Crumple Toy

This application is a continuation of, and claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/749,940 filed Jun. 21, 2024, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63/522,219, filed on Jun. 21, 2023, the disclosures of which are included herein in their entirety.

This invention pertains to a fidget toy and more specifically to a crumple toy that expands and contracts having one or more ribs and folds.

Fidget toys offer several key benefits, especially for children and individuals, regardless of age, who may benefit from sensory stimulation or have trouble focusing caused by anxiety or stress, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), attention-deficit disorder (ADD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or simply a general lack of focus. Other factors such as nervousness or tension can also make it difficult for individuals to concentrate free from distraction. Fidget toys can reduce stress and anxiety, enhance dexterity, while improving attitude and coordination. They can also have a calming effect and are a great way to channel excess energy, which can help improve focus and subsequently increase attention span.

By providing auditory, visual, or tactile input, fidget toys can help individuals improve their concentration and regulate their emotions. Fidgeting with the hands can help increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain boosting attention and sharpening focus. Engaging with a fidget toy can also trigger the release of endorphins, the body's natural mood enhancers, which can assist in improving mood and overall well-being. Fidget toys have the potential to benefit a diverse range of individuals with or without cognitive deficiencies, processing disorders, or deficits in attention by providing a means to manage stress, improve focus, regulate sensory input, and promote relaxation.

While fidget toys can be highly beneficial for many users, there is a wide variety in the marketplace and varying toys offer different potential benefits. While unique individuals require unique needs, it has been shown that tactile, visual, and auditory inputs are most often recommended allowing the user some level of activity while still affording focus and attention. Simply giving the hands something to do has overall proven increasingly effective.

Some fidget toys may be manufactured poorly or designed with low-quality materials, leading to issues such as breakage or malfunctioning parts. Certain fidgets may also have small parts or components that pose a choking hazard for young children or individuals prone to placing objects in their mouths. In addition, some fidgets may contain materials that are harmful if ingested. Certain fidget toys with an overly excentric auditory experience may pose a distraction in environments where quiet concentration is necessary and cause disruption. Other fidgets may be designed to over-stimulate a user visually, but might have the opposite effect of interfering with their ability to concentrate, relax, or pay attention.

What is needed is a fidget toy that focuses on and carefully stimulates the recommended inputs and is most functional and experienced in the hands of the user giving them the ability to extend and contract a toy in any number of unique forms.

Additionally, toys that are tactile are extremely fun and engaging for individuals and children. Tactile toys can be utilized by individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to channel energies into a positive channel. Larger tactile toys can also be utilized by children with special needs. Lastly, large tactile toys are fun for all types of individuals. What is needed is a tactile toy that can be utilized for general fun and for children with OCD and/or special needs.

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided one embodiment, a crumple toy made of a tactile material that has the ability to extend and contract allowing the user to fidget and manage stress, improve focus, regulate sensory input, and promote relaxation. The crumple toy is generally cylindrical and comprised of any number of ribs and folds that may be pulled open or closed with handles or suction cups or a combination of both. The crumple toy allows a user to fidget by means of extending and contracting the body of the toy into a contracted body or extended body configuration, as the extended body may be any length greater than the contracted body.

The crumple toy comprises a body of any shape having ribs that may be orientated in a contracted body or extended body position. The crumple toy further comprises a body having one or more alternating ribs and folds that when the contracted body is pulled outward the ribs separate and the folds become visible in the extended body position. Having a contracted body, the folds of the crumple toy are positioned internally of the body and the ribs are disposed adjacent of each other. Having an extended body, the ribs are extended longitudinally along the body of the crumple toy as such the ribs are no longer adjacent to each other and the folds move radially outward from the body of the toy and become visible.

The invention is directed toward a toy comprising a longitudinal body having a first end and a second end opposite said first end; said longitudinal body comprising a plurality of ribs and a plurality of folds, wherein at least one of said plurality of ribs is disposed between two of said plurality of folds; wherein at least one of said plurality of folds is disposed between two of said plurality of ribs; wherein said longitudinal body is configured to be adjusted between a first configuration and a second configuration; wherein when said longitudinal body is in said first configuration two adjacent ribs are in a distal position relative to each other with an intervening fold in an unfolded position; wherein when said longitudinal body is in said second configuration two adjacent ribs are disposed proximal relative to each other with an intervening fold in a folded position; and a first handle disposed at said first end.

