Generally spherical topy having features formed on its surface, related methods, and product packaging for same

Abstract

A generally spherical toy, such as a ball, having one or more features or characteristics formed on its surface such that when it is rolled on a surface, the features impart a generally erratic motion to the toy. The weight of the toy, as well as the center of gravity, can also be manipulated to further impart erratic movement to the toy. The invention also includes a method of collecting and/or trading one or more of a plurality of generally spherical toys each having one or more features or characteristics formed on its surface. In furtherance of the method of collecting and/or trading, it is also contemplated that the packaging of the generally spherical toys can include one or more compartments that conceal the identity of one or more of the toys in the package, so as to promote the random nature of their distribution.

1 . A generally spherical toy having features formed on its surface, the toy made of a solid resilient material to impart weight to the toy, the formed features and the weight contributing together to impart generally erratic movement to the toy when it is rolled on a surface.  
   
   
       2 . The toy of  claim 1 , wherein the features define a monster-like character.  
   
   
       3 . The toy of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one weight embedded therein to facilitate the erratic movement of the toy.  
   
   
       4 . A generally spherical toy having features formed on its surface, the toy being formed such that its center of gravity is skewed from a normal center of gravity associated with the generally spherical toy, the formed features and the skewed center of gravity contributing together to impart generally erratic movement to the toy when it is rolled on a surface.  
   
   
       5 . The toy of  claim 4 , wherein the features define a monster-like character.  
   
   
       6 . A method of collecting and trading a plurality of generally spherical toys each having features formed on its surface and capable of erratic movement when rolled on a surface, the features of each toy defining an identity of the toy, the method comprising the steps of: 
 obtaining at least one of the plurality of spherical toys having the identity associated therewith either through purchase or trade; and    adding the obtained spherical toy to an existing collection of spherical toys.    
   
   
       7 . A packaging arrangement for a plurality of spherical toys having features formed on their surface, the features of each toy defining an identity of the toy, the packaging arrangement including at least one compartment that conceals the identity of at least one of the plurality of spherical toys from the consumer until it is removed from the compartment, thereby promoting randomness to collecting of the spherical toys.