INTERLOCKING PLUSH TOY

Abstract

Systems, devices, and methods for a plush toy having an outer surface; one or more male interlocking buttons disposed on the outer surface of the plush toy; and one or more female interlocking buttons disposed on the outer surface of the plush toy; wherein the one or more male interlocking buttons and the one or more female interlocking buttons form an interlocked pair when the one or more male interlocking buttons are detachably attached to the one or more female interlocking buttons; where detachably attaching the one or more male interlocking buttons to the one or more female interlocking buttons produces an audible sound; and where the interlocked pair forms a closed loop configured to secure the plush toy about an external object.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/676,827 filed May 25, 2018, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety

FIELD OF ENDEAVOR

The invention relates to toys, and more particularly to connectable toys.

BACKGROUND

Plush toys are generally sewn from fabric such as cloth, plush or other textiles. These plush toys may be filled with cotton, synthetic fibers, straw or other similar materials to give it dimension and a soft feeling. The popularity of plush toys with young children is well known, dating back to the Roosevelt era's “Teddy bears.”

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a system embodiment may include: a plush toy having an outer surface; one or more male interlocking buttons disposed on the outer surface of the plush toy; and one or more female interlocking buttons disposed on the outer surface of the plush toy; where the one or more male interlocking buttons and the one or more female interlocking buttons may form an interlocked pair when the one or more male interlocking buttons are detachably attached to the one or more female interlocking buttons; where detachably attaching the one or more male interlocking buttons to the one or more female interlocking buttons may produce an audible sound; and where the interlocked pair forms a closed loop configured to secure the plush toy about an external object.

In additional system embodiments, the plush toy may further include a torso. In additional system embodiments, the plush toy may further include a left arm having a first end attached to the torso. In additional system embodiments, the plush toy may further include: a first male interlocking button of the one or more male interlocking buttons disposed on a second end of the left arm, where the first end of the left arm is distal from the second end of the left arm. In additional system embodiments, the plush toy may further include a right arm having a first end attached to the torso. In additional system embodiments, the plush toy may further include: a first female interlocking button of the one or more female interlocking buttons disposed on a second end of the left arm, where the first end of the left arm may be distal from the second end of the left arm.

In additional system embodiments, the plush toy may further include a left leg having a first end attached to the torso. In additional system embodiments, the plush toy may further include a second female interlocking button of the one or more female interlocking buttons disposed on a second end of the left leg, where the first end of the left leg may be distal from the second end of the left leg. In additional system embodiments, the plush toy may further include: a right leg having a first end attached to the torso. In additional system embodiments, the plush toy may further include a second male interlocking button of the one or more male interlocking buttons disposed on a second end of the right leg, where the first end of the right leg may be distal from the second end of the right leg.

In additional system embodiments, the plush toy may further include a head attached to the torso. In additional system embodiments, the first male interlocking button may be configured to form the interlocked pair with the first female interlocking button or the second female interlocking button. In additional system embodiments, the first female interlocking button may be configured to form the interlocked pair with the first male interlocking button or the second male interlocking button.

Additional system embodiments may include a second plush toy having a second outer surface; one or more male interlocking buttons disposed on the second outer surface of the second plush toy; and one or more female interlocking buttons disposed on the second outer surface of the second plush toy; where the one or more male interlocking buttons or the one or more female interlocking buttons of the first plush toy may form an interlocked pair with the one or more male interlocking buttons or the one or more female interlocking buttons of the second plush toy; where the first plush toy may be detachably attached to the second plush toy via the interlocked pair.

Another system embodiment may include: a male interlocking button of one or more male interlocking buttons disposed on a first surrounding outer surface of a plush toy; and a female interlocking button of one or more female interlocking buttons disposed on a second surrounding outer surface of the plush toy; where the male interlocking button and the female interlocking buttons form an interlocked pair when the male interlocking button is detachably attached to the female interlocking button; where detachably attaching the male interlocking buttons to the female interlocking button may produce an audible sound; and wherein the interlocked pair may form a closed loop.

