e.g., a single integral material section may be used or multiple sections coupled together may be used. In this regard, the optional patch work construction of thesecond surface 110 may also define theinterior cavity 116 when thereversible toy 100 is in the first configuration A. - Further, in the second configuration A′, the
first material layer 104 may define a portion of thefirst surface 106 that defines a storedbody surface 114′. The storedbody surface 114′, as shown inFIG. 11 , may be an interior surface of thereversible toy 100 when thereversible toy 100 is in the second configuration A′. In this regard, the optional patch work construction of thefirst surface 106, as described above, may also define theinterior cavity 116′. As shown inFIG. 11 , the storedbody surface 114′ may define aninterior cavity 116′ having anopening 118′ and an opposing closedtop end 120′. Thefirst material layer 104 may be partially compressed or manipulated and havecreases 114 about theopening 118′, as shown inFIG. 6 . Theopening 118′ may have a diameter that is the same or substantially similar to the diameter do of theopening 118. - The
reversible toy 100 may include various appendages associated with thefirst surface 106 or thesecond surface 110. Some appendages may be configured to cause a coupling of thereversible toy 100 with another object, such as another reversible toy, whereas other appendages lack the ability to cause such coupling, and may otherwise be decorative in nature. With reference to thefirst surface 106 and as shown inFIGS. 1-4 , thereversible toy 100 may include afirst coupling appendage 130 a and asecond coupling appendage 130 b. The first andsecond coupling appendages reversible toy 100 to another object. The first andsecond coupling appendages FIGS. 1-4 , thefirst coupling appendage 130 a has afirst appendage length 191 a and asecond coupling appendage 130 b has asecond appendage length 191 b. The first andsecond lengths body 102, such as having a value of at least half the width of thebody 102, of at least one-fourth the width of thebody 102, of at least one-eighth the width ofbody 102, or less. In this regard, the first andsecond lengths second coupling appendages second lengths body 102 or less, thebody 102 may interrupt or prevent from the first andsecond coupling appendages respective lengths second coupling appendages body 102. In other examples, the first andsecond lengths body 102 defines a character, animal, or other design that has a diminutive or reduced size as compared withcoupling appendages FIG. 1 shows the first and second lengths as being substantially equal, this is not required. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , thefirst coupling appendage 130 a may include a firstcoupling appendage material 132 a and a secondcoupling appendage materials 132 b. The first and secondcoupling appendage materials FIG. 3 as separate materials, the first and secondcoupling appendage materials first material layer 104. The first and secondcoupling appendage materials coupling appendage 130 a. The first and secondcoupling appendage materials pocket 134 a or cavity. Thepocket 134 amay be filled with a couplingappendage stuffing material 125 a. The couplingappendage stuffing material 125 a may be similar to thestuffing material 124 and may separate the first and secondcoupling appendage materials pocket 134 a. In some cases, the couplingappendage stuffing material 125 a may be omitted. Thesecond coupling appendage 130 b may be substantially analogous to thefirst coupling appendage 130 a and includes a firstcoupling appendage material 133 a, a secondcoupling appendage material 133 b, a pocket 135 b, and a couplingappendage stuffing material 125 b, redundant explanation of which is omitted for clarity. - As illustrated in the cutaway view of
FIG. 3 , thefirst coupling appendage 130 a may include afirst coupling feature 136 a. Thefirst coupling feature 136 a may be or include magnets or more generally magnetic features. In this regard, thefirst coupling feature 136 a may have a first or negativemagnetic polarity 137 a on a first side and a second or positivemagnetic polarity 137 b on a second opposing side. Thefirst coupling feature 136 a may be arranged such that thepolarity 137 a is aligned or substantially parallel with the flat exterior surface defined by the secondcoupling appendage material 132 b. Further, thefirst coupling feature 136 a may be arranged such that thepolarity 137 b is aligned or substantially parallel with the flat exterior surface defined by the firstcoupling appendage material 132 a. The arrangement of thefirst coupling feature 136 a may therefore allow thefirst coupling feature 130 a to be releasably coupled with a coupling feature of another toy. For example, and as shown and described in greater detail below with respect toFIG. 14 , the arrangement of the first coupling feature 136 awith thepolarizations materials first coupling feature 130 a, may allow thefirst coupling feature 130 a to overlap with the “palm” or coupling feature of another toy in an overlapping manner. Similarly, thesecond coupling feature 130 b may include asecond coupling feature 136 b having a first or negativemagnetic polarity 138 a, and a second or positivemagnetic polarity 138 b. - The
