A stuffed animal with a strap for attaching it to an item.
The integrated strap and fastener assembly on stuffed toys addresses the issues of accidental detachment and limited attachment locations, ensuring secure and visible attachment to items while maintaining thematic consistency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- DISNEY ENTERPRISES INC
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-01
Smart Images
Figure 2026089676000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a stuffed toy, and more particularly to a stuffed toy having a strap for fixing to an item (item).
Background Art
[0002] A stuffed toy is a toy made of soft cloth and filled with materials such as cotton, polyester or recycled polyester. The stuffed toy can be an animal toy. Alternatively, the stuffed toy can represent a human character. Alternatively, the stuffed toy can represent a comic character. The stuffed toy can be manufactured for all ages and / or genders.
Summary of the Invention
[0003] In some embodiments, the stuffed toy includes a strap receiving portion provided on the surface of the stuffed toy, a strap integrated with the stuffed toy, and a fastener assembly having a first element provided on the strap receiving portion and a second element provided on the strap. The strap is configured to be attached across an item or through an opening of the item and to be fixed to the strap receiving portion via the fastener assembly so that the stuffed toy is fixed to the item.
[0004] In some embodiments, the stuffed toy includes a front surface, a back surface opposite the front surface, a strap receiving portion provided on the back surface, a strap integrated with the stuffed toy, and a fastener assembly having a first element provided on the strap receiving portion and a second element provided on the strap. The first element and the second element are configured to engage to fix the strap to the strap receiving portion so that the stuffed toy is fixed to the item, and the first element and the second element are configured to disengage to release the strap from the strap receiving portion so that the stuffed toy is released from the item.
[0005] In some embodiments, the method provides a stuffed toy, the stuffed toy comprising a strap receiving portion, a strap integrated with the stuffed toy, and a fastener assembly having a first element provided on the strap receiving portion and a second element provided on the strap; attaching the strap across an article or through an opening in the article; and engaging the first element and the second element to secure the strap to the strap receiving portion so that the stuffed toy is secured to the article. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0006] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front view of the example stuffed animal described in this application. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a rear view of the example stuffed animal described in this application. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a rear view of the example stuffed animal described in this application. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of implementation described in this application. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of implementation described in this application. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0007] The following detailed description of the implementation of the example refers to the attached drawings. The same reference numerals in different drawings may represent the same or similar elements.
[0008] Stuffed animals can be used for different purposes. In some situations, stuffed animals may be used by users to decorate their homes or residences. In other situations, stuffed animals may be used by users for entertainment purposes. For example, a user may play with a stuffed animal alone or with other users.
[0009] In some situations, plush toys can be used as accessories for the user. For example, a user may attach a plush toy to a personal bag, backpack, crossbody bag, and / or clothing. In addition or alternatively, a user may wear a plush toy as part of their clothing. In some cases, a user may coordinate a plush toy with their clothing (for example, matching the plush toy to the color scheme of their clothing).
[0010] In some cases, users may use elastic bands to secure stuffed animals to items so they can walk around the venue with them. The problem with headbands is that they may not properly secure stuffed animals to items. In this regard, headbands may not prevent stuffed animals from being accidentally removed from the user's possessions. For example, if a stuffed animal is accidentally released from an item, the user may not be able to attempt to retrieve it in a timely manner, and as a result, the stuffed animal may become permanently unrecoverable. In addition or alternatively, headbands may damage or deform stuffed animals. In addition or alternatively, headbands may obstruct other users' view of stuffed animals.
[0011] In some cases, users may secure stuffed animals using hook-and-loop closures provided on the stuffed animals and articles. For example, the stuffed animal may include a first part of the hook-and-loop closure, and the article may include a second part of the hook-and-loop closure. The problem with hook-and-loop closures is that the second part is located in a specific position on the article. Therefore, hook-and-loop closures do not provide the user with flexibility regarding the location on the article to which the stuffed animal can be secured. In other words, the location of the second part limits where the stuffed animal can be secured to the article. In addition or alternatively, providing hook-and-loop closures on stuffed animals and articles in this way does not prevent the stuffed animal from being accidentally removed from the user's possession. For example, if the stuffed animal is accidentally released by the user and the user is unable to attempt to retrieve it in a timely manner, the stuffed animal may become permanently unrecoverable.
