Doll Supported by a Pen, Pencil or Other Implement and Accessories Therefor

Abstract

An implement supported doll is configured to include at least a head and upper torso of a conventional doll which is supported by a pen, pencil or stylus inserted into a receiving interior passage and attachment. The doll portion may be fabricated to resemble virtually any doll or figure whether human or animal and may further include amusement and play elements such as extended lengths of hair, extending clothing articles such as dresses and skirts, and apparatus which alter the facial character of the doll or figure when the figure is pressed to operate a retractable pen or pencil upon which the doll or figure is supported or alternatively, alter facial configurations when otherwise manipulated upon a conventional non-retractable pen or pencil.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This Application claims the benefit of and priority under 35 U. S. C. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/804,426, entitled PEN AND PENCIL SUPPORTED DOLL AND ACCESSORIES, filed Mar. 22, 2013 in the name of Shelly Owen, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to pens and pencils as well as styluses and stylus pens of the type used with phones and computer devices to other similar elongated implements. The invention relates particularly to play enhancing accessories cooperating therewith.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For many years manufactures of pens and pencils have sought to provide writing implements which exhibit an increased attractiveness, excitement and amusement for the user. As a result of these efforts, pens and pencils have been provided in a variety of attractive colors and color designs. In addition, pens and pencils have been provided which are formed into unusual and interesting shapes to further enhance their consumer appeal. In addition, a variety of objects configures to attach to one end of a pen or pencil have been provided. Such objects have included feathers, balls, icons and seasonally appropriate objects such as Christmas ornaments and the like.

Despite the fact that pens and pencils have been produced in a substantially endless variety of sizes, constructions and fabrications, most pens and pencils are configured in accordance with one or more basic shapes and configurations. Thus, despite this great variety, most pens and pencils are fabricated in one of the following several basic designs. For example, perhaps the most prevalent and pervasive style of pen provides a ball point writing implement supporting an elongated tube-like ink supply extending therefrom. The pen further includes an elongated rod-like body having a center bore therein for receiving the ink supply and having one end configured to attach to and support the ball point writing tip. Often such pens include a cap which is configured to fit upon the writing end of the pen and may further include a pocket clip.

Another example of basic pen design is found in pens having a retractable writing tip. Such pens are usually characterized by an elongated generally cylindrical body within which a movable mechanism is provided which is configured to receive and support the writing tip in a retracted position within the pen body or a writing position in which the pen tip extends beyond the body. Often a push-button or “push-click” actuator is provided on the non-writing end of the pen. In addition to ball point tip writing instruments, pens also have been provided which utilize a porous nib which is coupled to a liquid ink supply. Similarly, pencils are generally fabricated to provide a simple rod-like body, often wood or plastic, having a center bore through which a rod of led extends. In many pencils the non-writing end of the pencil supports and attached eraser. Pencils are also provided in “mechanical” configurations in which an elongated rod-like body supports a led carrier together with a mechanism for advancing the positioning of the led carrier. This mechanism is often controlled by a push-button or may be controlled by a twisting or rotating element.

Despite the dedicated efforts of practitioners of the writing implements art and the great variety of pens and pencils produced as a result of their efforts, there remains nonetheless a continuing and unresolved need in the art for ever more interesting, amusing and entertaining pens and pencils together with apparatus that operates in combination therewith.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a doll-like accessory configured to include at least a head and upper torso of a conventional doll which is supported by a pen, pencil or stylus inserted into a receiving interior passage and attachment. The doll portion may be fabricated to resemble virtually any doll or figure whether human or animal and may further include amusement and play elements such as extended lengths of hair, extending clothing articles such as dresses and skirts, and apparatus which alter the facial character of the doll or figure when the figure is pressed to operate a retractable pen or pencil upon which the doll or figure is supported or alternatively, alter facial configurations when otherwise manipulated upon a conventional non-retractable pen or pencil.

In addition, the present invention provides for use in combination with an elongated implement, having an implement end, an implement supported doll comprising: a doll body defining a pen bore sized to receive an implement end; a doll head supported upon the doll body defining facial features; a doll garment worn by the doll body; and a quantity of simulated hair supported by the doll head, the implement supported doll being received upon an implement end by insertion thereof into the pen bore.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in the several figures of which like reference numerals identify like elements and in which:

FIG. 1 sets forth a front view of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention implement supported doll fixed to a conventional ball point pen;

FIG. 2 sets forth a section view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 taken along 2-2 therein;

FIG. 3 sets forth a section view of the present invention implement supported doll affixed to a conventional cap and ball point pen;

FIG. 4 sets forth a section view of the present invention implement supported doll affixed to a retractable pen;

