Shadow Activity Book
Disclosed herein is a shadow activity book comprising a bound arrangement of pages that includes a cover and a plurality of pages. A novelty item is secured to a page and movable from a first position, in which the novelty item is positioned substantially within a perimeter of the bound arrangement, and a second position, in which the novelty item extends beyond the perimeter of the bound arrangement. The novelty item can be provided with opaque, transparent, and/or translucent sections, and a flashlight can be provided for projecting onto a wall a shadow image of the novelty item. In some aspects, the shadow image includes a design disposed on a transparent/translucent section of the novelty item. A writing instrument can be provided for disposing the design on the transparent/translucent section.
The present invention relates generally to a shadow activity book and methods of use thereof. In particular, exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to a book provided with a novelty item configurable to have an image thereof projected to an external structure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONIt is known in the art to provide shadow puppets for the purposes of entertainment and education. Shadow puppetry typically utilizes one or more paper or cardboard sections having the shape of a desired character. In a dark room, a directed light source is projected upon a surface, such as a wall, and the cardboard sections or “shadow puppets” are manipulated in the line-of-sight between the directed light source and the wall, so as to form image(s) thereon. Shadow puppetry is an ancient practice and is highly valued for its storytelling and entertainment value. However, what is needed in the art are systems and methods for shadow puppetry that provided enhanced entertainment, educational, and/or information value.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention overcomes the disadvantages and shortcomings of the prior art by providing a shadow activity book that provides enhanced entertainment, educational, informational, and/or other value to a user thereof.
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a shadow activity book is provided as a bound arrangement having at least one cover and a plurality of pages. The bound arrangement preferably defines an outer perimeter, and a novelty item can be secured to a page of the book. The novelty item is preferably movable from a first position, in which the novelty item is positioned substantially within the outer perimeter, and a second position, in which the novelty item extends beyond the outer perimeter. A design can be disposed on and distributed across the page and the novelty item, and the novelty item can be provided with movable sections, translucent and/or transparent sections, and/or other sections. The shadow activity book can be used with a flashlight to project a shadow image of the novelty item onto an environmental structure, such as the wall of a room.
In some aspects, the novelty item can be provided with one or more clear or colored gels, and a design may be disposed on the gel(s) for inclusion in the shadow image. As used herein, the terms “gel” and “gels” shall be broadly construed to refer to any suitable transparent and/or translucent, colored and/or clear material.
Wheel assemblies can be provided with multiple gels and/or multiple designs for user selection thereof for inclusion with the shadow image. A writing instrument may be provided for disposing a design on a translucent and/or transparent section of the novelty item for inclusion in a projected shadow image.
The shadow activity book can, in some aspects, be provided with a base that is integrally formed with a cover. The base can be configured to rest upon a substantially horizontal environmental surface, e.g., a table surface, such that the novelty item is upright or in an otherwise angled orientation with respect to the substantially horizontal environmental surface.
Additional features, functions and benefits of the disclosed shadow activity kit, shadow activity book, and methods of use thereof therefore shall be apparent from the detailed description which follows, particularly when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiment(s) considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Referring to
Referring to
Wire binding 36 is shown to extend through a plurality of holes formed in the covers 22, 24 and the pages 26, 28, 30, 32, though any suitable binding known in the art (mechanical, chemical, or otherwise) can be provided. The shadow activity book 12 can be provided with a base 38, which is shown to be formed integrally with the rear cover 24. As discussed below with further detail, one or more novelty items (not shown in
Referring to
Referring to
To secure the base 38 to the rear page 26 in the orientation of
To secure the base 38 in the orientation of
Referring to
The novelty item 42 includes the extension 44, which, as described above, can be integrally formed with the rear page 26 and foldable about the score 46. The novelty item 42 can also include a movable section 76, such as a paper or cardboard segment in the shape of a tyrannosaurus' lower jaw. The movable section 76 can be provided with a tab 78 that extends through a slit 80 formed in the extension 44, and a fastener 82 extends through holes formed in the extension 44 and the movable section 76 to pivotally secure the extension 44 to the movable section 76. Friction between the tab 78 and the extension 44 can be utilized to maintain the movable section 76 in place as desired.
The extension 44 can comprise two or more layers of paper, cardboard, etc, which can be formed from a single sheet of paper or cardboard that is folded-upon itself to provide two layers and therefore enhance rigidity. In this regard, a first planar layer of the extension 44 can be folded against a second planar layer of the extension 44 to define an internal cavity 79 between the layers for receiving the tab 78 therein, such that the first and second planar layers of the extension 44 form a friction fit with the tab 78. It is thus contemplated that the rear page 26, the first layer of the extension 44, and the second layer of the extension 44 can be integrally formed of a continuous piece of paper, cardboard, or other suitable material.
