U.S. patent application number 10/907800 was filed with the patent office on 2005-10-20 for inflatable ride-on toy animals.
Invention is credited to Bohart, Lisa.
Application Number | 20050233676 10/907800 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35096873 |
Filed Date | 2005-10-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050233676 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bohart, Lisa |
October 20, 2005 |
Inflatable Ride-on Toy Animals
Abstract
An animal-like inflatable toy figure comprising a hollow volume
of air-impervious material shaped to form the body, head, fore and
hind legs, and back. The body of the animal is comprised of a
rotund belly that serves as the base of the toy and a back portion
for receiving a rider. The ball shaped belly facilitates a bouncing
and rocking motion, which allows the child to move around while
ridding on the back of the toy. The toy entertains the child while
teaching balance as well as hand-eye coordination.
Inventors: |
Bohart, Lisa; (Brandon,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HAHN LOESER & PARKS, LLP
One GOJO Plaza
Suite 300
AKRON
OH
44311-1076
US
|
Family ID: |
35096873 |
Appl. No.: |
10/907800 |
Filed: |
April 15, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60562970 |
Apr 16, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/313 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 3/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/313 |
International
Class: |
A63H 003/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An inflatable toy animal that bounces at the direction of a
mounted user, the toy comprising: a means for bouncing the toy, the
means comprising a rotund base, wherein at least a portion of the
base is inflatable; a seat portion extending from atop the base; a
front portion extending from at least one of the base and the seat
portion, the front portion including resembling an animal head; a
plurality of legs extending from the base; a user grasp, the grasp
comprising a handle, rope, bridle, rein, collar, ear, mane or hair;
and an air valve.
2. The toy of claim 1, further comprising a rear portion extending
from at least one of the base and the seat portion.
3. The toy of claim 2, wherein the rear portion includes a
tail.
4. The toy of claim 2, wherein the rear portion includes at least
one buttocks.
5. The toy of claim 1, wherein the base includes an inflatable
internal chamber, the chamber being sphere-like.
6. The toy of claim 1, wherein the front portion includes at least
one ear, eye, nose, mouth, or neck.
7. The toy of claim 1, wherein the seat portion is cupped to help
constrain a user upon the toy.
8. The toy of claim 1, wherein the seat portion resembles the back
of an animal.
9. The toy of claim 1, wherein at least the base is made from any
polymeric material, elastomer, rubber, latex rubber, non-latex
rubber, NBR, or a mixture of NBR and PVC.
10. The toy of claim 1, wherein the toy is monolithically
formed.
11. The toy of claim 1, wherein the toy is integrally formed.
12. The toy of claim 1, wherein the plurality of legs includes a
pair of front legs and a pair of rear legs extending from the
base.
13. The toy of claim 1, wherein the plurality of legs extend from
the base dimensioned and sized such that the legs do not touch the
ground when the toy is vertically oriented.
14. The toy of claim 1, further comprising accessories that are
operably attached to the toy.
15. An inflatable toy animal that bounces at the direction of a
mounted user, the toy comprising: a means for bouncing the toy, the
means comprising an animal-shaped body having a rotund base,
wherein at least a portion of the base is inflatable; a means for
sitting on the toy, the means comprising a seat portion of the
body; a means for a mounted user to grasp the toy; and a means for
inflating the toy, wherein the body includes a front portion that
resembles an animal head and extends from at least one of the base
and the seat portion.
16. The toy of claim 15, further comprising a rear portion
extending from at least one of the base and the seat portion.
17. The toy of claim 15, wherein the means for sitting is cupped to
help constrain a user on the toy.
18. The toy of claim 15, wherein the base includes an internal
chamber, the chamber being sphere-like.
19. An inflatable toy animal kit, the kit comprising: an inflatable
toy animal that bounces at the direction of a mounted user
comprising: a means for bouncing the toy, the means comprising a
rotund base, wherein at least a portion of the base is inflatable;
a seat portion extending from atop the base; a front portion
extending from at least one of the base and the seat portion, the
front portion resembling an animal head; a plurality of legs
extending from the base; a user grasp, the grasp comprising a
handle, rope, bridle, rein, collar, ear, mane or hair; and an air
valve; and at least one accessory selected from the following list:
a hair brush; a hair braid; a hair clip; a hat; a saddle; a rug; a
blanket; a body cover; a leg wrap or cover; a pair of stirrups;
shoes; gloves; a saddle pack; a halter; a bridle; a rein; a bit;
blinders; a hat; a beret; a head band; a scarf; a collar; a rope; a
costume; or armor.
