U.S. patent application number 17/146632 was filed with the patent office on 2022-07-14 for expandable toy figurine with break apart housing.
The applicant listed for this patent is Mattel, Inc.. Invention is credited to Cimmi Cumes, Cole Fenton.
Application Number | 20220219094 17/146632 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005385119 |
Filed Date | 2022-07-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220219094 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cumes; Cimmi ; et
al. |
July 14, 2022 |
EXPANDABLE TOY FIGURINE WITH BREAK APART HOUSING
Abstract
A toy comprising an expandable figurine with a cavity and a
valve adapted to allow a fluid to enter the cavity. When the cavity
is filled with the fluid, the expandable figurine expands from a
normal state to an expanded state. The toy further comprises a
housing containing the expandable figurine in the normal state. The
housing has one or more break apart elements and an opening
proximate the valve of the expandable figurine contained in the
housing. The one or more break apart elements of the housing are
configured to rupture when the expandable figurine expands from the
normal state to the expanded state while being contained within the
housing.
Inventors: |
Cumes; Cimmi; (Redondo
Beach, CA) ; Fenton; Cole; (El Segundo, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Mattel, Inc. |
El Segundo |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005385119 |
Appl. No.: |
17/146632 |
Filed: |
January 12, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 3/52 20130101; A63H
3/24 20130101; A63H 3/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63H 3/24 20060101
A63H003/24; A63H 3/52 20060101 A63H003/52; A63H 3/04 20060101
A63H003/04 |
Claims
1. A toy comprising: an expandable figurine having a cavity and a
valve adapted to allow a fluid to enter the cavity, wherein the
expandable figurine expands from a normal state to an expanded
state when the cavity is filled with the fluid; and a housing
containing the expandable figurine in the normal state, the housing
having one or more break apart elements and an opening proximate
the valve of the expandable figurine contained in the housing;
wherein the one or more break apart elements of the housing are
configured to rupture when the expandable figurine expands from the
normal state to the expanded state while being contained within the
housing.
2. The toy of claim 1, wherein the housing prevents the expandable
figurine from being removed from the housing unless the expandable
figurine is in the expanded state and the one or more break apart
elements has ruptured.
3. The toy of claim 1, wherein the one or more break apart elements
are one or more parts of the housing that are perforated, cut,
scored or weakened.
4. The toy of claim 3, wherein the expanded state of the expandable
figurine causes the expandable figurine to push against the housing
and rupture the one or more break apart elements.
5. The toy of claim 1, wherein a size of the expandable figurine in
the expanded state is at least twice the size of the expandable
figurine in the normal state.
6. The toy of claim 5, wherein the expandable figurine is
deformable in both the normal state and the expanded state.
7. The toy of claim 1, wherein the housing further includes a
removable section covering the opening such that the housing
completely encapsulates the expandable figurine while the
expandable figurine is in the normal state.
8. The toy of claim 1, wherein: the expandable figurine includes a
mouth aperture and a passageway extending from the mouth aperture
to the cavity; and the valve is positioned within the mouth
aperture and/or the passageway.
9. The toy of claim 1, further comprising a bottle for introducing
the fluid into the cavity of the expandable figurine, the bottle
having a spout couplable to the valve.
10. The toy of claim 9, wherein the fluid is water and the bottle
is sized to contain a volume of water equal to a maximum volume of
water retainable within the cavity of the expandable figurine.
11. The toy of claim 1, wherein the expandable figurine is in the
form of an animal.
12. The toy of claim 11, wherein: the expandable figurine comprises
a torso and a head connected to the torso; and the cavity extends
into both the head and torso of the expandable figurine.
13. The toy of claim 12, wherein the expandable figurine comprises
one or more appendages attached to the head or the torso, and the
cavity does not extend into the one or more appendages.
14. The toy of claim 13, wherein the one or more appendages
comprise a tail, ear or leg.
15. The toy of claim 11, wherein: the expandable figurine comprises
a torso and a head connected to the torso; and the cavity is
located only within the torso or head of the expandable
figurine.
