Abstract:
The invention is a modular soft toy and method of using the same. More specifically, the invention relates to modular soft toys having one or more interchangeable units, such as faces and/or other features, where the toy has a recess with a lip for receiving, guiding and/or retaining at least one of the interchangeable units.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/970,506, filed Mar. 26, 2014. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a modular soft toy(s), as defined below in the “Definitions” section, and methods of using the same. More specifically, the invention relates to modular soft toys having one or more interchangeable features. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    The present invention seeks to improve the enjoyment and aesthetics of modular soft toys. The modular sections of most of these types of toys do not fit together or stay together well, and do not look like a complete one piece toy when such sections are fit together. Instead, the sections of most modular soft toys generally appear to barely connect together, with lots of gaps between attached the sections. As a result, most of these toys are disappointing when it is desirable that its parts stay together during normal play, e.g., when the toy is shaken or squished, and the toy&#39;s modular sections instead come apart. 
         [0006]    Modular toys that are not soft, but made of a harder material like hard plastic, wood, metal, etc., generally do not have the aforementioned problems, because the sections of such harder material modular toys have right angles that meet to create a flush connection, which appears more like a complete one piece toy that will not likely come apart during normal movement of the toy. However, these toys are not soft and do not provide the user with the experience of a soft toy. 
         [0007]    Most modular soft toys would benefit from this invention, which, in at least one embodiment, comprises a retaining mechanism and/or a guiding mechanism, and/or an additional guiding mechanism to use when connecting sections of the toy, so the toy looks more like a complete unit rather than a collection of sections and/or parts of the toy. Additionally, most modular soft toys would benefit from a guiding mechanism, or an additional guiding mechanism that also operates as a retaining mechanism(s) to keep sections of the toy connected when desired. Further, most modular soft toys would benefit from a retaining mechanism, and/or a face plate mechanism, which, as one benefit, would make it simple to disconnect the sections of the toy when desired. 
         [0008]    The present invention seeks to provide one or more of the aforementioned benefits by providing a guiding mechanism that also operates as a retaining mechanism, so that the toy appears as a complete unit as its parts are more likely to stay together and/or connected to one another when desired. The guiding and/or retaining mechanism(s) can also be constructed to facilitate the disconnection of the sections of the toy when desired. They can also house the attaching device(s) and/or the male or female counterpart of said attaching device(s). 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The drawbacks normally associated with Soft Modular Toys are solved by the present invention, which has at least one guiding and/or retaining mechanism so that the modular sections of the toy will stay together when desired and the toy will appear as one complete piece. Such retaining mechanism(s) make it more difficult to push the module(s) out of place. The Attaching device(s), as defined in the “Definitions” section, make it easy to put the modules and/or sections together and pull them apart. 
         [0010]    It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a modular soft toy, which appears to have a seamless look, and has modules and/or sections, which fit together and stay together well. 
         [0011]    Additional objects of the present invention include, but are not limited to: (1) providing a modular soft toy with a guiding mechanism(s), and/or a retaining mechanism(s), and/or an additional guiding mechanism(s) to use when connecting sections of the toy, so the toy looks more like a complete unit than a collection of parts; (2) incorporating one or more guiding mechanisms that can also operate as a retaining mechanism(s) to keep sections of the toy connected when desired, which creates more satisfaction with a seamless connection between the parts; (3) including a retaining mechanism, which also makes it simple to connect and/or disconnect the modular sections of the toy when desired; and (4) using an attaching mechanism(s) that can be hidden and/or securely covered to make it cosmetically more appealing and/or safer. At least one of the retaining mechanism(s) can be a face plate. The face plate and/or any part of the invention can adhere or be attached utilizing a variety of attaching mechanisms including, but not limited to, at least one of snap(s), magnet(s), at least one magnet and surface material counterpart or second opposite magnet, Velcro®, buttons), and/or a variety of interlocking mechanisms. 
