CONVERTIBLE TOY

Abstract

A convertible toy includes a body portion having an inner cavity accessible via an opening extending along a length of the body portion and configured to receive a bag integratable with the toy and having a securing device for opening and closing the cavity and extending along the length of the body portion. The integrated bag of the convertible toy includes a panel having an opening with edges and is attached along the edges of the opening in the panel of the bag to a perimeter of the inner cavity of the toy so that it is insertable and removable in and from the inner cavity of the toy.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention relate to a convertible toy having an integrated bag. In particular, aspects of the present invention provide articles, systems and kits for a convertible toy with an integrated expandable bag.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Plush toys in the shape of animals and characters are often adored and collected by children as toys. It can be difficult to find storage for the many toys and articles that children can collect over time. In addition to toys, children require other items, such as, clothes, books and bags, which also require storage.

For example, when children go to school, shopping, sleepovers, camping and sporting events, they require bags to hold various items, such as textbooks, computers, lunches, writing utensils, pouches, calculators, rulers, compasses, clothing, shoes, toys, balls and other items. Many bags are made of thick heavy materials that add to the weight of the items carried in the bag. Moreover, when such bags are not in use at home, they are often stored, placed in a closet or otherwise set aside.

It would be desirable to have a convertible toy with an integrated expandable bag made from a strong, but lightweight material that is collapsible for storing within the toy when not in use. In addition, it would be desirable if the convertible toy were integrated with the collapsible bag so that when the bag is expanded, the toy cannot be lost and the toy is positionable so as not to interfere with user of the bag by the user.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the invention are directed to a convertible toy comprising a body portion having an inner cavity accessible via an opening on a back side of the body portion with the opening having a securing device and the inner cavity configured to receive or expand an integrated bag. The integrated bag comprises a front portion having an opening for accessing the inner cavity of the toy from inside of the bag, a plurality of straps for carrying the bag with each strap having an end attached to a top portion of the bag and wherein the toy is integrated with the front portion of the bag and wherein the bag is configured to collapse and be inserted into the inner cavity of the toy for storage.

Additional advantages and novel features in accordance with aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in the description, claims and drawings that follow, and in part will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or upon learning by practice thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a convertible toy according to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a back view of the toy.

FIG. 3 illustrates a back view of the toy unzipped showing an integrated expandable bag located inside the toy.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of the toy unzipped showing the bag removed and extending outward from the rear of the toy.

FIG. 5 is a front view thereof.

FIG. 6 is a back view thereof.

FIG. 7 is a left side view thereof.

FIG. 8 is a right side view thereof.

FIG. 9 is a top view thereof.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view thereof.

FIG. 11 is a partial back view of the toy with the bag open and showing a pocket within the toy.

FIG. 12 is a partial back view of the toy with the bag open and showing a lining of the pocket within the toy.

FIG. 13 is a partial side view of the toy with the bag connected to and extending outward from the toy.

FIG. 14 is a front view of an alternate configuration of a convertible toy according to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a back view thereof.

FIG. 16 is a front view of the toy unzipped showing an integrated expandable bag located inside the toy.

FIG. 17 is a back perspective view of the toy unzipped showing the bag removed and extending outward from the front of the toy.

FIG. 18 is a back view thereof.

FIG. 19 is a front view thereof.

FIG. 20 is a left side view thereof.

FIG. 21 is a right side view thereof.

FIG. 22 is top view thereof.

FIG. 23 is a bottom view thereof.

FIG. 24 is a partial front view of the toy with the bag open and showing a pocket within the toy.

FIG. 25 is a partial front view of the toy with the bag open and showing a lining of the pocket within the toy.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

These and other features and advantages in accordance with aspects of this invention are described in, or are apparent from, the following detailed description of various example aspects.

Aspects of the present invention are directed to a convertible storage toy configured to receive, store and expand a collapsible bag. Aspects of the invention are described with respect to the figures. These figures illustrate example variations of components that may be incorporated in many different designs of the toy as well as in methods and kits for making and using the same.

It is understood that the figures are not meant to be an exhaustive description of the designs and configurations for the toy with the integrated bag or methods and kits for making and using the same. Rather, these figures show some example components and illustrate some example concepts that may be used to construct any number of toys with integrated bags.

