Abstract: The present invention relates to a toy having a redundant closure system and method for stuffing the same. The toy comprises a body that defines a cavity for receiving filling material. The toy also includes a fill opening in the body, and a closure system. The closure system includes an internal closure assembly and an external closure assembly. The internal closure assembly is attached to an inner surface of the cavity and is provided for securing the filling material within the cavity. The external closure assembly is disposed proximate the fill opening and is provided to encapsulate the internal closure assembly and filling material within the cavity of the toy.

Abstract: A stuffed animal having front and backsides, a cover at the backside, and a recess/cavity covered by the cover, the recess/cavity having an entrance, and an insert received in the recess/cavity via the entrance, and retrievable via the entrance, the insert usable after such retrieval.

Abstract: A stuffed toy and method for removably attaching appendages. The appendages are magnetically attached using permanent magnets embedded beneath the stuffed toy fabric. In some embodiments, the appendages include such parts as a head, legs, arms, trunk, tail, or other toy body parts. The magnetically attached toy appendages are removable, reattachable, and interchangeable between toys or in some embodiments, to different positions on the same toy. In other embodiments, the head attaches only to a head position on the body, and the tail attaches only to a tail position on the body. In some embodiments, the body is shaped to provide an additional support structure to help hold the head in a desired position.

Abstract: A method of teaching recycling to children using a plush toy body shell having a closeable opening into an interior portion of the plush toy body shell is disclosed. In a first step recyclable material is provided. In a second step, the child is instructed to insert the recyclable material in the interior portion of the plush toy body shell until the plush toy body shell is filled with recyclable material. In a third step, the child is instructed to close the opening of the plush toy body shell to make a complete stuffed toy.

Abstract: A plush teddy bear having an interior chest cavity for receiving decorative attachment devices therein. The plush teddy bear includes a head, a body, arms and legs; and the body has a chest cavity with a built-in storage compartment for receiving decorative attachment devices therein selected from the group consisting of ribbons, hook and loop fastening ties, and a stretch band loop. The built-in storage compartment includes a compartment wall and closure means such as closure flaps having hook and loop closure fastening tabs, a zipper, buttons, or male and female closure snaps for enclosing the decorative attachment devices within the built-in storage compartment. The compartment wall is used for attaching a first end of the decorative attachment devices within the built-in storage compartment using fastening means thereto.

Abstract: There is provided a stuffed toy with a simulated, illuminating heartbeat and a method of making thereof. An individual, or an assistant thereof, is provided with an empty, sewn fabric skin, a simulated heartbeat device, and a supply of stuffing material. The simulated heartbeat device has at least one light source and an optional heart-shaped design on one side. At least one battery holder on the opposite side contains at least one replaceable battery for energizing the light source. The individual, or an assistant therof, removes an insulating tab from the heartbeat device, energizing the light source and producing an illuminated light. After filling the toy with stuffing material, the individual, or an assistant thereof, places the heartbeat device inside the stuffed toy near the skin of the chest area. The individual, of an assistant thereof, then closes the rear opening.

Abstract: A soft toy that incorporates pacifiers into the shape of the toy. The toy includes a body made from a pair of planar sheets of a flexible material, the planar sheets having a perimeter that extends along an edge, and a soft, flexible filling. the filling being generally in the shape of the perimeter of the planar sheets. The sheets are connected to one another by way of a seam along a plane to form an enclosed space that covers the filling and results in the edges of the planar sheets are contained within the enclosed space. The connected sheets will create at least one area where a pair of sections of the seam converge towards one another at an angle of from 20 to 40 degrees, but preferably at an angle of about 25 to about 35 degrees. This connection will create an integral pacifier from the material of the toy. The pacifier portion will be nearly conical in shape.

Abstract: A configurable stuffed toy includes a body with a head, a plurality of appendages coupled to the body and a pocket corresponding to each appendage. The pocket comprises an opening into which the corresponding appendage may be tucked and withdrawn, fully and partially, to achieve different configurations of the toy. The appendages may include a plurality of feet, a plurality of ears, a tail, a tail tip attached to a distal end of the tail, a trunk, and an extended head portion.

Abstract: A heated stuffed animal includes a head portion, a torso portion and a plurality of limbs. Embedded within the animal is a heater assembly including an encircling heating element extending from a battery casing that is accessible via a slit on the rear surface of the torso portion. The operating temperature and duration of the heater assembly can be selectively programmed with a pair of adjustable dials positioned on the casing.

