Abstract:
The present invention relates to a new type of suction cup toy for children and associated methods of use thereof, and, more particularly, to a teether, a play toy, a construction toy, and/or a combination teether and toy.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a new type of suction cup toy for children and associated methods of use thereof, and, more particularly, a teether, a play toy, a construction toy, and/or a combination teether and toy. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Previously, suction cups have been used to secure items to surfaces for a variety of purposes. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,677,951 discloses a self-anchorable composite item using suction cups disposed on a single side thereof. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 3,101,567 discloses a vacuum cup holding device with suction cups disposed on opposite sides of the device. Devices such as these have been used, for example, to removably secure a bar of soap to a wall in a shower. 
         [0003]    However, these devices are not designed for children to play with, and may pose a significant risk to a child. These devices may be made from toxic or other harmful components that could injure or poison a child if the devices were placed in a child&#39;s mouth or chewed on. These devices may pose a choking risk for a child, as they could become lodged in a child&#39;s mouth or throat and prevent the child from breathing. Further, the devices may be easily broken or torn apart and create a safety hazard, as a child may ingest pieces of the device. Finally, such devices are optimized so as to remain attached to a surface or an object for prolonged periods of time. Thus, a child may have difficulty removing these devices from a surface or object. 
         [0004]    Teethers may provide many benefits to a teething child. Chewing on a teether applies pressure and pulls on the gums and teeth, which can both strengthen the gums and/or clean the teeth. This pressure may also relieve pain caused by teething and assist in the growth or development of a child&#39;s teeth. Further, the use of a teether may provide psychological benefits by giving the child an activity that exercises his or her mouth, thereby soothing the child. 
         [0005]    A toy may also provide many benefits to a child. A toy may be used to entertain a child or provide the child with enjoyment. Further, toys may be educational, assisting a child in learning basic spatial-reasoning or more advanced skills such as language or math. Preferably, a toy should be interesting to a child and provide cognitive stimulation. 
         [0006]    There exists a need for improved teethers and toys. In particular, such items may be used while a child is located on the floor, in a bath tub, in a high chair, or in another location where a surface is located nearby. Accordingly, there exists a need for toys and teethers that are configured to removably attach to various surfaces. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, improved toys and teethers are provided. Such suction cup toys may include suction cups disposed on all or a portion of the surface of the toy to removably connect the toy to a nonporous surface. These suction cups may be adapted and arranged such that the force required to remove the toy varies based on which portion of the toy is attached to the surface. The toy may be adapted so that it is easier for a child to grab the toy and remove it from a surface. The toy may be a letter, number, animal, plant, character, geometric shape, organic form, logo, or any other shape that is entertaining and/or educational to a child. 
         [0008]    An embodiment of the present invention provides a suction cup toy adapted to removably attach to a nonporous surface and adapted for easy removal from the surface once attached, the suction cup toy comprising:
       a substantially planar sheet comprising a flexible, chewable material having a front side, a back side opposite the front side, and a perimeter section;   a first array of suction cups disposed on either of the front side or the back side, wherein each suction cup in the first array extends perpendicularly away from the sheet and is adapted to removably attach to the surface; and   a means for holding the toy so as to detach the suction cups of the first array from the surface, wherein the means is selected from a group consisting of:
           a lip on the perimeter surface of the planar sheet wherein the lip protrudes perpendicular to the sheet and extends a distance away from both the front side and the back side;   a first textured portion disposed on the back side with a first protrusion extending away from the back side and a second textured portion disposed on the front side opposite the first textured portion with a second protrusion extending away from the front side;   a passageway extending through the sheet from the back side to the front side, wherein the passageway is adapted to allow a child to grasp and place a lifting force on the toy; and   a portion of the first array wherein a distance between adjacent ones of the suction cups in the first array is increased so as to allow a child to insert one or more fingers between the adjacent ones of the suction cups.   
               
 
         [0016]    An embodiment of the present invention provides a suction cup toy adapted to removably attach to a nonporous surface and adapted for easy removal from the surface once attached, the toy comprising:
       a tube comprised of a flexible, chewable material having a surface comprising a front section, a back section opposite the front section, an exterior section, and an interior section opposite the exterior section, wherein the front section and back section are substantially orthogonal to the exterior section and the interior section and the tube is toroidal;   a first array of suction cups disposed on the back section, wherein each suction cup in the first array extends perpendicularly away from the back section and is adapted to removably attach to the surface;   a second array of suction cups disposed on the front section, wherein each suction cup in the second array extends perpendicularly away from the front section and is adapted to removably attach to the surface; and   a third array of suction cups disposed on the exterior section, wherein each suction cup in the third array extends perpendicularly away from the exterior section and is adapted to removably attach to the surface;   wherein the suction cups in the first array are of substantially equivalent dimensions to the suction cups in the second array and the number of suction cups in the first array is greater than the number of suction cups in the second array, such that the force required to remove the first array from the surface is greater than the force required to remove the second array from the surface.       
