Makers are developing models in fruit, food and animal themes in addition to ball versions.
Suppliers of stress toys in China are relying on shape innovation for product differentiation and higher competitiveness.
While tennis, golf, basketball, football and other sports ball shapes are still readily available, they are now augmented with selections in other themes. Hotdog, hamburger, cake and bread versions, for example, are being offered. Many are designed to resemble the actual item closely.
Companies are also releasing pieces that mimic apples, lemons, oranges, peaches, bananas, cherries, strawberries, watermelons and other fruit. Plant-based constructions are likewise adopted, and include eggplant, tomato, potato, onion, broccoli, corn and mushroom.
Penguin, pig, dog, zebra, cow, cat, duck, sheep, turtle, bear and panda are among the popular animal motifs. Police, doctor, nurse, athlete, executive and other professions can likewise spur development.
Further, R&D teams are looking at vehicles such as the taxi, bus, sports and police car, ambulance, truck, airplane and ship types for inspiration.
Some makers are alternatively creating stress toys that highlight holiday and festival themes. Halloween versions, for example, include death’s heads with pop-out eyes, turkeys that squeal when compressed and bouncing balls incorporating a bloody eyeball that flashes upon contacting a hard surface.
The majority of China suppliers also view promotional application as a method of boosting export sales.
At these companies, washing machines, pills, shoes, garments, light bulbs, radios, beer bottles, guitars, printers, telephones, houses and helmets are among the available designs. Customization is readily accepted.
As regards construction, TPR pieces are now augmenting the lineup at select operations. This type often utilizes a liquid filling to improve the tactile sensation. Special effects may be added for visual appeal.
Qimeng Toys Mfy, for instance, has released one model that resembles a turkey in this material. When squeezed, an egg emerges from the backside. Another version comes in a fish contour and holds a balloon resembling a bubble in its mouth.
Select TPR products in animal and vegetable themes have eyes and seeds, respectively, that pop out when pressure is applied.
Many China designs are equipped with keychains or straps that allow connection to mobile phones, while others are attached to the top of pens. The last type includes frog-shaped items that extend their tongues when squeezed.
Suppliers such as Beijing Stronger Rich Imp. & Exp. Co. Ltd are launching pieces in PU foam that double as mobile phone holders. These are often in palm, sports ball and chair configurations, and may incorporate metal memo holders for enhanced usability.
In addition to the core capability, some TPU-based models can bounce high when thrown against a hard object. They have LEDs that activate upon impact. For more on “Contour innovation key R&D effort”.