In additional system embodiments, the male interlocking button may further include: an outer surface lip; and a center interlocking protrusion. In additional system embodiments, the outer surface lip may include a plurality of ridges oriented toward the center interlocking protrusion, and the center interlocking protrusion may have a dome shape. In additional system embodiments, the female interlocking button may further include: an outer surface corresponding to the outer surface lip of the male interlocking button; and a button cavity configured to receive the center interlocking protrusion. In additional system embodiments, the outer surface of the female interlocking button may include a plurality of repeating indentations oriented about the button cavity.

A method embodiment may include: attaching a first male interlocking button of one or more male interlocking buttons disposed on an outer surface of a first plush toy to a first female interlocking button of one or more female interlocking buttons disposed on an outer surface of a second plush toy; and attaching a second male interlocking button of one or more male interlocking buttons disposed on an outer surface of the second plush toy to a second female interlocking button of one or more female interlocking buttons disposed on an outer surface of a third plush toy; where the first male interlocking button and the first female interlocking button form a first interlocked pair; where the second male interlocking button and the second female interlocking button form a second interlocked pair; and where detachably attaching each of the one or more male interlocking buttons to each of the one or more female interlocking buttons produces an audible sound.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principals of the invention. Like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A depicts a plush toy with snapping interlocks in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1B depicts a plush toy with snapping interlocks in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2A depicts a plush toy with the arm snapping interlocks connected together in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2B depicts a plush toy with the arm snapping interlocks connected to the leg snapping interlocks in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 depicts a multiple plush toy combination with the arm snapping interlocks of one plush toy connected to arm snapping interlocks of another plush toy in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4A depicts a multiple plush toy combination in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4B depicts a multiple plush toy combination with the arm snapping interlocks of one plush toy connected to feet snapping interlocks of another plush toy in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4C depicts a multiple plush toy combination with both arm snapping interlocks of one plush toy connected to both feet snapping interlocks of another plush toy in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4D depicts a multiple plush toy combination with both arm and feet snapping interlocks of one plush toy connected to both arm and feet snapping interlocks of another plush toy in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4E depicts a circular multiple plush toy combination with the arm and feet snapping interlocks of one plush toy connected to arm and feet snapping interlocks of another plush toy in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5A depicts a male interlocking button in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5B depicts a female interlocking button in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 6 depicts a system having a plush toy with snapping interlocks and a plurality of accessories in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the embodiments discloses herein and is not meant to limit the concepts disclosed herein. Further, particular features described herein can be used in combination with other described features in each of the various possible combinations and permutations. Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be given their broadest possible interpretation including meanings implied from the description as well as meanings understood by those skilled in the art and/or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc.

There exists a need for a unique way kids could easily take a toy with them that does not use traditional methods of attachment or interlocking such as clips, hook and loop fasteners, or magnets, and is fun to attach to items such as a bike, backpack, or to other similar toys. Velcro is not fun to attach as it does not have a gratifying snap of a button that provides audible feedback and lets the child fell they have accomplished securing their toy and that it will not become lost. Existing interlocking clips do not have this gratification or feedback. Magnets are dangerous to use on children's toys as they may become dislodged and ingested. Backpack clips typically only allow for the attachment of a single toy and cannot attach more toy characters in unique positions.

In many embodiments of the current invention, the interlocking buttons on the toy characters hands and feet allow the child to attach the toy in different positions and attach more toy characters to the first character. In additional embodiments, snap buttons are attached to plush character's hands and feet allowing them to attach in unique ways. The snap buttons may be plastic snap buttons in some embodiments. The snap buttons may be oversized buttons. In other embodiments, the snap buttons may be metal or any other suitable material. In a number of embodiments, additional toy characters may be attached to the original toy character to create many possible configurations. In further embodiments, interlocking buttons on the hands can snap together or snap to the feet securing the plush toy to items including, but not limited to, back packs, bike handlebars, and/or similar items. In still further embodiments, additional characters can attach to other similar characters via the corresponding interlocking buttons on their hands and feet in many varying configurations.

With reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the present embodiments include a plush toy with interlocking buttons in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In a number of embodiments, the toy 100 may be humanoid in shape and have a head 110, arms 120L, 120R, torso 130, and legs 140L and 140R. In many embodiments, the toy 100 may have interlocking buttons on each arm 125L, 125R and each leg 145L, 145R, respectively. In certain embodiments, the height of the toy 100 may be approximately five and a half inches tall and the width of the toy may be approximately five inches wide. In further embodiments, the interlocking buttons may be fashioned as a male/female pair wherein the interlocking occurs upon the physical matching of a male button and a female button. In still further embodiments, the buttons on the toy may be positioned in order to increase the number of matching positions available. In yet still further embodiments, male interlocking buttons may be positioned on the left arm 120L as a left arm button 125L and right leg 140R as a right leg button 145R. Similarly, in more further embodiments, female interlocking buttons may be positioned on the right arm 120R as a right arm button 125R and on the left leg 140L as a left leg button 145L. While the left and right appendages of the toy 100 are described with reference to a user, these directions may be reversed in some embodiments. In additional embodiments, the interlocking buttons 125L, 125R, 145L, 145R may be made of plastic. In still additional embodiments, the interlocking buttons 125L, 125R, 145L, 145R may be located on the underside of the hands and feet of the toy 100.

While a variety of plush toys with interlocking buttons are described above with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the specific configurations and arrangements of plush toys with interlocking buttons are largely dependent upon the requirements of specific applications. For example, it can be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exact types of buttons, and toy shapes can be adjusted and scaled based on the size, complexity, and/or needs of the buyers. Additionally, the plush toys with interlocking buttons can vary the position of the interlocking buttons and/or increase the number of buttons available for positioning. A discussion of various interlocking plush toy configurations is below.

With reference to FIG. 2A, the present embodiments include a plush toy 200A with the arm snapping interlocks connected together in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In a number of embodiments, the plush toy 200A may be capable of positioning the arms together by interlocking 210A a male and female button together. In additional embodiments, the interlocking 210A of the buttons may allow for securing the plush toy to items including, but not limited to, backpacks, bike handlebars, and/or similar items.

With reference to FIG. 2B, the present embodiments include a plush toy 200B with the arm snapping interlocks connected to the respective leg snapping interlocks in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In a number of embodiments, the plush toy 200B may be capable of positioning each arm together with the corresponding side's leg by interlocking 210A, 220B respective male buttons and female buttons together.

With reference to FIG. 3, the present embodiments include a multiple plush toy combination with the arm snapping interlocks of one plush toy connected to arm snapping interlocks of another plush toy in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In a number of embodiments, the multiple plush toys 310, 320, 330 may be configured together by attaching a female interlocking button of a first toy plush 310 with the male interlocking button of a second plush toy 320 to create a first interlocked pair 315. In additional embodiments, the second plush toy 320 may then be interlocked with a third toy plush 330 by mating a female button from the second toy plush 320 with a male interlocking button from the third toy plush 330 to create a second interlocked pair 325. In further embodiments, the interlocked set of plush toys 300 may be interlocked with additional plush toys as desired. In still further embodiments, there may be no limit to the number of plush toys that may be interlocked together in a similar manner together.

With reference to FIG. 4A, the present embodiments include a multiple plush toy combination in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In a number of embodiments, the multiple plush toy arrangement 400A may consist of a series of four plush toys 410A, 420A, 430A, 440A arranged in an interlocking fashion. In many embodiments, the plush toy arrangement 400A may be configured by attaching interlocking buttons of each hand of a first plush toy 410A to respective interlocking buttons of a leg on a second and third plush toy 420A, 440A creating a first interlocked button pair 415A and second interlocked button pair 445A. In additional embodiments, the hands on the opposite side of the interlocked legs of the second and third plush toys 420A, 440A may themselves be interlocked with the respective arms of a third plush toy 430B creating a third interlocking button pair 425C and fourth interlocking button pair 435A.

