PLUSH TOY FOR MOUNTING ON A VERTICAL SURFACE

Abstract

A plush toy is provided for use decorating a wall, ceiling or other receiving surface. The plush toy includes a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front end, and a back end. The top surface resembles a character or animal that appeals to children. The plush toy includes an adhesive layer attached to a portion of the bottom surface of the body for releasably engaging to the receiving surface. The adhesive layer comprises a low-tack, non-reactive, reusable, pressure sensitive adhesive.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/760,813 filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Feb. 5, 2013 and is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries; all copyrights are reserved.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to plush toys, and more particularly, to plush toys that releasably engage with a wall or other surface.

2. Description of the Related Art

Plush toys appeal to children and have increased in popularity in the recent past. The rise in popularity of these toys has lead to many innovations in the performance and features associated with the toys. Plush toys are often carried around by children and placed in bed with children when they sleep. The constant contact with the plush toy can shorten the lifespan of the toy. Thus, there is a need for an innovative improvement that allows children to store plush toys in a new manner that entertains the child as well as provides a new marketing technique for the toys.

It is, therefore, a primary object of the present invention to provide a plush toy having a character resembling surface and an adhesive surface for releasably engaging with a vertical wall or other receiving surface.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a plush toy having an adhesive layer that comprises a low-tack, non-reactive, reusable, pressure sensitive adhesive for easily and repeatedly attaching and detaching the plush toy to a receiving surface.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a plush toy having a character resembling surface made of plush, soft, cuddly fabric shaped like a character, animal, or other shape that appeals to children.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a plush toy capable of being interacted with, petted, cuddled, snuggled, and played with when attached to the receiving surface and when removed from the receiving surface.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a plush toy is provided for use decorating a wall or receiving surface. The plush toy includes a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front end, and a back end. The plush toy includes an adhesive layer attached to a portion of the bottom surface of the body for releasably engaging to the receiving surface. The adhesive layer comprises a low-tack, non-reactive, reusable, pressure sensitive adhesive.

The body of the plush toy may be washable. At least a portion of the body may extend away from the receiving surface. At least a portion of the body may be a plush fabric material. At least a portion of the body may light up. At least a portion of the body may glow. At least a portion of the top surface may be a plush fabric material. At least a portion of the bottom surface may be a plush fabric material. The top surface may resemble a character or animal that appeals to children. The adhesive layer may attach to the entire bottom surface.

In accordance with an additional embodiment, a toy assembly is provided for decorating a wall or receiving surface. The toy assembly includes a plush body having a character resembling surface and a bottom surface. The toy assembly includes a layer of low-tack, non-reactive, reusable, pressure sensitive adhesive attached to at least a portion of the bottom surface of the plush body for releasably adhering the plush body to the receiving surface. The character-resembling surface is adapted to be viewable and pettable while the plush body is adhered to the receiving surface.

The plush body of the toy assembly may be washable. The top surface of the toy assembly may resemble a character or animal that appeals to children. The adhesive layer may attach to the entire bottom surface.

In accordance with an additional embodiment, a plush toy is provided suitable for mounting on a substantially vertical surface. The plush toy includes a flexible body having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface is generally flat. The plush toy includes a layer of low-tack, non-reactive, reusable, pressure sensitive adhesive applied to at least a portion of the bottom surface and adapted for selective repeated attachment of the plush toy to the vertical surface and for selective repeated detachment of the plush toy from the vertical surface. The top surface comprises at least one layer of material comprising a soft fabric for providing a plush finish capable of being cuddled.

The body of the plush toy may be washable. At least a portion of the body may be a plush fabric material. At least a portion of the bottom surface may be a plush fabric material. The top surface may resemble a character or animal that appeals to children. The adhesive layer may attach to the entire bottom surface. The plush toy may be detached from the vertical surface without any substantial resulting damage to the vertical surface.

In accordance with an additional embodiment, a method of applying pettable decorations to a wall, ceiling or other substantially vertical surface is provided. The method includes providing a plush toy comprising a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an adhesive layer attached to a portion of the bottom surface of the body. The adhesive layer is configured to releasably engage the vertical surface. The method includes applying the adhesive layer to the vertical surface. The method includes interacting, touching, viewing and playing with the plush toy while attached to the vertical surface. The method includes detaching the adhesive layer from the vertical surface.

The method may further include repeatedly attaching the adhesive layer of the plush toy to the vertical surface. The method may further include repeatedly detaching the adhesive layer of the plush toy from the vertical surface. The method may further include repeatedly repositioning the plush toy against the vertical surface.