20. The kit of claim 19, further comprising a base for storing the
inflatable toy when the toy is at least partially inflated.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority from provisional patent
application Ser. No. 60/562,970, filed Apr. 16, 2004, the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to air-inflatable
toys. Specifically, it relates to a three-dimensional, inflatable
toy that is shaped like an animal having a body portion with legs,
a head portion, a rotund belly as its base and a handle, such that
a child can sit on the inflatable animal's back and rock back and
forth, bounce up and down, or translate by means of bouncing.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Inflatable plastic toys shaped like animals exist in the
prior art. Most of the prior-art inflatable toys are small, hand
held toys, which children can carry around. Larger, inflatable
animal toys, some as big as children, have become popular as well.
The prior art inflatable three-dimensional toys were usually used
for posing, fantasy play, or for display purposes. There are also
some stationary prior art inflatable toys that were designed to be
sat on by children but not ridden (i.e. bounced or rocked by) by
children. The present invention relates generally to an inflatable
toy that children can ride, which allows the rider to rock or
bounce the toy.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In one embodiment of the present invention, an inflatable
toy animal that bounces and rocks at the direction of a mounted
user comprises: a means for bouncing and rocking the toy, the means
comprising a rotund base, wherein at least a portion of the base is
inflatable; a seat portion extending from atop the base; a front
portion extending from at least one of the base and the seat
portion, the front portion including resembling an animal head; a
plurality of legs extending from the base; a user grasp, the grasp
comprising a handle, rope, bridle, rein, collar, ear, mane or hair;
and an air valve.
[0005] In another embodiment of the present invention, an
inflatable toy animal that bounces and rocks at the direction of a
mounted user comprises: a means for bouncing and rocking the toy,
the means comprising an animal-shaped body having a rotund base,
wherein at least a portion of the base is inflatable; a means for
sitting on the toy, the means comprising a seat portion of the
body; a means for a mounted user to grasp the toy; and a means for
inflating the toy, wherein the body includes a front portion that
resembles an animal head and extends from at least one of the base
and the seat portion.
[0006] In still another embodiment of the present invention, an
inflatable toy animal kit comprises: an inflatable toy animal that
bounces at the direction of a mounted user comprising: a means for
bouncing the toy, the means comprising a rotund base, wherein at
least a portion of the base is inflatable; a seat portion extending
from atop the base; a front portion extending from at least one of
the base and the seat portion, the front portion resembling an
animal head; a plurality of legs extending from the base; a user
grasp, the grasp comprising a handle, rope, bridle, rein, collar,
ear, mane or hair; and an air valve; and at least one accessory
selected from the following list: a hair brush; a hair braid; a
hair clip; a hat; a saddle; a rug; a blanket; a body cover; a leg
wrap or cover; a pair of stirrups; shoes; gloves; a saddle pack; a
halter; a bridle; a rein; a bit; blinders; a hat; a beret; a head
band; a scarf; a collar; a rope; a costume; or armor.
DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the air-inflatable toy
animal, depicting a horse, of the present invention;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a side view of the inflatable toy horse of FIG.
1;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a front view of the inflatable toy horse of FIG.
1;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the inflatable toy horse of FIG.
1;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a top view of the inflatable toy horse of FIG.
1;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the inflatable toy horse of FIG.
1;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the air-inflatable toy
animal, depicting a bull, of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a side view of the inflatable toy bull of FIG.
7;
[0015] FIG. 9 is a front view of the inflatable toy bull of FIG.
7;
[0016] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the inflatable toy bull of FIG.
7;
[0017] FIG. 11 is a top view of the inflatable toy bull of FIG.
7;
[0018] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the inflatable toy bull of FIG.
7;
[0019] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the inflatable toy horse of
FIG. 1 showing an internal compartment;
[0020] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the inflatable toy horse of
FIG. 1 showing an air valve;
[0021] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the inflatable toy bull of
FIG. 7 showing an air valve; and
[0022] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the inflatable toy bull of
FIG. 7 showing an internal compartment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] FIGS. 1-16 show an inflatable toy animal 10 that has a
rotund or rounded base 20, which resembles a portion of a ball,
with the remaining portions of the toy shaped to resemble an
animal, such as, for example, a horse in FIGS. 1-6, 13-14 and a
bull in FIGS. 7-12, 15-16. At least a portion of toy 10 is inflated
with pressurized air (other gases or liquid may be used),
facilitating the use thereof for rocking (rotating), bouncing, or
translating activities. Toy 10 may be designed to have a realistic
look to aid children in imagining that they are riding a real
animal. The animal may be a non-fictional animal included within
the kingdom Animalia (which includes insects). For example, the toy
10 may comprise a horse, bull, dog, cat, ant, or grasshopper. The
animal may also be a fictional animal, such as, for example, a
dragon or unicorn. It is also contemplated that the toy 10 can be
designed to resemble any other animate or inanimate object.
