NOVELTY APPARATUS

Abstract

Novelty apparatus including a creature assembly having appendage portions.

Description

BACKGROUND

The disclosure herein relates generally to novelty apparatus including a creature assembly having appendage portions.

Different novelty apparatus have been described. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,380,175 to Hawkey, U.S. Pat. No. 4,597,400 to Trudeau, Sr., U.S. Pat. No. 6,227,216 to Dweck, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,096,875 to Dubinsky-Witkowski disclose various novelty apparatus.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment of a novelty apparatus, the novelty apparatus includes a handle member extending along an axis from a lower end to an upper end and a creature assembly located proximate the upper end of the handle member. The creature assembly includes a body portion coupled to the upper end of the handle member and three or more appendage portions. Each appendage portion of the three or more appendage portions extends from a proximal end to a distal end and the proximal end of each appendage portion of the three or more appendage portions is pivotally coupled to the upper end of the handle member. Further, the three or more appendage portions are pivotally movable between at least a stowed position and a deployed position. The distal end of each appendage portion of the three or more appendage portions is located proximate the axis of the handle when in the stowed position and the distal end of each appendage portion of the three or more appendage portions extends radially from the axis of the handle member when in the deployed position. Still further, each appendage portion of the three or more appendage portions defines an appendage of the creature assembly and includes a strut encased in covering material over at least a major portion of the length of the appendage portion.

In another embodiment of a novelty apparatus, the novelty apparatus includes a handle member extending along an axis from a lower end to an upper end and a creature assembly located proximate the upper end of the handle member. The creature assembly includes a body portion coupled to the upper end of the handle member, three or more appendage portions, and material extending between at least two or more appendage portions of the three or more appendage portions. Each appendage portion of the three or more appendage portions extends from a proximal end to a distal end and the proximal end of each appendage portion of the three or more appendage portions is pivotally coupled to the upper end of the handle member. Further, the three or more appendage portions are pivotally movable between at least a stowed position and a deployed position. The distal end of each appendage portion of the three or more appendage portions is located proximate the axis of the handle when in the stowed position and the distal end of each appendage portion of the three or more appendage portions extends radially from the axis of the handle member when in the deployed position. Still further, the space between at least one pair of adjacent appendage portions is open.

In still another embodiment of a novelty apparatus, the novelty apparatus includes a handle member extending along an axis from a lower end to an upper end, a creature assembly located proximate the upper end of the handle member. The creature assembly includes a body portion coupled to the upper end of the handle member, three or more appendage portions, and open mesh material extending between at least two or more appendage portions of the three or more appendage portions. Each appendage portion of the three or more appendage portions extends from a proximal end to a distal end and the proximal end of each appendage portion of the three or more appendage portions is pivotally coupled to the upper end of the handle member. Further, the three or more appendage portions are pivotally movable between at least a stowed position and a deployed position. The distal end of each appendage portion of the three or more appendage portions is located proximate the axis of the handle when in the stowed position and the distal end of each appendage portion of the three or more appendage portions extends radially from the axis of the handle member when in the deployed position. Still further, the open mesh material comprises a plurality of apertures are defined within the material extending between the at least two or more appendage portions of the three or more appendage portions.

The above summary is not intended to describe each embodiment or every implementation of the novelty apparatus. Advantages, together with a more complete understanding, will become apparent and appreciated by referring to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a novelty apparatus in a deployed position.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the novelty apparatus of FIG. 1 but in a stowed position.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the novelty apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the novelty apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the novelty apparatus of FIG. 1 but in a stowed position.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a novelty apparatus in a deployed position.

FIG. 7 is perspective view of still another exemplary embodiment of a novelty apparatus in a deployed position.

FIG. 8 is top view of yet still another exemplary embodiment of a novelty apparatus in a deployed position.

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a stimulation system of a novelty apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an appendage portion taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 4.

The figures are rendered primarily for clarity and, as a result, are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying figures of the drawing which form a part hereof, and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments which may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

An exemplary embodiment of a novelty apparatus 10 is shown in FIGS. 1-5. The novelty apparatus may include a handle member 20 and a creature assembly 30 coupled to the handle member 20 (e.g., proximate an upper end 24 of the handle member 20).

The handle member 20 may extend along an axis 12 from a lower end 22 to an upper end 24 (see FIG. 4). A user may grip or hold a gripping portion 26 located proximate the lower end 22 of the handle member 20. The handle member 20 may be formed of any materials (e.g., metal, wood, etc.) capable of supporting the creature assembly 30 proximate the upper end 24 of the handle member 20.

