Multi-appendage device for holding, gripping, or suspending an object

Abstract

A multi-appendage device for holding, suspending, or gripping an object. The device includes: a body, and a plurality of flexible appendages attached to and extending from the body. Each appendage in turn includes an elongate integral piece of molded material, and an elongate integral piece of material that is located within an interior of the elongate integral piece of molded material, and that is generally flexible and inelastic. In accordance with this aspect, each appendage is bendable into various different shapes and is generally inelastic so as to remain in a shape into which it is bent. Preferably, the device further includes an add-on component that attaches to the body to extend from a top of the body and serve as a handle. Alternatively, or additionally, the add-on component may include a light, a storage compartment, or both.

1 - 32 . (canceled) 
     
     
         33 . A multi-appendage device for holding and gripping an object, comprising:
 (a) a body; and   (b) a plurality of flexible appendages attached to and extending from the body, wherein each appendage comprises,
 (i) an elongate integral piece of molded material, and 
 (ii) an elongate integral piece of material that is located within an interior of the elongate integral piece of molded material, and that is generally flexible and inelastic; 
   (c) wherein each appendage is bendable into various different shapes and is generally inelastic so as to remain in a shape into which it is bent; and   (d) further comprising an add-on component releasable attached to the body, wherein the add-on component resembles a head.   
     
     
         34 . The device of  claim 33 , wherein the body and the head resemble a character. 
     
     
         35 . The device of  claim 33 , wherein the body, the appendages, and the head resemble an octopus. 
     
     
         36 . (canceled) 
     
     
         37 . A multi-appendage device for holding and gripping an object, comprising:
 (a) a body; and   (b) a plurality of flexible appendages attached to and extending from the body, wherein each appendage comprises,
 (i) an elongate integral piece of molded material, and 
 (ii) an elongate integral piece of material that is located within an interior of the elongate integral piece of molded material, and that is generally flexible and inelastic; 
   (c) wherein each appendage is bendable into various different shapes and is generally inelastic so as to remain in a shape into which it is bent; and   (d) further comprising an add-on component releasably attached to the body, wherein the add-on component comprises a storage compartment.   
     
     
         38 . The device of  claim 37 , wherein the add-on component comprises a lid for closing and securing any item in the storage compartment. 
     
     
         39 . The device of  claim 38 , wherein the lid is a screw-on lid. 
     
     
         40 . The device of  claim 38 , wherein the lid is a snap-on lid. 
     
     
         41 . The device of  claim 37 , wherein the add-on component comprises a zipper arrangement for closing and securing any item in the storage compartment. 
     
     
         42 - 52 . (canceled) 
     
     
         53 . A multi-appendage device for holding and gripping an object, comprising:
 (a) a body; and   (b) a plurality of flexible appendages attached to and extending from the body, wherein each appendage comprises,
 (i) an elongate integral piece of molded material, and 
 (ii) an elongate integral piece of material that is located within an interior of the elongate integral piece of molded material, and that is generally flexible and inelastic. 
   (c) wherein each appendage is bendable into various different shapes and is generally inelastic so as to remain in a shape into which it is bent; and   (d) further comprising a plurality of sockets each defining a recess for receiving a ball-shaped object, wherein each appendage comprises a ball-shaped end, wherein each appendage is attached to the body by way of the ball-shaped end being received within a recess of a respective said socket, and wherein each of the plurality of mounting components is detachable and reattachable to the body component.   
     
     
         54 . The device of  claim 53 , wherein the mounting components are interchangeable with each other in attachment to the body component. 
     
     
         55 - 90 . (canceled)