U.S. patent application number 11/161297 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-09 for generally spherical topy having features formed on its surface, related methods, and product packaging for same.
Invention is credited to Steven Rehkemper, Ronald Swanson.
Application Number | 20060052030 11/161297 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35996852 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060052030 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rehkemper; Steven ; et
al. |
March 9, 2006 |
GENERALLY SPHERICAL TOPY HAVING FEATURES FORMED ON ITS SURFACE,
RELATED METHODS, AND PRODUCT PACKAGING FOR SAME
Abstract
A generally spherical toy, such as a ball, having one or more
features or characteristics formed on its surface such that when it
is rolled on a surface, the features impart a generally erratic
motion to the toy. The weight of the toy, as well as the center of
gravity, can also be manipulated to further impart erratic movement
to the toy. The invention also includes a method of collecting
and/or trading one or more of a plurality of generally spherical
toys each having one or more features or characteristics formed on
its surface. In furtherance of the method of collecting and/or
trading, it is also contemplated that the packaging of the
generally spherical toys can include one or more compartments that
conceal the identity of one or more of the toys in the package, so
as to promote the random nature of their distribution.
Inventors: |
Rehkemper; Steven; (Chicago,
IL) ; Swanson; Ronald; (Shorewood, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FACTOR & LAKE, LTD
1327 W. WASHINGTON BLVD.
SUITE 5G/H
CHICAGO
IL
60607
US
|
Family ID: |
35996852 |
Appl. No.: |
11/161297 |
Filed: |
July 28, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60592044 |
Jul 28, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/269 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 43/04 20130101;
A63H 7/00 20130101; A63B 43/00 20130101; A63B 69/0053 20130101;
A63H 33/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/269 |
International
Class: |
A63H 11/00 20060101
A63H011/00 |
Claims
1. A generally spherical toy having features formed on its surface,
the toy made of a solid resilient material to impart weight to the
toy, the formed features and the weight contributing together to
impart generally erratic movement to the toy when it is rolled on a
surface.
2. The toy of claim 1, wherein the features define a monster-like
character.
3. The toy of claim 1, further comprising at least one weight
embedded therein to facilitate the erratic movement of the toy.
4. A generally spherical toy having features formed on its surface,
the toy being formed such that its center of gravity is skewed from
a normal center of gravity associated with the generally spherical
toy, the formed features and the skewed center of gravity
contributing together to impart generally erratic movement to the
toy when it is rolled on a surface.
5. The toy of claim 4, wherein the features define a monster-like
character.
6. A method of collecting and trading a plurality of generally
spherical toys each having features formed on its surface and
capable of erratic movement when rolled on a surface, the features
of each toy defining an identity of the toy, the method comprising
the steps of: obtaining at least one of the plurality of spherical
toys having the identity associated therewith either through
purchase or trade; and adding the obtained spherical toy to an
existing collection of spherical toys.
7. A packaging arrangement for a plurality of spherical toys having
features formed on their surface, the features of each toy defining
an identity of the toy, the packaging arrangement including at
least one compartment that conceals the identity of at least one of
the plurality of spherical toys from the consumer until it is
removed from the compartment, thereby promoting randomness to
collecting of the spherical toys.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims benefit of priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/592,044. filed on Jul. 28,
2004, which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention generally relates to toys and more
particularly to generally-spherically shaped toys, such as a ball,
having one or more features or characteristics, such as physical
features of an animal or person, formed on the surface of the
toy.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A generally spherical toy, such as a ball, having one or
more features or characteristics formed on its surface such that
when it is rolled on a surface, the features impart a generally
erratic motion to the toy. The weight of the toy, as well as the
center of gravity, can also be manipulated to further impart
erratic movement to the toy. The invention also includes a method
of collecting and/or trading one or more of a plurality of
generally spherical toys each having one or more features or
characteristics formed on its surface. In furtherance of the method
of collecting and/or trading, it is also contemplated that the
packaging of the generally spherical toys can include one or more
compartments that conceal the identity of one or more of the toys
in the package, so as to promote the random nature of their
distribution.
[0004] According to a particular aspect of the invention, a
generally spherical toy is provided having features formed on its
surface, wherein the toy is made of a solid resilient material to
impart weight to the toy. The formed features and the weight
contribute together to impart generally erratic movement to the toy
when it is rolled on a surface.
[0005] According to another aspect of the invention, the toy
further comprises at least one weight embedded therein to
facilitate the erratic movement of the toy.
[0006] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a
generally spherical toy is provided having features formed on its
surface, wherein the toy is formed such that its center of gravity
is skewed from a normal center of gravity associated with the
generally spherical toy. The formed features and the skewed center
of gravity contribute together to impart generally erratic movement
to the toy when it is rolled on a surface.
[0007] According to another aspect of the invention, the features
formed on the surface of the toy define an animal, person,
fictitious character, monster, dinosaur, robot, or any other form
imaginable.