The creature assembly 30 may define a creature. As described herein, a creature may be any animal, insect, imaginary character, human, organism, cartoon, etc. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-5, the creature assembly 30 defines a spider. The creature assembly 30 may be located proximate the upper end 24 of the handle member 20 such that a user may manipulate the creature assembly 30 by holding the gripping portion 26 of the handle member 20.

The creature assembly 30 may include a body portion 32 and appendage portions 50 extending radially form the body portion 32 and/or the axis 12. In this embodiment, the body portion 32 is the portion of creature assembly 30 coupled to the upper end 24 of the handle member 20. The creature assembly 30 may be permanently attached or removably attached to the handle member 20 (e.g., so that a user may remove the creature assembly 30 to change batteries, change to a different creature assembly, etc.).

The body portion 32 as depicted includes a torso portion 34 and a head portion 36. The torso portion 34 of the body portion 32 may define the body of the spider while the head portion 36 may define the head of the spider. The torso portion 34 as depicted includes a spot 42 located on the “back” of the spider. Further, the head portion 36 may include other features such as, e.g., eyes 38, mouth 40, antennae, etc.

Body portion 32 may be formed of one or more materials such as, e.g., metals, polymers, cotton, polyester, etc.

The appendage portions 50 may extend from a proximal end 52 to a distal end 54. The proximal end 52 of each appendage portion 50 may be pivotally coupled to the upper end 24 of the handle member 20, may be pivotally coupled to the body portion 32, etc. Although the appendage portions 50 are pivotally coupled either the upper end 24 of the handle member and/or the body portion 32 in the depicted embodiment in FIGS. 1-5, in other embodiments the appendage portions 50 may be fixed to the upper end 24 of the handle member and/or the body portion 32 in, e.g., the positions depict in FIGS. 1 & 3.

The appendage portions 50 may be rigid and/or resilient. Also, the appendage portions 50 may be formed of one or more materials such as, e.g., metals, polymers, cotton, polyester, etc. In at least one embodiment, each appendage portion 50 may include a self-supporting strut encased in a covering material, e.g., fabric, paper, etc. For example, each support strut may include a wire strut surrounded at least partially by fabric, paper, etc. Each appendage portion 50 may also include foam, batting, etc. to provide more bulk to each appendage portion 50. The covering may preferably extend over at least a majority of the length of the appendage portion 50.

A cross-sectional view of an appendage portion 50 taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 4 is depicted in FIG. 10. In this embodiment, the appendage portion includes strut member 55, fill material 56, and exterior material 57. The exterior material 57 (e.g., cover material) extends around the strut member 55 and the fill material 56 (e.g., to encase the strut member 55 and fill material 56) so as to define the leg of the spider. The strut member 55 may be formed of a rigid material, e.g., metal, the fill material 56 may be resilient fill material, e.g., cotton and/or polyester batting, and the exterior material 56 a flexible material, e.g., cotton fabric.

The novelty apparatus 10 may be capable of being positioned (e.g., pivotally movable) in at least two positions, e.g., a deployed position (see FIGS. 1 and 3-4) and a stowed position (see FIGS. 2 and 5) in a manner similar to that of an umbrella. When the novelty apparatus 10 is in the deployed position, the appendage portions 50 may extend outwardly from the handle member 20 and/or axis 12 such that the distal ends 54 of the appendage portions 50 are located away from the handle member 20 and/or axis 12. Further, in the deployed position, the appendage portions 50 may be extend away from handle member 20 and/or axis 12 at any selected angle (e.g., 40 degrees or more, 65 degrees or more, 90 degrees less, etc.). When the novelty apparatus 10 is in the stowed position, the appendage portions 50 may “folded” towards the handle member 20 and axis 12 such that the distal ends 54 of the appendage portions 50 are located proximate the handle member 20 and/or axis 12.

In this embodiment (depicted in FIGS. 1-5), each appendage portion 50 defines an appendage, i.e., a leg, of the creature assembly 30, i.e., a spider. Further, the appendage portions 50 may define openings 70 located between each of the appendage portions 50 (in other words, the space between at least one pair of adjacent appendage portions) such that, e.g., sunlight, rain, snow, etc. may pass through the openings 70. In effect, the novelty apparatus 10 may only provide limited or no protection, e.g., from the sunlight, rain, snow, etc., to a user who may be holding the novelty apparatus 10 above them (e.g., the novelty apparatus 10 may be prevented from functioning to protect a user from precipitation as would a conventional umbrella).