FIG. 5 sets forth a partial section view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention implement supported doll having opening and closing eyes showing the “eyes closed” configuration;

FIG. 6 sets forth the section view of the embodiment of the present invention implement supported doll illustrating the doll in an open “eyes open” configuration;

FIG. 7 sets forth a partial front view of the eye opening and eye closing mechanism of the embodiment of the present invention implement supported doll shown in FIGS. 5 and 6;

FIG. 8 sets forth a front view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention implement supported doll fixed to a conventional ball point pen;

FIG. 9 sets forth a front view of the alternate embodiment of the present invention implement supported doll shown in FIG. 8 fixed to a conventional ball point pen and having the doll hair and decoration omitted;

FIG. 10 sets forth an assembly view of the alternate embodiment of the present invention implement supported doll having the doll hair and decoration omitted as shown in FIG. 9; and

FIG. 11 sets forth a section view of the alternate embodiment of the present invention implement supported doll shown in FIG. 8.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

By way of overview, the present invention doll is constructed to be supported upon elongated implements, such as a pen, pencil or stylus. Accordingly, in the examples, illustrations, descriptions and claims relating to the present invention, the doll is often referred to as a “pen or pencil supported doll”. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention doll may be supported upon virtually any elongated implement such as a pen, pencil, stylus, pointer, marker or crayon (hereinafter individually and collectively “implements”) without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus as used herein, references to “pen support” or “pen and pencil support” will be understood to embrace any elongated supporting implement including but not limited to those mentioned above. The present invention doll provides a doll body portion supporting a doll head which in turn supports a quantity of hair and defines a face. The doll body further supports one or more garments which ornately decorate the doll. The doll body is configured to define an interior passage which receives either end of a pen or pencil thereby supporting the doll upon the pen or pencil. Embodiments are shown which accommodate conventional pencils and conventional rod-like ball pens. Further embodiments are shown which accommodate and support the doll upon retractable ball point pens or the like as well as retracting pencils. Finally, further embodiments are shown which include an eye open and eye closed mechanism within the doll head which is actuated by pushing upon the doll head relative to the pen or pencil. In the descriptions that follow, the inventive doll will be described as supported by a “pen or pencil”. Once again, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention applies equally well to a stylus or stylus pen of the type used in operating a phone, notebook, pad or other computer or communication devices as well as markers or crayons. Accordingly, as used herein, the term “pen or pencil” will be understood to be illustrative of and include such styluses, stylus pens, markers and crayons.

With reference to FIG. 1, a pen and pencil supported doll constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown supported upon a conventional pen 30. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the illustrative figures set forth below and described herein that the present invention pen and pencil supported doll is suited for fabrication to be affixed to virtually any pen or pencil or other writing implement such as markers or the like. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It will be equally apparent to those skilled in the art that while a female child doll figure is shown by way of illustration in FIG. 1 and the remaining Figures set forth below, the present invention pen and pencil supported doll may be fabricated utilizing virtually an endless variety of aesthetically appealing or interesting figures without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, it will be recognized that if desired, the present invention pen and pencil supported doll may assume the appearance and shape of figures such as monsters, fanciful figures, super heroes, aliens, animals and like with equal ease and facility. Thus, pen and pencil supported doll 10 shown received upon pen 30 in FIG. 1 is provided for illustration and is by no means limiting in the spirit and scope of the present invention.

More specifically, doll 10 includes a doll body portion 11 supporting a garment 12 thereon. Body 11 includes a head 13 having a face 14 formed thereon. Face 14 in turn defines simulated eyes 15 and 16 together with a nose 17 and a mouth 18. Head 13 further supports a quantity of simulated hair 19. While virtually any doll fabrication may be used in providing the present invention doll, in its preferred fabrication, doll head 13 is formed of a plastic or rubber material which facilitates attaching hair 19 to head 13 using a hair rooting process. Doll body 11 further defines an interior passage 20 which extends upwardly through body 11 and into head 13. A conventional pen 30 is shown partially inserted into passage 20 such that doll 10 is supported by pen 30. For purposes of illustration in FIG. 1, and as is better seen in FIG. 2, pen 30 comprises a conventional low-cost, mass-produced ball point pen of the type frequently used in schools and offices and other environments as well.

In accordance with the present invention, doll 10 received upon and affixed to pen 30 enhances the appearance and interest values of an otherwise uninteresting and unexciting conventional pen 30.

FIG. 2 sets forth a section view of doll 10 and pen 30 taken along section lines 2-2 in FIG. 1. It will be apparent from examination of FIG. 2 that doll 10 when utilized with a pen such as ball point pen 30 provides the function of a protective closure cap as an additional feature.