first coupling feature 136 a may be associated with the couplingappendage stuffing material 125 a in thefirst coupling appendage 130 a. For example, the couplingappendage stuffing material 125 a may be a loose fill or other material, and thefirst coupling feature 136 a may be engaged with the loose fill of the couplingappendage stuffing material 125 ain thefirst coupling appendage 130 a. In some cases, the couplingappendage stuffing material 125 a may substantially surround thefirst coupling feature 136 a. For example, a portion of the couplingappendage stuffing material 125 a may be placed along a first side of thefirst coupling feature 136 a (e.g., a side having the firstmagnetic polarity 137 a) and another portion of the couplingappendage stuffing material 125 a may be placed along an opposing second side of thefirst coupling feature 136 a (e.g., a side having the secondmagnetic polarity 137 b). In this regard, the couplingappendage stuffing material 125a may be arranged to conceal a tactile feel of thefirst coupling feature 136 a. Further, the couplingappendage stuffing material 125 a may be configured to have a thickness relative to thefirst coupling feature 136 a that does not impair or impede or attenuate the magnetic force of thefirst coupling feature 136 a. Thesecond coupling feature 136 b may be similarly arranged with the couplingappendage stuffing material 125 b. - With further reference to the appendages of
FIGS. 1-4 , thereversible toy 100 may include a firstauxiliary appendage 140 a, and a secondauxiliary appendage 140 b. The first and secondauxiliary appendages auxiliary appendages 140 a, 140 bmay generally be free of magnetic materials or other coupling features. In other cases, the first and secondauxiliary appendages - The reversible toy further includes various appendages visible in the second configuration A′. As shown in
FIGS. 5-8 , thereversible toy 100 may include a firstnon-coupling appendage 170 a and a secondnon-coupling appendage 170 b. The first and secondnon-coupling appendages FIGS. 5-8 , the first and secondnon-coupling appendages coupling appendages non-coupling appendages body 102, such as having a value of at least half the width of thebody 102, of at least one-fourth the width of thebody 102, of at least one-eighth the width ofbody 102, or less. WhileFIG. 1 shows the first and second lengths as being substantially equal, this is not required. - As shown in
FIG. 7 , the firstnon-coupling appendage 170 a may include a firstcoupling appendage material 172 a and a secondcoupling appendage materials 172 b. The first and secondcoupling appendage materials FIG. 7 as separate materials, the first and secondcoupling appendage materials second material layer 108. The first and secondcoupling appendage materials non-coupling appendage 170 b may be substantially analogous to the firstnon-coupling appendage 170 a and include a firstcoupling appendage material 173 a, a secondcoupling appendage material 173 b, and optional stuffing material held therein. In this regard, the first and secondnon-coupling appendages coupling appendages non-coupling appendages - With further reference to the appendages of
FIGS. 1-4 , thereversible toy 100 may include a firstauxiliary appendage 140 a, and a secondauxiliary appendage 140 b. The first and secondauxiliary appendages auxiliary appendages auxiliary appendages - The
reversible toy 100 may further include various features that may provide an indication of thereversible toy 100 being in the first configuration A or the second configuration A′. In other words, the body features may correspond to a coupling or connective state of the toy Broadly, thebody 102 or other portion of the reversible toy may include graphics, logos, or other indicia that indicate thereversible toy 100 is in the first configuration A′. For example, the indicia may provide an indication that thereversibly toy 100 is in a state in which thereversible toy 100 is capable of joining to another object, such as another toy. For example and as shown inFIG. 1 , thereversible toy 100 includes aface region 150. Theface region 150 may include a collection of indicia, symbols, marking, patches, and so on that cooperate to provide an indication that thereversible toy 100 is in the first configuration A. In the present example, theface region 150 includes a collection of features that resemble a face having of a happy demeanor, includingeyes 152 and abeak 153. Theeyes 152 may aesthetically contribute to the happy demeanor of theface region 150, such as having a shape or color that is recognized as warm, playful, or friendly. Thebeak 153 may aesthetically contribute to the happy demeanor of theface region 150, such as by forming a smile, or alternatively thebeak 153 may be a generally emotionally neutral feature of the face. Theeyes 152 andbeak 153 may be cartoonish in nature in order to emphasize an emotional state of theface region 150. Each of theeyes 152 and thebeak 153 may be separate fabric layers (or a composite of fabric layers). In some cases, some or all of theeyes 152 and thebeak 153 may be portions of thefirst material layer 104, such as a dyed or otherwise demarcated portion of thefirst material layer 104 that forms the foregoing facial features. Theface region 150 is presented in the first configuration A with theappendages body 102. The presentation of theface region 150 having the happy demeanor may indicate that theappendages reversible toy 100, with the happy demeanor, is in a configuration that allows thereversible toy 100 to couple with another object, such as another reversible toy. - In the second configuration A′, as shown in
FIG. 5 , thereversible toy 100 includes aface region 155. Theface region 155 may include a collection of indicia, symbols, marking, patches, and so on that cooperate to provide an indication that thereversible toy 100 is in the second configuration B. In the present example, theface region 155 includes a collection of features that resemble a face having an unpleasant demeanor, includingeyes 156,pupils 157, and abeak 158. Sample unpleasant demeanors include anger, sadness, and disgust. Theeyes 156 may aesthetically contribute to the unpleasant demeanor of theface region 150, such as having a shape or color that is recognized as harsh, confrontational, or unapproachable. Thepupil 157 may emphasize the unpleasant demeanor. Thebeak 158 may aesthetically contribute to the unpleasant demeanor of theface region 155, such as by forming a frown, or alternatively thebeak 158 may be a generally emotionally neutral feature of the face. The features of thesecond face region 155 may be constructed in manner similar to the features of thefirst region 150 described above, including being formed from separate material layers and/or being partially or fully integrated with thesecond material layer 108. Theface region 155 is presented in the second configuration A′ with theappendages body 102. The presentation of theface region 155 having the unpleasant demeanor may indicate that theappendages reversible toy 100, with the unpleasant demeanor, is in a configuration that prevents thereversible toy 100 from coupling with another object, such as another reversible toy. - The
reversible toy 100 may be coupled such that thefirst material layer 104 andsecond material layer 108 are coupled to one another to define theinternal cavity 116 therebetween. For example, thereversible toy 100 may include astitching 109 used to join the first and second material layers 104, 108. The first and second material layers 104, 108 may be joined to one another with thestitching 109 about theopenings stitching 109 may including a thread, an elastic or other structure to physically attach the first and second material layers 104, 108 to one another. In some cases, thestitching 109 may define a stitching ring, which may define a circular shape of the first and second material layers 104, 108 about theopenings stitching 109. In any construction, thestitching 109 may allow theopenings stitching 109 is shown for purposes of illustration as a substantially circular shape, it will be appreciated thestitching 109 may take the form of substantially any shape in order to facilitate a coupling of the first and second materials layers 104, 108. For example, thestitching 109 may be configured in a shape that may match a shape of thebody 102, including shapes that include sharp angles and/or shapes that are irregular or that may vary as thereversible toy 100 is manipulated. Additionally or alternatively, thestitching 109 may couple the first and second material layers 104, 108 and define an undulating edge of thereversible toy 100. For example, thestitching 109 may define a terminal bottom edge of thereversible toy 100 that forms a sinusoidal or wave-like pattern. One such undulating edge is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/422,260 (Attorney Docket No. P268868.US.03), entitled “Dual Body Convertible Toy with Flexible Bottom Edge,” of which is incorporated by reference herein. - The first and second material layers 104, 108 may be coupled to one another in a manner that traps the stuffing
material 124 within theinner body cavity 117, as shown inFIGS. 9-11 . For example, the first and second material layers 104, 108 may be coupled to one another along thestitching 109 in order to define theinner body cavity 117. The stuffingmaterial 124 may be arranged within theinner body cavity 117. Thestitching 109 may close theinner body cavity 117 in order to prevent thestuffing material 124 from exiting theinner body cavity 117. In this manner, the stuffingmaterial 124 may be trapped in theinner body cavity 117. The stuffingmaterial 124 may be trapped in the inner body cavity in a manner that permits movement of the stuffingmaterial 124 and first and second material layers 104, 108. For example, the first andsecond material stuffing material 124 to move substantially freely within theinner body cavity 117. Similarly, the stuffingmaterial 124 may allow the first and second material layers 104, 108 to move relative to one another. The stuffingmaterial 124 may be arranged in theinner body cavity 117 to fill substantially the entire volume. In this regard, the stuffingmaterial 124 may help maintain a shape of thebody 102 by pressing against the first and second materials layers 104, 108 to define a full shape of thebody 102. The stuffingmaterial 124 may have sufficient structure to define a shape of the body. - The
