A toy and a method of making the toy

Abstract

This application relates to a toy comprising: an internal spherical structure comprising a highly elastic material capable of significantly bouncing off a hard surface; and a plush fabric outer cover configured to cover the internal spherical structure such that the outer surface of the plush fabric does not significantly affect or weaken the ability of the internal elastic spherical structure to bounce off an impact surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to plush toys. More specifically, this invention relates to an elastic toy having a plush outer surface. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional bouncy balls typically have a smooth and rigid outer surface. For example, the "Super Ball" disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,241,834 is a highly elastic rigid ball or sphere. Super Balls are able to have high bounce due to their highly compressed polybutadiene rubber. Although these balls have good bounce, the outer surface of Super Balls is smooth and without patterns.

[0003] Regular plush toys are also known. An example of a spherical plush toy is Ty Beanie. A series of plush toys, sometimes called Ty These pom-poms have a soft, fluffy outer surface and often feature fun character designs. Beanie They are throwable and soft, but they don't bounce because they are filled with a stuffing material similar to that of stuffed animal toys. Other plush toys exist, but none of them have enough bounce to provide the fun and enjoyment of a regular bouncy ball. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above, there is a continuous demand for improved plush toys. This application proposes a toy comprising: an internal spherical structure comprising a highly elastic material capable of significantly bouncing off a hard surface; and a plush fabric outer skin configured to cover the internal spherical structure such that the outer surface of the plush fabric does not significantly affect or weaken the bouncing ability of the internal elastic spherical structure upon impact with a surface. Preferably, the highly elastic material comprises polyurethane. Preferably, the polyurethane comprises toluene diisocyanate, polyether polyol, tin octoate, silicone oil, and color paste. Preferably, the plush fabric outer skin comprises a pile to give the plush fabric a fur-like texture. Preferably, the pile length is 3-50 mm. Preferably, the plush fabric outer skin comprises XTM fabric. Preferably, the plush fabric outer skin further comprises: an outwardly extending end comprising a soft and flexible fabric sewn onto the plush fabric outer surface of the plush fabric outer skin; and a facial feature comprising a stiff fabric sewn onto the plush fabric outer surface of the plush fabric outer skin. Preferably, the plush fabric outer skin is attached to the inner spherical structure in a manner that does not significantly affect bounce or mobility by stretching the plush fabric outer skin onto the inner spherical structure and tightly sewing the closed seam. Preferably, the toy resembles an animal or cartoon character. Preferably, the plush fabric outer skin is designed to be spherical in shape and has a pouch for receiving the inner spherical structure; preferably, the open closed seam provides an opening to the pouch before the closed seam is closed to cover the inner spherical structure; and preferably, the length of the closed seam is substantially the same as the diameter of the inner spherical structure. This application also proposes a method for manufacturing a toy, comprising: forming an internal spherical structure comprising a highly elastic material capable of significantly bouncing off a hard surface; cutting and sewing a pattern to form a plurality of plush fabric portions; sewing the plurality of plush fabric portions together according to the sewing pattern to form a spherical plush fabric outer skin; leaving a closed seam on the plush fabric outer skin, preferably, the diameter of the closed seam is substantially the same as the diameter of the internal spherical structure; inserting the internal spherical structure into the plush fabric outer skin through the closed seam; and tightly sewing the seam closed to cover the internal spherical structure with the plush fabric outer skin. Preferably, the highly elastic material comprises polyurethane. Preferably, the polyurethane comprises toluene diisocyanate, polyether polyol, tin octoate, silicone oil, and color paste. Preferably, the plush fabric outer skin comprises a pile to give the plush fabric a fur-like texture. Preferably, the pile length is 3-50 mm. Preferably, the plush fabric outer skin comprises XTM fabric. Preferably, the method further includes: cutting an extended portion on a soft and flexible fabric according to the sewing pattern; and sewing the extended portion onto the plush fabric outer skin.Preferably, the method further includes: cutting facial features on a rigid fabric according to the sewing pattern; and sewing the protruding portion onto the plush fabric outer skin. This application also proposes a toy comprising: an internal spherical structure comprising a highly elastic material capable of significantly bouncing off a hard surface; and a plush fabric outer skin configured to cover the internal spherical structure such that the outer surface of the plush fabric does not significantly affect or weaken the ability of the internal elastic spherical structure to bounce off an impact surface. Preferably, the plush fabric outer skin includes pile to give the plush fabric a fur-like texture, and preferably, the pile length is 3-10 mm. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Figure 1 A bouncy plush toy according to an embodiment is shown;

[0006] Figure 2 Various character or animal designs that can be included on elastic plush toys according to embodiments are shown;

[0007] Figures 3A-3D A method for forming an elastic plush toy according to an exemplary embodiment is shown;

[0008] Figure 4 A sewing pattern for forming a bouncy plush toy according to an embodiment is shown;

[0009] Figure 5 A method for manufacturing a bouncy ball toy according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0010] While the invention can be implemented in many different forms, the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings and described in detail herein are examples of them. It should be understood that this disclosure should be considered as illustrative of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown.

[0011] The embodiments disclosed herein may include bouncy ball toys with a plush fabric outer surface. The plush fabric outer surface can be formed on the internal bouncy ball structure such that it does not significantly affect or weaken the internal bouncy ball structure's ability to bounce upon impact with a hard object. The internal ball structure may include a highly elastic material and exhibit significant bounce and mobility upon impact with a hard object. In fact, the internal ball structure provides sufficient bounce and mobility even when surrounded by a plush fabric outer surface, allowing the bouncy ball toy with the plush fabric outer surface to still provide the fun and enjoyment of bouncing the ball.

[0012] In some embodiments, the plush fabric outer surface may include fabric or other fibers that give the bouncy ball toy a fur-like texture. The plush fabric may include pile to give it a raised or fuzzy surface. Pile can give the plush fabric a fur-like texture. In some embodiments, the pile length may be 3-50 mm, but it can also be any length. In one embodiment, the pile length may be 5 mm, as a longer pile length may affect bounce. In some embodiments, the pile length of the plush fabric outer surface may depend on the character or animal represented by the bouncy ball toy. According to another embodiment, the plush fabric outer surface may include features such as eyes, nose, mouth, and mouth sewn onto facial features, and features such as ears, whiskers, legs, or arms sewn onto extensions. In embodiments including facial features and extensions, the facial features may be composed of a stiff fabric such as cotton, polyester, or nylon yarn to form a hard surface after weaving, so that the facial features do not significantly affect bounce. In embodiments with extensions, the extensions may include a soft and flexible fabric that does not affect the bounce of the bouncy ball toy.

[0013] The embodiments of the bouncy ball toys disclosed herein can provide a multi-functional experience for children or other users. The bouncy ball toys can provide a soft, plush toy experience on their surface while bouncing during play, just like a bouncy ball, thus adding extra fun and experience for users. In some embodiments, the bouncy ball toys may include animals, cartoon characters, or other faces on the ball to make the toy's appearance pleasing and attractive to children. Furthermore, the plush fabric may include the pile as described above to create three-dimensional fibers with a fur-like appearance, making the toy cute and fun to hold but not bouncing.

[0014] The embodiments of the bouncy ball toy with a plush fabric outer surface disclosed herein can be spherical according to any diameter, but in preferred embodiments, the bouncy ball toy can be small enough to be grasped by a child (e.g., 5-10 cm in diameter). However, other diameter sizes are conceivable (e.g., 10 inches in diameter, approximately the size of a children's soccer ball).

[0015] The plush fabric outer surface is attached to the internal spherical structure in a manner that does not significantly affect bounce or mobility. Even when covered with plush fabric, bouncy ball toys with a plush outer surface can bounce 55-70% of their drop height on hard surfaces (e.g., a ball dropped from a height of 3 feet can bounce 2 feet). Excellent bounce performance of bouncy ball toys is achieved through the combination with an internal spherical structure containing highly elastic materials (such as polyurethane) and the careful attachment of the plush fabric outer surface to the internal spherical structure to ensure a tight fit between the outer surface of the internal spherical structure and the plush fabric outer surface without wrinkles or air bubbles.