 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]    Certain embodiments are shown in the drawings. However, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings. 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  is a back view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the north edge of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the south edge of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the east edge of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the west edge of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 9  is a front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 10  is a back view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 11  is a side view of the north edge of the embodiment of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 12  is a side view of the south edge of the embodiment of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 13  is a side view of the east edge of the embodiment of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 14  is a side view of the west edge of the embodiment of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 16  is a front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 17  is a back view of the embodiment of  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 18  is a side view of the north edge of the embodiment of  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 19  is a side view of the south edge of the embodiment of  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 20  is a side view of the east edge of the embodiment of  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 21  is a side view of the west edge of the embodiment of  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0045]      FIG. 23  is a front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 22 ; 
           [0046]      FIG. 24  is a back view of the embodiment of  FIG. 22 ; 
           [0047]      FIG. 25  is a side view of the north edge of the embodiment of  FIG. 22 ; 
           [0048]      FIG. 26  is a side view of the south edge of the embodiment of  FIG. 22 ; 
           [0049]      FIG. 27  is a side view of the east edge of the embodiment of  FIG. 22 ; 
           [0050]      FIG. 28  is a side view of the west edge of the embodiment of  FIG. 22 ; 
           [0051]      FIG. 29  is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0052]      FIG. 30  is a front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 29 ; 
           [0053]      FIG. 31  is a back view of the embodiment of  FIG. 29 ; 
           [0054]      FIG. 32  is a side view of the north edge of the embodiment of  FIG. 29 ; 
           [0055]      FIG. 33  is a side view of the south edge of the embodiment of  FIG. 29 ; 
           [0056]      FIG. 34  is a side view of the east edge of the embodiment of  FIG. 29 ; 
           [0057]      FIG. 35  is a side view of the west edge of the embodiment of  FIG. 29 ; 
           [0058]      FIG. 36  is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0059]      FIG. 37  is a front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 36 ; 
           [0060]      FIG. 38  is a back view of the embodiment of  FIG. 36 ; 
           [0061]      FIG. 39  is a side view of the north edge of the embodiment of  FIG. 36 ; 
           [0062]      FIG. 40  is a side view of the south edge of the embodiment of  FIG. 36 ; 
           [0063]      FIG. 41  is a side view of the east edge of the embodiment of  FIG. 36 ; 
           [0064]      FIG. 42  is a side view of the west edge of the embodiment of  FIG. 36 ; 
           [0065]      FIG. 43  is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0066]      FIG. 44  is a front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 43 ; 
           [0067]      FIG. 45  is a back view of the embodiment of  FIG. 43 ; 
           [0068]      FIG. 46  is a side view of the north edge of the embodiment of  FIG. 43 ; 
           [0069]      FIG. 47  is a side view of the south edge of the embodiment of  FIG. 43 ; 
           [0070]      FIG. 48  is a side view of the east edge of the embodiment of  FIG. 43 ; 
           [0071]      FIG. 49  is a side view of the west edge of the embodiment of  FIG. 43 ; 
           [0072]      FIG. 50  is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0073]      FIG. 51  is a front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 50 ; 
           [0074]      FIG. 52  is a back view of the embodiment of  FIG. 50 ; 
           [0075]      FIG. 53  is a side view of the north edge of the embodiment of  FIG. 50 ; 
           [0076]      FIG. 54  is a side view of the south edge of the embodiment of  FIG. 50 ; 
           [0077]      FIG. 55  is a side view of the east edge of the embodiment of  FIG. 50 ; 
           [0078]      FIG. 56  is a side view of the west edge of the embodiment of  FIG. 50 ; 
           [0079]      FIG. 57  depicts an arrangement of suction cups on a square plane; 
           [0080]      FIG. 58  depicts an arrangement of suction cups on a triangular plane; 
           [0081]      FIG. 59  depicts an arrangement of suction cups on a circular plane; 
           [0082]      FIG. 60  depicts an arrangement of suction cups on a rectangular plane; 
           [0083]      FIG. 61  depicts an arrangement of suction cups on an elliptical plane; 
           [0084]      FIG. 62  depicts an arrangement of suction cups on a rhomboid plane; 
           [0085]      FIG. 63  is a perspective view of a suction cup on a sheet; 
           [0086]      FIG. 64  is a cross-section view of the suction cup of  FIG. 63 ; 
           [0087]      FIG. 65  is a cross-section view of the suction cup of  FIG. 63  attached to a surface; 
           [0088]      FIG. 66  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention with texture on one surface and suction cups on an opposite surface; 
           [0089]      FIG. 67  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention used as a construction toy. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0090]    For the purposes of promoting and understanding the principles disclosed herein, reference is now made to the preferred embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language is used to describe the same. It is nevertheless understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is hereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated devices and such further applications of the principles disclosed and illustrated herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure relates. 
         [0091]    Embodiments of the present invention provide teethers and toys that are chewable and have one or more suction cups disposed on one or more surfaces of the toy. Such items may be referred to as teethers, toys, or suction cup toys herein. Such a toy is capable of sticking to various surfaces, particularly nonporous smooth surfaces, including walls, tables, other toys, and the toy itself. Advantageously, such toys may provide a variety of different textures to increase a child&#39;s enjoyment from touching, manipulating, and chewing on the suction cup toy. Chewing on these textured portions applies pressure to the child&#39;s teeth or gums, soothing the child and assisting in the growth and development of the child&#39;s teeth and gums. The toys may be made in bright colors and interesting shapes to further increase a child&#39;s interest and enjoyment. For example, the body of the toy may be a first color while the suction cups may be a second color. The toy may create noise, for example, when a child detaches the suction cups from a surface. Such toys work to improve a child&#39;s physical development, particularly with regard to increased fine motor skills. Further, the toys may increase a child&#39;s cognitive development by teaching the children cause and effect. So as to ensure a child is able to easily use the toys, they may be adapted so that a child may easily grab and remove the toys from a surface. 
         [0092]    
       FIGS. 1-7 
     
         [0093]      FIGS. 1 through 7  depict a suction cup toy  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of the suction cup toy  100 . As shown, the suction cup toy  100  may include a flat sheet  102  having a front side  104  and a back side  106 . The sheet may be made of a soft, flexible material. In an embodiment, the material is chewable, resilient, and pliable. In an embodiment, the sheet  102  is made of medical grade silicone. Alternatively, the sheet  102  may be made from a flexible plastic, rubber, or any other suitable material. Preferably, the material is nontoxic and free from paints or coatings. 
         [0094]    The perimeter  108  of the sheet  102  may be rounded. As will be clear to one of skill in the art, the perimeter  108  may be of any suitable geometric shape, including triangular, rectangular, cylindrical, and polyhedral. In an embodiment, the perimeter  108  may include a raised lip or protrusion that extends away from the sheet  102 . The lip may extend away from the front side  104 , the back side  106 , or both. The lip may serve to make the sheet  102  easier for a child to grasp. 
         [0095]    The sheet  102  may be in the form of an object. As shown, the sheet  102  is in the form of a six pointed star/sun, such as a hexagram with rounded points and intersections. As discussed herein, other shapes may also be used. These shapes may cause the toy to be more inviting to a child. Further, the shapes may make the toy educational. For example, toys may be made in basic geometric shapes such as circles, squares, and triangles to assist in teaching a child about shapes. Similarly, toys may be made in the shape of animals, numbers, letters, states, countries, puzzle pieces, or other objects, including as furniture, cars, planes, trains, and so forth. The toys may come in a variety of colors. In this way, the form or appearance of the toy can assist a child in learning basic skills such as language (e.g., the names of the various shapes, objects, and colors), mathematics, problem solving skills, and geometric or spatial relationships. 
         [0096]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the front side  104  may include one or more suction cups  110 . In various embodiments, the suction cups  110  may be arranged in a geometric pattern, an organized pattern, or a random pattern. As shown, the suction cups  110  may be dispersed across a portion of the front side  104 . For example, the suction cups  110  may cover only the central portion of the side  104  and may form a radial pattern. Alternatively, the suction cups may be arranged so as to cover the entirety of the side  104  or any desired portion of the side  104 . As discussed herein, the suction cups  110  may be arranged in a variety of ways. For example, as shown, adjacent suction cups  110  may be equidistant from one another. Alternatively, the distance between adjacent suction cups  110  may vary according to a pattern or may be random. 
         [0097]    Suction cups  110  may also be located on the back side  106  of the suction cup toy  100 . The arrangement of suction cups  110  on the back side  106  may be identical to that on the front side  104 . Alternatively, a different arrangement of suction cups  110  may be used on the back side  106  than on the front side. For example, the suction cups  110  on the back side  106  may be arranged so as to be offset from the suction cups  110  on the front side  104 . Alternatively, the suction cups  110  on the back side  106  may be arranged in a first pattern (such as a random pattern), while the suction cups  110  on the front side  104  are arranged in a second pattern (such as a geometric pattern). Further, suction cups  110  may be disposed on only a single side  104  or  106  of the suction cup toy  100 . 
         [0098]    The suction cups  110  function to removably attach and detach the suction cup toy to a smooth, nonporous surface. The suction cups  110  are sized and spaced so as to require a predetermined amount of force to remove the suction cups from a surface. For example, the suction cups  110  may support a predetermined weight, such as the weight of the toy. Similarly, different arrangements and/or sizes of suction cups may be used to increase or decrease the force needed to remove the toy from a surface. In an embodiment, a first arrangement and/or size of suction cups is used on the front side  104  of the suction cup toy  100  while a second arrangement and/or size of suction cups is used on the back surface  106  of the suction cup toy  100 . In this way, a first force will be needed to remove the suction cup toy  100  from a surface when it is attached using the front side  104  while a second and different force is required to remove the suction cup toy  100  while it is attached to a surface using the back side  106  of the toy. The suction cups may, for example, attach to a table, window, refrigerator, bath tub, wall, mirror, or other flat, nonporous surface. Further, the suction cups may attach to another portion of the device itself or to the surface of another device. For example, the suction cups on a first suction cup toy  100  may attach to the surface or suction cups of a second suction cup toy  100 . Alternatively, the suction cups on a suction cup toy  100  may attach to the surface of another toy, including, but not limited to, a building block. 
         [0099]    In addition to attaching the suction cup toy  100  to a surface, the suction cups  110  may be used to generate sound. Detaching a suction cup  110  from a surface may generate a noise as the seal between the suction cup  110  and the surface is broken. By changing the arrangement of suction cups  110  on the surface  102 , the particular sounds generated by the suction cup toy  100  may be controlled. Further, by pulling the suction cup toy  100  away from the surface with different speeds or from different angles, a child playing with the toy  100  may generate a wide variety of entertaining sounds. 
         [0100]    The front side  104  of the sheet  102  further includes one or more holes  112 . The holes  112  extend through the sheet  102  from the front surface  104  to the back surface  106 . The holes  112  may increase the safety of the suction cup toy  100 . For example, the holes  112  decrease the risk that a child could suffocate while using the device by ensuring air can pass through the surface  102 . Further, the holes  112  may increase the flexibility of the sheet  102 . The holes  112  may be dispersed in a variety of patterns. For example, as shown, the holes  112  may be arranged so as to form a series of concentric circles, with adjacent holes  112  in each circle substantially equidistant from one another. The holes  112  may be located between and adjacent to the suction cups  110 . Other arrangements will be clear to one of skill in the art. 
         [0101]    In an embodiment, one or more of the holes  112  may be sized so as to accommodate connecting the suction cup toy  100  to another object, such as a high chair, stroller, crib, or other item. For example, a hole  112  may accommodate a strap or ring. Using the hole  112 , the suction cup toy  100  may be removably joined to the other object, for example to a high chair, to ensure the suction cup toy  100  does not fall or is not lost while a child is playing with it. For example, a strap affixed to the high chair may pass through the hole  112 . The holes  112  may be shaped as a circle, an oval, a square, or any other shape. 
         [0102]    In an embodiment, one or more of the holes  112  may be sized so as to enable a child to easily grasp the toy  100  so as to remove the toy  100  from a surface. For example, one or more of the holes  112  may be sized to accommodate one or more of a child&#39;s fingers or a child&#39;s entire hand. Similarly, one or more of the front surface  104 , the back surface  106 , and the perimeter  108  may be adapted to enable a child to easily grab the toy  100 . For example, the front surface  104  may include an area without suction cups  110  or with a lower density of suction cups  110  to provide an area for a child to grasp the toy  100 . The perimeter  108  may include one or more protrusions or areas without suction cups  110  so as to enable the child to easily grab the toy  100 . In an embodiment, the perimeter  108  includes a handle. The handle may be sized so as to accommodate a child&#39;s hand. In an embodiment, the handle protrudes from the perimeter and is substantially co-planar with the sheet  102 . In another embodiment, the handle may protrude from either the front surface  104  or the back surface  106  and be substantially perpendicular to the sheet  102 . As will be clear to one of skill in the art, the handle could protrude from any location on the sheet  102  and may form any suitable angle with the sheet. 
         [0103]    The front surface  104  may include a design  114  such as a child&#39;s face or logo. The design  114  may incorporate at least one of the suction cups  110  and holes  112 . For example, as shown the design  114  may use two of the holes  112  to depict the child&#39;s eyes and a suction cup  110  to depict the child&#39;s nose. Other designs may also be used and will be readily apparent to one of skill in the art. Alternatively, the design  114  may be located on the back surface  106  or on a protrusion from the sheet  102 . 
         [0104]    In an embodiment, the toy  100  includes a means for holding the toy  100  so as to detach the suction cups  110  from a surface. The means may be selected from a group consisting of: a lip on the perimeter surface of the planar sheet wherein the lip protrudes perpendicular to the sheet and extends a distance away from both the front side and the back side; a first textured portion disposed on the back side with a first protrusion extending away from the back side and a second textured portion disposed on the front side opposite the first textured portion with a second protrusion extending away from the front side; a passageway extending through the sheet from the back side to the front side, wherein the passageway is adapted to allow a child to grasp and place a lifting force on the toy; and a portion of an array of suction cups wherein a distance between adjacent ones of the suction cups in the array is increased so as to allow a child to insert one or more fingers between the adjacent ones of the suction cups. In an embodiment, the toy  100  may include a handle. This handle may be sized so as to accommodate a child&#39;s hand. 
         [0105]    Portions of the surface  102  may be textured. For example, as shown, each of the points  116 ,  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126  of the hexagram may include a texture. Each of the points  116 ,  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126  may include a different type of texturing. This texturing may serve to provide a child with a variety of fun or soothing surfaces to chew on. For example, different texturing may serve to stimulate a child&#39;s gums while a child is teething. Other textures may be interesting for a child to manipulate with his or her fingers. By using a variety of different textures, a child&#39;s interest in and enjoyment from the suction cup toy  100  may be increased. Additionally, these textures may enable the child to more easily grab and tug on the toy  100 , for example to remove the toy from a surface. With reference to  FIGS. 1 through 7 , one possible arrangement of texture will now be discussed. 
         [0106]    As shown, the north point  116  includes a number of spaced-apart ridges  116   a  running laterally across the point  116  and extending perpendicular to the surface  102 . These ridges  116   a  may be curved. In an embodiment, the ridges  116   a  are curved so as to form portions of the circumferences of a series of concentric circles. Further, the ridges  116   a  further from the center of the surface  102  may be shorter than the ridges  116   a  closer to the center of the surface  102 . Alternatively, as will be clear to one of skill in the art, the ridges  116   a  may be in another geometric arrangement. For example, the ridges  116   a  may be straight lines running laterally, longitudinally, or in any other direction across the point  116 . In an embodiment, each ridge is shaped as a rectangular prism. Alternatively, the central portion of each ridge may be shaped as a rectangular prism, while the terminal portions of each ridge may slope down to meet the surface  102  at the perimeter  108  of the surface  102 . 
         [0107]    As shown, the northeast point  118  may include a series of cylinders  118   a  which extend from the point  118  perpendicular to the surface  102 . The cylinders  118   a  may be arranged in a series of lines running laterally across the point  118 , with the number of cylinders  118   a  in each line decreasing farther from the center of the surface  102 . In an embodiment, each cylinder  118   a  is hollow. Alternatively, each cylinder  118   a  may be solid. As shown, each cylinder  118   a  includes a lip running around the circumference of the portion of the cylinder  118   a  farthest from the surface  102 , such that the lip has a greater diameter than the rest of the cylinder. Alternatively, the exterior surface of each cylinder may be of a substantially constant diameter. 
