WO2015195481A1

WO2015195481A1 - Reversible toy

Info

Publication number: WO2015195481A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/035600
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sini Aikkattukuzhi NARAYANAN; Patrick S. Baran; Joseph Michael ONDERKO; Zhao Zhong SUN
Original assignee: K&M International Inc
Current assignee: K&M International Inc
Priority date: 2014-06-16
Filing date: 2015-06-12
Publication date: 2015-12-23
Anticipated expiration: 2016-12-16
Also published as: GB2541345A; US20170136375A1; GB201621084D0; JP2017522095A; CN107073340A

Abstract

A reversible toy comprising a first figure and a second figure, each figure comprising a hollow body portion with a upper portion and a base portion and each figure having a conically shaped hollow and a shared base portion. The toy is reversible between a first position and a second position by turning it inside out via the shared base portion such that one of the figures is substantially concealed when the other is visible.

Description

REVERSIBLE TOY

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/012,553, filed June 16, 2014 entitled REVERSIBLE PLUSH TOY; 62/060,146, filed October 6, 2014, entitled REVERSIBLE PLUSH TOY GRAB RING, the entirety each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever.

SUMMARY

[0003] According to embodiments, disclosed is a toy comprising a first figure configured to form part of a reversible toy, the figure comprising a substantially hollow body portion with an upper portion and a base portion, the hollow including a substantially conical shape, such that the upper portion is narrower than the base, and a fastener on a base perimeter of the base portion configured to fasten the figure to a base portion of a second figure to form the reversible toy. [0004] In embodiments, the second figure comprises a second substantially hollow body portion with a second upper portion and a second base portion, the hollow of the second figure including a substantially conical shape, such that the second upper portion is narrower than the second base portion.

[0005] In embodiments, in a first position, the upper portion and the body portion of the first figure is configured to collapse and fit inside the hollow of the body portion of the second figure such that the first figure is substantially concealed while the second figure is visible; in a second position, the upper portion and body portion of the second figure is configured to collapse and fit inside the hollow of the body portion of the first figure such that the second figure is substantially concealed while the first figure is visible; the toy being reversible between first position and second position by turning it inside out via the shared base portion.

[0006] In embodiments, the fastener on the base perimeter includes one or more of stitching, snaps, magnets, or hook and loop connectors. In embodiments, the fastener is configured to detachably fasten the base of the first figure to the base of the second figure. In other embodiments, the fastener is configured to permanently fasten the base of the first figure to the base of the second figure.

[0007] In embodiments, a figure comprises appendages, facial feature elements, or other attachments. In embodiments, a figure comprises an inner lining. In embodiments, a figure comprises a grab ring.

[0008] In embodiments, the first figure and the second figure are different dimensions. In embodiments, the first and second figures are interchangeable with one or more other figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Embodiments are illustrated in the figures of the accompanying drawings, which are meant to be exemplary and not limiting, and in which like references are intended to refer to like or corresponding things. [0010] Fig. 1 shows a front view of an embodiment of a reversible toy.

[0011] Figs. 2A and 2B show front views of the embodiment, with dashed lines depicting inner contents.

[0012] Fig. 2C shows a side cross-section of the embodiment.

[0013] Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a reversible toy during a reversing process. [0014] Fig. 4 shows a side cross-section of an embodiment of a reversible toy.

[0015] Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a reversible toy with figures having different dimensions.

[0016] Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of a reversible toy with an inner lining.

[0017] Figs. 7-8 show embodiments of a reversible toy with detachably connected figures.

[0018] Fig. 9 shows an expanded view of a snap connector.

[0019] Figs. 10 shows a front view of an embodiment of a reversible toy with a grab ring.

[0020] Figs. 11 A and B show top views of embodiments thereof. [0021] Fig. 12A-B shows an embodiment of a reversible toy with a grab ring comprising fabric.

[0022] Fig. 13 shows a cross-sectional detail view of an embodiment of a grab ring comprising fabric. [0023] Figs. 14A-B show cutting patterns for embodiments of a reversible toy.

[0024] Figs. 15A-B show flow charts illustrating a sewing process for embodiments of a reversible toy.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Various embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments by which the invention may be practiced. The embodiments may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the embodiments to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0026] Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "herein" refers to the specification, claims, and drawings associated with the current application. The phrase "in one embodiment" as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, though it may. Furthermore, the phrase "in another embodiment" as used herein does not necessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, as described below, various embodiments of the invention may be readily combined, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. [0027] In addition, as used herein, the term "or" is an inclusive "or" operator, and is equivalent to the term "and/or," unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "based on" is not exclusive and allows for being based on additional factors not described, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout the specification, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" include plural references. The meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on."