[0024] The toy 10 generally comprises a base 20, a seat or mounted
portion 30, a front end portion 40, and a grasping portion 50. The
toy 10 may also comprise a rear end portion 60, legs 70, and an
internal chamber or compartment 80. In the present embodiment, a
plug and stopper (or air valve) 12 is used to facilitate inflation
and containment of the pressurized air within toy 10. Valve 12 may
be located anywhere on toy 10, and may be tucked or collapsed into
toy 10, to deter any accidental contact or opening of valve 12. It
is contemplated that valve may comprise any commercially known
inflation and containment means, including, for example, rubber,
polymeric, or metal valves. Depending on the type of valve
(inflation and containment means) used, valve 12 may be integral
(maintained in a fixed relationship as a single unit) or monolithic
(forming as a single uniform structure) with toy 10 or operably
attached to toy 10, each using any commercially known means, such
as by molding, adhesive bonding, stitching and sealing, or heat
bonding.
[0025] Toy 10 may be integrally formed (where all parts are
maintained in a fixed relationship as a single unit),
monolithically formed (as a single uniform structure), or it may
operably formed, each using any commercially known means, such as,
for example, any molding process (including injection molding),
adhesive bonding, stitching and sealing, or heat-bonding. Toy 10
should be sufficiently strong to support the weight of a user, such
as a child or adult, without collapsing, bursting, or separating.
This will largely be a function of: the intended user (child or
adult); type of material used to manufacture the toy 10; whether
toy 10 is integral, monolithic, or operably formed and the specific
forming process used; and the size and shape of base 20. Also, the
material must be reasonably impervious to air leaks and
seepage.
[0026] Toy 10 can be made from any commercially known material that
provides an inflatable structure that can be bounced, especially
polymeric or elastic materials, such as natural rubber, latex
rubber, non-latex rubber, nitrile-butadiene or
acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), or an NBR/polyvinyl chloride
(PVC) blend. Certain materials, such as non-latex rubber, may be
used to provide a hypoallergenic toy 10. Toy 10 may be homogenous
or heterogeneous (whether or not integrally, monolithically, or
operably formed), where at least a portion of toy 10 is formed from
the materials mentioned above; however, certain portions of toy 10
may be formed from other materials, such as, for example, wood,
synthetic hair, or metal.
[0027] Base 20 is the lower portion of the toy 10, the portion that
contacts the ground or water and generally forms the belly of the
animal; however, it is contemplated that toy 10 may depict an
animal in any position, such as, for example, on its back or on its
buttocks. Therefore, in the first example, base 20 would represent
the animal's back, and not its belly. Generally, at least a portion
of base 20 is inflated with pressurized air. The rotund or rounded
shape of base 20 contributes to the ability of toy 10 to rock back
and forth. As the user shifts his or her weight forward, toy 10
rolls upon the front portion of base 20, which then deforms. The
same happens to the rear portion of base 20 when the user shifts
his or her weight backward. Further, because at least a portion of
base 20 is inflated and pressurized to form a tensile structure, it
deforms under load and facilitates bouncing and translation of toy
10. As base 20 deflects under load, a substantially flat contact
patch forms where base 20 contacts the ground. Together, the
inflated tensile structure and the contact patch provide stability
to a user during rocking, bouncing, or translation activities. It
is contemplated that base 20 may include a sphere-like internal
chamber or compartment 80, which is inflated with pressurized air
and performs similar to base 20 as described above. Internal
chamber 80 may comprise a separate structure that is operably
attached to the body, such as along the base, or it may comprise a
portion of base 20, being integral or monolithic therewith. The
sphere-like shape may provide more uniform or predictable rocking,
bouncing, and translational movements, including spring rates,
about the exterior surface of base 20. The pressurized air returns
the inflated toy animal 10 back to its original shape, as the
weight of the user is shifted away from toy 10.
