Patent Publication Number: US-2021170295-A1

Title: Combined Toy Doll and Artificial Flower

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/270,605, entitled “Combined Toy Doll and Artificial Flower” and filed on Jul. 10, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     RELATED ART 
     Various types of toys have been developed that combine toy dolls and flowers. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,758 discloses a toy that has a doll embedded within the petals of a toy flower. The petals hide the doll but can be opened in order to reveal the doll. Unfortunately, the size of the petals is often a limiting factor for the size of the doll, and the shape of the petals must be designed to accommodate doll. For such toys, a less than ideal design of the doll and/or flower may be used to enable the doll to be embedded within the petals of the toy flower. 
     In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 4,795,398 discloses a puppet that can be pulled from a simulated flower pot. The back of the puppet&#39;s head is shaped as a flower, which is exposed when the puppet is in the simulated flower pot. However, once the puppet is pulled from the simulated flower pot, the flower is still visible distracting from the visual appearance of the puppet. 
     As illustrated by the foregoing examples, designing toys that combine toy figures and flowers can be a problematic process that involves trade-offs between operability and aesthetic qualities. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. Like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
         FIG. 1  depicts exemplary embodiments of toys that have dolls combined with artificial flowers. 
         FIG. 2  depicts the toys of  FIG. 1  after the toys have been removed from flower pots. 
         FIG. 3  depicts one of the toys depicted by  FIG. 2  after a cover has been pulled during a transformation process for transforming the toy from an artificial flower to a doll. 
         FIG. 4  depicts the toy of  FIG. 3  after the cover has been further pulled during the transformation process. 
         FIG. 5  depicts the toy of  FIG. 4  after the cover has been further pulled during the transformation process. 
         FIG. 6  depicts the toy of  FIG. 5  after the cover has been further pulled to complete the transformation process. 
         FIG. 7  depicts a back view of the toy depicted in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  depicts one of the toys depicted by  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 9  depicts an exemplary artificial flower of the toy depicted in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  depicts the toy of  FIG. 8  after a cover has been pulled during a transformation process for transforming the toy from an artificial flower to a doll. 
         FIG. 11  depicts the toy of  FIG. 10  after the cover has been further pulled to complete the transformation process. 
         FIG. 12  depicts a back view of the toy depicted in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  depicts one of the toys depicted by  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 14  depicts the toy of  FIG. 13  after a cover has been pulled during a transformation process for transforming the toy from an artificial flower to a doll. 
         FIG. 15  depicts the toy of  FIG. 14  after the cover has been further pulled during the transformation process. 
         FIG. 16  depicts the toy of  FIG. 15  after the cover has been further pulled to complete the transformation process. 
         FIG. 17  depicts a back view of the toy depicted in  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  depicts one of the toys depicted by  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 19  depicts the toy of  FIG. 18  after the toy has been transformed from an artificial flower to a doll and placed in a flower pot. 
         FIG. 20  depicts a cover of the toy of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 21  depicts the toy of  FIG. 18  after an attachment assembly has been transitioned to a detached state. 
         FIG. 22  depicts the toy of  FIG. 21  after a cover has been pulled during a transformation process for transforming the toy from an artificial flower to a doll. 
         FIG. 23  depicts the toy of  FIG. 22  after the cover has been further pulled during the transformation process such that the artificial flower is substantially hidden. 
         FIG. 24  depicts the toy of  FIG. 23  after the attachment assembly has been transitioned to an attached state. 
         FIG. 25  depicts a back view of the toy depicted in  FIG. 24 . 
         FIG. 26  depicts an exemplary embodiment of the toy depicted by  FIG. 8 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure generally pertains to toys that have dolls combined with artificial flowers. A topsy turvy toy in one exemplary embodiment comprises an artificial flower at one end and a doll having a head at an opposite end. A cover is coupled to the toy between the head and the artificial flower. In one mode of use, the cover is pulled over the doll substantially hiding the doll and exposing the artificial flower. For another mode of use, the cover is pulled over the artificial flower substantially hiding the artificial flower and exposing the doll. Accordingly, the toy is selectively transformed from a doll to an artificial flower and vice versa. 