FIG. 1 is a representative view of an example article according to aspects of the present invention. The example article may be a toy 100 in the form of a plush toy, such as illustrated, a lion cub, having integrated therewith a collapsible and expandable integrated article, such as a bag (not shown).

The toy 100 may have an inner cavity (not shown) on a back side of the toy as shown in FIG. 2. The inner cavity may be configured to receive and store the bag when not in use. The inner cavity may be accessible by unzipping a securing device or zipper 105, for example, or by other opening and closing means, such as buttons, snaps, Velcro tape, etc. Additionally, the opening and closing means can also be located on a front side of the toy 100 (see FIGS. 14-25 and discussion below), for example, and is not limited to these locations set forth in the illustrations.

In one aspect, a tail 110 of the toy may be attached to or form a pull tab for the zipper 105 so that when the zipper 105 is opened, as shown in FIG. 3, the tail 110 may dangle or hang from the top of the back side of the toy 100. Further, the tail 110 for the toy 100 may be a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the design aspects of the toy, may be separately secured to the toy and not attachable to the zipper of the toy or may not be incorporated in the overall toy design.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the zipper 105 is unzipped, the bag 115 is shown as being stowed inside the toy 100. Particularly, the bag 115 is folded, crushed or otherwise inserted into an inner cavity 130 of the toy 100. The inner cavity 130 is sized to receive the entire bag 115 thereby resulting in the interior cavity of the toy being filled to provide a stuffed appearance for the toy 100.

FIGS. 4-10 show example aspects of the toy 100 from different angles with the integrated bag 115 expanded and extending from the inner cavity 130 of the toy 100 according to the invention. Particularly, when a user unzips the zipper 105 by pulling the tail portion 110 of the toy 100 upward, the user can then remove the bag 115 from the inner cavity 130 of the toy 100. Upon removal of the bag 115, a portion of the bag 115 remains secured or integrated with the inner cavity 130 of the toy 100 as shown in FIGS. 4-10.

Further as shown in FIGS. 4-10, the integrated bag 115 may be a backpack comprising a front panel 250, a back panel 260, a top portion 270, a bottom portion 280 and first and second side portions 290. Front and back zippers 200 and 210 having zipper pull tabs 220 are positioned and extend across the top portion 270 of the bag 115 allowing for the opening and closing of the backpack. As shown in FIG. 6, the backpack also comprises first and second shoulder straps 120, each with adjustable buckles 230 and each connected to the corresponding top and bottom portions of the bag thereby allowing for a user to position the backpack on one's back or carry over one's shoulder. The bag further includes a hook 300 for hanging and storing the backpack when not in use. The material of the bag 115 is preferably a lightweight fabric, such as Nylon, polyester or cotton fabrics, but may be any type of fabric or material that can be inserted and stored in the cavity 130 of the toy 100 with relative ease.

Additionally as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, when the bag 115 is removed and expanded outward from the inner cavity 130, the toy 100 is positioned on the front panel 250 of the backpack so that the toy 100 does not interfere with use of the backpack by the user and provides a decorative feature while the bag 115 is expanded and the toy 100 is not in use. Based on the integration of the bag 115 with the toy 100, the toy 100 extends and is positioned centrally on the front panel and is proportioned in size to the overall size and shape of the integrated bag 115. As can be appreciated, both the toy 100 and bag 115 can be a variety of shapes and sizes and proportioned relative to each other based on design elements as well as functionality of the toy 100 and the bag 115.