The toy may further comprise a second handle disposed at said second end. The toy may further comprise a suction cup disposed at said second end. The toy may further comprise one or more apertures disposed in at least one of said plurality of folds. The first end may further comprise a first end opening. In some embodiments the second end further comprises a second end opening.

In another embodiment the first end further comprises a closed first end and said second end further comprises a closed second end, such that said closed first end, said closed second end, and said longitudinal body define an internal cavity having no interaction with space outside of said longitudinal body. In some embodiments, when said longitudinal body is in said first configuration said internal cavity creates a vacuum relative to space outside of said longitudinal body. The vacuum causes said longitudinal body to compress into said second configuration. In other embodiments when said longitudinal body is in said second configuration said internal cavity creates positive air pressure relative to space outside of said longitudinal body. The positive air pressure causes said longitudinal body to extend to said first configuration.

In other embodiments the toy may further comprise one or more compressible dimples disposed in at least one of said plurality of ribs. In other embodiments the toy may further comprise a plurality of lateral protrusions extending substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis.

The invention is also directed toward a toy comprising a longitudinal body having a first end and a second end opposite said first end; said longitudinal body comprising a plurality of ribs and a plurality of folds, wherein at least one of said plurality of ribs is disposed between two of said plurality of folds; wherein at least one of said plurality of folds is disposed between two of said plurality of ribs; wherein said longitudinal body is configured to be adjusted between a first configuration and a second configuration; wherein when said longitudinal body is in said first configuration said longitudinal body is fully extended along a longitudinal axis such that said first end is disposed at a maximum distance from said second end; wherein when said longitudinal body is in said second configuration said longitudinal body is compressed along a longitudinal axis such that said first end is disposed at less than said maximum distance from said second end; and a first handle disposed at said first end

The primary object of the invention is to provide an easy and accessible way to help a user self-regulate or concentrate by providing tactile, visual, and/or auditory input through the use of a crumple toy that diverts excessive energy and improves focus.

Still other embodiments of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following description wherein there is shown and described the embodiments of this invention, simply by way of illustration of the best modes suited to carry out the invention. As it will be realized, the invention is capable of other different embodiments and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects all without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawing and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It may be evident, however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced with or without any combination of these specific details, without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention and the claims.

Referring tois a crumple toydesigned as a toy allowing a user to fidget by means of extending and contracting the body of the toy into a contracted bodyor extended bodyconfiguration, as the extended bodymay be any length greater than the contracted body. The crumple toycomprises a body of any shape having ribsthat may be orientated in a contracted bodyor extended bodyposition. In the preferred embodiment the crumple toycomprises a body having one or more alternating ribsand foldsthat when the contracted bodyis pulled outward the ribsseparate and the foldsbecome visible in the extended bodyposition. Having a contracted body, the foldsof the crumple toyare positioned internally of the body and the ribsare disposed adjacent of each other. Having an extended body, the ribsare extended longitudinally along the body of the crumple toyas such the ribsare no longer adjacent to each other and the foldsmove radially outward from the body of the toy and become visible.

In some embodiments the foldsare resilient and configured to return to an original position after being deformed. In this embodiment the foldsmay be in a folded state naturally so that the crumple toystarts in a contracted bodyposition. A user can pull the crumple toyinto an extended bodyposition. When the user releases the crumple toy, the resilient foldspulls the crumple toyback into the contracted bodyposition. Alternatively, the foldsmay be in an unfolded stated naturally so that the crumple toystarts in an extended bodyposition. A user can compress the crumple toyinto a contracted bodyposition. When the user releases the crumple toy, the resilient foldspush the crumple toyback into an extended bodyposition.

In the preferred embodiment, each ribis a concentric ring extending around the entire perimeter of the crumple toyand each foldis a concentric ring extending around the entire perimeter of the crumple toy. In other embodiments the ribsmay extend partially around the perimeter of the crumple toyand the remaining perimeter may be foldsthat extend and create the body of the toy and the foldsmay extend partially around the perimeter of the crumple toyand the remaining perimeter may be ribsthat extend and create the body of the toy.

