Extendible link soft or plush toy

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6808437
  • Patent Number
    6,808,437
  • Date Filed
    Tuesday, February 4, 2003
    21 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, October 26, 2004
    19 years ago
Abstract
A projectile plush toy including a body portion having a mass and a first extendible link. The first extendible link having a forward end portion and a rearward end portion. The rearward end portion connected to the body portion. The first extendible link extendible between a first position and a second position. In the second position, the forward end portion defines a first release point and the first extendible link biases the body portion towards the forward end portion. In the second position, a major mass portion of the plush toy is positioned at the rearward end portion of the first extendible link. In one preferred embodiment of this invention, the projectile plush toy further includes a second extendible link having a forward end portion and a rearward end portion connected to the body portion. The second extendible link is extendible between a first position and a second position. In the second position, the forward end portion defines a second release point and biases the body portion towards the forward end portion of the second extendible link. In the second position, a major mass portion of the plush toy is positioned at the rearward end portion of the second extendible link. A method for projecting the projectile plush toy is also disclosed.
Description




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




1. Field of the Invention




This invention relates to a projectile soft or plush toy and a method for projecting the projectile soft or plush toy with respect to a forward end portion of an extendible link.




2. Discussion of Related Art




Many conventional projectile toys, such as glider plane sets, include a glider plane shaped as an actual fighter aircraft and a separate independent launching base connected to the glider plane by a household rubberband. Such glider planes are typically made of lightweight materials, such as thin wood pieces or foam material. Because of its light weight, the conventional glider plane may be difficult to launch and/or may not fly straight or over a relatively long distance, as is expected by the young user. Further, because the gilder plane's flight path is unpredictable, such projectile toys can be dangerous and cause injury to the user.




Other conventional projectile toys may be shaped as a small animal having a mass that is center about a launching base. Such conventional projectile toys may include an elastic element that is stretchable to project the animal a short distance through the air. Because the conventional projectile toy mass is centered or concentrated about the launching base, such projectile toys may not launch easily and/or may fly over a relatively short distance. Further, such conventional projectile toys do not include additional components for added entertainment. Thus, a child attention to the conventional projectile toy is limited.




There is an apparent need for a projectile soft or plush toy that is easy to operate and has increased performance.




There is also an apparent need for a projectile soft or plush toy that provides enjoyment for the user.




SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION




It is one object of this invention to provide a projectile extendible link plush toy that is easy to use and has increased performance.




It is another object of this invention to provide a projectile extendible link plush toy that provides the user with additional entertainment components.




The projectile soft or plush toy according to this invention may be a human figure having human characteristics and a plurality of body members, or any other suitable animal figure, having various characteristics and body members. For example, the projectile plush toy maybe a monkey, a gorilla or a frog. Preferably, the projectile plush toy is made of a soft, plush material suitable for projecting the toy through the air without causing injury to the users or bystanders.




The extendible link plush toy of the present invention preferably includes a head, a torso or body portion and at least one extendible link, such as an extendible limb. For example, in one preferred embodiment of this invention, the extendible link plush toy is a projectile monkey figure having two arms, each having a hand, and two legs, each having a foot.




The projectile monkey figure includes a body portion having a mass and at least one extendible link connected to the body portion. Preferably, but not necessarily, the extendible link is positioned within a limb, for example an arm, to prevent damage to the extendible link and/or injury to the user. It is apparent that the extendible link may be positioned within any limb, such as a leg, and connected to the body portion. The extendible link is made of an elastic or extendible material so that the extendible link can be stretched or extended a suitable distance for projecting projectile monkey figure. The extendible link includes a forward end portion and a rearward end portion connected to the body portion and is extendible between a first or relaxed position and a second or extended position. In the extended position, the forward end portion of the extendible link defines a release point and the extendible link biases the body portion towards the forward end portion. In the second position, a major mass portion of the projectile monkey figure, including the body portion mass, is positioned at the rearward end portion of the extendible link. By positioning the major mass portion of the projectile monkey figure mass at or near the rearward end portion of the extendible link, the projectile performance is maximized to project the projectile monkey figure through the air.




