System for Transforming a Bed into a Plush Toy

The present invention relates generally to innovative designs and mechanisms that enable traditional furniture, such as beds, to undergo a transformation into interactive play structures or toys. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a system for transforming a bed into a plush toy.

It is not uncommon for young children to spend many hours sleeping or simply playing on their beds. A warm blanket, or similar covering, and a cuddly stuffed toy are items that are commonly found in a child's bedroom. A child's blanket may present images of a favorite animated or nursery rhyme character while a stuffed toy may be anything from a fuzzy little teddy bear to a quilted child-like figure. These items are generally provided separately, and purchasers may have to spend additional time and money in acquiring them as opposed to a single item.

Firstly, acquiring these items separately can be time-consuming and inconvenient. Parents often have to visit multiple stores or browse through various online shops to find the perfect blanket and stuffed toy combination that suits their child's preferences. This process can be exhausting and may require significant effort to ensure both items match in style and quality.

Secondly, purchasing these items separately can also be more costly compared to buying a single integrated product. Buying a warm blanket and a cuddly stuffed toy individually means paying separate prices for each item, which can quickly add up, especially if the products are of high quality or feature licensed characters or designs.

Additionally, the space occupied by multiple separate items can contribute to clutter in a child's bedroom or travel bag. With limited space available, especially during travel or in smaller living quarters, having to accommodate both a blanket and a stuffed toy separately can be impractical and take up valuable storage space. Moreover, managing multiple items increases the likelihood of one getting lost or misplaced. Children may inadvertently leave behind or misplace either the blanket or the stuffed toy, leading to frustration and disappointment, especially if the lost item held sentimental value or was a cherished favorite.

Accordingly, described herein is a system for transforming a bed into a plush toy which overcomes the foregoing drawbacks and disadvantages.

The present invention is directed to a system for transforming a bed into a plush toy.

In one embodiment, the system comprises a first component configured as a first portion of a plush toy to be removably mounted to a headboard of the bed, and a second component separate and independent from the first component and configured as a second portion of the plush toy to be removably mounted over a mattress of the bed. According to the present invention, when respectively mounted to the headboard and mattress of the bed, the first and second portions combine to form the entire plush toy.

According to a feature of the system of the present invention, the first and second portions comprise a head portion and a body portion, respectively, of the plush toy. The body portion is provided with limbs for the plush toy. Each of the head portion and limbs of the body portion are provided with interior compartments for receiving therein a filler material to provide volume to the head portion and the limbs. In an exemplary embodiment, the filler material comprises a pillow. In an exemplary embodiment, the limbs of the body portion are removable.

According to another feature of the present invention, the second component comprises a primary cover configured to be removably mounted over the mattress and a secondary cover connected to and configured to be folded and unfolded about a folding line relative to the primary cover.

In an embodiment, the second component is configured as a double-layer blanket formed of the primary and secondary covers. According to a feature of this embodiment, the double-layer blanket comprises a plurality of removable portions serving as limbs for the plush toy.

According to a feature of the present invention, the plush toy formed by the first and second components is in the form of a lifesize or bigger than lifesize plush character.

As yet another feature of the present invention, each of the limbs of the body portion are configured for use as a body pillow.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

In, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered limiting in any respect. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

illustrate a system for transforming a bed into a plush toy (e.g., an animal character) according to an embodiment of a first aspect of the present invention. The system and bed are generally designated in the figures with reference numeralsand, respectively.illustrates a configuration in which systemis assembled on bedand while in use by an individual generally designated with reference numeral(hereinafter also referred to as the “user”).illustrate systemassembled in bedbut not during use. In this embodiment, bedcomprises a mattressand a pair of headboard frame portionspositioned at a forward end of bed.

As shown in, systemis comprised of a first section or componentand a second section or componentconfigured to be arranged relative one another to form system. In the present embodiment, systemis configured for use with bedfor transforming bedinto a plush toy (hereinafter also referred to as “plush”). It is understood, however, that systemmay be configured for use with structures other than beds, such as sofas, for converting such structures into a plush toy.

It will be appreciated from the disclosure of the present invention that systemis configured to transform bedinto a lifesize or bigger than lifesize plush character (e.g., a giant stuffed animal). In this embodiment, first componentis configured to form the head of the plush, and second component (e.g., in the form of a blanket as further described below) is configured to form the body of the plush. First and second components,are configured to form the plush toy, for example, by filling various parts of the components with a suitable filler material, such as pillows, to give these components shape and volume.