The appendage portions 50 may be the same as every other appendage portion 50 or two or more appendage portions 50 may be different than the other appendage portions 50. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-5, each appendage portion 50 is a similar leg of a spider. Further, each appendage portion 50 may include various bends, curves, etc. based on the creature defined by the creature assembly. For example, each appendage portion 50 includes two bends, which may, e.g., define the joints of the leg of a spider.

Further, in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-5, strands 60 may extend between the body portion 32 and/or appendage portions 50 and may further define openings 70. Such strands 60 may represent a spider web surrounding the creature assembly 30. Strands 60 may be optional and, as such, may not be included in other embodiments.

Support apparatus 28 (e.g., see FIG. 3) may be included in the novelty apparatus 10 to support the appendage portions 50 when in the deployed position. Such support apparatus 28 may include a collar that slides around the handle member 20 and extension members extending from the collar to each appendage portion 50. Further, the support apparatus 28 may include locking mechanism to maintain the novelty apparatus 10 in the deployed position. Examples of similar support apparatus may be found in, e.g., umbrellas.

Another exemplary embodiment of a novelty apparatus 100 in a deployed position is depicted in FIG. 6. Like other embodiments described herein, a handle member 120 may support the creature assembly 130. The creature assembly 130, in this embodiment, defines an octopus. The creature assembly 130 may include a body portion 132 and appendage portions 150 extending radially from the handle member 120 and/or a vertical axis defined by the handle member. Openings 170 may be defined between the appendage portions 150 through which different outside elements, e.g., sunlight, rain, snow, etc., may pass so as to minimally protect the user holding the novelty apparatus 100.

Still another exemplary embodiment of a novelty apparatus 200 in a deployed position is depicted in FIG. 7. Like other embodiments described herein, a handle member 220 may support the creature assembly 230. The creature assembly 230, in this embodiment, defines a witch. The creature assembly 230 may include a body portion 232 and appendage portions 250 extending radially from the handle member 220 and/or a vertical axis defined by the handle member.

Material 252 may extend between the appendage portions 250 that may define a portion of the creature assembly, e.g., the witch's dress. Although the material 252 as depicted in this embodiment is shown extending around all of the appendage portions 250, the material 252 may only extend between some of the appendage portions 252 to define other features, e.g., a cape, arms, etc. Further, some or all of the material 352 may include a plurality of apertures so as to form a mesh material. As a result, the plurality of apertures may allow the passage of different outside elements, e.g., sunlight, rain, snow, etc., so as to minimally protect the user holding the novelty apparatus 200. In other words, even though the material 252 may span the openings between the appendage portions 252, the plurality of apertures in the material 252 may prevent the apparatus 200 from functioning to protect a user from precipitation as would a conventional umbrella.

Yet still another exemplary embodiment of a novelty apparatus 300 in a deployed position is depicted in FIG. 8. A shown, the creature assembly 330 defines a bat having its wings extended and may include a body portion 332 and appendage portions 350. Material 352 may extend between some of the appendage portions 350 to define the wings of the bat. Like the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7, some or all of the material 352 may include a plurality of apertures so as to form a mesh-like material. As a result, the plurality of apertures may allow the passage of different outside elements, e.g., sunlight, rain, snow, etc., so as to minimally protect the user holding the novelty apparatus 300. Further, the appendage portions 350 define openings 370 located between some of the appendage portions 350 such that, e.g., sunlight, rain, snow, etc. may pass through the openings 370.

The novelty apparatus described herein may further include stimulation system to provide various forms of stimulation, e.g., sights, sounds, smells, materials, etc. actuated by, e.g., a user. A diagrammatic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a stimulation system 400 of a novelty apparatus is depicted in FIG. 9. The stimulation apparatus 400 may include output apparatus 402 for delivering stimulation, one or more actuators 404 for activating the output apparatus 402 to deliver stimulation, a power source 406 operably coupled to the output apparatus 402 and/or the one or more actuators 404.

The output apparatus 402 may include visual stimulation apparatus 408 for providing visual stimulation, auditory stimulation apparatus 410 for providing auditory stimulation, olfactory stimulation apparatus 412 for providing olfactory stimulation, and emission stimulation apparatus 414 for emitting various materials.

