TOY WITH MAGNETIC RETAINING STRUCTURE AND METHOD OF USING SAME

Abstract

A toy comprises a body formed in the shape of an animal, and has first and second parts representing anatomical elements of the animal. At least one of the first and second parts is movable toward and away from the other of the first and second parts. Each of the first and second parts comprises an outer surface, and has a receiving space defined therein, interiorly of the outer surface. Complementary magnetic elements are disposed within the receiving spaces, so that when the first and second parts are sufficiently close together, the complementary magnetic elements magnetically engage such that the first and second parts are releasably secured to one another. The first and second parts may represent first and second parts of a mouth, such as a maxillary portion of a jaw system and a mandibular portion of the jaw system.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to toys, and more particularly to toys having retaining structures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When babies cry or otherwise become fussy, it is common to provide them with a pacifier (also referred to as a soother), which typically includes a nipple which can safely be placed in the baby's mouth. Unfortunately, because pacifiers are typically small, they often become lost, or fall on the ground, which necessitates sterilization or replacement.

There have been a number of attempts to provide devices to assist in retaining pacifiers. For example. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,188,747 and 4,277,910 to Kramer disclose a stuffed toy having a releasable clamp for reception of a nipple serving as a pacifier, and a stuffed toy having hook-and-loop type patches on opposed elements so that it can retain a pacifier therebetween. U.S. Pat. No. 5,201,073 to Spanier discloses a combination bib and toy having a generally humanoid shape and whose hands can be attached together to hold a pacifier. U.S. Pat. No. 5,344,355 to Silverstein discloses a stuffed toy with a flexible extension member and pacifier retaining loop having a snap attached to its end which mates with a corresponding snap inside the extension member. U.S. Pat. No. 6,299,501 to Lynch discloses a pacifier-holder comprising a two-piece tab-flap fastener for securing the pacifier to a wand. U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,919 to Gordon et al. discloses a pacifier toy comprising an animal shape with a face portion framed to receive a pacifier, and a pacifier having a face defined thereon, with the nipple acting as the nose of the face, and also discloses a stegosaurus-shaped toy, with pacifier nipples in place of the stegosaur spines. U.S. Pat. No. 6,666,740 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20020187719 discloses a stuffed toy in the shape of an animal, attached to a pacifier. Stuffed toys in the shape of animals, each attached to a pacifier, have been offered by Trebco Specialty Products, Inc. at the website www.wubbanub.com, under the trademark “WubbaNub”. Stuffed animals with pacifiers removably attached thereto have been offered by Love Kub LLC at the web site www.pacimals.com under the trademark “Pacimals”, and by Nookunis, LLC at the website www.paciplushies.com under the trademark “Paci-Plushies”.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a toy comprising a body formed in the shape of an animal. The body has first and second parts representing anatomical elements other animal, and at least one of the first and second parts is movable toward and away from the other of the first and second parts. Each of the first and second parts comprises an outer surface and has a receiving space defined therein, with each receiving space being disposed interiorly of the respective outer surface. Complementary magnetic elements are disposed within the receiving spaces, so that when the first and second parts are sufficiently close together, the complementary magnetic elements magnetically engage one another such that the first and second parts are releasably secured to one another.

In one embodiment, the first part represents a maxillary portion of a jaw system and the second part represents a mandibular portion of the jaw system.

In another embodiment, the first and second parts represent forelimbs.

The complementary magnetic elements may consist of a permanent magnet and an element comprising a magnetic substance, or may consist of first and second permanent magnets arranged so that their respective poles are oriented such that the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet are attracted to one another.

In one embodiment, the body is formed from fabric and filled with stuffing, the outer surface of each of the first and second parts is formed from fabric, and stuffing is disposed within the receiving spaces.

The outer surfaces may be opaque, and in a particular embodiment the body is formed in the shape of a non-human animal.

In a particular embodiment, the two parts represent complementary opposed anatomical elements.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a toy comprising a body in the shape of an animal. The body has a mouth defined by two complementary mouth portions. At least one of the mouth portions is movable relative to the other mouth portion so that the mouth has a closed configuration and one or more open configurations. Each mouth portion has a magnetic element positioned therewithin so that when the mouth is in the closed configuration, the magnetic elements are spaced from one another and cooperate to maintain the mouth in the closed configuration.

The body may comprise an outer shell formed from fabric and containing stuffing.

The complementary magnetic elements may consist of a permanent magnet and an element comprising a magnetic substance, or may consist of first and second permanent magnets arranged so that their respective poles are oriented such that the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet are attracted to one another.

The complementary magnetic elements may be disposed interiorly of the outer shell, and the fabric may be opaque.