Referring to, in the present embodiment first componentcomprises a cover with a compartment configured to be stuffed with a filler material, such as one or more pillows, padding and the like, to form three-dimensional object or character. First componentis configured with a silhouette and/or print representing a headof the plush toy provided on a front side with eyes, nose, mouthand ears. In this embodiment, headis configured as the head of an animal with eyes, noseand mouth, and ears. Two pairs of belts or strapsextend from a rear sideof headfor removably attaching head, and thus first component, to corresponding headboard frame portionsas shown in. Frame portionsare provided with hookand loopfasteners (e.g., VELCRO®), as shown in. First componentis removably affixed to bedby wrapping strapsaround respective frame portionsand securing respective strapsto another using hook and loop fasteners,, respectively. It is appreciated that other means for removably attaching first componentto bedare suitable, such as buttons, cords, and the like, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Referring to, headof first componentis provided with an interior compartmentaccessible from a lower end of headvia a zipper closure. Compartmentis configured to be filled with a filler or stuffing material. In this embodiment, the filler or stuffing material used is in the form of a pillowand/or padding material.illustrates padding materialalready inserted inside compartmentand pillowoutside of compartmentand in the process of being inserted into compartmentas denoted by arrow C.illustrates pillowpartially inserted into compartment.illustrates pillowcompletely inserted into compartmentwith zipper closurein an open state and ready to be closed to obtain the configuration of first componentshown in. By this construction, first componentis configured to function as a pillow upon which usercan rest his/her head during use of systemas shown in.

It will be appreciated from the present disclosure that, as a feature of the present invention, first componentis formed by a cover (e.g., a pillowcase) with the silhouette of the character's head. This cover is previously provided with filler (e.g., padding material)on the inner perimeter as shown in, leaving the necessary, exact space for receiving pillowand complete the space. By this construction, upon inserting pillow, the character's head will complete the necessary volume. This will allow the plush to be stored without the need to take up valuable space, as it will be folded without filling because the main volume will be provided by the pillow. As another feature of the present invention, strapsare configured to anchor componentaround the headboard of bed, which will provide support and stability to the head. Additionally, the construction of componentis also configured to form and function as a headboard in certain applications, such as when used on a bunk bed since most bunk beds do not have a headboard. In the embodiment shown in, strapswrap around the bedpostsof the bunk bed to anchor it.

Referring to, second componentis configured to be assembled over mattressof bed. In the present embodiment, second componentis in the form of a blanket comprising a primary coverand a secondary coverconnected to primary componentalong a connecting line(. For example, the primary and secondary covers can be stitched together along connecting line. By this construction, second componentprovides a blanket formed of primary and secondary covers,which are integrated with one another. Primary and secondary covers,may be manufactured from a variety of fabric materials including cotton, wool and cotton-poly blends. However, more exotic fabrics such as silk may also be used in connection with the present invention. In the present embodiment, primary coverhas a generally rectangular-shaped configuration bounded by edges-. It is appreciated, however, that primary covermay be of a shape other than rectangular, such as square, circular, oval, etc., and of any size corresponding to the size of bedwith which systemis used.

Together, primary and secondary covers,form and define a body corresponding to and complementing headof first componentto form the plush toy as shown inSecondary coveris configured to be folded and unfolded relative to primary coverabout connecting (hereinafter “folding”) line. In the folded state, primary coverand secondary coverare configured to be removably connected together by a zipper closureas shown in.illustrate secondary coverfolded over primary cover.illustrates secondary coverunfolded from primary cover. By this construction, and according to a feature of the present invention, secondary coverfunctions as a blanket (e.g., a second layer of fabric) that allows users to cover themselves without having to undo bed. More specifically, when connected with zipper closure, the first and second covers,form a pocket where the user can get inside to create the volume required to form the body of the plush toy.

Referring to, primary coveris formed with imprints,,representing body, leg and arm portions, respectively, of the plush toy. Leg portionand/or arm portioncan also be formed as additional cover portions allowing the user to place their leg and arm therein to simulate that the plush top is moving. An upper end of body portionis generally aligned with edgeof primary coverto coincide with the region where headof first componentis placed in preparation for and during use of system(). An upper edge of secondary coveris also configured to be generally aligned with edgeof primary coverand upper end of body portion