The method may further include unrolling the body of the plush toy prior to use. The method may further include rolling-up the body of the plush toy after use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

To these and to such other objects that may hereinafter appear, the present invention relates to a plush toy that releasably attaches to a wall or other vertical surface as described in detail in the following specification and recited in the annexed claims, taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to like parts in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective top view of a plush toy that releasably attaches to a wall or other vertical surface;

FIG. 2 is a perspective bottom view of the plush toy illustrating an adhesive surface for releasably engaging a wall or other vertical surface;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the plush toy taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front plan view of the plush toy, showing the adhesive surface releasably engaging with the vertical wall surface by peeling back a corner of the toy;

FIG. 5 is a front plan view of the plush toy showing the adhesive surface engaging a vertical wall surface in a first orientation; and

FIG. 6 is a front plan view of the plush toy showing the adhesive surface engaging a vertical wall surface in a second orientation.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being part of the invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings and in particular, FIG. 1, which is a perspective view of a plush toy 10 that releasably attaches to a wall, ceiling or other receiving surface. The plush toy 10 includes a body 12 having a top surface 14, a bottom surface 16, a front end 18, and a back end 20. The plush toy 10 is shaped like a character, animal, or other shape that appeals to children and can include a head 24 on its front end 18 and other extensions such as arms, legs or tails 26. The top surface 14 is a character resembling surface, which in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 depicts a dog. The character is shown as a dog for illustrative purposes only and can depict any character, image, shape, design or figure. The body 12 is generally soft and made of soft, flexible washable material that is stuffed to create the animal or character body. The soft body 12 can be made of various types of fabrics and can include electrical components capable of making the body light up or glow. A child can roll up the soft body 12 of the plush toy 10 for easy transport or maintain the plush toy in an unrolled or open position to play with the plush toy.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the plush toy 10 illustrating the bottom surface 16. The bottom surface 16 is attached to an adhesive layer 22. The adhesive layer 22 can be a separate layer securely attached to the bottom surface of the plush toy or alternatively, the bottom surface of the plush toy can itself be the adhesive layer.

In particular, FIG. 2 illustrates the plush toy 10 with a separate adhesive layer 22 attached to the bottom surface of the toy body 12. The adhesive layer 22 can be any shape that compliments the shape of the plush toy body 12. The adhesive layer 22 is coated with a non-permanent adhesive film 28 that releasably attaches to a wall or other vertical surface. The adhesive film 28 can be contained on the entire adhesive layer or may alternatively be contained only in certain areas of the adhesive layer or bottom surface. Suitable adhesive films include low-tack, non-reactive, reusable, pressure sensitive adhesives, including but not limited to, flexible vinyl adhesives and clear acrylic pressure activated ultra removable adhesives. Examples of appropriate adhesives may also include the adhesives used with Post-it® products or adhesives used with removable wall decals. In addition, the adhesive film 28 does not damage the wall or leave any residue on the wall when the plush toy is removed from the wall. The adhesive film 28 is reusable so that the adhesive layer 22 can be applied to a surface over and over again. When the adhesive layer 22 no longer functions, the entire adhesive layer 22 may be removed and replaced from the bottom surface 16 of the toy body 12.

The adhesive layer 22 adheres best to smooth surfaces such as drywall, ceilings, glass mirrors, smooth metal, tile, plastic and finished wood furniture. The adhesive layer 22 can also adhere well to slightly textured surfaces such as an orange peel texture.

FIG. 3 illustrates the cross-sectional view of the plush toy 10. The top surface 14 and bottom surface 16 of the soft body 12 are shown, including the adhesive layer 22 attached to the bottom surface 16. The adhesive film 28 is coated onto the adhesive layer 22. Various parts or extensions of the character including the head, arms, legs or tail may be depicted and comprised of the same or similar material as the soft body 12. In the present example, depicting a dog, the head 24 and tail 26 are comprised of fluffy, shaggy material extending outwardly from the soft body 12. In alternate embodiments, various other parts or extensions of the character may extend outwardly from the soft body 12 and be comprised of soft or hard plastic, rough, coarse, plush, scented or shag material.

In use, shown in FIG. 4, the plush toy 10 is unrolled into an open position to expose the bottom adhesive layer 22. A user presses the plush toy 10 onto a wall or other vertical surface 30 so that the adhesive layer 22 of the plush toy 10 releasably engages with the wall or flat surface 30. FIG. 5 illustrates the plush toy 10 engaged to the vertical surface 30 in a first orientation 32. The adhesive layer 22 of the plush toy faces the wall and releasably engages the wall with the non-permanent adhesive coating 28 so that the plush toy 10 is stored on the wall until the user removes the toy from the stored position.

The plush toy 10 can include a protective layer of releasable film, not shown, from the adhesive layer of the bottom surface of the plush toy. This protective layer of film is removed prior to use sticking the adhesive layer to the wall. The protective layer of the releasable film can be re-applied to the adhesive layer of the bottom surface of the plush toy before storage.

