In many situations it is useful to be able to keep or transport a number of items together. Examples of this are the items needed for the care of a baby which have to be taken wherever a baby is taken and the items required by a person, in particular a young child, when making an overnight stay. It is desirable to provide an attractive reusable container for such items.

It is well known that toys, particularly soft toys, which resemble some form of character, be it human, animal or inanimate, realistic, fanciful, factual or fictitious are popular. Such toys are generally, but not exclusively, intended for babies and/or young children.

Toys of this type are generally produced and bought for their appearance alone and have no practical use.

It has been realised that toys of this type can be arranged or adapted to have use as containers so that a single item. ie a container shaped as a toy, can serve two purposes.

It is containers shaped as the type of toy which resembles a character to which the present invention is

particularly directed.

According to the present invention there is provided a container shaped as a toy comprising an exterior layer which is arranged to give the container the visual appearance of a toy, at least one interior compartment arranged to receive articles, and access means arranged to allow the introduction of articles to said interior compartment.

Preferably, a padding layer is provided around said interior compartment so that when an article is introduced, padding is disposed between that article and substantially all points of the exterior layer which the article would otherwise press against.

Preferably means for locating and retaining one or more desired articles are provided. The padding may be provided to prevent a retained article pressing against the exterior layer. Preferably the padding layer substantially totally surrounds said interior compartment so that padding is disposed between an introduced article and substantially all points of the exterior layer which surround the compartment in which the article is located.

The provision of a padding layer around the internal compartment is advantageous. It means that when the container is empty it is able to function better as a toy, rather than becoming a flat bag. Further, wear of

the outer layer can be reduced because potentially hard and sharp objects placed in the container cannot act directly on the outer layer. Safety and comfort is improved, again because hard and/or sharp objects do not press against the outer layer. This can be particularly important if the container is used as a backpack/rucksack; the padding preventing objects uncomfortably pressing against a wearer's back. In some cases the padding can provide useful insulation to help to keep the contents of the container either hot or cool.

The provision of padding which substantially totally surrounds the compartment enhances at least some of these advantages.

Preferably the container further comprises a pull out flap an end of which is mounted in said interior compartment. A portion of the flap can be arranged to receive articles. That portion can be arranged to be moveable from a position in said interior compartment through the access means to a position outside the container.

The provision of the pull out flap is advantageous because it can provide additional locating and/or mounting positions for inserted articles. It can also make loading/unloading the container an easier operation.

Articles can be mounted/placed onto the flap/removed from

the flap when it is in its pulled out position. To load/unload the container, the flap as a whole including the mounted/located article (s) can be pushed into/pulled out of the interior compartment.

The toy may comprise a head portion and a body portion. Preferably at least one interior compartment is disposed in the body portion. Preferably the access means comprises an access flap which preferably comprises a portion of the exterior layer and a portion of the padding layer. The access flap can be moveable between an open position in which access can be obtained to said interior compartment and a closed position in which access cannot be so obtained.

The access flap can be fixed to the remainder of the container on one or more edges and detachably fastenable to the remainder of the container on another edge or other edges.

Preferably the pull out flap is provided in addition to the access flap. Preferably, the access flap is distinct from the pull out flap. The pull out flap may be distinct from the access flap yet attached to the access flap.

The access flap may have an attachment portion. The head may have a depending collar to which said attachment portion is attached in the closed position.

The provision of a depending collar to which the flap is attachable gives rise to a construction which can hold the head of the toy in an upright position relative to the body. This makes the container more effective as a toy and can help to reduce the risk of the head becoming detached if the container is treated roughly.

Preferably the container has an inner layer of material at least partially defining said interior compartment. The padding layer can compromise the inner layer. In some portions an inner layer can be provided in addition to the padding layer whilst in other portions the inner layer functions as the padding layer. The padding layer can be disposed between the exterior layer and the inner layer.

Preferably the access flap comprises an inner layer and the portion of the padding layer in the flap is disposed between the inner layer and the exterior layer of the flap.