With reference to FIG. 4B, the present embodiments include a multiple plush toy combination with the arm snapping interlocks of one plush toy connected to respective feet snapping interlocks of another plush toy in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In a number of embodiments, the plush toy arrangement 400B comprises a first plush toy 410B, interlocked with a second plush toy 420B, and third plush toy 440B. In further embodiments, the interlocking of the first plush toy 410B with the second plush toy 420B may be accomplished by creating a first interlocking button pair 415B between a female interlocking button on a reversed first toy plush 410B leg and a male interlocking button on the second plush toy 420B. In still further embodiments, the second plush toy 420B may be interlocked with a fourth plush toy 430B via a third interlocking button pair 425B. In certain embodiments, the interlocking of the first plush toy 410B may be accomplished via a male interlocking button on a leg with a female interlocking button on an arm of the third plush toy 440B to create a second interlocking pair 445B. In still further embodiments, the interlocking of the third plush toy 440B and fourth plush toy 430B may be accomplished via a male interlocking button on a leg of the third plush toy 440B and female interlocking button on an arm of the forth plush toy 430B to create a fourth interlocking pair 435B.

With reference to FIG. 4C, the present embodiments include a multiple plush toy combination with both arm snapping interlocks of one plush toy connected to both feet snapping interlocks of another plush toy in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In a number of embodiments, the plush toy configuration 400C comprises a first plush toy 410C interlocked to a second plush toy 420C by creating two interlocking pairs of buttons. In many embodiments, the interlocking pairs between the first plush toy 410C and second plush toy 420C may be accomplished by interlocking both of the legs of the first toy plush 410C to both of the arms of the second toy plush 420C to create two interlocking pairs 415C, 416C. In additional embodiments, the second plush toy 420C may be connected to a third plush toy 430C also via two interlocking pairs. In still further embodiments, the connection between the second plush toy 420C and third plush toy 430C may be accomplished by interlocking both of the legs of the second plush toy 420C to both the arms of the third plush toy 430C. As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this configuration may be repeated without limitation on either end of the plush toy configuration 400C.

With reference to FIG. 4D, the present embodiments include a multiple plush toy combination with both arm and feet snapping interlocks of one plush toy connected to both arm and feet snapping interlocks of another plush toy in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In a number of embodiments, the plush toy arrangement 400D comprises a first plush toy 410D interlocked with a second plush toy 420D. In many embodiments, both hands of the first plush toy 410D are interlocked with both hands of the second plush toy 420D to create a two interlocking pairs 415D, 416D. Similarly, in more embodiments, both feet of the first plush toy 410D are interlocked with both feet of the second plush toy 420D to create two interlocking pairs 417D, (not shown).

With reference to FIG. 4E, the present embodiments include a circular multiple plush toy combination with the arm and feet snapping interlocks of one plush toy connected to arm and feet snapping interlocks of another plush toy in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In a number of embodiments, the plush toy configuration 400E comprises a plurality of plush toys including a first toy 410E, second toy 420E, and Nth toy 490E. In many embodiments, the hands and feet of one side of a plush toy are interlocked with the hands and feet from the opposite side of another plush toy. In more embodiments, this interlocked process is continued to form a chain of interlocked toys, which can then be interlocked together by interlocking the buttons on one side of one end of the chain to the buttons on the other end of the chain, creating a circular configuration. By way of example and not limitation, the first plush toy 410E may be interlocked with a second plush toy 420E by creating two interlocking pairs 415E, 416E wherein the interlocked pairs comprise a pair of interlocked hands from the first plush toy 410E and second plush toy 420E, and a pair of interlocked feet from the first plush toy 410E and second plush toy 420E. In additional embodiments, the interlocked process can continue in this fashion without limitation until an endpoint is reached. In still further embodiments, when the last toy in the chain, the Nth toy 490E is interlocked to the first plush toy 410E by creating two interlocking pairs 495E, 496E, the configuration of plush toys 400E becomes circular.

While a variety of configurations of plush toys with interlocking buttons are described above with reference to FIGS. 2-4E, the specific configurations and arrangements of plush toys with interlocking buttons are largely dependent upon the requirements or desires of the user base. For example, it can be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exact types and shapes of interlocking plush toy configuration can comprise any number of shapes and sizes and is only dependent on the number of plush toys available. Additionally, the types of configurations may become more complex with the addition of additional interlocking buttons or with the introduction of a different or non-humanoid shaped plush toy. A discussion of the types of interlocking buttons is below.

