SING-ALONG PLUSH TOY

Abstract

 The present disclosure provides a toy. In an embodiment, a toy is provided and includes a plush figure. The plush figure includes (i) an outer fabric defining an interior volume. The interior volume contains a stuffing material and a speaker. The speaker is contained within the interior volume of the plush figure. The toy further includes a karaoke microphone in operative communication with the speaker. The karaoke microphone transmits to the speaker (i) a prerecorded sound and (ii) an amplified sound.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Toys provide children with things to play with and to teach children interaction skills, social skills, and motor skills. It is desirable to have toys promote creative expression in children.

[0002] Toys that promote a child to sing are particularly desirable as the benefits of singing on child development are well-documented. Singing utilizes many different areas of a child's brain. When a child sings, a child develops musical concepts (pitch, timbre and rhythm), fine motor behavior, emotion, visual imagery and language. Consequently, toys that promote a child to sing assist the brain to learn how to perform multiple tasks. Learning and remembering lyrics and recognizing the cue to begin singing are very beneficial memory skills. Singing also nurtures a child's imagination and creativity.

[0003] Singing contributes to the development of a child's speech. A toddler oftentimes is able to sing an entire song when she cannot yet put together a full sentence speaking normally. Singing not only helps a child to develop memory skills, singing also helps a child to learn how to string sentences together.

[0004] Singing increases a child's vocabulary and teaches a child how to pronounce new words. Every language has its own rhythm and singing fosters a child's understanding while the child also learns how to rhyme words.

[0005] Singing helps a child learn how to express herself. A child will learn how to communicate with others when singing with friends. Singing with others teaches a child how to work as a team. Singing with others also forms bonds with other children and help a child make new friends.

[0006] Learning and mastering a new song gives a child a feeling of satisfaction and joy, as well as building the child's self-confidence. The process of learning and practicing a song until perfection is achieved increases a child's self-esteem every single time a new song is learned. Singing stimulates the production of endorphins in the body, which increases brain activity and makes a child happier.

[0007] Singing is an aerobic exercise that improves the cardiovascular system and improves overall health. Through singing the oxygenation of blood is increased which in turn leads to increased levels of alertness. Thoracic activity takes place when a child sings which benefits functions and the structure of breathing mechanisms. The muscles in the upper body are exercised through singing. The process of using the vocal system through singing helps a child's underlying physiology and anatomy to reach its full potential for motor coordination and growth.

[0008] In view of the many benefits of singing on child development, the art recognizes the ongoing need for toys that encourage and nurture children to sing.

SUMMARY

[0009] The present disclosure provides a toy. In an embodiment, a toy is provided and includes a plush figure. The plush figure includes (i) an outer fabric defining an interior volume. The interior volume contains a stuffing material and a speaker. The speaker is contained within the interior volume of the plush figure. The toy further includes a karaoke microphone in operative communication with the speaker. The karaoke microphone transmits to the speaker (i) a pre-recorded sound and (ii) an amplified sound.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The Figures show various embodiments of the present toy.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toy with a plush figure and a karaoke microphone in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1A is an enlarged perspective view of the karaoke microphone of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the toy taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a toy having a pouch in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a toy with carrying straps in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a child wearing and playing with the toy of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of two children singing with the toy in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a toy with a backpack in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DEFINITIONS

[0011] For purposes of United States patent practice, the contents of any referenced patent, patent application or publication are incorporated by reference in their entirety (or its equivalent US version is so incorporated by reference) especially with respect to the disclosure of definitions (to the extent not inconsistent with any definitions specifically provided in this disclosure) and general knowledge in the art.

[0012] The numerical ranges disclosed herein include all values from, and including, the lower and upper value. For ranges containing explicit values (e.g., 1 or 2, or 3 to 5, or 6, or 7), any subrange between any two explicit values is included (e.g., the range 1-7 above includes subranges of 1 to 2; 2 to 6; 5 to 7; 3 to 7; 5 to 6; etc.).

[0013] The term "communicates" or "operatively communicates, or "in operative communication with" or "communicatively connected," "communicatively linked" and like terms denotes a link between two or more objects (i.e., a link between two or more modules, units, sub-units, computing devices, processors, servers, etc.) that enables one-way or two-way exchange of information and includes a wired connection, a wireless connection, and combinations thereof.

