Doll with Faceted Bodice Portion

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a garment portion, such as a bodice, for a doll, and in particular, to a faceted bodice for a doll that is configured to resemble a cut gemstone or diamonds.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various dolls with clothing and different accessories are known. Some dolls include glamorous clothing or accessories, such as dresses, fancy blouses, shoes, purses, etc. Such clothing and accessories may be selected and changed by a child, thereby allowing the child to change the ornamental appearance of the doll. Toy jewelry and toy gemstones are also popular among children.

There is a need for a doll that has a garment or garment portion that simulates the appearance of a cut gemstone, thereby enhancing the appearance of the doll.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a doll having a body including a torso, and a bodice or garment member coupled to the torso. In one embodiment, the torso defines a recess, and the bodice or garment member is disposed within the recess. The garment member includes a translucent or transparent outer layer having a plurality of exteriorly disposed facets. The faceted garment member is configured to resemble a cut gemstone.

In one embodiment, the garment member includes a backing layer intermediate the outer layer and the torso. In one implementation, the outer layer includes a plurality of interior facets, and the backing layer includes a plurality of facets aligned with and conforming to the plurality of interior facets of the outer layer. In one implementation, the backing layer is formed from a metal foil. In one implementation, the garment member is formed from a thermoplastic material.

In one embodiment, each one of the plurality of facets has a rigid planar configuration and is angularly disposed relative to adjacent other of the plurality of facets. In one implementation, a majority of the plurality of facets have one of a triangular or a quadrangular configuration.

The present invention is also directed to a garment member for a doll. The garment member includes an outer layer having a plurality of planar facets and configured to resemble a cut gemstone. A foil backing is conformed to an inner surface of the outer layer. The outer layer is configured to be coupled to a doll so that the foil backing is intermediate the outer layer and the doll.

In one embodiment, the outer layer is formed from one of a translucent or a transparent material. In one embodiment, adjacent facets of the plurality of planar facets are angularly disposed relative to each other.

In one embodiment, the foil backing is vacuum formed to the inner surface of the outer layer. In one implementation, the foil backing is reflective.

The present invention also relates to a doll including a body having a torso defining a recess, and a garment member coupled to the torso and disposed within the recess. The garment member includes an outer layer having a plurality of planar facets. Adjacent facets of the plurality of planar facets are angularly disposed relative to each other, thereby creating the angled surface appearance of a gem or gemstone.

In one embodiment, the plurality of planar facets includes a first group of facets and a second group of facets. Adjacent facets of the first group of facets are angularly disposed relative to each other within a first angular range. Adjacent facets of the second group of facets are angularly disposed relative to each other within a second angular range different than the first angular range.

The present invention also relates to a method of forming a faceted garment for a toy figure. An outer layer having a first major surface including a plurality of rigid and substantially planar facets and an opposing second major surface is formed. A reflective backing layer is coupled to the second major surface of the outer layer so that the backing layer substantially conforms to a profile of the second major surface. A garment member configured to resemble a cut gemstone is thereby formed.

In one embodiment, the method includes the further step of coupling the garment member to a toy figure. In some embodiments, the reflective backing layer is coupled to the second major surface of the outer layer via a process of electroplating, vacuum metalizing, or hot stamping.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a doll according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a torso portion and the components of the bodice of the doll illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates another view of the torso portion and the bodice illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates a view of the torso portion illustrated in FIG. 2 with the bodice coupled thereto.

FIG. 4A illustrates a side view of the torso portion illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the outer surface of a bodice or garment member according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of the outer surfaces of the components of the bodice illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 illustrates a view of the inner surface of the components of the bodice illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic diagram of a portion of a doll according to another embodiment of the present invention showing components of a faceted bodice that is coupleable to the doll.

FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of the doll and bodice components illustrated in FIG. 8 showing the bodice coupled to the doll.

FIG. 9A illustrates a schematic diagram of a portion of a doll and bodice according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic diagram of a portion of a doll and bodice according another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a front view of the torso portion of the doll illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11A illustrates a perspective view of the torso portion illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 12 illustrates a front view of a bodice or garment member according to another embodiment showing an exemplary facet arrangement.

FIG. 13 illustrates an end view of the bodice illustrated in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 illustrates another end view of the bodice illustrated in FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 illustrates a right side view of the bodice illustrated FIG. 12.

Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a doll 100 is illustrated. The doll 100 includes a body 102 having a torso 104, legs (not shown), arms 106, 108, and a head 110. In this embodiment, the doll 100 includes a dress or garment portion 122 coupled to the body 102. Proximate to the upper end of the dress or garment portion 122 is a bodice 200, which is referred to alternatively as a garment portion. The bodice 200 is a simulated garment member or portion.

In one embodiment, the bodice 200 is configured and located so that it appears to be a portion of the dress 122 that covers the body of the doll 100 between the neck or shoulders of the doll 100 and the waist of the doll 100. The bodice 200 has an appearance of gemstones or diamonds that creates enhances a formal appearance for the dress of the doll 100. The outer perimeter of the bodice 200 can vary slightly in different embodiments of bodices according to the present invention. In one embodiment, the bodice 200 is the same color as the dress 122. In an alternative embodiment, the bodice 200 is a different, but complimentary color to the color of the dress 122.

The bodice 200 has a gem-like appearance due in part to the outer surface of the bodice 200 and to the reflective surface located behind the bodice 200, as described below. The outer surface of the bodice 200 has several facets and an overall contour that resembles the normal appearance of a bodice worn on the doll 100. The bodice or garment member 200 includes sides or peripheral portions 202 and 204 that are located along opposite sides of the bodice 200. The bodice 200 also includes an upper end 203 and a lower end 205 opposite to end 203.

Referring to FIG. 2, the components of the bodice 200 and the torso portion 104 of the doll 100 are illustrated. Only the torso portion 104 of the doll 100 is illustrated for ease of reference. In this embodiment, the torso portion 104 has a recess or recessed portion 112 formed therein. The recess 112 is located on the front surface of the torso portion and is bounded by ledges or walls 114 and 116 along its sides and a ledge or wall 115 at its upper end. In this embodiment, the recess 112 is open at its lower end 117, but in alternative embodiments, the recess 112 can have a wall located along its lower end. The ledges or walls 114, 115, and 116 form a substantial portion of the perimeter of the recess 112.

As shown in FIG. 2, the bodice 200 includes a translucent or transparent outer layer or portion 210 that is a clear tinted material. Layer 210 can be referred to alternatively as a decorative layer or outer layer 210. The bodice 200 also includes a reflective backing layer 250 that is located behind the outer portion 210 when the bodice 200 is mounted to the body 102 of the doll 100. The outer layer 210 can be referred to alternatively as a gem-like layer or portion. The reflective layer 250 is a metallic layer of material, such as a foil backing or blister foil, that has reflective properties.

Referring to FIG. 2, the outer layer 210 includes an upper end 220, a lower end 226, and opposite sides 222 and 224. The outer layer 210 also includes an outer surface 212 and an opposite inner surface. The outer surface 212 is exposed and oriented outwardly when the bodice 200 is coupled to the body 102 of the doll 100. The reflective layer 250 includes an upper end 260, a lower end 266, and opposite sides 262 and 264. The reflective layer 250 also includes an outer surface 252 and an opposite inner surface. Referring to FIG. 3, when the bodice 200 is assembled, the reflective layer 250 is placed behind the outer layer 210 which results in the reflection of light by layer 250 back through the outer layer 210, as described in greater detail below. In one embodiment, the reflective layer 250 is coupled to the outer layer 210 via an adhesive.

After the layers 210 and 250 are coupled together, the bodice or garment member 200 is coupled to the torso 104 and disposed within the recess 112, as shown in FIG. 4. The upper end 203 of the bodice 200, which is formed in part by the upper end 220 of the outer layer 210, is placed in contact with the wall 115 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) defining the upper end of the recess 112. Similarly, the sides 202 and 204 of the bodice 200, corresponding to the sides 222 and 224 of the outer layer 210, are placed in contact with the side walls or ledges 114 and 116 of the recess 112. Thus, the perimeter of the bodice 200 is configured to mate with or engage the walls 114, 115, and 116 defining the perimeter of the recess 112.

Referring to FIG. 4A, a side view of the bodice 200 and a portion of the doll 100 is illustrated. As shown, the side 222 of the bodice 200 is configured to match and mate up with side wall 116 of the torso as shown. The various facets of the bodice 200 are visible in FIG. 4A as well.