[0016] Figure 1 A bouncy plush toy 100 with a plush fabric outer surface according to an embodiment is shown. As shown, the bouncy plush toy 100 may include a plush fabric outer surface 110, an outwardly extending end 120, and facial features 130-134 formed on the plush fabric outer surface. According to an exemplary embodiment, the bouncy ball toy 100 may resemble an animal or other cartoon character. Figure 1 The embodiment shown presents a bouncy ball toy 100 featuring a husky character, with protruding ear ends 120 and facial features 130-134 (including eyes 130, nose 132, and mouth 134). Other characters or animals can be represented using different plush fabric colors, different protruding ends, and different facial features, such as... Figure 2 As shown. In addition, various characters and animals may include a plush fabric outer surface with different pile lengths.

[0017] Refer again Figure 1 The bouncy ball toy 100 may be spherical. The plush fabric outer surface 110 may include pile (e.g., 5-40 mm) to give the plush fabric a three-dimensional feel, which can mimic the fur of an animal character presented by the extended ends 120 and facial features 130-134.

[0018] The protruding end 120 may be sewn to the outer surface 110 of the plush fabric at its base or below the pile of the outer surface 110. In other words, the protruding end may not be attached to the fibers forming the pile of the outer surface 110. The protruding end 120 may comprise a soft and flexible fabric to avoid affecting the bounce of the bouncy ball toy 100, such as causing the bouncy ball to bounce unexpectedly or detach from the protruding end 120. The protruding end 120 may be individually cut using a template or other guide and sewn with fine, stiff thread. Again, the thread chosen should not weaken or affect the bounce of the bouncy ball toy 100. In some embodiments, the protruding end 120 may comprise plush fabric with a pile length shorter than the outer surface 110 of the plush fabric. In most embodiments, the protruding end may not be attached to the outer surface of the plush fabric by glue or other adhesives, as these materials may affect the consistency of the bouncy ball toy's bounce.

[0019] Bouncy ball toy 100 includes an internal spherical structure ( Figure 1 (Not visible in the center) because the outer surface 110 of the plush fabric can completely cover the internal spherical structure. (Reference) Figure 3A As can be seen, it has (as referenced later) Figure 4 The internal spherical structure 302 of the plush fabric outer skin 304 (formed by the stitching contour described in the text) is described. The plush fabric outer skin 304 may include reference to Figure 1The description includes the plush fabric outer surface 110, the outward-extending end 120, and the face features 130-134. That is, the outer skin 304 can be fully formed before the inner spherical structure 302 is filled. The outer skin 304 can be spherical and can have a pocket for receiving the inner spherical structure. Before the closure seam is closed to cover the inner spherical structure, the closure seam can provide an opening to the pocket when open, and the length of the closure seam can be substantially the same as the diameter of the inner spherical structure. Figure 3B As shown, the inner spherical structure 302 is inserted into or filled into the plush fabric outer skin 304 through the unsewn seam 306. The size and shape of the plush fabric outer skin 304 correspond to the diameter of the inner spherical structure 302, and the plush fabric outer skin 304 can fit tightly against the inner spherical structure. Furthermore, the length of the seam 306 in the plush fabric outer skin 304 can be substantially the same as the diameter of the inner spherical structure 302.

[0020] like Figure 3C As shown, seam 306 is tightly closed on the internal spherical structure, and as... Figure 3D As shown, a tight seam can be achieved using stiff thread and by stretching the plush fabric outer skin 304 over the inner spherical structure 302 to minimize wrinkles on the plush fabric outer skin 304, which could weaken or significantly impede the ability of the inner spherical structure 302 to provide bouncy fun. To prevent wrinkles, bubbles, or any other obstruction to the tight wrapping of the plush fabric outer skin 304 over the inner spherical structure 302, the plush fabric outer skin 304 may include a relatively small pattern and a relatively long seam. In one embodiment, the length of the seam 306 may be the same as or substantially the same as the diameter of the inner spherical structure 302. Furthermore, the stitching pattern ( Figure 4 (As shown) It must have a very precise arc length and be symmetrical.

[0021] In some embodiments, the plush fabric outer skin 304 can be attached to the inner spherical structure 302 without the use of glue or other adhesives, as glue may reduce elasticity. Furthermore, to ensure elasticity, the seam edges must be uniform when the seam is sewn together. Additionally, the seam 306 must be tightly sewn with stiff thread and sufficient force using any sewing process to ensure that the plush fabric outer skin 304 adheres tightly to the inner spherical structure 302.