More specifically, doll 10 includes a doll body portion 11 supporting a garment 12 thereon. Body 11 includes a head 13 having a face 14 formed thereon. Face 14 in turn defines simulated eyes 15 and 16 together with a nose 17 and a mouth 18. Head 13 further supports a quantity of simulated hair 19. Doll body 11 further defines an interior passage 20 which extends upwardly through body 11 and into head 13. A conventional pen 30 is shown partially inserted into passage 20 such that doll 10 is supported by pen 30. For purposes of illustration in FIG. 1, and as is better seen in FIG. 2, pen 30 comprises a conventional low-cost, mass-produced ball point pen of the type frequently used in schools and offices and other environments as well.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, pen 30 includes a conventional ball point pen tip 31 which is received within interior passage 20 of doll body 11. As mentioned above, this allows doll 10 to function in place of the otherwise conventional pen cap often provided for mass-produced low-cost pens such as ball point pen 30. It will also be noted that in the preferred fabrication of doll 10, body 11 having interior passage 20 therein defines a closed end passage providing a further seal of pen tip 31. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that in the anticipated play pattern of pen and pencil supported doll 10, the user may choose to withdraw pen 30 from interior passage 20 of doll body 11 and reverse the pen extending the non-writing end of pen 30 upwardly into interior passage 20. With pen 30 thus reversed, the user is able to write while maintaining doll 10 upon pen 30 for further interest and amusement value.

FIG. 3 sets forth a section view of the present invention pen and pencil doll received upon an alternative type of writing instrument. Thus, as is shown in FIG. 3, the present invention pen and pencil supported doll may be used upon a pen or pencil having a conventional cap thereon.

More specifically, doll 10 includes a doll body portion 11 supporting a garment 12 thereon. Body 11 includes a head 13 having a face 14 formed thereon. Face 14 in turn defines simulated eyes 15 and 16 together with a nose 17 and a mouth 18. Head 13 further supports a quantity of simulated hair 19. Doll body 11 further defines an interior passage 20 which extends upwardly through body 11 and into head 13. A conventional pen 30 is shown partially inserted into passage 20 such that doll 10 is supported by pen 30. For purposes of illustration in FIG. 1, and as is better seen in FIG. 2, pen 30 comprises a conventional low-cost, mass-produced ball point pen of the type frequently used in schools and offices and other environments as well.

Pen 32 represents a conventional pen such as a ball point pen having an enclosure cap 33 used in combination therewith. In accordance with typical fabrication of such pens, pen cap 33 further supports a spring clip 34. The latter is well recognized as being used to clip the pen to a pocket edge or the like. In accordance with the invention, doll body 11 is preferably formed of a sufficiently resilient material to allow interior passage 20 to expand to a sufficient extent and thereby receive the larger diameter object represented by pen cap 33 and clip 34. Alternatively, interior passage 20 may be specifically sized to receive a given pen or pen cap as desired. However, it is anticipated that doll body 11 may be for the most part be fabricated of a sufficiently resilient material to stretch and accommodate a variety of pens and pen cap sizes.

FIG. 4 sets forth a section view of doll 10 received upon and affixed to a retractable pen or pencil 40. In the example of FIG. 4, pen 40 is shown and is characteristic of retractable push-button type ball point pens or the like. It will be apparent however that pen 40 is equally representative of retractable pencils or so-called “mechanical” pencils or the like.

More specifically, doll 10 includes a doll body portion 11 supporting a garment 12 thereon. Body 11 includes a head 13 having a face 14 formed thereon. Face 14 in turn defines simulated eyes 15 and 16 together with a nose 17 and a mouth 18. Head 13 further supports a quantity of simulated hair 19. Doll body 11 further defines an interior passage 20 which extends upwardly through body 11 and into head 13. A conventional pen 30 is shown partially inserted into passage 20 such that doll 10 is supported by pen 30. For purposes of illustration in FIG. 1, and as is better seen in FIG. 2, pen 30 comprises a conventional low-cost, mass-produced ball point pen of the type frequently used in schools and offices and other environments as well.

Pen 40 as mentioned represents a conventional retractable pen having a push-button 41 supported on upper thereof. In further accordance with the anticipated fabrication of retractable pen 40, a clip 42 is secured to the upper barrel of pen 40. In accordance with the present invention, the upper portion of pen 40 together with push-button 41 and clip 42 is received within interior passage 20 of doll body 11.

