Convertible plush toy with storage

Abstract

A convertible plush toy can convert between two interconnected reversible shapes. The first shape is that of a plush buddy, such as a teddy bear, that may be reversed into a second, ball shape. The construction and relationship of the ball form to the teddy bear abdomen creates a hidden hollow storage compartment within the plush buddy. The ball size, the abdomen measurements and the shared opening are designed in such a way to allow the internalized form to support the externalized form, while providing enough independence to avoid distortion of the externalized shape. The ball configuration can be designed in a semi-rigid form, such as with an external plush, internal batting and inner lining, so that the ball retains its shape when externalized and also provides definition to the storage space when internalized.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 61 / 615,009, filed Mar. 23, 2012, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to toys and, more particularly, to toys that can be altered between two different shapes that results in a toy having three distinct purposes.[0003]Plush toys have long been enjoyed by children of all ages. The worth of such a toy often extends beyond its ability to entertain and frequently becomes a source of comfort and safety—in other words, a buddy. Balls of all sizes and shapes are likely to have been one of man's earliest toy forms and one cannot imagine how different human culture would appear without this simplest of toy.[0004]While there are multitudes of forms for plush toys and hundreds of different types of balls, there has been no toy that has successfully combined the intrinsic value of the ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a toy that can change between an animal configuration and a ball configuration. It has a space inside when in the animal configuration and a hole when in the ball configuration. The toy can also have a closing mechanism to secure the hole when in either configuration. This design allows for a unique and interesting toy that can change its shape and create a space inside.

Problems solved by technology

While there are multitudes of forms for plush toys and hundreds of different types of balls, there has been no toy that has successfully combined the intrinsic value of the plush buddy with the extrinsic functions of a toy ball and an article for storage and transport of small items.

The design is such that the shapes are distinct and not sufficiently similar in shape to allow a common portion of the object to form both shapes (i.e., they are not reversible, but rather one shape must be completely exposed, then simply tucks into the other and vice versa).

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