The projectile monkey figure may also include a second extendible link connected to the body portion and positioned within a limb, for example a second arm of the projectile monkey figure. The second extendible link includes a forward end portion and a rearward end portion connected to the body portion. The second extendible link is extendible between a first or relaxed position and a second or extended position. In the extended position, the forward end portion of the second extendible link defines a second release point and the second extendible link biases the body portion towards the forward end portion. In the second position, a major mass portion of the projectile monkey figure, including the body portion mass, is positioned at the rearward end portion of the second extendible link. By positioning the major mass portion of the projectile monkey figure mass at or near the rearward end portion of the second extendible link, the projectile performance is maximized to project the projectile monkey figure through the air.




An appendage, for example a hand, is preferably connected to each of the extendible links and is movable with respect to the body portion. Each appendage includes a holding device integrated with or attached to the appendage to receive a user's finger or thumb so that the appendage can be displaced with respect to the body portion by stretching or extending the extendible link. The holding device preferably includes a pocket made of a soft, comfortable but stable material that allows a user to insert his or her finger or thumb a suitable distance to prevent the finger or thumb from releasing or slipping from the pocket prior to launching or projecting the projectile monkey figure. Other suitable holding devices include, but are not limited to, a ring, a hook and a rod.




In one preferred embodiment of this invention, the first appendage holding device and the second appendage holding device are simultaneously displaced with respect to the body portion as the first extendible link and second extendible link are extended to the second position. For example, with the user's thumb inserted into the second appendage holding device, the second appendage holding device can be positioned within the first appendage holding device pocket. Thus, the first extendible link and the second extendible link are extended by pulling the body portion downwardly and away from the release points, with the first release point positioned at the second release point. In such a configuration, the major mass portion of the projectile monkey figure mass is positioned at the rearward end portion of the extendible links and away from the forward end portions of the extendible links in order to maximize launching and projectile performance.




The projectile monkey figure may include a sleeve that covers at least a portion of each extendible link. The sleeve can be segmented so that as the extendible link is extended, a second portion of the sleeve connected at the forward end portion of the extendible link, for example to the hand or appendage, moves with respect to a first portion of the sleeve connected to the body portion, allowing the extendible link to stretch or extend. As the extendible link is moved from the extended position to the relaxed position, the second portion moves towards the first portion to cover the extendible link. Additionally or alternatively, the sleeve is made of an elastic and/or gathered plush material that allows the extendible link to extend or stretch.




The projectile monkey figure also includes an independent module for a sound box that produces sound effects. Preferably, but not necessarily, the module is operated by a motion switch. The module activates a series of programmed sounds, for example monkey noises, as the projectile monkey figure is projected through the air.




In one preferred embodiment of this invention, a method for projecting a projectile plush toy is disclosed. The body portion is fixed in a launching position and at least one extendible link is extended to a second or extended position. For example, the user can grasp an appendage holding device with one hand and pull the body portion with the other hand to extend or stretch the corresponding extendible link. In the second position, a forward end portion of the extendible link defines a release point and with the body portion in the launching position, a major mass portion of the projectile plush toy mass is positioned at a rearward end portion of the extendible link connected to the body portion.




Potential energy is stored within the extendible link in the second position and the extendible link biases the body portion towards the forward end portion. The user releases his or her hold on the body portion to urge the body portion towards the forward end portion of the extendible link and project the projectile plush toy with respect to the forward end portion. In one preferred embodiment of this invention, a sound box module is activated at or shortly after the body portion is released. Preferably, but not necessarily, the sound box module is operated by a motion switch and activates a series of programmed sounds as the projectile plush toy is projected through the air.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS




The above and other features and objects of this invention will be better understood from the following detailed description taken in view of the drawings, wherein:





FIG. 1

is a front view of a projectile plush toy having an extendible link shown in an extended position, according to one preferred embodiment of this invention;