[0028] It is noted that in this disclosure and particularly in the claims and/or

paragraphs, terms such as "comprises," "comprised," "comprising," and the like can have the meaning attributed to them in U.S. patent law; that is, they can mean

"includes," "included," "including," "including, but not limited to" and the like, and allow for elements not explicitly recited. Terms such as "consisting essentially of" and "consists essentially of" have the meaning ascribed to them in U.S. patent law; that is, they allow for elements not explicitly recited, but exclude elements that are found in the prior art or that affect a basic or novel characteristic of the invention. These and other embodiments are disclosed or are apparent from and encompassed by, the following description.

[0029] The use of the terms "a," "an," "at least one," "one or more," and similar terms indicate one of a feature or element as well as more than one of a feature. The use of the term "the" to refer to the feature does not imply only one of the feature and element. [0030] When an ordinal number (such as "first," "second," "third," and so on) is used as an adjective before a term, that ordinal number is used (unless expressly or clearly specified otherwise) merely to indicate a particular feature, such as to distinguish that particular feature from another feature that is described by the same term or by a similar term. [0031] Similarly, while the reference characters A and B are used in the description to refer to elements of embodiments, they are used for convenience for the purpose of providing a clear description of the embodiments. They are not intended to require any kind of order or sequence of operations, and are entirely interchangeable. [0032] Referring now to the figures, Fig. 1 shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of a reversible toy 10. The toy 10 is comprised of two figures 12, depicted in the shown embodiment as two animal shapes, figure A 12a, and figure B 12b. Each figure comprises a body 16a, 16b an upper portion 18a, 18b, and a base 20a, 20b. In the embodiment shown, the base 20a of figure A 12a is connected to the base 20b of figure B 12b to form a shared base 20. The body 16a, 16b of each figure 12a, 12b is configured such that it can contain the other figure 12a, 12b inside as described herein. For example, each body 16a, 16b can be substantially hollow.

[0033] Fig. 2A shows an embodiment of a reversible toy 10 where figure B 12b, shown in dashed lines, is contained entirely within the body 16a of figure A 12a. Fig. 2C shows a side cross-section thereof. In this position, figure A 12a is the outer figure and the only figure visible. Figure B 12b is the inner figure, hidden within and providing a stuffing for figure A 12a. Fig. 2B shows the embodiment of a reversible toy 10 as reversed from that Fig. 2A, where figure A 12a, is now shown in dashed lines, is contained entirely within the body 16b of figure B 12b. In this position, figure B 12b is the outer figure and the only figure visible. Figure A 12a is the inner figure, hidden within and providing a stuffing for figure B 12b. Fig. 2C shows a side cross-section thereof.

[0100] The embodiments shown in the figures depict the inner figure entirely contained within the outer figure. However, some embodiments can be configured to comprise elements of the inner figure that are not entirely contained within the outer figure without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0034] Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a reversible toy 10 during a reversing process. The toy 10 is configured to be reversed by stabilizing the base 20 of the toy 10 while simultaneously pushing the outer figure, here figure A 12a, toward the base 20. The inner figure, here figure B 12b, emerges where it has been pushed out of the outer figure 12a. As the reversing process continues, figure A 12a is pushed toward the base 20 and inward toward the body 16b of figure B 12b so as to turn the toy 10 "inside-out" to expose figure B 12b, whereby figure A 12a becomes hidden within figure B 12b. When the reversing process is complete, figure B 12b is the only figure visible, and figure A 12a is substantially or completely contained within figure B 12b. Figure A 12a becomes the inner figure, hidden within and providing a stuffing for figure B 12b.

[0101] Fig. 4 shows a side cross sectional view of a reversible toy 10. In the

embodiment, each of the figures 12a, 12b has a substantially conical form, in that the upper portion 18a, 18b of the toy (depicted in the embodiment as a head of an animal shape) is narrower than the base 20. The base 20 of figure A 12a is attached to the base 20 of figure B 12b to form a substantially double-conical shape when both figures are exposed, as illustrated in Fig. 4.

