Abstract:
A scented stuffed toy including at least one interchangeable scented packet, a method of forming the scented stuffed toy, and a system for scenting an area. The scented stuffed toy includes an interior portion within a body of the stuffed toy, at least one interchangeable scented packet disposed within the interior portion, and a fastening structure for selectively accessing the interior portion. The scented stuffed toy may be formed by opening a fastening structure in a body of the stuffed toy to expose an interior portion of the body of the stuffed toy, disposing at least one interchangeable scented packet within the interior portion of the body of the stuffed toy, and closing the fastening structure. A system for scenting an area including the scented stuffed toy is also disclosed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/368,177, filed Jul. 27, 2010, entitled “Stuffed Toys having Interchangeable Scent Packets and Methods and Systems including such Stuffed Toys,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to stuffed toys including interchangeable scent packets and methods and systems including such stuffed toys. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    It is commonly known to provide scented materials for certain items or areas to enhance one&#39;s olfactory perception of that item or area. For example, it is common practice to place potpourri, candles, or other scented materials in areas that do not typically have an appealing odor, such as inside a vehicle, a gym bag, a bathroom, or the like. However, these scented materials do not release scent perpetually and therefore must be disposed of or replaced once spent. In addition, most scented materials are primarily functional in appearance, and therefore offer little or no aesthetic or entertainment value. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0004]    In some embodiments, the present disclosure includes a stuffed toy. The stuffed toy comprises an interior portion within a body of the stuffed toy, at least one interchangeable scented packet disposed within the interior portion, and a fastening structure for providing selective access to the interior portion. 
         [0005]    Additional embodiments of the present disclosure include a system for scenting an area. The system comprises, a stuffed toy comprising an interior portion within a body of the stuffed toy and at least one interchangeable scented packet configured to be removably disposed within the interior portion. 
         [0006]    In additional embodiments, the present invention includes methods of forming a scented stuffed toy. The methods include opening a fastening structure in a body of a stuffed toy to access an interior portion of the body of the stuffed toy, disposing at least one interchangeable scented packet within the interior portion of the body of the stuffed toy, and closing the fastening structure. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming what are regarded as embodiments of the present invention, various features and advantages of embodiments of the disclosure may be more readily ascertained from the following description of example embodiments of the disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  illustrates a front view of a stuffed toy configured to contain at least one interchangeable scented packet therein; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  illustrates a back view of the stuffed toy of  FIG. 1  configured to contain at least one interchangeable scented packet therein; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of the stuffed toy of  FIG. 1  configured to contain at least one interchangeable scented packet therein; 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  illustrates the stuffed toy of  FIG. 2  opened to expose an interior portion of the stuffed toy; 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  illustrates an enlarged view of an interchangeable scented packet for use in the stuffed toy; 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  illustrates the stuffed toy of  FIG. 4  having the at least one interchangeable scented packet disposed in the interior portion of the stuffed toy; and 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  illustrates another embodiment of a stuffed toy configured to contain more than one interchangeable scented packet in the interior portion of the stuffed toy. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]    The stuffed toy of embodiments of the present disclosure includes at least one interchangeable scented packet therein. The stuffed toy may be in the form of a stuffed animal, or it may have another form, such as a stuffed doll-like figure, or an inanimate object such as a house, a vehicle, a plant, and so on. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited to typical stuffed toys, such as stuffed animals. Additionally, while embodiments of the present disclosure are referred to as a stuffed toy, some embodiments of the present disclosure may not be suitable or intended for children and, accordingly, the term “toy” is used in an inclusive, rather than an exclusive, sense. In other words, the term “toy” means and encompasses ornamental, stuffed objects in a broad sense. The term “stuffed” means and includes a fabric or other flexible structure (for example, a synthetic fur) enclosing a soft stuffing material, as is conventionally employed with stuffed animals and other toys. 
         [0016]    Referring now to the drawings,  FIGS. 1-3  are schematic illustrations of a stuffed toy  100  in the form of a frog configured to contain at least one interchangeable scented packet therein. Other non-limiting example forms of the stuffed toy  100  include a bear, a lion, an elephant, a monkey, a pig, a lamb, a fish, a snake, and an octopus, as well those examples mentioned previously herein.  FIG. 1  illustrates a front portion  106  of the stuffed toy  100 ,  FIG. 2  illustrates a back portion  108  of the stuffed toy  100 , and  FIG. 3  illustrates a side portion of the stuffed toy  100 . In some embodiments, the stuffed toy  100  may be sized to fit within a small area, such as, a bag or a drawer. In additional embodiments, the stuffed toy  100  may be of a larger size so as to be displayed or played with. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the front portion  106  generally includes a face or other primary features of the stuffed toy  100 . 
         [0017]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, the stuffed toy  100  may include an at least substantially horizontal surface  111  extending from the front portion  106  to the back portion  108  of the stuffed toy  100 . The at least substantially horizontal surface  111  may allow the stuffed toy  100  to sit in a stable manner on a complementary horizontal surface, such as, for example, a shelf, a desk, or a counter. 
         [0018]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the back portion  108  of the stuffed toy  100  generally includes a back surface of the stuffed toy  100 . The back portion  108  of the stuffed toy  100  includes a fastening structure  102  along an exterior of a body  101  of the stuffed toy  100 . The fastening structure  102  may comprise, for example, a zipper (as illustrated in  FIG. 2 ), buttons, a hook-and-loop fastener (e.g., VELCRO®), or a magnetic fastener. The fastening structure  102  acts to hold together portions of the stuffed toy  100 , which when separated provide an aperture to at least one chamber of the interior portion  110  of the stuffed toy  100 . The fastening structure  102  may be used to conceal and close off an interior portion  110  of the stuffed toy  100  to provide a closed chamber concealed within the interior portion  110  of the stuffed toy  100 . The fastening structure  102  also provides easy, tool-free access to the interior portion  110  of the stuffed toy  100 . In some embodiments, the stuffed toy  100  may be made of a porous or breathable material to facilitate the movement of air therethrough between the interior portion  110  and an exterior portion of the body  101 . It should be noted that the interior portion  110  may be located within any portion of the body  101 , and an aperture for accessing the interior portion  110  may likewise be provided, along with an associated fastening structure  102 , on any exterior portion the body  101  or on a portion accessible from the exterior portion of the body  101  (e.g., through a pouch when the stuffed toy  100  is configured as a kangaroo). 
         [0019]    With continued reference to  FIG. 4 , the fastening structure  102  may be opened to expose the interior portion  110  of the stuffed toy  100 . The interior portion  110  of the stuffed toy  100  may be sized and configured to provide the aforementioned chamber to accommodate at least one interchangeable scented packet  200  ( FIG. 5 ) disposed therein. In some embodiments, the interior portion  110  of the stuffed toy  100  may be lined with, for example, a fabric liner so that the stuffing or filling within the stuffed toy  100  is not exposed within the interior portion  110 . In some embodiments, a securing structure  104 , such as a hook, may be disposed within the interior portion  110  for engaging and securing the at least one interchangeable scented packet  200  ( FIG. 5 ) within the interior portion  110 . Additional non-limiting examples of the securing structure  104  include complementary buttons and buttonholes, snaps and snap receptacles, or hook-and-loop fasteners, etc., which may be respectively formed on the interior portion  110  of the stuffed toy  100  and the at least one interchangeable scented packet  200  ( FIG. 5 ) for securing the at least one interchangeable scented packet  200  within the interior portion  110 . As another alternative securing structure  104 , an elastic loop may be employed within the interior portion  110  and the at least one interchangeable scented packet  200  may be configured with two laterally extending portions separated by a narrow neck to be engaged by the elastic loop when in a relaxed position. 
         [0020]      FIG. 5  illustrates an enlarged view of the at least one interchangeable scented packet  200 . The at least one interchangeable scented packet  200  may comprise at least two pieces of material  206 ,  208  sealed around a perimeter  210  of the at least one interchangeable scented packet  200 , or a single piece of material folded over itself and sealed around the perimeter  210  at adjacent edges. The material may comprise a woven or non-woven fabric. At least one of the two pieces of material  206 ,  208  of the at least one interchangeable scented packet  200  may comprise a mesh, netted, or other air-permeable material. One non-woven air-permeable material may comprise GORE-TEX® fabric, or another breathable polymer fabric. In some embodiments, the at least one of the two pieces of material  206 ,  208  may have an open surface area of at least about 30%. In additional embodiments, the at least one of the two pieces of material  206 ,  208  may have an open surface area of at least about 60%. In further embodiments, wherein a single piece of material is employed, the entire at least one interchangeable scented packet  200  exterior may exhibit the same permeability. A coupling structure  202  such as a loop may be attached to the at least one interchangeable scented packet  200 , such as on a corner of the perimeter  210 . The coupling structure  202  may be configured to be engaged by, and coupled to, the securing structure  104  ( FIG. 4 ) (e.g., a hook) within the interior portion  110  of the stuffed toy  100  for securing the at least one interchangeable scented packet  200  within the interior portion  110 . In additional embodiments, the coupling structure  202  may comprise a button or a snap receptacle on the at least one interchangeable scented packet  200  to be coupled to a corresponding buttonhole or snap within the interior portion  110  of the stuffed toy  100 . 
