| Resilient ball containing looped segments -> Monitor Keywords |
|
|
 
Resilient ball containing looped segmentsResilient ball containing looped segments description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20080090486, Resilient ball containing looped segments. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/829,113, filed on Oct. 11, 2006 and entitled "Resilient Ball Containing Looped Segments," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. This application is also related to U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,509,929, 5,110,315, and 6,086,445, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/744,962, filed Dec. 23, 2003, Ser. No. 11/015,387, filed Dec. 16, 2004, and Ser. No. 11/152,020, filed Jun. 13, 2005, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002]The invention relates generally to the field of toys, and in particular to devices and methods that involve sets of curved or angular segments. Embodiments of the present invention provide toys or objects for use as balls, therapeutic instruments, baby toys, pet toys, beach or pool rafts, and the like. [0003]The use of curved pieces in various geometric configurations has provided the basis for a variety of toys and other useful objects, for example as described in previously incorporated U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,509,929, 5,110,315, and 6,086,445. [0004]Although such toys and objects have been generally commercially successful, it would be desirable to provide certain improvements and diversifying features. For these and other reasons, there continues to be a need for improved toy systems and other useful and decorative structures having one or more sets of curved or angular segments. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005]Embodiments of the instant invention addresses these and other unfulfilled needs by providing systems, devices, and methods for toys that include sets of bent segments that provide appealing stimulation to the visual and tactile senses. Such toys or structures can be made in an infinite number of graceful, decorative configurations. Moreover, these objects can function as bounceable, rollable, throwable, inflatable, or floatable balls, as diversion tranquilizers for occupying a user's hands and attention, and as toys for general amusement and artistic inspiration. [0006]In one aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a toy body having a first end, a second end, and a hollow interior. The toy body can include a plurality of curved loop segments. Each curved loop segment can have a curved end and an opposite end. The curved end of each loop segment can meet at the first end of the toy body, and the opposite end of each loop can meet at the second end of the toy body. In some cases, at least two curved ends are coupled together at the first end. In some cases, at least two opposite ends are coupled together at the second end. The plurality of curved loop segments may form a continuous loop. [0007]In another aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a toy having a first set of bent segments and a second set of bent segments. The first set of bent segments can be disposed toward a first end of the toy, and the second set of bent segments can be disposed toward a second end of the toy. Each of the first set segments can be disposed between two second set segments, and each of the second set segments can be disposed between two first set segments. In some cases, the first set of bent segments in combination with the second set of bent segments form a continuous loop. In some cases, the continuous loop includes an inflatable lumen. The toy can define any desired shape, such as a sphere, a spheroid, a prolate spheroid, an oblate spheroid, an ellipsoid, or a toroid. The toy may define an interior space disposed between the first and the second end. In some cases, the toy includes an object at least partially disposed within the interior space. In some embodiments, at least one of the first set or second set segments includes a tubular segment having a circular cross-section. The toy may also include a first link disposed toward the first end, where the first link is coupled with at least two of the first set segments. In some cases, the first link includes a ring, a sphere, a cone, a sprocket, a web, or a bar. The toy may also include an equatorial segment continuous with and disposed between one of the first set bent segment and one of the second set bent segments. In some cases, at least one of the first set of bent segments includes a curved segment. In some cases, at least one of the first set of bent segments comprises an angular segment. The toy may be elastic. The toy may provide a stress relief device having sections of varying hardness. In some cases, the toy provides a stress relief device, a performance ball, a pet toy, or a baby toy. [0008]In another aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a method of making a toy. The method includes coupling a first set of bent segments with a second set of bent segments. The first set of bent segments can be disposed toward a first end of the toy, and the second set of bent segments can be disposed toward a second end of the toy. Each of the first set segments can be disposed between two second set segments, and each of the second set segments can be disposed between two first set segments. In some cases, the first set of bent segments in combination with the second set of bent segments forms a continuous loop. The toy may define any desired shape, such as, for example, a sphere, a spheroid, a prolate spheroid, an oblate spheroid, an ellipsoid, or a toroid. The toy may define an interior space disposed between the first and the second end. In some cases, the toy may include a first link disposed toward the first end. The first link can be coupled with at least two of the first set segments. In a related aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a method of making a toy that includes providing a continuous loop, and shaping the continuous loop to present a first set of bent segments and a second set of bent segments. The first set of bent segments can be disposed toward a first end of the toy, and the second set of bent segments can be disposed toward a second end of the toy. Each of the first set segments can be disposed between two second set segments, and each of the second set segments can be disposed between two first set segments. The toy can define any desired shape, such as a sphere, a spheroid, a prolate spheroid, an oblate spheroid, an ellipsoid, a toroid, and the like. In some cases, the toy defines an interior space disposed between the first and the second end. The toy may include a first link disposed toward the first end. The first link can be coupled with at least two of the first set segments. [0009]In still another aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a method of using a toy. The method can include, for example, providing a first set of bent segments and a second set of bent segments. The first set of bent segments can be disposed toward a first end of the toy, and the second set of bent segments can be disposed toward a second end of the toy. Each of the first set segments can be disposed between two second set segments, and each of the second set segments can be disposed between two first set segments. The method can also include elastically deflecting at least one segment of the first or second set of bent segments. [0010]For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the ensuing detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011]FIG. 1 illustrates a toy body according to embodiments of the present invention. [0012]FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a toy body according to embodiments of the present invention. [0013]FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a method making a toy body according to embodiments of the present invention. [0014]FIG. 4 shows a portion of a toy segment according to embodiments of the present invention. [0015]FIGS. 5A-5C show a toy body in combination with an interior object according to embodiments of the present invention. [0016]FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate a method making a toy body according to embodiments of the present invention. [0017]FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate a method making a toy body according to embodiments of the present invention. [0018]FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate portions of a toy body according to embodiments of the present invention. [0019]FIG. 9 illustrates a toy body according to embodiments of the present invention. [0020]FIG. 10 illustrates a toy body according to embodiments of the present invention. Continue reading about Resilient ball containing looped segments... Full patent description for Resilient ball containing looped segments Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Resilient ball containing looped segments patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Resilient ball containing looped segments or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Offset matrix adapter for toy construction sets Next Patent Application: Inflatable plastic articles with sealed internal illumination Industry Class: Amusement devices: toys ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Resilient ball containing looped segments patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.18233 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Accenture , Agouron Pharmaceuticals , Amgen , AT&T , Bausch & Lomb , Callaway Golf 174 |
 * Protect your Inventions * US Patent Office filing 
PATENT INFO |
|