         [0108]    In an embodiment, the cylinders  118   a  near the center of the surface  102  may extend further away from the surface  102  (that is, have a greater height) than the cylinders  118   a  near the perimeter  108  of the surface  102 . Alternatively, the cylinders  118   a  near the perimeter  108  may extend further from the surface  102  than the cylinders  118   a  near the center of the surface  102 . In an embodiment, the cylinders  118   a  in each line running laterally across the point  118  extends an equal distance away from the surface  102 , with each successive line that is closer to the perimeter  108  extending a successively lesser distance away from the surface  102 . Alternatively, each successive line that is closer to the perimeter  108  may extend a successively greater distance away from the surface  102 . 
         [0109]    As shown, the southeast point  120  includes a ridge  120   a  protruding perpendicular to the surface  102  around the edge of the point  120 . The central portion of the point includes a series of protrusions  120   b  that may be arranged in a series of lines running laterally across the point  120 , with the number of protrusions  120   b  in each line decreasing farther from the center of the surface  102 . Additionally, the lines may be curved such that each line forms a portion of a circumference of one of a plurality of concentric circles. Each protrusion  120   b  may be a solid cylinder. Alternatively, others shapes may also be used. 
         [0110]    As shown, the south point  122  includes a series of ridges  122   a  protruding perpendicular to the surface  102 . The ridges  122   a  may run substantially longitudinally along the point  122 . Each ridge  122   a  may be in the form of a horizontal cylindrical segment with half-hemispherical ends. 
         [0111]    As shown, the southwest point  124  includes a series of projections  124   a  protruding perpendicular to the surface  102 . Each projection  124   a  may be a hemisphere. The projections  124   a  may be arranged in lines running laterally across the point  124 . The projections  124   a  may be of varying sizes. For example, the projections  124   a  closest to the perimeter  108  of the surface  102  may be larger than those farther from the perimeter  108  of the surface  102 . 
         [0112]    As shown, the northwest point  126  may include a series of ridges  126   a  protruding perpendicular to the surface  102 . The series of ridges  126   a  may extend laterally across the point  126 . Further, the ridges  126   a  may be rounded and of varying sizes. When viewed cross-sectionally, the ridges  126   a  may be shaped as overlapping parabolic curves, with the curves closer to the perimeter  108  of the point  126  smaller than those farther from the perimeter  108  of the point  126 . 
         [0113]    
       FIGS. 8-14 
     
         [0114]      FIGS. 8 through 14  depict a suction cup toy  800  in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the suction cup toy  800  may comprise a sheet  802  in the shape of an insect, such as a bee. As shown, the front surface  104  may include a design  114  such as a child&#39;s face or a logo. The design  114  may incorporate at least one of the suction cups  110  and holes  112 . For example, as shown the design  114  may use two of the holes  112  to depict the child&#39;s eyes and a suction cup  110  to depict the child&#39;s nose. Other designs may also be used and will be readily apparent to one of skill in the art. Suction cups  110  may be arranged across both a front side  104  and a back side  106  of the sheet  802 . The sheet  802  may include one or more textured portions  808 . These textured portions may form the insect&#39;s wings  810 , stinger  812 , head  814 , or other portions of the insect&#39;s body. For example, a series of curved ridges  816  may form the details on each of the wings  810 . One or more protrusions  818  may form the texture on the stinger  812 . A series of ridges  820  may form the texture on the head  814 . Other textures or arrangements of textures may also be used. 
         [0115]    
       FIGS. 15-21 
     
         [0116]      FIGS. 15 through 21  depict a suction cup toy  1500  in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the suction cup toy  1500  may comprise a sheet  1502  in the shape of a flower. Suction cups  110  may be arranged across both a front side  104  and a back side  106  of the sheet  1502 . The suction cups on the front side  104  may be arranged in a series of concentric circles around a circular area devoid of suction cups  110 . The circular area may include a design  114 . The design  114  may be textured. As discussed above, the design may incorporate one or more holes  112 , suction cups  110 , or textured areas. Alternatively, this circular area may be left smooth. The different number and asymmetrical arrangement of suction cups  110  between the front side  104  and the back side  106  of the sheet  1502  causes the suction cup toy  1500  to require different amounts of force to remove the suction cup toy  1500  from a surface, depending on which of sides  104 ,  106  is attached to the surface. 
         [0117]    The sheet  1502  may include a central portion  1504  surrounded by one or more petals  1506 ,  1508 ,  1510 ,  1512 ,  1514 ,  1516 ,  1518 ,  1520 . Each of the petals  1506 ,  1508 ,  1510 ,  1512 ,  1514 ,  1516 ,  1518 ,  1520  may include one or more textured portions  1506   a,    1508   a,    1510   a,    1512   a,    1514   a,    1516   a,    1518   a,    1520   a.  The same texture may be used on more than one of the petals. For example, the north petal  1506  and south petal  1514  may each contain a series of lateral ridges  1506   a,    1514   a.  The east petal  1510  and west petal  1518  may contain a series of protrusions  1510   a,    1518   a  arranged in a series of concentric rings. The northeast petal  1508 , southeast petal  1512 , southwest petal  1516  and northwest petal  1520  may each contain a series of ridges  1508   a,    1512   a,    1516   a,    1520   a  arranged in concentric semicircles. Other textures and arrangements of textures may also be used. 