In the preferred embodiment each ribcontains an internal rigid member to maintain a predetermined shape of the rib. The internal rigid member may be any shape or size and made from any material and may form a core within the riband may extend the entire circumference of the ribor extend smaller segments. The ribsand foldsmay be malleable and manipulated by a user in a variety of chosen configurations. In other embodiments each ribmay be removably secured by any method or design to an adjacent ribwhen in a contracted bodyconfiguration. The ribsmay be any shape or configuration on the crumple toyand may or not be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body. The ribsmay be releasably coupled by suction when adjacent to one another in a contracted bodyposition.

There may be one or more than one collarsand may share an abutting edge with the proximal and distal ribsand may be permanently joined or releasably coupled to either or both of the proximal and distal ribs. The handlesmay be permanently joined or releasably coupled to the collars. The collarsand the handlesmay be permanently joined or releasably coupled to the proximal and distal ribs. In the preferred embodiment the collarsare permanently joined to the proximal and distal ribsand the handles. In other embodiments there are no collars. The handlesmay be any size or shape and may have one or more than one handleson the ends of the crumple toy. The handlemay be on either or both ends of the crumple toy. The handlesmay be toroidal, spherical, circular, or any geometric or non-geometric shape. The handlesmay be shaped as an animal, head, figurine, hand, or any other object or shape. In some embodiments, the crumple toyhas no handles.

The handlemay be an open handle with an aperture in the middle. In other embodiments the handlemay have a compressible silicone dimple. In this embodiment the dimple is a extended on one side of the handlebut can be pressed into the handleso that the dimple extends into or toward the other side of the handle.

The crumple toymay be made of rubber, neoprene, silicone rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), latex, silicone elastomer, or any other polymer or synthetic material that has pliable characteristics sufficient for successful operation of the crumple toy. In the preferred embodiment the crumple toyis composed of silicone. The surface of the crumple toymay be soft, smooth, rough, dimpled, hard, squishy, ridged, bumpy, pliable, furry, or any combination, or may have any additional surface textures or combinations of textures. There may be any portions of the surface of the crumple toythat may have any texture on any area of the toy. The surface of the crumple toymay be smooth and have ink printing on the surface of the crumple toy. Designs and colors may be applied to the surface of the crumple toyin any manner.

In an alternative embodiment the ribsof the crumple toymay have a plurality of soft silicone bristles, or lateral protrusions, extending perpendicularly or in any direction from its outer surface. The soft silicone bristles may extend from the surface of the crumple toyin any direction and at any angle from the surface of the crumple toy. There may be one or more than one soft silicone bristles and may extend from one or more than one of any of the ribsof the crumple toy. In the contracted bodyposition the body of the crumple toyis covered in soft silicone bristles that may engage a user with tactile stimulation.

In still another embodiment the ribsof the crumple toymay have a plurality of popping buttons, or dimples, on any or all of the ribs. A user may depress any of the buttons and position them in an inverted state. When depressed, the dimples are pressed into the body of the crumple toy. In some embodiments, when the crumple toyis in an extended bodyposition with dimples depressed, the act of moving the crumple toy into a contracted bodyposition forces the dimples to return to the original protruding state. Alternatively, when any number of the dimples are in a depressed state and the crumple toyis in a contracted bodyposition the toy may be pulled in an extended bodyposition and the dimples may return to the original protruding state. The dimples may make a popping sound when a user inverts or reverts the dimples.

The crumple toymay be opaque, transparent, translucent, or may allow any or no amount of light to pass through. There may be one or any number of LED lights located in the inner cavity, on the external surface, or embedded in any number of ribsand/or foldsof the crumple toy. There may be one or more switches on the toy utilized to activate the LED lights to turn on or off when the toy is in a specific configuration, as when specific ribsare connected together in a contracted bodyposition or disconnected in an extended bodyposition. The switch may simply be a standard on and off toggle switch.

The crumple toymay be any size or shape and have any cross-sectional profile. The ribsand foldsmay be any size or shape. In the preferred embodiment the body of the crumple toy is cylindrical with a circular cross-sectional profile. In other embodiments the crumple toy may be square or rectangular with a square or rectangular cross-section, triangular or pyramid shaped with a triangular cross-section, oval shaped with an oval cross section, spherical shaped with a circular cross-section, or any geometric shape or non-geometric shape with any shaped cross-section. The ribsand foldsmay be the same size or different sizes. The ribsmay be all the same size or may be of different sizes along the body of the toy. The foldsmay be all the same size or may be of different sizes along the body of the toy. The ribsand foldsmay change size or shape as the toy is altered from the contracted bodyposition to the extended bodyposition or from the extended bodyposition to the contracted bodyposition. The crumple toymay be any size and small enough to fit in the hand of the user or connect two fingers of said hand to the handles. In other embodiments the crumple toyis extended and contracted using two hands in an accordion style action and in extra-large embodiments the crumple toy may be used as a seat for the user to engage their entire body on the toy.

