U.S. patent application number 13/032208 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-23 for interlocking bendable device.
This patent application is currently assigned to CCK Creations, Inc.. Invention is credited to Raymond Vine, III.
Application Number | 20120214380 13/032208 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46653118 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120214380 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vine, III; Raymond |
August 23, 2012 |
Interlocking Bendable Device
Abstract
A bendable device, such as a child's toy, to be generally
comprised of an elongated, flexible body section, a head segment
attached to an end of the body section, and a tail segment attached
to the other end of the body section is disclosed. In a basic form,
the device can be wrapped about an object and secured to itself to
form a ring. The head segment includes an opening, preferably in
the form of a mouth, and a cavity extending from the open mouth
inward to the body, and the tail includes an insertable portion for
being frictionally engaged and retained within the cavity. The
cavity may extend through the head segment and into the body and
may include a plurality of indexed chambers. The chambers allow
adjustability of the ring size by providing deeper insertion of the
tail into the mouth of the head. Objects may be inserted into the
cavity for storage, decoration, or play.
Inventors: |
Vine, III; Raymond; (South
Elgin, IL) |
Assignee: |
CCK Creations, Inc.
South Elgin
IL
|
Family ID: |
46653118 |
Appl. No.: |
13/032208 |
Filed: |
February 22, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/121 ;
446/365; 446/419 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 5/00 20130101; A44C
5/0092 20130101; A63H 3/006 20130101; A44C 5/0084 20130101; A44C
5/2076 20130101; A63H 3/003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/121 ;
446/365; 446/419 |
International
Class: |
A63H 33/00 20060101
A63H033/00; A63H 5/00 20060101 A63H005/00 |
Claims
1. A bendable device comprising: an elongated, flexible body
section; a first section attached to an end of the body section,
the first section having an opening and a cavity extending from the
opening inward to the first section; a second section attached to
an end of the body section opposite the first section, the second
section having an insertable portion; wherein the insertable
portion of the second section is capable of insertion to the
opening and retention within the cavity of the first section.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the cavity extends through the
first section and into the body.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the cavity comprises a plurality
of indexed chambers.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the first section is modeled
after an entity selected from a group consisting of aliens, animals
including domestic, farm, fantasy, prehistoric and wild animals,
athletes, buildings, cartoon characters, famous persons, fictional
characters, inanimate objects, infamous persons, mythological
creatures, professional persons, vehicles and the like.
5. The device of claim 3, wherein the insertable portion of the
second section has a shape and each of the plurality of indexed
chambers have a shape, and the shape of the insertable portion
corresponds to the shape of the plurality of indexed chambers.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the elongated body section is
hollow.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein the elongated body section
includes a slit providing passage from an interior of the body
section to the exterior of the body section.
8. The device of claim 3, wherein the shape of the insertable
portion is substantially spherical.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the insertable portion includes a
hollow section.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein the hollow section includes
loose material for making a noise when shaken.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein the insertable portion includes
a noise-maker.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein the elongated body section is
bendable.
13. The device of claim 1, wherein the first section and the second
section are detachable from the body to allow interchanging
parts.
14. A bendable device comprising: an elongated, flexible body
segment having opposing ends; a tail segment attached to the body
segment at an end, wherein the tail segment comprises an insertable
member; and a head segment attached to the body at an end opposite
the tail segment, wherein the head segment comprises an opening to
a cavity defined within one of either the head segment or the body
segment, wherein the insertable member is capable of removable
engagement with the cavity to form a ring.
15. The device of claim 14, wherein the insertable member is
bulbous.
16. The device of claim 14, wherein the cavity extends throughout
the body segment creating a substantially hollow interior.
17. The device of claim 16, further comprising an access port in
the body segment.
18. The device of claim 17, wherein the access port comprises a
concealed slit in the body segment providing a passage from the
substantially hollow interior to an exterior.
19. The device of claim 15, wherein the insertable member comprises
a substantially hollow interior.
20. The device of claim 19, where the substantially hollow interior
of the insertable member encloses loose material which rattles upon
shaking.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present device relates to a bendable device that has
multiple uses, including functioning as a toy, fanciful jewelry, an
ID tag, or as advertising merchandise. Particularly, the present
device relates to an adaptable bendable device which can be used in
many different ways for a wide range of ages, from babies through
toddlers as well as pre-teens through teenagers, and even
adults.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] There are very few toys on the market today, if any, which
have the ability to be marketed for newborns as well as teenagers.
For babies, desirable toys are generally safe, colorful,
easy-to-grasp and often have some noise-making aspect. Older
children become more imaginative in play and often look for toys
and gadgets which are theme-based--e.g., cartoons, sports, fantasy,
historical. The intended use for a baby's toy must be kept simple,
while older children look to be challenged during play. Further,
babies and (to a lesser extent) toddlers (i.e., ages 1-4) are
solitary in their play, as they lack the necessary communication
skills for interacting with others, so the toy must solely hold
their attention. On the other hand, social play is very strong in
young children (i.e., ages 5-12) and adolescents (i.e., 13-19
year-olds) predominately favor social interaction during play.
Accordingly, toys for these age groups should provide a social
component. It is difficult to conceive of a toy which can provide
each of the features for children over such a wide range of
ages.
[0003] The present device is capable of providing each of these
features in a toy for children of a wide range of ages. However,
the present device is not just a toy, but may also be considered
for use as jewelry, an identification device, a hair tie, a safety
device, and much more. These and other advantage will be more
readily understood after review of the following detailed
description and the appended drawing figures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] There is disclosed herein an improved toy device which
avoids the disadvantages of prior devices while affording
additional structural and operating advantages.
[0005] It is an aspect of the disclosed child's toy to be generally
comprised of an elongated, flexible body section, a head attached
to an end of the body section, and a tail attached to the other end
of the body section. The toy can be wrapped about an object and
secured to itself to form a ring.
[0006] In an embodiment of the disclosed toy, the head includes an
open mouth and a cavity extending from the open mouth inward to the
head, and the tail includes an insertable portion for being
frictionally engaged and retained within the cavity. The cavity may
extend through the head and into the body and may include a
plurality of indexed chambers. The chambers allow adjustability of
the ring size by providing deeper insertion of the tail into the
mouth of the head.
[0007] In selected embodiments, it is an aspect of the disclosed
toy to be modeled after an entity selected from aliens, animals
including domestic, farm, fantasy, prehistoric and wild, athletes,
cartoon characters, famous persons, fictional characters, infamous
persons, mythological creatures, professional persons and the
like.
[0008] These and other aspects of the invention may be understood
more readily from the following description and the appended
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the
subject matter sought to be protected, there are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings embodiments thereof, from an inspection of
which, when considered in connection with the following
description, the subject matter sought to be protected, its
construction and operation, and many of its advantages should be
readily understood and appreciated.
[0010] FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of a first embodiment
of the device of the present application illustrating the formation
of a ring;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective of the embodiment of FIG. 1B
illustrating one possible use for the ring configuration;
[0012] FIGS. 3A and 3B are side views of an embodiment illustrating
one possible use for an extended configuration of the present
device;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present
device showing another possible use for the extended
configuration;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present
device showing another possible use for the ring configuration;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present
device showing still another possible use of the ring
configuration;
[0016] FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective views of a shorter version of
the present device showing a couple possible uses;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a side view of several devices of a specific
embodiment showing serial connections as a possible use;
[0018] FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate a variety of different tail-end
forms which may be used with the present device;
[0019] FIGS. 11A-11E illustrate a variety of different chamber
cross-sections possible for use with the present device;
[0020] FIGS. 12A-12D illustrate a variety of different retention
members which may correspond to chamber cross-sections;
[0021] FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating an embodiment of the
head segment of the current invention;
[0022] FIGS. 14A and 14B are side views illustrating another
embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIGS. 15A-15E are various possible cross-sections for the
body of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0025] FIGS. 17A-17C are perspective views of still three more
possible embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many
different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be
described in detail a preferred embodiment of the invention with
the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered
as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not
intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to embodiments
illustrated.
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1-17, there are illustrated several
embodiments of a bendable device, such as child's play toy,
generally designated by the numeral 10. The device or toy 10
includes three distinct sections: a first section or head segment
12, a body 14 and a second section or tail segment 16. The three
sections can be embodied in an almost infinite number of possible
characters, sizes, colors, and shapes, making the device 10 capable
of manufacture to be useful and interesting to children of a wide
range of ages.