         [0118]    
       FIGS. 22-28 
     
         [0119]      FIGS. 22 through 28  depict a suction cup toy  2200  in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the suction cup toy  2200  may comprise a tube  2202  in the form of a ring or a toroid. A front portion  2204  may include a plurality of suction cups  110 . The suction cups  110  may be equidistantly spaced in a ring pattern along the front portion  2204  of the tube  2202 . Similarly, suction cups  110  may be arranged in a second ring along a back portion  2206  of the tube  2202 . The suction cups  110  on the back portion  2206  may be offset from the suction cups  110  on the front portion  2204 , such that each suction cup  110  on the front portion  2204  is opposite a gap between suction cups  110  on the back portion  106  and vice versa. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the suction cups  110  on the back portion  106  may be in-line with the suction cups  110  on the front portion  104 , such that there are an equal number of symmetrically arranged suction cups  110  on the back portion  106  and the front portion  104 . 
         [0120]    The exterior portion  108  may contain a plurality of suction cups  110  arranged axially thereon. In this way, suction cups  110  may be located in two or more different axes. The remainder of the surface of the tube  2202  may be smooth or textured. This arrangement of suction cups  110  arranged on two or more different axes may be incorporated into other shapes of suction cup toys. For example, the suction cup toy could be configured as a sphere or other three dimensional shape with suction cups  110  disposed on any number of the toy&#39;s surfaces in and oriented in any number of axes. Similarly, the other embodiments of suction cup toys discussed herein may be modified to include suction cups  110  on two or more different axes. For example, the suction cup toy  100  shown in  FIG. 1  may be modified to include suction cups  110  on a second axis by placing suction cups along the perimeter  108  of the sheet. Further, suction cups  110  may be disposed on a protrusion extending away from the sheet  102 , such that the suction cups  110  may be oriented in any desired axis. 
         [0121]    
       FIGS. 29-35 
     
         [0122]      FIGS. 29 through 35  depict a suction cup toy  2900  in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the suction cup toy  2900  may comprise a sheet  2902  in the shape of a bird. Suction cups  110  may be arranged across both a front side  104  and a back side  106  of the sheet  2902 . The suction cups on the front side  104  may be arranged around an area  2904  devoid of suction cups  110 . The area  2904  may include a design forming the wings of the bird. The design may be textured. As shown, the design may include a series of concentric ridges  2906   a  protruding away from the surface  2902  surrounding a raised central protrusion  2906   b.  Alternatively, this area  2904  may be left smooth. Additional textured areas or types of texturing may also be included on the sheet  2902 . 
         [0123]    The sheet  2902  may include a raised lip  2908  at the perimeter of the sheet  2902  protruding away from the front side  104 , the back side  106 , or both. The sheet may include a protrusion  2910  that is co-planar with the sheet  2902  forming the bird&#39;s beak. Other protrusions may form additional aspects of the bird, such as its feet, tail, or feathers. One or more holes  112  may be located on the sheet. Additionally, one or more larger holes  2912  may form features on the bird, such as the bird&#39;s eyes. The sheet  2902  may also include a design  114 , such as a child&#39;s face or logo. The design  114  may be located, for example, on the protrusion  2910  forming the bird&#39;s beak. 
         [0124]    
       FIGS. 36-42 
     
         [0125]      FIGS. 36 through 42  depict a suction cup toy  3600  in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the suction cup toy  3600  may comprise a sheet  3602  in the shape of a butterfly. The sheet  3602  may comprise a central portion  3604  forming the butterfly&#39;s body, protrusions  3606  forming the butterfly&#39;s top wings, and protrusions  3608  forming the butterfly&#39;s bottom wings. 
         [0126]    The front side  104  and the back side  106  of the central portion  3604  may include a design  114  and/or texturing. As shown, the front side  104  of the central portion  3604  may include a design  114  and texturing. The design  114  may be a child&#39;s face, a logo, or the butterfly&#39;s face. As shown, the texturing may be in the form of a number of spaced-apart ridges  3604   a  running longitudinally across the central portion  3604  and extending perpendicular to the surface  3602 . In an embodiment, the central portion of each ridge  3604   a  may be shaped as a rectangular prism, while the terminal portions of each ridge may slope down to meet the surface  3602 . The ridges  3604   a  on the front side  104  may stretch from the end of the design  114  to the end of the central portion. As shown, the ridges  3604   a  on the back side  106  may stretch the length of the central portion  3604 . 
         [0127]    Alternatively, the central portion  3604  may contain one or more suction cups  110  and/or holes  112 . 
         [0128]    The top wings  3606  may include suction cups  110  arranged across a front side  104 , a back side  106 , or both the front side  104  and the back side  106  of the sheet  3602 . The front wings may include a number of holes  112  extending from the front side  104  to the back side  106  of the sheet  3602 . Alternatively, the top wings  3606  may include one or more protrusions or other form of texturing. 
         [0129]    The bottom wings  3608  may include texturing. This texturing may be in the form of one or more sets of ridges  3608   a  forming concentric rings. Alternatively, the bottom wings  3608  may contain one or more suction cups  110  and/or holes  112 . 
         [0130]    The sheet  3602  may include a raised lip  3608  at the perimeter of each of the central portion  3604 , top wings  3606 , and bottom wings  3608  protruding away from the front side  104 , the back side  106 , or both. In an embodiment, protrusions may form additional aspects of the butterfly, such as its antenna. 
         [0131]    
       FIGS. 43-49 
     
         [0132]      FIGS. 43 through 49  depict a suction cup toy  4300  in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the suction cup toy  4300  may comprise a sheet  4302  in the shape of a ladybug. The sheet  4302  may comprise a protrusion forming a head  4304  of the ladybug and sections forming wings  4306  of the ladybug. 