[0022] In some embodiments, the internal spherical structure 302 may include polyurethane to provide a highly elastic structure that bounces off hard objects. In a preferred embodiment, the polyurethane material of the internal spherical structure 302 may contain the chemical composition according to Table 1. Table 1 Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) 26471-62-5 74％ Polyether polyols (PPG) 90031 1-6 23％ Tin octoate 30110-0 1％ silicone oil none 1％ Pigment paste (PM-433) none 1％ However, any highly elastic material can be used for the internal spherical structure 302, including hard rubber or other highly elastic polymers. In some embodiments, the internal spherical structure 302 may comprise foam, but a foamed internal spherical structure 302 may not provide sufficient bounce response for some applications.

[0023] In some embodiments, plush fabric 110 may comprise XTM fabric. XTM fabric may comprise 450 g / yyck fibers with a pile length of 5 mm. However, any plush fabric may be contemplated for use with plush fabric 110.

[0024] The outer skin of the plush fabric can be made of 304 stainless steel. Figure 4 The stitching pattern 400 shown is formed. The stitching pattern 400 may include multiple stitching pattern portions to form a spherical outer skin. The stitching pattern 400 may include plush fabric outer surface portions, including a back portion 402, a face portion 404, a back of the head portion 406, and an abdomen portion 408. The plush fabric outer surface portions 402-408 are sewn together to form the plush fabric outer surface 110. Notably, the back portion 402 includes a closed seam 306 along one side of the aforementioned back portion. Figure 4 The stitching pattern 400 shown is exemplary, and other stitching patterns can be conceived based on the characters or animals presented by the bouncy ball toy 100.

[0025] In addition to the plush fabric outer surface portions 402-408, the sewn pattern 400 may also include extended end portions, including a tail portion 410, a mane portion 412, an ear portion 414, and a horn portion 416. The number and type of extended end portions 410-416 may depend on the character or animal depicted in the bouncy ball toy 100.

[0026] Furthermore, the sewn pattern 400 can still include facial features, such as an inner nose / mouth portion 420 and a nose / mouth portion 422. The nose / mouth portion 422 can cover and overlap the inner nose / mouth portion 420, allowing the nose / mouth or mouth to slightly protrude from the outer surface 110 of the plush fabric, thus creating the appearance and feel of a small nose. The combination of the inner nose / mouth portion 420 and the nose / mouth portion 422 can be stiff enough to avoid excessively reducing the bounce of the bouncy ball toy.

[0027] Figure 5 A method 500 for manufacturing a bouncy ball toy, illustrating an exemplary embodiment described herein, is presented. Figure 5 As shown, method 500 may include forming an internal spherical structure in step 502. In some embodiments, the internal spherical structure is pre-formed and purchased or formed using known methods. Additionally, method 500 may include, in step 504, forming a sewing pattern (e.g., Figure 4The plush fabric is cut according to the stitching pattern shown. In step 506, portions of the outer surface of the plush fabric can be sewn together to form the plush fabric outer surface 110. As part of the sewing step 506, a sewing machine or other machine can keep the closed seam 306 open. The method may further include sewing any protruding ends or face features into the plush fabric outer surface or into any unsewn portion of the plush fabric outer surface in step 508 to form the plush fabric outer skin 304. Subsequently, in step 510, the inner spherical structure 302 is inserted into the plush fabric outer skin 304 through the closed seam 306, and then the closed seam is tightly sewn in step 512. When the closed seam is sewn, the plush toy outer skin 304 can be stretched over the inner spherical structure to ensure that there are no wrinkles when the plush toy outer skin 304 covers the inner spherical structure 302.

[0028] Bouncy ball toys with a plush fabric outer surface solve the problems of existing technologies because they provide a fun and attractive bouncy ball with a fun, soft and cute outer surface, thus offering a versatile toy experience.

[0029] While several embodiments have been described in detail above, other modifications are possible. For example, the steps described above do not require the specific order or sequence described to achieve the desired result. Other steps may be provided, steps may be eliminated from the described process, and other components may be added to or removed from the described system. Other embodiments are possible within the scope of this invention.

