U.S. patent application number 12/481691 was filed with the patent office on 2010-12-16 for stuffed toy.
Invention is credited to Jacquelyn Yvonne Raimondi.
Application Number | 20100317252 12/481691 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43306817 |
Filed Date | 2010-12-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100317252 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Raimondi; Jacquelyn Yvonne |
December 16, 2010 |
Stuffed Toy
Abstract
A stuffed toy connected to an object having a handle, such as a
pacifier, is disclosed. The stuffed toy includes an extension
member with a closed loop used for knotting to the handle of the
object so that the object may be removed for replacing or for
cleaning both the object and the stuffed toy.
Inventors: |
Raimondi; Jacquelyn Yvonne;
(Lawrenceville, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Woodcock Washburn LLP
Cira Centre, 12th Floor, 2929 Arch Street
Philadelphia
PA
19104-2891
US
|
Family ID: |
43306817 |
Appl. No.: |
12/481691 |
Filed: |
June 10, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/73 ;
446/369 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 3/003 20130101;
A61J 17/1111 20200501; A61J 17/001 20150501; A63H 3/02
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/73 ;
446/369 |
International
Class: |
A63H 3/02 20060101
A63H003/02; A63H 3/00 20060101 A63H003/00 |
Claims
1. A stuffed toy in the form of a doll, animal, or fanciful
creature combined with another object, said stuffed toy comprising:
a) an extension member having a distal end; b) a closed loop formed
on the distal end of the extension member; and c) an object having
a handle connected to said closed loop by forming a knot with the
loop and the handle.
2. The stuffed toy of claim 1 wherein said object is a
pacifier.
3. The stuffed toy of claim 1 where said closed loop may not be
opened.
4. The stuffed toy of claim 1 wherein said extension member forms
an appendage of the stuffed toy.
5. The stuffed toy of claim 1 wherein said closed loop has a distal
end, a first side and a second side, and wherein the knot is formed
with the loop and handle by the steps of: (i) passing the distal
end of the loop through the handle; (ii) pulling the distal end of
the loop over the object so that the distal end is in closer
proximity to the extension member, wherein the handle is between
the first and second sides of the loop; and (iii) sliding the first
and second sides of the loop closer toward each other along the
handle to tighten the knot.
6. A stuffed toy in the form of a doll, animal, or fanciful
creature combined with another object, said stuffed toy comprising:
a) an appendage; b) a closed loop that may not be opened formed on
the distal end of the appendage; and c) an object having a handle
connected to said closed loop by forming a knot with the loop and
the handle.
7. The stuffed toy of claim 6 wherein the object is a pacifier.
8. The stuffed toy of claim 6 wherein said closed loop has a distal
end, a first side and a second side, and wherein the knot is formed
with the loop and handle by the steps of: (i) passing the distal
end of the loop through the handle; (ii) pulling the distal end of
the loop over the object so that the distal end is in closer
proximity to the extension member, wherein the handle is between
the first and second sides of the loop; and (iii) sliding the first
and second sides of the loop closer toward each other along the
handle to tighten the knot.
9. The stuffed toy of claim 6 wherein the stuffed toy is a teddy
bear.
10. The stuffed toy of claim 9 wherein the object is a
pacifier.
11. The stuffed toy of claim 10 wherein said closed loop has a
distal end, a first side and a second side, and wherein the knot is
formed with the loop and handle by the steps of: (i) passing the
distal end of the loop through the handle; (ii) pulling the distal
end of the loop over the object so that the distal end is in closer
proximity to the extension member, wherein the handle is between
the first and second sides of the loop; and (iii) sliding the first
and second sides of the loop closer toward each other along the
handle to tighten the knot.
12. A teddy bear comprising: a) an appendage; b) a closed loop that
may not be opened formed on the distal end of the appendage; and c)
a pacifier having a handle connected to said closed loop by forming
a knot with the loop and the handle.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a stuffed toy (or
doll, or animal), more specifically, to a stuffed animal holding a
device such as a child's pacifier.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The pacifier, comprised of a variety of materials, has long
been used to soothe the oral demands of infants or small children
during irritable periods by providing them with an object to suck
on in place of a bottle or their own thumb. Use of a pacifier has
been shown to ease the irritability of a child. Pacifiers present
some problems, however, particularly in weaning a child away from a
pacifier as it gets older. In addition, a pacifier may be dropped
by the child and get dirty, or land in a spot where the child
cannot reach it causing the child to resume its irritability.
[0003] Many advantages have been found in combining a pacifier with
a toy that a child enjoys holding. Weaning may be much easier if
the child manages to associate the soothing qualities of the
pacifier with the toy. Removal of the pacifier may be less
traumatic when the child still has the comfort of the toy that it
has associated with the soothing of the pacifier. The child may
first look to the pacifier but quickly accepts the toy on its own
without the pacifier.