       FIG. 1  depicts various embodiments of topsy turvy toys  21 - 24  having combined dolls and artificial flowers. One end of the toy  21  forms an artificial flower  31  that represents a magnolia blossom. One end of the toy  22  forms an artificial flower  32  that represents a rose. Further, one end of the toy  23  forms an artificial flower  33  that represents an African violet, and one end of the toy  24  forms an artificial flower  34  that resembles a lily. In other embodiments, other types of toys representing other types of flowers or plants are possible. 
     In  FIG. 1 , the toys  21 - 24  are positioned in flower pots  41 - 44 , respectively. Thus, each of the artificial flowers  31 - 34  appears to be potted making these artificial flowers  31 - 34  appear more realistic. Each of the flower pots  41 - 44  is composed of clay similar to some conventional flower pots for holding live flowers. However, other types of flower pots  41 - 44  may be used in other embodiments. For example, the flower pots  41 - 44  may be composed of plastic similar to conventional toy buckets. In another exemplary embodiment, the flower pots  41  may be ceramic similar to some conventional flower pots for holding live flowers. In yet other embodiments, flower pots  41 - 44  are not used to hold the toys  21 - 24 . 
     The exemplary artificial flower  31  depicted in  FIG. 1  has a plurality of petals  52  that resemble the petals of a magnolia blossom. Each petal  52  has an outer covering composed of cotton and a light weight polyester interface that is embedded in the outer covering. The embedded interface provides mechanical support that helps the petal  52  to hold its shape. In other embodiments, other types of materials may be used for the outer covering and/or the embedded interface. 
     Each petal  52  is elongated with a proximal end  53  of the petal  52  sewed or otherwise coupled to at least one other component of the toy  21 . In one exemplary embodiment, the proximal end  53  of at least one petal  52  is sewn directly to a body (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the toy  21 , as will be described in more detail hereafter, and one or more petals  52  are sewn to the body and/or other petals  52 . In this regard, the proximal end  53  of each petal  52  is sewn directly to the body (not shown in  FIG. 1 ), a proximal end  53  of at least one other petal  52 , or both the body and a proximal end  53  of at least one other petal  52 . However, in other embodiments, other configurations of the artificial flower  31  and other techniques for sewing or otherwise coupling the petals  52  to components of the toy  21  are possible. In addition, techniques other than sewing may be used to couple any of the petals  52  to components of the toy  21 . 
     As described above, a proximal end  53  of each petal  52  is coupled via sewing or otherwise to at least one other component of the toy  21 . However, the remainder of the petal  52 , including a distal end  54  that is opposite of the proximal end  53 , is free to move relative to the other components of the toy  21 . 
     As shown by  FIG. 1 , an artificial flower element  55  and strands  56  of yarn are coupled to at least one petal  52 . In one exemplary embodiment, the flower element  55  comprises an outer covering composed of cotton and a light weight polyester interface that is embedded in the outer covering, and the element  55  and strands  56  are sewn to the proximal end  53  of at least one petal  52  that is sewn or otherwise coupled to the toy  21 . However, other materials for the element  55  and strands  56  and other techniques for coupling the element  55  and strands  56  to the petal  52  are possible in other embodiments. The element  55  and strands  56  represent the stamens and pistils of the artificial flower  31 . In other embodiments, other types of components may be used to represent the stamens and pistils. 
     The exemplary artificial flower  32  depicted in  FIG. 1  has a plurality of petals  62  that resemble the petals of a rose. Each petal  62  has an outer covering composed of cotton and a light weight polyester interface that is embedded in the outer covering. The embedded interface provides mechanical support that helps the petal  62  to hold its shape. In other embodiments, other types of materials may be used for the outer covering and/or the embedded interface. 
     Each petal  62  has a proximal end  63  that is sewn or otherwise coupled to at least one other component of the toy  22  and a distal end  64  that is opposite of the proximal end  63 . In particular, the proximal end  63  of at least one petal  62  is sewn directly to a body (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the toy  22 , as will be described in more detail hereafter, and one or more petals  62  are sewn to the body and/or other petals  62 . In this regard, the proximal end  63  of each petal  62  is sewn directly to the body (not shown in  FIG. 1 ), another petal  62 , or both the body and another petal  62 . However, in other embodiments, other configurations of the artificial flower  32  and other techniques for sewing or otherwise coupling the petals  62  to other components of the toy  22  are possible, and techniques other than sewing may be used to couple any of the petals  62  to other components of the toy  22 . 
