Inflatable Ride-on Toy Animals

Abstract

An animal-like inflatable toy figure comprising a hollow volume of air-impervious material shaped to form the body, head, fore and hind legs, and back. The body of the animal is comprised of a rotund belly that serves as the base of the toy and a back portion for receiving a rider. The ball shaped belly facilitates a bouncing and rocking motion, which allows the child to move around while ridding on the back of the toy. The toy entertains the child while teaching balance as well as hand-eye coordination.

1 . An inflatable toy animal that bounces at the direction of a mounted user, the toy comprising: 
 a means for bouncing the toy, the means comprising a rotund base, wherein at least a portion of the base is inflatable;    a seat portion extending from atop the base;    a front portion extending from at least one of the base and the seat portion, the front portion including resembling an animal head;    a plurality of legs extending from the base;    a user grasp, the grasp comprising a handle, rope, bridle, rein, collar, ear, mane or hair; and    an air valve.    
   
   
       2 . The toy of  claim 1 , further comprising a rear portion extending from at least one of the base and the seat portion.  
   
   
       3 . The toy of  claim 2 , wherein the rear portion includes a tail.  
   
   
       4 . The toy of  claim 2 , wherein the rear portion includes at least one buttocks.  
   
   
       5 . The toy of  claim 1 , wherein the base includes an inflatable internal chamber, the chamber being sphere-like.  
   
   
       6 . The toy of  claim 1 , wherein the front portion includes at least one ear, eye, nose, mouth, or neck.  
   
   
       7 . The toy of  claim 1 , wherein the seat portion is cupped to help constrain a user upon the toy.  
   
   
       8 . The toy of  claim 1 , wherein the seat portion resembles the back of an animal.  
   
   
       9 . The toy of  claim 1 , wherein at least the base is made from any polymeric material, elastomer, rubber, latex rubber, non-latex rubber, NBR, or a mixture of NBR and PVC.  
   
   
       10 . The toy of  claim 1 , wherein the toy is monolithically formed.  
   
   
       11 . The toy of  claim 1 , wherein the toy is integrally formed.  
   
   
       12 . The toy of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of legs includes a pair of front legs and a pair of rear legs extending from the base.  
   
   
       13 . The toy of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of legs extend from the base dimensioned and sized such that the legs do not touch the ground when the toy is vertically oriented.  
   
   
       14 . The toy of  claim 1 , further comprising accessories that are operably attached to the toy.  
   
   
       15 . An inflatable toy animal that bounces at the direction of a mounted user, the toy comprising: 
 a means for bouncing the toy, the means comprising an animal-shaped body having a rotund base, wherein at least a portion of the base is inflatable;    a means for sitting on the toy, the means comprising a seat portion of the body;    a means for a mounted user to grasp the toy; and    a means for inflating the toy,    wherein the body includes a front portion that resembles an animal head and extends from at least one of the base and the seat portion.    
   
   
       16 . The toy of  claim 15 , further comprising a rear portion extending from at least one of the base and the seat portion.  
   
   
       17 . The toy of  claim 15 , wherein the means for sitting is cupped to help constrain a user on the toy.  
   
   
       18 . The toy of  claim 15 , wherein the base includes an internal chamber, the chamber being sphere-like.  
   
   
       19 . An inflatable toy animal kit, the kit comprising: 
 an inflatable toy animal that bounces at the direction of a mounted user comprising: a    means for bouncing the toy, the means comprising a rotund base, wherein at least a portion of the base is inflatable; a seat portion extending from atop the base; a front portion extending from at least one of the base and the seat portion, the front portion resembling an animal head; a plurality of legs extending from the base; a user grasp, the grasp comprising a handle, rope, bridle, rein, collar, ear, mane or hair; and an air valve; and    at least one accessory selected from the following list: a hair brush; a hair braid; a hair clip; a hat; a saddle; a rug; a blanket; a body cover; a leg wrap or cover; a pair of stirrups; shoes; gloves; a saddle pack; a halter; a bridle; a rein; a bit; blinders; a hat; a beret; a head band; a scarf; a collar; a rope; a costume; or armor.    
   
   
       20 . The kit of  claim 19 , further comprising a base for storing the inflatable toy when the toy is at least partially inflated.