FIG. 2

is a front view of a projectile plush toy having an extendible link shown in an extended position, according to one preferred embodiment of this invention;





FIG. 3

is a perspective view of a projectile plush toy having an extendible link shown in an extended position, according to one preferred embodiment of this invention;





FIG. 4

is a perspective view of a projectile plush toy, according to one preferred embodiment of this invention;





FIG. 5

is a perspective view of a projectile plush toy, according to one preferred embodiment of this invention;





FIG. 6

is a front view of an appendage having a holding device, according to one preferred embodiment of this invention;





FIG. 7

is a front view of a projectile plush toy with one extendible link in an extended position, according to one preferred embodiment of this invention; and





FIG. 8

is a front view of a projectile plush toy with two extendible links each in an extended position, according to one preferred embodiment of this invention.











DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS




This invention is directed to a projectile soft or plush toy. The projectile plush toy may comprise a human figure or any other suitable animal figure, having various characteristics and body members. For example, the projectile plush toy may comprise a monkey, a gorilla or a frog. Preferably, the projectile plush toy is made of a soft, plush material suitable for projecting the toy through the air without causing injury to the user or bystanders. Preferably, the body members or parts of the projectile plush toy comprise a soft material, such as a synthetic fur material. A suitable filler material is preferably, but not necessarily, contained within the body portion, legs and tail for example. Such body member materials and filler materials are known to those having ordinary skill in the art.




Although the various aspects and embodiments of the present invention will be described in the context of a projectile plush toy, and more particularly described, without limitation and by way of illustration only, in the context of a projectile plush monkey

FIG. 10

, it is apparent that the teachings and methods of the present invention are equally adaptable to other projectile objects and methods for projecting the object.





FIGS. 1-5

illustrate a projectile monkey FIG.


10


. Preferably, projectile monkey

FIG. 10

comprises at least one of a head


12


, a torso or body portion


14


and at least one limb. For example, projectile monkey

FIG. 10

, as shown in

FIGS. 1-5

, comprises a first arm


16


having a first hand


18


, a second arm


26


having a second hand


28


, and two legs


20


each having a foot


22


.




In one preferred embodiment of this invention, as shown for example in

FIG. 1

, projectile plush monkey

FIG. 10

comprises a body portion


14


having a mass. At least one extendible link


15


is positioned with respect body portion


14


. For example, a first extendible link


15


is connected to body portion


14


and preferably, but not necessarily, positioned within a first arm


16


. It is desirable, although not necessary, to position first extendible link


15


within arm


16


to prevent damage to first extendible link


15


and/or injury to the user. As shown in

FIGS. 1 and 2

for example, first extendible link


15


comprises a forward end portion


21


and a rearward end portion


23


connected or attached to body portion


14


. First extendible link


15


can be connected to body portion


14


using any suitable mechanical connection known in the art. For example, first extendible link


15


may be fastened to body portion


14


using glue, staples, screws, stitching, ties and knots. Preferably, but not necessarily, first extendible link


15


is connected to body portion


14


at a center portion or area


24


of body portion


14


, as shown in

FIGS. 1 and 2

. Preferably, first extendible link


15


is made of an elastic or extendible material so that first extendible link


15


can be stretched or extended a suitable distance for projecting plush monkey

FIG. 10

according to preferred embodiments of this invention, discussed below. First extendible link


15


preferably comprises at least one of a rubber tubing, an elastic cord, a natural latex rubber material and a synthetic latex rubber material. Other suitable materials for first extendible link


15


are known to those having skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.




First extendible link


15


is extendible between a first or relaxed position and a second or extended position. In the second position, forward end portion


21


defines a release point and first extendible link


15


biases body portion


14


towards forward end portion


21


. In the second position, a major mass portion of plush monkey

FIG. 10

is positioned at rearward end portion


23


, rearwardly of or behind forward end portion


21


. The phrase major mass portion refers to a portion of a mass of plush monkey FIG.


