CONVERTIBLE TOY, PILLOW, AND BLANKET APPARATUS AND ASSOCIATED METHOD OF USE

Abstract

A method for converting a toy figure includes providing a toy figure including a flexible body, an extremity, and a blanket. The flexible body in the first configuration includes a first surface defining a first internal cavity. A second surface substantially opposing the first surface defines an exterior surface of the flexible body. The extremity is coupled to and extends from the second surface of the flexible body and is external to the first internal cavity. The blanket is positioned within the first interior cavity. The method includes inverting the flexible body from the first configuration to a second configuration where the second surface defines a second internal cavity and the first surface defining an exterior surface of the flexible body. In the second configuration, the extremity is positioned within the second internal cavity and substantially the entire blanket is external to the second internal cavity in the second configuration.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/581,987, filed Dec. 30, 2011, Chinese Patent Application No. 201210140542X, filed May 8, 2012, and Chinese Patent Application No. 2012202029157, filed May 8, 2012, which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to children's toys and playthings and relates more particularly to a convertible toy, pillow, and blanket.

BACKGROUND

Toys, such as hard toys, soft toys (e.g., stuffed animals), pillows, and blankets, are often favorite objects for young children. Children may enjoy playing with toys and blankets in a variety of activities. Additionally, children often enjoy cuddling and carrying a toy (particularly a soft toy), pillow, and/or blanket for comfort.

However, children can become emotionally attached to a toy or blanket and may desire to have it with them at all times and in all places. For example, children may demand their favorite toy, pillow, or blanket before going to sleep for a nap or at night, or to bring to a restaurant, a friend's house, or any other location to which children may go. Such an emotional attachment to a toy or blanket may result in a parent transporting a toy, pillow, and/or blanket everywhere the child goes, which can be a burden. For example, packing and unpacking multiple sleeping or play items can be difficult, to say nothing of keeping track of them, even around the house. Should a particularly favorite toy, blanket, or pillow be left behind or lost, large investments of emotion, time, and money may be required to help the child overcome the loss and return to his normal behavioral pattern.

Attempts have been made to make it easier to travel with a toy, pillow, and blanket, as well as to keep track of one or both. Previous attempts have been made to provide toys which may be used as pillows with extractable blankets. However, such toys lose their padding and/or their pillow capability when the blanket is removed for use. For example, the cavity or pocket that originally held the blanket is no longer padded after the blanket is removed. Thus, a child may be left with a choice between using the toy as a pillow or a blanket, but may not be able to use it as both a pillow and a blanket at the same time.

SUMMARY

From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for an apparatus, system, and method that allow for a child to use a soft toy as a pillow and blanket at the same time. Beneficially, such an apparatus, system, and method would provide for a pleasing soft toy for use by a child.

The subject matter of the present disclosure has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available soft toys or convertible pillows and blankets. Accordingly, the subject matter of the present disclosure has been developed to provide a convertible toy, pillow, and blanket apparatus and associated method of use that overcome many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art.

A method of the present disclosure is presented for converting a soft toy into at least one of a pillow and blanket. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a soft toy figure including a flexible body, at least one extremity, and a blanket. The flexible body in the first configuration may include a first surface defining a first internal cavity. In one embodiment, the first surface defines an interior surface of the flexible body and a second surface substantially opposing the first surface defines an exterior surface of the flexible body. The at least one extremity may be coupled to and extend from the second surface of the flexible body. In one embodiment, the at least one extremity is external to the first internal cavity. The blanket may be positioned within the first interior cavity.

In one embodiment, the method further includes inverting the flexible body from the first configuration to a second configuration wherein the second surface defines a second internal cavity. In one embodiment, the second surface defines an interior surface of the flexible body and the first surface defining an exterior surface of the flexible body in the second configuration. In one embodiment, the at least one extremity is positioned within the second internal cavity and substantially all of the blanket external to the second internal cavity in the second configuration.

In a further embodiment, the soft toy figure in the first mode further includes a coupling mechanism that removably engages substantially opposite sides of the flexible body to fold or compress the toy figure. In yet another embodiment, the method further includes releasing the coupling mechanism. In one embodiment, the method further includes positioning at least one of the at least one extremities within the second internal cavity. In a further embodiment, the method includes removing the blanket from the first interior cavity.

In yet another embodiment, the flexible body includes an opening through which, depending on a current configuration, the first internal cavity and the second internal cavity are accessible. In a further embodiment, the soft toy figure further includes a closure mechanism. The closure mechanism may be releasable and may maintain the opening in a substantially closed position. In one embodiment, the at least one extremity includes a closure extremity, the closure extremity at least partially covering the opening when in a closed position. In a further embodiment, the at least one extremity includes a plurality of extremities. In one embodiment, all of the pluralities of extremities excepting the closure extremity are positioned within the second internal cavity when the toy figure is in the second configuration.