With reference to FIG. 5A, the present embodiments include a male interlocking button 500A in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In a number of embodiments, the male interlocking button 500A may be attached to a portion of the plush toy. In certain embodiments, the male interlocking button 500A may sit flush to a surrounding outer surface 502 of the plush toy. In other embodiments, the male interlocking button 500A may sit raised and/or recessed from the surrounding outer surface 502 of the plush toy. In many embodiments the male interlocking button 500A may be concentrically shaped. In still more embodiments, the male interlocking button 500A may include an outer surface lip 510A that may cover a corresponding outer surface 510B of a female interlocking button 500B, as shown in FIG. 5B. The outer surface lip may include a plurality of ridges oriented toward the center interlocking protrusion 520A. The center interlocking protrusion 520A may be a dome shape having a rounded top in some embodiments. In yet more embodiments, the male interlocking button 500A may include a center interlocking protrusion 520A that may be coupled with a female interlocking button cavity 520B, as shown in FIG. 5B. In additional embodiments, the male interlocking button 500A may interlock with the female button 500B, as shown in FIG. 5B, attached to an accessory including, but not limited to, other interlocking plush toys, cell phones, purses, wristbands, and/or any item that may affixed with a female interlocking button either at the time of manufacture, or by the user afterward.

With reference to FIG. 5B, the present embodiments include a female interlocking button in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In a number of embodiments, the female interlocking button 500B may be attached to a portion of the plush toy. In certain embodiments, the female interlocking button 500B may sit flush to a surrounding outer surface 504 of the plush toy. In other embodiments, the female interlocking button 500B may sit raised and/or recessed from the surrounding outer surface 504 of the plush toy. In many embodiments the female interlocking button 500B may be concentrically shaped. In still more embodiments, the female interlocking button 500B may include an outer surface recess 510B that may be covered by the outer lip 510A of the male interlocking button 500A, as shown in FIG. 5A. The outer surface 510B of the female interlocking button 500B may include a plurality of repeating indentations oriented about the button cavity 520B. In some embodiments, the repeating indentations may be a pattern, such as a star. In yet more embodiments, the female interlocking button 500B may include a center interlocking cavity 520B that may be coupled with the male interlocking button protrusion 520A, as shown in FIG. 5A. In additional embodiments, the female interlocking button 500B may interlock with the male button attached to an accessory including, but not limited to, other interlocking plush toys, cell phones, purses, wristbands, and/or any item that may affixed with a female interlocking button either at the time of manufacture, or by the user afterward.

While a variety of interlocking buttons are described above with reference to FIGS. 5A-5B, the specific configurations and arrangements of interlocking buttons are largely dependent upon the requirements or desires of the users. For example, it can be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exact types, shapes, and materials of the interlocking buttons can comprise any number of shapes and sizes. By way of example and not limitation, the interlocking buttons may be comprised of metal and/or plastic. Additionally, the shapes of the interlocking buttons may be structured to allow for an increased and/or more pronounced snapping motion and/or sound.

FIG. 6 depicts a system 600 having a plush toy 602 with snapping interlocks 604, 606, 608, 610, 612 and a plurality of accessories 614, 616, 618, 620, 622 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The plush toy may have one or more snapping interlocks 604, 606, 608, 610, 612. Each snapping interlock 604, 606, 608, 610, 612 may be a male interlocking button, such as shown in FIG. 5A, or a female interlocking button, such as shown in FIG. 5B. In one embodiment, the left hand snapping interlock 604 and right foot snapping interlock 610 may be male interlocking buttons. In additional embodiments, the right hand snapping interlock 606 and left foot snapping interlock 608 may be female interlocking buttons. While the left and right appendages of the toy 602 are described with reference to a user, these directions may be reversed in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the toy 602 may have more than two arms or legs. In some embodiments, the toy 602 may be a spider, cat, dog, lizard, octopus, or the like having more than two appendages. In some embodiments, the toy 602 may include a tail, horn, wings, or other features and one or more snapping interlocks may be disposed on an end of each of these features.