FIGS. 5 and 6 set forth section views of an alternative embodiment of the present invention pen and pencil supported doll. While the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is received upon a host pen or pencil in accordance with the above-described insertion, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention pen and pencil supported doll which provides a further enhanced and more interesting play pattern. Thus, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrates a doll which changes its facial features in response to pushing upon the doll head. In the example shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the facial feature change provided is that of an “eyes open” and “eyes closed” feature. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that different facial feature changes or actions may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Thus, FIG. 5 sets forth a section view of a pen and pencil supported doll constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numeral 50. In the configuration shown in FIG. 5, doll 50 is shown in a “eyes closed” configuration.

More specifically, pen and pencil supported doll 50 includes a doll body 51 defining an interior passage 56. Doll 50 further includes a head 52 defining an upper aperture 58 in communication with interior passage 56. Doll head 52 further includes a face portion 53 having a nose 54 and a mouth 55 formed thereon. Head 52 further supports a quantity of simulated hair 58. A garment 57 suitably decorated and formed is received upon doll body 51. Doll body 51 further supports a movable sleeve 70 received within interior passage 56 in a sliding or movable support. Sleeve 70 further supports a pair of eye open graphics 71 and 75 (graphic 75 seen in FIG. 7). Sleeve 70 further supports a pair of eyes closed graphics 72 and 76 (graphic 76 seen in FIG. 7). Pen 60 is received within sleeve 70 and extends upwardly through aperture 58 forming end 61 of pen 60 above the upper surface of head 52.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 5, doll 50 assumes an eyes closed configuration. This eyes closed configuration results from the movement of sleeve 70 and end 61 of pen 60 upwardly in the direction indicated by arrow 66. In accordance with the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, face 53 further defines a pair of eye apertures 73 and 74 (aperture 74 seen in FIG. 7). Thus, with sleeve 70 positioned upwardly, closed eye graphic 72 and 76 (graphic 76 seen in FIG. 7) are aligned with apertures 70 and 74 of face 53. This alignment of closed eye graphics 72 and 76 visible through apertures 73 and 74 of face 53 provides an eyes closed appearance for face 53.

FIG. 6 sets forth the section view of doll 50 shown in FIG. 5 in an open eye configuration. It will be apparent by comparison of FIGS. 5 and 6 that the closed eye configuration of FIG. 5 and the open eyes configuration of FIG. 6 are attained by movement of sleeve 70 which in turn is provided by movement of doll 50 upon pen 60.

More specifically, pen and pencil supported doll 50 includes a doll body 51 defining an interior passage 56. Doll 50 further includes a head 52 defining an upper aperture 58 in communication with interior passage 56. Doll head 52 further includes a face portion 53 having a nose 54 and a mouth 55 formed thereon. Head 52 further supports a quantity of simulated hair 58. A garment 57 suitably decorated and formed is received upon doll body 51. Doll body 51 further supports a movable sleeve 70 received within interior passage 56 in a sliding or movable support. Sleeve 70 further supports a pair of eye open graphics 71 and 75 (graphic 75 seen in FIG. 7). Sleeve 70 further supports a pair of eyes closed graphics 72 and 76 (graphic 76 seen in FIG. 7).

Thus, as is seen in FIG. 6, the movement of pen 60 and sleeve 70 downwardly in the direction indicated by arrow 65 moves eyes open graphics 71 and 75 (seen in FIG. 7) into alignment with apertures 73 and 74 of face 53 (also seen in FIG. 7). It will be noted that this change in position of sleeve 70 resulted from pressing upper end 61 of pen 60 downwardly toward the upper surface of head 52. It will be apparent that doll 50 may be returned to the eyes closed configuration by reversing the movement of pen 60 essentially moving it upwardly in the direction indicated by arrow 66.

FIG. 7 sets forth a partial view of sleeve 70 and face 53 for purposes of illustrating the eyes open and eyes closed configuration of doll 50. Thus, as mentioned above, face 53 of doll 50 defines a pair of eye apertures 73 and 74. Correspondingly, sleeve 70 defines a pair of eyes open graphics 71 and 75 in registration with apertures 73 and 74 when sleeve 70 is received behind face 53 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Similarly, sleeve 70 further supports eyes closed graphics 72 and 76 which are also in registration with apertures 73 and 74 of face 53.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a variety of facial change features may be provided in accordance with the present invention pen and pencil supported doll. Thus, it will be understood that the illustrative example shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 is provided solely for illustration and not for limitation.