         [0012]    One embodiment of a modular soft toy may comprise at least one section(s) having at least one retaining mechanism(s), at least one recessed opening with a guiding mechanism(s), such as a lip, and at least one attaching device(s); and at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit having at least one of a retaining mechanism(s), a guiding mechanism(s); and/or an attaching device(s). The at least one attaching device(s) may be a pressure sensitive attaching device(s). The at least one attaching device(s) may be a face unit or face plate. 
         [0013]    One embodiment of a modular soft toy may comprise at least one section having at least one of: at least one retaining mechanism, at least one recessed opening with a guiding mechanism, such as a lip, and/or at least one attaching device; and at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit having at least one of: at least one retaining mechanism, at least one guiding mechanism, and/or at least one attaching device. The at least one attaching device may be a pressure sensitive attaching device. The at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit may be a face unit or face plate. 
         [0014]    The at least one section(s) may comprise a head section and a body section. The head section may have a rear unit, which may have a front and a rear surface, and at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit, which may have a front and a rear surface. The rear surface of the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit may be attachable to the front surface of the rear unit of the head section. The at least one of either the rear surface of the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit and/or the front surface of the rear unit of the head section may have at least one attaching device(s) for attaching the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit to the rear unit of the head section, whereby the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit can be pressed on to the rear unit of the head section to attach the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit and the rear unit of the head section together. The front surface of the rear unit of the head section may have a recessed opening with guiding mechanism(s), such as a lip, to receive the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit, whereby the guiding mechanism(s), such as a lip, may operate to guide and retain the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit. The at least one attaching device(s) may be a pressure sensitive attaching device(s). The at least one attaching device(s) may be a face unit. 
         [0015]    The head section, which may have a front and a rear surface, can connect and/or removably attach to the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit via at least one attaching device that can be located in or on the front surface of the head section, and/or the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit, and the front surface of the head section may have a recessed opening with a guiding mechanism, such as a lip, that can receive the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit, whereby the guiding mechanism, such as a lip, can operate to guide and retain the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit to the head section. The body section can connect and/or removably attach to the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit via at least one attaching device that can be located in or on the body section, and/or the body section can have a recessed opening with a guiding mechanism, such as a lip, that can receive the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit, whereby the guiding mechanism, such as a lip, can operate to guide and retain the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit to the body section. 
         [0016]    The modular soft toy may further comprise at least one additional modular soft toy, wherein at least the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit may be interchangeable between the at least two modular soft toys. The lip may be the same color and/or material as the rear unit of the head section. 
         [0017]    The present invention can further comprise at least one additional modular soft toy, wherein at least the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit of the modular soft toy and the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit of the at least one additional modular soft toy can be interchangeable for use by both the modular soft toy and the at least one additional modular soft toy. 
         [0018]    The guiding mechanism, such as a lip, can be created from the same material, and/or material that is the same color and/or color pattern as the at least one section. 
         [0019]    The modular soft toy may further comprise at least one additional removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit comprising body part(s), tail(s), ear(s), limb(s), face(s), wing(s), foot and/or feet, paw(s), hand(s), nail(s), claw(s), horn(s), antler(s), hair and/or faux hair, fur and/or faux fur, apparel, clothes and/or clothing, costume(s), coat(s), jacket(s), shoe(s), hat(s), cap(s), hood(s), headwear, crown(s), accessory(ies) including, but not limited to, eye glasses, sun glasses, glasses, a mask(s), and/or facial features including, but not limited to, eye(s), eyelash(es), hair, beard, mustache, side burns, mouth(s), nose(s), eye brow(s), cheek(s), and/or chin(s). 
