Novelty storage container/display apparatus

Abstract

A storage container/display apparatus adapted to resemble a character is provided as a means to differentiate a product. The storage container/display apparatus is configured as a character in a seated position that stores and/or displays a product in a container.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A toy character comprising:
 a head;   a torso;   arms,   legs; and   a belly in the shape of a container configured to receive an item.   
     
     
         2 . The toy character of  claim 1 , wherein the belly is configured as an open toped container. 
     
     
         3 . The toy character of  claim 1 , wherein the belly is configured with a substantially planar bottom wall and substantially planar side walls generally perpendicular to the bottom wall. 
     
     
         4 . The toy character of  claim 1 , wherein the belly is formed partially of fabric. 
     
     
         5 . The toy character of  claim 1 , wherein the belly includes fasteners to fasten the arms to the belly. 
     
     
         6 . The toy character of  claim 1 , wherein the item is one of a sheet, blanket throw, pillow, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         7 . The toy character of  claim 1 , wherein the belly is in an upright position and the toy figure is configured in a seated position. 
     
     
         8 . The toy character of  claim 1 , wherein the legs are attached to a front end of the belly. 
     
     
         9 . An apparatus comprising:
 a container that includes:
 a head, torso, arms, and legs; 
   wherein the container is formed partially of fabric.   
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the container includes a substantially planar bottom wall and substantially planar side walls, the side walls being secured perpendicular to the bottom wall. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the container is sized and shaped to at least partially receive a product. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the product is one of a sheet, blanket throw, pillow, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the container is configured as a basket. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the torso is connected to a back end of the container and the legs are connected to a front end of the container. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the head, torso, arms, and legs are detachably connectable to the container. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the head, torso, arms, and legs are configured to resemble a character in a seated position. 
     
     
         17 . A method of displaying a product comprising the steps of:
 providing an apparatus according to  claim 9 , and   inserting a portion of a product in the container.   
     
     
         18 . A display apparatus comprising:
 a base that includes:
 a mounting section to mount a product; 
 legs; and 
   a backboard that includes:
 a torso; 
 arms; and 
 a head; 
   wherein the base and backboard are configured as a character in a seated position.   
     
     
         19 . The display apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein the mounting section is configured as an open toped container. 
     
     
         20 . The display apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the product is mounted on the mounting section and the product is partially stored in the open toped container and partially exposed for viewing. 
     
     
         21 . The display apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein the base and backboard are at least partially formed of fabric.