Toy Blanket Holder

Abstract

An apparatus and method are disclosed for a soft toy blanket holder. A soft toy apparatus includes a hollow body that defines a storage cavity. The hollow body includes a soft material and an opening through which the storage cavity is accessible. The soft toy apparatus also includes an appendage movably coupled to the hollow body. The appendage and hollow body form a toy figure. The appendage is movable relative to the hollow body between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position the appendage covers and conceals the opening and in the open position at least a portion of the appendage is spaced away from the opening.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/390,483, filed Oct. 6, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

[0002] The subject matter of the present application relates to toys and more particularly relates to toys for holding and concealing blankets.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Toys, such as hard toys, soft toys (e.g., stuffed animals), and blankets, are often favorite objects for young children. Children may enjoy playing with toys and blankets in a variety of activities. Additionally, children often enjoy cuddling and carrying a toy (particularly a soft toy) and blanket for comfort.

[0004] However, children can become emotionally attached to a toy or blanket and may desire to have it with them at all times and in all places. For example, children may demand their favorite toy or blanket before going to sleep for a nap or at night, at a restaurant, at a friend's house, or any other location to which children may go. Such an emotional attachment to a toy or blanket may result in a parent transporting a toy, a blanket, or both everywhere the child goes, which can be a burden. For example, packing and unpacking multiple sleeping or play items can be difficult, to say nothing of keeping track of them, even around the house. Should a particularly favorite toy, blanket, or pillow be left behind or lost, large investments of emotion, time, and money may be required to help the child overcome the loss and return to his normal behavioral pattern.

[0005] Attempts have been made to make it easier to travel with a toy and blanket, as well as to keep track of one or both. Previous attempts have been made to provide toys with extractable blankets. However, such toys are often not as attractive as their toy-only counterparts. For example, visible seams, holes, fasteners, and other evidences of accessibility to a stored blanket on the toy may negatively affect the looks, playful nature, and overall enjoyability of the toy.

SUMMARY

[0006] From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for a toy apparatus and method that allows for easy and compact storage and carrying of toys and blankets. Beneficially, such soft toy apparatus and methods would make it easier to transport a toy and blanket, as well as conveniently hide any visible evidence of an opening to an interior of the toy apparatus while the toy apparatus is being used as a toy.

[0007] The subject matter of the present disclosure has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available toys. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide a toy apparatus and method for holding a blanket that overcome many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art.

[0008] A toy apparatus for holding a blanket is configured with a hollow body that defines a storage cavity. The hollow body may be made from a soft material and include an opening through which the storage cavity is accessible. The apparatus may also be configured with an appendage that is movably coupled to the hollow body. The appendage and hollow body may form a toy figure. The appendage is movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position the appendage covers and conceals the opening and in the open position at least a portion of the appendage is spaced away from the opening.

[0009] In one embodiment, the apparatus is provided with a pivoting fastener that pivotally couples the appendage to the hollow body. The appendage may be pivotally movable relative to the hollow body between the closed position and the open position via the pivoting fastener. In one embodiment, the pivoting fastener permanently pivotally couples the appendage to the hollow body. The permanent pivoting fastener may include at least one of thread sewn between the hollow body and the body, and glue.

[0010] In one embodiment, the pivoting fastener removably pivotally couples the appendage to the hollow body. The removable pivoting fastener may include at least one of a hook and loop fastener mechanism, a snap mechanism, a button mechanism, a zipper mechanism, and an elastic loop mechanism.

[0011] In one embodiment, the apparatus is configured with at least one retention fastener. The at least one retention fastener may be coupled to the hollow body and appendage and may be configured to removably secure the appendage in the closed position. In one embodiment, the apparatus is configured with a closure mechanism that is coupled to the opening. The closure mechanism may be operable to selectively open and close the opening independently of the appendage. In one embodiment, the appendage covers and conceals the closure mechanism when the appendage is in the closed position. The closure mechanism may include at least one of a drawstring mechanism, a hook and loop fastener mechanism, a snap mechanism, a button mechanism, and a zipper mechanism.

