Abstract:
The present invention relates to dolls which comprises (i) a cover shaped to define a desired figure; (ii) optionally, additional parts attached to the cover; and at least one balloon, wherein the balloon is inserted and inflated in the cover to impart a three dimensional form thereto, and wherein said cover having at least one hole from which the balloon is exposed to form part of the doll figure.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention relates to new type of dolls which comprises of a combination of a cover and an inflatable article placed therewithin. The cover of the dolls of the invention can be made of fabrics or any other suitable material(s) fabricated in any desired shape and form into which an inflatable artifact is inserted in order to obtain the final and complete doll, wherein said inflatable artifact pops out of the cover in predefined holes, thereby creating specific organ or organs of the doll, e.g. eyes, mouth, nose, ears, etc. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    All publications mentioned throughout this application are fully incorporated herein by reference, including all references cited therein. 
         [0003]    Toy figures, such as stuffed dolls and animals, are popular among children around the world. Conventional stuffed dolls and puppets generally have fabric exterior and compressible stuffing, such as styrofoam beads, cotton batting or the like, within the toy&#39;s body, including the head and limbs. However, such dolls have several disadvantages, including high manufacturing and marketing costs, such as the high cost of the stuffing materials used. 
         [0004]    In addition, the bulkiness of the conventional toy figures is a potential problem in manufacturing and marketing, especially since their high volume takes up higher storage and shipping costs. In addition, the stuffing itself also adds to the total weight of the toys thereby increasing shipping costs. The stuffing material substantially increases the overall weight and bulk of the doll, which makes it even harder to ship and store, both for the retailer and for the private person traveling with his kid&#39;s dolls. Moreover, the conventional stuffing material prevents the reduction of the doll to a more compact size, and it cannot easily be removed from the doll to reduce its volume. Further, even if the stuffing material were removed, it would still have to be carried along, thereby rendering the removal of the stuffing redundant. 
         [0005]    Another drawback of the conventional dolls is their bulkiness: when displaying the traditional dolls in retail stores, their packaging box takes up lots of shelf space thereby minimizing the number of displayed dolls. 
         [0006]    Another major disadvantage of play dolls is their cleaning: they often become dirty when played by children. However, cleaning a stuffed doll with water or in a washing machine usually results in distortion of the doll. Moreover, a wet or moist stuffing may create health issues due to bacteria growth. 
         [0007]    Another type of doll is one whose outer covering is shaped by an inner envelope filled with air. The inner envelope is typically fabricated from latex or other elastomeric material. However, until today, such dolls also had several disadvantages, the main is that the elastomeric material properties of the inner envelope dissipate over time and the material is subject to rupture, after which the doll is useless. Accordingly, the life span of these inflatable dolls is defendant upon the limitations of the inner envelope. In addition, elastomeric materials require a great amount of air pressure to inflate, which usually requires a durable source of air pressure to inflate the doll. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,685,758 describes an inflatable Humpty Dumpty toy formed by an outer fabric oval-shaped casing with an inflatable balloon inside it. The face of the Humpty Dumpty is printed on the fabric casing and its stuffed arms and legs are extending therefrom. U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,896 describes a collapsible stuffed toy figure with a fabric casing with arms and legs appendages outside it. The head and torso portions were filled by two inflatable balloons, which assume the shape of the fabric casing. In both patents, the balloon is inserted through a hidden hole and is completely hidden inside the cover. 
         [0009]    Another inflatable toy is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,503,948, describing a doll which includes a flexible casing constituting the torso of the doll, wherein said casing has an opening for receiving an inflatable bladder to maintain the casing in an expanded or taut condition. U.S. Pat. No. 1,216,425 also discloses an inflatable toy, which includes an oval casing of fabric or other inelastic material, and an inflatable balloon therewithin. When inflated, the balloon expands the casing and conforms to its shape. Ears, legs, and a tail may be stitched to the casing and other features marked on the casing to represent an animal. As in the previous patents, the balloon is inserted through a hidden hole and is completely hidden inside the cover. 
