STUFFED TOY

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/696,289 (Attorney Docket No. P321100.US.01), filed Sep. 18, 2024 and entitled “Stuffed Toy,” and is related to U.S. Design application Ser. No. 29/963,681, (Attorney Docket No. P321100.US.02), filed on Sep. 18, 2024 and entitled “Stuffed Toy,” which are each incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

FIELD

The described embodiments relate generally to stuffed toys, and specifically to stuffed plush toys.

BACKGROUND

Existing stuffed toys are commonly stuffed with a compressible and light material within their body. However, these existing toys are often difficult to situate in an upright or otherwise stable position on a surface. Instead, these toys must be held by the user or another structure to retain a position since the material is light, flexible, and not sufficiently rigid to support much, if any, weight. Further, if any of the portions of the body are larger than other portions, the stuffed toys are even more difficult to balance.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a stuffed toy. In one example of a stuffed plush toy, the stuffed plush toy includes an upper portion defining an upper portion height, an upper portion width, and an upper internal volume including an upper portion fill material. The stuffed plush toy includes a lower portion defining a lower portion height, a lower portion width, and a lower internal volume including a weighted fill material having a mass and a density greater than the upper portion stuffing. At least one of the upper portion height or the upper portion width are at least two times greater than the lower portion height or the lower portion width, respectively.

In some examples, at least one of the upper portion height or the upper portion width are at least three times greater than the lower portion height or the lower portion width, respectively.

In some examples, at least one of the upper portion height or the upper portion width are at least 2.5 times greater than the lower portion height or the lower portion width, respectively.

In some examples, the weighted stuffing is one or more of a plurality of stones, weighted beads, or sand.

In some examples, the weighted stuffing is two or more of a plurality of stones, weighted beads, or sand.

In some examples, the upper portion and the lower portion are connected, and the upper internal volume and the lower internal volume are separate.

In some examples, the lower internal volume is uniformly filled with the weighted fill material.

In some examples, the upper portion is resiliently compressible.

In some examples, the lower portion includes one or more appendages extending from the lower portion, the stuffed plush toy is arrangeable in a vertically aligned position defined by the upper portion positioned above the lower portion, and the lower portion is stably positionable on a support surface with the upper portion above the lower portion and the appendages overhanging an edge of the support surface.

In some examples, the weighted fill material is positioned within the lower internal volume, and the weighted fill material defines voids within the lower internal volume.

In some examples, the weighted fill material is movable within the lower internal volume, and the lower portion is compressible or conformable to a shape of a support surface.

In some examples, the stuffed plush toy further includes one or more appendages extending from the upper portion or the lower portion and defining an appendage volume, and the appendage volume is separate from the upper internal volume or the lower internal volume.

In some examples, the stuffed plush toy includes an exterior surface extending over the upper portion and the lower portion and having a soft texture.

In some examples, each of the upper portion height or the upper portion width are substantially greater than the lower portion height or lower portion width, respectively.

In one example of a stuffed plush toy, the stuffed plush toy includes a first body having, the first body defining a first internal volume including a compressible first stuffing. The stuffed plush toy includes a second body defining a second volume including a weighted stuffing having a mass and a density greater than the first stuffing, and at least two outer dimensions of the first body are larger by at least a factor of 2 than at least two corresponding outer dimensions of the second body.

In some examples, the weighted stuffing is movable within the second volume and conformable to a support surface, the weighted stuffing and the second body support the first body vertically above the second body in a seated configuration on the support surface.

In some examples, the first stuffing comprises natural or synthetic fibers that resiliently compress under an external force and expand when the external force is removed to return to an original configuration.

In some examples, the stuffed plush toy further includes one or more features extending from either of the first body or the second body, and the one or more features define a third internal volume separately defined from the first internal volume or the second internal volume.

In some examples, the stuffed plush toy has a total height dimension between approximately 5 and 6 inches, inclusive.

In one example of a stuffed plush toy, the stuffed plush toy includes a first portion having an elliptical or spherical shape and defining a first internal volume filled with a first portion stuffing. The stuffed plush toy includes a second portion defining a second internal volume filled with a weighted stuffing having a total mass and a density greater than the first portion stuffing, the weighted stuffing defining voids within the second internal volume. At least one of a first portion height dimension or a first portion width dimension are at least two times greater than a second portion height dimension or a second portion width dimension, respectively.

