Sock Plush Toys

Abstract

The present invention relates to a plush toy. The plush toy is shaped as a doll, toy, cartoon or any other shape. The plush toy comprises a face portion, a torso portion, a plurality of appendages in the form of arms, legs, ears, tail and/or antennas. The plush toy has a single sock-like fabric outer housing filled with a soft stuffing material. The plush toy can be held in a hand, attached to a keychain or a necklace, and/or have a magnetic attachment. The size of the plush toy varies depending on the size of the sock-like fabric being used.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/138,551, which was filed on Jan. 18, 2021 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of toys. More specifically, the present invention relates to a sock-based plush toy specially designed for children and adults that brings their personal creations to life. The sock plush toys of the present invention are shaped in the form of dolls featuring eyes, nose, hair, hands, legs and/or more, and can be of any color, size and shape to suit the wants and/or needs of different users. The sock plush toys can be used as toys, keychains, pendants for necklaces, gift items and more to bring joy to both children and adults. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

By way of background, a variety of toys are available in the market for the fun and entertainment of children, adults and the like. Stuffed toys, also referred to as “plush toys” are commonly used by children and adults. Stuffed toys are comprised of an outer fabric that is manufactured of a sewn cloth, velvet, fur, velour, etc., or other plush woven fabric as known in the art, and an inner filling made of a flexible material such as fiber, cotton or the like. Stuffed toys are soft and pliable to touch and are commonly used and enjoyed by children. Also, stuffed toys currently used by children are typically used for entertainment purposes. Furthermore, current stuffed toys known in the art may be manufactured of a rough outer fabric that is usually colored with toxic paints, which makes said stuffed toys unsafe for use by children.

Adults who need to find solace when they are sad, stressed or lonely may also use a stuffed toy to relieve their anxiety, stress and other negative feelings. Typically, adults tend to invest in stress-relieving activities and/or therapy sessions which can be quite expensive. Further, the complete process of coping with anxiety and stress is a time-consuming process, and some people may be interested in getting quick results.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved stuffed toy that brings joy to both children and adults. There is also a long-felt need in the art for an improved plush toy that is entertaining and keeps both children and adults engaged in fun activities. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a uniquely-designed plush toy that can be used for multiple purposes by children and adults, including coping with anxiety and stress issues. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a stuffed toy that is soft on the outside and does not use any toxic materials such that it is safe to use for all users.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a plush toy device in the form of a doll, toy, animal or other shape. The plush toy device of the present invention comprises a sock-like material which forms a housing, having a stuffing or filler material stuffed therein. The device also has a face having wiggly eyes, a nose, a mouth, a torso portion and a plurality of appendages extending outward and forming legs, arms, ears and the like. The plush toy device also has an optional slit to allow users to refill the filler material inside the housing as per a user's wants and needs. Additionally, the plush toy device comprises a fastening mechanism to attach to a keychain or a clipped band allowing the plush toy device to be used as a keychain holder and/or a necklace. Further, the plurality of appendages are removably-attached and are designed to provide different shapes and/or designs to the plush toy device.

In this manner, the novel plush toy device of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, and provide a relatively safe, joyful and cost-effective solution in keeping both children and adults entertained. The device of the present invention is also user friendly, helps adults in coping with their anxiety or stress, and is safe for use by children. Additionally, the device can be used for multiple purposes such as keyrings, necklace pendants and more.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a plush toy device. The plush toy device is designed to resemble a doll, toy, animal or other shape according to the wants and/or needs of a user. The plush toy device further comprises a single sock-like material which forms a housing, and a stuffing and/or filler material stuffed within the housing. The plush toy device also comprises a face having wiggly eyes, a nose and a mouth, a torso portion, and a plurality of appendages extending outward and forming any number of legs, arms, ears and the like. The plush toy device also has a fastening mechanism which attaches to a keychain or a clipped band, both of which allow the plush toy device to be used as a keychain holder and/or a necklace. The plurality of appendages are preferably formed using rubber bands and/or ribbons that can be designed to provide different shapes and/or designs to the plush toy. The face and the torso also form a main body, wherein the plurality of appendages can be formed at different positions in relation to the body using the rubber bands and/or ribbons.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, a sock-based plush toy device is disclosed. The sock-based plush toy device comprises a sock-like fabric body cover and an internal filling material. The sock-based plush toy device comprises a torso, a head and a plurality of appendages. The head comprises a face which includes a pair of eyes and a nose attached using any suitable adhesive as is known in the art. The plurality of appendages further comprises a pair of arm appendages and a pair of legs appendages which extend from the torso, and a pair of ears and/or antennas which extend from the head of the sock-based plush toy device. A plurality of rubber bands or ribbons are used for creating a neck portion and for creating the plurality of appendages on the sock-like fabric body cover. The device can also be made into a keychain and/or can be hung from a clipped band.