first material layer 104 may be coupled to define thefirst surface 106. While many constructions are possible,FIGS. 1-4 shows thefirst material layer 104 including a front and back portions coupled along aseam 105 a, as shown inFIG. 3 . Thefirst material layer 104 may also be coupled with atransverse seam 105 b that extends extend substantially perpendicularly relative to theseam 105 a along a topmost portion of thebody 102. Theseams first material layer 104 to define a partial dome shape at the topmost portion of thebody 102. As shown inFIG. 1 , thetransverse seam 105 b may end above theface region 150, which may relax thefirst material layer 104 at theface region 150 to define a more cylindrical or bulbous shape of thebody 102. - In the patchwork embodiment of
FIG. 1 , thepatch portion 160 may be coupled to thefirst material layer 104 along aseam 161. Thepatch portion 160 may be arranged over thefirst material layer 104. In other cases, thepatch portion 160 and thefirst material layer 104 may be substantially abutting along theseam 161. Where defined by separate fabric portions, theeyes 152 andbeak 153 may also be stitched to thefirst material layer 104 along one or more seams. The coupling appendages 130 a, 130 b and theauxiliary appendages first material layer 104. In the illustrated examples, thecoupling appendages first material layer 104 so that thepockets inner body cavity 117. In other cases, thecoupling appendages first material layer 104 to define thepockets inner body cavity 116. - The first and second material layers 104, 108 may be coupled to one another in a manner that traps the stuffing
material 124 within theinner body cavity 117, as shown inFIGS. 9-11 . The stuffingmaterial 124 may be trapped in theinner body cavity 117 in a manner that permits movement of the stuffingmaterial 124 and first and second material layers 104, 108. For example, the first andsecond material stuffing material 124 to move substantially freely within theinner body cavity 117. Similarly, the stuffingmaterial 124 may allow the first and second material layers 104, 108 to move relative to one another. The stuffingmaterial 124 may be arranged in theinner body cavity 117 to fill substantially the entire volume. In this regard, the stuffingmaterial 124 may help maintain a shape of thebody 102 by pressing against the first and second materials layers 104, 108 to define a full shape of thebody 102, e.g., the stuffing material expands against the material layers to define the shape of the body. - The
second material layer 108 may be coupled to define thesecond surface 110. While many constructions are possible,FIGS. 5-8 shows thesecond material layer 108 including a front and back portions coupled along aseam 111 a, as shown inFIG. 7 . Thesecond material layer 108 may also be coupled with atransverse seam 111 b that extends extend substantially perpendicularly relative to theseam 111 a along a topmost portion of thebody 102. Theseams second material layer 108 to define a partial dome shape at the topmost portion of thebody 102. As shown inFIG. 5 , thetransverse seam 111 b may end above theface region 155, which may relax thesecond material layer 108 at theface region 155 to define a more cylindrical or bulbous shape of thebody 102. In this regard, thebody 102 may have substantially the same shape and/or dimensions in each of the first and second configurations A, A′. In the patchwork embodiment ofFIG. 5 , thepatch portion 162 may be coupled to thesecond material layer 108 along aseam 163. Thepatch portion 162, theeyes 156,pupils 157,beak 158,non-coupling appendages auxiliary appendage 142 a, fourthauxiliary appendage 142 b may be coupled with the second body material in a manner similar to like components of thefirst material layer 104, described above. - In operation, the
reversible toy 100 is configured to convert, reversibly, between a first configuration A and a second configuration A′.FIGS. 9-11 show a progression of cross-sectional views that show the operation of thereversible toy 100 undergoing a reversible conversion between the first configuration A and the second configuration A′. With reference toFIG. 9 , the reversible toy is shown in the first configuration A. In the first configuration A, thefirst material layer 104 defines theouter body surface 112 and thesecond material layer 108 define the storedbody surface 114. As shown inFIG. 9 , thecoupling appendages coupling appendages lengths coupling appendages body 102 through theopening 118 and define the second configuration A′. - For example and with reference to