In one aspect and as shown in FIGS. 7-10 and 13, the bag 115 is integrated with the toy 100 via material 125 secured and extending outward from and along the edges of an opening in the front panel 250 of the bag 115 and, which in turn, is secured to the perimeter of the inner cavity 130 of the toy thereby forming integration means or a material connector between the toy 100 and the bag 115. As shown, for example in FIG. 13, the material connector 125 for integrating the toy 100 with the bag 115 can be extended outward from the opening of the bag 115 thereby providing stability and support for the toy 100 on the front panel 250 when the bag is expanded. In one aspect, the material connector 125 can extend approximately one inch or less so as to connect and provide stability and support between the toy 100 and the front panel 250 of the bag 115. The perimeter of the cavity 130 may also be sewn, secured or otherwise attached directly to the opening of the bag 115 without a material connector, and still allow for the bag 115 to be stored inside as well as expandable from the cavity 130 of the toy 100.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the bag 115 extending from the cavity 130 of the toy 100 is shown in an open position to show an interior storage portion or pocket 135 inside the toy 100 accessible by unzipping the front zipper 200 of the bag. Particularly, FIG. 11 shows the additional pocket 135 positioned inside the cavity 130 of the toy 100 and FIG. 12 shows a lining 140 of the additional pocket 135 pulled outward from the cavity 130 of the toy 100. The additional pocket 135 is configured to be secured and to extend outward from the hole in the front panel 250 of the bag 115 and into the cavity 130 of the toy 100. This configuration of the toy 100 stitched or otherwise attached or secured to the bag 115 and the access to the additional pocket 135 through the inside of the bag 115, provides additional storage for the user and further integration of the toy 100 with the bag 115.

An alternate configuration of a convertible toy is shown in FIGS. 14-25. In this configuration, an inner cavity of the toy 500 is accessible by unzipping a zipper on a front side of the toy to remove an integrated expandable bag 515. As shown in FIG. 16, when the zipper 505 is unzipped by pulling the tab 510, the bag 515 being an integrated expandable backpack is shown as being stowed in the inner cavity 530 of the toy 500.

As shown in FIGS. 17-23, the integrated backpack 515 comprises a front panel 550, a back panel 560, a top portion 570, a bottom portion 580 and first and second side portions 590. Front and back zippers 600 and 610 having zipper pull tabs 620 are positioned and extend across the top portion 570 of the bag 515. The backpack 515 also comprises first and second shoulder straps 520, each with adjustable buckles 630 and each connected to the corresponding top and bottom portions of the backpack 515, and a hook 700. When the backpack 515 is removed and expanded outward from the inner cavity 530, the toy 500 is positioned on the front panel 550 of the backpack 515.

As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the backpack 515 is integrated with the toy 500 via a material connector 525 secured and extending outward from and along the edges of an opening in the front panel 550 of the bag 515 and, which in turn, is secured to the perimeter of the inner cavity 530 of the toy 500. Further, the backpack 515 is shown in an open position to show an interior storage portion or pocket 535 inside the toy 500 accessible by unzipping the front zipper 600 of the backpack 515. FIG. 24 shows the additional pocket 535 positioned inside the cavity 530 of the toy 500 and FIG. 25 shows a lining 540 of the additional pocket 535 pulled outward from the cavity 530 of the toy 500. The additional pocket 535 is configured to be secured and to extend outward from the hole in the front panel 550 of the bag 515 and into the cavity 530 of the toy 500.

As set forth, the integration of the bag with the toy, particularly, along the perimeter of the toy's cavity, ensures that the toy will not be lost when not in use and the bag is expanded. It also prevents the toy from dangling and causing unanticipated shifts of weight when the bag is worn by the user. It further provides secure positioning and prominent display of the toy on the bag when the bag is expanded.

While aspects of this invention have been described in conjunction with the example features outlined above, alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and/or substantial equivalents, whether known or that are or may be presently unforeseen, may become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, the example aspects of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. For example, the toy is not limited to the illustrated embodiments but may be a variety of designs and figures, such as, for example, animals, characters, and dolls. The toy and the integrated bag may be a variety of shapes and sizes and constructed from a variety of different types of materials and fabrics. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. Therefore, aspects of the invention are intended to embrace all known or later-developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and/or substantial equivalents.

Claims

1. A convertible toy comprising:

a body portion having an inner cavity accessible via an opening extending along a length of the body portion and configured to receive a bag integratable with the body portion, the opening having a securing device for opening and closing the cavity and extending along the length of the body portion; and

the integrated bag comprising:

a panel having an opening with edges, the integrated bag integratable with the body portion by attaching the edges of the opening in the panel of the bag to a perimeter of the inner cavity of the body portion, the integrated bag being insertable and removable in and from the inner cavity of the body portion.

2. The convertible toy of claim 1, wherein the bag is integratable with the body portion by securing the edges of the opening in the panel of the bag directly around the perimeter of the inner cavity of the toy.