As shown in
The extension 44 can include an opaque material, such as paper or cardboard, and a transparent and/or translucent section 84 of the novelty item 42, such as the eyes of the tyrannosaurus can be formed of a material that is transparent and/or translucent, such as a light gel. Acetate, clear plastic, or any other suitable material is contemplated for the transparent/translucent section 84 and/or those other components described herein as being transparent and/or translucent. The transparent/translucent section 84 can be formed of any color and can have an opaque design disposed thereon. For example, the transparent/translucent section 84 can be formed of a transparent red material, such that, when the flashlight is directed at a wall 50 with the novelty item 42 therebetween, a shadow image 48 forms that includes a shadow-colored tyrannosaurus head and red-colored tyrannosaurus eyes. The transparent/translucent section 84 can be secured by being received in the internal cavity 79 formed by the extension 44, for example.
Referring to
The second novelty item 86 includes an extension 90 integrally formed with the page 28 at the score 88. The second novelty item 86 has formed therein an opening, which is referenced herein as a cutout 92, and which has the shape of a raptor dinosaur. A plurality of gel assemblies 94, 96, 98 are provided and pivotally secured to the extension 90 by a fastener 100. Each one of the gel assemblies 94, 96, 98 includes a transparent and/or translucent section 102, 104, 106 of any desired color. A design of a raptor skeleton is disposed on the transparent and/or translucent section 102 of the gel assembly 94 for pivotal alignment with the cutout 92 by a user, a design of a raptor muscular system is disposed on the transparent and/or translucent section 104 of the gel assembly 96 for pivotal alignment with the cutout 92 by the user, and a design of the raptor's skin is disposed on the transparent and/or translucent section 106 of the gel assembly 98 for pivotal alignment with the cutout 92 by the user. A user can use the flashlight 14 to form a shadow image 48 on the wall 50 of each one of the designs by aligning one of the gel assemblies 94, 96, 98 with the cutout 92 and shining the flashlight 14 toward the wall 50 with the cutout 92 of the second novelty item 86 positioned therebetween.
Referring to
Referring to
The shadow activity book 114 includes a page 116 and a third novelty item 118 associated therewith. A giraffe design is disposed on and distributed across the page 116 and the third novelty item 118. The third novelty item 118 includes the extension 120, which can be integrally formed with the page 116 and foldable about a score 122. The third novelty item 118 can also include a movable section 124, such as a paper or cardboard segment in the shape of a giraffe. The movable section 124 can be provided with a tab 126 that extends through a plurality of slits 128 formed in the extension 120. A user can grasp the tab 126 and move the giraffe between a first position distal from a tree shape and a second position proximal the tree design to simulate the feeding of the giraffe. Friction between the tab 126 and the extension 120 can be utilized to maintain the movable section 124 in place as desired. The movable section 124 can be formed generally from an opaque material and have a plurality of transparent and/or translucent sections 130 in the shape of a giraffe spot. The transparent and/or translucent sections 130 can be selected to have any desired color. For example, the transparent and/or translucent sections 130 can be formed of a transparent yellow gel, such that, when the flashlight 14 is directed at a wall 50 with the third novelty item 118 therebetween, a shadow image 48 forms that includes a shadow-colored giraffe and yellow-colored giraffe spots. The extension 120 can comprise a continuous sheet folded upon itself for form a plurality of layers with an internal cavity defined therebetween, and the transparent/translucent sections 130 can be secured by being received in the internal cavity formed by the extension 120, for example.
The third novelty item 118 is shown in a second position extending beyond the page perimeter PPAGE of the page 116 (and beyond the outer perimeter POUTER of the bound arrangement of pages and covers of the shadow activity book 114, generally). Similar to the rear page 26 and the novelty item 42 associated therewith having the tyrannosaurus design, it shall be understood that the third novelty item 118 is movable into a first position within the page perimeter PPAGE of the page 116 (and within the outer perimeter POUTER of the bound arrangement of pages and covers of the shadow activity book 114, generally). For example, the third novelty item 118 can be folded about the score 122.
Referring to
Referring to
Continuing with reference to
The fourth novelty item 136 is shown in a second position extending beyond the page perimeter PPAGE of the page 134 (and beyond the outer perimeter POUTER of the bound arrangement of pages and covers of the shadow activity book 132, generally). Similar to the rear page 26 and the novelty item 42 associated therewith having the tyrannosaurus design, it shall be understood that the fourth novelty item 136 is movable into a first position within the page perimeter PPAGE of the page 134 (and within the outer perimeter POUTER of the bound arrangement of pages and covers of the shadow activity book 132, generally). For example, the fourth novelty item 136 can be folded about the score 146.