     As described above, a proximal end  63  of each petal  62  is coupled via sewing or otherwise to at least one other component of the toy  22 . However, the remainder of the petal  62 , including its distal end  64 , is free to move relative to the other components of the toy  22 . 
     The exemplary artificial flower  33  depicted in  FIG. 1  has a plurality of petals  72  that resemble the petals of an African violet. Each petal  72  has an outer covering composed of cotton and a light weight polyester interface that is embedded in the outer covering. The embedded interface provides mechanical support that helps the petal  82  to hold its shape. In other embodiments, other types of materials may be used for the outer covering and/or the embedded interface. In one exemplary embodiment, each of the embedded interfaces of the petals  72  is bunched to provide a thicker petal  72  relative to the petals  52 ,  62 , and  82  of the other artificial flowers  31 ,  32 , and  34 . Moreover, the embedded interface of the petals  42 ,  62 , and  82  are substantially flat. 
     Each petal  72  is elongated with a proximal end  73  sewed or otherwise coupled to the toy  23 . In one exemplary embodiment, the proximal end  73  of each petal  72  is sewn directly to a body (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the toy  23 , as will be described in more detail hereafter. If desired, the proximal end  73  of any petal  72  may also be sewn to at least one adjacent petal  72 . However, in other embodiments, other configurations of the artificial flower  33  and other techniques for sewing or otherwise coupling the petals  72  to components of the toy  23  are possible. In addition, techniques other than sewing may be used to couple any of the petals  72  to components of the toy  23 . 
     As described above, a proximal end  73  of each petal  72  is coupled via sewing or otherwise to at least one other component of the toy  23 . However, the remainder of the petal  72 , including a distal end  74  that is opposite of the proximal end  73 , is free to move relative to the other components of the toy  23  and the other petals  72 . 
     As shown by  FIG. 1 , a ball  75  of yarn is coupled to at least one petal  72  and/or the body (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the toy  23 , although it is possible for the ball  75  to be composed of other materials in other embodiments. In one exemplary embodiment, the ball  75  is sewn to each of the petals  72 , but other techniques for coupling the ball  75  to the petals  72  are possible in other embodiments. The ball  75  represents the stamens and pistils of the artificial flower  33 . In other embodiments, other types of components may be used to represent the stamens and pistils. 
     The exemplary artificial flower  34  depicted in  FIG. 1  has a plurality of petals  82  that resemble the petals of a lily. Each petal  82  has an outer covering composed of cotton and a light weight polyester interface that is embedded in the outer covering. The embedded interface provides mechanical support that helps the petal  82  to hold its shape. In other embodiments, other types of materials may be used for the outer covering and/or the embedded interface. 
     Each petal  82  is elongated with a proximal end  83  sewn or otherwise coupled to at least one other component of the toy  24 . In one exemplary embodiment, the proximal end  83  of each petal  82  is sewn to the toy  24 , and a distal end  84 , which is opposite of the proximal end  83 , is pointed. The proximal end  83  of each petal  52  is sewn directly to a body (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the toy  24 , as will be described in more detail hereafter. In addition, a portion of each side of each petal  82  is sewn or otherwise coupled to a side of an adjacent petal  82 . Thus, the petals  82  form a cylindrical, hollow base  88  having one end that is coupled directly to the body of the toy  24 . The base  88  supports the distal ends  84  of the petals  82  such that these ends  84  hang from the base  88 , as shown by  FIG. 1 . However, in other embodiments, other configurations of the artificial flower  34  and other techniques for sewing or otherwise coupling the petals  82  to components of the toy  24  are possible. In addition, techniques other than sewing may be used to couple any of the petals  82  to components of the toy  24 . 
     As described above, a proximal end  83  of each petal  82  is coupled via sewing or otherwise to at least one other component of the toy  24 . However, the distal end  84  of the petal  82  is free to move relative to the other components of the toy  24 . 