16. A toy comprising: a housing with a surrounding wall that
defines a hollow interior, the surrounding wall including one or
more break apart elements and an opening that provides access to
the hollow interior; and an expandable figurine contained inside
the housing, the expandable figurine having a cavity and a valve
adapted to allow a fluid to enter the cavity and cause the
expandable figurine to expand from a normal state to an expanded
state; wherein the expandable figurine is positioned inside the
housing such that the valve is proximate the opening of the housing
and the one or more break apart elements of the housing are
configured to rupture when the expandable figurine expands from the
normal state to the expanded state.
17. The toy of claim 16, further comprising a bottle for
introducing the fluid into the cavity of the expandable figurine,
the bottle having a spout couplable to the valve; and wherein the
bottle is sized to contain a volume of fluid that causes the
expandable figurine to expand from the normal state to the expanded
state when the volume of fluid in the bottle is transferred into
the cavity of the expandable figurine.
18. A toy comprising: an expandable figurine in the form of an
animal, the expandable figurine having a body that defines a cavity
and a valve adapted to allow a fluid to be added into the cavity,
wherein filling the cavity with the fluid causes the expandable
figurine to expand from a normal state to an expanded state; a
housing containing the expandable figurine in the normal state, the
housing having one or more perforated, cut, scored or weakened
parts and a removable section, wherein removing the removable
section reveals an opening that provides access to the valve of the
expandable figurine contained in the housing; and a bottle for
introducing the fluid into the cavity of the expandable figurine,
the bottle having a spout couplable to the valve; wherein the one
or more perforated, cut, scored or weakened parts of the housing
are configured to rupture when the expandable figurine expands from
the normal state to the expanded state while being contained within
the housing.
19. The toy of claim 18, wherein the housing prevents the
expandable figurine from being removed from the housing unless the
expandable figurine is in the expanded state and the one or more
perforated, cut, scored or weakened parts has ruptured.
20. The toy of claim 18, wherein: the body of the expandable
figurine comprises a torso and a head connected to the torso,
wherein the cavity extends into both the head and torso of the
expandable figurine; and the expandable figurine further comprises
one or more appendages attached to the body, wherein the cavity
does not extend into the one or more appendages.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to toys, and in
particular, toys that have a doll or figurine hidden inside a
container or housing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A popular toy for children are surprise reveal toys that
have one or more toys hidden inside a pouch or package. Typically,
the identity of the toy is a mystery until the pouch or package is
opened to reveal the contents inside. A major part of the enjoyment
for children in playing with such toys is the surprise element
associated with discovering the identity of the toy. However, the
act of opening the pouch or package usually involves the mundane
action of cutting or tearing open the packaging. Thus, a toy that
not only provides the surprise element associated with discovering
the identity of a hidden object but also includes a fun and
exciting way of revealing the object is highly desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A toy is described herein that comprises an expandable
figurine contained in a housing that opens by breaking apart in a
fun and exciting way to reveal and allow access to the figurine
hidden inside. The figurine has a hollow body or cavity and is made
of an elastic material that allows the figurine to distend and
expand in size as the figurine is filled with a fluid such a tap
water or air. The housing includes various perforations, cuts,
scores, and/or weakened parts that are configured to rupture under
stress. The toy is designed so that as a child continually adds
fluid into the figurine, the figurine expands inside the housing
and ultimately causes the housing to burst open or break apart,
thereby revealing and allowing access to the figurine.
[0004] In one or more embodiments, the toy comprises an expandable
figurine that has a cavity and a valve adapted to allow a fluid to
enter the cavity. When the cavity is filled with the fluid, the
expandable figurine expands from a normal state to an expanded
state. The toy further comprises a housing containing the
expandable figurine in the normal state. The housing has one or
more break apart elements and an opening proximate the valve of the
expandable figurine contained in the housing. The one or more break
apart elements of the housing are configured to rupture when the
expandable figurine expands from the normal state to the expanded
state while being contained within the housing. In certain
instances, the housing further includes a removable section
covering the opening such that the housing completely encapsulates
the expandable figurine while the expandable figurine is in the
normal state.
[0005] In other embodiments, the toy comprises a housing with a
surrounding wall that defines a hollow interior. The surrounding
wall includes one or more break apart elements and an opening that
provides access to the hollow interior. The toy further comprises
an expandable figurine contained inside the housing. The expandable
figurine has a cavity and a valve adapted to allow a fluid to enter
the cavity and cause the expandable figurine to expand from a
normal state to an expanded state. The expandable figurine is
positioned inside the housing such that the valve is proximate the
opening of the housing. Furthermore, the one or more break apart
elements of the housing are configured to rupture when the
expandable figurine expands from the normal state to the expanded
state. The housing prevents the expandable figurine from being
removed from the housing unless the expandable figurine is in the
expanded state and the one or more break apart elements has
ruptured.
[0006] In still other embodiments, the toy comprises an expandable
figurine in the form of an animal. The expandable figurine has a
body that defines a cavity and a valve adapted to allow a fluid to
be added into the cavity. Filling the cavity with the fluid causes
the expandable figurine to expand from a normal state to an
expanded state. The toy further comprises a housing containing the
expandable figurine in the normal state. The housing has one or
more perforated, cut, scored or weakened parts and a removable
section. Removing the removable section reveals an opening that
provides access to the valve of the expandable figurine contained
in the housing. Additionally, the toy comprises a bottle for
introducing the fluid into the cavity of the expandable figurine.
The bottle has a spout couplable to the valve. The one or more
perforated, cut, scored or weakened parts of the housing are
configured to rupture when the expandable figurine expands from the
normal state to the expanded state while being contained within the
housing.
[0007] The bottle is sized to dispense a volume of fluid that
causes the expandable figurine to expand from the normal state to
the expanded state. In certain instances, the bottle is sized to
contain a volume of liquid equal to the maximum volume of liquid
retainable within the cavity of the expandable figurine. In one or
more embodiments, the body of the expandable figurine comprises a
torso and a head connected to the torso. One or more appendages are
also attached to the body. In one instance, the cavity extends into
both the head and torso of the expandable figurine but does not
extend into the one or more appendages. In another instance, the
cavity is located only within the head of the expandable figurine.
In yet another instance, the cavity is located only within the
torso of the expandable figurine.
[0008] Other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the
following detailed description. It is to be understood, however,
that the detailed description and specific examples, while
indicating some embodiments of the invention, are given by way of
illustration and not limitation. Many changes and modifications
within the scope of the invention may be made without departing
from the spirit thereof, and the present invention includes all
such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Referring now to the drawings in which like reference
numbers represent corresponding parts throughout:
[0010] FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate a figurine in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention. FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of
the figurine and FIG. 1B shows a cross-sectional view of the
figurine along line A-A in FIG. 1A.
[0011] FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate the interaction between a bottle and
a figurine in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2A shows a front view of the bottle and the figurine.
[0012] FIG. 2B shows the coupling of the bottle and figurine. FIG.
2C shows the expansion of the figurine when a fluid is transferred
from the bottle into the figurine.
[0013] FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate the operation of a toy in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3A shows a housing
containing the figurine of FIG. 2A. FIG. 3B shows the bottle of
FIG. 2A coupled to the figurine to introduce a fluid into the
figurine. FIG. 3C shows the housing with ruptured break apart
elements as the figurine expands from the transfer of fluid from
the bottle into the figurine. FIG. 3D shows the housing opened to
reveal the figurine.
[0014] FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate the interaction between a bottle and
a figurine in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 4A shows a figurine in its normal state contained within a
bottle. FIG. 4B shows the introduction of a liquid in the bottle
into the figurine. FIG. 4C shows the figurine in its expanded state
and the emptied bottle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] A toy is provided that includes an expandable figurine, a
housing containing the figurine, and a bottle for transferring
fluid into the figurine. As the expandable figurine is filled with
fluid, the figurine expands in size and presses against the
interior surface of the housing. The housing is designed such that
the force of the expanding figurine ultimately causes the housing
to break apart and reveal the figurine.
[0016] FIGS. 1-3 set forth an illustrative example of the toy and
its operation. FIGS. 1A and 1B shows an exemplary embodiment of an
expandable figurine that constitutes part of the toy. Figurine 100
has a body 102 and a cavity 104 inside body 102 that is bounded by
an elastic layer 106. Elastic layer 106 is formed from a resilient
elastomeric material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE),
polyethylene (PE) polymer, latex, or a natural or synthetic rubber.
In one embodiment, figurine 100 is fabricated from thermoplastic
rubber (TPR). The elasticity of elastic layer 106 allows figurine
100 to be deformed when a force is applied (such as a child
squeezing figurine 100), as well as distend and expand when cavity
104 is filled with a fluid such as water or air. Furthermore, the
resiliency of elastic layer 106 allows figurine 100 to return to
its original size and shape when the force on figurine 100 is
removed or when cavity 104 is emptied of its fluidic contents. In a
preferred embodiment, the fluid used with the toy is regular tap
water. In other embodiments, the fluid may be air, gel, water
having additional additives (e.g., glitter, scenting agent,
coloring agent, foaming agent), or other liquids.
[0017] Figurine 100 includes a valve 108 that allows fluid to enter
cavity 104 and further helps retain the fluid within cavity 104. In
one embodiment, valve 108 is a pinch valve with a valve flap that
permits a single-directional flow of fluid into cavity 104 and
prevents the fluid inside cavity 104 from escaping figurine 100.
This allows figurine 100 to distend and expand as cavity 104 is
continually filled with fluid. In certain embodiments, figurine 100
expands to at least 1.5 times, 2 times, or 3 times its original or
normal size. Opening valve 108 (for example by pinching a pinch
valve to displace the valve flap) allows the fluid inside cavity
104 to be discharged as elastic layer 106 causes figurine 100 to
return to its original size and shape. Squeezing or applying
pressure on figurine 100 while valve 108 is opened accelerates the
expulsion of fluid from cavity 104. Other suitable types of valves
that allow fluid to enter cavity 104 and help retain the fluid
within cavity 104 may also be used.
[0018] In one or more preferred embodiments, the valve is located
proximate to or forms part of the mouth of the figurine. In the
exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, figurine 100 has a mouth 107
and a passageway 109 extending from mouth 107 to cavity 104. Valve
108 is positioned such that it forms part of mouth 107 and extends
along passageway 109. Thus, introducing fluid into cavity 104
through mouth 107 simulates a feeding action for figurine 100. In a
further embodiment, figurine 100 includes a separate discharge
valve or outlet, preferably positioned on an opposite end of
figurine 100 near the rear legs 115. The discharge valve or outlet
may be opened to discharge the fluid from cavity 104, which
simulates a wetting or urinating action of figurine 100.
[0019] Cavity 104 preferably occupies a considerable proportion of
figurine 100, which in conjunction with the elasticity of elastic
layer 106, allows figurine 100 to expand and greatly increase in
size (e.g., at least 1.5 times, 2 times, or 3 times its original
size). In certain embodiments, cavity 104 occupies at least 75%,
80%, 90% or 95% of the total volume of body 102 of figurine 100. In
the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, cavity 104 occupies more
than 90% of the total volume of body 102 of figurine 100.
[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, figurine 100 is fabricated to
generally resemble a cat. Other embodiments of figurine 100 may be
fabricated to resemble other animals or fanciful depictions of
animals. Body 102 includes a head 110 connected to a torso 112 that
is supported by front legs 114 and rear legs 115. Ears 116 and a
tail 118 are further attached to the head 110 and torso 112,
respectively. In some embodiments, additional body parts or
appendages may be attached to body 102. Cavity 104 extends into
both the head 110 and torso 112 of figurine 100 but not the
appendages (i.e., front legs 114, rear legs 115, ears 116, and tail
118). Thus, when fluid is transferred into cavity 104 of figurine
100, only the head 110 and torso 112 of figurine 100 distend and
expand in size while the appendages remain the same size (see,
e.g., FIG. 2C). This gives figurine 100 a fat or swollen appearance
after cavity 104 has been filled with fluid (i.e., having been
"fed"). In other embodiments, cavity 104 further extends into the
appendages and causes the appendages to also swell and bulge as
cavity 104 is filled with fluid. In yet other embodiments, cavity
104 is located only within the head 110 or torso 112 of figurine
100, and thus only head 110 or torso 112 bulges when cavity 104 is
filled with fluid.
