Wooden Human Figurine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a natural wooden figurine having resemblance to a human. The figurine is designed to be a portable product that helps in creating happiness, inspiring joy, and furthering compassion. The figurine has facial features of a pair of eyes, a nose, and a smiling mouth. A pair of arms are configured to be movable and imitate movements of clapping and praying positions. A winding lever mechanism is used for moving the arms wherein a lever is raised or lowered using a winding lever cylinder such that the arms can clap together or can be placed in folding configuration imitating prayer.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of figurines and toys. More specifically, the present invention relates to a novel and natural wooden figurine resembling a human which is created without screws or nails. The figurine has facial features, including a smiling mouth, and has movable arms that imitate clapping movement. The arms can remain static in praying configuration and therefore, functions as an embodiment of happiness, inspiring joy, and compassion. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto the present invention. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

By way of background, a figurine toy is a type of toy that normally includes a face possessing facial features (e.g., eyes, nose, and mouth) such as for example dolls, stuffed animals, robots, imagined creatures, or the like. The figurine toy may present other anatomical features, e.g., a belly, the skull, legs arms, and more. The figurine toys may have many common themes that can include wrestlers, military, cartoon figures, villains, warriors, and superheroes.

A majority of figurines are made of firm, molded plastic bodies, however, firm plastic figurines are not always desirable for young children as they can be harmful and toxic and limit the enhancements or play modes in which a figurine can be used. Further, conventional figurines and collectibles do not provide a positive and happy approach and environment, and are only meant for playing, and therefore, individuals desire figurines that function as an embodiment of happiness while enabling children and users to play with the figurine.

Individuals like to teach their children about religion, God, and prayers. Often, when individuals teach such things to children, children get easily bored. A figurine toy resembling a human having hands in a praying configuration can help in teaching children about religion, God, and prayers.

Many figurines have screws and nails for fastening various anatomical features. Such figurines are unsafe for children and therefore, individuals desire improved figurines that do not have any screws and nails.

Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for an improved figurine toy that resembles a human and is created without screws or nails. There is also a long felt need in the art for a figurine toy that helps in spreading happiness, inspiring joy, and compassion. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a figurine toy that provides a praying configuration. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved figurine toy that is made of a safe and toxin-free material. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved figurine toy that is unique, ingenuous, and obviates electric components. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a figurine toy that uses mechanical approach and brings about the healing powers of playfulness, creativity, ingenuity by using movement of hands in a praying configuration.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a natural wooden figurine. The figurine is constructed using natural wood without screws or nails and resembles a human. The figurine features a winding lever that enables the hands of the figure to clap and pray. The figurine is designed to bring about the healing powers of playfulness, creativity, and ingenuity and further wherein an image of the figurine can be printed on different items.

In this manner, the natural wooden human figurine of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides users with a natural wooden figurine resembling a human, created without screws or nails. The figurine is safe and easy to use and creates a positive environment with hands/arms in praying configuration and wide, happy smile creates a happy and joyful environment. The figurine can be used for marketing and branding purposes by printing figurine image on different items like shirts, stickers and much more.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a human resemblance natural wooden figurine. The figurine further comprising a one-piece structure in the form of a chair having a base frame and a backrest; the frame having a pair of legs extending parallel between a bottom member and a top member; a winding lever bar extending across and in the space between the legs; a winding cylinder extending vertically upwards from a center of the lever bar wherein the cylinder extends through the top member to the rear surface of the backrest; the front surface of the backrest having a pair of eyes, a nose, and a smiling face; a pair of pivoting arms disposed on the front surface wherein each arm is pivotally coupled to a lever positioned on the rear surface of the backrest; the lever is configured to be raised using the winding cylinder wherein the winding cylinder is raised upon turning the winding bar in one direction and the lever is configured to be lowered using the winding cylinder wherein the winding cylinder is lowered upon turning the winding bar in opposite direction, and further wherein the winding bar is rotated using a winding bar handle extending horizontally from one of the legs.

In yet another embodiment, the figurine is made from one of a group of pine, cedar, spruce, redwood, and fir.

In yet another embodiment, each arm has a pivot end coupled to the lever and a free end enabling the arm to have a pivot movement along the pivot end wherein the arms form a praying configuration when the free ends of the arms touch each other.

In yet another embodiment, the bottom member is used for stable position of the figurine on a surface.

In yet another embodiment, the figurine does not have any nails or screws.

In yet another embodiment, the figurine has a unitary structure.

In yet another embodiment, an item having a printed customized human resembled figurine is disclosed. The item has a figurine printed on exterior surface wherein the figurine has a pair of eyes, a nose, and a smiling mouth; a pair of arms configured to be in praying position wherein the image is sewn or printed on the item.