[0012] In one embodiment, the apparatus is configured with a blanket that is removably stored in the storage cavity. In one embodiment, the apparatus is configured with a blanket that is removably attached to the toy figure.

[0013] In one embodiment, the apparatus may be configured with an appendage that includes one of a head, a back end, a tail, a leg, an arm, a wing, a fin, and an antenna. In one embodiment, the soft material of the hollow body may include a fabric. In one embodiment, the appendage may include a three dimensional shape resembling a head. In one embodiment, the head may include a soft filling. In one embodiment, the appendage includes a primary appendage and the apparatus is further configured with one or more secondary appendages.

[0014] A method for accessing a storage cavity defined within a hollow body of a toy figure of the present disclosure is also presented. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a soft toy apparatus, such as the apparatus described above. In one embodiment, the method includes releasing a retention fastener. The method may also include moving the appendage to an open position. The method may also include accessing the storage cavity. Accessing the storage cavity may include one or both of removing an item from the storage cavity and inserting an item into the storage cavity.

[0015] In a further embodiment, a provided soft toy apparatus includes a closure mechanism coupled to the opening. The closure mechanism may be operable to selectively open and close the opening independently of the appendage. The method may include opening the closure mechanism prior to accessing the storage cavity and closing the closure mechanism after accessing the storage cavity.

[0016] Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present disclosure should be or are in any single embodiment. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

[0017] The described features, structures, advantages, and/or characteristics of the subject matter of the present disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments and/or implementations. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to impart a thorough understanding of embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the subject matter of the present disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the specific features, details, components, materials, and/or methods of a particular embodiment or implementation. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments and/or implementations that may not be present in all embodiments or implementations. Further, in some instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure. The features and advantages of the subject matter of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the subject matter as set forth hereinafter.

[0018] These features and advantages of the subject matter of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the subject matter as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In order that the advantages of the subject matter will be readily understood, a more particular description of the subject matter will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the subject matter and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the subject matter will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] FIG. 1a is a side view illustrating one embodiment of a soft toy apparatus;

[0021] FIG. 1b is a perspective view further illustrating the soft toy apparatus of FIG. 1a;

[0022] FIG. 2a is a side view illustrating one embodiment of a soft toy apparatus with a pivoting head;

[0023] FIG. 2b is a side view illustrating the soft toy apparatus of FIG. 2a with a blanket partially inserted;

[0024] FIG. 3a is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a soft toy apparatus with a pivoting head;

[0025] FIG. 3b is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a soft toy apparatus with a blanket partially inserted;

[0026] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a soft toy;

[0027] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a soft toy;

[0028] FIG. 6a is a side view illustrating one embodiment of a soft toy apparatus in the form of a whale;

[0029] FIG. 6b is a side view illustrating one embodiment of a soft toy apparatus in the form of a whale having a pivoting tail;

[0030] FIG. 7 is a flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for making a soft toy apparatus; and

[0031] FIG. 8 is a flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for accessing a storage cavity of a soft toy apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the subject matter of the present disclosure. Appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment," and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. Similarly, the use of the term "implementation" means an implementation having a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with one or more embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure, however, absent an express correlation to indicate otherwise, an implementation may be associated with one or more embodiments.

[0033] The schematic flow chart diagrams included herein are generally set forth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown.

[0034] As depicted in FIGS. 1a and 1b, a soft toy apparatus 100 is in the form of an animal according to one embodiment. In other embodiments, the soft toy apparatus may take the form of other types of animals, bugs, robots, creatures, dolls, and the like. In one embodiment, the soft toy apparatus includes a hollow body 102, a primary appendage 104, and secondary appendages 106. In one embodiment, the primary appendage 104 is a portion of the soft toy apparatus 100 that is moveable to provide access to an interior or the hollow body 102. Both the primary appendage 104 and the hollow body may be configured to resemble one or more of a head, a tail, a leg, a horn, a wing, a fin, or any other appendage of animal, bug, robot, creator, doll, and the like.