     The toys  21 - 24  have covers  91 - 94 , respectively, that cover various components of the toys  21 - 24 , as will be described in more detail hereafter. In this regard, each artificial flower  31 - 34  is coupled to a respective doll  101 - 104  ( FIG. 2 ) that is hidden by a respective one of the covers  91 - 94  in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  depicts the toy  21 , which has a doll  101  combined with an artificial flower  31  that resembles a magnolia blossom. The doll  101  has a body  112  ( FIG. 4 ) and a head  113  that is formed at an end of the body  112 . The body  112  and head  113  have an outer covering composed of quilters cotton with polyfil stuffing embedded within the outer covering. In other embodiments, other types of materials may be used. Further, the head  113  has facial features, such as eyes, eyebrows, a nose, a mouth, and ears stitched into the head&#39;s outer covering. Strands  115  of yarn or other material are sewn or otherwise coupled to the head  113  and serve as hair for the doll  101 . In other embodiments, other configurations of the doll  101  and other techniques for including facial features and hair on the head  113  are possible. 
     The doll  101  has a pair of arms  117  and  118  extending from the body  112 . Like the body  112  and head  113 , each of the arms  117  and  118  has an outer covering composed of quilters cotton with polyfil stuffing embedded within the outer covering. In other embodiments, other types of materials may be used. Fabric, such as cotton or another material, is sewn or otherwise coupled to the body  112  and/or arms  117 ,  118  and serves as clothes for the doll  101 . 
     The toy  21  has a cover  91 , which is sewn or otherwise coupled to the body  112 . In one exemplary embodiment, the cover  91  is a multi-layered fabric (e.g., cotton or other fabric material) such that the cover  91  has a fabric pattern on one side and a different fabric pattern on an opposite side. In this regard, the cover  91  has a first layer  121  of fabric, referred to hereafter as a “doll layer,” and a second layer  122  of fabric, referred to hereafter as a “flower layer,” and the two layers  121  and  122  are sewn or otherwise coupled together, although it is unnecessary for the layers  121  and  122  to be sewn or otherwise coupled to one another in other embodiments. The doll layer  121  has a fabric pattern that is different than that of the flower layer  122 . 
     The flower layer  122  is exposed, and the doll layer  121  is hidden when the cover  91  is used to hide the doll  101 , as shown by  FIG. 1 . As will be described in more detail hereafter, the doll layer  121  is exposed, and the flower layer  122  is hidden when the cover  91  is used to hide the artificial flower  31 . In other embodiments, other types of covers  91  may be used. For example, it is possible for a single layer of fabric to have different patterns on opposite sides. In addition, various materials for the cover  91  are possible, and it is possible for the cover  91  to have the same pattern on both sides. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the cover  91  is sewn or otherwise coupled to an end of the body  112  that is opposite of the end at which the head  113  is formed. That is, the cover  91  is coupled to the same end of the body  112  as the artificial flower  31 . The cover  91  also may be sewn or otherwise coupled to the proximal ends  53  of any of the petals  52  that are coupled to the body  112 . In one exemplary embodiment, the cover  91  forms a loop with one side of the loop coupled to the body  112  via a row of stitches  123  along such side, as shown by  FIG. 6 . 
     When use of the toy  21  is to be transformed from an artificial flower  31  to a doll  101 , the cover  91  is pulled over the artificial flower  31  such that the body  112 , head  113 , and arms  117 ,  118  are exposed and the artificial flower  31  is substantially hidden.  FIGS. 3-5  show a progression as the cover  91  is pulled over the artificial flower  31 . Note that the petals  52  rotate (e.g., bend) about their proximal ends  53  that are coupled to the body  112 . Thus, the petals  52  fold over and hide the flower element  55  and the strands  56 , as best illustrated in  FIG. 5 . As a result of the transformation, the toy  21  is effectively converted from an artificial flower  31 , as shown by  FIG. 1 , to a doll  101 , as shown by  FIG. 6 . Note that  FIG. 7  depicts a back view of the doll  101 . 
     As shown by  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the cover  91  provides a dress and/or other article of clothing for the doll  101 . The cover  91  also substantially hides the artificial flower  31  such that it is not readily apparent to a casual observer that the doll  101  is combined with an artificial flower  31 . After the transformation process, the doll layer  121  of the cover  91  is exposed and the flower layer  122  of the cover  91  is hidden. If desired, the toy  21  may be transformed back into the artificial flower  31  by pulling the cover  91  in the opposite direction such that the artificial flower  31  is exposed and the doll  101  is substantially hidden by the cover  91 . That is, the transformation process described above for the doll  101  may be reversed to transform the toy  21  back into the artificial flower  31 . 