[0012] The implementation described herein relates to a stuffed animal having an integrated strap including a fastener assembly. The term “integrated” as used herein may mean that the strap is attached. For example, the strap may be sewn or glued to the stuffed animal. That is, the strap cannot be removed from the stuffed animal. The fastener assembly may be, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener, a snap fastener, a magnetic fastener, a button, etc. In some examples, the strap may be made of Nylex fabric, soft spun bore, or soft bore of different pile lengths. In some examples, the strap may be made of the same material as at least a part of the stuffed animal. The strap may extend from the body of the stuffed animal and be sewn to the body. In this regard, the strap may be integrated with the body of the stuffed animal. A first element of the fastener assembly may be provided on the surface of the body of the stuffed animal, and a second element of the fastener assembly may be provided on the strap. In some examples, the first element of the fastener assembly is located on the back of the plush toy's body, while in other examples, the first element of the fastener assembly is located on the front, top, or bottom of the plush toy's body. The second element of the fastener assembly is located on the surface of a strap configured to face and / or contact the plush toy when the first and second elements of the fastener assembly engage.
[0013] With respect to the fastener assembly, the first element of the fastener assembly may be sewn to the surface of the plush toy's body, while the second element of the fastener assembly may be sewn to the surface of a strap configured to face and / or contact the plush toy when the first and second elements of the fastener assembly engage. Using a strap with a fastener assembly, the plush toy can be securely attached to different articles, such as being securely attached to the strap of a crossbody bag, the strap of a backpack, the handle of a purse, the handle of a stroller, and / or other articles. In some examples, an integrated strap may be provided simultaneously across components of multiple articles to securely attach the plush toy to multiple articles. In some examples, the strap may be provided simultaneously through openings of multiple articles to securely attach the plush toy to multiple articles.
[0014] The advantage of the plush toy with an integrated strap and fastener assembly described in this application is that the fastener assembly elements are not provided on the individual articles to which the plush toy is attached. As previously mentioned, providing hook-and-loop fastener elements on an article limits the possible locations on the article to which the plush toy can be securely attached. Therefore, the plush toy with the strap described in this application makes it possible to securely attach the plush toy to a variety of locations on the article.
[0015] The strap may form a loop that can be opened when the engagement between the first and second elements of the fastener assembly is released. The strap may be provided around or across a portion of an article, or slide through an opening in an article to which the user wishes to attach the plush toy. The strap can then be securely closed around, across, or through an article when the first and second elements of the fastener assembly are engaged.
[0016] Therefore, one advantage of a plush toy with an integrated strap and fastener assembly is that it prevents the plush toy from being accidentally released from an item. For example, the first and second elements are configured to engage to secure the strap to the strap receiving portion so that the plush toy is secured to an item. In addition, the first and second elements are configured to disengage so that the strap detaches from the strap receiving portion so that the plush toy is released from the item.
[0017] In addition or alternatively, another advantage of plush toys with integrated strap and fastener assemblies is that they prevent deformation of the plush toy when it is securely attached to an article. In addition or alternatively, another advantage of plush toys with integrated strap and fastener assemblies is that they allow the plush toy to be securely attached to an article while maintaining the visibility of the plush toy to other users. In addition or alternatively, yet another advantage of plush toys with integrated strap and fastener assemblies is that the integrated strap is thematically consistent with the plush toy. As used in this application, “thematically consistent” may mean, among other things, the same color, the same material, and the same texture. In this regard, the integrated strap is designed to camouflage or make the plush toy appear as a general plush toy (e.g., without the integrated strap and fastener assemblies) if the integrated strap and fastener assemblies were not used. Thus, the plush toys described in this application may be used, among other things, as general plush toys for entertainment purposes, for decorating a home or residence, etc.
[0018] Figure 1 is a diagram of an exemplary stuffed animal 100 described in this application. As shown in Figure 1, the stuffed animal 100 may include a front 105 and a back (not shown in Figure 1). As shown in Figure 1, the stuffed animal 100 may further include an upper part 110, a lower part 115 and an intermediate part 120 provided between the upper part 110 and the lower part 115. The upper part 110 may include the head of the stuffed animal 100. The lower part 115 may include the feet of the stuffed animal 100. The intermediate part 120 may include the torso and arms of the stuffed animal 100. The upper part 110, the intermediate part 120, or the lower part 115 may include a strap and fastener assembly configured to secure the stuffed animal 100 to various articles. In some examples, the strap and fastener assembly may be provided on only one of the upper part 110, the intermediate part 120, or the lower part 115. In further examples, a single strap and fastener assembly may be provided across or extend over at least two of the upper 110, the middle 120, or the lower 115. In other examples, a first strap and fastener assembly may be provided on one of the upper 110, the middle 120, or the lower 115, and a second strap and fastener assembly may be provided on another of the upper 110, the middle 120, or the lower 115. In yet another example, a first strap and fastener assembly may be provided on the upper 110, a second strap and fastener assembly on the middle 120, and a third strap and fastener assembly on the lower 115.