         [0010]    US 2005/0250412 describes a collapsible and inflatable fabric-covered toy figure having a fabric casing and a collapsible and inflatable inner tube therewithin. According to the teachings of US 2005/0250412, the fabric casing has a bottom opening through which the inner tube can be inserted into the fabric casing, wherein the inner tube has an air inlet near its bottom. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,439,950 describes an inflatable toy which comprises a pump for inflating a balloon that is completely shrouded in an expansible fabric, said fabric may be decorated with a character or the like, so that the character is distorted in an amusing manner when inflated. 
         [0012]    In most inflatable toys, when the balloon portion is ruptured, the toy is useless. This is mainly since it is not possible to replace the balloon or since it is not possible to buy a replaceable one. However, even in the toys which uses reusable or easily replaceable balloon, said balloon portion is completely hidden and wrapped by the cover and has absolutely no role in the final appearance of the doll. Moreover, since the cover of the doll is constant, it cannot be modified to increase the play joy. 
         [0013]    With the foregoing known toys and their various disadvantages in mind, it is apparent that there is a long felt need for new kind of inflatable toys. Ideally, an inflatable toy should be lightweight and compact for ease of handling. Further, storage space during shipping and for inventory should be minimal for lightweight and compact toys. Similarly, it should be compact for traveling. Costs associated with shipping and storage of the compact inflatable toys should be lower than for heavy and bulky toys. Likewise, toys which can be easily inflated to full size for viewing by would-be purchasers are also highly desirable. Deflating the doll to its compact size for transporting to other locations for re-inflation is another advantage, as well as a reusable and replaceable balloon. An important advantage of the present inflatable doll is the possibility of easily and cheaply replacing the balloon in case of rupture or if wishing to change the doll&#39;s appearance. Said replacement of the balloon can be done without using any special tools or other means. Another advantage is the possibility of changing the doll&#39;s appearance by simply replacing the balloon and/or by drawing thereon or attaching various stickers thereon. Said appearance can be changed by simply changing the color of the balloon, its texture, or its print-on. The doll of the present invention satisfies all of such needs. 
       SUMMERY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    The present invention provides a simple inflatable doll comprising: (a) a cover shaped to define a desired figure; (b) optionally, additional parts attached to the cover; (c) at least one balloon; wherein the balloon is inserted and inflated in the cover to impart a three dimensional form thereto, and wherein said cover having at least one hole from which the balloon is exposed to form part of the doll figure. 
         [0015]    According to one embodiment, said additional parts attached to the cover are selected from at least one of the following: head, torso, wings, legs, arms, tail, ears, hairs, nose, horn(s), cockscomb, mane, scales and feet. Said additional parts attached to the cover are filled with any acceptable stuffing, such as beads, beans, polyester, cotton batting, flexible foam plastic material, etc. Optionally, said additional parts attached to the cover may be filled with a balloon. 
         [0016]    According to another embodiment, the cover of the doll of the invention and/or its attachments, are made of any acceptable fabric. In one embodiment, said fabric is a plush fabric. In another embodiment, said fabric is an expandable fabric. In one embodiment, the fabric of the cover of the doll of the invention and/or the additional parts is decorated, e.g., with printed material. 
         [0017]    In a specific embodiment, the balloon constitutes the doll&#39;s eyes. In another specific embodiment, said balloon constitutes the doll&#39;s mouth. In yet another embodiment, said balloon constitutes the doll&#39;s head and eyes. In another embodiment, said balloon constitutes the doll&#39;s body and/or belly. In yet another embodiment, said balloon constitutes at least one of the following parts of the doll: nose, face, butt and chest 
         [0018]    According to one embodiment of the invention, the end user can paint, draw or glue on the exposed portions of the balloon. 
         [0019]    According to one embodiment of the invention, the balloon can be easily replaced without the need of any instrument. Said replacement can be done either due to rupture of the balloon or voluntarily in order to change the doll&#39;s appearance by replacing the color of the balloon or its texture, or in order to replace a drawn balloon which a clean one. 