A toy figure is also disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the toy figure includes a flexible body, at least one extremity, and a blanket. In one embodiment, the flexible body is invertible between a first configuration and as second configuration. According to a further embodiment, in the first configuration the flexible body includes a first surface defining a first internal cavity. The first surface may define an interior surface of the flexible body and a second surface substantially opposing the first surface may define an exterior surface of the flexible body. In one embodiment, in the second configuration the second surface defines a second internal cavity. The second surface may define an interior surface of the flexible body and the first surface may define an exterior surface of the flexible body.

According to one embodiment, the at least one extremity is coupled to and extends from the second surface of the flexible body. In the first configuration the at least one extremity may be external to the first internal cavity and in the second configuration the at least one extremity may be positioned within the second internal cavity. According to one embodiment, the blanket is coupled to and extends from the first surface of the flexible body. In the first configuration the blanket may be positioned within the first internal cavity and in the second configuration substantially all of the blanket may be external to the second internal cavity.

According to one embodiment, the flexible body includes an opening through which, depending on the configuration, the first internal cavity and the second internal cavity are accessible. In a further embodiment, the toy figure includes a closure mechanism that releasably maintains the opening in a substantially closed position. In yet another embodiment, the at least one extremity includes a closure extremity that at least partially covers the opening when in a closed position. In one embodiment, the toy figure includes a coupling mechanism for releasably engaging substantially opposite sides of the hollow flexible body to fold or compress the flexible body.

In a further embodiment, the at least one extremity comprises one or more of a head, a tail, an arm, a leg, a wing, a wheel, an antler, a horn, and an antenna. In yet another embodiment, the toy figure resembles at least one of an animal, a vehicle, an imaginary creature, and a doll.

In one embodiment, the flexible body includes a top layer and a bottom layer. In the first configuration the first internal cavity may be defined between the top layer and the bottom layer. In a further embodiment, the flexible body is integrally formed from a same piece of material as the blanket. In one embodiment, the blanket is removably attached to the flexible body. In yet another embodiment, at least one of the at least one extremity includes a soft filling.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the subject matter of the present disclosure should be or are in any single embodiment. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the subject matter of the present disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments.

These features and advantages of the subject matter of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the subject matter as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the present subject matter will be readily understood, a more particular description of the subject matter briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the subject matter will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating one embodiment of a soft toy of FIG. 1 in a toy figure configuration;

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the soft toy of FIG. 1 in the toy figure configuration;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view illustrating one embodiment of the soft toy of FIG. 1 in a pillow configuration;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the soft toy figure of FIG. 1 shown with a closure extremity in an open position;

FIG. 5 is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for converting a soft toy from a toy figure configuration to a pillow and blanket configuration;

FIG. 6 is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for converting a soft toy between a toy figure configuration, a pillow configuration, and a pillow and blanket configuration;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view illustrating a soft toy in a pillow and blanket configuration, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view illustrating a soft toy between a pillow configuration and a pillow and blanket configuration with a flexible body inverted from the configuration in FIG. 7, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a side view illustrating inverting of a flexible body of a soft toy, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view illustrating a soft toy in a pillow and blanket configuration, according to one embodiment; and

FIG. 11 is a top plan view illustrating a soft toy between a pillow configuration and a pillow and blanket configuration, according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment in accordance with the present subject matter. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics within the present disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are disclosed to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments in accordance with the present subject matter. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the present subject matter may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

In the above description, certain terms may be used such as “up,” “down,” “upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “left,” “right,” and the like. These terms are used, where applicable, to provide some clarity of description when dealing with relative relationships. But, these terms are not intended to imply absolute relationships, positions, and/or orientations. For example, with respect to an object, an “upper” surface can become a “lower” surface simply by turning the object over. Nevertheless, it is still the same object. Further, the terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.

Additionally, instances in this specification where one element is “coupled” to another element can include direct and indirect coupling. Direct coupling can be defined as one element coupled to and in some contact with another element. Indirect coupling can be defined as coupling between two elements not in direct contact with each other, but having one or more additional elements between the coupled elements. Further, as used herein, securing one element to another element can include direct securing and indirect securing. Additionally, as used herein, “adjacent” does not necessarily denote contact. For example, one element can be adjacent another element without being in contact with that element.

The schematic flow chart diagrams included herein are generally set forth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown.

According to one embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a soft toy 100 includes a flexible body 102, which can be a hollow flexible body, and a plurality of extremities, including extremities 104 and a closure extremity 106. As shown in FIG. 1, the soft toy 100 is in a toy figure configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, in the toy figure configuration, the soft toy 100 forms a toy figure that resembles a dog. For example, the soft toy 100 has a flexible body 102 with an outer appearance that resembles the body of a dog, extremities 104 that resemble the legs and the tail of a dog, and a closure extremity 106 resembling the head of a dog.