10


. The plush monkey figure mass includes a mass of the projectile monkey figure body members. Preferably, the major mass portion is greater than about 50% of the plush monkey figure mass, more preferably at least about 70%, and still more preferably at least about 90%. With the major mass portion positioned at rearward end portion


23


, potential energy is stored within first extendible link


15


in the second position sufficient to project projectile monkey FIG.


10


. First extendible link


15


biases the major mass portion, including body portion


14


, towards forward end portion


21


. Upon release of body portion


14


, the major mass portion is urged towards forward end portion


21


, and a momentum is generated. Thus, projectile monkey

FIG. 10

can be projected a relatively long distance through the air.




In one preferred embodiment of this invention, as shown for example in

FIG. 1

, projectile monkey

FIG. 10

comprises a second extendible link


25


connected to body portion


14


and preferably, but not necessarily, positioned within a second arm


26


of projectile monkey FIG.


10


. Second extendible link


25


can be attached or connected to body portion


14


using suitable mechanical connections, such as discussed above in reference with connecting first extendible link


15


to body portion


14


. It is desirable, although not necessary, to position second extendible link


25


within arm


26


to prevent damage to second extendible link


25


and/or injury to the user.




As shown in

FIGS. 1 and 2

for example, second extendible link


25


comprises a forward end portion


31


and a rearward end portion


33


connected or attached to body portion


14


. Second extendible link


25


can be connected to body portion


14


using any suitable mechanical connection known in the art. For example, second extendible link


25


may be fastened to body portion


14


using glue, staples, screws, stitching, ties and knots. Preferably, but not necessarily, second extendible link


25


is connected to body portion


14


at a center portion or area


24


of body portion


14


, as shown in

FIGS. 1 and 2

. Second extendible link


25


is made of an elastic or extendible material so that second extendible link


25


can be stretched or extended a suitable distance for projecting plush monkey

FIG. 10

according to preferred embodiments of this invention, discussed below. Second extendible link


25


preferably comprises at least one of a rubber tubing, an elastic cord, a natural latex rubber material and a synthetic latex rubber material. Other suitable materials for second extendible link


25


are known to those having skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.




Second extendible link


25


is extendible between a first or relaxed position and a second or extended position. In the second position, forward end portion


31


defines a release point and second extendible link


25


biases body portion


14


towards forward end portion


31


. In the second position, the major mass portion of plush monkey

FIG. 10

is positioned at rearward end portion


33


, rearwardly of or behind forward end portion


31


. With the major mass portion positioned at rearward end portion


33


, potential energy is stored within second extendible link


25


in the second position sufficient to project projectile monkey FIG.


10


. Second extendible link


25


biases the major mass portion, including body portion


14


, towards forward end portion


31


. Upon release of body portion


14


, the major mass portion is urged towards forward end portion


31


, and a momentum is generated. Thus, projectile monkey

FIG. 10

can be projected a relatively long distance through the air.




A first appendage


17


, for example hand


18


, is connected at forward end portion


21


to first extendible link


15


using any suitable mechanical connection. Similarly, a second appendage


27


, for example hand


28


, is connected at forward end portion


31


to second extendible link


25


using any suitable mechanical connection, such as used to connect the extendible link to body portion


14


. Preferably, first appendage


17


and second appendage


27


each has a mass substantially less than the body portion mass. For example, first appendage


17


and second appendage


27


preferably each has a mass less than about 15% of the body portion mass, more preferably less than about 10% of the body portion mass. Further, the first appendage mass is preferably about equal to the second appendage mass.




Referring to

FIGS. 1 and 2

, each of first appendage


17


and second appendage


27


comprises a holding device


30


. For example, holding device


30


is integrated with or connected to the appendage to receive a user's finger or thumb so that first extendible link


15


and/or second extendible link


25


can be extended with respect to body portion


14


to the second position. Holding device


30


can comprise one of a ring, a hook, a rod and a pocket. It is apparent that other suitable holding devices known to those having ordinary skill in the art may be used to extend the extendible links


15


,


25


with respect to body portion


14


.