Referring to
The fifth novelty item 164 comprises an extension 176, which can be integrally formed with the page 162 and foldable about a score 178. The extension 176 has an opening 180 aligned with the viewing position 174 that has a size and shape similar to the gels 172a-d that are alignable therewith. A transparent and/or translucent material 182 having the planet design 166 disposed therein is aligned with the opening 180 and the viewing position 174, and the transparent and/or translucent material 182 is positioned between the extension 176 and the wheel assemblies 168. A backing layer 184, which is preferably formed of cardboard for example, is provided with the extension 176 (as an integral and folded-over part thereof defining an internal cavity, for example) and sandwiches the transparent or translucent material 182 and the wheel assemblies 168 therebetween. An opening 186 is formed in the backing layer 184 in alignment with the opening 180 of the extension 176, the planet design 166 of the transparent or translucent material 182, and those gels at the viewing position 174 of the wheel assemblies 168. A plurality of aligned holes 188 are formed in the backing layer 184, the extension 176, the transparent or translucent material 182, and the center point of the wheel assemblies 168. A plurality of fasteners 190 extend through the holes 188 to secure such components together, while allowing rotational motion of the wheel assemblies 168 about the respective center points thereof. Exposed areas 192 of the wheel assemblies 168 extend from the internal cavity of the extension 176, where a user can rotate the wheel assemblies 168 to achieve the desired color combination for the shadow image 48.
Referring to
Referring to
The sixth novelty item 196 is shown in a second position extending beyond the page perimeter PPAGE of the page 194 (and beyond the outer perimeter POUTER of the bound arrangement of pages and covers of the shadow activity book 132, generally). Similar to the rear page 26 and the novelty item 42 associated therewith having the tyrannosaurus design, it shall be understood that the sixth novelty item 196 is movable into a first position within the page perimeter PPAGE of the page 194 (and within the outer perimeter POUTER of the bound arrangement of pages and covers of the shadow activity book 132, generally). For example, the sixth novelty item 196 can be folded about the score 202.
It is contemplated that additional embodiments of the invention can be provided. For example, it is contemplated that a novelty item (and/or a page with which the novelty item is associated) can be provided with a pop-up structure across multiple planes or dimensions, e.g., in the x- y- and z-coordinate planes, and that the pop-up structure can be configured to extend toward a reader from a planar page surface and/or include transparent/translucent material(s) for providing color spectrums, e.g., a plurality of colors, for inclusion in a shadow design. It is further contemplated that such a novelty item can include an extension or other structure secured to the page and that the pop-up structure might extend beyond a perimeter of the extension or other structure secured to the page. It is yet further contemplated that the extension (or other structure secured to the page) might be secured to the page such that the extension might be hinged or rotatable with respect to the page.
As another example, it is contemplated that the shadow activity kit can be provided with a plastic molded toy item that includes a light-altering means, such as a convex lens and/or concave lens, for enabling a user to manipulate the appearance of a shadow image. It is further contemplated that the light-altering means might be used in combination with the pop-up structure to create entertaining effects in the shadow design.
It will be understood that the embodiments of the present invention described herein are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention. All such variations and modifications, including those discussed above, are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims
1. A shadow activity kit, comprising:
- (a) a shadow activity book, comprising: a bound arrangement including a cover and a plurality of pages, said bound arrangement defining an outer perimeter; a novelty item (i) secured to a page of said plurality of pages, and (ii) movable from a first position, in which said novelty item is positioned substantially within said outer perimeter, and a second position, in which said novelty item extends beyond said outer perimeter, said novelty item including an opaque section and another section, and said another section comprising at least one of a transparent section and a translucent section; a base (i) integrally formed with said cover, and (ii) configurable to rest upon a substantially horizontal environmental surface with said novelty item being at an angled orientation with respect to the substantially horizontal environmental surface; and
- (b) a flashlight for projecting onto an environmental structure a shadow image of said novelty item.
2. The shadow activity kit of claim 1, further comprising a writing instrument for disposing upon said another section of said novelty item indicia for inclusion in the shadow image.
3. The shadow activity kit of claim 2, wherein said base includes a first flap extending from said cover for resting upon the substantially horizontal environmental surface, and a second flap extending from said first flap, and wherein said second flap is releasably fastenable to at least one of said page and another page of said plurality of pages.