In yet another embodiment, the item is one of a t-shirt, a beverage can, a bag, stickers or more.

Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of a natural wooden figurine of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the natural wooden figurine of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of the wooden human figurine of the present invention with the arms in an open position in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side perspective view of the natural wooden figurine of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary t-shirt with an image of wooden figurine printed thereon in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 5B illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary beverage can with an image of wooden figurine printed thereon in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved figurine toy that resembles a human and is created without screws or nails. There is also a long felt need in the art for a figurine toy that helps in spreading happiness, inspiring joy, and compassion. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a figurine toy that provides a praying configuration. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved figurine toy that is made of a safe and toxin-free material. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved figurine toy that is unique, ingenuous, and obviates use of electric components. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a figurine toy that uses a mechanical approach and brings about the healing powers of playfulness, creativity, and ingenuity by using movement of hands in a praying configuration.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a human resemblance natural wooden figurine. The figurine further comprising a base frame and a backrest; the frame having a pair of legs extending parallel between a bottom member and a top member; a winding lever bar extending across and in the space between the legs; a winding cylinder extending vertically upwards from a center of the lever bar wherein the cylinder extends through the top member to the rear surface of the backrest; the front surface of the backrest having a pair of eyes, a nose, and a smiling face; a pair of pivoting arms disposed on the front surface wherein each arm is pivotally coupled to a lever positioned on the rear surface of the backrest; the lever is configured to be raised using the winding cylinder wherein the winding cylinder is raised upon turning the winding bar in one direction and the lever is configured to be lowered using the winding cylinder wherein the winding cylinder is lowered upon turning the winding bar in opposite direction.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of a natural wooden figurine of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The natural wooden figurine 100 is designed to resemble a human and is formed of natural wood such as pine, cedar, spruce, redwood, or fir. More specifically, the figurine 100 has a base frame 102 and a backrest 104 extending vertically upwards from the base frame 102. The front surface 1040 of the backrest 104 is configured to have facial features and have a pair of eyes 106, 108, a nose 110, and a smiling face 112. The pair of eyes 106, 108 are formed of round wooden pieces and are permanently attached to the front surface 1040. The smiling face 112 is formed by carving out wood in the backrest 104 and is a symbol of happiness and positivity.

The base frame 102 has a pair of legs 114, 116 supporting a horizontal top member 118. For providing a stable platform for the figurine 100, a bottom member 120 is attached to the pair of legs 114, 116 and helps in stable and secure positioning of the figurine 100. The base frame 102 has a winding lever bar 122 spanning across the space between the legs 114, 116 wherein a lever cylinder 124 extends vertically from the winding lever bar 122 and the top member 118 and is connected to a winding lever mechanism 204 positioned on the back surface of the backrest as illustrated in FIG. 2.

The winding lever mechanism 204 is coupled to a pair of anatomical arms 126, 128 pivotally attached to the front surface 1040 of the backrest 104. The arms 126, 128 are made from wood and resemble arms of a human. More specifically, the arm 126 has a pivotal end 1260 and a free end 1262 and similarly, the arm 128 has a pivotal end 1280 and a free end 1282. The arms 126, 128 are configured to pivot around the pivoting points 1260, 1280, respectively, enabling the movement of the arms to resemble a clapping movement (wherein the free ends 1262, 1282 move towards each other and away from each other). The free ends 1262, 1282, when contacting each other, provide a resemblance of a praying configuration as illustrated in FIG. 1 and therefore, together with the smiling face 112, provides happiness, positivity, and inspiring joy. The winding lever bar 122 has a handle 1220 that is used by a user to turn the bar 122. Turning the bar 122 rotates an actuator 123. The actuator 123 includes multiple apex corners 125 and multiple flat surfaces 127. Rotation of the actuator 123 sequentially and repeatedly moves the actuator 123 from an apex corner 125 to a flat side 127 (and back again) thereby raising and lowering a horizontal supporting member 214 which in turn enables the winding lever cylinder 124 to raise and lower, resulting in clapping movement of the arms 126, 128. In one embodiment the actuator 123 is triangular.

The human figurine 100 can come in different sizes and colors. Preferably, the figurine 100 has a height of about 8″ to about 16″. Further, the figurine 100 can have a width of about 6″ to about 10″. The figurine 100 has a multi-piece structure and all the components (including base 102, backrest 104, arms 126, 128 and more) are attached using adhesive and levers and therefore, screws and nails are not used, thereby making the figurine 100 safe for children. The figurine 100 is lightweight, biodegradable, and safe in use and can be used for gifting purposes.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the natural wooden figurine of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The rear surface 1042 of the backrest 104 has a wooden cavity 202 positioned on the upper side of the backrest 104 enabling the winding lever cylinder 124 to move up or down, thereby enabling arms 126, 128 to move and to generate clapping movements.