     Accordingly, the toy  21  is selectively usable as a doll  101  or an artificial flower  31 . When the toy  21  is be used as a doll  101 , the cover  91  is positioned to hide the artificial flower  31  such that it is not readily apparent to a casual observer that the toy  21  has or can be used as an artificial flower  31 . When the toy  21  is to be used as an artificial flower  31 , the cover  91  is positioned to hide the doll  101  such that it is not readily apparent to a casual observer that the toy  21  has or can be used as a doll  101 . 
     As a mere example, the toy  21  may be used by a child or other person to pretend that a flower represented by the artificial flower  31  transforms into a person or figure represented by the doll  101 . In this regard, the child or other person can pull the cover  91  such that the doll  101  is exposed and the artificial flower  31  is hidden. The toy  21  also may be used by a child or other person to pretend that a person or figure represented by the doll  101  transforms into a flower represented by the artificial flower  31 . In this regard, the child or other person can pull the cover  91  such that the artificial flower  31  is exposed and the doll  101  is hidden. Further, the toy  21  may be placed in a flower pot  41 . Not only does the use of a flower pot  41  help to increase the realism of the artificial flower  31 , but the flower pot  41  also provides a convenient and aesthetic way to store the toy  21 . Other configurations and uses of the toy  21  are also possible. 
       FIG. 8  depicts the toy  22 , which has a doll  102  combined with an artificial flower  32  that resembles a rose.  FIG. 9  depicts the artificial flower  32 . The toy  22  is configured similarly to the toy  21  described above. In this regard, the doll  102  has a body  212  ( FIG. 10 ) and a head  213  that is formed at an end of the body  212  opposite of the end to which the artificial flower  32  is coupled. The body  212  and head  213  have an outer covering composed of quilters cotton with polyfil stuffing embedded within the outer covering. In other embodiments, other types of materials may be used. Further, the head  213  has facial features, such as eyes, eyebrows, a nose, a mouth, and ears stitched into the head&#39;s outer covering. Strands  215  of yarn or other material are sewn or otherwise coupled to the head  213  and serve as hair for the doll  102 . In other embodiments, other configurations of the doll  102  and other techniques for including facial features and hair on the head  213  are possible. 
     The doll  102  has a pair of arms  217  and  218  extending from the body  212 . Like the body  212  and head  213 , each of the arms  217  and  218  has an outer covering composed of quilters cotton with polyfil stuffing embedded within the outer covering. In other embodiments, other types of materials may be used. Fabric, such as cotton or other material, is sewn or otherwise coupled to the body  212  and/or arms  217 ,  218  and serves as clothes for the doll  102 . 
     The toy  22  has a cover  92 , which is sewn or otherwise coupled to the body  212 . In one exemplary embodiment, the cover  92  has the same fabric pattern on both sides and may comprise a single layer or, alternatively, multiple layers of fabric. In one exemplary embodiment, the cover  92  has a first layer  221  of fabric, referred to hereafter as a “doll layer,” and a second layer  222  of fabric, referred to hereafter as a “flower layer,” and the two layers  221  and  222  are sewn or otherwise coupled together, although it is unnecessary for the layers  221  and  222  to be coupled to be sewn or otherwise coupled to one another in other embodiments. 
     The flower layer  222  is exposed, and the doll layer  221  is hidden when the cover  92  is used to hide the doll  102 , as shown by  FIG. 1 . As will be described in more detail hereafter, the doll layer  221  is exposed, and the flower layer  222  is hidden when the cover  92  is used to hide the artificial flower  32 . In other embodiments, other types of covers may be used. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the cover  92  is sewn or otherwise coupled to an end of the body  212  that is opposite of the end at which the head  213  is formed. That is, the cover  92  is coupled to the same end of the body  212  as the artificial flower  32 . The cover  92  also may be sewn or otherwise coupled to the proximal ends  63  of any of the petals  62  that are coupled to the body  212 . In one exemplary embodiment, the cover  92  forms a loop with one side of the loop coupled to the body  212  via a row of stitches  223  along such side, as shown by  FIG. 8 . 
     When use of the toy  22  is to be transformed from an artificial flower  32  to a doll  102 , the cover  92  is pulled over the artificial flower  32  such that the body  212 , head  213 , and arms  217 ,  218  are exposed and the artificial flower  32  is substantially hidden.  FIGS. 8, 10 , and  11  show a progression as the cover  92  is pulled over the artificial flower  32 . As a result of the transformation, the toy  22  is effectively converted from an artificial flower  32 , as shown by  FIG. 1 , to a doll  102 , as shown by  FIG. 11 . Note that  FIG. 12  depicts a back view of the doll  102 . 
