DOLL

Abstract

The invention is a segmented and jointed doll that may be placed in numerous interesting, geometrical, and educational positions. The doll preferably has body segments, a head segment, limb segments, and facial feature segments that are attached via connectors so that the segments may rotate with respect to each other and the doll may take on and hold different positions and looks.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention generally relates to dolls. Moreover, it pertains specifically to a segmented and jointed doll that may be placed in numerous interesting geometrical and educational positions.

BACKGROUND

Tactile learning is an important part of the education of children. From an early age children learn about shapes, geometry, movement, and object manipulation by interacting with various objects and devices, such as three-dimensional blocks and pegs. Children also learn by viewing two dimensional pictures of various objects that are labeled with the names of the objects. One such object that allows children to learn about shapes, movement, and object manipulation is a paper doll.

Typically, a paper doll comprises several paper body parts that are put together to resemble a very flat person (or animal). The parts are often times movable with relation to each other such that various movements of an actual person can be imitated. For example, the paper doll may include a torso, a head, two arms, and two legs. The legs and arms would be able to move in a circular manner in relation to the torso. Generally, the torso is a single part, and does not allow the child playing with the paper doll to have the doll take on more than three or four interesting shapes. Additionally, these paper dolls are typically made for the child to cover them with changeable paper clothing. These paper dolls do not take on geometrically shapes, and short of teaching the child about fashion, are not very educational.

Thus, what is needed is a doll that has many segments and joints that can be manipulated in thousands of ways to take on any number of various positions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, the present invention discloses a segmented and jointed doll that can be manipulated to take on numerous different looks and geometrical positions.

One embodiment of this invention is a doll, comprising: a plurality of body segments and a plurality of connectors. The plurality of body segments are flat and connected to each other by said plurality of connectors. These connected body segments rotate freely with respect to each other at their connection point.

The doll of claim 3, wherein there are six of said plurality of body segments such that said doll body of closed interconnected segments is a six-sided geometric structure. Preferably there are an even number of body segments. The body segments each have two ends, a proximal end and a distal end. Each proximal end of the body segments is attached to a distal end of another body segment, such that each of the body segments are connected to two other body segments and form a doll body of closed interconnected segments. Preferably there are six body segments such that the doll body is a six-sided geometric structure, when pushed distally, the doll body is a hexagon.

In another embodiment of the invention, the doll includes a head segment, one or more facial feature segments, and one or more limb segments. Preferably the limb segments comprise two feet segments, two arm segments, and two hand segments. The arm segments have a proximal end and a distal end and the proximal end of said arm segments are attached to the doll body and the hand segments are attached to said distal end of the arm segments. Preferably the two arm segments are the same shape and thickness as the body segments. Preferably, the two arm segments are attached to both the doll body and to the head segment. Preferably, the feet segments are attached to the doll body at a connector that is opposite to the head segment. Preferably, the body segments, head segment, feet segments, and arm segments are made of paper.

An object of the present invention is to provide a fun, posable, segmented, jointed, and exciting doll that will overcome the deficiencies of the prior art.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a doll that is interesting, retains and holds geometric shapes, and is educational.

Other features and advantages are inherent in the doll claimed and disclosed will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows how the doll is constructed.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll with geometric shape names.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll with color names.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll with printed patterns.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in an in-line position.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a “Y” position.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a triangular position.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a rectangular position.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a parallelogram position.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a square position.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a “P” position.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a sitting “Y” position.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a crouching hug position.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a tight zig-zag position.

FIG. 15 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in an seated “M” position.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a diamond torso position.

FIG. 17 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a diamond legs position.

FIG. 18 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a figure eight position.

FIG. 19 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a multi-triangular position.

FIG. 20 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a lotus position.

FIG. 21 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a squat position.

FIG. 22 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a “H” position.

FIG. 23 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a bent position.

FIG. 24 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a folded position.

FIG. 25 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a bow-tie position.

FIG. 26 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a swimming position.

FIG. 27 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in an arched position.

FIG. 28 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a diamond arched position.

FIG. 29 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in an accordion position.

FIG. 30 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a toe reach position.

FIG. 31 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in double triangle position.

FIG. 32 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a staggered arches position.

FIG. 33 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a seated position.

FIG. 34 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a dancing position.

FIG. 35 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in an hourglass position.

FIG. 36 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a knee slide position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration a specific embodiment in which the invention 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 present invention.

In the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various aspects of one or more embodiments of the invention. However, one or more embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and/or components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows how the doll is constructed. FIG. 1 shows that doll 10 preferably includes hand segments 20, arm segments 30, feet segments 40, body segments 50, head segment 60, eye segments 70, body connectors 80, head/arm connector 81, feet connector 82, and eye connectors 84. FIG. 1 also shows, in dotted lines 200 how the segments preferably overlap when connected. Although FIG. 1 shows that the doll preferably comes with feet, arms, hands, a head, two eyes, and six body segments, it should be understood that the doll may have any number of segments without deviating from the scope of the invention. The connectors allow the segments to rotate with 360 degrees of freedom relative to the segments to which they are connected. Preferably the segments slide across each other when they are rotated. Preferably the connectors are metal rivets. These rivets press the segments together so that the segments, when not being rotated manually hold their position through friction. In this manner doll 10 is able to be positioned into any number of interesting shapes, structures, and positions.

Although the segments of doll 10 are preferably made of paper, the segments may be made of any material, including but not limited to plastic, which will allow the segments to be manually rotated with respect to each other and hold a position when not be being rotated manually. Although the connectors are preferably metal rivets, the connectors may be any fastening device, including, but not limited to, hollow rivets, solid rivets, fasteners, bolts, screws, pins, buttons, clips, grommets, battens, clamps, clasps, pegs, rings, snaps, tacks, and nails, without deviating from the scope of the invention. The connectors are preferably a metal or metal alloy such as steel, tin, or brass, but may be made out of any material.