         [0020]    The head section, which can have a front and a rear surface, can connect and/or removably attach to the at least one additional removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit via at least one attaching device that can be located in or on the front and/or rear surface of the head section, and/or the at least one additional removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit, and/or the front and/or rear surface of the head section can have a recessed opening with a guiding mechanism, such as a lip, that can receive the at least one additional removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit, whereby the guiding mechanism, such as a lip, can operate to guide and retain the at least one additional removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit to the head section. The body section can connect and/or removably attach to the at least one additional removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit via at least one attaching device that can be located in or on the body section, and/or the at least one additional removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit, and/or the body section can have a recessed opening with a guiding mechanism, such as a lip, that can receive the at least one additional removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit, whereby the guiding mechanism, such as a lip, can operate to guide and retain the at least one additional removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit to the body section. 
         [0021]    The modular soft toy can further comprise at least one additional modular soft toy, wherein at least the at least one additional removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit of the modular soft toy and the at least one additional removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit of the at least one additional modular soft toy can be interchangeable for use by both the modular soft toy and the at least one additional modular soft toy. 
         [0022]    At least one of the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit, at least one additional removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit, and/or rear unit of the head section may have at least one attaching device(s) for attaching at least one additional removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit. At least one of the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit and/or rear unit of the head section may have at least one recessed opening with guiding mechanism, such as a lip, to receive at least one additional removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit, whereby the guiding mechanism, such as a lip, may operate to guide and retain the at least one additional removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit. 
         [0023]    The modular soft toy may further comprise at least one additional removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit on and/or affixed to the recess. The at least one attaching device(s) may be hidden in whole or part, camouflaged in whole or part, and/or covered in whole or part by material, fur and/or faux fur, and or hair and/or faux hair. 
         [0024]    The modular soft toy may further comprise at least one retaining mechanism and/or supporting device and/or structure in and/or on at least one of the at least one of the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit, at least one additional removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit, and/or rear unit of the head section: to shape the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit, at least one additional removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit, and/or rear unit of the head section; support any devices and/or material covering the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit, at least one additional removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit, and/or rear unit of the head section ; and/or support any unit which is attachable to the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit, at least one additional removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit, and/or rear unit of the head section. 
         [0025]    The guiding mechanism, such as a lip, may have rounded edges and partially encircles the recessed opening so as to leave a space where no guiding mechanism, such as a lip, is provided. The modular soft toy may further comprise pre-printed facial features on and/or affixed to the front surface of the rear unit of the head section. The at least one attaching device(s) may be hidden in whole or part, camouflaged in whole or part, and/or covered in whole or part by material, fur and/or faux fur, and or hair and/or faux hair. 
         [0026]    The modular soft toy may further comprise at least one retaining mechanism and/or supporting device and/or structure in and/or on at least one of the at least one of the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit, at least one additional removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit, the head section, and/or the body section: to shape the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit, at least one additional removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit, the head section, and/or the body section; support any devices and/or material covering the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit, at least one additional removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit, the head section, and/or the body section; and/or support any unit which is attachable to the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit, at least one additional removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit, the head section, and/or the body section. 
         [0027]    The modular soft toy may further comprise at least one retaining mechanism and/or supporting device and/or structure in and/or on the rear unit of the head section to shape the head section, support any devices and/or material covering the head section, and/or support any unit which is attachable to the rear unit of the head section. The at least one retaining mechanism and/or supporting device and/or structure may be in and/or on the front surface of the rear unit of the head section. The guiding mechanism, such as a lip, may have rounded edges and partially encircles the front surface of the rear unit of the head so as to leave a space where no lip is provided. 
         [0028]    The modular soft toy may further comprise removably attachable ear(s), antler(s), horn(s), hat(s), cap(s), hood(s), crown(s), headwear, eye glasses, sun glasses, glasses, accessory(ies), hair and/or faux hair, and/or fur and/or faux fur, on or in the rear unit of the head section. One or more attaching devices may form the shape and/or impression of facial features, such as eyes, nose and/or mouth. 
         [0029]    The modular soft toy of may further comprise at least one of the following: illumination, lighting, lighting device, sound, speaker, amplifier, sound device, video, video device, electronic media, electronic media device, and/or device(s) to send and/or receive control signals. The modular soft toy of may further comprise at least one switch, at least one sensor, and/or at least one connector, and said at least one switch, at least one sensor, and/or at least one connector can be sensed by and/or connected to electronics and/or circuitry, and/or electronic circuits, and/or electronic devices. Said at least one switch, at least one sensor, and/or at least one connector can be at least one of motion and/or acceleration and/or impact activated. Said lighting may be dimmable. Said at least one switch, at least one sensor, and/or at least one connector can sense acoustic energy and/or audio from the environment or other source and convert said acoustic energy and/or audio into a signal. Said signal can be resolved into frequency and/or amplitude and/or a combination thereof. Said frequency and/or amplitude and/or a combination thereof can control or affect the pattern and/or intensity of the lighting. Said at least one switch, at least one sensor, and/or at least one connector may be a connector and/or jack for connecting to an audio source and/or power. The modular soft toy may further comprise a conductive connector or jack for connecting to a cell phone and/or mobile device and/or smart device and/or computer. 
         [0030]    One method of using a modular soft toy may comprise providing a modular soft toy with at least one section(s) wherein the at least one section(s) may comprise a head section and a body section; guiding and/or retaining the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit and/or the at least one additional removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit using the recessed opening with guiding mechanism, such as a lip; pressing and/or pushing the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit and/or the at least one additional removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit into and/or on to the recessed opening with guiding mechanism, such as a lip; and detaching the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit and/or the at least one additional removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit from the recessed opening with guiding mechanism, such as a lip. The head section may have a rear unit, which has a front and a rear surface, and at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit, which has a front and a rear surface, with the rear surface of the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit being attachable to the front surface of the rear unit of the head section. At least one of either the rear surface of the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit and/or the front surface of the rear unit of the head section may have at least one attaching device(s) for attaching the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit to the rear unit of the head section, whereby the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit can be pressed on to the rear unit of the head section to attach the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit and the rear unit of the head section together. The front surface of the rear unit of the head section may have a recessed opening with guiding mechanism(s), such as a lip, to receive the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit. At least one additional removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit may be fittable into a recessed opening with guiding mechanism, such as a lip. The recessed opening with guiding mechanism, such as a lip, may further comprise an opening and the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit and/or the at least one additional removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit is detached from the recess by grabbing the unit through the opening. 
         [0031]    Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention should not be limited to the described preferred embodiments. Rather, various changes and modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0032]    The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 1  shows an exploded view of one embodiment of the present invention with a face unit or face plate with the appearance of a monkey&#39;s face, a head and body section with the appearance of a monkey&#39;s body, and a removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit with the appearance of a monkey&#39;s tail. 
           [0034]      FIG. 2  shows a front view of the head section of one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 3  shows a rear view of the body section of one embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0036]    Detailed descriptions of particular embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner. 
         [0037]      FIG. 1  shows an exploded view of one embodiment of the present invention whereby a face unit or face plate  4 , which has the appearance of a monkey&#39;s face in this embodiment, removably attaches to the head section  2  of the modular soft toy  1  via an attaching device(s) located on the rear surface of the face unit or face plate  4 , and an attaching device(s) (illustrated in  FIG. 2 ) located on the front surface of the head section  2  of the modular soft toy  1 . Additionally,  FIG. 1  shows a removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit in the form of a tail  6  that connects to the body section  3  of the modular soft toy  1  via an attaching device(s)  5  located on the tail  6 , and an attaching device (illustrated in  FIG. 3 ) located on the body section  3  of the modular soft toy  1 . Although  FIG. 1  depicts a removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit in the form of a tail  4 , said unit can be created in many possible forms, including body parts, accessories, clothing, and/or costumes. 