[0014] The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and their derivatives, are not intended to exclude the presence of any additional element, component, step or procedure, whether or not the same is specifically disclosed. In contrast, the term, "consisting essentially of" excludes from the scope of any succeeding recitation any other element, component, step or procedure, excepting those that are not essential to operability. The term "consisting of" excludes any element, component, step, or procedure not specifically delineated or listed.

[0015] A "computing device" (or "a computer readable device") is a non-transitory computing device with a central processing unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM), and a storage medium (such as hard disk drive, solid state drive, flash memory, and cloud storage). Nonlimiting examples of computing devices include personal computers (PCs), smart phones, laptops, mobile devices, tablet PCs, and servers. The term "computing device" may also describe two or more computing devices communicatively linked in a manner as to distribute and share one or more resources, such as clustered computing devices and server banks/farms. It is understood that any number of computing devices could be used, and embodiments of the present disclosure are contemplated for use with any computing device.

[0016] "Fabric" is a woven or non-woven (such as knitted) structure formed from individual fibers or yarn.

[0017] A "knitted fabric" is formed from intertwining yarn or fibers in a series of connected loops either by hand, with knitting needles, or on a machine. The fabric may be formed by warp or weft knitting, flat knitting, and circular knitting. Nonlimiting examples of suitable warp knits include tricot, raschel powernet, and lacing. Nonlimiting examples of suitable weft knits include circular, flat, and seamless (which is often considered a subset of circular knits).

[0018] "Nonwoven fabric" refers to a web or a fabric having a structure of individual fibers or threads which are randomly interlaid, but not in an identifiable manner as is the case of a knitted fabric.

[0019] "Woven fabric" refers to a web or a fabric having a structure of individual fibers or threads which are interlaid in a pattern in an identifiable manner. A nonlimiting example of a woven fabric is a knitted fabric.

[0020] A "mobile device" is a portable, wireless computing device that is small enough to be used while held in the hand; a hand-held device. A mobile device typically has a user interface display screen with touch input and/or a miniature keyboard and weighs less than 0.91 kilograms (kg) (2 pounds). A mobile device typically has an operating system (OS) and can run various types of application software (apps). Nonlimiting examples of a mobile device include smartphone, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet computer and wireless wearable technology such as a smartwatch or Apple watch, for example.

[0021] A "user" of the present toy is a person (such as a child) who projects a sound into the karaoke microphone.

[0022] "Wireless communication" refers to a network of terminals that uses electromagnetic waves (including RF, IR, Laser, visible light and acoustic energy) rather than wire conductors for telecommunications. This electromagnetic spectrum is a range of frequencies from zero to infinity. However, this spectrum by custom and practice was formerly divided into 26 alphabetically designated bands. This usage still prevails to some degree but has a frequency of 30 Hz to 3000 GHz. Wireless telephone technology includes cell phones, pagers, GPS, cordless computer peripherals, cordless telephone sets, home entertainment system control boxes, remote controls, two way radios, baby monitors, satellite television and wireless LANs. Other wireless communication includes GSM, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, WAP, iMODE, TDMA, CDMA, PCS, etc. Wireless communication also includes technologies such as Near Field Communications (NFC), Wi-Fi, infrared, Bluetooth, and Bluetooth Low Energy. "Bluetooth" communication is an open wireless technology standard for transmitting fixed and mobile electronic device data over short distances. Bluetooth wireless communication communicates with a variety of electronic devices and creates personal networks operating within the unlicensed 2.4 GHz band. Operating range is based on device class. A variety of digital devices use Bluetooth communication, including MP3 players, mobile devices, peripheral devices and personal computers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The present disclosure provides a toy. In an embodiment, a toy is provided and includes a plush figure. The plush figure includes (i) an outer fabric defining an interior volume. The interior volume contains a stuffing material and a speaker. The speaker is contained within the interior volume of the plush figure. The toy further includes a karaoke microphone in operative communication with the speaker. The karaoke microphone transmits to the speaker (i) a pre-recorded sound and (ii) an amplified sound.