The peripheral portions 202, 203, and 204 of the bodice 200 may be attached to the walls 114, 115, and 116 via a bonding, adhering or welding process (e.g., solvent bonding which involves dipping the bodice 200 into a solvent and placing it into engagement with the torso 104, which results in the bodice 200 bonding to the torso 104). Alternatively or in addition, the garment member 200 may include one or more engagement members (not shown) such as tabs or projections, which are coupled to or inserted into correspondingly configured engagement portions such as openings 118, 120 in the torso 104, as shown in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 5-7, views of another embodiment of a bodice 200′ according to the present invention are illustrated. Bodice 200′ has a slightly different contour or perimeter as compared to that of bodice 200 illustrated in FIGS. 2-4. Generally, bodice 200 and bodice 200′ have similar components and portions, which are numbered with the same reference numerals, such as sides 222 and 224 (see FIG. 7). For bodice 200′, the outer layer 210′ includes an exterior surface 212 and an opposing interior surface 214 that extend between the upper end 220 and the lower end 226. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, there is an ornamental decoration 201′ that is coupled to the outer layer 210′ that adds to and enhances the appearance of the bodice 200′. The outer perimeter of layer 210′ has a different upper end as compared to the upper end of layer 210 of bodice 200. Bodice 200′ is configured to be inserted into a recess formed in the torso portion of a doll in the same manner as bodice 200 described above, provided that the recess has a configuration that corresponds to the perimeter of the bodice 200′.

Referring to FIG. 6, the reflective layer or foil backing 250′ is illustrated separate from the outer layer 210′. Initially, the backing 250′ has a generally non-faceted surface 252 prior to being conformed to the interior surface 214. In this embodiment, the backing 250′ has a series of ridges 270 that extend from the upper end 254 to the lower end 256 of the backing 250′. When the bodice 200′ is assembled, the backing 250′ is placed against or adjacent to the interior surface 214, as shown in FIG. 7. The backing 250′ is scored with fold lines as illustrated. When the backing 250′ is pressed into contact with the interior surface 214, the backing 250′ is malleable enough so that the backing 250′ is conformed to contour of the interior surface 214. For example, if the interior surface 214 has several facets formed therein or thereon, the backing 250′ will be similarly configured when engaged with the interior surface 214. In another embodiment, the backing 250′ may have a faceted surface corresponding to the faceted interior surface 214 prior to being conformed thereto (as described below).

Once adjacent to the interior surface 214, the backing 250′ is conformed to the surface 214, such as by vacuum forming the backing 250′ to the interior surface 214. Alternatively, a reflective backing may be formed on or coupled to the interior surface 214 of the outer layer 210′ via electroplating, vacuum metalizing, or hot stamping a reflective material to the interior surface 214. The hot stamping can be used to mount the backing to the outer layer in the cavity by melting the backing onto the outer layer.

Thus, as described above, backing 250′ is coupled to the interior surface 214 so that the backing 250′ conforms to the profile of the interior surface 214. The interior surface 214 of the outer layer 210′ and the backing 250′ may be correspondingly configured, so that the two layers mesh together with minimal or no gaps therebetween when coupled together. The same is true for the outer layer 210 and backing or reflective layer 250 that are illustrated in FIGS. 2-4. Alternatively, a differently configured backing may be placed behind a faceted outer layer, and the two layers are then coupled together (e.g. via vacuum forming or hot stamping).

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate schematic diagrams of a doll 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The doll 10 includes a body 12 having a torso or torso portion 14. A bodice or garment member 20 is coupled to the torso 14. In one embodiment, the torso 14 defines a recess 16 in which the bodice or garment member 20 is insertable.

The bodice 20 includes an outer layer 22 having an exteriorly disposed surface 24 and an opposing interiorly disposed surface 26. The exteriorly disposed surface 24 includes a plurality of outer facets 28, which are configured to resemble a cut and/or polished gemstone. In one embodiment, the interiorly disposed surface 26 includes a plurality of inner facets 30, which are aligned with the outer facets 28.

A backing layer 32 is coupled to the interiorly disposed surface 26 of the outer layer 22. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in one embodiment, the backing layer 32 includes a plurality of facets 34 aligned with and conforming to the plurality of inner facets 30 of the outer layer 22 when coupled thereto (as shown in FIG. 9). Thus, the backing layer 32 is in between the torso 14 and the outer layer 22 when the garment member 20 is coupled to the body 12.

