US3831316A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multi-figure zipper toy bag
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1973-06-14
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Granted: 1974-08-27
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Expires: 1993-06-14
Abstract
Abstract A children''s toy comprising a plurality of selectably interchangeable figure images disposed on a common piece of fabric or similar pliant material. Each of the figure images has at least one pair of mating zipper tracks disposed along opposite portions of the image periphery. Any one of the available figure images may be developed into a corresponding three-dimensional figure form by gathering the material exterior of the selected image so as to be enveloped within the selected image and capturing it therein by engagement of the confronting zipper tracks to form a bag with the selected image on the exterior surface. Figures having more complex shapes can be formed by using multiple zippers and preformed body members attached to the base material. The available figure images may be chosen so that the sequence of figure formation by the child may correspond, for example, to the development of a story or to some natural phenomenon.
Inventors
- 👤 E Weistrop
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 14:13
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63H; A63H3/00; A63H3/003; A63H3/02; A63H3/36; A63H33/00; A63H33/003; A63H33/004
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
76 words
A children''s toy comprising a unitary sheet of pliant base material having a plurality of visual figure images thereon and fastening means associated with each of said figure images said fastening means including at least one pair of mating elements disposed along opposite portions of the image periphery and being positioned for mating engagement when that portion of said base material exterior of the associated figure image is enveloped thereby to form a three-dimensional figure form.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
76 words
A children''s toy comprising a unitary sheet of pliant base material having a plurality of visual figure images thereon and fastening means associated with each of said figure images said fastening means including at least one pair of mating elements disposed along opposite portions of the image periphery and being positioned for mating engagement when that portion of said base material exterior of the associated figure image is enveloped thereby to form a three-dimensional figure form.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The toy of claim 1 wherein said fastening means further comprise at least one pair of mating zipper tracks attached to said base material along opposed portions of said image periphery.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The toy of claim 2 wherein said zipper tracks are all interior of the base material periphery.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The toy of claim 2 wherein portions of said zipper tracks are coextensive with the base material periphery.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The toy of claim 2 further including additional mating zipper tracks attached to said base material and positioned interior of the associated figure image periphery.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
39 words
The toy of claim 2 wherein said base material comprises two sheets joined along a portion of one of their surfaces and wherein the figure image associated with each of said sheets is disposed on the other surface thereof.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The toy of claim 6 further including preformed body members attached to said other surfaces of said sheets.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
132 words
A method of forming a three-dimensional children''s fabric toy from a substantially two-dimensional sheet of base material: a. providing a sheet of pliant base material having disposed thereon a plurality of visual figure images and fastening means associated with each of said figure images and including at least one pair of mating elements disposed along corresponding portions of the image periphery; b. gathering the portion of said base material exterior of a selected image into a compact shape and enveloping said compact shape within said selected figure image so as to bring said mating elements into confronting engageable proximity; c. engaging said elements to capture the portion of said base material exterior of said figure image therewithin and to form a zipper bag with the selected image on the exterior surface thereof.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
132 words
A method of forming a three-dimensional children''s fabric toy from a substantially two-dimensional sheet of base material: a. providing a sheet of pliant base material having disposed thereon a plurality of visual figure images and fastening means associated with each of said figure images and including at least one pair of mating elements disposed along corresponding portions of the image periphery; b. gathering the portion of said base material exterior of a selected image into a compact shape and enveloping said compact shape within said selected figure image so as to bring said mating elements into confronting engageable proximity; c. engaging said elements to capture the portion of said base material exterior of said figure image therewithin and to form a zipper bag with the selected image on the exterior surface thereof.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-08-26 | 1978-02-25 | 1978-08-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-08-26 | 1982-02-25 | 1982-08-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-08-26 | 1986-02-25 | 1986-08-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |