Toy with Retractable Figure

A toy includes a telescoping member, the telescoping member having a first member and a second member slidably disposed over the first member, a handle portion coupled to one end of the first member, a head portion coupled to the distal end of the second member, an enclosure device slidably disposed over the telescoping member, the enclosure device having an interior surface and an exterior surface, and a layer of fabric secured to the perimeter of the interior surface of the enclosure device and to the head portion. The layer of fabric has at least two appendages extending therefrom. When the head portion is fully retracted within the enclosure device, the layer of fabric and appendages are fully contained within the enclosure device. When the head portion is fully extended outside of the enclosure device, the layer of fabric and appendages are substantially located outside of the enclosure device.

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Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

This invention was not federally sponsored.

BACKGROUND

The embodiments of the invention generally relate to the field of children's toys. More specifically, the embodiments of the invention relate to a toy having a retractable figure.

Children of all ages enjoy playing games with toys. For infants in particular, a popular game to play is “peek-a-boo”. The game of “peek-a-boo” generally involves an adult hiding a stuffed animal or doll from the infant, to the infant's dismay, and then suddenly making the stuffed animal or doll reappear, to the infant's delight. To hide the stuffed animal or doll, the adult typically places the object behind their back or behind another object in the room. There are no known toys that currently allow for an adult to play the game of “peek-a-boo” with an infant or toddler, without the adult having to hide the stuffed animal or doll behind an object or the adult's body. Therefore, there is a current need for a toy having a retractable figure that allows an adult to play the game of “peek-a-boo” with an infant without having to hide an object behind the adult's body or another object in the room.

It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention are not limited in their application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments of the invention are capable of being practiced and carried out in various ways. In addition, the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

One embodiment of the toy with retractable figure includes a telescoping member, the telescoping member having a first member and a second member slidably disposed over the first member, a handle portion coupled to one end of the first member, a head portion coupled to the distal end of the second member, an enclosure device slidably disposed over the telescoping member, the enclosure device having an interior surface and an exterior surface, and a layer of fabric secured to the perimeter of the interior surface of the enclosure device and to the head portion. The layer of fabric has at least two appendages extending therefrom. When the head portion is fully retracted within the enclosure device, the layer of fabric and appendages are fully contained within the enclosure device. When the head portion is fully extended outside of the enclosure device, the layer of fabric and appendages are substantially located outside of the enclosure device.

Another embodiment of the toy with retractable figure includes a telescoping member, the telescoping member having a first member and a second member slidably disposed over the first member, a handle portion coupled to one end of the first member, a head portion coupled to the distal end of the second member, an enclosure device slidably disposed over the telescoping member, the enclosure device comprised of a flexible material, the enclosure device having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the exterior surface having a first layer of fabric secured thereto, the first layer of fabric covering the entire exterior surface, a second layer of fabric secured to at least a portion of the exterior of the first layer of fabric, the second layer of fabric having a decorative shape, and a layer of fabric secured to the perimeter of the interior surface of the enclosure device and to the head portion. The layer of fabric has at least two appendages extending therefrom. When the head portion is fully retracted within the enclosure device, the layer of fabric and the at least two appendages are fully contained within the enclosure device. When the head portion is fully extended outside of the enclosure device, the layer of fabric and the at least two appendages are substantially located outside of the enclosure device.

Another embodiment of the toy with retractable figure includes a telescoping member, the telescoping member having a first member, a second member slidably disposed over the first member, and a stopper mechanism coupled to one end of the first member to prevent the first member from separating from the second member, a handle portion coupled to the other end of the first member, a head portion coupled to the distal end of the second member, the head portion configured to resemble the head of an infant, an enclosure device slidably disposed over the telescoping member, the enclosure device comprised of a flexible material, the enclosure device having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the exterior surface having a first layer of fabric secured thereto, the first layer of fabric covering the entire exterior surface, a second layer of fabric concentrically secured to the first layer of fabric around a portion of the enclosure device, the second layer of fabric shaped to resemble a plurality of flower pedals, and a layer of fabric secured to the perimeter of the interior surface of the enclosure device and to the head portion. The layer of fabric has four appendages extending therefrom, two of the appendages configured to resemble arms of an infant and two of the appendages configured to resemble legs of an infant. When the head portion is fully retracted within the enclosure device, the layer of fabric and the appendages are fully contained within the enclosure device. When the head portion is fully extended outside of the enclosure device, the layer of fabric and the appendages are substantially located outside of the enclosure device.

There has thus been outlined the features of some embodiments of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the embodiments of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the toy with retractable figure with the figure in the extended position.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the toy with retractable figure with the figure in the retracted position.

FIG. 3 shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of the toy with retractable figure with the figure in the extended position.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein similar parts are identified by like reference numerals, FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the toy with retractable FIG. 10. Toy 10 includes a telescoping member 20, a handle portion 30, a head portion 40, an enclosure device 50, and a layer of fabric 60. Telescoping member 20 may comprise a first member 22 and a second member 24 slidably disposed over first member 22. Telescoping member 20 may be comprised of various shapes and materials. As an example, telescoping member 20 may be cylindrical in shape and be comprised of a non-metallic material such as wood. Handle portion 30 may be coupled to one end 23 of first member 22. Telescoping member 20 may further include a stopper mechanism 28 coupled to the other end 25 of first member 22 to prevent first member 22 from separating from second member 24. Stopper mechanism 28 may fit partially within first member 22 and extend from first member 22 to within second member 24.