FIG. 10 , thereversible toy 100 is shown receiving a manipulation force fm. The manipulation force fm may be a force that causes the first andsecond materials top end 120 to compress toward one another and move toward and through theopening 118. This may cause a collapse or otherwise abrupt, non-linear deformation of thebody 102. As the first andsecond materials opening 108, theopening 118, acompressed region 121 may be defined between the first and second material layers 104, 108. For example, diameter do of theopening 118 may be less than the diameter db of thebody 102, and the diameter opening do may generally remain substantially constant throughout the transformation between the first and second configurations A, A′. This may cause the first and second material layers 104, 108 to define thecompressed region 121 in order to pass through theopening 118. The stuffingmaterial 124 may be compressed between the first and second material layers 104, 108 at thecompressed region 121. As the first and second material layers 104, 108 are advanced through and out of theopening 118, the first and second material layers 104, 108 may cease compressing the stuffingmaterial 124, allowing the stuffingmaterial 124 to return to an uncompressed shape. - The
reversible toy 100 may continue to receive the manipulation force fm until the first and second material layers 104, 108 are advanced completely fully through theopening 118 in order to define the second configuration A′, as shown inFIG. 11 . In the second configuration A′, the first and second material layers 104, 108 are alternated, swapped, inside out, or otherwise reversed from the arrangement of the layers in the first configuration A. For example, as shown inFIG. 11 , in the second configuration, thefirst material layer 104 defines the storedbody surface 114′ and thesecond material layer 108 defines theouter body surface 112′. - In the second configuration A′, the
coupling appendages interior cavity 116′. Accordingly, thecoupling appendages reversible toy 100 by a distance df, as defined by the first and second material layers 104, 108 and the stuffingmaterial 124 trapped therebetween. The coupling features 136 a, 136 b may exert an attraction force fa, as described herein. The attraction force fa may be attenuated by the first and second material layers 104, 108 and the stuffingmaterial 124 such that the attraction force fa is not operable to cause a coupling of the reversible toy to another object, when thereversible toy 100 is in the second configuration A′. - With reference to
FIGS. 12-14 , thereversible toy 100 may be selectively couplable with a secondreversible toy 1200. The secondreversible toy 1200 may be substantially analogous to thereversible toy 100 and include, abody 1202 having a first configuration B and a second configuration B′, afirst material layer 1204, afirst surface 1206, asecond material layer 1208, asecond surface 1210, anouter body surface 1212, anouter body surface 1212′, afirst coupling appendage 1230 a, asecond coupling appendage 1230 b, acoupling element 1236 having a firstmagnetic polarization 1237 a and a secondmagnetic polarization 1237 b,auxiliary appendages 1240,auxiliary appendages 1242, aface region 1250,eyes 1252, abeak 1253, aface region 1255,eyes 1256,pupils 1257, abeak 1258, a firstnon-coupling appendages 1270 a, and a secondnon-coupling appendage 1270 b, redundant explanation of which is omitted here for clarity. - With reference to
FIG. 12 , thereversible toy 100 and the secondreversible toy 1200 may be arranged adjacent one another. The coupling features 136 b may be arranged within thecoupling appendage 130 b of thereversible toy 100 such that the firstmagnetic polarity 138 a is defined along a generally back-facing surface of thecoupling feature 136 b and the secondmagnetic polarity 138 b is defined along a generally front-facing surface of thecoupling feature 136 b. Similarly, thecoupling feature 1236 may be arranged within thecoupling appendage 1230 a such that the firstmagnetic polarity 1237 a is defined along a generally back-facing surface of thecoupling feature 1236 and the secondmagnetic polarity 1237 b is defined along a generally front-facing surface of thecoupling feature 1236. The respective polarizations of the coupling features 136 b, 1236 may cause the secondmagnetic polarization 138 b to be attracted to the firstmagnetic polarization 1237 a and vice versa. - Accordingly and with reference to
FIG. 13 , thereversible toy 100 and the secondreversible toy 1200 may be move toward one another surface that couplingappendages coupling appendages overlap 1300. Theoverlap 1300 may define a lap joint or a layered connection. For example, at theoverlap 1300, the generally back-facing surface of thecoupling appendage 130 b may be engaged with the generally front facing-surface of thecoupling appendage 1230 a, as the firstmagnetic polarity 138 a and the second magnetic polarity 1237 battract one another. This may allow thecoupling appendages coupling appendage 1230 a may resemble a palm or surface of an open hand. And the generally back-facing surface of thecoupling appendage 130 b may resemble another surface of an open hand. Thus when thecoupling appendages overlap 1300, the palm of thecoupling appendage 1230 a may resemble a holding of the “hand” of thecoupling appendage 130 b. - Conversely, the