In some examples, at least one of a first portion height dimension or a first portion width dimension are at least three times greater than a second portion height dimension or a second portion width dimension, respectively.

In some examples, the weighted stuffing is one or more of a plurality of stones, weighted beads, or sand.

In some examples, the first internal volume is separately defined from the second internal volume.

In some examples, each of the first portion and the second portion are compressible, the second portion is conformable to a shape of a support surface, the second portion supports the first portion stably and vertically above the second portion on the support surface, and the total mass of the weighted stuffing prevents rotation of the stuffed plush toy due to a moment generated by the first portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 a front perspective view of an example of the stuffed toy described herein;

FIG. 2 depicts a front elevation view of the example stuffed toy shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 depicts a rear elevation view of the example stuffed toy shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 depicts a top view of the example stuffed toy shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 depicts a bottom view of the example stuffed toy shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6A depicts a right side partial cross section view of an example stuffed toy and stuffing materials;

FIG. 6B depicts a right side partial cross section view of an example stuffed toy and stuffing materials;

FIG. 6C depicts a right side partial cross section view of an example stuffed toy and stuffing materials;

FIG. 6D depicts a right side partial cross section view of an example stuffed toy and stuffing materials;

FIG. 7A depicts a right-side elevation view of an example stuffed toy in a first seated position; and

FIG. 7B depicts a right-side elevation view of the example stuffed toy of FIG. 7A in a second seated position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The description that follows includes sample systems, methods, and apparatuses that embody various elements of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the various embodiments may be practiced in a variety of forms in addition to those described herein.

The following disclosure relates generally to a stuffed toy having a body with a significantly larger upper body or upper portion than a lower body or portion. In one example, the toy is shaped to resemble an animal or other living being and having a significantly larger head than a torso, main body, or remaining areas of the body. In some examples, the head or upper body has a height or width that is at least approximately two to three times greater than the width or height of the torso or lower body. Accordingly, the head may also have a significantly larger volume. In other embodiments, other shapes are envisioned, such as lopsided or imbalanced proportions, e.g., with one portion being substantially smaller in at least one dimension if not two or three dimensions as compared to another portion.

The upper body may define a first internal volume and the lower body may define a second internal volume. The first internal volume may be separate from the second internal volume. The upper body and lower body may be filled or substantially filled with one or more different stuffings or fill materials. The fill materials are configured to define the shape of the body portions and expand the material forming those portions. The lower body includes a material layer that is filled with a heavier or weighted stuffing in comparison to the stuffing of the head or upper body. The upper body is filled with a lighter weight material generally compressible under the touch of a user, e.g., forms a “plush” feel. Either of the head or upper body may be uniformly filled with their respective fill material. For example, a single material may fill the volume of the bodies. The fill materials may define voids or spaces between the materials, such that the fills are compressible or conformable.

The weighted stuffing of the lower body assists in maintaining the toy in various configurations, such as a seated or overhanging position on a support surface. In some examples, the weighted stuffing provides a base or structural element to support the upper body (or other body portions) above the lower body to define the various configurations. For example, the weighted stuffing can help maintain the stuffed toy in a seated position, while the lighter weight stuffing maintains the upper body in an upright positioned. The weighted stuffing of the lower body may overcome or resist rotation of the toy due to the moment or dimensional size of the upper body.

Various extending or raised features may be attached to or extend from the upper or lower body, such as appendages. The lower body may include one or more appendages. The appendages may resemble legs, arms, tentacles, tails, or aesthetically related features of the animal, character, or object the toy is meant to resemble. The appendages may be filled with the same or similar weighted material of the lower body, upper body, or may not include stuffing, e.g., be one or more pieces of fabric or material. The appendages may be movable relative to the lower body. In some examples, when the toy is arranged in a seated position, the appendages overhang an edge of a supporting surface, and in one example at approximately 90 degrees, to resemble seated, sleeping, or other positions.

