U.S. patent application number 11/004012 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-08 for worm ball construction toy.
Invention is credited to Peter J. Cmiel, William D. Nichols.
Application Number | 20060121821 11/004012 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36574940 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060121821 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cmiel; Peter J. ; et
al. |
June 8, 2006 |
Worm ball construction toy
Abstract
A flexible, pliable, rubbery, stretchable worm ball construction
toy has a core with raised opposing ends. Each end has opposing
worm-like appendages. A plurality of central rings each have a
central aperture expandable over one of the ends for securement
onto the core. Each of the plurality of rings have a plurality of
radially extending worm-like appendages. Any of the worm-like
appendage central rings may be removed and replaced with rings
having character or novelty trait appendages to create a unique toy
for a child.
Inventors: |
Cmiel; Peter J.; (Corcoran,
MN) ; Nichols; William D.; (Chaska, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRIGGS AND MORGAN P.A.
2200 IDS CENTER
80 SOUTH 8TH ST
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Family ID: |
36574940 |
Appl. No.: |
11/004012 |
Filed: |
December 3, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/85 ;
446/490 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/085 ;
446/490 |
International
Class: |
A63H 33/00 20060101
A63H033/00 |
Claims
1. Flexible, pliable, rubbery, stretchable worm ball construction
toy, comprising: (a) a core with raised opposing ends; and (b) a
plurality of central rings, each having a central aperture
expandable over one of the ends for securement onto the core and
each ring having a plurality of radially extending worm-like
appendages.
2. The worm ball construction toy of claim 1 wherein the ends each
have opposing worm-like appendages.
3. The worm ball construction toy of claim 1, further comprising
character or novelty trait appendages.
4. Flexible, pliable, rubbery, stretchable worm ball construction
toy, comprising: (a) a core with raised opposing ends; and with
opposing worm-like appendages. (b) a plurality of central rings,
each having a central aperture expandable over one of the ends for
securement onto the core and each ring having a plurality of
radially extending worm-like appendages.
5. The worm ball construction toy of claim 1, further comprising
character or novelty trait appendages.
6. Flexible, pliable, rubbery, stretchable worm ball construction
toy, comprising: (a) a core with raised opposing ends; with
opposing worm-like appendages. (b) a plurality of central rings,
each having a central aperture expandable over one of the ends for
securement onto the core and each ring having a plurality of
radially extending worm-like appendages; and (c) at least two
character appendages extending from one of the rings.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to toys, and more
particularly, to a flexible, pliable, rubbery, stretchable worm
ball construction toy with worm-like appendages having the
appearance of a ball of worms and capable of reassembly to take on
certain character appendages or novelty traits such as eyes, feet,
hands, flowers, hearts, stars, etc.
[0002] Previous worm ball toys have been known and also give an
appearance of a ball of worms. These previous worm balls have been
permanently fixed or glued together to create the appearance of a
ball of worms. However, they are subject to many problems.
[0003] With all of the interstitial spaces deep down within the
worm ball, dust, dirt, germs and the like can collect over time
with use. These worm ball structures do not lend themselves to
being cleaned in their interstitial spaces. Another significant
problem includes the odiferous nature of the glues typically used
to permanently assemble these balls of worms. Yet, still another
problem includes the fact that these worm balls look just like worm
balls and are incapable of taking on any other characteristic
traits.
[0004] There is a need for a flexible, pliable, rubbery,
stretchable worm ball construction toy that is easily cleaned and
permits the child to create different characters therewith.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A flexible, pliable, rubbery, stretchable worm ball
construction toy has a core with raised opposing ends. Each end has
opposing worm-like appendages. A plurality of central rings each
have a central aperture expandable over one of the ends for
securement onto the core. Each of the plurality of rings have a
plurality of radially extending worm-like appendages. Any of the
worm-like appendage central rings may be removed and replaced with
rings having character appendages to create a unique toy for a
child.
[0006] A principal object and advantage of the present invention is
that the worm ball construction toy may be readily disassembled for
complete cleaning.
[0007] Another object and advantage of the present invention is
that the disassembly and reassembly of the toy provides interest
and delight for children.
[0008] Another object and advantage is that the disassembly and
reassembly allows for the creation of different worm ball
characteristics, appendages or novelty traits including hands,
feet, eyes, flowers, hearts, stars, etc.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention in an
assembled condition.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the intermediate worm
sections showing worm-like appendages and character appendages and
traits in phantom outline.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the worm ball core with
flared ends and opposing worm-like appendages
[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the toy being assembled.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the result of FIG. 4.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the worm ball core
supporting a plurality of intermediate worm sections.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative worm ball
core.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE THIRD EMBODIMENT
[0016] The toy of the present invention is generally shown at FIGS.
1-7 and is referenced as numeral 10. The worm ball construction toy
10 is suitably made of all plastic or rubber making it flexible,
pliable, rubbery and stretchable without the use of offensive
glues.
[0017] The toy generally includes a worm ball core 11 supporting
worm-like appendages 14 upon which are mounted intermediate worm
sections 24 which support a plurality of radially extending
worm-like appendages 28. As can be appreciated in FIGS. 1 and 2,
character appendages or novelty traits like eyes, feet, hands,
flowers, hearts or stars 27, 27.1. 27.2, 27.3, 27.4, 27.5
respectively and can be utilized in the assembly of the toy 10 to
give it a creative personality or character appreciated by the
child during the toy's 10 assembly.
[0018] More specifically, the worm ball construction toy 10
includes a thimble-like worm ball core 11. Opposite the core 11
ends are hubs, discs, or flared ends 12. From the ends 12 extend a
plurality of worm-like appendages 14. The worm ball core 11 has a
central axel 16 for receiving intermediate worm sections 24 as will
be appreciated below.
[0019] FIG. 7 shows that core section 11 may have a thimble-like
structure with axel 16 and hubs, discs, flared ends or raised ends
18 at opposite ends of the axel 16. A cover 20 suitably may be
stretched over the raised ends 18 from which a plurality of
worm-like appendages 14 extend.
[0020] The configuration of the intermediate worm section 24 may be
appreciated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Each intermediate worm section 24 has
a central ring 25 with an aperture 26. Because the ring 25 is
suitably made of rubbery plastic, the ring 25 may be expanded and
slipped over the raised ends 18 onto axel 16 of core section 11.
Radially extending from the central ring 25 may be eye character
appendages 27, a plurality of radially extending worm-like
appendages 28, foot character appendages 27.1, hand character
appendages 27.2, flower novelty appendages 27.3, heart novelty
appendages 27.4, star novelty and/or appendages 27.5. The
possibility of character appendages are infinitesimal and the eye
27 and foot 29 are shown as illustrative meaning that a multitude
of characters can be created similar to Mr. Potato Head, as is well
known.
[0021] FIG. 5 shows the intermediate worm section 24 fitted onto
axel 16. FIG. 6 shows a plurality of intermediate worm section 24
on axel 16 in cross-section for ease of illustration.
[0022] The disassembly of the toy 10 is done in the opposite order.
After which, the toy segments 11, 24, 27, 28 and 29 may be
thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. After which the worm ball
construction toy may be reassembled in any of a variety of
configurations and characters by the amused child.
[0023] The present invention is to be understood to be within the
scope of the following claims. The embodiments disclosed herein are
for illustrative purposes only.
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