[0035] In one embodiment, the hollow body 102 defines a storage cavity 108 (illustrated by the dotted lines within the hollow body 102) having an opening 110 (see also FIGS. 2b, 3a, 4, and 5). The opening 110 is indicated by the lack of the dotted lines of the storage cavity 108 near the primary appendage 104. Items such as blankets, toys, pillows, etc. may be placed in the cavity 108 for storage therein. The hollow body 102, in one embodiment, is formed out of soft fabric, such as, for example, fabrics commonly used for forming blankets, stuffed animals, and the like. In one implementation, the hollow body 102 may be formed of a fleece made from a synthetic material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In other implementations, the hollow body may be formed from fabrics such as cotton, twill, flannel, or other suitable fabrics as recognized by one of skill in the art. In yet other implementations, the hollow body may be formed from non-fabric soft materials, such as malleable plastics, rubbery substances, and the like. Although in the illustrated embodiments, the toy apparatus is a soft toy apparatus, in some embodiments, the toy apparatus can be a hard toy apparatus. In such embodiments, the hollow body may be formed from a hard, rigid material, such as a hard plastic or other similar material.

[0036] In the depicted embodiment, the hollow body 102 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape having ends 112. However, shapes other than cylindrical, such as cubic shapes, triangular shapes, body-like shapes, and any other shapes that serve a dual purpose of forming a hollow body of the soft toy apparatus and providing a suitable storage container are also contemplated.

[0037] The hollow body 102, in one embodiment, may be formed by sewing together two or more pieces of material. For example, a cylindrical hollow body defining a cylindrical storage cavity may be formed by sewing together two opposite edges of a rectangular piece of material to form a cylindrical tube. Then, a circular cover or the like may be sewn on one end of the cylindrical tube, and the opposite end may be left open for access to the interior of the storage cavity, or alternatively include a cylindrical cover with an opening formed in the cover. In an alternate embodiment, one or more ends of the cylindrical tube may be securely closed by a reusable closure mechanism such as a draw string, a hook and loop fastener, or the like. In another embodiment, the hollow body 102 may be formed from a single piece of fabric. For example, the edge of a circular piece of material may be folded together to form a bag-like cavity out of the material. The opening of the cavity may be secured, in one embodiment, with a draw string or the like to allow selective access to the interior of the cavity.

[0038] In the depicted embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b, the primary appendage 104 is configured to cover and conceal the opening to the storage cavity of the hollow body 102. The primary appendage 104 is configured to resemble a face or head of the soft toy apparatus 100. In one embodiment, the primary appendage 104 may be hinged or removed to gain access to the opening of the hollow body 102, and thus the interior cavity. In various embodiments, the primary appendage 104 that resembles a head may include eyes, a nose, a mouth, ears, or other features that help make the soft toy recognizable as a creature or animal.

[0039] In one embodiment, the hollow body 102 together with the primary appendage 104 forms a toy figure. In a variety of embodiments, the primary appendage 104 may be configured to resemble any type of appendage, including an arm, a leg, a tail, a neck, a wing, or any other extremity or portion of a body of an animal or creature, so long as it conceals and is movable to gain access to the opening in the hollow body.

[0040] In one embodiment, the primary appendage 104 includes one or more fastening mechanisms which allow the primary appendage 104 to be selectively secured to cover and conceal the opening 110 to the cavity 108. In one embodiment, the primary appendage 104 includes a pivoting fastener (see e.g. pivoting fastener 202 of FIG. 2a) which allows the primary appendage 104 to pivot between a closed and an open position. In one embodiment, the primary appendage 104 includes one or more retention fasteners (see e.g. retention fasteners 204 of FIG. 2a) which may be used to selectively secure the primary appendage 104 in a closed position and release the primary appendage 104 from a closed position.