The stuffed toy may have a plush or soft exterior surface. The exterior surface may be defined by a material (e.g., fabric or layers of fabric) extending over all or some of both the upper body and the lower body. The soft or plush material may be comforting or enjoyable to touch by a user. The exterior surface may additionally define one or more patterns or features, or have one or more colors, corresponding to the animal represented by the toy. In some examples, these aesthetic features may be cartoonish or humanoid renderings to increase their aesthetic appeal or to represent various emotional states.

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which assist in illustrating various features of the present disclosure. The following description is presented for purposes of illustration and description. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the following teachings, skill, and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present inventive aspects.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an example stuffed toy 100. The stuffed toy 100 includes a body 102 where the body 102 may have thematic features associated with an animal or other living or moving creature. In the example depicted, the toy 100 is representative of a dog or puppy. In other examples, the toy 100 is representative of other mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, people, objects, or fictional characters. In many instances the shape and configuration of the toy 100 may be selected to be aesthetically pleasing.

The body 102 includes at least two portions. For example, the body 102 may include an upper body 120 and a lower body 140, e.g., a first portion 120 and a second portion 140. The upper body 120 may correspond to or define a head of the toy 100, or another feature of the body 102 that is aesthetically pleasing or humorous to emphasize. The lower body 140 may correspond to or define a torso, extremity, abdomen or a corresponding portion to the first portion 120 or of the body represented by the toy 100. The first portion 120 may be connected to the second portion 140 and at least partially positionable vertically above the second portion 140. In some examples, an additional portion of the body 102 may be positioned above the upper body 120, or below the lower body 140.

The upper body 120 is considerably larger than the lower body 140. As described herein, at least one outer dimension of the upper body 120 is substantially larger than a comparable outer dimension of the lower body 140. In some examples, the upper body 120 is at least two to three times larger (e.g. by height or width dimension) than the lower body 140. In some examples, at least two or more outer dimension of the upper body 120 are larger than corresponding dimensions of the lower body 140. Accordingly, the upper body 120 has a significantly larger volume than the lower body 140.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, and additional reference to FIG. 2-5, the figures depict an example configuration of the toy 100 in a seated position and in various orientations. FIG. 2 shows the front 110 of the toy 100. FIG. 3 shows the rear 112 of the toy 100. FIG. 4 shows the top 114 of the toy 100. FIG. 5 shows the bottom 116 of the toy 100.

As shown in FIG. 1, the toy 100 includes an external surface 104. The external surface 104 may be defined or extend over the entirety of the body 102 (e.g. the upper body 120 and the lower body 140). The external surface 104 may include a plush, furry, smoother, or otherwise tactilely or aesthetically pleasing material, fabric, and/or for texture. For example, the external surface 104 may be defined by natural or synthetic fibers. In one example, the external surface is defined by or includes a soft velboa or polyester fibers. The external surface 104 may be a single piece of material or may be formed with multiple pieces coupled together, e.g., via adhesive, thread (sewn), or the like.

The upper body 120 and the lower body 140 may be vertically aligned or stacked, though at least partially elongated arrangements are possible. For example, the upper body 120 may include an upper portion 104a of the external surface 104 and the lower body 140 may include a lower portion 104b of the external surface 104. In some examples, the upper portion 104a and the lower portion 104b materials or textures are the same, similar, or different. The external surface 104 may include or define features to increase the aesthetic appeal or similarity to the being represented by the toy 100. For example, facial features 124 such as eyes, a nose, a mouth, eyebrows, or the like may be added to the upper body 120. In some examples, various patterns of color, material, or texture may be varied over the body 102.

The upper boy or head 120 of the toy 100 may be generally spherical or ellipsoid in shape. However, various other shapes or orientations which correspond to thematic elements represented by the toy 100 are possible. The upper portion 120 may commonly define or include the top 114 of the toy 100. The upper portion 120 may define an upper internal volume 122 in which stuffing, or fill material, is placed, e.g., a material forming the shape of the upper body 120 may be configured to define an interior compartment or cavity that may be the upper internal volume 122 in which the fill material is received. The general shape of the upper body 120 or internal volume 122 may be defined by the material defining the exterior surface of the upper body 120, with the final shape and dimensions determined by the amount and type of stuffing positioned within the internal volume 122.