Although in the illustrated embodiment, the soft toy 100 resembles a dog in the toy figure configuration, in other embodiments, the flexible body 102, extremities 104, and closure extremity 106 may be formed to resemble any toy figure. In exemplary embodiments, the soft toy 100 may resemble any animal, vehicle, imaginary creature, doll, or the like when in the toy figure configuration. More specifically, the soft toy 100 may be configured with a flexible body 102, extremities 104, and closure extremity 106 that make the soft toy 100 in a toy figure configuration resemble any of various desired figures. In various embodiments, the extremities 104 and/or closure extremity 106 may include one or more of a head, a tail, an arm, a leg, a wing, a wheel, an antler, a horn, an antenna, or the like. For example, in one implementation, the soft toy 100 may include wheels in the place of the legs of the dog to resemble an automobile instead of a dog. In light of the present disclosure, one of skill in the art will recognize that there can be considerable variation of the flexible body 102 and extremities 104, 106 within the scope of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, the flexible body 102 is flexible and/or soft. For example, the flexible body 102 may be formed of a soft fabric or other material that is soft to the touch. Soft material or fabric may be desirable in some embodiments because it may be more conducive to touching or cuddling by a child, such as during bed or nap time. Additionally, a flexible body 102 that is soft and/or flexible may also allow the soft toy 100 to be used as a pillow when in the toy figure configuration. For example, a child may be able to rest his or her head comfortably on the flexible body 102 in certain situations, such as while lying down or sitting in a car seat, or the like. The soft nature of the soft toy 100, as well as the soft toy's resemblance of a desirable creature or figure, may be pleasing to a child.

In one embodiment, the flexible body 102 in a first configuration substantially defines a first internal cavity (see FIG. 4). The first internal cavity may be formed between one or more layers of fabric of, or any other material that makes up, the flexible body 102. In one embodiment, for example, the flexible body 102 includes a first surface 110 (see FIGS. 4, 7, and 10) that defines an interior surface that lines the inside of the first internal cavity and a second surface 108 that defines an exterior surface that lines the exterior of the flexible body 102 when the soft toy 100 is in the toy figure configuration. In one embodiment, the first surface 110 and second surface 108 may define opposite sides of a piece of fabric. In one embodiment, the first surface 110 may include the surface of a first piece of fabric while the second surface 108 may include the surface of a second piece of fabric. The first piece of fabric and the second piece of fabric may be the same or different types of material. In one embodiment, the first surface 110 may be the surface of one material while the second surface 108 is the surface of a different piece or different type of material. In one embodiment, both the first surface 110 and the second surface 108 include a soft or plush material. In one embodiment, the flexible body 102 may include two pieces of fabric secured together along respective edges with the first internal cavity formed between the two pieces of fabric.

In one embodiment, a blanket (see, e.g., blanket 604 of FIG. 4) is storable within the first internal cavity of the flexible body 102 when the soft toy 100 is in the toy figure configuration. The blanket may provide padding for the flexible body 102, such that the flexible body 102 is soft, has three-dimensional aspects, and/or is pleasing to a child to touch, cuddle with, and/or use as a pillow.

In one embodiment, the flexible body 102 is flexible enough to be inverted. For example, the flexible body 102 may be turned inside out such that the first surface 110 defines an exterior surface of the flexible body 102 and the second surface 108 defines an interior surface of the flexible body 102. In one embodiment, the flexible body 102 forms the first internal cavity in a toy figure configuration and may be inverted to form an inverted cavity or second internal cavity in another configuration, such as a pillow configuration, or a pillow and blanket configuration. In one embodiment, when the flexible body 102 is inverted, the blanket 604 is positioned external to the second internal cavity, and thus is no longer within a cavity of the flexible body 102 and is available for use by a child. In one embodiment, when the flexible body 102 is inverted, one or more of the extremities 104 may be positioned within the second internal cavity to provide padding for the inverted flexible body 102 such that the inverted flexible body 102 may be used as a pillow. In varying embodiments, the closure extremity 106 may or may not be positioned within the second internal cavity to provide padding.

Generally, the extremities 104 are connected to the flexible body 102. In one embodiment, the extremities 104, 106 are coupled to and extend from the second surface 108 of the flexible body 102. In one embodiment, the extremities 104 are connected to the flexible body 102 such that they are visible from an exterior of the flexible body 102 when the soft toy 100 is in the toy figure configuration. In one embodiment, the extremities 104 are attached to a second surface 108 or an exterior surface of the flexible body 102 when the soft toy is in the toy figure configuration. For example, the extremities 104 may be formed integrally with the flexible body 102 to form a one-piece monolithic construction, may be sewn to the flexible body 102, or may be attached to the flexible body 102 using any of various fasteners or fastening techniques. For example, a button, hook-and-loop fasteners, or another fastener may be used to permanently or removably attach the extremities 104 to the flexible body 102.