In any embodiment, the internal filling material can be a single material or a combination of materials such as fiberfill, polyfil, plastic pellets, beans and/or any other suitable soft stuffing material as is known in the art. The sock-like fabric can be a single material or a combination of sock-like materials, such as a fabric having a plain sheet structure and/or perforations. Said fabric can be made of cotton, flax, hemp, etc. In addition, or alternatively, the material can be nylon fabric, polyester fabric, wool fabric, etc.

In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, the device may be comprised of a plush toy kit device comprising a plurality of plush dolls and other plush toys. More specifically, the kit includes a plush doll that can be used as a keychain holder, a second plush doll that can be used as a necklace, and a third plush doll to be used as a magnet catcher. Each plush doll has a different design and is available in multiple colors. Each doll also has appendages and can be designed with a discrete head, ears, arms, legs, eyes, antennae, etc.

Any embodiment of the device may also disclose a plush toy device with a slit in a rear portion for refilling the filling material. The plush toy device can be in the form of a doll or any other cartoon or animal character as is known in the art. The slit is disposed at the rear portion and is configured to be opened when changing or refilling the filling material stored within the plush toy. The slit can be sewn or fastened using an adhesive or a zipper.

In another differing embodiment of the present invention, a plush toy device is disclosed. The plush toy device comprises a button battery for providing power to a built-in speaker, wherein the speaker emits an audible noise when the plush toy device is squeezed. Further, a plurality of LEDs are positioned and secured on a surface of the plush toy device. The plurality of LEDs are illuminated when the built-in speaker emits the audible noise. The audible noise can be any suitable noise as is known in the art, and can be stored in an internal memory of the plush toy device. The button battery, built-in speaker and internal memory are all secured within the plush toy device, whereas the plurality of LEDs are positioned on a surface of the plush toy device.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of the plush toy device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 1B illustrates a rear perspective view of one potential embodiment of the plush toy device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of another potential embodiment of the plush toy device of the present invention utilized as a key chain in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a further potential embodiment of the plush toy device of the present invention utilized as a necklace in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear perspective view of another potential embodiment of the plush toy device of the present invention with a magnetic attachment in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of another potential embodiment of the plush toy device of the present invention comprising a tether in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram showing the internal components of another potential embodiment of the plush toy device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved stuffed toy device that brings joy to both children and adults, wherein the toy is entertaining and keeps both children and adults engaged in fun activities. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a uniquely-designed plush toy device that can be used for multiple purposes by children and adults such as to aid in treating anxiety and stress issues. Furthermore, there is a long-felt need in the art for an inexpensive stuffed toy device that can be used to spread happiness to friends and families. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a stuffed toy device that is soft on the outside, nontoxic and child-safe.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a plush toy device. The device comprises a sock-like fabric body cover and an internal filling material. The sock-like fabric body cover can be a single multicolored sock, and may also contain a torso, head and a plurality of appendages. The torso and the head then form the main body of the device, wherein the head is also comprised of a face which has a pair of eyes and a nose attached using a suitable adhesive. Further, a pair of arm appendages and a pair of leg appendages extend from the torso, and a pair of ears or antennas extend from the head of the toy device. A plurality of rubber bands and/or ribbons are used for creating a neck portion and for creating the plurality of appendages. Further, the plush toy device can be held in a hand, made into a keychain and/or hung from a clipped band.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1A illustrates a front perspective view of one embodiment of a plush toy device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The plush toy device 100 of the present embodiment is comprised of a sock-like material as an outer material or covering. Typically, a single sock is utilized for the covering or outer material and is filled with one or more various types of pliable material, such as but not limited to fiberfill, polyfil, plastic pellets, beans or other suitable stuffing as is known in the art which allows the outer material to hold the shape of the plush toy. The device 100 is also comprised of a doll face portion 102 and a torso portion 104. A ribbon 114 is tied to form a distinction between the doll face portion 102 and the torso portion 104 to create a neck area 1140. The face 102 comprises a right wiggly eye 106a and a left wiggly eye 106b and an optional nose (not shown). The wiggly eyes 106a, 106b can be attached to the doll face portion 102 using adhesive or sewn, or can be attached via any other suitable adhesive means as is known in the art. Other facial features such as eyebrows 1120 can be drawn using a waterproof color.