[0102] The double-conical form is configured such that one figure 12 fits within the other. The double-conical shape can be configured to form a plurality of sizes of reversible toys.

[0103] In embodiments, the double-conical toy can be configured such that the two figures are of different sizes or lengths. For those embodiments, when the bases 20 of the two figures are attached together, the double-cone is configured such that the toy is still reversible, unaffected by differing lengths of the two figures. This allows for a multitude of figure pair configurations, such as mother and baby, different animals, wizard and warrior, robot and human, robot and robot, human and superhuman, human and monster, captain and spaceship, and indeed, pairings limited only by the imagination.

[0104] Connection via the base 20 in the double-conical form also allows for great variation in the two figures used, as there are minimal restrictions on the characteristics or addition of features incorporated into each shape. For example, as each figure can be constructed independently of the other, the figures need not share common

construction materials, such as common seams (or only seaming at the base). Features can comprise feet, tails, appendages, nacelles, accessories, or other details. In an embodiment, the base perimeter dimensions of the two figures are substantially the same, but the size and features of each individual figure can vary without impairing the reversibility aspect of the toy. [0105] For example, Fig. 5 shows an embodiment where the dimensions of a first figure 12a are larger than the dimensions of a second figure 12b.

[0106] Additionally, in embodiments, the double-conical form provides structural support to the toy. When the toy is positioned such that only one figure is exposed, the larger dimension of the base relative to the top of the outer figure helps prevent the toy from collapsing or tipping.

[0107] In embodiments, one or both figures comprise a head, optionally filled with stuffing, positioned at the top of the figure. With insufficient support, the body of the figure would tend to collapse under the size and weight of the head. However, the double-conical shape of the toy makes it possible for the toy to remain positioned upright on its base, with a head securely balanced at the top, without collapsing. In this way, the top of the figure can be distributed over a larger base area. Similarly, the larger base dimension compared to the top of the figure helps to prevent the toy from tipping or becoming unbalanced. [0108] In an embodiment, the difference in dimensions between the base 20 and the upper portion 18 of each figure need not be great in order for the intended function of the double-conical form to be achieved. In addition, embodiments need not have a conical appearance in final form, even though the interior space of the body 16 is substantially conical. For example, stuffing, appendages, or additional character features may obscure a toy's outer conical appearance, while retaining a double-conical shape in the interior of the toy 10 in order to preserve the reversibility of the toy 10 as described herein.

[0109] As shown in Fig. 6, in embodiments, the figures are fabricated with an inner lining 26. In an embodiment, the lining 26 can comprise cotton, poly-fill, or any other soft material or combination of materials. The lining can add to the soft, plush feel of the toy. It also can provide additional structural support to the toy reinforcing the double-conical form of the figures. It will be evident to an ordinarily skilled artisan informed by the teachings herein that the thickness of a lining 26 can affect the desired inner volume of the body 16 of a figure 12 in order to ensure proper fit to allow the toy 10 to be reversible.

[0110] Figs. 7-8 show embodiments of a reversible toy 10 where two figures 12a, 12b are detachably connected. Rather than permanently attaching the two figures together, such as by sewing together, the figures 12a, 12b can be connected using connectors such as snaps 24. Snaps 24 are disposed around the perimeter of base 20. As the figures are detachable, a multitude of figure pairs can be made by interchanging figures. For example, figure A can be paired with figure B, or a figure C can be interchanged with either figure A or figure B to create an A-C pairing, or B-C pairing. This provides a user greater choice and variety than is possible with embodiments where the two figures are permanently connected. Fig. 9 shows an expanded view of the snap connectors 24. [0111] The embodiment is shown using snaps 24, but detachable connectors of any kind and number can be used. For example, in an embodiment, hook and loop connectors can be used to connect the two figures. In another embodiment, magnets can be used to connect the two figures.