4. A shadow activity book, comprising:
- a bound arrangement including a cover and a plurality of pages, said bound arrangement defining an outer perimeter;
- a novelty item (i) secured to a page of said plurality of pages, and (ii) movable from a first position, in which said novelty item is positioned substantially within said outer perimeter, and a second position, in which said novelty item extends beyond said outer perimeter; and
- a base (i) integrally formed with said cover, and (ii) configurable to rest upon a substantially horizontal environmental surface with said novelty item being at an angled orientation with respect to the substantially horizontal environmental surface.
5. The shadow activity book of claim 4, wherein said bound arrangement includes another cover, said cover being a rear cover and said another cover being a front cover.
6. The shadow activity book of claim 5, wherein said base includes a first flap extending from said rear cover for resting upon the substantially horizontal environmental surface, and a second flap extending from said first flap, wherein said second flap is releasably fastenable to at least one of said page and another page of said plurality of pages.
7. A shadow activity book, comprising:
- a bound arrangement including a cover and a plurality of pages, said bound arrangement defining an outer perimeter; and
- a novelty item (i) secured to a page of said plurality of pages, and (ii) movable from a first position, in which said novelty item is positioned substantially within said outer perimeter, and a second position, in which said novelty item extends beyond said outer perimeter, said novelty item including an opaque section and another section, and said another section comprising at least one of a transparent section and a translucent section.
8. The shadow activity book of claim 7, wherein said novelty item includes an extension integrally formed with said page, said novelty item being foldable between said first and second positions.
9. The shadow activity book of claim 8, including a base (i) integrally formed with said cover, and (ii) configurable to rest upon a substantially horizontal environmental surface with said novelty item being at an angled orientation with respect to the substantially horizontal environmental surface.
10. The shadow activity book of claim 8, wherein said novelty item includes a section movable with respect to said extension.
11. The shadow activity book of claim 10, wherein a continuous design is disposed on and distributed across said page, said extension, and said movable section.
12. The shadow activity book of claim 7, wherein said another section comprises at least one gel.
13. The shadow activity book of claim 12, including a rotatable wheel assembly having said gel.
14. The shadow activity book of claim 13, wherein a plurality of designs are disposed on said gel.
15. The shadow activity book of claim 12, including a first wheel assembly having gels of a plurality of colors and a second wheel assembly having gels of a plurality of colors, said at least one gel having a design disposed therein, and said first wheel assembly and said second wheel assembly being rotatable to align a gel of said first wheel assembly and a gel of said second wheel assembly in a viewing position with said design.
16. A shadow activity kit comprising:
- (a) a shadow activity book, comprising: a bound arrangement including a cover and a plurality of pages, said bound arrangement defining an outer perimeter; a novelty item (i) secured to a page of said plurality of pages, and (ii) movable from a first position, in which said novelty item is positioned substantially within said outer perimeter, and a second position, in which said novelty item extends beyond said outer perimeter; and
- (b) a flashlight for projecting onto an environmental structure a shadow image of said novelty item.
17. The shadow activity kit of claim 16, wherein said novelty item includes an extension integrally formed with said page, said novelty item being foldable between said first and second positions.
18. The shadow activity kit of claim 17, wherein a continuous design is disposed on and distributed across said page and said novelty item.
19. The shadow activity kit of claim 16, wherein said novelty item includes at least one rotatable wheel assembly,
20. The shadow activity kit of claim 19, wherein said rotatable wheel assembly has a plurality of designs disposed thereon for selective inclusion in a shadow image by a user.
21. The shadow activity kit of claim 16, wherein said novelty item includes a gel having a design disposed thereon, a first wheel assembly having gels of a plurality of colors, and a second wheel assembly having gels of a plurality of colors, said first wheel assembly and said second wheel assembly being movable to align a gel of said first wheel assembly and a gel of said second wheel assembly in a viewing position with said design.
22. A method of creating a shadow image, comprising:
- providing a shadow activity book having a bound arrangement that includes a cover and a plurality of pages and that defines an outer perimeter;
- moving a novelty item secured to a page of the plurality of pages from a first position, in which the novelty item is positioned substantially within the outer perimeter, to a second position, in which the novelty item extends beyond the outer perimeter, and
- shining a flashlight at the novelty item to project a shadow image of the novelty item onto an environmental structure.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the step of moving comprises moving from the first position to the second position an extension formed integrally with another section, the another section being at least one of a transparent section and a translucent section.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein the step of shining comprises shining the flashlight at a design disposed on the another section to project the shadow image with the design onto the environmental structure.
25. The method of claim 24, comprising using a writing instrument to dispose the design on said another section.
Type: Application
Filed: May 30, 2008
Publication Date: Dec 3, 2009
Inventor: Steven Roy Fink (Stroudsburg, PA)
Application Number: 12/129,979
International Classification: A63H 33/00 (20060101);