The visual stimulation apparatus 408 may include any apparatus capable of delivering visual stimulation. For example, the visual stimulation apparatus 408 may include light emitting diodes (LED), liquid crystal displays (LCD), organic light emitting diodes (OLED), incandescent light sources, electroluminescent light sources, fiber optics, etc. Further, the visual stimulation apparatus 408 may located anywhere on the novelty apparatus described herein. For example, the eyes 38, mouth 40, spot 42, etc., of the novelty apparatus 10 defining a spider depicted in FIGS. 1-5 may include visual stimulation apparatus 408. In such example, the eyes 38, mouth 40, and/or the spot 42 may blink at a selected frequency, glow continually, etc. Further, the novelty apparatus 10 defining a spider may include fiber optic visual stimulation apparatus 408 located proximate each of the appendage portions 50 extending from the proximal ends 52 to the distal ends 54 to ascent the legs of the spider. Still further, the strands 60 may be formed of light emitting material (e.g., fiber optic material). For example, the strands 60 may be formed of a material that may glow in response to ultraviolet light (commonly referred to as a “black light”) provided by the visual stimulation apparatus 408.

The auditory stimulation apparatus 410 may include any apparatus capable of delivering auditory stimulation. For example, the auditory stimulation apparatus 410 may include speakers to output the auditory stimulation. The speakers may be coupled to a portable music player (e.g., an Apple iPod), a CD player, etc. to provide the auditory stimulation, or the auditory stimulation apparatus 410 may include pre-loaded auditory stimulations (e.g., stored in memory). The auditory stimulation delivered from the auditory stimulation apparatus 410 may include sounds such as, e.g., wolves howling, wind whistling, screeching, screams, ghost sounds, roars, barks, voices, bats chirping, songs, stories, jingles, etc. In at least one embodiment, the auditory stimulation apparatus 410 may be located within the body portion of the creature assembly of the novelty apparatus.

The olfactory stimulation apparatus 412 may include any apparatus capable of providing aromatic stimulation, e.g., one or more scents. For example, the olfactory stimulation apparatus 412 may include containers of compressed gases and/or other materials capable of providing scents. In at least one embodiment, the olfactory stimulation apparatus 412 may be located within the body portion of the creature assembly of the novelty apparatus.

The emission stimulation apparatus 414 may include any apparatus capable of emitting various materials, e.g., fog, smoke, bubbles, polymer-based materials (e.g., SILLY STRING), liquid materials, etc. For example, the novelty apparatus 10 defining a spider depicted in FIGS. 1-5 may include emission stimulation apparatus 414 that emits fog and/or smoke from the spot 42 and emits polymer-based materials from the mouth 40 upon user actuation. In at least one embodiment, the emission stimulation apparatus 414 may be located within the body portion of the creature assembly of the novelty apparatus.

In at least one embodiment, the stimulation system 406 may further include animatronic apparatus such that different portions of the creature assembly may be moved. For example, the appendage portions 50 of creature assembly 30 may move to simulate that the spider is moving. Further, for example, the eyes 38 and/or mouth 40 of the creature assembly 30 may move. In other embodiments, any portion of the creature assembly may be moved using animatronic apparatus of the stimulation system 406.

The stimulation system 406 further includes a power source 406. The power source 406 may be, e.g., one or more batteries, a line source (e.g., power cord), a fuel cell, etc. The power source 406 may be operably coupled to the output apparatus 402 and one or more actuators 404. In at least one embodiment, the power source 406 may be located in the handle member of the novelty apparatus. In at least another embodiment, the power source 406 may located in body portion of the novelty apparatus.

The one or more actuators 404 may be any input device, e.g., switches, buttons, toggles, etc. that may be actuated by a user. The one or more actuators 404 may activate the output apparatus 402 to provide stimulation from the novelty apparatus. Each of the one or more actuators 404 may control a different output apparatus 402 and/or may control various variables (e.g., duration, intensity, color, etc.) for each output apparatus 402. In at least one embodiment, the one or more actuators 404 may be located on the handle member of the novelty apparatus such that a user holding the handle member may actuate the one or more actuators 404. In at least another embodiment, the one or more actuators 404 may not be located on the novelty apparatus so as to provide remote control of the novelty apparatus (e.g., using radio frequency communication).

Although the stimulation system 400 has only been described herein with reference to the novelty apparatus 10 of FIGS. 1-5, the stimulation system 400 may be included with any of the other exemplary embodiments described herein as well as any other novelty apparatus within the scope of this disclosure.

The complete disclosure of the patents, patent documents, and publications cited in the Background, the Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments, and elsewhere herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each were individually incorporated.