Preferably the access means comprises two access flaps. One edge of each flap may be joined to the remainder of the exterior layer. Another edge of each flap can be provided with means to allow these second edges to be detachably fastened to one another. Yet another edge of each flap can be provided with means to allow these edges to be detachably fastened to the

remainder of the exterior layer.

The means allowing parts to be detachably fastened to one another may comprise any suitable fastening means, for example any one of or any combination of: zips, VELCRO (TM) hook and loop type fasteners, press studs etc.

Where the fastening means comprise both a zip and a hook and loop fastener, when the container is in its closed position, a head of the zip can be concealed from the outside of the container by fabric held in place by the hook and loop fastener. This can help to prevent a baby or young child gaining access to the interior compartment.

Means for removably mounting inserted articles on the container can be provided. Preferably at least some of said means are located in said interior compartment.

Some of the means may be disposed on the pull out flap.

Some of the means may be disposed on the inner layer.

Said means may, amongst other things, comprise any one of or any combination of: elasticated bands, hook and loop fasteners, press studs, pockets in which articles can be located. The means for removably mounting articles can be specially selected and arranged to allow a particular set of articles to be mounted in the container.

A large number of different articles can be mounted on the container, for example, any one of or any combination of: a changing mat, bib, dummy and holder, spoon, fork, bottle, lunch box, pencil case, pencil, pen, ruler, sharpener, calculator, drink flask, book, tags, cassettes, toys, torch, hot water bottle, mat, sponge, toothbrush, toothpaste, brush, comb, soap box, towel, rubber duck, apron, watering can, hand tools, packet of seeds, goggles, arm bands, money tube/purse/wallet, internal cooler bag, sun glasses, inflatable beach ball, water pistol, pet brush/comb/collar/shampoo/toys/treats, needle kit, pin cushion, thimble, embroidery ring, scissors, knitting needles, crochet hook, car wash & wax, chamois leather, sponger, de-icer, scraper, air freshener, bottled drink eg Champagne, drinks glasses, chocolate, gift box and ribbon. Particular combinations of these article are preferred, especially those which belong to a theme, for example all the items necessary for a child's overnight stay, the care of a baby, or a trip to the beach.

The container may comprise one or more carrying strap. The one or more strap may be arranged so that the container can be worn as a backpack or rucksack. The one or more carrying strap may be removably mounted to the container. Appendages of the toy, for example, arms

and/or legs can have a dual function as a carrying strap.

A hook from which the container can be hung can also be provided.

The padding layer can comprise a specially selected insulating material. The inner layer can be of a material suitable for the container to be used as a cool bag.

The inner layer can be of a waterproof material.

The container can be constructed as a soft toy and/or a character toy. The container can be a soft toy and/or a character toy. The container can be shaped as a toy which is suitable for use as a plaything by a baby or a young child.

Educational and/or stimulating features can be provided in or on the container. For example a rattle or a device which squeaks when squeezed may be located in the container. Appendages such as heads, arms and legs are particularly appropriate locations for such items.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: figure 1 is a perspective view of the toy shaped container ; figure 2 is a perspective view of the toy shaped

container of figure 1 shown in an open position; figure 3 is a rear view of the toy shaped container shown in figure 1 in a closed position; and figure 4 is a sectional view on line IV-IV in figure 2.

Figure 1 shows a toy shaped container which is arranged to have the visual appearance of a toy teddy bear and generally comprises a head portion 1, a body portion 2, two arms 3, and two legs 4. From this figure, in particular, it can be seen that the toy shaped container appears simply to be an attractive soft toy from the exterior.

Each of the head portion 1, body portion 2, arms 3, and legs 4 comprises an exterior layer of material L.

This material is chosen to make the toy attractive and suitable for use as a play thing by a baby or a young child. Typically this material can be a short pile plush fur type synthetic fabric.

The toy also comprises a pair of spectacles 5 and a bib 6 which comprises a pocket. These elements primarily serve as decoration although the pocket formed in the bib 6 can be used to store an item, for example, a dummy 7 and the bib 6 may be suitable for use by a baby.