Secondary coveris provided with portions,,corresponding to leg, tail and arm portions, respectively, of the plush toy. Together with body, leg and arm portions,,of primary cover, leg, tail and arm portions,,of secondary coverdefine the complete set of limbs for the animal character forming the plush toy. Limbs,,are preferably in the form of covers provided with compartments into which a filler material, such as one or more pillows, padding and the like, is configured to be inserted to provide volume to the limbs, as shown in. For example,illustrate filler materials associated with limb (arm)of secondary cover. More specifically,shows limbwith a zipper closurein an open state and a pillowin the process of being inserted into the compartment of limbas denoted by arrow B.also shows a paddinginserted inside the compartment of limb.shows pillowpartially inserted into the compartment of limb. As an example of the present embodiment, paddingis previously inserted in the compartment of limb, leaving the necessary space for pillowto be inserted to provide the necessary volume to complete the shape of the limb. Although not shown in the drawings, limbsandmay similarly be configured with zipper closures providing access into respective compartments in these limbs to permit the introduction therein of a suitable filler material as described above. By the foregoing structural and functional configurations, it will be appreciated that when filled with filler materials as described above, the limbs of primary and/or secondary covers.are suitable for use as body pillows.

In the embodiment of systemshown in, limbs,,are non-removably attached to secondary cover, for example by stitching or similar process.show another embodiment in which the limbs of secondary coverare removably attached to secondary cover.illustrates limbs,removed from secondary cover. Various means may be used to removably connect limbs,to secondary cover. For example, limband secondary covermay be connected using corresponding hook and loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO®),, and limbmay be connected to secondary coverusing zipper closure components,.is a close-up view A of zipper closure components,in. It will be appreciated that limbs,,may be removably connected to secondary coverusing any or a combination of connecting means, such as hook and loop fasteners, and zipper closures, as well as buttons and the like without departing from the scope of the present invention.

It will be further appreciated from the disclosure of the present invention that, as another feature of the present invention, second component, including covers,, is in the form of a blanket (e.g., made of a suitable fabric) that when in use as shown in the drawings will continue the head, with the blanket defining the character's body printed on it. Unlike regular blankets, the blanket corresponding to second componenthas a double layer (e.g., layers,), where the layer(second layer) is only the silhouette print of the character's body, forming a pocket on the layer(e.g., first layer or main blanket) where the user (e.g., a child) can get in. The volume of the plush body is essentially filled by the user themselves. Stated otherwise, as a double-layer blanket, second componentallows the user to get into the pocket formed by the second layer of fabric located around the perimeter of the body, like a sleeping bag. As described above, layeris provided with zipper closurearound the perimeter of the body silhouette to close the pocket or simply remain as a layer that opens and closes, leaving a neck area of the character's body open. This will allow the user to cover up while taking a nap inside the body of their favorite character without having to undo the bed during the day, for example. Furthermore, at night second component, as double-layer blanket, functions as a regular blanket for users to snuggle up in.

According to the present invention, to create the plush toy the head and limbs of first and second components,are filled with filler or stuffing materials, such pillow and/or padding, which are preferably a soft and resilient materials to give it shape, volume, and a cuddly feel. The choice of stuffing material can vary depending on factors like cost, intended use, and safety regulations.

It will be appreciated that the first and second components,of systemaccording to the present invention can be configured with various types of silhouettes and/or prints as desired to form various characters for the plush toys. The versatility in silhouette and prints allows for a wide range of character creation when designing the plush toy to form various characters, including animal characters. For example, different animals have distinct body shapes and proportions. By altering the silhouette of the plush toy body, the basic framework for various characters can be created. For example, a long and slender silhouette might be suitable for a snake or a ferret, while a rounder, more compact shape could be used for a bear or a rabbit. Silhouettes can also be adapted to represent different ages or moods of the same animal. For instance, a chubby, rounded silhouette might depict a baby animal, while a sleeker, more elongated shape could represent an adult version of the same species.

Various prints and patterns that play a significant role in character design may also be provided for systemof the present invention. They can be used to mimic fur, scales, feathers, or other distinctive features of animals. For example: a tiger plush might feature orange and black stripes on its body; a panda plush could have black patches around its eyes and ears, mimicking the panda's distinctive markings; and a giraffe plush might have a spotted pattern to imitate the giraffe's coat. Additionally, details such as embroidered eyes, noses, and mouths can be provided to systemto add personality and expression to the plush toys, further enhancing their character.

It will also be appreciated that accessories and additional features can be incorporated to the systemto reinforce the character's identity. For example: a lion plush might have a mane made of faux fur or fabric to distinguish it from other plush toys; animal-specific features like ears, tails, horns, or beaks can be attached to the plush toy to emphasize its species; and clothing or props can be added to further customize the character and give it a unique style or theme. For instance, a cowboy hat and bandana can be included to transform a horse plush into a rodeo rider.