1. Plush figure

[0024] The toy includes a plush figure. A "plush figure," as used herein, is a toy object made of an outer fabric and sewn closed to define, or otherwise form, an interior volume, the interior volume filled with a stuffing material. Nonlimiting examples of suitable materials for the outer fabric include woven fabric and/or non-woven fabric made from natural materials (i.e., cotton, cloth, pile textiles, terrycloth) and/or synthetic material (polyester fibers). Nonlimiting examples of suitable stuffing material include synthetic fiber batting, cotton, straw, wood wool, plastic pellets or beans.

[0025] The plush figure has a three-dimensional shape. The shape of the plush figure can be any shape that is suitable as a toy for a child. Nonlimiting examples of suitable shapes for the plush figure include fictional characters, real characters, persons or objects. Further nonlimiting examples of suitable shapes for the plush figure include dolls, animals (sometimes with exaggerated proportions), cartoon characters, comic characters, movie characters, fantasy characters, superheroes, legendary creatures, teddy bear, vehicles, toy objects and the like.

[0026] In an embodiment, the plush figure is a character having a head, a torso, and one or more limbs extending from the torso.

[0027] FIGS. 1-2 show a toy 10a with a plush figure 12a. Plush figure 12a includes an outer fabric 14. The outer fabric 14 is sewn closed to define an interior volume 16. Within the interior volume 16 is a stuffing material 18. A speaker 20a is also present in the interior volume as seen in FIG. 2. Although FIGS. 1-2 and indeed FIGS. 1-5 depict the plush figure in the shape of a teddy bear, it is understood the plush figure can be any figure as described above.

2. Speaker

[0028] The present toy includes a speaker. The speaker is located in the interior volume of the plush figure. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or more speakers can be present in the interior volume of the plush figure. It is understood that the following disclosure directed to a speaker applies equally to two or more speakers.

[0029] In an embodiment, the speaker is oriented within the interior volume of the plush figure so that the speaker screen is or coextensive with, or substantially coextensive with, an outer surface of the plush figure. By way of example, when the plush figure is shaped as an animal with a head, torso and limbs, the speaker can be secured in the interior volume so that the speaker screen is flush with, or otherwise forms, the outermost surface of the (i) the foot, and/or (ii) the hand, and/or (iii) the stomach, and/or (iii) the mouth, and/or the ears of the plush figure, and any combination thereof.

[0030] FIGS. 1-2 show an embodiment, whereby toy 10a includes plush figure 12a having a head 22, a torso 24, and four limbs (legs) limb 26a, limb 26b, limb 26c, and limb 26d. Speaker 20a includes a speaker screen 21a. Speaker 20a is disposed, or otherwise located, within the interior volume 16 such that the speaker screen 21a forms a portion of the outermost surface of limb 26d. Speaker screen 21a forms the distalmost outermost surface of limb 26d. In this way, the speaker 20a complements, blends with, and does not detract from, the overall shape the plush figure 12a (teddy bear).

3. Karaoke microphone

[0031] The present toy includes a karaoke microphone. The karaoke microphone is in operative communication with the speaker. The operative communication between the karaoke machine and the speaker is achieved by way of wired communication or wireless communication.

[0032] The term "karaoke microphone," as used herein, is a device that transmits to the speaker (i) pre-recorded sounds (typically pre-recorded songs) and also (ii) transmits an amplified sound--i.e., an amplified person's voice. In other words, the karaoke microphone includes hardware, software, and circuitry to function as a mini-karaoke machine and simultaneously function as a microphone. In this way, the karaoke microphone has at least two functionalities.

[0033] Karaoke is a popular form of interactive entertainment developed in Japan in which an amateur singer sings along with recorded music using a microphone. The music is typically an instrumental version of a well-known popular song. Lyrics are usually displayed on a video screen, along with a moving symbol, changing color, or music video images, to guide the singer. In this sense, the present "karaoke microphone" is a hybrid of a miniature karaoke machine and a microphone.

[0034] A first functionality of the karaoke microphone is the transmission of one or more pre-recorded sounds to the speaker. The karaoke microphone includes memory for storing one or more pre-recorded sounds. A "pre-recorded sound," is a sound recorded at a first time for transmission at a second time, the second time later than the first time. Nonlimiting examples of suitable pre-recorded sounds include pre-recorded music, pre-recorded songs, pre-recorded Karaoke songs, pre-recorded instrumental sounds (drum roll, cymbal crash, whistle sound, trumpet blast, etc.) and any combination thereof.

[0035] In an embodiment, the pre-recorded sound is a pre-recorded song. In a further embodiment, the pre-recorded song is a karaoke song. A "karaoke song," is a pre-recorded song (typically a familiar song) that has a vocal part, the karaoke song having an instrumental track of the familiar song and omission of the vocal track. As is common, the karaoke song has an instrumental track and no vocal track for a familiar song, thereby enabling a person singing along live with the karaoke song to provide the vocal part of the song. A karaoke song is also known as a backing track.

[0036] In an embodiment, the karaoke microphone includes a port (such as a USB port, for example) for receiving an external memory device (such as a flash memory device, for example). The external memory device stores additional pre-recorded songs.

[0037] In an embodiment, the karaoke microphone includes hardware, software, and circuitry for streaming and/or downloading pre-recorded songs from an external device. The karaoke microphone operatively communicates with the external source by way of wired communication or wireless communication. The external device can be a computing device, a mobile device, a compact disc player, an MP3 player, a tape player, a phonograph, a radio, and any combination thereof.

[0038] In an embodiment, the karaoke microphone includes a port for wired communication to the external device. With the port, a cable may be used to bring the karaoke microphone into operative communication with a compact disc player, for example.

[0039] In an embodiment the karaoke microphone includes a wireless transceiver (Bluetooth transceiver) for streaming pre-recorded music from an external device. A Bluetooth wireless transceiver in the karaoke microphone can be used to wirelessly stream pre-recorded music from a mobile device or a computing device to the karaoke microphone, for example.

[0040] A second functionality of the karaoke microphone is that of a microphone. The karaoke microphone transmits to the speaker an amplified sound. An "amplified sound," as used herein, is sound waves converted into electrical energy, by a microphone, and transmitted to the speaker. In other words, the microphone functionality of the karaoke microphone converts the user's voice into an electrical signal to create the amplified sound which is the user's "amplified voice."

[0041] The present karaoke microphone includes suitable hardware, software, logic, and circuitry to transmit pre-recorded songs to the speaker while simultaneously also functioning as a microphone to transmit a person's amplified voice to the speaker. As such, the karaoke microphone includes one, some, or all of the following hardware components/functionalities:

(i) power source--DC (batteries) and/or AC;

(ii) memory and pre-recorded songs stored in the memory;

(iii) processor;

(iv) pre-amplifier/amplifier;

(v) transmission of pre-recorded music to the speaker;

(vi) creation of amplified user's voice and transmission of the amplified voice to the speaker;

(vii) recording and playback of user singing along with (or without) the pre-recorded music;

(viii) download/storage/selection of pre-recorded music;

(ix) sound effects (reverb, delay, distortion, equalizer);

(x) wireless transceiver (i.e., Bluetooth transceiver);

(xi) USB port for downloading other backing tracks or songs or streams;

(xii) line-in port for connection to external device and/or connection to another microphone;

(xiii) pitch control/pitch correction;

(xiv) tone control (bass/treble sound control);

(xv) rhythm/percussion augmentation/supplement;

(xvi) applause supplement;

(xvii) record and playback functionality;

(xviii) volume control;

(xix) on/off switch; and

(xx) automatic shut off with non-use (such as automatic shut off after from 5 minutes, or 10 minutes to 15 minutes, or 20 minutes of non-use).

[0042] In an embodiment, FIGS. 1, 1A, and 2 show toy 10a having a karaoke microphone 28. Karaoke microphone 28 is in operative communication with speaker 20a. Karaoke microphone 28 has one, some, or all of the hardware components/functionalities (i)-(xx) described in the preceding paragraph. A cable 30 provides operative communication (wired) between the karaoke microphone 28 and the speaker 20a.

[0043] FIG. 1A is an enlarged perspective view of the karaoke microphone 28 of FIG. 1. FIG. 1A show buttons and switches whereby a user of the toy 10a can operate and/or select desired functionality of the karaoke microphone 28. Contained within the body of the karaoke microphone 28 is a power source with one, two, three, or more batteries, such as three "AA" batteries, for example. Karaoke microphone 28 includes On/Off switch 32a and power indicator light 32b. Turning switch 32a to "on" activates the microphone functionality of the karaoke microphone 28 and illuminates the power indicator light 32b. Other selection buttons for the karaoke microphone 28 include volume control button 33a ("-"or volume decrease) volume control button 33b ("+" or volume increase); record button 34a and record indicator light 34b. Selection of the record button records the user singing with the toy (alone or user singing along with pre-recorded music that is stored in the karaoke microphone). The play button 36 plays back the recording of the user singing.

[0044] The karaoke microphone 28 also includes a first pre-recorded song selection button 38a, and a second pre-recorded song selection button 38b. Buttons 38a, 38b enable the user to select pre-recorded songs with which to sing. By user selection of Button 38a or Button 38a the karaoke microphone 28 transmits the pre-recorded song to the speaker 20a.

[0045] The karaoke microphone 28 also includes a rhythm/percussion button 40. With selection of button 40, the user can insert a cymbal crash, a drum roll, and the like while singing with the toy 10a.

[0046] The karaoke microphone also includes an applause button 42. With selection of the applause button 42, the user can insert the sound of applause before, during, or after singing with the toy 10a.

[0047] In an embodiment, the karaoke microphone includes a port for operative communication with one or more other microphones-microphones other than the karaoke microphone. In this way two, three, or more children can sing and enjoy the plush toy together and develop interactive skills while singing.

[0048] In an embodiment, the present toy includes a second speaker. The second speaker is contained in the interior volume of the plush figure. The second speaker is in addition to the (first) speaker. The toy also includes a second microphone. The second microphone is different than the karaoke microphone. The second microphone is in operative communication with the second speaker. The second microphone's operative communication with the second speaker can be (i) via the karaoke microphone (wireless communication or wired communication with the karaoke microphone), or (ii) directly with the second speaker via wireless communication or wired communication by way of connection with the cable.

4. Operative communication

[0049] In an embodiment, operative communication between the speaker and the karaoke microphone is by wireless communication, such as with a Bluetooth wireless communication transceiver, for example. With wireless communication between the speaker and the karaoke microphone, the interior volume of the plush figure consists only of (i) the stuffing material and (ii) the speaker. In this way, the plush figure maintains its plushness and is not detracted by rigid or hard objects in the interior, such as a battery pack for example.

[0050] In an embodiment, operative communication between the speaker and the karaoke microphone is a wired communication as shown in FIGS. 1-2. For toy 10a cable 30 connects the speaker 20a to the karaoke microphone 28 to achieve operative communication between the speaker 20a and the karaoke microphone 28. A portion of the cable 30 passes through, or otherwise extends through, the interior volume 16 of the plush figure12a as shown in the FIGS. 1-2. With wired communication (vis-à-vis cable 30) between the speaker 20a and the karaoke microphone 28, the interior volume 16 of the plush figure 12a consists only of (i) the stuffing material 18, (ii) the speaker 20a, and a portion of the cable 30, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0051] In an embodiment, the plush figure is in the shape of a character having a head, a torso, and at least one limb extending from the torso. As shown in the Figures, the plush figure can be a plush teddy bear, although it is understood the plush figure can be any figure as described above.

[0052] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-2, the plush figure 12a is a plush teddy bear having a head 22, a torso 24, and limbs 26a-26d, such as four legs. The speaker 20a is located in one of the limbs, i.e., in one of the legs. The speaker screen 21a forms a portion of the outermost surface of the foot of leg, limb 26d.

5. Pouch

[0053] In an embodiment, FIG. 3 shows a toy 10b. Toy 10b includes a plush figure 12b (along with speaker 20a in operative communication with karaoke microphone 28 as previously disclosed herein), the plush figure 12b having a pouch 50 in the interior volume 16. The pouch 50 is accessible via an opening. A "pouch" is a pocket-like receptacle formed by a portion of the peripheral edge of a pouch panel 52 being attached to the opening. The pouch 50 forms a void volume in which objects can be placed. The opening has a fastening device for opening and closing the pouch 50. The fastening device extends along a length of the plush figure 12b. Nonlimiting examples of suitable fastening devices include zipper, hook and loop material, belt, button, snap fastener, and any combination thereof.

[0054] In an embodiment, the fastening device for the pouch 50 is a zipper 54, as shown in FIG. 3.

6. Carrying Straps

[0055] In an embodiment, the plush figure includes a carrying strap. The carrying strap is connected to a top portion of the plush figure. The carrying strap extends from the top portion of the plush figure to a bottom portion of the plush figure. The carrying strap is connected to the bottom portion of the plush figure. The carrying strap may be permanently attached to the plush figure or releasably attached to the plush figure. The length of the carrying strap is adjustable.

[0056] In an embodiment, a toy 10c is provided. Toy 10c includes plush figure 12c (along with speaker 20a in operative communication with karaoke microphone 28 as previously disclosed herein) having two carrying straps 60a and 60b as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The description of the carrying strap in the paragraph immediately above applies equally to first carrying strap 60a and second carrying strap 60b. FIG. 4A shows carrying strap 60a, 60b each connected to a top portion of the plush figure 12c. Each carrying strap 60a, 60b extends from the top portion of the plush figure 12c to a bottom portion of the plush figure 12c. Each carrying strap 60a, 60b is connected to the bottom portion of the plush figure 12c.

[0057] Carrying straps 60a, 60b enable a user-child 62-to wear toy 10c on her torso as shown in FIG. 4B. Carrying straps 60a, 60b free child 62 to move about freely while singing and/or dancing with toy 10c. In this way, the present toy 10c advantageously provides a soft, plush karaoke toy that is attractive to children, the present toy promoting singing and ambulation during singing. The two carrying straps 60a, 60b enable the child 62 to easily carry, hands-free, the plush figure 12c on the child's 62 front torso or on the child's back. The carrying straps 60a, 60b thereby promote motion and activity (such as dance or other ambulation common during singing), in a non-restrictive manner, yielding a more fulfilling singing experience than conventional karaoke machines. Toy 10c with carrying straps 60a, 60b is a soft and wearable karaoke toy and advantageously overcomes the restrictive cord tether impediment experienced with rigid-standing karaoke machines and/or rigid "boom-box type" karaoke machines.

[0058] In an embodiment, toy 10c also includes a pouch as previously discussed herein.

7. Two microphones

[0059] In an embodiment, a toy 10d is provided as shown in FIG. 4C. Toy 10d includes plush figure 12d. Plush figure 12d includes speaker 20a in operative communication with karaoke microphone 28 (as previously disclosed herein), and plush figure 12d also includes a second speaker, speaker 20b. The second speaker 20b is contained in the interior volume 16 of the plush figure 12d. The second speaker 20b is in addition to the first speaker 20a. Plush figure 12d also includes carrying straps 60a and 60b.

[0060] In an embodiment, the first speaker 20a is in a first limb (limb 26d) of the plush figure 12d and the second speaker 20b is in a second limb (limb 26c) of the plush figure 12d. Respective speaker screens 21a, 21b form a portion of the outermost surface of each limb 26d, 26c.

[0061] The toy 10d includes the karaoke microphone 28. Karaoke microphone is in operative communication with speaker 20a and/or speaker 20b. The toy 10d includes a second microphone, microphone 64, that is different than the karaoke microphone 28. The second microphone 64 is in operative communication with the first speaker 20a and/or the second speaker 20b. The second microphone's 64 operative communication with the first/second speakers 20a, 20b can be (i) via the karaoke microphone 28 (wireless communication or wired communication with the karaoke microphone 28), or (ii) directly with the first speaker 20a or second speaker 20b via wireless communication or wired communication by way of connection with the cable. The karaoke microphone 28 transmits (i) pre-recorded songs and (ii) the user's amplified voice to the first speaker 20a (and optionally also transmits pre-recorded songs to the second speaker 20b); and the second microphone 64 transmits a second user's amplified voice to the second speaker 20b (and optionally also transmits the second user's amplified voice to the first speaker 20a).

[0062] In an embodiment, cable 30 provides wired operative communication between the karaoke microphone 28 and speaker 20a (and optionally cable 30 also provides wired operative communication between karaoke microphone 28 and speaker 20b). Wireless communication (by way of Bluetooth wireless communication, for example) provides operative communication between speaker 20b and the second microphone 64. Child 62 wears toy 10d on her torso and sings through the karaoke microphone 28 and transmits pre-recorded songs and her amplified voice through speaker 20a and a second child 66 simultaneously sings through second microphone 64, microphone 64 transmitting child 66's amplified voice through second speaker 20b. In this way, toy 10d advantageously promotes group singing, child interaction, interactive, and ambulatory activity-without the impediment of restrictive cord tether common with rigid standing karaoke machines and/or boom-box type karaoke machines.

[0063] In an embodiment toy 10d includes a pouch as previously disclosed herein.

8. Backpack

[0064] In an embodiment, the present toy includes a backpack, and the plush figure is attached to an exterior surface of the backpack. The plush figure can be permanently attached to the backpack exterior. Alternatively the plush figure can be releasably attached to the backpack exterior.

[0065] In FIG. 5, an embodiment of the present toy, toy 10e is shown. Toy 10e includes plush figure 12e (along with speaker 20a in operative communication with karaoke microphone 28 as previously disclosed herein) attached to an exterior surface of a backpack 70. Plush figure 12e can be permanently attached to the backpack 70. Alternatively, the plush figure 12e can be releasably attached to the exterior surface of the backpack 70 by way of a fastening device. Nonlimiting examples of suitable fastening devices include zipper, hook and loop material, belt, button, snap fastener, and any combination thereof.

[0066] Backpack 70 includes shoulder straps 72a, 72b. Backpack 70 also includes one or more compartments 74. A fastening device (such as a zipper for example) is used to for opening and closing each compartment.

[0067] In an embodiment, any of toys 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, and 10e include one or more lights within the plush figure. The light may illuminate when the plush figure is squeezed. For example, squeezing the torso of the plush figure illuminates a light in shape of a heart.

[0068] It is specifically intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the embodiments and illustrations contained herein, but include modified forms of those embodiments including portions of the embodiments and combinations of elements of different embodiments as come within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A toy comprising:

a plush figure comprising

(i) an outer fabric defining an interior volume,

(ii) the interior volume containing a stuffing material;

a speaker contained within the interior volume; and

a karaoke microphone in operative communication with the speaker, the karaoke microphone transmitting to the speaker

(i) a pre-recorded sound; and

(ii) an amplified sound.

2. The toy of claim 1 wherein the pre-recorded sound is a pre-recorded song and the amplified sound in an amplified voice of a user of the toy.

3. The toy of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the interior volume consists of the stuffing material and the speaker.

4. The toy of any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the operative communication is a cable connecting to the karaoke microphone and to the speaker.

5. The toy of claim 4 wherein a portion of the cable passes through the interior volume of the plush figure.

6. The toy of claim 5 wherein the interior volume consists of the stuffing material, the speaker, and a portion of the cable.

7. The toy of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plush figure is a character comprising a head, a torso, and at least one limb extending from the torso; and
the speaker is located in the limb.

8. The toy of claim 7 wherein the speaker comprises a speaker screen; and
the speaker screen forms a portion of an outermost surface of the limb.

9. The toy of any of claims 1 to 8 comprising a second speaker, the second speaker contained in the interior volume of the plush figure;
a second microphone different than the karaoke microphone, the second microphone in operative communication with the second speaker.

10. The toy of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the plush figure comprises
a pouch in the interior volume, the pouch accessible via an opening; and
the opening having a fastening device for opening and closing the pouch.

11. The toy of claim 10 wherein the fastening device extends along a length of the plush figure.

12. The toy of any of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a carrying strap, the carrying strap connected to and extending from a top portion of the plush figure to a bottom portion of the plush figure.

13. The plush toy of any of claims 1 to 12 comprising
a backpack; and
the plush figure attached to an exterior surface of the backpack.

Drawing