In one embodiment, the extremities 104 are made from a soft and/or flexible material. In one embodiment, the extremities 104 are made from the same type of material as a portion of the flexible body 102. For example, both the extremities 104 and the flexible body 102 may be made from a soft fabric. In one embodiment, the extremities 104 are stuffed with a soft filling material to give the extremities a three-dimensional shape.

The closure extremity 106 or extremities 104 may be used to cover an opening to the cavity of the flexible body 102. The opening may allow access to the first internal cavity or the second internal cavity defined within the flexible body 102, depending on the current configuration of the toy FIG. 100. For example, the opening may allow for insertion and/or removal of the blanket when desired. In one embodiment, the closure extremity 106 may be used to at least partially cover the opening when the closure extremity 106 is in a closed position. For example, in FIG. 1, the soft toy 100 is depicted with the closure extremity 106 in a closed position and with the opening being covered by the closure extremity and not visible. The closure extremity 106 could be any type of extremity that may provide a soft toy 100 with resemblance of a desired creature, animal, car, or any other figure. For example, although the closure extremity 106 resembles (e.g., is shaped like) a head, in other embodiments, the closure extremity or extremities resembles a tail, a leg, an arm, a wheel, a hood of a car, or the like.

In some implementations, in addition to or in place of the closure extremity 106, the opening includes a closure mechanism to securely close and open (e.g., disallow or allow access to) the opening. In other implementations, the opening does not include a closure mechanism, such that only the closure extremity 106 closes the opening by providing a covering for the opening. In at least one embodiment, a soft toy 100 may include a closure mechanism without a closure extremity 106.

FIG. 4 is a front view illustrating one embodiment of the soft toy 100 with a closure extremity 106 and closure mechanism 304 in an open position, according to one embodiment. The soft toy 100 is depicted in a pillow configuration with the coupling mechanism 302 released. With the closure extremity 106 and closure mechanism 304 in an open position the opening 602 to the cavity and a blanket 604 within the first internal cavity inside the flexible body 102 are visible. In the depicted embodiment, the closure mechanism 304 includes a closure strap 304a having a hook portion and a loop portion 304b on the flexible body 102 for receiving the hook portion of the closure strap 304a. Thus, the hook portion on the closure strap 304a and the loop portion 304b form a hook and loop fastener. In other embodiments, the closure mechanism 304 may include any sort of fasteners or fastening mechanism. For example, other embodiments of closure mechanisms 304 may include buttons and loops, press fit buttons, laces for tying, or any other fasteners.

In the depicted embodiment, the closure mechanism 304 is attached to the closure extremity 106. With the hook portion of the closure strap 304a released from the loop portion 304b on the flexible body 102, the closure extremity 106 is free to be pivoted or moved from the opening to allow access to the first internal cavity. In one embodiment, the closure extremity 106 includes a loop portion 606 for receiving the hook portion of the closure strap 304a. This may keep the hook portion of the closure strap 304a from collecting lint or scratching a child.

In one embodiment, a loop portion 606 for receiving the hook portion of the closure strap 304a may provide for a more comfortable soft toy 100 for playing, sleeping, and or cuddling. For example, rough or uncomfortable portions of a hook and loop fastener may be received by or secured to the loop portion 606 on the extremity 106 to place the closure strap 304a in a storage position while the extremity 106 is not attached to the loop portion 304b, such that a child is not scratched or made uncomfortable by contact or pressure with a hook portion of a hook and loop fastener. In one embodiment, each hook portion of any hook and loop fastener on the soft toy 100 may be provided with a mechanism for receiving the hook portion when not in a closed position. This may help maintain the soft toy 100 in a soft and comfortable state regardless of the configuration of the soft toy 100.

In one embodiment, the blanket 604 may be removed through the opening 602 from the first internal cavity formed by the flexible body 102 in a first mode. Additionally or alternatively, the flexible body 102 may be inverted to place the soft toy 100 in a different configuration, such as a second configuration, or a pillow and blanket configuration. In one embodiment, the flexible body 102 may be inverted by gripping the flexible body 102 near the opening and pulling on the blanket 604 which may be attached to a first surface 110 internal to the first internal cavity. Inverting the flexible body 102 in this manner pulls the flexible body 102 inside out.

Although the soft toy 100 of FIGS. 1-4 are depicted with a closure extremity 106, in some embodiments, the soft toy 100 may not include a closure extremity. For example, in some embodiments, the soft toy 100 includes only a fastener or other mechanism to close the opening instead of a closure extremity. For example, the closure mechanism 304 may span an opening and retain the opening in a substantially closed position when the closure mechanism 304 is in a closed position.

In the depicted embodiment, the flexible body 102 is shown having an oblong shape with a round or curved back. The flexible body 102 can also be defined as having a substantially cylindrical shape when in the toy figure configuration. The oblong or cylindrical shape of the flexible body 102 in the toy figure configuration is merely exemplary. In other embodiments, the shape of the flexible body 102 can be any of various shapes. For example, the flexible body 102 in the toy figure configuration may have any shape associated with any desired appearance for a toy figure.