FIG. 8 sets forth a front view of a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention pen and pencil supported doll, generally referenced by numeral 80, fixed to a conventional ball point pen, generally referenced by numeral 30. Doll 80 includes a head 81 supporting typical facial features as described above together with a quantity of simulated hair 84. Hair 84 may, for example, be secured to head 81 by a conventional rooting process, or formed into a doll-sized “wig” as desired. Head 81 further defines a neck 82 extending downwardly from head 81. As is better seen in FIG. 10, neck 82 defines a neck bore 88. Doll 80 further includes a body sleeve 83 having a neck post 89 at the upper end thereof. Body sleeve 83 also defines a pen bore 90 (better seen in FIG. 11) which is sized to receive a pen or pencil end. In the preferred fabrication of the invention, body sleeve is covered with a decorative cover 85 and a front decoration 86 secured in a conventional attachment. A simulated collar 87, or other selected decoration, is supported upon neck 82.

FIG. 9 sets forth a front view of pen and pencil supported doll 80 fixed to conventional ball point pen 30 and having doll hair 84 and decorations 85, 87 and 86 omitted. As described above, doll 80 includes a head 81 supporting typical facial features. As is also described above, head 81 further defines a neck 82 extending downwardly from head 81. As is better seen in FIG. 10, neck 82 defines a neck bore 88. Doll 80 further includes a body sleeve 83 having a neck post 89 at the upper end thereof. Body sleeve 83 also defines a pen bore 90 (better seen in FIG. 11) which is sized to receive a pen or pencil end.

Head 81 is assembled to body sleeve 83 by the insertion of neck post 89 into neck bore 88. This assembly may be a permanent attachment using, for example, conventional attachment, such as adhesive, sonic welding or chemical welding, or the like. Alternatively, neck post 89 and neck bore 88 may be sized the provide a snug fit thereby allowing head 81 to be removable. This removable attachment facilitates interchangeable heads for enhanced play value. Body sleeve 83 is received upon one end of pen 30 to attach doll 80.

FIG. 10 sets forth an assembly view of pen and pencil supported doll 80 together with conventional ball point pen 30. Once again, it will be understood that doll hair 84 and decorations 85, 87 and 86 are omitted from the figure. As described above, doll 80 includes a head 81 supporting typical facial features. As is also described above, head 81 further defines a neck 82 extending downwardly from head 81. As is better seen in FIG. 10, neck 82 defines a neck bore 88. Doll 80 further includes a body sleeve 83 having a neck post 89 at the upper end thereof. Body sleeve 83 also defines a pen bore 90 (better seen in FIG. 11) which is sized to receive a pen or pencil end.

FIG. 11 sets forth a section view of the alternate embodiment of the present invention pen and pencil supported doll shown in FIG. 8. Doll 80 includes a head 81 having a downwardly extending neck 82. A neck bore 88 is formed in neck 82. Doll 80 also includes a body sleeve 83 which, in turn defines a pen bore 90 and a neck post 89. The latter is received within neck bore 88. Pen bore 90 is sized to receive one end of a conventional pen 30.

What has been shown is a pen and pencil supported doll which is receivable upon either end of a pen or pencil to enhance the play value and appearance as well as excitement and amusement of an otherwise conventional pen or pencil. The doll shown may be fabricated in a variety of different appearances and themes without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. Therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. For use in combination with an elongated implement, having an implement end, an implement supported doll comprising:

a doll body defining a pen bore sized to receive an implement end;

a doll head supported upon said doll body defining facial features;

a doll garment worn by said doll body; and

a quantity of simulated hair supported by said doll head,

said implement supported doll being received upon an implement end by insertion thereof into said pen bore.

2. The implement supported doll set forth in claim 1 wherein said doll head is formed of a resilient material whereby pressing downwardly upon said doll head deforms said doll head and actuates the pushbutton of a pen within said pen bore.

3. The implement supported doll set forth in claim 1 wherein said doll head defines an aperture for receiving a pen pushbutton.

4. The implement supported doll set forth in claim 3 wherein said doll body further includes a movable sleeve having at least one facial element thereon, movable within said pen bore between first and second positions, and wherein said facial features of said doll head include at least one aperture in registry with said at least one facial element at said first position.

5. The implement supported doll set forth in claim 4 wherein said at least one aperture in said facial features includes a pair of eye apertures and wherein said at least one facial element includes a pair of open eyes and a pair of closed eyes.

6. For use in combination with an implement, having an implement end, an implement supported doll comprising:

a doll body sleeve defining a pen bore sized to receive an implement end and a neck post;

a doll head having a neck portion, defining a neck bore therein, said doll head being joined to said doll body sleeve by insertion of said neck post into said neck bore; and

a quantity of simulated hair supported by said doll head,

said implement supported doll being received upon an implement end by insertion thereof into said pen bore.

7. The implement supported doll set forth in claim 6 wherein said neck post is permanently joined to said neck bore.

8. The implement supported doll set forth in claim 6 wherein said neck post is removably joined to said neck bore.