In one preferred embodiment of this invention, as shown in

FIG. 6

, holding device


30


comprises a pocket


32


. Preferably, pocket


32


is stitched or sewn onto hand


18


,


28


so that a user's finger or thumb can be inserted into and received by pocket


32


. Preferably, pocket


32


is made of a soft, comfortable but stable material that allows the user to insert his or her finger or thumb a suitable distance and prevent the finger or thumb from releasing or slipping from pocket


32


prior to launching or projecting projectile monkey

FIG. 10

with respect to forward end portion


21


,


31


.




In one preferred embodiment of this invention, first appendage holding device


30


and second appendage holding device


30


are simultaneously displaced with respect to body portion


14


to extend first extendible link


15


and second extendible link


25


. For example, with the user's thumb inserted into second appendage holding device


30


, second appendage holding device


30


may be positioned within first appendage holding device pocket


32


. First extendible link


15


and second extendible link


25


are extended by pulling body portion


14


downwardly and away from the forward end portion


21


,


31


with the first release point positioned at the second release point (FIG.


8


). In such a configuration, the major mass portion of the projectile monkey figure mass, including the body portion mass, is positioned at rearward end portion


23


,


33


opposite forward end portion


21


,


31


, respectively, in order to maximize launching and projectile performance. In the second position, extendible links


15


,


25


each provides potential energy sufficient to project body portion


14


with respect to the forward end portions of the extendible links.




As shown in

FIGS. 1 and 2

for example, in one preferred embodiment of this invention projectile monkey

FIG. 10

comprises a first sleeve


50


covering at least a portion of first extendible link


15


and a second sleeve


60


covering at least a portion of second extendible link


25


. Referring to

FIG. 1

, in one preferred embodiment of this invention, sleeve


50


is segmented and comprises a first portion


52


attached to body portion


14


and a second portion


54


attached at forward end portion


21


to first appendage


17


. As first appendage


17


is displaced with respect to body portion


14


and first extendible link


15


is extended, second portion


54


moves with respect to first portion


52


, allowing first extendible link


15


to extend. As first extendible link


15


moves from the extended position to the relaxed position, second portion


54


moves with respect to first portion


52


, for example portions


52


,


54


converge to cover first extendible link


15


.




As shown in

FIG. 1

, sleeve


60


covering at least a portion of second extendible link


25


is similarly segmented and comprises a first portion


62


attached to body portion


14


and a second portion


64


attached at forward end portion


31


to second appendage


27


. As second appendage


27


is displaced with respect to body portion


14


and second extendible link


25


is extended, second portion


64


moves with respect to first portion


62


, allowing second extendible link


25


to extend. As second extendible link


25


moves from the extended position to the relaxed position, first portion


62


and second portion


64


converge to cover second extendible link


25


.




Alternatively, as shown in

FIG. 2

for example, in one preferred embodiment of this invention, sleeve


50


covering at least a portion of first extendible link


15


and sleeve


60


covering at least a portion of second extendible link


25


each comprises an elastic material, a gathered plush material and/or a synthetic knitted material that allows extendible links


15


,


25


to extend or stretch. Preferably, sleeve


50


and sleeve


60


each is elastic and/or gathered sufficiently so that sleeve


50


,


60


does not interfere with the extension or stretching of extendible link


15


,


25


, respectively. Elastic materials, gathered materials and knitted materials as well as methods for producing such materials suitable for use as sleeves


50


,


60


are known to those skilled in the art.




In one preferred embodiment of this invention, projectile monkey

FIG. 10

includes an independent module


40


for a sound box operatively connected to body portion


14


that produces sound effects. Preferably, module


40


is positioned within body portion


14


, as shown schematically in

FIGS. 1 and 2

. In one preferred embodiment of this invention, module


40


is operated by a motion switch. Module


40


activates a series of programmed sounds, for example monkey noises, as projectile monkey

FIG. 10

is projected through the air.




