Sock Plush Toys

Abstract

The present invention relates to a plush toy. The plush toy is shaped as a doll, toy, cartoon or any other shape. The plush toy comprises a face portion, a torso portion, a plurality of appendages in the form of arms, legs, ears, tail and/or antennas. The plush toy has a single sock-like fabric outer housing filled with a soft stuffing material. The plush toy can be held in a hand, attached to a keychain or a necklace, and/or have a magnetic attachment. The size of the plush toy varies depending on the size of the sock-like fabric being used.

Claims

1. A plush toy device comprising: an outer covering; an inner fill material; a head portion comprising a face portion; a torso portion; and a plurality of appendages, wherein a ribbon is tied between the head portion and the torso portion to create a neck area, and further wherein the face portion comprises a plurality of facial features.

2. The plush toy device of claim 1, wherein the outer covering comprises a sock-like material.

3. The plush toy device of claim 2, wherein the inner fill material comprises a pliable material that is selected from a group consisting of a fiberfill, a polyfil, a plastic pellet and a bean.

4. The plush toy device of claim 3, wherein the plurality of appendages comprise a right and left arm appendage, a right and left leg appendage, and a right and left ear appendage.

5. The plush toy device of claim 4, wherein the plurality of appendages are sewn onto the torso portion and the head portion.

6. The plush toy device of claim 5, wherein the plurality of appendage are created via securing a portion of the outer covering with a rubber band.

7. The plush toy device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of appendages are removably secured to the torso portion and the head portion.

8. The plush toy device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of facial features comprise a right and left wiggly eye.

9. The plush toy device of claim 8, wherein the face portion further comprises a set of eyebrows.

10. The plush toy device of claim 9, wherein the set of eyebrows are drawn on the face portion.

11. A plush toy device comprising: a sock material outer covering; an inner stuffing material; a head portion comprising a face portion with a plurality of facial features; a torso portion; and a plurality of appendages, wherein a ribbon is tied between the head portion and the torso portion to create a neck area.

12. The plush toy device of claim 11 further comprised of a rear head portion and a back portion.

13. The plush toy device of claim 12, wherein the back portion comprises a closable slit to allow a user to refill the inner stuffing material.

14. The plush toy device of claim 13, wherein the plurality of appendages are removably secured to the torso portion and the head portion.

15. The plush toy device of claim 14, wherein the plurality of facial features comprise a right and left wiggly eye.

16. A plush toy device comprising: a sock material outer covering and an inner stuffing material; a head portion comprising a face portion with a plurality of facial features; a torso portion; a plurality of appendages; a built-in speaker that emits an audible sound when activated and a LED that illuminates when activated; a ribbon that is tied between the head portion and the torso portion to create a neck area; and a plurality of internal components housed within the sock material outer covering, wherein the plurality of internal components include a button battery used for providing power to the built-in speaker, the LED, and an internal memory.

17. The plush toy device of claim 16 further comprising a key holder secured to the head portion such that the plush toy device can be used as a keychain.

18. The plush toy device of claim 16 further comprising a clip retainer sewn to the head portion, a clip secured to the clip retainer, and a detachable band secured to the clip.

19. The plush toy device of claim 18 further comprising a magnetic attachment secured to the torso portion.

20. The plush toy device of claim 16 further comprising a tether secured to a tether hook which is secured to the head portion.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0017] FIG. 1A illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of the plush toy device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0018] FIG. 1B illustrates a rear perspective view of one potential embodiment of the plush toy device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of another potential embodiment of the plush toy device of the present invention utilized as a key chain in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a further potential embodiment of the plush toy device of the present invention utilized as a necklace in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a rear perspective view of another potential embodiment of the plush toy device of the present invention with a magnetic attachment in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of another potential embodiment of the plush toy device of the present invention comprising a tether in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram showing the internal components of another potential embodiment of the plush toy device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0025] As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved stuffed toy device that brings joy to both children and adults, wherein the toy is entertaining and keeps both children and adults engaged in fun activities. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a uniquely-designed plush toy device that can be used for multiple purposes by children and adults such as to aid in treating anxiety and stress issues. Furthermore, there is a long-felt need in the art for an inexpensive stuffed toy device that can be used to spread happiness to friends and families. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a stuffed toy device that is soft on the outside, nontoxic and child-safe.

[0026] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a plush toy device. The device comprises a sock-like fabric body cover and an internal filling material. The sock-like fabric body cover can be a single multicolored sock, and may also contain a torso, head and a plurality of appendages. The torso and the head then form the main body of the device, wherein the head is also comprised of a face which has a pair of eyes and a nose attached using a suitable adhesive. Further, a pair of arm appendages and a pair of leg appendages extend from the torso, and a pair of ears or antennas extend from the head of the toy device. A plurality of rubber bands and/or ribbons are used for creating a neck portion and for creating the plurality of appendages. Further, the plush toy device can be held in a hand, made into a keychain and/or hung from a clipped band.

[0027] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1A illustrates a front perspective view of one embodiment of a plush toy device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The plush toy device 100 of the present embodiment is comprised of a sock-like material as an outer material or covering. Typically, a single sock is utilized for the covering or outer material and is filled with one or more various types of pliable material, such as but not limited to fiberfill, polyfil, plastic pellets, beans or other suitable stuffing as is known in the art which allows the outer material to hold the shape of the plush toy. The device 100 is also comprised of a doll face portion 102 and a torso portion 104. A ribbon 114 is tied to form a distinction between the doll face portion 102 and the torso portion 104 to create a neck area 1140. The face 102 comprises a right wiggly eye 106a and a left wiggly eye 106b and an optional nose (not shown). The wiggly eyes 106a, 106b can be attached to the doll face portion 102 using adhesive or sewn, or can be attached via any other suitable adhesive means as is known in the art. Other facial features such as eyebrows 1120 can be drawn using a waterproof color.

[0028] The plush toy device 100 further has a right arm appendage 108a and a left arm appendage 108b sewn to the torso portion 104 or adjacent to the ribbon 114. At the bottom 1160 of the torso portion 104, a right leg appendage 110a and a left leg appendage 110b are sewn to the torso portion 104, thus providing the look of a doll. A head portion 112a, a pair of ear-like or antennae structures are also provided, i.e., a right ear 112b and a left ear 112c. Said ears 112b and 112c are typically sewn onto the toy device 100.

[0029] It should be noted that the plurality of appendages i.e., the right arm appendage 108a, the left arm appendage 108b, the right leg appendage 110a, the left leg appendage 110b, the right ear 112b and the left ear 112c, can also be formed at a desired position using rubber bands or other suitable fasteners. Specifically, the plurality of appendages 108a, 108b, 110a, 110b are created via securing a portion of the outer material or covering with a rubber band thus forming the plurality of appendages, wherein the rubber bands can be of different sizes and widths. Alternatively, the plurality of appendages can be removably-attached to the torso portion 104 via a button or a buttonhole, a hook or an eye, a snap, a magnet, an adhesive surface, hook and loop, etc., or any other suitable securing means as is known in the art. Each appendage 108a, 108b, 110a, 110b may also be multiple colors, shapes, and/or sizes. Stuffing can be customized in each of the plurality of appendages 108a, 108b, 110a, 110b, as well as the face portion 102 and the torso portion 104 providing a customized appearance of the sock plush toy device 100. Further, the stuffing of the plush toy device 100 can have an infused scent which may be released through the porous sock material.

[0030] In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the covering or outer material is not limited to sock-like material but can also include a fabric having a plain sheet structure or perforations. Such fabric can be made of cotton, flax, hemp, etc. In addition, or alternatively, the fabric can be nylon, polyester, wool, etc. Preferably, the fabric can be of a single length with no sewn portions.

[0031] FIG. 1B illustrates a rear perspective view of one embodiment of the plush toy device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 further has a rear head portion 116 and a back portion 118. The back portion 118 is distinguishable from the rear head portion 116 via a ribbon, or alternatively a rubber band 120, which is secured in place to form a neck area 1140. Further, there can be a slit 1180 at the back portion 118 of the device 100 allowing a user to refill and/or customize the stuffing within the sock plush toy device 100. The slit 1180 can have a fastening mechanism such as hook and loop, a button or a hook, etc. to allow the user to open the slit 1180 to refill and/or customize the filling material/stuffing inside the sock plush toy device 100 and close the slit 1180 when the sock plush toy device 100 is refilled. The slit 1180 is optional and provides a way of refilling and/or customizing the stuffing within the device 100.

[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a plush toy device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. This embodiment 200 of the device 100 is embodied to be used as a keychain holder. The plush toy device 200 has a torso portion 204 and a head portion 212. The head portion 212 comprises a face portion 202 which has a right wiggly eye 206a and a left wiggly eye 206b and optionally can have a nose (not shown). The wiggly eyes 206a, 206b can be attached to the face portion 202 via adhesive or sewing, or any other suitable securing means as is known in the art.