As shown in the depicted embodiment of FIG. 2, the shape of the flexible body 102 in the toy figure configuration may be determined at least in part by a coupling mechanism 302 that compresses or folds the flexible body 102 of the soft toy 100. For example, tightening or closing of the coupling mechanism 302 brings opposing edges of the body 102 toward each other, and bends the body around itself, to form a substantially curved body of a shape as defined above. In the depicted embodiment, the coupling mechanism 302 includes a coupling strap 302a and a coupling loop 302b in an engaged position. The coupling strap 302a is threaded through the coupling loop 302b and attached back onto itself. The coupling strap 302a may include a hook and loop fastener, buttons, or any other fasteners for maintaining the coupling strap 302a and the coupling mechanism 302 in a closed or engaged position.

In one embodiment, the coupling mechanism 302 engages different portions of the flexible body 102 to compress or fold the flexible body 102 when the coupling mechanism 302 is in a closed position. In one embodiment, the coupling loop 302b is attached to one portion of the flexible body 102 while the coupling strap 302a is attached to another portion of the flexible body 102. In one embodiment, the coupling loop 302b and the coupling strap 302a engage substantially opposite sides of the flexible body 102. The coupling mechanism 302 may help to form the flexible body 102 into a shape that more closely resembles a desired figure. For example, the soft toy 100 may more closely resemble a dog when the coupling mechanism 302 is in a closed position. Although the illustrated embodiment only includes one coupling mechanism 302, in other embodiments, the toy can include less than or more than one coupling mechanism. For example, the flexible body 102 may already resemble a desired shape without the need of a coupling mechanism. In another example, more than one coupling mechanism may allow for flexible body 102 shapes that more closely correlated to a desired 3-dimensional shape.

In the depicted embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the soft toy 100 also includes a closure mechanism 304 attached to the closure extremity 106. In one embodiment, when in a closed position, the closure mechanism 304 and/or closure extremity 106 span the opening in the flexible body 102. In one embodiment, the closure mechanism 304 may be detachable and/or the closure extremity 106 may be moveable (e.g., pivotable) to an open position to allow access to the opening (see, e.g., opening 602 of FIG. 4) and a cavity (not shown), such as a first internal cavity or a second internal cavity, within an interior of the soft toy 100. In one embodiment, the closure mechanism 304 and/or closure extremity 106 may help retain an object, such as a blanket, within the cavity of the flexible body 102.

The closure extremity 106 may be pivotable between a closed an open position such that it may selectively cover the opening 602 to the cavity of the flexible body 102. For example, in the closed position the closure extremity may cover the opening 602 to an interior of the flexible body 102. In the open position, the closure extremity 106 may be positioned such that the opening 602 is substantially unobstructed. In one embodiment, the closure extremity 106 may be attached such that is may pivot at an attachment point that couples the closure extremity 106 to the hollow body 102. For example, a portion of material at the attachment point may be flexible and may allow the closure extremity 106 and flexible body 102 to pivot relative to each other. In one embodiment, fabric forming a portion of the closure extremity 106 and/or flexible body 102 may be flexible and allow for the closure extremity 106 to pivot.

Referring to FIG. 3, the soft toy 100 is shown with the coupling mechanism 302 in a released or open position and the soft toy 100 configured in a pillow configuration. In the pillow configuration, the coupling strap 302a and the coupling loop 302b are shown at opposite sides of the flexible body 102 and are not engaged. The flexible body 102 is shown having an altered shape due to the lack of folding and compression caused by a coupling mechanism 302 in the closed or engaged position. In one embodiment, the shape of the flexible body 102 when in the pillow configuration does not resemble a body of a desired figure as well as when the coupling mechanism 302 is in a closed position. In one embodiment, with the coupling mechanism 302 in an open or released position, the flexible body 102 may be better shaped for usage as a pillow. For example, in the pillow configuration, the flexible body 102 is flattened relative to its shape in the toy figure configuration. The flattened shape may provide a more comfortable surface for use as a pillow by providing better support for the neck and/or head of a child or user.

In one embodiment, the soft toy 100 is placed in the pillow and blanket configuration by removing the blanket 604 from the first internal cavity and inverting the flexible body 102 from its configuration in the pillow configuration. In the pillow and blanket configuration the blanket is no longer within the first internal cavity formed by the flexible body 102, but is still removably secured to the inner surface that defines the first internal cavity. Further, the blanket 604 is now external to the inverted cavity or second internal cavity formed by the inverted flexible body 102 in the pillow and blanket configuration. Although the blanket is not stored within the second internal cavity, the extremities 104 are now stored within the second internal cavity formed by the inverted flexible body 102. In other words, because the extremities 104 are attached or formed as part of the second or outer surface that defined the exterior of the flexible body 102 in the toy figure and pillow configurations, as the flexible body is inverted, the extremities also invert to be repositioned within the newly formed second internal cavity.