Illustrative embodiments of this invention are discussed and reference has been made to possible variations within the scope of this invention. These and other variations, combinations, and modifications in the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention, and it should be understood that this invention is not limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only by the claims provided below and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A novelty apparatus comprising:

a handle member extending along an axis from a lower end to an upper end; and

a creature assembly located proximate the upper end of the handle member, wherein the creature assembly comprises: a body portion coupled to the upper end of the handle member; and three or more appendage portions, wherein each appendage portion of the three or more appendage portions extends from a proximal end to a distal end, wherein the proximal end of each appendage portion of the three or more appendage portions is pivotally coupled to the upper end of the handle member, wherein the three or more appendage portions are pivotally movable between at least a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein the distal end of each appendage portion of the three or more appendage portions is located proximate the axis of the handle when in the stowed position, wherein the distal end of each appendage portion of the three or more appendage portions extends radially from the axis of the handle member when in the deployed position, and wherein each appendage portion of the three or more appendage portions defines an appendage of the creature assembly, and wherein each appendage portion of the three or more appendage portions comprises a strut encased in covering material over at least a major portion of the length of the appendage portion.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an opening between each appendage portion of the three or more appendage portions.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein each opening occupies at least 50% of the area defined between each appendage portion of the three or more appendage portions.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the openings between the appendage portions prevent the novelty apparatus from functioning to protect a user from precipitation as would a conventional umbrella.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each appendage portion of the three or more appendage portions further comprises fill material encased in the covering material proximate the strut.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises a stimulation system, wherein the stimulation system comprises:

one or more output devices for delivering stimulation, wherein the one or more output devices comprises one or more visual stimulation devices for delivering visual stimulation;

a power source operably coupled to the one or more output devices; and

one or more actuators for activating the one or more output devices to deliver stimulation, wherein the one or more actuators are operably coupled to the power source and the one or more output devices.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the one or more visual stimulation devices are located proximate the body portion of the creature assembly.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the one or more output devices comprises one or more auditory stimulation devices for delivering auditory stimulation.

9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the one or more auditory stimulation devices are located within the body portion of the creature assembly.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the creature assembly has the appearance of a spider.

11. A novelty apparatus comprising:

a handle member extending along an axis from a lower end to an upper end; and

a creature assembly located proximate the upper end of the handle member, wherein the creature assembly comprises: a body portion coupled to the upper end of the handle member; three or more appendage portions, wherein each appendage portion of the three or more appendage portions extends from a proximal end to a distal end, wherein the proximal end of each appendage portion of the three or more appendage portions is pivotally coupled to the upper end of the handle member, wherein the three or more appendage portions are pivotally movable between at least a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein the distal end of each appendage portion of the three or more appendage portions is located proximate the axis of the handle when in the stowed position, wherein the distal end of each appendage portion of the three or more appendage portions extends radially from the axis of the handle member when in the deployed position; and material extending between at least two or more appendage portions of the three or more appendage portions, and wherein the space between at least one pair of adjacent appendage portions is open.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the open space between the at least one pair of adjacent appendage portions prevents the novelty apparatus from functioning to protect a user from precipitation as would a conventional umbrella.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein each appendage portion comprises a strut encased in covering material over at least a major portion of the length of the appendage portion.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein each appendage portion of the three or more appendage portions further comprises fill material encased in the covering material proximate the strut.

15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the material defines a plurality of apertures.

16. A novelty apparatus comprising:

a handle member extending along an axis from a lower end to an upper end; and

a creature assembly located proximate the upper end of the handle member, wherein the creature assembly comprises: a body portion coupled to the upper end of the handle member; three or more appendage portions, wherein each appendage portion of the three or more appendage portions extends from a proximal end to a distal end, wherein the proximal end of each appendage portion of the three or more appendage portions is pivotally coupled to the upper end of the handle member, wherein the three or more appendage portions are pivotally movable between at least a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein the distal end of each appendage portion of the three or more appendage portions is located proximate the axis of the handle when in the stowed position, wherein the distal end of each appendage portion of the three or more appendage portions extends radially from the axis of the handle member when in the deployed position; and open mesh material extending between at least two or more appendage portions of the three or more appendage portions, wherein the open mesh material comprises a plurality of apertures are defined within the material extending between the at least two or more appendage portions of the three or more appendage portions.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein each appendage portion comprises a strut encased in covering material over at least a major portion of the length of the appendage portion.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein each appendage portion of the three or more appendage portions further comprises fill material encased in the covering material proximate the strut.

19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the plurality of apertures in the mesh material prevent the novelty apparatus from functioning to protect a user from precipitation as would a conventional umbrella.

20. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the apparatus further comprises a stimulation system, wherein the stimulation system comprises:

one or more output devices for delivering stimulation, wherein the one or more output devices comprises one or more visual stimulation devices for delivering visual stimulation;

a power source operably coupled to the one or more output devices; and

one or more actuators for activating the one or more output devices to deliver stimulation, wherein the one or more actuators are operably coupled to the power source and the one or more output devices.