Abstract: The invention provides a plush toy and methods for associating the plush toy with a shoe having at least one shoe strap with hooks and loops on an interior surface of the shoe strap. To associate the plush toy with the shoe, the shoe strap is threaded through an entrance and an exit of the plush toy. Next, hooks and loops of the shoe strap are engaged to attach the plush toy to the shoe. If there is a second shoe strap, the second shoe strap is threaded through a second entrance and a second exit of the plush toy to attach the plush toy to the shoe.

Abstract: An educational, interactive toy that symbolically represents emotions through visual, kinesthetic, and linguistic means. The toy includes a plurality of playpieces. Each playpiece is generally symbolic of a particular emotion, e.g., love, happy, sad, mad, and scared, respectively. The toy also includes a container having a storage chamber into which the playpieces may be independently stored or withdrawn during the course of play. The toy helps an individual understand that the process of emotional experience occurs when individual emotions are named, verbalized, and expressed via a combination of one or more of action, language, facial expression, and/or voice tone. The toy invites children to name and express specific emotions.

Abstract: A message delivery assembly (10) and a method for conducting business (400) using the message delivery assembly (10) which has an exterior (12) in the shape of a Teddy-bear or substantially any other desired shape. Particularly, the message delivery assembly (10) includes a containment cavity (40) which frictionally receives a generally hollow cylinder (50) which is selectively lockable within the containment cavity (40) by use of a key (70), and which contains a personal message (90) from a user which is delivered to an intended recipient in a relatively secure and convenient manner.

Abstract: A pet treat dispensing system comprising a non-edible, interactive pet toy having fastening means therein for removably mounting and retaining an edible pet treat in an exposed position for easy access by a pet, wherein the treat is kept at a distance from stainable surfaces when the toy is in the upright position.

Abstract: A method of making a stuffed toy comprises fabricating a container with an elongated opening; attaching a slide fastener having an auto-locking biasing member to the elongated opening; inserting stuffing into said container through said opening; applying a wedge tool to said biasing member to force said biasing member to a released position; closing the opening, and removing the wedge tool from said slide fastener. A wedge tool having a tapered wedge tip is disclosed for operating the sliding member.

Abstract: A customer-controlled method of stuffing a toy which provides a multi-media interactive experience for a customer that enhances the overall pleasure of purchasing a stuffed toy. A tangible embodiment of a personality is chosen by a purchaser. The tangible embodiment of a personality is physically incorporated into a stuffed toy form. The stuffing is blown into the stuffed toy form and the stuffing process is, in part, controlled by a purchaser while providing a multi-media experience including music, lights, decorations, and pressurized air. A pressure pad is controlled by a customer's feet which activates the stuffing process. The stuffed toy is taken to a separate room where a multi-media light show using special glass, lasers, and other light effects apparently bring the toy to life in response to actions of the customer.

Abstract: A joint for use in toys, such as dolls, includes a first member including at least a portion of a ball and a second member including a socket which receives the at least a portion of the ball. A protrusion is formed on the first member adjacent to the ball such that when the ball is received in the socket a rotation about a longitudinal axis of the first member is permitted while at least partially restricting bending in a plane of the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A wedge tool for operating a slide fastener having an auto-locking biasing member, the wedge tool having elongated arms and a tapered wedge tip extending from at least one arm toward the opposing arm. The wedge tip releases the slide fastener's auto-locking member at the pull tab hole to permit movement of the slide fastener to close an opening of a stuffed toy animal.

Abstract: A collectible with a core, a filler material, a fabric surface layer, and a fabric attachment. The core is situated inside the fabric surface layer and the fabric surface layer is stuffed with the filler material to form a body. The fabric attachment is attached to the body to form a body part shape. The collectible has an overall shape, which is substantially like an animal. Also, a method of making a collectible with a sizing step, a placing step, a stuffing step, and an attaching step. The collectible may be made from towels or the like. The core may be a bean bag.

Abstract: The closure for a doll with keepsake photo is a closure for closing a filling opening in a stuffed toy. In a stuffed toy constructed of a fabric shell with a hollow interior, a filling conduit is joined to the fabric shell adjacent to a filling opening in the fabric shell. The filling conduit is in communication with the hollow interior of the fabric shell for the insertion into the fabric shell of a filling material. Sealing flaps, having a pocket for receiving a keepsake, are disposed on the filling conduit, and coated with a heat-activated adhesive for sealing the filling conduit closed. Outer closure ties are attached to the fabric shell surrounding the filling opening. The outer closure ties can be tied together to close the filling opening. When the closure is located on the front of a doll, the resulting knot gives the appearance of the dolls bellybutton.