[0028] The first section or head segment 12 of the device 10 is
preferably molded from an elastic or flexible polymer material,
such as silicone rubber, and can be modeled after any number of
entities. A preferred likeness is that of a dragon, which can
itself take on many different shapes, colors and sizes. Other
possible likenesses, including the examples shown in FIGS. 16 and
17, include animated/cartoon characters, superheroes, television
characters, animals (including domestic, farm, wild, marine,
mythological, prehistoric, insects, birds, etc.), aliens, soldiers
(ancient, historic, current), famous persons, professionals (e.g.,
doctors, nurses, etc.), athletes, sports mascots, and even
inanimate objects (e.g., phones, computers, trains, cars, planes,
buildings, etc.).
[0029] Regardless of the form taken by the head 12, each is
provided with a mouth or opening 20. The mouth 20 should be
expandable to widen, as necessary, as a result of the head 12 being
molded from an elastic material. Alternatively, the mouth or
opening 20 may be articulated as shown in FIG. 13. The interior
portion of the head 12 is hollowed to define a cavity 22 which
extends toward the body 14 of the device 10. The cavity 22 will be
explained in more detail below with respect to the body 14 and
different uses of the toy 10. The head 12 may also be adorned with
other peripheral devices (not shown), including reflective parts,
bright colors, appendages, lights, LEDs, noise-makers and the like.
In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the head
12 may be hinged to expose an opening 20B extending into the cavity
22 of the body 14. The head segment 12 may also be removable to
allow interchangeable attachment of different head segments to
change the look of the device 10.
[0030] The second section or tail segment 16 of the device 10 is
preferably comprised of a shaft 24 ending with a hollow, bulbous
member 26 having loose material 28 inside so that it rattles when
shaken. The sound of the rattle may be altered by changing the
particle size of the loose material 28. Alternatively, other
noise-making devices (not shown) may be used, such as buzzers,
clickers, bells, whistles and the like, as well as visual
stimulating devices, such as patterns, color wheels, lights, LEDs,
reflective material and the like. For older users, digital time
displays, GPS displays, compass, MP3 player, or other electronic
components may be integrated.
[0031] In some embodiments, the tail 16 or just the bulbous member
26 may be removable to allow interchangeable attachment of
different parts to change the look and sound of the device 10. Of
course, the device 10 may be constructed with a solid tail segment
16 having no noise-making capability. Further, to lessen the
likelihood of accidental removal of the tail segment 16, the tail
segment is preferably secured in other than a friction fit manner.
For example, a threaded connection, a twist lock connection, or a
depressible pin release mechanism are all effective and well-known
devices to those skilled in the art. Preferably, the tail segment
design is coordinated with the head segment design.
[0032] The bulbous member 26 of the tail 16 should be sized to fit
snugly into the mouth 20 of the head segment 12 (or the opening 20B
of FIG. 14A) to form a ring configuration of the device 10, as
illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1B. In some embodiments, the bulbous member
26 may be capable of further insertion into the cavity 22 extending
inward from the opening or mouth 20 as a means to adjust the size
of the resulting ring, as will be explained in further detail
below.
[0033] The body 14 of the device 10 is a very important component
of the present invention. Preferably, the body 14 is flexible like
metal wire, allowing it to be formed into many different shapes and
figures. One particular form for the toy 10 is that it should be
able to be bent into a ring shape (see, e.g., FIGS. 2, 5-8).
However, the body 14 is also preferably hollow, at least in part,
as it defines indexed chambers 30 within at least a portion of the
cavity 22. The chambers 30 are preferably formed to complement the
shape of the bulbous member 26 of the tail 16. The chambers 30
allow finite adjustments of the device 10 when it is formed into a
ring. The indexed chambers 30 also provide a more secured retention
of the bulbous member 26 during play. A more simplified friction
fit may be suitable, and preferred, for babies and young
children.
[0034] Where the head segment 12 pivots to allow access to the
opening 20 and cavity 22 by the tail segment, the outer surface of
body 14 may include a flat section 23 upon which to rest the head
segment 12, as shown in FIG. 14B. To prevent flopping of the head
segment 12 in this configuration, the flat section 23 may provide a
securing means (not shown) to hold the head segment 12 in
place.
[0035] The remainder of the cavity 22 forms a tunnel 32 for objects
to pass into. An access port or slit opening 34 is formed in the
wall of the body 14 at the end of the tunnel 32. The access port 34
allows insertion or the protrusion of objects from the cavity 22.