Referring tothe inner cavitymay be hollow, solid, or partially hollow or solid. In the preferred embodiment the inner cavityof the crumple toyis hollow. In other embodiments the crumple toymay be made of a solid material with a core extending throughout the body. The crumple toymay have one or more openings or apertures in the body allowing access to the inner cavity. There may be an opening on either end or both ends of the crumple toyor there may be no opening on either end. There may be more than one inner cavitywithin the crumple toy. The cavities may be separated from each other or they may be connected by an opening. In an alternative embodiment the crumple toymay have a rubber bandextended within the inner cavityfrom one end to the other end and may be connected to the handlesor the collarsor any other part of the crumple toy. When in the contracted bodyposition the rubber bandmay be loose and when pressure is applied outward along the longitudinal axis of the body of the crumple toythe rubber bandmay be elongated in the extended bodyposition and a reduction in outward pressure may return the crumple toyto the contracted bodyposition. The rubber bandmay also be elongated in the contracted bodyposition contracting the toy inward. There may be one or more than one rubber bandand may be attached internally or externally along the crumple toy. Any type of elastomeric material may be utilized either internally or externally to pull the crumple toyin the contracted bodyposition. In other embodiments there may be any type of mechanical means to pull the toy into the contracted bodyposition, such as a screw, gear, spring, or any other component capable of creating and withstanding tension.

In another embodiment the crumple toyhas a rubber bandinternal to the toy where the rubber bandis connected to an external handle or propeller. In this embodiment as the handleor propellor is rotated, the rubber bandtwists and pulls the toy into the contracted bodyposition. When the handleor propellor is released, the tension on the rubber bandreleases and the toy returns to the extended bodyposition. The handleor propeller may spin due to the tension of the rubber band. In other embodiments the handleor propellor does not spin due to the release of tension on the rubber band.

In alternative embodiments the crumple toymay have an internal mechanism for automatically tensioning the rubber band. In this embodiment, pushing the toy from the extended bodyposition to the contracted bodyposition engages the internal mechanism. When the crumple toyis released, the internal mechanism is engaged to spin a propellor. In other embodiments, when the crumple toyis pulled from the contracted bodyposition to the extended bodyposition the internal mechanism is engaged and the propellor rotates when the crumple toyreturns to the extended bodyposition.

In alternative embodiments the crumple toyis configured to be in either the contracted bodyor extended bodyposition and then automatically return to either default position. There may be a spring or through the natural resilience of the material used may create the tension necessary for the crumple toyto contract or extend automatically to the default position. In one embodiment there may be a spring that is molded into the body of the crumple toy. The spring may be placed in the ribs, in the folds, external to the body of the toy, or in an inner cavityof the crumple toy. The spring may be any size and shape and may extend along the entire longitudinal axis of the crumple toyor through only a portion of the crumple toy. The spring may be relaxed and designed to pull the crumple toyinto the contracted bodyposition. In this embodiment the spring is in the relaxed no load state when it is at its shortest longitudinal length. As the spring is extended the spring goes into a load state that pulls the crumple toyback into the contracted bodyposition. The user would then extend the toy into the extended bodyposition and the spring would return the toy to the contracted bodyposition. In another embodiment the spring would start in a decompressed position and would be designed to return the crumple toyto an extended bodyposition. As the spring is shortened it may be placed into a load state and the user would then push the crumple toyinto a contracted bodyposition and the spring would return the crumple toyto the extended bodyposition. In an alternative embodiment the crumple toymay be in a contracted bodyposition and the user engages a switch to allow the spring to decompress and extend to the extended bodyposition.