[0004] A toy that is enjoyed by many infants or small children
still using pacifiers, is the common stuffed toy, such as a teddy
bear. A stuffed toy is generally a soft toy having a plush or soft
fabric exterior filled with a soft stuffing such as cotton,
feathers, or a variety of commonly known synthetic materials. A
stuffed toy is therefore much like a pillow. Stuffed toys are
usually shaped to resemble animals, human dolls, fanciful
creatures, or any type of shape that might be enjoyed by a young
child. Such stuffed toys are excellent toys to combine with
pacifiers as discussed above. Many young children become readily
attached to stuffed toys, and they are generally safe enough for a
child to sleep with.
[0005] Toy-pacifier combinations have been previously developed. It
has been recognized that there are advantages to attaching a
pacifier to a toy in addition to the weaning potential discussed
above. The child is provided comfort by both the toy and the
pacifier. In addition, if the pacifier is properly secured to the
toy then there is less risk of the pacifier being dropped and
becoming dirty or damaged.
[0006] Safety should be recognized as an important consideration in
developing pacifier-toy combinations. The means for attaching the
pacifier to the toy should be strong enough that the child cannot
easily pull the pacifier away from the toy, thereby losing or
damaging the pacifier, but also should not include any small parts,
sharp objects, or strings that may harm the child if they become
loose. Any attachment with small parts, such as snaps or buttons,
could easily break loose and pose a hazard to an infant. Likewise,
if the pacifier is connected by string or elastic, then there is a
risk of strangulation.
[0007] Another important consideration is the ease with which an
adult may remove and replace the pacifier. In the regard, the means
for connecting the pacifier should require sufficient dexterity
that the child cannot work the pacifier loose, but the connection
means should not be so difficult to maneuver that a parent would
have difficulty changing out the pacifier whenever necessary, such
as late at night. For example, one type of stuffed toy and pacifier
combination is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,344,355 which uses a
loop to secure the pacifier, but an end of the loop must be tucked
back inside the fabric of the toy and then fastened underneath a
hook-and-loop fastened pocket. Opening this pocket and
disconnecting the loop end could be difficult while simultaneously
having to care for an irritable child. A more convenient means of
attaching the pacifier is desired.
[0008] Another consideration in attaching a pacifier to the stuffed
toy is the location of the pacifier with respect to the toy. The
positioning of the pacifier may be both an aesthetic decision and
one that lends itself toward ease of use. In another previous
toy-pacifier combination, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,277,910, the
pacifier is attached directly to the body of the toy. In this
configuration, the toy could cover the face of the child when the
pacifier is used, so that the infant cannot comfortably sleep on
its back or face while still using the pacifier. The pacifier is
preferably attached in with some flexibility, and away from the
main body of the stuffed toy so that the child's breathing is not
obstructed while sleeping.
[0009] From an aesthetic consideration, the pacifier should
preferably look pleasing when attached to the toy, and the toy
should preferably maintain a fairly natural appearance whenever the
pacifier is removed.
[0010] Thus there is a need for a improved means of attachment of a
pacifier to a stuffed toy for assisting with comforting a child and
eventually weaning a child from a pacifier. The means should
securely hold the pacifier while addressing the safety, security
and aesthetic needs discussed above, and not obstruct the breathing
of the child during sleeping. In addition, the pacifier must be
easily detached and re-attached by an adult so that the pacifier
and toy can be cleaned as needed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Briefly described, in an exemplary embodiment, the present
invention comprises a stuffed toy having a loop formed at the end
of an extension member for attaching an object, such as a pacifier.
The object should have a handle similar to a loop, so that the loop
of the stuffed toy may be knotted to the object. The knot may be a
simple knot that is easily untied by an adult, but requires too
much dexterity for a child to untie. In a preferred embodiment, the
object is a pacifier
[0012] In another embodiment of the invention, the loop of the
stuffed toy is formed at the end of an appendage of the stuffed
toy, such as an arm or a leg, so that when the object is attached
to the loop the toy appears to be holding the object in a hand or
paw.
[0013] In still another embodiment of the invention, the stuffed
toy is a teddy bear having a loop at the end of one arm. The loop
may be attached to an object, such as a pacifier, via a knot formed
by first passing the loop through the handle, and then pulling the
loop back over the main body of the object. In this manner, the
teddy bear may appear to be holding the object in a paw.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Accordingly, the present disclosure will be understood best
through consideration of, and with reference to, the following
drawings, viewed in conjunction with the Detailed Description of
the Invention referring thereto, in which like reference numbers
throughout the various drawings designate like structure, and in
which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a top view of a stuffed toy illustrating one
embodiment of the invention disclosed herein.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a front view of a stuffed toy illustrating one
embodiment of the invention disclosed herein.
[0017] FIG. 3A is a top view of one arm of the stuffed toy of FIG.
1, showing a loop of the toy's appendage passed through the handle
of a pacifier to begin the knotting process.
[0018] FIG. 3B is a front view of the loop and pacifier shown in
FIG. 3a
[0019] FIG. 4A is a front view of one arm of the stuffed toy of
FIG. 1 showing a loop of the toy's appendage being passed over the
body of a pacifier as part of the knotting process.