The lever mechanism 204 has a first lever arm 206 for the first arm 126 wherein the pivoting end 1260 is pivoted to the first lever arm 206. Similarly, a second lever arm 208 is coupled to the second arm 128 at the pivoting end 1280. The lever arms 206, 208 are configured to move using the lever 210 which is configured to move vertically upwards when the handle 1220 of the winding handle 122 is rotated by a user from a resting or lowered position (shown in FIG. 1) to a raised position (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3).

The winding cylinder 124 is supported by a supporting member 212 positioned on the rear surface 1042 of the backrest 104. When the lever 210 moves vertically upwards, then, the wooden cavity 202 accommodates and enables free movement of the cylinder 124 inside therein. It should be noted that the cylinder 124 passes through the top member 118 and is secured to the horizontal supporting member 214.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of the wooden human figurine of the present invention with the arms in an open position in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As described earlier, the arms 126, 128 are configured to move around the pivoting ends 1260, 1280 for imitating clapping movement. In the present embodiment, the handle 1220 is in a raised position (parallel to the bottom member 120) such that the winding cylinder 124 is raised to enable the free ends 1262, 1282 of the arms 126, 128 to rotate away from each other.

For creating the clapping movement, the handle 1220 can be moved from the raised position as shown in the present embodiment to the resting or lowered position and vice versa. Rotating handle 1220 rotates the actuator 123 and repeatedly moves same from an apex 125 to a flat side 127 for biasing member 214 and winding cylinder 124 up and down. For creating the prayer configuration using the arms 126, 128, the handle 1220 remains in the resting or lowered position to engage a flat side 127 with horizontal supporting member 214. It should be appreciated that the figurine 100 not only creates a positive and happy environment, but enables children and even adults to play with convenient structure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side perspective view of the natural wooden figurine of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As illustrated, the leg 116 is made of solid wood and the winding level bar 122 is engaged to the leg 116 such that the bar 122 is rotatable without any obstruction to raise or lower the winding cylinder for movement of the arms 126, 128.

The wooden cavity 202 is attached to the rear surface 2020 such that the cylinder 124 passing through the winding cylinder 124 goes into the wooden cavity 202. The arms 126, 128 are coupled to the lever arms 206, 204 using the pivots 402 that pass across the backrest 104.

FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary t-shirt 500 with an image of the wooden figurine printed thereon in accordance with the disclosed architecture. Different products with the image of the figurine 100 printed, sewn, or embossed thereon can be manufactured. In various embodiments, shirts, stickers, beverage cans, and much more can be designed with one or more images of the figurine 100. As illustrated in the present embodiment, the t-shirt 500 has an image 502 of the figurine 100 on the front panel 504.

FIG. 5B illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary beverage can 506 with an image of the wooden figurine printed thereon in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The exterior surface 508 of the beverage can 506 can have the figurine image 508 which can be used for branding or marketing purposes.

Other shapes, designs, and configurations of the natural wooden figurine 100 are contemplated and fall within the scope of the invention without affecting the utility of the device. Since the human resemblance figurine 100 has a mouth area to create a wide, happy smile, therefore, functions as an embodiment of happiness, inspiring joy, and compassion.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name, but not structure or function. As used herein “wooden figurine”, “figurine”, “natural wooden figurine”, “wooden human figurine” and “human resemblance figurine” are interchangeable and refer to the natural wooden human figurine 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the natural wooden human figurine 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the natural wooden human figurine 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the natural wooden human figurine 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the natural wooden human figurine 100 important design parameters for user convenience, the natural wooden human figurine 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

1. A figurine for forming a praying configuration, the praying figurine comprising: a base frame having a backrest, a pair of legs, a top member, a bottom member, a lever cylinder, a winding lever bar, a winding lever mechanism, and a pair of arms;wherein said backrest extending vertically upwards from said base frame having a front surface including a pair of eyes, a nose, and a smiling face;wherein said pair of eyes comprise round wooden pieces attached to said front surface;wherein said smiling face comprising a cut-out formed in said backrest;wherein said pair of legs extending vertically between said bottom member and said top member;wherein said pair of arms pivotally attached to said front surface of said backrest;wherein said winding lever bar extending horizontally between said pair of legs;wherein said winding lever mechanism connected to said pair of arms; andfurther wherein said lever cylinder extending vertically from said winding lever bar for actuating said winding lever mechanism and said pair of arms when said winding lever bar is rotated.

2. The praying figurine of claim 1, wherein said pair of arms include a first arm having a first pivotal end and a first free end, and a second arm having a second pivotal end and a second free end, and further wherein said first arm pivots about said first pivotal end and said second arm pivots about said second pivotal end for moving said first free end and said second free end toward and away from one another when actuating said winding lever mechanism.