[0041] In one embodiment, a soft toy apparatus 100 includes appendages in addition to the primary appendage 106. In one embodiment, the soft toy apparatus 100 includes one or more secondary appendages 104. In one embodiment, secondary appendages 106 may be attached to the hollow body 102 of the soft toy apparatus 100. The secondary appendages 106 may be configured to appear as extremities of an animal or creature that is formed by the soft toy apparatus 100. As depicted, a tail and legs are attached as secondary appendages 106 to the hollow body 102. In other embodiments, the secondary appendages 106 may reflect a different type of animal or creature. For example, the soft toy apparatus 100 may be configured as a fish or whale, and the appendages 106 may be formed as a head, a tail, fins or gills. The appendages 106 may also be configured to act as handles for carrying or handling the soft toy apparatus 100.

[0042] The secondary appendages 106 may be sewn to the hollow body 102 or may be attached by a fastening mechanism such as buttons, a hook and loop fastener, or snaps. In other embodiments, the hollow body 102 may be provided with no attached secondary appendages 106. For example, in some instances, the secondary appendages 106 may be formed integrally with the hollow body 102 or may be depicted as a design on the fabric forming the hollow body 102. In yet a further embodiment, the secondary appendages 106 may be formed with a hollow accessible interior to provide further storage for smaller items. For example, a secondary appendage 106 may include a zipper to enable access to an interior compartment formed by the secondary appendage 106.

[0043] In some embodiments, the primary appendage 104 and/or secondary appendages 106 may be filled with a filler material such as cotton, fabric, beans, or the like to give three-dimensional form to the secondary appendages 106. According to one embodiment, the filler material may help an appendage, such as a primary or secondary appendage 104, 106 to maintain its eve without a blanket or other item(s) stored within the hollow body 102. In one embodiment, the filler material may help the primary appendage 104 and/or secondary appendage(s) 104 to more closely resemble a head, tail, leg, arm, horn, antler, antenna, wing, fin or any other appendage. According to one embodiment, the filler material may be soft or hard to give a primary appendage 104 or a secondary appendage 104 a desired hardness or texture.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 2a, the primary appendage 104 is attached to the hollow body of the soft toy apparatus 100 with a pivoting fastener 202. The pivoting fastener 202 allows the head 104 to be pivoted away from an end 112 of the hollow body 102 to expose the opening 206. The pivoting fastener 202 can be any of various couplings, such as stitching, a hook and loop fastener, buttons, snaps, a zipper, and the like. In one embodiment, the pivoting fastener 202 permanently attaches the primary appendage 104 to a location on the hollow body 102 adjacent the opening 206. For example, as shown in FIG. 2a, a top portion of the primary appendage 104 is attached directly to the hollow body 102 above the opening 206. Accordingly, the pivoting fastener 202 not only facilitates direct attachment between the primary appendage 104 and the hollow body 102, but also defines a pivot point about which the primary appendage 104 is pivotable relative to the hollow body 102.

[0045] In one embodiment, a lower portion of the primary appendage 104 may be configured to detachably connect to the hollow body 102 to releasably maintain the primary appendage 104 in a closed position to conceal the opening 206. For example, the primary appendage 104 may include one or more re-usable retention fasteners 204 to allow the primary appendage 104 to be selectively attached to the hollow body 102. In various embodiments, the re-usable retention fasteners 204 may include fasteners such as a hook and loop fastener, snaps, buttons, or the like that allow for a side of the primary appendage 104 to be detachably connected to the hollow body 102 and for the primary appendage to be retained in a closed position. In the depicted embodiment, the primary appendage 104 can be pivoted and the re-usable retention fastener 204 fastened or unfastened to access the opening of the hollow body 102. In an alternate embodiment, the primary appendage 104 may be configured with multiple re-usable retention fasteners 204 on more than one side of the primary appendage 104 to more securely attach the primary appendage 104 to the hollow body 102.

[0046] In one embodiment, the apparatus does not include a pivoting fastener. In such embodiments, the primary appendage 104 may be configured to completely detach from and reattach to the hollow body 102 in order to expose the hollow body opening. For example, re-usable retention fasteners 204 may be used to connect two or more sides of the primary appendage 104 to the hollow body 102 without a permanent pivot point between the primary appendage 104 and the hollow body 102, such that the primary appendage 104 may be completely detached from the hollow body 102.