Abstract: The present invention provides one or more movable members such as an eyelid, tongue, teeth, fangs or tusks for a stuffed toy or the like that are movable between a first position in which the one or more movable member is visible and a second position in which the one or more movable member is at least partially concealed whereby the demeanor or expression of the stuffed toy or the like may be changed.

Abstract: A transformable toy with which children play, wherein arms of the toy are formed integrally with legs of the toy, respectively, and the arms and the legs easily pass through-holes formed in a body part of the toy in such a manner that the lengths of the arms are longer than those of the legs or the lengths of the legs are longer than those of the arms so that the transformable animal toy can hang on an object, such as a rope or a bar, or the transformable animal toy can hug another toy, thereby improving a sense of mystery thereof. The transformable toy comprises a body part having an outer cover and an inner cover, and a head part. The body part has through-holes longitudinally formed therethrough at both sides thereof, respectively through which a respective arm and leg combination are inserted.

Abstract: A toy includes a body and an appendage system at a side of the body. The appendage system includes an arm and a linkage. The arm includes a first end fixed to rotate in a circular path and a second unfixed end. The arm defines a slot extending between the first and second ends. The linkage includes a linkage rod that is engaged with the slot. The linkage is positionable about a linkage shaft coupled to the body. Rotation of the first end of the arm causes the second unfixed end of the arm to move in a non-circular path that varies depending on the position of the linkage about the linkage shaft.

Abstract: A customer-controlled method of stuffing a toy which provides a multi-media interactive experience for a customer that enhances the overall pleasure of purchasing a stuffed toy. A tangible embodiment of a personality is chosen by a purchaser. The tangible embodiment of a personality is physically incorporated into a stuffed toy form. The stuffing is blown into the stuffed toy form and the stuffing process is, in part, controlled by a purchaser while providing a multi-media experience including music, lights, decorations, and pressurized air. A pressure pad is controlled by a customer's feet which activates the stuffing process. The stuffed toy is taken to a separate room where a multi-media light show using special glass, lasers, and other light effects apparently bring the toy to life in response to actions of the customer.

Abstract: A doll having a cloth body stuffed with pellets coated with fragrant oil has external features emulating the appearance of an aged person. These features include folds, emulating wrinkled skin, in a flexible covering extending over the head and face of the doll. The flexible covering is gathered into folds and stretched for attachment to a torso portion of the body at a narrowed neck, and folds also extend from lip and nose features of the doll face.

Abstract: A collectible with a core, a filler material, a fabric surface layer, and a fabric attachment. The core is situated inside the fabric surface layer and the fabric surface layer is stuffed with the filler material to form a body. The fabric attachment is attached to the body to form a body part shape. The collectible has an overall shape, which is substantially like an animal. Also, a method of making a collectible with a sizing step, a placing step, a stuffing step, and an attaching step. The collectible may be made from towels or the like. The core may be a bean bag.

Abstract: A plush article is given a coating of wax which is imbued with a scent substance that diffuses slowly over time. That way, this coated scented plush article doubles not only as an ornamental accessory but also as a disguised air freshener.

Abstract: An expandable toy having a plurality of fabric panels joined along their sides forming a desired shape and defining an interior space. These panels also define a single aperture at the top of the toy that provides access to the interior space. A plurality of elastic bands run along the interior surface of the fabric panels. An inflatable device is disposed within the interior space and the neck of the inflatable device is accessible through the single aperture at the top of the toy. Air is forced into the inflatable device, expanding the inflatable device and when large enough expanding the plurality of elastic bands so that the toy may achieve a desired size. The inflatable device is then sealed and a fabric lid is closed to cover the single aperture when the desired size is achieved.

Abstract: A doll is described which is soft and pliable for safe use as a toy by children which provides inter alia a closeable compartment within the body of the doll for the storage of accessories and clothing associated with the doll.

Abstract: A stuffed, soft body scent-emitting figurine (10) defined by a fabric material (12) and having an internal cavity filled with a stuffing material receives a chamber (16) having a bottom and side walls. A scent material (25) is received in the chamber. A cap (26) defines openings (32) for communicating scent from the chamber (16).

Abstract: A method and articles are described which provide a child with an interactive mixture of information content, activities, games, physical objects such as toys, and interconnection and communication with other like minded children and supportive adults, all of which are directed to instilling in the child an appreciation for wildlife and interest in the conservation of wildlife. A unique feature of the present invention is that it causes the child to focus on a specific wild animal, one which is symbolically “adopted” by the child and which the child comes to know on a very personal basis. This invention therefore allows the development of a bond between the wild animal and child as the child learns about and follows the day-to-day activities, life and well-being of the animal, which in turn leads to the child's development of knowledge and appreciation of wildlife generally.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that allows a patron to customize and manufacture their own bean bag style stuffed toy. The stuffed toy generally includes a soft stuffed body and head that is generally filled with polyester. The arms and legs of the stuffed animal toy are then filled with a heavier, more rigid “bean” type mix. The mix includes colorful glitter in various shapes and colors. The apparatus supplies the bean mix to the stuffed animal toy and is operated by the patron. The apparatus includes a viewing chamber that swirls the bean mix and glitter thereby providing colorful entertainment while the patron is filling their stuffed toy with the bean mix.

