Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6808437
-
Patent Number
6,808,437
-
Date Filed
Tuesday, February 4, 200321 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, October 26, 200420 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
- Banks; Derris H.
- Abdelwahed; Ali
Agents
- Pauley Petersen & Erickson
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 446 320
- 446 308
- 446 311
- 446 312
- 446 44
- 446 45
- 446 59
- 446 63
- 446 64
- 446 65
- 446 380
-
International Classifications
-
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.
US Referenced Citations (16)
Foreign Referenced Citations (2)
Number |
Date |
Country |
2610531 |
Aug 1988 |
FR |
9318831 |
Sep 1993 |
WO |