[0112] Figs. 10-13 show an embodiment of a reversible toy 10 including a stiffener, such as a grab ring 22. The grab ring 22 is positioned at the junction between the two figures 12a, 12b, which is the base 20 of the toy when one figure is contained within the other. The grab ring 22 provides a place for a user to hold when reversing the toy, and helps to prevent the opening at the base 20 from collapsing. This facilitates the reversal of one figure to another. The grab ring 22 additionally provides structural support to the toy 10, which facilitates ease of reversal as well as aids the toy 10 to sit upright. The grab ring 22 of the embodiments shown in Figs. 10 and 11A is made of cord material. Fig. 11B shows an embodiment wherein a grab ring 22 comprises plastic or rubber material. In embodiments, a grab ring 22 can comprise any of nylon, rubber, thread,

polypropylene, metal, fabric, or any other appropriate material. In the embodiments shown, the grab ring material is added to the base 20 of the toy 10. However, in other embodiments, a grab ring can be constructed using material integral to the toy 10. A grab ring 22 need not be visible on the exterior of the toy 10. For example, in

embodiments, a grab ring 22 is integrated into the base 20 such that the grab ring 22 is covered by fabric or otherwise not visible to a user. [0035] Fig. 12A shows an embodiment of a reversible toy 10 with a grab ring 22 comprising fabric. In this embodiment, the grab ring 22 is constructed by sewing fabric to create a lip or edge around the base 20 of the toy 10. Fig. 12B shows an embodiment of a reversible toy 10 where figure B 12b, shown in dashed lines, is contained entirely within the body 16a of figure A 12a. As explained above, the grab ring 22 additionally provides structural support to the toy 10, which facilitates ease of reversal as well as aids the toy 10 to sit upright.

[0113] Fig. 13 shows a cross-sectional detail view of an embodiment of a grab ring 22 constructed in this manner. [0114] A method of manufacture of a reversible toy is as follows. A pattern for a first figure is provided, for example. Figs. 14A-B show cutting patterns for embodiments of a reversible plush toy. The patterns are cut from fabric and sewn together via the process illustrated in the corresponding flowcharts shown in Figs. 15A-B. The embodiment illustrated in Figs. 14-15 comprises an elephant figure (specifically in Fig. 14A and 15 A) and a rhino figure (specifically in Fig. 14B and 15B).

[0115] For example, as indicated in Fig. 15 A, instructions are as follows:

[0116] At Block 201: PI [Chin - 2 pes]: Stitch together

[0117] At Block 202: Pl-Dc to P3 [Sideface]-Dc

[0118] At Block 203: P2 [Trunk]-Dc to P3-Dc, Continue stitching to P3-Ea [0119] At Block 204: P4 [Ears - 4 pes] : Stitch together

[0120] At Block 205: P4-Eb to P3-Eb, Continue stitching to P3-Ec

[0121] At Block 206: P5 [Hair]-Ee to P3-Ee [0122] At Block 207: P6 [Backhead]-Ed to P3-Ed, Continue stitching to P3-Ec

[0123] At Block 208: P9 [Left front leg]-Ba to P8 [Front body]-Ba_left

[0124] At Block 209: P7 [Back leg]-Bb_left to P8-Bb_left

[0125] At Block 210: P10 [Backbody]-Ab to P8-Ab, Continue stitching to P8-Bd [0126] At Block 211: Pll [Nail - 4pcs]-Ca_left to P9-Ca, Continue stitching to P10-

Ca [Front leg]

[0127] At Block 212: P12 [Boot - 4pcs]-Cb_left to P9-Cb, Continue stitching to

Pll-Cc_left, Continue stitching to Cc_right, Continue stitching to PlO-Cb, Continue stitching to P10 & P8-Aa, Continue stitching to P7-Bc & PlO-Bc. [0128] At Block 213: Left backleg stitching: REPEAT Block 211.

[0129] At Block 214: P12-Cb_left to PlO-Cb, Continue stitching to P8Ac & PlO-Ac

[0130] At Block 215: REPEAT from Block 210 to Block 214 on the right side.

[0131] At Block 216: REPEAT Block 203 to Block 207 for right head.

[0132] At Block 217: Stitch right head and left together. [0133] At Block 218: P6-Da to PlO-Da, Continue stitching to P3-Db, Continue stitching to right side.

[0134] At Block 219: Eye fixing

[0135] At Block 220: P15 [Cotton]: attach around the head and body attachment.

[0136] At Block 221: P3 [Tail]-Ca to P14-Ca, Fold, stitch and reverse. [0137] At Block 222: P13-Cb to PlO-Cb

[0138] As indicated in Fig. 15B, instructions continue as follows:

[0139] At Block 301: PI [Horn]-Ac to P2 [Face]-Ac

[0140] At Block 302: P3 [Ear - 4pcs]: Stitch together, P3-Ad to P2-Ad

[0141] At Block 303: P4 [Backhead]-Aa to P2-Aa

[0142] At Block 304: P5 [Neck] to P2-Ab

[0143] At Block 305: REPEAT Block 301-304 for opposite side.