The lower body or second portion 140 may be shaped in a variety of forms to correspond to the thematic or aesthetic elements represented by the toy 100. For example, the lower body 140 may be elongated, stout, or the like. In some examples, the lower body 140 may commonly define the bottom 116 of the toy 100. In such examples, the bottom 116 of the lower body 140 may be wider or thicker than where the lower body 140 and upper body 120 are connected. The additional width at the bottom 116 may provide a more stable base for supporting the toy 100 on a supporting surface or structure. The lower body 140 defines a lower internal volume 142 for receiving a filling or stuffing. For example, material forming the shape of the lower body 140 may define an interior compartment or cavity constituting the lower internal volume 142. The shape may be defined in part by the material defining the exterior surface of the lower body 140. The final shape and dimensions determined by the amount and type of stuffing positioned within the lower internal volume 142. In some examples, additional material may be connected or positioned against the interior of the outer material to direct fill material to certain portions of the lower internal volume 142, such as to assist in promoting various shapes or configurations of the lower body 140.

Either of the upper body 120 or the lower body 140 may include one or more features connected to or extending outward. For example, the upper body 120 may include one or more extending features 130. The extending features 130 may be aesthetic elements adding to the appearance of the toy 100. For example, the extending features 130 may be or represent ears, horns, hair or fur, feathers, or the like. In the example depicted, the extending features 130 are ears. The extending features 130 may define an additional or supplemental internal volume 132.

The lower body 140 may include one or more appendages 150 or similar features extending from the lower body 140. The appendages 150 may represent arms 150a, legs 150b, tails 150c, or various other features to match or correspond with the thematic elements or being represented by the toy 100. For example, the appendages 150 may additionally be tentacles, wings, fins, or the like. The appendages 150 may define an internal volume or appendage volume 152.

Either of the upper body 120, lower body 140, extensions 130, or appendages 150 may be connected by stitching, adhesives, fasteners, or the like. For example, the material for the bodies or portions of the stuffed toy 100 may be formed of one or more pieces that may be coupled together, e.g., sewn together. The pieces may be connected, at least in part, before or after filling to create the shape or aesthetic features of the toy 100. The pieces defining one portion of the body 102 may at least partially define an adjacent portion of the body 102. In other examples, the portions of the body 102 may be separately formed and then connected.

The internal volumes of the various portions may be interconnected or separate. For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the upper internal volume 122 may be separated from the lower internal volume 142. The supplemental internal volume 132 may extend from or be separately defined from the upper internal volume 122. The appendage volume 152 may extend from or be separately defined from the lower internal volume 142.

FIGS. 2-5 depict various dimensions of the toy 100. The toy 100 may have a total height dimension 170 including the upper body 120 and the lower body 140. In some examples, the total height dimension 170 includes or does not include the additional height from one or both of the extensions 130 or the appendages 150. In some examples, the total height dimension 170 may be between 2 inches and 8 inches. For example, the toy 100 may be a small keychain attachment or a pocket-sized toy. In other examples, the toy 100 may be or comparable in size to various sizes of huggable stuffed toys. In one example, the toy 100 has a total height 170 between approximately 5 and 6 inches. In other examples, however, the total height 170 may be much larger and the toy 100 may form a larger format toy (e.g. dimension 170 greater than 8 inches). Similarly, the total height 170 can be less for smaller format toys or decorations (e.g. less than 2 inches). As such, the discussions of any particular implementation are meant as illustrative only. In larger or smaller examples, the proportions of the upper body 120 and the lower body 140 may be the same, just at a different overall scale, or adjusted (e.g. an even larger upper body 120) to provide a similar aesthetic impression of the toy 100.

The upper body 120 has a head height dimension 172 and a head width dimension 174. In some examples, the upper body 120 may have a length dimension orthogonal to the width dimension 174. The head height dimension 172 and the head width dimension 174 may include or may not include the height or width of the extensions 130. In some examples, the head height dimension 172 and the head width dimension 174 may be similar or different, such as when the upper body 120 is spherical or an ellipsoid.