Referring to

FIGS. 3-5

, in one preferred embodiment of this invention, projectile monkey

FIG. 10

comprises body portion


14


having a mass and a first extendible arm


16


having a forward end portion


21


and a rearward end portion


23


opposite forward end portion


21


. First extendible arm


16


is connected or attached to body portion


14


at rearward end portion


23


. First hand


18


is attached to first extendible arm


16


and displaceable with respect to body portion


14


. First extendible arm


16


is extendible between a first position and a second position. In the second position, forward end portion


21


of extendible arm


16


defines a first release point and first extendible arm


16


biases body portion


14


towards forward end portion


21


. In the second position, a major mass portion of the projectile monkey

FIG. 10

is positioned at rearward end portion


23


of first extendible arm


16


. Preferably, first hand


18


comprises a first pocket


19


for receiving a user's thumb or finger, as shown in FIG.


3


.




Projectile monkey

FIG. 10

further comprises a second extendible arm


26


having a forward end portion


31


and a rearward end portion


33


connected or attached to body portion


14


. Second extendible arm


26


is extendible between a first position and a second position. In the second position, forward end portion


31


defines a second release point and second extendible arm


26


biases body portion


14


towards forward end portion


31


. In the second position, a major mass portion of the projectile monkey

FIG. 10

is positioned at rearward end portion


33


of second extendible arm


26


. A second hand


28


is attached to second extendible arm


26


and comprises a second pocket


29


for receiving a user's thumb or finger.




Projectile monkey

FIG. 10

further comprises a first sleeve


50


positioned about first extendible arm


16


having a first portion attached to body portion


14


and a second portion attached to the first hand


18


. A second sleeve


60


is positioned about second extendible arm


26


and has a first portion attached to body portion


14


and a second portion attached to second hand


28


.




In one preferred embodiment of this invention, second hand


28


is insertable into first pocket


19


, wherein the first release point is positioned at the second release point, so that projectile monkey

FIG. 10

can be launched by extending both arms


16


and


26


, simultaneously (FIG.


8


). Alternatively, projectile monkey

FIG. 10

can be projected by extending one arm


16


or


26


(FIG.


7


).




In one preferred embodiment of this invention, first hand


18


is connected or attached to second hand


28


, as shown in

FIGS. 4 and 5

. For example, first hand


18


may be operatively connected to second hand


28


using an extendible loop or tubing material (FIG.


4


). Suitable extendible loop or tubing materials include those materials discussed above in reference to the extendible links


15


,


25


. Alternatively, first hand


18


may be stitched or sewn to second hand


28


(FIG.


5


). It is apparent that other suitable connections can be used to connect first hand


18


with second hand


28


.




Referring to

FIGS. 7 and 8

, a method for projecting projectile monkey

FIG. 10

according to one preferred embodiment of this invention begins with fixing body portion


14


in a launching position. At least one extendible link


15


,


25


is extendible from a first or relaxed position to a second or extended position. Work is applied to first extendible link


15


, for example, as first extendible link


15


is extended to the extended position. Additionally, or alternatively, work is applied to second extendible link


25


as second extendible link is extended to the extended position. In one preferred embodiment of this invention, extendible links


15


,


25


are extended from the relaxed position to the extended position by the user grasping each appendage holding device with one hand, for example, inserting a thumb into pocket


19


and/or


29


, and pulling body portion


14


with the other hand to extend extendible links


15


,


25


. A forward end portion


21


,


31


of extendible links


15


and


25


are fixed at the second or extended position to define a release point. In the extended position, extendible link


15


,


25


bias the major mass portion, including body portion


14


, towards forward end portion


21


,


31


and with body portion


14


in the launching position, the major mass portion of the projectile monkey figure mass is positioned at a rearward end portion


23


,


33


of extendible links


15


,


25


.




Potential energy is stored within extendible links


15


,


25


with extendible links


15


,


25


fixed at the extended position and forward end portions


21


,


31


defining the release point. The user releases his or her hold on body portion


14


to urge body portion


14


towards the forward end portions


21


,


31


and project projectile monkey

FIG. 10

with respect to forward end portions


21


,


31


. In one preferred embodiment of this invention, module


40


is activated at or shortly after body portion


14


is released. Preferably, but not necessarily, module


40


is operated by a motion switch and activates a series of programmed sounds, for example monkey noises, as projectile monkey

FIG. 10

is projected through the air.