3. The praying figurine of claim 2, wherein said winding lever bar having a handle for grasping and turning said winding lever bar and actuating said lever cylinder.

4. The praying figurine of claim 3, wherein said lever cylinder further including a lever rod extending orthogonal to said lever cylinder for engaging said first lever arm and said second lever arm.

5. The praying figurine of claim 4, wherein said base frame includes a height from about 8″ to about 16″, and a width from about 6″ to about 10″.

6. The praying figurine of claim 5, wherein said base frame, said backrest, said pair of legs, said top member, said bottom member, said lever cylinder, said winding lever bar, said winding lever mechanism, and said pair of arms include a material comprising wood.

7. The praying figurine of claim 6, wherein said backrest having an upper portion including a cavity therein for receiving said lever cylinder.

8. The praying figurine of claim 7, wherein said first arm having a first lever arm and said first pivotal end is pivoted to said first lever arm.

9. The praying figurine of claim 8, wherein said second arm having a second lever arm and said second pivotal end is pivoted to said second lever arm.

10. A figurine for forming a praying configuration, the praying figurine comprising: a base frame having a backrest, a pair of legs, a top member, a bottom member, a lever cylinder, a winding lever bar, a winding lever mechanism, and a pair of arms;wherein said backrest extending vertically upwards from said base frame having a front surface including a pair of eyes, a nose, and a smiling face;wherein said pair of legs extending vertically between said bottom member and said top member;wherein said pair of arms pivotally attached to said front surface of said backrest;wherein said winding lever bar extending horizontally between said pair of legs;wherein said winding lever mechanism connected to said pair of arms;wherein said lever cylinder extending vertically from said winding lever bar for actuating said winding lever mechanism and said pair of arms when said winding lever bar is rotated;wherein said pair of arms include a first arm having a first pivotal end and a first free end, and a second arm having a second pivotal end and a second free end;wherein said first arm pivots about said first pivotal end and said second arm pivots about said second pivotal end for moving said first free end and said second free end toward and away from one another when actuating said winding lever mechanism;wherein said first arm having a first lever arm and said first pivotal end is pivoted to said first lever arm; andfurther wherein said second arm having a second lever arm and said second pivotal end is pivoted to said second lever arm.

11. The praying figurine of claim 10, wherein said winding lever bar having a handle for grasping and turning said winding lever bar and actuating said lever cylinder.

12. The praying figurine of claim 10, wherein said lever cylinder further including a lever rod extending orthogonal to said lever cylinder for engaging said first lever arm and said second lever arm.

13. The praying figurine of claim 10, wherein said base frame includes a height from about 8″ to about 16″, and a width from about 6″ to about 10″.

14. The praying figurine of claim 10, wherein said base frame, said backrest, said pair of legs, said top member, said bottom member, said lever cylinder, said winding lever bar, said winding lever mechanism, and said pair of arms include a material comprising wood.

15. The praying figurine of claim 10, wherein said backrest having an upper portion including a cavity therein for receiving said lever cylinder.

16. The praying figurine of claim 10, wherein said pair of eyes comprise round wooden pieces attached to said front surface.

17. The praying figurine of claim 10, wherein said smiling face comprising a cut-out formed in said backrest.

18. A figurine for forming a praying configuration, the praying figurine comprising: a base frame having a backrest, a pair of legs, a top member, a bottom member, a lever cylinder, a winding lever bar, a winding lever mechanism, an actuator, and a pair of arms;wherein said backrest extending vertically upwards from said base frame having a front surface including a pair of eyes, a nose, and a smiling face;wherein said pair of legs extending vertically between said bottom member and said top member;wherein said pair of arms pivotally attached to said front surface of said backrest;wherein said winding lever bar extending horizontally between said pair of legs;wherein said winding lever mechanism connected to said pair of arms;wherein said lever cylinder extending vertically from said winding lever bar for actuating said winding lever mechanism and said pair of arms when said actuator is rotated;wherein said pair of arms include a first arm having a first pivotal end and a first free end, and a second arm having a second pivotal end and a second free end;wherein said first arm pivots about said first pivotal end and said second arm pivots about said second pivotal end for moving said first free end and said second free end toward and away from one another when actuating said winding lever mechanism; andfurther wherein said winding lever bar having a handle for grasping and turning said winding lever bar to rotate said actuator and bias said lever cylinder up and down.

19. The praying figurine of claim 18, wherein said actuator having a multitude of apexes and a multitude of flat surfaces for repeatedly and sequentially biasing said lever cylinder up and down when said actuator is rotated.

20. The praying figurine of claim 19, wherein said actuator is triangular.