[0144] At Block 306: REPEAT elephant stitching from Block 208-Block 214.

[0145] At Block 307: P4-Da to PlO-Da, Continue stitching to P2-A*P10-A*,

Continue stitching to P5-Db & P8-Db, Continue stitching to the right side.

[0146] At Block 308: REPEAT Block 220 of elephant stitching.

[0147] At Block 309: Stitch together elephant and rhino bottom part.

[0148] Once the two figures are assembled, they are connected at their bases.

Optionally, there can be one or more layers of padding or cushioning incorporated into the figures. For example, a head element can contain stuffing.

[0149] In embodiments, a reversible toy 10 comprises one or more of fabric, fiber and plastic materials. Eyes, nose, mouth, and other features and attachments can be optionally attached to the figures. Any sharp edges of attachments can be melted and/or blunted to make them safer and more secure. In embodiments, the majority of machine stitching is performed on the backside of the fabric such that the stitches will not be visible on the finished product. Once machine stitching is complete, the toy is turned right-side-out through an unstitched portion of the fabric. The unstitched portion is then closed by hand stitching. If desired, additional sewing is performed in order to bring out the desired expression of the toy by pulling and tethering the fabric. Some embodiments comprise additional markings, such as stripes or spots, which are painted on the toy. The toy can further be wire-brushed on the seams, and air-brushed to remove extraneous fibers. As will be appreciated, any stitching can be by machine stitching or hand stitching.

[0150] The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the invention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the invention. Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A toy comprising:

a first figure configured to form part of a reversible toy, the figure comprising:

a substantially hollow body portion with an upper portion and a base portion, the hollow including a substantially conical shape, such that the upper portion is narrower than the base, and

a fastener on a base perimeter of the the base portion configured to fasten the figure to a base portion of a second figure to form the reversible toy.

2. The toy of claim 1, wherein the second figure configured to form part of a reversible toy comprises:

a second substantially hollow body portion with a second upper portion and a second base portion,

the hollow of the second figure including a substantially conical shape, such that the second upper portion is narrower than the second base portion.

3. The toy of claim 2, wherein:

in a first position the upper portion and the body portion of the first figure is configured to collapse and fit inside the hollow of the body portion of the second figure such that the first figure is substantially concealed while the second figure is visible;

in a second position the upper portion and body portion of the second figure is configured to collapse and fit inside the hollow of the body portion of the first figure such that the second figure is substantially concealed while the first figure is visible,

the toy being reversible between first position and second position by turning it inside out via the shared base portion.

4. The toy of claim 1, wherein the fastener on the base perimeter of the first figure includes one or more of stitching, snaps, magnets, or hook and loop connectors.

5. The toy of claim 1, wherein the first figure comprises appendages, facial feature elements, or other attachments.

6. The toy of claim 1, wherein the first figure comprises an inner lining.

7. The toy of claim 1, the first figure further comprising a stiffener disposed along at least part of the base portion.

8. The toy of claim 7, wherein the stiffener comprises a grab ring.

9. The toy of claim 1, wherein the fastener is configured to detachably fasten the base of the first figure to the base of the second figure.

10. The reversible toy claim 9, wherein the first figure is interchangeable with one or more other figures.

11. The toy of claim 1, wherein the first figure comprises a head portion at the end of the upper portion, and the head portion includes a stuffing material.

12. A reversible toy comprising:

a first figure and a second figure, each figure comprising a hollow body portion with a upper portion and a base portion,

the hollow of each figure having a conical shape, such that the upper portion is narrower than the base portion;

the base portion of the first figure being attached to the base of the second figure to form a shared base portion.

13. The toy of claim 12, wherein:

14. The toy of claim 12, wherein at least one figure comprises appendages, facial feature elements, or other attachments.

15. The toy of claim 12, wherein at least one figure comprises an inner lining.

16. The toy of claim 12, further comprising a stiffener disposed along at least part of the shared base portion.

17. The toy of claim 12, wherein the base of the first figure is detachable from the base of the second figure.

18. The reversible toy claim 17, wherein the first and second figures are interchangeable with one or more other figures.

19. The toy of claim 12, wherein at least one figure comprises a head portion at the end of the upper portion, and the head portion includes a stuffing material.

20. The toy of claim 12 wherein the first and second figures are different dimensions.