Expandable toy figurine with break apart housing

Inactive Publication Date: 2022-07-14
MATTEL INC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a toy that includes an expandable figurine that can be opened by breaking apart the housing in which it is contained. The figurine has a hollow body or cavity and is made of elastic material that allows it to distend and expand in size as fluid is added. The housing has one or more break apart elements that rupture when the figurine expands from its normal state to its expanded state. The toy can be used with a bottle to introduce fluid into the cavity of the figurine. The technical effect of this invention is to provide a toy with an expandable figurine that can be opened in a unique and interesting way, allowing the child to have access to the figure without having to remove it from the housing.

Problems solved by technology

However, the act of opening the pouch or package usually involves the mundane action of cutting or tearing open the packaging.

Method used

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  • Expandable toy figurine with break apart housing
  • Expandable toy figurine with break apart housing
  • Expandable toy figurine with break apart housing

Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

Embodiment Construction

[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 la...

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PUM

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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.

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 ...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & AuthorityApplications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): A63H3/24A63H3/52A63H3/04
CPCA63H3/24A63H3/04A63H3/52
InventorCUMES, CIMMIFENTON, COLE
OwnerMATTEL INC