[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the stuffed toy 100 may have a height H. In some examples, the height H may be measured from the top surface of the top 110 to the bottom 115. In some examples, the height H may be measured from the top surface of the top 110 to the bottom surface of the bottom 115. In some examples, the height may be approximately 5.5 inches.
[0020] Figure 2 is a rear view of the exemplary plush toy 100 described in the present application. The elements of the plush toy 100 have been described above in relation to Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the plush toy 100 may include a back surface 205. The back surface 205 may be opposite to the front surface 105 (not shown in Figure 2). As shown in Figure 2, the back of the middle portion 120 may include a strap receiving portion 210. In other examples, the strap receiving portion 210 may be included on the front surface, top surface or bottom surface of the plush toy 100.
[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the strap 215 may be connected to the strap receiving portion 210. In some examples, the strap 215 may be sewn to the strap receiving portion 210.
[0022] The strap 215 may extend from the strap receiving portion 210. The strap 215 may be provided across or around the whole or part of an article or through an opening of the article. And by engaging a part of the strap 215 with a part of the strap receiving portion 210, the plush toy 100 can be fixed to the article.
[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the strap 215 may have a width W and a length L. In some examples, the width W may be about 1.5 inches. In addition or alternatively, the length L may be about 3 inches. In some embodiments, the length L of the strap 215 may be equal to the length of the strap receiving portion 210. In other embodiments, the length L of the strap 215 may be different from the length of the strap receiving portion 210 (e.g., longer or shorter). In addition or alternatively, in some embodiments, the width W of the strap 215 is equal to the width of the strap receiving portion 210, while in other embodiments, the width W of the strap 215 may be different from the width of the strap receiving portion 210 (e.g., wider or narrower).
[0024] The plush toy 100 may include a fastener assembly (not shown in FIG. 2). The fastener assembly may be used to secure the strap 215 to the strap receiving portion 210. In some implementations, the width W of the strap 215 may be greater than the width of the fastener assembly. In this regard, when securing the strap 215 to the strap receiving portion 210, the strap 215 may conceal the fastener assembly by virtue of its width W.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a rear view of an exemplary plush toy 100 described in the present application. The elements of the plush toy 100 have been described above in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the strap 215 is integrated / connected with the plush toy 100 at the connection portion 335. The strap 215 may include a distal end 305 that is distal to the connection portion 335 and a proximal end 310 that is proximal to the connection portion 335. The proximal end 310 may be opposite the distal end 305. The strap receiving portion 210 may include a distal end 315 that is distal to the connection portion 335 and a proximal end 320 that is proximal to the connection portion 335. The proximal end 320 may be opposite the distal end 315. As shown in FIG. 3, the proximal end 310 of the strap 215 may be coupled to the proximal end 320 of the strap receiving portion 210 at the connection portion 335. In some implementations, the proximal end 310 of the strap 215 may be sewn, adhered, or connected to the proximal end 320 to integrate the strap 215 with the plush toy 100.
[0026] As shown in Figure 3, the first element 325 of the fastener assembly may be provided at the distal end 315 of the strap receiving portion 210. The first element 325 may be sewn, glued, or connected to the distal end 315. The second element 330 of the fastener assembly may be provided at the distal end 305 of the strap 215. In some examples, the second element 330 may be sewn, glued, or connected to the distal end 305 of the strap 215. The second element 330 may engage with the first element 325 to secure the strap 215 to the strap receiving portion 210 when the strap 215 is secured across the strap receiving portion 210.
[0027] In some implementations, the fastener assembly may include a face-hook fastener having a hook element and a loop element. In a first example, the first element 325 may be the loop element of the face-hook fastener, and the second element 330 may be the hook element of the face-hook fastener. In another example, the first element 325 may be the hook element of the face-hook fastener, and the second element 330 may be the loop element of the face-hook fastener. In yet another example, the first element 325 may be the stud element of the snap fastener, and the second element 330 may be the socket element of the snap fastener. In yet another example, the first element 325 may be the socket element of the snap fastener, and the second element 330 may be the stud element of the snap fastener. In yet another example, the first element 325 may be the fixed element of the magnetic fastener, and the second element 330 may be the movable element of the magnetic fastener. The fixed element may include a magnetic plate, and the movable element may include metal. In yet another example, the first element 325 may be a movable element of the magnetic fastener, and the second element 330 may be a fixed element of the magnetic fastener.
