Patent ID: 6068536
Filing Date: 2000-05-30
Classification: A63H

Abstract:
A character capable of forming facial expressions, comprising:(a) a facial structure formed at least partially of an elastically deformable material defining a mouth, the mouth having a first end portion and a second end portion; and(b) a mouth movement mechanism coupled to the facial structure including:(i) a main frame,(ii) a mouth assembly mounted on the main frame, the mouth assembly comprising a first mouth chain having a first end and a second end and including a plurality of links, the first mouth chain underlying the mouth, the first and second ends of the first mouth chain generally coupled to the first and second end portions of the mouth, respectively, and(iii) a drive assembly mounted on the main frame for moving at least one of the first and second ends of the first mouth chain and, hence, the corresponding end portion of the mouth to effect a facial expression.