In one embodiment, the extremities 104, indicated by dotted lines, are positioned within the second internal cavity in the pillow and blanket configuration. With the extremities 104 within the second internal cavity, the extremities 104 now provide padding for the flexible body 102 such that the flexible body 102 can still function as a comfortable pillow even though the blanket 604 is external to the flexible body 102. Additionally, the shape and softness of the extremities 104 may also vary considerably. For example, in one embodiment, the extremities 104 are formed overly large or overstuffed to more fully fill the second internal cavity of the flexible body 102 in the pillow and blanket configuration.

As will be understood by one of skill in the art, the soft toy 100 in the pillow and blanket configuration as described above is exemplary only. For example, although the closure extremity 106 may be external to the inverted cavity, or second internal cavity, of the flexible body 102, in other embodiments, the closure extremity 106 may be positioned within the flexible body 102 (such as by physically stuffing the extremity through the opening and into the inverted cavity). Positioning the closure extremity 106 within the flexible body 102, may help to provide additional padding to the pillow formed by the flexible body 102.

As shown in FIG. 5, one embodiment of a method 900 for converting a soft toy 100 from a toy figure configuration to a pillow and blanket configuration includes providing 902 a soft toy 100 in a first configuration. In one embodiment, the soft toy 100 may be the soft toy 100 of FIGS. 1-4. In one embodiment, the soft toy 100 includes a flexible body 102 that defines a first internal cavity. In one embodiment, the soft toy 100 in the first configuration includes a blanket 604 within the cavity. In one embodiment, the soft toy 100 includes at least one extremity 104, 106 that is coupled to the flexible body 102 externally to the first internal cavity. For example, the extremities may be connected to a second surface 108 defining an exterior of the flexible body 102 of the soft toy 100.

The method 900 also includes inverting 904 the flexible body 102 of the soft toy 100. In one embodiment, and referring to FIG. 9, the flexible body 102 is inverted by turning the flexible body 102 inside out with a first surface 110 of the flexible body 102 defining an exterior surface of the body and a second surface 108 of the flexible body 102 defining an interior surface of a second internal cavity formed within the flexible body 102. FIG. 9 illustrates a toy FIG. 100 in the process of being inverted with the first surface 110 transitioning between lining an interior of a cavity and lining an exterior of the flexible body 102. Conversely, the second surface 108 is transitioning between lining an exterior of the flexible body 102 and lining an interior of cavity. The inverted flexible body 102 may form a second internal or inverted cavity. In one embodiment, at least one of the extremities 104, 106 of the flexible body 102 is positioned within the second internal cavity when the flexible body 102 has been inverted.

As shown in FIG. 6, one embodiment of a method 1000 for converting a soft toy 100 between a toy figure configuration 1002, a pillow configuration 1004, and a pillow and blanket configuration 1006 includes a plurality of exemplary steps 1008a-1020a and 1008b-1020b. It should be understood that the steps and arrows are exemplary only and are not to convey a specific order. Additionally, not all steps are required and indeed many steps may be eliminated or unnecessary in some embodiments.

According to one embodiment, the method 1000 includes a step 1008 for converting a soft toy 100 between a toy figure configuration 1002 and a pillow configuration 1004. FIGS. 1-2 illustrate an exemplary toy figure configuration 1002 and FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary pillow configuration 1004.

In one embodiment, the method 1000 includes releasing 1008a a coupling mechanism 302. In one embodiment, releasing 1008a the coupling mechanism 302 places a soft toy 100 in a pillow configuration 1004. In one embodiment, the soft toy 100 can be converted from the pillow configuration 1004 to the toy figure configuration 1002 by engaging 1008b the coupling mechanism 302. FIGS. 2 and 4 illustrate an exemplary coupling mechanism 302 in engaged 1008b and released 1008a positions.

According to one embodiment, the method 1000 includes a number of steps 1010a-1020a for converting a soft toy 100 from a toy figure configuration 1002 or pillow configuration 1004 to a pillow and blanket configuration 1006. FIGS. 1-2 illustrate an exemplary toy figure configuration 1002, FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary pillow configuration 1004, and FIGS. 7 and 10 illustrate exemplary pillow and blanket configurations 1006.

In one embodiment, converting a soft toy 100 to a pillow and blanket configuration 1006 includes detaching 1010a a closure mechanism 304 to release an opening 602 from a closed position. Figure illustrates on embodiment of a closure mechanism 304 in a closed position. Converting a soft toy 100 to a pillow and blanket configuration 1006 may also include attaching 1012a a closure mechanism 304 to a surface of a closure extremity 106. Converting a soft toy 100 to a pillow and blanket configuration 1006 may further include removing 1014a a blanket 604 from a first internal cavity of a flexible body 102. FIGS. 7 and 10 illustrate a blanket 604 that has been removed 1014a from the flexible body 102.