[0028] Figure 4 is a diagram of an embodiment 400 of the example described herein. The elements of the stuffed toy 100 are described above in relation to Figures 1 to 3. As shown in Figure 4, the user may wish to attach the stuffed toy 100 to an article 405. In some examples, the article 405 may include a backpack. For example, the article 405 may include backpack straps. In this regard, the user may wish to attach the stuffed toy 100 to the backpack straps.
[0029] As shown in Figure 4, the surface of the plush toy 100 (e.g., the back 205) can be positioned relative to the article 405. After the surface of the plush toy 100 is positioned relative to the article 405, the strap 215 can be pulled around or across the article 405 so that the article 405 is positioned between the strap 215 and the strap receiving portion 210. In other embodiments, the strap 215 can be pulled through an opening in the article 405. The first element 325 and the second element 330 can be engaged so that the strap 215 can be secured to the strap receiving portion 210 via the article 405. By securing the strap 215 to the strap receiving portion 210 (across the article 405, around the article 405, or through the article 405), the plush toy 100 can be securely attached to the article 405. The stuffed toy 100 can be removed from the article 405 by disengaging the first element 325 and the second element 330, thereby releasing the strap 215 from the strap receiving portion 210. The stuffed toy 100 can be removed from the article 405 by disengaging the first element 325 and the second element 330 and releasing the strap 215 from the strap receiving portion 210. The stuffed toy 100 can be optionally securely attached to another article in a manner similar to that described herein with respect to article 405.
[0030] Figure 5 is a diagram of an embodiment 500 of the example described herein. The elements of the stuffed animal 100 are described above in relation to Figures 1 to 4. As shown in Figure 5, the strap 215 is stretched around / across the article 405 to secure the strap 215 to the strap receiving portion 210. A first element 325 (not shown in Figure 5) and a second element 330 (not shown in Figure 5) engage to enable the strap 215 to be secured to the strap receiving portion 210.
[0031] The foregoing disclosures provide examples and explanations, but are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit practices to the exact forms disclosed. Modifications and variations may be made in light of the foregoing disclosures or derived from the practice of implementation. Furthermore, any of the practices described herein may be combined unless the foregoing disclosures expressly provide reasons why one or more practices cannot be combined.
[0032] Even if specific combinations of features are described in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of various practices. In fact, many of these features can be combined in ways not specifically described in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification. Each dependent claim listed below may depend directly on only one claim, but the disclosure of various practices includes each dependent claim combined with all other claims in the claims. The term “at least one” of a set of items as used in this application means any combination of these items, including a single member. For example, “at least one of a, b or c” is intended to include any combination of a, b, c, ab, ac, bc and abc, as well as multiple of the same item.
[0033] Any elements, actions, or commands used in this application should not be interpreted as important or essential unless explicitly stated so. Furthermore, the articles “a” and “an” used in this application are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Similarly, the article “the” used in this application is intended to include one or more items referred to in relation to the article “the” and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Additionally, the term “set” used in this application is intended to include one or more items (e.g., related items, unrelated items, or combinations of related and unrelated items) and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” When referring to only one item, the term “only” or a similar term should be used. Furthermore, as used in this application, terms such as “have,” “possess,” and “possess” are intended to be open-ended terms. Also, the term “based on” is intended to mean “based at least partially” unless otherwise specified. The term “or” as used in this application is intended to be comprehensive when used consecutively and may be used interchangeably with “and / or” unless otherwise specified (for example, when used in combination with “either” or “either one of the two”). Furthermore, spatially relative terms such as “down,” “downwards,” “up,” and “upwards” may be used in this application to describe the relationship between one element or feature shown in the diagram and another, for the sake of clarity. Spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the apparatus, device, and / or element in use or operation, in addition to the orientation shown in the diagram. The apparatus may be oriented in other directions (90-degree rotation or other directions), and the spatially relative descriptors used in this application may be interpreted accordingly.