         [0020]    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0021]    The above and other characteristics, and advantages of the invention will be more readily apparent through the following illustrative examples, and with reference to the appended drawings, wherein: 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  is a picture of a fox-resembling doll [A] and a cat-resembling doll (front view [B] and side view [C]) in which the inflatable bladder forms the eyes ( 2 ) and nose ( 3 ) of the dolls. 
         [0023]      FIG. 2  is a picture of a front [A] and side-view [B] of an owl-resembling doll in which the inflatable balloon forms the eyes ( 2 ) of the owl. 
         [0024]      FIG. 3  is front- [A] and side-view [B] pictures of a creature in which the inflatable bladder forms the creature&#39;s mouth ( 7 ). 
         [0025]      FIG. 4  is a picture of a mouse-like doll in which the inflatable balloon forms the mouth/nose ( 9 ) section of the mouse. 
         [0026]      FIG. 5  is a picture and sketches of several fly-like dolls in which the inflatable bladder forms the popped-out eyes ( 11 ) section. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0027]    The present invention provides a new type of toy that is made up of an outer cover in a predefined shape and an inflatable inner bladder, wherein the cover has specific holes from which the inflatable inner bladder pops out of to form specific portions of the doll. The outer cover can be comprised of a plurality of materials, either elastic or not, that are cut and sealed or stitched together to form the desired shape, and may further comprise additional attachments such as a head, a body, any other body parts (e.g. ears, eyes, wings, arms and legs, horns, cockscomb, mane, scales, etc.), or any other attachment. The outer cover may be either blank or printed and may be smooth or textured. 
         [0028]    The inflatable inner bladder material is selected from well-known sheet materials that allow a gas to be contained within the sealed bladder for a long period of time. Materials such as nylon, mylar polyester, vinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, latex, spandex (Lycra), and the like are quite effective for forming the bladder. According to a specific embodiment, the inflatable bladder is a rubber balloon. 
         [0029]    The outer cover can be cut and formed into various desired shapes and sizes to simulate animals, cartoon characters and other objects. The uniqueness of the present doll is that the inflatable bladder, when inflated, pops out of holes in the cover thereby forming unique parts of the doll, such as eyes, nose, mouth, or any other desired organ. Obviously, when the inflatable bladder is deflated, it can be either re-inflated or replaced with another bladder to form a lightweight inflated object having the desired form and appearance. 
         [0030]    One of the main advantages of the inflatable doll of the present invention is that even if the balloon accidentally bursts or ruptured, it is easily and cheaply replaced. Moreover, the inflatable toy of the invention may obtain different appearances simply by replacing the color of the balloon, the texture of the balloon, and/or the print-on of the balloon. Moreover, the option of drawing on the exposed balloon sections and/or attaching stickers thereon adds to the fun and provides additional value, without destroying the doll or the need to wash it after use. 
         [0031]    The objects of this invention can best be described by referring to the drawings which illustrate some of the preferred embodiments of the invention. The presented examples, however, should not be construed as limiting the present invention in any manner. 
         [0032]    A fox-resembling inflatable toy is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . For illustrative purposes, the head of the fox [A] and cat [B &amp; C] toys is shown in an inflated state. It will be apparent that the toy has an entire body, including arms, legs, and tail attached to the inflated head, as well as ears attached to the head part. The outer cover, as well as the body part, can be formed of any suitable sheet like material such as sheet plastic, fabric and the like. If desired, the surface of the outer cover, as well as that of the body part, can have a pile or plush like texture to simulate fur or skin or other surface of the object depicted. In the exemplified toys, the eyes area in the outer cover is cut, thereby enabling a portion of the inflatable bladder to come out, thus creating the fox&#39;s eyes. Notably, in this example, the tie of the opening of the balloon creates the fox&#39;s nose. As can be seen in the cat doll [B &amp; C], the eyes hole has an additional stitch to both strengthen the hole area, and to add to the doll&#39;s appearance. 