The plush toy device 100 further has a right arm appendage 108a and a left arm appendage 108b sewn to the torso portion 104 or adjacent to the ribbon 114. At the bottom 1160 of the torso portion 104, a right leg appendage 110a and a left leg appendage 110b are sewn to the torso portion 104, thus providing the look of a doll. A head portion 112a, a pair of ear-like or antennae structures are also provided, i.e., a right ear 112b and a left ear 112c. Said ears 112b and 112c are typically sewn onto the toy device 100.

It should be noted that the plurality of appendages i.e., the right arm appendage 108a, the left arm appendage 108b, the right leg appendage 110a, the left leg appendage 110b, the right ear 112b and the left ear 112c, can also be formed at a desired position using rubber bands or other suitable fasteners. Specifically, the plurality of appendages 108a, 108b, 110a, 110b are created via securing a portion of the outer material or covering with a rubber band thus forming the plurality of appendages, wherein the rubber bands can be of different sizes and widths. Alternatively, the plurality of appendages can be removably-attached to the torso portion 104 via a button or a buttonhole, a hook or an eye, a snap, a magnet, an adhesive surface, hook and loop, etc., or any other suitable securing means as is known in the art. Each appendage 108a, 108b, 110a, 110b may also be multiple colors, shapes, and/or sizes. Stuffing can be customized in each of the plurality of appendages 108a, 108b, 110a, 110b, as well as the face portion 102 and the torso portion 104 providing a customized appearance of the sock plush toy device 100. Further, the stuffing of the plush toy device 100 can have an infused scent which may be released through the porous sock material.

In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the covering or outer material is not limited to sock-like material but can also include a fabric having a plain sheet structure or perforations. Such fabric can be made of cotton, flax, hemp, etc. In addition, or alternatively, the fabric can be nylon, polyester, wool, etc. Preferably, the fabric can be of a single length with no sewn portions.

FIG. 1B illustrates a rear perspective view of one embodiment of the plush toy device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 further has a rear head portion 116 and a back portion 118. The back portion 118 is distinguishable from the rear head portion 116 via a ribbon, or alternatively a rubber band 120, which is secured in place to form a neck area 1140. Further, there can be a slit 1180 at the back portion 118 of the device 100 allowing a user to refill and/or customize the stuffing within the sock plush toy device 100. The slit 1180 can have a fastening mechanism such as hook and loop, a button or a hook, etc. to allow the user to open the slit 1180 to refill and/or customize the filling material/stuffing inside the sock plush toy device 100 and close the slit 1180 when the sock plush toy device 100 is refilled. The slit 1180 is optional and provides a way of refilling and/or customizing the stuffing within the device 100.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a plush toy device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. This embodiment 200 of the device 100 is embodied to be used as a keychain holder. The plush toy device 200 has a torso portion 204 and a head portion 212. The head portion 212 comprises a face portion 202 which has a right wiggly eye 206a and a left wiggly eye 206b and optionally can have a nose (not shown). The wiggly eyes 206a, 206b can be attached to the face portion 202 via adhesive or sewing, or any other suitable securing means as is known in the art.