In a particular embodiment, the complementary mouth portions comprise a maxillary portion of a jaw system and a mandibular portion of the jaw system.

The body may be formed in the shape of a non-human animal.

In a further aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for retaining a ring-type pacifier when not in use by an infant. The method comprises providing a toy having a body formed in the shape of an animal. The body of the toy provided has first and second parts representing anatomical elements of the animal, with at least one of the first and second parts being movable toward and away from the other of the first and second parts. Each of the first and second parts comprises an outer surface and has a receiving space defined therein, with the receiving space being disposed interiorly of the outer surface, and complementary magnetic elements are disposed within the receiving spaces. According to the method, after providing the toy, at least one of the first and second parts is moved away from the other of the first and second parts, and a ring of the ring-type pacifier is placed between the first and second parts so that the complementary magnetic elements are aligned with an aperture in the ring of the ring-type pacifier.

In a particular embodiment of the method, after positioning the pacifier, at least one of the first and second parts is moved toward the other of the first and second parts so that, when the first and second parts are sufficiently close together, the complementary magnetic elements magnetically engage such that the first and second parts are releasably secured to one another so as to retain the pacifier.

In another particular embodiment of the method, after positioning the pacifier, at least one of the first and second parts is allowed to move toward the other of the first and second parts under influence of magnetic attraction between the complementary magnetic elements so that, when the first and second parts are sufficiently close together, the complementary magnetic elements magnetically engage such that the first and second parts are releasably secured to one another so as to retain the pacifier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a toy in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2A shows a partially cut-away side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, with a mouth in an open configuration, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention:

FIG. 2B shows a partially cut-away side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, with the mouth in a closed configuration, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention:

FIG. 3 shows insertion of an exemplary ring-type pacifier into the mouth of the embodiment of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention:

FIG. 4 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 retaining the exemplary ring-type pacifier;

FIG. 5A shows a partially cut-away side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, with the mouth in an open configuration and the exemplary ring-type pacifier positioned in the mouth, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 5B shows a partially cut-away side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, with the mouth in a closed configuration retaining the exemplary ring-type pacifier, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1, retaining a writing implement; and

FIG. 7 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1, retaining notepaper.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference now to FIG. 1, a toy according to an aspect of the present invention is shown generally at 10. The toy 10 comprises a body 12 formed in the shape of a animal, and, in the embodiment shown in the Figures, the animal is a dog, more particularly a stylized representation of a dog.

The body 12 has a plurality of parts representing anatomical elements of the dog, including hindlimbs 14, forelimbs 16, tail 18 and head 20. Parts representing anatomical elements of the dog, also forming part of the body 12, are attached to the head 20. These include parts representing ears 22, eyes 23, and a mouth 24 formed from respective first and second complementary mouth portions 26 and 28. A nose portion 30 is disposed on the first mouth portion 26. In one embodiment, the body 12, including the hindlimbs 14, forelimbs 16, tail 18, head 20 and mouth portions 26, 28, is formed from a fabric outer shell and filled with stuffing. While the cars 22 are formed from fabric, stuffing may optionally be omitted from the ears to create a “floppy” appearance evocative of the ears of a spaniel-type dog.

In the particular embodiment shown, the first mouth portion 26 represents a maxillary portion of a jaw system and the second mouth portion 28 represents a mandibular portion of the jaw system. Thus, the two mouth portions 26, 28 are first and second parts 26, 28 representing anatomical elements of the animal. As will be described in greater detail below, each mouth portion 26, 28 has a respective magnetic element 40, 42 positioned therewithin, the magnetic elements 40, 42 being complementary to one another in the sense that a magnetic attraction occurs between the magnetic elements 40, 42. For example, one of the magnetic elements 40, 42 may be a permanent magnet and the other may be an element formed from a magnetic substance, that is, a substance that experiences attraction when exposed to a permanent magnet. Alternatively, the first and second magnetic elements 40, 42 may be first and second permanent magnets arranged so that their respective poles are oriented such that they are attracted to one another.