     As shown by  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the cover  92  provides a dress for the doll  102 . A portion of the doll layer  221  is exposed along with the doll  102  and functions as part of the doll&#39;s dress. An additional layer  124  of fabric (e.g., cotton or other material) also functions as part of the doll&#39;s dress. The cover  92  also substantially hides the artificial flower  32  such that it is not readily apparent to a casual observer that the doll  102  is combined with an artificial flower  32 . After the transformation process, the doll layer  221  is exposed and the flower layer  222  is hidden. If desired, the toy  22  may be transformed back into the artificial flower  32  by pulling the cover  92  in the opposite direction such that the artificial flower  32  is exposed and the doll  102  is substantially hidden by the cover  92 . That is, the transformation process described above for the doll  102  may be reversed to transform the toy  22  back into the artificial flower  32 . 
     Accordingly, like the toy  21  described above, the toy  22  is selectively usable as a doll  102  or an artificial flower  32 . Thus, the toy  22  may be used by a child or other person to pretend that a flower represented by the artificial flower  32  transforms into a person or figure represented by the doll  102  and vice versa. Other configurations and uses of the toy  22  are also possible. 
       FIG. 13  depicts the toy  23 , which has a doll  103  combined with an artificial flower  33  that resembles an African violet. The toy  23  is configured similarly to the toy  21  described above. In this regard, the doll  103  has a body  312  ( FIG. 14 ) and a head  313  that is formed at an end of the body  312  opposite of the end to which the artificial flower  33  is coupled. The body  312  and head  313  have an outer covering composed of quilters cotton with polyfil stuffing embedded within covering. In other embodiments, other types of materials may be used. Further, the head  313  has facial features, such as eyes, eyebrows, a nose, a mouth, and ears stitched into the head&#39;s outer covering. Strands  315  of yarn or other material are sewn or otherwise coupled to the head  313  and serve as hair for the doll  103 . In other embodiments, other configurations of the doll  103  and other techniques for including facial features and hair on the head  313  are possible. 
     The doll  103  has a pair of arms  317  and  318  extending from the body  312 . Like the body  213  and head  313 , each of the arms  317  and  318  has an outer covering composed of quilters cotton with polyfil stuffing embedded within the outer covering. In other embodiments, other types of materials may be used. Fabric, such as cotton or other material, is sewn or otherwise coupled to the body  312  and/or arms  317 ,  318  and serves as clothes for the doll  103 . 
     The toy  23  has a cover  93 , which is sewn or otherwise coupled to the body  312 . Like the cover  91  described above, the cover  93  has multiple layers  321  and  322  of fabric, referred to hereafter as the “doll layer  321 ” and the “flower layer  322 .” In other embodiments, other types of covers may be used. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the cover  93  is sewn or otherwise coupled to an end of the body  312  that is opposite of the end at which the head  313  is formed. That is, the cover  93  is coupled to the same end of the body  312  as the artificial flower  33 . The cover  93  also may be sewn or otherwise coupled to the proximal ends  73  of any of the petals  72  that are coupled to the body  312 . In one exemplary embodiment, the cover  93  forms a loop with one side of the loop coupled to the body  312  via a row of stitches  323  along such side, as shown by  FIG. 13 . 
     When use of the toy  23  is to be transformed from an artificial flower  33  to a doll  103 , the cover  93  is pulled over the artificial flower  33  such that the body  312 , head  313 , and arms  317 ,  318  are exposed and the artificial flower  33  is substantially hidden.  FIGS. 13-16  show a progression as the cover  93  is pulled over the artificial flower  33 . As a result of the transformation, the toy  23  is effectively converted from an artificial flower  33 , as shown by  FIG. 1 , to a doll  103 , as shown by  FIG. 16 . Note that  FIG. 17  depicts a back view of the doll  103 . 