Although not shown in the figures, it is apparent from the teachings of this invention that in certain alternate embodiments of this invention, the extendible link may extend from first appendage


17


to second appendage


27


, with or without attaching to body portion


14


. Further, an extendible link may be connected to body portion


14


and positioned within at least one of legs


20


, such that a corresponding foot


22


can be displaced with respect to body portion


14


and the extendible link is extendible between a first or relaxed position and a second or extended position and project projectile monkey FIG.


10


.




While in the foregoing specification this invention has been described in relation to certain preferred embodiments thereof, and many details have been set forth for purpose of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is susceptible to additional embodiments and that certain of the details described herein can be varied considerably without departing from the basic principles of the invention.



Claims
  • 1. A projectile plush toy comprising:a body portion; a first extendible arm having a forward end portion and a rearward end portion, the rearward end portion attached to the body portion; the first extendible arm extendible between a first position and a second position, in the second position the forward end portion defining a first release point and the first extendible arm biasing the body portion towards the forward end portion, and in the second position a major mass portion of the plush toy positioned at the rearward end portion of the first extendible arm; an independent module for a sound box operatively connected to the body portion having sound effects; a second extendible arm having a forward end portion and a rearward end portion, the rearward end portion attached to the body portion; the second extendible arm extendible between a first position and a second position, in the second position the forward end portion defining a second release point and the second extendible arm biasing the body portion towards the forward end portion, and in the second position a major mass portion of the plush toy positioned at the rearward end portion of the second extendible arm; a first hand attached to the first extendible arm having a first pocket for receiving a user's thumb or finger; and a second hand attached to the second extendible arm having a second pocket for receiving a user's thumb or finger, the second hand is insertable into the first pocket.
  • 2. The projectile plush toy of claim 1 wherein the module is operated by a motion switch.
  • 3. The projectile plush toy of claim 1 wherein the first release point is positioned at the second release point.
  • 4. The projectile plush toy of claim 1 wherein the first extendible arm and the second extendible arm each is connected to a center area of the body portion.
  • 5. The projectile plush toy of claim 1 wherein each of the first extendible arm and the second extendible arm comprises at least one of a rubber tubing, an elastic cord, a natural latex rubber material and a synthetic latex rubber material.
  • 6. The projectile plush toy of claim 1 wherein a mass of the second hand is about equal to a mass of the first hand.
  • 7. The projectile plush toy of claim 1 further comprising a sleeve covering at least a portion of the first extendible arm.
  • 8. The projectile plush toy of claim 7 wherein the sleeve is segmented and comprises a first portion attached to the body portion and a second portion attached at the forward end portion of the first extendible arm, wherein the first portion and the second portion converge to cover the first extendible arm.
  • 9. The projectile plush toy of claim 7 wherein the sleeve comprises at least one of an elastic material, a gathered plush material and a synthetic knitted material.
  • 10. The projectile plush toy of claim 7 further comprising a sleeve covering at least a portion of the second extendible arm.
  • 11. The projectile plush toy of claim 10 wherein the sleeve is segmented and comprises a first portion attached to the body portion and a second portion attached at the forward end portion of the second extendible arm, wherein the first portion and the second portion converge to cover the second extendible arm.
  • 12. The projectile plush toy of claim 10 wherein the sleeve comprises at least one of an elastic material, a gathered plush material and a synthetic knitted material.
  • 13. The projectile plush toy of claim 1 wherein in the second position the first extendible arm has potential energy sufficient to project the body portion with respect to the forward end portion.
  • 14. The projectile plush toy of claim 13 wherein in the second position the second extendible arm has potential energy sufficient to project the body portion with respect to the forward end portion.
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2610531 Aug 1988 FR
9318831 Sep 1993 WO