With reference now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, it will be seen that the first and second mouth portions 26, 28 are movable toward and away from one another. In the particular exemplary embodiment illustrated herein, the mouth portions 26, 28 are movable relative to one another so that the mouth 24 has a closed configuration (as shown in FIG. 2A) and one or more open configurations (as shown in FIG. 2B). While in the illustrated embodiment each of the mouth portions 26, 28 is movable relative to the other, it is considered sufficient for only one of the first and second parts (mouth portions 26, 28 in the illustrated embodiment) to be movable toward and away from the other part, with the other part being relatively static. Thus, alternate embodiments are envisioned in which only one of the parts (e.g. only one of the mouth portions) would be movable.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 2A and 2B, each of the first and second mouth portions 26, 28 comprises a respective outer surface 44, 46. Each of the first and second mouth portions 26, 28 also has a respective receiving space 48, 50 defined within its interior, that is, each receiving space 48, 50 is disposed interiorly of the respective outer surface 44, 46. The complementary magnetic elements 40, 42 are disposed within the respective receiving spaces 48, 50, so that, when the mouth portions 26, 28 are sufficiently close together, as shown in FIG. 2B, the complementary magnetic elements 40, 42 will magnetically engage one another such that the mouth portions 26, 28 are releasably secured to one another, thereby cooperating to maintain the mouth 24 in the closed configuration. As can particularly be seen in FIG. 2B, when the mouth 24 is in the closed configuration, the magnetic elements 40, 42 are spaced from one another, because the outer surfaces 44, 46 are disposed between them. It will be appreciated that, because the magnetic elements 40, 42 are disposed interiorly of the respective outer surfaces 44, 46, they will be concealed as long as the outer surfaces 44, 46 are opaque, and such concealment may enhance the aesthetic features of the toy 10.

In some embodiments, the receiving spaces 48, 50 may comprise a pocket formed from two adjacent layers of fabric, with one of the layers being the respective outer surface 44, 46 and the other layer being an interior layer (not shown) positioned to prevent the respective magnetic element 40, 42 from migrating away (i.e. inwardly) from the respective outer surface 44, 46. In such an embodiment, the receiving spaces 48, 50 may optionally be filled with stuffing.

In other embodiments, a three layer structure may be used, with the receiving spaces 48, 50 being defined by an interior pocket formed from two layers of fabric and positioned interiorly of the respective outer surfaces 44, 46, with stuffing disposed between the respective outer surface 44, 46 and the pocket so as to provide cushioning between the magnetic elements 40, 42 and the respective outer surfaces 44, 46. The amount of such stuffing should be limited so as to avoid interfering with magnetic engagement of the magnetic elements 40, 42.

Where the receiving spaces 48, 50 are sufficiently small relative to the size of the magnetic elements 40, 42, boundaries of the receiving spaces 48, 50 (for example, as defined by fabric layers and stitching) may be sufficient to retain the magnetic elements 40, 42 in position so that they are aligned with one another. If the receiving spaces 48, 50 are large relative to the size of the magnetic elements 40, 42, then it is preferable that the magnetic elements 40, 42 be secured in position, for example by surrounding the magnetic element 40, 42 with stitching that secures together the two layers of a pocket containing that magnetic element 40, 42, by use of a suitable adhesive, or by another suitable technique.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 3 and 4. A toy according to an aspect of the present invention may be used to grasp and retain a ring-type pacifier 60 (also known as a soother). In particular, the mouth 24 can be moved to an open configuration, as shown in FIG. 3, and the pacifier 60 can be placed inside the mouth 24. The mouth 24 can then be closed, so that the complementary magnetic elements 40, 42 magnetically engage one another, with the result that the mouth portions 26, 28 are releasably secured to one another, thereby cooperating to maintain the mouth 24 in the closed configuration and retain the pacifier 60, as shown in FIG. 4. This process will be described in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B.

Referring first to FIG. 5A, it will be seen that the pacifier 60 comprises a nipple 62, a shield 64, and a ring 66 defining an aperture 68. When the mouth 24 is open, as shown in FIG. 5A, the ring 66 of the pacifier 60 can be placed between the first and second mouth portions 26, 28, so that the magnetic elements 40, 42, are aligned with the aperture 68, respectively. The two mouth portions 26, 28, can then be moved (or allowed to move) so that the mouth 24 is in the closed configuration, as shown in FIG. 5B. The magnetic elements 40, 42 magnetically engage one another through the aperture 68 in the pacifier ring 66, so that the outer surfaces 44, 46 are maintained in contact with one another, thereby retaining the pacifier 60 in the mouth 24.

While toys according to aspects of the present invention may advantageously be used to grasp and retain ring-type pacifiers, toys according to aspects of the present invention may also be used to retain other objects as well.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a toy according to an aspect of the present invention may be used to retain a writing implement, such as a pen 80. As can be seen, the pen 80 is maintained between the mouth portions 26, 28 by cooperation of the magnetic elements 40, 42 which hold the outer surfaces 44, 46 in contact with one another adjacent the magnetic elements 40, 42 so that the outer surfaces 44, 46 effectively encircle and thereby retain the pen 80.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, a toy according to an aspect of the present invention may also be used to retain paper, for example paper currency or notepaper 90. Because the magnetic elements 40, 42 can act through layers of material (so long as the material is such that it does not interfere with the magnetic effect), the magnetic elements can cooperate to maintain notepaper 90 between them (and between the outer surfaces 44, 46) so as to retain the notepaper 80 in the mouth 24.