         [0033]    It should be noted that although in  FIG. 1  only the fox&#39;s or cat&#39;s head ( 1 ) has a balloon in it, the doll can be fabricated so that the balloon is inserted also (or only) into the body ( 4 ), and/or to other organs. According to one embodiment, while the balloon is inserted into the head ( 1 ) of the inflated doll of the invention, the body ( 4 ) and/or other organs may be filled with any other known staffing, such as beads, beans or polyester. According to one embodiment, the body ( 4 ) is filled with beads for stability of the doll, whereas the arms, legs and tail are filled with polyester. 
         [0034]    In  FIG. 2 , an owl-like inflatable toy is shown. Again, for illustrative purposes the toy is shown in an inflated state. In this example, the entire owl&#39;s body ( 5 ) is filled with the balloon, wherein wings are attached to the body. In the exemplified owl, the eyes area in the outer cover is cut enabling a portion of the balloon to come out, thus creating the owl&#39;s eyes ( 2 ). Notably, the tie of the balloon is hidden and does not constitute part of the doll. According to one embodiment, the bottom of the owl may comprise small amount of beads or beans to stabilize the doll. 
         [0035]      FIG. 3  illustrates an undefined creature composed of a cover ( 6 ) and a balloon, in which the balloon constitutes or creates the creature&#39;s mouth ( 7 ). For added value, the cover includes one tooth, emphasizing that the creature opens its mouth. As can be seen, the cover has eyes attached thereto, and the mouth has a lip-like stitch. 
         [0036]      FIG. 4  provides a mouse-like inflatable toy. In this example, the cover comprises the mouse&#39;s body ( 8 ), to which a tail is attached. Notably, although not explicitly illustrated here, legs and other organs can be attached to the cover. In this creature, the inflatable bladder comprises the nose and mouth portion ( 9 ) of the animal. The end user can further draw or glue on the bladder the mouse&#39;s nose, whiskers or anything else as desired. 
         [0037]      FIG. 5A  illustrates a cover ( 10 ) with an inflated balloon inside it ( 11 ), wherein the balloon creates the eyes section of the creature, wherein  FIGS. 5B, 5C and 5D  are sketches of various creatures in which said cover is attached to a body of choice, e.g. a butterfly [B], a frog [C] or a fly [D]. 
         [0038]    It will be apparent that the outer cover and attachments can be formed in a myriad of desired shapes to form, in combination with the inflatable bladder, detailed features for paws, toes, legs, arms and other body parts of various animal-like toys or other creatures made in accordance with this invention. Obviously, the cover can be made of any known material, such as fabric, silk, nylon, Lycra, etc., and can have a pile or plush like texture to simulate fur. In addition it can be smooth or textured, plain or printed, white or in any color or combinations of color. Other decorative ornaments, such as illuminating optic fibers may be shaped and attached to the cover, and a power supply may be placed in a hidden part of the cover. 
         [0039]    It is also apparent that the doll can be sold either separately or together with an inflatable bladder (e.g. a balloon), and optionally together with a marker(s) which can be used to write and decorate the exposed portions of the bladder. 
         [0040]    It should be understood that the drawings and foregoing description merely illustrate some of the preferred embodiments of the invention. Various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention 
         [0041]    The term “balloon” includes all types of inflatable articles and can be made of rubber, latex, or any other suitable material. 
         [0042]    The term “doll” as used herein, includes all type of dolls, puppets, etc. the doll&#39;s cover can be made of any known material and is not limited by any means. The dolls of the invention can be in any shape and size. 
         [0043]    While the present invention has been described above in connection with the certain illustrative embodiments, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments may be used or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiments for performing the same function of the present invention without deviating therefrom. Furthermore, all embodiments disclosed are not necessarily in the alternative, as various embodiments of the invention may be combined to provide the desired characteristics. Variations can be made by one having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to any single illustrative embodiment, but rather construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the recitation of the attached claims.