Systemaccording to the present invention offers several benefits, particularly in terms of versatility, functionality, and creativity.

By combining different silhouettes, prints, and details as described above, systemaccording to the present invention is capable of having virtually limitless options for creating diverse and engaging animal characters that appeal to a wide audience. Each character can have its own personality, backstory, and charm, making them beloved by children and adults alike.

As described above, secondary coverfunctions as a blanket (e.g., a second layer of fabric) that allows users to cover themselves without having to undo bed. This is achieved by secondary coverbeing attached to primary coverso as to create a pocket or interior space where users can easily get inside to create the volume required to form the body of the plush toy or simply to wrap themselves comfortably. This design simplifies the process of using the bedding and enhances user experience.

Moreover, the suitability for use of the limbs of primary and/or secondary covers,as body pillows when filled with filler materials, as described above, provide several benefits. The structural design of these covers is configured to provide a supportive yet soft surface, ideal for body support during rest or sleep. This can help alleviate pressure points and promote better spinal alignment, leading to improved comfort. Depending on the filler materials used, users may have the option to adjust the firmness of the body pillow to suit their preferences. This customization ensures that individuals can find the optimal level of support for their body type and sleeping position. By using the limbs of covers as body pillows, systemof the present invention allows for repurposing of existing materials, adding versatility to their functionality. This can be particularly advantageous in environments where space or resources are limited, as it eliminates the need for additional specialized pillows. Utilizing existing covers for body pillows can be a cost-effective solution compared to purchasing separate body pillows.

By integrating systemwith a bed, users can easily transform their sleeping space into a playful and comforting environment. This dual functionality allows for the bed to serve its primary purpose while also providing an interactive and imaginative experience when desired.

The ability to transform bedinto a plush toy, such as an animal character, enhances the interactive play experience for individuals, especially children. This feature encourages creativity, imagination, and storytelling as users engage with their transformed bed.

Plush toys are often associated with comfort and coziness, providing a sense of security and companionship, particularly for young children. By incorporating plush elements into the bed design, systemenhances the overall comfort level, making bedtime a more enjoyable experience.

Systemallows for customization and personalization, as users can choose from a variety of plush toy designs to suit their preferences and interests. This flexibility enables individuals to express their unique personalities and create a sleep environment that reflects their individual style.

Moreover, the presence of a plush toy bed encourages engagement and entertainment, whether through imaginative play during waking hours or comforting companionship during sleep. This feature can help alleviate bedtime-related anxieties and promote a sense of relaxation and security.

The integration of the plush toy system with the bed ensures a space-saving design, eliminating the need for additional storage or floor space typically required for standalone plush toys. This efficient use of space is especially beneficial for smaller bedrooms or shared living spaces. Systemof the present invention is notable for its compact packaging and small volume, akin to that of a regular blanket, as the volume is created by inserting the pillows. Systemis particularly configured for easy storage in small size blanket bag.

Overall, systemaccording to the present invention offers a delightful blend of functionality and creativity, transforming the traditional bed into a multi-purpose piece of furniture that inspires imagination, promotes comfort, and enhances the overall sleep experience. Furthermore, systemis particularly configured to transform a bed into a giant plush toy (e.g., a giant stuffed animal), capitalizing on their current popularity. Moreover, while giant plush toys are highly sought after for their emotional benefits, their large size can be impractical. With systemaccording to the present invention, users can enjoy all the benefits of a giant plush toy without sacrificing space, as it conveniently folds down to the size of a regular blanket when stored. More specifically, systemallows one to have a giant plush toy on one's bed to sleep in, and when the filler or stuffing material (e.g., pillows) are removed, systemis configured to be transformed into a compact size for storage.

Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” of the present invention, as well as other variations thereof, means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, and so forth described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment”, as well any other variations, appearing in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. However, it is to be appreciated that features of one or more embodiments can be combined given the teachings of the present invention provided herein.

The foregoing is to be understood as being in every respect illustrative and exemplary, but not restrictive, and the scope of the invention disclosed herein is not to be determined from the Detailed Description, but rather from the claims as interpreted according to the full breadth permitted by the patent laws. It is to be understood that the embodiments shown and described herein are only illustrative of the present invention and that those skilled in the art may implement various modifications without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Those skilled in the art could implement various other feature combinations without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Having thus described aspects of the invention, with the details and particularity required by the patent laws, what is claimed and desired protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.