     As shown by  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the cover  93  provides a dress for the doll  103 . The cover  93  also substantially hides the artificial flower  33  such that it is not readily apparent to a casual observer that the doll  103  is combined with an artificial flower  33 . After the transformation process, the doll layer  321  is exposed and the flower layer  322  is hidden. If desired, the toy  23  may be transformed back into the artificial flower  33  by pulling the cover  93  in the opposite direction such that the artificial flower  33  is exposed and the doll  103  is substantially hidden by the cover  93 . That is, the transformation process described above for the doll  103  may be reversed to transform the toy  23  back into the artificial flower  33 . 
     Accordingly, like the toy  21  described above, the toy  23  is selectively usable as a doll  103  or an artificial flower  33 . Thus, the toy  23  may be used by a child or other person to pretend that a flower represented by the artificial flower  33  transforms into a person or figure represented by the doll  103  and vice versa. Other configurations and uses of the toy  23  are also possible. 
       FIG. 18  depicts the toy  24 , which has a doll  104  combined with an artificial flower  34  that resembles a lily. The toy  24  is configured similarly to the toy  21  described above such that the toy  24  may be transformed from an artificial flower  34 , as shown by  FIG. 18 , into a doll  104 , as shown by  FIG. 19 . In this regard, referring to  FIG. 19 , the doll  104  has a body  412  and a head  413  that is formed at an end of the body  412  opposite of the end to which the artificial flower  34  is coupled. The body  412  and head  413  have an outer covering composed of quilters cotton with polyfil stuffing embedded within the outer covering. In other embodiments, other types of materials may be used. Further, the head  413  has facial features, such as eyes, eyebrows, a nose, a mouth, and ears stitched into the head&#39;s outer covering. Strands  415 , such as fringed threads of cotton, polyester, or other material, are sewn or otherwise coupled to the head  413  and serve as hair for the doll  104 . In other embodiments, other configurations of the doll  104  and other techniques for including facial features and hair on the head  413  are possible. 
     The doll  104  has a pair of arms  417  and  418  extending from the body  412 . Like the body  412  and head  413 , each of the arms  417  and  418  has an outer covering composed of quilters cotton with polyfil stuffing embedded within the outer covering. In other embodiments, other types of materials may be used. Fabric, such as cotton or another material, is sewn or otherwise coupled to the body  412  and/or arms  417 ,  418  and serves as clothes for the doll  104 . 
     The toy  24  has a cover  94 , which is sewn or otherwise coupled to the body  412 . Like the cover  91  described above, the cover  94  has multiple layers  421  and  422  of fabric, referred to hereafter as the “doll layer  421 ” and the “flower layer  422 .” In other embodiments, other types of covers may be used. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the cover  94  is sewn or otherwise coupled to an end of the body  412  that is opposite of the end at which the head  413  is formed. That is, the cover  94  is coupled to the same end of the body  412  as the artificial flower  34 . In the exemplary embodiment shown by  FIG. 18 , the cover  94  is sewn to the body  412  via a row of stitches  423 , but other techniques for coupling the cover  94  to the body  412  are possible. The cover  94  is also sewn to the base  88  of the artificial flower  34  via a row of stitches  424 . 
     In addition, the cover  94  has ends  425  and  426  that are separated thereby forming a slit  429  in the cover  94 . Thus, the portion of the cover  94  below the row of stitches  423  in  FIG. 18  does not form a continuous loop. An attachment assembly  432  detachably couples the ends  425  and  426  to each other. In a state, referred to hereafter as the “attached state,” the attachment assembly  432  couples the ends  425  and  426  to each other thereby holding the ends  425  and  426  in place relative to one another. In another state, referred to hereafter as the “detached state,” the attachment assembly  432  no longer couples the ends  425  and  426  to each other. 
     Various types of devices may be used to implement the attachment assembly  432 . For example, the attachment assembly  432  may comprise at least one pin or, alternatively, a hook and loop arrangement. Also, the attachment assembly  432  may comprise a button that can be inserted through a button hole. For example, the end  425  may have a button sewed thereon, and the end  426  may have a hole through which the button may pass in order to secure the end  425  to the end  426 . In one exemplary embodiment, the attachment assembly  432  comprises a pair of Velcro strips  433  and  434 , as shown by  FIG. 20 , although other numbers of Velcro strips or other types of strips may be used in other embodiments. One strip  433  is sewn or otherwise coupled to the end  425 , and the other strip  434  is sewn or otherwise coupled to the end  426 . The strip  433  can be detachably coupled to the strip  434  by pressing the two strips  433  and  434  together by hand or otherwise thereby transitioning the attachment assembly  426  from the detached state to the attached state. Further, the strips  433  and  434  can be detached from one another by pulling the two strips  433  and  434  apart by hand or otherwise thereby transitioning the attachment assembly  426  from the attached state to the detached state. 
     Generally, the strips  433  and  434  are detachably coupled to each other when the toy  24  is to be used as either an artificial flower  34  or doll  104 . However, when the toy  24  is to be transformed from an artificial flower  34  to a doll  104  or vice versa, the strips  433  and  434  are separated in order to facilitate the transformation. The configuration of a cover  94  with a slit  429  may be particularly beneficial for a cover  94  having a relatively small girth. In such a case, pulling of the cover  94  over the artificial flower  34  and/or doll  104  may be difficult and/or cumbersome particularly if the girth of the artificial flower  34  and/or doll  104  is close to that of the cover  94 . The slit  429  generally allows the cover  94  to accommodate artificial flowers  34  and/or dolls  104  of wider girths than would otherwise be possible or desired. 
     When use of the toy  24  is to be transformed from an artificial flower  34  to a doll  104 , the strips  433  and  434  are separated, and the cover  94  is pulled over the artificial flower  34  such that the body  412 , head  413 , and arms  417 ,  418  are exposed and the artificial flower  34  is substantially hidden. The strips  433  and  434  may then be detachably coupled to each other, if desired.  FIGS. 21-24  show a progression as the cover  94  is pulled over the artificial flower  43 . 
     In this regard, the strips  433  and  434  are separated, as shown by  FIG. 21 . The cover  94  is then pulled to expose the doll  104 , as shown by  FIG. 22 . Pulling of the cover  94  continues until the artificial flower  34  is substantially hidden by the cover  94 , as shown by  FIG. 23 . The strips  433  and  434  are then detachably coupled to each other, as shown by  FIG. 24 , thereby coupling the ends  425  and  426  of the cover  94  to each other. As a result of the transformation, the toy  24  is effectively converted from an artificial flower  34 , as shown by  FIG. 1 , to a doll  104 , as shown by  FIG. 24 . Note that  FIG. 25  depicts a back view of the doll  104 . 
     As shown by  FIGS. 24 and 25 , the cover  94  provides a dress for the doll  104 . The cover  94  also substantially hides the artificial flower  34  such that it is not readily apparent to a casual observer that the doll  104  is combined with an artificial flower  34 . After the transformation process, the doll layer  421  is exposed and the flower layer  422  is hidden. If desired, the toy  24  may be transformed back into the artificial flower  34  by separating the strips  433 ,  434  and pulling the cover  94  in the opposite direction such that the artificial flower  34  is exposed and the doll  104  is substantially hidden by the cover  94 . If desired, the strips  433  and  434  may be detachably coupled to each other after the cover  94  has been so pulled. 
     Accordingly, like the toy  21  described above, the toy  24  is selectively usable as a doll  104  or an artificial flower  34 . Thus, the toy  24  may be used by a child or other person to pretend that a flower represented by the artificial flower  34  transforms into a person or figure represented by the doll  104  and vice versa. Other configurations and uses of the toy  24  are also possible. 
     It should be noted that any of the toys  21 - 24  may have attachment assemblies for controlling the girth of at least one component regardless of whether any of the covers  91 - 94  have slits. For example,  FIG. 26  depicts an exemplary embodiment of the toy  22  for which an attachment assembly  501  is sewn or otherwise coupled to the cover  92 . The attachment assembly  501  comprises a pair of Velcro strips  505  and  506 . In other embodiments, the attachment assembly  501  may have other numbers of Velcro strips and/or other types of devices. To reduce the girth of the toy portion covered by the cover  92 , the strips  505  and  506  are detachably coupled to each other. Accordingly, the doll  102  and/or other components of the toy  22  may be better hidden by the cover  92  as the toy  22  is used. Further, reducing a girth of the toy  22  via the attachment assembly  501  may facilitate placement of the toy  22  into a flower pot  42  or other container, particularly if the size of the pot  42  or other container is relatively small. 
     The specific dolls  21 - 24  are presented herein for illustrative purpose to facilitate a better understanding of the present disclosure. It should be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this disclosure that various modifications to the exemplary embodiments described above are possible and that various types of dolls and artificial flowers may be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.