[0021] Furthermore, figurine 100 may include one or more accessory
pieces that are attached to or worn by figurine 100. The accessory
piece may be an article of clothing or accessory that attaches
onto, covers, or surrounds the body 102, head 110, torso 112, front
legs 114, rear legs 115, ears 116, and/or tail 118 of figurine 100.
In some instances, the accessory piece is stretchable and stretches
to accommodate the expansion of figurine 100. In other instances,
the accessory piece does not stretch and attaches to an appendage
(e.g., ear 116, tail 118) that does not bulge when figurine 100
expands. In yet other instances, the accessory piece does not
stretch and attaches to a section of figurine 100 that forces
figurine 100 to expand in certain areas or directions. As an
illustrative example, a non-stretchable accessory piece shaped like
a donut may be worn around torso 112 of figurine 100. The donut
accessory piece causes torso 112 to bulge into two portions
(similar to the shape of an hourglass) as figurine 100 expands from
an influx of fluid. In another exemplary implementation, the
accessory piece is a soft and furry outer cover that can be worn by
figurine 100 to turn figurine 100 into a soft plush toy.
[0022] FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the
interaction between figurine 100 and a bottle 200 that is used to
transfer fluid into figurine 100. Bottle 200, which also
constitutes part of the toy, comprises a container portion 202 and
a cap 204 covering container portion 202. Container portion 202 and
cap 204 collectively define an interior space within which a
quantity or volume of fluid is confined. Bottle 200 further
includes a nozzle or spout 206 that is insertable into mouth 107 of
figurine 100 to facilitate the transfer of fluid from bottle 200.
The coupling of bottle 200 to mouth 107 and dispensing of fluid
from bottle 200 into figurine 100 simulates the action of "feeding"
figurine 100. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2C,
bottle 200 is fabricated to generally resemble a cup of milkshake
with spout 206 in the shape of a straw. Other embodiments of bottle
200 may be fabricated in other geometric (e.g., sphere, cylinder,
cone, cuboid, polyhedron), natural, or abstract shapes or resemble
other objects. For example, FIGS. 4A-4C show a bottle 400 in the
form of a baby bottle 400 with a fluid receptacle 402 and a spout
in the shape of a nipple 404. In still other embodiments, the
bottle is part of a machine or apparatus that dispenses fluid
through mechanical or motorized means.
[0023] Referring back to FIGS. 2B and 2C, bottle 200 is used to
transfer an amount of fluid necessary to cause figurine 100 to
expand from its original size where cavity 104 has not been
distended with fluid (i.e., normal state B) to an expanded size
that is sufficient to break apart the housing containing figurine
100 (i.e., expanded state C). In one or more embodiments where the
fluid is water or another liquid, bottle 200 is preferably sized to
contain no more than the maximum volume of liquid that cavity 104
of figurine 100 can retain. This helps prevent figurine 100 from
being overfilled and potentially bursting or leaking. Bottle 200 is
made of a flexible material that allows it to be easily squeezed,
such as a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) polymer, silicone,
natural or synthetic rubber, or other soft plastic material. In the
exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, bottle 200 is opaque
(see, e.g., FIG. 2A). In other embodiments, parts of or the whole
bottle is transparent (see, e.g., FIG. 4B), which allows a user to
see the amount of liquid contained within.
[0024] In operation, bottle 200 is coupled to figurine 100 while it
is in normal state B as shown in FIG. 2B. When container portion
202 of bottle 200 is squeezed, the external pressure causes the
fluid (in this instance water) in bottle 200 to travel through
spout 206 and into mouth 107 of figurine 100. The flow of fluid is
sufficient to force open valve 108 as it continues through
passageway 109 and is collected in cavity 104 of figurine 100. Once
the desired filling of figurine 100 is complete, bottle 200 is
withdrawn from figurine 100 and spout 206 is decoupled from mouth
107. Valve 108 closes to prevent the fluid from escaping figurine
100 and allows the fluid to be retained within cavity 104
indefinitely. At any point, the user may choose to reinsert spout
206 into mouth 107 and transfer additional fluid into figurine 100
as long as cavity 104 has not reached its maximum capacity. As
cavity 104 fills up with fluid, cavity 104 distends and causes
figurine 100 to expand from normal state B to expanded state C as
shown in FIG. 2C. In both its normal state B and expanded state C,
figurine 100 may be squished or squeezed (i.e., deformed), which
provides the user with a fun and pleasurable tactile
experience.
[0025] FIGS. 3A-3D show an exemplary embodiment of a toy and its
operation in accordance with the present invention. Toy 500
incorporates the previously described figurine 100 and bottle 200,
as well as a housing 300 containing figurine 100. In the exemplary
embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, housing 300 is fabricated to generally
resemble a food container box. Other embodiments of housing 300 may
be fabricated in other geometric (e.g., sphere, cylinder, cone,
cuboid, polyhedron), natural, or abstract shapes or resemble other
objects (e.g., ice cream cone, beach ball). Housing 300 is sized to
completely encapsulate figurine 100 while figurine 100 is in normal
state B (see, e.g., FIG. 3A) and obstructs the removal of figurine
100 from housing 300 until figurine 100 is in expanded state C,
which causes housing 300 to open (see, e.g., FIG. 3D). In the
exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, housing 300 is
constructed out of cardboard. Other embodiments of housing 300 may
be made of other materials such as paper, plastic, bioplastic, and
the like. The housing material preferably has a rigidity that
allows one or more wall segments of housing 300 to separate from
each other rather than stretch when figurine 100 expands inside
housing 300.
[0026] Housing 300 has a removable section 302 that can be removed
to reveal an opening 304. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG.
3A, removable section 302 is defined by perforations on a side of
housing 300, which allows a user to create opening 304 by pulling
removable section 302 away from housing 300. Figurine 100 is
positioned within housing 300 such that valve 108 of figurine 100
is proximate opening 304. As shown in FIG. 3B, opening 304 exposes
the face of figurine 100. In other embodiments, opening 304 is
sized to expose only mouth 107 and/or valve 108 of figurine 100.
Preferably, opening 304 is sized such that the user has access to
valve 108 of figurine 100 but cannot see the whole figurine. This
allows the identity of figurine 100 to remain a mystery until
housing 300 breaks apart or bursts open to reveal figurine 100.
[0027] With mouth 107 of figurine 100 exposed through opening 304
of housing 300, bottle 200 may then be coupled to valve 108 to
transfer fluid into figurine 100 in the process as previously
described and illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C. FIG. 3B shows bottle 200
coupled to figurine 100 with spout 206 of bottle 200 inserted into
mouth 107 of figurine 100 (see also FIG. 2B). Bottle 200 has been
filled with fluid (in this instance water) and as a user squeezes
bottle 200, fluid is transferred from bottle 200 into figurine 100.
As cavity 104 inside figurine 100 is continually filled with fluid
from bottle 200, cavity 104 distends and causes figurine 100 to
expand inside housing 300.
[0028] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D,
housing 300 contains multiple break apart elements 306, 308, 310,
312. These break apart elements 306, 308, 310, 312 (also referred
to as breakaway elements) are parts of the housing that are
configured to break apart or rupture when the structure of housing
300 is stressed, and in particular in response to the stress
imparted against the interior surface of the housing when figurine
100 expands from its normal state B to expanded state C. The break
apart element may be, for example, a part of housing 300 that is
perforated, cut, scored or otherwise weakened. As illustrated in
FIGS. 3C and 3D, break apart elements 306 and 310 are parts of
housing 300 that are cut, break apart element 308 is a part of
housing 300 that is perforated, and break apart element 312 is a
part of housing 300 where two segments of housing 300 are lightly
glued together. As fluid is continually transferred from bottle 200
into figurine 100, figurine 100 continually expands and presses
against the interior surface of housing 300. Even though figurine
100 is deformable and squishy, the expansion of figurine 100 is
enough to eventually overcome the integrity or unity of each break
apart element 306, 308, 310, 312 and cause break apart elements
306, 308, 310, 312 to rupture.