The adhesive coating 28 engages wall textures of all types without use of nails or screws placed within drywall of the wall. Surfaces must be relatively smooth and clean and walls must be dust and residue free. The adhesive can also releasably adhere to some fibrous materials and unpainted canvases. To remove, as shown in FIG. 6, the user lifts an edge 22A of the adhesive surface 22 with a fingernail and gently peels the adhesive layer 22 off of the surface 30. After removing the plush toy 10 from the first orientation 32 on the wall 30, the user may pet, snuggle or play with the toy 10 and can also re-apply the plush toy in an alternative orientation to the wall 30. FIG. 6 illustrates the plush toy 10 engaged to the vertical surface 30 in a second orientation 34.

While not engaged with the wall, the plush toy 10 can be rolled-up for storage and unrolled when used again. The plush toy may also be used by the user for entertainment or play both while attached to the wall and detached from the wall. The plush toy 10 is particularly suitable for being petted, cuddled or snuggled. The adhesive layer 22 can be gently wiping with a damp cloth, while avoiding harsh chemicals or cleaning agents, in order to clean the adhesive layer 22 from dust and debris catching thereon.

It will now be appreciated that the present invention relates to a plush toy for releasably engaging with a surface. The invention is illustrated by example in the drawing figures, and throughout the written description.

It should be understood that numerous variations are possible, while adhering to the inventive concept. Such variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention.

While only a limited number of preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for purposes of illustration, it is obvious that many modifications and variations could be made thereto. It is intended to cover all of those modifications and variations, which fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A plush toy for use decorating a wall or receiving surface comprising:

a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front end, and a back end; and

an adhesive layer attached to a portion of the bottom surface of the body for releasably engaging to said receiving surface,

wherein the adhesive layer comprises a low-tack, non-reactive, reusable, pressure sensitive adhesive.

2. The plush toy of claim 1 wherein the body is washable.

3. The plush toy of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the body extends away from the receiving surface.

4. The plush toy of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the body is a plush fabric material.

5. The plush toy of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the body lights up.

6. The plush toy of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the body glows.

7. The plush toy of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the top surface is a plush fabric material.

8. The plush toy of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the bottom surface is a plush fabric material.

9. The plush toy of claim 1 wherein the top surface resembles a character or animal that appeals to children.

10. The plush toy of claim 1 wherein the adhesive layer attaches to the entire bottom surface.

11. A toy assembly for decorating a wall or receiving surface comprising:

a plush body having a character resembling surface and a bottom surface; and

a layer of low-tack, non-reactive, reusable, pressure sensitive adhesive attached to at least a portion of said bottom surface of said plush body for releasably adhering said plush body to said receiving surface,

wherein said character resembling surface is adapted to be viewable and pettable while said plush body is adhered to said receiving surface.

12. The toy assembly of claim 11 wherein the plush body is washable.

13. The toy assembly of claim 11 wherein the top surface resembles a character or animal that appeals to children.

14. The toy assembly of claim 11 wherein the adhesive layer attaches to the entire bottom surface.

15. A plush toy suitable for mounting on a substantially vertical surface comprising:

a flexible body having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein said bottom surface is generally flat;

a layer of low-tack, non-reactive, reusable, pressure sensitive adhesive applied to at least a portion of said bottom surface and adapted for selective repeated attachment of said plush toy to said vertical surface and for selective repeated detachment of said plush toy from said vertical surface; and

wherein said top surface comprises at least one layer of material comprising a soft fabric for providing a plush finish capable of being cuddled.

16. The plush toy of claim 15 wherein the body is washable.

17. The plush toy of claim 15 wherein at least a portion of the body is a plush fabric material.

18. The plush toy of claim 15 wherein at least a portion of the bottom surface is a plush fabric material.

19. The plush toy of claim 15 wherein the top surface resembles a character or animal that appeals to children.

20. The plush toy of claim 15 wherein the adhesive layer attaches to the entire bottom surface.

21. The plush toy of claim 15 wherein the plush toy is detached from said vertical surface without any substantial resulting damage to said vertical surface.

22. A method of applying pettable decorations to a wall, ceiling or other substantially vertical surface, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a plush toy comprising a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an adhesive layer attached to a portion of said bottom surface of said body, said adhesive layer configured to releasably engage said vertical surface;

applying said adhesive layer to said vertical surface;

interacting, touching, viewing and playing with said plush toy while attached to said vertical surface; and

detaching said adhesive layer from said vertical surface.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein the steps further include repeatedly attaching the adhesive layer of the plush toy to the vertical surface.

24. The method of claim 23 wherein the steps further include repeatedly detaching the adhesive layer of the plush toy from the vertical surface.

25. The method of claim 22 wherein the steps further include repeatedly repositioning the plush toy against the vertical surface.

26. The method of claim 22 wherein the steps further include unrolling the body of the plush toy prior to use.

27. The method of claim 26 wherein the steps further include rolling-up the body of the plush toy after use.