The device 200 also has a right arm appendage 208a and a left arm appendage 208b sewn or removably-attached to the torso portion 204. A neck area can be formed using a rubber band or any elastic material positioned between the face portion 202 and the torso portion 204. At the bottom of the torso portion 204, a right leg appendage 210a and a left leg appendage 210b are sewn or removably attached to the torso portion 204. At the head portion 212, a key holder 214 is secured which utilizes a button or buttonhole, a hook or an eye, a snap, a magnet, an adhesive surface, hook and loop surfaces, etc. Further, the key holder 214 comprises a continuous opening 216 allowing a key 218 to be secured thereto and thus allowing the plush toy device 200 to be used as a keychain. In this embodiment 200, the sock plush toy device 200 can be embodied as a teddy bear. However, other characters, including other animals, or other toy or character shapes can also be used, depending on the wants and/or needs of a user.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the plush toy device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. This embodiment 300 of the device 100 has a clip retainer 306 in the form of a hook sewn to the top portion 304 of the sock plush toy device 300, or any other suitable securing means can be used as is known in the art. Further, a clip 308 can be clipped to the clip retainer 306 allowing a band 310 from which to hang the sock plush toy device 300. The clip 308 is detachably-attached to the band 310, and can be unfastened allowing the plush toy device 300 to be used with any other suitable band as is known in the art. For example, the device 300 can be used with a backpack to increase the aesthetic appeal of the backpack.

To personalize the device 300, a colorful ribbon 302 can also be used. The face portion 314 of the sock plush toy device 300 can have a nose 312 in addition to wiggly eyes (not shown). The other structural features of the sock plush toy device 300 are similar to the other embodiments described supra and are not described in detail here.

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear perspective view of another embodiment of the plush toy device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. This embodiment 400 of the device 100 comprises a magnetic attachment 404 at the rear portion 402 of the device 400. The magnetic attachment 404 is a small magnet, secured via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, and can be used for attaching the sock plush toy device 400 to any magnetic surface. A ribbon 406 can be used for enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the device 400. Further, one or more rubber bands 408 or other suitable elastics can be used to create a neck portion or to create appendages of the plush toy device 400.

FIG. 5 illustrates a plush toy device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. This embodiment 500 of the device 100 is comprised of a tether 502 removably-attached to a tether hook 504 at the head 506 of the sock plush toy device 500. The tether hook 504 is secured to the head 506 via gluing, sewing, etc., or any other suitable means as is known in the art. The tether 502 has a holding member 5020 at an end 5021, thereby allowing a child to play with the sock plush toy device 500.

In various embodiments of the device 100, the device 100 may have a face-shaped design having eyes and a nose. In many embodiments, appendages attached to the torso and the face may form things such as a discrete head, ears, arms, legs, eyes, antennae, etc. to make the doll and/or toy more aesthetically appealing. Based on the design of the toy and/or doll, the appendages can have different colors, shapes and textures. The appendages of various embodiments of the present invention can be removably-attached to the main body of the doll and/or toy, thereby allowing a user to create various designs by removing and reattaching the appendages in different positions. Any desired type, color, texture, and/or print can be used for the plush toy device fabric. The face portion, torso portion, and plurality of appendages of the plush toy devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 are typically made with printed or solid sock-like fabrics.

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram showing the internal components of an embodiment of the plush toy device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The plush toy device 600 of the present invention can be in the shape of any known toy or doll. The device 600 further has internal components housed within the sock-like or fabric outer covering. Specifically, a button battery 602 is used for providing power to built-in speakers 604 and LEDs 606. The built-in speakers 604 can emit an audible sound when the plush toy device 600 is squeezed. The LEDs 606 are disposed on a surface of the sock-like fabric and can illuminate when the audible sound is activated. The LEDs 606 are secured to the surface of the sock-like fabric via gluing, welding, etc., or any other suitable securing means as is known in the art. A plurality of audible sounds, such as animal sounds or lullabies, may be stored in an internal memory 608 of the plush toy device 600 of the present invention. The button battery 602, built-in speakers 604 and internal memory 608 are all secured within the plush toy device 600, whereas the plurality of LEDs 606 are positioned on a surface of the plush toy device 600.