[0029] Break apart elements 306, 308, 310, 312 are strategically
placed at specific positions on housing 300 to weaken the
structural integrity of housing 300 and allow housing 300 to break
apart or burst open in a way that reveals and allows removal of
figurine 100 from housing 300. In the exemplary embodiment shown in
FIGS. 3B-3D, break apart element 306 is positioned vertically along
a corner of housing 300 and break apart elements 308 and 310 are
positioned horizontally along a center perimeter of housing 300.
The side of the housing opposite opening 304 does not have a break
apart element. This allows housing 300 to hingedly open when
figurine 100 has fully expanded into expanded state C (see, e.g.,
FIG. 3D).
[0030] Furthermore, different break apart elements may break apart
or rupture at different points during the expansion of figurine
100. For example, break apart element 306 separates the earliest
(see FIG. 3B), followed by break apart element 308 and 310 (see
FIG. 3C), and then break apart element 312 (see FIG. 3D). In FIG.
3D, figurine 100 is in its expanded state C and break apart
elements 306, 308, 310, 312 of housing 300 have all ruptured or
separated. Housing 300 is now opened to allow a user to remove
figurine 100 from housing 300.
[0031] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, housing
300 cannot be reused because breakaway elements 306, 308, 310, 312
are unable to be restored after breaking apart or rupturing. In
this instance, reusability of housing 300 is not necessary because
the identity of the figurine hidden inside has been revealed and is
no longer a mystery.
[0032] FIGS. 4A-4C set forth an illustrative example of an
additional operation of the toy that allows a user to continue to
play with the figurine and bottle even after the housing has been
opened and discarded. Here, baby bottle 400 is sized to replace the
housing and contain figurine 100 in its normal state B (see FIG.
4A). When figurine 100 is taken out of bottle 400, bottle 400 may
be filled with a fluid 401 (in this instance water). In the
exemplary implementation shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, bottle 400 is sized
to contain the maximum volume of fluid that cavity 104 of figurine
100 can retain. Bottle 400 can then be used to transfer fluid into
figurine 100, which causes figurine 100 to stretch and expand to
its expanded state C when all of the fluid in bottle 400 is
transferred into figurine 100. The fluid may be discharged from
figurine 100 so that figurine 100 returns to its normal state B and
can be stored again inside bottle 400.
[0033] In other embodiments, one or more of the breakaway elements
can be restored so that the housing can be reused and the process
for breaking apart or opening the housing can be repeated. For
example, the breakaway element may comprise of clips,
friction-fitted tabs, or other engagement members that allow the
housing to return to its original closed configuration. To reset
the toy with the housing, the fluid inside the figurine is first
discharged (for example by pinching valve 108 and squeezing body
102 of figurine 100), which allows the figurine to return to its
original or normal size and shape. The figurine is then placed back
into the housing and the break apart elements are restored so that
the housing encapsulates the figurine. The process of breaking
apart and opening the housing by filling the figurine with fluid
from a bottle can then be repeated.
[0034] Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and
described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it
is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown,
since various modifications and structural changes may be made
therein without departing from the scope of the inventions and
within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.
[0035] Moreover, it is to be understood that terms such as "left,"
"right," "top," "bottom," "front," "rear," "side," "height,"
"length," "width," "upper," "lower," "interior," "exterior,"
"inner," "outer" and the like as may be used herein, merely
describe points or portions of reference and do not limit the
present invention to any particular orientation or configuration.
Further, the term "exemplary" may be used herein to describe an
example or illustration. Any embodiment described herein as
exemplary is not to be construed as a preferred or advantageous
embodiment, but rather as one example or illustration of a possible
embodiment of the invention. Finally, various features from one of
the embodiments may be incorporated into another of the
embodiments.
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