The body 14 may be manufactured from a fabric, resilient polymers,
including natural rubber and the like, or a combination of these
material to provide the necessary flexibility. The body 14 may then
also include wire or similar members (not shown) running lengthwise
to provide shape retention ability to the body 14. Alternatively,
the body 14 may be comprised of smaller jointed sections (not
shown) to allow bending action. These and other molding,
construction and manufacturing methods which allow the body 14 to
be bent are certainly known to those skilled in the art and
combinations of such methods may be employed herein.
[0036] To prevent rolling, the body 14 should have a cross-section
of any shape having at least one flat side. Certainly, the
cross-section may be round for certain applications, but an oval or
elliptical form may be most useful. Square or rectangular
cross-sections may also provided advantages in some applications.
Examples of body cross-sections are illustrated in FIGS.
15A-15E.
[0037] The body 14 is preferably colored (including color changing
material, neon colors and glow-in-the-dark) and patterned to match
the theme used for the head segment 12 and tail segment 16 of the
device 10. Texturing of the outer surface of the body 14 may be
used as well. The length of the body 14 can be altered to the
intended use of the toy 10, as explained in more detail below. To
provide adjustability of the body length, the body 14 may be
compressible in a manner similar to a bendable portion of a straw.
Such a feature would still provide the desired bend-ability of the
body 14. Theme related attachments, such as legs, arms, wings,
clothing, battle accessories, professional accessories, beads,
ribbons, bows, etc., as well as functional attachments, such as
name tags, key rings, clock faces, etc., may be added to the body
14 of the toy, if desired. Such devices may clip to the body 14 or
insert in holes provide for such attachment.
Uses
[0038] The present device is particularly suitable for use as a
child's toy. However, the potential for customization to
accommodate clubs, teams, schools, associations, promotions,
holidays, events, businesses, charities, and the like is
practically endless. Accordingly, while the aforementioned device
is primarily described in the context of a child's toy, it is
understood that all such possible uses for the three-part device 10
are equally covered by the accompanying claims.
[0039] In its simplest form, the device is a colorful, bendable
character which can be used in any number of different children's
games and activities. Each different character may be combined
with, for example, a name, background/history, accessories,
personality traits, or any other storyline and features that
supports a desired theme. In all embodiments, the tail 16 of the
toy 10 is capable of insertion into the head 12 at the mouth 20 to
form a ring. The bulbous tail member 26 frictionally fits within a
cavity 22 defined within the head 12 to retain the ring form. In
some embodiments, the cavity 22 may be comprised of several
chambers which provide indexed adjustability to the ring size and
retain the tail 16 more securely within the cavity 22. Pulling the
tail 16 from the mouth 20 returns the toy 10 to its full length
embodiment.
[0040] As a ring, the toy 10 may find a number of uses. For babies,
for example, the toy 10 may be secured onto a chair or other device
in the baby's view where the colorful and whimsical features
provide visual stimulation. By utilizing the rattle-tail feature
described above, the ring may be alternatively fastened loosely
onto the ankle or wrist of the baby to provide both visual and
audible stimulation. For older children, the body cavity 22 and
slit opening 34 permit the insertion of a plastic straw or eating
utensil, such as a fork or spoon, into the toy 10. With an end
extending from each of the slit 34 and the mouth 20, a child may be
encouraged to eat and drink using the toy. Similar use may be made
with pencils, pens, markers, headphone cords, drawstrings, and the
like.
[0041] For groups of children, several of the toys 10 may be linked
together using the tail from one toy inserted into the mouth of
another, as shown in FIG. 9. By correlating the bulbous tail
section 26 and chamber 30 for similarly themed characters--e.g.,
all dragon toys may have a 1.0 cm size bulbous end, all cartoon
characters a 1.5 cm size, all robot themed toys a 2.0 cm size,
etc.--matching, trading, and other social activities may be
encouraged. Sharing, trading, gifting and exchanging of the toys
helps grow collections. By varying the body length of different
toys, children may use the ring form as jewelry (e.g., bracelet,
necklace, ring), bike or locker decorations, luggage or backpack
identifiers, hair ties, and a variety of other activities limited
only by the child's imagination.
[0042] The matter set forth in the foregoing description and
accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and
not as a limitation. While particular embodiments have been shown
and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
changes and modifications may be made without departing from the
broader aspects of applicants' contribution. The actual scope of
the protection sought is intended to be defined in the following
claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior
art.
* * * * *