[0047] In one embodiment, a closure mechanism 206 may be provided to close the opening of the hollow body 102. In one embodiment, the closure mechanism 206 is operable to selectively open and close the opening independently of the primary appendage 104. In one embodiment, when in the closed position, the primary appendage 104 covers and conceals the closure mechanism 206, as well as the opening in the hollow body 102. In the depicted embodiment, the closure mechanism 206 includes a draw string 302 attached to the hollow body 102. When pulled or tightened, the draw string 302 may cause the opening of the hollow body 102 to close. The closure mechanism 206 may be used to prevent a blanket or pillow from slipping out of the hollow body 102, or may be used to retain toys or other items inside the hollow body 102. In some embodiments, the closure mechanism 206 may be configured as a zipper mechanism, a hook and loop fastener mechanism, a snap mechanism, a button mechanism, or other closure mechanisms as recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art for retaining the opening on the end of the hollow body 102 in a closed position.

[0048] FIG. 2b is a side view illustrating one embodiment of the soft toy apparatus 100 with a blanket 210 partially inserted in accordance with the present invention. The blanket 210 is shown partially inserted into the cavity 108 with the solid lines indicating a portion of the blanket 210 external to the cavity 108 and dotted lines showing apportion of the blanket 210 partially inserted into the cavity 108. FIG. 3b is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of the soft toy apparatus 100 with a blanket 210 partially inserted into a storage cavity in accordance with the present invention. In FIG. 2b the blanket is depicted in a rolled up configuration while the blanket 210 of FIG. 3b is depicted in a non-rolled configuration. In one embodiment, the hollow body 102 is configured with a shape to receive a blanket. For example, the hollow body 102 may be configured to define a hollow cavity having a cylindrical shape for receiving a rolled up blanket, sleeping bag, cylindrical pillow, or the like.

[0049] In one embodiment, the blanket 210 may be inserted into a cavity of the hollow body 102 for storage. In one embodiment, the closure mechanism 206 and/or primary appendage 104 may be used to securely close the opening of the hollow body 102 to retain the blanket 210 within the storage cavity. Once inserted, the blanket 210 may provide a soft filling for the soft toy apparatus 100 such that the apparatus appears as a conventional stuffed animal or creature. FIG. 2b illustrates a rolled-up blanket 210 partially inserted within the hollow cavity 102. FIG. 3b illustrates a loose blanket 210 partially inserted within the hollow cavity. Of course, in some embodiments, other items may be stored in the soft toy apparatus such as sleeping bags, wearable blankets, toys, etc. In this manner, the soft toy apparatus 100 provides dual functionality as both a storage container/carrier and a toy.

[0050] In one embodiment, a blanket 210 may be removably attached to the soft toy apparatus 100. For example, buttons, a hook and loop fastener, snaps, loops and protrusions, or any other removable fastening mechanism may be used to selectively attach and detach a blanket 210 to the soft toy apparatus 100. In one embodiment, the blanket may be detached for washing or any other purpose. In one embodiment, the removable attachment between the blanket 210 and the soft toy apparatus 100 may be configured to allow the blanket to remain attached whether or not it is within the storage cavity. For example, the removable attachment may allow the blanket 210 to be rolled up and inserted into the storage cavity without being detached.

[0051] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a soft toy apparatus 400. In the depicted embodiment, a hollow body 402 is formed with an opening. A primary appendage 404 is attached to the hollow body 402 and is configured to cover the opening of the hollow body 402. In this embodiment, the primary appendage 404 includes one or more buttons 406 that may be inserted into holes 408 formed into the material of the hollow body 402. In this manner, the primary appendage 404 may be secured in a closed position to retain items within the hollow body 402.