The lower body 140 has a body height dimension 176 and a body width dimension 178. In some examples, the lower body 140 may have a body length dimension orthogonal to the body width dimension 178. The body height dimension 176 and the body width dimension 178 may include or may not include the height or width of the appendages 150. In some examples, the body height dimension 176 and the body width dimension 178 may be similar or different.

In examples including an appendage, the appendages 150 may have an appendage length 180. Each appendage 150 may have a different or similar appendage length 180. In some examples, the appendage length 180 may be greater than or less than the body height dimension 176.

As discussed herein, the upper body 120 is significantly larger than the lower body 140. The upper body 120 includes at least one outer dimension, e.g. the height dimension 172 or width dimension 174, that is greater than a corresponding outer dimension, e.g. height dimension 176 or width dimension 178, by at least a factor of 2 or 3. For example, the head height dimension 172 and/or the head width dimension 174 may be at least, two, two and half, or three times, and in some examples five times or more, greater than the body height dimension 176 or the body width dimension 178, respectively. Accordingly, the upper body 120 may have an upper internal volume 122 that is significantly greater than the lower internal volume 142 of the lower body 140. In some examples, approximately 15 to 60 times greater, depending on a thickness of the materials defining the external surface 104.

In one example, the head height dimension 172 and/or the head width dimension 174 may be between 3 and 5 inches, and the body height dimension 176 or the body width dimension 178 may be between 0.5 inches and 1.5 inches. In other examples, the either or both the upper body 120 and the lower body 140 can be greater or smaller. For example, a total height can be more or less than 3 or 5 inches, such as less than 2 inches or greater than 8 inches, and the dimensions of the upper body 120 or lower body 140 can be increased or decreased in turn. The larger upper body 120 compared to the lower body 140 may create or add to a cute or friendly appearance of the toy 100. For example, a larger head may exaggerate the large head appearance of small or young animals, resulting in a unique appearance of the toy 100. In some examples, the difference in dimensions or volumes 122, 142 between the upper body 120 and the lower body 140 may be greater.

As discussed below, the upper body 120 is filled by a compressible material (e.g. a stuffing or filling) and the lower body 140 is similarly shaped by a filling. As a result, the exact dimensions of the toy 100, and specifically the upper body 120 and lower body 140, will vary for a produced toy. For example, the dimensions can vary due to settling of the compressible material, the type of filling, compressed or uncompressed states of the upper portion 120 or lower portion 140, or the like. Further, in some examples, different examples of the toy 100 may be configured to aesthetically correspond to different animals, characters, or the like, and the exact dimensions of the upper body 120 or the lower body 140 may be adjusted to produce an aesthetically pleasing toy 100 having recognizable similarities to the animals or characters. Accordingly, the example scales or differences in size between the upper body 120 and the lower body 140 are meant to be illustrative and approximate, though in all examples the upper body 120 is significantly larger than the lower body 140 with reference to at least one outer dimension 176, 178 and the internal volume 122.

Turning to FIGS. 6A-6D, partial cross sections of the toy 100 are depicted to illustrate various fill materials used to stuff the toy 100. As discussed herein, either of the upper body 120, lower body 140, extensions 130, or appendages 150 may be connected, such as by stitching, and the various internal volumes may be separate or interconnected.

The upper body 120, or specifically the upper body volume 122, is filled at least in part with a first stuffing or fill 162. The first stuffing 162 may be one material or two or more materials in combination. The first stuffing 162 may generally fill the entirety of the upper internal volume 122. In some examples, only a portion of the first stuffing 162 fills the upper internal volume 122. The first stuffing 162 may be natural or synthetic fibers or fill materials. In some examples, the first stuffing 162 may be one or more various forms of polyester stuffing (e.g. polyfill), or similar materials.

Within the internal volume 122, the material of the first stuffing 162 may be disordered or oriented in various directions to define voids or spaces. In some examples, the material of the first stuffing 162 is flexible or exhibits elastic properties. The first stuffing 162 may be squishable or resiliently compressible. For example, when compressed or under external force, the first stuffing 162 may move within the internal volume, such as to fill the voids, and then expand or retreat from the voids when the force is removed. The stuffing material may additionally or alternatively, flex or bend. As a result, the first stuffing 162 may compress easily under the touch or pressure from a user's hands, and then extend back to at or similar to its original position after the pressure is removed. The first stuffing 162, or the amount of first stuffing 162 placed in the upper volume 122, may provide a sufficient outward pressure to put the external surface 104a in tension, or otherwise retain a spherical, elliptical, or similar shape of the upper body 120. The compressibility of the first stuffing 162 provides a comforting and huggable feel to the toy 100.

In some examples, the extensions 130 are additionally or supplementally filled with a supplemental or extension stuffing 164, such as when the extensions 130 define the supplemental internal volume 132. The supplemental stuffing 164 may be the same as or similar to the first stuffing 162. For example, natural or synthetic fibers or fill materials may be used. In other examples, the supplemental stuffing 164 may be different from the first stuffing 162. The supplemental stuffing 164 may assist in retaining the extensions 130 in an outwardly extending arrangement relative to the upper body 120. In some examples, the extensions 130 may include no stuffing 164. In such an example, the extensions 130 may hang or include additional structures or a stiffer outer material to extend outwardly. In other examples, the extensions 130 may include no fill material in the internal volume 134.

The lower body 140 may be filled with a weighted fill or stuffing 166. The weighted fill 166 is selected to selectively support the upper body 120 above the lower body 120 in a preferred configuration. The weighted fill 166 may have a significantly greater mass or density compared to the first stuffing 162. The weighted fill 166 may be a single material or a combination of two or more materials. The weighted fill 166 may be stiffer or less compressible than the first stuffing 162 to resist an external force or gravity. The weighted fill 166 may be at least partially compressible or conformable. In some examples, the weighted fill 166 may move at least partially within the lower volume 142. For example, the weighted fill 166 may adjust within the lower volume 142 such that the lower body 140 shape adjusts to correspond with the shape of a supporting surface.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the weighted fill 166 may be a small granular or particulate fill 166a, such as sand, or specifically kinetic sand. As shown in FIG. 6B, the weighted fill 166 may be a pebble or stone fill 166b, which may be composed of small or irregular shaped features such as pebbles, medical stone, or the like. FIG. 6C shows another example of the weighted fill 166, such as a bead fill 166c, which may be glass beads, polymer beads, metal beads, or the like. In additional examples, the weighted fill 166 may be a dense but resiliently compressible polymer, such as a foam. The weighted fill 166 may be a preformed or precut portion defining the shape of the lower body 140 and insertable within the lower internal volume 144. In some examples, the weighted fill 166 may be a single material or a combination of the various possible weighted materials. As shown in FIG. 6D, the weighted fill 166 may include two or more of the various types of weighted filles such as granular fill 166a, the stone fill 166b, or the bead fill 166c.

Within the lower internal volume 144 the weighted fill 166 may be movable to define a compressible or conformable lower body 140. The weighted fill 166 may define voids or spaces between the fill material within the lower volume 144, or the weighted fill 166 may be portioned within the lower volume 144 such that non-filled space is defined. The voids may provide space for portions of the weighted fill 166 to move relative to each other under an external force or pressure.

The compressible or conformable lower body 140 may be adjustably arranged to correspond to the profile of a support surface, such as planar or non-planar surfaces, such that the lower body 140 is statically stable on the surface. The greater mass or density of the weighted fill 166, and in some examples, the adjustable position of the fill 166 within the lower volume 142 stably positions the toy 100 on a supporting surface. By conforming the lower body 140 to the shape of a support surface, the lower body 140 may support the upper body 120 and lower body 140 in a desired configuration, such as a seated position, or a position with the upper body 120 positioned above the lower body 140. The material of the weighted fill 166 may be selected based on performance or feel by a user. For example, regarding performance, a denser material may be required for a larger upper body 120 or larger toy 100 generally, while a smaller toy 100 may be suitable for a lighter or more compressible weighted fill 166.

The appendages 150 may include a fill or stuffing material, or no fill material. For example, within the appendage volume 152 the appendage fill may be the same as or similar to the weighted fill 166. In some examples, the appendages 150 may be filled with the same or similar fill as the extensions 130 or upper body 120. In some examples, a first weighted fill may be positioned within the lower body volume 142 and a second weighted fill may be positioned within the appendage volume 152. The appendages 150 may be movable relative to the lower body 140. The fill of the appendages 150 may assist in orienting the appendages 150 in a vertical arrangement, or hanging, relative to a surrounding environment or the lower body 140. A hanging or vertical arrangement may appear more natural or humanoid, adding to the aesthetic appearance of the toy 100. In some examples, some of the appendages 150 may be filled with the weighted fill 166, and the other appendages may be filled with a different fill, such as the first stuffing 162 or the supplemental stuffing 164. For example, an appendage like a tail 150c, may be more aesthetically appealing if filled to extend upward or outward while an appendage-like legs 150b may be preferred to extend or hang downwards.

Turning to FIGS. 7A and 7B, side views of the example toy 100 on a support structure 200 illustrate the toy 100 in example stable positions. The support structure 200 may define a flat or top surface 202. The support surface or structure 200 may include a ledge 204, or a portion where the support structure 200 changes a vertical position relative to the top surface 202.

FIG. 7A shows the toy 100 in an example seated and overhanging position 192. In the overhanging seated position 192, the bottom 116 of the toy 100 may be positioned on the top surface 202. The bottom 116 may be the bottom of the lower body 140. Accordingly, the lower body 140 may be positioned on the support structure 200. The weighted fill 166 may adjust within the lower volume 142 to correspond to the shape or gradient of the support structure 200. In other examples, the bottom 116 of the lower body 140 may have a shape corresponding to the support structure 200. As a result, the lower body 140 may be stably arrangeable upright, or in another position, on the support structure 200.

The appendages 150 may be positioned to overhang at the ledge 204. For example, at least some of the appendages 150, in one example the legs 150b, may extend downward relative to the lower body 140 or top surface 202. The other appendages 150, such as a tail 150c or arms 150a, may not extend to or contact the support structure 200, extend along the top surface 202, or extend upward in part, depending on the appendage length 180 or appendage fill.

The upper body 120 may be retained above or upright relative to the lower body 140. The weighted fill 166 or lower body 140 may support the upper body 120. For example, even though the upper body 140 has a greater height or width 172, 174 than the lower body 140, creating a moment due to the weight of the first stuffing 162, the weighted fill 166 may be sufficiently denser and heavier than the first fill to resist rotation due to the moment. The outward pressure of the first stuffing 162 may assist to maintain or position the upper body 120 above the lower body 120. The upper body 120 may be oriented with facial features 124 or other design elements facing outwards such that the toy 100 may be used as a decoration or recognizable by a user.

FIG. 7B shows another seated arrangement 194 of the toy 100. In this example arrangement 194, the support structure 200 may not include an overhang. The appendages 150, such as the tail 150c or legs 150b, may extend along the top surface 202. In some examples when the appendages 150 include the weighted fill 166, the appendages 150 may assist in stably supporting the toy 100, such as by increasing frictional resistance to movement, resisting rotation due to the moment of the upper body 120, or the like.

Accordingly, as described herein, a stuffed toy 100 including a lower body 140 with a weighted fill 166 may stably support the toy 100 on a supporting structure 200. Specifically, the lower body 140 may resist rotational forces due to moments or the weight of an upper body 120. The lower body 140 and weighted fill 166 enable stable configurations of the toy 100 where the upper body 120 is significantly taller and/or wider than the lower body 140. Further, the upper body 120 may be compressible or huggable. The larger upper body 120, or other design features, or a soft exterior surface 104, provide an aesthetically and tactilely pleasing stuffed toy 100.

Other examples and implementations are within the scope and spirit of the disclosure and appended claims. For example, features implementing functions may also be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations. Also, as used herein, including in the claims, “or” as used in a list of items prefaced by “at least one of’ indicates a disjunctive list such that, for example, a list of “at least one of A, B, or C” means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and Band C). Further, the term “exemplary” does not mean that the described example is preferred or better than other examples.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, uses specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.