[0033] The device 200 also has a right arm appendage 208a and a left arm appendage 208b sewn or removably-attached to the torso portion 204. A neck area can be formed using a rubber band or any elastic material positioned between the face portion 202 and the torso portion 204. At the bottom of the torso portion 204, a right leg appendage 210a and a left leg appendage 210b are sewn or removably attached to the torso portion 204. At the head portion 212, a key holder 214 is secured which utilizes a button or buttonhole, a hook or an eye, a snap, a magnet, an adhesive surface, hook and loop surfaces, etc. Further, the key holder 214 comprises a continuous opening 216 allowing a key 218 to be secured thereto and thus allowing the plush toy device 200 to be used as a keychain. In this embodiment 200, the sock plush toy device 200 can be embodied as a teddy bear. However, other characters, including other animals, or other toy or character shapes can also be used, depending on the wants and/or needs of a user.

[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the plush toy device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. This embodiment 300 of the device 100 has a clip retainer 306 in the form of a hook sewn to the top portion 304 of the sock plush toy device 300, or any other suitable securing means can be used as is known in the art. Further, a clip 308 can be clipped to the clip retainer 306 allowing a band 310 from which to hang the sock plush toy device 300. The clip 308 is detachably-attached to the band 310, and can be unfastened allowing the plush toy device 300 to be used with any other suitable band as is known in the art. For example, the device 300 can be used with a backpack to increase the aesthetic appeal of the backpack.

[0035] To personalize the device 300, a colorful ribbon 302 can also be used. The face portion 314 of the sock plush toy device 300 can have a nose 312 in addition to wiggly eyes (not shown). The other structural features of the sock plush toy device 300 are similar to the other embodiments described supra and are not described in detail here.

[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates a rear perspective view of another embodiment of the plush toy device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. This embodiment 400 of the device 100 comprises a magnetic attachment 404 at the rear portion 402 of the device 400. The magnetic attachment 404 is a small magnet, secured via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, and can be used for attaching the sock plush toy device 400 to any magnetic surface. A ribbon 406 can be used for enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the device 400. Further, one or more rubber bands 408 or other suitable elastics can be used to create a neck portion or to create appendages of the plush toy device 400.

[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates a plush toy device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. This embodiment 500 of the device 100 is comprised of a tether 502 removably-attached to a tether hook 504 at the head 506 of the sock plush toy device 500. The tether hook 504 is secured to the head 506 via gluing, sewing, etc., or any other suitable means as is known in the art. The tether 502 has a holding member 5020 at an end 5021, thereby allowing a child to play with the sock plush toy device 500.

[0038] In various embodiments of the device 100, the device 100 may have a face-shaped design having eyes and a nose. In many embodiments, appendages attached to the torso and the face may form things such as a discrete head, ears, arms, legs, eyes, antennae, etc. to make the doll and/or toy more aesthetically appealing. Based on the design of the toy and/or doll, the appendages can have different colors, shapes and textures. The appendages of various embodiments of the present invention can be removably-attached to the main body of the doll and/or toy, thereby allowing a user to create various designs by removing and reattaching the appendages in different positions. Any desired type, color, texture, and/or print can be used for the plush toy device fabric. The face portion, torso portion, and plurality of appendages of the plush toy devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 are typically made with printed or solid sock-like fabrics.

[0039] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram showing the internal components of an embodiment of the plush toy device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The plush toy device 600 of the present invention can be in the shape of any known toy or doll. The device 600 further has internal components housed within the sock-like or fabric outer covering. Specifically, a button battery 602 is used for providing power to built-in speakers 604 and LEDs 606. The built-in speakers 604 can emit an audible sound when the plush toy device 600 is squeezed. The LEDs 606 are disposed on a surface of the sock-like fabric and can illuminate when the audible sound is activated. The LEDs 606 are secured to the surface of the sock-like fabric via gluing, welding, etc., or any other suitable securing means as is known in the art. A plurality of audible sounds, such as animal sounds or lullabies, may be stored in an internal memory 608 of the plush toy device 600 of the present invention. The button battery 602, built-in speakers 604 and internal memory 608 are all secured within the plush toy device 600, whereas the plurality of LEDs 606 are positioned on a surface of the plush toy device 600.

[0040] The aforementioned plush toy devices comprise a head with a face portion. The face portion may optionally include a pair of eyes, a mouth and/or a nose. The plush toy device also includes a plurality of appendages. It should be understood that appendages as used herein can mean a leg or an arm, but should also be understood in its broadest sense to mean any outwardly extending portion of the plush toy devices (e.g., ears, tails, antennae, and the like). The plush toy device may optionally include any number of other ornamental accents, such as, for example, a collar, a tag, a bell, a ribbon, etc.

[0041] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “plush toy”, “plush toy device”, and “sock-based plush toy device are interchangeable and refer to the plush toy devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 of the present invention.

[0042] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the plush toy devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the plush toy devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the plush toy devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the plush toy devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 are important design parameters for user convenience, the plush toy devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0043] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0044] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.