Head portion 40 may be coupled to the distal end 26 of second member 24. In some embodiments, head portion 40 may be coupled to distal end 26 by a connecting member 42. One end of connecting member 42 may be configured to fit within second member 24, while the other end of connecting member 42 may be configured to provide secure attachment of head portion 40. As an example, connecting member 42 may have a circumferential groove 44 around which head portion 40 may be secured. Head portion 40 may comprise various non-metallic materials, such as plastic. The shape and size of head portion 40 may vary depending on the particular figure desired. Head portion 40 may include eyes, a nose, ears, a mouth, and other features associated with the heads, depending on the figure portrayed.

Enclosure device 50 may be slidably disposed over telescoping member 20. Enclosure device 50 may have an interior surface 52 and an exterior surface 54. Enclosure device 50 may comprise various shapes and be comprised of various flexible and durable materials. For example, enclosure device 50 may be funnel-shaped and comprised of a thick paper material. Exterior surface 54 may comprise various materials and have different colors and shapes to depict various objects, such as a flower. Layer of fabric 60 may be secured to the perimeter of interior surface 52 and to head portion 40. Layer of fabric 60 may have at least two appendages 70 extending therefrom. When head portion 40 is fully retracted within enclosure device 50, layer of fabric 60 and appendages 70 may be fully contained within enclosure device 50. When head portion 40 is fully extended outside of enclosure device 50, layer of fabric 60 and appendages 70 may be substantially located outside of enclosure device 50. Layer of fabric 60 may comprise various flexible materials that may readily deform and not wear out with prolonged usage. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to cotton, polyester, and nylon.

Head portion 40, appendages 70, and layer of fabric 60 may be combined to form a FIG. 80. FIG. 80 may be shaped to resemble various figures. For example, FIG. 80 may be configured to resemble an infant, a clown, or an animal. The types of FIG. 80 that may be represented are numerous and may be recognized by those having ordinary skill in the art. As shown, FIG. 80 in the extended position, where FIG. 80 is substantially located outside of enclosure device 50. In some embodiments, FIG. 80 may be fully enclosed within enclosure device 50. In other embodiments, FIG. 80 may be contained within enclosure device 50 such that FIG. 80 is not visible to a viewer looking at device 10 from a side view.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of toy 10. As shown, FIG. 80 is in the retracted position, where FIG. 80 is fully enclosed within enclosure device 50. To orient FIG. 80 within enclosure device 50, a user may grasp handle portion 30 and exert a downward force upon handle portion 30, causing first member 22 to extend downward and cause second member 24 to extend downward from within enclosure device 50 and pull head portion 40 into enclosure device 50. As this occurs, layer of fabric 60 collapses and appendages 70 are drawn within enclosure device 50. A user may exert a downward force upon handle portion 30 until telescoping member 30 is fully extended and FIG. 80 contacts enclosure device 50 such that FIG. 80 can no longer be retracted within enclosure device 50. From the retracted position, to orient FIG. 80 to the extended position (see FIG. 1), a user exerts an upward force upon handle portion 30 until handle portion 30 contacts the lower region of enclosure device 50.

FIG. 3 shows a front perspective view of toy 10 with FIG. 80 in the extended position. As shown, FIG. 80 is depicted as an infant, including two arms, two legs, eyes, a nose, a mouth, a beanie. Also as shown, enclosure device 50 is depicted as a flower, with exterior surface 54 having a curved upper edge to resemble flower pedals and a second exterior layer 56 attached to exterior surface 54 to resemble flower leaves. It is to be recognized that FIG. 80 and enclosure device 50 may be designed in numerous fashions to resemble numerous figures and objects that may be pleasing to an infant or young child.

With respect to the above description it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, including variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly, and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the embodiments of the present invention. Since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents fall within the scope of the present inventions.

Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the embodiments of the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting, as to the scope of the embodiments of the invention in any way.

Claims

1. A toy comprising:

a telescoping member, the telescoping member having a first member and a second member slidably disposed over the first member;
a handle portion coupled to one end of the first member;
a head portion coupled to the distal end of the second member;
an enclosure device slidably disposed over the telescoping member, the enclosure device having an interior surface and an exterior surface; and
a layer of fabric secured to the perimeter of the interior surface of the enclosure device and to the head portion, the layer of fabric having at least two appendages extending therefrom, wherein when the head portion is fully retracted within the enclosure device, the layer of fabric and the at least two appendages are fully contained within the enclosure device, and when the head portion is fully extended outside of the enclosure device, the layer of fabric and the at least two appendages are substantially located outside of the enclosure device.