[0020] FIG. 4B is a side view of the loop and pacifier as shown in
FIG. 4a
[0021] FIG. 5A is a front, view of one arm of the stuffed toy of
FIG. 1 showing a loop of the toy's appendage passed through the
loop of a pacifier and pulled, over the pacifier's body as part of
the knotting process.
[0022] FIG. 5B is a side view of the loop and pacifier as shown in
FIG. 5a.
[0023] FIG. 6A is a front view of one arm of the stuffed toy of
FIG. 1 showing the loop of the toy's appendage passed through the
loop of a pacifier, pulled, over the pacifier's body, and the
beginning of tightening the loop together as part of the knotting
process.
[0024] FIG. 6B is a side view of the loop and pacifier as shown in
FIG. 6A.
[0025] FIG. 7A is a front, view of one arm of the stuffed toy of
FIG. 1 snowing the completed process for knotting a loop of the
toy's appendage to the pacifier.
[0026] FIG. 7B is a side view of the loop and pacifier as shown in
FIG. 7A.
[0027] It is to be noted the drawings presented are intended solely
for the purpose of illustration and they are, therefore, neither
desired nor intended to limit the scope of the disclosure to any or
all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as
they may be deemed essential to the claimed invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] In describing exemplary embodiments of the stuffed toy of
the present disclosure illustrated in the drawings, specific
terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The claimed
invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific
terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each
specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in
a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.
[0029] In that form of the stuffed toy of the present disclosure
chosen for purposes of illustration, FIG. 1 shows a toy 10
embodying the present invention. Toy 10 has extension 20 that is
attached to an object 30. Object 30 is knotted to extension 20 via
closed loop 25 that is preferably formed on a distal end of
extension 20.
[0030] Stuffed toy 10 is preferably a creature, such as a human
doll, an animal, or a fanciful creature that might be appealing to
an infant. As shown in the accompanying figures, toy 10 is depicted
as a bear. Such stuffed toy bear is commonly referred to as a
"teddy bear." Toy 10 may be soft or plush, so that it is
embraceable by a small child, and preferably safe and comfortable
for the child to sleep with. Variations on the type of toy 10 are
limitless, so long as the toy contains extension 20 as described
below.
[0031] Extension 20 is a portion of toy 10 that may include closed
loop 25. The extension is preferably formed as an arm or foreleg of
the stuffed toy, so that the toy appears to hold the pacifier in a
hand or paw. However, the extension might also be a leg, a tail, an
article of clothing, an accessory, or any other imaginable feature
of the toy that would logically form an appropriate extension.
Extension 20 is preferably long and flexible enough so that when
object 30 is a pacifier the child may access the pacifier
conveniently without interference from the main body of toy 10. In
this regard, extension 20 is preferably not too short, or else the
child might have its breathing blocked by the toy while using the
pacifier, and the child might not be able to maneuver well unless
it can move the entire toy 10.
[0032] Closed loop 25 may be formed on extension 20 for attaching
object 30. Closed loop 25 is preferably formed from the same type
of material as extension 20, which may or may not be the same
material as the main body of toy 10, and is preferably connected to
extension 20 via secure means such as sewing, rather than being
detachable. Closed loop 25 should be large enough to form a secure
knot with object 30, but not so large as to create any type of
strangulation risk to the child and is preferably not formed from
any type of elastic or other stretchable material. Should object 30
accidentally be loosened from loop 25, there should be limited risk
to the child from the presence of the empty loop 25. The loop is
also preferably sturdy enough to withstand abuse and potential
wetness without breaking.
[0033] Object 30 is preferably a common pacifier, but could be any
type of object that has a handle 35 capable of being knotted with
loop 25. Of course, if the object is not a pacifier, then it is
preferably something that is safe to be handled by a child. When
object 30 is a pacifier, then toy 10 embodies the advantages
discussed above of being useful for comforting the child, and
eventually assisting in weaning the child from the pacifier.
[0034] Object 30 may be attached to toy 10 by forming a knot using
loop 25 and handle 35. One manner of forming such a knot is shown
in FIGS. 3A,3B-7A,7B. As shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, loop 25 may be
passed through handle 35. A distal end of loop 25 may then be
pulled over object 30 so that the distal end of loop 25 is pulled
back towards extension 20, as shown in FIGS. 4A,4B and 5A, 5B. As
shown in FIG. 5B, loop 25 may then be defined as two portions, 25a,
25b, that are on opposite sides of handle 30. Portions 25a and 25b
may then be pushed together on handle 30 as shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B
and 7A, 7B. When knotted in this manner, the connection between
loop 25 and handle 35 resembles a hand or paw gripping the handle,
providing an appearance similar to that shown in FIG. 2.
[0035] Other knotting methods for connecting loop 25 and handle 35
may be used. However, the resulting knot is preferably both
aesthetically pleasing and not too difficult for an adult to
reverse, while avoiding accidentally loosening by the child.
[0036] Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present
invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the
disclosures herein are exemplary only and various other
alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the
scope and spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the present
invention is not limited to the specific embodiments as illustrated
herein, but is only limited by the following claims.
* * * * *