FIG. 1 also shows how the body segments 50 are preferably rounded and rectangular and are identical in size, shape, and thickness. The arm segments 30 are also rectangular, rounded and identical in size, shape, and thickness. However, the arm segments 30 may be smaller or larger than the body segments 50, depending on what doll features are desired.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll with geometric shape names. FIG. 2 shows doll 10 with geometric shape names 100 written on body segments. Although FIG. 2 shows that the geometric shape names 10 include trapezoid, triangle, rectangle, square, hexagon, and parallelogram. However, any geometric shape names may be used. FIG. 2 also shows how head/arm connector 81 attaches the head and arms to the top of the body segments. FIG. 2 also shows how feet connector 82 is at preferably at the furthest connection point from the head/arm connector 81. FIG. 2 also shows how the connectors form the joints of the segmented doll.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll with color names. FIG. 3 shows the doll with educational color names 101.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll with printed patterns. FIG. 4 shows the doll with interesting printed patterns 102. FIG. 4 is another example of the type of educational and interesting material that can be printed on the doll.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in an in-line position. FIG. 5 shows the doll where the body segments have been rotated so that three of the body segments overlap the remaining three body segments. In this manner the doll has taken on a unique and interesting shape. Specifically, the doll rather than being a portly anthropomorphic hexagon is now a skinny anthropomorphic line.

The figures that follow FIG. 5 are various examples of interesting, geometrical, and educational shapes in which the doll of the present invention may be placed.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a “Y” position. Figure six shows how the doll preferably has facial feature segments, including eye segments 70 that are rotatable and when rotated give the doll a facial expression. The eye segments 70, which are preferably tear-drop shaped, can give the doll many interesting expressions, including but not limited to, angry, sad, happy, surprised, devious, and curious.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a triangular position.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a rectangular position.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a parallelogram position.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a square position.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a “P” position.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a sitting “Y” position.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a crouching hug position.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a tight zig-zag position.

FIG. 15 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in an seated “M” position.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a diamond torso position.

FIG. 17 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a diamond legs position.

FIG. 18 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a figure eight position.

FIG. 19 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a multi-triangular position.

FIG. 20 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a lotus position.

FIG. 21 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a squat position.

FIG. 22 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a “H” position.

FIG. 23 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a bent position.

FIG. 24 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a folded position.

FIG. 25 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a bow-tie position.

FIG. 26 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a swimming position.

FIG. 27 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in an arched position.

FIG. 28 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a diamond arched position.

FIG. 29 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in an accordion position.

FIG. 30 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a toe reach position.

FIG. 31 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in double triangle position.

FIG. 32 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a staggered arches position.

FIG. 33 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a seated position.

FIG. 34 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a dancing position.

FIG. 35 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in an hourglass position.

FIG. 36 is an illustration of one embodiment of the doll and shows the doll in a knee slide position.

In summary, the present invention is a segmented and jointed doll that takes on and holds many interesting, geometric, and educational positions.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the above detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the detailed description is to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, although not explicitly recited, one or more embodiments of the invention may be practiced in combination or conjunction with one another. Furthermore, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment of the invention shall not be interpreted to limit the scope the invention. It is intended that the scope of the invention not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims that are appended hereto.

Claims

1. A doll, comprising:

a plurality of body segments, and

a plurality of connectors;

wherein said plurality of body segments are flat;

wherein said plurality of body segments are connected to each other by said plurality of connectors.

2. The doll of claim 1, wherein said plurality of connected body segments rotate freely with respect to each other at a connection point.

3. The doll of claim 2, wherein there are an even number of said plurality of body segments;

wherein said plurality of body segments each have two ends, a proximal end and a distal end;

wherein each proximal end of said plurality of body segments is attached to a distal end of another one of said plurality of body segments such that said each of said plurality of body segments are connected to two other of said plurality of body segments and form a doll body of closed interconnected segments.

4. The doll of claim 3, wherein there are six of said plurality of body segments such that said doll body of closed interconnected segments is a six-sided geometric structure.

5. The doll of claim 4, further comprising:

a head segment.

6. The doll of claim 5, further comprising:

one or more facial feature segments.

7. The doll of claim 6, further comprising:

one or more limb segments.

8. The doll of claim 7, wherein said one or more limb segments comprise two feet segments, two arm segments, and two hand segments.

9. The doll of claim 8, wherein said arm segments have a proximal end and a distal end;

wherein said proximal end of said arm segments is attached to said doll body; and

wherein said hand segments are attached to said distal end of said arm segments.

10. The doll of claim 9, wherein said two arm segments are attached to said doll body and to said head segment by a head/arm connector.

11. The doll of claim 10, wherein said two feet segments are attached to said doll body at a connector opposite to said head segment.

12. The doll of claim 11, wherein said body segments, head segment, feet segments, and arm segments are made of paper.

13. The doll of claim 4, further comprising:

one or more limb segments.

14. The doll of claim 13, wherein said one or more limb segments comprise two feet segments, two arm segments, and two hand segments.

15. The doll of claim 14, wherein said arm segments have a proximal end and a distal end;

wherein said proximal end of said arm segments is attached to said doll body; and

wherein said hand segments are attached to said distal end of said arm segments.

16. The doll of claim 15, further comprising:

a head segment.

17. The doll of claim 16, further comprising:

one or more facial feature segments.

18. The doll of claim 17, wherein said two arm segments are attached to said doll body and to said head segment by a head/arm connector.

19. The doll of claim 18, wherein said two feet segments are attached to said doll body at a connector opposite to said head segment.

20. The doll of claim 19, wherein said body segments, head segment, feet segments, and arm segments are made of paper.