Abstract: In this toy in the form of a teddy bear or doll, the complementary attention-arousing device is composed of an animation module (2) comprising an integrated imaging system (3), placed opposite a transparent screen (4) arranged on the envelope of the body of the toy.

Abstract: A soft sculpture shellfish animal toy comprises a soft sculpture of an oyster accented with features to give it “personality” and “hugability” to children and humor to adults. Such features include hands and feet, a head and eyes. Being an oyster there is a pearl that opens and closes to contain small items that a child might collect. Also, there is an oyster shell that opens and closes to contain the oyster and pearl as well as more items that a child might collect.

Abstract: A soft-bodied drink-and-wet doll having a hard head and a hard butt or crotch area, a soft, stuffed body connecting the head and butt areas, and a fluid conduit connecting the mouth in the head and a hole in the butt. The hard butt area avoids liquid “evacuated” by the doll from being absorbed by the soft body portion.

Abstract: An electronic amusement device includes a housing having an outer side presented to a consumer using the device; an electronic timer in the housing and a controller. The timer is configured to track time to an end of an extended time period having a length of at least a plurality of weeks and preset in the device before the device is released to the consumer. The timer is further configured to output a signal at the end of the extended period to the controller. The controller is configured to perform at least one task in an initial mode of operation available to the consumer using the device and to respond to the signal from the timer to enable, for a first time, the performance of at least one new additional mode of operation the controller did not perform before receipt of the timer signal or to disable a mode of operation it had performed or to exchange a new mode of operation for a previously performed mode of operation.

Abstract: A novelty article includes a base member, an elongated member mounted thereto and made of resiliently flexible material tending to assume an unrolled extended condition when unrestrained by an outside force and being manually rollable upon itself so as to bring opposite portions into contact with one another as the elongated member is rolled upon itself to a rolled-up compact condition, and elements on the elongated member for detachably attaching together the opposite portions thereof when brought into contact with one another such that upon release of the elongated member from the rolled-up compact condition these elements will detach from one another and concurrently generate a drag effect on the detaching of the opposite portions of the elongated member which limits the elongated member to undergoing a controlled progressive unrolling action from the rolled-up compact condition to the unrolled extended condition.

Abstract: A stuffed toy, such as an animal or doll, incorporates a display mechanism. The display mechanism permits the stuffed toy to hold opposing edges of an object, for example, a card, and to hold the object securely. The display mechanism permits the stuffed toy to hold the object transversely across the body of the toy so that the front and back of the card are visible to a viewer. The display mechanism also permits the toy to hold a plurality of objects for display. The display mechanism may simulate the action of gripping hands, for example, by including clamping jaws placed in the arms or hands of the toy.

Abstract: A stuffed, soft body scent-emitting character (10) formed from a fabric material (12) and filled with a stuffing material to provide volumetric definition of the character with a chamber that receives scent-emittive materials sensible exterior thereof and defining a scent indicia. At least one visual indicia correlated with the scent emittive material attaches to the fabric material and is selected from a group comprising a name indicia and a coloring indicia. The character, receiving the scent emittive material in the chamber, provides a soft toy that emits the scent correlated with the visual indicia.

Abstract: A plush assembly is stuffed with filler material to form a stuffed product. The plush assembly includes a plush defining an exterior and an aperture for receiving the filler material therein. The aperture is opened and closed or sealed with a zipper. The zipper includes a slide that is movable therealong. The slide includes a lock extendable out from the slide that engages the zipper to lock the slide in a position along the zipper. A string is used to prevent the slide from being locked until the plush is filled and the aperture is closed. Then the string is removed by cutting it, maintaining the slide in a locked state.

Abstract: A teddy bear plush toy and game combination is disclosed, comprised of a plush, or stuffed, toy that is configured as a teddy bear. The teddy bears holds a container configured to resemble a bee hive. The container has a removable lid. Small bee-shaped plastic balls, called “bees”, are stored inside of the container. The plastic balls are covered with strips of hook and loop fastener, such as VELCRO®. The container is releasably affixed to the teddy bear itself. The teddy bear plush toy and game combination can be used as a traditional teddy bear, or used as a game by throwing the balls at the teddy bear.