The head of the toy 602 may include one or more snapping interlocks 602, which may be a male interlocking button or a female interlocking button. The head snapping interlock 612 may form an interlocked pair 624 with an accessory, such as a hat 614. The hat 614 may include a snapping interlock 626. The snapping interlock 626 of the hat 614 may be disposed on an interior surface of the hat. When the head snapping interlock 612 forms an interlocked pair 624 with the hat 614 the connection may be at least partially hidden inside the hat 614. In some embodiments, the hat 614 may be a wig, a bow, or the like.

The left hand snapping interlock 604 may form an interlocked pair 628 with a second toy 630 having a corresponding snapping interlock 632. For example, if the left hand snapping interlock 604 is a male interlocking button, then the left hand snapping interlock 604 may be connected to any female interlocking button on the second toy 630.

The right hand snapping interlock 606 may form an interlocked pair 634 with an accessory, such as a toy phone 616. The toy phone 616 may include a snapping interlock 636. The snapping interlock 636 of the toy phone 616 may be disposed on a back surface of the toy phone 616 opposite a screen side. When the right hand snapping interlock 606 forms an interlocked pair 634 with the toy phone 616 the connection may be at least partially hidden between the right hand of the toy 602 and the back surface of the toy phone 616.

The right hand snapping interlock 606 may form an interlocked pair 638 with another accessory, such as a purse 618. The purse 618 may include a snapping interlock 640. The snapping interlock 640 of the purse 618 may be disposed on a handle of the purse 618. When the right hand snapping interlock 606 forms an interlocked pair 638 with the purse 618 the connection may be at least partially hidden between the right hand of the toy 602 and the handle of the purse 618. In some embodiments, the purse 618 may be a bag, a backpack, or the like.

The left foot snapping interlock 608 and/or the right foot snapping interlock 610 may form one or more interlocked pairs 642, 644 with another accessory, such as a skateboard 620. The skateboard 620 may include one or more snapping interlocks 646, 648. The snapping interlocks 646, 648 of the skateboard 620 may be disposed on a top skate deck of the skateboard 620. When the left foot snapping interlock 608 and/or the right foot snapping interlock 610 form one or more interlocked pairs 642, 644 with the skateboard 620 the connection may be at least partially hidden between the left foot and/or right foot of the toy 602 and the top deck of the skateboard 620. In some embodiments, the skateboard 620 may be roller skates, skis, a snowboard, a surfboard, or the like.

The left foot snapping interlock 608 may form an interlocked pair 650 with another accessory, such as footwear 622. The footwear 622 may include a snapping interlock 652. The snapping interlock 652 of the footwear 622 may be disposed on an interior of the footwear 622. When the left foot snapping interlock 608 forms an interlocked pair 650 with the footwear 622 the connection may be at least partially hidden between the left foot of the toy 602 and one or more portions of the footwear 622. In some embodiments, the footwear 622 may be a sandal, a slipper, a heel, or the like.

While some accessories are described for the purpose of illustration, any accessory may be utilized with the system 600 disclosed herein. Any snapping interlock having a male interlocking button may form an interlocked pair with another snapping interlock having a female interlocking button. In some embodiments, an accessory may have both a male interlocking button and a female interlocking button to accept a corresponding male interlocking button and/or female interlocking button. In other embodiments, the accessory may only have a male interlocking button or a female interlocking button based on a desired connection. For example, a left shoe may only have a female interlocking button to form an interlock pair with a male interlocking button disposed on a left foot of the toy 602.

It is contemplated that various combinations and/or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the above embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed invention. Further, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed by way of examples should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.