Referring tothe crumple toymay have one or more than one suction cupon either or both ends of the crumple toy. The suction cupmay allow the crumple toyto adhere to a wall, floor, window, table, or any other flat surface. The suction cupmay be located on any area of the crumple toyand may be any shape and any size. The crumple toymay have a suction cupon one end and a handleon the other end that when the suction cupis adhered to a surface can be pulled in a direction away from the suction cupcausing the toy to expand to the extended bodyposition and when engaged in the opposite direction or pulled the crumple toyis compacted in the contracted bodyposition. The body of the crumple toymay have an inner cavitythat is fully open and the suction cupmay have a closed or open end. In another embodiment the crumple toyhas an open end with a handleand a closed end with the suction cup. In other embodiments the crumple toymay have both ends closed with suction cupson either or both ends. In other embodiments, each end of the crumple toyis open with full access to the internal cavity of the crumple toyfrom the ends. In other embodiments, each end of the crumple toyis closed so that there is no access to the internal cavity of the crumple toythrough the ends. In some embodiments one end of the crumple toyis open and the other end of the crumple toyis closed. There may be no other component disposed on the end of the crumple toy.

Now referring tothe crumple toymay be designed as a bubble maker. In another embodiment there may be one or more than one or any number of aperturesin one or more than one of the folds. Soap or any other substance able to create bubbles may be added into the inner cavityfrom the opening of the crumple toy. Soap suds may be formed when the user plunges the crumple toyfrom the contracted bodyposition to the extended bodyand repeated. In this embodiment the crumple toymay have a suction cupon one end and a handleon the other end and the opening may be at the handleportion. Through a repeated contraction and extension of the crumple toybubbles from the soap may form and expel from one or more than one apertureof the folds.

Referring tothe crumple toymay be designed in any shape or form and may have ribsand foldsthat twist and spiral around the longitudinal axis of the body when altered from the contracted bodyposition to the extended bodyposition. In this embodiment there may be any number of ribsand foldsin any size or shape. In the extended bodyposition the ribsand foldsmay be orientated at any angle and may or not be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body of the crumple toy. There may be zero or one or more than one handleson either end or both ends or there may be zero or one or more than one suction cupson either end or both ends of the crumple toy. The ribsmay be at any non-perpendicular angle to the longitudinal axis of the body and one or more than one ribsmay be connected with other ribson the crumple toy. The ribsmay spiral and rotate around the body of the crumple toyfrom one end to an opposite end.

Referring towhen the crumple toyis in the contracted bodyposition the toy may be a sphere or generally spherical or any other geometric or non-geometric shape. In this embodiment there may be any number of ribsand foldsin any size or shape. There may be zero or one or more than one handleson either end or both ends or there may be zero or one or more than one suction cupson either end or both ends of the crumple toy. There may be an opening at the collarof this embodiment that may allow for water or any other liquid to be poured inside and as the crumple toyis altered from the extended bodyposition to the contracted body positionthe water or liquid may be forced to evacuate at the top of the collarof the toy in resemblance of a fountain.

In other embodiments the crumple toyis configured to make a noise when switched between the extended bodyand contracted bodyposition, and vice versa. The crumple toymay make a snapping or popping noise or any other noise when extended and contracted. The crumple toymay contain a whistle in the body of the toy or in an internal compartment so that it makes a whistle sound. In other embodiments the crumple toymay have resonating flaps that reproduce the sound of flatulence by use of an internal air bladder in the crumple toy. The extension of the crumple toymay fill up the air bladder and the compression of the crumple toymay void the air bladder. The internal air bladder may simply be an air tight chamber or a separate and distinct component of the crumple toy. The crumple toymay also include an electrical fan to automatically inflate or deflate the air bladder or air chamber.

In still other embodiments the crumple toyfurther comprises an expanding foam or other self-expanding material within the body of the crumple toy. This configuration makes the toy self-rising to the extended bodyposition. In other embodiments the crumple toyfurther comprises an electromotor within the inner cavityof the crumple toy. The electromotor may have a band attached to one end of the crumple toythat is pulled or pushed by the electromotor to change the configuration of the crumple toyfrom the contracted bodyposition to the extended bodyposition or vice versa.

In other embodiments the crumple toyhas an internal valve positioned between two sections of the crumple toy. In this embodiment one section of the crumple toyis in the extended bodyposition and the other section is in the contracted bodyposition. The valve permits air or fluid to pass through one section to the other. In this manner, when the one section is compressed into the contracted bodyposition the air of fluid passes through the valve to change the other section from the contracted bodyposition to the extended bodyposition. The crumple toymay have a handle on the outside of the toy. In this configuration the crumple toyis similar to a hammer and when one section of the crumple toyis hit the section is compressed and the second section changes to the extended bodyposition.