         [0133]    The front side  104  and the back side  106  of the protrusion  4304  may include a design  114 , texturing, suction cups  110 , and/or holes  112 . As shown, the front side  104  includes a design  114  and a single suction cup  110 . The design  114  may be a child&#39;s face, a logo, or the ladybug&#39;s face. As shown, the design  114  is a child&#39;s face with the suction cup  110  forming the child&#39;s nose and holes  112  forming the child&#39;s eyes. As shown, the back side  106  includes texturing in the form of a ridge  4304   b  protruding perpendicular to the surface  4302  around the edge of the head  4304 . The central portion of the head  4604  includes a series of protrusions  4304   a  that may be arranged in a series of semicircles running around the head  4304 , with the number of protrusions  4304   a  in each semicircle increasing farther from the center of the head  4304 . Each protrusion  4304   a  may be a solid cylinder. Alternatively, others shapes may also be used. The protrusions  4304   a  may be arranged to include gaps for holes  112 . 
         [0134]    Each wing  4306  may include one or more suction cups  110  and/or holes  112 . Each wing  4306  may be raised perpendicular with respect to the head  4304  and the remainder of the sheet  4302  such that a ridge  4306   a  is formed between each wing  4306   a  and the sheet  4302 . These ridges  4306   a  may take the form of a beveled edge. Similarly, the perimeter edge of the sheet  4302  may also be beveled. 
         [0135]    In an embodiment, protrusions may form additional aspects of the ladybug, such as its antenna. 
         [0136]    
       FIGS. 50-56 
     
         [0137]      FIGS. 50 through 56  depict a suction cup toy  5000  in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the suction cup toy  5000  may comprise a sheet  5002  in the shape of a snail. The sheet  5002  may comprise a protrusion forming a head  5004  of the snail, a section forming the shell  5006  of the snail, and a section forming the body  5008  of the snail. 
         [0138]    The front side  104  and the back side  106  of the sheet  5002  may include a design  114 , texturing, suction cups  110 , and/or holes  112 . As shown, the head includes a hole  112   a  and a series of raised ridges  5004   a.  The location of the hole  112   a  on the head enables a child to easily grasp and pull on the sheet  5002 . These ridges  5004   a  may be arranged as a series of concentric rings. These ridges  5004   a  may further serve to increase the ability of a child to grab the sheet  5002 . The head further may include a protrusion area representing, for example, the snail&#39;s eyestalks. This protruding section may comprise a flat section  5004   b  surrounded by one or more indentions  5004   c  along the edge of the sheet. The combination of the flat section  5004   b  with the indentations  5004   c  may enable a child to more easily insert his or her fingers under the sheet  5002  and detach the sheet  5002  from a surface. 
         [0139]    The shell  5006  may include one or more suction cups  110  and holes  112 . The front side  104  may include a design  114 . Alternatively, the shell  5006  may include a textured portion or a smooth portion. The body  5008  may include one or more forms of texture. As shown, the body includes a raised ridge  5008   a  around the edge of the body  5008 . The central portion of the body may contain a plurality of protrusions  5008   b.  Each protrusion  5008   b  may be a solid cylinder. Alternatively, others shapes may also be used. The protrusions  5008   b  may be surrounded by a raised ridge  5008   a  that extends around the perimeter of the body  5008 . The ridge  5008   a  may extend substantially perpendicular to the sheet  5002 . The front side  104  and back side  106  of the sheet  5002  may be arranged symmetrically. Alternatively, the front side  104  and back side  106  may contain different arrangements of elements or different elements entirely. 
         [0140]    In an embodiment, additional protrusions may form additional aspects of the snail. 
         [0141]    
       FIGS. 57-62 
     
         [0142]      FIGS. 57 through 62  depict arrangements of suction cups  110  on planes of different shapes. For example, various arrangements may be preferred based on the size and shape of the sheet to be covered. Depicted are exemplary arrangements based on several possible shapes. As will be clear to one of skill in the art, other possible arrangements of suction cups  110  may also be desirable depending on, for example, the size and shape of the sheet, the size of the suction cups, the density of suction cups needed to support the weight of the toy or exert a desired force upon a surface, and the presence of holes, designs, textured areas, or other features on the surface of the toy. For example, by increasing the density of suction cups  110  on a sheet or the size of the suction cups  110 , a greater force will be exerted between the sheet  102  and another surface when the suction cups  110  are attached to the other surface. 
         [0143]    As shown in  FIG. 57 , a square array of suction cups  110 , with each suction cup  110  located equidistant from the adjacent suction cups in the same row or column, may be used to optimally cover a square sheet  5702 . An equal number of suction cups may be placed in each row and column. 
         [0144]    As shown in  FIG. 58 , a triangular array of suction cups  110  may be used to optimally cover a triangular sheet  5802 . The distance between each row of suction cups  110  may be equivalent to the distance between adjacent suction cups  110  in each row. 
         [0145]    As shown in  FIG. 59 , suction cups  110  may be arranged in a series of concentric rings to optimally cover a circular surface  5902 . A single suction cup  110  may be placed at the center of the sheet  3102 . As shown, adjacent suction cups  110  in each ring may be equidistant from one another. Similarly, suction cups that are radially adjacent may be equidistant from one another. 
         [0146]    As shown in  FIG. 60 , a rectangular array of suction cups  110 , with each suction cup  110  located equidistant from the adjacent suction cups in the same row or column, may be used to optimally cover a rectangular sheet  6002 . An equal number of suction cups may be placed in each row. Similarly, each column may contain the same number of suction cups. The number of rows and columns used may depend on the size of the sheet  3202  so as to obtain the desired coverage of the sheet. 