[0028] Seat 30 provides a place upon which a user can sit. Here the
user can rock back and forth to simulate the natural gait of any
animal, including a horse or bull, or can bounce upon and with toy
10. Bouncing may occur in a purely vertical up and down manner, or
bouncing may occur in a plane not perpendicular with the ground
(angular) and thereby facilitate the translation of toy 10 across
any surface. Seat 30 may be cupped or curved to provide a more
stable place for a user to sit. Seat 30 generally represents the
bare back of an animal; however, seat 30 may comprise a saddle,
blanket, rug, or the like. Seat 30 may also include a hump 32,
depicting a feature of an animal's back, such as the hump on the
back of a camel or bull. Further, as stated above, toy 10 may
depict an animal in any position, such as, for example, depicting
the animal on its back. Therefore, in the example, seat 30 would
depict the animal's belly.
[0029] Front end 40 extends from the rotund base 20 and/or seat 30.
Front end 40 generally represents the head 41 of any desired
animal, including any included head and facial features such as,
for example, eyes 42, ears 43, nose 44, mouth 45 (which may include
a tongue and at least one tooth), hair (or mane) 46, forelock 47,
or horns 49. Hair (or mane) 46 and forelock 47 may be natural or
synthetic hair, which can be combed, braided, and washed, or molded
material integral or monolithic with toy 10 or front end 40. Front
end 40 may also include a neck 48. All features may not be
included, such as, for example, when a molded hair 46 or forelock
47 covers an eye or eyes, the covered eye or eyes may not be
included. Also, for example, if a mouth is depicted open, teeth and
a tongue may be shown. Other items may be integral or monolithic
with front end 40, such as, for example, a hat, a hood, a head
band, a scarf, glasses, a beret, hair clips, etc. Toy 10 may
include a grasping portion (or means for grasping) 50, which allows
a user to securely grasp toy 10 and balance himself or herself upon
toy 10. Grasp 50 may comprise, for example, a handle, a bridle,
reins, or a rope, which may be integral or monolithic with toy 10.
Grasp 50 may also comprise any other existing features on toy 10,
such as, for example, ears 43 or hair 46, or a saddle, hat, scarf,
etc.
[0030] Toy 10 may include a rear end 60 and legs 70. Rear end 60
generally represents the back side of an animal, and includes, for
example, the animal's buttocks 62 and tail 64. Tail 64 may be
natural or synthetic hair, which can be combed, braided, and
washed, or molded material integral or monolithic with toy 10 or
rear end 60. Legs 70 extend from toy 10 separately or in pairs,
such as from base 20, front end 40, and/or tail 60. Legs 70 may
include any number of legs, such as, for example, two front legs
and/or two rear legs. Legs 70 may be aesthetic or structural,
meaning legs 70 may operate as safety stops and limit the rotation,
rocking, or bouncing of toy 10. Legs 70 may also include leg
coverings or wraps, which may be integral or monolithic or operably
attached to legs 70. Finally, the ends of legs 70 may include
hooves or feet 72, which may resemble the natural hooves or feet of
the depicted animal, or may form shoes or include horseshoes.
[0031] Toy 10 may include separate accessories, which may be used
in conjunction with and/or placed upon toy 10. Accessories may
include a bridle, a halter, reins, lead rope, a collar, and a pair
of stirrups, which the user could use to grasp, secure, or balance
himself or herself upon toy 10. Accessories may also include any
other accessory used with an animal, for example, a saddle (English
or western), a blanket, a rug, armor, a costume, hats, headbands,
berets, a pair of glasses, a body sheet or cover, leg covers or
wraps, shoes, gloves or mittens, a sweater or coat, a pack such as
a saddle pack, and grooming accessories (such as brushes, combs,
and hair clips). Accessories may be separate from toy 10, or each
accessory may be incorporated into toy 10 as a portion thereof, as
mentioned above, where it may be joined with toy 10 or formed
integral or monolithic therewith. Toy 10 may include a separate
docking station, where it can be placed in a stationary position,
including, for example, in a vertical position, when not being
used. Docking station may function like and resemble an egg carton,
meaning it may have a concave pit-like recession for placing base
20. Station may also be themed and may resemble, for example, a
pasture, stable, barn stall, garden, dog house, bird cage, castle,
etc.
[0032] Although the invention has been described herein with
reference to the present embodiments, it will become apparent to
those skilled in the art that various modifications of the present
embodiments of the invention as described herein can be made
without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as
defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *