Toy with magnetic retaining structure and method of using same

Abstract

A toy comprises a body formed in the shape of an animal, and has first and second parts representing anatomical elements of the animal. At least one of the first and second parts is movable toward and away from the other of the first and second parts. Each of the first and second parts comprises an outer surface, and has a receiving space defined therein, interiorly of the outer surface. Complementary magnetic elements are disposed within the receiving spaces, so that when the first and second parts are sufficiently close together, the complementary magnetic elements magnetically engage such that the first and second parts are releasably secured to one another. The first and second parts may represent first and second parts of a mouth, such as a maxillary portion of a jaw system and a mandibular portion of the jaw system.

1 . A toy, comprising:
 a body formed in the shape of an animal, the body having first and second parts representing anatomical elements of the animal;   at least one of the first and second parts being movable toward and away from the other of the first and second parts;   each of the first and second parts comprising an outer surface and having a receiving space defined therein, the receiving space being disposed interiorly of the outer surface; and   complementary magnetic elements disposed within the receiving spaces, so that, when the first and second parts are sufficiently close together, the complementary magnetic elements magnetically engage one another such that the first and second parts are releaseably secured to one another.   
   
   
       2 . The toy of  claim 1 , wherein the first part represents a maxillary portion of a jaw system and the second part represents a mandibular portion of the jaw system. 
   
   
       3 . The toy of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second parts represent forelimbs. 
   
   
       4 . The toy of  claim 1 , wherein the complementary magnetic elements consist of a permanent magnet and an element comprising a magnetic substance. 
   
   
       5 . The toy of  claim 1 , wherein the complementary magnetic elements consist of first and second permanent magnets arranged so that their respective poles are oriented such that the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet are attracted to one another. 
   
   
       6 . The toy of  claim 1 , wherein the body is formed from fabric and filled with stuffing, and wherein the outer surface of each of the first and second parts is formed from fabric and wherein stuffing is disposed within the receiving spaces. 
   
   
       7 . The toy of  claim 1 , wherein the outer surfaces are opaque. 
   
   
       8 . The toy of  claim 1 , wherein the body is formed in the shape of a non-human animal. 
   
   
       9 . The toy of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second parts represent complementary opposed anatomical elements. 
   
   
       10 . A toy comprising a body in the shape of an animal, the body having a mouth defined by two complementary mouth portions, at least one of the mouth portions being movable relative to the other mouth portion so that the mouth has a closed configuration and one or more open configurations, each mouth portion having a magnetic element positioned therewithin so that when the mouth is in the closed configuration, the magnetic elements are spaced from one another and cooperate to maintain the mouth in the closed configuration. 
   
   
       11 . The toy of  claim 10 , wherein the body comprises an outer shell formed from fabric and containing stuffing. 
   
   
       12 . The toy of  claim 10 , wherein the complementary magnetic elements consist of a permanent magnet and an element comprising a magnetic substance. 
   
   
       13 . The toy of  claim 10 , wherein the complementary magnetic elements consist of first and second permanent magnets arranged so that their respective poles are oriented such that the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet are attracted to one another. 
   
   
       14 . The toy of  claim 11 , wherein the complementary magnetic elements are disposed interiorly of the outer shell. 
   
   
       15 . The toy of  claim 14 , wherein the fabric is opaque. 
   
   
       16 . The toy of  claim 10 , wherein the complementary mouth portions comprise a maxillary portion of a jaw system and a mandibular portion of the jaw system. 
   
   
       17 . The toy of  claim 10 , wherein the body is formed in the shape of a non-human animal. 
   
   
       18 . A method for retaining a ring-type pacifier when not in use by an infant, comprising steps of:
 providing a toy having a body formed in the shape of an animal, the body having first and second parts representing anatomical elements of the animal, at least one of the first and second parts being movable toward and away from the other of the first and second parts, each of the first and second parts comprising an outer surface and having a receiving space defined therein, the receiving space being disposed interiorly of the outer surface, with complementary magnetic elements being disposed within the receiving spaces;   moving at least one of the first and second parts away from the other of the first and second parts; and   placing a ring of the ring-type pacifier between the first and second parts so that the complementary magnetic elements are aligned with an aperture in the ring of the ring-type pacifier.   
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising a step of moving at least one of the first and second parts toward the other of the first and second parts so that, when the first and second parts are sufficiently close together, the complementary magnetic elements magnetically engage such that the first and second parts are releasably secured to one another so as to retain the ring-type pacifier. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising a step of allowing at least one of the first and second parts to move toward the other of the first and second parts under influence of magnetic attraction between the complementary magnetic elements so that, when the first and second parts are sufficiently close together, the complementary magnetic elements magnetically engage such that the first and second parts are releasably secured to one another so as to retain the ring-type pacifier.