[0052] In the depicted embodiment, a closure mechanism 410 is also provided to retain the primary appendage 404 in a closed position and thereby cover and conceal the opening of the hollow body 402. In this embodiment, the closure mechanism 410 includes a zipper mechanism 412 that can be selectively closed or opened to provide access to a storage area inside the hollow body 402. Of course in other embodiments, different types of secondary closure mechanisms may be used including a drawstring mechanism, a hook and loop fastener mechanism, a snap mechanism, a button mechanism, or other securing mechanism as recognized by one of skill in the art.

[0053] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a soft toy apparatus 500 in accordance with the present invention. In the depicted embodiment, a primary appendage 504 is attached to a hollow body 502 and is configured to cover and conceal an opening on the hollow body. In this embodiment, the primary appendage 504 includes an elastic loop 506 that may be attached to or around a soft protrusion 508 attached to the hollow body. In one embodiment, the soft protrusion 508 may be formed into the material of the hollow body or attached to the hollow body by a different means such as sewing. For example, the soft protrusion 508 may be formed from the same or similar material as the hollow body and may include padding or other material within it to maintain the shape of the soft protrusion 803. When the primary appendage 504 is in a closed position, the elastic loop 506 may be secured around the soft protrusion 508. In this manner, the primary appendage 504 may be secured in a closed position to retain items within the hollow body. The soft toy apparatus also includes a closure mechanism 510 that includes a zipper.

[0054] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, the primary appendage 504 pivots forwards and upwards on a fastening mechanism connected between the top of the primary appendage 504 and top of the hollow body 502. In some embodiments, the primary appendage 504 may be configured to pivot forward or downwards instead of backwards or upwards. For example, the elastic loop 506 and soft protrusion 508, or other fastening mechanism, may be placed on the top of the primary appendage 504 instead of on the bottom. Other embodiments may include primary appendages that pivot sideways. In further embodiments, the primary appendage 504 may be configured with a plurality of elastic loops 506 and corresponding soft protrusions 508 to further secure the primary appendage 504 in a closed position.

[0055] FIG. 6a is a side view illustrating one embodiment of a soft toy apparatus 600 in the form of a whale and a primary appendage 604 in the form of a tail. In one embodiment, the soft toy apparatus 600 includes a hollow body 602 with an opening, where the hollow body 602 is configured to store and retain items therein. In one embodiment, the hollow body 602 may have one or more secondary appendages 606 attached thereto. In one embodiment, the secondary appendages 606 may be configured to act as handles for carrying or transporting the soft toy apparatus 600. In the depicted embodiment, the secondary appendages 606 are configured in the form of fins to give the soft toy apparatus 600 the appearance of a whale.

[0056] The depicted soft toy apparatus 600 also includes a primary appendage 604 that is configured in the shape of a whale tail. As depicted the whale tail includes a forked fin. In one embodiment, the primary appendage 604 is configured to hinge or detach to provide access to an opening to a storage cavity of the hollow body 602 to enable items to be stored in the hollow body 602. In a further embodiment, the primary appendage 604 may retain items within the hollow body 602, when the primary appendage 604 is in a closed position.

[0057] In varying embodiments, the primary appendage 604 resembling a tail may have any of the variations discussed in relation to the primary appendage 104 of FIGS. 1a-3b. For example, the primary appendage 604 may include a pivoting fastener, a retention fastener, and/or a filling. The opening may be selectively closed using a closure mechanism such as a drawstring, a zipper, a hook and loop fastener, buttons, snaps, or any other fasteners. In fact, the teachings in relation to the primary appendage 104 resembling a head may be equally applicable for any primary appendage regardless of the resembled appendage. For example, the teaching may be equally applicable to a primary appendage resembling an arm, a leg, a fin, a neck, a wing, an antenna, or any other appendage.

[0058] As will be understood by one of skill in the art, the shapes and configurations of the soft toy apparatuses of FIGS. 1a-6b are exemplary only. Significant variation of shapes and creatures is possible and recognized in the present disclosure. Exemplary creatures which may be resembled by the shapes and configurations of soft toy apparatus include, but are not limited to animals, fish, bugs, birds, robots, or any other real or imaginary creatures. Different resembled creatures may result in soft toy apparatuses having a variation of shapes for the hollow body, primary appendages, and secondary appendages. For example, a primary appendage and/or secondary appendage may have a shape resembling arms, legs, wings, fins, heads, necks, tails, antenna, antlers, horns, and/or any other appendage.