[0030] As can be seen from the foregoing, various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It should be understood that this is not intended, nor should it be inferred, to limit the specific system or method described herein. Of course, it is intended to cover all such modifications that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A toy comprising: An internal spherical structure comprising a highly elastic material capable of bouncing off a hard surface; A plush fabric outer skin has a plush fabric outer surface configured to completely cover the internal spherical structure, such that the plush fabric outer surface does not significantly affect or weaken the ability of the internal elastic spherical structure to bounce upon impact with a surface, wherein the toy is configured to bounce from a hard surface to 55-70% of the drop height, wherein the highly elastic material includes polyurethane, hard rubber, or other highly elastic polymers, and wherein the plush fabric outer skin includes pile with a pile length of 3-50 mm; The extended end includes a flexible fabric sewn onto the outer surface of the plush fabric outer skin, wherein the extended end is sewn onto the outer surface of the plush fabric without using glue or other adhesives, wherein the flexible fabric is selected to prevent the toy from bouncing or springing off the extended end. A facial feature, sewn onto the outer surface of the plush fabric outer cover, wherein the facial feature is made of a stiff fabric, and the facial feature is configured to prevent weakening the toy's bounce; and The plush fabric outer skin is tightly attached to the inner spherical structure, and the size and shape of the plush fabric outer skin correspond to the diameter of the inner spherical structure and have a tightly sewn closed seam to ensure that the outer surface of the inner spherical structure and the outer surface of the plush fabric are tightly attached without any obstruction. This allows the outer surface of the plush fabric to completely cover the inner spherical structure in a way that does not significantly affect the bounce. The diameter of the inner spherical structure is 5-10cm to allow the toy to be grasped by children.

2. The toy as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The pile gives the plush fabric a fur-like texture.

3. The toy as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The plush fabric outer skin is attached to the inner spherical structure in a manner that does not significantly affect elasticity or mobility by stretching the plush fabric outer skin onto the inner spherical structure and tightly sewing the closed seams.

4. The toy as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The plush fabric outer skin is designed to be spherical in shape and has a bag for receiving the inner spherical structure, wherein an open closure seam provides an opening to the bag before the closure seam is closed to cover the inner spherical structure, and wherein the length of the closure seam is substantially the same as the diameter of the inner spherical structure.

5. The toy as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The plush fabric outer skin is configured to be stretched over the internal spherical structure.

6. A method for manufacturing a toy as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: An internal spherical structure is formed, the internal spherical structure comprising a highly elastic material capable of bouncing off a hard surface; Cut and sew patterns to create multiple plush fabric sections; The plurality of plush fabric portions are sewn together according to the sewing pattern to form a spherical plush fabric outer skin; A closed seam is left on the outer skin of the plush fabric, wherein the length of the closed seam is substantially the same as the diameter of the internal spherical structure; The internal spherical structure is inserted into the plush fabric outer skin through the closed seam; The seam is tightly sewn closed to cover the internal spherical structure with the plush fabric outer skin; Cut the extended portion onto the flexible fabric according to the stitching pattern; The protruding end portion is sewn onto the plush fabric outer skin; Facial features are cut according to the stitching pattern; and The facial features are sewn onto the plush fabric outer layer. The flexible fabric of the extended end portion is selected to prevent the toy from bouncing or springing off the extended end. The facial features are configured to prevent bouncing that weakens the internal spherical structure, and the highly elastic material includes polyurethane, hard rubber, or other highly elastic polymers. The plush fabric outer skin is tightly attached to the inner spherical structure, and the size and shape of the plush fabric outer skin correspond to the diameter of the inner spherical structure and have a tightly sewn closed seam to ensure that the outer surface of the inner spherical structure and the outer surface of the plush fabric are tightly attached without any obstruction. This allows the outer surface of the plush fabric to completely cover the inner spherical structure in a way that does not significantly affect the bounce. The diameter of the inner spherical structure is 5-10cm to allow the toy to be grasped by children.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The outer skin of the plush fabric includes pile to give the plush fabric a fur-like texture.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The length of the pile is 3-50 mm.

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