The aforementioned plush toy devices comprise a head with a face portion. The face portion may optionally include a pair of eyes, a mouth and/or a nose. The plush toy device also includes a plurality of appendages. It should be understood that appendages as used herein can mean a leg or an arm, but should also be understood in its broadest sense to mean any outwardly extending portion of the plush toy devices (e.g., ears, tails, antennae, and the like). The plush toy device may optionally include any number of other ornamental accents, such as, for example, a collar, a tag, a bell, a ribbon, etc.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “plush toy”, “plush toy device”, and “sock-based plush toy device are interchangeable and refer to the plush toy devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the plush toy devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the plush toy devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the plush toy devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the plush toy devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 are important design parameters for user convenience, the plush toy devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

1. A plush toy device comprising:

an outer covering;

an inner fill material;

a head portion comprising a face portion;

a torso portion; and

a plurality of appendages, wherein a ribbon is tied between the head portion and the torso portion to create a neck area, and further wherein the face portion comprises a plurality of facial features.

2. The plush toy device of claim 1, wherein the outer covering comprises a sock-like material.

3. The plush toy device of claim 2, wherein the inner fill material comprises a pliable material that is selected from a group consisting of a fiberfill, a polyfil, a plastic pellet and a bean.

4. The plush toy device of claim 3, wherein the plurality of appendages comprise a right and left arm appendage, a right and left leg appendage, and a right and left ear appendage.

5. The plush toy device of claim 4, wherein the plurality of appendages are sewn onto the torso portion and the head portion.

6. The plush toy device of claim 5, wherein the plurality of appendage are created via securing a portion of the outer covering with a rubber band.

7. The plush toy device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of appendages are removably secured to the torso portion and the head portion.

8. The plush toy device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of facial features comprise a right and left wiggly eye.

9. The plush toy device of claim 8, wherein the face portion further comprises a set of eyebrows.

10. The plush toy device of claim 9, wherein the set of eyebrows are drawn on the face portion.

11. A plush toy device comprising:

a sock material outer covering;

an inner stuffing material;

a head portion comprising a face portion with a plurality of facial features;

a torso portion; and

a plurality of appendages, wherein a ribbon is tied between the head portion and the torso portion to create a neck area.

12. The plush toy device of claim 11 further comprised of a rear head portion and a back portion.

13. The plush toy device of claim 12, wherein the back portion comprises a closable slit to allow a user to refill the inner stuffing material.

14. The plush toy device of claim 13, wherein the plurality of appendages are removably secured to the torso portion and the head portion.

15. The plush toy device of claim 14, wherein the plurality of facial features comprise a right and left wiggly eye.

16. A plush toy device comprising:

a sock material outer covering and an inner stuffing material;

a head portion comprising a face portion with a plurality of facial features;

a torso portion;

a plurality of appendages;

a built-in speaker that emits an audible sound when activated and a LED that illuminates when activated;

a ribbon that is tied between the head portion and the torso portion to create a neck area; and

a plurality of internal components housed within the sock material outer covering, wherein the plurality of internal components include a button battery used for providing power to the built-in speaker, the LED, and an internal memory.

17. The plush toy device of claim 16 further comprising a key holder secured to the head portion such that the plush toy device can be used as a keychain.

18. The plush toy device of claim 16 further comprising a clip retainer sewn to the head portion, a clip secured to the clip retainer, and a detachable band secured to the clip.

19. The plush toy device of claim 18 further comprising a magnetic attachment secured to the torso portion.

20. The plush toy device of claim 16 further comprising a tether secured to a tether hook which is secured to the head portion.