FIDGET TOY

Abstract

According to some embodiments, a fidget toy comprises a first portion and a second portion. When the first portion is intertwined with the second portion an image is revealed. The first portion is a coil and the second portion is a coil. Respective portions of the image are disposed over a length of the first portion and a length of the second portion.

Description

BACKGROUND

Special needs children (e.g., children with autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, anxiety, etc.) often fidget for sensory input as a calming mechanism to decrease anxiety. This fidgeting often becomes a distraction during school hours, when the child needs to be patient, to focus, to stay in their seats, etc. Today, parents sometimes carry tools (fidget toys or other items) that the child can hold and play with to provide comfort, decrease anxiety, and to decrease the need for fidgeting.

A fidget toy is a small object used for activity with the hands to help people tolerate anxiety, frustration, agitation, boredom, and excitement. They are also commonly used by those with sensory difficulties.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments described herein relate to a fidget toy that comprises a first portion and a second portion. When the first portion is intertwined with the second portion an image is revealed. The first portion is a coil and the second portion is a coil. Respective portions of the image are disposed over a length of the first portion and a length of the second portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 illustrates a plurality of coils for use as a fidget toy.

FIG. 2 illustrates a plurality of coils for use as a fidget toy.

FIG. 3 illustrates a plurality of coils for use as a fidget toy.

FIG. 4 illustrates a fidget toy in a holder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments.

The embodiments described herein relate to a fidget toy comprised of two or more coils. Each coil may be a spiral or spring-shaped object made of plastic, rubber, metal or other material, with printed graphics located on an outer surface of the coil such that when gaps between portions of the coil are in contact with each other (e.g., via compression or connection with other springs through twisting, rotating, merging or being otherwise interlocked) the combination of coils reveals an image. The image may comprise, but is not limited to, a graphic image, or more words or a printed graphic pattern.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a fidget toy 100 is illustrated. The fidget toy 100 of FIG. 1 is illustrated as having three portions 102/104/106 however, in some embodiments, the fidget toy 100 may also be comprised of having only two portions (e.g., 102/104). As illustrated in FIG. 1, portion 102 comprises a first third of an image that will be visible when the three portions 102/104/106 are combined, portion 104 comprise a second third of the image and portion 106 comprises a remaining third of the image. Each respective portion of the image (e.g., the first third of the image, the second third of the image and the remaining third of the image) may be disposed over an entire length of their respective portion 102/104/106. In some embodiments, each respective portion of the image (e.g., the first third of the image, the second third of the image and the remaining third of the image) may be disposed over a length of their respective portion 102/104/106 but not an entire length. In some embodiments, each portion 102/104/106 may be sized to fit in a child's hand so that a child can use to fidget toy for a calming effect. In some embodiments, the intertwined portions 102/104/106 may need to be compressed for the image to be visible.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an image of the fidget toy 100 being assembled is illustrated. As illustrated, portions 102/104 are currently twisted together with portion 106. The arrow above portion 106 illustrates a direction that 106 is moving by being turned and added to the fidget toy 100. Once the three portions portion 102/104/106 are combined by being twisted together, the fidget toy 100 may comprise all portions of the image. The three portions portion 102/104/106 may be turned and aligned so that all portions of the image are aligned.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an image of the fidget toy 100 being assembled is illustrated. As illustrated, portions 102/104/106 are currently being twisted together and once the three portions portion 102/104/106 are combined by being twisted together, the fidget toy 100 may comprise all portions of the image. The three portions 102/104/106 may be turned and aligned so that all portions of the image are aligned to create the fidget toy 100 comprising a full image 108.

Now referring to FIG. 4, an embodiment of a holder 110 is illustrated. The holder 110 may be configured to display the fidget toy 100 comprising a full image 108. In some embodiments, the holder 110 may comprise a cylindrical portion 112 having a cut out for displaying the full image. In some embodiments, the holder 110 may comprise a loop for hanging the holder 110 on a backpack or belt. The holder 110 may be configured to store the portions 102/104/106 in a compressed intertwined position so that the image is visible.

Those in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the above-described embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the claims. Therefore, it is to be understood that the claims may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

This written description uses examples to disclose multiple embodiments, including the preferred embodiments, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. Aspects from the various embodiments described, as well as other known equivalents for each such aspects, can be mixed and matched by one of ordinary skill in the art to construct additional embodiments and techniques in accordance with principles of this application.

Claims

1. A fidget toy comprising: a first portion; anda second portion, wherein when the first portion is intertwined with the second portion an image is revealed.

2. The fidget toy of claim 1, wherein the first portion is a coil and the second portion is a coil.

3. The fidget toy of claim 1, wherein a first portion of the image is disposed on the first portion and a second portion of the image is disposed on the second portion.

4. The fidget toy of claim 1, wherein respective portions of the image are disposed over an entire length of the first portion and an entire length of the second portion.

5. The fidget toy of claim 1, further comprising a third portion wherein when the first portion is intertwined with both the second portion and the third portion the image is revealed.

6. The fidget toy of claim 1, wherein the third portion is a coil.

7. The fidget toy of claim 1, wherein the image is revealed when first portion and the second portion are intertwined and compressed.

8. The fidget toy of claim 1, further comprising a holder to store the first portion and the second portion in a compressed intertwined position so that the image is visible.

9. The fidget toy of claim 5, further comprising a holder to store the first portion, the second portion and the third portion in a compressed intertwined position so that the image is visible.

10. A fidget toy comprising: a first coil; anda second coil, wherein when the first coil is intertwined with the second coil an image is revealed, wherein a first half of the image is disposed on the first coil and a second half of the image is disposed on the second coil and wherein the image is disposed over a length of the first coil and a length of the second coil.

11. The fidget toy of claim 10, further comprising a third portion wherein when the first portion is intertwined with both the second portion and the third portion the image is revealed.

12. The fidget toy of claim 10, wherein the image is revealed when first portion and the second portion are intertwined and compressed.

13. The fidget toy of claim 10, further comprising a holder to store the first portion and the second portion in a compressed intertwined position so that the image is visible.

14. A fidget toy comprising: a first coil; anda second coil, wherein when the first coil is intertwined with the second coil an image is revealed, wherein a first half of the image is disposed on the first coil and a second half of the image is disposed on the second coil, wherein the image is disposed over a length of the first coil and a length of the second coil and wherein the image is revealed when first portion and the second portion are intertwined and compressed.

15. The fidget toy of claim 14, further comprising a third portion wherein when the first portion is intertwined with both the second portion and the third portion the image is revealed.

16. The fidget toy of claim 14, further comprising a holder to store the first portion and the second portion in a compressed intertwined position so that the image is visible.