[0059] FIG. 7 is a flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method 700 for making a soft toy apparatus 100 in accordance with the present invention. The method 700 may include the steps for making the different embodiments and apparatuses described, for example, with regard to FIGS. 1a-6b.

[0060] The method 700 begins by forming 702 a hollow body 102 having an opening. In one embodiment, the hollow body 102 may be formed by sewing pieces of material together to form a substantially cylindrical body shape, where one end of the cylindrical shape is not sewn closed, but is left open to form an opening for accessing a storage compartment within the hollow body 102.

[0061] Next, a head primary appendage 104 is attached 704 to the hollow body 102 and is configured to cover the opening of the hollow body 102. The primary appendage may be configured to resemble a head and/or face of a creature such as an animal or robot or any other appendage. In various embodiments, one edge of the primary appendage 104 may be attached permanently such as by sewing or gluing the edge of the primary appendage 104 to an edge of the hollow body 102. In such an embodiment, the primary appendage 104 may be configured to pivot or hinge where the edge is attached to act as a cover for the opening of the hollow body 102. In another embodiment, the primary appendage 104 may be attached to the hollow body 102 in a non-permanent manner, such as by using buttons, snaps, or a hook and loop fastener, so that the primary appendage 104 may be completely detached from the hollow body 102.

[0062] In one embodiment, the method 700 may include attaching 706 appendages to the hollow body 102 to resemble appendages of a creature. For example, if the creature is a fish, the appendages might resemble fins Like the primary appendage 104, the appendages may be attached permanently, such as by sewing the appendages to the hollow body 102, or may be attached non-permanently, such as by a hook and loop fastener, buttons, or the like. In some embodiments, the appendages may be formed integrally with the hollow body 102.

[0063] Finally, retention fasteners 204 may be attached 708 to the primary appendage 104 and/or the hollow body 102 to provide selective attachment of the primary appendage 104 in a closed or open position. For example, where one edge of the primary appendage 104 is permanently attached to the hollow body 102, retention fasteners 204 may be attached to an opposite edge of the primary appendage 104 such that the primary appendage 104 may hinge or pivot into a closed position covering the opening of the hollow body 102. The retention fasteners 204, such as a hook and loop fastener or buttons, may be used to selectively retain the primary appendage 104 in the closed position.

[0064] FIG. 8 is a flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method 800 for making a soft toy apparatus 100 in accordance with the present invention. In one embodiment, the method begins by providing 802 a soft toy apparatus 100, such as one of the soft toy apparatuses of the previous figures. In one embodiment, the soft toy apparatus 100 includes a hollow body 102 and a primary appendage 104. In one embodiment, the soft toy apparatus 100 includes retention fasteners 204 for securing the primary appendage 104 in a closed position.

[0065] In one embodiment, the retention fasteners 204 are released 804. The retention fasteners 204 may be released 804 in a manner corresponding to the type of retention fastener. For example, a hook and loop fastener may be manually separated by pulling on opposite portions of a hook and loop fastener or by pulling a primary appendage 104 away from a hollow body 102.

[0066] In one embodiment, the primary appendage 104 is moved 806 to an open position. In one embodiment, the primary appendage 104 may be moved 806 to an open position by pulling a primary appendage 104 away from a hollow body 102. In one embodiment, the primary appendage 104 may be moved 806 by pivoting the primary appendage 104 with respect to the hollow body 102 about a fastener such as a pivoting fastener 202.

[0067] In one embodiment, the storage cavity may then be accessed 808 through the opening of the hollow body 102. In one embodiment, the storage cavity is accessed 808 by placing an item in the storage cavity and/or removing an item from the storage cavity. In one embodiment, a blanket may be placed within or removed from the storage cavity.