Claims
1. It's a stuffed animal, A strap receiving portion provided on the surface of the plush toy, The strap integrated with the plush toy, A fastener assembly having a first element provided on the strap receiving portion and a second element provided on the strap, Includes, A stuffed animal, wherein the strap is attached across the article or through an opening in the article and is secured to the strap receiving portion via the fastener assembly so that the stuffed animal is secured to the article.
2. The stuffed toy according to claim 1, wherein the first element and the second element are configured to engage with each other to secure the strap to the strap receiving portion, and the first element and the second element are configured to disengage each other so that the strap can be removed from the strap receiving portion.
3. The plush toy according to claim 1, wherein the strap is sewn or glued to the plush toy so that the strap is integrated with the plush toy.
4. The stuffed toy according to claim 1, wherein the fastener assembly includes a hook fastener having a hook element and a loop element, the first element includes one of the hook element or the loop element, and the second element includes the other of the hook element or the loop element.
5. The plush toy according to claim 1, wherein the strap receiving portion is provided on the back of the plush toy.
6. The length of the strap is equal to the length of the strap receiving portion. The plush toy according to claim 1, wherein the width of the strap is equal to the width of the strap receiving portion such that the strap hides the fastener assembly when the first element and the second element are engaged.
7. The plush toy according to claim 1, wherein the width of the strap is greater than the width of the fastener assembly such that the strap hides the fastener assembly when the first element and the second element are engaged.
8. The stuffed toy according to claim 1, wherein the fastener assembly includes a snap fastener comprising a socket element and a stud element, the first element comprising either the socket element or the stud element, and the second element comprising the other of the socket element or the stud element.
9. The stuffed toy according to claim 1, wherein the fastener assembly includes a magnetic fastener comprising a fixed element and a movable element, the first element comprising either the fixed element or the movable element, and the second element comprising the other of the fixed element or the movable element.
10. It's a stuffed animal, Front and The rear side, opposite to the front side, The strap receiving portion provided on the back, The strap integrated with the plush toy, A fastener assembly having a first element provided on the strap receiving portion and a second element provided on the strap, Includes, The first element and the second element are configured to engage with the strap to secure the strap to the strap receiving portion so that the plush toy is secured to the article. A stuffed animal, wherein the first and second elements are configured to disengage so that the strap detaches from the strap receiving portion so that the stuffed animal is released from the article.
11. The length of the strap is equal to the length of the strap receiving portion. The width of the strap is equal to the width of the strap receiving portion. The plush toy according to claim 10, wherein the width of the strap is greater than the width of the fastener assembly so that the strap hides the fastener assembly when the first element and the second element are engaged.
12. The second element is provided at the first end of the strap, The second end of the strap, opposite to the first end of the strap, is connected to the strap receiving portion. The stuffed toy according to claim 10, wherein the second end of the strap is sewn to or glued to the strap receiving portion.
13. The stuffed toy according to claim 12, wherein the strap is attached across the article or through an opening in the article and is secured to the strap receiving portion via the fastener assembly so that the stuffed toy is secured to the article.
14. The stuffed toy according to claim 10, wherein the first element and the second element are configured to engage with each other to secure the strap to the strap receiving portion, and the first element and the second element are configured to disengage each other so that the strap can be removed from the strap receiving portion.
15. The stuffed toy according to claim 14, wherein the fastener assembly includes a snap fastener comprising a socket element and a stud element, the first element comprising either the socket element or the stud element, and the second element comprising the other of the socket element or the stud element.
16. To provide a stuffed animal, the stuffed animal comprising a strap receiving portion, a strap integrated with the stuffed animal, and a fastener assembly having a first element provided on the strap receiving portion and a second element provided on the strap, The aforementioned strap is secured across the article or through an opening in the article, In order to secure the strap to the strap receiving portion so that the stuffed animal is fixed to the article, the first element and the second element are engaged, A method that includes this.
17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising disengaging the first element and the second element so that the strap detaches from the strap receiving portion so that the stuffed animal is released from the article.
18. The method according to claim 16, wherein the fastener assembly includes a face fastener having a hook element and a loop element, the first element includes one of the hook element or the loop element, and the second element includes the other of the hook element or the loop element.
19. The method according to claim 16, wherein the width of the strap is equal to the width of the strap receiving portion such that the strap conceals the fastener assembly when the first element and the second element are engaged.
20. The method according to claim 16, wherein the fastener assembly includes a magnetic fastener comprising a fixed element and a movable element, the first element comprising either the fixed element or the movable element, and the second element comprising the other of the fixed element or the movable element.