In one embodiment, converting a soft toy 100 to a pillow and blanket configuration 1006 may also include inverting 1016a a flexible body 102 of a soft toy 100 to form a second internal cavity. FIG. 9 illustrates a flexible body 102 that is being inverted 1016a to form a second internal cavity. Converting a soft toy 100 to a pillow and blanket configuration 1006 may also include positioning 1018a one or more extremities 104, 106 within the second internal cavity of the inverted flexible body 102 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 10 (with FIG. 10 showing the closure extremity in the second internal cavity.

In one embodiment, converting a soft toy 100 to a pillow and blanket configuration 1006 includes attaching 1020a a closure mechanism 304 to maintain an opening 602 to a second internal cavity of a flexible body 102 in a closed position.

According to one embodiment, the method 1000 includes a number of steps 1010b-1020b for converting a soft toy 100 from a pillow and blanket configuration 1006 to a toy figure configuration 1002 or a pillow configuration 1004. In one embodiments the steps 1010b-1020B for converting a soft toy 100 from a pillow and blanket configuration 1006 to a toy figure configuration 1002 or a pillow configuration 1004 are substantially the opposite of the steps 1010a-1020a for converting a soft toy 100 from a toy figure configuration 1002 or pillow configuration 1004 to a pillow and blanket configuration 1006. FIGS. 1-2 illustrate an exemplary toy figure configuration 1002, FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary pillow configuration 1004, and FIGS. 7 and 10 illustrate an exemplary pillow and blanket configuration 1006.

In one embodiment, converting a soft toy 100 to a pillow configuration 104 or a toy figure configuration 1002 includes detaching 1020b a closure mechanism 304 to release an opening 602 to a second internal cavity of an inverted flexible body 102 from a closed position.

In one embodiment, converting a soft toy 100 to a pillow configuration 104 or a toy figure configuration 1002 includes removing 1018b one or more extremities 104, 106 from a second internal cavity of an inverted flexible body 102. FIGS. 1-4 illustrate the extremities 104, 106 external to the flexible body 102. Converting a soft toy 100 to a pillow configuration 104 or a toy figure configuration 1002 may also include inverting 1016b the flexible body 102 to form a first internal cavity. FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a flexible body 102 in a configuration that forms a first internal cavity.

In one embodiment, converting a soft toy 100 to a pillow configuration 104 or a toy figure configuration 1002 further includes inserting 1014b the blanket 604 into the first internal cavity of the flexible body 102. FIG. 4 illustrates a blanket 604 that has been inserted 1014b into a first internal cavity of a flexible body 102. In a further embodiment, converting a soft toy 100 to a pillow configuration 104 or a toy figure configuration 1002 includes detaching 1012b the closure mechanism 304 from a surface of the closure extremity 106. FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a closure mechanism 304 detached from a closure extremity 106. Converting a soft toy 100 to a pillow configuration 1004 or a toy figure configuration 1002 may also include attaching 1010b the closure mechanism 304 to maintain the opening in a closed position. FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a closure mechanism 304 in an open position.

Turning to FIGS. 7-9, one embodiment of a soft toy 100 at different configurations and steps between configurations is shown. FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a soft toy 100 in a pillow and blanket configuration 1006. Extremities 104 are illustrated within an inverted cavity of an inverted flexible body 102. A closure extremity 106 is shown external to the inverted flexible body 102. In another embodiment, the closure extremity 106 may be within the inverted flexible body 102. The blanket 604 is shown external to the flexible body 102. The blanket 604 also forms a portion of the flexible body 102.

FIG. 8 illustrates the soft toy 100 with the flexible body 102 that has been inverted from the position depicted in FIG. 7. The blanket 604 is partially inserted into the flexible body 102 and the extremities 104 are external to the flexible body 102. FIG. 9 illustrates the soft toy 100 with the flexible body 102 in the process of being inverted between the pillow and blanket mode of FIG. 7 and the configuration illustrated in FIG. 8. The flexible body 102 is shown partially turned inside out with some extremities 104 already external to the flexible body 102. A first surface 110 that is an external surface in FIG. 7 is shown transitioning so that it will become an internal surface, as in FIG. 8. Similarly, the second surface 108 that is an internal surface in FIG. 7 is transitioning so that it will be an external surface, as in FIG. 8. The extremities 104 are shown transitioning between being within a cavity of the flexible body 102 and being external to a cavity of the flexible body 102. In one embodiment, the closure extremity 106 may also transition between being internal or external to a cavity of the flexible body 102. The blanket 604 is shown partially within the partially inverted flexible body 102. One may continue the inversion of the flexible body 102 by gripping a portion of the hollow body 102 and stuffing the blanket 604 into the hollow body. Inverting from a pillow mode and a pillow and blanket mode may be done in a substantially opposite manner.