         [0147]    As shown in  FIG. 61 , suction cups  110  may be arranged in a series of concentric ellipses to optimally cover an elliptical sheet  6102 . A single suction cup  110  may be placed at the center of the sheet  6102 . As shown, adjacent suction cups  110  in each ring may be equidistant from one another. Similarly, suction cups that are radially adjacent may be equidistant from one another. 
         [0148]    As shown in  FIG. 62 , suction cups  110  may be arranged in two triangular arrays to optimally cover a rhomboid sheet  6202 . The distance between each row of suction cups  110  may be equivalent to the distance between adjacent suction cups  110  in each row. 
         [0149]    
       FIGS. 63-65 
     
         [0150]    With reference to  FIGS. 63 through 65 , in an embodiment, each suction cup  110  may contain a head  6304  located on a body  6306 . In an embodiment, each head  6304  is circular when viewed perpendicularly while each body  6306  is cylindrical and protrudes perpendicular to the sheet  6302 . The interior face  6308  of each head  6304  may be curved. The suction cups  110  may be made from an elastic material. As a suction cup  110  is pressed against a surface  6310 , the volume of space  6312  between the interior surface  6308  of the head  6304  and the surface  6310  decreases as the head  6304  deforms. Fluid, such as air or water, is expelled from this volume  6312 . Once the suction cup  110  is no longer pressed against the surface  6310 , the elastic material of the suction cup  110  attempts to regain its original shape. Due to the lower pressure in the volume  6312 , the suction cup  110  adheres to the surface. 
         [0151]    The force exerted by each suction cup depends on the size of the suction cup, or more specifically, on the area of the suction cup. By increasing the suction cup&#39;s size, great force can be exerted on a surface. Additionally, the force depends on the difference between the pressure inside the cup and the pressure outside the cup. By decreasing the amount of air that is able to leak in to the suction cup during use, greater force will be exerted on the surface. 
         [0152]    Alternatively, in an embodiment, each suction cup  110  may comprise a head  6304  attached directly to the sheet  6302 . In other words, the body  6306  may be omitted. This may decrease the likelihood that a suction cup  110  will become separated from or break off of the sheet. 
         [0153]    In order to exert the greatest possible force against a surface  6310 , it is necessary to optimally cover the sheet  102  with suction cups. One optimal configuration is to put as little distance between suction cups  110  as possible. If the heads  6304  of adjacent suction cups  110  touch or press against one another, one or both of the suction cups  110  may be unable to properly seal against a surface  6310 . Accordingly, for suction cups that do not deform laterally, the spacing between adjacent bases  6306  must be equal to just over twice the difference in the radius of the base  6306  and the radius of the head  6304  if the suction cups  110  are identically-sized. Alternatively, if the heads  6304  are directly attached to the sheet  6302 , the distance between the portion of adjacent heads  6304  that attaches to the sheet  6302  must be equal to just over twice the different between the radius of the head  6304  at the head&#39;s widest point and the radius of the head  6304  at the point where the head attaches to the sheet  6302 . For suction cups that deform laterally when pressed against a surface, the space between adjacent bases should be increased by twice the difference between the radius of a deformed suction cup and the radius of the suction cup at rest. 
         [0154]    
       FIG. 66 
     
         [0155]      FIG. 66  depicts another embodiment of the present invention. As shown, a suction cup toy  6600  may include a sheet  6602  with a front side  6604  and a back side  6606 . The front side may include a textured pattern. For example, the front side  6604  may include a series of protrusions  6608  arranged in a grid pattern. Each protrusion  6608  may include a cylinder with a beveled edge, such that the diameter of the cylinder decreases further from the sheet  6602 . In an embodiment, this textured pattern covers the entire face of the front side  6604 , such that partial protrusions  6608   a  (not shown) are arranged along the perimeter of the front side  6604 . 
         [0156]    A design may be located on the front surface  6604 . The design may incorporate the protrusions  6608  of the textured pattern into the design. The texture may serve to visually or mechanically stimulate a child. For example, the design may be visually interesting such that a child is motivated to look at or handle the suction cup toy  6600 . Similarly, the texture may be physically or mechanically stimulating such that a child is motivated to touch or chew on the suction cup toy  6600 . 
         [0157]    In contrast, the back side  6606  may contain one or more suction cups  110 . As discussed herein, the suction cups  110  may be arranged in any suitable pattern. 
         [0158]    
       FIG. 67 
     
         [0159]    As shown in  FIG. 67 , a suction cup toy  6700  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention may be used as a construction toy. The suction cup toy  6700  may be attached to one or more blocks  6702 ,  6704 ,  6706  using suction cups  110  so as to act as a mortar holding the blocks  6702 ,  6704 ,  6706  together. In this way, complex structures may be built by combining a number of suction cup toys  6700  and blocks  6702 ,  6704 ,  6706 . 
         [0160]    Similarly, a suction cup toy  6700  may be used to affix other objects together. For example, one side of a suction cup toy could be attached to a plate while a second side of the toy simultaneously is attached to the tray on a high chair. In this way, the suction cup toy restrains the plate from moving such that the plate will remain adjacent to the high chair while a child is eating. 
         [0161]    It is understood that the preceding is merely a detailed description of some examples and embodiments of the present invention and that numerous changes to the disclosed embodiments can be made in accordance with the disclosure made herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The preceding description, therefore, is not meant to limit the scope of the invention but to provide sufficient disclosure to one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention without undue burden.