         [0038]      FIG. 2  shows a front view of the head section  2  of a one embodiment of the present invention. The front surface of the head section  2  has a recessed opening or section  9 , which is created by a guiding mechanism, such as a lip  7 . In  FIG. 2 , the guiding mechanism, such as a lip  7 , ends at edges of the lip  8  rather than wrapping around the entire front surface of the head section  2 . The attaching devices  5  are hidden in the recessed opening or section  9 . In this example, the attaching devices  5  are magnets. If magnets are to be used as the attaching device  5 , the device would require at least one magnet(s), at least one magnet and surface material counterpart (i.e. metal surface) or second opposite magnet. Other types of attaching device(s) can be used on the head section  2  and can also be hidden within the recessed opening or section, if desired. For example, snaps, buttons, hook and loop, Velcro, and the like can be used as the attaching devices. The location, placement, and number of attaching devices  5  in  FIG. 2  are one example of the possible location, placement, and number of attaching devices found in the present invention. The location, placement, and number of attaching devices  5  may differ in other embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0039]      FIG. 3  shows a rear view of the body section  3  of one embodiment of a modular soft toy  1  with the placement of the attaching device  5  on the rear of the body section  3  located in an area of the body section  3  where a tail (illustrated in  FIG. 1 ) might be located. Other types of attaching device(s) can be used on the body section  3 , if desired. For example, snaps, buttons, hook and loop, Velcro, and the like can be used as the attaching devices. The location, placement, and number of attaching devices  5  in  FIG. 3  are one example of the possible location, placement, and number of attaching devices found in the present invention. The location, placement, and number of attaching devices  5  may differ in other embodiments of the present invention. 
       COMPONENT LIST FOR DRAWINGS 
       [0040]    Following is a partial list of the components depicted in the drawings: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Component No. 
                 Component Description 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 1 
                 Modular Soft Toy 
               
               
                 2 
                 Head Section 
               
               
                 3 
                 Body Section 
               
               
                 4 
                 Face Unit or Face Plate 
               
               
                 5 
                 Attaching Device 
               
               
                 6 
                 Tail 
               
               
                 7 
                 Lip 
               
               
                 8 
                 Edge of Lip 
               
               
                 9 
                 Recessed Opening 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       DEFINITIONS 
       [0041]    As used herein, the term “and/or,” when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed. For example, if a device is described as containing components A, B, and/or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination. 
         [0042]    As used herein, the term “attaching device” is defined as a device(s) that attaches at least two items simply by pressing them or pushing them together, such as, hook(s) and loop(s), Velcro, magnet or magnet(s). If magnets are used as an attaching device, the device would require at least one magnet(s), at least one magnet and surface material counterpart (i.e. metal surface) or second opposite attracting magnet., button(s), snap(s), adhesive, etc. 
         [0043]    As used herein, the terms “face unit” and “face plate” are both defined as removably attachable two or three-dimensional units that comprise at least one of at least one retaining mechanism, at least one guiding mechanism, and/or at least one attaching device. 
         [0044]    As used herein, the term “lip” is defined as an edge, rim and/or flange formed at the upper edge of a recessed opening and/or recession. 
         [0045]    As used herein, the term “modular soft toy” is defined as a modular toy made of soft, pliable material, such as plush, cloth, cotton, silk, nylon, rayon, vinyl, wool, polyester, leather, faux leather or pleather, denim, fur, faux fur, suede, faux suede, rubber, stuffed, elastic, plastic, parachute material, and/or any combination of such materials, etc. 
         [0046]    As used herein, the term “three-dimensional” is defined as having length, width and height. For example, a three-dimensional face is where the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit and one or more features of the at least one removably attachable two or three-dimensional unit, e.g., eyes, nose, mouth, etc., are three dimensional, having length, height and width, and not just appearing to have such dimensions. 
         [0047]    While the instant invention has been shown and described in accordance with preferred and practical embodiments thereof, it is recognized that departures from the instant disclosure are contemplated within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the true scope of the invention should not be limited since other modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a study of the drawings, descriptions, explanations, and specifications herein.