In other embodiments the crumple toymay be affixed to a base. The base may be any size and shape and may be made of any material. In this embodiment the base is attached to one end of the toy so that the longitudinal axis of the crumple toyis perpendicular to the plane of the base. There may be multiple crumple toysdisposed in the base. In some embodiments the base has one or more air channels extending between the different crumple toys. In this manner the compression of one crumple toycauses air to flow to another crumple toyand causes the second one to extend. In other embodiments the base may include a manual air pump that either inflates or deflates a crumple toyin the base. In still other embodiments there is an air release channel in the base that allows the air to escape to atmosphere.

In another embodiment there are a plurality of crumple toysconnected axially to a central point. The central point may allow the plurality of crumple toysto spin around its axis. The central point may have an internal valve that allows air from one crumple toyto move to another crumple toy. Optionally the crumple toysare not connected together with an air valve. In another embodiment the crumple toyis configured with air valves, apertures, bells, rattles, or any other noise making device. In one embodiment the crumple toyis similar to an accordion. When the crumple toyis compressed air within the toy may be expelled through one or more apertures. The crumple toymay make music when it compressed or when it is extended. The crumple toymay have finger valves or keys to make the crumple toychange the musical pitch of the sound expelled.

The crumple toymay be utilized to create a suction force in other embodiments. In this embodiment the crumple toystarts in the contracted bodyposition. As the user pulls the crumple toyinto the extended bodyposition the toy creates an internal vacuum. The internal vacuum can be utilized in any type of interactive toy. In one embodiment there are two crumple toysconnected together with one in the extended bodyposition and one contracted bodyposition with a channel between the two for air to travel. The user pulls the contracted bodycrumple toyinto the extended bodyposition which creates a vacuum and pulls the air from the extended bodycrumple toy. This vacuum causes the extended bodycrumple toyto then move into the contracted bodyposition.

In other embodiments the crumple toyis configured as a baby toy. In this embodiment the crumple toymay have a handle. The toy may contain a rattle noise maker, crumple sound maker, whistle, or any other noise maker. The crumple toymay be configured to permit a baby to chew on the toy for teething purposes. The crumple toymay be designed to be placed on a pacifier.

In some embodiments the crumple toymay be utilized as a blower. A user may blow into one end of the crumple toyto cause the toy to extend. In this embodiment the crumple toymay further comprise a whistle, party blower squeaker, or flatulence noise maker at the end. The crumple toymay be straight or curved when blown into the extended bodyposition.

In some embodiments the crumple toyis utilized as an internal skeleton or support for a plush toy or any other toy. In this embodiment the crumple toymay be covered by cotton or any other material. The plush toy can be any size and shape. In other embodiments the toy is covered by a fabric skin without cotton. In other embodiments the crumple toyis a skeleton for a figurine constructed out of silicone. In other embodiments the crumple toyis a skeleton with a polymeric resilient cover such as a balloon or a ball. The ball may be filled with fluid or air. The crumple toymay be made of any material and may serve as a skeleton for a toy made out of any material. The crumple toymay be extended in an extended bodyposition and contracted in a contracted bodyposition while contained in the outer covering.

In other embodiments the crumple toyis connected with a pump. In this embodiment the pump pushes air through a channel to cause the crumple toyto move from the contracted bodyposition to the extended bodyposition. In another embodiment the pump creates a vacuum inside the crumple toyto cause the toy to move from an extended bodyposition to the contracted bodyposition.

The crumple toymay be configured with specific air release configurations. In this embodiment the toy may have one or more perforations in the foldsor the ribs. The air can be released through all of the perforations at the same time or through certain perforations at different times. A user may use their fingers to cover certain perforations while in use.

In another configuration one end of the crumple toyis attached to a silicone air ball. A user can squeeze the air ball to cause air to pass into the crumple toyand move from the contracted bodyposition to the extended bodyposition. When the user moves the toy back to the contracted bodyposition the air leaves the crumple toyand moves back to the silicone air ball. In other embodiments the ball may be replaced by any type of elastomer material that behaves as a deformable bladder. There may be one or more crumple toysconnected to the same silicone air ball. There may be one or more air valves connected to the silicone air ball. In this embodiment squeezing the ball may cause one or more crumple toysto extend to the extended bodyposition. Moving one of the crumple toysinto the contracted bodyposition may refill the silicone air ball or may cause another crumple toyto move into an extended bodyposition.