coupling appendages coupling feature 130 b engaged with the generally back-facing surface of thecoupling appendage 1230 a. As described above, the generally happy demeanor of theface regions reversible toy face regions face regions reversible toys - With reference to
FIG. 14 , thereversible toys face regions reversible toys face regions face regions reversible toys reversible toys FIG. 15 , thereversible toys appendages appendages - As shown in
FIG. 15 , thereversible toys FIG. 15 , thereversible toy 100 is shown in the second configuration A′ and thereversible toy 1200 is shown in the first configuration B. In the first configuration B, thereversible toy 1200 displaying theface region 1250 indicates a receptiveness to hand holding and presence ofcoupling appendages reversible toy 100 displaying theface region 155 indicates an unreceptiveness to hand holding and presence ofnon-coupling appendages reversible toy 100 is in the second configuration A′, thereversible toys non-coupling appendage 170 b is free of any magnetic materials or other coupling features. Further, the magnetic features of thecoupling appendages body 102 of thereversible toy 100. Thus while a user may attempt to overlap or arrange thenon-coupling appendage 170 b adjacent thecoupling appendage 130 a, a connection may not be formed. - It will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, one or both of the
reversible toys reversible toy 100 may be arranged in the first configuration A with thecoupling appendages reversible toy 1200 may be arranged in the first configuration B with thecoupling appendages coupling appendages reversible toy 100 exposed and thecoupling appendages reversible toy 1200, thereversible toys FIG. 13 . - Other examples and implementations are within the scope and spirit of the disclosure and appended claims. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific examples described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the examples to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.
Claims (20)
1. A kit of reversible toys, comprising:
a first reversible toy configured to reverse between a first configuration and a second configuration, the first reversible toy comprises a coupling appendage located at a height on a body of the first reversible toy; and
a second reversible toy configured to reverse between a first configuration and a second configuration, the second reversible toy comprises a coupling appendage located at a height on a body of the second reversible toy, wherein the height on the body of the first reversible toy is the same as the height on the body of the second reversible toy, wherein:
the coupling appendage of the first reversible toy and the coupling appendage of the second reversible toy are configured to couple together with the first reversible toy in the first configuration and the second reversible toy in the first configuration such that the first reversible toy and the second reversible toy are coupled together, and
the first reversible toy and the second reversible toy are prevented from coupling together with at least one of the first reversible toy in the second configuration or the second reversible in the second configuration.
2. The kit of claim 1 , wherein:
the coupling appendage of the first reversible comprises a coupling appendage material, a magnet, and stuffing, wherein the stuffing is positioned around the magnet and both the stuffing and the magnet are captured by the coupling appendage material, and
the coupling appendage of the second reversible comprises a coupling appendage material, a magnet, and stuffing, wherein the stuffing is positioned around the magnet and both the stuffing and the magnet are captured by the coupling appendage material.
3. The kit of claim 1 , wherein:
the coupling appendage of the first reversible toy extends from a first surface of the first reversible toy,
the first reversible toy comprises a non-coupling appendage extending from a second surface of the first reversible toy,
the coupling appendage of the second reversible toy extends from a first surface of the second reversible toy, and
the second reversible toy comprises a non-coupling appendage extending from a second surface of the second reversible toy.
4. The kit of claim 3 , wherein:
the non-coupling appendage of the first reversible comprises a non-coupling appendage material and stuffing captured by the non-coupling appendage material, wherein the non-coupling appendage being free of magnetic materials, and
the non-coupling appendage of the second reversible comprises a non-coupling appendage material and stuffing captured by the non-coupling appendage material, wherein the non-coupling appendage being free of magnetic materials.
5. The kit of claim 4 , wherein:
the first surface and the second surface of the first reversible toy are opposite each other and define an inner body cavity there between,
stuffing is positioned between the first surface and the second surface of the first reversible toy and fills the inner body cavity of the first reversible toy,
the first surface and the second surface of the second reversible toy are opposite each other and define an inner body cavity there between, and
stuffing is positioned between the first surface and the second surface of the second reversible toy and fills the inner body cavity of the second reversible toy.
6. The kit of claim 3 , wherein:
the first reversible toy is reversible between the first and second configurations to alternatingly present the first and second surfaces as an outer body surface, the other of the first and second surfaces alternatingly defining a stored body surface defining an interior cavity of the body of the first reversible toy, and
the second reversible toy is reversible between the first and second configurations to alternatingly present the first and second surfaces as an outer body surface, the other of the first and second surfaces alternatingly defining a stored body surface defining an interior cavity of the body of the second reversible toy.
7. The kit of claim 6 , wherein:
with the first reversible toy in the second configuration, the non-coupling appendage of the first reversible toy is located at a height on the outer body surface that is the same as the height on the body of the first reversible toy that the coupling appendage is located at, and
with the second reversible toy in the second configuration, the non-coupling appendage of the second reversible toy is located at a height on the outer body surface that is the same as the height on the body of the second reversible toy that the coupling appendage is located at.
8. The kit of claim 1 , wherein:
the body of the first reversible toy defines an opening to an interior cavity within the body, the interior cavity having a closed end opposite the opening,
the body of the first reversible toy is collapsible through the opening,
the body of the second reversible toy defines an opening to an interior cavity within the body, the interior cavity having a closed end opposite the opening, and
the body of the second reversible toy is collapsible through the opening.
9. The kit of claim 1 , wherein the coupling appendage of the first reversible toy comprises a magnet that exerts an attraction force configured to releasably secure the coupling appendage of the first reversible toy to the coupling appendage of the second reversible toy.
10. The kit of claim 1 , wherein:
with the first reversible toy in the first configuration, a first surface of the first reversible toy defines an exterior of the first reversible toy and includes features representative of a first emotional state, and
with the second reversible toy in the first configuration, a first surface of the second reversible toy defines an exterior of the second reversible toy and includes features representative of the first emotional state.
11. The kit of claim 10 , wherein:
with the first reversible toy in the second configuration, a second surface of the first reversible toy defines the exterior of the first reversible toy and includes features representative of a second emotional state, and
with the second reversible toy in the second configuration, a second surface of the second reversible toy defines the exterior of the second reversible toy and includes features representative of the second emotional state.
12. A reversible toy, comprising:
a coupling appendage extending from a first surface of the reversible toy and comprising a coupling appendage material, a magnet, and stuffing, wherein the stuffing is positioned around the magnet and both the stuffing and the magnet are captured by the coupling appendage material; and
a non-coupling appendage extending from a second surface of the reversible toy and comprising a non-coupling appendage material and stuffing captured by the non-coupling appendage material, wherein the non-coupling appendage being free of magnetic materials;
wherein the first surface and the second surface are opposite each other and stuffing is positioned between the first surface and the second surface.
13. The reversible toy of claim 12 , further comprising:
a first material layer defining the first surface;
a second material layer defining the second surface, wherein:
the first material layer and the second material layer define an inner body cavity there between, and
the stuffing positioned between the first surface and the second surface fills the inner body cavity and spaces the first material layer and the second material layer apart.
14. The reversible toy of claim 12 , further comprising:
a body defining an opening to an interior cavity within the body, the interior cavity having a closed end opposite the opening;
wherein the body is collapsible through the opening and reversible between a first configuration and a second configuration to alternatingly present the first surface and the second surface as and outer body surface defining an exterior of the body, the other of the first and second surfaces alternatingly defining a stored body surface defining the interior cavity.
15. The reversible toy of claim 14 , wherein:
the magnet exerts an attraction force configured to releasably secure the coupling appendage to a corresponding appendage of a second reversible toy, and
the body is configured to attenuate the attraction force when the coupling appendage is positioned in the interior cavity and prevent the magnet from releasably securing the reversible toy to an exterior object.
16. The reversible toy of claim 12 , wherein:
the coupling appendage is a first coupling appendage,
the magnet is a first magnet, and
the reversible toy comprises a second coupling appendage extending from the first surface and comprising a second magnet.