Figure 2 shows the teddy bear shaped container in

an open position such that access can easily be obtained to an interior compartment 8 which is formed in the body portion 2 of the container.

Referring particularly to figures 2 and 3, the toy comprises two access flaps 9 and 10 which form part of the body portion 2 and which have first edges 9a and l0a which can be detachably fastened to one another and second edges 9b and lOb which can be detachably fastened to the head portion 1. A zip Z is provided for detachably fastening the first edges 9a, l0a of the access flaps to one another.

The head 1 has a depending collar 11 formed integrally therewith. This collar surrounds a rear portion of the bottom of the head 1 and is provided with one half of a hook and loop type fastener V. The corresponding other halves of the hook and loop type fastener V are provided at the second edges 9b, lOb of <BR> <BR> the access flaps 9, 10. Thus when the toy shaped container is in a closed position as shown in figure 3 the corresponding parts of the hook and loop type fastener V can adhere to one another to keep the second edges 9b, lOb of the flaps 9, 10 securely fastened to the head 1 via the depending collar portion 11.

A covering flap 9c is provided at the edge 9a of the flap 9 and is arranged to cover the zip Z when the toy

shaped container is in its closed position as shown in figure 3.

Referring particularly to figure 4 the body portion 2 including the access flaps 9 and 10 has its external surface formed by the exterior layer L and inner surface which comprises an inner layer I. A substantial thickness of padding material P is provided in a layer over a majority of the container between the exterior layer L and the inner layer I. The inner layer of material I is typically made of a different fabric than that of the exterior layer L. In particular the inner layer I is preferably easy to clean and may be waterproof so that it is not easily damaged by contents which may be put into the container. The inner layer I of the body portion 2 together with an inner layer I formed on the underside of head 1 serve to define the interior compartment 8.

The container further comprises a pull out flap 12, an end of which is mounted in the interior compartment 8. The pull out flap 12 is arranged to be contained fully within the interior compartment 8 when the toy is in its closed position as shown in figure 3. However when the toy is in its open position as shown in figures 2 and 4 the pull out flap 12 may be pulled to one side of the access flap 9 out of the region which formed the internal

compartment 8. The pull out flap 12 can be formed of the same material as the inner layer I of the body portion and need not necessarily include any internal padding.

Various means for mounting articles to the container for containment within the internal compartment 8 are provided on both the internal layer I of the body portion 2 and on the pull out flap 12. These means comprise a pocket 13 which is formed of a material having enhanced insulating properties compared with that of the inner layer I. This means that the pocket 13 is particularly useful for storing a baby's milk bottle 14 so that some of the warmth of the milk can be retained.

The other means for mounting articles within the container comprise elastic strips 15 which are formed of a fabric interwoven with elastic elements. In this embodiment the other items which are held in the container are a roll up changing mat 16, a nappy 17, a can of food 18, nappy wipes 19, and a spoon 20.

To change the toy shaped container from the open position shown in figure 2 to the closed position shown in figure 3, the pull out flap 12 is folded back against the internal surface of the flap 9, so that the pull out flap 12 will be located in the interior compartment 8 when the container is closed. The zip Z is then used to fasten the first edges 9a, 10a of the two flaps 9,10 to

one another. Finally the second edges 9b, lOb of the two flaps 9,10 are secured to the head portion 1 using the hook and loop fasteners V. Thus in the closed position the covering flap 9c covers the zip Z and in particular the head of the zip Z. The general construction including the hook and loop fasteners V hold the covering flap 9c in position. This serves to make it much more difficult for a baby or young child to attempt to open the container whilst playing with the container as toy.

Preferably VELCRO (TM) hook and loop fastenings are used. For added security hook and loop type fastenings can be used to fix the covering flap 9c to the access flap 10.

The particular construction shown leads to a design where loading the container is particularly easy. The container as a whole flattens out to allow access to the interior compartment 8 and the pull out flap 12 can be pulled out. The provision of two access flaps which are attachable to one another along first edges 9a, 10a and attachable to the remainder of the toy at other edges 9b, lOb is important to allow the container to flatten out.

However, although this configuration is particularly preferred other configurations, in particular where only one access flap is provided, can be used as alternatives.

It will be appreciated that the provision of the

padding layer P at substantially all points between the inner layer I and exterior layer L of the body portion 2 serves to provide padding at most points around the interior compartment 8. In the particular embodiment described above, padding P is also provided in the head portion 1 between its exterior layer L and its interior layer I. This padding serves to complete the surrounding of the interior compartment 8. Provision of padding in the regions where inserted articles can or might press against the external layer is particularly important to allow the container to fulfil its intended purpose. If there are regions of the internal compartment in which articles are not located, or in which only soft articles are located less or no padding may be required. It will be appreciated that in the region of the zip Z there may be less padding although this can be compensated to some extent by the covering flap 9c.

In a relatively small portion of the container at the base of the body 1, rather than the provision of an inner layer I and a separate padding layer P, a thicker inner layer is provided which acts as both an inner layer and a padding layer.

In any event relatively small areas such as this where there may be reduced padding do not prevent the toy shaped container having its desired function.

The provision of the hook and loop fastening between the second edges 9b, lOb of the flaps 9 and 10 to the head 1 is advantageous. Firstly, it serves to allow the fully opened position to be achieved and secondly, when the container is in the closed position it serves to keep the head 1 in a fixed and upright relation to the body portion 2. This means that the toy shaped container can properly function as a toy and also reduces the risk of the head becoming detached if the toy is treated roughly.

In the embodiment described the container is specially arranged to hold a specified collection of items which are necessary for the care of a baby. The means for mounting the items in the container, ie the pocket 14 and the elasticated straps 15, are arranged and dimensioned to particularly suit holding these items in particular positions. Hard and/or sharp items, for example the can of food, are held in positions where there is a large amount of padding between the item and the exterior layer L. In other embodiments of the invention a different arrangement of straps, pockets and other mounting means may be provided to suit a different selection of articles which are needed in any particular circumstance. Further the container itself can be arranged differently and/or made of different materials to suit a particular purpose. For example, if the

container is particularly intended to be used for outings to the beach, the container can be arranged to function as a cool bag or have a compartment which functions as a cool bag. A particularly selected insulating material can be used as the padding layer. Further, the interior compartment can be provided with means for accepting items which would be taken to a beach, for example, sunglasses, a drinks flask, a towel, an inflatable beach ball and a water pistol.

The mounting straps 15 can be adjustable in length and/or releasable. The use of hook and loop fasteners can provide this flexibility. Hook and loop fasteners can be used to mount articles in the container, one part of the fastener being connected to articles and the other to the container.

Means can be provided for detachably mounting the free end of the pull out flap to the container. Hook and loop fasteners can be used for this purpose.

There are, of course, many other situations in which a particular set of articles is required and it is envisaged that various embodiments could be made which are particularly arranged to allow mounting of those articles.

Further although the embodiment shown is a container shaped as a teddy bear it will be appreciated that there

a large number of other types of toys including popular cartoon or television characters on which the external appearance of the container could be modeled.

The toy shaped container can be provided with a small hook at the back of the head by which the container can be hung. In a number of alternatives the toy shaped container can be provided with a carrying strap. This strap can be of the type which enables the toy shaped container to be carried as a backpack or rucksack.

In some alternatives the appendages of the toy shaped container, for example the arms or legs, can be joined to one another to form a convenient carrying handle. The carrying strap or straps can be detachably mounted to the container. The length of the strap or straps can be adjustable.

When the toy shaped container is to be used as a backpack it is particularly advantageous when the padding is disposed so that it prevents any hard or sharp items within the container pressing uncomfortably against the wearer's back.

Although many of the embodiments of the present invention will be directed for use as a play thing by a baby or a young child, it is envisaged that the present invention could be used by older children or even adults.