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| United States Patent Application |
20120052763
|
| Kind Code
|
A1
|
|
Chan; Patricia
;   et al.
|
March 1, 2012
|
Doll with Faceted Bodice Portion
Abstract
A doll includes a body having a torso, and a bodice or garment member is
coupled to the torso. The bodice or garment member includes an outer
layer having a plurality of facets configured to resemble a cut gemstone.
In one embodiment, the torso includes a recess in which the bodice is
located.
| Inventors: |
Chan; Patricia; (Redondo Beach, CA)
; Lourits; Andrew; (Los Angeles, CA)
; Ryniker; Steven D.; (Torrance, CA)
|
| Serial No.:
|
219045 |
| Series Code:
|
13
|
| Filed:
|
August 26, 2011 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
446/268 |
| Class at Publication: |
446/268 |
| International Class: |
A63H 3/00 20060101 A63H003/00 |
Claims
1. A doll, comprising: a body including a torso, the torso defining a
recess; and a bodice coupled to the torso, the bodice being disposed
within the recess, the bodice including a transparent outer layer having
a plurality of exteriorly disposed facets.
2. The doll of claim 1, wherein the bodice includes a backing layer
intermediate the outer layer and the torso.
3. The doll of claim 2, wherein the backing layer has an outer surface
that is reflective such that light passing through the outer layer is
reflected off the backing layer back through the outer layer.
4. The doll of claim 1, wherein the outer layer has an outer surface
having the exteriorly disposed facets and an inner surface with a
plurality of facets formed therein.
5. The doll of claim 4, wherein the facets formed in the outer surface
are offset from the facets in the formed in the inner surface.
6. The doll of claim 4, wherein the quantity of facets formed in the
outer surface is less than the quantity of facets formed in the inner
surface.
7. The doll of claim 1, wherein the outer layer includes an inner surface
and the bodice includes a reflective backing layer, the backing layer is
proximate to the inner surface, and the backing layer has an outer
surface with a plurality of facets formed therein.
8. The doll of claim 7, wherein the facets of the backing layer are
aligned with facets formed in the inner surface of the outer layer.
9. The doll of claim 7, wherein the facets in the outer surface of the
outer layer are offset from the facets of the backing layer.
10. The doll of claim 1, wherein the bodice includes a backing layer
formed from a metal foil.
11. The doll of claim 1, wherein the outer layer is formed from a
thermoplastic material.
12. The doll of claim 1, wherein the bodice is configured to resemble a
cut gemstone.
13. The doll of claim 1, wherein the outer layer has a non-uniform
thickness.
14. A doll body, comprising: a torso having: a torso portion; an outer
layer coupled to the torso portion, the outer layer having an outer
surface and an inner surface, the outer surface containing a plurality of
facets formed therein; and a reflective layer located proximate to the
inner surface of the outer layer, at least a portion of the reflective
layer being located between the outer layer and the torso portion.
15. The doll body of claim 14, wherein the outer layer is formed from one
of a translucent or a transparent material.
16. The doll body of claim 14, wherein adjacent facets of the plurality
of facets are angularly disposed relative to each other.
17. The doll body of claim 14, wherein the reflective layer is formed of
a metal foil.
18. The doll body of claim 14, wherein the reflective layer conforms to
the inner surface of the outer layer, and the outer layer is configured
to resemble a cut gemstone.
19. A doll, comprising: a body having a torso; and a bodice coupled to
the torso, the bodice including an outer layer with a plurality of planar
facets, adjacent ones of the plurality of planar facets being angularly
disposed relative to each other, thereby forming the appearance of a
gemstone.
20. The doll of claim 19, wherein 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, and adjacent facets of the second group of
facets are angularly disposed relative to each other within a second
angular range, the second angular range being different than the first
angular range.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND CLAIM TO PRIORITY
[0001] The present application claims priority to and is based on U.S.
provisional application Ser. No. 61/377,545, filed Aug. 27, 2010,
entitled "Doll with Faceted Bodice Portion," the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 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
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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.
[0012] 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.
[0013] 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.
[0014] 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
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a doll according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a torso portion and the
components of the bodice of the doll illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates another view of the torso portion and the bodice
illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates a view of the torso portion illustrated in FIG.
2 with the bodice coupled thereto.
[0019] FIG. 4A illustrates a side view of the torso portion illustrated in
FIG. 4.
[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the outer surface of a bodice or
garment member according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of the outer surfaces of the
components of the bodice illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0022] FIG. 7 illustrates a view of the inner surface of the components of
the bodice illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0023] 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.
[0024] FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of the doll and bodice
components illustrated in FIG. 8 showing the bodice coupled to the doll.
[0025] FIG. 9A illustrates a schematic diagram of a portion of a doll and
bodice according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic diagram of a portion of a doll and
bodice according another embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 11 illustrates a front view of the torso portion of the doll
illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0028] FIG. 11A illustrates a perspective view of the torso portion
illustrated in FIG. 11.
[0029] FIG. 12 illustrates a front view of a bodice or garment member
according to another embodiment showing an exemplary facet arrangement.
[0030] FIG. 13 illustrates an end view of the bodice illustrated in FIG.
12.
[0031] FIG. 14 illustrates another end view of the bodice illustrated in
FIG. 12.
[0032] FIG. 15 illustrates a right side view of the bodice illustrated
FIG. 12.
[0033] Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements
throughout this disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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.
[0038] 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.
[0039] 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.
[0040] 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.
[0041] 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.
[0042] 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.
[0043] 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'.
[0044] 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).
[0045] 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.
[0046] 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).
[0047] 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.
[0048] 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.
[0049] 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.
[0050] 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.
[0051] 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.
[0052] 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).
[0053] 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.
[0054] 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.
[0055] 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.
[0056] 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.
[0057] 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.degree. 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.degree.
relative to an axis X2 extending outwardly from the inner peak p3.
[0058] 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.degree. 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.degree. relative to the axis X2.
[0059] 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.
[0060] 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.
[0061] 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.
[0062] 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.
[0063] In an alternative embodiment, a transparent pigment is mixed with
ABS and molded to form the outer layer.
[0064] 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.
[0065] 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.
[0066] 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.
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