US4715840A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Expansible object
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1986-08-01
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Granted: 1987-12-29
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Expires: 2006-08-01
Abstract
Abstract An expansible object includes a body simulating in shape an animate object, such as an insect. The body has an access port formed in the center portion thereof and an internal pouch which extends substantially traversely over the inside of the body. A plurality of small objects are retained within the pouch, and a closure device is affixed to the access port for sealably retaining items contained within the pouch. In use, the expansible object may serve as a plaything, as an educational tool, as a storage device, or as a fashion accessory for retaining various items which are used in day-to-day living. The object, also, may include an illumination system for illuminating the interior thereof.
Inventors
- 👤 Jeffery G. Swift
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 14:31
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63H; A63H3/00; A63H3/003; A63H3/005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
76 words
An expansible object comprising: a body, simulating an animate object, the body having an access port communicating with an internal pouch, the internal pouch extending substantially over the width and length of the inside of the body; a plurality of small objects, each simulating a smaller form of the body, storable within the internal pouch of the body; and means for closing the access port to retain the plurality of small objects within the internal pouch.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
76 words
An expansible object comprising: a body, simulating an animate object, the body having an access port communicating with an internal pouch, the internal pouch extending substantially over the width and length of the inside of the body; a plurality of small objects, each simulating a smaller form of the body, storable within the internal pouch of the body; and means for closing the access port to retain the plurality of small objects within the internal pouch.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The expansible object of claim 1, wherein the means for closing comprises a VELCRO closure.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The expansible object of claim 1, wherein the means for closing comprises a zipper.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The expansible object of claim 1, wherein the body is in a form selected from a group consisting of a firefly, a ladybug, a caterpillar, and a bat.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
49 words
The expansible object of claim 1, wherein the body further comprises: a generally oval rubber-like bottom surface more than four frusto-conical protrusions extending downwardly therefrom; and a generally oval fur-like upper surface extending downwardly to define a sidewall fixed to the periphery of the generally oval rubber-like bottom surface.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
91 words
The expansible object of claim 1, further comprising: a source of electrical power: a container for receiving the source of electrical power secured to the inside of the internal pouch; a source of illumination housed within the body; means for conducting electrical power from the source of electrical power to the source of illumination; internal means for switching, responsive to squeezing the body, to energize the source of illumination; and a translucent part of the body for externally transmitting light from the source of illumination housed within the body when energized.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The expansible object of claim 6, wherein the means for closing comprises a VELCRO closure.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The expansible object of claim 6, wherein the means for closing comprises a zipper.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
118 words
An expansible object comprising: a body, simulating an animate object, the body having an access port communicating with an internal pouch, the internal pouch expanding substantially over the length and width of the body; means for closing the access port; a source of electrical power; a container for receiving the source of electrical power secured to the inside of the internal pouch; a source of illumination housed with the body; means for conducting electrical power from the source of electrical power to the source of illumination; internal means for switching, responsive to squeezing the body, to energize the source of illumination; and a translucent part of the body for transmitting light from the source of illumination when energized.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
118 words
An expansible object comprising: a body, simulating an animate object, the body having an access port communicating with an internal pouch, the internal pouch expanding substantially over the length and width of the body; means for closing the access port; a source of electrical power; a container for receiving the source of electrical power secured to the inside of the internal pouch; a source of illumination housed with the body; means for conducting electrical power from the source of electrical power to the source of illumination; internal means for switching, responsive to squeezing the body, to energize the source of illumination; and a translucent part of the body for transmitting light from the source of illumination when energized.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
The expansible object of claim 9, wherein the means for closing comprises a velcro closure.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
The expansible object of claim 9, wherein the means for closing comprises a zipper.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
28 words
The expansible object of claim 9, wherein the body is in a form selected from a group consisting of a firefly, a ladybug, a catapillar, and a bat.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
29 words
The expansible object of claim 9, further comprising a plurality of small objects, each simulating a smaller form of the body, storable within the internal pouch of the body.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
50 words
The expansible object of claim 11, wherein the body further comprises: a generally oval rubber-like bottom surface having more than four frustro-conical protrusions extending downwardly therefrom; and a generally oval fur-like upper surface extending downwardly to define a sidewall fixed to the periphery of the generally oval rubber-like bottom surface.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
161 words
An expansible object comprising: a body, simulating in shape an animate object, the body having an access port communicating with an internal ouch, the internal pouch extending substantially over the width and length of the inside of the body; a plurality of small objects, each simulating a smaller form of the body, storable within the internal pouch; means for closing the access port to retain the plurality of small objects within the internal pouch; a source of electrical power; a container for receiving the source of electrical power, the container secured to the inside of the internal pouch; a source of illumination housed within the body; means for conducting electrical power from the source of electrical power to the source of illumination; internal means for switching, responsive to external squeezing of the body, to energize the source of illumination; and a translucent part of the body for externally transmitting light from the source of illumination housed within the body when energized.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
161 words
An expansible object comprising: a body, simulating in shape an animate object, the body having an access port communicating with an internal ouch, the internal pouch extending substantially over the width and length of the inside of the body; a plurality of small objects, each simulating a smaller form of the body, storable within the internal pouch; means for closing the access port to retain the plurality of small objects within the internal pouch; a source of electrical power; a container for receiving the source of electrical power, the container secured to the inside of the internal pouch; a source of illumination housed within the body; means for conducting electrical power from the source of electrical power to the source of illumination; internal means for switching, responsive to external squeezing of the body, to energize the source of illumination; and a translucent part of the body for externally transmitting light from the source of illumination housed within the body when energized.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-12-28 | 1991-06-29 | 1991-12-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-12-28 | 1995-06-29 | 1995-12-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-12-28 | 1999-06-29 | 1999-12-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |