Stuffed figure with storage receptacles
An instrument container in the shape of a stuffed animal, such as (but not limited to) an octopus, spider, or crab. The container is comprised of a body stuffed with a yieldable material. The body is configured with a plurality of appendages having receptacles for holding a plurality of writing instruments or the like. The body of the stuffed figure also includes a storage cavity secured by releasable fasteners, such as interlocking VELCRO fasteners. The stuffed figure may be attached to a school bag or other source. An elastic wrist fastener is also provided. The stuffed figure may be provided in various sizes to accommodate the different uses.
Not Applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEASRCH OR DEVELOPMENTNot Applicable.
REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIXNot Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates generally to the field of stuffed animals and the like, and in particular, to a stuffed animal or other figure with receptacles for holding, storing, and transporting crayons or other writing instruments. While stuffed animals have provided comfort to small children and opportunities for playtime exploration, it would be desirable to have them perform other functions. Storage and transportation of crayons has long been problematic. Cardboard containers do not provide effective or long-term storage. Children, also, tend to lose or misplace their crayons.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention comprises a storage container in the shape of a stuffed figure, such as a stuffed animal with plural appendages. The head or body of the figure includes a storage cavity. Depending from the head are a plurality of appendages, at least one of which has a receptacle for storing an instrument, such as a crayon. One embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated and described, is shown in the form of a simulated octopus; however, this invention could be adapted to a wide variety of figures.
This invention offers an attractive and substantial holder for storing and transporting instruments such as crayons, and other instruments. For example, when the receptacles are used to store colored crayons, the appendages and/or receptacles, may be color-coded to facilitate the replacement of the crayons and offer one-to-one color matching. The receptacles may be designed to hold one large crayon (suitable for younger children) or two crayons (suitable for older children).
The stuffed figure can be attached to a school bag, wrist or belt. The storage cavity in the head provides additional storage space for items such as lunch money, sharpener, keys or other items selected by the child.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING In the accompanying drawings,
Referring to
The stuffed animal with appendages 12 could be one color or the appendages or receptacles 14a could be color coded to match the eight colors available. One-to-one color matching activities would provide the younger child with reinforcement in color recognition.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
This invention is not limited to any of the particular forms or materials disclosed herein by way of example. The instrument receptacle may be designed to accommodate pens, pencils, crayons, chalk and marking devices of different sizes and shapes. The stuffed figure could be adjusted in size to accommodate the various uses.
Claims
1. A stuffed figure comprising:
- a flexible body containing a yieldable stuffing material;
- said body containing a storage cavity and a releasable fastener for securing said cavity; and
- a plurality of appendages depending from said body, at least one of said appendages having a receptacle adapted to receive an instrument.
2. A stuffed figure comprising:
- a head portion formed from a fabric filled with a yieldable stuffing material;
- said head portion containing a storage cavity accessible through an opening in said head portion; a releasable fastener for closing said opening;
- a plurality of appendages depending from said head portion, each of said appendages having a receptacle for holding at least one instrument.
3. A stuffed figure comprising:
- a body formed from a fabric covering filled with a yieldable stuffing material;
- said body being comprised of a plurality of foldable panels defining s storage chamber when said panels are in a closed position;
- a fastener for securing said panels in a closed position, said fastener being releasable to allow said panels to be opened for access to said chamber;
- a plurality of appendages, each of which has receptacles for holding writing instruments.
4. The stuffed figure of claim 1 further including an attachment member adapted to attach said figure to another item.
5. The stuffed figure of claim 4 further including an elastic band adapted to attach said figure to a person's wrist.
6. The stuffed figure of claim 5 wherein each of said receptacles is adapted to receive a writing instrument.
7. The stuffed figure of claim 6 wherein said stuffed figure is configured as an animal and said appendages simulate legs of the animal.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 9, 2004
Publication Date: May 11, 2006
Inventor: Linda Dodgen (Marrero, LA)
Application Number: 10/984,179
International Classification: A63H 3/02 (20060101);