17. The reversible toy of claim 16 , wherein:
the first magnet has a first magnetic polarization,
the second magnet has a second magnetic polarization, and
the first magnet is arranged within the first coupling appendage and the second magnet is arranged within the second coupling appendage such that the first and second magnetic polarizations have a common orientation relative to the reversible toy.
18. The reversible toy of claim 17 , wherein:
the first and second coupling appendages are attached to opposing sides of a body of the reversible toy, and
the body has a body shape configured to prevent the first and second magnets from coupling simultaneously to a common surface.
19. The reversible toy of claim 12 , wherein:
in a first configuration, the first surface defines an exterior of the reversible toy and includes features representative of a first emotional state, and
in a second configuration, the second surface defines the exterior of the reversible toy and includes features representative of a second emotional state.
20. The reversible toy of claim 19 , wherein in the second configuration:
the magnet is separated from the second surface by the stuffing captured by the coupling appendage material and by the stuffing positioned between the first and second surfaces, and
the stuffing captured by the coupling appendage material and the stuffing positioned between the first and second surfaces attenuate a magnetic force exerted by the magnet such that the magnet is prevented from coupling to an object exterior the reversible toy.
Priority Applications (1)
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US18/623,318 US20240238683A1 (en) | 2021-05-20 | 2024-04-01 | Reversible toy with coupling appendages |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US17/325,659 US11969665B2 (en) | 2021-05-20 | 2021-05-20 | Reversible toy with coupling appendages |
US18/623,318 US20240238683A1 (en) | 2021-05-20 | 2024-04-01 | Reversible toy with coupling appendages |
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US17/325,659 Continuation US11969665B2 (en) | 2021-05-20 | 2021-05-20 | Reversible toy with coupling appendages |
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US20240238683A1 true US20240238683A1 (en) | 2024-07-18 |
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US17/325,659 Active 2041-06-09 US11969665B2 (en) | 2021-05-20 | 2021-05-20 | Reversible toy with coupling appendages |
US18/623,318 Pending US20240238683A1 (en) | 2021-05-20 | 2024-04-01 | Reversible toy with coupling appendages |
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US17/325,659 Active 2041-06-09 US11969665B2 (en) | 2021-05-20 | 2021-05-20 | Reversible toy with coupling appendages |
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Family Cites Families (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1396766A (en) * | 1919-07-11 | 1921-11-15 | Bertha M Mcclelland | Doll |
US1551050A (en) * | 1922-08-08 | 1925-08-25 | George H Parsons | Doll |
US1966986A (en) * | 1933-10-25 | 1934-07-17 | Martin Helen | Doll |
US3789547A (en) * | 1972-03-16 | 1974-02-05 | M Chemarin | Manufacturing process for dolls, puppets, plush animals, consisting in the use of two fabrics adherent one to the other |
US3851419A (en) * | 1973-08-06 | 1974-12-03 | Marvin Glass & Associates | Reversible doll |
US4387530A (en) * | 1981-02-09 | 1983-06-14 | Procreations, Inc. | Flexible sheet construction system |
US4781648A (en) * | 1987-03-03 | 1988-11-01 | Henry Garfinkel | Reversible plush toy |
US5362271A (en) * | 1991-10-24 | 1994-11-08 | Butt Sandra L | Magnetic playthings |
GB9909176D0 (en) * | 1999-04-21 | 1999-06-16 | Masaba Phillip T | A toy |
WO2006100419A1 (en) * | 2005-03-22 | 2006-09-28 | Geoff House | An invertible toy or figure |
WO2008016315A1 (en) * | 2006-08-03 | 2008-02-07 | Doodlebug Design Limited | A plaything |
US20100112892A1 (en) * | 2008-10-30 | 2010-05-06 | Lapointe Doreen | Doll and pillow case |
US20150290547A1 (en) * | 2014-04-09 | 2015-10-15 | Susan May | Interconnecting Dolls and Related Methods of Use |
US9975053B1 (en) * | 2017-04-28 | 2018-05-22 | Jay At Play International Hong Kong Limited | Transformable toy with reversible head |
US10786746B2 (en) * | 2017-12-20 | 2020-09-29 | Tee Turtle, LLC | Reversible toy |
US20190358553A1 (en) * | 2018-05-25 | 2019-11-28 | Snap Pop | Interlocking plush toy |
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US20220370926A1 (en) | 2022-11-24 |
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