[0068] In one embodiment, additional steps may also be included in a method 800 for accessing the cavity. In one embodiment, a closure mechanism 206 may need to be manipulated to reveal a storage cavity. For example, a drawstring or zipper may be manipulated such that the opening to the hollow body 102 is large enough to place items within the hollow cavity and/or remove items from the hollow cavity. In a variety of embodiments, steps of closing a closure mechanism 206, moving a primary appendage 104 to a closed position, and/or securing retention fasteners 204 may also be included.

[0069] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A soft toy apparatus, comprising: a hollow body defining a storage cavity, the hollow body being made from a soft material and comprising an opening through which the storage cavity is accessible; and an appendage movably coupled to the hollow body, the appendage and hollow body forming a toy figure, wherein the appendage is movable relative to the hollow body between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the appendage covers and conceals the opening and in the open position at least a portion of the appendage is spaced away from the opening.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pivoting fastener pivotally coupling the appendage to the hollow body, wherein the appendage is pivotally movable relative to the hollow body between the closed position and the open position via the pivoting fastener.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the pivoting fastener permanently pivotally couples the appendage to the hollow body.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the pivoting fastener comprises at least one of thread sewn between the hollow body and the appendage and glue.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the pivoting fastener removably pivotally couples the appendage to the hollow body.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the pivoting fastener comprises at least one of a hook and loop fastener mechanism, a snap mechanism, a button mechanism, a zipper mechanism, and an elastic loop mechanism.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one retention fastener coupled to the hollow body and appendage, the at least one retention fastener being configured to removably secure the appendage in the closed position.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a closure mechanism coupled to the opening, the closure mechanism being operable to selectively open and close the opening independently of the appendage.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein in the closed position the appendage covers and conceals the closure mechanism.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the closure mechanism comprises at least one of a drawstring mechanism, a hook and loop fastener mechanism, a snap mechanism, a button mechanism, and a zipper mechanism.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a blanket removably stored in the storage cavity.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a blanket removably attached to the toy figure.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the appendage comprises one of a head, a back end, a tail, a leg, an arm, a wing, a fin, and an antenna.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the soft material comprises a fabric.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the appendage comprises a three dimensional shape resembling a head.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the head comprises a soft filling.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the appendage comprises a primary appendage, the apparatus further comprising one or more secondary appendages.

18. A soft toy apparatus comprising: a hollow body defining a storage cavity, the hollow body being made from a soft material and comprising an opening through which the storage cavity is accessible; an appendage movably coupled to the hollow body, the appendage and hollow body forming a toy figure, the appendage comprising a head, wherein the appendage is movable relative to the hollow body between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the appendage covers and conceals the opening and in the open position at least a portion of the appendage is spaced away from the opening; a pivoting fastener pivotally coupling the appendage to the hollow body, wherein the appendage is pivotally movable relative to the hollow body between the closed position and the open position via the pivoting fastener; and at least one retention fastener coupled to the hollow body and appendage, the at least one retention fastener being configured to removably secure the appendage in the closed position.

19. A method for accessing a storage cavity defined within a hollow body of a toy figure, comprising: providing a soft toy apparatus, comprising a hollow body defining a storage cavity, the hollow body being made from a soft material and comprising an opening through which the storage cavity is accessible, an appendage movably coupled to the hollow body, the appendage and hollow body forming a toy figure, wherein the appendage is movable relative to the hollow body between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the appendage covers and conceals the opening and in the open position at least a portion of the appendage is spaced away from the opening, and at least one retention fastener coupled to the hollow body and appendage, the at least one retention fastener being configured to removably secure the appendage in the closed position; releasing the at least one retention fastener; moving the appendage to the open position; and accessing the storage cavity, the accessing comprising one or both of removing an item from the storage cavity and inserting an item into the storage cavity.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the soft toy apparatus further comprises a closure mechanism coupled to the opening, the closure mechanism being operable to selectively open and close the opening independently of the appendage, the method further comprising opening the closure mechanism prior to accessing the storage cavity and closing the closure mechanism after accessing the storage cavity.