3. The convertible toy according to claim 1, wherein the bag is integratable with the body portion by integration means secured and extending from and along the edges of the opening in the panel of the bag and secured to the perimeter of the inner cavity of the body portion.

4. The convertible toy according to claim 3, wherein the integration means comprises a connector for integrating the body portion with the bag, said connector extending approximately less than one inch outward from the opening of the bag.

5. The convertible toy according to claim 3, wherein the bag further comprises an interior storage portion, said interior storage portion is configured to be secured and extend outward from the opening in the panel of the bag and into the cavity of the body portion.

6. The convertible toy according to claim 1, wherein the securing device is selected from a group consisting of a zipper, buttons, snaps and hook and loop fasteners, the securing device positioned on and extending along the length of the body portion of the toy for opening or closing the inner cavity.

7. The convertible toy according to claim 6, wherein the toy further comprises a tail located on a back side of the body portion of the toy, said tail forming a pull tab for the securing device.

8. The convertible toy according to claim 6, wherein the toy further comprises a tail located on a back side of the body portion of the toy, said tail attached to a pull tab of the securing device.

9. The convertible toy according to claim 1, wherein the integrated bag comprises a collapsible backpack having a front panel, a back panel, a top portion, a bottom portion and first and second side portions, wherein the top portion includes front and back securing devices which are positioned and extend in parallel across the top portion of the backpack to allow for opening and closing of the backpack, and the integrated backpack further comprises first and second shoulder straps each connected and extending from the top portion of the backpack to the bottom portion of the backpack.

10. The convertible toy according to claim 9, wherein the toy body portion is positionable centrally on the front panel of the backpack and is proportioned in size to the overall size and shape of the backpack.

11. The convertible toy according to claim 10, wherein the inner cavity of the body portion is sized proportionally to receive the backpack so as to create a stuffed appearance of the toy.

12. A convertible toy comprising:

a body portion having an inner cavity accessible via an opening extending along a length of the body portion and configured to receive a backpack integratable with the body portion, the opening having a securing device for opening and closing the cavity and extending along the length of the body portion; and

the integrated backpack comprising: a front panel having an opening with edges, a back panel, a top portion, a bottom portion and first and second side portions, wherein the top portion includes front and back securing devices which are positioned and extend in parallel across the top portion of the backpack to allow for opening and closing of the backpack, and the integrated backpack further comprises first and second shoulder straps each connected and extending from the top portion of the backpack to the bottom portion of the backpack, wherein the backpack is integratable with the body portion by attaching the edges of the opening in the front panel of the backpack to a perimeter of the inner cavity of the body portion, the integrated backpack being insertable and removable in and from the inner cavity of the body portion.

13. The convertible toy of claim 12, wherein the backpack is integratable with the body portion by securing the edges of the opening in the front panel of the backpack directly around the perimeter of the inner cavity of the body portion.

14. The convertible toy according to claim 12, wherein the backpack is integratable with the body portion by integration means secured and extending from and along the edges of the opening in the front panel of the backpack and secured to the perimeter of the inner cavity of the body portion.

15. The convertible toy according to claim 14, wherein the integration means comprises a connector for integrating the body portion with the backpack, said connector extending approximately less than one inch outward from the opening of the backpack.

16. The convertible toy according to claim 15, wherein the backpack further comprises an interior storage portion, said interior storage portion is configured to be secured and extend outward from the opening in the front panel of the backpack and into the cavity of the body portion.

17. The convertible toy according to claim 12, wherein the securing device is selected from a group consisting of a zipper, buttons, snaps and hook and loop fasteners, the securing device positioned on and extending along the length of the body portion of the toy for opening or closing the inner cavity.

18. The convertible toy according to claim 17, wherein the toy further comprises a tail located on a back side of the body portion of the toy, said tail forming a pull tab for the securing device.

19. The convertible toy according to claim 17, wherein the toy further comprises a tail located on a back side of the body portion of the toy, said tail attached to a pull tab of the securing device.

20. The convertible toy according to claim 1, wherein the body portion is positionable centrally on the front panel of the backpack and is proportioned in size to the overall size and shape of the backpack.

21. The convertible toy according to claim 20, wherein the inner cavity of the body portion is sized proportionally to receive the backpack so as to create a stuffed appearance of the body portion.