As can be seen by reference to the Figures, by having the body 12 formed in the shape of a familiar domestic animal such as a dog, a pleasing effect, that of the animal holding an object, such as pacifier 60, pen 80 or notepaper 90, in its mouth, is achieved. The body 12 can be formed in the shape of any suitable animal, and need not only be formed in the shape of a dog. For example, and without any limitation whatsoever, a toy according to an aspect of the present invention could be formed in the shape of other mammals, including without limitation cats, mice, gerbils, hamsters, rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, chipmunks, cows, pigs, sheep, goats, beavers, ferrets, lions, tigers, bears, monkeys, orangutans, apes, elephants, hippopotami, donkeys, horses, ponies, whales, seals, sea lions or dolphins. Toys according to aspects of the present invention could also take the shape of birds, or of reptiles including without limitation lizards and snakes, or of amphibians including frogs. In addition, toys according to aspects of the present invention could take the form of various non-mammalian aquatic denizens, including without limitation fish, octopi, squid and suitable crustaceans. It is also contemplated that toys according to aspects of the present invention may take the form of mythical creatures, including without limitation dragons and unicorns, and extinct creatures, including without limitation dinosaurs. While toys according to aspects of the present invention have thus far been described as taking the shape of a non-human animal, it is also contemplated that a toy according to an aspect of the present invention may take the shape of a human being, either fictional or real. It is to be understood that above listing of animals is exemplary only, and is not intended to be limiting in any way. Thus, a toy according to an aspect of the present invention may take the shape of an animal not listed above.

In the embodiments herein described, the first and second parts in which the magnetic elements are disposed represent complementary opposed anatomical elements of the animal, such as mouth portions 26, 28. While the examples above have illustrated the first and second parts representing anatomical elements of the animal, and having magnetic elements disposed therein, as being mouth portions 26, 28, it is to be appreciated that the first and second parts need not represent parts of a mouth. For example, the first and second parts may represent a different set of complementary opposed parts, such as forelimbs (if the animal after which the toy is shaped has forelimbs). This would create the visual impression of an animal holding an object between its front paws (or hands or hooves or fins or claws or tentacles, as the case may be). Alternatively, the first and second parts in which the magnetic elements are disposed may represent anatomical elements that are not complementary opposed anatomical elements. For example, the first and second parts may represent the head and tail end of a snake, so that the snake can be formed into a loop to retain a ring-type pacifier.

It is also to be appreciated that while embodiments according to aspects of the present invention have been described as being constructed from fabric materials with stuffing, other materials, such as rubber, suitable plastics and the like, may also be used. For example, using rubber or a similar material for the outer surface can create a more realistic impression when the animal depicted is a reptile. Moreover, while use of fabric entails the advantage that the inherent flexibility of the fabric material facilitates making at least one of the first and second parts being movable toward and away from the other (e.g. providing the mouth portions with closed and open configurations), other techniques may equivalently be used to achieve the same effect. For example, a hinge stricture or a ball-joint structure may be used if the relevant parts arc made of a relatively rigid material.

It will be appreciated that toys in accordance with aspects of the present invention can also be used in carrying out methods according to aspects of the present invention. In particular, according to an aspect of the present invention there are provided methods for retaining a ring-type pacifier when not in use by an infant. In one exemplary embodiment, the method comprises the a first step of providing a toy. The toy provided according to the exemplary method has a body formed in the shape of an animal, the body having first and second parts representing anatomical elements of the animal, with at least one of the first and second parts being movable toward and away from the other of the first and second parts. Each of the first and second parts comprises an outer surface and has a receiving space defined therein, interiorly of the outer surface, with complementary magnetic elements being disposed within the receiving spaces. After the toy has been provided, a user moves at least one of the first and second parts away from the other of the first and second parts, and after so moving at least one of the first and second parts, places the ring of the ring-type pacifier between the first and second parts so that the complementary magnetic elements are aligned with an aperture in the ring of the ring-type pacifier.

In a particular embodiment of the above-described methods after the ring of the ring-type pacifier is positioned between the first and second parts so that the complementary magnetic elements are aligned with the aperture, the user moves at least one of the first and second parts toward the other of the first and second parts so that, when the first and second parts are sufficiently close together, the complementary magnetic elements magnetically engage such that the first and second parts are releasably secured to one another.