Claims

1. A system, comprising:

a plush toy having an outer surface;

one or more male interlocking buttons disposed on the outer surface of the plush toy; and

one or more female interlocking buttons disposed on the outer surface of the plush toy;

wherein the one or more male interlocking buttons and the one or more female interlocking buttons form an interlocked pair when the one or more male interlocking buttons are detachably attached to the one or more female interlocking buttons;

wherein detachably attaching the one or more male interlocking buttons to the one or more female interlocking buttons produces an audible sound; and

wherein the interlocked pair forms a closed loop configured to secure the plush toy about an external object.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the plush toy further comprises:

a torso.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the plush toy further comprises:

a left arm having a first end attached to the torso.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein the plush toy further comprises:

a first male interlocking button of the one or more male interlocking buttons disposed on a second end of the left arm, wherein the first end of the left arm is distal from the second end of the left arm.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein the plush toy further comprises:

a right arm having a first end attached to the torso.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein the plush toy further comprises:

a first female interlocking button of the one or more female interlocking buttons disposed on a second end of the left arm, wherein the first end of the left arm is distal from the second end of the left arm.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein the plush toy further comprises:

a left leg having a first end attached to the torso.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein the plush toy further comprises:

a second female interlocking button of the one or more female interlocking buttons disposed on a second end of the left leg, wherein the first end of the left leg is distal from the second end of the left leg.

9. The system of claim 8 wherein the plush toy further comprises:

a right leg having a first end attached to the torso.

10. The system of claim 9 wherein the plush toy further comprises:

a second male interlocking button of the one or more male interlocking buttons disposed on a second end of the right leg, wherein the first end of the right leg is distal from the second end of the right leg.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein the plush toy further comprises:

a head attached to the torso.

12. The system of claim 10 wherein the first male interlocking button is configured to form the interlocked pair with the first female interlocking button or the second female interlocking button.

13. The system of claim 10 wherein the first female interlocking button is configured to form the interlocked pair with the first male interlocking button or the second male interlocking button.

14. The system of claim 10 further comprising:

a second plush toy having a second outer surface;

one or more male interlocking buttons disposed on the second outer surface of the second plush toy; and

one or more female interlocking buttons disposed on the second outer surface of the second plush toy;

wherein the one or more male interlocking buttons or the one or more female interlocking buttons of the first plush toy form an interlocked pair with the one or more male interlocking buttons or the one or more female interlocking buttons of the second plush toy;

wherein the first plush toy is detachably attached to the second plush toy via the interlocked pair.

15. A system comprising:

a male interlocking button of one or more male interlocking buttons disposed on a first surrounding outer surface of a plush toy; and

a female interlocking button of one or more female interlocking buttons disposed on a second surrounding outer surface of the plush toy;

wherein the male interlocking button and the female interlocking buttons form an interlocked pair when the male interlocking button is detachably attached to the female interlocking button;

wherein detachably attaching the male interlocking buttons to the female interlocking button produces an audible sound; and

wherein the interlocked pair forms a closed loop.

16. The system of claim 15 wherein the male interlocking button further comprises:

an outer surface lip; and

a center interlocking protrusion.

17. The system of claim 16 wherein the outer surface lip comprises a plurality of ridges oriented toward the center interlocking protrusion, and wherein the center interlocking protrusion comprises a dome shape.

18. The system of claim 16 wherein the female interlocking button further comprises:

an outer surface corresponding to the outer surface lip of the male interlocking button; and

a button cavity configured to receive the center interlocking protrusion.

19. The system of claim 18 wherein the outer surface of the female interlocking button comprises a plurality of repeating indentations oriented about the button cavity.

20. A method, comprising:

attaching a first male interlocking button of one or more male interlocking buttons disposed on an outer surface of a first plush toy to a first female interlocking button of one or more female interlocking buttons disposed on an outer surface of a second plush toy; and

attaching a second male interlocking button of one or more male interlocking buttons disposed on an outer surface of the second plush toy to a second female interlocking button of one or more female interlocking buttons disposed on an outer surface of a third plush toy;

wherein the first male interlocking button and the first female interlocking button form a first interlocked pair;

wherein the second male interlocking button and the second female interlocking button form a second interlocked pair; and

wherein detachably attaching each of the one or more male interlocking buttons to each of the one or more female interlocking buttons produces an audible sound.