Abstract: A psychotherapeutic aid in the form of a doll, comprising of a non-gender, non-racially specific soft plush body, head, arms, and legs, which are assembled by sewing all pattern pieces into a one piece, hooded jump suit with mitten style hands, and booty style feet along with a photographic reproduction of a human face, of any age, gender, race, and the photographic reproduction of a human face is integrally assembled as the doll's face, is disclosed.

Abstract: A stuffed toy in the shape of a small animal, such as a puppy, is attached to a silicone/polymeric pacifier of the type commonly provided for infants to suck on. The pacifier has at least one tab projecting from the side opposite to the nipple and for use in securing the toy to the pacifier.

Abstract: An aggression-relieving stuffed doll includes a doll body having a torso, arms, and legs, the doll body being formed of a soft material and filled with soft, stuffing material. A rigid plate is situated in the torso of the doll body and is substantially impenetrable. The invention includes a plurality of pins, each pin having a blunt end simulative of a sports ball and a sharp end capable of penetrating the doll body but not the inner torso plate. Therefore, a user may stick pins into the doll to relieve aggression caused by the simulated sports player although the pin is prevented by the inner plate from penetrating through the back of the doll and into the user's hand.

Abstract: A new toy doll or stuffed animal having the appearance of an old or worn out doll or stuffed animal. The doll comprises a mesh shell with matte material unevenly applied such that there is a presence and absence of simulated hair on random portions of the toy, which aids is creating a worn out appearance. The mesh shell is filled with loosely inserted stuffing material to provide a used, worn-out feel to the toy. The doll further comprises facial elements asymmetrically applied to the doll's face further enhancing the worn out appearance.

Abstract: A doll having a cloth body stuffed with pellets coated with fragrant oil has external features emulating the appearance of an aged person. These features include folds, emulating wrinkled skin, in a flexible covering extending over the head and face of the doll. The flexible covering is gathered into folds and stretched for attachment to a torso portion of the body at a narrowed neck, and folds also extend from lip and nose features of the doll face.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for manufacturing a pet model, commonly referred to as a pet mannequin, here a dog mannequin, is implanted on a soft walled hollow molded dog body formed of a polyvinyl chloride molding solution, the soft walled hollow molded dog body including a torso, trunk and leg portions, the molded body and a head portion and a pair of ears are molded separately. The molded body and head portions are filled with a chaff packing. Precut lengths of hair-simulating wool yarn are implanted into the wall of the molded body using a crochet needle. Thereafter, the chaff packing is removed from the implanted body and head portions.

Abstract: A method of appeasing a domestic animal comprising the steps of forming members having a fabric exterior member interface surfaces. The member interface surfaces are capable of repeated nondestructive disconnection and reconnection via attachment means. Members connect at their interface surfaces to form a cartoon character of predetermined configuration and shape. A user allows a domestic animal such as a canine to rend apart members to simulate destruction of the figure. A user reassembles said figure by attaching members using the attachment means at the interface surfaces. A user can repeat the last two steps until appeasement of the domestic animal.

Abstract: A toy figure body formed as a four legged animal includes an outer skin and interior padding to assume an animal-like form. Within the front legs and feet of the animal body a front leg armature passed upwardly from the animal's feet through the front legs and across the lower portion of the body. A rear leg armature separate from the front leg armature extends upwardly from the animals feet through the rear legs and passes therebetween through the animal's body. A tail armature extends from with padded animal body outwardly to support a posable tail. In an alternate embodiment, the three separate armatures are covered with a fabric sleeve.

Abstract: An educational toy for teaching a child a sequence of letters, numbers, colors or other sequences. The toy would be provided with a plurality of segmented body portions, each of the body portions associated with a single indicia. A switch is provided on each of the segmented body portions. When this switch is depressed, an audio output associated with the indicia would be produced. After the child has memorized a series of indicia to produce a learned sequence, a switch associated with a segmented body portion having demarcation indicia would be depressed, allowing the entire sequence to be vocalized in order.

Abstract: A compressible figure form which includes an air permeable skin and a compressible resilient foam core, wherein the compressible resilient foam core includes resilient mechanical means within a cavity within said core. The resilient mechanical means is comprised of a material or configuration of material which is both more resistant to compression than the foam core and more resilient to expansion than the foam core. Thus, the compressible figure can be readily compacted by compression thereof into a compact form. Unlike traditional compressible figure forms, the release of the compressive forces thereon results in a rapid and unexpected expansion of the mechanical means within the figure, and thereby the full extension of the figure form.