In another particular embodiment of the above-described method, the user does not actually move either of the first and second parts, but rather allows at least one of the first and second parts to move toward the other of the first and second parts under influence of magnetic attraction between the complementary magnetic elements so that, when the first and second parts are sufficiently close together, the complementary magnetic elements magnetically engage such that the first and second parts are releasably secured to one another.

It will of course be appreciated that appropriate supervision of infants is required in all circumstances. Accordingly, an infant should not be provided with a pacifier secured to a toy according to aspects of the present invention, or with such a toy alone, unless a responsible adult is present and is providing appropriate supervision of the infant.

Reference has been made herein to pacifiers, and in particular to ring-type pacifiers. Pacifiers do not form part of the present invention, and any references to pacifiers in the claims are intended solely to define attributes of the invention and not to define any pacifier as a component of any embodiment of any aspect of the invention.

One or more currently preferred embodiments have been described by way of example. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the art that a number of variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A toy, comprising:

a body formed in the shape of an animal, the body having first and second parts representing anatomical elements of the animal;

at least one of the first and second parts being movable toward and away from the other of the first and second parts;

each of the first and second parts comprising an outer surface and having a receiving space defined therein, the receiving space being disposed interiorly of the outer surface; and

complementary magnetic elements disposed within the receiving spaces, so that, when the first and second parts are sufficiently close together, the complementary magnetic elements magnetically engage one another such that the first and second parts are releaseably secured to one another.

2. The toy of claim 1, wherein the first part represents a maxillary portion of a jaw system and the second part represents a mandibular portion of the jaw system.

3. The toy of claim 1, wherein the first and second parts represent forelimbs.

4. The toy of claim 1, wherein the complementary magnetic elements consist of a permanent magnet and an element comprising a magnetic substance.

5. The toy of claim 1, wherein the complementary magnetic elements consist of first and second permanent magnets arranged so that their respective poles are oriented such that the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet are attracted to one another.

6. The toy of claim 1, wherein the body is formed from fabric and filled with stuffing, and wherein the outer surface of each of the first and second parts is formed from fabric and wherein stuffing is disposed within the receiving spaces.

7. The toy of claim 1, wherein the outer surfaces are opaque.

8. The toy of claim 1, wherein the body is formed in the shape of a non-human animal.

9. The toy of claim 1, wherein the first and second parts represent complementary opposed anatomical elements.

10. A toy comprising a body in the shape of an animal, the body having a mouth defined by two complementary mouth portions, at least one of the mouth portions being movable relative to the other mouth portion so that the mouth has a closed configuration and one or more open configurations, each mouth portion having a magnetic element positioned therewithin so that when the mouth is in the closed configuration, the magnetic elements are spaced from one another and cooperate to maintain the mouth in the closed configuration.

11. The toy of claim 10, wherein the body comprises an outer shell formed from fabric and containing stuffing.

12. The toy of claim 10, wherein the complementary magnetic elements consist of a permanent magnet and an element comprising a magnetic substance.

13. The toy of claim 10, wherein the complementary magnetic elements consist of first and second permanent magnets arranged so that their respective poles are oriented such that the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet are attracted to one another.

14. The toy of claim 11, wherein the complementary magnetic elements are disposed interiorly of the outer shell.

15. The toy of claim 14, wherein the fabric is opaque.

16. The toy of claim 10, wherein the complementary mouth portions comprise a maxillary portion of a jaw system and a mandibular portion of the jaw system.

17. The toy of claim 10, wherein the body is formed in the shape of a non-human animal.

18. A method for retaining a ring-type pacifier when not in use by an infant, comprising steps of:

providing a toy having a body formed in the shape of an animal, the body having first and second parts representing anatomical elements of the animal, at least one of the first and second parts being movable toward and away from the other of the first and second parts, each of the first and second parts comprising an outer surface and having a receiving space defined therein, the receiving space being disposed interiorly of the outer surface, with complementary magnetic elements being disposed within the receiving spaces;

moving at least one of the first and second parts away from the other of the first and second parts; and

placing a ring of the ring-type pacifier between the first and second parts so that the complementary magnetic elements are aligned with an aperture in the ring of the ring-type pacifier.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising a step of moving at least one of the first and second parts toward the other of the first and second parts so that, when the first and second parts are sufficiently close together, the complementary magnetic elements magnetically engage such that the first and second parts are releasably secured to one another so as to retain the ring-type pacifier.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising a step of allowing at least one of the first and second parts to move toward the other of the first and second parts under influence of magnetic attraction between the complementary magnetic elements so that, when the first and second parts are sufficiently close together, the complementary magnetic elements magnetically engage such that the first and second parts are releasably secured to one another so as to retain the ring-type pacifier.