2. The toy of claim 1, wherein the exterior surface of the enclosure device has a first layer of fabric secured thereto, the first layer of fabric covering the entire exterior surface.

3. The toy of claim 2, further comprising a second layer of fabric secured to at least a portion of the exterior of the first layer of fabric, the second layer of fabric having a decorative shape.

4. The toy of claim 3, wherein the decorative shape is a plurality of flower pedals and the second layer of fabric is concentrically secured to the first layer of fabric around a portion of the enclosure device.

5. The toy of claim 1, wherein the head portion is configured to resemble the head of an infant.

6. The toy of claim 5, wherein the layer of fabric has four appendages extending therefrom, two of the appendages configured to resemble arms of an infant and two of the appendages configured to resemble legs of an infant.

7. The toy of claim 1, wherein the telescoping member is cylindrical in shape and comprised of a non-metallic material.

8. The toy of claim 1, wherein the enclosure device is funnel-shaped.

9. The toy of claim 1, wherein the enclosure device is comprised of a flexible material.

10. The toy of claim 1, wherein the telescoping member further includes a stopper mechanism coupled to the other end of the first member to prevent the first member from separating from the second member.

11. The toy of claim 1, wherein the second layer of fabric is in a shape of a shirt for an infant.

12. A toy comprising:

a telescoping member, the telescoping member having a first member and a second member slidably disposed over the first member;
a handle portion coupled to one end of the first member;
a head portion coupled to the distal end of the second member;
an enclosure device slidably disposed over the telescoping member, the enclosure device comprised of a flexible material, the enclosure device having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the exterior surface having a first layer of fabric secured thereto, the first layer of fabric covering the entire exterior surface;
a second layer of fabric secured to at least a portion of the exterior of the first layer of fabric, the second layer of fabric having a decorative shape; and
a layer of fabric secured to the perimeter of the interior surface of the enclosure device and to the head portion, the layer of fabric having at least two appendages extending therefrom, wherein when the head portion is fully retracted within the enclosure device, the layer of fabric and the at least two appendages are fully contained within the enclosure device, and when the head portion is fully extended outside of the enclosure device, the layer of fabric and the at least two appendages are substantially located outside of the enclosure device.

13. The toy of claim 12, wherein the decorative shape is a plurality of flower pedals and the second layer of fabric is concentrically secured to the first layer of fabric around a portion of the enclosure device.

14. The toy of claim 12, wherein the head portion is configured to resemble the head of an infant, and wherein the layer of fabric has four appendages extending therefrom, two of the appendages configured to resemble arms of an infant and two of the appendages configured to resemble legs of an infant.

15. The toy of claim 12, wherein the telescoping member is cylindrical in shape and is comprised of a non-metallic material.

16. The toy of claim 12, wherein the telescoping member further includes a stopper mechanism coupled to the other end of the first member to prevent the first member from separating from the second member.

17. A toy comprising:

a telescoping member, the telescoping member having a first member, a second member slidably disposed over the first member, and a stopper mechanism coupled to one end of the first member to prevent the first member from separating from the second member;
a handle portion coupled to the other end of the first member;
a head portion coupled to the distal end of the second member, the head portion configured to resemble the head of an infant;
an enclosure device slidably disposed over the telescoping member, the enclosure device having a funnel shape and being comprised of a flexible material, the enclosure device having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the exterior surface having a first layer of fabric secured thereto, the first layer of fabric covering the entire exterior surface;
a second layer of fabric concentrically secured to the first layer of fabric around a portion of the enclosure device; and
a layer of fabric secured to the perimeter of the interior surface of the enclosure device and to the head portion, the layer of fabric having four appendages extending therefrom, two of the appendages configured to resemble arms of an infant and two of the appendages configured to resemble legs of an infant, wherein when the head portion is fully retracted within the enclosure device, the layer of fabric and the appendages are fully contained within the enclosure device, and when the head portion is fully extended outside of the enclosure device, the layer of fabric and the appendages are substantially located outside of the enclosure device.

18. The toy of claim 17, where, when the head portion is fully extended outside of the enclosure device, the two of the appendages configured to resemble legs of an infant additionally comprise a knee portion and where there is a bend at approximately the knee portion, and where the knee portion rests upon the edge of the enclosure device when the head portion is fully extended outside of the enclosure device.

19. The toy of claim 17, additionally comprising a point of attachment located between the layer of fabric and the appendages, where the point of attachment consists of a section of stitching, where the section of stitching consists of fewer than 20 stitches, such that the appendages can rotate freely.

20. The toy of claim 17, wherein the second layer of fabric is in a shape of a shirt for an infant.

Patent History
Publication number: 20090053968
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 22, 2007
Publication Date: Feb 26, 2009
Inventor: Man Kit Hui (Hong Kong)
Application Number: 11/843,631
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Including Figure Toy (446/72); Enlargeable Or Elongatable Figure Or Figure Portion (446/320); Limb, Hand Or Foot (446/390); Convertible From, Or Serving As Diverse Article (446/71)
International Classification: A63H 3/00 (20060101); A63H 3/36 (20060101); A63H 33/00 (20060101);