Turning to FIGS. 10-11, another embodiment of a soft toy 100 at different configurations and steps is shown. FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of a soft toy 100 in a pillow and blanket configuration 1006. Extremities 104 are illustrated within an inverted cavity of an inverted flexible body 102. The closure extremity 106 is also shown within the inverted cavity of the inverted flexible body 102. In another embodiment, the closure extremity 106 may be external to the inverted flexible body 102. The blanket 604 is shown external to the flexible body 102. The blanket 604 is formed separate from the flexible body 102.

FIG. 11 illustrates the soft toy 100 with the flexible body 102 that has been inverted from the position depicted in FIG. 10. The blanket 604 is partially inserted into the flexible body 102 and the extremities 104 and closure extremity 106 are external to the flexible body 102.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

providing a soft toy figure in a first configuration, the soft toy figure comprising; a flexible body in a first configuration comprising a first surface defining a first internal cavity, the first surface defining an interior surface of the flexible body and a second surface substantially opposing the first surface defining an exterior surface of the flexible body, at least one extremity coupled to and extending from the second surface of the flexible body, the at least one extremity external to the first internal cavity; and a blanket positioned within the first interior cavity; and

inverting the flexible body from the first configuration to a second configuration wherein the second surface defines a second internal cavity, the second surface defining an interior surface of the flexible body and the first surface defining an exterior surface of the flexible body, the at least one extremity positioned within the second internal cavity, and substantially all of the blanket external to the second internal cavity.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the soft toy figure in the first configuration further comprises a coupling mechanism that removably engages substantially opposite sides of the flexible body to fold or compress the toy figure, the method further comprising releasing the coupling mechanism.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising positioning at least one of the at least one extremities within the second internal cavity.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the flexible body comprises an opening through which, depending on a configuration, the first internal cavity and the second internal cavity are accessible.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the soft toy figure further comprises a closure mechanism, the closure mechanism releasably maintaining the opening in a substantially closed position.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the at least one extremities comprises a closure extremity, the closure extremity at least partially covering the opening when in a closed position.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the at least one extremity comprises a plurality of extremities and wherein all of the plurality of extremities excepting the closure extremity are positioned within the second internal cavity when the toy figure is in the second configuration.

8. A toy figure comprising:

a flexible body invertible between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration the flexible body comprises a first surface defining a first internal cavity, the first surface defining an interior surface of the flexible body and a second surface substantially opposing the first surface defining an exterior surface of the flexible body, and in the second configuration the second surface defines a second internal cavity, the second surface defining an interior surface of the flexible body and the first surface defining an exterior surface of the flexible body;

at least one extremity coupled to and extending from the second surface of the flexible body, wherein in the first configuration the at least one extremity is external to the first internal cavity and in the second configuration the at least one extremity is positioned within the second internal cavity; and

a blanket coupled to and extending from the first surface of the flexible body, wherein in the first configuration the blanket is positioned within the first internal cavity and in the second configuration substantially all of the blanket is external to the second internal cavity.

9. The toy figure of claim 8, wherein the flexible body comprises an opening through which, depending on the configuration, the first internal cavity and the second internal cavity are accessible.

10. The toy figure of claim 9, further comprising a closure mechanism, the closure mechanism releasably maintaining the opening in a substantially closed position.

11. The toy figure of claim 9, wherein the at least one extremity comprises a closure extremity, the closure extremity at least partially covering the opening when in a closed position.

12. The toy figure of claim 8, further comprising a coupling mechanism for releasably engaging substantially opposite sides of the flexible body to fold or compress the flexible body.

13. The toy figure of claim 8, wherein the at least one extremity comprises one or more of a head, a tail, an arm, a leg, a wing, a wheel, an antler, a horn, and an antenna.

14. The toy figure of claim 8, wherein the toy figure resembles at least one of an animal, a vehicle, an imaginary creature, and a doll.

15. The toy figure of claim 8, wherein the flexible body comprises a top layer and a bottom layer, and wherein in the first configuration the first internal cavity is defined between the top layer and the bottom layer.

16. A toy figure comprising:

a flexible body invertible between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration the flexible body comprises a first surface defining a first internal cavity, the first surface defining an interior surface of the flexible body and a second surface substantially opposing the first surface defining an exterior surface of the flexible body, and in the second configuration the second surface defines a second internal cavity, the second surface defining an interior surface of the flexible body and the first surface defining an exterior surface of the flexible body; and

a blanket coupled to and extending from the first surface of the flexible body, wherein in the first configuration the blanket is positioned within the first internal cavity and in the second configuration substantially all of the blanket is external to the second internal cavity.

17. The toy figure of claim 16, further comprising at least one extremity coupled to and extending from the second surface of the flexible body, wherein in the first configuration the at least one extremity is external to the first internal cavity and in the second configuration the at least one extremity is positioned within the second internal cavity.