Referring to FIG. 9A, another embodiment of a doll and bodice according to the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, the doll 10 includes a body 12 with a torso 14 defining a recess 16. The bodice 20B includes an outer layer 22B with an outer surface 24B and an inner surface 26B. The outer surface 24B has several facets 28B formed therein. The inner surface 26B has several facets 30B formed therein as well. The quantity of facets 28B on outer surface 24B is different than the quantity of facets 30B on inner surface 26B. In this embodiment, the quantity of facets 28B is less than the quantity of facets 30B. As a result, facets 28B are not aligned with facets 30B and are offset therefrom. The non-alignment of the facets 28B and 30B causes the entering light and the light that is reflected to be split and refracted and dispersed more than if the facets 28B and 30B were aligned. The increased dispersion provides an increased distribution of light with the light exiting at more angles relative to the bodice 20B. This result provides a more visually appealing appearance. The bodice 20B also includes a reflective layer 32 with an outer surface 33 with facets 34 formed therein. The layer 32 can be a reflective piece of material or a paint or coating applied to surface 26B of the outer layer 22B.

Referring to FIG. 10, in another embodiment, a garment member 20A is provided having an outer layer 22A having an exteriorly disposed faceted surface 24A and an opposing interiorly disposed surface 26A. The interiorly disposed surface 26A has a substantially non-faceted or relatively smooth surface. Accordingly, a backing layer 32A is provided having a substantially smooth surface 34A which conforms to the smooth surface 26A of the outer layer 22A.

The backing layer 32 (and/or backing layer 32A) is formed from an opaque and/or reflective material, such as a metal foil. The outer layer 22 (and/or outer layer 22A) is formed from a translucent or transparent material, such as a thermoplastic material (e.g. acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)) or polyurethane resin. As mentioned above, the layer 22 is a clear tinted material. Thus, light (shown in FIG. 9 by arrows L) passes through the outer layer 22 (or 22A) from a light source external to the doll 10, and is then reflected outwardly by the backing layer 32 (or 32A) and back through the outer layer 22 (or 22A).

In one embodiment, each one of the plurality of outer facets 28 of the outer layer 22 (or 22A) has a rigid and substantially planar configuration. Further, each one of the plurality of outer facets 28 is angularly disposed relative to adjacent other of the plurality of outer facets 28. For example, an outer facet 28a is angularly disposed relative to adjacent outer facets 28b, 28c, as shown in FIG. 8. The angular orientation of adjacent outer facets 28 causes the light to be refracted outwardly (via the reflective characteristics of the backing layer 32) at variable angles. Thus, the garment member 20 appears to “sparkle” like a cut gemstone or jewel.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 11A, the exterior surface 212 of the outer layer 210 of bodice 200 defines or includes several planar facets 230 configured to resemble a cut gemstone. Adjacent facets, such as facets 230A, 230B, 230C of the planar facets 230, are angularly disposed relative to each other. In one embodiment, the facets 230 may include a first group or zone of facets and a second group or zone of facets. Adjacent facets in the first group are angularly disposed relative to each other within a first angular range, and adjacent facets in the second group are angularly disposed relative to each other within a second angular range different than the first angular range. For example, a first group or zone Z1 may be provided on the stomach portion of the torso 104, and second group or zone Z2 may be provided on the side portions of the torso 104.

In one embodiment, each of the facets 230 has a geometric configuration including three or more linear sides or edges (e.g. a triangular, a quadrangular, a pentangular, etc. configuration when viewed in a plan view). Further, each linear edge or side of a particular facet 230 may have a length that is different from or equal to the length of another edge or side of that particular facet 230. The linear edges of the facets 230 provide for an appearance of cut stone or glass or a diamond.