[0008] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method
of collecting and trading a plurality of generally spherical toys
each having features formed on its surface and capable of erratic
movement when rolled on a surface is contemplated. The features of
each toy define an identity of the toy. The method comprises the
steps of obtaining at least one of the plurality of spherical toys
having the identity associated therewith either through purchase or
trade; and adding the obtained spherical toy to an existing
collection of spherical toys.
[0009] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a
packaging arrangement for a plurality of spherical toys having
features formed on their surface is provided. The features of each
toy define an identity of the toy. The packaging arrangement
includes at least one compartment that conceals the identity of at
least one of the plurality of spherical toys from the consumer
until it is removed from the compartment, thereby promoting
randomness to collecting of the spherical toys.
[0010] These and other aspects of the present invention will become
readily apparent from the specification provided herein, including
the written description, drawings, and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a generally
spherical toy in accordance with the principles of the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram depicting an embodiment of a
grouping or series of characters in accordance with the principles
of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a photograph of an embodiment of a package in
accordance with the principles of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0014] While the present invention is capable of embodiment in many
different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and will herein be
described in detail, one or more specific embodiments with the
understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an
exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not
intended to limit the invention to these specific embodiments.
[0015] The present invention is directed to toys in general, and
more particularly to a generally spherical toy, such as a ball,
having one or more features or characteristics formed on the
surface of the toy, such as the ball shown in FIG. 1. The features
may be formed in relief on the surface of the ball, or may be
formed to extend from the surface of the ball. The features are
preferably in the form of physical features of an animal, person or
other creature, such as, for example, facial features. The ball and
its features can be painted using one or more colors to enhance the
features on the ball. The features may be formed on the surface of
the ball such that they impart generally erratic movement to the
ball when it is rolled on a surface. The features create an uneven
surface that helps impart the erratic movement. The formed features
can also be used to alter the center of gravity of the toy to
further aid in the erratic movement. The ball can be played with,
and/or traded/collected.
[0016] Preferably, the ball is formed by conventional molding
techniques and comprises a resilient material, such as a rubber
material or a polymer material that exhibits resilient properties.
Preferably, the material is similar to that used for toy balls
known in the art as "super balls." Preferably, the ball is molded
in a solid form, not hollow, to give it a heavier weight.
Additionally, certain polymers can be selected to give the toy
additional weight. In such an embodiment, the relatively heavy
weight of the ball enhances erratic movements exhibited by the ball
when it is rolled across a surface. In another embodiment, one or
more weights can be inserted into the ball to add weight as
necessary to impart the desired feel and action to the ball.
Preferably, one ore more weights are added during manufacture of
the ball, such as during the molding process. The weight of the toy
can be generally manipulated in many different ways to change or
skew the center of gravity of the toy to further enhance its
erratic movement. The center of gravity can be skewed from a normal
or expected center of gravity for a similar shape made from a
uniform material or without features formed within the surface.
[0017] Of course, it should be understood that the ball or other
spherical toy may include any number and type of features or
characteristics consistent with the principles of the present
invention depending on its particular form. It is contemplated that
the features of the ball or other spherical toy may take the form
of one or more parts of an animal, person, fictitious character,
monster, dinosaur, robot, or any other form imaginable. Any number
of configurations is possible and would be readily apparent to one
of ordinary skill in the art.
[0018] The invention also includes a method of collecting and/or
trading one or more of a plurality of generally spherical toys each
having one or more features or characteristics formed on its
surface. It is contemplated that features can be formed on the
surface of the toy to create a particular character. Any number of
characters can then be created to form a series or group of
particular characters. Such groupings can facilitate collecting
and/or trading amongst individuals. An example of a particular
group of characters is illustrated in FIG. 2. These characters can
also be assigned character names to further enhance the collectable
aspects of these toys.
[0019] In furtherance of the method of collecting and/or trading,
it is also contemplated that the packaging of the generally
spherical toys can include one or more compartments that conceal
the identity of one or more of the toys in the package, so as to
promote the random nature of their distribution. An example of the
packaging is shown in FIG. 3. These "mystery" compartments will
prevent consumers from purchasing all of the stock of a particular
character that may be deemed desirable or more difficult to
obtain.
[0020] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 3, the packaging may include
a compartment that allows the toy to be rolled within the package
so that the movement of the toy can be exhibited before purchase.
In a preferred embodiment, such as that shown in FIG. 3, the
compartment comprises a generally S-shaped "track" formed into a
plastic component of the packaging that provides a track for the
toy to roll within when the package is manipulated by a potential
purchaser. If the spherical toy is provided with surface features
and/or weighting that imparts erratic movement, this packaging will
allow such movement to be exhibited while remaining within the
package.
[0021] While specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein, numerous modifications may come to mind without
significantly departing from the spirit of the invention, and the
scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the
accompanying Claims.
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