         [0021]    Within the at least one interchangeable scented packet  200  are confined a plurality of scented elements that may comprise a plurality of scented beads  204 . The plurality of scented beads  204  may comprise a plastic or polymer material. In some embodiments, the plurality of scented beads  204  may comprise a polymer material having a fragrance coating applied thereto. In additional embodiments, the fragrance may be added to the polymer material during formation of the plurality of scented beads  204  such that the fragrance is dispersed throughout the polymer material of the plurality of scented beads  204 . The fragrance may be either water-based or oil-based. The fragrance may contain a scented material such as an ester, a terpene, an aldehyde, a ketone, or any combination thereof. The fragrance may be any type of aroma, including, without limitation, scents of fruits, mint, herbs, and the like. Fragrances that are typically associated with aromatherapy, deodorizing, and other scents may also be used, as well as combinations of fragrances having different scents. In additional embodiments, scent releasing materials other than the plurality of scented beads  204  may be confined within the at least one interchangeable scented packet  200 . For example, in some embodiments, a crushed leaf potpourri, or a fragrant body comprised of a scented material that will volatize over time and release its fragrance may be confined within the at least one interchangeable scented packet  200 . The plurality of scented beads  204  or other scent releasing material may be loosely packed within the at least one interchangeable scented packet  200 , or be of substantially flexible character, so as to not reduce the softness of the stuffed toy  100 . 
         [0022]      FIG. 6  illustrates the stuffed toy  100  having the at least one interchangeable scented packet  200  disposed within the interior portion  110  of the stuffed toy  100 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the coupling structure  202  on the at least one interchangeable scented packet  200  may be a loop to be looped over the securing structure  104 , which may comprise a hook within the interior portion  110 , to secure the at least one interchangeable scented packet  200  within the interior portion  110 . The interior portion  110  may be configured to hold one interchangeable scented packet  200 , or, optionally, in some embodiments, the interior portion  110  may be configured to hold more than one interchangeable scented packet  200 . 
         [0023]    When a user desires to change the at least one interchangeable scented packet  200 , the user may open the fastening structure  102  (i.e., unzip the zipper, unbutton the buttons, detach complementary magnets, or unhook the hook-and-loop fasteners), undo the securing means (i.e., uncouple the coupling structure  202  from the securing structure  104 ), if present, and remove the at least one interchangeable scented packet  200  from the interior portion  110  of the stuffed toy  100 . The user then may place another interchangeable scented packet  200  within the interior portion  110  of the stuffed toy  100 , secure the securing structure  104  (i.e., couple the coupling structure  202  to the securing structure  104  within the interior portion  110  of the stuffed toy  100 ), if present, and fasten the fastening structures  102  (i.e., zip the zipper, attach complementary magnets, or hook the hook-and-loop fasteners). 
         [0024]    Because the at least one interchangeable scented packet  200  is easily removable from the stuffed toy  100  by merely opening or unfastening the fastening structure  102 , the user may select any desirable scent for the stuffed toy  100 . In addition, as the strength of the fragrance emanating from the at least one interchangeable scented packet  200  wanes, the user may place a new scented packet  200  having the same or a different scent within the stuffed toy  100  to renew the scent emanating therefrom. 
         [0025]      FIG. 7  illustrates a stuffed toy  100  configured to contain more than one interchangeable scented packet  200  in the interior portion  110  of the stuffed toy  100  to enable the user to create a desired combination of scents. The interior portion  110  of the stuffed toy  100  may be configured to hold more than one interchangeable scented packet  200 . For example, interior portion  110  may comprise two adjacent chambers, each of which may comprise a securing structure  104  therein. More specifically, the interior portion  110  may comprise separate chambers, each of which may have a fastening structure  102  to close off the interior portion  110  of the stuffed toy  100 . The user may place at least one interchangeable scented packet  200  in each of the adjacent chambers. In additional embodiments, the interior portion  110  may include only a single chamber in which two or more securing structures  104  are disposed. It is noted that a securing structure  104  for the interchangeable scented packets  200  may not be required if fastening structure  102  provides a sufficiently robust closure. 
         [0026]    The stuffed toy  100  of the present disclosure may be used to provide a safe and convenient means of providing a desired scent to an area. Candles and other wax products require a flame or other heating element, such as an electrically powered heating element, to melt the wax. Potpourri and scented oils are typically placed in open containers and, thus, are often messy and may be of concern when small children and pets populate a household. However, because the plurality of scented beads  204  is confined within the at least one interchangeable scented packet  200 , which is enclosed within the stuffed toy  100 , the stuffed toy  100  does not present any of the issues associated with the use of candles, waxes, potpourri and oils. The stuffed toy  100  also may be used to provide an aesthetically pleasing means of providing a desired scent to an area while also concealing the source of the scent. 
         [0027]    While the present invention has been described herein with respect to certain illustrated embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize and appreciate that it is not so limited. Rather, many additions, deletions, and modifications to the illustrated embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed, including legal equivalents thereof. In addition, features from one embodiment may be combined with features of another embodiment while still being encompassed within the scope of the invention as contemplated by the inventors.