For example, an exemplary arrangement of facets 230 is illustrated in FIGS. 12-15. In this embodiment, the thickness of the bodice 200 varies in along a longitudinal direction and along a lateral direction as illustrated in FIGS. 12-15. The varying thickness of the bodice 200 results in part from the varying contours of a doll body. The exterior surface 212 of the outer layer 210 of the bodice 200 includes a stomach area A1, a bust area A2, a left side area A3, and a right side area A4. Each of the areas A1-A4 includes several facets 230 having a geometric configuration with linear edges, as described above. Further, adjacent facets 230 within each of the areas A1-A4 are angularly disposed relative to each other. In one embodiment, the facets 230 are positioned and sized relative to each other so that sharp points or projections are avoided, such as in the bust area A2 toward the upper end of the layer 210. In this embodiment, the distance d3 between points 231 and 233 is 0.4 inches.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 13-15, the bust area A2 includes an inner peak p1 and an outer peak p2, and another inner peak p3 and an outer peak p4. Inner peak p1 is spaced from outer peak p2 by a first distance d1 (e.g. 0.25 inch). Similarly, inner peak p3 is spaced from outer peak p4 by the first distance d1. A facet 230D extends between the inner peak p1 and the outer peak p2, and is disposed at an angle of about 105° relative to an axis X1 extending outwardly from the inner peak p1. Similarly, another facet 230E extends between the inner peak p3 and the outer peak p4, and is disposed at an angle of about 105° relative to an axis X2 extending outwardly from the inner peak p3.

The left side area A3 includes a peak p5 spaced from the outer peak p2 of the bust area A2 by a second distance d2 (e.g. 0.415 inch). The second distance d2 is greater than the first distance d1. A facet 230F extends between the peak p5 and the outer peak p2, and is disposed at an angle of about 148° relative to the axis X1. Similarly, the right side area A4 includes a peak p6 spaced from the outer peak p4 of the bust area A2 by the second distance d2. A facet 230G extends between the peak p6 and the outer peak p4, and is disposed at an angle of about 148° relative to the axis X2.

Thus, the facets 230 extending between adjacent peaks p1-p6 are angularly disposed relative to an outwardly extending axis X1 or X2, and in an orientation that eliminates sharp points. However, the arrangement of facets 230 provides a sufficient amount of wrap so that the garment member 200 conforms generally to the intended shape of the torso 104 of the doll 100. According to one method of orienting the facets 230, as the angle at which a facet 230 is disposed increases relative to an outwardly extending axis (e.g. axis X1 or X2), such as when increased wrap or curvature of the garment member 200 is required, the distance between peaks is increased by increasing the size of the particular facet(s) 230 between the peaks. Thus, overly sharp points or peaks are avoided.

The resulting bodice or garment member 200 may then be attached to the doll 100 so that the backing 250 is between layer 210 and the torso 104 of the doll 100 (such as shown in FIGS. 8-10). As illustrated in FIG. 1, the garment member 200 is configured as a bodice covering the front side of the torso 104 of the doll 100. The faceted outer layer 210 thereby presents the appearance of cut gemstones (e.g. diamonds). Moreover, the reflection and/or refraction of light away from the faceted exterior surface 212 of the outer layer 210 via the backing 250 presents a sparkly or luminescent appearance, like a cut gemstone, and gives the appearance that the doll is wearing gems.

In one embodiment, the reflective layer is an aluminum foil. In another embodiment, a paint with reflective properties, such as a silver colored paint, can be painted on the back of the outer layer 210 of the bodice 200. The layer of paint reflects light passing into the outer layer 210 back through the outer layer 210. The layer of paint can be a high gloss and/or high shine material. In another embodiment, the reflective layer is a mylar material with reflective properties. In yet another embodiment, the reflective layer is a mirror.

In one method of manufacture, the outer layer can be molded directly onto the reflective layer of material. The direct molding results in intimate contact between the front faceted piece and the backing or reflective layer, thereby improving the reflection of the light from the bodice. The elimination of a gap between the outer layer and the backing layer improves the reflectivity of the bodice.

In an alternative embodiment, a transparent pigment is mixed with ABS and molded to form the outer layer.

In some embodiments, additional garments, portions of the doll body and/or accessories may include a faceted surface. Thus, the present invention is not limited to a faceted bodice, but rather may provide for alternative faceted garments, faceted portions of the doll body, and/or faceted accessories.

It is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points or portions of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Further, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., merely identify one of a number of portions, components and/or points of reference as disclosed herein, and do not limit the present invention to any particular configuration or orientation.

Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the inventions. In addition, various features from one of the embodiments may be incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the invention be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure.

Doll with Faceted Bodice Portion

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